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11 pages, 1690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Different Solvent Extracts of Sesamum prostratum Retz.

by Felix Irudhyaraj Dhanaraj, Jagadheesh Kumar Kalimuthu, Pavan Santhosh Balamurugan, Punitha Subramani, David R. Katerere and Manikandan Gurusamy

Plants 2025, 14(4), 519; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14040519 - 8 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 610

Abstract

Numerous bioactive chemicals with a range of advantageous effects on human metabolism can be found in medicinal plants. The knowledge of these phytochemicals is essential for the identification of potential medicines. In the present study, Sesamum prostratum was selected for GC-MS profiling and [...] Read more.

Numerous bioactive chemicals with a range of advantageous effects on human metabolism can be found in medicinal plants. The knowledge of these phytochemicals is essential for the identification of potential medicines. In the present study, Sesamum prostratum was selected for GC-MS profiling and antioxidant studies. Plant extracts were prepared with ethanol, ethyl acetate, and acetone by using the continuous hot Soxhlet extraction method. The chemical compositions were analyzed by GC/MS. In addition, antioxidant activity was measured using ABTS, DPPH, and hydrogen peroxide assay. The GC-MS analysis of the different solvent extracts showed a total of 32 compounds present in S. prostratum. Ethanol extracts showed 11 compounds, ethyl acetate extracts showed 8 compounds, and acetone extracts showed the presence of 13 compounds. Different dominant chemicals were identified in each solvent extract by the phytochemical study. The chemical composition of the extracts revealed notable differences. The ethanol extract was dominated by 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, which comprised 51.4% of the total composition. In contrast, the acetone extract had 3-ethyl-4-methylhexane as its primary component, while the ethyl acetate extract was characterized by the presence of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid as its major chemical constituent. The different assay on free radical scavenging activity of the extracts showed antioxidant activity. The acetone extracts showed the least IC₅₀ value of 35.13 μg/mL for the hydrogen peroxide test, the ethyl acetate showed IC₅₀ value 65.49 μg/mL in the ABTS assay, and the ethanol extract showed the lowest IC₅₀ value of 80.84 μg/mL in the DPPH assay. The results indicated that the plant has bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential that can be further investigated for anticancer and other medicinal uses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals)

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20 pages, 2684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Boosting Therapeutic Effect of Turmeric, Coffee, and Chili Extracts Through Experimental Design and Encapsulation as Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Novel Heath Supplements

by Pratchaya Tipduangta, Phennapha Saokham, Jutamas Jiaranaikulwanitch, Siriporn Okonogi, Chadarat Ampasavate and Kanokwan Kiattisin

Plants 2025, 14(2), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14020236 - 16 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1413

Abstract

This study investigates the potential synergistic effects of extracts from Curcuma longa (turmeric), Coffea arabica (Arabica coffee beans), and Capsicum annuum (chili peppers) in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Using [...] Read more.

This study investigates the potential synergistic effects of extracts from Curcuma longa (turmeric), Coffea arabica (Arabica coffee beans), and Capsicum annuum (chili peppers) in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Using a systematic design of experiment (DoE) optimization approach, an optimal extract ratio of 1:3:4 (turmeric: coffee: chili) was identified. The efficacy of the extract combination was assessed through various antioxidant assays, inhibition of inflammation-related gene expression, and safety testing via the 3-(4,5-dimethylthazolk-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The extract combination showed higher antioxidant activity and comparable anti-inflammatory effects relative to each single extract. Additionally, the extract combination demonstrated effective activity compared with turmeric extract while using a lower concentration, resulting in reduced cytotoxicity. The optimized extract combination was successfully incorporated into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) with a hydrodynamic diameter of 258.0 ± 10.2 nm, which effectively redisperses after the spray-drying process with increased diameter to 349.8 ± 49.6 nm. Under stress conditions, the stability of curcumin and capsaicin in dried-NLCs was maintained. In summary, the optimized extract-loaded NLCs formulation, achieved through a multistage approach, shows promise in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting its potential as a valuable daily dietary supplement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals)

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26 pages, 6934 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lyophilized and Oven-Dried Manilkara zapota Extracts: Characterization and In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Analyses

by María Fernanda Rivas-Gastélum, Patricia Ariadna Galindo-Castillo, Juan Esparza-Sánchez, Miriam Irene Jiménez-Pérez, Yocanxóchitl Perfecto-Avalos, Luis Eduardo Garcia-Amezquita, Diego E. Navarro-López, Edgar R. López-Mena, Eugenio Sánchez-Arreola, Juan Pablo Tamayo-Martínez, Humberto L. Mendoza-Figueroa, María Magdalena Crosby-Galván, Elsa Margarita Crosby-Galván, Jorge L. Mejía-Méndez and Angélica Lizeth Sánchez-López

Plants 2025, 14(2), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14020216 - 14 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1876

Abstract

In this work, extracts from the pulp, peel, and seed of Manilkara zapota were obtained via lyophilization and oven drying. Bromatological analyses were performed to investigate variabilities in the nutritional content of fruits after nine post-harvest days. The phytochemical content of fruits was [...] Read more.

In this work, extracts from the pulp, peel, and seed of Manilkara zapota were obtained via lyophilization and oven drying. Bromatological analyses were performed to investigate variabilities in the nutritional content of fruits after nine post-harvest days. The phytochemical content of fruits was assessed by gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID), and their biological performance was studied using in vitro antibacterial and antioxidant assays (DPPH and ABTS) and in vivo toxicity models. Molecular docking was implemented to evaluate the interaction between polar compounds from chicozapote fruits with receptors involved in the pathogenesis of bacterial strains. Results revealed that water or soluble solids content did not vary after post-harvest. It was demonstrated that lyophilization or oven-drying approaches influenced the insoluble, total dietary fiber and digestible carbohydrates among samples. According to GC-FID analysis, it was observed that lyophilization and oven-drying methods also altered the content of myristic and pentadecanoic acids among the obtained extracts. It was noted that the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of extracts were weak due to their MIC (>1000 μg/mL) and IC₅₀ (>2000 μg/mL) values. Still, the toxicity of extracts was poor against Artemia salina nauplii. In silico evaluation unveiled that polar compounds in M. zapota fruits possess a high binding affinity towards the DNA gyrase B of the cultured strains. This study expands the scientific evidence regarding the influence of distinct extraction methods on the nutritional and nutraceutical content of native fruits and the importance of considering additional approaches to enhance their bioactivities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals)

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14 pages, 1605 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydroethanolic Extract of Polygonum aviculare L. Mediates the Anti-Inflammatory Activity in RAW 264.7 Murine Macrophages Through Induction of Heme Oxygenase-1 and Inhibition of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase

by Chan Ho Jang, You Chul Chung, Ami Lee and Youn-Hwan Hwang

Plants 2024, 13(23), 3314; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233314 - 26 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1128

Abstract

Polygonum aviculare L. (PAL), commonly known as knotgrass, has been utilized as a traditional folk medicine across Asian, African, Latin American and Middle Eastern countries to treat various inflammatory diseases, including arthritis and airway inflammation. Numerous medicinal herbs exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects [...] Read more.

Polygonum aviculare L. (PAL), commonly known as knotgrass, has been utilized as a traditional folk medicine across Asian, African, Latin American and Middle Eastern countries to treat various inflammatory diseases, including arthritis and airway inflammation. Numerous medicinal herbs exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects that are mediated through the activation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms linking the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects remain poorly understood. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes heme degradation, ultimately leading to the production of carbon monoxide (CO). Elevated levels of CO have been correlated with the decreased level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In this study, we examined whether HO-1 plays a key role in the relationship between the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of PAL. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of PAL in an in vitro system were evaluated by determining NF-κB activity, antioxidant response element (ARE) activity, pro-inflammatory cytokine and protein levels, as well as antioxidant protein levels. To examine whether HO-1 inhibition interfered with the anti-inflammatory effect of PAL, we measured nitrite, reactive oxygen species, iNOS, and HO-1 levels in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages pre-treated with Tin protoporphyrin (SnPP, an HO-1 inhibitor). Our results demonstrated that PAL increased ARE activity and the Nrf2-regulated HO-1 level, exerting antioxidative activities in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Additionally, PAL reduced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and iNOS protein levels by inactivating NF-κB in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Further investigation using the HO-1 inhibitor revealed that HO-1 inhibition promoted iNOS expression, subsequently elevating nitric oxide (NO) generation in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with PAL compared to those in the macrophages without the HO-1 inhibitor. Overall, our findings suggest that HO-1 induction by PAL may exert anti-inflammatory effects through the reduction of the iNOS protein level. Hence, this study paves the way for further investigation to understand molecular mechanisms underlying the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of medicinal herbs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals)

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14 pages, 634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Hypericum Species—H. hirsutum, H. barbatum, H. rochelii

by Jovan Baljak, Mirjana Bogavac, Maja Karaman, Branislava Srđenović Čonić, Biljana Vučković, Goran Anačkov and Nebojša Kladar

Plants 2024, 13(20), 2905; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13202905 - 17 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1683

Abstract

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum, Hypericaceae) is the most well-known species in the genus Hypericum, which comprises several hundred species. This study investigates the biological and phytochemical potential of the under-researched Hypericum species, H. hirsutum, H. barbatum, and [...] Read more.

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum, Hypericaceae) is the most well-known species in the genus Hypericum, which comprises several hundred species. This study investigates the biological and phytochemical potential of the under-researched Hypericum species, H. hirsutum, H. barbatum, and H. rochelii. A high level of similarity between the chemical profiles of H. hirsutum and H. barbatum and the official source of the herbal drug (H. perforatum) was shown, but a higher content of quercetin and rutin was also found in all three evaluated species (116–230 µg/g dry herb). The highest amount of phenolics (195 mg GAE/g) was recorded in H. hirsutum extract, while the highest amount of flavonoids (47 mg QE/g) was recorded in H. barbatum extract. The evaluated species were excellent scavengers of DPPH, OH, and NO radicals, as well as strong ferric ion reducers in the FRAP test. Prominent monoamine oxidase A and α-glucosidase inhibition was observed, compared to modest inhibition of monoamine oxidase B, α-amylase, and acetylcholinesterase. High activity against Gram-positive MRSA S. aureus was demonstrated for the tested species, with MIC/MBC values recorded at 12.5 µg/mL. Antifungal activity against Candida strains was not observed. The obtained results emphasize the need for further investigation of species of the genus Hypericum to discover potentially new sources of biologically active compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals)

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18 pages, 2991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aqueous Extracts of Rhus trilobata Inhibit the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response In Vitro and In Vivo

by Alejandra Jazmín Rodríguez-Castillo, Susana Aideé González-Chávez, Ismael Portillo-Pantoja, Eunice Cruz-Hermosillo, César Pacheco-Tena, David Chávez-Flores, Ma. Carmen E. Delgado-Gardea, Rocío Infante-Ramírez, José Juan Ordaz-Ortiz and Blanca Sánchez-Ramírez

Plants 2024, 13(20), 2840; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13202840 - 10 Oct 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1664

Abstract

Chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for approximately 74% of deaths globally. Medicinal plants have traditionally been used to treat NCDs, including diabetes, cancer, and rheumatic diseases, and are a source of anti-inflammatory compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of [...] Read more.

Chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for approximately 74% of deaths globally. Medicinal plants have traditionally been used to treat NCDs, including diabetes, cancer, and rheumatic diseases, and are a source of anti-inflammatory compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Rhus trilobata (Rt) extracts and fractions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation models in vitro and in vivo. The aqueous extract (RtAE) and five fractions (F2 to F6) were obtained via C18 solid-phase separation and tested in murine LPS-induced J774.1 macrophages. Key inflammatory markers, such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2 gene expression were measured using RT-qPCR, and PGE₂ production was assessed via HPLC-DAD. The in vivo effects were tested in an LPS-induced paw edema model in Wistar rats. Results showed that RtAE at 15 μg/mL significantly decreased IL-1β and IL-6 gene expression in vitro. Fraction F6 further reduced IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 gene expression, COX-2 expression, and PGE₂ production. In vivo, F6 significantly reduced LPS-induced paw edema, inflammatory infiltration, and IL-1β and COX-2 protein expression. Chemical characterization of F6 by UPLC/MS-QTOF revealed at least eight compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. These findings support the anti-inflammatory potential of RtAE and F6, reinforcing the medicinal use of Rt. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals)

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17 pages, 3138 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant Active Phytochemicals in Ternstroemia lineata Explained by Aquaporin Mechanisms

by Nahim Salgado-Medrano, César Millán-Pacheco, Verónica Rodríguez-López, Lucía Corona-Sánchez, François Mesnard, Roland Molinié, Eleazar León-Álvarez, María Luisa Villarreal and Alexandre Toshirrico Cardoso-Taketa

Plants 2024, 13(16), 2223; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162223 - 10 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1646

Abstract

The antioxidant action of terngymnoside C (1) and hydroxytyrosol-1-glucoside (2), isolated for the first time from the flower buds of Ternstroemia lineata, as well as katsumadin (3), obtained from the seedless fruits, was evaluated using ABTS [...] Read more.

The antioxidant action of terngymnoside C (1) and hydroxytyrosol-1-glucoside (2), isolated for the first time from the flower buds of Ternstroemia lineata, as well as katsumadin (3), obtained from the seedless fruits, was evaluated using ABTS^•+ and H₂O₂–Saccharomyces cerevisiae models. In silico docking analysis of 1, 2, and 3 determined their affinity forces to the aquaporin monomers of the modeled S. cerevisiae protein 3 (AQP3) and human protein 7 (AQP7) channels that regulate the H₂O₂ cell transport. The ABTS^•+ antiradical capacity of these compounds showed IC₅₀ values of 22.00 μM (1), 47.64 μM (2), and 73.93 μM (3). The S. cerevisiae antioxidant assay showed that at 25 µM (1) and 50 µM (2 and 3), the cells were protected from H₂O₂-oxidative stress. These compounds, together with quercetin and vitamin C, were explored through the modeled S. cerevisiae AQP3 and human AQP7 by molecular docking analysis. To explain these results, an antioxidant mechanism for the isolated compounds was proposed through blocking H₂O₂ passage mediated by aquaporin transport. On the other hand, 1, 2, and 3 were not cytotoxic in a panel of three cancer cell lines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals)

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13 pages, 3017 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cancer Chemopreventive Effect of 2′,4′-Dihydroxy-6′-methoxy-3′,5′-dimethylchalcone on Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Early Stages of Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats

by Sirinya Taya, Charatda Punvittayagul, Puttinan Meepowpan and Rawiwan Wongpoomchai

Plants 2024, 13(14), 1975; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13141975 - 19 Jul 2024

Viewed by 2817

Abstract

2′,4′-dihydroxy-6′-methoxy-3′,5′-dimethylchalcone (DMC) is a major compound in Cleistocalyx nervosum seed extract (CSE), which has been reported to have various biological activities, including anti-cancer activity. Therefore, this study attempted to evaluate whether DMC is a chemopreventive compound in CSE. Moreover, the preventive mechanisms of [...] Read more.

2′,4′-dihydroxy-6′-methoxy-3′,5′-dimethylchalcone (DMC) is a major compound in Cleistocalyx nervosum seed extract (CSE), which has been reported to have various biological activities, including anti-cancer activity. Therefore, this study attempted to evaluate whether DMC is a chemopreventive compound in CSE. Moreover, the preventive mechanisms of CSE and DMC in the DEN-induced early stages of hepatocarcinogenesis in rats were investigated. Male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with DEN 50 mg/kg bw once a week for 8 weeks. Rats received CSE and DMC orally throughout the experiment. The number of glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P)-positive foci in the liver was measured. Furthermore, the preventive mechanisms of CSE and DMC on DEN-induced HCC, including cell proliferation and apoptosis, were investigated. Administering CSE at a dosage of 400 mg/kg bw and DMC at a dosage of 10 mg/kg bw significantly decreased the number and size of GST-P-positive foci and GST-P expression. In addition, DMC inhibited the development of preneoplastic lesions by decreasing cell proliferation and causing cell apoptosis; however, CSE inhibited the development of preneoplastic lesions by inducing cell apoptosis. In conclusion, DMC exhibited a cancer chemopreventive effect on the early stages of hepatocarcinogenesis by increasing cell apoptosis and reducing cell proliferation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals)

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14 pages, 280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Potential of Hemp Extracts to Modify the Course of Oxidative-Stress Related Conditions

by Katarina Bijelić, Branislava Srdjenović Čonić, Blagoje Prpa, Vladimir Pilija, Saša Vukmirović and Nebojša Kladar

Plants 2024, 13(12), 1630; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13121630 - 13 Jun 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1301

Abstract

The leaves of industrial hemp, which have long been considered as a waste product, have been proven to contain numerous compounds that possess potential biological activity. One of the most interesting groups of compounds present are polyphenolic compounds, which, due to their specific [...] Read more.

The leaves of industrial hemp, which have long been considered as a waste product, have been proven to contain numerous compounds that possess potential biological activity. One of the most interesting groups of compounds present are polyphenolic compounds, which, due to their specific structure, have a pronounced antioxidant and antihyperglycemic potential. This study aimed to detect biological activity, including antioxidant and antihyperglycemic potential, of water and water–alcoholic extracts of five commercially available hemp teas, followed by phytochemical profiling. Hemp aqueous and ethanolic extracts demonstrate potent antioxidant properties. Ethanol extracts are better scavengers of DPPH• and OH•, while aqueous extracts neutralize NO• better. Both types of extracts exhibit antioxidant potential in the catalase test and moderate XOD inhibition. Furthermore, aqueous extracts are potent α-amylase inhibitors, while ethanolic extracts demonstrate stronger anti-α-glucosidase activity, suggesting therapeutic potential for chronic diseases like insulin resistance or diabetes. Further detailed chemical characterization and in vivo studies are needed to validate these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals)

22 pages, 2668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pharmaceutical Potential Evaluation of Damask Rose By-Products from Volatile Oil Extraction

by Nutthawut Charoimek, Piyachat Sunanta, Tibet Tangpao, Ratchuporn Suksathan, Wisinee Chanmahasathien, Sasithorn Sirilun, Kuo-Feng Hua, Hsiao-Hang Chung, Sarana Rose Sommano and Taepin Junmahasathien

Plants 2024, 13(12), 1605; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13121605 - 9 Jun 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3478

Abstract

Despite its well-known fragrance in cosmetics and medicine, a complete understanding of the phytochemical properties within by-products generated during commercial extraction of Damask rose remains elusive. Cultivated in Thailand for their essential oil, Damask rose varieties, including Mon Dang Prasert, Mon Klai Kangwon, [...] Read more.

Despite its well-known fragrance in cosmetics and medicine, a complete understanding of the phytochemical properties within by-products generated during commercial extraction of Damask rose remains elusive. Cultivated in Thailand for their essential oil, Damask rose varieties, including Mon Dang Prasert, Mon Klai Kangwon, and Bishop’s Castle, share phenylethyl alcohol (57.62–61.11%) as the dominant component, which is responsible for their characteristic floral, sweet, rosy, and bready aroma. Through a circular hydro-distillation process, three different by-product fractions, including distilled water (D), hydrosol (H), and rose dreg (R), were recovered. Subsequently, we assessed their pharmaceutical potential, including the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-melanogenesis properties of these residual substances. The H fraction displayed the highest total phenolics (10.56 mgGAE/g) and flavonoids (6.93 mgCE/g) and significant antioxidant activity (IC₅₀, 0.67–0.97 µg/mL). While the H fraction inhibited melanin formation at 50 μg/mL, the R fraction of MK (100 μg/mL) surprisingly promoted melanin production in B16-F10 cells. Nevertheless, the antimicrobial assay against Staphylococcus aureus, Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans revealed no antimicrobial activity in any fraction. Murine macrophage stimulation (J774A.1) with lipopolysaccharide revealed no anti-inflammatory effects from the by-products, as measured by IL-1β production. In summary, the H fraction exhibited the highest level of phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant and anti-melanogenesis activities. Therefore, this by-product is a desirable choice for the development of value-added products such as functional food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals)

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14 pages, 4356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interaction of Norsecurinine-Type Oligomeric Alkaloids with α-Tubulin: A Molecular Docking Study

by Gérard Vergoten and Christian Bailly

Plants 2024, 13(9), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091269 - 3 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1375

Abstract

The medicinal plant Securinega virosa (Roxb ex. Willd) Baill., also known as Flueggea virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) Royle, is commonly used in traditional medicine in Africa and Asia for the management of diverse pathologies, such as parasite infections, diabetes, and gastrointestinal diseases. Numerous [...] Read more.

The medicinal plant Securinega virosa (Roxb ex. Willd) Baill., also known as Flueggea virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) Royle, is commonly used in traditional medicine in Africa and Asia for the management of diverse pathologies, such as parasite infections, diabetes, and gastrointestinal diseases. Numerous alkaloids have been isolated from the twigs and leaves of the plant, notably a variety of oligomeric indolizidine alkaloids derived from the monomers securinine and norsecurinine which both display anticancer properties. The recent discovery that securinine can bind to tubulin and inhibit microtubule assembly prompted us to investigate the potential binding of two series of alkaloids, fluevirosines A–H and fluevirosinine A–J, with the tubulin dimer by means of molecular modeling. These natural products are rare high-order alkaloids with tri-, tetra-, and pentameric norsecurinine motifs. Despite their large size (up to 2500 Å³), these alkaloids can bind easily to the large drug-binding cavity (about 4800 Å³) on α-tubulin facing the β-tubulin unit. The molecular docking analysis suggests that these hydrophobic macro-alkaloids can form stable complexes with α/β-tubulin. The tubulin-binding capacity varies depending on the alkaloid size and structure. Structure-binding relationships are discussed. The docking analysis identifies the trimer fluevirosine D, tetramer fluevirosinine D, and pentamer fluevirosinine H as the most interesting tubulin ligands in the series. This study is the first to propose a molecular target for these atypical oligomeric Securinega alkaloids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals)

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16 pages, 3028 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioassay-Guided Fractionation of Pittosporum angustifolium and Terminalia ferdinandiana with Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy Exploratory Study

by Janice Mani, Joel Johnson, Holly Hosking, Luke Schmidt, Ryan Batley, Ryan du Preez, Daniel Broszczak, Kerry Walsh, Paul Neilsen and Mani Naiker

Plants 2024, 13(6), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060807 - 12 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2160

Abstract

Bioprospecting native Australian plants offers the potential discovery of latent and novel bioactive compounds. The promising cytotoxic and antibacterial activity of methanolic extracts of Pittosporum angustifolium and Terminalia ferdinandiana led to further fractionation and isolation using our laboratory’s bioassay-guided fractionation protocol. Hence, the [...] Read more.

Bioprospecting native Australian plants offers the potential discovery of latent and novel bioactive compounds. The promising cytotoxic and antibacterial activity of methanolic extracts of Pittosporum angustifolium and Terminalia ferdinandiana led to further fractionation and isolation using our laboratory’s bioassay-guided fractionation protocol. Hence, the aim of this study was to further evaluate the bioactivity of the fractions and subfractions and characterize bioactive compounds using liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography MS (GC-MS). Compounds tentatively identified in P. angustifolium Fraction 1 using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS were chlorogenic acid and/or neochlorogenic acid, bergapten, berberine, 8′-epitanegool and rosmarinic acid. GC-MS analysis data showed the presence of around 100 compounds, mainly comprising carboxylic acids, sugars, sugar alcohols, amino acids and monoalkylglycerols. Furthermore, the fractions obtained from T. ferdinandiana flesh extracts showed no cytotoxicity, except against HT29 cell lines, and only Fraction 2 exhibited some antibacterial activity. The reduced bioactivity observed in the T. ferdinandiana fractions could be attributed to the potential loss of synergy as compounds become separated within the fractions. As a result, the further fractionation and separation of compounds in these samples was not pursued. However, additional dose-dependent studies are warranted to validate the bioactivity of T. ferdinandiana flesh fractions, particularly since this is an understudied species. Moreover, LC-MS/GC-MS studies confirm the presence of bioactive compounds in P. angustifolium Fraction 1/subfractions, which helps to explain the significant acute anticancer activity of this plant. The screening process designed in this study has the potential to pave the way for developing scientifically validated phytochemical/bioactivity information on ethnomedicinal plants, thereby facilitating further bioprospecting efforts and supporting the discovery of novel drugs in modern medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals)

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13 pages, 3633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Cannabichromene Isolated from Hemp

by Min Hong, Jong-Hui Kim, Joon-Hee Han, Byeong-Ryeol Ryu, Young-Seok Lim, Jung-Dae Lim, Sang-Hyuck Park, Chang-Hyeug Kim, Soo-Ung Lee and Tae-Hyung Kwon

Plants 2023, 12(23), 3966; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12233966 - 25 Nov 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4059

Abstract

Cannabichromene (CBC), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, has recently been shown to possess several medicinal properties. However, how CBC produces anti-inflammatory effects and the mechanisms of this remain poorly studied. Therefore, we extracted and purified the CBC from the Cannabis [...] Read more.

Cannabichromene (CBC), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, has recently been shown to possess several medicinal properties. However, how CBC produces anti-inflammatory effects and the mechanisms of this remain poorly studied. Therefore, we extracted and purified the CBC from the Cannabis sativa cv. pink pepper (hemp cultivar). The efficacy of CBC in reducing inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages and a λ-carrageenan-induced mouse model was then evaluated. CBC had no cytotoxicity up to a concentration of 20 μM and inhibited nitric oxide production by approximately 50% at a concentration of 20 μM. In addition, CBC treatment significantly inhibited causes of inflammation such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) at both the mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, CBC suppressed LPS-stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells by downregulating the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways (MAPK). Furthermore, our in vivo experiments confirmed that the λ-carrageenan-induced increase in the levels of the cytokines iNOS, IL-1β, and IL-6 was abrogated following treatment with CBC. Therefore, CBC has potential anti-inflammatory effects and may be useful for preventing or treating inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals)

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Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 2176 KiB

Open AccessReview

Fissistigma oldhamii (Hemsl.) Merr.: Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Aspects

by Christian Bailly

Plants 2023, 12(24), 4094; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12244094 - 7 Dec 2023

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Abstract

The species Fissistigma oldhamii (Hemsl.) Merr. (Annonaceae) has long been used as a traditional herbal medicine in China to treat diverse human diseases. Decoctions from the roots of the plant (Guā Fù Mù) are used to treat body pain and inflammatory pathologies, such [...] Read more.

The species Fissistigma oldhamii (Hemsl.) Merr. (Annonaceae) has long been used as a traditional herbal medicine in China to treat diverse human diseases. Decoctions from the roots of the plant (Guā Fù Mù) are used to treat body pain and inflammatory pathologies, such as rheumatic syndromes, sciatica, and osteoarthritis. The phytochemical content of the plant and the associated pharmacological activities have been analyzed. Seventy natural products were identified in the different parts of the plants, namely, the roots, stems, leaves, fruits, and seeds. The compounds comprise many tri- and tetracyclic alkaloids (aporphine-type), anthraquinones, terpenoids, flavonoids, and others. The pharmacological properties of these molecules were analyzed to point out the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and/or antimicrobial effects, together with the underlying modulated pathways and molecular targets in some cases. The panel of phytoconstituents present in F. oldhamii extracts is large, with the majority of bioactive products identified in the roots and stems. Multiple molecules can contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts. Network pharmacology analyses of the phytoconstituents are needed to better delineate the effective components and their targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals)

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