Chemical constituents and biological activities of two Iranian Cystoseira species

New investigation of anti-inflammatory activity of Polycladia crinita and biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles: isolation and characterization

BACKGROUND

Marine macroalgae have gained interest recently, mostly due to their bioactive components. Polycladia crinita is an example of marine macroalgae from the Phaeophyceae class, also known as brown algae. They are characterized by a variety of bioactive compounds with valuable medical applications. The prevalence of such naturally active marine resources has made macroalgae-mediated manufacturing of nanoparticles an appealing strategy. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features of an aqueous extract of Polycladia crinita and biosynthesized P. crinita selenium nanoparticles (PCSeNPs) via a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. The synthesized PCSeNPs were fully characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and EDX analyses.

RESULTS

FTIR analysis of Polycladia crinita extract showed several sharp absorption peaks at 3435.2, 1423.5, and 876.4 cm-1 which represent O-H, C=O and C=C groups. Moreover, the most frequent functional groups identified in P. crinita aqueous extract that are responsible for producing SeNPs are the -NH2-, -C=O-, and -SH- groups. The EDX spectrum analysis revealed that the high percentages of Se and O, 1.09 ± 0.13 and 36.62 ± 0.60%, respectively, confirmed the formation of SeNPs. The percentages of inhibition of the edema in pretreated groups with doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p., of PCSeNPs were 62.78% and 77.24%, respectively. Furthermore, the pretreated groups with 25, 50 mg/kg of P. crinita extract displayed a substantial decrease in the MDA levels (P < 0.00, 26.9%, and 51.68% decrease, respectively), indicating potent antioxidant effect. Additionally, the pretreated groups with PCSeNPs significantly suppressed the MDA levels (P < 0.00, 54.77%, and 65.08% decreases, respectively). The results of immune-histochemical staining revealed moderate COX-2 and Il-1β expressions with scores 2 and 1 in rats pre-treated with 25 and 50 mg/kg of free extract, respectively. Additionally, the rats pre-treated with different doses of PCSeNPs demonstrated weak COX-2 and Il-1β expressions with score 1 (25 mg/kg) and negative expression with score 0 (50 mg/kg). Both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were dose-dependent.

CONCLUSIONS

These distinguishing features imply that this unique alga is a promising anti-inflammatory agent. Further studies are required to investigate its main active ingredients and possible side effects.

Pentafuhalol-B, a Phlorotannin from Brown Algae, Strongly Inhibits the PLK-1 Overexpression in Cancer Cells as Revealed by Computational Analysis

Polo-like kinase-1 (PLK-1) is an essential mitotic serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) kinase that belongs to the Polo-like kinase (PLK) family and is overexpressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via promotion of cell division. Therefore, PLK-1 may act as a promising target for the therapeutic cure of various cancers. Although a variety of anti-cancer drugs, both synthetic and naturally occurring, such as volasertib, onvansertib, thymoquinone, and quercetin, are available either alone or in combination with other therapies, they have limited efficacy, especially in the advanced stages of cancer. To the best of our knowledge, no anticancer agent has been reported from marine algae or microorganisms to date. Thus, the aim of the present study is a high-throughput virtual screening of phlorotannins, obtained from edible brown algae, using molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation analysis. Among these, Pentafuhalol-B (PtB) showed the lowest binding energy (best of triplicate runs) against the target protein PLK-1 as compared to the reference drug volasertib. Further, in MD simulation (best of triplicate runs), the PtB-PLK-1 complex displayed stability in an implicit water system through the formation of strong molecular interactions. Additionally, MMGBSA calculation (best of triplicate runs) was also performed to validate the PtB-PLK-1 complex binding affinities and stability. Moreover, the chemical reactivity of PtB towards the PLK-1 target was also optimised using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which exhibited a lower HOMO-LUMO energy gap. Overall, these studies suggest that PtB binds strongly within the pocket sites of PLK-1 through the formation of a stable complex, and also shows higher chemical reactivity than the reference drug volasertib. The present study demonstrated the inhibitory nature of PtB against the PLK-1 protein, establishing its potential usefulness as a small molecule inhibitor for the treatment of different types of cancer.

A Review on the Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Effect of Marine Organisms of Persian Gulf

Marine organisms contain several natural products and bioactive compounds, including hydrolyzed proteins, antioxidant peptides, gelatin, collagen, ω-3 unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, chitosan, lectin, and various toxins. They can inhibit diverse diseases, be used in pharmaceutical compounds, or as antibiotics and pigments. In this regard, these microorganisms are of crucial medicinal and economical importance. Thanks to new technologies and advanced laboratory methods, bioactive compounds can be extracted from aquatic organisms. In this review study, the cytotoxicity (IC50) and antibacterial effect of various extracts from marine organisms of the Persian Gulf are explored, compiled, and compared. Due to their easy accessibility, most of the studies are green, red, and brown algae.

Effect of the Sargassum angustifolium Extract on Methamphetamine-Induced Cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y Cells

This study aimed to assess the effect of the Sargassum angustifolium extract in methamphetamine-induced SH-SY5Y cells death. The brown algae S. angustifolium was extracted with 80% ethanol. The SH-SY5Y cells were treated with different concentrations of methamphetamine to measure IC50 $\mathrm{..}$ The MTT test was used to assess the toxic effect of the S. angustifolium extract in SH-SY5Y cells. SH-SY5Y cells’ survival was measured while cells were treated with different concentrations of methamphetamine and S. angustifolium extract simultaneously. A specific kit measured intracellular ROS levels. Western blot analysis evaluated the expression of cytochrome C and Bax/Bcl2 ratio. The results showed that 5 mM methamphetamine approximately killed 50% of the cells, so it is considered IC50. The MTT test showed no toxicity effect for the S. angustifolium extract. 80, 160, 320, and 640 μg/ml of S. angustifolium extract prevented the occurrence of methamphetamine toxic effects in SH-SY5Y cells after 24 hours. Moreover, the S. angustifolium extract decreased ROS levels and cytochrome C release and reduced BaX/Bcl2 ratio in cells treated by methamphetamine. On the whole, it seems that the S. angustifolium hydroalcoholic extract has the potential to increase cell survival through in vitro antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities.

Extraction and fractionation of the seaweed Sargassum plagyophylum and evauation of fractions on depression induced by interferon alpha in mice

Background:

Marine organisms such as seaweeds, produce potent chemicals with characteristic biological features. Sargassum species have great potential to be used for neuronal protection as part of nutraceuticals. The aim was to investigate the effects of hexane and methanol extracts of Sargassum plagyophylum from the Persian Gulf on depression induced by interferon-α (IFNa) in mice.

Materials and Methods:

S. plagyophylum was extracted by maceration with methanol-ethyl acetate solvent (1:1). The extract was evaporated and partitioned by hexane and methanol solvents. Male mice were used, depression was induced by SC injecting IFNα (16 × 10 ^5IU/kg) for 6 days. Animals were subject to the forced swimming test (FST) after the locomotor test, on day 7. The extracts were administered IP either one single dose (acute) before the test, or simultaneously with IFNα (sub-acute).

Results:

The locomotor activity was not different from control values. IFNa increased the immobility time during FST (140 ± 14 s vs. control group 95 ± 9 s, P < 0.05). Hexane extract acute (40 mg/kg) injection was not effective while its sub-acute (20 mg/kg) injection reduced immobility time (46 ± 8 s, P < 0.001 vs. IFNa alone). Methanol extract acute (20 mg/kg) and sub-acute (20 mg/kg) administration significantly reduced immobility during the FST (78 ± 20 s, and 72 ± 8 s respectively, P < 0.05 vs. IFNa alone).

Conclusion:

S. plagyophylum has antidepressant effects, the hexane extract could prevent depression while the methanol extract not only prevented but also treated depression induced by IFNa in mice. Since this species is abundant in the Persian Gulf further clinical studies on its psychological effects are warranted.

Bioassay-Guided Fractionation and Antimicrobial Activities of Padina australis Extracts

Background: Marine seaweeds synthesize different metabolites with various biological activities, including antimicrobial effects. Objectives: The main object of this study was to fractionate the seaweed Padina australis and analyze the antimicrobial activities of these fractions to isolate the bioactive compounds. Methods: Padina australis was collected from the Persian Gulf and extracted by maceration with methanol-ethyl acetate solvent. The extract was evaporated and partitioned by the Kupchan method to yield hexane, dichloromethane, water, and butanol partitions. Dichloromethane partition was further fractionated by MPLC, and antimicrobial activity of the crude extracts and all fractions were investigated using disc diffusion and agar plate count methods. The MIC values of hexane, dichloromethane, chloroform, and butanol partitions and all fractions were calculated. Results: Fraction numbers 11, 4, and 7 showed the highest inhibitory effect with MIC value of 87 µg/mL, 156 µg/mL, and 156 µg/mL against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus, respectively. Conclusions: This study reveals that different fractions of P. australis have antimicrobial activities against various microorganisms.

A review on phytoconstituents of marine brown algae

Background

From the last few years, the development and discovery of bioactive compounds and their potential properties from marine algae have been enhanced significantly. The coastal area is a huge storehouse for propitious algae. It has been the genuine reality that the consequence of marine algae as a source of different compounds is increasing.

Main body

Numerous advanced research devices are available for the discovery of synthetic compounds but still many researchers are working on natural bioactive compounds to discover their biological properties, which are useful to society. Marine algae are taking the preponderance of consideration from investigators owing to its phenomenon of biological activity like anti-cancer, anti-viral, cholesterol-reducing, and many more. A variety of compounds are collected from algae with specific purposes as they remain in an extremely ambitious and hard state; this condition is responsible for the synthesis of very particularly effective bioactive compounds. The present article is concentrating on the brown algae of the Gujarat coast, phlorotannins, polyphenol, phytosterol from brown algae, and their various applications. The main importance has been given to the secondary metabolites and various applications of marine brown algae.

Conclusion

From this review, it can be concluded that the prominent bioactive compounds from brown algae can cure many serious diseases. Besides, the potential biological activities of a special bioactive compound may represent the interest in the industry of pharmaceuticals, cosmeceutical, and functional foods.

Citral Protects Human Endothelial Cells Against Hydrogen Peroxide-induced Oxidative Stress

OBJECTIVES

Oxidative stress plays a major role in endothelial dysfunction. Citral is a monoterpene aldehyde with antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of citral on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cells were treated with citral (0.625-10 μg/mL) for 24 h before exposure to H2O2 (0.5 mM, 2 h). Cell viability was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The hydroperoxide concentrations and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were measured in intra- and extracellular fluids.

RESULTS

Pretreatment of HUVECs with citral at concentrations of 5 and 10 μg/mL significantly enhanced the cell viability in H2O2-induced cytotoxicity. It reduced intracellular hydroperoxide levels at the concentrations of 5 and 10 μg/mL and extracellular hydroperoxide levels at the concentrations of 2.5-10 μg/mL. Pretreatment with citral significantly increased the FRAP value in intra- and extracellular fluids at the concentration range of 1.25-10 μg/mL.

CONCLUSION

Antioxidant and cytoprotective effects were found for citral against oxidative damage induced by H2O2 in human endothelial cells. However, more studies in this area are needed to assess its clinical value for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anti-Tumor Activities of Sargassum linearifolium and Cystoseira crinita from Egyptian Mediterranean Coast

Brown algae earned importance by virtue of their promising secondary metabolites of reasonable biological activities. Herein, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects of crude extracts obtained from two Egyptian brown seaweeds, Sargassum linearifolium and Cystoseira crinita were evaluated. Phytochemical and GC-MS analyses revealed numerous active secondary metabolites in C. crinita cold methanolic extract (CCME) and S. linearifolium hot aqueous extract (SHAE). Both SHAE and CCME exhibited comparable DPPH (124.5 vs 125.6 µg/ml) and ABTS (257.1 vs 254.8 µg/ml) scavenging activities, respectively. Moreover, both crude extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms. Interestingly, employing MTT assay revealed cytotoxic effects of both extracts against a panel of cancer cells, where CCME showed a strong cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 18.0 ± 0.74 µg/ml), while SHAE exhibited a moderate effect (IC50 = 31.1 ± 1.04 µg/ml). Increased mRNA and protein expression of Bax and Beclin-1 as well as the decreased expression of Bcl-2 revealed the ability of both extracts to induce apoptosis and autophagy in MCF-7 cells. Collectively, these findings provide evidence for antioxidant, antimicrobial, as well as anticancer effects driven by the two brown seaweeds that may underlay their plausible application in the therapeutic uses.

The effect of different partitions of seaweed Sargassum plagyophylum on depression behavior in mice model of despair

Background Seaweeds are a famous traditional food resource in some countries containing different types of secondary metabolites. These marine organisms have shown different biological activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hexane and methanol extracts of Sargassum plagyophylum on depression. Methods Sargassum plagyophylum was collected from Persian Gulf. The plant was extracted by maceration with methanol-ethyl acetate solvent. The extract was evaporated and partitioned by hexane and methanol solvents. The two partitions were administered i.p. to male mice either a single dose or for 7 days. Depression was evaluated by the forced swimming test (FST) which higher immobility time indicates depressive-like behavior. Results The immobility time during FST decreased significantly by all the doses of the hexane partitions (notably 40 mg/kg; 10 s ± 2 vs. 114 s ± 12 control group). However, only the lowest dose (20 mg/kg) of the methanol partition reduced immobility time during FST (23 s ± 8, p<0.001). Following the long term administration both of the partitions reduced the immobility time in FST (hexane 27 s ± 11, methanol 70 s ± 14, p<0.05 vs. control 140 s ± 14). Conclusion The hexane partition showed antidepressant effects not only by long-term administration but also by the single dose during FST. The 7 days therapy with methanol partition also induced antidepressant behavior, but only the lowest single dose reduced immobility in FST. The methanol partitions possibly have certain substance that interfered with behavior in the FST. Therefore, S. plagyophylum should be considered for further antidepressant studies.

In vitro antioxidant effects of different extracts obtained from the leaves and seeds of Allium ampeloprasum subsp. persicum

Introduction: This study evaluated antioxidant effects of hexane, chloroform, chloroform-methanol, aqueous and butanol extracts of leaves and seeds of Allium ampeloprasum subsp. persicum.Methods: Various extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and H2O2 scavenging activities.Results: Total phenolic content varied from 2.46 to 8.12 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram for various extracts with the highest level for butanol leave extract. Butanol leave extract showed the lowest IC50 of DPPH scavenging. FRAP assay showed stronger antioxidant capacity for leaves than seeds’ extracts and butanol extract was comparable to ascorbic acid at the concentration 50 μg/mL. In H2O2 scavenging activity assay, butanol and chloroform-methanol leave extracts showed the least IC50 value.Conclusion: Our results revealed moderately low amount of phenolic compounds and weak DPPH scavenging activity for all extracts of A. ampeloprasum subsp. persicum. However, leaves extracts showed good total antioxidant capacity and H2O2 scavenging activity.

Cytotoxic Screening of Marine Organisms from Persian Gulf

BACKGROUND

Marine organisms produce a variety of compounds with pharmacological activities, including anticancer effects. They contain several secondary metabolites with interesting biological activities. This study attempted to find cytotoxicity of Hexane, Dichloromethane and Butanol partitions of Holothuria leucospilota and Echinometra mathaei.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

H. leucospilota and E. mathaei were collected from Persian Gulf. The animals were extracted by maceration with methanol-ethyl acetate (1:1). The H. leucospilota extract was partitioned by Kupchan method to hexane, dichloromethane, butanol, and water partitions. The cytotoxic activity of the extracts was investigated against HeLa (cervical cancer) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells cell lines by mitochondrial tetrazolium test assay after 72 h.

RESULTS

The cell survivals of HeLa cell were decreased by increasing the concentration of extracts. A significant reduction in cell viability at the doses of 30 (μg/ml) of dichloromethane (DCM) partition, 0.3, 3, and 30 (μg/ml) of ButOH partitions of sea cucumber, and 0.5 (μg/ml) of E. mathaei was observed. The median growth inhibitory concentration value of Hex, DCM, ButoH, and water partitions were 0.301, 0.21, 2.29, and 0.229 μg/ml, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals that different partitions of H. leucospilota and total extract of E. mathaei have cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines. More study is necessary to find the active metabolites in the more active partitions.

Cytotoxicity of Sargassum angustifolium Partitions against Breast and Cervical Cancer Cell Lines

Background

Marine organisms produce a variety of compounds with pharmacological activities including anticancer effects. This study attempt to find cytotoxicity of hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM), and butanol (BUTOH) partitions of Sargassum angustifolium.

Materials and Methods

S. angustifolium was collected from Bushehr, a Southwest coastline of Persian Gulf. The plant was extracted by maceration with methanol-ethyl acetate. The extract was evaporated under vacuum and partitioned by Kupchan method to yield HEX, DCM, and BUTOH partitions. The cytotoxic activity of the extract (150, 450, and 900 μg/ml) was investigated against MCF-7 (breast cancer), HeLa (cervical cancer), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells cell lines by mitochondrial tetrazolium test assay after 72 h.

Results

The cell survivals of HeLa and MCF-7 cell were decreased by increasing the concentration of extracts from 150 μg/ml to 900 μg/ml. The median growth inhibitory concentration value of HEX partition was 71 and 77 μg/ml against HeLa and MCF-7, dichloromethane partition was 36 and 88 μg/ml against HeLa and MCF-7, respectively. BUTOH partition was 25 μg/ml against MCF-7.

Conclusion

This study reveals that different partitions of S. angustifolium have cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines.

Anti-tuberculosis and cytotoxic evaluation of the seaweed Sargassum boveanum

Marine seaweeds produce a variety of compounds with different biological activities, including antituberculosis and anticancer effects. The aim of this study was to investigate anti-tuberculosis activity of Sargassum boveanum (S. boveanum) and cytotoxicity of different fractions of this seaweed. S. boveanum was collected from Persian Gulf. The plant was extracted by maceration with methanol-ethyl acetate solvent. The extract was evaporated and partitioned by Kupchan method to yield hexane, tricholoroethane, chloroform, and butanol partitions. The anti-tuberculosis activity of the crude extract and toxicity of the fractions were investigated using green fluorescent protein reporter microplate assay and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay methods, respectively. The cell survivals of HeLa cell were decreased by increasing the concentration of the extracts. The IC₅₀ values of hexane, tricholoroethane, chloroform, and butanol partitions were 150.3 ± 23.10, 437.0 ± 147.3, 110.4 ± 33.67, and 1025.0 ± 15.20 μg/mL, respectively. The crude extract was not active against tuberculosis. This study reveals that different partitions of S. boveanum have cytotoxic activity against the cancer cell lines.