Gypsogenin Battling for a Front Position in the Pentacyclic Triterpenes Game of Thrones on Anti-Cancer Therapy: A Critical Review-Dedicated to the Memory of Professor Hanaa M. Rady

In the last decade, gypsogenin has attracted widespread attention from medicinal chemists by virtue of its prominent anti-cancer potential. Despite its late identification, gypsogenin has proved itself as a new anti-proliferative player battling for a frontline position among other classic pentacyclic triterpenes such as oleanolic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, and celastrol. Herein, we present the most important reactions of gypsogenin via modification of its four functional groups. Furthermore, we demonstrate insights into the anti-cancer activity of gypsogenin and its semisynthetic derivatives and go further by introducing our perspective to judiciously guide the prospective rational design. The present article opens a new venue for a better exploitation of gypsogenin chemical entity as a lead compound in cancer chemotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review article exploring the anti-cancer activity of gypsogenin derivatives.

Protective role of Codiaeum variegatum against genotoxicity induced by carmustine in somatic and germ cells of male mice

Background

Carmustine (Cr) is an important chemotherapeutic drug, widely used in the treatment of brain tumors. Herein, the protective role of Codiaeum variegatum leaves ethyl acetate fraction was determined against genotoxicity of Cr. The technique HPLC-qTOF-MS/MS was used to identify the constituents in C. variegatum.

Materials

90 male mice were used to evaluate micronuclei (MPCEs) in bone marrow, chromosomal aberration (CAs) in bone marrow and mouse spermatocytes, sperm abnormalities, and gene expression (qRT-PCR). The following groups were included, I: Negative control (ethanol 30%), II: Positive control (i.p injected once with 30 mg/kg Cr), III: Control orally treated with C. variegatum at 500 mg/kg, four days. IV-VI: treated with 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg of the plant (4 days) plus a single dose of Cr.

Results

In bone marrow, Cr induced significant increase in MPCEs and CAs by 3 and 7-folds respectively over the control. Cr also induced a significant percentage of CAs in spermatocytes in meiosis in the form of univalent (X–Y and autosomal univalent) and also a significant percentage of morphological sperm abnormalities was recorded. A large number of coiled tail abnormalities were detected indicating the effect of Cr in sperm motility. Cr induced an overexpression of p53 gene. C. variegatum mitigated all deleterious genotoxic effects of Cr. Chemical analysis showed that flavones (35.21%) and phenolic acids (17.62%) constitute the main components.

Conclusions

The results indicated that Cr is genotoxic in both somatic and germ cells. The active components in C. variegatum together participate in the obtained protective role.

Hemimycale Arabica Induced Non-Cytotoxic Anti-Migratory Activity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Vitro

OBJECTIVE

In this work, we represented new non-cytotoxic treatments to avoid serious side effects of current used cytotoxic anticancer drugs. These treatments can compensate in finding convenient treatment for each individual case using a single agent from marine sponge Hemimycale arabica.

METHODS

The ethanol extract was partitioned by cold sequential liquid-liquid extraction to afford petroleum ether, diethyl ether, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions. Chemical composition of H. arabica was performed by gas-liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Anticancer activity was evaluated by means of cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, tumor cell migration inhibition and expression analysis of proliferation and migration-related genes.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that all treatments were non-cytotoxic except for dichloromethane fraction which exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity. Caspase-independent apoptosis was induced by total ethanol and dichloromethane fractions while ethyl acetate fraction induces caspase-dependent apoptosis. All treatments inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-independent migration. Petroleum ether and dichloromethane inhibited migration through the down-regulation of FGF and it could be used as anticancer therapy for VEGF-resistance patients. While ethanol inhibited tumor cell migration through down-regulation of all tested genes expression. Ether and ethyl acetate fractions exerted anti-migratory activity without affecting the tested genes. All resuls were statistically significant at p˂0.05.

CONCLUSION

Total ethanol extract is a promising non-cytotoxic anticancer agent because of its powerful apoptosis induction and capability to block tumor cell migration. Petroleum ether and ether fractions area weak non-cytotoxic anti-migratory agents. Dichloromethane could be a moderate cytotoxic anti-migratory agent induced caspase-independent apoptosis. It could be used in anticancer therapy for VEGF-resistance patients through downregulation of FGF. Ethyl acetate fraction considered a non-cytotoxic agent exerting moderate anti-migratory activity. The new sponge-derived treatments can solve different resistance problems to find a convenient treatment for each individual case using a single agent.

Alloimperatorin from Ammi majus fruits mitigates Piroxicam-provoked gastric ulcer and hepatorenal toxicity in rats via suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis

Introduction: Fruits of Ammi majus, commonly called bishop's weed, contain a significant amount of furanocoumarins. Alloimperatorin (Allo, 6) was isolated from the free coumarin fraction of fruits, beside 8-hydroxypsoralen (1), methoxsalen (2), heraclin (3), isoimperatorin (4), imperatorin (5), isoheraclenin (7) and heraclenin hydrate (8). Piroxicam (Px) is a widely used pain-relieving drug that demonstrated side effects, including gastric ulceration and hepatorenal toxicity.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the protective potential of Alloimperatorin against Px-induced gastric ulceration and hepatorenal toxicity.Material & Methods: Rats were divided into four groups: Negative control, Px-induced rats, Allo + Px co-treated group, and Pc + Px co-treated group. Allo (25 mg/kg body weight) and Pc (25 mg/kg body weight) treatments were received 5 days before and 4 days after Px intoxication for 4 days (50 mg/kg body weight). Serum prostaglandin E2 (PG-E2) and liver and kidney functions were measured. Oxidative stress markers were evaluated in the three tissues. Histopathological features and caspase-3 immunoexpression were monitoredResults & Discussion: Px triggered gastric ulceration, increased indices of liver and kidney functions, decreased PG-E2 levels, provoked oxidative stress, and activated caspase-3 immunoexpression. Co-treatment with Allo demonstrated protective activities.Conclusion: Alloimperatorin exhibited anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities.

Pulicaria crispa mitigates nephrotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats via regulation oxidative, inflammatory, tubular and glomerular indices

CONTEXT

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induces oxidative stress in various tissues by altering antioxidants defense system. Recently, there has been a substantial use of phytotherapy to treat different diseases.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate the curative effect of Pulicaria crispa (Forssk.) Benth et Hook (Family Asteraceae) aerial parts ethanol extract against CCl₄ induced toxicity in rats kidneys.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nephrotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection with CCl₄ in a dose of 0.5 mL/kg b.wt./twice a week for six consecutive weeks. Serum kidney function tests, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, nephrotoxicity biomarkers and histopathological observation were evaluated.

RESULTS

CCl₄ increased serum kidney function parameters, malondialdehyde level, inflammatory cytokines, and nephrotoxicity markers, while decreased certain oxidative stress indices as superoxide dismutase and glutathione refereeing to the control group (p < 0.0001). Administration of P. crispa ethanol extract to CCl₄ injured rats attenuated these changes with variable degrees. The results were confirmed through the observed amelioration of the renal histological architectures.

CONCLUSION

P. crispa ethanol extract possesses potent curative effect against CCl₄-induced nephropathy through improvement of kidney function, oxidative stress, inflammatory and nephrotoxicity index and the renal histopathological features. To establish the therapeutic and pharmacological applications of the plant, additional researches are required.

Genus Sophora: a comprehensive review on secondary chemical metabolites and their biological aspects from past achievements to future perspectives

Sophora is deemed as one of the most remarkable genera of Fabaceae, and the third largest family of flowering plants. The genus Sophora comprises approximately 52 species, 19 varieties, and 7 forms that are widely distributed in Asia and mildly in Africa. Sophora species are recognized to be substantial sources of broad spectrum biopertinent secondary metabolites namely flavonoids, isoflavonoids, chalcones, chromones, pterocarpans, coumarins, benzofuran derivatives, sterols, saponins (mainly triterpene glycosides), oligostilbenes, and mainly alkaloids. Meanwhile, extracts and isolated compounds from Sophora have been identified to possess several health-promising effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antiplatelets, antipyretic, anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-osteoporosis, anti-ulcerative colitis, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antidiarrheal, and insecticidal activities. Herein, the present review aims to provide comprehensive details about the phytochemicals and biological effects of Sophora species. The review spotlighted on the promising phytonutrients extracted from Sophora and their plethora of bioactivities. The review also clarifies the remaining gaps and thus qualifies and supplies a platform for further investigations of these compounds.

Downregulation of fibrosis and inflammatory signalling pathways in rats liver via Pulicaria crispa aerial parts ethanol extract

CONTEXT

Liver is a vital organ for the detoxification of toxic substances in the body, where fibrosis is the major cause of liver damage. Pulicaria crispa processes many therapeutic applications such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-ulcerative agent.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to modulate the fibrosis and inflammatory signalling pathways in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in rats via treatment with Pulicaria crispa aerial parts ethanol extract (PCEE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CCl₄ was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 0.5 mL/kg b.wt./twice a week/six consecutive weeks, PCEE was orally allocated at a dose of 250 mg/kg b.wt./day/six weeks and silymarin was orally administrated at a dose of 100 mg/kg, b.wt/day/six weeks. The plant extract evaluation was done through measuring aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST& ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total lipids (TP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low level glycoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), alpha fetoprotein (AFP), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). The liver architectures were also estimated.

RESULT

The phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of sterols and/or triterpenoids. Treatments with plant extract suppressed significantly (p < 0.0001) the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, TP, TG, TC, LDH-C, MDA, NO, AFP, TNF-α and IL-6, while increased (p < 0.0001) the levels of HDL-C, GSH and SOD. The histopathological features confirmed the therapeutic role of the plant extract.

CONCLUSION

PCEE succeeded to exert anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory and anti- oxidants effects in CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis.

In vitro chemotherapeutic and antiangiogenic properties of cardenolides from Acokanthera oblongifolia (Hochst.) Codd

Acovenoside A (Acov-A) and acobioside A (Acob-A) were isolated from Acokanthera oblongifolia. Their anticancer properties were explored regarding, antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activities. The study included screening phase against six cancer cell lines followed by mechanistic investigation against HepG2 cancer cell line. The sulforhodamine-B (SRB) was used to determine their growth inhibitory power. In the other hand, flow cytometry techniques were recorded the cell death type and cell cycle analysis. The clonogenic (colony formation) and wound healing assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and molecular docking, were performed to evaluate the antiangiogenesis capability. Both compounds were strongly, inhibited four cancer cell lines at GI₅₀ less than 100 nM. The in vitro mechanistic investigation against HepG2 resulted in cell accumulations at G2M phase and induction of apoptosis upon treating cells separately, with 400 nM Acov-A and 200 nM Acob-A. Interestingly, the same concentrations were able to activate caspase-3 by 7.2 and 4.8-fold, respectively. Suppressing the clonogenic capacity of HepG2 cells (20 and 40 nM) and inhibiting the migration of the colon Caco-2 cancer cells were provoke the results of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor2 (VEGFR2) kinase enzyme inactivation. The docked study was highly supportive, to the antiangiogenic approach of both cardenolides. The isolated cardenolides could orchestrate pivotal events in fighting cancer.

Cardenolides and pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from Acokanthera oblongifolia leaves: their biological activities with molecular docking study

Pentacyclic triterpenes and cardenolides were isolated from Acokanthera oblongifolia leaves. Their chemical structures were determined based on comprehensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Their MIC was determined against 12 microorganisms. Their exerted cytotoxicity on the immortalized normal cells, hTERT-RPE1 was assessed by the sulforhodamine-B assay. The viral inhibitory effects of compounds against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and H5N1 influenza virus IV were evaluated. Four in vitro antioxidant assays were performed in comparison with BHT and trolox and a weak activity was exhibited. Acovenoside A was with potent against H5N1-IV and NDV with IC₅₀ ≤ 3.2 and ≤ 2.1 μg/ml and SI values of 93.75 and 95.23%, respectively, in comparison to ribavirin. Its CC₅₀ record on Vero cells was > 400 and 200 μg/ml, respectively. Acobioside A was the most active compound against a broad range of microbes while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most sensitive. Its MIC (0.07 μg/ml) was 1/100-fold of the recorded CC₅₀ (7.1 μg/ml/72 h) against hTERT-RPE1. The molecular docking of compounds on human DNA topoisomerase I (Top1-DNA) and IV glycoprotein hemagglutinin were studied using MOE program. This study has introduced the cardenolides rather than triterpenoids with the best docking score and binding interaction with the active site of the studied proteins.

Genotoxicity and sperm defects induced by 5-FU in male mice and the possible protective role of Pentas lanceolata-iridoids

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used antineoplastic drug. In this work, a comprehensive study was performed to detect the extent of chromosomal damage and morphological sperm defects induced by 5-FU in male mice and the possible protective role of the iridoids-rich fraction of Pentas lanceolata leaves (IFPL). Six main groups were examined in micronucleus and chromosomal assays: I- control negative, II- control positive (i.p. treated with single dose of 75 mg/kg 5-FU), III- control plant (orally administrated IFPL, 300 mg/kg, 5 consecutive days), and IV-VI- treated with IFPL (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, 5 consecutive days) plus 5-FU (i.p. treated at the last day). Samples were taken 24 h post treatment. The study of morphological sperm anomalies, single and repeated treatments were examined and samples were taken after 35 days from the 1^st treatment. In bone marrow, 5-FU induced a significant increase in the micro-nucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, chromosome anomalies (CAs) and also cytotoxic effects. A significant percentage of CAs was recorded in spermatocytes after 5-FU treatment reached 22.80 ± 1.32 vs 4.20 ± 0.37 for control (mainly X-Y univalent, 90%). IFPL was recorded to be non-mutagenic in all tests examined. In addition, it alleviated the previous defects in a dose-dependent manner. A significant and dramatic increase in the percentage of morphological sperm defects was recorded after single and repeated treatments with 5-FU reached 13.24 ± 0.24, 30.42 ± 0.32 respectively vs 2.56 ± 0.14 for control. Amorphous head-sperm and sperm with coiled tail were the most pronounced types of abnormalities. Significant protection was detected with the highest tested dose of IFPL. In conclusion: 5-FU demonstrated to be a genotoxic agent. Its genotoxicity in germ cells is serious and may lead to reproductive toxicity, infertility or heritable defects. The results also demonstrated the biosafety of IFPL and its possible protective role in combined treatment with 5-FU.

The ameliorating effect of carotenoid rich fraction extracted from Dunaliella salina microalga against inflammation- associated cardiac dysfunction in obese rats

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The carotenoid-rich fraction of Dunaliella salina improves serum inflammatory markers.

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The fraction has the ability to improve various disorders associated cardiac dysfunction in the high-fat diet treated rats.

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The fraction attenuates fibrotic cardiac tissue and congestion of myocardial blood vessels.

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The mentioned promising activities may be related to that fraction acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

The carotenoid rich fraction of microalgae Dunaliella salina (crf-DS) have been receiving great attention, due to they abilities to protect and improve various disorders. The objective of this study is to explore the therapeutic efficiency of crf-DS on obesity-assciated cardiac dysfunction in the high-fat diet (HFD) treated rats. These rats were orally administered with crf-DS (150 mg /kg body weight), for six consecutive weeks in comparison with reference drug(orlistat). Specific cardiac biomarkers were examined including; adiponectin, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), glucagon, troponin-I (cTnI). The cell adhesion molecules (VCAM and ICAM), C-reactive protein (CRP), collagen type II (Col II), collagen alpha-1 (III) chain (Col3A1), lipoxygenase activity (LOX), as well as histopathological examination of cardiac tissue were investigated. Results indicated a significant reduction(P ≤ 0.05) in adiponectin and glucagon levels in serum of obese rats. However, cTnI, PAI-1, cell adhesion molecules, CRP, Col II, and Col3A1 and LOX levels declared marked increase. Histopathological examination of cardiac tissue showed fibrosis with severe congestion in the myocardial blood vessels. On the other hand, rats medicated with a crf-DS demonstrated noticeable ameliorating effect in all the measured parameters. Beside, myocardial tissue of obese rats showed no alteration. Hence, It could be concluded that, oral supplementation with crf-DS is able to attenuate cardiac dysfunction in obese rats. Further extended work is needed to exploit, the possible application of D. salina as nutraceuticals and food additives.

Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Pentacyclic Triterpene Derivatives: Optimization of Anti-ABL Kinase Activity

Imatinib, an Abelson (ABL) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is a lead molecular-targeted drug against chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). To overcome its resistance and adverse effects, new inhibitors of ABL kinase are needed. Our previous study showed that the benzyl ester of gypsogenin (1c), a pentacyclic triterpene, has anti-ABL kinase and a subsequent anti-CML activity. To optimize its activities, benzyl esters of carefully selected triterpenes (PT1-PT6), from different classes comprising oleanane, ursane and lupane, and new substituted benzyl esters of gypsogenin (GP1-GP5) were synthesized. All of the synthesized compounds were purified and charachterized by different spectroscopic methods. Cytotoxicity of the parent triterpenes and the synthesized compounds against CML cell line K562 was examined; revealing three promising compounds PT5, GP2 and GP5 (IC50 5.46, 4.78 and 3.19 μM, respectively). These compounds were shown to inhibit extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) downstream signaling, and induce apoptosis in K562 cells. Among them, PT5 was identified to have in vitro activity (IC50 = 1.44 μM) against ABL1 kinase, about sixfold of 1c, which was justified by molecular docking. The in vitro activities of GP2 and GP5 are less than PT5, hence they were supposed to possess other more mechanisms of cytotoxicity. In general, our design and derivatizations resulted in enhancing the activity against ABL1 kinase and CML cells.

Chemical composition and protective role of Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A. Mey. subsp. undulata against gastric ulcer induced by ethanol in rats

Pulicaria undulata subsp. undulata (Family; Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant used to treat inflammation. The objective of this study is to explore the protective effect of the ethanol extract of P. undulata subsp. undulata aerial parts against ethanol induced gastric ulcer in rats. The chemical composition of plant extract, the unsaponifiable matter and the fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed. The biological evaluation was carried out through measuring ulcer indices, oxidative stress markers, certain marker enzymes, inflammatory index and the histopathological assessment of the stomach in rats. The total unsaponifiable matter (94.29%) and the fatty acid methyl ester (82.96%) content were identified. Gastric ulcer recorded significant increase in gastric volume and lesion counts (p < 0.0001). Drastic changes in all biochemical parameters under investigation were observed. Protection with plant extract reversed the action of ethanol by variable degrees of improvement in comparison with the reference drug. The presence of carbohydrates and proteins that acted as a mucilage lining the stomach inner wall give its protective action. In conclusion, P. undulata subsp. undulata succeeded to have anti-ulcerative protective effect. The measured biomarkers served as a good mirror to predict gastric ulcer and the presence of carbohydrates, protein and fibers present in the plant extract acted as a mucilage lining the inner intestinal wall and protect against ethanol induced gastric ulcer. Future study will be carried out to identify the biologically active compounds responsible for plant protection against the gastric ulcer.

Therapeutic activity of sour orange albedo extract and abundant flavanones loaded silica nanoparticles against acrylamide-induced hepatotoxicity

The current research aims to demonstrate the therapeutic effect of sour orange albedo extract (SOAE) and two flavanones loaded-tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) using sol-gel technique, in adose100 mg/kg body weight taken orally or45 days against acrylamide (ACR)toxicity in rats. This was achieved through measuring the activities of specific biochemical parameters related to liver functions in tissue of ACR intoxicated rats as compared to normal one. Liver functions included alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, antioxidants and oxidative stress biomarkers; superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and lipid peroxide (malondialdehyde, MDA). Moreover, histological examination of liver was performed to confirm the biochemical findings. The present results clearly indicated disturbances in all biochemical parameters, such as increase in the liver function enzyme activities and MDA level. Results of ATPase enzyme activities revealed significant decrease in ACR intoxicated rats and liver biomarker enzymes declared significant decrease. On the other hand, treatment of intoxicated rats with the previous different nano-particles natural product demonstrated improvement in all biochemical parameters under investigation.

Secondary metabolites and biological activity of Pentas species: A minireview

The genus Pentas belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which contains approximately 40 species. Several Pentas species were reported to be used as a folk treatment by African indigenous people in treating some diseases such as malaria, tapeworms, dysentery, gonorrhea, syphilis and snake poisoning. This article covers the period from 1962 to 2017 and presents an overview of the biological activity of different Pentas species and describes their phytochemical traits. As a conclusion, the main secondary metabolites from Pentas species are quinones, highly oxygenated chromene-based structures, and iridoids. Pentas species are widely used in folk medicine but they have to be more investigated for their medicinal properties.

Marine Inspired 2-(5-Halo-1H-indol-3-yl)-N,N-dimethylethanamines as Modulators of Serotonin Receptors: An Example Illustrating the Power of Bromine as Part of the Uniquely Marine Chemical Space

In previous studies, we have isolated several marine indole alkaloids and evaluated them in the forced swim test (FST) and locomotor activity test, revealing their potential as antidepressant and sedative drug leads. Amongst the reported metabolites to display such activities was 5-bromo-N,N-dimethyltryptamine. Owing to the importance of the judicious introduction of halogens into drug candidates, we synthesized two series built on a 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N,N-dimethylethanamine scaffold with different halogen substitutions. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro and in vivo antidepressant and sedative activities using the mouse forced swim and locomotor activity tests. Receptor binding studies of these compounds to serotonin (5-HT) receptors were conducted. Amongst the prepared compounds, 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N,N-dimethyl-2-oxoacetamide (1a), 2-(5-bromo-1H-indol-3-yl)-N,N-dimethyl-2-oxoacetamide (1d), 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N,N-dimethylethanamine (2a), 2-(5-chloro-1H-indol-3-yl)-N,N-dimethylethanamine (2c), 2-(5-bromo-1H-indol-3-yl)-N,N-dimethylethanamine (2d), and 2-(5-iodo-1H-indol-3-yl)-N,N-dimethylethanamine (2e) have been shown to possess significant antidepressant-like action, while compounds 2c, 2d, and 2e exhibited potent sedative activity. Compounds 2a, 2c, 2d, and 2e showed nanomolar affinities to serotonin receptors 5-HT_1A and 5-HT₇. The in vitro data indicates that the antidepressant action exerted by these compounds in vivo is mediated, at least in part, via interaction with serotonin receptors. The data presented here shows the valuable role that bromine plays in providing novel chemical space and electrostatic interactions. Bromine is ubiquitous in the marine environment and a common element of marine natural products.

Flavone Composition and Antihypercholesterolemic and Antihyperglycemic Activities of Chrysanthemum coronarium L

Five flavones were isolated from Chrysanthemum coronarium L., four of which were isolated for the first time from the genus Chrysanthemum. Two were the flavonoid aglycones 5,7- dihydroxy-3,6,4’-trimethoxyflavone (1) and scutellarin-6,7-dimethyl ether (2). A new flavonoid glycoside, apigenin-7-O-[2’’(6’’’-O-b-ß-acetylglucopyranosyl)]-6’’-O-acetylglucopyranoside (3), along with two known ones, i. e. apigenin-7-O-(2’’-O-b-ß-glucopyranosyl)-b-ß-glucopyranoside (4) and 6-methoxy quercetin-7-O-b-ß-glucopyranoside (5), were identified. Structures were elucidated by NMR and MS. The therapeutic value of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts, respectively, in rats suffering from hypercholesterolemia - as a consequence of high-fat diet - and hyperglycemia - as a consequence of hypercholesterolemia and low doses of streptozotocin - was investigated through determination of biochemical markers and histopathology. The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts showed remarkable results, followed by the petroleum ether extract

Antiviral activity of Aloe hijazensis against some haemagglutinating viruses infection and its phytoconstituents

Evaluation of the antiviral activities of flowers, flower-peduncles, leaves, and roots of Aloe hijazensis against haemagglutinating viruses of avian paramyxovirus type-1 (APMV-1), avian influenza virus type A (AI-H5N1), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and egg-drop syndrome virus (EDSV) in specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken embryos were carried out. Extract of the flowers and leaves showed relatively higher activity than the extracts of other plant parts. Thirteen compounds were isolated from both the flowers and flower-peduncles of A. hijazensis. The isolated compounds were classified into: five anthraquinones; ziganein, ziganein-5-methyl ether, aloesaponarin I, chrysophanol, aloe-emodin, one dihydroisocoumarin; feralolide, four flavonoids; homoplantaginin, isoorientin, luteolin 7-glucuronopyranoside, isovitexin, one phenolic acid; p-coumaric acid, the anthrone; barbaloin together with aloenin. Eleven compounds were attributed to the flowers and seven to the flower-peduncles. Homoplantaginin and luteolin 7-glucuronopyranoside are reported here for the first time from Aloe spp. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the chemical composition and biological activity of those plant parts.

Chemical characterization, antioxidant and inhibitory effects of some marine sponges against carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes

BACKGROUND

More than 15,000 marine products have been described up to now; Sponges are champion producers, concerning the diversity of products that have been found. Most bioactive compounds from sponges were classified into anti-inflammatory, antitumor, immuno- or neurosurpressive, antiviral, antimalarial, antibiotic, or antifouling. Evaluation of in vitro inhibitory effects of different extracts from four marine sponges versus some antioxidants indices and carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes concerned with diabetes mellitus was studied. The chemical characterizations for the extracts of the predominating sponges; SP1 and SP3 were discussed.

METHODS

All chemicals served in the biological study were of analytical grade and purchased from Sigma, Merck and Aldrich. All kits were the products of Biosystems (Spain), Sigma Chemical Company (USA), Biodiagnostic (Egypt). Carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes; α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and β-galactosidase (EC3.2.1.1, EC3.2.1.20, and EC3.2.1.23, respectively) were obtained from Sigma Chemical Company (USA).

RESULTS

Four marine sponges; Smenospongia (SP1), Callyspongia (SP2), Niphates (SP3), and Stylissa (SP4), were collected from the Red Sea at Egyptian coasts, and taxonomically characterized. The sponges' extracts exhibited diverse inhibitory effects on oxidative stress indices and carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes in linear relationships to some extent with concentration of inhibitors (dose dependant). The extracts of sponges (3, 1, and 2) showed, respectively, potent-reducing power. Purification and Chemical characterization of sponge 1 using NMR and mass spectroscopy, recognized the existence of di-isobutyl phthalate (1), di-n-butyl phthalate (2), linoleic acid (3), β-sitosterol (4), and cholesterol (5). Sponge 3 produced bis-[2-ethyl]-hexyl-phthylester (6) and triglyceride fatty acid ester (7).

CONCLUSION

Marine sponges are promising sources for delivering of bioactive compounds. Four marine sponges, collected from Red Sea at Egyptian coasts, were identified as Smenospongia (SP1), Callyspongia (SP2), Niphates (SP3), and Stylissa (SP4). The results demonstrated that different sponges extracts exhibited inhibitory effects on oxidative stress indices and carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes in linear relationships to some extent with concentration of inhibitors (dose dependant). The extracts of sponges (3, 1, and 2) showed, respectively, potent-reducing power. Chemical characterizations of sponges SP1 and SP3 were discussed. Based on this study, marine sponges are considered as talented sources for production of diverse and multiple biologically active compounds.

The Electrospray Ionization - Mass Spectra of Erythromycin A Obtained from a Marine Streptomyces sp. Mutant

In our ongoing search for production improvements of bioactive secondary metabolites from marine Streptomyces through the induction of mutations using UV light, out of 145 isolates, mutant 10/14 was able to produce potent antibacterial metabolites other than the parent strain as established by chromatographic analysis. Up-scaling fermentation of mutant 10/14, followed by working up and isolation delivered five metabolites, phenazine, 1-acetyl-β -carboline, perlolyrin and erythromycin A, along with an oily substance. The latter two compounds were responsible for the antibacterial activity of the strain. In this article, we discuss with the mutation of the marine Streptomyces sp. AH2, bioactivity evaluation, fermentation and isolation of the microbial metabolites. Moreover, we study to first time in detail the 1D and 2D NMR and ESI MS data including ESI MS² and MS³ patterns combined with HRESI MS of erythromycin A.

Dendrophen, a Novel Glycyrrhetyl Amino Acid from Dendronephthya hemprichi

Chemical investigation of the extract of Dendronephthya hemprichi, collected from the Red Sea, Egypt, delivered dendrophen (1), the first 3β -acetoxy-glycyrrhetyl amino acid conjugate obtained from nature. Additionally, a new polyhydroxy sterol, dendrotriol (2), together with cholesterol and hexitol were isolated. Chromatographic separation of the low-polarity components of the D. hemprichi extract afforded 4-oxo-pentanoic acid, 2-methyl-acrylic acid 2-diethylaminoethyl ester (3), juniper camphor (4), and 2-octadecanone. The structures of 1 and 2 were confirmed by 1D and 2D NMR studies and mass spectrometry.

Phytoconstituents of Jatropha curcas L. leaves and their immunomodulatory activity on humoral and cell-mediated immune response in chicks

A novel biflavone di-C-glucoside, 6,6"-di-C-beta-D-glucopyranoside-methylene-(8,8")-biapigenin (1), was isolated from the leaves of Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae), together with six known compounds; apigenin 7-O-beta-D-neohesperidoside (2), apigenin 7-O-beta-D-galactoside (3), orientin (4), vitexin (5), vicenin II (6), and apigenin (7). Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive chemical and spectroscopic analyses (UV, NMR and HRESI-MS). The immunomodulatory effect of an 80% aqueous methanol extract (AME) and compounds 1-5 (0.25 mg/kg body wt) to one-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks was determined. Stimulation of both humoral and cell-mediated seroresponse was observed, especially those of AME and compound 1. Remarkable effective increases of the antibody titers, lymphocyte and macrophage cells, in blood were recorded. SPF chicks treated with the tested samples exhibited protection against Newcastle disease challenge virus after being vaccinated.

New bioactive compounds from Aloe hijazensis

The chemical constituents and biological activities of leaves and roots of Aloe hijazensis, collected in Saudi Arabia, are reported here for the first time. Twenty-two compounds were obtained, among them eight hydroxyquinones: aloe-emodin (1), emodin (2), chrysophanol (3), aloesaponarin II 3-methyl ether (4), ziganein (5), ziganein-5-methyl ether (6a), aloesaponarin I (7) and chrysophanein (8), the dihydro-isocoumarin feralolide (9), 4,7-dichloro-quinoline (10), the triterpene lupeol (11), the anthrone aloin (12), three aloenin derivatives, aloenin (13) ethylidene-aloenin (14), and aloenin B (15), four flavonoids, quercetin (16), kaempferol (17) cosmosiin (18) and isovitexin (19), and cinnamic acid (20) and two further analogues, caffeic acid (21) and ferulic acid (22). While 15 of the isolated compounds were found in the leaves, 12 were isolated from roots of the plant. Compounds 6a and 10 are reported as new natural constituents, while the compounds 4, 5, 8, and 18 are reported here for the first time from Aloe spp. The structures of the compounds were deduced by intensive studies of their UV, NMR, MS data and by comparison with related structures. The biological activity of plant extracts was studied against various microbial strains, and potent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities were found. [image omitted] [image omitted].