Search Results (51)

Background/Objectives: Xanthones from the tropical fruit mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) have been reported to modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. This work explored the anti-inflammatory potential of mangosteen in the form of tinctures. Methods: Tinctures were prepared from the pericarp and leaves, characterized for their major constituents, and evaluated for their in vitro, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. Results: HPLC analysis revealed eight major isoprenylated xanthones whose concentrations increased with an increasing alcohol percentage. α-Mangostin and γ-mangostin, two major xanthones present in the tinctures, were stable for 12 weeks at room and elevated (40 °C) temperatures, indicating stability of the tincture. In vitro luciferase reporter assays using HepG2-ARE revealed an alcohol concentration-dependent activation of Nrf2 by pericarp and leaf tinctures. The tinctures inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in RAW264.7 cells. Garcinone C (GarC) and garcinone D (GarD) caused significant inhibition of LPS-induced NO production and iNOS expression. GarC and GarD also induced nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and upregulated heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), and glutathione S-transferase Pi 1 (GSTP1) in RAW264.7 cells. Conclusions: Taken together, mangosteen tinctures are a significant source of prenylated xanthones with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. Full article

Soil salinity affects large areas of the world and results in horticultural and biodiversity losses in tropical regions. Garcinia humilis (Vahl) C.D. Adams, fam. Clusiaceae, commonly known as achachairu, is a neotropical evergreen fruit tree native to the Amazonian forests in Bolivia. Its tolerance and responses to soil salinity exclusive of other stressors and within a range of salinity levels have not been reported. This study assessed the physiological, biochemical, and morphological responses of G. humilis to different levels of elevated soil salinity induced by saline irrigation. Physiological variables measured included net CO₂ assimilation (A_n), stomatal conductance of H₂O (g_s), intercellular CO₂ concentration, leaf chlorophyll index (LCI), and the ratio of variable to maximum chlorophyll fluorescence (F_v/F_m). Leaf and root nutrient analyses were performed to assess nutrient imbalances and the accumulation of toxic ions. Antioxidant responses, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, ascorbic acid, monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, glutathione, and glutathione reductase; reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radical; and lipid peroxidation as indicated by malondialdehyde were also measured. The results indicate that G. humilis tolerates elevated soil salinity induced by saline irrigation with an electrical conductivity of at least 6 dS m⁻¹, which results in stress responses without fatal consequences. Soil salinity induced by saline irrigation of 6 dS m⁻¹ reduced A_n and g_s by approximately 50% during a 30-day period, but there was no evidence of physiological damage based on the LCI or F_v/F_m. The levels of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ did not reach toxic levels, and the plants were able to prevent damaging imbalances of plant nutrients, indicating an ion-avoidance strategy. Increased antioxidant response to soil salinity induced by saline irrigation possibly prevented ROS and lipid peroxidation damage. G. humilis appears to be moderately tolerant of soil salinity induced by saline irrigation of at least 30 days at 6 dS m⁻¹. Full article

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by rapid loss of renal function due to oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, with limited targeted therapies. Alpha-mangostin (AM), a natural compound from Garcinia mangostana, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical studies, but its efficacy in AKI has not been reviewed. This systematic review and meta-analysis, registered on the Open Science Framework and adhering to PRISMA guidelines, analyzed in vivo and in vitro studies on AM’s effects in AKI models through searches of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Primary outcomes included serum creatinine and cell viability, while secondary outcomes encompassed oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS)), inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis indicators, and histopathology. Data were extracted independently and assessed using the Toxicological Data Reliability Assessment Tool (ToxRTool). AM significantly reduced serum creatinine (mean difference (MD) = −0.67 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.28 to −0.06; p = 0.03) and improved cell viability (MD = 28.26%; 95% CI: 17.25 to 39.26; p < 0.0001). It markedly decreased MDA and ROS, increased GSH, and enhanced antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD)). In vivo, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were lowered, and histopathology showed reduced tubular necrosis and structural damage. Subgroup analyses indicated dose- and model-dependent effects, with lower doses often yielding greater benefits. Sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness despite heterogeneity. Preclinical evidence supports AM’s nephroprotective potential and underscores the need for dose optimization, mechanistic validation, and clinical translation. Full article

Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy, used for treating skin diseases, can induce skin aging, cause inflammation, and reduce cell viability due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. To mitigate these adverse effects, a multi-target polyherbal mixture for topical application was developed. This study investigated the effects of a polyherbal combination comprising Zingiber officinale (ZH), Garcinia mangostana (GE), and Centella asiatica (CAEw) extracts against NB-UVB-induced damage in HaCaT cells. Extracts were prepared to obtain high levels of specific biomarkers (compound D, α-mangostin, and asiaticoside). They were characterized for total phenolic and total flavonoid content, antioxidant properties, and anti-collagenase activity. The ability to enhance HaCaT cell viability after NB-UVB exposure was evaluated to determine the optimal polyherbal mixture ratios. Both the individual extracts and polyherbal formulations significantly improved irradiated HaCaT cell viability. Subsequent treatment with 100 µg/mL of the polyherbal mixture ZH:GE:CAEw (1:1:1) increased cell viability from 62.3% to 80.1% and decreased intracellular ROS (63.6%) without reducing cell apoptosis. It also downregulated the gene expression of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and MMP-9, allowing their expression to reach the normal level of the non-irradiated cells. In conclusion, the polyherbal mixture effectively attenuated NB-UVB-induced damage and premature aging in HaCaT keratinocytes. Full article

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Although pharmacologic treatments are effective, their adverse effects have spurred interest in natural alternatives. Alpha-mangostin (AM), a xanthone from Garcinia mangostana, has shown lipid-lowering effects in animal studies, but its overall efficacy remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, evaluated AM’s impact on lipid profiles in hyperlipidemic animal models. Databases including Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for relevant controlled studies. Nine studies (N = 226 animals) met inclusion criteria, reporting data on triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, and HDL-C. Risk of bias, assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, was generally low-to-moderate. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model revealed that AM significantly reduced TG, TC, and LDL-C, while increasing HDL-C. Stronger effects were observed at doses <50 mg/kg/day. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness and highlighted the influence of species, region, and treatment duration. These findings suggest that AM is a promising lipid-lowering agent in animal models. Further clinical trials are needed to validate efficacy in humans and determine optimal dosing. Full article

Background: Skin aging is a complex biological process affected by internal and external factors that disrupt the skin structure, especially in sun-exposed areas. Elastin and collagen in the dermis layer, responsible for the skin’s resistance and elasticity, have been the main subject of research. Since tyrosinase (TYR) is an enzyme found in different organisms and plays an essential role in melanogenesis, inhibitors of this enzyme have been the target mechanism for skin-bleaching product research. Methods: We selected the plant species Cotinus coggygria Scop., Garcinia mangostana L., Pistacia vera L., Vitis vinifera L., and propolis, which exhibited activity against a minimum of three target enzymes—elastase, collagenase, and TYR—in our previous screening study to find the suitable raw material for a cosmetic product. In the current research, the extracts from these samples were tested through a cell-free enzyme assay using validated elastase, collagenase, and TYR inhibition kits. We also performed the safety and efficacy tests of the selected extracts with 2D/3D cell culture methods. Results: Our data revealed the propolis extract among the tested ones displayed remarkable anti-inflammatory activity in the 2D (NF-κB induction: 10.81%) and 3D assays. Cotinus coggygria leaf and Garcinia mangostana shell extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in the 2D luciferase reporter assay via TNFα addition. C. coggygria leaf, V. vinifera (grape) seed, and propolis extracts were selected for testing in 3D cell culture methods based on the 2D cytotoxicity results with cell viability values of 54.75%, 93.19%, and 98.64% at 34.25 µg/mL, respectively. The general phytochemical profiles of these three extracts were examined in terms of 53 phenolic compounds with LC-MS/MS, revealing that quinic acid, epicatechin, and acacetin were the dominant phenolics among the tested ones. Conclusions: It is the first study conducted to evaluate the use of the extracts indicated above in cosmetics by employing procedures involving 3D cell culture. Full article

This study investigates the Fukugi (Garcinia subelliptica) windbreak landscapes on Iriomote Island through case studies in two of its oldest villages, Sonai and Hoshitate. These windbreak forests, integral to the cultural landscape of Okinawa, offer both ecological and socio-economic benefits. Using field measurements and surveys, the research analyzes the distribution, growth patterns, and historical significance of Fukugi groves within the village setting and compares naturally regenerated forests with those planted by humans. The findings underscore the importance of Fukugi trees in promoting sustainable rural landscapes, where they dominate the local ecosystem of rural settlements. Fukugi windbreak landscapes in Okinawa are characterized by trees encircling homes on all four sides, distinguishing them from homestead windbreaks found in other regions of Japan. Surveys from the two villages suggest that the original homestead windbreak forests in the Yaeyama region contain a diverse mix of tree species, with Fukugi and Calophyllum inophyllum being predominant, along with other useful species like Diospyros ferrea and Podocarpus macrophyllus. These species were selected not only for their windbreak capabilities but also for timber and home furniture production. The study’s findings on naturally regenerated Fukugi groups support the hypothesis that the cultivation of Fukugi as a windbreak species originated in the Yaeyama region and likely spread to other parts of Okinawa, influencing both the ecological and cultural evolution of the region’s landscapes. Full article

Unconventional germination, wherein shoots emerge and establish true leaves before the root emerges, is only found in Zosteraceae. In Garcinia, germination proceeds with the primary root emerging, followed by shoot emergence on the opposite side, but before leaf differentiation, adventitious roots emerge at the base of the shoots. However, germination and survival mechanisms in several Garcinia species are still unclear. We subjected freshly collected G. aristata seeds to an imbibition test, and germination was evaluated at various temperatures and light conditions. Desiccation sensitivity assessments were made at different stages of drying. The effect of natural drying (ambient storage) on germination was assessed by leaving the seeds outside in natural conditions. Seeds of G. aristata with a moisture content (MC) of 67% had more than 95% germination only at 25 and 25/30 °C both in light/dark and darkness, but at 25/40 °C only 10% germinated. In 4% of the seeds, germination incepted with primary shoot emergence, and a secondary (adventitious) root emerged just before leaf differentiation. More than 95% of the seeds germinated with only a secondary root and shoot emerging concurrently. Drying fresh seeds above silica gel to 30% MC resulted in complete viability loss. Seeds stored at ambient conditions germinated without external water, and had no primary or secondary root, and the emerging shoot continued to grow into seedlings. A root develops in these seeds only when water becomes available. G. aristata seeds are desiccation-sensitive and non-dormant. When no external water is available, G. aristata seeds can germinate with shoots and establish seedlings. This is the first report on germination and successful seedling establishment without roots in Garcinia. Full article

Recently, neglected and underutilized species (NUS) have deservedly come to the forefront of scientific interest because they can contribute to the human nutrition, due to the content of bioactive substances such as antioxidants. Despite the great diversity and rich tradition in the use of Philippine NUS, the nutritional properties of many edible plants remain unexplored. The main objective of this study was to evaluate various parts of eleven NUS fruits and vegetables traditionally consumed in the Philippines, namely Allaeanthus luzonicus, Canarium ovatum, Dillenia philippinensis, Ficus pseudopalma, Flacourtia indica, Flacourtia inermis, Garcinia intermedia, Heliotropium arboreum, Posoqueria latifolia, Stelechocarpus burahol, and Sterculia quadrifida for their total phenolic content (TPC) and in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH and ORAC assays). Inflorescence of A. luzonicus (DPPH IC₅₀ = 91.0 μg/mL, ORAC IC₅₀ = 37.9 μg/mL) and fruit of S. burahol (DPPH IC₅₀ = 253.7 μg/mL, ORAC IC₅₀ = 32.2 μg/mL) showed the strongest antioxidant activity in both assays. These two species also had the highest TPC (202.1 and 133.0 µg GAE/mg extract, respectively). For all samples tested, a strong correlation was found between TPC and antioxidant activity. Based on our results, A. luzonicus and S. burahol have promising potential as novel antioxidant rich food. Full article

The tropical Garcinia genus of flowering plants is a prolific producer of aromatic natural products including polyphenols, flavonoids, and xanthones. In this study, we report the first phytochemical investigation of Garcinia caudiculata Ridl. from the island of Borneo. Fractionation, purification, and structure elucidation by MS and NMR resulted in the discovery of two meroterpenoids. One was a benzofuranone lactone previously isolated from Iryanthera grandis and Rhus chinensis, and the second was a new hydroquinone methyl ester that we named caudiquinol. Both natural products are rare examples of plant meroterpenoids with an intact geranylgeranyl chain. Full article

A study was carried out to assess the physico-chemical characteristics of wild fruits: Myrianthus holstii and Garcinia buchananii, consumed by rural communities in Rwanda. Although the species have been prioritized for domestication in the country, very little information has been documented on their yield potential, morphological traits, and nutritional compositions. Data were collected from nine fruiting trees for each species in the Bugesera and Nyamagabe districts. All fruits per tree were counted and 10 fruits were harvested for characterization. The proximate composition, vitamins, and minerals were analyzed using Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. Analyses of inferential statistics were performed to detect differences in means among the fruits from different populations. The highest yield (279 kg/tree) for M. holstii was recorded in the Musebeya population while the highest (15.12 kg/tree) for G. buchananii was recorded in the Juru populations. The quantities of vitamins A and C in M. holstii fruits ranged from 0.92 mg/100 g to 0.93 mg/100 g and from 19.22 mg/100 g to 19.94 mg/100 g, respectively. The quantities of vitamins A and C in G. buchananii fruits ranged from 0.56 mg/100 g to 0.95 mg/100 g and 33.82 mg/100 g to 34.84 mg/100 g, respectively. The most abundant mineral element recorded in this study was iron (15.95 mg/100 g) found in the M. holstii species and contributing 159.5% of the recommended daily allowance. The results obtained in this work suggest the potential value of G. buchananii and M. holstii for the development of novel products in the food industry. The findings also offer opportunities for tree selection to support their domestication and to reduce pressure on the remaining population in the wild. Full article

Ciprofloxacin (CIP), a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is commonly used in aquaculture to prevent and treat bacterial infections in aquatic animals. For this reason, aquatic environments contain CIP and its derivatives, which lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria. In the present study, copper nanoparticles were prepared using Garcinia mangostana extract (GME-CuNPs) as a reducing agent and evaluated for their CIP removal efficiency (CRE). The results demonstrate that within 20 min, GME-CuNPs at 25 mM possess a CRE of 92.02 ± 0.09% from CIP-containing aqueous media with pH 6–7. The CRE is influenced by both monovalent and divalent salts. A high salt concentration significantly reduces the CRE. Contaminants in fish wastewater can reduce the CRE, but phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and ammonia do not affect the CRE. Our results reveal that the CRE is controlled by electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged GME-CuNPs and the cationic species of CIP. The CRE is reduced by wastewater with a pH higher than 8.0, in which the CIP molecules have a negative charge, resulting in a repulsive force due to the negative charge of GME-CuNPs. In fish wastewater with a pH lower than 7.0, GME-CuNPs show the potential to achieve a CRE above 80%. Therefore, pH adjustment to a range of 6–7 in fish wastewater before treatment is deemed imperative. It is concluded that the newly developed GME-CuNPs possess excellent activity in CIP elimination from actual fish wastewater samples. Our findings suggest that GME-CuNPs can be a promising tool to effectively eliminate antibiotics from the environment. Full article

Lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) is a prevalent occurrence in various pulmonary diseases and surgical procedures, including lung resections and transplantation. LIRI can result in systemic hypoxemia and multi-organ failure. Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the primary acid present in the peel of Garcinia cambogia, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. However, the effects of HCA on LIRI remain unknown. To investigate the impact of HCA on LIRI in mice, the mice were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, the I/R model group, and the I/R + low- or high-dose HCA groups. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were subjected to hypoxia for 12 h followed by reoxygenation for 6 h to simulate in vitro LIRI. The results demonstrated that administration of HCA effectively attenuated lung injury, inflammation, and edema induced by ischemia reperfusion. Moreover, HCA treatment significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels while decreasing iron content and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels after ischemia-reperfusion insult. Mechanistically, HCA administration significantly inhibited Hif-1α and HO-1 upregulation both in vivo and in vitro. We found that HCA could also alleviate endothelial barrier damage in H/R-induced HUVECs in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, overexpression of Hif-1α counteracted HCA-mediated inhibition of H/R-induced endothelial cell ferroptosis. In summary, these results indicate that HCA alleviated LIRI by inhibiting oxidative stress and ferroptosis through the Hif-1α pathway. Full article

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway activation promotes the expression of antioxidant enzymes in response to rising oxidative stress, resulting in reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification and playing a central role in the maintenance of intracellular redox homeostasis and regulation of inflammation. Moreover, the biological effects of Nrf2 pathway activation contribute to reducing apoptosis and enhancing cell survival. The activity of Nrf2 is negatively regulated by Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Prompted by the recent results reporting the impact of xanthone metabolites on oxidative stress, cancer, and inflammation, the antioxidant properties of xanthones isolated from Garcinia mangostana (γ-mangostin, α-mangostin, 8-deoxygartanin, demethylcalabaxanthone, garcinone D) were assessed. In particular, the capability of these natural products to disrupt the interaction between Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), triggering the activation of the Nrf2-mediated pathway, was evaluated using molecular docking experiments and in vitro tests. The modulation of some key Nrf2-related mediators like glutathione (GSH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to highlight a possible direct antioxidant effect was investigated. Among the tested compounds, demethylcalabaxanthone showed an indirect antioxidant effect, as corroborated by a Western blot assay, displaying a significant increase in the translocated protein upon its administration. Full article

Lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation in hepatocytes are features of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Garcinia biflavonoid 1a (GB1a) is a natural product capable of hepatic protection. In this study, the effect of GB1a on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regulation of the accumulation in HepG2 cells and mouse primary hepatocytes (MPHs) was investigated, and its regulatory mechanism was further explored. The result showed that GB1a reduced triglyceride (TG) content and lipid accumulation by regulating the expression of SREBP-1c and PPARα; GB1a reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improved cellular oxidative stress to protect mitochondrial morphology by regulating genes Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and Keap1; and GB1a reduced the damage of hepatocytes by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65. The activities of GB1a were lost in liver SIRT6-specific knockout mouse primary hepatocytes (SIRT6-LKO MPHs). This indicated that activating SIRT6 was critical for GB1a to perform its activity, and GB1a acted as an agonist of SIRT6. It was speculated that GB1a may be a potential drug for NAFLD treatment. Full article