Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Euglena gracilis Extracts

Dietary supplementation with nutrients able to control intestinal and systemic inflammation is of marketable interest. Indeed, gastrointestinal homeostasis plays a significant role in maintaining human health. In this setting, E. gracilis may sustain or promote human health, but the effects on the intestinal inflammatory milieu are not clear. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of E. gracilis and inferred possible mechanisms. Paramylon, crude, and fractionated extracts were obtained from E. gracilis grown in vitro. Phytoconstituents of the extracts were characterized using TLC and HPLC UV-Vis. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were investigated in primary human macrophages and an intestinal epithelial cell line (HT-29). The analysis of the extracts led to identifying β-carotene, neoxanthin, diadinoxanthin, canthaxanthin, and breakdown products such as pheophytins and pheophorbides. E. gracilis fractionated extracts reduced the production of tumor necrosis factor-α triggered by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the short and long terms. Pheophytin a and b and canthaxanthin increased the intracellular reducing potential and dampened the production of LPS-induced reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, intracellular events usually involved in the perpetuation of chronic inflammatory disorders. This study rationalizes the role of specific extract fractions of E. gracilis in controlling LPS-driven intestinal inflammation.

Crambe tataria: The Glucosinolate/Myrosinase System in vivo and in vitro

The Crambe tataria glucosinolate/myrosinase system in seeds and leaves of in vivo and in vitro regenerated plantlets, and two callus cell lines was investigated. It was demonstrated that in all the extracts glucosinolates were present and the myrosinase system was operative. There appears to be no discrimination between the glucosinolates used as substrates, but the hydrolysis rates were different regardless of the nature of the side chain. This is one of the first studies demonstrating that undifferentiated cells are able to synthetize glucosinolates and have an operating myrosinase system.

Crambe tataria: the glucosinolate/myrosinase system in vivo and in vitro

The Crambe tataria glucosinolate/myrosinase system in seeds and leaves of in vivo and in vitro regenerated plantlets, and two callus cell lines was investigated. It was demonstrated that in all the extracts glucosinolates were present and the myrosinase system was operative. There appears to be no discrimination between the glucosinolates used as substrates, but the hydrolysis rates were different regardless of the nature of the side chain. This is one of the first studies demonstrating that undifferentiated cells are able to synthetize glucosinolates and have an operating myrosinase system.

Fucoxanthin from Undaria pinnatifida: photostability and coextractive effects

Fucoxanthin is one of the most abundant carotenoids and possesses a number of beneficial medicinal qualities which include its anti-oxidant, anti-obesity and anti-cancer properties. In this study, the photostability of fucoxanthin in extracts with different chemical profiles was studied. The extracts were obtained from Undaria pinnatifida, a seaweed rich in this carotenoid, using conventional liquid solvent extraction procedures and the QuEChERS method. All the extracts contained all-trans-fucoxanthin as the major compound. Conventional procedures produced a fucoxanthin purity of lower than 50%, whereas after liquid-liquid partition, PSA cleanup, and PSA and GCB cleanup (QuEChERS method) fucoxanthin purity increased to 70%, 86%, and 94%, respectively. Although in the acetone extract the initial content of fucoxanthin was the highest, results demonstrate that coextractives play an important role in enhancing the rate of photodegradation. After light exposure, the conventional extracts lost around 90% of the initial fucoxanthin content. On the other hand, the extracts obtained by the QuEChERS method showed significantly higher light stability than the conventional extracts. These results suggest that the QuEChERS method could be used and further improved to obtain more purified and stable extracts for fucoxanthin from U. pinnatifida.

A Semiquantitative FIA-ESI-MS Method for the Rapid Screening of Hypericum perforatum Crude Extracts

A method based on FIA-ESI-MS has been developed to profile the major constituents of Hypericum perforatum extracts. The objective was to obtain simultaneous semi-quantitative data on hypericin, chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercitrin, quercetin and hyperforin contents for a high-throughput screening of the raw plant material. The principal drawback of FIA-ESI analysis of complex mixtures involves ion suppression effects: the ionization of some components of the mixture can be severely suppressed by ionization of others. The results show that this problem can be alleviated using a new approach to generate calibration curves.

A semi-quantitative FIA-ESI-MS method for the rapid screening of Hypericum perforatum crude extracts

A method based on FIA-ESI-MS has been developed to profile the major constituents of Hypericum perforatum extracts. The objective was to obtain simultaneous semi-quantitative data on hypericin, chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercitrin, quercetin and hyperforin contents for a high-throughput screening of the raw plant material. The principal drawback of FIA-ESI analysis of complex mixtures involves ion suppression effects: the ionization of some components of the mixture can be severely suppressed by ionization of others. The results show that this problem can be alleviated using a new approach to generate calibration curves.

Anthocyanins and xanthones in the calli and regenerated shoots of Hypericum perforatum var. angustifolium (sin. Fröhlich) Borkh

The present paper reports on the production of anthocyanins and xanthones in different in vitro systems of Hypericum perforatum var. angustifolium (sin. Fröhlich) Borkh. Undifferentiated calli and regenerated shoots at different developmental stages were analyzed by applying an extractive and an analytical procedure capable of detecting and quantifying anthocyanins. The findings revealed, for the first time, the co-presence of hypericins and anthocyanins in shoots at initial and more developed stages of H. perforatum var. angustifolium L. Moreover, a high production of xanthones was found in the undifferentiated calli.

Matrix proteases, green tea, and St. John's wort: Biomedical research catches up with folk medicine

BACKGROUND

Some proteases involved in extracellular matrix degradation are instrumental not only in overcoming tissue barriers to allow normal extravasation of hematic cells, but also in facilitating pathological processes such as inflammation, angiogenesis and tumor invasion. The possibility of blocking these enzymes has led to the development of synthetic inhibitors, though clinical trials have been disappointing owing to considerable side effects. However, long before enzymes were first isolated, these same pathologies were being treated in plant-based folk remedies, and today science is screening them for their reputed beneficial effects.

STATE OF THE ART

We present studies of 2 vegetable components as protease inhibitors. The first, (-)epigallocatechin-3-gallate - from green tea, has proved a good weapon for inhibiting gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9, but an even better inhibitor of leukocyte elastase (LE) activity; in vivo it blocks inflammation, angiogenesis and tumor invasion. The second, hyperforin - from Hypericum sp, inhibits LE-triggered activation of MMP-9, PMN chemotaxis and chemoinvasion, PMN-triggered angiogenesis, and inflammation-triggered pulmonary fibrosis; it also represses tumor-cell expression of MMP-2, thereby restraining invasion and metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Modern research clearly vindicates epidemiological and historical evidence of the beneficial effects of two long-used allies from the plant kingdom, going a step beyond by shedding light on mechanistic keys.

Hyperforin Inhibits Cancer Invasion and Metastasis

Hyperforin (Hyp), the major lipophilic constituent of St. John's wort, was assayed as a stable dicyclohexylammonium salt (Hyp-DCHA) for cytotoxicity and inhibition of matrix proteinases, tumor invasion, and metastasis. Hyp-DCHA triggered apoptosis-associated cytotoxic effect in both murine (C-26, B16-LU8, and TRAMP-C1) and human (HT-1080 and SK-N-BE) tumor cells; its effect varied, with B16-LU8, HT-1080, and C-26 the most sensitive (IC50 = 5 to 8 micromol/L). At these concentrations, a marked and progressive decline of growth was observed in HT-1080 cells, whereas untransformed endothelial cells were only marginally affected. Hyp-DCHA inhibited in a dose-dependent and noncompetitive manner various proteinases instrumental to extracellular matrix degradation; the activity of leukocyte elastase was inhibited the most (IC50 = 3 micromol/L), followed by cathepsin G and urokinase-type plasminogen activator, whereas that of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 showed an IC50 > 100 micromol/L. Nevertheless, inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 constitutive activity and reduction of MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion was triggered by 0.5 micromol/L Hyp-DCHA to various degrees in different cell lines, the most in C-26. Inhibition of C-26 and HT-1080 cell chemoinvasion (80 and 54%, respectively) through reconstituted basement membrane was observed at these doses. Finally, in mice that received i.v. injections of C-26 or B16-LU8 cells, daily i.p. administration of Hyp-DCHA-without reaching tumor-cytotoxic blood levels-remarkably reduced inflammatory infiltration, neovascularization, lung weight (-48%), and size of experimental metastases with C-26 (-38%) and number of lung metastases with B16-LU8 (-22%), with preservation of apparently healthy and active behavior. These observations qualify Hyp-DCHA as an interesting lead compound to prevent and contrast cancer spread and metastatic growth.

Detection of hypericins in the "red glands" of Hypericum elodes by ESI-MS/MS

The biologically active naphthodianthrones hypericin and pseudohypericin were detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) in microsamples from the sepals of Hypericum elodes (Hypericaceae) containing the so-called "red glands", i.e. stipitate glands with red-coloured heads. The occurrence of hypericins in the red glands of H. elodes supports the taxonomic position of the section Elodes within the genus Hypericum and provides evidence that the ability of carrying out the biosynthetic pathway leading to the naphthodianthrone compounds, rather than the absolute amounts produced, should be regarded as a chemical marker of the phylogenetically more advanced sections of genus Hypericum. The biologically active phloroglucinol derivatives hyperforin and adhyperforin, so far found only in H. perforatum, were also detected and evidence for their localization in the sepal secretory canals with large lumen, is given.

Biotransformation of a dibenzylbutanolide to podophyllotoxin analogues by shoot cultures of Haplophyllum patavinum

A peroxidase from spent medium of shoot cultures from Haplophyllum patavinum (L.) G. Don catalyzes the biotransformation of a synthetic dibenzybutanolide into a podophyllotoxin analogue and a novel compound, derived by the opening of the lactone ring.

Preliminary evaluation of inhibition of matrix-metalloprotease MMP-2 and MMP-9 by Passiflora edulis and P foetida aqueous extracts

Fruit's decoctions of Passiflora edulis and P. foetida var. albiflora were evaluated for the inhibition of activity of gelatinase MMP-2 and MMP-9, two metallo-proteases involved in the tumour invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. Both water extracts, at different concentrations, inhibited the enzymes.

Production of anthocyanins by Catharanthus roseus

A stable cell suspension line of Catharanthus roseus producing anthocyanin was obtained. In this strain it was found that approximately 30% of cells regularly accumulated these metabolites and that anthocyanin accumulation occurred between the second half of log phase and the stationary phase of the culture growth cycle. The anthocyanins in the suspension cultures were compared with those biosynthetized in the flowers both of regenerated by somatic embryogenesis and field-grown plants. Six anthocyanins were identified in all the examined samples, three 3-O-glucosides and three 3-O-(6-O-p-coumaroyl) glucosides of petunidin, malvidin and hirsutidin. The hirsutidin coumaroyl glucoside has not been reported previously, and was predominat in all samples. The anthocyanin relative content was similar for cell suspensions and flowers from regenerated plants but different from field-grown plant flowers; instead, the total content was almost the same for the two flower types and higher compared to suspension culture content.

Cytotoxic compounds from Polygala vulgaris

To search for antitumor agents from plants, we studied Polygala vulgaris since cytotoxic lignans are known to occur in some Polygala species. Preliminary data on plant petrol ether, chloroform, and methanol extracts from the roots and aerial parts, showed in vitro cytotoxic activity against the solid tumor LoVo cell line. Fractionation of the active extracts led to the isolation of three new compounds, a derivative of aucuparine and two xanthones, as well as a known methylsinapate. All compounds were tested for in vitro cytotoxic activity using two cell lines, LoVo and its strain, which express resistance to common antitumor agents.

Patavine, a new arylnaphthalene lignan glycoside from shoot cultures of Haplophyllum patavinum

A new arylnaphthalene lignan glycoside, patavine (1), together with five known lignans, justicidin B (2), diphyllin (3), tuberculatin (4), majidine (5), and arabelline (6) were isolated from shoot cultures of Haplophyllum patavinum. The structure of the new compound was elucidated by extensive one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR experiments and mass spectrometry. The cytotoxicity of compounds 1, and 3-6 against LoVo human colon carcinoma cells was investigated.

In vivo and in vitro production of alkaloids by Haplophyllum patavinum

A protocol for shoot induction from callus of Haplophyllum patavinum was established. Two known furoquinoline (skimmianine and haplopine), and three quinolone (edulinine, ribalinine and isoplatydesmine) alkaloids were isolated for the first time from plant material, callus and shoot cultures of this species. The structures of these compounds have been characterised on the basis of spectroscopic evidence.

Monitoring the production yields of vincristine and vinblastine in Catharanthus roseus from somatic embryogenesis. Semiquantitative determination by flow-injection electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

A semiquantitative determination of two bis-indole antitumor alkaloids, vincristine and vinblastine, has been performed by flow-injection electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analysis of the extracts of Catharanthus roseus. Leaves and flowers of two different phenotypes (pink flower and white flower) obtained from somatic embryogenesis were thus examined and compared with the field-grown mother plant. Different amounts of vincristine and vinblastine were detected depending on the examined samples.

External antirheumatic and antineuralgic herbal remedies in the traditional medicine of north-eastern Italy

The utilization of more than 90 plant species as folk external remedies to treat rheumatic and arthritic diseases is reported, and their possible effectiveness is discussed according to present phytochemical and pharmacological knowledge. Some of the plant species used exhibit skin-irritant properties (protoanemonin, isothiocyanate or allicine yielding plants and species containing capsaicin, oleoresins, volatile oils, resinous principles, alkaloids). The effectiveness of other herbal remedies depends on their content of salicyl derivatives. A considerable number of the plant species utilized contain chemical products (triterpenoid or steroid compounds, alkaloids) for which anti-inflammatory properties have been demonstrated.