Terpenoid Coumarins of the Genus Ferula

Sesquiterpenes and Sesquiterpene Derivatives from Ferula: Their Chemical Structures, Biosynthetic Pathways, and Biological Properties

Ferula is a genus of flowering plants known for its edible and medicinal properties. Since ancient times, many species of Ferula have been used in traditional medicine to treat various health issues across countries, such as digestive disorders, respiratory problems, and even as a remedy for headaches and toothaches. In addition, they are also used as a flavoring agent in various cuisines. As the main active ingredients in Ferula, sesquiterpenes and their derivatives, especially sesquiterpene coumarins, sesquiterpene phenylpropanoids, and sesquiterpene chromones, have attracted the attention of scientists due to the diversity of their chemical structures, as well as their extensive and promising biological properties, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties. However, there has not been a comprehensive review of sesquiterpenes and their derivatives from this plant. This review aims to provide an overview of the chemical structures, biosynthetic pathways, and biological properties of sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpene derivatives from Ferula, which may help guide future research directions and possible application methods for this valuable edible and medicinal plant.

Sesquiterpene Coumarin Ethers with Selective Cytotoxic Activities from the Roots of Ferula huber-morathii Peşmen (Apiaceae) and Unequivocal Determination of the Absolute Stereochemistry of Samarcandin

Ancient physicians frequently used the resin of Ferula species to treat cancer. Today, some folkloric recipes used for cancer treatment also contain the resin of Ferula species. The dichloromethane extract of the roots of Ferula huber-morathii exhibited cytotoxic activities against COLO 205 (colon), K-562 (lymphoblast), and MCF-7 (breast) cancer cell lines (IC₅₀ = 52 µg/mL, 72 µg/mL, and 20 µg/mL, respectively). Fifteen sesquiterpene coumarin ethers with cytotoxic activity were isolated from the dichloromethane extract of the roots of F. huber-morathii using bioactivity-directed isolation studies. Extensive spectroscopic analyses and chemical transformations have elucidated the structures of these sesquiterpene coumarin ethers as conferone (1), conferol (2), feselol (3), badrakemone (4), mogoltadone (5), farnesiferol A (6), farnesiferol A acetate (7), gummosin (8), ferukrin (9), ferukrin acetate (10), deacetylkellerin (11), kellerin (12), samarcandone (13), samarcandin (14), and samarcandin acetate (15). The absolute configuration of samarcandin (14) was unequivocally determined by the X-ray crystallographic analysis of the semi-synthetic (R)-MTPA ester of samarcandin (24). Conferol (2) and mogoltadone (5) were found to be the most potent cytotoxic compounds against all three cancer cell lines; furthermore, these compounds exhibit low cytotoxic activity against the non-cancerous human umbilical vein epithelial cells (HUVEC) cell line. Investigation of the biological activity mechanisms of mogoltadone (5) revealed that while suppressing the levels of Bcl-XL and procaspase-3 in the COLO 205 cancer cell line, it did not have a significant effect on the Bcl-XL, caspase-3, and β-catenin protein levels of the HUVEC cell line, which may explain the cytotoxic selectivity of mogoltadone (5) on cancer cell lines.

The potential of Apiaceae species as sources of singular phytochemicals and plant-based pesticides

The Apiaceae Lindl. (=Umbelliferae Juss.), which includes several economical important vegetables, herbs, and spices, is one of the most numerous plant family. Umbelliferous crops (namely anise, fennel, carrot, coriander, parsley, etc.) are also valuable sources of botanical flavoring agents and fragrances. In addition, Apiaceae species yield a wide variety of distinctive specialized metabolites (i.e, volatile phenylpropanoids, furanocoumarins, sesquiterpene coumarins, polyacetylenes, and phthalides), some of them been described as uncommon natural phytochemicals exclusive of the family, which offers a great potential for bioprospection. Numerous studies have pointed out the outstanding biological activity of extracts and several classes of phytochemicals from Apiaceae species. Emphasis has been given to essential oils (EOs) and their constituents activities, most likely because this type of plant added value product benefits from a larger acceptance and application potential in integrated pest management (IPM) and integrated vector management (IVM) programs. Several species of the family offer a variety of unique compounds with great potential as biopesticidal and/or synergizing agents. Investigations covering their activity toward agricultural pests and phytopathogens have increased in the last years, nevertheless the interest remains strongly focus on arthropod species, predominantly those acting as vectors of human diseases. From our survey, it is patent the gap of knowledge concerning the potential molluscicidal properties of Apiaceae extracts/phytochemicals, as well as their herbicidal activities against invasive plant species. In this review, we propose to highlight the potential of Apiaceae species as suitable sources of bioactive phytochemicals with great relevance within the frame of plant-based pesticides R&D, and will discuss their applicability in real-world scenarios considering the recent developments regarding the design of stable formulations incorporating Apiaceae bioactive products. We expect that this review will encourage researchers to consider undervalued Apiaceae species as alternative sources of bioactive compounds and will give a contribute to the field by suggesting new research topics.

Sesquiterpene coumarins from Ferula samarkandica Korovin and their bioactivity

Phytochemical study on the ethanolic extract of the dried roots of Ferula samarkandica Korovin led to the isolation of nine undiscribed sesquiterpene coumarins, samarcandicins A-I, along with thirteen known sesquiterpene coumarins. Their structures were characterized by detailed spectroscopic analysis including NMR and HR-ESI-MS. Mogoltacin and nevskin exhibited high inhibitory activity against MV-4-11 cell with IC₅₀ values of 3.94 ± 0.06 μM and 3.87 ± 0.10 μM, respectively, and nevskin and feshurin showed high inhibitory activity against mino cell with IC₅₀ values of 1.48 ± 0.06 μM and 7.88 ± 0.60 μM, respectively.

Pharmacological and Therapeutic Aspects of Plants from the Genus Ferula: A Comprehensive Review

Inspired by nature, humankind has been able to attain significant achievements in the drug and food industries. Particularly, medicinal plants are a rich source of medicinal, cosmetic, sanitary, and aromatic substances. Genus Ferula from the Apiaceae family is a plant genus that possesses over 170 species, which have been carefully documented with regard to their medicinal properties. Ferula spp. affects many body organs, and their respective functions, in humans, such as the immune system, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous system, bone (skeleton), and teeth. In spite of the benefits, ferulosis (Ferula toxicity) is an important aspect of Ferula consumption in humans and animals. Hemorrhagic problems and infertility are important signs of ferulosis. In this review, we have described all of the effects of the active ingredients of Ferula spp. and their mechanisms of actions, when known, based on an extensive literature review. Thus, our review opens a window of the benefits of Ferula as a phyto-pharmaceutical and its therapeutic applications in pharmacy, dentistry, and medicine.

Hairy root induction and Farnesiferol B production of endemic medicinal plant Ferula pseudalliacea

The effects of medium, gibberellic acid (GA₃) and stratification treatments on the seed germination of Ferula pseudalliacea were evaluated. Filter paper medium, 500 micro molar GA₃ and 8 week chilling treatment were resulted in significantly more seed germination than others. F. pseudalliacea was also transformed by Agrobacterium rhizogenes. Explants from young leaves, stems, cotyledon, and embryo were inoculated with A. rhizogenes strains ATCC 15834, 1724, A4, LB9402 and Ar318. Hairy roots were induced only from 10 to 12-days embryo explants using strains ATCC 15824 and 1724. Although, the transformation efficiency of ATCC 15834 (4%) strain was higher than 1724 (2%). Maximum hairy root transformation frequency (25%) was obtained in infection time of 10 min compared to that of 20 (20%) and 30 (5%) min. In addition, the transformation rate was significantly higher at the inoculation time of 72 h (29%) compared to that of 48 h (22%) and 24 h (6%). Transgenic hairy root lines were confirmed by PCR amplification of rolB gene. Hairy root lines were produced higher biomass in half B5 medium compared to that of half MS medium. Hairy roots lines from the strain ATCC 15834 produced more hairy root numbers and fresh and dried biomass compared to that of the strain 1724. Analyses of transgenic hairy root and natural roots extracts using HPLC showed that all the hairy root lines produced farnesiferol B.

Anticancer potential of Ferula hezarlalehzarica Y. Ajani fraction in Raji lymphoma cell line: induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential

Background

Cancer is a major cause of mortality. The present study evaluates the antitumor effects of Ferula hezarlalehzarica Y. Ajani fractions on various cancer cell lines, including the Raji Burkitt’s lymphoma cells.

Methods

We evaluated the cytotoxic activity of various fractions of F. hezarlalehzarica against tumor cell lines by the MTT assay. Annexin V-PE/7-AAD and cell cycle analysis were assessed by flow cytometry. Expressions of genes associated with cell death and proliferation (Bax, Bcl-2, Fas, and c-Myc) were determined using real-time PCR. Alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was examined by JC-1 dye staining.

Results

The hexane fraction of F. hezarlalehzarica showed the highest degree of cytotoxicity against Raji cells (IC₅₀ = 31.6 μg/ml). Flow cytometry analysis showed that 200 μg/ml of the fraction induced apoptosis in >96% of Raji cells after 24 h. In cell cycle analysis, at the same concentration, the percentage of apoptotic cells in the sub G1phase increased to 95.25 ± 1.76% at 48 h of treatment. The fraction induced cell cycle arrestat the G0/G1phase. Exposure to 100 μg/ml of the fraction after 48 h increased the percentage of G0/G1 cells (76.3 ± 6.08%) compared to the negative control (<50%). Treatment with75μg/ml of fraction reduced the expressions of Bcl-2 (0.23 ± 0.008-fold) and c-Myc (0.68 ± 0.07-fold) and increased Bax (1.75 ± 0.31-fold) and Fas (5.02 ± 0.74-fold; p < 0.01). We observed a decrease in MMP (≈0.4, p < 0.05) at ≥100 μg/ml and this effect remained almost unchanged until 48 h.

Conclusions

The F. hezarlalehzarica hexane fraction induced apoptosis in Raji cells by changing the expression of apoptosis-related genes, cell cycle distribution, and MMP. These data suggested a potential effectiveness of F. hezarlalehzarica for inducing cell death in lymphoma cells.

Graphical abstract

Synthesis of new anticancer and anti-inflammatory isoxazolines and aziridines from the natural (-)-deltoin

Objectives

This work describes the synthesis, the bioactivity and the structure–activity relationship of new derivatives from a natural coumarin.

Methods

(-)-Deltoin 1 and the corresponding isoxazolines and aziridines were characterized by spectroscopic means. The cytotoxic (HTC-116, IGROV-1 and OVCAR-3 cancer cell lines) and 5-lipoxygenase activity of (-)-deltoin 1 and its structural analogues have been evaluated.

Key findings

The phytochemical investigation of the ethyl acetate extract of the flowers of Ferula lutea (Poir.) Maire has led to the isolation of (-)-deltoin 1. A series of new isoxazoline 2a,a′–2f,f′ and aziridine 3a,a′–3e,e′ derivatives have been prepared by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. It has been found that the derivatives 2a (IC50 = 3.3 ± 0.1 μm), 3a,a′ (IC50 = 5.9 ± 0.1 μm), 3b,b′ (IC50 = 6.1 ± 0.7 μm) and 3c,c′ (IC50 = 7.3 ± 0.9 μm) bearing a phenyl isoxazoline, a phenylaziridine, a 4-methlphenylaziridine and a 4-methoxyphenylaziridine, respectively, are more cytotoxic than (-)-deltoin 1 (IC50 = 14.3 ± 0.2 μm). The diastereoisomers in mixture (2f,f′) with a 6-chloropyridin-2-yl system have shown the best anti-5-lipoxygenase activity (% inhibition = 53.1 ± 4.8% at 200 μm).

Conclusions

Some analogues have been found more bioactive than deltoin 1. Their activity has been related to the nature of the added heterocycles. It would be interesting to evaluate their in-vivo activity.

Flavonoid and stilbene derivatives from Macaranga trichocarpa

A new farnesylated flavonol (4'-O-methylmacagigantin) and a new geranylated stilbene (macatrichocarpin H), together with eight known phenolic compounds, have been isolated from the leaves of Macaranga trichocarpa. Structures of these compounds were determined based on NMR and mass spectrroscopic data. Cytotoxic properties of the isolated compounds were tested against P-388 cells showing that mactrichocarpin G was the most active compound with IC₅₀ was 3.5μM.

Chemical composition and phagocyte immunomodulatory activity of Ferula iliensis essential oils

Essential oil extracts from Ferula iliensis have been used traditionally in Kazakhstan for treatment of inflammation and other illnesses. Because little is known about the biologic activity of these essential oils that contributes to their therapeutic properties, we analyzed their chemical composition and evaluated their phagocyte immunomodulatory activity. The main components of the extracted essential oils were (E)-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (15.7-39.4%) and (Z)-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (23.4-45.0%). Ferula essential oils stimulated [Ca²⁺]_i mobilization in human neutrophils and activated ROS production in human neutrophils and murine bone marrow phagocytes. Activation of human neutrophil [Ca²⁺]_i flux by Ferula essential oils was dose-dependently inhibited by capsazepine, a TRPV1 channel antagonist, indicating that TRPV1 channels mediate this response. Furthermore, Ferula essential oils stimulated Ca²⁺ influx in TRPV1 channel-transfected HEK293 cells and desensitized the capsaicin-induced response in these cells. Additional molecular modeling with known TRPV1 channel agonists suggested that the active component is likely to be (Z)-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide. Our results provide a cellular and molecular basis to explain at least part of the beneficial therapeutic properties of FEOs.

Foetithiophenes C-F, thiophene derivatives from the roots of Ferula foetida

CONTEXT

Ferula foetida Regel (Apiaceae) is an Iranian medicinal plant with various biological activities including antispasmodic and anthelmintic.

OBJECTIVE

The sulfur compounds from the roots of F. foetida were isolated and characterized to test their cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The methanolic extract of the roots of F. foetida was fractionated using silica column chromatography. The components of each fraction were further purified using RP-HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by 1- and 2-D NMR spectroscopy as well as HREIMS. Their cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities were evaluated using Alamar Blue assay and broth microdilution method, respectively.

RESULTS

Four new thiophene derivatives, namely foetithiophenes C-F (3-6), together with four known compounds, foetithiophenes A (1) and B (2), coniferaldehyde, and sinapic aldehyde, were isolated from the roots of F. foetida. Antimicrobial activities were observed in particular against the Gram-positive bacteria. The best antimicrobial activity was observed for compound 6 against B. cereus with a MIC value 50 µg/mL. The tested compounds did not show cytotoxic properties against MCF-7 and K562 cells.

CONCLUSION

Four new thiophene derivatives including foetithiophenes C-F (3-6) were characterized from the roots of F. foetida. Foetithiophene F (6) exhibited the most potent activity against the Gram-positive bacteria B. cereus.

Antioxidant, 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory and cytotoxic activities of compounds isolated from the Ferula lutea flowers

A phytochemical investigation of the Ferula lutea (Poir.) Maire flowers has led to the isolation of a new compound, (E)-5-ethylidenefuran-2(5H)-one-5-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), designated ferunide, 4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enoic acid (2), reported for the first time as a natural product, together with nine known compounds, verbenone-5-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4), methyl caffeate (5), methyl 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinate (6), 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (7), isorhamnetin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside, narcissin (8), (−)-marmesin (9), isoimperatorin (10) and 2,3,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde (11). Compounds 3–10 were identified for the first time in Ferula genus. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR experiments, mass spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis (compound 2), as well as by comparison with literature data. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of isolated compounds were evaluated. Results showed that compound 7 exhibited the highest antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 18 ± 0.5 µmol/L and 19.7 ± 0.7 µmol/L by DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation, respectively. The compound 6 exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 5.3 ± 0.1 µmol/L against 5-lipoxygenase. In addition, compound 5 was found to be the most cytotoxic, with IC₅₀ values of 22.5 ± 2.4 µmol/L, 17.8 ± 1.1 µmol/L and 25 ± 1.1 µmol/L against the HCT-116, IGROV-1 and OVCAR-3 cell lines, respectively.

Drimane-Type Sesquiterpene Coumarins from Ferula gummosa Fruits Enhance Doxorubicin Uptake in Doxorubicin-Resistant Human Breast Cancer Cell Line

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is the main cause of failure in the chemotherapy of cancer patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of sesquiterpene coumarins of Ferula gummosa fruits on P-glycoprotein (P-gp)–mediated MDR. Drimane-type sesquiterpene coumarins from the fruits of F. gummosa were extracted with dichloromethane and subjected to column chromatography. The effects of the isolated compounds on P-gp–mediated MDR were evaluated in the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 which shows high resistance to doxoribicin (MCF-7/Dox). Phytochemical investigation of dichloromethane extract of F. gummosa fruits resulted in three sesquiterpene coumarins including conferone (1), mogoltacin (2), and feselol (3). The structures of these compounds were confirmed by 1D and 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Exposure of cells to conferone, mogoltacin, feselol, and verapamil (positive control) enhanced doxorubicin uptake by MCF-7/Dox cells. This effect was dose dependent, but varied with the structure of the chemical. At 25 μM, all the tested sesquiterpene coumarins restored at least 50% of the reference uptake (uptake by sensitive cells); but at 10 μM, their potency varied where conferone showed the highest potency and feselol showed the lowest potency. Conferone, mogoltacin, and feselol from F. gummosa suppress P-gp–mediated drug efflux in highly resistant human breast cancer cells.

Chemical composition, biological and cytotoxic activities of plant extracts and compounds isolated from Ferula lutea

The present work describes the phytochemical study on Ferula lutea flowers. Total phenolics and flavonoids of the n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts were quantified (phenolics [40.68–52.29 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dry weight], flavonoids [12.38–14.72 mg quercitin/g dry weight]). Two diastereoisomers were isolated and identified using spectroscopic techniques (1D, 2D NMR and GC-MS). The extracts and diastereoisomers were tested for antioxidant, antiacetylcholinesterase, antimicrobial, antidiabectic, cytotoxic (leukemia cell line) activities and allelopathic potentialities. The strongest antioxidant activity was obtained for the ethyl acetate extract (IC₅₀ = 12.8 ± 1.29 µg/mL). The two extracts exhibited high antidiabetic activity (54.1 and 52.1% at 40 µg/mL).

Ferulsinaic acid attenuation of diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Different factors are involved in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Oxidative stress and inflammation play an important role in the pathogenesis of DN. Ferulsinaic Acid (FA) was isolated in 2007. In 2011, we found that FA prolonged the lifespan of C. elegans due to its antioxidative effect, and we hypothesized that FA restores the kidney function of diabetic rats via its antioxidant activity.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were injected with STZ and divided into 5 groups of 10 each: control, diabetic untreated, diabetic treated with 500, 750 and 1000 ng/kg FA. FA treatment was continued for 21 weeks after induction of diabetes.

RESULTS

In the diabetic rats treated with FA, fasting blood sugar, HbA1C kidney/body weight ratio, creatinine, BUN, sodium and albuminurea were significantly decreased compared with untreated diabetic rats. Diabetic rats showed decreased activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, increased concentrations of malondialdehyde and IL-6 in the kidney homogenate. In addition levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in the urine and in the renal cortex DNA were increased. Moreover, severe destruction in glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions such as glomerular sclerosis, atrophy, interstitial expansion and interstitial cellular infiltration was seen in the kidney of the diabetic untreated rats. Furthermore, the diabetic kidney was found to be positive for NF-κB p65 antigen in the immunohistochemistry examinations. Treatment with FA restored all the altered parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, all the ultra-morphologic abnormalities and NF-κB activation in the kidney of diabetic rats were markedly ameliorated by FA treatment.

CONCLUSION

FA confers a considerable protection against kidney injuries of the diabetic rats by increasing activities of antioxidant enzymes, attenuating the formation of AGEs, attenuating the NF-κB activation, ameliorating the inflammatory markers and inhibiting the accumulation of oxidized DNA in the kidney, suggesting a potential drug for the prevention and therapy of DN.

Ferulsinaic Acid Modulates SOD, GSH, and Antioxidant Enzymes in Diabetic Kidney

The efficacy of Ferulsinaic acid (FA) to modulate the antioxidant enzymes and to reduce oxidative stress induced-diabetic nephropathy (DN) was studied. Rats were fed diets enriched with sucrose (50%, wt/wt), lard (30%, wt/wt), and cholesterol (2.5%, wt/wt) for 8 weeks to induce insulin resistance. After a DN model was induced by streptozotocin; 5, 50 and 500 mg/kg of FA were administrated by oral intragastric intubation for 12 weeks. In FA-treated diabetic rats, glucose, kidney/body weight ratio, creatinine, BUN, albuminurea, and creatinine clearance were significantly decreased compared with non treated diabetic rats. Diabetic rats showed decreased activities of SOD and GSH; increased concentrations of malondialdehyde and IL-6 in the serum and kidney, and increased levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine in urine and renal cortex. FA-treatment restored the altered parameters in a dose-dependent manner. The ultra morphologic abnormalities in the kidney of diabetic rats were markedly ameliorated by FA treatment. Furthermore, FA acid was found to attenuate chronic inflammation induced by both Carrageenan and dextran in rats. We conclude that FA confers protection against injuries in the kidneys of diabetic rats by increasing activities of antioxidant enzymes and inhibiting accumulation of oxidized DNA in the kidney, suggesting a potential drug for the prevention and therapy of DN.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oils of Ferula vesceritensis Coss et Dur. leaves, endemic in Algeria

BACKGROUND

The biological importance of members of genus Ferula promoted us to investigate the leaves of Ferula vesceritensis Coss et Dur. (endemic plant) previously not investigated. This study presents the chemical composition and antibacterial activities of the hydrodistilled oils.

RESULTS

Volatile components of the leaves of F. vesceritensis have been studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to afford 23 compounds. The major components were found to be 5,9-tetradecadiyne (24.72%), germacrene D (24.51%), farnesene (8.57%), and α-bisabolene (8.57%). The antimicrobial activities of the essential oils were evaluated by disk diffusion method and tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The volatile oil showed a strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

These results reinforce the previous studies showing that the genus Ferula is considered as a good source of essential oils. The results presented here can be considered as the first information on the antimicrobial properties of F. vesceritensis.

Investigating the cytotoxic and apoptosis inducing effects of monoterpenoid stylosin in vitro

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and anticancer activities of stylosin, a monoterpene extracted from an edible plant, Ferula ovina, on 5637 and HFF3 cells using MTT and comet assays and DAPI staining. To assess stylosin effects, cells were cultured in the presence of various concentrations of stylosin during three days; the IC(50) of stylosin on cancerous 5637 cells was less than its value on HFF3 normal cells, indicating that it might have anticancer properties. Investigating the mechanism of stylosin action revealed that it quickly induced DNA lesions and increased the number of apoptotic cells.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida oleo-gum-resin)-a review

The old traditional phytomedicine asafoetida, an oleo-gum-resin obtained from the roots of different Ferula assa-foetida, is used in different countries for various purposes. Asafoetida is not only used as a culinary spice but also traditionally used to treat various diseases, including asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, intestinal parasites, etc. This oleo-gum-resin has been known to possess antifungal, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and antiviral activities. A wide range of chemical compounds including sugars, sesquiterpene coumarins and polysulfides have been isolated from this plant. Recent studies have shown new promising antiviral sesquiterpene coumarins from this old phytomedicine. The present review summarizes the information concerning the traditional uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of asafoetida.

Ferulsinaic acid attenuation of advanced glycation end products extends the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans

OBJECTIVES

Ferulsinaic acid is the first member of a new rearranged class of sesquiterpene coumarins of the genus Ferula. The genus Ferula can be used for the treatment of skin infections, hysteria and for stomach disorders, such as a febrifuge and a carminative agent. The effect of ferulsinaic acid on the lifespan of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been examined. Novel data explaining the effect of ferulsinaic acid on the lifespan of C. elegans and its antioxidant power were obtained.

METHODS

C. elegans was cultivated under standard laboratory conditions in absence and presence of different ferulsinaic acid. Also, animals were cultivated under heat and chemical stress conditions in absence and presence of ferulsinaic acid. Life span assay, determination of protein concentration, assay of malondialdehyde and ELISA for determination of AGEs were performed.

KEY FINDINGS

Under standard laboratory conditions and in presence of ferulsinaic acid (500 nm, 10 µm and 100 µm), mean life span of wild type animals was significantly lengthened in a dose-dependent manner from 18.64 ± 0.19 days (control) to 19 ± 0.19 (P = 0.695), 20.76 ± 0.25 (P = 0.043) and 22.3 ± 0.29 (P = 0.0291), respectively. Interestingly, in C. elegans resistance for heat stress at 35°C and oxidative stress induced by paraquat were significantly improved with ferulsinaic acid. Ferulsinaic acid was found to significantly attenuate both lipid peroxidation and the formation of advanced glycation end products in the wild-type animals under standard laboratory conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Ferulsinaic acid had therapeutic efficacy as an antioxidant with the possibility of its use as an antioxidant drug.

Sesquiterpene coumarins from Ferula gumosa

A new sesquiterpene coumarin, gumosin (1), two new sesquiterpene coumarin glycosides, gumosides A (2) and B (3), and 10 known compounds, namely, cauferoside (4), feselol (5), conferoside, ferilin, ferocaulidin, ligupersin A, conferol, and daucosterol, and the phenolic compounds acantrifoside E and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid 4-(6-O-sulfo)glucopyranoside, were isolated from a methanolic extract of Ferula gumosa roots. The structures of 1-3 were elucidated by spectroscopic data interpretation. The cytotoxic activity of the sesquiterpene coumarin derivatives was evaluated against a small panel of cancer cell lines.

Simultaneous analysis of three bioactive compounds in Artemisia annua hairy root cultures by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector

INTRODUCTION

Artemisia annua is a rich source of biologically active substances such as terpenoids, coumarins and polyacetylenes. These chemicals have been reported to show beneficial pharmacological properties such as antitumor and antibacterial activities. In genetically transformed root cultures of A. annua, three bioactive metabolites, namely, ponticaepoxide (an insecticidal polyacetylene, 1), drimartol A (an anticancer sesquiterpene coumarin, 2) and (Z)-7-acetoxy-methyl-11-methyl-3-methylene-dodeca-1,6,10-triene (a new anticancer sesquiterpene, 3) were isolated and identified in our recent work. However, no quantitative analysis methods for any of them are yet available, nor for their simultaneous analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an HPLC-PAD method for simultaneous determination of 1, 2 and 3 in hairy root cultures of A. annua.

METHODOLOGY

HPLC operating conditions were optimised and the chromatographic separation was performed on a C(18) column with a gradient acetonitrile : water as mobile phase.

RESULTS

Linear relationships within the range of investigated concentrations were observed for the three metabolites with their correlation coefficients greater than 0.997. The method was validated for repeatability (RSD <3.59%) and intra- and inter-day precision (RSD <3.1%) with recovery between 94.8 and 107.6% and the RSD less than 3.40%. The method was successfully applied to the time-course of accumulation of the bioactive compounds in genetically transformed root cultures of A. annua.

CONCLUSION

The HPLC-PAD method developed for the simultaneous determination of three bioactive metabolites 1, 2 and 3 was simple, reproducible and sensitive.

The enhancement of vincristine cytotoxicity by combination with feselol

Urinary bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Human transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) cells are epithelial-like adherent cells originally established from a primary bladder carcinoma. Studies have shown that TCC cells are resistant to some chemotherapeutic agents such as vincristine (VCR). In the present study, the effect of feselol, a sesquiterpene coumarin isolated from the fruits of Ferula badrakema, was investigated on VCR effectiveness. Our results demonstrated that feselol itself did not have any cytotoxic effect on TCC cells. In order to check its combinatorial effects, TCC cells were exposed to various combined concentrations of feselol and VCR. Then, morphological changes were monitored and cytotoxicity was analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay for three consequent days. Results showed that the combination of 40 microg/ml VCR with 16 microg/ml feselol increased the cytotoxicity of VCR by 28.32% after 48 h. This effect might be due to inhibition of P-glycoprotein in TCC cells by feselol.

New sesquiterpene coumarins from the roots of Ferula flabelliloba

Three new sesquiterpene coumarins, namely, farnesiferone B (1), flabellilobin A (2) and flabellilobin B (3), together with nine known compounds, ligupersin A, 7-epi-gamma-eudesmol, persicasulfide A, conferdione, umbelliprenin, conferone, feselol, lehmferin and farnesiferol B were isolated from the roots of Ferula flabelliloba Rech. f. & Aell. (Apiaceae). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by various 1- and 2-D NMR techniques as well as HREIMS.

Mogoltacin enhances vincristine cytotoxicity in human transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) cell line

Bladder cancer is the second common cancer of the genitourinary system throughout the world and intravesical chemotherapy is usually used to reduce tumour recurrence and progression. Human transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is an epithelial-like adherent cell line originally established from primary bladder carcinoma. Here we report the effect of mogoltacin, a sesquiterpene coumarin from Ferula badrakema on TCC cells. Mogoltacin was isolated from the fruits of F. badrakema, using silica gel column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography. Mogoltacin did not have any significant cytotoxicity effect on neoplastic TCC cells at 16, 32, 64, 128, 200 and 600 microg ml(-1) concentrations. In order to analyse its combination effect, TCC cells were cultured in the presence of various combining concentrations of mogoltacin and vincristine. Cells were then observed for morphological changes (by light microscopy) and cytotoxicity using MTT assay. The effect of mogoltacin on vincristine toxicity was studied after 24, 48 and 72 h of drug administration. The results of MTT assay showed that mogoltacin can significantly enhance the cytotoxicity of vincristine and confirmed the morphological observations. Results revealed that combination of 40 microg ml(-1) vincristine with 16 microg ml(-1) mogoltacin increased the cytotoxicity of vincristine after 48 h by 32.8%.

Diversolides A-G, guaianolides from the roots of Ferula diversivittata

Seven sesquiterpene lactone derivatives, diversolides A-G (1-7), together with two known compounds, diversin (8) and stigmasterol, were isolated from the roots of Ferula diversivittata. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods including 1D-(1H and 13C) and 2D-NMR experiments (DQF-COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) as well as high-resolution EIMS. Compounds 1, 4 and 6-8 were tested for their in vitro antifungal and antibacterial activities. Some of the tested compounds showed moderate antifungal and antibacterial activities with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values from 40 to 80microg/ml.

In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Polysulfides-Rich Essential Oil of Ferula Latisecta Fruits against Human Pathogenic Dermatophytes

The increase in dermatophytoses and the fact that some patients do not respond well to therapy make it necessary to find new antifungal agents. As part of our ongoing studies on medicinal plants from Iran, we studied antidermatophytic activities of Ferula latisecta essential oil, which had shown considerable antifungal activity in preliminary antimicrobial screening. Antifungal activity was evaluated by determination of MIC values using the agar dilution method on type strains of Candida albicans and dermatophytes. The composition of the oil was characterized by GC and GC/MS analyses. The essential oil was rich in polysulfides (75.2%) and exhibited good activity against Trichophyton rubrum and T. verrucosom for about three weeks, with a MIC value 96 μg/mL. The oil showed antifungal activity, especially against dermatophytes, and the activity is probably related to the sulfur-containing components of the oil. This study has identified that the polysulfides-rich essential oil of Ferula latisecta fruits has activity against a range of human pathogenic dermatophytes, justifying future clinical trials to validate its use as a therapeutic alternative for dermatophytosis.

Structure-based virtual screening for the discovery of natural inhibitors for human rhinovirus coat protein

Inhibitors of the human rhinovirus (HRV) coat protein are promising candidates to treat and prevent a number of upper respiratory diseases. The aim of this study was to find antiviral compounds from nature, focusing on the HRV coat protein. Through computational structure-based screening of an in-house 3D database containing 9676 individual plant metabolites from ancient herbal medicines, combined with knowledge from traditional use, we selected sesquiterpene coumarins from the gum resin asafetida as promising natural products. Chromatographic separation steps resulted in the isolation of microlobidene (1), farnesiferol C (2), farnesiferol B (3), and kellerin (4). Determination of the inhibition of the HRV-induced cytopathic effect for serotypes 1A, 2, 14, and 16 revealed a dose-dependent and selective antirhinoviral activity against serotype 2 for asafetida (IC50 = 11.0 microg/mL) and its virtually predicted constituents 2 (IC50 = 2.5 microM) and 3 (IC50 = 2.6 microM). Modeling studies helped to rationalize the retrieved results.

Polar secondary metabolites of Ferula persica roots

Phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extract of the dried roots of Ferula persica resulted in four sesquiterpene coumarin glycosides, persicaosides A-D, and two known phytosterol glucosides, sitosterol 3-O-beta-glucoside and stigmasterol 3-O-beta-glucoside. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods including 1D-((1)H and (13)C) and 2D NMR experiments (DQF-COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and ROESY) as well as ESIMS and TOFMS analyses.

Ferulol and epi-Samarcandin, Two New Sesquiterpene Coumarins from Ferula Sinaica

Re-investigation of the methylene chloride extract of the root of Ferula sinaica gave a sesquiterpene coumarin with a rare carbon skeleton and 3′,9′-di- epi-samarcandin. The structure elucidation was determined by MS; 1H- and 13C- 1D and 2D NMR spectral data.

Ferulsinaic acid, a sesquiterpene coumarin with a rare carbon skeleton from Ferula species

Fractionation of methylene chloride extracts of the resin of Ferula vesceritensis and F. sinaica afforded three sesquiterpene coumarins and a glucose derivative. One of them was a sesquiterpene with a rare carbon skeleton. The structures of these compounds were determined by extensive NMR studies, including DEPT, COSY, NOE, HMQC, and HMBC.

Sesquiterpene Coumarins from the Roots of Ferula sinkiangensis and Ferula teterrima

Three new natural sesquiterpene coumarins, isofeterin (1), lehmannolol (3), sinkianone (4), and one known compound, lehmannolone (2), were isolated from the roots of Ferula teterrima and Ferula sinkiangensis. Their chemical structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including X-ray crystallography and CD spectrum measurements for determining the absolute configuration of compound 2.

HPLC-DAD-MS identification of bioactive secondary metabolites from Ferula communis roots

A simple HPLC method was developed to distinguish between 'poisonous' and 'non-poisonous' chemotypes of Ferula communis. The method was performed on a C8 reverse phase analytical column using a binary eluent (aqueous TFA 0.01%-TFA 0.01% in acetonitrile) under gradient condition. The two chemotypes showed different fingerprints. The identification of five coumarins and eleven daucane derivatives by HPLC-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and HPLC-MS is described. A coumarin, not yet described, was detected.