Therapeutic potential of russelioside B as anti-arthritic agent in Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Caralluma species are traditional edible herbs used in folkloric medicine as antidiabetic, antioxidant, antipyretic, antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory and anthelmintic agents. C. quadrangula was selected in this study to document the traditional use of the genus as anti-rheumatic treatment and the possible mechanisms of action.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The higher mortality rates and shorter survival among the patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) led to the increased interest on searching for new treatments for RA. Russelioside B (RB), a major pregnane glycoside found in C. quadrangula, was evaluated as a new anti-rheumatic agent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The n-butanol fraction of C. quadrangula was chromatographed on a silica gel column to isolate RB. The adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model was established in rats by intradermal injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to evaluate its anti-arthritic effect. Ibuprofen was used as a reference drug. Forty rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 8): normal (NOR); CFA model (CFA); ibuprofen, 5 mg/kg; RB, 25 mg/kg and RB, 50 mg/kg. The treatments were initiated from day 16 when AIA model was established and continued up to day 40. Serum diagnostic rheumatoid markers, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress biomarkers, cartilage and bone degeneration enzymes were assessed.

RESULTS

RB at 50 mg/kg b. wt., showed significant decreases in the activities of hyaluronidase and β-glucouronidase enzymes as well significant decreases in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines as nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) compared to the CFA group; 11.04 ± 0.61 pg/mg protein, 4.35 ± 0.25 pg/mg protein, 3.32 ± 0.13 pg/mg protein & 2.75 ± 0.14 pg/mg protein for RB, 50 mg/kg b. wt. group vs. 25.33 ± 2.13 pg/mg protein, 25.65 ± 2.1 pg/mg protein, 22.20 ± 1.34 pg/mg protein & 13.27 ± 1.40 pg/mg protein for the arthritic group, respectively. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was significantly restored to normal values in RB, 50 mg/kg treated rats (4.01 ± 0.09 nmol/mL vs. 3.71 ± 0.27 nmol/mL) and the levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) reduced by 10-folds of the CFA arthritic group. Bone histomorphometry revealed that RB treatment significantly attenuated the CFA-induced bone loss in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that the anti-arthritic effect of RB was mediated through the reduction of the rheumatoid markers, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, inhibition of cartilage and bone degenerative enzymes as well as attenuation of bone loss and osteoclastogenesis.

Chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity of n-butanol extract of Piper sarmentosum Roxb. In the intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Piper sarmentosum Roxb. (PS) is a terrestrial herb primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. It is widely used in folk medicine in certain countries of Southeast Asia for the treatment of fever, toothache, coughing and pleurisy, which showed the anti-inflammatory activity of PS.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the chemical constituents and the molecular mechanism and related metabolic pathway by which n-butanol extract of PS (PSE-NB) exerts its anti-inflammatory effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chemical constituents of PSE-NB was analyzed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technique. Anti-inflammatory effects of PSE-NB were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IPEC-J2 cells.

RESULTS

In total, 218 compounds, including 94 alkaloids and 26 phenolics were tentatively identified, which indicating alkaloids and phenolics were the main constituents of PSE-NB. In addition, the current cell experiment in vitro showed that PSE-NB (10-500 μg/mL) pre-treatment before LPS stimulation significantly decreased mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in IPEC-J2 cells compared with LPS treatment (p < 0.05). PSE-NB improved mRNA expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and Occludin) and NHE3, which were reduced by LPS stimulation (p < 0.05). Moreover, PSE-NB (10 μg/mL) alleviated LPS-induced protein expression of p65 and p-p65 (p < 0.05), and reduced p65 translocation into the nucleus induced by LPS. At the same time, metabolic pathway analysis indicated that PSE-NB exerts anti-inflammatory effects mainly via augmentation of methionine metabolism in IPEC-J2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the results suggested that alkaloids and phenolics were the main constituents in PSE-NB. PSE-NB might attenuate LPS-induced inflammatory responses in IPEC-J2 cells by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway and intracellular metabolic pattern.

Phytochemicals of Periploca aphylla Dcne. ameliorated streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rat

BACKGROUND

Periploca aphylla is used by local population and indigenous medicine practitioners as stomachic, tonic, antitumor, antiulcer, and for treatment of inflammatory disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate antidiabetic effect of the extract of P. aphylla and to investigate antioxidant and hypolipidemic activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

The present research was conducted to evaluate the antihyperglycemic potential of methanol extract of P. aphylla (PAM) and subfractions n-hexane (PAH), chloroform (PAC), ethyl acetate (PAE), n-butanol (PAB), and aqueous (PAA) in glucose-overloaded hyperglycemic Sprague-Dawley rats. Based on the efficacy, PAB (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) was tested for its antidiabetic activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced via intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg) in rat. Blood glucose values were taken weekly. HPLC-DAD analysis of PAB was carried out for the presence of various polyphenols.

RESULTS

HPLC-DAD analysis of PAB recorded the presence of rutin, catechin, caffeic acid, and myricetin. Oral administration of PAB at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg for 21 days significantly restored (P < 0.01) body weight (%) and relative liver and relative kidney weight of diabetic rats. Diabetic control rats showed significant elevation (P < 0.01) of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, creatinine, total bilirubin, and BUN while reduced (P < 0.01) level of glucose, total protein, albumin, insulin, and HDL in serum. Count of blood cells and hematological parameters were altered in diabetic rats. Further, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and total soluble protein concentration decreased while concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and percent DNA damages increased (P < 0.01) in liver and renal tissues of diabetic rats. Histopathological damage scores increased in liver and kidney tissues of diabetic rats. Intake of PAB (400 mg/kg) resulted in significant improvement (P < 0.01) of above parameters, and results were comparable to that of standard drug glibenclamide.

CONCLUSION

The result suggests the antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of PAB treatment in STZ-compelled diabetic rat. PAB might be used as new therapeutic agent in diabetic patients to manage diabetes and decrease the complications.

Ethnomedicinal documentation and anti-inflammatory effects of n-butanol extract and of four compounds isolated from the stems of Pituranthos scoparius: An in vitro and in vivo investigation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pituranthos scoparius is a medicinal plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It thrives in North Africa, and is widely distributed in the high plateau of most parts of the Sahara in Algeria. This plant is widely used in the Algerian traditional medicine to treat numerous infectious diseases, dermatoses, nervous breakdowns, digestive disorders, and calm abdominal pain.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the present work was to examine the ethnomedicinal uses of Pituranthos scoparius in Setif region, Algeria, isolate and identify the chemical constituents of the n-butanol stem extract of P. scoparius (BEPS), and to determine the toxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds in addition to the extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-inflammatory effects of BEPS and the four compounds isolated from the extract were evaluated using the in vitro protein denaturation assay, whereas the topical anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the croton oil-induced ear edema in mice. Toxicity was determined based on assessment of in vitro cytotoxicity using hemolytic activity against human red blood cells (RBCs).

RESULTS

Four compounds, identified as the rare isorhamnetin-3-O-β-apiofuranosyl (1 → 2)-β glucopyranoside (2), in addition to three known compounds, namely isorhamnetin-3-O-β-glucoside (1), D-mannitol (3), and isorhamnetin-3-O-β-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-glucopyranoside (4) were isolated from BEPS. These compounds were characterized by means of NMR and high-resolution mass spectral (HRMS) data. These four compounds were isolated for the first time from this traditional Algerian medicinal plant. Screening of the extract indicated the presence of alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, free quinones, coumarins and tannins. Topical anti-inflammatory effect showed that the four isolated compounds, as well as BEPS, exhibit a significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent (0.5 and 1 mg/ear) anti-inflammatory effect. At a dose of 1 mg/ear, compounds 1, 2, and 4, exhibited remarkable anti-inflammatory effect with a percentage inhibition of 85.50 ± 2.78, 79.78 ± 4.68, and 75.78 ± 2.98%, respectively. Results from in vitro cytotoxicity showed that the % lysis of the extract, along with isolated compounds was found to be virtually nontoxic.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that BEPS and isolated compounds are safe, nontoxic, and exert remarkable anti-inflammatory effects, and can be new sources of natural anti-inflammatory agents.

Protective effects of n-Butanol extract and iridoid glycosides of Veronica ciliata Fisch. Against ANIT-induced cholestatic liver injury in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Veronica ciliata Fisch. is a traditional medical herb that present in more than 100 types of Tibetan medicine prescriptions, most of which are used for liver disease therapy. Iridoid glycosides have been identified as the major active components of V.ciliata with a variety of biological activities.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to explore the protective effect and potential mechanism of n-Butanol extract (BE) and iridoid glycosides (IG) from V.ciliata against ɑ-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced hepatotoxicity and cholestasis in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice were intragastrically (i.g.) given BE and IG at different dose or positive control ursodeoxycholic acid (UCDA) once a day for 14 consecutive days, and were treated with ANIT to cause liver injury on day 12th. Serum levels of hepatic injury markers and cholestasis indicators, liver index and liver histopathology were measured to evaluate the effect of BE and IG on liver injury caused by ANIT. The protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), Na+/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), bile salt export pump (BSEP), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2), and the levels of oxidative stress indicators in liver tissue were investigated to reveal the underlying protective mechanisms of BE and IG against ANIT-induced hepatotoxicity and cholestasis.

RESULTS

The n-Butanol extract (BE) and iridoid glycosides (IG) isolated from V.ciliata significantly decreased serum level of cholestatic liver injury markers aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bile acid (TBA), total bilirubin (TBIL), and direct bilirubin (DBIL) in ANIT-treated mice. Histopathology of the liver tissue showed that pathological damages were relieved upon BE and IG treatment. Meanwhile, the results indicated BE and IG notably restored relative liver weights, inhibited oxidative stress induced by ANIT through increasing hepatic level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and decreasing hepatic content of malondialdehyde (MDA). Western blot revealed that BE and IG inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory factors TGF-α, IL-6 and NF-κB. Furthermore, the decreased protein expression of bile acid transporters NTCP, BSEP, MRP2 were upregulated by BE and IG in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

The results have demonstrated that BE and IG exhibited a dose-dependently protective effect against ANIT-induced liver injury with acute intrahepatic cholestasis in mice, which might be related to the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory response and bile acid transport. In addition, these findings pointed out that iridoid glycosides as main active components of V.ciliata play a critical role in hepatoprotective effect of V.ciliata.

Anti-inflammatory activity of ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts from Ranunculus macrophyllus Desf. and their phenolic profile

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The members of the genus Ranunculus have counter-irritating properties and thus, they are traditionally used for treating anti-inflammatory disorders and other skin conditions. Ranunculus macrophyllus Desf. is a wild medicinal plant growing in Algeria and traditionally used to treat some cutaneous skin disorders.

AIM

The aim of this study was to characterize the composition of the ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts from Ranunculus macrophyllus Desf. as well as to elucidate and to compare their effect against acute skin inflammation. Moreover, both the antioxidant activity and the acute toxicity of the plant extracts were also studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods were employed to identify and quantify phenolic compounds and triterpenoids from R. macrophyllus Desf. fractions. The antioxidant activity was estimated using the phosphomolebdenum, DPPH, reducing power and β-carotene bleaching assays. The ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts were screened for their anti-inflammatory activities using ex-vivo membrane stabilizing assays and in-vivo acute skin inflammation model.

RESULTS

Ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest amounts of total phenolic compounds (413 ± 4 μg GAE/mg extract) and triterpenoids (70.4 ± 1.8 μg UAE/mg extract). Rutin, hesperidin, myricetin and kaempferol were the major compounds identified in the different fractions. Ethyl acetate fraction exhibited strong DPPH^• radical scavenging ability (IC₅₀ 1.6 ± 0.2 μg/mL), high total antioxidant capacity (447 ± 7 μg AAE/mg extract) and reducing power (514 ± 8 μg AAE/mg extract). Ethyl acetate fraction inhibited (73.4 ± 0.3) % of linoleic acid peroxidation. Ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions did not have any visible toxicity at 2000 mg/kg and presented excellent membrane stabilizing ability. The inhibition of xylene induced ear inflammation was (38 ± 4) % and (46 ± 1) % for RM-B and RM-EA, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The high content of both phenolic compounds and triterpenoids combined with the remarkable anti-inflammatory effect and antioxidant activity of ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts from R. macrophyllus Desf. support the wide spread use of this traditional plant on some skin disorders (inflammatory skin disorders).

Photocatalytic degradation of nevirapine with a heterostructure of few-layer black phosphorus coupled with niobium (V) oxide nanoflowers (FL-BP@Nb2O5)

The degradation and removal of antiviral drugs in water has emerged remains a major challenge. This work presents, the photodegradation of nevirapine (NVP) with a novel p-n heterostructure of FL-BP@Nb₂O₅ nanoparticles synthesized via hydrothermal method. Several characterization techniques revealed a successful formation of the heterostructure with well aligned band positions that promoted excellent separation of charge carriers. A systematic study was conducted on the effect of initial pH, initial catalyst loading and initial concentration on the degradation kinetics of NVP. Degradation efficiency of 68% was achieved with the FL-BP@Nb₂O₅ after 3 h with 5 ppm initial concentration solution of NVP, at a working pH of 3 and 15 mg of photocatalyst. The stable fragment resulting from the degradation of NVP was n-butanol as evidenced by LC/MS. The successful degradation of NVP transpired with synergistic effect exhibited by the heterostructure that led to accelerated formation of reactive species that were responsible for the breaking down of NVP into smaller fragments. A TOC removal percentage of 19.03% after the photodegradation of NVP was observed, suggesting a successful break down of NVP to simpler non-toxic carbon-containing compounds.

Production of Propene from n-Butanol: A Three-Step Cascade Utilizing the Cytochrome P450 Fatty Acid Decarboxylase OleTJE

Propene is one of the most important starting materials in the chemical industry. Herein, we report an enzymatic cascade reaction for the biocatalytic production of propene starting from n-butanol, thus offering a biobased production from glucose. In order to create an efficient system, we faced the issue of an optimal cofactor supply for the fatty acid decarboxylase OleTJE , which is said to be driven by either NAD(P)H or H2 O2 . In the first system, we used an alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase coupled to OleTJE by the electron-transfer complex putidaredoxin reductase/putidaredoxin, allowing regeneration of the NAD+ cofactor. With the second system, we intended full oxidation of n-butanol to butyric acid, generating one equivalent of H2 O2 that can be used for the oxidative decarboxylation. As the optimal substrate is a long-chain fatty acid, we also tried to create an improved variant for the decarboxylation of butyric acid by using rational protein design. Within a mutational study with 57 designed mutants, we generated the mutant OleTV292I , which showed a 2.4-fold improvement in propene production in our H2 O2 -driven cascade system and reached total turnover numbers >1000.

Alternative Evaluation to Earthworm Toxicity Test in Polychlorinated Biphenyls Spiked and Remediated Soils

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of persistent organic pollutants that pose a threat to environment and human health. Aiming at predicting PCBs risk in actual soil ecosystem, this study was conducted by chemical and biological methods to assess the bioavailability of PCBs in spiked soil, and in field-contaminated soils before or after remediation. The three chemical methods were Soxhlet, n-butanol and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD). Results were compared to actual PCB bioaccumulation in earthworms (Eisenia fetida). HPCD extraction was the best to predict the actual PCB bioaccumulation in all soils. The results suggest that HPCD could be an effective alternative method to earthworm toxicity test. This study provides strategy to understand the toxicity assessment in contaminated soil and soil after remediation.

Protective effects of Amygdalus mongolica on rats with renal fibrosis based on serum metabolomics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Renal fibrosis (RF) is a common outcome of various progressive chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) and, thus, seriously endangers human health. As the active ingredient of Amygdalus mongolica, amygdalin inhibits RF. Furthermore, our previous studies demonstrated that n-butanol extract (BUT) and petroleum ether extract (PET), which are effective components of A. mongolica, have an anti-renal fibrosis effect. However, their potential mechanisms of action are unclear and need further verification.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The aims of this study were to further investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of A. mongolica extracts in the treatment of RF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The animals were divided into the control group, RF model group, PET group and BUT group. The RF rat model was established through unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Biochemical indicators, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), and hydroxyproline (HYP, a routine marker of fibrosis), and the antioxidant index (including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA)) were measured to evaluate the anti-RF effects of the extracts of A. mongolica. The histomorphology of renal tissue was observed and scored by HE and Masson staining. A serum metabonomic analysis based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS was performed to assess the changes in the metabolic profile among the different groups.

RESULTS

The results showed that PET and BUT significantly improved tubulointerstitial damage and fibrosis by reducing the levels of Scr, BUN, HYP, and MDA and increasing the level of SOD. Moreover, no significant differences in efficacy were observed between the BUT and PET groups. According to the metabolomics analysis, seventy-four potential biomarkers were identified, and eight crucial biomarkers were further selected. These key biomarkers significantly contributed to RF progression by participating in six metabolic pathways, including pathways involved in arginine and proline metabolism, histidine metabolism, nicotinamide metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversion, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism. In addition, eight key biomarkers and six crucial biomarkers were restored to levels similar to those observed in controls following the treatment with PET and BUT, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcomes of these studies demonstrate the renoprotective effects of A. mongolica extracts in rats with RF and revealed the mechanism underlying these antifibrotic effects on metabolic activity for the first time.

Bioassay-Guided Separation of Centipeda minima Using Comprehensive Linear Gradient Centrifugal Partition Chromatography

A comprehensive linear gradient solvent system for centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) was developed for the bioassay-guided isolation of natural compounds. The gradient solvent system consisted of three different ternary biphasic solvents types: n-hexane–acetonitrile–water (10:2:8, v/v), ethyl acetate–acetonitrile–water (10:2:8, v/v), and water-saturated n-butanol–acetonitrile–water (10:2:8, v/v). The lower phase of the n-hexane–acetonitrile–water (10:2:8, v/v) was used as the stationary phase, while its upper phase, as well as ethyl acetate–acetonitrile–water (10:2:8), and water-saturated n-butanol–acetonitrile–water (10:2:8, v/v) were pumped to generate a linear gradient elution, increasing the mobile phase polarity. We used the gradient CPC to identify antioxidant response elements (AREs), inducing compounds from Centipeda minima, using an ARE-luciferase assay in HepG2 cells, which led to the purification of the active molecules 3-methoxyquercetin and brevilin A. The developed CPC solvent systems allow the separation and isolation of compounds with a wide polarity range, allowing active molecule identification in the complex crude extract of natural products.

Characterization of ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts of Cymbopogon schoenanthus and Helianthemum lippii and their effect on the smooth muscle of the rat distal colon

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Cymbopogon schoenanthus (C. schoenanthus) and Helianthemum lippii (H. lippii) are Saharan species found in the South West of Algeria, in the region of Bechar. Both plants are used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to characterize the composition of the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n-Butanol (n-BuOH) extracts of C. schoenanthus and H. lippii, and to elucidate and compare their effect on the reactivity of the rat distal colon.

MAIN METHODS

The plants were macerated in a hydroalcoholic solution. After concentration, the aqueous solutions of the residues were submitted to liquid-liquid extractions to obtain EtOAc and n-BuOH extracts. The phenolic and flavonoid content of the extracts was determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry with a time of flight analyzer (HPLC-TOF/MS). The effect of the extracts was tested on the rat distal colon, namely on the basal tone and on KCl- and Ach-induced precontracted preparations.

RESULTS

HPLC-TOF/MS identified 32 phenols and flavonoids in the extracts. The four extracts relaxed the rat distal colon, the effect being noticed on the basal tone and on the KCl- and Ach-induced precontractions. The EtOAc and the n-BuOH extracts of H. lippii decreased the basal tone of the rat distal colon more markedly than the correspondent extracts of C. schoenanthus. Moreover, the n-BuOH extract of C. schoenanthus decreased the basal tone more markedly than the EtOAc extract of this plant but there was no difference between extracts of H. lippii. The EtOAc extracts of both C. schoenanthus and H. lippii totally reverted both the KCl- and the Ach-induced precontraction of the rat distal colon. However, the n-BuOH extracts of the two plants reverted the Ach-precontracted colon but not the colon that has been precontracted with KCl.

CONCLUSION

Extracts of H. lippii contain a higher level of phenols compared to the extracts of C. schoenanthus. All extracts of C. schoenanthus and H. lippii caused marked relaxation of the isolated rat distal colon, either when applied directly or when tested over KCl- and Ach-induced precontraction. These results give support to the use of C. shoenanthus and H. lippii in traditional medicine, namely for gastrointestinal diseases.

Scrophularia Tenuipes Coss and Durieu: Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities

Scrophularia tenuipes is an Algerian-Tunisian endemic species, which has not been studied yet. Ethyl acetate (EA) and n-butanol (Bu) fractions obtained from Scrophularia tenuipes were investigated for their health benefit properties, in particular with respect to in vivo/in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, as well as their potential to inhibit key enzymes with impact in diabetes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase). The fractions had a distinct phytochemical composition, of which EA was richer in total phenolic compounds (225 mg GAE/g) and mostly composed of the phenylethanoid acetyl martynoside. Compared to EA, Bu had higher amounts of total flavonoids, and according to the result obtained from UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn analysis, harpagoside (iridoid) was its major phytochemical. EA fraction was quite promising with regard to the in vivo (at 200 mg/kg, po) anti-inflammatory effect (62% and 52% for carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and xylene-induced ear edema tests, respectively), while Bu fraction exhibited a stronger antioxidant capacity in all tests (IC50 = 68 µg/mL, IC50 = 18 µg/mL, IC50 = 18 µg/mL and A0.50 = 43 µg/mL for DPPH●, ABTS•+, O2•- scavenging assays and cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity method, respectively). Both fractions also showed a strong effect against α-amylase enzyme (IC50 = 8 µg/mL and 10 µg/mL for EA and Bu fraction, respectively).

In vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties of the n-butanol fraction of Senna podocarpa (Guill. and Perr.) leaf

Background This study evaluates the antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibitory properties of the n-butanol fraction of Senna podocarpa leaves on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, arginase, phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5), and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Methods The total phenol and flavonoids, iron (Fe) chelation, and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging were used to determine the antioxidant activity, and the inhibitory activities of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, AChE, BChE, tyrosinase, arginase, PDE-5 and ACE were also assessed. Results The n-butanol fraction of S. podocarpa shows high total phenol and total flavonoid contents. The n-butanol fraction of S. podocarpa leaves also chelates Fe2+ and ABTS radicals. The n-butanol fraction of S. podocarpa leaves also inhibited α-glucosidase, α-amylase, AChE, BChE, tyrosinase, arginase, PDE-5, and ACE at the concentration tested. Chromatographic analysis displayed the presence of β-elemene, phytol and caryophyllene oxide chrysophanol, 3-oxo-methyl ester, α-humulene, β-caryophyllene, rhein, emodin, and α-copaene. Conclusions Hence, the n-butanol fraction of S. podocarpa leaves demonstrates encouraging feat in controlling and/or managing cognitive dysfunction such as Alzheimer's disease and also hypertension, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, and hyperpigmentation.

Separation of α-glucosidase inhibitors from Potentilla kleiniana Wight et Arn using solvent and flow-rate gradient high-speed counter-current chromatography target-guided by ultrafiltration HPLC-MS screening

INTRODUCTION

Potentilla kleiniana Wight et Arn is widely used as a herbal medicine to treat type 2 diabetes. However, detailed information about its active compounds is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an efficient method for the rapid screening and separation of α-glucosidase inhibitors from Potentilla kleiniana Wight et Arn.

METHODOLOGY

Potential α-glucosidase inhibitors from Potentilla kleiniana Wight et Arn were rapidly screened out through ultrafiltration high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), and then followed by a target-guided high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) separation using two-phase solvent systems composed of n-hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (1:10:1:10, v/v/v/v and 1:10:5:6, v/v/v/v), and adopting increasing flow-rate from 1.5 to 3.0 mL/min after 200 min. Their structures were identified by ultraviolet (UV), MS, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹ H-NMR) and carbon-13 (¹³ C)-NMR, and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were assessed by in vitro assay.

RESULTS

Five α-glucosidase inhibitors including gallic acid (25.7 mg, 98.2%, 1), brevifolincarboxylic acid (9.86 mg, 95.3%, 2), ethyl evifolincarboxylate (13.26 mg, 97.6%, 3), 3,3'-di-O-methylellagic acid-4'-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (16.26 mg, 95.1%, 4), and 3,3'-di-O-methylellagic acid (10.54 mg, 96.8%, 5) were successfully purified from 250 mg n-butanol extract in a single run. Compounds 1, 2, 4 and 5 exhibited stronger α-glucosidase inhibitory activities[half maximal inhibition concentration (IC₅₀ ) values at 173.41 ± 6.35, 323.46 ± 8.08, 44.63 ± 2.50, and 20.73 ± 2.56 μM, respectively] than acarbose (IC₅₀ value at 332.12 ± 5.52 μM, reference compound).

CONCLUSIONS

Notably, compounds 2-5 were reported in the Potentilla kleiniana Wight et Arn for the first time. The results indicated that the proposed method could be applied for the rapid screening and preparative separation of α-glucosidase inhibitors from a complex matrix.

Hepatoprotective effects of the n-butanol extract from Perralderia coronopifolia Coss. against PCP-induced toxicity in Wistar albino rats

In the present study, in vivo antioxidant properties of the n-butanol extract obtained from aerial parts of Perralderia coronopifolia were investigated in term of its hepatoprotective effect of female Wistar albino rats (n, 36; average age, 48 ± 5 days; weighing 150 ± 18 g) against PCP (pentachlorphenol)-induced toxicity. PCP (20 mg/kg b.w.) and plant extract (50 mg/kg b.w.) were administered daily by gavages for 2 weeks. Vitamin E (100 mg/kg b.w.) was given intraperitoneally as a positive control. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were evaluated in liver homogenates. While, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol, and triglyceride parameters were analyzed in serums. The liver fragments were observed using light microscopy. Experimental results exhibited that PCP-treated group has a significant increase in the liver lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels of animals while decreased in plant extract-treated group. In addition, PCP caused significant decreases in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Moreover, PCP induced hepatotoxicity by increasing serum transaminase enzymes, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. While, these levels were restored to control value in animals treated with plant extract. The regularized levels of LPO, GSH, cholesterol, triglyceride, transaminase enzymes, and GPx activities revealed the antioxidant properties of the extract plant as well as of the vitamin E. The histological study showed the hepatoprotective effect of our extracts against PCP-induced acute intoxication, protecting the hepatic architecture and decreasing the functional and structural alterations of the liver. The plant extract had high antioxidant potential and completely prevented the toxic effect of PCP on the above of liver and serum parameters.

In vitro assessment of antibacterial, antifungal, enzyme inhibition and hemolytic activities of various fractions of Rhynchosia pseudo-cajan

The aims of the present investigation were to assess the antibacterial, antifungal, enzyme inhibition and hemolytic activities of various fractions of Rhynchosia pseudo-cajan Cambess. The methanolic extract of the plant was dissolved in the water (distilled) and then partitioned with the n-hexane, chloroform, EtOAc and n-BuOH sequentially. Antibacterial activity was checked against Escherichia coli, Pasturella multocida, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus by the disc diffusion method using streptomycin sulphate, a standard antibiotic, as positive control. Chloroform and ethyl acetate soluble fractions showed good activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. These fractions also showed good MIC values. The n-butanol soluble and remaining aqueous fraction also showed good activity against some strains. Antifungal activity was studied against four fungi i.e. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Ganoderma lucidum and Alternaria alternata by the disc diffusion method using fluconazole, a standard antifungal drug, as positive control. Chloroform, n-butanol and ethyl acetate soluble fraction showed good activity only against G. lucidum. Enzyme inhibition studies were done against four enzymes i.e. α-glucosidase, butyrylcholinesterase, acetyl cholinesterase and lipoxygenase. Aqueous fraction possessed very good activity against α-glucosidase, even greater than acarbose, a reference standard drug. Its IC50 value was found as 29.81±0.12 μg/ml as compared to acarbose having IC50 38.62±0.04 μg/ml. Chlroform and ethyl acetate soluble fractions also showed good activity against α-glucosidase. Ethyl acetate soluble and remaining aqueous fractions showed good activity against lipoxygenase. All the studied fractions showed very less toxicity i.e. <2.5%.

Partition efficiencies of three different coiled columns for the coil satellite centrifuge at higher rotation speed combinations

The partition efficiencies of three different coiled columns, conventional multilayer coiled column, eccentric coiled column and toroidal coiled column, were evaluated by the separation of 4-methylumbelliferyl sugar derivatives using the coil satellite centrifuge (CSC) with an organic-aqueous two-phase solvent system composed of ethyl acetate/1-butanol/water. The CSC apparatus was reinforced the planet axis to maintain the stable satellite motion, which was completed by combining the rotation of three axes including the sun axis (the angular velocity, ω₁), the planet axis (ω₂) and the satellite axis (ω₃) under the relation at ω₁ = ω₂ + ω₃. In the present study, four different rotation speed combination types were used for the separation at the ratio (ω₁, ω₂, ω₃) = I. (300, 150, 150), II. (300, 100, 200), III. (300, 147, 153) and IV. (300, 200, 100 rpm) under different revolution speeds of ω₁ = 300, 400 and 500 rpm. In the conventional multilayer coiled column with the upper mobile phase, the rotation speed combination type II yielded the best peak resolution while the rotation speed combination types III and IV had extremely low stationary phase retention even at higher revolution speeds. This inconvenience was eliminated by using the eccentric and the toroidal coiled column. The rotation speed combination type II for the eccentric coiled column and the type IV for the toroidal coiled column produced the best separation in both the upper and the lower mobile phases among four different rotation speed combination types. The overall results indicated that better peak resolution was obtained by the eccentric coiled column than by the toroidal coiled column except for the separation with the upper mobile phase at the low revolution speed.

Estimating n-octanol-water partition coefficients for neutral highly hydrophobic chemicals using measured n-butanol-water partition coefficients

Direct measurement of the n-octanol partition coefficients (KOW) for highly hydrophobic organic chemicals is extremely difficult because of the extremely low concentrations present in the water phase. n-Butanol/water partition coefficients (KBW) are generally much lower than KOW due to the increased solubility of solute in the alcohol saturated aqueous phase, and therefore become easier to measure. We measured the KBW for 25 neutral organic chemicals having measured log KOWs ranging from 2 to 9 and 4 additional highly hydrophobic chemicals, with unmeasured KOWs, having estimated log KOWs ranging from 6 to 18. The measured log KBW and log KOW values were linearly related, r2 = 0.978, and using the regression developed from the data, KOWs were predicted for the 4 highly hydrophobic chemicals with unmeasured KOWs. The resulting predictions were orders of magnitude lower than those predicted by a variety of computational models and suggests the estimates of KOW in the literature for highly hydrophobic chemicals (i.e., log KOW greater than 10) are likely incorrect by several orders of magnitude.

Effect of n-butanol/diesel blends and piston bowl geometry on combustion and emission characteristics of CI engine

The present study describes the experimental and numerical analysis of the combustion and emission characteristics of CI engine operated with diesel-butanol blends. Experiments were carried with neat diesel fuel (i.e., Bu00) and its blends of n-butanol, 10%, 20% and 30% by volume (Bu10, Bu20 and Bu30) at a constant speed and rated load. From the experimental results, it is observed that CO, NO_x and smoke emissions decreased, whereas the unburned hydrocarbon (UBHC) emission increased with increasing butanol content, as compared to Bu00. From the experimental analysis, it is also observed that Bu20 blend gives higher brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and lower brake specific energy consumption (BSEC) as compared to Bu00, Bu10 and Bu30, but produces higher UBHC. In order to decrease the UBHC emission, different piston bowl geometries were analysed using simulation studies. The combustion and emission characteristics of the CI engine operating with Bu20 blend for three different piston bowl geometries viz., hemispherical combustion chamber (HCC), shallow combustion chamber (SCC) and toroidal combustion chamber (TCC), were studied using CONVERGE CFD code. The simulation model was validated with experimental results of the baseline engine configuration (HCC) for diesel fuel as well as Bu20 blend. The results showed that there is a significant reduction in UBHC and improvement of performance for SCC and TCC piston geometry compared to HCC piston geometry. However, a slight increment of NO_x emissions was observed.

Mechanisms underlying vasorelaxation induced in the porcine coronary arteries by Thymus linearis, Benth

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Thymus linearis, Benth indigenous to Pakistan has been traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases including hypertension.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Present study aims to investigate vasorelaxant effect of Thymus linearis and its underlying vasorelaxation mechanisms in porcine coronary artery rings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aqueous-methanolic extract of aerial parts of Thymus linearis was prepared by maceration process and then bio-guided fractionation was carried out using different solvents. The effects of extract and subsequent fractions were assessed on coronary artery rings with intact and denuded endothelium. The mechanisms of vasorelaxant effect were investigated using different pharmacological tools. The in-vitro inhibitory effects of the test fractions were also assessed on purified phophodiestrases using radioenzymatic assay. Phytochemical studies were carried out using GCMS.

RESULTS

The aqueous-methanolic extract elicited similar relaxations in coronary artery rings with and without endothelium in dose dependent fashion and removal of endothelium did not alter this response. Further, n-butanolic fraction of Thymus liniaris (TLB) was found to be the most potent among other derived fractions. TLB did not alter the relaxation produced by endothelium dependent vasodilators in rings with intact endothelium. However, TLB significantly potentiated the relaxation elicited by cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP elevating drugs but not those to soluble guanylyl cyclase activators (YC-1 and BAY 41-2272) and K⁺ channel openers (levcromakalim and 1-EBIO). Pretreatment with TLB inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner contractions to KCl, CaCl₂ and U46619 in coronary artery rings without endothelium. Further, TLB was found to non-selectively inhibit the PDE activity in concentration manner.

CONCLUSION

n-Butanolic fraction of Thymus linearis possesses endothelium independent vasorelaxant effects in coronary artery by direct acting on the smooth muscles. These effects involve the elevation of the cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP possibly through the inhibition of various PDEs. GCMS analysis revel presence of thymole and carvacrol as major constituents. Furthermore, these investigations also support the folklore use of Thymus linearis in hypertension.

Fourth-Generation Antibiotic Gatifloxacin Encapsulated by Microemulsions: Structural and Probing Dynamics

To overcome the increased disease rate, utilization of the versatile broad spectrum antibiotic drugs in controlled drug-delivery systems has been a challenging and complex consignment. However, with the development of microemulsion (μE)-based formulations, drugs can be effectively encapsulated and transferred to the target source. Herein, two biocompatible oil-in-water (o/w) μE formulations comprising clove oil/Tween 20/ethylene glycol/water (formulation A) and clove oil/Tween 20/1-butanol/water (formulation B) were developed for encapsulating the gatifloxacin (GTF), a fourth-generation antibiotic. The pseudoternary phase diagrams were mapped at a constant surfactant/co-surfactant (1:1) ratio to bound the existence of a monophasic isotropic region for as-formulated μEs. Multiple complementary characterization techniques, namely, conductivity (σ), viscosity (η), and optical microscopy analyses, were used to study the gradual changes that occurred in the microstructure of the as-formulated μEs, indicating the presence of a percolation transformation to a bicontinuous permeate flow. GTF showed good solubility, 3.2 wt % at pH 6.2 and 4.0 wt % at pH 6.8, in optimum μE of formulation A and formulation B, respectively. Each loaded μE formulation showed long-term stability over 8 months of storage. Moreover, no observable aggregation of GTF was found, as revealed by scanning transmission electron microscopy and peak-to-peak correlation of IR analysis, indicating the stability of GTF inside the formulation. The average particle size of each μE, measured by dynamic light scattering, increased upon loading GTF, intending the accretion of drug in the interfacial layers of microdomains. Likewise, fluorescence probing sense an interfacial hydrophobic environment to GTF molecules in any of the examined formulations, which may be of significant interest for understanding the kinetics of drug release.

N-Butanol Subfraction of Brassica Rapa L. Promotes Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Induces Apoptosis of A549 Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells via Mitochondria-Dependent Pathway

Brassica rapa L., an edible and medical vegetable, has been traditionally used in Uyghur folk medicine to treat coughs and asthma in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. In this study, we prepared an n-butanol subfraction of B. rapa L. (BRBS) and investigated the anti-tumor effect on A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. The proliferation of A549 cells was significantly inhibited by BRBS treatment in a dose- and time-dependent manner. BRBS significantly induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in A549 cells through increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial dysfunction characterized by a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential and the release of cytochrome c, which promoted caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase processing. Moreover, BRBS significantly suppressed the migration of A549 cells in vitro. These results suggest that BRBS inhibited A549 cell proliferation through increased ROS production and the mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathway. Consequently, BRBS might be a potential candidate for the treatment of lung cancer.

Evaluation on the concentration change of paeoniflorin and glycyrrhizic acid in different formulations of Shaoyao-Gancao-Tang by the tri-level infrared macro-fingerprint spectroscopy and the whole analysis method

As a kind of common prescriptions, Shaoyao-Gancao-Tang (SGT) contains two Chinese herbs with four different proportions which have different clinical efficacy because of their various components. In order to investigate the herb-herb interaction mechanisms, we used the method of tri-level infrared macro-fingerprint spectroscopy to evaluate the concentration change of active components of four SGTs in this research. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Second derivative infrared spectroscopy (SD-IR) can recognize the multiple prescriptions directly and simultaneously. 2D-IR spectra enhance the spectral resolution and obtain much new information for discriminating the similar complicated samples of SGT. Furthermore, the whole analysis method from the analysis of the main components to the specific components and the relative content of the components may evaluate the quality of TCM better. Then we concluded that paeoniflorin and glycyrrhizic acid were the highest proportion in active ingredients in SGT-12:1 and the lowest one in SGT-12:12, which matched the HPLC-DAD results. It is demonstrated that the method composed by the tri-level infrared macro-fingerprint spectroscopy and the whole analysis can be applicable for effective, visual and accurate analysis and identification of very complicated and similar mixture systems of traditional Chinese medicine.

Relevance of n-butanol as a reference gas for odorants and complex odors

Odor analysis by olfactometry relies on the use of n-butanol as a reference compound for standardizing the selection of human panelists. This requires that human sensitivity towards n-butanol is correlated to sensitivity towards other odorants as well as complex odor mixtures. However, there is limited evidence in the literature of such correlations. In this work, datasets from three odor laboratories were investigated in order to clarify this. All panels routinely analyzed n-butanol and H₂S samples. Two of the laboratories analyzed samples from pig production or industry, whereas one laboratory determined odor threshold values for typical pig production odorants. Non-significant correlations were observed in most cases and odor threshold values for structurally related compounds were not well correlated. The work presented strongly indicates that the sensitivity of odor panelists towards n-butanol is not well transferred to other odorants or odor samples. Furthermore, minimization of variance by using n-butanol is not transferable to other odorants or environmental samples. Thus, the harmonization of human panelists for odor analysis based on n-butanol does not appear to result in harmonization with respect to other odorants or odor samples.

Separation and Purification of Fructo-Oligosaccharide by High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography Coupled with Precolumn Derivatization

High-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) coupled with precolumn derivatization was developed for isolating and purifying fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs). Firstly, the total FOSs were precolumn derivatized and then separated by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) with two-phase solvent system petroleum ether–n-butanol–methanol–water (3:2:1:4, v/v). Secondly, the obtained compounds were deacetylated and the fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs) with high purity were obtained. Their structures were identified by mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). This research successfully established a novel strategy for separation and purification of FOS. There is no doubt that the application of the research will be beneficial for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of products containing FOSs.

Catalytic Upgrading of Ethanol to n-Butanol: Progress in Catalyst Development

Because n-butanol as a fuel additive has more advantageous physicochemical properties than those of ethanol, ethanol valorization to n-butanol through homo- or heterogeneous catalysis has received much attention in recent decades in both scientific and industrial fields. Recent progress in catalyst development for upgrading ethanol to n-butanol, which involves homogeneous catalysts, such as iridium and ruthenium complexes, and heterogeneous catalysts, including metal oxides, hydroxyapatite (HAP), and, in particular, supported metal catalysts, is reviewed herein. The structure-activity relationships of catalysts and underlying reaction mechanisms are critically examined, and future research directions on the design and improvement of catalysts are also proposed.

In vitro and ex vivo approach for anti-urolithiatic potential of bioactive fractions of gokhru with simultaneous HPLC analysis of six major metabolites and their exploration in rat plasma

CONTEXT

Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae) fruits have long been used in traditional systems of medicine for the treatment of various urinary diseases including urolithiasis.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the anti-urolithiatic potential of gokhru and to develop an analytical method for quantitative estimation of metabolites for its quality control.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aqueous extract of gokhru fruit was prepared through maceration followed by decoction to produce a mother extract, which was further used for polarity-based fractionations. In vitro and ex vivo anti-urolithiatic activity of mother extract and fractions at different concentration (100-1000 μg/mL) were carried out using aggregation assay in synthetic urine and in rat plasma, however, nucleation assay for 30 min was done using confocal microscopy. A simultaneous HPLC method has been developed for quantification of diosgenin, catechin, rutin, gallic acid, tannic acid and quercetin in mother extract and in fractions.

RESULTS

The extraction resulted in 14.5% of w/w mother extract, however, polarity-based fractionation yielded 2.1, 2.6, 1.5, 1.3 and 6.1% w/w of hexane, toluene, dichloromethane (DCM), n-butanol and water fractions, respectively. In vitro and ex vivo studies showed a significant anti-urolithiatic potential of n-butanol fraction. Further, HPLC analysis revealed significantly (p < 0.01) higher content of quercetin (1.95 ± 0.41% w/w), diosgenin (12.75 ± 0.18% w/w) and tannic acid (9.81 ± 0.47% w/w) in n-butanol fraction as compared to others fractions.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

In vitro and ex vivo studies demonstrated potent anti-urolithiatic activity of n-butanol fraction which can be developed as new phytopharmaceuticals for urolithiasis. HPLC method can be used for quality control and pharmacokinetic studies of gokhru.

Suppression of VEGF-induced angiogenesis and tumor growth by Eugenia jambolana, Musa paradisiaca, and Coccinia indica extracts

CONTEXT

Abnormal angiogenesis and evasion of apoptosis are hallmarks of cancer. Accordingly, anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic therapies are effective strategies for cancer treatment. Medicinal plants, namely, Eugenia jambolana Lam. (Myrtaceae), Musa paradisiaca L. (Musaceae), and Coccinia indica Wight & Arn. (Cucurbitaceae), have not been greatly investigated for their anticancer potential.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic efficacy of ethyl acetate (EA) and n-butanol (NB) extracts of E. jambolana (seeds), EA extracts of M. paradisiaca (roots) and C. indica (leaves) with respect to mammary neoplasia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Effect of extracts (2-200 μg/mL) on cytotoxicity and MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and in vitro angiogenesis were evaluated by MTT, 3[H]thymidine uptake and EC tube formation assays, respectively. In vivo tumour proliferation, VEGF secretion and angiogenesis were assessed using the Ehrlich ascites tumour (EAT) model followed by rat corneal micro-pocket and chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays. Apoptosis induction was assessed by morphological and cell cycle analysis.

RESULTS

EA extracts of E. jambolana and M. paradisiaca exhibited the highest cytotoxicity (IC50 25 and 60 μg/mL), inhibited cell proliferation (up to 81%), and tube formation (83% and 76%). In vivo treatment reduced body weight (50%); cell number (16.5- and 14.7-fold), secreted VEGF (∼90%), neoangiogenesis in rat cornea (2.5- and 1.5-fold) and CAM (3- and 1.6-fold) besides EAT cells accumulation in sub-G1 phase (20% and 18.38%), respectively.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Considering the potent anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic properties, lead molecules from EA extracts of E. jambolana and M. paradisiaca can be developed into anticancer drugs.

Antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties of water and n-butanol soluble extracts from Saharian Anvillea radiata in high-fat-diet fed mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

According to Saharian traditional medicine, Anvillea radiata Coss. & Dur. (Asteraceae) has been valued for treating a variety of ailments such as gastro-intestinal, liver and pulmonary diseases, and has gained awareness for its beneficial effect on postprandial hyperglycemia. However, to best of our knowledge, no detailed study of the antidiabetic curative effects of this plant has been conducted yet.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To determine the hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effect of dietary supplementation with Anvillea radiata extracts on high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity and insulin resistance in C57BL/6J mice in relation with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pancreatic beta-cells and skeletal muscle protection, and digestive enzyme inhibiting properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six extracts (water soluble and organic) from aerial parts of the plant were analyzed phytochemically (total phenolic and flavonoid content) and screened for in vitro superoxide (by chemiluminescence) and hydroxyl radical (by electron paramagnetic resonance spin-trapping) scavenging, antioxidant (DPPH, TRAP and ORAC assays), xanthine oxidase, metal chelating, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory property, and protective effects on copper-induced lipoprotein oxidation. Then selected hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts were assessed for toxicity in normal human lung fibroblasts and A549 cancer cells using FMCA and MTT assays. Two water-soluble extracts having the best overall properties were assessed for their (i) protective effect at 1-15µg/mL on metabolic activity of rat insulinoma-derived INS-1 cells exposed to hyperglycemic medium, and (ii) acute hypoglycemic effect on 16-weeks HFD-induced diabetic mice. Then diabetic mice were administered HFD supplemented by extracts (up to 150mg/kg/day) for 12 additional weeks using standard diet as control and the antidiabetic drug, metformin (150mg/kg), as positive control. Then the antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of extracts were determined.

RESULTS

Of the highly efficient polyphenolics-enriched hydroalcoholic and ethyl acetate extracts, the lyophilized aqueous (AQL) and butanol extracts were not toxic in cells (≤ 400µg/mL) or when given orally in normal mice (≤ 2000mg/kg), exerted a dose-dependent hypoglycemic action in diabetic mice, which was maximal at the dose of 150mg/kg. Upon administering this dose for 12 weeks, both extracts significantly ameliorated body weight control capacity, recovery of plasma glucose and insulin level, reduced oxidative stress in blood, myocardial and skeletal muscles, and improved hyperlipidemic and inflammatory status. Moreover, diabetes-related complications were optimally ameliorated by oral therapy based on halved doses (75mg/kg) of a mixture of AQL and metformin.

CONCLUSIONS

Current investigation supports the traditional medicinal usage of Anvillea radiata and suggests that both readily accessible and low-cost bio-extracts have the potency to develop an antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and protective agent against beta-cells and muscle dysfunction at doses compatible with the common practices of indigenous people for the management of metabolic disorders.

Intensified Biobutanol Recovery by using Zeolites with Complementary Selectivity

A vapor-phase adsorptive recovery process is proposed as an alternative way to isolate biobutanol from acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation media, offering several advantages compared to liquid phase separation. The effect of water, which is still present in large quantities in the vapor phase, on the adsorption of the organics could be minimized by using hydrophobic zeolites. Shape-selective all-silica zeolites CHA and LTA were prepared and evaluated with single-component isotherms and breakthrough experiments. These zeolites show opposite selectivities; adsorption of ethanol is favorable on all-silica CHA, whereas the LTA topology has a clear preference for butanol. The molecular sieving properties of both zeolites allow easy elimination of acetone from the mixture. The molecular interaction mechanisms are studied by density functional theory (DFT) simulations. The effects of mixture composition, humidity and total pressure of the vapor stream on the selectivity and separation behavior are investigated. Desorption profiles are studied to maximize butanol purity and recovery. The combination of LTA with CHA-type zeolites (Si-CHA or SAPO-34) in sequential adsorption columns with alternating adsorption and desorption steps allows butanol to be recovered in unpreceded purity and yield. A butanol purity of 99.7 mol % could be obtained at nearly complete butanol recovery, demonstrating the effectiveness of this technique for biobutanol separation processes.

Search for compounds contributing to onion-like off-flavor in beer and investigation of the cause of the flavor

Onion-like off-flavor is a highly undesirable property in beer. Although several compounds that impart onion-like odors have been identified, the individual contribution of these compounds to the onion-like off-flavor in beer is not clear. In the present study, we searched for compounds that impart an onion-like odor by gas chromatography (GC)-olfactometry. The analysis of several types of beer revealed that 2-mercapto-3-methyl-1-butanol (2M3MB) and 3-mercapto-3-methyl-1-butanol (3M3MB) were possible causative compounds. Based on the difference threshold values in beer (0.13 ng/mL for 2M3MB and 17.5 ng/mL for 3M3MB) and the quantification values of these compounds in beer samples, only 2M3MB was considered to contribute to the onion-like off-flavor in beer. A further formation factor analysis of 2M3MB revealed that 2M3MB was formed in hopped wort after fermentation, and that the concentration of 2M3MB increased following the hot aeration treatment of wort. These results suggest that preventing the hot aeration of wort is a key factor for reducing 2M3MB levels in beer. In a previous report, 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol (3MBol) was speculated to be the precursor of 2M3MB and 3M3MB; however, the results of the present quantification analysis and wort addition tests indicate that 3MBol did not contribute to the formation of 2M3MB in the brewing process and that unknown precursors of 2M3MB originated in wort. Identifying the precursor of 2M3MB may facilitate elucidation of the mechanism of 2M3MB formation.

The N-butyl alcohol extract from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. flowers enhances healing potential on rat excisional wounds

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (HRS), a folk medicine named Zhujin in China, possess anti-tumor, antioxidant, antibacterial, low density lipoprotein oxidation prevention and macrophage death prevention effects. The leaves and red flowers of HRS have been traditionally used to treat with furuncle and ulceration.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the efficacy and possible mechanism of the N-butyl alcohol extract of HRS (NHRS) red flowers in wound healing by analyzing the collagen fiber deposition, angiogenic activity and macrophages action of the NHRS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In an excisional wound healing model in rats, different concentrations of NHRS, or recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (rbFGF), were respectively applied twice daily for 9 days. Histopathology was assessed on day 9 via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome (MT) staining, and immunohistochemistry for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and CD68. Immunomodulation by NHRS was evaluated by a carbon clearance test in mice.

RESULTS

Wound healing post-surgery was greater in the rbFGF-control, NHRS-M and MHRS-H groups than in the model and 5% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-control groups after the third day. By the sixth day the wound contraction of NHRS-M and MHRS-H groups was much higher than the rbFGF-control group. HE and MT staining revealed that epithelialization, fibroblast distribution, collagen deposition of NHRS-M- and NHRS-H-control groups were significantly higher than the model group. Moreover, immunohistochemistry showed more intense staining of VEGF, TGF-β1 and CD68 in the rbFGF- and NHRS-control groups, compared to that in model and 5% DMSO-control groups. The clearance and phagocytic indices of NHRS-M- and NHRS-H-control groups were significantly higher than that of the carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC) group in mice.

CONCLUSION

NHRS accelerates wound repair via enhancing the macrophages activity, accelerating angiogenesis and collagen fiber deposition response mediated by VEGF and TGF-β1.

Antimicrobial activity of pomegranate peel extracts as affected by cultivar

BACKGROUND

Some studies have reported that different parts of the pomegranate fruit, especially the peel, may act as potential antimicrobial agents and thus might be proposed as a safe natural alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents. The high tannin content, especially punicalagin, found in pomegranate extracts, has been reported as the main compound responsible for such antimicrobial activity. Because the pomegranate peel chemical composition may vary with the type of cultivar (sweet, sour-sweet and sour), pomegranates may also differ with respect to their antimicrobial capacity.

RESULTS

The extract from PTO8 pomegranate cultivar peel had the highest antimicrobial activity, as well as the highest punicalagins (α and β) and ellagic acid concentrations. In the results obtained from both antibacterial and antifungal activity studies, the sour-sweet pomegranate cultivar PTO8 showed the best antimicrobial activity, and the highest ellagic acid concentrations.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that ellagic acid content has a significant influence on the antimicrobial activity of the pomegranate extracts investigated. The pomegranate peel of the PTO8 cultivar is a good source of antifungal and antibacterial compounds, and may represent an alternative to antimicrobial agents of synthetic origin. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

New Iridoid Glucosides from Caryopteris incana (Thunb.) Miq. and Their α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities

In our continued investigations of the plant Caryopteris incana, five new iridoid glucosides 1-5, including two cis-trans-isomers, 3 and 4, along with six known compounds 6-11, were isolated from the n-butyl alcohol (n-BuOH) soluble fraction of whole dried material of Caryopteris incana. Their structures were established by a combination of spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR and high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HR-ESI-MS). Furthermore, all isolates were evaluated for their yeast α-glucosidase inhibitory effects. Among these compounds, 4-8 and 10 exhibited potent inhibition of α-glucosidase.

Rapid Screening and Identification of BSA Bound Ligands from Radix astragali Using BSA Immobilized Magnetic Nanoparticles Coupled with HPLC-MS

Radix astragali is widely used either as a single herb or as a collection of herbs in a complex prescription in China. In this study, bovine serum albumin functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (BSA-MN) coupled with high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) were used to screen and identify bound ligands from the n-butanol part of a Radix astragali extract. The prepared BSA-MN showed sufficient magnetic response for the separation with an ordinary magnet and satisfied reusability. Fundamental parameters affecting the preparation of BSA-MN and the screening efficiency were studied and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, four bound ligands were screened out from the n-butanol part of a Radix astragali extract and identified as genistin (1), calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside (2), ononin (3) and formononetin (4). This effective method could be widely applied for rapid screening and identification of active compounds from complex mixtures without the need for preparative isolation.

Stachytarpheta cayennensis extract inhibits promastigote and amastigote growth in Leishmania amazonensis via parasite arginase inhibition

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Stachytarpheta cayennensis is a plant that is traditionally used to treat tegumentary leishmaniasis and as an anti-inflammatory agent.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the action of S. cayennensis extracts on the Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis arginase enzyme.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

S. cayennensis was collected from the Brazilian Amazon region. Aqueous extracts were fractionated with n-butanol. The leishmanicidal effects of the n-butanolic fraction (BUF) were evaluated in L. (L.) amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes. BUF was tested against recombinant arginase from both L. (L.) amazonensis and macrophage arginase. Promastigote cultures and infected macrophage cultures were supplemented with L-ornithine to verify arginase inhibition. NMR analysis was used to identify the major components of BUF.

RESULTS

BUF showed an EC₅₀ of 51 and 32µg/mL against promastigotes and amastigotes of L. (L.) amazonensis, respectively. BUF contains a mixture of verbascoside and isoverbascoside (7:3 ratio) and is a potent L. (L.) amazonensis arginase inhibitor (IC₅₀=1.2µg/mL), while macrophage arginase was weakly inhibited (IC₅₀>1000µg/mL). The inhibition of arginase by BUF in promastigotes and amastigotes could be demonstrated by culture media supplementation with L-ornithine, a product of the hydrolysis of L-arginine by arginase.

CONCLUSIONS

Leishmanicidal effects of the S. cayennensis BUF fraction on L. (L.) amazonensis are associated with selective parasite arginase inhibition.

Downstream extraction process development for recovery of organic acids from a fermentation broth

The present study focused on organic acids (OAs) recovery from an acidogenic fermentation broth, which is the main problem regarding the use of OAs for production of ester-based new generation biofuels or other applications. Specifically, 10 solvents were evaluated for OAs recovery from aqueous media and fermentation broths. The effects of pH, solvent/OAs solution ratios and application of successive extractions were studied. The 1:1 solvent/OAs ratio showed the best recovery rates in most cases. Butyric and isobutyric acids showed the highest recovery rates (80-90%), while lactic, succinic, and acetic acids were poorly recovered (up to 45%). The OAs recovery was significantly improved by successive 10-min extractions. Alcohols presented the best extraction performance. The process using repeated extractions with 3-methyl-1-butanol led to the highest OAs recovery. However, 1-butanol can be considered as the most cost-effective option taking into account its price and availability.

Effect of chemical pretreatments on corn stalk bagasse as immobilizing carrier of Clostridium acetobutylicum in the performance of a fermentation-pervaporation coupled system

In this study, different pretreatment methods were evaluated for modified the corn stalk bagasse and further used the pretreated bagasse as immobilized carrier in acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation process. Structural changes of the bagasses pretreated by different methods were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared, crystallinity index and scanning pictures by electron microscope. And the performances of batch fermentation using the corn stalk based carriers were evaluated. Results indicated that the highest ABE concentration of 23.86g/L was achieved using NaOH pretreated carrier in batch fermentation. Immobilized fermentation-pervaporation integration process was further carried out. The integration process showed long-term stability with 225-394g/L of ABE solvents on the permeate side of pervaporation membrane. This novel integration process was found to be an efficient method for biobutanol production.

Butanol production in acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation with in situ product recovery by adsorption

Activated carbon Norit ROW 0.8, zeolite CBV901, and polymeric resins Dowex Optipore L-493 and SD-2 with high specific loadings and partition coefficients were studied for n-butanol adsorption. Adsorption isotherms were found to follow Langmuir model, which can be used to estimate the amount of butanol adsorbed in acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation. In serum-bottle fermentation with in situ adsorption, activated carbon showed the best performance with 21.9g/L of butanol production. When operated in a fermentor, free- and immobilized-cell fermentations with adsorption produced 31.6g/L and 54.6g/L butanol with productivities of 0.30g/L·h and 0.45g/L·h, respectively. Thermal desorption produced a condensate containing ∼167g/L butanol, which resulted in a highly concentrated butanol solution of ∼640g/L after spontaneous phase separation. This in situ product recovery process with activated carbon is energy efficient and can be easily integrated with ABE fermentation for n-butanol production.

Effect of Viscum schimperi on advanced glycation endproducts formation

Diabetes is a disease characterized by elevated uncontrolled glucose level. Hyperglycemia results in diabetic complication due to a reaction between sugar and amino acid of proteins to form advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) in different tissues. Medicinal plants are considered as a great source of bioactive compounds that affect many ailments. In this regard; AGEs formation could be inhibited by many bioactive compounds isolated from medicinal plants. Viscum schimperi Engl. is a plant belongs to Loranthaceae and known for its antidiabetic activity. In this study; total methanol extract of V. schimperi (VT) was prepared, suspended in water and subjected to fractionation with chloroform followed by n-butanol to give (VC) and (VB) fractions respectively. The aqueous mother liquor was evaporated to form (VA) fraction. The inhibitory effect of all prepared fraction on the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) was studied. The results revealed that V. schimperi extract and its different fractions inhibited protein glycation and oxidation of BSA induced by ribose together with decrease of protein aggregation. In conclusion; V. schimperi will be useful in management of diabetic complications based on its inhibition of advanced glycation endproduct formation.

Protective effects of Semiaquilegia adoxoides n-butanol extract against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in human lens epithelial cells

Context Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced damage in the lens epithelium leads to cell death and cataract. Semiaquilegia adoxoides (DC.) Makino (Ranunculaceae), a folk medicine of Hmong (an ethnic group of China), has been traditionally used to treat cataract; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is yet to be uncovered. Objective This study aimed to investigate whether the n-butanol extract of S. adoxoides (nSA) is effective against the H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human lens epithelial (HLE) cells. Materials and methods Human lens epithelial (SRA 01/04) cells were stimulated by H2O2 (250 μM) in the presence or absence of nSA. The antioxidant effects of nSA were determined in terms of cell viability (MTT assay), apoptosis (AnnexinV/PI staining), radical scavenging capability (various enzymatic assays), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Rhodamine 123 staining), expression of apoptotic markers including caspase-3 and caspase-9 and the change of Bcl-2/Bax ratio (western blot) in the HLE cells. Results The results showed that pretreatment of nSA (250, 500 and 1000 μg/mL) markedly reduced H2O2-induced cellular apoptosis and malondialdehyde accumulation, but elevated the activities of total superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase. Thus, the total antioxidative capability was enhanced upon the nSA treatment meanwhile the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was prevented. Moreover, nSA at concentrations of 250, 500 and 1000 μg/mL also significantly suppressed the activation of caspase-3 and -9, and increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio in the HLE cells. Discussion and conclusion Our findings suggested that nSA is a potential prophylactic agent in the prevention of cataractogeneis.

Sustainable hydrogen production from bio-oil model compounds (meta-xylene) and mixtures (1-butanol, meta-xylene and furfural)

In the present work m-xylene and an equimolecular mixture of m-xylene, 1-butanol and furfural, all of them bio-oil model compounds, were studied in steam reforming (SR) conditions. Three different nickel catalysts, which showed to be active in 1-butanol SR (Ni/Al2O3, Ni/CeO2-Al2O3 and Ni/La2O3-Al2O3), were tested and compared with thermodynamic equilibrium values. Tests were carried out at temperatures from 800 to 600°C at atmospheric pressure with a steam to carbon ratio (S/C) of 5.0. Despite the different bio-oils fed, the amount of moles going through the catalytic bed was kept constant in order to obtain comparable results. After their use, catalysts were characterized by different techniques and those values were correlated with the activity results. All catalysts were deactivated during the SR of the mixture, mainly by coking. The highest hydrogen yields were obtained with Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/CeO2-Al2O3 catalysts in the SR of m-xylene and SR of the mixture, respectively.

Protective effect of n-butyl alcohol extracts from Rhizoma Pinelliae Pedatisectae against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhizoma Pinelliae Pedatisectae (RPP) has been commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of various neurological related diseases. However, the mechanisms have not been fully clarified yet. The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effect of RPP against cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats models, and more importantly, to explore the underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cerebral ischemia and reperfusion was established through the classic middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2h, followed by 24h reperfusion. Rats were orally given different doses of n-butyl alcohol extracts (NBES) of RPP or saline for one week before induction of ischemia. Neurological defect scoring, cerebral infarct volume, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory reaction and nerve cell apoptosis were then estimated.

RESULTS

It showed that NBES could alleviate in a dose-dependent manner neurological deficit and reduce the infarct volume in vivo. The protective effects of NBES were associated with increased Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased malonaldehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels. In addition, ischemia-induced neuron apoptosis was inhibited by NBES pretreatment, and western blot showed NBES upregulated expressions of B-cell leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) and downregulated Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) expression.

CONCLUSION

NBES prevent cerebral I/R injury by alleviating neuronal oxidative injury, inflammatory reaction and neuron apoptosis. The research for the traditional use of RPP provided certain theoretical basis.

Flavonol glycosides and other phenolic compounds from Viola tianshanica and their anti-complement activities

CONTEXT

Viola tianshanica Maxim. (Violaceae) is a perennial herb distributed in Central Asia, especially in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China. Preliminary study showed that the ethanol extract of the herb exhibited the anti-complement activity against the classical pathway, but the active components responsible for this capacity remain unknown and are yet to be studied.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was the isolation and identification of the anti-complement constituents of V. tianshanica.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions from the ethanol extract of V. tianshanica were purified. The structures of the isolates were identified by spectroscopic methods, and comparing their spectral data with those reported in the literature. All the isolates (0.02-2.50 mg/mL) were evaluated for their anti-complement activity against the classical and alternative pathways.

RESULTS

Twenty-one phenolic compounds including 15 flavonol O-glycosides (1-15), one flavone 6,8-di-C-glycoside (16), one flavone aglycone (17), and four phenolic acid derivatives (18-21) were isolated and identified. Bioassay showed that 11 compounds inhibited the classical pathway and the alternative pathway with CH50 and AP50 values of 0.113-1.210 mM and 0.120-1.579 mM, respectively. Preliminary mechanistic study using complement-depleted sera demonstrated that 1 acted on C1q, C2, C4, and C9 components, 16 on C1q, C4, and C5, and 21 on C1q, C3, C4, and C9.

CONCLUSION

All isolated compounds except 1 and 10 were reported for the first time from V. tianshanica. Compound 16 is the first flavone C-glycoside isolated from the herb. Flavonol O-glycosides and phenolic acids contributed the anti-complement activity of the herb.

Synergistic Effect of Compounds from a Chinese Herb: Compatibility and Dose Optimization of Compounds from N-Butanol Extract of Ipomoea stolonifera

The herbal medicine Ipomoea stolonifera (I. stolonifera) has previously been shown to have considerable anti-inflammatory potential in vivo and in vitro. To establish a method for exploring the synergistic effects of multiple compounds, we study the compatibility and dose optimization of compounds isolated from n-butanol extract of I. stolonifera (BE-IS). Raw264.7 cell was treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence of compounds from BE-IS, namely scopoletin, umbelliferone, esculetin, hesperetin and curcumin, using the orthogonal design, uniform design and median-effect method. To verify the best efficacy of principal constituents in vivo, the uniform design was used in the croton oil-induced mouse ear edema model. The results from LPS-induced the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) show that, esculetin, curcumin and hesperetin were the principal constituents that had synergistic effects when used at the optimal ratio. Additionally, the principal constituents were found to work synergistically in the croton oil-induced mouse ear edema model at low doses. It turned out that the three experimental optimization and analysis methods (orthogonal design, uniform design and median-effect method) can be effectively used to solve both compatibility and dose optimization for combined use of multiple compounds.

Comparison of Antioxidant Capability after Isopropanol Salting-Out Pretreatment and n-Butanol Partition Extraction, and Identification and Evaluation of Antioxidants of Sedum formosanum N.E.Br

Crude extracts of Sedum formosanum N.E.Br. obtained from n-butanol partition (BP) and isopropanol salting-out pretreatment (ISP) were analyzed using antioxidation assays. The results indicated that the extract from ISP contained more potent antioxidants and thus exhibited more antioxidant activity in all the assays. The superoxide radical-scavenging activity and inhibition of nitric oxide radicals achieved after ISP were 3.65 and 2.18 times higher than those achieved through BP, respectively. Eight bioactive natural products were isolated and identified according to an analysis of antioxidation activity in different fractions of the ISP crude extract, namely three cyanophoric glycosides 1-3, three flavonoids 4-6 and two phenolic compounds (7 and a new compound 8). Among them, compounds 5 and 6 exhibit the highest antioxidation capability, and the ISP is suitable for obtaining compounds 5 and 6 using HPLC chromatograms. Therefore, ISP is an excellent extraction technology that can be used to extract antioxidant compounds in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Improvement of the liver pathology by the aqueous extract and the n-butanol fraction of Sida pilosa Retz in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sida pilosa Retz (Malvaceae) is a plant used in Africa for the treatment of intestinal helminthiasis, lower abdominal pains and dysmenorrhea.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In order to determine the potential use of S. pilosa in the treatment of schistosomiasis mansoni, we evaluated the schistosomicidal, antioxidant and anti-fibrotic properties of the aqueous extract and the n-butanol fraction of its aerial parts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

S. pilosa aqueous extract (SpAE) at 100, 200 and 400mg/kg and n-butanol fraction (SpBF) at 50, 100 and 200mg/kg were administered per os to Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice for 4 weeks. Praziquantel (100mg/kg × 5 days) was used as reference drug. After sacrifice, worm burden and egg count, transaminases and proteins levels were evaluated. Malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxydes (LOOH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were also measured. The anti-fibrotic effect of the plant was evaluated by the determination of hydroxyproline and γ-interferon (IFN-γ).

RESULTS

The treatment of S. mansoni-infected mice by SpAE or SpBF resulted in a moderate reduction of worm burden and egg load in the liver and intestine. Both SpAE and SpBF significantly reversed the increasing liver proteins, MDA, LOOH and CAT levels induced by the infection. Moreover, SOD activity was improved by SpAE and SpBF. Schistosomiasis mansoni considerably increased the EPO (p<0.001) and MPO activities (p<0.001). SpAE treatment significantly reduced EPO and MPO activities at all doses. SpBF failed to reduce the increasing MPO and decreased EPO only at the highest dose. S. mansoni-infection induced an increase in hydroxyproline content (p<0.001) and a decrease in IFN-γ level (p<0.001). Both SpAE and SpBF significantly reduced hepatic hydroxyproline content, while only SpAE (p<0.05) improved IFN-γ level.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the liver pathology in schistosomiasis mansoni is improved by S. pilosa aqueous extract, which disclosed a moderate schistosomicidal, but strong antioxidant and anti-fibrotic activities. The n-butanol fraction was however less active than the aqueous extract.

Antimicrobial potentials of different solvent extracted samples from Physalis ixocarpa

The present study investigates the antimicrobial activities of different solvent extracted samples isolated from different parts of Physalis ixocarpa through disc diffusion assay using three different concentrations. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that different parts of the plant showed varying degree of inhibition against different bacteria at different concentrations. Different solvent extracted samples from the calyx showed inhibitory activity against most of the bacteria under study. Extracts from leaf and fruit samples showed activity against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae and extracts from the stem tissues were effective to control the growth of E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Crude methanolic extract from the stem and n-butanol extracted samples from fruit exhibited strong inhibitory activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae at highest concentrations. Antifungal activity was observed only in crude methanol extract from the leaf against Rhizopus stolinifer, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum.

[Chemical Constituents of n-Butanol Extract of Myrothecium verrucaria]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents of n-butanol extract in the broth of Myrothecium verrucaria.

METHODS

The chemical constituents were isolated,purified and identified by various chromatographic and spectral techniques.

RESULTS

14 compounds were isolated and identified from n-butanol extracts of Myrothecium verrucaria broth. They were identified as cyclo-( Pro-Phe)( 1),cyclo-( 4-OH-Pro-Phe)( 2),cyclo-( 4-OH-Pro-Leu)( 3),cyclo-( Ala-Pro)( 4),cyclo-( 4-methyl-Pro-9-propyl-Gly)( 5),cyclo-( Pro-Gly)( 6),cyclo-( Phe-Gly)( 7),cyclo-( Leu-Leu)( 8),N-acetyl tryptamine( 9),N-( 2-phenylethyl) acetamide( 10),N-( 2-hydroxyphenethyl) acetamide( 11),N-( 4-hydroxyphenethyl) acetamide( 12),uracil( 13) and thymine( 14).

CONCLUSION

Compounds 1 ~ 14 are obtained from the strain Myrothecium verrucaria for the first time.