Development of erythrina-based PARP-1/FTase dual-target inhibitors against lung cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vivo and in vitro

A novel series of erythrina derivatives as PARP-1/FTase inhibitors were synthesized, and evaluated for their biological activities. Compound T9 had excellent inhibitory effects on cell viability (A549: IC50 = 1.74 μM; A549/5-Fu: IC50 = 1.03 μM) and in vitro enzyme activities (PARP-1: IC50 = 0.40 μM; FTase: IC50 = 0.067 μM). Molecular docking and point mutation assays demonstrated the interaction of compound T9 with key amino acid residues. The compound T9 exhibited potent anti-proliferation and anti-migration capabilities against A549 and A549/5-Fu cells. PCR array and western blot results showed that compound T9 could effectively inhibit EMT-related proteins in A549 and A549/5-Fu cells, thereby inhibiting the development of lung cancer. Importantly, compound T9 could significantly inhibit tumor growth in the A549 xenograft tumor model (TGI = 65.3 %). In conclusion, this study was the first presentation of the concept of dual-target inhibitors of the PARP-1/FTase enzymes. It also provides the basis for further research and development of novel PARP-1/FTase inhibitors.

Bioinformatics Study of Flavonoids From Genus Erythrina As Ace2 inhibitor Candidates For Covid-19 Treatment

Purpose

This study aimed to screen potential drug candidates from the flavonoids of the genus Erythrina for the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment.

Patients and Methods

A comprehensive screening was conducted on the structures of 473 flavonoids derived from the genus Erythrina, focusing on their potential toxicity and pharmacokinetic profiles. Subsequently, flavonoids that were non-toxic and possessed favorable pharmacokinetic properties underwent further analysis to explore their interactions with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, employing molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations.

Results

Among 473 flavonoids, 104 were predicted to be safe from being mutagenic, hepatotoxic, and inhibitors of the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG). Among these 104 flavonoids, 18 compounds were predicted not to be substrates of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Among these 18 flavonoids, gangetinin (471) and erybraedin D (310) exhibit low binding affinities and root mean square deviation (RMSD) values, indicating stable binding to the ACE2 receptor. The physicochemical attributes of compounds 310 and 471 suggest that they possess drug-like properties.

Conclusion

Gangetinin (471) and erybraedin D (310) may serve as promising candidates for COVID-19 treatment due to their potential to inhibit the ACE2-RBD interaction. This warrants further investigation into their inhibitory effects on ACE2-RBD binding through in vitro experiments.

A new C22 polyacetylene and seven isoprenylated pterocarpans from Erythrina subumbrans

A new C22 polyacetylene, erysectol A (1), and seven isoprenylated pterocarpans, phaseollin (2), phaseollidin (3), cristacarpin (4), (3'R)-erythribyssin D/(3'S)-erythribyssin D (5a/5b) and dolichina A/dolichina B (6a/6b) were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Erythrina subumbrans. Their structures were determined based on their NMR spectral data. Except for 2-4, all the other compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. Erysectol A was the first reported C22 polyacetylene from plants. Polyacetylene was isolated from Erythrina plants for the first time.

Insights into the Role of Erythrina corallodendron L. in Alzheimer's Disease: in Vitro and in Silico Approach

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major health problem. Cholinergic transmission is greatly affected in AD. Phytochemical investigation of the alkaloid rich fraction (AF) of Erythrina corallodendron L leaves resulted in isolation of five known alkaloids: erysodine, erythrinine, 8-oxoerythrinine, erysovine N-oxide and erythrinine N-oxide. In this study, eysovine N-oxide was reported for the second time in nature. AF was assayed for cholinesterase inhibition at the concentration of 100 μg mL-1 . AF showed a higher percent inhibition for butyrylcholinesterase enzyme (BuChE) (83.28 %) compared to acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) (64.64 %). The isolated alkaloids were also assayed for their anti-BuChE effect. In-silico docking study was done for the isolated compounds at the binding sites of AChE and BuChE to determine their binding pattern and interactions, also molecular dynamics were estimated for the compound displaying the best fit for AChE and BuChE. In addition, ADME parameters and toxicity were predicted for the isolated alkaloids compared to donepezil.

An overview of techniques and strategies for isolation of flavonoids from the genus Erythrina

Plants in the genus Erythrina is a potential source of chemical constituents, one of which is flavonoids, which have diverse bioactivities. To date, literature on the flavonoids from the genus Erythrina has only highlighted the phytochemical aspects, so this review article will discuss isolation techniques and strategies for the first time. More than 420 flavonoids have been reported in the Erythrina genus, which are grouped into 17 categories. These flavonoid compounds were obtained through isolation techniques and strategies using polar, semi-polar, and non-polar solvents. Various chromatographic techniques have been developed to isolate flavonoids using column flash chromatography, quick column chromatography, centrifugally accelerated thin-layer chromatography, radial chromatography, medium-pressure column chromatography, semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography, and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Chromatographic processes for isolating flavonoids can be optimized using multivariate statistical applications such as response surface methodology with central composite design, Box-Behnken design, Doehlert design, and mixture design.

Three new erythrina alkaloids from the roots of Erythrina corallodendron

Three new erythrina alkaloids, eryalkals A (1), B (2), and C (3), were isolated from the roots of Erythrina corallodendron L. Their structures, including their absolute configurations, were elucidated based on analyses of HR-ESI-MS, 1D/2D NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The isolated erythrina alkaloids were screened for the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. All the compounds showed no antioxidant activity and cytotoxic activities.

[Erythrina alkaloids from stems of Erythrina corallodendron]

This study aims to investigate Erythrina alkaloids from the stems of Erythrina corallodendron. Eighteen Erythrina alkaloids were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of the stems of E. corallodendron by silica gel,octadecyl silica( ODS),Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and preparative HPLC. With nuclear magnetic resonance( NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry( MS),their structures were identified as crstanine A( 1),erytharbine( 2),cristamine C( 3),( +)-erystramindine( 4),10,11-dioxoerythraline( 5),8-oxoerythraline( 6),8-oxo-11β-methoxyerythradine( 7),11-methoxyerythradine( 8),( ±)-11-epi-methoxyerythraline( 9),( +)-erythraline( 10),crystamidine( 11),8-oxoerythrinine( 12),( +)-11α-hydroxyerysotrine( 13),erythrinine( 14),erysodine( 15),erysotrine-N-oxide( 16),( +)-erythratidine( 17),erythratine( 18). Compounds 1-4,7,9,11,13,16 and 17 were isolated from E. corallodendron for the first time. Furthermore,the cytotoxic activities of these Erythrina alkaloids were screened by MTT assay. The results showed that all compounds had no obvious cytotoxic activity. The analgesic activities of compounds1,6 and 8 were evaluated using an acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice. The writhing inhibition rates of compounds 1,6 and 8 at20 mg·kg~(-1)( ip) were 69%,70% and 62%,respectively( P<0. 01),indicating they have significant analgesic activity.

Natural history of Platypria (Platypria) hystrix (Fabricius, 1798) on Fabaceae host plants, with notes on other Platypria species in India (Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae, Hispini)

The leaf-beetle genus Platypria Guérin-Méneville, 1840 comprises two subgenera and 34 species (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Hispini). Host plants are documented for eight species and indicate mostly perennial species of Fabaceae and Rhamnaceae. Larvae and pupae have been documented for two Platypria species. This paper presents novel natural history data, based on a field study of populations of Platypria (Platypria) hystrix (Fabricius, 1798) on Erythrinastricta Roxb. and Puerariaphaseoloides (Roxb.) Benth. in Kerala, south India and on Erythrinavariegata L., Puerariamontanavar.lobata (Willd.) Maes. & S. Almeida and Mucunapruriens (L) DC in Assam, northeast India. Three new Fabaceae hosts are reported for P. (P.) hystrix. Brief notes and new host records, based on field observations, are also provided for the other three species of Platypria in India - P. (P.) chiroptera Gestro, 1899, P. (P.) echidna Guérin-Méneville, 1840 and P. (P.) erinaceus (Fabricius, 1801). Platypria females slit the leaf to lay a single egg which is covered with secretions that harden as an ootheca, the egg covering in Cassidinaes. l. There are five larval stages, each with the typical 'hispine' mining form and behaviour - a flattened cream-coloured body, chitinised head capsule and claws, and feeding on mesophyll and leaving irregular blotch mines on the host leaves. Pupation occurs in an independent pupal mine and lasts about a week. These observations suggest new potential phylogenetic character hypotheses that can stimulate better data collection on leaf-mining Cassidinae and help resolve evolutionary patterns amongst these basal mining genera.

(±) Erysectin A, a new isoprenylated isoflavone with a rare acetonyl group from Erythrina secundiflora Hassk

(±) Erysectin A (1), a new isoprenylated isoflavone with a rare acetonyl group, along with 15 known compounds including eight isoprenylated isoflavones (2-9), two isoprenylated flavanones (10-11), three flavanones (12-14), a flavone (15), and a chalcone (16), was isolated from the twigs and leaves of Erythrina secundiflora Hassk. Their structures were identified based on their 1 D and 2 D NMR spectral data. All the compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. Compound 1 showed moderate cytotoxicity on several cancer cell lines.

Promising Antioxidant Activity of Erythrina Genus: An Alternative Treatment for Inflammatory Pain?

The negative impact that oxidative stress has on health is currently known. The complex mechanism of free radicals initiates a series of chain reactions that contribute to the evolution or development of different degenerative disorders. Likewise, these disorders are usually accompanied by inflammatory processes and, therefore, pain. In this sense, reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to promote the nociceptive process, but effective treatment of pain and inflammation still represents a challenge. Over time, it has been learned that there is no single way to relieve pain, and as long as there are no other alternatives, the trend will continue to apply multidisciplinary management, such as promote the traditional use of the Erythrina genus to manage pain and inflammation. In this sense, the Erythrina genus produces a wide range of secondary metabolites, including flavanones, isoflavones, isoflavones, and pterocarpans; these compounds are characterized by their antioxidant activity. Phenolic compounds have demonstrated their ability to suppress pro-oxidants and inhibit inflammatory signaling pathways such as MAPK, AP1, and NFκB. Although there is preclinical evidence supporting its use, the pharmacological effect mechanisms are not entirely clear. Nowadays, there is a fast advancement in knowledge of the disciplines related to drug discovery, but most of nature's medicinal potential has not yet been harnessed. This review analyzes the decisive role that the Erythrina genus could play in managing inflammatory pain mediated by its compounds and its uses as an antioxidant.

Isoquinoline alkaloids reduce beta-amyloid peptide toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial health problem widespread over the world. Regarding the historical importance of the alkaloids in the central nervous system pharmacology they remain as promising drug candidates against AD. Seven alkaloids from Amaryllidaceae and Fabaceae were evaluated in vivo, in vitro and in silico targets related to the AD pathophysiology. Erythraline and erysodine showed the greatest potential compared to Memantine, a drug currently used in AD therapy, by delaying the Aβ_1-42-induced paralysis in the transgenic strain CL2006 Caenorhabditis elegans, an alternative model to assess the impairment of beta-amyloid peptide deposition. The in vitro inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase was observed for the first time for Erythrina alkaloids; however Lycorine was the most active. Docking simulation contributed to comprehend this potential by showing a hydrophobic interaction between acetylcholinesterase and Lycorine in the amino acid residue TRP 84 as well as hydrogen bonds with TRY 121 and ASP 72.

Gastroprotective effects of Erythrina speciosa (Fabaceae) leaves cultivated in Egypt against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Members of the genus Erythrina have been traditionally used in the treatment of various ailments such as inflammation and gastrointestinal disorders. Erythrina speciosa (Fabaceae) is a spiny, deciduous shrub or small tree native to Southern America in Brazil. It is cultivated in Africa and Asia. The traditional usage of E. speciosa indicated its antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Evaluation of the phytochemical constituents, gastroprotective effects and possible mechanism of action of the ethyl acetate fraction obtained from the methanol extract of E. speciosa leaves (ESLE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chemical characterization of ESLE was done using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The gastroprotective activity of ESLE was evaluated using ethanol-induced gastric-ulcer model in rats. Rats were pre-treated with ESLE 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg 1 h before the administration of absolute ethanol. Histological analysis, mucin content, and total acidity were evaluated. The possible mechanism of action of ESLE was studied through the examination of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, PGE2, and NF-κB, iNOS, COX-2, and HSP-70 immunoexpression. In vitro, anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of ESLE was also studied using micro-well dilution method.

RESULTS

Fourteen compounds were tentatively identified including alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. ESLE exerted a powerful gastroprotective effect. The pre-treatment with ESLE at different doses resulted in a significant reduction in gastric lesions and significant elevation in the mucin production. These effects could be partially mediated by the potent anti-inflammatory activity of ESLE as evidenced by the significant reduction in the immunoexpression of NF-κB, COX-2, iNOS and the reduction in the pro-inflammatory marker, TNF-α. ESLE counteracted the ethanol-induced oxidative stress by increasing the levels of depleted GSH and catalase as well as significantly attenuating the ethanol-induced lipid peroxidation tissue levels. In addition, ESLE exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against H. pylori.

CONCLUSIONS

The chemical constituents of ESLE strongly support its potent gastroprotective effect suggesting its future potential application in the management of gastric ulcer by eliminating its symptoms and causes including H. pylori.

Breaking Down the Barriers to a Natural Antiviral Agent: Antiviral Activity and Molecular Docking of Erythrina speciosa Extract, Fractions, and the Major Compound

The in vitro cytotoxic activity in Vero cells and the antiviral activity of Erythrina speciosa methanol extract, fractions, and isolated vitexin were studied. The results revealed that E. speciosa leaves ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the methanol extract (ESLE) was the most active against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Bioactivity-guided fractionation was performed on ESLE to isolate the bioactive compounds responsible for this activity. One sub-fraction from ESLE (ESLE IV) showed the highest activity against HSV-1 and Hepatitis A HAV-H10 viruses. Vitexin isolated from ESLE VI exhibited a significant antiviral activity (EC₅₀ =35±2.7 and 18±3.3 μg/mL against HAV-H10 and HSV-1 virus, respectively), which was notably greater than the activity of the extract and the fractions. Molecular docking studies were carried out to explore the molecular interactions of vitexin with different macromolecular targets. Analysis of the in silico data together with the in vitro studies validated the antiviral activity associated with vitexin. These outcomes indicated that vitexin is a potential candidate to be utilized commendably in lead optimization for the development of antiviral agents.

[Chemical compositions from roots of Erythrina corallodendron]

This project is to investigate chemical compositions from the roots of Erythrina corallodendron. Through the methods of silica gel,ODS,Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and preparative HPLC,15 compounds were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of the roots of E. corallodendron. Based on spectroscopic techniques,the structures of these compounds were identified as 10,11-dioxoerythraline( 1),erythrinine( 2),erythraline( 3),11-methoxyerythraline( 4),cristanines B( 5),erythratine( 6),erysotrine( 7),medioresinol( 8),( ±)-ficusesquilignan A( 9),( +)-pinoresinol( 10),nicotinic acid( 11),dibutyl phthalate( 12),vanillic acid( 13),3-hydroxy-1-( 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-propanone( 14),and syringic acid( 15). Compounds 8-10 are isolated from genus Erythrina for the first time and all compounds are isolated from E. corallodendron for the first time. Furthermore,this paper screened the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the compounds using models of liver microsomal oxidation inhibition and MTT.

Alkaloids of genus Erythrina: An updated review

Genus Erythrina (Fabaceae) comprises several species, which are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The plants of this genus exhibited significant role in traditional medicine targeting different diseases. Alkaloids and flavonoids were reported as the chief bioactive constituents of this genus with a wide range of biological activities. About 143 alkaloids were isolated from Erythrina sp. Anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, curare-like activity, insecticidal and cytotoxic activities were reported for Erythrina sp. alkaloids. The present work is an overview of the isolated alkaloids from Erythrina sp. with their reported biological activities.[Figure: see text]Abbreviations: CHCl3: Chloroform; CNS: Central nervous system; DCM: Methylene chloride; DPPH: 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; E.: Erythrina; ERα/β: Estrogen receptors α/β; EtOAc: Ethyl acetate; EtOH: Ethanol; Hep-G2: Human liver carcinoma cell lines; HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus; HL-60: Human promyelocytic leukemia cells; K-562: Human immortalized myelogenous leukemia cell line; LPS: Lipopolysaccharide; MeOH: Methanol; MOLT-4: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line; nAChRs: nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; NO: Nitric oxide; NREM: non-rapid eye movement; Pet. ether: Petroleum ether; RBA: Receptor binder affinity; TRAIL: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand.

The genus Erythrina L.: A review on its alkaloids, preclinical, and clinical studies

Erythrina L. genus (Fabaceae) comprises about 115 species, and it has been extensively studied, mainly because of its alkaloids, which have pharmacological properties. References demonstrated that Erythrina spp. have a potential to act in the central nervous system, presenting anxiolytic and anticonvulsant properties already established. Phytochemical investigations confirmed the presence of tetracyclic alkaloids as the major compounds. However, other alkaloid classes have also been reported, including dimeric and trimeric substances, coupled through direct polymerization or two erythrinine units via an acetyl glucose. The present review covers the relevant literature from 1990 until 2017 and outlines the current data on chemical composition and preclinical and clinical studies on Erythrina species. Additionally, the quite striking analogy in the biosynthetic route of erythrin, morphinans, and Amaryllidaceae family alkaloids was also discussed.