Total polyphenolic (flavonoids) content and antioxidant capacity of different Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. extracts

Unlocking the neuroprotective potential of Ziziphora clinopodioides flavonoids in combating neurodegenerative diseases and other brain injuries

Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. (Z. clinopodioides) is a traditional Chinese and ethnic medicine in Xinjiang, China with various therapeutic effects. It is primarily used for conditions such as heart disease, fever with chills, palpitations, and insomnia. Flavonoids are the main medicinal components of Z. clinopodioides, Interestingly, current research has increasingly focused on its neuroprotective effects. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the potential therapeutic applications of Z. clinopodioides and its constituents in central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. At present, about 25 flavonoids have been isolated and identified from various organs of Z. clinopodioides, including linarin, acacetin, hyperoside, quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, chrysin, kaempferol, baicalein, rutin and others. Modern pharmacological studies have revealed that Z. clinopodioides and its constituents exhibits neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo, and the mechanism of action is related to anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress and so on. Currently, there is limited research on the extracts of Z. clinopodioides and their potential mechanisms of action in these neurological disorders. It is also important to prioritize research on biosynthetic pathways and chemical modification approaches to fully explore and improve the neuroprotective potential of Z. clinopodioides and its flavonoids and establish a strong foundation for its clinical applications.

Phytochemical profiling and antibacterial activities of Ziziphora tenuior root extracts: a molecular docking against VanA of vancomycin-resistant enterococci

Medicinal plants, renowned for their antibacterial phytocompounds and secondary metabolites, hold significant promise in addressing antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. This study aimed to conduct phytochemical profiling of the methanolic and dichloromethane extracts of Ziziphora tenuior root using the GC-MS technique. These extracts' antioxidant potential was assessed via DPPH assay and their antibacterial activity was evaluated against S. aureus, E. coli, and VRE bacterial strains. Furthermore, the drug-ligand interactions between the extracts' biocompounds and d-alanyl-d-lactate ligase (VanA) protein of vancomycin-resistant enterococci strains (VRE) were analyzed using molecular docking. Based on the results, 74% of methanolic extract consisted of (3methyl, 24S)-stigmast-5-en-3-ol (which is a β-sitosterol), followed by Tetrasiloxane, decamethyl (15.5%), and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-5-thioxo-1,2,4-triazolidin-3-one (10.5%). Also, the only predominant compound identified in the dichloromethane extract was Benzo[h]quinoline, 2,4-dimethyl-. Both extracts showed antioxidant activity, while the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract (IC50 = 95.33 μg/ml) was significantly higher than that of the dichloromethane extract (IC50 = 934.23 μg/ml). Also, both extracts displayed substantial antibacterial efficacy against the tested pathogens, particularly against VRE. Moreover, the in silico analysis revealed that (3methyl, 24S)-stigmast-5-en-3-ol and Benzo[h]quinoline,2,4-dimethyl- exhibited notable interactions with VanA through docking energy values of - 9.0 and - 9.1 kcal/mol, respectively. Furthermore, these compounds formed 2 and 1 hydrogen bonds with VanA, respectively, highlighting their potential as effective interactants. These findings provide valuable visions into the therapeutic potentials of these plant-derived biocompounds in combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

Ziziphora clinopodioides extract-loaded chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone casting films for potential applications in wound dressings

Chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone composite films containing hydroalcoholic Ziziphora clinopodioides extract were developed and evaluated for their potential use as wound dressings. The physical and chemical properties of the films were extensively explored, including swelling capacity, mechanical properties, antimicrobial activity, and microstructural characteristics. The results showed that the addition of Ziziphora extract significantly increased the swelling capacity of the films by 561.24% to 1175% (p < 0.05). While tensile strength and Young's modulus were enhanced, elongation at the breaking point decreased with increasing volume percentages of Ziziphora extract. Variance analysis indicated no statistically significant effect on the tensile properties of the films with varying Ziziphora extract content (p < 0.05). Furthermore, films incorporated with Ziziphora extract demonstrated antimicrobial properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that samples lacking Ziziphora extract had a smooth surface, while those containing the extract displayed a rough texture that may potentially accelerate the wound healing process.

Phytochemical Profile and Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Cyto-Genotoxic, and Antigenotoxic Potential of Salvia verticillata Hydromethanolic Extract

This study comprises the phytochemical characterization, the evaluation of the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA), and the investigation of the cyto-genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of hydromethanolic extract derived from Salvia verticillata L. leaves. HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS and HPLC-DAD were used for the characterization of the extract and determination of the major ingredients. Afterwards, the TPC and AA were determined. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of the extract on cultured human lymphocytes at concentrations of 10, 25, and 50 μg mL-1 was investigated via the Cytokinesis Block MicroNucleus (CBMN) assay. Moreover, its antigenotoxic potential against the mutagenic agent mitomycin C (MMC) was assessed using the same assay. The hydromethanolic extract comprises numerous metabolites, with rosmarinic acid being the major compound. It had a high value of TPC and exerted significant AA as shown by the results of the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and Radical Scavenging Activity by DPPH• assays. A dose-dependent cytotoxic potential was recorded, with the highest dose (50 μg mL-1) exhibiting statistically significant cytotoxicity. None of the tested concentrations induced significant micronuclei (MN) frequencies, indicating a lack of genotoxicity. All tested concentrations reduced the MMC-mediated genotoxic effects, with the two lowest showing statistically significant antigenotoxic potential.

The Anti-atherosclerosis Mechanism of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. Based On Network Pharmacology

We investigated the mechanisms underlying the effects of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. (ZCL) on atherosclerosis (AS) using network pharmacology and in vitro validation.We collected the active components of ZCL and predicted their targets in AS. We constructed the protein-protein interaction, compound-target, and target-compound-pathway networks, and performed GO and KEGG analyses. Molecular docking of the active components and key targets was constructed with Autodock and Pymol software. Validation was performed with qRT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blot.We obtained 80 components of ZCL. The network analysis identified that 14 components and 37 genes were involved in AS. Then, 10 key nodes in the PPI network were identified as the key targets of ZCL because of their importance in network topology. The binding energy of 8 components (Cynaroside, α-Spinasterol, Linarin, Kaempferide, Acacetin, Genkwanin, Chrysin, and Apiin) to 4 targets (MMP9, TP53, AKT1, SRC) was strong and <-1 kJ/mol. In addition, 13 of the 14 components were flavonoids and thus total flavonoids of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. (ZCF) were used for in vitro validation. We found that ZCF reduced eNOS, P22phox, gp91phox, and PCSK9 at mRNA and protein levels, as well as the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 proteins in vitro (P < 0.05).We successfully predicted the active components, targets, and mechanisms of ZCL in treating AS using network pharmacology. We confirmed that ZCF may play a role in AS by modulating oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory response via Cynaroside, Linarin, Kaempferide, Acacetin, Genkwanin, Chrysin, and Apiin.

The variability of phenolic constituents and antioxidant properties among wild populations of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam

In this study, phenolic derivatives and antioxidant activities of fourteen Ziziphora clinopodioides populations, as well as LC-MS/MS analysis of three specific flavonoids were evaluated. Generally, high contents of phenolic derivatives were found in shoot extracts compared to roots. LC-MS/MS, a powerful analytical technique, was employed for the identification and quantify the individual flavonoids in Z. clinopodioides populations' extracts, in a quantity order of quercetin > rutin > apigenin. Scavenging activity by DPPH and FRAP was performed, and accordingly, in the shoot, the highest values for the DDPH were 4.61 ± 0.4 and 7.59 ± 0.26 µg ml- 1 in populations 1 and 13, respectively, and for the FRAP were 328.61 ± 5.54 and 292.84 ± 2.85 mg g DW- 1, in populations 6 and 1 respectively. Multivariate analysis results of the principal component analysis indicated the amount of polyphenols to be useful indicators in differentiating the geographical localities which explain 92.7% of the total variance. According to the results of hierarchical cluster analysis, the studied populations could be separated into two groups in that the contents of phenolic derivatives and antioxidant activities of different plant parts. Both shoot and root samples were well discriminated with the orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (R2X: 0.861; Q2: 0.47) model. The validity of the model was confirmed by using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and permutation tests. Such data make an important addition to our current knowledge of Ziziphora chemistry and are decisive in the identification of germplasms with a homogeneous phytochemical profile, high chemical content and bioactivity. The present results could also be helpful for the potential application of Z. clinopodioides in different kinds of industries as natural antioxidants.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01283-y.

The physiological and pharmacological effects of Ziziphoratenuior L.: A review study

Objective:

Many reports have revealed preventive and therapeutic effects of Ziziphoratenuior; however, few systematic reviews have evaluated such effects. The present study reviews the physiological and pharmacological effects of Z. tenuior extract and its components.

Materials and Methods:

English articles were searched in international databases, such as Embase, Scopus, and PubMed; Persian studies were also searched in national databases such as SID and Magiran.

Results:

Pulegone is one of the most important effective compounds of Z. tenuior, which has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-stress properties as it affects serotonergic and opioidergic systems and decreases the gastric acid secretion. Moreover, this compound inhibits cholesterol absorption and synthesis, resulting in hyperlipidemic effects and weight loss. In addition to its antioxidant, antitumor, and antibacterial properties, this herb contains an antidiabetic effect mediated by increasing the number of pancreatic beta cells and insulin secretion, and inhibiting alpha-amylase. Although its effective dosage has no side effects, the overuse of its effective compounds, such as pulegone, may raise some liver and pulmonary disorders.

Conclusion:

Z. tenuior and its extract can have preventive and therapeutic effects on diabetes and hyperlipidemia-associated diseases. Since most studies on this herb were in vivo, it is necessary to design clinical trials to evaluate its effects.

Phytochemical composition and in vitro safety evaluation of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. ethanolic extract: Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity assessment

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The application of the herb Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. in folk medicine and as a food additive has been recommended due to its many claimed bioactivities. Regardless of the plant benefits, its safety considerations are largely unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the present research was to determine the chemical compositions and cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity potentials of the ethanolic extract of Ziziphora clinopdioides Lam. (EEZC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

GC-MS and LC-MS analysis were used for chemical composition determination. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and trypan blue exclusion dye assays were used for cytotoxicity and the Comet assay was employed for genotoxicity assessment on human blood lymphocytes. Also, the Ames Salmonella/microsome test was carried out for the evaluation of mutagenicity.

RESULTS

Pulegone was the main component of the n-hexane fraction. Different phenolic acids and flavonoids were detected by LC-MS. The cytotoxicity study indicated a conspicuous decline in human lymphocyte viability ranging from 52% to 100% as showed by the MTT assay and 67% up to 100% by the trypan blue assay, at 1 and 10 mg/mL, respectively. The Comet assay results revealed a dose dependent genotoxicity, in so much as 90% and 98% of the cells were screened as damaged at concentrations of 5 and 10 mg/mL, respectively. An incidence rate of 8% and 13% of grade 4 damage was observed at 5 and 10 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the DNA damage index (DI) was elevated dose-dependently by a rising concentration of the extract, wherein the DI at 10 mg/mL concentration was 2.22, which was 22 times greater than that of negative control, and even more than positive control. The Ames test exhibited no signs of mutagenicity for neither Salmonella typhimurium TA98 nor TA100 strains, accompanied or unaccompanied by S9 metabolic activation.

CONCLUSION

Results indicated a dose-dependent cytotoxicity and genotoxicity potential of the EEZC on human lymphocytes, suggesting that this plant should be used with caution by consumers, even in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Since the plant usage in daily life continues to increase due to its ever growing phytotherapical and phytonutritional properties, it may pose a health risk by its high concentration's uptake. Although no mutagenicity of this extract was observed in this study, further research is recommended to clarify the mutagenic risks of this herb.

Extraction, Radical Scavenging Activities, and Chemical Composition Identification of Flavonoids from Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Receptacles

This study was focused on extraction, radical scavenging activities, and chemical composition identification of total flavonoids in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) receptacles (TFSR). We investigated the optimal extract parameters of TFSR using response surface methodology. The highest yield of TFSR was 1.04% with the ethanol concentration 58%, the material-to-liquid ratio 1:20 (v/w), the extraction time 2.6 h, and the extraction temperature 67 °C. The results of radical scavenging activities showed that ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) was the strongest by using 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzo thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and iron ion reducing analysis. The EAF had the highest flavonoids contents. Four fractions A, B, C and D were enrichment from EAF by polyamide resin. Fraction B had the highest flavonoids content. Thirteen chemical components of flavonoids in fraction B were first identified by Ultimate 3000 Nano LC System coupled to a Q Exactive HF benchtop Orbitrap mass spectrometer (UHPLC-HRMS/MS). Among of the thirteen chemical components, isoquercetin and daidzein were identified accurately by comparing with standard samples. Radical scavenging analysis showed that isoquercetin and EAF had strong activities. Therefore, sunflower receptacles can be used as a source of natural flavonoids. TFSR as a natural radical scavenger has potential applications in pharmaceutical industry.

Tanacetum parthenium enhances pentobarbital-induced sleeping behaviors

OBJECTIVE

Sleep disorders are among the most common psychiatric and medical conditions. In the present study, the hypnotic effect of Tanacetum parthenium was studied in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The hydro-alcoholic extract (HAE) of T. parthenium and three fractions of it, namely water fraction (WF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), and n-hexane fraction (NHF), were intraperitoneally (ip) administrated to mice 30 min before injection of sodium pentobarbital (30 mg/kg, ip). Then, 30 min after administration of HAE, motor coordination (rota-rod test) was evaluated. Besides, LD₅₀ of HAE was determined and the cytotoxicity of HAE was evaluated in PC12 cells using the MTT assay.

RESULTS

HAE 50-200 mg/kg increased the sleeping time. EAF was the only fraction which could prolong the sleep duration and decrease sleep latency. The LD50 value was 4.8 g/kg. The extract induced no cytotoxic effects in PC12 cell line.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that T. parthenium potentiates pentobarbital hypnosis without causing toxic effects. Probably, its effects are mediated by the components present in EAF of this plant.

Study on the Chemical Composition, Enzyme Inhibition and Antioxidant Activity of Ziziphora taurica subsp. cleonioides

Ziziphora is a plant used in Turkish and Iran traditional medicine for its antibacterial activity, sedative and stomach soothing properties. Although the chemical profile of the essential oil of different Ziziphora species is well documented, data regarding plant extracts are incomplete. In this study extracts from Ziziphora taurica subsp. cleonioides were obtained using ethyl acetate, methanol and water and the chemical profile of the aerial part of the plant was elucidated. Among the compounds identified, rosmarinic acid was the most abundant (3375.67 ± 38.02 μg/mL), at the extract of methanol, followed by chlorogenic acid (3225.10 ± 16.44). Enzyme inhibition activity against α-amylase and tyrosinase was also estimated. The ethyl acetate extract showed the highest α-amylase activity (1.95 ± 0.04 mg/mL), while the best anti-tyrosinase activity was calculated for the methanolic extract (1.25 ± 0.01 mg/mL). In addition, total phenolic, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity were evaluated. According to our results, bioactivity of the plant is of great interest, nonetheless, at the same time, it is strongly depended on the solvent used during the extraction process. Our data suggest that the plant under study may be an important source to consider against metabolic, skin pigmentation and oxidative stress related disorders.

Amelioration of allergic asthma by Ziziphora clinopodioides via upregulation of aquaporins and downregulation of IL4 and IL5

Ziziphora clinopodioides has been frequently used as an anti asthmatic plant in traditional medication. Recent work explores the anti-asthmatic activity of Z. clinopodioides in allergen-induced asthmatic mice. Intraperitoneal sensitization followed by intranasal challenge were given with ovalbumin (allergen) to develop allergic asthma. Investigational groups of animals were administered with drug methylprednisolone (MP) (15 mg/kg body weight), n-hexane fraction, ethylacetate fraction, and methanolic extract of Z. clinopodioides extract (500 mg/kg b.w.) for successive 07 days. Hematoxyline and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stains were used to evaluate histopathological parameters on lung tissues. As an index of lungs tissues edema, wet/dry weight ratio of lungs was determined. Evaluation of expression levels of AQP1, AQP5, IL4, and IL5 was conducted by using RT-PCR. The data exhibited that both Z. clinopodioides and MP attenuated differential and total leukocyte counts in hematological examination i.e. in BALF and blood. Treatment with Z. clinopodioides also caused suppression of inflammatory cell infiltration and expression levels of IL4 and IL5, the later could have caused attenuation of pulmonary inflammation. The study also found decline in lung wet/dry ratio and goblet cellh hyperplasia in treated groups which indicates amelioration of lung edema. Treatment with Z. clinopodioides significantly increased the expression levels of aquaporin-1 and -5, which could have led to reduction in lung edema. The treatment with MP showed comparable results to Z. clinopodioides. Current investigation revealed that Z. clinopodioides possessed anti-asthmatic property which might be accredited to upregulagted AQP1 and AQP5 levels and downregulated IL4 and IL5 levels.

Ziziphora clinopodioides Flavonoids Protect Myocardial Cell Damage from Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

To investigate effects of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. flavonoids on ischemia-reperfusion injury of myocardial cells. After application of 6.25, 25, and 100 μg/mL Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. flavonoids to H9C2 myocardial cells for 24H, they were treated for 4 hours with hydrogen peroxide to induce oxidative damage, whereas controls were cells without treatment and cells only incubated with hydrogen peroxide. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase release and mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular Na+/K+-ATPase activity and ATP content, and reactive oxygen species formation were monitored. An ischemia-reperfusion injury rat model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligature in 48 Sprague-Dawley rats, which were divided into positive control with isosorbide mononitrate (10 mg/kg) injection (n=8), model (ischemia-reperfusion, n=8), sham-operated (n=8), and Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. flavonoids low (75 mg/kg, n=8), medium (150 mg/kg, n=8), and high concentration (300 mg/kg, n=8) groups. Superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde content in homogenized hearts were measured and ischemic and infarction areas were triphenyl tetrazolium chloride and H&E stained for pathological and morphological examinations. Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. flavonoids preconditioning improved cell viability (P<0.01), intracellular Na/K ATPase activity (P<0.001), and intracellular ATP content (P<0.001) and maintained mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05) in hydrogen peroxide treated H9C2 cells as well as rescued superoxide dismutase activity (P<0.01), decreased the malondialdehyde content (P<0.001), and reduced myocardial damage in the ischemia-reperfusion rat model (P<0.001) compared to the controls. Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. flavonoids may be an effective drug for protecting myocardial tissue from ischemia-reperfusion injury by reducing reactive oxygen species related damage.

Identification and screening of active components from Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. in regulating autophagy

This study investigated the flavonoid constituents of a traditional Chinese medical plant Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry and screened the active components in regulating autophagy.Normal rat kidney (NRK) cells transfected with green fluorescent protein- microtubule-associated protein 1 light Chain 3(GFP-LC3) were treated with Z. clinopodioides flavonoids and its chemical compositions. After 4 h of treatment, the auto-phagy spot aggregation in NRK cells was photographed and observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The following 10 flavonoid components of Z. clinopodioides were identified: baicalein(1), quercetin(2), hyperoside(3), quercetin3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside(4), apigenin(5), kaempferol(6), chrysin(7), diosimin(8), linarin(9) and rutin(10). Among these flavonoids, chrysin, apigenin and quercetin were identified as the active principles in activating autophagy. This research may provide a reference for further developing and utilizing Z. clinopodioides.

Hypnotic Effect of Red Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) on Pentobarbital-Induced Sleep in Mice

OBJECTIVE

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of red cabbage and its fractions on sleeping behavior in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The extract and its fractions were injected to mice and sleep duration as well as sleep latency were recorded. Furthermore, toxicity of the extract was determined both in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

The extract increased sleep duration at doses of 50-200mg/kg (P < 0.001). This observed hypnotic effect was comparable to that of diazepam (3mg/kg) (P < 0.001 in comparison with control group). Ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous fractions could increase sleep duration (P < 0.001). The sleep latency was decreased by the extract (P < 0.001) and only ethyl acetate fraction (P < 0.001). LD50 value for red cabbage extract was 2.4g/kg. There was no toxic effect on viability of cultured neuronal cells (PC12). Rotarod test results showed that there were no significant differences between the extract groups and the control group.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that red cabbage potentiates pentobarbital hypnosis without any toxic effect. The main component(s) responsible for this effect is most likely to be intermediate polar agent(s) such as flavonoids, which are found in ethyl acetate fraction of this plant.

Antimicrobial activity of puffball(Bovistella radicata) and separation of bioactive compounds

Background

To test the antimicrobial activity of different extracts and fermentation broth from puffball(Bovistella radicata), the different extracts and fermentation broth of puffball were prepared, the active fraction was investigated by UPLC–UV–MS and semi-preparative chromatograph.

Results

Through zones of inhibition (ZOI) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) tests, the supernatant of fermentation possessed best antimicrobial activity in all extracts whose MIC value is 31.2 μg/ml against T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. And ZOI value is 29.01, 21.02, 35.02, 28.01 mm against T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Then we compare the puffball fermentation supernatant with blank contrast by LC–MS. There are the characteristic peaks named PBR-1 and PBR-2 with the puffball fermentation supernatant, the separation of compound PBR-1 and PBR-2 was done on semi-preparative C18 column and the MIC and ZOI of compound PBR-1 and PBR-2 are 15.6 μg/ml and 34 mm with the antifungal test.

Conclusions

The fermentation supernatant and compound PBR-1 and PBR-2 have promising antifungal activity against T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes.

Protoscolicidal and immunomodulatory activity of Ziziphora tenuior extract and its fractions

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the scolicidal and immunomodulatory effect of the Ziziphora tenuior (Z. tenuior) extract and its fractions.

METHODS

Protoscolices were treated with six concentrations (3, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/mL) of Z. tenuior extract and its fractions (ethanol, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and chloroform) in periods of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min, and viability of protoscolices was evaluated using the 1.0% eosin. To examine the immunomodulatory effects of Ziziphora and its fractions on macrophage cells, the non-toxic concentration of extract and different fractions determined by MTT assay, and the Griess reaction was used to measure the level of nitrite as an indicator of nitric oxide by the macrophage cells in 10, 100 and 200 μg/mL in 24 h at 37 °C.

RESULTS

In this study, the Z. tenuior extract at 10 mg/mL concentration was able to kill all protoscolices during 20 min. By increasing the concentration to 25 mg/mL, the scolicidal time reduced to 10 min. Regarding the effect of different fractions of Z. tenuior, the ethanolic fraction showed the highest scolicidal activity. The extract demonstrated an inhibitory effect on the activity of macrophages and reduced nitric oxide production. Although the petroleum ether and ethanolic fractions of the extract reduced nitric oxide production, nevertheless, this effect was only significant at 10 and 100 μg/mL concentrations (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The Z. tenuior extract and its fractions were effective against protoscolices yet the effect of total extract was considerable. Our findings indicates that the extract and its ethanolic and petroleum ether fractions could have anti-inflammatory properties.

Kazakh Ziziphora Species as Sources of Bioactive Substances

Ziziphora species represent the prototypical example of the Lamiaceae family. The phytochemicals present in Ziziphora include monoterpenic essential oils, triterpenes and phenolic substances belonging to the flavonoids. In Kazakh traditional medicine, Ziziphora species possess several medicinal uses. In particular, Z. bungeana Lam. and Z. clinopodioides Lam. are used for the treatment of illnesses related to the cardiovascular system or to combat different infections. Unfortunately, the majority of the information about the complex Ziziphora species is only available in Russian and Chinese language, therefore, we decided gather all available information on Kazakhstan Ziziphora, namely its content compounds, medicinal uses and published patents, to draw the attention of scientists to this very interesting plant with high medicinal potential.

Hypnotic Effect of Ocimum basilicum on Pentobarbital-Induced Sleep in Mice

Background

Sleep disorders are accompanied by several complications, and currently used soporific drugs can induce unwanted effects such as psychomotor impairment, tolerance, amnesia, and rebound insomnia.

Objectives

The present study was carried out to investigate if Ocimum basilicum has a sleep-prolonging effect.

Materials and Methods

This work was an experimental study on 72 mice which were randomly divided into 9 groups: saline (control); diazepam (3 mg/kg, positive control); hydro-alcoholic extract (HAE) of Ocimum basilicum (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg); ethyl acetate fraction (EAF, 50 mg/kg); n-butanol fraction (NBF, 50 mg/kg); water fraction (WF, 50 mg/kg); and saline containing 10% DMSO (vehicle for EAF and NBF). All the test compounds were injected intraperitoneally (IP) 30 minutes before pentobarbital administration (30 mg/kg). Duration and latency of pentobarbital-induced sleep were recorded. Also, LD50 of HAE was determined and the cytotoxicity of HAE was tested on neural and fibroblast cells using the MTT assay.

Results

HAE increased the duration of pentobarbital-induced sleep at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg (P < 0.001). The hypnotic effect of HAE was comparable to that induced by diazepam. Similarly, WF, EAF, and NBF at 50 mg/kg could increase sleep duration. The sleep latency was decreased by HAE (P < 0.01 - P < 0.001) and NBF (P < 0.001), but not by WF and EAF. The LD50 value for HAE was found to be 2.4 g/kg. HAE had no effect on the viability of neuronal PC12 cells and L929 fibroblast cells.

Conclusions

The present data demonstrated that Ocimum basilicum potentiates sleeping behaviors without any cytotoxicity. The main component (s) responsible for the hypnotic effects of this plant is most likely a non-polar agent (s) which is found in NBF. Isolation of the active constituents may yield a novel sedative drug.

Hydroalcoholic extract of needles of Pinus eldarica enhances pentobarbital-induced sleep: possible involvement of GABAergic system

OBJECTIVE

Insomnia is accompanied by several health complications and the currently used soporific drugs can induce several side effects such as psychomotor impairment, amnesia, and tolerance. The present study was planned to investigate the sleep prolonging effect of Pinus eldarica.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) of P. eldarica, its water fraction (WF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and n-butanol fraction (NBF) were injected (intraperitoneally) to mice 30 min before administration of pentobarbital. Then, the latent period and continuous sleeping time were recorded. Also, LD50 of P. eldarica extract was determined and the possible neurotoxicity of the extract was tested on neural PC12 cells.

RESULTS

The HAE and NBF decreased the latency of sleep (p<0.05) and significantly increased duration of sleep (p<0.05) induced by pentobarbital. These effects of P. eldarica were reversed by flumazenil. The LD50 value for HAE was found to be 4.8 g/Kg. HAE and its fractions did not show neurotoxic effects in cultured PC12-cell line.

CONCLUSION

The present data indicate that P. eldarica potentiated pentobarbital hypnosis without major toxic effect. Most probably, the main components responsible for this effect are non-polar agents which are found in NBF of this plant.

In vitro protoscolicidal effects of various concentrations of Ziziphora tenuior L. extract at different exposure times

OBJECTIVE

Hydatidosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases and surgery is still the main treatment for this problem. One of the side effects of hydatid cyst surgery is recurrence, thus, searching and assessment of some new agents such as medicinal plant extracts are very important. In the present study, the scolicidal effect of ethanolic extract of Ziziphora tenuior (Z. tenuior) was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Protoscolices were aseptically collected from sheep livers containing hydatid cyst and used in the experiments. Z. tenuior extract was used at concentration of 3-100 mg/ml for 10-60 min. Viability of protoscolices was determined by 0.1% eosin staining.

RESULTS

Based on our results, Z. tenuior extract at concentration of 10 mg/ml killed all protoscolices after 20 min. However, this medicinal plant at concentration of 25 mg/ml destroyed all protoscolices in a shorter exposure time (10 min). Therefore, the scolicidal activity of the extract at 10 and 25 mg/ml concentrations was considerably effective in lower concentrations and shorter exposure times.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study showed that the ethanolic extract of Z. tenuior produces high scolicidal activity; it may be used as an appropriate and effective scolicidal agent in hydatidosis surgery. This is the first report on the protoscolicidal activity of Z. tenuior.

Centella asiatica and Its Fractions Reduces Lipid Peroxidation Induced by Quinolinic Acid and Sodium Nitroprusside in Rat Brain Regions

Oxidative stress has been implicated in several pathologies including neurological disorders. Centella asiatica is a popular medicinal plant which has long been used to treat neurological disturbances in Ayurvedic medicine. In the present study, we quantified of compounds by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and examined the phenolic content of infusion, ethyl acetate, n-butanolic and dichloromethane fractions. Furthermore, we analyzed the ability of the extracts from C. asiatica to scavenge the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) radical as well as total antioxidant activity through the reduction of molybdenum (VI) (Mo(6+)) to molybdenum (V) (Mo(5+)). Finally, we examined the antioxidant effect of extracts against oxidant agents, quinolinic acid (QA) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), on homogenates of different brain regions (cerebral cortex, striatum and hippocampus). The HPLC analysis revealed that flavonoids, triterpene glycoside, tannins, phenolic acids were present in the extracts of C. asiatica and also the phenolic content assay demonstrated that ethyl acetate fraction is rich in these compounds. Besides, the ethyl acetate fraction presented the highest antioxidant effect by decreasing the lipid peroxidation in brain regions induced by QA. On the other hand, when the pro-oxidant agent was SNP, the potency of infusion, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane fractions was equivalent. Ethyl acetate fraction from C. asiatica also protected against thiol oxidation induced by SNP and QA. Thus, the therapeutic potential of C. asiatica in neurological diseases could be associated to its antioxidant activity.

In vitro evaluation of anti-herpes simplex-1 activity of three standardized medicinal plants from Lamiaceae

BACKGROUND

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a phenolic acid with antioxidant and anti-viral effects. We have studied anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) effect of three medicinal plants from Lamiaceae family which have been standardized on the basis of RA content.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Methanolic extract of Teucrium polium, Ziziphora clinopoides, and Salvia rhytidea was prepared by maceration method and RA content of the plants was determined using a spectrophotometric method. Maximum nontoxic concentration (MNTC) of the extracts was determined using neutral red method. Serial dilutions of extracts up to MNTC were examined on Vero cells for anti-HSV-1 effect by plaque assay in comparison to acyclovir as a positive control.

RESULTS

Among the tested extracts, T. polium contained the highest percentage of RA (1.8%w/w) and exhibited the least toxicity (MNTC = 1000 μg/ml). The greatest anti-HSV-1 was shown by T. polium and Z. clinopoides extracts which exhibited both time and concentration-dependent plaque inhibition.

CONCLUSION

Considering the low toxicity and significant anti-viral effect of T. polium extract, this plant would prove valuable as an active anti-viral drug.

Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant capacity of Tabernaemontana catharinensis A. DC. Fruits and branches

The antioxidant capacity of the crude extract and fractions of Tabernaemontana catharinensis fruits and branches, was evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and the content of polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids and condensed tannins were determined by the spectrophotometric method. The ethyl acetate fraction of the fruits and the n-butanol fraction of the branches showed IC50 of 181.82 µg/mL and 78.19 µg/mL, respectively. All fractions were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), in the branches were quantified chlorogenic acid in the chloroform (8.96 mg/g), ethyl acetate (4.31 mg/g) and n-butanol (3.33 mg/g) fractions; caffeic acid in the ethyl acetate (5.24 mg/g) and n-butanol (1.81 mg/g); gallic acid (0.52 mg/g) in the n-butanol. In the fruits, chlorogenic acid in the chloroform (1.67 mg/g); rutin in the ethyl acetate (3.45 mg/g) and n-butanol (8.98 mg/g) fractions. The present study showed that these quantified compounds can contribute to antioxidant capacity which was higher in the branches than in the fruits.

Effect of different growth stages of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. on its chemical composition

AIMS

The aim of this study is to monitor the changes in the chemical composition of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. throughout nine different growth stages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Volatile components such as essential oils were analyzed using the gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry, and the contents of non-volatile components were determined by a visible spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

Hydro-distilled essential oil content ranged from a minimum of 1.1% (in the post-flowering stage) to a maximum of 1.8% (in the flowering stage). The essential oils included pulegone, which was the most abundant component (77.48-87.3%), p-menthanone (2.79-12.39%), trans-isopulegone (1.04-2.06%), d-limonene (0.51-3.03%) and eucarvone (1.5-4.48%). The contents of non-volatile components, such as that of total phenolics (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC), total triterpenoids content (TTC) and total free amino acids content (TFAAC) were measured using visible spectrophotometry. In the growing stage, TPC, TFC, TTC and TFAAC were 9.91-12.80 mg/g, 29.84-50.63 mg/g, 0.57-1.41 mg/g and 13.33-28.56 mg/g, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These data can be used as a basis to determine the optimal harvest time of Z. clinopodioide Lam.

Toxicological and pharmacological concerns on oxidative stress and related diseases

Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical are generated as the natural byproduct of normal oxygen metabolism, they can create oxidative damage via interaction with bio-molecules. The role of oxidative stress as a remarkable upstream part is frequently reported in the signaling cascade of inflammation as well as chemo attractant production. Even though hydrogen peroxide can control cell signaling and stimulate cell proliferation at low levels, in higher concentrations it can initiate apoptosis and in very high levels may create necrosis. So far, the role of ROS in cellular damage and death is well documented with implicating in a broad range of degenerative alterations e.g. carcinogenesis, aging and other oxidative stress related diseases (OSRDs). Reversely, it is cleared that antioxidants are potentially able to suppress (at least in part) the immune system and to enhance the normal cellular protective responses to tissue damage. In this review, we aimed to provide insights on diverse OSRDs, which are correlated with the concept of oxidative stress as well as its cellular effects that can be inhibited by antioxidants. Resveratrol, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, statins, nebivolol and carvedilol, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, mitochondria-targeted antioxidants, and plant-derived drugs (alone or combined) are the potential medicines that can be used to control OSRD.

Development of a rapid resolution liquid chromatography-diode array detector method for the determination of three compounds in Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam from different origins of Xinjiang

CONTEXT

As a traditional Uygur medicinal plant, Z. clinopodioides Lam has various uses in Xinjiang.

AIMS

A reversed-phase rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RP-RRLC) method with diode array detector (DAD) was developed for simultaneous determination of diosmin, linarin, and pulegone from Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam, a widely used in traditional Uygur medicine for treating heart disease, high blood pressure, and other diseases.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Compounds were separated on a XDB-C18 reversed-phase analytical column (50 mm × 4.6 mm, 1.8 μm) with gradient elution using methanol and 1% aqueous acetic acid (v/v) at 0.9 mL/min. he detection wavelength was set at 270 nm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. were collected from ten different origins in Xinjiang, including the Ban fang ditch, Tuoli, the Altay mountains, Terks, Xiata Road, Zhaosu Highway, Guozigou, Fukang, Jimsar, Wulabo.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

The intra-day and inter-day precisions of all three compounds were less than 0.89% and the average recoveries ranged from 97.4 to 104.1%. There were highly significant linear correlations between component concentrations and specific chromatographic peak areas (R2 > 0.999).

RESULTS

The proposed method was successfully applied to determine the levels of three active components in Z. clinopodioides Lam. samples from different locations in Xinjiang.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed method is simple, consistent, accurate, and could be utilized as a quality control method for Z. clinopodioides Lam.

Antioxidative effects of cinnamomi cortex: A potential role of iNOS and COX-II

Background:

Cinnamomi cortex has wide varieties of pharmacological actions such as anti-inflammatory action, anti-platelet aggregation, and improving blood circulation. In this study, we tested to determine whether the Cinnamomi cortex extract has antioxidant activities.

Materials and Methods:

Antioxidative actions were explored by measuring free radical scavenging activity, NO levels, and reducing power. The mechanism of antioxidative action of Cinnamomi cortex was determined by measuring iNOS and COX-II expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated Raw cells.

Results:

Seventy percent methanolic extract of Cinnamomi cortex exerted significant 1,1-diphenyl--2--picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and NO scavenging activities in a dose-dependent manner. More strikingly, the Cinnamomi cortex extract exerted dramatic reducing power activity (13-fold over control). Production of iNOS induced by LPS was significantly inhibited by the Cinnamomi cortex extract, suggesting that it inhibits NO production by suppressing iNOS expression. Additionally, COX-2 induced by LPS was dramatically inhibited by the Cinnamomi cortex extract.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that 70% methanolic extract of Cinnamomi cortex exerts significant antioxidant activity via inhibiting iNOS and COX-II induction.

Chemical Fingerprinting by RP-RRLC-DAD and Principal Component Analysis of Ziziphora clinopodioides from Different Locations

An efficient and accurate fingerprinting method using reversed-phase rapid-resolution liquid-chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection has been developed and optimized to examine the variance in active compounds among Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam from different locations. Three active components, diosmin, linarin and pulegone, were identified by matching their retention times and UV spectra with the corresponding reference compounds. Our results indicated that chromatographic fingerprints, in combination with principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), could efficiently identify and distinguish Z. clinopodioides from different sources. Our fingerprinting methods and data will be useful for quality control, and thus, more effective dosing in clinical application of Z. clinopodioides.

GC-MS Analysis of Ziziphora clinopodioides Essential Oil from North Xinjiang, China

The essential oils of Ziziphora clinopodioide Lam. from four different production areas (Banfang ditch; Altay mountains; Tuoli; Terks) were investigated. The oils were extracted by hydro-distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Seventeen constituents were identified in the essential oil from Banfang ditch, 20 in that from the Altay mountains, 12 in the Tuoli essential oil, and 9 in the Terks sample. The major components of the oils were pulegone (67.6%, 32.5%, 86.4%, and 82.1%) and p-menthanone (14.8%, 43.7%, 3.2%, and 8.2% from the Banfang ditch, Tuoli, Altay mountains, and Terks samples, respectively).