Enrichment process, structural prediction, isolation, in vitro cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of triterpenoid saponins in Camellia japonica L. leaves water extract through UPLC-Q-TOF based mass spectrometry similarity networking

Camellia japonica L. is rich in bioactive compounds, but its health-enhancing potential is often overshadowed by its ornamental value. Notably, triterpenoid saponins are prominent due to their surfactant properties. MolNetEnhancer revealed 537 compounds in C. japonica leaves water extract, classified into 32 categories, including 38 triterpenoid saponins. To enrich triterpenoid saponins, the process of D101 resin chromatography was employed. Molecular networking analysis based on UPLC-Q-TOF and quantitative analysis based on HPLC revealed saponins concentrated in fractions 3 and 4 (68.3% transfer). MS2LDA and NAP predicted structures for 38 triterpenoid saponins, revealing nearly half of them are potential new compounds. Comprehensive chromatographic and spectroscopic methods were used for purification and structural illustration of triterpenoid saponins, yielding 13, including 7 new compounds. Statistical analysis and in vitro assays revealed the cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities of these triterpenoid saponins played a crucial role in the anticancer effects.

Evaluation of drug interactions of Saposhnikoviae Radix and its major components with astragaloside IV and paeoniflorin using in vitro and in vivo experiments

Saposhnikoviae Radix (SR) may enhance the pharmacodynamics of Huangqi Chifeng Tang (HQCFT) in the treatment of cerebral infarction according to our previous research, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Herein, an in vivo pharmacokinetic assay in rats and in vitro MDCK-MDR1 cell assays were used to investigate the possible mechanism of SR, its main components, and its interactions with Astragali Radix (AR) and Paeoniae Radix (PR). An ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‒MS/MS)-based analytical method for quantifying astragaloside IV (ASIV) and paeoniflorin (PAE) in microdialysis and transport samples was developed. The pharmacokinetic parameters of SR were determined using noncompartmental analyses CCK-8 assays were used to detect the cytotoxicity of ASIV, PAE, cimifugin (CIM), prim-o-glucosylcimifugin (POG) and their combinations. Moreover, drug transport was studied using MDCK-MDR1 cells. Western blotting was performed to measure the protein expression levels of P-GP and MRP1. Claudin-5, ZO-1, and F-actin expression was determined via immunohistochemical staining of MDCK-MDR1 cells. harmacokinetic studies revealed that, compared with those of Huangqi Chifeng Tang-Saposhnikoviae Radix (HQCFT-SR), the Tmax of ASIV increased by 11.11 %, and the MRT0-t and Tmax of PAE increased by 11.19 % and 20 %, respectively, in the HQCFT group. Transport studies revealed that when ASIV was coincubated with 28 μM CIM or POG, the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) increased by 71.52 % and 50.33 %, respectively. Coincubation of PAE with 120 μM CIM or POG increased the Papp by 87.62 % and 60.95 %, respectively. Moreover, CIM and POG significantly downregulated P-gp and MRP1 (P < 0.05), inhibited the expression of Claudin-5, ZO-1, and F-actin (P < 0.05), and affected intercellular tight junctions (TJs). In conclusion, our study successfully established a selective, sensitive and reproducible UPLC‒MS/MS analytical method to detect drug‒drug interactions between SR, AR and PR in vivo and in vitro, which is beneficial for enhancing the therapeutic efficacies of AR and PR. Moreover, this study provides a theoretical basis for further research on the use of SR as a drug carrier.

Bioactive triterpenoid compounds of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf in the treatment of diabetic ulcers via regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetic ulcers represent a chronic condition characterized by prolonged hyperglycemia and delayed wound healing, accompanied by endocrine disorders, inflammatory responses, and microvascular damage in the epidermal tissue, demanding effective clinical treatment approaches. For thousands of years, ancient Chinese ethnopharmacological studies have documented the use of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf in treating diabetic ulcers. Recent research has substantiated the diverse pharmacological effects of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, including its potential to alleviate hyperglycemia and exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune regulatory properties, which could effectively mitigate diabetic ulcer symptoms. Furthermore, being a natural medicine, Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects and safety in the management of diabetic ulcers, holding significant clinical value. Despite its potential clinical efficacy and applications in diabetic ulcer treatment, the primary active components and underlying pharmacological mechanisms of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf remains unclear. Further investigations are imperative to establish a solid foundation for drug development in this domain.

AIM OF THE STUDY AND MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we aimed to identify the active compounds and potential targets of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS and TCMSP databases. Additionally, we attempt to identify targets related to diabetic ulcers. Following enrichment analysis, a network of protein-protein interactions was constructed to identify hub genes based on the common elements between the two datasets. To gain insights into the binding activities of the hub genes and active ingredients, molecular docking analysis was employed. Furthermore, to further validate the therapeutic effect of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, we exerted in vitro experiments using human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells and human myeloid leukemia monocytes (THP-1). The active ingredient of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf was applied in these experiments. Our investigations included various assays, such as CCK-8, scratch test, immunofluorescence, western blotting, RT-PCR, and flow cytometry, to explore the potential of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf triterpenoid extract (PTE) in treating diabetic ulcers.

RESULTS

The findings here highlighted PTE as the primary active ingredient in Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf. Utilizing network pharmacology, we identified 74 potential targets associated with diabetic ulcer treatment for Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, with five hub genes (JUN, MAPK1, STAT3, AKT1, and CTNNB1). Enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of multiple pathways in the therapeutic process, with the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway showing significant enrichment. Through molecular docking, we discovered that relevant targets within this pathway exhibited strong binding with the active components of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf. In vitro experiments unveiled that PTE (10 mg/L) facilitated the migration of human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (P < 0.05). PTE also increased the expression of CD31 and VEGF mRNA (P < 0.05) while activating the expressions of p-PI3K and p-AKT (P < 0.05). Moreover, PTE demonstrated its potential by reducing the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB mRNA in THP-1 (P < 0.05) and fostering M2 macrophage polarization. These results signify the potential therapeutic effects of PTE in treating diabetic ulcers, with its beneficial actions mediated through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

PTE is the main active ingredient in Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf that exerts therapeutic effects. Through PI3K-AKT signaling pathway activation and inflammatory response reduction, PTE promotes angiogenesis, thereby healing diabetic ulcers.

Integrating High-Resolution Mass Spectral Data, Bioassays and Computational Models to Annotate Bioactives in Botanical Extracts: Case Study Analysis of C. asiatica Extract Associates Dicaffeoylquinic Acids with Protection against Amyloid-β Toxicity

Rapid screening of botanical extracts for the discovery of bioactive natural products was performed using a fractionation approach in conjunction with flow-injection high-resolution mass spectrometry for obtaining chemical fingerprints of each fraction, enabling the correlation of the relative abundance of molecular features (representing individual phytochemicals) with the read-outs of bioassays. We applied this strategy for discovering and identifying constituents of Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) that protect against Aβ cytotoxicity in vitro. C. asiatica has been associated with improving mental health and cognitive function, with potential use in Alzheimer's disease. Human neuroblastoma MC65 cells were exposed to subfractions of an aqueous extract of C. asiatica to evaluate the protective benefit derived from these subfractions against amyloid β-cytotoxicity. The % viability score of the cells exposed to each subfraction was used in conjunction with the intensity of the molecular features in two computational models, namely Elastic Net and selectivity ratio, to determine the relationship of the peak intensity of molecular features with % viability. Finally, the correlation of mass spectral features with MC65 protection and their abundance in different sub-fractions were visualized using GNPS molecular networking. Both computational methods unequivocally identified dicaffeoylquinic acids as providing strong protection against Aβ-toxicity in MC65 cells, in agreement with the protective effects observed for these compounds in previous preclinical model studies.

Comparative pharmacokinetic analysis of sporoderm-broken and sporoderm-removed Ganoderma lucidum spore in rat by using a sensitive plasma UPLC-QqQ-MS method

Previous studies have found that removing the sporoderm significantly enhanced antitumor and immunoregulatory activities of Ganoderma lucidum spore (GLS) compared with breaking the sporoderm. However, the pharmacokinetics of sporoderm-removed GLS (RGLS) and sporoderm-broken GLS (BGLS) remain elusive. To compare the pharmacokinetic differences between the two products, we developed a UPLC-QqQ MS method for determining nine representative triterpenoid concentrations. Chloramphenicol was used as an internal standard. The samples were separated on a reversed-phase column using acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid and water-0.1% formic acid as mobile phases. Nine triterpenoids were analyzed using multiple reaction monitoring mode. The results showed that the area under the concentration-time curve from dosing to time t of all nine components was increased in RGLS compared with BGLS. And the time to the maximum concentration in BGLS was delayed compared with that of RGLS. These indicated that the absorption of RGLS was better than that of BGLS, and the sporoderm might hinder the absorption of the active components. These results increase our understanding of the bioavailability of BGLS and RGLS and indicate that increased bioavailability is one of the main reasons for the enhanced efficacy of RGLS.

Quality evaluation of Pterocephali Herba through simultaneously quantifying 18 bioactive components by UPLC-TQ-MS/MS analysis

Pterocephali Herba (PH), the dried whole plant of Pterocephalus hookeri, is a Tibetan medicine commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Iridoids, triterpenoids, flavonoids and phenylpropanoids are the major groups of bioactive constituents from PH. However, only ursolic acid and oleanolic acid, two unspecific triterpenoid components, are used as markers for the quality control of PH in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Herein, an UPLC-TQ-MS/MS integrating SIR and MRM mode method for simultaneously quantifying 18 components, i.e., 9 iridoids, 3 triterpenoids, 3 phenylpropanoids, 2 flavonoids and quinic acid, in PH was developed and validated, and was used to evaluate 10 batches of PH samples from different origins. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used to show the clustering of PH samples, while spearman correlation analysis was adopted to evaluate the correlation between ursolic acid/oleanolic acid and other quantified components. It was found that the established method was sensitive, precise, and accurate enough for the simultaneous quantification of 18 analytes in PH samples. Significant differences were found among the contents of 18 components in PH samples, no apparent clustering of the quality of PH samples was found to be related to its origins, and the contents of ursolic acid/oleanolic acid were only significantly correlated to the content of sylvestroside I, dipsanoside B, dipsanoside A in PH. Our results suggested that the newly established multi-components quantitative method is an improved approach for quality evaluation of PH samples. Furthermore, the holistic quality was inconsistent among PH samples, and ursolic acid/oleanolic acid alone could not indicate the holistic quality variation trend of PH.

TLC and HPTLC-APCI-MS for the rapid discrimination of plant resins frequently used for lacquers and varnishes by artists and conservators

INTRODUCTION

Depending on their terpenoid and phenolic constituents plant resins can be classified as diterpenoid, triterpenoid or phenolic resins; thereby the profile of diterpenes and triterpenes is considered as genus- or even species-specific.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to develop a simple, rapid, inexpensive, sensitive and specific method for the identification of resin-specific triterpenoid and phenolic compounds in plant resins using (HP)TLC [(high-performance) thin-layer chromatography] combined with APCI-MS (atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry) and post-chromatographic detection reactions.

METHODS

Twenty resin samples from different plant species were analysed. Different extraction procedures, post-chromatographic detection reagents as well as various sorbents and solvents for planar chromatography were tested. To evaluate the potential of the optimised (HP)TLC-APCI-MS methods, parameter such as limit of detection (LOD) was determined for selected marker compounds.

RESULTS

Our protocol enabled qualitative analyses of chemotaxonomic molecular markers in natural resins such as dammar, mastic, olibanum and benzoin. For the first time, the application of thionyl chloride-stannic chloride reagent for a specific post-chromatographic detection of triterpenes is reported, sometimes even allowing discrimination between isomers based on their characteristic colour sequences. For triterpene acids, triterpene alcohols and phenolic compounds, detection limits of 2-20 ng/TLC zone and a system precision with a relative standard deviation (RSD) in the range of 3.9%-7.0% were achieved by (HP)TLC-APCI-MS. The applicability of the method for the analysis of resin-based varnishes was successfully tested on a mastic-based varnish. Thus, the method we propose is a helpful tool for the discrimination of resins and resin-based varnishes with respect to their botanical origin.

Comparative Analysis of Agronomic Traits, Yield, and Effective Components of Main Cultivated Ganoderma Mushrooms (Agaricomycetes) in China

To assess the strain resources and address production challenges in Ganoderma cultivation. 150 Ganoderma strains were collected from 13 provinces in China. A comparative analysis of agronomic traits and effective components was conducted. Among the 150 strains, key agronomic traits measured were: average stipe diameter (15.92 mm), average stipe length (37.46 mm), average cap horizontal diameter (94.97 mm), average cap vertical diameter (64.21 mm), average cap thickness (15.22 mm), and average fruiting body weight (14.30 g). Based on these agronomic traits, four promising strains, namely, L08, L12, Z21, and Z39, were recommended for further cultivation and breeding. The average crude polysaccharide content ranged from 0.048% to 0.977%, and triterpenoids ranged from 0.804% to 2.010%. In addition, 73 triterpenoid compounds were identified, constituting 47.1% of the total compounds. Using a distance discrimination method, the types, and relative contents of triterpenoid compounds in 150 Ganoderma strains were classified, achieving 98% accuracy in G. lingzhi identification. The 16 triterpenoid components used for G. lingzhi identification included oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, 3β-acetoxyergosta-7,22-dien-5α-ol, ganoderic acid DM, ganoderiol B, ganorderol A, ganoderic acid GS-1, tsugaric acid A, ganoderic acid GS-2, ganoderenic acid D, ganoderic acid Mf, ganoderic acid A, ganoderic acid K, ganoderic acid V, ganoderic acid G, and leucocontextin J. This study provides valuable insights for exploring and utilizing Ganoderma resources and for the development of new varieties.

New strategies to analyze argentatins A and B in guayule (Parthenium argentatum, A. Gray)

There is considerable interest in the exploitation of compounds belonging to the triterpenoid family from guayule (Parthenium argentatum, A. Gray), as they offer several beneficial effects to human health. The most abundant triterpenoids in guayule resin are the argentatins, which are currently analyzed by labor-intensive and time-consuming techniques. The purpose of the present study was to estimate argentatins and isoargentatins A and B in guayule using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and flow injection analysis (FIA). Results revealed that the best partial least squares regression model exhibited excellent correlation with the values estimated by NIRS calibration (r2c = 0.99-1.00) and cross-validation (r2cv = 0.94-0.99), and the residual predictive deviation was >3 in all cases. After optimization of the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and FIA parameters, the FIA mode could reliably collect data for argentatin A and B after applying a calculated coverage factor. In sum, NIRS and FIA appear to be a robust option for the estimation and routine analysis of argentatins in guayule stems and resin, respectively.

Steroid and triterpenoid saponins from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. stenophylla

Five new saponins, including three steroid saponins, paristenoids A-C (1-3), and two triterpenoid saponins, paristenoids D-E (4-5), along with four known ones (6-9) were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. stenophylla. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified mainly by detailed spectroscopic analysis, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR, MS, as well as chemical methods. Compound 3 is a new cyclocholestanol-type steroidal saponin with a rare 6/6/6/5/5 fused-rings cholestanol skeleton, and this skeleton has been first found from the genus Paris. The cytotoxicities of the isolated compounds against three human three glioma cell lines (U87MG, U251MG and SHG44) were evaluated, and compound 7 displayed certain inhibitory effect with IC50 values of 15.22 ± 1.73, 18.87 ± 1.81 and 17.64 ± 1.69 μmol·L-1, respectively.

Simultaneous identification and quantification of pentacyclic triterpenoids and phenolic compounds from the leaves of Boswellia serrata using LC-MS/MS tandem mass spectrometry

Boswellia serrata (B. serrata) is an important medicinal plant widely used as dietary supplements to provide a support for osteoarthritic and inflammatory diseases. The occurrence of triterpenes in leaves of B. serrata is very little or none. Therefore, the qualitative and quantitative determination of phytoconstituents (triterpenes and phenolics) present in the leaves of B. serrata is very much needed. The aim of this study was to develop an easy, rapid, efficient and simultaneous liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the identification and quantification of the compounds present in the leaves extract of B. serrata. The purification of ethyl acetate extracts of B. serrata was performed by solid phase extraction method, followed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. Chromatographic parameters of the analytical method included negative electrospray ionization (ESI-) with a flow of 0.5 mL/min in gradient mode consisting of acetonitrile (A) and water (B) containing 0.1% formic acid, at 20 °C. Total 19 compounds (13 triterpenes and 6 phenolic compounds) were separated, and simultaneously quantified using a validated LC-MS/MS method with high accuracy and sensitivity. Good linearity was obtained with r2 > 0.973 in the calibration range. The overall recoveries were in a range between 95.78 and 100.2% with relative standard deviations (RSD) below 5% for the entire procedure of matrix spiking experiments. Overall, there was no ion suppression from the matrix. The quantification data showed that the total amount of triterpenes and phenolic compounds in the leaves of B. serrata ethyl acetate extract samples ranged from 14.54 to 102.14 mg/g and 2.14 to 93.12 mg/g of dry extract, respectively. This work provides, for the first time, a chromatographic fingerprinting analysis on the leaves of B. serrata. A rapid, efficient, and simultaneous liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and used for the both identification and quantification of triterpenes and phenolic compounds in the leaves extracts of B. serrata. The method established in this work can be used as quality-control method for other market formulations or dietary supplements containing leaf extract of B. serrata.

Lupeol: A Triterpenoid Isolated from the Stem Bark of Hymenocardia Acida (tul.) Exhibits a van der Waal Antagonism on the Alpha Subunit of Gastric H+K+Atpase - A Promising Antiulcer Principle

BACKGROUND

Hymenocardia acida (HA) is one of the numerous medicinal plants in Nigeria with ethnomedicinal history of usage in the treatment of ulcer. The study aimed at isolating antiulcer principle(s) from the stem bark of HA as well as the mechanism of action determination.

METHODS

Antiulcer screenings of the crude extract, aqueous fraction, and bulked VLC fractions were performed using in vivo and in vitro models. Docking was carried out by using PyRx.

RESULTS

Crude extract (HA; 1 mg/mL) and the aqueous fraction of H. acida (HAA; 1 mg/mL) showed an acid neutralizing capacity (MEq) of 0.3948 and 0.4035, respectively which is significantly different from 0.431 MEq showed by negative control (distilled water) at p<0.05. BVLC 3 (1 mg/mL) showed a significant value of 0.4049 MEq. However, HA showed a dose-dependent decrease in activity across doses examined, with 100 mg/kg showing an ulcer index of 10.00±2.89 (61.50%) and cimetidine (positive control; 100 mg/kg), also showed the highest ulcer index of 3.67±0.88 (85.9%), which is significantly different from ulcer index of 26.00±6.35 (0.00%) p<0.05 observed in the negative control (5% dimethylsulphoxide). The highest ulcer index of 8.00±1.32 (65.10%) was noted in BVLC 3. Bioactive BVLC 3, resulted in an isolated compound (BF3B2A). The compound was suggested to be lupeol, with a docking score of -7.7. It showed a van der Waal interaction with some key amino acid residues in the vonoprazan binding site.

CONCLUSION

The experimental studies justify the ethnomedicinal claim of usage among locals.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of triterpenoids in different tissues of Pulsatilla chinensis

Pulsatilla chinensis (P.chinensis) is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of intestinal amebiasis diseases, vaginal trichomoniasis and bacterial infections. Tritepenoid saponins were important components of P.chinensis. Therefore, we asssessmented expression profiling of triterpenoids in different fresh tissues of P.chinensis by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ-MS). Firstly, we identified 132 triterpenoids, including 119 triterpenoid saponins, 13 triterpenoid acids and forty seven of them were first determined in Pulsatilla genus, including new aglycones and new ways of rhamnose linking to the aglycone. Secondly, we established the analytical method to analysis triterpenoids content of P.chinensis and comprehensively verified the analytical method by linearity, precision, repeatability, stability and recovery. At last, we quantified 119 triterpenoids simultaneously based on UHPLC-QQQ-MS. The results show that the types and contents of triterpenoids had obvious tissue distribution. New components like rhamnose directly linked to the aglycone mainely distributed in aboveground tissues. Additionally, We identified 15 chemical ingredients as differential components between the aboveground and underground tissues of P.chinensis. This study provides an efficient analysis strategy for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of triterpenoids in P.chinensis even in other traditional Chinese medicines. At the same time, it provides important informations to explain the biosynthetic pathway of triterpenoid saponins in P.chinensis.

[Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of different parts of Prunella vulgaris by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and UPLC]

Prunellae Spica is the dried spica of Prunella vulgaris belonging to Labiatae and it is widely used in pharmaceutical and general health fields. As a traditional Chinese medicine cultivated on a large scale, it produces a large amount of non-medicinal parts, which are discarded because they are not effectively used. To analyze the chemical constituents in the different samples from spica, seed, stem, and leaf of P. vulgaris, and explore the application value and development prospect of these parts, this study used ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupoles time of flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) to detect chemical constituents in different parts of P. vulgaris. As a result, 117 compounds were detected. Among them, 87 compounds were identified, including 32 phenolic acids, 8 flavonoids, and 45 triterpenoid saponins. Some new triterpenoid saponins containing the sugar chain with 4-6 sugar units were found. Further, multivariate statistical analysis was conducted on BPI chromatographic peaks of multiple batches of different parts, and the results showed that spica had the most abundant chemical constituents, including salviaflaside and linolenic acid highly contained in the seed and phenolic acids, flavonoids, and triterpenoid saponins in the stem and leaf. In general, the constituents in the spica were composed of those in the seed, stem, and leaf. UPLC was used to determine the content of 6 phenolic acids(danshensu, protocatechuic acid, protocatechuic aldehyde, caffeic acid, salviaflaside, and rosmarinic acid) in different parts. The content of other phenolic acids in the seed was generally lower than that in the spica except that of salviaflaside. The content of salviaflaside in the spica was higher than that in the stem and leaf, but the content of other phenolic acids in the spica was not significantly different from that in the stem. The content of protocatechuic aldehyde and caffeic acid in the spica was lower than that in the leaf. DPPH free radical scavenging method was used to detect the antioxidant activity of four parts, and there was no significant difference in the antioxidant activity between the spica and the stem and leaf, but that was significantly higher than the seed. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of these parts was correlated with the content of total phenolic acids. Based on the above findings, the stem and leaf of P. vulgaris have potential application value. Considering the traditional medication rule, it is feasible to use the whole plant as a medicine. Alternatively, salviaflaside, occurring in the seed, can be used as a marker compound for the quality evaluation of Prunellae Spica, if only using spica as the medicinal part of P. vulgaris, as described in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition).

Development and Validation of a Green Stability-Indicating HPTLC Method for Estimation of Curcumin, Gallic Acid, and Ursolic Acid From Polyherbal Formulation Jatyadi Taila

BACKGROUND

Jatyadi taila (JT) is a well-known Ayurvedic wound-healing product, comprising 16 different medicinally important plants, including Curcuma longa, Terminalia chebula, and Jasminum officinale.

OBJECTIVE

The proposed work discusses the development and validation of the green and economical stability-indicating HPTLC method for quantification of the key marker phytoconstituents, curcumin (CUR), gallic acid (GA), and ursolic acid (UA), from JT.

METHOD

Quality standard parameters for JT were determined following standard procedures. The marker constituents CUR, GA, and UA were resolved from JT using toluene-ethyl acetate-formic acid (6:2:1, v/v/v) as the mobile phase and subsequently derivatized to estimate UA. The developed plates were subjected to HPTLC-MS analysis. All constituents were subjected to forced degradation to determine the proposed technique's stability-indicating property and the accelerated stability studies of marketed formulation and marker constituents. Greenness evaluation of the method was aided by the AGREE methodology.

RESULTS

The Rf values of CUR, GA, and UA were found to be 0.60 and 0.60; 0.27 and 0.28; and 0.74 and 0.77 from reference standard and oil samples respectively, when analyzed at 366 nm, 290 nm, and 366 nm, respectively. HPTLC-MS was carried out to verify the active constituents present in JT. The constituents followed first-order degradation kinetics. The quantity of CUR, GA, and UA in JT was reduced at the end of accelerated stability studies. The developed approach was validated in compliance with the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Q2 (R2) guideline.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the chosen key markers, GA was highly unstable during forced degradation. JT should be stored at a controlled temperature using more protective packaging material to ensure its quality and efficacy.

HIGHLIGHTS

The developed method can be used as a quality control tool for JT as it can be used to determine the stability of the key marker compounds the herbal formulation.

A Classic Photochemical Approach Inducing an Unexpected Rearrangement: Exploring the Photoreactivity of Pentacyclic Triterpenic Acids

The discovery of new bioactivities is closely related to the generation of novel scaffolds, and in the past few years different strategies have been proposed to obtain unknown architectures from the manipulation of known compounds. In the present study, we exploited a vintage photochemical approach for the discovery of an unexpected pathway of reactivity related to Δ¹-3-oxo-pentacyclic triterpenic acids gaining access to a new class of natural-unnatural 5(10→1)abeo-pentacyclic triterpenic acids.

Quality consistency evaluation of commercial Prunellae Spica by integrating determination of secondary metabolites and saccharides

INTRODUCTION

Prunellae Spica (PS) is a commonly used medicinal herb in China. Secondary metabolites and saccharides are major bioactive components of PS. However, holistic quality consistency of commercial PS is ambiguous due to lack of comprehensive evaluation methods and reliable quality control markers.

OBJECTIVES

Integrating multiple chromatographic and chemometric methods to comprehensively evaluate the holistic quality of PS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-MS/MS) was applied to quantify 12 secondary metabolites of PS. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array/evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-PDA/ELSD) and high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) methods were used to characterise the saccharides. Multivariate statistical analysis was adopted to evaluate the quality consistency of commercial PS and explore the potential quality control markers.

RESULTS

The contents of secondary metabolites and saccharides were significantly different among commercial PS. All samples could be classified into three groups with ferulic acid, protocatechualdehyde, gallic acid, ursolic acid/oleanolic acid, sucrose, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid as the major contributing components responsible for the difference. The content of rosmarinic acid was correlated with that of betulinic acid, hyperposide, chlorogenic acid, rutin, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid and glucose, whereas polysaccharides, ferulic acid, protocatechualdehyde and ursolic acid/oleanolic acid, quercetin, sucrose and majority monosaccharides were not.

CONCLUSION

The holistic quality of commercial PS was inconsistent. Together with rosmarinic acid, ferulic acid, protocatechualdehyde, ursolic acid/oleanolic acid, polysaccharides and sucrose might be recommended as potential quality control markers for the holistic quality control of PS.

MS/MS molecular networking-guided in-depth profiling of triterpenoid saponins from the fruit of Eleutherococcus senticosus and their neuroprotectivity evaluation

INTRODUCTION

Eleutherococcus senticosus fruit (ESF) is a natural health supplement resource that has been extensively applied as a tonic for the nervous system. The structures and neural bioactivities of triterpenoid saponins (TS), which are the major constituents of ESF, have not been comprehensively analyzed thus far.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a complete in-depth MS/MS molecular networking (MN)-based targeted analysis of TS from the crude extract of ESF and investigated its neuroprotective value.

METHODS

An MS/MS MN-guided strategy was used to rapidly present a series of precursor ions (PIs) of TS in a compound cluster as TS-targeted information used in the discovery and characterization of TS. In addition, a prepared TS-rich fraction of ESF was assayed for its restraining effects on β-amyloid-induced inhibition of neurite outgrowth.

RESULTS

A total of 87 TS were discovered using a PI tracking strategy, 28 of which were characterized as potentially undescribed structures according to their high-resolution MS values. Furthermore, the TS-rich fraction can significantly reduce β-amyloid-induced damage to neural networks by promoting the outgrowth of neurites and axons.

CONCLUSION

Our findings reveal the richness of TS in ESF and will accelerate their application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Characterization of triterpenoids as possible bitter-tasting compounds in teas infected with bird’s eye spot disease

Tea infected with bird's eye spot disease generally imparts a long-lasting bitter taste, which is unacceptable to most consumers. This study has comprehensively evaluated the taste profiles of infected and healthy teas and investigated their known bitter compounds previously reported in tea. Quantification analyses and calculation of dose-over-threshold (DoT) factors revealed that no obvious difference was visualized in catechins, caffeine, bitter amino acids, and flavonols and their glycosides between infected and healthy tea samples, which was also verified by principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Therefore, these known bitter compounds have been ruled out as critical contributors to the long-lasting bitterness of infected teas. Furthermore, Gel permeation chromatography, sensory analysis, and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS were employed and identified 13 substances from the target bitter fractions, including caffeine, ten triterpenoids, and two oxylipins. The higher triterpenoid levels were supposed to be the reason causing the long-lasting bitterness. This study has provided a research direction for the molecular basis of the long-lasting bitterness of infected tea leaves with bird's eye spot disease.

Chemical analysis of the Chinese herbal medicine licorice (Gan-Cao): An update review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Licorice, called Gan-Cao in China, is one of the most popular traditional herbal medicines. It is derived from the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, G. glabra, and G. inflata. Licorice is recorded in the pharmacopoeias of China, Japan, US, and Europe.

AIM

This review updates research progress of licorice from the perspectives of chemical analysis, quality evaluation, drug metabolism, and pharmacokinetic studies from 2009 to April 2022.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Both English and Chinese literatures were collected from databases including PubMed, Elsevier, Web of Science, and CNKI (Chinese). Licorice, extraction, structural characterization/identification, quality control, metabolism, and pharmacokinetics were used as keywords.

RESULTS

Newly developed analytical methods, including LC/UV, 2DLC, LC/MS, GC/MS, and mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) for chemical analysis of licorice were summarized.

CONCLUSION

This review provides a comprehensive summary on chemical analysis of licorice.

Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Propolis from Tetragonula, Lepidotrigona, Lisotrigona and Homotrigona Stingless Bee Species in Vietnam

The present study aimed to analyze and compare the chemical profile and antioxidant capacity of propolis from different bee species and different regions. The chemical profiles of propolis from six stingless bee species (Tetragonula iridipennis, T. laeviceps, Lepidotrigona terminata, L. ventralis, Lisotrigona carpenteri and Homotrigona apicalis) collected from a total of eight locations in Vietnam were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). More than 70 compounds were identified, amongst which phenolic lipids (cardanols, resorcinols and anacardic acids), aromatic acids, triterpenes and xanthones. Taxonomic markers for Mangifera indica (phenolic lipids and cycloartane triterpenes) were detected in propolis from bees of the genera Tetragonula and Lepidotrigona, although in different amounts, whereas propolis from H. apicalis was characterized by triterpenes of the amyrine type, typical of dipterocarp trees. A clear discrimination between both groups was observed by principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Propolis from Tetragonula and Lepidotrigona spp. and from Lisotrigona carpenteri, which is rich in xanthones, possesses higher radical scavenging and ferric-reducing capacity than that from H. apicalis. Propolis produced by all six stingless bee species in Vietnam was analyzed for the first time. In addition, this is the first report on L. carpenteri propolis.

Antineoplastic and Antitrypanosomal Properties of Propolis from Tetragonula biroi Friese

Propolis, popularly known as bee glue, is a resinous, sticky substance produced by different bee species across the globe. Studies on the biological properties of propolis from the Philippines are rare. Hence, the current study aims at the chemical characterization of propolis produced by the stingless bees Tetragonula biroi Friese from the Philippines and to investigate its antitrypanosomal and anticancer properties. The determination of the chemical composition and characterization of propolis samples was achieved using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), -high-performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Three major triterpenes were isolated and identified using HRESI-MS and 1H/13C NMR techniques. The spectral studies confirmed the presence of compounds such as isomangiferolic acid, 27-hydoxymangiferonic acid, and 27-hydroxyisomangiferolic acid. All crude propolis samples, isolated fractions, and pure compounds demonstrated moderate antitrypanosomal and anticancer properties compared to control drugs. Amongst the tested compounds, 27-hydoxymangiferonic acid exhibited the highest antitrypanosomal activity at a concentration of 11.6 µg/mL. The highest anticancer effect was demonstrated by the Ph-2 fraction, followed by 27-hydroxyisomangiferolic acid, with IC50 values of 129.6 and 153.3 µg/mL. Thus, it can be concluded that the observed biological activity of Philippine propolis is due to the combinatorial effect or synergistic action of the active compounds 27-hydoxymangiferonic acid and 27-hydroxyisomangiferolic acid.

Chemical characterization and antioxidant potential of ecuadorian propolis

The chemical composition and the antioxidant potential of Ecuadorian propolis samples (n = 19) collected in different provinces were investigated. HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSⁿ and GC-EI-MS analysis of the methanol extracts enabled us to define six types of Ecuadorian propolis based on their secondary metabolite composition. 68 compounds were identified, 59 of which are reported for the first time in Ecuadorian propolis. The detected compounds include flavonoids, diterpenes, triterpenes, organic acid derivatives, alkylresorcinol derivatives and nemorosone. Plants belonging to genera Populus, Mangifera and Clusia seemed to be vegetable sources employed by bees to produce Ecuadorian propolis. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of propolis extracts were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing/antioxidant potential assays, respectively. As expected, the variable chemical composition affected the differences in terms of antioxidant potential.

Astramalabaricosides A-T, Highly Oxygenated Malabaricane Triterpenoids with Migratory Inhibitory Activity from Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus

Twenty new malabaricane triterpenoids, astramalabaricosides A-T (1-20), were isolated from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Astragali Radix). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, and the use of the circular dichroism exciton chirality method, quantum chemical calculations, and chemical methods. Malabaricane triterpenoids, an unusual group with the 6-6-5-tricyclic core, are distributed in plants (e.g., Simaroubaceae, Polypodiaceae, and Fabaceae), a marine sponge, and fungi, and their number obtained to date is limited. Compounds 1-20 were characterized as glycosides with a highly oxygenated side chain, and 13-20 were the first cyclic carbonate derivatives among the malabaricane triterpenoids. The stereocluster formed from the continuous hydroxylated chiral carbons in each highly oxygenated side chain and the 6-6-5-tricyclic core system were entirely segregated, and the independent identification of their stereoconfigurations required considerable effort. The migratory inhibitory and antiproliferative activities of 1-20 were evaluated by wound-healing and cell-viability assays, respectively. Most compounds showed significant migratory inhibitory activity, and a preliminary structure-activity relationship was developed. Malabaricane triterpenoids are being reported in the genus Astragalus for the first time.

Systematical Ingredient Investigations of Ficus tikoua Bur. Fruit and Immunoregulatory and Antioxidant Effects of Different Fractions

Although the fruit of Ficus tikoua Bur. has been consumed by montanic people in China for centuries, its chemical and biological composition was still unclear. A series of comprehensive investigations on its chemical constituents and bioactivities were carried out for the first time. As a result, six compounds were isolated and identified as the main components in this fruit. GC-MS analysis of the lipid components demonstrated that Ficus tikoua Bur. fruit contains some wholesome constituents such as fatty acids, vitamins, triterpenoids, and phytosterols. The fatty acids are mainly composed of linolenic acid (61.27%) and linoleic acid (22.79%). Furthermore, this fruit contains a relative high content of crude protein (9.41 ± 0.03%), total amino acids (9.28%), and total polyphenols (0.86 ± 0.01 g/100 g). The analysis of monosaccharide composition showed that the total polysaccharide mainly consists of glucose, glucuronic acid, xylose, arabinose, mannose, galactose, galacturonic acid, and rhamnose. The polysaccharide, polyphenol, water, ethanol, and flavonoid extracts exhibited prominent antioxidant activity determined by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAPS methods. Meanwhile, the total polysaccharide exhibited significant immunomodulatory effect by enhancing the release of cytokines and expression of iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells, significantly decreasing the expression of c-Jun and p65 proteins in the cytoplasm; increasing the translocation of c-Jun and p65 to the nucleus; and regulating the phosphorylation level of Akt, PI3K, and PDK1 in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study proved that the fruit of F. tikoua is a reliable source of functional food.

Anti-Cancer Effect of Sesquiterpene and Triterpenoids from Agarwood of Aquilaria sinensis

Two new guaiane sesquiterpenes, aquisinenoids A and B (1 and 2), two new eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids, aquisinenoids C and D (3 and 4), one new cucurbitacin, aquisinenoid E (5), and five known cucurbitacins (6–10) were isolated from agarwood of Aquilaria sinensis. The structures of these new compounds, including their absolute configurations, were characterized by spectroscopic and computational methods. The biological evaluation showed that compounds 3 and 9 had an anti-cancer effect on most of the cancer cells at 5 μM, especially in human breast cancer cells. Interestingly, the new compound 3 exhibited more sensitivity on cancer cells than normal cells, highlighting its potential as a novel anti-cancer agent. Mechanically, compound 3 treatment increased the ROS generation and triggered apoptosis of human breast cancer cells.

Anticancer and Antioxidant Activities in Ganoderma lucidum Wild Mushrooms in Poland, as Well as Their Phenolic and Triterpenoid Compounds

The goal of this study was to the assess anti-cancer and antioxidant properties of the Ganoderma lucidum fruiting body, and to identify bioactive compounds found in their extracts. Significant antiproliferative activity was observed against MCF-7, MCF-7/DX, LOVO, LOVO/DX, MDA-MB 231, SW 620, and NHDF cell lines. With IC₅₀ values of 25.38 µg/mL and 47.90 µg/mL, respectively, the extract was most effective against MDA-MB 231 and SW 620 cell lines. The bioactive compounds were identified using an ACQUITY UPLC-PDA-MS system. The extracts contained 13 triterpenoids and 28 polyphenols from the flavonols, phenolic acids, flavones, flavan-3-ols, and stilbenes families. Ganoderic acid derivative was found to be the most abundant triterpenoid (162.4 mg/g DW), followed by ganoderic acid B (145.6 mg/g DW). Resveratrol was the most abundant phenolic in the extract (5155.7 mg/100 g DM). The findings could explain why G. lucidum extracts are used in folk medicine.

Two new triterpenoids from the fruits of Aphanamixis polystachya

Two new triucallane triterpenoids, polystanin F (1) and polystanin G (2), along with eight known compounds (3-10) were isolated from the fruits of Aphanamixis polystachya. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. Moreover, eight compounds were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity against three cancer cell lines (liver cancer RT112, colon cancer HCT-116 and breast cancer M231) using the MTT method. Compound 7 showed significant cytotoxic activity against HCT-116 with IC₅₀ 1.27 μM.

[Determination of absolute configuration of a new triterpenic acid in leaves of Ilex hainanensis]

This study aimed to explore the triterpenic acid components in leaves of Ilex hainanensis. Alkaline water extraction, macroporous resin adsorption, and high performance liquid chromatography were used to separate and purify the triterpenic acid components in leaves of I. hainanensis. The physical and chemical property analysis, MS, NMR spectroscopy, and literature comparison were performed to identify the structures, and a new triterpene acid compound was discovered:(3S, 4R, 5R, 8R, 9R, 10R, 14S, 17S, 18S, 19R)-3,19-dihydroxyursa-12,20(30)-diene-24,28-dioic-acid, and named ilexhainanin F. In addition, according to its structural characteristics, the ~(19)F-NMR Mosher method was further employed to study its absolute configuration. By comparison of the ~(19)F-NMR chemical shifts of Mosher esters, it was determined that the absolute configuration of the 3-position chiral center of the compound was the S configuration.

Chemical and biological studies of Daphniphyllum oldhamii from Hunan Province, China

The fruits, twigs and leaves of Daphniphyllum oldhamii (Hemsl.) K. Rosenthal, collected from Longshan County, Hunan Province, China, were chemically investigated. Three undescribed daphniphyllum alkaloids, namely longshanoldhamines A‒C, and six known related ones have been isolated from the fruits, whereas two undescribed triterpenoids and one undescribed lignan, along with six known triterpenoids, were found in the twigs and leaves. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis and comparison with the reported data.

[Molecular mechanism underlying difference of astragaloside Ⅳ content in imitating wild and cultivated Astragalus mongholicus]

The difference of astragaloside Ⅳ content and the expression of its biosynthesis related genes in imitating wild Astragalus mongolicus(IWA) and cultivated A.mongolicus(CA) under different growth years were systematically compared and analyzed.Then the key enzyme genes affected the difference of astragaloside Ⅳ content in the above two A.mongolicus were screened.High-perfo-rmance liquid chromatography(HPLC)was used to determine the content of astragaloside Ⅳ in A.mongolicusunderthe above two diffe-rent growth patterns.Based on the Illumina HiSeq and PacBio high-throughput sequencing platforms, thesecond-and third-generation transcriptome sequencing(RNA-Seq)databaseof the two A.mongolicuswas constructed.The related enzyme genes in the biosynthetic pathway of astragaloside Ⅳ were screened and verified byquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).The RNA-sequencing(RNA-Seq) and RT-qPCR data of each gene were subjected to correlation analysis and trend analysis.The results showed that the variation trend of astragaloside Ⅳ contentby HPLC wasthe same as that of genes by RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR in 1-4 year IWA and 1-2 year CA.The trend level of astragaloside Ⅳ contentwas lower in 2-year IWA than 1-year IWA.Compared with 2-year IWA, 3-year IWA had an upward trend, while 4-year IWA hada downward trend versus 3-year IWA.Additionally, 1-year CA had increased trendthan 2-year CA.However, the content of astragaloside Ⅳ in 5-year IWA was higher than that of 6-year IWA, which wasinconsistent with the findings of RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR.This study preliminarily clarifiedthat the difference of astragaloside Ⅳ contentin 1-4 year IWA and 1-2 year CA wasclosely related to the expression of the upstream and midstream genes(MVK, CMK, PMK, MVD, SS) in the biosynthetic pathway.The results facilitate the production and planting of Radix Astragali seu Hedysari.

Four new cycloartane-type triterpenoids from the leaves of Combretum mellifluum Eichler: assessment of their antioxidant and antileishmanial activities

The beneficial pharmacological actions including antioxidant effects as an antileishmanial, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, and analgesic of compounds isolated from Combretum mellifluum Eichler (Combretaceae) are well established. The aim of the present study was to determine the phytochemistry as well as assess the antioxidant and antileishmanial activities of the leaves from Combretum mellifluum Eichler (Combretaceae). Analysis of ethanolic extract resulted in isolation and identification of two epimeric mixtures of four previously unknown cycloartane-type triterpenoids, methyl quadrangularate M and methyl 24-epiquadrangularate M, and 2α,3β,24β-trihydroxy-cycloart-25-ene and 2α, 3β, 24α-trihydroxy-cycloart-25-ene, and eight known compounds. Their structures were using one-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (1D NMR), 2D NMR and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HRESIMS) analysis. Further, the extract and fractions were tested for antioxidant potential. The ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity against 2,2-dipheny-1-picrylhydrazl (DPPH) free radicals, which correlated directly with total flavonoid content. All extracts and fractions from C. mellifluum Eichler were assessed for antileishmanial activity. The supernatant fraction exhibited highest potential, inhibiting the growth of Leishmania amazonensis with IC₅₀ value 31.29 μg/ml. Our findings provide information on the chemical composition of C. mellifluum and the potential beneficial therapeutic usefulness as an antioxidant agent in various diseases.

[Identification of chemical constituents in Simiao Yong'an Decoction based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS]

This study aims to identify the chemical constituents of Simiao Yong'an Decoction based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear quadrupole ion trap-orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS). The elution was performed through a UPLC BEH C_(18) column(2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) with the mobile phase of water(containing 0.1% formic acid)-acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.4 mL·min~(-1). LTQ-Orbitrap-MS with heat electrospray ion(HESI) source was employed to collect MS fragment information in the negative ion mode. A total of 72 compounds were identified based on reference substance comparison, fragmentation rules, accurate molecular weight, related reports and databases(MassBank and HMDB), including 30 iridoid glycosides, 9 organic acids, 15 flavonoids, 10 phenylpropanoids, 7 triterpenoids, and 1 saccharide. The method established in this study is comprehensive, rapid, and accurate, which can help summarize the fragmentation rules of constituents and provide reference for revealing the active constituents and pharmacodynamic mechanism of Simiao Yong'an Decoction.

Nutraceutical Role of Polyphenols and Triterpenes Present in the Extracts of Fruits and Leaves of Olea europaea as Antioxidants, Anti-Infectives and Anticancer Agents on Healthy Growth

There is currently a worldwide consensus and recognition of the undoubted health benefits of the so-called Mediterranean diet, with its intake being associated with a lower risk of mortality. The most important characteristics of this type of diet are based on the consumption of significant amounts of fruit, vegetables, legumes, and nuts, which provide, in addition to some active ingredients, fiber and a proportion of vegetable protein, together with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as the main sources of vegetable fat. Fish and meat from poultry and other small farm animals are the main sources of protein. One of the main components, as already mentioned, is EVOO, which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and to a lesser extent in polyunsaturated fatty acids. The intake of this type of nutrient also provides an important set of phytochemicals whose health potential is widely spread and agreed upon. These phytochemicals include significant amounts of anthocyanins, stilbenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes of varying complexities. Therefore, the inclusion in the diet of this type of molecules, with a proven healthy effect, provides an unquestionable preventive and/or curative activity on an important group of pathologies related to cardiovascular, infectious, and cancerous diseases, as well as those related to the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this review is therefore to shed light on the nutraceutical role of two of the main phytochemicals present in Olea europaea fruit and leaf extracts, polyphenols, and triterpenes, on healthy animal growth. Their immunomodulatory, anti-infective, antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-carcinogenic capabilities show them to be potential nutraceuticals, providing healthy growth.

Chemical Profile of Lipophilic Fractions of Different Parts of Zizyphus lotus L. by GC-MS and Evaluation of Their Antiproliferative and Antibacterial Activities

Zizyphus lotus L. is a perennial shrub particularly used in Algerian folk medicine, but little is known concerning the lipophilic compounds in the most frequently used parts, namely, root bark, pulp, leaves and seeds, which are associated with health benefits. In this vein, the lipophilic fractions of these morphological parts of Z. lotus from Morocco were studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and their antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. GC-MS analysis allowed the identification and quantification of 99 lipophilic compounds, including fatty acids, long-chain aliphatic alcohols, pentacyclic triterpenic compounds, sterols, monoglycerides, aromatic compounds and other minor components. Lipophilic extracts of pulp, leaves and seeds were revealed to be mainly composed of fatty acids, representing 54.3-88.6% of the total compounds detected. The leaves and seeds were particularly rich in unsaturated fatty acids, namely, (9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid (2431 mg kg^-1 of dry weight) and (9Z)-octadec-9-enoic acid (6255 mg kg^-1 of dry weight). In contrast, root bark contained a high content of pentacyclic triterpenic compounds, particularly betulinic acid, accounting for 9838 mg kg^-1 of dry weight. Root bark extract showed promising antiproliferative activity against a triple-negative breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) = 4.23 ± 0.18 µg mL^-1 of extract. Leaf extract displayed interesting antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis, presenting minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values from 1024 to 2048 µg mL^-1 of extract. Our results demonstrate that Zizyphus lotus L. is a source of promising bioactive components, which can be exploited as natural ingredients in pharmaceutical formulations.

Changes in Triterpenes in Alismatis rhizoma after Processing Based on Targeted Metabolomics Using UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS

Alismatis rhizoma (AR) has been used as an herbal medicine in China for over a thousand years. Crude AR, salt-processed AR (SAR), and bran-processed AR (BAR) are recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. However, the differences of chemical composition between crude AR and its processing products remain limited. In this study, triterpenes were identified from crude AR, SAR, and BAR by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). Subsequently, the differences of triterpenes between the crude AR and processed ARs were compared via a targeted metabolomics approach. Finally, a total of 114 triterpenes were identified, of which 83, 100, and 103 triterpenes were found in crude AR, SAR, and BAR, respectively. After salt-processing, there were 17 triterpenes newly generated, 7 triterpenes with trends of increasing, and 37 triterpenes decreased. Meanwhile, 56 triterpenes including 21 newly generated and 35 with significant increases were observed in BAR. This study could be benefit to investigate the processing mechanism of AR, as well as support their clinical applications.

Improved structural annotation of triterpene metabolites of traditional Chinese medicine in vivo based on quantitative structure-retention relationships combined with characteristic ions: Alismatis Rhizoma as an example

As a fast, sensitive and selective method, liquid chromatography-tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) has been used for studying the in vivo metabolism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the rapid discovery and characterization of metabolites, especially isomers, remain challenging due to their complexity and low concentration in vivo. This study proposed a strategy to improve the structural annotation of prototypes and metabolites through characteristic ions and a quantitative structure-retention relationship (QSRR) model, and Alismatis Rhizoma (AR) triterpenes were used as an example. This strategy consists of four steps. First, based on an in-house database reported previously, prototypes and metabolites in biosamples were preliminarily identified. Second, the candidate structures of prototype compounds and metabolites were determined by characteristic ions, databases or potential metabolic pathways. Then, a QSRR model was established to predict the retention times of the proposed structure. Finally, the structures of unknown prototypes and metabolites were determined by matching experimental retention times with the predicted values. The QSRR model built by the genetic algorithm-multiple linear regression (GA-MLR) has excellent regression correlation (R² = 0.9966). Based on this strategy, a total of 118 compounds were identified, including 47 prototypes and 71 metabolites, among which 61 unknown compounds were reasonably characterized. The typical compound identified by this strategy was successfully validated using a triterpene standard. This strategy can improve the annotation confidence of in vivo metabolites of TCM and facilitate further pharmacological research.

Green extraction optimization of triterpenoid glycoside-enriched extract from Centella asiatica (L.) Urban using response surface methodology (RSM)

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban extracts are widely used as food, drugs and cosmetics, and the main active compounds are glycosides (madecassoside and asiaticoside) and aglycones (madecassic acid and asiatic acid). Green extraction is an interesting concept that can produce safe and high-quality extracts that use less solvent, time and energy with the environmental friendly. This study investigated the optimum conditions for extracting a triterpenoid glycoside-enriched C. asiatica extract using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Central composite design and response surface methodology (RSM) were used for the experimental design and data analysis. Four-month-old C. asiatica tetraploid plants were selected as the elite raw material containing high amount of triterpenoid glycosides for the extraction experiments, and the triterpenoid content was determined by a validated HPLC method. The results demonstrated that the RSM models and equations were reliable and could predict the optimal conditions to enhance C. asiatica extract yield, glycoside and aglycone amounts. The percent of ethanol was the major factor that had a significant effect on C. asiatica yield and glycoside and aglycone content during MAE and UAE. The maximum triterpenoids content in extract; 7.332 ± 0.386% w/w madecassoside and 4.560 ± 0.153% w/w asiaticoside 0.357 ± 0.013% w/w madecassic acid and 0.209 ± 0.025% w/w asiatic acid were obtained by MAE with 80% ethanol at 100 watts for 7.5 min, whereas the optimal conditions for highest total triterpenoids extraction from dry plant was UAE with 80% ethanol, temperature 48 °C, 50 min enhanced 2.262 ± 0.046% w/w madecassoside, 1.325 ± 0.062% w/w asiaticoside, 0.082 ± 0.009% w/w madecassic acid and 0.052 ± 0.007% w/w asiatic acid as secondary outcome. Moreover, it was found that MAE and UAE consumed energy 59 and 54%, respectively, lower than that of the conventional method, maceration, in term of kilowatt-hour per gram of total triterpenoids. These optimized green conditions could be recommended for C. asiatica extraction for triterpenoid glycoside-enriched extracts production for the pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical industries and triterpenoids quantitative analysis in raw materials.

RNA in situ hybridization and expression of related genes regulating the accumulation of triterpenoids in Cyclocarya paliurus

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja, a woody medicinal species in the Juglandaceae, grows extensively in subtropical areas of China. Triterpenoids in the leaves have health-promoting effects, including hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. To understand triterpenoid biosynthesis, transport and accumulation in C. paliurus during the growing season, gene cloning, gene expression and RNA in situ hybridization of related genes were used, and accumulation was examined in various organs. The complete coding sequences (CDSs) of three genes, CpHMGR, CpDXR and CpSQS, were obtained from GenBank and RACE. RNA in situ hybridization signals of the three genes mainly occurred in the epidermis, palisade tissue, phloem and xylem of leaf, shoot and root, with the signals generally consistent with the accumulation of metabolites in tissues, except in the xylem. Both gene expression and triterpenoid accumulations showed seasonal variations in all organs. However, total triterpenoid content in the leaves was significantly higher than that in the shoots, with the maximum in shoots in August and in leaves in October. According to Pearson correlation analysis, triterpenoid accumulation in the leaves was significantly positively related with the relative expression of CpSQS. However, the relation between gene expression and accumulation was dependent on the role of the gene in the pathway as well as on the plant organ. The results suggested that most of the intermediates catalyzed by CpHMGR and CpDXR in young shoots and roots were used in growth and flowering in the spring, whereas subsequent triterpenoid biosynthesis in the downstream catalyzed by CpSQS mainly occurred in the leaves by using transferred and in situ intermediates as substrates. Thus, this study provides a reference to improve triterpenoid accumulation in future C. paliurus plantations.

Acetylated Rhamnose Triterpenoid Saponins from Glechoma longituba Analyzed by LC-Q-TOFMS

The aim of the present work is to isolate a series of triterpene derivatives with rhamnosyl linking acetyl groups from Glechoma longituba according to the structural characteristics of previously described triterpene saponins. The extract ion chromatography spectrum of the crude extract of G. longituba was detected and analyzed by HPLC-HR-ESI-MS to determine possible components, and these metabolites were traced and separated by combining high-resolution mass spectrometry and predicted liquid chromatography retention time. Three 11α, 12α-epoxypentacyclic oleanolic acid triterpene saponins (glechomanosides H-J) and one ursane triterpene aldehyde saponin with a C-28 aldehyde group were isolated from G. longituba. The structure of these compounds was confirmed by NMR and compared with those of previously characterized compounds. The strategy described in this report enables a rapid, reliable, and complete analysis of glycoside compounds containing different numbers of acetyl groups at different positions on the sugar.

High-Resolution QTOF-MRM for Highly Accurate Identification and Quantification of Trace Levels of Triterpenoids in Ganoderma lucidum Mycelium

The accurate quantification of triterpenoids in Ganoderma lucidum mushroom in the mycelium stage is challenging due to their low concentrations, interference from other possible isomers, and the complex matrix. Here, a high-resolution quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry "multiple reaction monitoring" with target enhancement (HR-QTOF-MRM) method was developed to quantify seven target triterpenoids in G. lucidum. The performance of this method was compared against an optimized QQQ-MRM method. The HR-QTOF-MRM was shown to be capable of distinguishing target triterpenoids from interferent peaks in the presence of matrices. The HR-QTOF-MRM LOD and LLOQ values were found to be one to two times lower than those derived from the QQQ-MRM method. Intraday and interday variabilities of the HR-QTOF-MRM demonstrated better reproducibility than the QQQ-MRM. In addition, excellent recoveries of the analytes ranging from 80 to 117% were achieved. Spiking experiments were carried out to verify and compare the quantitative accuracy of the two methods. The HR-QTOF-MRM method provided better percent accuracy, ranging from 84% to 99% (<3% RSD), compared with the range of 69 to 114% (<4%RSD) given by the QQQ-MRM method. These results demonstrate that the new HR-QTOF-MRM mode is able to improve sensitivity, reproducibility, and accuracy of trace level analysis of triterpenoids in the complex biological samples. The triterpenoid concentrations were in the range of nondetect to 0.06-6.72 mg/g of dried weight in fruiting body and to 0.0009-0.01 mg/g of dried weight in mycelium.

Yield, Characterization, and Possible Exploitation of Cannabis Sativa L. Roots Grown under Aeroponics Cultivation

Cannabis sativa L. has been used for a long time to obtain food, fiber, and as a medicinal and psychoactive plant. Today, the nutraceutical potential of C.sativa is being increasingly reappraised; however, C. sativa roots remain poorly studied, despite citations in the scientific literature. In this direction, we identified and quantified the presence of valuable bioactives (namely, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, friedelin, and epi-friedelanol) in the root extracts of C. sativa, a finding which might pave the way to the exploitation of the therapeutic potential of all parts of the C. sativa plant. To facilitate root harvesting and processing, aeroponic (AP) and aeroponic-elicited cultures (AEP) were established and compared to soil-cultivated plants (SP). Interestingly, considerably increased plant growth-particularly of the roots-and a significant increase (up to 20-fold in the case of β-sitosterol) in the total content of the aforementioned roots' bioactive molecules were observed in AP and AEP. In conclusion, aeroponics, an easy, standardized, contaminant-free cultivation technique, facilitates the harvesting/processing of roots along with a greater production of their secondary bioactive metabolites, which could be utilized in the formulation of health-promoting and health-care products.

Determination of Triterpenoids and Phenolic Acids from Sanguisorba officinalis L. by HPLC-ELSD and Its Application

A novel analytical method involving high-performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD) was developed for simultaneous determination of 11 phenolic acids and 12 triterpenes in Sanguisorba officinalis L. Chromatographic separation was conducted with gradient elution mode by using a Diamonsil^TM C₁₈ column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) with the mobile phase of 0.1% acetic acid water (A) and methanol (B). The drift tube temperature of ELSD was set at 70 °C and the nitrogen cumulative flow rate was 1.6 L/min. The method was fully validated to be linear over a wide concentration range (R² ≥ 0.9991). The precisions (RSD) were less than 3.0% and the recoveries were between 97.7% and 101.4% for all compounds. The results indicated that this method is accurate and effective for the determination of 23 functional components in Sanguisorba officinalis L. and could also be successfully applied to study the influence of processing method on those functional components in Sanguisorba officinalis L.

Multiple in vitro biological effects of phenolic compounds from Terminalia chebula var. tomentella

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Terminalia chebula (TC), a well-known Indian Ayurvedic medicine introduced into China in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, has been recorded and used medicinally as Fructus Chebulae, together with its variety tomentella (TCT) in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. They have been also used commonly for the treatment of diabetes mellitus by Tibetan medicine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the main bioactive and therapeutic principles in the fruits of TCT, based on the extensive evaluation of their anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The TCT fresh fruits were analyzed by HPLC and separated further by column chromatography and preparative HPLC. The isolated compounds were identified by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D/2D NMR, MS, UV, IR and ECD. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by inhibition of NO production in RAW264.7 cells. The specific iNOS (PDB ID: 3E7G) structure was prepared by Discovery Studio 4.0, and the molecular docking simulation was performed on GOLD (version 5.2.2). Hypoglycemic activity was measured using the substrate solution of 4-nitrophenyl-α-d-glucopyranoside enzyme and buffer solution.

RESULTS

The HPLC analysis method of polyphenols in the fruits of TCT was established, and 13 main chromatographic peaks were identified, including six hydrolyzable tannins (2, 4-7, 10-11), three simple phenols (12-14), and one oleanane pentacyclic triterpene, arjungenin. Extensive chromatographic separation of TCT fresh fruits yielded 14 compounds, including one new natural hydrolyzable tannin, 2,3-(S)-HHDP-6-O-galloyl-d-glucose (1). The known compounds were identified as 10 hydrolyzable tannins (2-11) and three simple phenols (12-14). Compounds 10 (IC₅₀ = 36.43 ± 0.21 μM), 11 (IC₅₀ = 42.28 ± 0.09 μM) displayed stronger NO inhibitory activity than the positive control L-NMMA (IC₅₀ = 42.34 ± 0.66 μM), while 2, 4, and 9 showed moderate inhibitory activity against NO production. Further molecular docking simulation of specific iNOS on 10 and 11, as well as five previously isolated lignans 15-19 showed that there were no obvious rules between docking results and the in vitro NO inhibitory activity for hydrolyzable tannins (10 and 11), while the mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity for lignans was related to the substitution of conjugated aldehyde groups. Moreover, most of the hydrolyzable tannins (1-2, 4-5, 9-11) and simple phenol (12) displayed stronger inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase than the positive control, quercetin (IC₅₀ = 6.118 ± 0.071 μM), with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.079 to 16.494 μM. Among these bioactive isolates, the hydrolyzable tannins 2, 4-5, and 9-11, and simple phenol 12 are major chemical components in TCT fruit.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that lignans and hydrolyzed tannins are the main active ingredients of TCT fruits, responsible for the traditional treatment of sore throat and cough. Moreover, hydrolyzed tannins and simple phenolic compounds with potential hypoglycemic activity are closely related to the ethno-pharmacological uses of TCT fruits on diabetes in Tibetan medicine.

Histochemical and Phytochemical Analysis of Lamium album subsp. album L. Corolla: Essential Oil, Triterpenes, and Iridoids

The aim of this study was to conduct a histochemical analysis to localize lipids, terpenes, essential oil, and iridoids in the trichomes of the L. album subsp. album corolla. Morphometric examinations of individual trichome types were performed. Light and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to show the micromorphology and localization of lipophilic compounds and iridoids in secretory trichomes with the use of histochemical tests. Additionally, the content of essential oil and its components were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Qualitative analyses of triterpenes carried out using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) coupled with densitometric detection, and the iridoid content expressed as aucubin was examined with spectrophotometric techniques. We showed the presence of iridoids and different lipophilic compounds in papillae and glandular and non-glandular trichomes. On average, the flowers of L. album subsp. album yielded 0.04 mL/kg of essential oil, which was dominated by aldehydes, sesquiterpenes, and alkanes. The extract of the L. album subsp. album corolla contained 1.5 × 10^-3 ± 4.3 × 10^-4 mg/mL of iridoid aucubin and three triterpenes: oleanolic acid, β-amyrin, and β-amyrin acetate. Aucubin and β-amyrin acetate were detected for the first time. We suggest the use of L. album subsp. album flowers as supplements in human nutrition.

Quantification by LC-MS/MS of astragaloside IV and isoflavones in Astragali radix can be more accurate by using standard addition

INTRODUCTION

Astragali radix (AR), the root of Astragalus, is an important medical herb widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Bioactive components include isoflavones and a unique class of triterpenoid saponins (named astragalosides).

OBJECTIVES

Accurate measurement of bioactive components, especially astragaloside IV, is necessary for confirming AR authenticity, quality control and future medical research.

METHODOLOGY

Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is a suitable technique but suffers from ion suppression effects due to sample matrix. This can be corrected by using isotopic labelled internal standards, but these are not available for many phytochemicals. We explored the use of standard addition to circumvent this issue.

RESULTS

LC-MS/MS and liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet (LC-UV) detection provided linear calibration curves (R² > 0.99). LC-MS/MS provided superior selectivity and detection limits below 10 ng/mL, which was 2-3 magnitudes lower than LC-UV detection. Precision and accuracy were overall improved by using LC-MS/MS with diluted sample extracts, resulting in an inter series coefficient of variation (CV) of 12% or less and mean recovery estimates in the 85-115% range. LC-MS/MS quantification by standard addition resulted in significantly higher concentrations of astragaloside IV measured in the samples. Concentrations calculated by standard addition were unaffected by large variation in signal response caused by matrix effects, independent of variation in slope of the standard addition curves.

CONCLUSION

Sample dilution was helpful but not sufficient for reducing effects of ion suppression. We have shown that LC-MS/MS quantification by standard addition can be a powerful approach for accurate measurement of phytochemicals in the absence of isotopic labelled internal standards.

Lipophilic extracts from leaves, inflorescences and fruits of Prunus padus L. as potential sources of corosolic, ursolic and oleanolic acids with anti-inflammatory activity

Chloroform extracts from leaves, inflorescences and fruits of Prunus padus were analysed for anti-inflammatory activity and accumulation of corosolic (CA), ursolic (UA) and oleanolic (OA) acids. The analytes were identified and quantified by GC-MS and UHPLC-PDA. Their total levels depend on plant material type and harvesting time, and varied from 0.25 mg/g DW in fruits, through 0.76-1.09 mg/g DW in flowers, to 1.41-4.54 mg/g DW in leaves. Significant variation in the leaf analytes contents was observed during vegetation with the peak amounts in autumn, which indicated the optimal harvesting season. The plant extracts inhibited pro-inflammatory enzymes (lipoxygenase and hyaluronidase) in a concentration-dependent manner, and their activity parameters correlated with the levels and activity of pure triterpene acids, especially CA and UA. The results of the comparison with the positive controls (heparin, indomethacin, dexamethasone) might partly support the application of P. padus in anti-inflammatory therapies, reported by traditional medicine.

Chaga mushroom extract induces autophagy via the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway in breast cancer cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) are commonly used in traditional treatments in Eastern Europe and Asia due to their diverse pharmacological effects, including anti-tumor and immunologic effects. Thus, many cancer patients take Chaga mushrooms as a complementary medicine, even during chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, few studies have investigated the effects or molecular targets of Chaga mushrooms in breast cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Herein, we examined the anticancer effects of Chaga mushrooms in different types of breast cancer cell lines, and explored the underlying molecular mechanism to better understand their effects and benefits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chaga mushroom extract (CME) was prepared by extracting Chaga mushrooms with 70% ethanol. The cytotoxic effects of CME were assessed by MTT assay and protein expressions were evaluated by western blotting. To evaluate in vivo anti-tumor effects of CME, CME (2 g/kg) was orally administered to 4T1 tumor-bearing BALB/c mice every other day over 30 days (15 administrations), and tumor sizes were measured. Silica gel column chromatography was used to fractionate CME, and major constituents responsible for cytotoxic effects of CME were identified by 1H/13C-NMR and LC-MS.

RESULTS

CME inhibited the proliferation of 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. The expression of LC3 and phosphorylation of AMPK were increased by CME, while the phosphorylation of mTOR, S6, and S6K1 were suppressed, suggesting that CME induced autophagy by activating AMPK and inhibiting mTOR signaling pathways. Consistent with its observed cytotoxic effect in vitro, CME effectively suppressed tumor growth in 4T1 tumor-bearing BALB/c mice. In addition, inotodiol and trametenolic acid were identified as the major constituents responsible for the cytotoxic effects of CME on breast cancer cells. Moreover, inotodiol and trametenolic acid-enriched fractions both exhibited cytotoxic effects regardless of breast cancer cell subtypes and did not interfere with the cytotoxic effects of conventional drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, Chaga mushroom extract induced autophagy by activating AMPK and inhibiting the mTOR signaling pathway. Our data suggest Chaga mushrooms may be a beneficial complementary medicine for breast cancer patients.

Rapid screening for natural lipase inhibitors from Alisma orientale combining high-performance thin-layer chromatography-bioautography with mass spectrometry

Lipase inhibitors are an attractive class of hypolipidemic compounds, which inhibit the activity of human pancreatic lipase, thereby preventing the absorption of triglycerides in vivo. As a library of promising lead compounds for drug development, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained growing attention in quick discovery and identification of enzyme inhibitors of natural-origin. The purpose of this work was to discover unknown lipase inhibitors from Alisma orientale by the activity oriented analysis method thin-layer chromatography-bioautography, then use electrospray ionization mass spectrometry technology via the elution based TLC-MS interface to identify their structures. As a result, eleven natural lipase inhibitors from Alisma orientale extracts were identified based on molecular mass and fragment ions obtained by HPTLC-MS, and further confirmed by a series of complementary means including UV spectra, ¹H NMR characteristic proton signals and polarity of compounds, eleven lipase inhibitors were tentatively assigned as triterpenoids: alisol B (m/z 495.50 [M + Na]⁺), alisol B 23-acetate (m/z 537.58 [M + Na]⁺), 11-deoxy-alisol B (m/z 479.50 [M + Na]⁺), 11-deoxy-alisol B 23-acetate (m/z 521.50 [M + Na]⁺), alisol A/epialisol A (m/z 513.50 [M + Na]⁺), 16-oxo-11-deoxy-alisol A (m/z 511.50 [M + Na]⁺), 16-oxo-alisol A (527.50 [M + Na] ⁺), alisol C (m/z 509.58 [M + Na]⁺), alisol C 23-acetate (m/z 551.50 [M + Na]⁺), alisol M 23-acetate (m/z 567.50 [M + Na]⁺), and alismanol Q/neoalisol (m/z 493.42 [M + Na]⁺). The integrated approach is an efficient method for rapid screening lipase inhibitors from complex plant extracts and provides a reasonable and favorable basis for the identification and separation of other enzymatic system and other important compounds with therapeutic values.

Identification of plant metabolite classes from Waltheria Indica L. extracts regulating inflammatory immune responses via COX-2 inhibition

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Waltheria Indica L. is traditionally used in Africa, South America and Hawaii to treat pain, anemia, diarrhea, epilepsy and inflammatory related diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to identify extraction parameters to maximize tiliroside yield and to quantitative secondary metabolite composition of Waltheria Indica under various extraction conditions. The extracts were tested for COX-2 inhibition and their activity correlated with the type and quantity of the secondary metabolites. Insight was gained about how extraction parameters influence the extract composition and thus the COX-2 enzymatic inhibitory activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Powdered leaves of Waltheria Indica were extracted using water, methanol, ethyl acetate and ethanol at different temperatures. Tiliroside was identified by HPLC-HRMS n and quantified using a tiliroside standard. The compound groups of the secondary metabolites were quantified by spectrometric methods. Inhibitory potential of different Waltheria extracts against the COX-2 enzyme was determined using a fluorometric COX-2 inhibition assay.

RESULTS

The molecule, tiliroside, exhibited a COX-2 inhibition of 10.4% starting at a concentration of 15 μM and increased in a dose dependent manner up to 51.2% at 150 μM. The ethanolic extract at 30 °C and the ethyl acetate extract at 90 °C inhibited COX-2 with 37.7% and 38.9%, while the methanolic and aqueous extract showed a lower inhibition of 21.9% and 9.2% respectively. The results concerning phenol, alkaloid and tiliroside concentration in the extracts showed no dependence on COX-2 inhibition. The extracts demonstrated a direct correlation of COX-2 inhibitory activity with their triterpenoid-/steroidal-saponin concentration. COX-2 inhibition increased linearly with the concentration of the saponins.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that Waltheria Indica extracts inhibit the key inflammatory enzyme, COX-2, as a function of triterpenoid- and steroidal-saponin concentration and support the known efficacy of extracted Waltheria Indica leaves as a traditional treatment against inflammation related diseases.