The Activity of Isoquinoline Alkaloids and Extracts from Chelidonium majus against Pathogenic Bacteria and Candida sp

Quality control of traditional Chinese medicine Chelidonii herba based on 2D-Q-NMR

Chelidonii herba is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with effects including antispasmodic, analgesic, antitussive, and bronchodilator properties. Alkaloids are the main bioactive ingredients in Chelidonii herba. In this study, a two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (Heteronuclear Singular Quantum Correlation, HSQC-2D-NMR) technique was employed to quantitatively analyze the total alkaloid content and three major active alkaloid monomers in Chelidonii herba from eleven different sources. The quantification results of the three monomeric alkaloids were also verified using conventional quantitative control methods such as HPLC. Experimental findings indicate that the total alkaloid content is not directly correlated with the content of the three monomeric alkaloids. Furthermore, the content of any individual monomeric alkaloid does not accurately reflect the overall quality of Chelidonii herba. It was demonstrated that the 2D-Q-NMR NMR can be applied as an alternative method. While maintaining the same levels of accuracy and precision, the 2D-Q-NMR method is simpler to operate and provides more comprehensive results with higher reproducibility in some cases.

Enhancing Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Review of Sericin and Chelidonium majus L. as Potential Dressings

Wound healing, a complex physiological process orchestrating intricate cellular and molecular events, seeks to restore tissue integrity. The burgeoning interest in leveraging the therapeutic potential of natural substances for advanced wound dressings is a recent phenomenon. Notably, Sericin, a silk-derived protein, and Chelidonium majus L. (C. majus), a botanical agent, have emerged as compelling candidates, providing a unique combination of natural elements that may revolutionize conventional wound care approaches. Sericin, renowned for its diverse properties, displays unique properties that accelerate the wound healing process. Simultaneously, C. majus, with its diverse pharmacological compounds, shows promise in reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration. As the demand for innovative wound care solutions increases, understanding the therapeutic potential of natural products becomes imperative. This review synthesizes current knowledge on Sericin and C. majus, envisioning their future roles in advancing wound management strategies. The exploration of these natural substances as constituents of wound dressings provides a promising avenue for developing sustainable, effective, and biocompatible materials that could significantly impact the field of wound healing.

Alkaloids in Chelidonium majus L: a review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology

Chelidonium majus L. (C. majus), commonly known as "Bai Qu Cai" in China, belongs to the genus Chelidonium of the Papaveraceae family. It has rich medicinal value, such as alleviating coughs, asthma, spasms and pain. Recent studies have demonstrated that C. majus is abundant in various alkaloids, which are the primary components of C. majus and have a range of pharmacological effects, including anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-tumor effects. So far, 94 alkaloids have been isolated from C. majus, including benzophenanthridine, protoberberine, aporphine, protopine and other types of alkaloids. This paper aims to review the research progress in phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of C. majus alkaloids, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the application of C. majus in the field of medicinal chemistry and to afford reference for further research and development efforts.

Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, Anti-Biofilm, and Anti-Quorum Sensing Activities of the Diterpenes Isolated from Clinopodium bolivianum

This study reports for the first time the isolation of four diterpenoid compounds: 15-Hydroxy-12-oxo-abietic acid (1), 12α-hydroxyabietic acid (2), (-)-Jolkinolide E (3), and 15-Hydroxydehydroabietic acid (4) from Clinopodium bolivianum (C. bolivianum). The findings demonstrate that both the dichloromethane/methanol (DCMECB) extract of C. bolivianum and the isolated compounds exhibit significant anti-inflammatory (inhibition of NF-κB activation), antibacterial (primarily against Gram-positive bacteria), and anti-biofilm (primarily against Gram-negative bacteria) activities. Among the isolated diterpenes, compounds 3 and 4 showed notable anti-inflammatory effects, with IC50 values of 17.98 μM and 23.96 μM for compound 3, and 10.79 μM and 17.37 μM for compound 4, in the HBEC3-KT and MRC-5 cell lines. Regarding their antibacterial activity, compounds 3 and 4 were particularly effective, with MIC values of 0.53-1.09 μM and 2.06-4.06 μM, respectively, against the S. pneumoniae and S. aureus Gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, these compounds demonstrated significant anti-biofilm and anti-quorum sensing activities, especially against Gram-negative bacteria (H. influenzae and L. pneumophila). We also explain how compound 3 (BIC = 1.50-2.07 μM, Anti-QS = 0.31-0.64 μM) interferes with quorum sensing due to its structural homology with AHLs, while compound 4 (BIC = 4.65-7.15 μM, Anti-QS = 1.21-2.39 μM) destabilises bacterial membranes due to the presence and position of its hydroxyl groups. These results support the traditional use of C. bolivianum against respiratory infections caused by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, given the increasing antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation by these bacteria, there is a pressing need for the development of new, more active compounds. In this context, compounds 3 and 4 isolated from C. bolivianum offer promising potential for the development of a library of new, more potent, and selective drugs.

Recent Advances in Alkaloids from Papaveraceae in China: Structural Characteristics and Pharmacological Effects

The Papaveraceae plant family serves as a botanical reservoir for a variety of medicinal compounds that have been traditionally utilized in Chinese medicine for numerous generations. Growing attention towards the pharmaceutical potential of Papaveraceae has resulted in the identification of many alkaloids, which have attracted significant attention from the scientific community because of their structural complexity and wide range of biological activities, such as analgesic, antihypertensive, antiarrhythmic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-tumor, anti-cancer, and other activities, making them potential candidates for medical use. The primary objective of this review is to analyze the existing literature on the historical use of Papaveraceae plants, focusing on their alkaloid structures and relationship with pharmacological effects, as well as provide a theoretical basis for their clinical application, with the goal of unveiling the future potential of Papaveraceae plants.

In Silico Docking of Medicinal Herbs Against P. gingivalis for Chronic Periodontitis Intervention

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of medicinal herbs for chronic periodontitis by examining the molecular interactions between specific herbal compounds and the heme-binding protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key pathogen involved in the disease.

METHODS

The crystal structure of heme-binding protein was obtained from the Protein Data Bank. Herbal compounds were identified through an extensive literature review. Molecular docking simulations were performed to predict binding affinities, followed by Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) parameter prediction. Drug-likeness was assessed based on Lipinski's Rule of Five, and pharmacophore modeling was conducted to identify key molecular interactions.

RESULTS

The molecular docking simulations revealed that chelidonine, rotenone, and myricetin exhibited significant binding affinities to the heme-binding protein, with docking scores of -6.5 kcal/mol, -6.4 kcal/mol, and -6.1 kcal/mol, respectively. These compounds formed stable interactions with key amino acid residues within the binding pocket. ADME analysis indicated that all 3 compounds had favourable pharmacokinetic properties, with no violations of Lipinski's rules and minimal predicted toxicity. Pharmacophore modeling further elucidated the interaction profiles, highlighting specific hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions critical for binding efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Chelidonine, rotenone, and myricetin emerged as promising therapeutic candidates for chronic periodontitis due to their strong binding affinities, favorable ADME profiles, and lack of significant toxicity. The detailed pharmacophore modeling provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underpinning their inhibitory effects on the heme-binding protein of P. gingivalis. These findings suggest that these compounds have the potential for further development as effective treatments for chronic periodontitis. Future research should focus on in vitro and in vivo validation of these findings to confirm the efficacy and safety of these compounds in biological systems.

Evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity of alkaloids prepared from Chelidonium majus L. using MRSA- infected C. elegans as a model host

Chelidonium majus L. contained alkaloids as its main component, exhibiting various biological activities, particularly antibacterial activity. This study aimed to extract alkaloids from C. majus L. (total alkaloids) and evaluate their antibacterial activity both in vitro and in vivo. Reflux extraction was carried out on C. majus L., and the extract was purified with HPD-600 macroporous resin and 732 cation exchange resin columns. Infection modeling of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was established to investigate the impact of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) on the motility, longevity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of wild-type worms (N2 strain). The effects of total alkaloids on longevity and ROS were further evaluated in infected N2 worms. Additionally, the effect of total alkaloids on the stress resistance of C. elegans and the mechanism of action were investigated. By utilizing CB1370, DR26 and CF1038 transgenic strains of C. elegans to identify whether the antibacterial activity of total alkaloids was dependent on DAF-2/DAF-16 pathway. The results showed that total alkaloids exhibited a significant antibacterial activity against both MRSA and MSSA (MIC 31.25 μg/mL). Compared with MSSA, the MRSA exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect on the movement behavior and development of worms, along with faster pathogenicity and unique virulence factors. Total alkaloids also displayed the ability to extend the lifespan of C. elegans under oxidative stress and heat stress, and reduce the expression of ROS. The antibacterial activity of total alkaloids was primarily dependent on the DAF-2/DAF-16 pathway, and the presence of functional DAF-2 was deemed essential in total alkaloids mediated immune response against MRSA. Moreover, the antibacterial and anti-infection effects of total alkaloids were found to be associated with the daf-16 gene fragment.

Novel Approaches for the Analysis and Isolation of Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloids in Chelidonium majus

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids are the major bioactive components in Chelidonium majus, a plant that has a long usage history for the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments in European and Asian phytomedicine. This study reports on the development and application of a supercritical fluid chromatography technique for the simultaneous qualitative and quantitative determination of seven benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in under six minutes using a Viridis BEH 2-EP column and a modifier comprising methanol with 30% acetonitrile and 20 mM ammonium formate. The method was fully validated according to ICH guidelines showing, e.g., excellent linearity (≥ 0.9997) and maximum deviations for intraday and inter-day precision of 2.99 and 2.76%, respectively. The new supercritical fluid chromatography assay was not only employed for the analysis of several C. majus samples but was also used for the subsequent development of a fast centrifugal partition chromatography technique, whereby five benzylisoquinoline alkaloids could be isolated within approximately 2.5 h, with only two of them, protopine and chelidonine, requiring an additional purification step. To achieve this, a solvent system composed of chloroform/methanol/0.3 M hydrochloric acid was used in descending mode. By injecting 500 mg of crude extract, stylopine (1.93 mg), sanguinarine (0.57 mg), chelidonine (1.29 mg), protopine (1.95 mg), and coptisine (7.13 mg) could be obtained. The purity of compounds was confirmed by supercritical fluid chromatography and MS.

Chemical characterization of three different extracts obtained from Chelidonium majus L. (Greater celandine) with insights into their in vitro, in silico and network pharmacological properties

Plant species C. majus, which is a very rich source of secondary metabolites, was used to obtain extracts, using a conventional extraction technique. For the extraction of bioactive molecules, three solvents were used: ethyl acetate, methanol and water, which differ from each other based on their polarity. The obtained extracts were examined in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory activity, and cytotoxic effects. The research results indicate that methanol was a better and more efficient extractant in the process of isolating bioactive compounds than ethyl acetate and water. The chemical composition of this solvent, i.e. its polarity, contributed the most to the extraction of alkaloids and flavonoids. The high content of total phenolic compounds in the methanol extract, as well as individual alkaloids, caused a very strong antioxidant activity, as well as a strong inhibitory power when it comes to inhibiting the excessive activity of cholinesterase and tyrosinase. Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts achieved very good cytotoxic activity against cancerous cells HGC-27 and HT-29 and did not exert a toxic effect on non-cancerous cell lines (HEK293). Extracts of plant species C. majus, especially methanol extract could be characterized as a very good starting plant material for the formulation of products intended for various branches of the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Biologically active isoquinoline alkaloids covering 2019-2022

Isoquinoline alkaloids are an important class of natural products that are abundant in the plant kingdom and exhibit a wide range of structural diversity and biological activities. With the deepening of research in recent years, more and more isoquinoline alkaloids have been isolated and identified and proved to contain a variety of biological activities and pharmacological effects. In this review, we introduce the research progress of isoquinoline alkaloids from 2019 to 2022, mainly in the part of biological activities, including antitumor, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, analgesic, and other activities. This study provides a clear direction for the rational development and utilization of isoquinoline alkaloids, suggesting that these alkaloids have great potential in the field of drug research.

Phenylpropane biosynthesis and alkaloid metabolism pathways involved in resistance of Amorphophallus spp. against soft rot disease

Soft rot of konjac (Amorphophallus spp.) is a devastating disease caused by the bacterium Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc) with serious adverse effects on plantation development, corm quality and crop yield due to the current lack of effective control measures. The main objective of the present study was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying plant resistance to soft rot disease. A combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses demonstrated significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEG) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAM) associated with plant hormones, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and, in particular, alkaloid metabolism, in Amorphophallus muelleri following Pcc infection compared with A. konjac, these data implicate alkaloid metabolism as the dominant mechanism underlying disease resistance of A. muelleri. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis further revealed involvement of PAL, CYP73A16, CCOAOMT1, RBOHD and CDPK20 genes in the response of konjac to Pcc. Analysis of the bacteriostatic activities of total alkaloid from A. muelleri validated the assumption that alkaloid metabolism positively regulates disease resistance of konjac. Our collective results provide a foundation for further research on the resistance mechanisms of konjac against soft rot disease.

Bacteria-targeted magnolol-loaded multifunctional nanocomplexes for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment

Natural plant-derived small molecules have shown great potential for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we successfully developed a nanocomplex consisting of magnolol (Mag), a surfactant with an 18 carbon hydrocarbon chain and multi-amine head groups (C18N3), and a peptide (cyclic 9-amino acid peptide (CARG)) with targeting capabilities forStaphylococcus aureus(S. aureus). The obtained Mag/C18N3/CARG nanocomplexes exhibited strong antibacterial activity againstS. aureus. Furthermore, they demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1βfrom macrophage inflammatory cells. This was achieved through downregulating the activation of NF-κB, KEAP1, and NRF2 signaling pathways. In a murine skin infection model, the Mag/C18N3/CARG nanocomplexes effectively suppressed the growth ofS. aureusin the infected area and promoted wound healing. Additionally, in a mouse model of acute kidney injury (AKI), the nanocomplexes significantly reduced the levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, leading to a decrease in mortality rate. These findings demonstrate the potential of combining natural plant-derived small molecules with C18N3/CARG assemblies as a novel approach for the development of effective and safe antibacterial agents.

Bioactive Compounds from Plant Origin as Natural Antimicrobial Agents for the Treatment of Wound Infections

The rising prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria underscores the need to search for innovative and nature-based solutions. One of the approaches may be the use of plants that constitute a rich source of miscellaneous compounds with a wide range of biological properties. This review explores the antimicrobial activity of seven bioactives and their possible molecular mechanisms of action. Special attention was focused on the antibacterial properties of berberine, catechin, chelerythrine, cinnamaldehyde, ellagic acid, proanthocyanidin, and sanguinarine against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The growing interest in novel therapeutic strategies based on new plant-derived formulations was confirmed by the growing number of articles. Natural products are one of the most promising and intensively examined agents to combat the consequences of the overuse and misuse of classical antibiotics.

Perspective of Secondary Metabolites in Respect of Multidrug Resistance (MDR): A Review

Aberrant and haphazard use of antibiotics has created the development of antimicrobial resistance which is a bizarre challenge for human civilization. This emerging crisis of antibiotic resistance for microbial pathogens is alarming all the nations posing a global threat to human health. It is difficult to treat bacterial infections as they develop resistance to all antimicrobial resistance. Currently used antibacterial agents inhibit a variety of essential metabolic pathways in bacteria, including macro-molecular synthesis (MMS) pathways (e.g. protein, DNA, RNA, cell wall) most often by targeting a specific enzyme or subcellular component e.g. DNA gyrase, RNA polymerase, ribosomes, transpeptidase. Despite the availability of diverse synthetic molecules, there are still many complications in managing progressive and severe antimicrobial resistance. Currently not even a single antimicrobial agent is available for which the microbes do not show resistance. Thus, the lack of efficient drug molecules for combating microbial resistance requires continuous research efforts to overcome the problem of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The phytochemicals from various plants have the potential to combat the microbial resistance produced by bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses without producing any side effects. This review is a concerted effort to identify some of the major active phytoconstituents from various medicinal plants which might have the potential to be used as an alternative and effective strategy to fight against microbial resistance and can promote research for the treatment of MDR.

Bioactive Compounds with Pesticide Activities Derived from Aged Cultures of Green Microalgae

The excessive use of synthetic pesticides has caused environmental problems and human health risks and increased the development of resistance in several organisms. Allelochemicals, secondary metabolites produced as part of the defense mechanisms in plants and microorganisms, are an attractive alternative to replace synthetic pesticides to remediate these problems. Microalgae are natural producers of a wide range of allelochemicals. Thus, they provide new opportunities to identify secondary metabolites with pesticide activities and an alternative approach to discover new modes of action and circumvent resistance. We screened 10 green microalgae strains belonging to the Chlorophyta phylum for their potential to inhibit the growth of photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic organisms. Bioassays were established to assess microalgae extracts' effectiveness in controlling the growth of Chlorella sorokiniana, Arabidopsis thaliana, Amaranthus palmeri, and the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. All tested strains exhibited herbicidal, nematocidal, or algicidal activities. Importantly, methanol extracts of a Chlamydomonas strain effectively controlled the germination and growth of a glyphosate-resistant A. palmeri biotype. Likewise, some microalgae extracts effectively killed C. elegans L1 larvae. Comprehensive metabolic profiling using LC-MS of extracts with pesticide activities showed that the metabolite composition of Chlamydomonas, Chlorella, and Chloroidium extracts is diverse. Molecules such as fatty acids, isoquinoline alkaloids, aldehydes, and cinnamic acids were more abundant, suggesting their participation in the pesticide activities.

Current and future interventions for improving poultry health and poultry food safety and security: A comprehensive review

Poultry is thriving across the globe. Chicken meat is the most preferred poultry worldwide, and its popularity is increasing. However, poultry also threatens human hygiene, especially as a fomite of infectious diseases caused by the major foodborne pathogens (Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Listeria). Preventing pathogenic bacterial biofilm is crucial in the chicken industry due to increasing food safety hazards caused by recurring contamination and the rapid degradation of meat, as well as the increased resistance of bacteria to cleaning and disinfection procedures commonly used in chicken processing plants. To address this, various innovative and promising strategies to combat bacterial resistance and biofilm are emerging to improve food safety and quality and extend shelf-life. In particular, natural compounds are attractive because of their potential antimicrobial activities. Natural compounds can also boost the immune system and improve poultry health and performance. In addition to phytochemicals, bacteriophages, nanoparticles, coatings, enzymes, and probiotics represent unique and environmentally friendly strategies in the poultry processing industry to prevent foodborne pathogens from reaching the consumer. Lactoferrin, bacteriocin, antimicrobial peptides, cell-free supernatants, and biosurfactants are also of considerable interest for their prospective application as natural antimicrobials for improving the safety of raw poultry meat. This review aims to describe the feasibility of these proposed strategies and provide an overview of recent published evidences to control microorganisms in the poultry industry, considering the human health, food safety, and economic aspects of poultry production.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial effects of Capsicum, Nigella sativa, Musa paradisiaca L., and Citrus limetta: A review

The extensive use of antibiotics and vaccines against microbial infections can result in long-term negative effects on humans and the environment. However, there are a number of plants that have antimicrobial effects against various disease-causing microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi without negative side effects or harm to the environment. In this regard, four particular plants- Capsicum, Nigella sativa, Musa paradisiaca L., and Citrus limetta have been widely considered due to their excellent antimicrobial effect and ample availability. In this review, we discuss their antimicrobial effects due to the presence of thymoquinone, p-cymene, pinene, alkaloids, limonene, camphene, and melanin. These antimicrobial compounds disrupt the cell membrane of microbes, inhibit cellular division, and form biofilm in bacterial species, eventually reducing the number of microbes. Extraction of these compounds from the respective plants is carried out by different methods such as soxhlet, hydro-distillation, liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), solid-phase extraction (SPE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), pulsed electric field (PEF), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and high-voltage electrical discharge. Suitable selection of the extraction technique highly depends upon the associated advantages and disadvantages. In order to aid future study in this field, this review paper summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of each of these approaches. Additionally, the discussion covers how antimicrobial agents destroy harmful bacteria. Thus, this review offers in-depth knowledge to researchers on the antibacterial properties of Capsicum, Nigella sativa, Musa paradisiaca L. peels, and Citrus limetta.

Review on Plant-Based Management in Combating Antimicrobial Resistance - Mechanistic Perspective

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microbes no longer respond to any pharmacological agents, rendering the conventional antimicrobial agents ineffective. AMR has been classified as one of the top 10 life-threatening global health problems needed multilevel attention and global cooperation to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) according to the World Health Organization (WHO), making the discovery of a new and effective antimicrobial agent a priority. The recommended treatments for drug-resistant microbes are available but limited. Furthermore, the transformation of microbes over time increases the risk of developing drug resistance. Hence, plant metabolites such as terpenes, phenolic compounds and alkaloids are widely studied due to their antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic effects. Plant-derived antimicrobials are preferred due to their desirable efficacy and safety profile. Plant metabolites work by targeting microbial cell membranes, interfering with the synthesis of microbial DNA/RNA/enzymes and disrupting quorum sensing and efflux pump expression. They also work synergistically with conventional antibiotics to enhance antimicrobial effects. Accordingly, this review aims to identify currently available pharmacological therapies against microbes and AMR, as well as to discuss the importance of plant and secondary metabolites as a possible solution for AMR together with their mechanisms of action. All the information was obtained from government databases, WHO websites, PubMed, Springer, Google Scholar and Science Direct. Based on the information obtained, AMR is regarded as a significant warning to global healthcare. Plant derivatives such as secondary metabolites may be considered as potential therapeutic targets to mitigate the non-ending AMR.

Chelerythrine-Induced Apoptotic Cell Death in HepG2 Cells Involves the Inhibition of Akt Pathway and the Activation of Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway

Chelerythrine (CHE) is a majorly harmful isoquinoline alkaloid ingredient in Chelidonium majus that could trigger potential hepatotoxicity, but the pivotal molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In the present study, CHE-induced cytotoxicity and the underlying toxic mechanisms were investigated using human HepG2 cells in vitro. Data showed that CHE treatment (at 1.25–10 μM)-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells is dose-dependent. CHE treatment increased the production of ROS and induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Additionally, CHE treatment triggered the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased the expression of mitochondrial complexes, upregulated the expression of Bax, CytC, and cleaved-PARP1 proteins and the activities of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and downregulated the expression of Bcl-XL, and HO-1 proteins, finally resulting in cell apoptosis. N-acetylcysteine supplementation significantly inhibited CHE-induced ROS production and apoptosis. Furthermore, CHE treatment significantly downregulated the expression of phosphorylation (p)-Akt (Ser473), p-mTOR (Ser2448), and p-AMPK (Thr172) proteins in HepG2 cells. Pharmacology inhibition of Akt promoted CHE-induced the downregulation of HO-1 protein, caspase activation, and apoptosis. In conclusion, CHE-induced cytotoxicity may involve the inhibition of Akt pathway and the activation of oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in HepG2 cells. This study sheds new insights into understanding the toxic mechanisms and health risks of CHE.

Chelerythrine reverses the drug resistance of resistant Candida albicans and the biofilm to fluconazole

Aim: To evaluate the antifungal activity of chelerythrine in combination with fluconazole against planktonic Candida albicans strains and preformed biofilm. Materials & methods: A broth microdilution assay was used to reveal the antifungal activity of chelerythrine combined with fluconazole against C. albicans and the preformed biofilm. A fractional inhibitory concentration index model was used to evaluate the interaction. Results: Chelerythrine strongly synergized with fluconazole against fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and the biofilm preformed for less than 12 h. In addition, chelerythrine combined with fluconazole exhibited a synergistic effect against C. albicans morphogenesis. Conclusion: Chelerythrine could reverse the drug resistance of resistant C. albicans and its biofilm to fluconazole, providing new insights for overcoming the drug resistance of C. albicans.

Effectiveness of Volatile Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (VNADESs) for the Green Extraction of Chelidonium majus Isoquinoline Alkaloids

The Chelidonium majus plant is rich in biologically active isoquinoline alkaloids. These alkaline polar compounds are isolated from raw materials with the use of acidified water or methanol; next, after alkalisation of the extract, they are extracted using chloroform or dichloromethane. This procedure requires the use of toxic solvents. The present study assessed the possibility of using volatile natural deep eutectic solvents (VNADESs) for the efficient and environmentally friendly extraction of Chelidonium alkaloids. The roots and herb of the plant were subjected three times to extraction with various menthol, thymol, and camphor mixtures and with water and methanol (acidified and nonacidified). It has been shown that alkaloids can be efficiently isolated using menthol–camphor and menthol–thymol mixtures. In comparison with the extraction with acidified methanol, the use of appropriate VNADESs formulations yielded higher amounts of protopine (by 16%), chelidonine (35%), berberine (76%), chelerythrine (12%), and coptisine (180%). Sanguinarine extraction efficiency was at the same level. Additionally, the values of the contact angles of the raw materials treated with the tested solvents were assessed, and higher wetting dynamics were observed in the case of VNADESs when compared with water. These results suggest that VNADESs can be used for the efficient and environmentally friendly extraction of Chelidonium alkaloids.

Sanguinarine-Chelerythrine Fraction of Coptis chinensis Exerts Anti-inflammatory Activity in Carrageenan Paw Oedema Test in Rats and Reveals Reduced Gastrotoxicity

Inflammatory diseases are a common therapeutic problem and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not deprived of side effects, of which ulcerogenic activity is one of the most frequent. The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the sanguinarine-chelerythrine (SC) fraction of Coptis chinensis and its influence on the integrity of gastric mucosa. The study was conducted on sixty male rats randomly divided into six experimental groups: two control groups (a negative control group CON and a positive control group CAR); three groups receiving an investigational fraction of C. chinensis (1, 5, 10 mg/kg i.g.) named SC1, SC5, and SC10, respectively; and a group receiving indomethacin (IND) (10 mg/kg i.g.) as a reference drug. In all animals, the carrageenan-induced paw oedema was measured; PGE2 release, TNFα production, and MMP-9 concentration in inflamed tissue were determined. Additionally, the macroscopic and microscopic damage of gastric mucosa was evaluated. Administration of SC dose-dependently inhibited the second phase of carrageenan rat paw oedema and PGE2 release, decreased the production of TNFα, and reduced the concentration of MMP-9, and the efficacy of the highest dose was comparable to the effect of IND. Contrary to IND, no gastrotoxic activity of SC was detected. The investigated sanguinarine-chelerythrine fraction of C. chinensis seems to be a promising candidate for further research on new anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs characterized with a safer gastric profile compared to existing NSAIDs.

Bacterial Nanocellulose Fortified with Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Natural Products from Chelidonium majus Plant Cell Cultures

In this work we developed a bi-functional Bacterial-Nano-Cellulose (BNC) carrier system for cell cultures of Chelidonium majus-a medicinal plant producing antimicrobial compounds. The porous BNC was biosynthesized for 3, 5 or 7 days by the non-pathogenic Komagataeibacter xylinus bacteria and used in three forms: (1) Without removal of K. xylinus cells, (2) partially cleaned up from the remaining K. xylinus cells using water washing and (3) fully purified with NaOH leaving no bacterial cells remains. The suspended C. majus cells were inoculated on the BNC pieces in liquid medium and the functionalized BNC was harvested and subjected to scanning electron microscopy observation and analyzed for the content of C. majus metabolites as well as to antimicrobial assays and tested for potential proinflammatory irritating activity in human neutrophils. The highest content and the most complex composition of pharmacologically active substances was found in 3-day-old, unpurified BNC, which was tested for its bioactivity. The assays based on the IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α secretion in an in vitro model showed an anti-inflammatory effect of this particular biomatrix. Moreover, 3-day-old-BNC displayed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The results of the research indicated a possible application of such modified composites, against microbial pathogens, especially in local surface infections, where plant metabolite-enriched BNC may be used as the occlusive dressing.

The Cultivation of Chelidonium majus L. Increased the Total Alkaloid Content and Cytotoxic Activity Compared with Those of Wild-Grown Plants

The effect of cultivation practises on both the phytochemical profile and biological activity of aqueous ethanol extracts of Chelidonium majus L. was studied. Extracts were prepared from aerial parts of the same plant population collected in the wild and grown under organic farming conditions. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of alkaloids and flavonoid derivatives were performed by LC/MS methods, and the cytotoxicity of lyophilised extracts was studied in B16-F10, HepG2, and CaCo-2 cells. Coptisine was the dominant alkaloid of extracts prepared from wild-grown plants, whereas after cultivation, chelidonine was the most abundant alkaloid. The total alkaloid content was significantly increased by cultivation. Ten flavonol glycoconjugates were identified in C. majus extracts, and quantitative analysis did not reveal significant differences between extracts prepared from wild-grown and cultivated specimens. Treatment with C. majus extracts resulted in a dose-dependent increase in cytotoxicity in all three cell lines. The extracts prepared from cultivated specimens showed higher cytotoxicity than the extracts prepared from wild-grown plants. The strongest cytotoxic effect of cultivated C. majus was observed in B16-F10 cells (IC₅₀ = 174.98 ± 1.12 µg/mL). Cultivation-induced differences in the phytochemical composition of C. majus extracts resulted in significant increases in the cytotoxic activities of the preparations.

Review on the Antibacterial Mechanism of Plant-Derived Compounds against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria (MDR)

Microbial resistance has progressed rapidly and is becoming the leading cause of death globally. The spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms has been a significant threat to the successful therapy against microbial infections. Scientists have become more concerned about the possibility of a return to the pre-antibiotic era. Thus, searching for alternatives to fight microorganisms has become a necessity. Some bacteria are naturally resistant to antibiotics, while others acquire resistance mainly by the misuse of antibiotics and the emergence of new resistant variants through mutation. Since ancient times, plants represent the leading source of drugs and alternative medicine for fighting against diseases. Plants are rich sources of valuable secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, quinones, tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Many studies focus on plant secondary metabolites as a potential source for antibiotic discovery. They have the required structural properties and can act by different mechanisms. This review analyses the antibiotic resistance strategies produced by multidrug-resistant bacteria and explores the phytochemicals from different classes with documented antimicrobial action against resistant bacteria, either alone or in combination with traditional antibiotics.

Antibiofilm and Antimicrobial-Enhancing Activity of Chelidonium majus and Corydalis cheilanthifolia Extracts against Multidrug-Resistant Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the stomach of about 60% of people worldwide. The search for new drugs with activity against H. pylori is now a hotspot in the effective and safe control of this bacterium. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine the antibacterial activity of extracts from selected plants of the Papaveraceae family against planktonic and biofilm forms of the multidrug-resistant clinical strain of H. pylori using a broad spectrum of analytical in vitro methods. It was revealed that among the tested extracts, those obtained from Corydalis cheilanthifolia and Chelidonium majus were the most active, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 64 µg/mL and 128 µg/mL, respectively. High concentrations of both extracts showed cytotoxicity against cell lines of human hepatic origin. Therefore, we attempted to lower their MICs through the use of a synergistic combination with synthetic antimicrobials as well as by applying cellulose as a drug carrier. Using checkerboard assays, we determined that both extracts presented synergistic interactions with amoxicillin (AMX) and 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) (FICI = 0.5) and additive relationships with sertraline (SER) (FICI = 0.75). The antibiofilm activity of extracts and their combinations with AMX, 3-BP, or SER, was analyzed by two methods, i.e., the microcapillary overgrowth under flow conditions (the Bioflux system) and assessment of the viability of lawn biofilms after exposure to drugs released from bacterial cellulose (BC) carriers. Using both methods, we observed a several-fold decrease in the level of H. pylori biofilm, indicating the ability of the tested compounds to eradicate the microbial biofilm. The obtained results indicate that application of plant-derived extracts from the Papaveraceae family combined with synthetic antimicrobials, absorbed into organic BC carrier, may be considered a promising way of fighting biofilm-forming H. pylori.

Screening Papaveraceae as Novel Antibiofilm Natural-Based Agents

The antimicrobial properties of herbs from Papaveraceae have been used in medicine for centuries. Nevertheless, mutual relationships between the individual bioactive substances contained in these plants remain poorly elucidated. In this work, phytochemical composition of extracts from the aerial and underground parts of five Papaveraceae species (Chelidonium majus L., Corydalis cava (L.) Schweigg. and Körte, C. cheilanthifolia Hemsl., C. pumila (Host) Rchb., and Fumaria vaillantii Loisel.) were examined using LC-ESI-MS/MS with a triple quadrupole analyzer. Large differences in the quality and quantity of all analyzed compounds were observed between species of different genera and also within one genus. Two groups of metabolites predominated in the phytochemical profiles. These were isoquinoline alkaloids and, in smaller amounts, non-phenolic carboxylic acids and phenolic compounds. In aerial and underground parts, 22 and 20 compounds were detected, respectively. These included: seven isoquinoline alkaloids: protopine, allocryptopine, coptisine, berberine, chelidonine, sanguinarine, and chelerythrine; five of their derivatives as well as non-alkaloids: malic acid, trans-aconitic acid, quinic acid, salicylic acid, trans-caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol; and vanillin. The aerial parts were much richer in phenolic compounds regardless of the plant species. Characterized extracts were studied for their antimicrobial potential against planktonic and biofilm-producing cells of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. The impact of the extracts on cellular metabolic activity and biofilm biomass production was evaluated. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the extracts introduced to the polymeric carrier made of bacterial cellulose was assessed. Extracts of C. cheilanthifolia were found to be the most effective against all tested human pathogens. Multiple regression tests indicated a high antimicrobial impact of quercetin in extracts of aerial parts against planktonic cells of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans, and no direct correlation between the composition of other bioactive substances and the results of antimicrobial activity were found. Conclusively, further investigations are required to identify the relations between recognized and unrecognized compounds within extracts and their biological properties.

Pseudomonas entomophila 23S Produces a Novel Antagonistic Compound against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, a Pathogen of Tomato Bacterial Canker

Biopesticides, which consist of antagonistic microorganisms, or the bioactive compounds they produce offer attractive alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals as a means of reducing plant diseases in crop production systems. In our previous study, a strain of Pseudomonas entomophila 23S was reported to have a strong antagonistic activity toward Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm), a pathogen of tomato bacterial canker disease, which causes serious damage to the tomato production industry. This study focused on purification and characterization of the anti-Cmm compound(s) produced by P. entomophila 23S. The cell-free supernatant was first subjected to butanol extraction, fractioned by solid-phase extraction (SPE), and purified by high-performance liquid-chromatography (HPLC). The semi-preparative purified compounds retained anti-Cmm activity. These compounds were then characterized by liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Two anti-Cmm compounds, C15H16N2O and C16H18N2O, were isolated by this procedure. From the LC/MS spectra, the compounds were predicted to have an isoquinoline ring, the presence of which was confirmed by NMR. The compounds differed with respect to the presence of a methyl group in a side chain. In addition, P. entomophila 23S grown in different culture media produced the greatest amounts of these anti-Cmm compounds when in Nutrient Broth (NB), where bacterial growth was the slowest. NB composition is more favorable in stimulating P. entomophila 23S to produce higher amounts of these anti-Cmm compounds.

Efficient extraction and purification of benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids from Macleaya cordata (Willd) R. Br. by combination of ultrahigh pressure extraction and pH-zone-refining counter-current chromatography with anti-breast cancer activity in vitro

INTRODUCTION

Macleaya cordata (Willd) R. Br. (Papaveraceae family) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine used to treat muscle pain, inflamed wounds, and bee bites. Benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids are the main active ingredients in M. cordata. In this work, sanguinarine and chelerythrine were efficiently extracted and purified by ultrahigh-pressure extraction (UHPE) technique and pH-zone-refining counter-current chromatography (PZRCCC) from M. cordata.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an efficient UHPE method followed by an efficient separation technique using PZRCCC for benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids from the study plant species, and to evaluate the study samples for anti-breast cancer activity.

METHODOLOGY

The optimal extraction conditions were optimised as extraction pressure 200 MPa, extraction solvent 95% ethanol, solid-liquid ratio 1:30 (g/mL) and extraction time 2 min. A two-phase n-hexane/ethyl acetate/i-propanol/water (1:3:1.5:4.5, v/v) solvent system was optimised with 10 mmol triethylamine in the upper phase and 10 mmol trifluoroacetic acid in lower phase in PZRCCC. The sample loading was optimised as 2.50 g. Moreover, the samples were evaluated for anti-breast cancer activity later on.

RESULTS

The 2.50 g sample loading yielded 0.45 g of sanguinarine and 0.59 g chelerythrine in one-step separation using PZRCCC. The anti-breast cancer activities of sanguinarine and chelerythrine were found stronger than positive control (vincristine 5.04 μg/mL) with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of 0.96 and 3.00 μg/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the established methods were efficient in extraction (UHPE) and separation (PZRCCC) of the sanguinarine and chelerythrine from M. cordata.

Research Progress on Antibacterial Activities and Mechanisms of Natural Alkaloids: A Review

Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds typically isolated from plants. They represent one of the most important types of natural products because of their large number and structural diversity and complexity. Based on their chemical core structures, alkaloids are classified as isoquinolines, quinolines, indoles, piperidine alkaloids, etc. In-depth analyses of alkaloids have revealed their antibacterial activities. To date, due to the widespread use of antibiotics, the problem of drug-resistant bacterial infections has been gradually increasing, which severely affects the clinical efficacy of antibacterial therapies and patient safety. Therefore, significant research efforts are focused on alkaloids because they represent a potentially new type of natural antibiotic with a wide antibacterial spectrum, rare adverse reactions, and a low tendency to produce drug resistance. Their main antibacterial mechanisms include inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis, change in cell membrane permeability, inhibition of bacterial metabolism, and inhibition of nucleic acid and protein synthesis. This article reviews recent reports about the chemical structures and the antibacterial activities and mechanisms of alkaloids. The purpose is to solve the problem of bacterial resistance and to provide a certain theoretical basis and research ideas for the development of new antibacterial drugs.

Effects of Abiotic Elicitors on Expression and Accumulation of Three Candidate Benzophenanthridine Alkaloids in Cultured Greater Celandine Cells

Efforts to develop the necessary biotechnologies in Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus L.), a leading plant resource for the development of plant-derived medicines, have been hampered by the lack of knowledge about transcriptome and metabolome regulations of its medicinal components. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of abiotic elicitors, methyl jasmonate (MJ) and salicylic acid (SA), at different time courses (12, 24, 48, and 72 h), on expression and metabolome of key benzophenanthridine alkaloids (BPAs) in an optimized in vitro culture. Gene expression analysis indicated the upregulation of CFS (cheilanthifoline synthase) to 2.62, 4.85, and 7.28 times higher than the control at 12, 24, and 48 h respectively, under MJ elicitation. Besides, MJ upregulated the expression of TNMT (tetrahydroprotoberberine N-methyltransferase) to 2.79, 4.75, and 7.21 times at 12, 24, and 48 h respectively, compared to the control. Investigation of BPAs revealed a significant enhancement in the chelidonine content (9.86 µg/mg) after 72 h of MJ elicitation. Additionally, sanguinarine content increased to its highest level (3.42 µg/mg) after 24 h of MJ elicitation; however, no significant enhancement was detected in its content in shorter elicitation time courses. Generally, higher gene expression and BPAs’ level was observed through longer elicitation courses (48 and 72 h). Our findings take part in improving the understanding of transcription and metabolic regulation of BPAs in cultured Greater Celandine cells.

Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities and Mechanism of Action of Chelerythrine Against Carbapenem-Resistant Serratia marcescens In Vitro

Aim: To evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of chelerythrine (CHE) against carbapenem-resistant Serratia marcescens (CRSM). Materials and Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CHE against CRSM was determined using the agar dilution method. Changes in intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration, intracellular pH, cell membrane potential, and cell membrane integrity were investigated to assess the influence of CHE on the cell membrane. The effects of CHE on cell morphology were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy. The antibiofilm formation of CHE was measured by crystal violet staining and visualized with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and FESEM. The influence of CHE on biofilm components was further investigated using CLSM specific combined with double-dyeing methods. Results: Our results showed that CHE had an MIC at 125 μg/mL against CRSM was capable of inhibiting the growth of CRSM and destroying its cell membrane integrity, as well as obviously changing the cell morphology. Sub-MIC CHE displayed robust inhibitory effects against CRSM biofilm formation by mediating the production of biofilm components. In addition, CLSM- and FESEM-mediated evaluation of the damage of biofilm cells and biofilm persistence revealed that at high concentrations, CHE could compromise the cells within biofilms and remove preformed biofilms. Conclusion: CHE shows promise as a natural antimicrobial substance against biofilm-positive CRSM, with the potential to serve as an alternative therapeutic agent.

Anti-TMV activity and mode of action of three alkaloids isolated from Chelidonium majus

BACKGROUND

Plant viral diseases are difficult to control and have caused serious damage to the agricultural industry. Recently, botanical biopesticides characterized by environment friendly, safe to non-target organism and not as susceptible to produce drug resistance, have exhibited great potential to be developed as antiviral agents. To screen the natural products with antiviral effect, three alkaloids possessed anti-tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) activity were isolated from Chelidonium majus and the modes of action were investigated.

RESULT

The anti-TMV effect of crude extracts at 10 mg mL^-1 was 51.73%. Bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation of the compounds with anti-TMV activity were performed on the methanol extract of C. majus yielding three bioactive alkaloids namely: chelerythrine (1), chelidonine (2), and sanguinarine (3). The results of bioassay showed that chelerythrine exhibited great inactivation, proliferation inhibition and protection effects against TMV at 0.5 mg mL^-1 with the efficiency of 72.67%, 77.52% and 59.34%, respectively. Chelidonine at 0.1 mg mL^-1 can provide 54.90% and 64.45% inhibitions on TMV through inducing resistance in two kinds of tobacco. Sanguinarine showed a weaker protection for resisting TMV in comparison to chelerythrine and chelidonine.

CONCLUSION

Chelerythrine and chelidonine displayed significant inhibitions on TMV with different modes of action. These results provided important evidence that the extracts in C. majus might be a potential source of new drugs in controlling virus disease agriculturally.

A comprehensive review on the biological interest of quinoline and its derivatives

Amongst heterocyclic compounds, quinoline is an advantaged scaffold that appears as a significant assembly motif for the development of new drug entities. Quinoline and its derivatives tested with diverse biological activity constitute an important class of compounds for new drug development. Therefore, many scientific communities have developed these compounds as intent structure and evaluated their biological activities. The present, review provides brief natural sources of quinoline and including a new extent of quinoline-based marketed drugs. This review also confers information about the biological activities of quinoline derivatives such as antibacterial, antifungal, antimycobacterial, antiviral, anti-protozoal, antimalarial, anticancer, cardiovascular, CNS effects, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic and miscellaneous activities.

Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Corydalis solida and Pseudofumaria lutea

Corydalis and Pseudofumaria are two closely related genera from the Papaveraceae subfamily Fumarioideae with Corydalis solida (C. solida) and Pseudofumaria lutea (P. lutea) as two representative species. Phytochemical analysis revealed significant differences in the quality and quantity of isoquinoline alkaloids, phenolic compounds and non-phenolic carboxylic acids between aerial and underground parts of both species. Using the Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) technique, 21 compounds were identified: five protoberberine derivatives, three protopine derivatives, four phenanthridine derivatives, as well as three carboxylic acids, two hydroxycinnamic acids, one chlorogenic acid, one phenolic aldehyde, and two flavonoids. Moroever, significant differences in the content of individual compounds were observed between the two studied species. The phytochemical profile of C. solida showed a higher variety of compounds that were present in lower amounts, whereas P. lutea extracts contained fewer compounds but in larger quantities. Protopine was one of the most abundant constituents in C. solida (440-1125 µg/g d.w.) and in P. lutea (1036-1934 µg/g d.w.). Moreover, considerable amounts of coptisine (1526 µg/g) and quercetin (3247 µg/g) were detected in the aerial parts of P. lutea. Extracts from aerial and underground parts of both species were also examined for the antimicrobial potential against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. P. lutea herb extract was the most effective (MIC at 0.39 mg/L) against all three pathogens.

Mucoadhesive Chitosan Delivery System with Chelidonii Herba Lyophilized Extract as a Promising Strategy for Vaginitis Treatment

Chelidonium majus (also known as celandine) contains pharmacologically active compounds such as isoquinoline alkaloids (e.g., chelidonine, sanguinarine), flavonoids, saponins, carotenoids, and organic acids. Due to the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids, Chelidonii herba extracts are widely used as an antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral (including HSV-1 and HIV-1), and anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of various diseases, while chitosan is a biocompatible and biodegradable carrier with valuable properties for mucoadhesive formulations preparation. Our work aimed to prepare mucoadhesive vaginal drug delivery systems composed of Chelidonii herba lyophilized extract and chitosan as an effective way to treat vaginitis. The pharmacological safety of usage of isoquinoline alkaloids, based on MTT test, were evaluated for the maximum doses 36.34 ± 0.29 µg/mL and 0.89 ± 1.16 µg/mL for chelidonine and sanguinarine, respectively. Dissolution rate profiles and permeability through artificial membranes for chelidonine and sanguinarine after their introduction into the chitosan system were studied. The low permeability for used save doses of isoquinoline alkaloids and results of microbiological studies allow confirmation that system Chelidonii herba lyophilized extract chitosan 80/500 1:1 (w/w) is a promising strategy for vaginal use. Ex vivo studies of mucoadhesive properties and evaluation of tableting features demonstrated that the formulation containing Chelidonii herba lyophilized extract (120.0 mg) with chitosan (80/500—100.0 mg) and polymer content (HPMC—100.0 mg, microcrystalline cellulose—50.0 mg, lactose monohydrate—30.0 mg and magnesium stearate—4.0 mg) is a vaginal dosage form with prolonging dissolution profile and high mucoadhesion properties (up to 4 h).

Modulatory Effect of Chelidonium majus Extract and Its Alkaloids on LPS-Stimulated Cytokine Secretion in Human Neutrophils

Due to certain differences in terms of molecular structure, isoquinoline alkaloids from Chelidonium majus engage in various biological activities. Apart from their well-documented antimicrobial potential, some phenanthridine and protoberberine derivatives as well as C. majus extract present with anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects. In this study, the LC–MS/MS method was used to determine alkaloids, phenolic acids, carboxylic acids, and hydroxybenzoic acids. We investigated five individually tested alkaloids (coptisine, berberine, chelidonine, chelerythrine, and sanguinarine) as well as C. majus root extract for their effect on the secretion of IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils). Berberine, chelidonine, and chelerythrine significantly decreased the secretion of TNF-α in a concentration-dependent manner. Sanguinarine was found to be the most potent inhibitor of IL-1β secretion. However, the overproduction of IL-8 and TNF-α and a high cytotoxicity for these compounds were observed. Coptisine was highly cytotoxic and slightly decreased the secretion of the studied cytokines. The extract (1.25–12.5 μg/mL) increased cytokine secretion in a concentration-dependent manner, but an increase in cytotoxicity was also noted. The alkaloids were active at very low concentrations (0.625–2.5 μM), but their potential cytotoxic effects, except for chelidonine and chelerythrine, should not be ignored.

Candida spp./Bacteria Mixed Biofilms

The ability to form biofilms is a common feature of microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi. These consortiums can colonize a variety of surfaces, such as host tissues, dentures, and catheters, resulting in infections highly resistant to drugs, when compared with their planktonic counterparts. This refractory effect is particularly critical in polymicrobial biofilms involving both fungi and bacteria. This review emphasizes Candida spp.-bacteria biofilms, the epidemiology of this community, the challenges in the eradication of such biofilms, and the most relevant treatments.

Efficacy and Mechanism of Traditional Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds against Clinically Important Pathogens

Traditional medicinal plants have been cultivated to treat various human illnesses and avert numerous infectious diseases. They display an extensive range of beneficial pharmacological and health effects for humans. These plants generally synthesize a diverse range of bioactive compounds which have been established to be potent antimicrobial agents against a wide range of pathogenic organisms. Various research studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of traditional plants scientifically or experimentally measured with reports on pathogenic microorganisms resistant to antimicrobials. The antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants or their bioactive compounds arising from several functional activities may be capable of inhibiting virulence factors as well as targeting microbial cells. Some bioactive compounds derived from traditional plants manifest the ability to reverse antibiotic resistance and improve synergetic action with current antibiotic agents. Therefore, the advancement of bioactive-based pharmacological agents can be an auspicious method for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. This review considers the functional and molecular roles of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds, focusing typically on their antimicrobial activities against clinically important pathogens.

Applicability of a Monolithic Column for Separation of Isoquinoline Alkalodis from Chelidonium majus Extract

Isoquinoline alkaloids are the main group of secondary metabolites present in Chelidonium majus extracts, and they are still the object of interest of many researchers. Therefore, the development of methods for the investigation and separation of the alkaloids is still an important task. In this work, the application potential of a silica-based monolithic column for the separation of alkaloids was assessed. The influence of the organic modifier, temperature, salt concentration, and pH of the eluent on basic chromatographic parameters such as retention, resolution between neighboring peaks, chromatographic plate numbers, and peak asymmetry were investigated. Based on the obtained results, a gradient elution program was developed and used to separate and quantitatively determine the main alkaloids in a Chelidonium majus root extract.