Chemical constituents from Notopterygium incisum and their anti-neuroinflammatory activity

Phytochemical research on an extract of Notopterygium incisum yielded fifteen compounds (1-15), including four previously undescribed compounds (10-13). The structures of the unreported compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic and spectrometric data analysis such as 1D and 2D NMR, IR and HR-ESI-MS. Compounds 1-5 and 10-14 were isolated from N. incisum for the first time. 7S⁎,8R⁎-Phenethyl-(7-methoxy-8-isoeugenol)-ferulate (10), 7S⁎,8R⁎-p-hydroxyphenethyl-(7-methoxy-8-isoeugenol)-ferulate (11), 7S⁎,8R⁎-benzyl-(7-methoxy-8-isoeugenol)-ferulate (12) and p-hydroxyphenethyl-(4-benzoy-3-methoxy)-cinnamate (13) are the undescribed ferulic acid derivatives. Additionly, the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of compounds were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 cells. The pharmacological results showed that 6β,10β-epoxy-4α-hydroxy-guaiane (6), teuclatriol (7) and 7S⁎,8R⁎-p-hydroxyphenethyl-(7-methoxy-8-isoeugenol)-ferulate (11) inhibited the production and expression of nitric oxide (NO) in the LPS-induced BV2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Acorusnol (4), teucladiol (9), 7S⁎,8R⁎-benzyl-(7-methoxy-8-isoeugenol)-ferulate (12) and p-hydroxyphenethyl-(4-benzoy-3-methoxy)-cinnamate (13) only inhibited the release of NO at concentration of 20 μM. Moreover, 7S⁎,8R⁎-p-hydroxyphenethyl-(7-methoxy-8-isoeugenol)-ferulate (11) reduced the level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. The results demonstrated 7S⁎,8R⁎-p-hydroxyphenethyl-(7-methoxy-8-isoeugenol)-ferulate (11) could be a potential anti-neuroinflammatory agent and is worthy of further study.

Angular dihydropyranocoumarins from the flowers of Peucedanum japonicum and their aldo-keto reductase inhibitory activities

Twenty-one angular dihydropyranocoumarins and a linear furanocoumarin, including four previously undescribed compounds (1-4), were isolated from the flowers of Peucedanum japonicum (Umbelliferae). The structures of 1-4, along with their absolute stereochemistry, were determined to be (3'S,4'S)-3'-O-propanoyl-4'-O-(3‴-methyl-2‴-butenoyl)khellactone (1), (3'S,4'S)-3'-O-propanoyl-4'-O-(2‴-methyl-2‴Z-butenoyl)khellactone (2), (3'S,4'S)-3'-O-propanoyl-4'-O-(2‴-methylbutanoyl)khellactone (3), and (3'S,4'S)-3'-O-(2″-methylpropanoyl)-4'-O-(3‴-methyl-2‴-butenoyl)khellactone (4) using one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, and electronic circular dichroism spectroscopy. In addition, the absolute configuration of the three angular dihydropyranocoumarins (5-7) was determined for the first time in this study. Among the previously reported compounds isolated in this study, 8 and 9 were isolated for the first time from the genus Peucedanum, whereas 10 and 11 were previously unreported and had not been isolated from P. japonicum to date. Furthermore, all isolated compounds were evaluated for their aldo-keto reductase 1C1 inhibitory activities on A549 human non-small-cell lung cancer cells. Compounds 10 and 12 exhibited substantial AKR1C1 inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 35.8 ± 0.9 and 44.2 ± 1.5 μM, respectively.

Sesquiterpene coumarins from Ferula sinkiangensis and their anti-pancreatic cancer effects

Eight previously unreported sesquiterpene coumarins, namely (+)- and (-)-ferulasinkian A (1), (-)-fukanefuromarin M (2), (±)-ferulasinkian C (3), (±)-ferulasinkian D (4), ferulasinkian E (5), ferulasinkian F (7), and ferulasinkian G (8), together with two known compounds, (+)-fukanefuromarin M (2) and 7-hydroxyferprenin (6), have been isolated from the roots of Ferula sinkiangensis (Umbelliferae). The structures of all compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, along with ECD calculations and optical rotation calculations. Compounds 1-6 are dimers consisting of a chain sesquiterpene and a coumarin with an oxygen-containing six-membered ring connected from coumarin C-3 and C-4. Currently, there are only seven such structures reported in the genus Ferula, and their absolute configurations have not yet been determined. Compounds 7-8 are sesquiterpene coumarin derivatives with a chain sesquiterpene connected with coumarin C-4. In the present study, the chiral separation of compounds (±)-1 and (±)-2 was successfully carried out, and the absolute configurations of compounds (±)-1, (±)-2, 5, 7 and 8 were determined. The isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against human pancreatic cancer cell lines including CFPAC-1, PANC-1, CAPAN-2 and SW 1990. Compounds (+)-1, (-)-1 and 7 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 4.57 ± 0.94 to 14.01 ± 1.03 μM. Furthermore, the primary mechanistic study of (-)-1 demonstrated that it could induce apoptosis in CFPAC-1 cells.

Diverse neolignans and lignans from an aqueous extract of the Angelica sinensis root head

Neolignans and lignans with diverse new chemical structures, including eleven pairs of separated chiral enantiomers [(+)-/(-)-1-(+)-/(-)-5, (+)-/(-)-8, (+)-/(-)-10, and (+)-/(-)-12-(+)-/(-)-15], two achiral compounds (6 and 9), and an unseparated racemate [(±)-11], together with a new natural product (7) and 21 known derivatives, were isolated from an aqueous extract of the Angelica sinensis root head (guitou). Among the chiral isolates, (+)-/(-)-13 and (+)-/(-)-15 were scalemic pairs with enantiomeric ratios of around 3:1 and 1.5:1, respectively, while others were enantiomeric equivalent pairs. This indicates that the diverse neolignans in A. sinensis are biosynthesized via different pathways with varying degrees of stereo-controlled manners.

Carpological Analysis of Two Endemic Italian Species: Pimpinella anisoides and Pimpinella gussonei (Apiaceae)

This study aims to clarify the taxonomic doubts, which have varied over the centuries, on the only two endemic species of the genus Pimpinella growing in Italy: P. anisoides and P. gussonei. For this purpose, the main carpological characters of the two species were examined, analyzing the external morphological traits and their cross-sections. Fourteen morphological traits were identified, obtaining datasets for the two groups using 40 mericarps (20 per species). The obtained measurements were subjected to statistical analysis (MANOVA and PCA). Our results highlight that at least 10 of the 14 morphological traits analyzed support the distinction between P. anisoides and P. gussonei. In particular, the following carpological characters are very significant ways to distinguish between the two species: monocarp width and length (Mw, Ml), monocarp length from base to maximum width (Mm), stylopodium width and length (Sw, Sl), length/width ratio (l/w) and cross-section area (CSa). In particular, the fruit of P. anisoides is larger (Mw 1.61 ± 0.10 mm) than that of P. gussonei (Mw 1.27 ± 0.13 mm), the mericarps of the first species are longer (Ml 3.14 ± 0.32 vs. 2.26 ± 0.18 mm) and the cross-section area (CSa) of P. gussonei is larger (0.92 ± 0.19 mm) than that of P. anisoides (0.69 ± 0.12 mm). The results also highlight the importance of the morphological traits of the carpological structures for the specific discrimination of similar species. The findings of this study contribute to an evaluation of the taxonomic significance of this species within the genus Pimpinella, and also provide valuable information for the conservation of these two endemic species.

Pharmacology and Ethnomedicinal Potential of Selected Plants Species from Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)

BACKGROUND

The Apiaceae or Umbelliferae is one of the largest families in terms of species representation in the plant kingdom. It is also a prominent family in the field of phytochemicals and pharmacology. The family is also quite prominent in the production of spices and condiments and food supplements in nutrition, aside from the potential of species in the family to induce apoptotic, antimicrobial, antitumor, and hepatoprotective activities.

OBJECTIVE

This work presents a detailed structural elucidation and functional aspects of phytochemicals from the Apiaceae or Umbelliferae family.

METHODS

Furthermore, the application of members of this family in traditional and modern pharmacology is emphasized. This review also highlights the linkage of phytochemicals used in the conventional system of medication for the development of novel therapeutics through a chain of pre-clinical and clinical trials.

CONCLUSION

This study may represent a valuable step ahead in the clinical development of natural drugs for curing several ailments, including respiratory and virus-related diseases.

A higher-level nuclear phylogenomic study of the carrot family (Apiaceae)

PREMISE

The carrot family (Apiaceae) comprises 466 genera, which include many well-known crops (e.g., aniseed, caraway, carrots, celery, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, parsley, and parsnips). Higher-level phylogenetic relationships among subfamilies, tribes, and other major clades of Apiaceae are not fully resolved. This study aims to address this important knowledge gap.

METHODS

Target sequence capture with the universal Angiosperms353 probe set was used to examine phylogenetic relationships in 234 genera of Apiaceae, representing all four currently recognized subfamilies (Apioideae, Azorelloideae, Mackinlayoideae, and Saniculoideae). Recovered nuclear genes were analyzed using both multispecies coalescent and concatenation approaches.

RESULTS

We recovered hundreds of nuclear genes even from old and poor-quality herbarium specimens. Of particular note, we placed with strong support three incertae sedis genera (Platysace, Klotzchia, and Hermas); all three occupy isolated positions, with Platysace resolved as sister to all remaining Apiaceae. We placed nine genera (Apodicarpum, Bonannia, Grafia, Haplosciadium, Microsciadium, Physotrichia, Ptychotis, Tricholaser, Xatardia) that have never previously been included in any molecular phylogenetic study.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide support for the maintenance of the four existing subfamilies of Apiaceae, while recognizing that Hermas, Klotzschia, and the Platysace clade may each need to be accommodated in additional subfamilies (pending improved sampling). The placement of the currently apioid genus Phlyctidocarpa can be accommodated by the expansion of subfamily Saniculoideae, although adequate morphological synapomorphies for this grouping are yet to be defined. This is the first phylogenetic study of the Apiaceae using high-throughput sequencing methods and represents an unprecedented evolutionary framework for the group.

Flavonolignan 2, 3-dehydroderivatives from Oenanthe javanica and their anti inflammatory activities

Flavonolignans, for example, silymarin and silybin, have interesting biological activities. For the first time, three new flavonolignans named oenanthenoid A-C (1-3) and nine known flavonolignan derivatives (4-12) were isolated from Oenanthe javanica. Comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis and references were used to identify all of the compounds. The anti inflammatory activities of these isolates (1-12) on RAW264.7 macrophage cells were investigated. Three new compounds (1-3) demonstrated anti inflammatory activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 6.5 ± 0.6 to 14.7 ± 1.6 µM. Furthermore, two compounds (11 and 12) demonstrated moderate anti inflammatory activity, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 24.1 ± 1.2 to 62.5 ± 1.9 µM.

Authentication of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk and its two adulterants based on their macroscopic morphology and microscopic characteristics

"Fangfeng" in Chinese Materia Medica refers to the dried root of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk. The confusion regarding the species emerged centuries ago. Various medicinal plants from the family Umbelliferae have been documented under the name Fangfeng or other similar names in different areas of China. However, the efficacy and chemical profiles of these herbs can vary widely. In recent years, studies on medicinal material markets have revealed that "ChoutaiFangfeng" and "ShiFangfeng" are sold as Fangfeng. Previous studies on the differences among these herbs were not accurate; therefore, comprehensive authentication of these species is required. Investigation of the microscopic features of the transverse sections and powders of herbs is of great significance in identifying traditional Chinese medicine. This approach offers the advantages of easy operation and rapid results. In this study, microscopic observation of cross-sectional tissues and powders of the herbs was performed using common light microscopy and polarized light microscopy, respectively, to identify Fangfeng, ChoutaiFangfeng, and ShiFangfeng. We found that phloem, clefts, and other significant tissue characteristics can be used to distinguish Fangfeng herbs. The developed method can also be applied to distinguish counterfeits of Fangfeng. Moreover, the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of Fangfeng and its two adulterants were determined.

The complete chloroplast genome of Ligusticum jeholense (Umbelliferae, Ligusticum L.)

Ligusticum jeholense is an important medicinal plant. Chloroplast genome information is helpful for the development of molecular markers and the study of plant phylogeny. In this study, we report the complete chloroplast genome sequence of L. jeholense. The genome sequence is 148,493 bp in size (GenBank accession number MN652885), with 37.25% GC contents. There are 127 genes in the genome, including 83 known protein-coding genes (PCGs), 36 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and 8 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs). The maximum-likelihood method are used to construct phylogenetic tree of 32 species. These data will provide certain theoretical basis for plant genetics research.

Correlation between Solid Content and Antioxidant Activities in Umbelliferae Salad Plants

The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant properties of 70% methanolic extracts and the correlation between several antioxidant activities in selected Umbelliferae plants, based on total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). For Umbelliferae plants extracts, the IC₅₀ of DPPH radical (100 μM) quenching activities for extract, TPC, and TFC were 39∼179 μg dry weight (DW)/mL, 14.08∼38.11 μg TPC/mL, and 0.36∼1.51 μg TFC/mL, respectively. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of extracts ranged from 11.44 to 42.88 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g DW extract, whereas ORAC for TPC and TFC was 47.40∼240.19 mg TE/g and 0.72∼11.22 g TE/g, respectively. The TPC had a superior linear correlation (r²=0.817) with 2,2’-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) values. Of the 14 Umbelliferae plant extracts, Sanicula rubiflora, Sanicula chinensis, Torilis japonica, Torilis scabra, and Angelica fallax showed the strongest antioxidant activity.

Development and characterization of novel SSR markers in the endangered endemic species Ferula sadleriana

PREMISE

Ferula sadleriana (Apiaceae) is a polycarpic, perennial herb with a very limited range and small populations. It is listed as "endangered" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Microsatellite markers can contribute to conservation efforts by allowing the study of the genetic structure of its shrinking populations.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used a microsatellite-enriched library combined with an Illumina sequencing approach to develop simple sequence repeat markers in our target species. Out of 44 tested primer pairs, 22 provided specific products, and 13 showed heterologous amplification in the target species. Cross-species amplification was achieved at 20 and 19 loci in two congeneric species, F. soongarica and F. tatarica, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The primers described here are the first tools that enable the population genetic characterization of F. sadleriana. Our results suggest a wider applicability in the genus Ferula.

Strong insecticidal potential of methanol extract of Ferulago trifida fruits against Anopheles stephensi as malaria vector

Many researchers have focused on controlling pest insects and vectors by natural products because of their low environmental pollution. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and larvicidal activities of chloroform and methanol extracts of the leaves, fruits, roots, and isolated coumarin compounds (prantschimgin, oxypeucedanin, and 6-hydroxymethylherniarin) of Ferulago trifida from the Apiaceae family against Anopheles stephensi as one of the main malaria vectors. For insecticidal evaluation, A. stephensi larvae were exposed to different concentrations of the extracts and pure compounds (0.625-1280 ppm) according to the WHO protocol. The mortality percentages were measured 24 h after treatment and lethal concentration values were calculated. In addition, radical scavenging activities of the mentioned extracts and compounds were measured by the DPPH method. The methanol extract of fruits showed potent insecticidal properties with LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values of 2.94 and 18.12 ppm, respectively. The chloroform extracts of the fruits and leaves were the second and third extracts with larvicidal effects. Among pure compounds, only oxypeucedanin showed moderate toxicity against A. stephensi with LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values of 116.54 and 346.41 ppm, respectively. The antioxidant activities of the methanol extracts of leaves and fruits were stronger than other extracts with IC₅₀ values of 155.83 and 159.32 ppm, respectively. In conclusion, the methanol extract of F. trifida fruits can be used as a potent bio-insecticide in green control programs of mosquitoes, especially A. stephensi.

Medicinal properties of Angelica archangelica root extract: Cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells and its protective effects against in vivo tumor development

OBJECTIVE

Although Angelica archangelica is a medicinal and aromatic plant with a long history of use for both medicinal and food purposes, there are no studies regarding the antineoplastic activity of its root. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antitumor effects of the crude extract of A. archangelica root (CEAA) on breast cancer.

METHODS

The cytotoxicity of CEAA against breast adenocarcinoma cells (4T1 and MCF-7) was evaluated by a 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Morphological and biochemical changes were detected by Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) and annexin V/PI staining. Cytosolic calcium mobilization was evaluated in cells staining with FURA-4NW. Immunoblotting was used to determine the effect of CEAA on anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bax, respectively). The 4T1 cell-challenged mice were used for in vivo assay.

RESULTS

Using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, angelicin, a constituent of the roots and leaves of A. archangelica, was found to be the major constituent of the CEAA evaluated in this study (73 µg/mL). The CEAA was cytotoxic for both breast cancer cell lines studied but not for human fibroblasts. Treatment of 4T1 cells with the CEAA increased Bax protein levels accompanied by decreased Bcl-2 expression, in the presence of cleaved caspase-3 and cytosolic calcium mobilization, suggesting mitochondrial involvement in breast cancer cell death induced by the CEAA in this cell line. No changes on the Bcl-2/Bax ratio were observed in CEAA-treated MCF7 cells. Gavage administration of the CEAA (500 mg/kg) to 4T1 cell-challenged mice significantly decreased tumor growth when compared with untreated animals.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, our data show the antitumor potential of the CEAA against breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Further research is necessary to better elucidate the pharmacological application of the CEAA in breast cancer therapy.

A comparative analysis of complete plastid genomes from Prangos fedtschenkoi and Prangos lipskyi (Apiaceae)

Prangos fedtschenkoi (Regel & Schmalh.) Korovin and P. lipskyi Korovin (Apiaceae) are rare plant species endemic to mountainous regions of Middle Asia. Both are edificators of biotic communities and valuable resource plants. The results of recent phylogenetic analyses place them in Prangos subgen. Koelzella (M. Hiroe) Lyskov & Pimenov and suggest they may possibly represent sister species. To aid in development of molecular markers useful for intraspecific phylogeographic and population-level genetic studies of these ecologically and economically important plants, we determined their complete plastid genome sequences and compared the results obtained to several previously published plastomes of Apiaceae. The plastomes of P. fedtschenkoi and P. lipskyi are typical of Apiaceae and most other higher plant plastid DNAs in their sizes (153,626 and 154,143 bp, respectively), structural organization, gene arrangement, and gene content (with 113 unique genes). A total of 49 and 48 short sequence repeat (SSR) loci of 10 bp or longer were detected in P. fedtschenkoi and P. lipskyi plastomes, respectively, representing 42-43 mononucleotides and 6 AT dinucleotides. Seven tandem repeats of 30 bp or longer with a sequence identity ≥90% were identified in each plastome. Further comparisons revealed 319 polymorphic sites between the plastomes (IR, 21; LSC, 234; SSC, 64), representing 43.8% transitions (Ts), 56.1% transversions (Tv), and a Ts/Tv ratio of 0.78. Within genic regions, two indel events were observed in rpoA (6 and 51 bp) and ycf1 (3 and 12 bp), and one in ndhF (6 bp). The most variable intergenic spacer region was that of accD/psaI, with 21.1% nucleotide divergence. Each Prangos species possessed one of two separate inversions (either 5 bp in ndhB intron or 9 bp in petB intron), and these were predicted to form hairpin structures with flanking repeat sequences of 18 and 19 bp, respectively. Both species have also incorporated novel DNA in the LSC region adjacent to the LSC/IRa junction, and BLAST searches revealed it had a 100 bp match (86% sequence identity) to noncoding mitochondrial DNA. Prangos-specific primers were developed for the variable accD/psaI intergenic spacer and preliminary PCR-surveys suggest that this region will be useful for future phylogeographic and population-level studies.

Evaluation of furanocoumarins from seeds of the wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L. s.l.)

Although the wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L. s.l.) fruits are known to contain linear and angular furanocoumarins, the individual components of the seeds have not been fully identified and quantitated, and, in the case of immature seeds, reported. In view of this, the main furanocoumarin compounds were extracted using pyridine, and were isolated using semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The structural elucidation of isolated compounds was done based on detailed spectral analysis conducted by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS), ¹H and ¹³C NMR and, where possible, by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The quantitative analysis of furanocoumarin compounds in the wild parsnip was conducted by analytical ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-DAD), calculated against the standard curves of isolated compounds. The total yields of furanocoumarin compounds from the seeds after extraction with pyridine were 107.2-222.8 mg g^-1 (fresh weight) and 50.2-66.4 mg g^-1 (soluble dry matter). Thirteen furanocoumarins were identified. The main compounds (percentage in FW) in immature seeds were bergapten (40.8), pimpinellin (10.5), methoxsalen (5.7), isopimpinellin (4.3), imperatorin (3.2), and phellopterin (7.2). Seven constituents previously not described in P. sativa seeds and its products were identified, namely, byakangelicol (14.4), heraclenin (8.5), isobergapten (2.5), byakangelicin (1.3), heraclenol (0.5), psoralen (0.3), and isobyakangelicin (0.8). The latter is a new compound of the Apiaceae family. Extraction of immature seeds using pyridine gave a much higher yield and a greater variety of furanocoumarins. This indicates that the wild parsnip, along with other Apiaceae family plants, may be an important source of bioactive compounds.

[Advance in studying early bolting of Umbelliferae medicinal plant]

The early bolting has become one of the key issues affecting the Umbelliferae herbs production. The early bolting does not only reduce herbs production but also affect the active ingredients of plants. The concept of early bolting, physiological theory, induce factors of the quality of medicine and, control technology about the early bolting of Umbelliferae are integrative reviewed in the paper. Its occurrence mechanism include: genetic factors, environmental and ecological factors, endogenous hormones, sowing, fertilizer and other production management measures. For the above occurring mechanism, the proposed prevention measures are as follows: preferably germplasm, sowing, rational fertilization, exogenous hormones, shading, reed head cut off, cut fall the leaves, reasonable planting density and other agronomic measures can reduce its bolting rate. And the early bolting problem focused for future research are mentioned, including: development of authentic ingredients cultivation technical specifications, screened early bolting hormone inhibitor, in-depth study of the mechanism of early bolting, reveal its early bolting gene and key ecological factors. The research of vernalization gene, gene regulation of flowering early bolting will solve the problem of quality and production reducing fundamentally caused by the early bolting.

Anti-inflammatory activity of compounds from the rhizome of Cnidium officinale

Five new compounds, 9,3'-dimethoxyhierochin A (1), 6-oxo-trans-neocnidilide (2), (±)-(3E)-trans-6-hydroxy-7-methoxydihydroligustilide (3), (±)-cnidiumin (4), and 6-(1-oxopentyl)-salicylic acid methyl ester (5), together with twenty known compounds (6-25), were isolated from the rhizome of Cnidium officinale. The chemical structures of new compounds were established by NMR spectroscopic techniques, mass spectrometry, Mosher's method, and CD spectrum. Their anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 7, 13, and 14 showed inhibitory effects with IC₅₀ values of 5.1, 24.5, and 27.8 μM, respectively. In addition, compounds 7, 13, and 14 reduced LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein in a concentration-dependent manner.

Minor phenolics from Angelica keiskei and their proliferative effects on Hep3B cells

A new coumarin, (-)-cis-(3'R,4'R)-4'-O-angeloylkhellactone-3'-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1) and two new chalcones, 3'-[(2E)-5-carboxy-3-methyl-2-pentenyl]-4,2',4'-trihydroxychalcone (4) and (±)-4,2',4'-trihydroxy-3'-{2-hydroxy-2-[tetrahydro-2-methyl-5-(1-methylethenyl)-2-furanyl]ethyl}chalcone (5) were isolated from the aerial parts of Angelica keiskei (Umbelliferae), together with six known compounds: (R)-O-isobutyroyllomatin (2), 3'-O-methylvaginol (3), (-)-jejuchalcone F (6), isoliquiritigenin (7), davidigenin (8), and (±)-liquiritigenin (9). The structures of the new compounds were determined by interpretation of their spectroscopic data including 1D and 2D NMR data. All known compounds (2, 3, and 6-9) were isolated as constituents of A. keiskei for the first time. To identify novel hepatocyte proliferation inducer for liver regeneration, 1-9 were evaluated for their cell proliferative effects using a Hep3B human hepatoma cell line. All isolates exhibited cell proliferative effects compared to untreated control (DMSO). Cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress induced by glucose oxidase were also examined on Hep3B cells and mouse fibroblast NIH3T3 cells and all compounds showed significant dose-dependent protection against oxidative stress.

Two new phthalide dimers from the rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong

Two pairs of diastereoisomers, namely (3'Z)-(3S,8S,3a'S,6'R)-4,5-dehydro-3.3a',8.6'-diligustilide (1) and (3'Z)-(3S,8R,3a'S,6'R)-4,5-dehydro-3.3a',8.6'-diligustilide (3), chuanxiongdiolide R3 (2), and chuanxiongdiolide R1 (4), were isolated from the 95% ethanolic aqueous extract of the rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong. Among these Phthalide dimers, compounds 1 and 2 were new ones. The structures of the new isolates were elucidated based on spectroscopic data analyses, and their absolute configurations were determined by comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra.

Biological activity and safety profile of the essential oil from fruits of Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier (Apiaceae)

A composition of essential oils obtained from Heracleum mantegazzianum (Apiaceae) was examined using a GC-MS method. n-Octyl acetate (19.92%), n-hexyl-2-methylbutanoate (10.84%), n-octanol (10.13%), n-octyl butanoate (8.88%), n-octyl-2-methylbutanoate (8.01%), n-hexyl acetate (7.11%), n-octyl isobutanoate (5.5%) and n-hexyl isobutanoate (5.43%) were the main compounds. The high-performance counter-current chromatography was applied for purification of aliphatic alcohols and esters. A mixture of n-hexane, acetonitrile and tetr-butyl methyl ether (1:1:0.1, v/v) allowed to obtain n-octanol, n-octyl acetate, n-hexyl-2- methylbutanoate, n-octyl isobutanoate and n-octyl-2-methylbutanoate, with the purity range of 94-99%, in one single 74 min run. The antimicrobial activity was also determined against plant and foodborne pathogens. While n-octanol shares responsibility for the antibacterial activity of the essential oil, n-octyl acetate determines its antifungal action. The cytotoxic activity assessed on two normal kidney fibroblast cell lines: Vero (animal) and HEK-293 (human embryonic), and two human cancer cell lines: FaDu (squamous cell carcinoma of the pharynx) and SCC25 (squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue), showed a moderate cytotoxicity with CC₅₀ values ranging from 262.3 to 567.8 μg/mL. Results indicate that normal cell lines were more sensitive to the tested essential oil than cancer cell lines. The antioxidant activity of oil and pure compounds was not significant.

Angelica keiskei, an emerging medicinal herb with various bioactive constituents and biological activities

Angelica keiskei (Miq.) Koidz. (Umbelliferae) has traditionally been used to treat dysuria, dyschezia, and dysgalactia as well as to restore vitality. Recently, the aerial parts of A. keiskei have been consumed as a health food. Various flavonoids, coumarins, phenolics, acetylenes, sesquiterpene, diterpene, and triterpenes were identified as the constituents of A. keiskei. The crude extracts and pure constituents were proven to inhibit tumor growth and ameliorate inflammation, obesity, diabetics, hypertension, and ulcer. The extract also showed anti-thrombotic, anti-oxidative, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial activities. This valuable herb needs to be further studied and developed not only to treat these human diseases but also to improve human health. Currently A. keiskei is commercialized as a health food and additives in health drinks. This article presents a comprehensive review of A. keiskei and its potential place in the improvement of human health.

The Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) of Dioscorides annotated in codex Neapolitanus Graecus #1

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pedanius Dioscorides has been praised as the father of Pharmacy and his work Περί Ύλης Ιατρικής - De Materia Medica, served as the reference Pharmacy manual for almost twenty centuries. Though greatly celebrated among botanists of all ages' indisputable identification of numerous Dioscorides plants is still in quest. Present essay aspires to resolute the botanical status of the Umbelliferae (Apiacae) plants, through data extraction and recombination from a 7th century manuscript.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Codex Neapolitanus Graecus 1 (CN) is the fundamental study material. From this source were extracted data, both from text and figures, in relation to plant nomenclature, habitat, morphology and geographical distribution; consequently those data were translated into present botanical terminology and then recombined according to the Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands covering the area that Dioscorides was born and studied.

RESULTS, AND CONCLUSIONS

All of the 40 CN plants indicated as Umbelliferae, presented a substantially documented identification. For 19 of them a novel combination was indicated and 4 of them proved new pharmaceutical plants. Applied methodology generated a documented correspondence between CN entries and contemporary Umbelliferae taxa nomenclature forming thus a promising new systematic tool for the study of relevant sources.

Pyranocoumarins from Root Extracts of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn with Multidrug Resistance Reversal and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

In the search for novel herbal-based anticancer agents, we isolated a new angular-type pyranocoumarin, (+)-cis-(3′S,4′S)-3′-angeloyl-4′-tigloylkhellactone (1) along with 12 pyranocoumarins (2–13), two furanocoumarins (14, 15), and a polyacetylene (16) were isolated from the roots of Peucedanum praeruptorum using chromatographic separation methods. The structures of the compounds were determined using spectroscopic analysis with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS). The multidrug-resistance (MDR) reversal and anti-inflammatory effects of all the isolated compounds were evaluated in human sarcoma MES-SA/Dx5 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Among the 16 tested compounds, two (2 and 16) downregulated nitric oxide (NO) production and five (1, 7, 8, 11, and 13) inhibited the efflux of drugs by MDR protein, indicating the reversal of MDR. Therefore, these compounds may be potential candidates for the development of effective agents against MDR forms of cancer.

A new subspecies of Seseli gummiferum (Apiaceae) from Ilgaz Mountain National Park, northern Turkey

A new subspecies Seseli gummiferum Pall. ex Sm. subsp. ilgazense A.Duran, Ö.Çetin & M.Öztürk, subsp. nov. (Apiaceae) is described from Kastamonu province, Turkey. It was collected from the open Pinus sylvestris L. and Abies nordmanniana (Steven) É.Spach. mixed forest in the northern Anatolian region. An endemic apparently confined to the Ilgaz Mountain National Park, the new taxon is closely related to Seseli gummiferum subsp. gummiferum. Diagnostic morphological characters for closely similar taxa are discussed, and a key to the subspecies of Seseli gummiferum is presented. ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) region of the nuclear ribozomal DNA of closely related Seseli L. taxa and Pimpinella is used to constract phylogenetic tree by using BioEdit and Seaview Programme.

Genetic structure and population diversity of eleven edible herbs of Eastern Crete

Background

The present work aimed to investigate the genetic structure of 11 edible herbs grown in the wild of eastern Crete that are becoming vulnerable due to habitat destruction and unregulated harvesting. Thirty three populations (268 individuals) of Reichardia picroides, Scolymus hispanicus, Scandix pecten-veneris, Leontodon tuberosus, Cichorium spinosum, Sonchus asper ssp. glaucescens, Urospermum picroides, Prasium majus, Hypochoeris radicata, Centaurea raphanina ssp. raphanina and Anagallis arvensis were collected and identified from nine regions with distinct microclimate (Lassithi prefecture), and their genetic composition was studied by means of RAPD markers.

Results

A total of ten primers per population were used to detect genetic diversity and bootstrap analysis was conducted for clustering the samples. High levels of heterogeneity were revealed while the Analysis of Molecular Variance documented that variance was allocated mainly within populations and at a lesser extent among populations. Fst values among regions were moderate to high, suggesting partial population fragmentation. Bayesian structure analysis revealed fine genetic composition and substantial admixture between species present in different regions, although clustering was mainly geographically related.

Conclusions

High altitude regions, with little residential and agricultural development (Kefala, Agrilos, Ziros and Tziritis), were the areas where high biodiversity was detected. On the other hand, coastal regions had lower biodiversity, probably due to degradation of their habitat.

Isolation and Identification of a New Phenylpropanoid Derivative from the Fruits of Pimpinella Haussknechtii Rech. f. & Riedl and GC-MS Analysis of the Essential Oil

The chemical composition of the essential oil of fruits of Pimpinella haussknechtii. was studied by GC-MS. After GC-MS analysis, one unknown component (56.7%) was observed, which was not characterized in the GC-MS library. The essential oil of P.haussknechtii was injected to HPLC using YMC-Pak-Sil column (250 × 20 mm) with gradient system of hexane (A), and hexane: ethyl acetate, 9:1 (B) to yield the interested compound as a new phenylpropanoid derivative. Its structure was elucidated as 4-(prop-2-enyl)-phenyl-3'-methylbutanoate based on (13)C- and (1)H-NMR as well as 2D-NMR, IR and different MS spectra. In the essential oil analysis, thirty-six components, comprising 94.9% of the total oil, were identified. 4-(2-propenyl)-phenyl 3'-methylbutyrate (56.7%), bicyclogermacrene (8.9%), germacrene D (7.6%), perilla aldehyde (3.5%) and β-caryophyllene (2.9%) were found to be the major constituents of the oil. The oil of the fruits of P. haussknechtii consisted of eight monoterpene hydrocarbons (1.7%), two oxygenated monoterpenes (3.9%), sixteen sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (26.8%), two oxygenated sesquiterpenes (2.1%) and five phenylpropanoids (58.7%). Three other nonterpenic compounds also comprised 1.7% of the oil.

Morphometrics of Daucus (Apiaceae): a counterpart to a phylogenomic study

PREMISE OF STUDY

Molecular phylogenetics of genome-scale data sets (phylogenomics) often produces phylogenetic trees with unprecedented resolution. A companion phylogenomics analysis of Daucus using 94 conserved nuclear orthologs supported many of the traditional species but showed unexpected results that require morphological analyses to help interpret them in a practical taxonomic context.

METHODS

We evaluated character state distributions, stepwise discriminant analyses, canonical variate analyses, and hierarchical cluster analyses from 40 morphological characters from 81 accessions of 14 taxa of Daucus and eight species in related genera in an experimental plot.

KEY RESULTS

Most characters showed tremendous variation with character state overlap across many taxa. Multivariate analyses separated the outgroup taxa easily from the Daucus ingroup. Concordant with molecular analyses, most species form phenetic groups, except the same taxa that are problematical in the molecular results: (1) the subspecies of D. carota, (2) D. sahariensis and D. syrticus, and (3) D. broteri and D. guttatus.

CONCLUSIONS

Phenetic analyses, in combination with molecular data, support many Daucus species, but mostly by overlapping ranges of size and meristic variation. The subspecies of D. carota are poorly separated morphologically, are paraphyletic, and all could be recognized at the subspecies rank under D. carota. Daucus sahariensis and D. syrticus are so similar morphologically that they could be placed in synonymy. Combined molecular and morphological data support three species in accessions previously identified as D. broteri and D. guttatus. Molecular and morphological results support the new combination Daucus carota subsp. capillifolius.

Identification of Angelica oil as a suppressor for the biological properties of Danggui Buxue Tang: a Chinese herbal decoction composes of Astragali Radix and Angelica Sinensis Radix

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a Chinese herbal decoction commonly used in treating women׳s ailments, contains two herbs: Angelica Sinensis Radix (ASR) and Astragali Radix (AR). Traditionally, ASR had to be pre-treated with yellow wine before the herbal preparation, which reduced the amount of volatile oil in water extract of ASR and DBT, and meanwhile the volatile oil-reduced DBT processed better bioactivities in cell cultures. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of volatile oil from ASR (Angelica oil) on the solubility of AR-derived ingredients and the biological properties of DBT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To standardize Angelica oil, four marker chemicals in ASR were determined by GC-QQQ-MS/MS. Subsequently, fifteen gram of AR was boiled with different amounts of Angelica oil. The amounts of astragaloside IV, calycosin, formononetin, total polysaccharides, total saponins and total flavonoids, all derived from AR, were extracted and determined by HPLC-UV/ELSD. To reveal the effect of Angelica oil on DBT functions, several cell assays related to the traditional functions of DBT were selected, including anti-platelet aggregation, induction of NO production, hematopoetic, estrogenic and osteogenic properties.

RESULTS

The inclusion of Angelica oil in AR during preparation significantly decreased the amount of AR-derived astragaloside IV, calycosin, formononetin, total saponins and total flavonoids in the final water extract. In parallel, an inclusion of Angelica oil caused a decrease of DBT׳s estrogenic and hematopoetic activities in cultured cells. Moreover, the Angelica oil decreased DBT-induced cell proliferation of cultured MG-63 and endothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that Angelica oil was a negative regulator for DBT chemically and biologically, which supported the traditional practice of preparing DBT by using the wine-treated ASR.

Composition and antibacterial activity of heracleum transcaucasicum and heracleum anisactis aerial parts essential oil

PURPOSE

Two plant essential oils (EOs), including those from Heracleum transcaucasicum and Heracleum anisactiss (Umbeliferae) were studied to detect the chemical constituents and evaluated for their antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

METHODS

The EOs of H. transcaucasicum and H.anisactis (Apiacae) were obtained by hydrodistillation from aerial parts of the plants. The chemical analyses of the EOs were performed by GC/Mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Myristicin was found to be the principal constituent in both EOs. The susceptibility tests of EOs were performed by agar disc diffusion technique against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains.

RESULTS

Eight components comprising 99.97% of the total essential oil of H. transcaucasicum and a total of three compounds accounting for 98.5% of the total oil composition of aerial parts of H. anisactis were identified, of which myristicin was the main compound in both EOs. The EOs of H. transcaucasicum and H. anisactis showed weak antibacterial property against Gram-positive strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis with no measurable effect on Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

CONCLUSION

Our GC-MS study revealed myristicin to be the major constituent of H. transcaucasicum and H.anisactis aerial parts. In spite of all the information available on the antibacterial properties of plants essential oils, we were not able to find significant antibacterial activity for both EOs.

Herbarium of the university of malaga (Spain): vascular plants collection

The herbarium of University of Málaga (MGC Herbarium) is formed by four biological collections. The vascular plants collection (MGC-Cormof) is the main collection of the herbarium. MGC-Cormof dataset aims to digitize and publish data associated with over 76.000 specimens deposited in the collection, of which 97.2% of the specimens are identified at species level. Since 2011, the University of Malaga's Central Research Service (SCAI) has been responsible for maintaining the herbariums and the dataset. The collection is growing continuously, with an annual intake of about 1.500 specimens. Nearly 96% of the collection is digitized, by Herbar v3.7.1 software (F. Pando et al. 1996-2011), making over 73.000 specimens accessible through the GBIF network (http://data.gbif.org/datasets/resource/8105/). At present, 247 families and 8.110 taxa, distributed in angiosperms (93.97%), ferns and fern allies (4.89%) and gymnosperms (1.14%), constitute the MGC-Cormof collection. The families and genera best represented in the collection are Compositae, Leguminosae, Gramineae, Labiatae, Caryophyllaceae, Teucrium, Silene, Asplenium, Linaria and Quercus. Most of the specimens are from the Western Mediterranean Region, fundamentally Southern Spain (Andalusia: 82% of specimens) and Northern Morocco (2.17%). Approximately, 63% of the specimens are georeferenced. The identification of the specimens in the collection has been carried out by the plant biology department at the University of Malaga and plus 40% of the specimens has been reviewed by experts. The MGC-Cormof dataset has been revised by DarwinTest v3.2 tool (Ortega-Maqueda and Pando 2008) before being published in GBIF. The data included in this database are important for conservation works, taxonomy, flora, cartography, phenology, palynology, among others. El Herbario de la Universidad de Málaga (Herbario MGC) está constituido por cuatro colecciones biológicas. La colección de plantas vasculares (MGC Cormof) es la colección principal del herbario. La base de datos MGC-Cormof tiene como objetivo la digitalización y publicación de los datos asociados con los más de 76.000 ejemplares depositados en la colección, de los cuales el 97,2% de las muestras se encuentran identificadas a nivel de especie. Desde 2011, los Servicios Centrales de Investigación (SCAI) de la Universidad de Málaga son responsables de mantener el herbario y sus respectivas bases de datos. Esta colección está en continuo crecimiento, con una incorporación anual de unos 1.500 ejemplares. Casi el 96% de la colección está digitalizada, a través del programa Herbar v3.7.1 (F. Pando et al. 1996-2011) por lo que más de 73.000 especímenes son accesibles a través de la red de GBIF (http://data.gbif.org/datasets/resource/8105/). Actualmente, la colección MGC-Cormof está constituida por 247 familias y 8.110 taxones, distribuidos en angiospermas (93,97%), helechos y plantas afines (4,89%) y gimnospermas (1,14%). Las familias y géneros mejor representados en la colección son Compositae, Leguminosae, Gramineae, Labiatae, Caryophyllaceae, Teucrium, Silene, Asplenium, Linaria y Quercus. La mayoría de los especímenes provienen de la región del Mediterráneo Occidental, fundamentalmente del sur de España (Andalucía: 82% de las muestras) y del norte de Marruecos (2,17%). Aproximadamente, el 63% de las muestras se encuentran georreferenciadas. La identificación de los ejemplares de la colección ha sido realizada por personal del departamento de biología vegetal de la Universidad de Málaga y además un 40% de los ejemplares ha sido revisado por especialistas. La base de datos MGC-Cormof ha sido revisada mediante la herramienta DarwinTest v3.2 (Ortega-Maqueda and Pando 2008) antes de ser publicada en GBIF. Los datos incluidos en esta base de datos son importantes para trabajos de conservación, taxonomía, flora, cartografía, fenología, palinología, entre otros.

Component analysis of propolis collected on Jeju Island, Korea

A study of propolis from Jeju Island, located off the southern tip of Korea, led to the isolation and identification of eight chalcones: (±)-(E)-4'-methoxy-4,2'-dihydroxy-3'-(2″,3″-dihydroxy-3″-methylbutyl)-chalcone, (E,E,E)-4,2',4'-trihydroxy-3'-(7″-hydroxy-3″,7″-dimethyloct-2″,5″-dienyl)-chalcone, (±)-(E,E)-4,2',4'-trihydroxy-3'-(5″-hydroxy-3″,7″-dimethyloct-2″,6″-dienyl)-chalcone, (±)-(E)-4'-methoxy-4,3″,4″-trihydroxy-2″,2″-dimethyldihydropyrano-(2',3')-chalcone, (±)-(E)-4'-methoxy-4,3″-dihydroxy-2″-(1″'-hydroxyisopropyl)-dihydrofurano-(2',3')-chalcone, (-)-(E)-4,4'-dihydroxy-2″-(1″'-hydroxy-1″',5″'-dimethylhex-4″'-enyl)-dihydrofurano-(2',3')-chalcone, (+)-(E)-4,2'-dihydroxy-2″-methyl-2″-(3″',4″'-dihydroxy-4″'-methylpentanyl)-2H-pyrano-(3',4')-chalcone and (-)-(E)-4,2'-dihydroxy-2″-methyl-2″-(3″',4″'-dihydroxy-4″'-methylpentanyl)-2H-pyrano-(3',4')-chalcone. Nineteen other known compounds were also isolated. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses and comparison with literature data. The propolis from Jeju Island contained compounds not present in propolis from other regions.

Screening of Alkaloidal Fraction of Conium maculatum L. Aerial Parts for Analgesic and Antiinflammatory Activity

Conium maculatum Linn. (Umbelliferae) has been traditionally used in the treatment of spasmodic disorders, and to relieve nervous excitation, rheumatic pains in the old and feeble, pain in stomach, pain of gastric ulcer, nervousness and restlessness. Alkaloids have long been considered as bioactive group of constituents present in C. maculatum. Despite a long tradition of use, C. maculatum has not been evaluated pharmacologically to validate its traditional claims for analgesic and antiinflammatory activities. Thus, the present investigations were undertaken with an objective to evaluate alkaloidal fraction of C. maculatum aerial parts for analgesic and antiinflammatory activities. Test doses (100 or 200 mg/kg, p.o.) of alkaloidal fraction were evaluated for analgesic activity using tail flick test and antiinflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced paw oedema test in rats. Morphine (5 mg/kg, p.o.) and indomethacin (5 mg/kg, p.o.) were used as standard analgesic and antiinflammatory drugs, respectively. Alkaloidal fraction of the plant exhibited significant analgesic activity at a dose of 200 mg/kg as it showed significant increase in tail flicking reaction time with respect to the control during 2 h intervals of observation. It also exhibited significant antiinflammatory activity at a dose of 200 mg/kg as it inhibited paw oedema in rats to 71% and reduced the paw volume one-fourth to the control during 1^st h of the study. The present investigations suggest that alkaloids are responsible for analgesic and antiinflammatory activities of C. maculatum.

Free radical scavenging activities of Cnidium officinale Makino and Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. methanolic extracts

BACKGROUND

Antioxidants from natural resources possess multifaceted and importance of the activities provides substantial scope in neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the free radical scavenging activities of Cnidium officinale and Ligusticum chuanxiong, which are closely related species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The scavenging activities of plant materials were evaluated using Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide radical (O(2)·(-)), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), hydroxyl (OH·), nitric oxide radical (NO·) and metal chelation. In addition, the cell viability and nitric oxide release were assayed using Neuro-2a (N2a) cells.

RESULTS

The methanolic extracts of C. officinale and L. chuanxiong showed scavenging activities of free radicals with an additional antioxidant capacity. Moreover, the efficacy on the cell viability and nitric oxide release in cell culture model has been established.

CONCLUSION

Results of the present study suggests that the extracts of C. officinale and L. chuanxiong have comparatively similar free radical scavenging activities in vitro and may have important health effects.

Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Centella asiatica (L) Urb

In the present study, the phenolic (Folin-Dennis) and flavonoid (colorimetric assay) constituents, antioxidant [2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) assay] and cytotoxic activities of an aqueous extract (AE) of Centella asiatica leaves were investigated. The aqueous extract (50 g/L) was obtained by infusion followed by cold maceration for 24 h. The levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds were 2.86 g/100 g and 0.361 g/100 g, respectively. The AE showed elevated DPPH scavenging activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 31.25 μg/mL. The AE had a promising activity against mouse melanoma (B₁₆F₁), human breast cancer (MDA MB-231) and rat glioma (C₆) cell lines, with IC₅₀ values of 698.0, 648.0 and 1000.0 μg/mL, respectively. A positive correlation was established between the level of flavonoids, antioxidant and antitumor activities.