A validated RP-HPLC method for quantitation of trigonelline from herbal formulations containing Trigonella foenum-graecum (L.) seeds

Multi-target neuroprotective effects of herbal medicines for Alzheimer's disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, but its treatment options remain few and ineffective. To find new therapeutic strategies, natural products have gained interest due to their neuroprotective potential, being able to target different pathological hallmarks associated with this disorder. Several plant species are traditionally used due to their empirical neuroprotective effects and it is worth to explore their mechanism of action.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study intended to explore the neuroprotective potential of seven traditional medicinal plants, namely Scutellaria baicalensis, Ginkgo biloba, Hypericum perforatum, Curcuma longa, Lavandula angustifolia, Trigonella foenum-graecum and Rosmarinus officinalis. The safety assessment with reference to pesticides residues was also aimed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Decoctions prepared from these species were chemically characterized by HPLC-DAD and screened for their ability to scavenge four different free radicals (DPPH^•, ABTS^•+, O₂^•‒ and ^•NO) and to inhibit enzymes related to neurodegeneration (cholinesterases and glycogen synthase kinase-3β). Cell viability through MTT assay was also evaluated in two different brain cell lines, namely non-tumorigenic D3 human brain endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) and NSC-34 motor neurons. Furthermore, and using GC, 21 pesticides residues were screened.

RESULTS

Regarding chemical composition, chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of several flavonoids, phenolic acids, curcuminoids, phenolic diterpenoids, one alkaloid and one naphthodianthrone in the seven decoctions. All extracts were able to scavenge free radicals and were moderate glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitors; however, they displayed weak to moderate acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition. G. biloba and L. angustifolia decoctions were the less cytotoxic to hCMEC/D3 and NSC-34 cell lines. No pesticides residues were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The results extend the knowledge on the potential use of plant extracts to combat multifactorial disorders, giving new insights into therapeutic avenues for Alzheimer's disease.

Advances in the quality control of fenugreek seeds using chromatographic, spectroscopic and DNA-based techniques: A comprehensive review

INTRODUCTION

Fenugreek has been used in traditional remedies since ancient times. It has a long history of use against medical ailments as an antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, antibacterial, hypoglycemic, gastric stimulant, and anti-anorexia agent. The major active constituents include alkaloids, fibres, saponins, proteins, and amino acids.

OBJECTIVES

To provide a comprehensive overview of the application of chromatographic and spectroscopic methods, in addition to DNA-profiling methods to assess the quality of fenugreek. Also, to highlight the recent application of chemometrics combined with quality control methods during the last two decades.

METHODOLOGY

A literature search conducted from January 2000 up to December 2020 using various scientific databases (e.g., Scopus, Medline, PubMed, EBSCO, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Egyptian Knowledge Bank, Academic Journals, and Springer Link); general web searches were also undertaken using Google applying some related search terms. Studies involving the application of quality control analyses were classified into three categories according to the conducted analysis method including chromatographic [high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), and gas chromatography (GC)], spectroscopic [ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)], and DNA-based markers.

RESULTS

This review shed the light on relevant studies covering the past two decades, presenting the application of spectroscopic and chromatographic methods and DNA profiling in the quality control of fenugreek.

CONCLUSION

The reviewed chromatographic and spectroscopic methods combined with chemometrics provide a powerful tool that could be applied widely for the quality control of fenugreek.

Ethanolic Fenugreek Extract: Its Molecular Mechanisms against Skin Aging and the Enhanced Functions by Nanoencapsulation

Fenugreek, or Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (family Leguminosae) seeds, are typically used as food supplements to increase postnatal lactation. Fenugreek extract displays antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, but its mechanisms against skin aging have not been exploited. In this research, we are the first to define an in vitro collagenase inhibitory activity of fenugreek extract (IC₅₀ = 0.57 ± 0.02 mg/mL), which is 2.6 times more potent than vitamin C (IC₅₀ = 1.46 mg/mL). Nanoencapsulation has been applied to improve the extract stability, and subsequently enhanced its bioactivities. Liponiosome encapsulating fenugreek extract (LNF) was prepared using a high-speed homogenizer, resulting in homogeneous spherical nanoparticles with sizes in the range of 174.7 ± 49.2 nm, 0.26 ± 0.04 in PdI, and 46.6 ± 7.4% of entrapment efficiency. LNF formulation significantly facilitated a sustained release and significantly enhanced skin penetration over the extracts, suggesting a potential use of LNF for transdermal delivery. The formulated LNF was highly stable, not toxic to human fibroblast, and was able to enhance cell viability, collagen production, and inhibit MMP1, MMP9, IL-6, and IL-8 secretions compared to the extract in the co-cultured skin model. Therefore, ethanolic fenugreek extract and its developed LNF display molecular mechanisms against skin aging and could potentially be used as an innovative ingredient for the prevention of skin aging.

Detection of Genetic Polymorphisms using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Plants after Seed Treatment with Biotic and Abiotic Agents

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. is a widely used herb in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic polymorphisms in fenugreek plants following the treatment of fenugreek seeds with different combinations of biotic and abiotic agents using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR technique. We assessed the effects of two strains of the fungus Trichoderma harzianum (Th-1 and Th-2), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and Aloe vera gel (AVG) on growth parameters of fenugreek plants. Combinations of Th-1, MeJA, AVG significantly increased fenugreek root length, shoot length, shoot fresh weight, number of true leaves, and chlorophyll content. The Th-2 isolate, on the other hand, markedly slowed plant development (except for root length which was not affected significantly). In contrast, the combination with MeJA had no considerable effect on all growth measures, whereas the combination with VAG resulted in a substantial drop in shoot height and chlorophyll content when compared to other growth parameters that were unaffected. The present study has shown that the PCR amplification of DNA, using five primers for RAPD analysis, produced 62 DNA fragments that could be scored in all genotypes. The total number of polymorphic bands was 26, and the average percentage of polymorphism was 54.21%. The RAPD-PCR results showed that the treatment of fenugreek seeds with Th-1 alone or in combination with MeJA and AVG induced polymorphisms in fenugreek leaves.

Scope of herbal mucilage in pharmaceutical formulations. A review

The aim of the article was to obtain maximum information about plant mucilage, its sources and applications in the pharmaceutical industry. This study focuses on the scientific articles and books available in Internet resources and college library that deal with the sources, applications, extraction and isolation of plant mucilage. Mucilage is obtained mainly from plant sources and can be isolated easily. Due to the low cost, easy availability, non-toxicity, non-irritancy, and biocompatibility, mucilage is of great demand in the field of pharmaceuticals. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L., Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Abelmoschus esculentus L, Plantago ovata Forssk. and Aloe barbadensis L. are some common sources of mucilage. The isolation methods vary depending on the part of the plant where mucilage is present. It is commonly used as gelling agent, suspending agent, binder, and disintegrant. Since it is hydrophilic in nature, chances of deterioration are higher. In this review, different mucilage sources and their isolation methods are discussed in detail. Mucilage is used as excipient in many formulations of tablets, suspensions, gels, etc. The study explores the potential of plant mucilage as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations. The biodegradable and biocompatible properties of this inexpensive excipient make it more favourable for the newer formulation development.

Elucidating the Improvement in Vascular Endothelial Function from Sakurajima Daikon and Its Mechanism of Action: A Comparative Study with Raphanus sativus

Vascular diseases, such as myocardial and cerebral infarctions, are the leading causes of death. Some vascular diseases occur as the result of decreases in vascular endothelial function. The innermost layer of the vasculature is formed by vascular endothelial cells (VECs), which are critical for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. In our search for active constituents in farm products with the potential for improving the vascular system, we examined the effect of Raphanus sativus cv. Sakurajima Daikon on NO production in VECs. In this study, we found that the underlying mechanism for stimulating NO production by Sakurajima Daikon extract involves endothelial-NO-synthase (eNOS) activation by the phosphorylation of Ser1177 and the dephosphorylation of Thr495, which are triggered by elevated concentrations of cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ resulting from the activation of Ca²⁺ channels in VECs. We observed that trigonelline, an active constituent of Sakurajima Daikon, improves NO production in VEC cultures.

Natural Inhibitors of HMG-CoA Reductase-An Insilico Approach Through Molecular Docking and Simulation Studies

Plant products have always been considered for many important metabolic disorders due to its abundant medicinal properties. Alarming adverse effects of overuse of statins has been reported for patients with dyslipidemia. This study was aimed to identify compounds with potent anti-dyslipidemic property from selected plants and analyze them for their efficiency in binding with HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in lipid metabolism. The docking studies indicate rutin as the best compound that can inhibit HMG-CoA reductase as it had strong binding affinity to the enzyme. The molecular dynamics simulation studies confirmed the stability of the HMG-CoA reductase-rutin complex. RMSD, RMSF, Rg, H-bond results indicated that the HMG-CoA reductase-rutin complex is highly stable. Presently, statins are not preferred for individuals with pre-existing liver disease. Our study identified rutin as a promising lead compound which could be further developed into an anti-dyslipidemic molecule. Our results will be a good starting point for future experimental and clinical studies and if the results from such studies match international standards plant derived rutin might emerge as a good alternative to statins. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 52-57, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Protective effects of trigonelline against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats and potential underlying mechanisms

The gastroprotective activity of trigonelline against indomethacin-induced ulcer and the role of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms have been explored.