New flavonoids with multiple bronchodilator activity pathways from Tephrosia purpurea L. (Pers.) growing in Saudi Arabia

Total extract of Tephrosia purpurea (T. purpurea) expressed potent ex-vivo bronchodilator effect in isolated Guinea pigs' tracheal muscles. Fractionation of T. purpurea total extract (TPTE) using liquid-liquid technique followed by ex-vivo bronchodilator testing indicated that the activity was trapped to the chloroform (CHCl3) soluble fraction. Phytochemical study of the CHCl3 fraction guided by ex-vivo bronchodilator activity led to the isolation of 7 active flavones of which compounds 1 (epi-Tephroapollin G), 3 (Acetyltephroapollin C), 4 (4''-Dehydroxytephroapollin E), and 5 (epi-Tephroapollin F) were new. Structures were identified using relevant spectroscopic tools including optical rotations and CD data. Compounds 1, 3, 4 and lanceolatin A (6) behaved like papaverine by inhibiting carbachol (CCh) as well as high potassium (K+)-mediated contractions at equivalent concentrations with varied potencies whereas (-)-Tephroapollin G (2) selectively inhibited CCh-mediated contractions but was not found active against high K+. epi-Tephroapollin F (5) and (-)-Pseudosemiglabrin (7) in contrast were significantly more potent to abolish CCh induced contraction when compared with high K+ similar to dicyclomine. Papaverine like dual phosphodiesterase enzyme Ca++ ion inhibitory activities of 1, 3, 4 and 6 were confirmed indirectly by the bolster of the isoprenaline curves against CCh to the left whereas Ca++ inhibitory effect of 1 and 3-7 was confirmed by the rightward deflection of Ca++ concentration-response curves (CRCs) towards right with quashing of the maximum response in same fashion like verapamil. Moreover, compounds 2, 5 and 7 at lower concentrations showed selective blockade of muscarinic receptor similar to atropine. Oral administration of the TPTE, CHCl3 and 7 to guinea pigs significantly protected against bronchospasm induced by 0.2 % histamine aerosol in vivo.

Targeting inflammation and oxidative stress for protection against ischemic brain injury in rats using cupressuflavone

Inflammatory responses and oxidative stress contribute to the pathogenesis of brain ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. Naturally occurring bioflavonoids possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The phytochemicals of Juniperus sabina L., known as "Abhal" in Saudi Arabia, have been studied and cupressuflavone (CUP) has been isolated as the major bioflavonoid. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective potential of CUP in reducing brain IR damage in rats and to understand probable mechanisms. After 60 min of inducing cerebral ischemia by closing the left common carotid artery (CCA), blood flow was restored to allow reperfusion. The same surgical procedure was performed on sham-operated control rats, excluding cerebral IR. CUP or vehicle was given orally to rats for 3 days prior to ischemia induction and for a further 3 days following reperfusion. Based on the findings of this study, compared to the IR control group, CUP-administered group demonstrated reduced neurological deficits, improved motor coordination, balance, and locomotor activity. Additionally, brain homogenates of IR rats showed a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) level, an increase in reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and an increase in catalase (CAT) enzyme activity following CUP treatment. CUP suppressed neuro-inflammation via reducing serum inflammatory cytokine levels, particularly those of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and enhancing the inflammatory cytokine levels, such as Nuclear factor kappa- B (NF-κB), TANK-binding kinase-1 (TBK1), and interferon beta (IFN-β) in brain tissues. Furthermore, CUP ameliorated the histological alterations in the brain tissues of IR rats. CUP significantly suppressed caspase-3 expression and downregulated the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling pathway as a result of suppressing High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). To our knowledge, this is the first study to document the neuroprotective properties of CUP. Thus, the study findings revealed that CUP ameliorates IR-induced cerebral injury possibly by enhancing brain antioxidant contents, reducing serum inflammatory cytokine levels, potentiating the brain contents of TBK1 and IFN-β and suppressing the HMGB1/TLR-4 signaling pathway. Hence, CUP may serve as a potential preventive and therapeutic alternative for cerebral stroke.

Chemistry and Biological Activities of Cannflavins of the Cannabis Plant

Background: Throughout history, Cannabis has had a significant influence on human life as one of the earliest plants cultivated by humans. The plant was a source of fibers used by the oldest known civilizations. Cannabis was also used medicinally in China, India, and ancient Egypt. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the main psychoactive compound in the plant was identified in 1964 followed by more than 125 cannabinoids. More than 30 flavonoids were isolated from the plant including the characteristic flavonoids called cannflavins, which are prenylated or geranylated flavones. Material and Methods: In this review, the methods of extraction, isolation, identification, biosynthesis, chemical synthesis, analysis and pharmacological activity of these flavonoids are described. Results: The biosynthetic routes of the cannflavins from phenylalanine and malonyl CoA as well as the microbial biotransformation are also discussed. Details of the chemical synthesis are illustrated as an alternative to the isolation from the plant materials along with other possible sources of obtaining cannflavins. Detailed methods discussing the analysis of flavonoids in cannabis are presented, including the techniques used for separation and detection. Finally, the various biological activities of cannflavins are reviewed along with the available molecular docking studies. Conclusion: Despite the low level of cannflavins in cannabis hamper their development as naturally derived products, efforts need to be put in place to develop high yield synthetic or biosynthetic protocols for their production in order for their development as pharmaceutical products.

Amentoflavone attenuates oxidative stress and neuroinflammation induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats by targeting HMGB1-mediated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

Surveys indicated that stroke classified among the leading cause of death as well as combined death and disability worldwide resulting in a great loss for the global economy. The present study aims to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of the biflavonoid amentoflavone (AMNT) in alleviating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury in rats, and to elucidate the possible underlying mechanism of an experimental condition with similar circumstances to stroke. Cerebral ischemia was achieved through left common carotid artery occlusion for 60 min, followed by blood flow restoration. Sham-operated control rats subjected to the same surgical process except for brain IR. Rats were orally administered AMNT/ or vehicle for three days' prior surgical operation, and for another three days after left brain IR. Rats of all groups were assessed for neurological deficits 24 h following brain IR. Each group was divided into two subgroups one for the rotarod testing and biochemical assessment while the other subgroup to perform the activity cage testing, histopathological study, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression analysis. AMNT enhanced brain levels of GSH and CAT activities, suppressed neuroinflammation via reducing the inflammatory cytokines in the serum, and enhanced brain contents of TBK1 and IFNβ. AMNT downregulated TLR4-/NF-κB signaling pathway as a result of the HMGB1 suppression. Moreover, AMNT blocked apoptotic cell death by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the activation of caspase-3. These findings revealed that AMNT attenuates I/R-induced cerebral injury possibly by regulating the HMGB1-mediated TLR4/NF-kB pathway. Thus, AMNT could provide potential preventive and therapeutic option for cerebral stroke.

Phytochemical profiling of Salsola tetragona Delile by LC-HR/MS and investigation of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antibacterial and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities

This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and biological activity of Salsola tetragona Delile. (Amaranthaceae), a medicinal plant. The study evaluated the antioxidant potential of the crude extract and five fractions of S. tetragona using DPPH•, ABTS•+, CUPRAC, and metal chelating assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined using a protein denaturation assay, and the antibacterial activity was determined by the Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains. The MTT test and an in vitro scratch assay evaluated the effects on cell viability and cell migration. The potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity was assessed by analyzing the effects on the interaction between ACE2 and Spike protein. The bioactive compounds present in the plant were identified using LC-HR/MS analysis. The crude hydromethanolic extract (STM) and five fractions of S. tetragona, n-hexane (STH), dichloromethane (STD), ethyl acetate (STE), n-butanol (STB), and aqueous (STW) showed significant antioxidant activity in four different tests. In the anti-inflammatory assay, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited significantly higher activity than Aspirin® (IC50 = 13 ± 5 µg/mL). The crude extract and its fractions showed positive antibacterial activity with similar MICs. In the cytotoxicity assay against the breast cancer cell line MCF7, the dichloromethane fractions (STD) were very effective and demonstrated superiority over the other fractions (IC50 = 98 µg/mL). Moreover, the potential of the extract and fractions as anti-SARS-CoV-2, the ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane fractions demonstrated important activity in this test. LC-HR/MS analysis identified 16 different phenolic compounds, Eleven of which had not been previously reported in the genus Salsola. The results suggest that the extracts of S. tetragona have the potential to become new sources for developing plant-based therapies for managing a range of diseases.

A New Saponin (Zygo-albuside D) from Zygophyllum album Roots Triggers Apoptosis in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (A549 Cells) through CDK-2 Inhibition

Phytochemical study of the ethyl acetate root extract of Zygophyllum album has resulted in the isolation of a new saponin, Zygo-albuside D (1), along with two known compounds; (3-O-[β-D-quinovopyranosyl]-quinovic acid) (2), which is first reported in the root, and catechin (3), first reported in the genus. Their chemical structures were established by NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The new saponin (1) exhibited promising cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 3.5 and 5.52 μM on A549 and PC-3 cancer cell lines, respectively, compared to doxorubicin with IC50 values of 9.44 and 11.39 μM on A549 and PC-3 cancer cell lines, respectively. While it had an IC50 value of 46.8 μM against WISH cells. Investigating apoptosis-induction, compound 1 induced total apoptotic cell death in A549 lung cancer cells by 32-fold; 21.53% compared to 0.67% in the untreated control cells. Finally, it upregulated the pro-apoptotic genes and downregulated the antiapoptotic gene using gene expression levels. Compound 1 exhibited remarkable CDK-2 target inhibition by 96.2% with an IC50 value of 117.6 nM compared to Roscovitine. The molecular docking study further confirmed the binding affinity of compound 1 as CDK2 and Bcl2 inhibitors that led to apoptosis induction in A549 cancer cells. Hence, this study highlights the importance of compound 1 in the design of a new anticancer agent with specific mechanisms.

Samarcandin protects against testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats via activation of Nrf2/HO-1-mediated antioxidant responses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of samarcandin (SMR) in preventing testicular injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups at random: the sham group, the T/D control group (CONT), the T/D group receiving SMR treatment at 10 mg/kg (SMR-10), and the T/D group receiving SMR treatment at 20 mg/kg (SMR-20). When compared to the CONT group, SMR improved the oxidant/antioxidant balance by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NOx), and increasing reduced glutathione (GSH), gluta-thione peroxide (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Moreover, SMR increased the levels of the steroid hormones' testosterone (TST), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the blood as well as controlled the inflammatory mediators; interleukin-6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Nevertheless, SMR-treated animals showed a considerable downregulation of the apoptotic marker caspase-3. The T/D-induced histopathological changes were reduced and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) protein expression was enhanced by SMR. These effects are associated with upregulation of testicular (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and downregulation of NF-κB mRNA expression levels. These findings suggest that SMR may be able to prevent T/D-induced testis damage by mainly regulating the expression of Nrf2 and NF-B, which seems to mediate its promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects seen in this study.

Ameliorative Potential of (-) Pseudosemiglabrin in Mice with Pilocarpine-Induced Epilepsy: Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Apoptotic, and Neurotransmission Modulation

One prevalent neurological disorder is epilepsy. Modulating GABAergic/glutamatergic neurotransmission, Nrf2/HO-1, PI3K/Akt, and TLR-4/NF-B pathways might be a therapeutic strategy for epilepsy. Eight-week-old BALB/c mice were administered 12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg (-) pseudosemiglabrin orally one hour before inducing epilepsy with an i.p. injection of 360 mg/kg pilocarpine. (-) Pseudosemiglabrin dose-dependently alleviated pilocarpine-induced epilepsy, as revealed by the complete repression of pilocarpine-induced convulsions and 100% survival rate in mice. Furthermore, (-) pseudosemiglabrin significantly enhanced mice's locomotor activities, brain GABA, SLC1A2, GABARα1 levels, glutamate decarboxylase activity, and SLC1A2 and GABARα1mRNA expression while decreasing brain glutamate, SLC6A1, GRIN1 levels, GABA transaminase activity, and SLC6A1 and GRIN1 mRNA expression. These potentials can be due to the suppression of the TLR-4/NF-κB and the enhancement of the Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/Akt pathways, as demonstrated by the reduction in TLR-4, NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α mRNA expression, MDA, NO, caspase-3, Bax levels, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and the enhancement of Nrf2, HO-1, PI3K, Akt mRNA expression, GSH, Bcl-2 levels, and SOD activity. Additionally, (-) pseudosemiglabrin abrogated the pilocarpine-induced histopathological changes. Interestingly, the (-) pseudosemiglabrin intervention showed a comparable effect to the standard medication, diazepam. Therefore, (-) pseudosemiglabrin can be a promising medication for the management of epilepsy.

In Vitro and In Silico Anti-Picornavirus Triterpene Alkanoic Acid Ester from Saudi Collection of Rhazya stricta Decne

The total alcohol extract obtained from the aerial parts of R. stricta and fractions of the liquid-liquid fractionation process were tested against picornavirus-causing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) based on the traditional use of the plant in Saudi Arabia. The most active petroleum ether soluble fraction was subjected to chromatographic purification, and nine compounds were isolated, identified using various chemical and spectroscopic methods, and tested for their anti-viral potential. The new ester identified as α-Amyrin 3-(3'R-hydroxy)-hexadecanoate (1) was the most active compound with 51% inhibition of the viral growth and was given the name Rhazyin A. Compounds with ursane skeleton were more active than those with lupane skeleton except in the case of the acid derivatives where betulenic acid showed 26.1% inhibition against the viral growth, while ursolic acid showed only 16.6% inhibition. Moreover, molecular docking analysis using a glide extra-precision module was utilized for investigating the possible molecular interactions accounting for anti-viral activity against picornavirus of the nine isolated compounds. Molecular docking studies revealed a strong binding of the discovered hits within the active site of FMDV 3C^pro. Compound 1 showed the lowest docking score within the nine isolated compounds comparable to the two known anti-viral drugs; glycyrrhizic acid and ribavirin. The results of this research will provide lead candidates from natural origin with potential safety and efficacy compared to the synthetic ones with lower production costs for managing FMVD.

Synthesis, Antimicrobial, and Antibiofilm Activities of Some Novel 7-Methoxyquinoline Derivatives Bearing Sulfonamide Moiety against Urinary Tract Infection-Causing Pathogenic Microbes

A new series of 4-((7-methoxyquinolin-4-yl) amino)-N-(substituted) benzenesulfonamide 3(a-s) was synthesized via the reaction of 4-chloro-7-methoxyquinoline 1 with various sulfa drugs. The structural elucidation was verified based on spectroscopic data analysis. All the target compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and unicellular fungi. The results revealed that compound 3l has the highest effect on most tested bacterial and unicellular fungal strains. The highest effect of compound 3l was observed against E. coli and C. albicans with MIC = 7.812 and 31.125 µg/mL, respectively. Compounds 3c and 3d showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, but the activity was lower than that of 3l. The antibiofilm activity of compound 3l was measured against different pathogenic microbes isolated from the urinary tract. Compound 3l could achieve biofilm extension at its adhesion strength. After adding 10.0 µg/mL of compound 3l, the highest percentage was 94.60% for E. coli, 91.74% for P. aeruginosa, and 98.03% for C. neoformans. Moreover, in the protein leakage assay, the quantity of cellular protein discharged from E. coli was 180.25 µg/mL after treatment with 1.0 mg/mL of compound 3l, which explains the creation of holes in the cell membrane of E. coli and proves compound 3l's antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. Additionally, in silico ADME prediction analyses of compounds 3c, 3d, and 3l revealed promising results, indicating the presence of drug-like properties.

Microbial Transformation of the Sesquiterpene Lactone, Vulgarin, by Aspergillus niger

The biotransformation of vulgarin (1), an eudesmanolides-type sesquiterpene lactone obtained from Artemisia judaica, by the microorganism, Aspergillus niger, was carried out to give three more polar metabolites; 1-epi-tetrahydrovulgarin (1α,4α-dihydroxy-5αH,6,11βH-eudesman-6,12-olide (2), 20% yield, 1α,4α-dihydroxyeudesm-2-en-5αH,6,11βH-6,12-olide (3a), 10% yield, and C-1 epimeric mixture (3a, b), 4% yield, in a ratio of 4:1, 3a/3b. The structures of vulgarin and its metabolites were elucidated by 1 and 2D NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with HRESIMS. Metabolites (3a) and (3b) are epimers, and they are reported here for the first time as new metabolites obtained by biotransformation by selective reduction at C-1. Vulgarin and its metabolites were evaluated as anti-inflammatory agents using the human cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory assay. The obtained data showed that (1) exhibited a good preferential inhibitory activity towards COX-2 (IC50 = 07.21 ± 0.10) and had a moderate effect on COX-1 (IC50 = 11.32 ± 0.24). Meanwhile, its metabolite (3a) retained a selective inhibitory activity against COX-1 (IC50 = 15.70 ± 0.51). In conclusion, the results of this study revealed the necessity of the presence α, β unsaturated carbonyl group in (1) for better COX-2 inhibitory activity. On the other hand, the selectivity of (1) as COX-1 inhibitor may be enhanced via the reduction of C-1 carbonyl group.

Biochemical Profile and In Vitro Therapeutic Properties of Two Euhalophytes, Halocnemum strobilaceum Pall. and Suaeda fruticosa (L.) Forske., Grown in the Sabkha Ecosystem in the Algerian Sahara

This study reports the biochemical profile and in vitro biological activities of the aerial part of two shrubs: Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda fruticosa, a halophytes species native to saline habitats. The biomass was evaluated by determining its physiological properties and approximate composition. Hydro-methanolic extracts from Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda fruticosa have been investigated for the inhibition of bacterial growth, the protection of proteins (albumin) from denaturation, and cytotoxicity to hepatocellular carcinomas (Huh-7 and HepG2). Their antioxidant activity was evaluated by five tests, including one that examined their ability to inhibit hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced hemolysis. The profile of their phenolic compounds was also determined. These two euhalophytes had a high moisture content, high levels of photosynthetic pigments, elevated levels of ash and protein, low oxidative damage indices, MDA (Malondialdehyde) and proline, and low lipids levels. Their content was also characterized by a moderate acidity with good electrical conductivity. They contained abundant levels of phytochemicals and varied phenolic contents. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, and quercetin in both plant extracts. On the pharmaceutical level, the two euhalophytes had anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties, and therefore it was recommended to isolate and identify biologically active compounds from these plants and evaluate them in vivo.

Biomarker Quantification, Spectroscopic, and Molecular Docking Studies of the Active Compounds Isolated from the Edible Plant Sisymbrium irio L

Phytochemical investigation of the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Sisymbrium irio L. led to the isolation of four unsaturated fatty acids (1–4), including a new one (4), and four indole alkaloids (5–8). The structures of the isolated compounds were characterized with the help of spectroscopic techniques such as 1D, 2D NMR, and mass spectroscopy, and by correlation with the known compounds. In terms of their notable structural diversity, a molecular docking approach with the AutoDock 4.2 program was used to analyze the interactions of the identified fatty acids with PPAR-γ and the indole alkaloids with 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A, subtypes of serotonin receptors, respectively. Compared to the antidiabetic drug rivoglitazone, compound 3 acted as a potential PPAR-γ agonist with a binding energy of −7.4 kcal mol−1. Moreover, compound 8 displayed the strongest affinity, with binding energies of −6.9 kcal/mol to 5HT1A and −8.1 kcal/mol to 5HT2A, using serotonin and the antipsychotic drug risperidone as positive controls, respectively. The results of docked conformations represent an interesting target for developing novel antidiabetic and antipsychotic drugs and warrant further evaluation of these ligands in vitro and in vivo. On the other hand, an HPTLC method was developed to quantify α-linolenic acid in the hexane fraction of the ethanol extract of S. irio. The regression equation/correlation coefficient (r2) for linolenic acid was Y = 6.49X + 2310.8/0.9971 in the linearity range of 100–1200 ng/band. The content of α-linolenic acid in S. irio aerial parts was found to be 28.67 μg/mg of dried extract.

Chemical constituents from Centaurothamnus maximus and their antimicrobial activity

A new sesquiterpene lactone, 3β,10α-dihydroxy-10β-(hydroxymethyl)-8α-(4-hydroxymethacrylate)-1αH,5αH,6βH,7αH-guai-4(15), 11(13)-dien-6,12-olide (1), along with twenty-one known compounds, were identified from the aerial parts of Centaurothamnus maximus. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidences and correlated with known compounds. Compounds (2, 3, 5‒13 and 15‒22) were identified from C. maximus for the first time. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the isolated compounds were tested using the agar disc diffusion method. Compounds that demonstrated promising antimicrobial activity were evaluated for their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results showed that compounds 3 and 7 were the most effective antibacterial compounds against B. subtilis ATCC 6633, S. aureus ATCC 25923 and S. pyogenes ATCC 27736, with MIC estimates between 8 and 32 mg/mL. In addition, compound 2 exhibited the strongest antifungal activity against C. albicans ATCC 14243 and C. krusei ATCC 14243 with MIC 8 mg/mL.

Anti-ulcerative colitis effect of Calligonum comosum L'Hér. using rat model: Chemical, pharmacological and histopathological evidences

Calligonum comosum is a perennial shrub growing and widely used in traditional medicinal system in Saudi Arabia. The total phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity were compared between the water extract (WE) and methanol extract (ME). The protective potential against acetic acid (AA) induced ulcerative colitis (UC) was also evaluated in rats. The obtained results showed that the total phenolic content of the WE and ME were 8.378 ± 0.738 and 33.819 ± 0.488 µg/mL. The antioxidant properties of the two extracts were directly influenced by their total phenolic contents. The ME with higher phenolic contents and stronger antioxidant power was more effective than the WE in protection against AA-induced colitis. Phytochemical study of the ME led to the identification of three flavonoid derivatives: (-)-epi-catechin, quercetin-3-O-α-l-arabinofuranoside (Avicularin) and quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronide-6″-methyl ester by various spectroscopic methods. (-)-Epi-catechin was the major component while the other two compounds were obtained in minute quantities. The anti-ulcerative colitis effect of the ME can be explained by the presence of the antioxidant flavonoids since AA-induced colitis featured by imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant substances. Further support of such explanation was provided by HPLC quantification of (-)-epi-catechin in the ME and WE. The percentage in ME was higher than the WE but the difference was higher in term of Total Phenolic Content (TPC). These results support the traditional use of C. comosum as anti-ulcerative colitis.

Chemical profiling, cytotoxic activities through apoptosis induction in MCF-7 cells and molecular docking of Phyllostachys heterocycla bark nonpolar extract

The chemical constituents of the nonpolar fractions of the bamboo shoot skin Phyllostachys heterocycla were extensively studied. The phytochemical study was divided into two parts: the first deals with isolation of the chemical constituents using different chromatographic techniques that resulted in isolation of four compounds. The chemical structures of the pure isolated compounds were elucidated using different spectroscopic data. The second part deals with identification of the rest of the constituents using the GC technique. Additionally, both crude extract and the pure isolated compounds were investigated for cytotoxic activity. One of the isolated compounds; namely glyceryl 1-monopalmitate showed highly promising effect against the MCF-7 cells with (IC₅₀ = 19.78 µM) compared to 5-FU (26.98 µM), and it remarkably stimulated apoptotic breast cancer cell death with 31.6-fold (16.13% compared to 0.51 for the control) at pre-G1 and G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest and blocked the progression of MCF-7 cells. Moreover, the identified compounds especially 1 were found to have high binding affinity towards both TPK and VEGFR-2 through the molecular docking studies which highlight its mode of action. HighlightsChemical profiling of Phyllostachys heterocycla bark nonpolar extract was fully identified.Glyceryl 1-monopalmitate showed highly promising effect against the MCF-7 cells with (IC₅₀ = 19.78 µM) compared to 5-FU (26.98 µM).Glyceryl 1-monopalmitate significantly stimulated apoptotic breast cancer cell death with 31.6-fold by arresting cell cycle at G2/M and preG1 phases.Molecular docking simulation showed good binding affinities towards TPK and VEGFR-2 proteins.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Protective Effect of Beta-Carotene against Myeloperoxidase- Mediated Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rat Ischemic Brain Injury

Oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction play critical roles in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in the brain. β-carotene (βCAR) is a naturally occurring pigment present in fruits and vegetables that expresses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study was conducted to investigate the involvement of Bcl2/Bax and NF-κB signaling pathways in the potential protective role of βCAR against brain injury in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model. A focal brain ischemia model was created for 2 h, followed by reperfusion. Rats were given 10 and 20 mg/kg of βCAR for 7 days orally before induction of ischemia, at the start of reperfusion, and 3 days after ischemia. Scores of neurological deficit were rated 24 h after induction of ischemia. Motor coordination and spontaneous coordinate activities were assessed using rotarod and activity cage, respectively. After 2 h of the last dose, the animals were killed and their brains were extracted for further examinations. The results of the study show that βCAR diminished the score of neurological deficits and ameliorated motor coordination, balance, and locomotor activity in the I/R control group. Further, βCAR resulted in diminution of malondialdehyde (MDA) and augmentation of reduced glutathione (GSH) contents, as well as the elevation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities in the brain homogenates of I/R rats. βCAR treatment significantly reduced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) brain content and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and ameliorated the histological alterations in the brain tissues. βCAR significantly suppressed Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and caspase-3 expression, as well as upregulated B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expression, suggesting a neuroprotective potential via downregulating NF-kB and protecting the rat brain against the I/R-associated apoptotic injury.

Comparative Estimation of the Cytotoxic Activity of Different Parts of Cynara scolymus L.: Crude Extracts versus Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles with Apoptotic Investigation

Different parts of Cynara scolymus L. and their green synthesized eco-friendly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were screened for their cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity. Results showed that flower extract AgNPs exhibited more potent cytotoxicity compared to the normal form against PC-3 and A549 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 2.47 μg/mL and 1.35 μg/mL, respectively. The results were compared to doxorubicin (IC₅₀ = 5.13 and 6.19 μg/mL, respectively). For apoptosis-induction, AgNPs prepared from the flower extract induced cell death by apoptosis by 41.34-fold change and induced necrotic cell death by 10.2-fold. Additionally, they induced total prostate apoptotic cell death by a 16.18-fold change, and it slightly induced necrotic cell death by 2.7-fold. Hence, green synthesized flower extract AgNPs exhibited cytotoxicity in A549 and PC-3 through apoptosis-induction in both cells. Consequently, synthesized AgNPs were further tested for apoptosis and increased gene and protein expression of pro-apoptotic markers while decreasing expression of anti-apoptotic genes. As a result, this formula may serve as a promising source for anti-cancer candidates. Finally, liquid chromatography combined with electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) analysis was assessed to identify the common bioactive metabolites in crude extracts of stem, flower, and bract.

Silver Nanoparticles Formulation of Flower Head’s Polyphenols of Cynara scolymus L.: A Promising Candidate against Prostate (PC-3) Cancer Cell Line through Apoptosis Activation

Cynara scolymus L. (Family: Compositae) or artichoke is a nutritious edible plant widely used for its hepatoprotective effect. Crude extracts of flower, bract, and stem were prepared and evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity and phenolic content. The flower crude extract exhibited the highest phenolic content (74.29 mg GAE/gm) as well as the best in vitro antioxidant activity using total antioxidant capacity (TAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FEAP), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhyazyl (DPPH) scavenging assays compared with ascorbic acid. Phenolic fractions of the crude extracts of different parts were separated and identified using high-performance liquid chromatography HPLC-DAD analysis. The silver nanoparticles of these phenolic fractions were established and tested for their cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity. Results showed that silver nanoparticles of a polyphenolic fraction of flower extract (Nano-TP/Flowers) exhibited potent cytotoxicity against prostate (PC-3) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 0.85 μg/mL and 0.94 μg/mL, respectively, compared with doxorubicin as a standard. For apoptosis-induction, Nano-TP/Flowers exhibited apoptosis in PC-3 with a higher ratio than in A549 cells. It induced total prostate apoptotic cell death by 227-fold change while it induced apoptosis in A549 cells by 15.6-fold change. Nano-TP/Flowers upregulated both pro-apoptotic markers and downregulated the antiapoptotic genes using RT-PCR. Hence, this extract may serve as a promising source for anti-prostate cancer candidates.

Potential Gonado-Protective Effect of Cichorium endivia and Its Major Phenolic Acids against Methotrexate-Induced Testicular Injury in Mice

Cichorium endivia L. (Asteraceae) is a wide edible plant that grows in the Mediterranean region. In this study, a phytochemical investigation of C. endivia L. ethanolic extract led to the isolation of stigmasterol (1), ursolic acid (2), β-amyrin (3), azelaic acid (4), vanillic acid (5), (6S, 7E)-6-hydroxy-4,7-megastigmadien-3,9-dione (S(+)-dehydrovomifoliol) (6), 4-hydroxy phenyl acetic acid (7), vomifoliol (8), ferulic acid (9), protocatechuic acid (10), kaempferol (11), p. coumaric acid (12), and luteolin (13). In addition, the total phenolic content as well as the in vitro antioxidant activity of C. endivia L. extract were estimated. Moreover, we inspected the potential gonado-protective effect of C. endivia crude extract, its phenolic fraction, and the isolated coumaric, vanillic, and ferulic acids against methotrexate (MTX)-induced testicular injury in mice. There were seven groups: normal control, MTX control, MTX + C. endivia crude extract, MTX + C. endivia phenolic fraction, MTX + isolated coumaric acid, MTX + isolated vanillic acid, and MTX + isolated ferulic acid. MTX was given by i.p. injection of a 20 mg/kg single dose. The crude extract and phenolic fraction were given with a dose of 100 mg/kg/day, whereas the compounds were given at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day. A histopathological examination was done. The testosterone level was detected in serum together with the testicular content of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated x protein (Bax), p53, and miR-29a. C. endivia crude extract, the phenolic fraction, and the isolated compounds showed significant elevation in their levels of testosterone, CAT, SOD, Bcl-2 with a significant decrease in their levels of MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, Bax, P53, and miR-29a compared to those of the MTX control group. In conclusion, C. endivia mitigated MTX-induced germ cell toxicity via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects.

Determination of Colchicine in Pharmaceutical Formulations, Traditional Extracts, and Ultrasonication-Based Extracts of Colchicum autumnale Pleniflorum (L.) Using Regular and Greener HPTLC Approaches: A Comparative Evaluation of Validation Parameters

In the literature, there is a scarcity of greener analytical approaches for colchicine (CLH) analysis. As a result, efforts were made in this study to develop and validate a greener reversed-phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) technique for CLH analysis in traditional extracts (TE) and ultrasonication-based extracts (UBE) of commercial Unani formulations, commercial allopathic formulations, and Colchicum autumnale Pleniflorum (L.) obtained from Egypt and India. This new technique was compared to the regular normal-phase HPTLC method. The greenness profile of both methods was estimated using the Analytical GREENness (AGREE) approach. In the 100–600 and 25–1200 ng/band ranges, regular and greener HPTLC procedures were linear for CLH analysis, respectively. For CLH analysis, the greener HPTLC method was more sensitive, accurate, precise, and robust than the regular HPTLC method. For CLH analysis in TE and UBE of commercial Unani formulations, commercial allopathic formulations, and C. autumnale obtained from Egypt and India, the greener HPTLC method was superior in terms of CLH content compared to the regular HPTLC method. In addition, the UBE procedure was superior to the TE procedure for both methods. The AGREE scores for regular and greener reversed-phase HPTLC methods were found to be 0.46 and 0.75, respectively. The AGREE results showed excellent greener profile of the greener HPTLC method over the regular HPTLC technique. Based on several validation criteria and pharmaceutical assay findings, the greener HPTLC method is regarded as superior to the regular HPTLC approach.

In Vitro and In Vivo Studies of Anti-Lung Cancer Activity of Artemesia judaica L. Crude Extract Combined with LC-MS/MS Metabolic Profiling, Docking Simulation and HPLC-DAD Quantification

Artemisia judaica L. (Family: Asteraceae) exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of A. judaica ethanolic extract was screened against a panel of cancer cell lines. The results revealed its cytotoxic activity against a lung cancer (A549) cell line with a promising IC50 of 14.2 μg/mL compared to doxorubicin as a standard. This was confirmed through the downregulation of antiapoptotic genes, the upregulation of proapoptotic genes, and the cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Further in vivo study showed that a solid tumor mass was significantly reduced, with a tumor inhibition ratio of 54% relative to doxorubicin therapy in a Xenograft model. From a chemical point of view, various classes of natural products have been identified by liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The docking study of the detected metabolites approved their cytotoxic activity through their virtual binding affinity towards the cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK-2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) active sites. Finally, A. judaica is a fruitful source of polyphenols that are well-known for their antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. As such, the previously reported polyphenols with anti-lung cancer activity were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and apigenin were detected at concentrations of 6 mg/gm, 0.4 mg/gm, 0.36 mg/gm, and 3.9 mg/gm of plant dry extract, respectively. It is worth noting that kaempferol and rutin are reported for the first time. Herein, A. judaica L. may serve as an adjuvant therapy or a promising source of leading structures in drug discovery for lung cancer treatment.

The Awareness and Attitudes of the Public toward Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Introduction: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is flourishing very fast and the usage of CAM in health care is quickly evolving. The behavior and attitude of the patients towards herbal medicines represents an important concern for policy makers and for regulators. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the pattern of natural products use among the public and the Attitudes towards natural health products in Al-kharj Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study design. A questionnaire was prepared using Google drive tool and used to evaluate the pattern of natural products use among the public and the attitudes towards natural health products in Al-kharj governorate. The survey was filled by 442 participants. Results: Most respondents used a natural health product in the past (only 319 of 442 have been used natural product), the most used products were Vitamins/Minerals (85.57%). Additionally, about 50 % of the respondents agreed that the natural health products are safe because they are made from natural ingredients. The majority of the respondents reported that there isn't enough information on natural health product labels to help them understand the Products. The majority reported that the family and friends were recommended and provided them with the information regarding the use of the natural health product (71.78%). Conclusion: The present study showed that the use of herbal medicine is a common practice. The legislation is recommended to arrange the using of natural health products. The study results would surely require an active role for the Ministry of Health and Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) to insure enough information regard the risks and benefits of NHPs.

A Sustainable Reversed-Phase HPTLC Method for the Quantitative Estimation of Hesperidin in Traditional and Ultrasound-Assisted Extracts of Different Varieties of Citrus Fruit Peels and Commercial Tablets

Hesperidin (HSP) is a bioactive flavanone glycoside, present abundantly in the variety of citrus fruits. The environmental safety and sustainability of the reported analytical assays of HSP analysis have not been considered in the literature. Hence, a sensitive and sustainable “reversed-phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography (RP-HPTLC)” method has been developed and validated for HSP analysis in traditional (TE) and ultrasound-based (UBE) extracts of four different varieties of citrus fruit peels and its commercial tablet dosage forms. The binary combination of green solvents such as ethanol-water (50:50, v v−1) was used as the mobile phase. The detection of HSP was performed at 287 nm. The sustainable RP-HPTLC method was linear in 20–2000 ng band−1 range. The studied validation parameters, including accuracy, precision, robustness, sensitivity were acceptable for HSP analysis. The content of HSP in TE of four different varieties of citrus fruits including grapefruit peels (Citrus paradisi), mosambi peels (Citrus limetta), lemon peels (Citrus lemon), and orange peels (Citrus sinensis) was detected as 8.26, 6.94, 5.90, and 6.81% w w−1, respectively. The content of HSP in TE of commercial formulations A and B was detected as 5.31 and 5.55% w w−1, respectively. However, the content of HSP in UBE of grapefruit peels, mosambi peels, lemon peels, and orange peels was detected as 11.41, 8.86, 7.98, and 8.64% w w−1, respectively. The content of HSP in UBE of commercial formulations A and B was detected as 6.72 and 6.92% w w−1, respectively. The greenness score of the sustainable RP-HPTLC method was predicted as 0.83 using analytical GREEnness (AGREE) metric approach, indicated the excellent greenness profile of the RP-HPTLC method. UBE procedure for HSP was superior over its TE procedure. These observations and results suggested that the present RP-HPTLC method can be successfully used for the quantitative estimation of HSP in the variety of citrus fruit peels and its commercial formulations. In addition, this method is simple, rapid, precise, accurate, and economical compared to the reported analytical methods of HSP analysis. It is also safe and sustainable method due to the use of ethanol-water solvents systems, as both the solvents are green solvents compared to the solvents used in reported analytical methods of HSP analysis.

Eco-friendly stability-indicating RP-HPTLC method for sildenafil analysis, characterization and biological evaluation of its oxidized stress degradation product

A feasible and cost effective reverse-phase high-performance thin layer chromatography (RP-HPTLC) based method was developed for the quantification of sildenafil (SLD) using eco-friendly EtOH:H2O (9.5:0.5 v/v) as mobile phase. SLD was subjected to stress conditions according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The drug undergoes significant structural changes under oxidative stress condition to the N-oxide derivative. The oxidation product Sildenafil N-oxide (SDL N-oxide) designated in the European Pharmacopeia (EP) as impurity B was characterized utilizing 1D- and 2D-NMR as well as High Resolution Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectroscopy. The aphrodisiac potency of SDL N-oxide in comparison with SLD was evaluated in vivo using rats as experimental animal model. The evaluation based on the following parameters: mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies (ML, IL and EL, respectively), mounting and intromission frequencies (MF and IF, respectively), and postejaculatory interval (PEI). SLD N-oxide expressed similar aphrodisiac effect to SLD but with less potency. Molecular docking of SDL N-oxide along with the parent drug SLD, indicated a strong binding affinity and similar binding pattern within the active site of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5). However, the docking score of SLD N-oxide was slightly lower as compared to SLD in agreement with the biological study findings.

Pharmacy Students’ Perception towards Clinical Pharmacognosy Course

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify pharmacy student’s perception towards clinical pharmacognosy. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in Al-Kharj. The survey contains 2 parts; the Level of the students and pharmacy students’ perception towards the clinical pharmacognosy course. The data were collected and analyzed using Excel software. Results: About 51.20 % of the students said that clinical pharmacognosy is an interesting subject. About 57.60% of them said that clinical pharmacognosy is an integral part of clinical pharmacy practice but only 28.80% of them agreed that clinical pharmacognosy should be a mandatory part of the pharmacy curriculum. Approximately 68.00% of the students agreed that clinical pharmacognosy provides sufficient knowledge about mechanisms of actions, indications, proper dosing and side effects of herbal drugs. Conclusion: It is concluded that pharmacy students showed positive perceptions towards the clinical pharmacognosy course. It is important to increase the awareness of pharmacy students about clinical pharmacognosy in order to prescribe herbal drugs correctly and to educate health care professionals and patients about the efficacy and safety of the herbal products.

Artemisia judaica L. diminishes diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction in male rats via activation of Nrf2/HO-1-mediated antioxidant responses

Diabetes mellitus is a well-known danger element for the progression of male reproductive dysfunctions. Available evidence supports oxidative stress to be the underlying mechanism for the manifestation of testicular dysfunctions during diabetes, and this relation represents an attractive target to antagonize these complications. Artemisia judaica L. is known to have antidiabetic and antioxidant characteristics. The possible protective effect of Artemisia judaica against diabetes-induced testicular disorders was not explored. In this investigation, we planned to estimate the possible protective effect of Artemisia judaica extract against diabetes-induced testicular disorders in male rats. The blood levels of insulin, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone were evaluated in rats after 12 weeks of Artemisia judaica treatment. Further, oxidative stress markers were determined in their testicular tissue. Epididymal fluid and testicular histological changes were also assessed. Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen has been evaluated in testis. Testicular mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 as the significant transcription factors in controlling antioxidant system were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Artemisia judaica extracts have the ability to ameliorate the elevation in the serum glucose and blood glycosylated hemoglobin and the reduction in insulin, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone caused by streptozotocin-induced diabetes. It induced a significant recovery of the testicular oxidative stress markers, sperm characteristics and improved histopathological findings of the testes. Treatment with Artemisia judaica extracts led to an increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein expression. Reduction of testicular oxidative stress potential in streptozotocin-treated groups was confirmed by upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1.

In Vivo Hepatoprotective and Nephroprotective Activity of Acylated Iridoid Glycosides from Scrophularia hepericifolia

Phytochemical investigation of the chloroform fraction obtained from Scrophularia hypericifolia aerial parts led to the isolation of nine acylated iridoid glycosides. The new compounds were identified as 6-O-α-L(2″-acetyl, 3″,4″-di-O-trans-cinnamoyl) rhamnopyranosyl-6'-acetyl catalpol (6'-acetyl hypericifolin A) (1), 6-O-α-L(2″, 4″-diacetyl, 3″-O-trans-cinnamoyl) rhamnopyranosyl-6'-acetyl catalpol (6'-acetyl hypericifolin B) (2), 6-O-α-L(2″-acetyl, 3″,4″-di-O-trans-cinnamoyl) rhamnopyranosyl catalpol (hypericifolin A) (3) and 6-O-α-L(2″, 4″-diacetyl, 3″-O-trans-cinnamoyl) rhamnopyranosyl catalpol (hypericifolin B) (4). Previously reported compounds were identified as laterioside (5), 8-O-acetylharpagide (6), 6-O-α-L(4'-O-trans-cinnamoyl) rhamnopyranosyl catalpol (7), lagotisoside D (8) and harpagoside (9). Identification achieved via analyses of physical and spectral data including 1D, 2D NMR and High Resolution Electrospray Ionization Mass spectroscopy (HRESIMS). Compounds 2-4 and 6 were subjected to biological evaluation against paracetamol-induced toxicity. The biochemical parameters aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) as well as total bilirubin were used to access the liver condition. Measurement of serum levels of urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium cations were indicators for kidney condition. Liver and kidney samples were subjected to histopathological study. The best protection was found in the group treated with 3 followed by 4 and 6, while 2 was almost inactive.

Chemical Constituent Profiling of Phyllostachys heterocycla var. Pubescens with Selective Cytotoxic Polar Fraction through EGFR Inhibition in HepG2 Cells

Different extracts of the Bamboo shoot skin Phyllostachys heterocycla var. pubescens were screened against panel of cancer cell lines and normal one. The cell viability results exhibited that the ethyl acetate extract showed the least vitality percentage of 2.14% of HepG2 cells. Accordingly, it was subjected to chromatographic separation, which resulted in the isolation of a new natural product; 7-hydroxy, 5-methoxy, methyl cinnamate (1), together with four known compounds. The structures of the pure isolated compounds were deduced based on different spectroscopic data. The new compound (1) was screened against the HepG2 and MCF-7 cells and showed IC50 values of 7.43 and 10.65 µM, respectively. It induced apoptotic cell death in HepG2 with total apoptotic cell death of 58.6% (12.44-fold) compared to 4.71% in control by arresting cell cycle progression at the G1 phase. Finally, compound 1 was validated as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor in both enzymatic levels (IC50 = 98.65 nM compared to Erlotinib (IC50 = 78.65 nM). Finally, in silico studies of compound 1 through the molecular docking indicated its high binding affinity towards EGFR protein and the ADME pharmacokinetics indicated it as a drug-like.

Sterols and Triterpenes from Dobera glabra Growing in Saudi Arabia and Their Cytotoxic Activity

A new lupane caffeoyl ester, lup-20(29)-ene 3β-caffeate-30-al (7), and a new oleanane-type triterpene, 3β-hydroxyolean-13(18)-en-12-one (17), were isolated from the aerial parts of Dobera glabra (Forssk), along with ten known triterpenes, including seven lupane-type lupeol (1), 30-nor-lup-3β-ol-20-one (2), ∆1-lupenone (3), lup-20(29)-en-3β,30-diol (4), lupeol caffeate (5), 30-hydroxy lup-20(29)-ene 3β-caffeate (6), and betunaldehyde (8); three oleanane-type compounds were also identified, comprising δ-amyrone (15), δ-amyrin (16), and 11-oxo-β-amyrin (18); together with six sterols, comprising β-sitosterol (9), stigmasterol (10), 7α-hydroxy-β-sitosterol (11), 7α-hydroxy-stigmasterol (12), 7-keto-β-sitosterol (13), and 7-keto-stigmasterol (14). Their structures were elucidated using a variety of spectroscopic techniques, including 1D (1H, 13C, and DEPT-135 13C) and 2D (1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C HSQC, and 1H-13C HMBC) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and accurate mass spectroscopy. Subsequently, the different plant extracts and some of the isolated compounds (1-9, 11 and 13) were investigated for their possible cytotoxic activity in comparison to cisplatin against a wide array of aggressive cancer cell lines, such as colorectal cancer (HCT-116), hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2), and prostate cancer (PC-3) cell lines. Compound 11 displayed broad cytotoxicity against all of the tested cell lines (IC50 ≅ 8 µg/mL in all cases), and a high safety margin against normal Vero cells (IC50 = 70 µg/mL), suggesting that 11 may be a highly selective and effective anticancer agent candidate. Notably, the evidence indicated that the mode of action of compound 11 could possibly consist of the inhibition of phosphodiesterase I (80.2% enzyme inhibition observed at 2 µM compound concentration).

Synthesis of some quinazolinones inspired from the natural alkaloid L-norephedrine as EGFR inhibitors and radiosensitizers

A set of quinazolinones synthesized by the aid of L-norephedrine was assembled to generate novel analogues as potential anticancer and radiosensitizing agents. The new compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, HepG-2, HCT-116 cancer cell lines and EGFR inhibitory activity. The most active compounds 5 and 6 were screened against MCF-10A normal cell line and displayed lower toxic effects. They proved their relative safety with high selectivity towards MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. Measurement of the radiosensitizing activity for 5 and 6 revealed that they could sensitize the tumour cells after being exposed to a single dose of 8 Gy gamma radiation. Compound 5 was able to induce apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle at the G2-M phase. Molecular docking of 5 and 6 in the active site of EGFR was performed to gain insight into the binding interactions with the key amino acids.

Cytotoxic, Apoptosis-Inducing Activities, and Molecular Docking of a New Sterol from Bamboo Shoot Skin Phyllostachys heterocycla var. pubescens

Phytochemical screening of nonpolar fractions from the methanol extract of the Bamboo shoot skin Phyllostachys heterocycla var. pubescens resulted in the isolation of a new sterol-glucoside-fatty acid derivative (6'-O-octadeca-8'',11''-dienoyl)-sitosterol-3-O-β-d-glucoside (1), together with six known compounds. The chemical structures of the pure isolated compounds were deduced based on different spectral data. The isolated compounds were assessed to determine their cytotoxic activity, and the results were confirmed by determining their apoptotic activity. Compound 1 was more cytotoxic against the MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 25.8 µM) compared to Fluorouracil (5-FU) (26.98 µM), and it significantly stimulated apoptotic breast cancer cell death with 32.6-fold (16.63% compared to 0.51 for the control) at pre-G1 and G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest and blocked the progression of MCF-7 cells. Additionally, RT-PCR results further confirmed the apoptotic activity of compound 1 by the upregulation of proapoptotic genes (P53; Bax; and caspases 3, 8, and 9) and downregulation of the antiapoptotic genes (BCL2). Finally, the identified compounds, especially 1, were found to have high binding affinity towards both tyrosine-specific protein kinase (TPK) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR-2) through the molecular docking studies that highlight its mode of action.

Vacillantins A and B, New Anthrone C-glycosides, and a New Dihydroisocoumarin Glucoside from Aloe vacillans and Its Antioxidant Activities

A new dihydroisocoumarin glucoside, vacillanoside (3), and two new anthrone C-glycosides microdantin derivatives; vacillantin A (10) and B (11), together with nine known compounds belonging to the anthraquinone, anthrone and isocoumarin groups were isolated from the leaves of Aloe vacillans. The structures were determined based on spectroscopic evidence including 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high resolution mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) data, along with comparisons to reported data. The leaves were used to extract compounds with different solvents. The extracts were tested for antioxidant activity with a variety of in vitro tests including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^•), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS^•+), ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), superoxide, and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. The dichloromethane fraction was most active, displaying significant free radical scavenging activity. The n-butanol fraction also showed notable activity in all assays. Therefore, these findings support the potential use of A. vacillans leaves as an antioxidant medication due to the presence of polyphenolic compounds.

Momordica charantia Extract Protects against Diabetes-Related Spermatogenic Dysfunction in Male Rats: Molecular and Biochemical Study

More than 90% of diabetic patients suffer from sexual dysfunction, including diminished sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm viability, and low testosterone levels. The effects of Momordica charantia (MC) were studied by estimating the blood levels of insulin, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), testosterone (TST), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in diabetic rats treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w. of the total extract. Testicular antioxidants, epididymal sperm characteristics, testicular histopathology, and lesion scoring were also investigated. Testicular mRNA expression of apoptosis-related markers such as antiapoptotic B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and proapoptotic Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were evaluated by real-time PCR. Furthermore, caspase-3 protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. MC administration resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and HbA1c and marked elevation of serum levels of insulin, TST, and gonadotropins in diabetic rats. It induced a significant recovery of testicular antioxidant enzymes, improved histopathological changes of the testes, and decreased spermatogenic and Sertoli cell apoptosis. MC effectively inhibited testicular apoptosis, as evidenced by upregulation of Bcl-2 and downregulation of Bax and caspase-3. Moreover, reduction in apoptotic potential in MC-treated groups was confirmed by reduction in the Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA expression ratio.

Effect of Environmental Conditions on the Biomarker Trigonelline in Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seeds Using Validated HPTLC Method

Introduction:

Fenugreek- the seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum- are known for their medicinal value since the very early-recorded human history. This study is conducted to explore the effect of environmental conditions on the trigonelline content of the plant seeds.

Methods:

Trigonelline contents in different samples of fenugreek were estimated by HPTLC. The established method was proved to be accurate, precise and robust according to ICH guidelines. The used mobile phase was a mixture of ethyl acetate: methanol: water: formic acid 7.5: 2.5: 3: 1 (%, v/v/v/v) on 20 × 10 cm glass coated silica gel 60 F254 plates. The plates were scanned and quantified densitometrically at λ = 267 nm after development.

Results:

A valid linear relationship correlating peak area and amount of trigonelline in the range of 100- 700 ng/spot was obtained. The amount of trigonelline varied according to the country of origin.

Conclusion:

The Indian sample has the highest amount of trigonelline followed by the Moroccan sample. The two locations represent areas with moderate temperature, low altitude and rainy winter.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Sesquiterpenoids from Aerial Parts of Anvillea garcinii

Two new sesquiterpenoids belonging to the guaiane, 4α,9α,10α-trihydroxyguaia-11(13)en-12,6α-olide (1), and germacrane, 9β-hydroxyparthenolide-9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), classes have been isolated from the leaves of the Saudi medicinal plant Anvillea garcinii along with seven known compounds (3–9). The structures of the new metabolites were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, including one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESIMS). The antimicrobial properties of 1–9 were screened against seven different pathogenic microbes, and compounds 1–3 showed a potent antifungal activity.

Correction: Rubia tinctorum root extracts: chemical profile and management of type II diabetes mellitus

Correction for ‘Rubia tinctorum root extracts: chemical profile and management of type II diabetes mellitus’ by Enas E. Eltamany et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 24159–24168, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA03442H.

Rubia tinctorum root extracts: chemical profile and management of type II diabetes mellitus

The chemical and biological profiling of the root extracts of Rubia tinctorum was performed. The activities of different extracts were determined considering the antidiabetic effect against type II diabetes mellitus together with anti-obesity and hepatoprotective effects and lipid profile. The methanolic extract of Rubia tinctorum exhibited significant results in decreasing body weight, improving lipid profile, normalizing hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia. Additionally, it showed enhancement of liver tissue structure and function. The methanolic extract, being the most significant one, was subjected to LC-HRMS analysis to determine its chemical constituents. Finally, the chemical constituents were evaluated by molecular docking study that was carried out to identify the interaction of a panel of 45 compounds in silico and to correlate the structures to their anti-diabetic activity. Among the tested compounds, 1-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl anthra-quinone and naringenin-7-O-glucoside showed the most potent activity as α-amylase inhibitors.

The chemical and biological profiling of the root extracts of Rubia tinctorum was performed.

Effect of olive leaves extract on the antidiabetic effect of glyburide for possible herb-drug interaction

The concomitant use of olive leaves (OL) and glyburide (GLB) is a possible therapy for diabetic patients. However, there is no report about the effect of OL on the antidiabetic effect of GLB till now. In the current study, the possible interaction of olive leaves extract (OLE) with GLB was assessed to determine if there was any pharmacological benefit over GLB alone. Seven groups of male Sprague Dawley rats were used. Normal rats of the 1st group treated with 2 mL/kg of 3% Tween 80 (vehicle). The 2nd–5th groups were diabetic rats received vehicle, GLB (5 mg/kg), OLE low dose and OLE high dose respectively, while the 6th–7th groups administered combinations of GLB plus OLE low dose and GLB plus OLE high dose, respectively. All treatments were administered orally once daily for 8 weeks.

The use of GLB+OLE-500 obviously improved fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in diabetic rats (95.5 ± 5.55 mg/dL, 6.8 ± 0.16 mg/dL and 6.1 ± 0.29%, respectively) compared to those treated with GLB monotherapy (140.0 ± 6.36 mg/dL, 5.4 ± 0.19 mg/dL and 7.0 ± 0.20%, respectively). The lipid profile [triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)] was significantly improved in diabetic rats exposed to GLB+OLE-500 (35.6 ± 1.51 mg/dL, 48.5 ± 2.74 mg/dL, 25.1 ± 1.21 mg/dL and 17.0 ± 0.82 mg/dL, respectively) in comparison with diabetic group exposed to GLB alone (43.2 ± 2.15 mg/dL, 56.8 ± 2.14 mg/dL, 18.6 ± 0.96 mg/dL, 23.0 ± 1.26 mg/dL, respectively). Additionally, the benefit impacts of GLB+OLE-500GLB+OLE-500 therapy on the antioxidant and lipid peroxidation parameters in the pancreatic tissues of diabetic rats were higher than those of GLB monotherapy. Moreover, GLB plus OLE-500 combination had the greatest effect on restoration of the insulin content of Beta (β) cells and reduction of the glucagon and somatostatin of Alpha (α) and Delta (δ) endocrine cells in the pancreatic islets among the different treatment. The current study suggests that OL and GLB combination could cause herb-drug interactions through modulation of insulin receptor (INR), glucose transporter 2 (Slc2a2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α) genes expression in the liver of diabetic rats.

Molluscicidal activity of cardiac glycosides isolated from Adenium obesum

BACKGROUND

Terrestrial mollusks are one of most important agricultural pests worldwide. Natural phytochemicals have an extended history as a source of pesticides. This study was planned to isolate molluscicidal active compounds from the stems of Adenium obesum.

RESULTS

The benzene-soluble fraction of the hydroethanolic extract displayed the most potent molluscicidal activity against Monacha obstructa among different solvent fractions with a median lethal dose (LD₅₀ ) of 4.91 µg g^-1 body weight (bw). The bioactivity-guided chemical exploration of the benzene-soluble fraction led to the isolation of two known cardiac glycosides, cerberin and neriifolin which showed significant molluscicidal activity with LD₅₀ values of 5.39 and 4.3 µg g^-1 bw, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Isolation of the cardiac glycoside neriifolin from A. obesum and the molluscicidal activity of cerberin and neriifolin against terrestrial snails are reported for the first time. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Optimization of the extraction condition for benzyl isothiocyanate contents in Salvadora persica roots "Siwak"

Benzyl isothocyanate is the major active antibacterial metabolite in Salvadora persica roots "Siwak" beside two minor isothiocyanate derivatives namely; 3-methoxy benzyl isothiocyanate and 3-hydroxy benzyl isothiocyanate. The extraction condition effect on the amount of benzyl isothiocyanate was explored in detailed study. Both cold and hot extraction with different solvents was applied. The amount of benzyl isothiocyanate was estimated using HPLC and HPTLC. The results indicated that cold extraction of the fresh samples with chloroform offers the maximum amount of benzyl isothiocyanate. Drying process leads to great loss of the active component of Siwak.

Preparation and evaluation of a stable and sustained release of lansoprazole-loaded poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) polymeric nanoparticles

The aim of the study was to prepare lansoprazole (LNS)-loaded poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles in order to improve the physicochemical stability associated with LNS. We synthesized LNS-loaded PLGA nanoparticles in the presence of magnesium oxide as alkalizer to improve the release of LNS and stability against photodegradation. The LNS-encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles were developed by the nanoprecipitation/solvent evaporation method, resulting in a particle size of 246.7 ± 3.4 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.126, percent drug entrapment (PDE) of 82.85 ± 4.5%, percent drug loading (PDL) of 3.54 ± 0.34%, and pH of 8.10 ± 0.56. The developed nanoparticles were further evaluated for in vitro release and resistance to photodegradation by NMR spectroscopy and LC-MS. The sustained release of the drug was confirmed after the encapsulation of LNS in the PLGA matrix. The protection of LNS in the PLGA matrix against photodegradation was confirmed by NMR and LC-MS studies. The LC-MS of UV-exposed samples of pure LNS and LNS-loaded PLGA nanoparticles at 254 nm showed the same (M + 1) peak at 370 m/e, and the base peak at 369 m/e accounted for the unchanged structure of LNS inside PLGA nanoparticles. Overall, it was proved that PLGA nanoparticles in the presence of magnesium oxide are an efficient carrier to deliver and protect LNS from physicochemical instability.

Characterization and hepatoprotective evaluation of sesquiterpenes and diterpenes from the aerial parts of Juniperus sabina L

Previously, we reported on the hepatoprotective activity of the total extract of Juniperus sabina L. against CCl₄ induced liver toxicity in experimental animals. Biologically directed phytochemical study was conducted to identify the active compounds. Male Wistar rats and the standard drug silymarin were used in the study. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated via serum biochemical parameters such as aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin. Tissue parameters including non-protein sulfhydryl groups (NP-SH), malonaldehyde (MDA) and total protein (TP) were also determined. Histopathological study was conducted utilizing Mayer's hematoxylin stain, Periodic Acid Schiff - Hematoxylin (PAS-H) and Masson trichrome technique on light microscope. Electron microscope images were also generated for the study. The activity of the total extract was trapped to the petroleum ether fraction after liquid-liquid fractionation where 51% reduction in the levels of AST, bilirubin and 44% in the levels of ALT were observed. Chromatographic purification of the petroleum ether fraction resulted in the isolation of nine compounds namely: trans-calamenene (1), cadalene (cadalin) (2), epi-cubenol (3), manool (4), calamenene-10β-ol (5), calamenene-10α-ol (6), 4-epi-abietic acid (7), sandaracopimaric acid (8) and isopimaric acid (9). Compounds 1-3, 5 and 6 are belonging to cadinane sesquiterepenes, while compounds 4, 7-9 were of diterpene skeleton. The major compounds were tested for their hepatoprotective effect. Compounds 3 showed marked improvement in the levels of AST and ALT, compound 4 was effective in improving the levels of AST, ALT, GGT, ALP and bilirubin, while compound 7 showed significant improvement in GGT, ALP and bilirubin levels.

Molecular and biochemical monitoring of the possible herb-drug interaction between Momordica charantia extract and glibenclamide in diabetic rats

Momordica charantia is used in folk medicine to manage diabetes mellitus. In this study, we investigated the possible herb-drug interaction between M. charantia fruit extract (MCFE) and glibenclamide (GLB) in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Rats were divided into 7 groups. The 1st group received 3% Tween 80. The 2nd–5th groups were diabetic rats received vehicle, GLB (5 mg/kg), MCFE (250 and 500 mg/kg), respectively. The 6th–7th groups administered GLB plus MCFE (250 and 500 mg/kg), respectively. After 8 weeks, fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were assessed. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of the pancreases were done. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to analyze hepatic mRNA expression of insulin receptor (INR), glucose transporter 2 (Slc2a2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α) genes. All medicaments greatly reduced FBG in diabetic rats when compared with diabetic control group. GLB plus MCFE combination was better than GLB alone in improving levels of insulin and HbA1c. All medicaments restored insulin content of pancreatic β-cells and reduced glucagon and somatostatin of alpha and delta endocrine cells. Moreover, GLB plus MCFE-500 was the most efficient in restoring INR, Slc2a2 and PPAR-α mRNA expression to their normal levels. In conclusion, MCFE in combination with GLB gives greater glycemic improvement than GLB monotherapy.

Chemical composition of fennel seed extract and determination of fenchone in commercial formulations by GC-MS method

In the present study, various phytoconstituents of methanolic extract of Foeniculum vulgare were identified using gas-chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. GC-MS method was also applied for the analysis of biomarker fenchone in extract and eight different commercial formulations. The mass of prepared extract and formulations A-D and H (commercial herbal mixtures and commercial extract) used for the analysis of fenchone was 10 g. However, the mass of formulations E-G (soft gelatin capsules) was 100 mg. Fifty seven different phytoconstituents were identified in the methanolic extract of F. vulgare using GC-MS technique. The main compounds identified were trans-anethole (31.49%), 2-pentanone (25.01%), fenchone (11.68%) and benzaldehyde-4-methoxy (8.01%). Several other compounds were also identified in higher amounts and some compounds were identified in trace amounts. Many compounds have been reported for the first time in the methanolic extract of F. vulgare. The amount of fenchone was found to be maximum in plant extract (9.789 mg/g) in comparison with other commercial formulations by the proposed GC-MS technique. In three different commercial formulations (F, G and H), the amount of fenchone was obtained as more than 1.0 mg/g. However, in five different commercial formulations (A, B, C, D and E), the amount of fenchone was recorded as less than 0.1 mg/g. This method could be utilized for the analysis of fenchone contents in the commercial formulations containing fenchone as an active ingredient. The results obtained in this work could be useful in standardization of commercial formulations containing fenchone.