Chenopodium murale Juice Shows Anti-Fungal Efficacy in Experimental Oral Candidiasis in Immunosuppressed Rats in Relation to Its Chemical Profile

Chenopodium murale (Syn. Chenopodiastrum murale) (amaranthaceae) is used in the rural Egypt to treat oral ulcers in newborn children. The current study aimed to discover new natural products suitable for treating candidiasis disease with minimal side effects. Characterization of bioactive compounds by LC-QTOF-HR-MS/MS from Chenopodium murale fresh leaves' juice (CMJ) was carried out in order to elucidate their potential anti-fungal and immunomodulatory effects in oral candidiasis in immunosuppressed rats. An oral ulcer candidiasis model was created in three stages: (i) immunosuppression by drinking dexamethasone (0.5 mg/L) for two weeks; (ii) Candida albicans infection (3.00 × 10⁶ viable cell/mL) for one week; and (iii) treatment with CMJ (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg orally) or nystatin (1,000,000 U/L orally) for one week. Two doses of CMJ exhibited antifungal effects, for example, through a significant reduction in CFU/Petri (236.67 ± 37.86 and 4.33 ± 0.58 CFU/Petri), compared to the Candida control (5.86 × 10⁴ ± 1.21 CFU/Petri), p ≤ 0.001. In addition, CMJ significantly induced neutrophil production (32.92% ± 1.29 and 35.68% ± 1.77) compared to the Candida control level of 26.50% ± 2.44. An immunomodulatory effect of CMJ at two doses appeared, with a considerable elevation in INF-γ (103.88 and 115.91%), IL-2 (143.50, 182.33%), and IL-17 (83.97 and 141.95% Pg/mL) compared with the Candida group. LC-MS/MS analysis operated in negative mode was used for tentative identification of secondary (SM) metabolites based on their retention times and fragment ions. A total of 42 phytoconstituents were tentatively identified. Finally, CMJ exhibited a potent antifungal effect. CMJ fought Candida through four strategies: (i) promotion of classical phagocytosis of neutrophils; (ii) activation of T cells that activate IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-17; (iii) increasing the production of cytotoxic NO and H₂O₂ that can kill Candida; and (iv) activation of SOD, which converts superoxide to antimicrobial materials. These activities could be due to its active constituents, which are documented as anti-fungal, or due to its richness in flavonoids, especially the active compounds of kaempferol glycosides and aglycone, which have been documented as antifungal. After repetition on another type of small experimental animal, their offspring, and an experimental large animal, this study may lead to clinical trials.

Chemical profiling of Justicia vahlii Roth. (Acanthaceae) using UPLC-QTOF-MS and GC-MS analysis and evaluation of acute oral toxicity, antineuropathic and antioxidant activities

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Justicia vahlii Roth. (Acanthaceae), also called as kodasoori and bhekkar is an annual therophyte erect or decumbent herb used traditionally in toothache, skin diseases (itching, topical inflammation) and for the treatment of various respiratory disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The current study aimed at exploring pain cessation potential of J. vahlii Roth. via murine model of neuropathic pain and its phytochemical, toxicological and antioxidant profiles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The hydro-alcoholic extract of J. vahlii (HAEJv) prepared by maceration technique was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening, total bioactive content determination, UPLC-QTOF-MS and GC-MS analysis. Toxicity assessment was carried out by using brine shrimp lethality assay and acute oral toxicity test. Murine model of neuropathic pain was applied to assess the antineuropathic potential of the species. Furthermore effect of the extract on catalase, superoxide oxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and total necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was also studied. In vitro antioxidant profile was explored by using four methods; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), CUPric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay.

RESULTS

The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids and lignans as the major classes of secondary metabolites. The extract was found rich in total phenolics content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) with identification of total 59 bioactives in UPLC-QTOF-MS and 40 compounds in GC-MS analysis. The extract was found nontoxic up to 4000 mg/kg (p.o.) in mice and no mortality observed in brine shrimp lethality assay. The HAEJv significantly reduced number of acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions at 100 mg/kg (p < 0.01) and 200 mg/kg (p < 0.001) and increased paw withdrawal threshold p < 0.05 at 100 mg/kg and p < 0.001 at 200 mg/kg, and an increase in tail withdrawal latency time p < 0.001 at 200 mg/kg was observed. The extract significantly increased levels of catalase, SOD and GSH while decreased IL-1β and TNF-α levels in sciatic nerve tissue of mice. HAEJv showed highest antioxidant activity through CUPRAC method 121.32 ± 1.22 mg trolox equivalent per gram of dry extract (mg TE/g DE) followed by DPPH 81.334 ± 4.35 mg TE/g DE, FRAP 69.89 ± 3.05 mg TE/g DE and ABTS 38.17 ± 2.12 mg TE/g DE.

CONCLUSION

The current study back the traditional use of J. vahlii in pain cessation through antioxidant based antineuropathic pain activity and revealed the extract non-toxic with number of functional phytoconstituents and warrants further research on isolation of the compounds and sub-acute toxicity studies.

Investigation on the Metabolism of Curcumin and Baicalein in Zebrafish by Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Background:

Curcumin (CUR) and baicalein (BAI) are the main active ingredients in Curcuma longa and Scutellaria baicalensis, which are used together in Jiang-Qin-Si-Wu decoction to treat gynecological diseases. On the other hand, zebrafish, as a metabolic model has become more popular, therefore, the metabolism of CUR and BAI in zebrafish is investigated in the present study.

Methods:

Zebrafish embryos after hatching 48 hours were divided into four experimental groups. The blank group was exposed to 1 mL of ultra-pure water. Three drug-treated groups were exposed to CUR (8 μM, 1 mL), BAI (8 μM, 1 mL), CUR and BAI (8 μM, 2 mL), respectively. After homogenization, they were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/ MS). The structure of the metabolites was determined by comparing their corresponding mass spectra with those of relevant literature. According to the change of metabolite content, the metabolic effect of curcumin and baicalein was explored.

Results:

Five and six metabolites of CUR and BAI in zebrafish were identified by LC-MS/MS, respectively. Their metabolic pathways in zebrafish were glucuronidation and sulfation. Reduction and methylation reactions also occurred for CUR and BAI, respectively. In addition, after combined exposure of both the drugs, CUR reduced the BAI glucuronide metabolites and inhibited the metabolism of BAI in zebrafish, which is consistent with the mammalian metabolism.

Conclusion:

Using LC-MS/MS analysis, zebrafish is a feasible model for drug metabolism study. The results of metabolic study indicated that CUR might affect the therapeutic effect of BAI.

Assembly of black phosphorus quantum dots-doped MOF and silver nanoclusters as a versatile enzyme-catalyzed biosensor for solution, flexible substrate and latent fingerprint visual detection of baicalin

In this work, a versatile enzyme-catalyzed biosensor was developed by using the assembled nanohybrids of black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs)-doped metal-organic frameworks (MOF) and silver nanoclusters (AgNCs). The nanohybrids of AgNCs/BPQDs/MOF exhibit dual-emissive fluorescence (FL) centers at 630 nm (red) and 535 nm (blue) under excitation at 440 nm. Baicalin enhances the activity of catalase and catalytic decomposition of H₂O₂. With increase of baicalin contents in the mixture containing nanohybrids, catalase and H₂O₂, the catalase-caused decomposition of H₂O₂ was accelerated and the excessive H₂O₂ was consumed. Baicalin can restrain the oxidation capability of H₂O₂. The red-FL (response signal) of AgNCs adhering to MOF increases, while blue-FL (reference signal) of BPQDs doped into MOF has negligible changes. A new ratiometric FL biosensor was designed based on nanohybrids and enzyme-catalyzed reaction. This biosensor enables the detection of baicalin in the range of 0.01-500 μg mL^-1, with a limit of detection of 3 ng mL^-1. This biosensor has high sensitivity, selectivity and stability for baicalin detection in practical samples. Especially, it performed the solution, flexible substrate and latent fingerprint visual detection of baicalin through direct observation of FL color shades with naked eyes. This work explored a facile and efficient semi-quantitative method for versatile FL visual detection, which can promote the development of advanced chemo/bio-sensors and analysis methods.

Pharmacokinetics of B-Ring Unsubstituted Flavones

B-ring unsubstituted flavones (of which the most widely known are chrysin, baicalein, wogonin, and oroxylin A) are 2-phenylchromen-4-one molecules of which the B-ring is devoid of any hydroxy, methoxy, or other substituent. They may be found naturally in a number of herbal products used for therapeutic purposes, and several have been designed by researchers and obtained in the laboratory. They have generated interest in the scientific community for their potential use in a variety of pathologies, and understanding their pharmacokinetics is important for a grasp of their optimal use. Based on a comprehensive survey of the relevant literature, this paper examines their absorption (with deglycosylation as a preliminary step) and their fate in the body, from metabolism to excretion. Differences among species (inter-individual) and within the same species (intra-individual) variability have been examined based on the available data, and finally, knowledge gaps and directions of future research are discussed.

An overview and comparison of a recombinant antigen-binding fragment and an antigen-binding fragment from a monoclonal antibody against wogonin glucuronide

Wogonin glucuronide (wogonin 7-O-β-D-glucuronide, Wgn) is widely recognized as a constituent of Scutellariae radix, which is used in Kampo medicines. Wgn has been used for both pharmacological (antifebrile uses and in detoxification) and research purposes. A recombinant antigen-binding fragment (rFab) and an antigen-binding fragment from a monoclonal antibody (mFab) against Wgn were constructed and used in an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) in this study. The rFab and mFab against Wgn showed both activity and recognition against Wgn. The developed icELISA was validated as a quantitative analytical method to detect Wgn by testing both its utility and its reliability using multiple concentrations of Wgn from S. radix. This approach provides a more economic method to analyze and purify Kampo medicines.

Comparative intestinal bacteria-associated pharmacokinetics of 16 components of Shengjiang Xiexin decoction between normal rats and rats with irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11)-induced gastrointestinal toxicity in vitro using salting-out sample preparation and LC-MS/MS

Comparative intestinal bacteria-associated pharmacokinetics of SXD components between normal and model rats in vitro using salting-out preparation and LC-MS/MS.

Development of an immunoassay using an anti-wogonin glucuronide monoclonal antibody

Wogonin 7-O-β-D-glucuronide (Wgn) is a bioactive flavone present in the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. To generate a monoclonal antibody (MAb) against Wgn, BALB/c mice injected with Wgn-bovine serum albumin yielded splenocytes that we fused with SP2/0 myeloma cells using the polyethylene glycol method. We obtained a hybridoma designated 315A that produced a MAb reactive to Wgn. The anti-Wgn MAb 315A was applied to an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) to quantify Wgn. Subsequent validation revealed that icELISA using the 315A anti-Wgn MAb is an accurate and reliable method for the quantification of Wgn in S. baicalensis.

Simultaneous determination of baicalin, oroxylin A-7-O-glucuronide and wogonoside in rat plasma by UPLC-DAD and its application in pharmacokinetics of pure baicalin, Radix Scutellariae and Yinhuang granule

A novel UPLC-DAD method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of baicalin (baicalein-7-glucuronide, BG), oroxylin A-7-O-glucuronide (OAG) and wogonoside (WG) in rat plasma using rutin as the internal standard. Plasma samples were precipitated using acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid. Separation was performed on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.8 µm) using gradient acetonitrile and 0.2% formic acid water solution as mobile phase. The flow-rate was set at 0.4 mL/min and the eluate was detected at 275 nm. The method was linear over the ranges of 0.075-17.50, 0.050-12.60 and 0.056-14.10 µg/mL for BG, OAG and WG, respectively. The intra- and inter-day precisions were respectively <4.8% and 6.4%. All of the limits of detection of three analytes in rat plasma were 0.01 µg/mL, whereas the limits of quantification were, respectively, 0.035, 0.025 and, 0.025 µg/mL. This assay has been successfully applied to pharmacokinetics of BG, OAG and WG in rats after oral administration of Yinhuang granule (YHG) and comparative pharmacokinetics of BG in rats following oral administration of the pure BG, Radix Scutellariae (RS) or YHG. We speculate that some co-existing ingredients in RS or YHG may increase the absorption and elimination of BG in rat. This work may be helpful for the quality control of Yinhuang granule.