Chemical composition and biological activities of Lonicera caprifolium L. (Caprifoliaceae) essential oil

This work aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, antinociceptive effect, and wound healing activity of the Lonicera caprifolium L. flower essential oil (LCEO). Linalool (16.42%), d-limonene (9.99%), and α-cadinol (10.65%) were the most prevalent components of the LCEO. The LCEO revealed moderate DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity. LCEO exhibited potent antinociceptive activity in acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate-induced pain model; LCEO reduced 73.88 ± 2.78% of writhing and significantly increased pain withdrawal latency in the mice, respectively. The LCEO also presented a potent wound healing effect, with 98.08 ± 1.37% wound closure on the 12th day of treatment. The results of the study demonstrate antioxidant and wound healing potential with antinociceptive effect. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the bioactivities of L. caprifolium L. essential oil.

Volatile Oil Containing Plants as Phytopharmaceuticals to Treat Psoriasis: A Review

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by an autoimmune response that accelerates the life cycle of skin cells, resulting in the characteristic symptoms of scaling, inflammation, and itching.

METHODS

Palliative treatment options for psoriasis often prioritize the use of volatile oils. These oils contain monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and phenylpropanoids that are intricately linked to the molecular cascades involved in the pathogenesis and symptoms of psoriasis. To evaluate the antipsoriatic efficacy of volatile oils and their components, we conducted a systematic review of scientific studies. Our literature search encompassed various online databases, including PubMed, BIREME, SCIELO, Open Grey, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. The selected studies included experimental in vitro/in vivo assessments as well as clinical studies that examined the potential of volatile oils and their extracts as antipsoriatic agents. We excluded conference proceedings, case reports, editorials, and abstracts. Ultimately, we identified and evaluated a total of 12 studies for inclusion in our analysis.

RESULTS

The data collected, compiled, and analyzed strongly support the interaction between volatile oils and their constituents with the key molecular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and the development of its symptoms. Volatile oils play a significant role in the palliative treatment of psoriasis, while their chemical constituents have the potential to reduce the symptoms and recurrence of this condition.

CONCLUSION

The current review highlights that the constituents found in volatile oils offer distinct chemical frameworks that can be regarded as promising starting points for the exploration and development of innovative antipsoriatic agents.

Nutritional Composition, Mineral Profiling, In Vitro Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Selected Indian Guava Cultivars Leaf Extract

Psidium guajava L. is a small evergreen tree known for its magnificent medicinal and nutritional value. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional profile and in vitro pharmacological potentialities of the different leaf extracts of four cultivars of Psidium guajava namely Surka chitti, Allahabad safeda, Karela, and Lucknow-49. The standard procedures of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) were followed to carry out the nutritional analysis and all of the cultivars recorded the presence of elements at a nominal range. The highest presence of phenols (125.77 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (92.38 mg QE/g) in the methanolic leaf extract of the Karela cultivar was recorded. A wide range of minerals such as sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and boron were recorded with a higher percentage in the Karela cultivar of Psidium guajava. In the enzyme inhibitory assays, Allahabad safeda showed potential inhibition with an IC50 of 113.31 ± 1.07, 98.2 ± 0.66 and 95.73 ± 0.39 μg/mL in α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase inhibition assays, respectively. The strong antioxidant effect was established by Lucknow-49 (IC50 of 74.43 ± 1.86 μg/mL) and Allahabad safeda (IC50 of 78.93 ± 0.46 μg/mL) for ABTS and DPPH assays, respectively. The ethyl acetate and methanolic leaf extracts of the Allahabad safeda cultivar showed better inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with an MIC of 14.84 and 28.69 µg/mL, respectively. A decent mean zone of inhibition was recorded in methanolic leaf extract that ranged from 21-25 mm in diameter against the tested bacterial strains (Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis, and P. aeruginosa). This is the first scientific report on the comparative and comprehensive analysis of indigenous guava cultivars to evidently shortlist the elite cultivars with enriched dietary nutrition and biological activities.

Phytochemical profile, antioxidant, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities of stem bark extract and fractions of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.: In vitro, in vivo and in silico approaches

This study aimed to assess the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extract of Ailanthus excelsa (Simaroubaceae) stem bark and its fractions. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed that methanolic extract and all fractions contained a high level of flavonoids (20.40-22.91 mg/g QE), phenolics (1.72-7.41 mg/g GAE), saponins (33.28-51.87 mg/g DE), and alkaloids (0.21-0.33 mg/g AE). The antioxidant potential was evaluated in vitro using a range of assays, i.e., DPPH•, ABTS radical scavenging ability, and total antioxidant capacity. The chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed stronger antioxidant activity than the methanol extract. In vitro cytotoxic activity was investigated in three human tumor cell lines (A-549, MCF7 and HepG2) using the SRB assay. In addition, the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect was assessed by carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. The chloroform fraction showed a more pronounced effect by effectively controlling the growth with the lowest GI50 and TGI concentrations. The human lung cancer cell line (A-549) was found to be more sensitive to the chloroform fraction. Furthermore, the chloroform fraction exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity at a dose of 200 mg/kg in the latter phase of inflammation. Besides, methanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction revealed a significant cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects. The chloroform fraction of stem bark showed a strong anti-inflammatory effect in experimental animals and significant COX-2 inhibitory potential in the in vitro experiments. GC-MS analysis of chloroform fraction identified the phytochemicals like caftaric acid, 3,4-dihydroxy phenylacetic acid, arachidonic acid, cinnamic acid, 3-hydroxyphenylvaleric acid, caffeic acid, hexadeconoic acid, and oleanolic acid. The in-silico results suggest that identified compounds have better affinity towards the selected targets, viz. the BAX protein (PDB ID: 1F16), p53-binding protein Mdm-2 (PDB ID: 1YCR), and topoisomerase II (PDB ID: 1QZR). Amongst all, caftaric acid exhibited the best binding affinity for all three targets. Thus, it can be concluded that caftaric acid in combination with other phenolic compounds, might be responsible for the studied activity. Additional in vivo and in vitro studies are required to establish their exact molecular mechanisms and consider them as lead molecules in developing of valuable drugs for treating oxidative stress-induced disorders, cancers, and inflammations.

Phytochemical and pharmacological validation of folklore medicine practiced in south-western Satpuda Ranges (India) for management of inflammatory conditions

INTRODUCTION

The ethnobotanical survey of the South-western Satpuda ranges has continued for decades. However, very few disease-specific surveys and their pharmacological validation have been published. The present study aimed to identify, document, and pharmacologically validate the tribal knowledge on anti-inflammatory medicinal plants.

METHODS

The field survey was conducted over a year from July 2015 to June 2016, scattered in the South-Western region of Satpuda Ranges. Documentation and identification of the medicinal herbs used often in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Two plants, namely Eulophia herbacea Lindl., and Grewia flavescens A. Juss. were commonly used for inflammatory conditions. Phytopharmacological validation was done using carrageenan induced inflammation and CFA-induced arthritis.

RESULTS

The current investigation identified 32 plants from 22 different families as anti-inflammatory plants. G. flavescens exhibited substantial antiarthritic action in complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats, and E. herbacea showed powerful anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. This activity might be attributed to the presence of gallic acid, quercetin, β-sitosterol and lupeol.

CONCLUSION

The research reveals that selected plants had anti-inflammatory properties in both acute and chronic inflammation. Further studies to highlight the exact mechanism of action of these plants are warranted.

Exploring the therapeutic mechanisms of Cassia glauca in diabetes mellitus through network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics

Cassia glauca is reported as anti-diabetic medicinal plant and is also used as an ethnomedicine. However, its mode of action as an anti-diabetic agent has not been clearly elucidated. Hence, the present study investigated the probable mechanism of action of C. glauca to manage diabetes mellitus via network pharmacology and molecular docking and simulations studies. The reported bioactives from C. glauca were retrieved from an open-source database, i.e. ChEBI, and their targets were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction. The proteins involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes were identified from the therapeutic target database. The targets involved in diabetes were enriched in STRING, and the pathways involved in diabetes were identified concerning the KEGG. Cytoscape was used to construct the network among bioactives, proteins, and probably regulated pathways, which were analyzed based on edge count. Similarly, molecular docking was performed using the Glide module of the Schrodinger suite against majorly targeted proteins with their respective ligands. Additionally, the drug-likeness score and ADMET profile of the individual bioactives were predicted using MolSoft and admetSAR2.0 respectively. The stability of these complexes were further studied via molecular dynamics simulations and binding energy calculations. Twenty-three bio-actives were retrieved from the ChEBI database in which cassiarin B was predicted to modulate the highest number of proteins involved in diabetes mellitus. Similarly, GO analysis identified the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway to be primarily regulated by modulating the highest number of gene. Likewise, aldose reductase (AKR1B1) was majorly targeted via the bioactives of C. glauca. Similarly, docking study revealed methyl-3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinate (docking score −9.209) to possess the highest binding affinity with AKR1B1. Additionally, drug-likeness prediction identified cassiaoccidentalin B to possess the highest drug-likeness score, i.e. 0.84. The molecular dynamics simulations and the MMGBSA indicate high stability and greater binding energy for the methyl-3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinate (ΔG_bind = −40.33 ± 6.69 kcal mol⁻¹) with AKR1B1, thus complementing results from other experiments. The study identified cassiarin B, cassiaoccidentalin B, and cinnamtannin A2 as lead hits for the anti-diabetic activity of C. glauca. Further, the PI3K-Akt and AKR1B1 were traced as majorly modulated pathway and target, respectively.

Cassia glauca is reported for anti-diabetic action and is also used as an ethnomedicine.

Purification and modification of neem gum for enhancement of its suspending property

Background

The present study aimed to purify and modify the neem gum (NG) to evaluate its dispersing ability in a pharmaceutical suspension formulation. The modification was carried out to cross-link the sugars as carbamate in the presence of calcium chloride to improve the suspending property. Physiochemical properties such as pH, solubility, swelling index and ash value were performed before investigating the dispersing potential. The suspending potential of neem gum was studied in its different forms such as purified and modified gum in paracetamol suspension and was compared with sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) being used as standard at a concentration range of 0.25–1% (w/v). The test suspensions were evaluated for the redispersibility, flowability, sedimentation volume (%) and stability study for 3 months.

Result

The redispersibility of modified neem gum (MNG) was found equal to CMC at a higher concentration. The flowability and apparent sedimentation of test suspending agents and CMC were found in the order of NG > MNG > CMC. It showed a positive correlation with the viscosity of suspension formulations. All the test paracetamol suspension formulations were found stable in the stability study.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study showed that as an alternate suspending agent, modified cross-linked neem gum could be used.

Synthesis and evaluation of novel mutual prodrugs of Piroxicam

Therapeutic efficacy of piroxicam can be improved by retarding gastrointestinal side effects by means of temporarily modification of enolic hydroxyl group chemically. The NSAIDs such as aceclofenac, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid and naproxen were selected as promoities with the aim of getting synergistic effect through these well known pharmaco-counter parts. The targeted prodrugs are synthesized successfully and confirmed by characterization. Synthesis involved chlorination of NSAIDs and coupling of this acid chloride with piroxicam through enolic hydroxyl group to get ester derivatives. Mutual prodrugs were evaluated by hydrolysis study at different pH (acidic, neutral, alkaline) using phosphate buffer. Prodrug derivatives were found to be stable at acidic and neutral pH but prone to hydrolysis at alkaline pH. Thus the objective of the presented study was to overcome the undesirable side effects of NSAIDs. Thus, current studies confirms that the mutual prodrug approach can be applied  effectively in order to  achieve the purpose of raising effectiveness of piroxicam under two lines; firstly, masking of enolic hydroxyl group through acids and converting them to esters and secondly, utilizing the known NSAIDs for achieving the synergistic effect.

Evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Bridelia retusa (Spreng) bark

Several species of Bridelia have been used in the condition of pain & arthritis in Indian folk medicine. Present study revealed the preliminary phytochemical investigation and evaluation of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity as well as underlying mechanism of bark of Bridelia retusa Spreng. (Euphorbiaceae). The bark was subjected to extraction using pet.ether, ethyl acetate and acetone. All the extracts were significantly inhibit abdominal writhings response and licking time in late phase of formalin test. Extracts could also significantly inhibit mean paw edema of rats induced by carrageenan & histamine at dose of 200 & 400 mg/kg, i.p. Test materials also showed significant dose dependent reduction in cotton pellet granuloma & acetic acid induced vascular permeability at 400 mg/kg. Oral administration of B. retusa fractions in CFA induced arthritic rats, physical, biochemical and hematological parameters observed in arthritic animals were altered significantly to near normal condition. The maximum paw edema inhibition at day 21 was observed at 400 mg/kg. It also proved significant protection against protein denaturation & RBC membrane damage.

The GC-MS analysis of EA extract revealed the presence of β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, lupeol and friedelin (Pentacyclic triterpenoid). Therefore present study has demonstrated the analgesic; anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities of B. retusa bark and suggested that the molecular membrane might be associated with inhibition of biochemical and hematological parameters. Overall bioactive profile of B. retusa used phytomedicine in future for inflammatory conditions.

Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies on Ficus Microcarpa L. fil

Background:

Ficus microcarpa L. fil. (Syn: Ficus retusa) (Moraceae) is well-known traditional medicinal plant. The bark is used for diverse health ailments in traditional and folklore remedies.

Aims:

The present study was undertaken to lay down pharmacognostical and phytochemical standards.

Materials and Methods:

Pharmacognostic studies on fresh, dried and powdered bark was carried out to determine it's morphological, anatomical, and phytochemical diagnostic features. Furthermore, major phytoconstituents were identified from the extracts with the help of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) study.

Results:

The morphology showed to be soft, brittle, rough, shallow vertical, irregularly oriented fissures, curved surface; with splintering, laminated fracture. Microscopically F. microcarpa showed all general characteristics of bark with some distinct differentiation. The phellem is thin and even, phelloderm few cell and rectangular and followed by smaller sclerides, the phloem rays are broad, multi-serrate and showed the scattered bundles of sclerides. The fluorescence and physicochemical standards for bark were established. HPLC analysis showed the predominant presence of therapeutically important phytoconstituents such as oleanolic, betulinic acid, lupeol, β-sitosterol, catechin, and gallic acid.

Conclusion:

The bark of F. microcarpa considered equivalent to other Ficus species, such as Ficus virens, Ficus infectoria, Ficus arnottiana, Ficus lacor, and Ficus talboti. However, there is no pharmacognostical and phytochemical reports on F. microcarpa to authenticate and differentiate it from similar species. Present work has described pharmacognostical and phytochemical characteristics of F. microcarpa and diagnostic features to differentiate it.