bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Variability, Antifungal and Antioxidant Activity of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Essential Oil from Sardinia
Authors: Barra Andrea , Coroneo Valentina , Dessi Sandro , Cabras Paolo , Angioni Alberto
Published: March 2019

Essential oil (EO) from aerial parts of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh., growing wild in different localities of Sardinia (Italy), was extracted by steam distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) FID and GC-ion trap mass spectrometry (ITMS). The yields of EO (v/dry wt) ranged between 0.2-0.5%. Samples were harvested between April and December to study the seasonal chemical variability of the EO. The chemical composition varied depending on the different origins and showed strong fluctuation during the vegetative stage. Thirty-seven compounds, accounting for at least 97.7% of the total EOs were identified, the major components being p-cymene (27.8-42.7%), 1,8-cineole (4.1-39.5%), β-phellandrene (3.9-23.8%), spathulenol (2.1-15.5%) and cryptone (3.2-10.2%). The oils possessed moderate amounts (1.4-4.7%) of two uncommon aldehydes, cuminal and phellandral. The essential oils were screened for their antifungal activities against common phytopathogenic fungi using the paper disk diffusion method and they showed activity at low doses against the fungi tested. The antioxidant activity, assessed by DPPH-test and expressed as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, showed values ranging between 0.5 and 5.8 mmol/L.
Composition, Cytotoxicity and Antioxidant Activity of the Essential Oil of Dracocephalum surmandinum from Iran
Authors: Sonboli Ali , Esmaeili Mohammad Ali , Gholipour Abbas , Kanani Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2019

The composition of the hydrodistilled essential oil from the aerial parts of Dracocephalum surmandinum was analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Monoterpenoids, including oxygenated compounds and hydrocarbons, comprising 63.4 and 33.9%, respectively, were the principal compound groups of the essential oil. In total, 25 constituents accounting for 97.8% of the oil were identified. Perilla aldehyde (54.3%) and limonene (30.1%) were characterized as the main components. The essential oil of D. surmandinum and its two main constituents showed a marked antioxidant and radical scavenging activity using different model systems, including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and β-carotene-linoleic acid blenching assays. The results of cytotoxicity activity using the MTT assay exhibited that the oil of D. surmandinum has a good effect against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and erythromyeloblastoid leukemia cell lines (K562) with IC50 values of 14 and 16 μg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxic potential of D. surmandinum oil against rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cell line (PC 12) was weak (IC50 of >100 μg/mL). Perilla aldehyde and limonene, the main constituents of D. surmandinum essential oil, inhibited all investigated cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner with IC50 values ranged from 0.25-5.0 mmol/L.
(R)-(–)-Linalyl Acetate and (S)-(–)-Germacrene D from the Leaves of Mexican Bursera linanoe
Authors: Noge Koji , Shimizu Nobuhiro , Becerra Judith X.
Published: March 2019

The leaf volatile components of Mexican Bursera linanoe were identified as ( R)-(–)-linalyl acetate (57.6%; 95.5% ee) and ( S)-(–)-germacrene D (39.3%; 100% ee) by solvent extraction and GC–MS and chiral GC analyses. Linalool was previously reported as the major component from the leaves of B. linanoe. However, we believe that this is a decomposition product of linalyl acetate during steam distillation, a common method for extraction of essential oils. The chemically unique blend in the leaves of B. linanoe may act as a chemical barrier against its potential herbivores, Blepharida beetles that have a tendency for attacking chemically similar plants as hosts.
In vitro Inhibitory Activities of Lauraceae Aporphine Alkaloids
Authors: Barrera Ericsson David Coy , Suárez Luis Enrique Cuca
Published: March 2019

The in vitro anti-inflammatory effect of eight aporphine alkaloids isolated from the leaves of two Lauraceae plants (Pleurothyrium cinereum and Ocotea macrophylla) was evaluated through inhibition of two isozymes of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), and platelet aggregation induced by PAF, AA and ADP. All alkaloids exhibited inhibitory activities against COX-2 (IC50 25.9-116 μM range) and PAF- and AA-induced platelet aggregation, while only four and three of them were good COX-1 and 5-LOX inhibitors, respectively. (+)-N-acetyl-nornantenine 6 was the most potent COX-2, 5-LOX, AA and PAF inhibitor.
Leishmanicidal activity of racemic ± 8-[(4-Amino-1-methylbutyl)amino]-6-methoxy-4-methyl-5-[3,4-dichlorophenoxy]quinoline
Authors: Isaac-Márquez Angélica P. , McChesney James D. , Nanayakara N.P. Dammika , Satoskar Abhay R. , Lezama-Dávila Claudio M.
Published: March 2019

In this work we studied the in vitro toxicity of ± 8-[(4-Amino-1-Methylbutyl)Amino]-6-Methoxy-4-Methyl-5-[3,4-dichlorophenoxy]quinoline (DN3-27-1) against stationary phase promastigotes Leishmania (L.) mexicana. Our results indicate that this drug induces an important reduction in parasite growth and killing compared to the reference drug N-methyl meglumine (Glucantime™). DN3-27-1 was not toxic to Hela cells cultured in vitro. This is the first report describing the promising potential of DN3-27-1 in treatment of L. ( L.) m exicana infections.
Water-retentive and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Organic and Inorganic Substances from Korean Sea Mud
Authors: Kim Jung-Hyun , Lee Jeongmi , Lee Hyang-Bok , Shin Jeong Hyun , Kim Eun-Ki
Published: March 2019

Sea mud has been popularly used as an effective base in cosmetic preparations although its biologically-active materials and mechanisms on skin have not yet been fully determined. We isolated humic substances as the major organic substance of the sea mud from a tidal flat in Korea, and investigated their water-retentive properties. Among the three isolated humic substances, humic acid (HA) showed the highest water retentive property (~ 50 % mass increase from water uptake). Based on the observations that mud pack therapy has been traditionally used to soothe UV-irradiated skin, we examined the anti-inflammatory property of the sea mud on UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) by measuring PGE2 levels produced by keratinocytes in the presence of either the total water or methanol extracts of the mud. The water extract showed higher inhibition of PGE2 production from HaCaT cells (30 % inhibition) than the methanol extract at 200 ppm (μg/g). We further fractionated the water extract to determine the major components responsible for its anti-inflammatory effect. It was found that the minerals in the mud inhibited PGE2 production by 83 % at 200 ppm, which is comparable with the inhibitory effect of 1 μM indomethacin. No mud extract showed cytotoxicity at the tested concentrations. The mineral compositions of the mineral extract were determined by ICP-MS, revealing that the sea mud consisted of more than 19 different mineral components, rich in Na+, Mg2+, and Zn2+. These results imply that the anti-inflammatory effect of the sea mud is largely due to the minerals in the mud. Our research suggests the potential use of the organic and inorganic substances from the sea mud in various skin products as safe biological substances for skin protective purposes.
A Phenethyl bromo ester from Citharexylum fruticosum
Authors: Ganapaty Seru , Rao Desaraju Venkata , Pannakal Steve Thomas
Published: March 2019

A new compound, (2 S)- p-hydroxyphenethyl 2-bromo-2-methyldodeconate (1) and 7,3′-dimethoxy-5,4′-dihydroxy flavone, together with lupeol and stigmasterol were isolated from the stem bark of Citharexylum fruticosum (Verbenaceae). The structures of the compounds were established on the basis of the interpretation of NMR (1H, 13C, COSY and HMBC) spectra, as well as low and high-resolution mass spectrometric data. In this paper, we report on the structure elucidation of 1.
The Antitumor and Immunostimulating Activities of Water Soluble Polysaccharides from Radix Aconiti, Radix Aconiti Lateralis and Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii
Authors: Gao Tingting , Bi Hongtao , Ma Shuai , Lu Jingmei
Published: March 2019

In the present study, the water-soluble polysaccharides of Radix Aconiti, Radix Aconiti Lateralis and Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii, were extracted and fractionated into four fractions of each material. The FT-IR and chemical analyses indicated the water-soluble polysaccharides of the three materials were all mainly composed of starch, non-starch type α-D-glucans and pectic polysaccharides with different molecular weight distributions and monosaccharide composition ratios. The antitumor assay showed that all the non-starch type polysaccharide fractions had good antitumor activities, and the tumor growth inhibition ratios were 37.24-70.42%. Specifically the inhibition ratios of pectic polysaccharides were over 60%. Moreover, the immunological tests using the Cyclophosphamide (Cy) induced immunosuppressive mice, including phagocytosis of macrophage, NK cell activity, concanavalin A (ConA)-induced T-cell proliferation, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced B-cell proliferation, quantitative haemolysis of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and dinitro-fluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response assays, exhibited that all the non-starch type polysaccharides, especially the pectic polysaccharide fractions, not only had remarkable immunostimulating activities including nonspecific immunity, cellular immunity and humoral immunity, but also could restore the antitumor drug-suppressed immune function. Therefore, the polysaccharides from Aconitum species might be conveniently exploited to be good immune stimulating modifiers and had the potential to apply in the tumor therapy.
Acaricidal Activity against Tetranychus urticae and Chemical Composition of Peel Essential Oils of Three Citrus Species Cultivated in NE Brazil
Authors: Júnior Claudio Pereira Araújo , Gomes da Camara Claudio Augusto , Neves Ilzenayde Araújo , de Carvalho Ribeiro Nicolle , Gomes Cristianne Araújo , Martins de Moraes Marcílio , de Sousa Botelho Priscilla
Published: March 2019

The repellency and fumigant toxicities of the peel essential oils of Citrus sinensis var. pêra (LP), C. sinensis var. mimo ( LM), and C. aurantium ( LL) cultivated in northeast Brazil were evaluated against Tetranychus urticae. Analysis of the oils by GC and GC/MS led to the identification of twenty-eight components, which represented 99.9%, 99.7% and 99.3% of the total constituents of the LP, LM and LL oils, respectively. Limonene was the main component found in all three oils. Other main components were α-pinene (1.5% in LP; 1.4% in LM), myrcene (5.7% in LP; 5.9% in LM and 5.6% in LL) and linalool (2.4% in LP; 2.3% in LM and 3.9% in LL). The best repellency action was observed for LM at 2.0%, followed by LL oil and eugenol, both of them at 2.5%. The Citrus oils were less active than eugenol (LC50 = 0.004 μL/L air) and phosphine, which revealed 100% mortality at 2×10−3g/L (66.7% of the recommended dose). However, the most potent fumigant toxicity was found with LL oil, with an LC50 value of 1.63 μL/L air, followed by the oils from LM and LP with LC50 values of 2.22 μL/L air and 4.63 μL/L air, respectively. The associated fumigant and repellent properties of these Citrus peel oils, particularly those of C. aurantium and C. senensis var. mimo, could be used to advantage for the control of T. urticae.
Toxicity of Non-protein Amino Acids to Humans and Domestic Animals
Authors: Nunn Peter B. , Bell E. Arthur , Watson Alison A. , Nash Robert J.
Published: March 2019

Non-protein amino acids are common in plants and are present in widely consumed animal feeds and human foods such as alfalfa ( Medicago sativa), which contains canavanine, and lentil ( Lens culinaris), which contains homoarginine. Some occur in wild species that are inadvertently harvested with crop species. Some nonprotein amino acids and metabolites can be toxic to humans, e.g. Lathyrus species contain a neurotoxic oxalyl-amino acid. Some potential toxins may be passed along a food chain via animal intermediates. The increased interest in herbal medicines in the Western countries will increase exposure to such compounds.
Suppression of Nitric Oxide Implicated in the Protective Effect of Echinacoside on H2O2-Induced PC12 Cell Injury
Authors: Kuang Rong , Sun Yiguo , Zheng Xiaoxiang
Published: March 2019

We investigated whether suppression of nitric oxide (NO) implicated in the protective effect of echinacoside (ECH), a phenylethanoid glycoside, on H2O2-induced injury to the rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12 cells). Data show that application of ECH to H2O2-injured PC12 cells (HIPCs) increased cell viability and decreased the necrotic ratio. Laser scanning confocal microscopic (LSCM) analysis suggested that ECH exerted an inhibitory effect on the formation of NO. In addition, RT-PCR analysis revealed that ECH down-regulated p65 and iNOS mRNA expressions in HIPCs. In summary, suppression of NO is related to the protective effect of ECH on HIPCs.
Chemical Changes during Fermentation of Abhayarishta and its Standardization by HPLC-DAD
Authors: Lal Uma Ranjan , Tripathi Shailendra Mani , Jachak Sanjay M. , Bhutan Kamlesh Kumar , Singh Inder Pal
Published: March 2019

Abhayarishta is an Ayurvedic formulation prepared traditionally by the fermentation of the decoction of Terminalia chebula (pericarp), Vitis vinifera (fruits), Embelia ribes (fruits) and Madhuca indica (flowers). In the present communication, chemical changes occurring during fermentation in Abhayarishta have been studied for the purpose of its standardization. An HPLC-DAD method for quantitative estimation of selected marker constituents in the formulation has been developed and validated. A comparison of decoction and final processed formulation revealed that major polyphenolics (chebulagic and chebulinic acid) of T. chebula were hydrolyzed to their respective monomers and, consequently, there was an increase in the amount of chebulic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid and ethyl gallate after fermentation. 5-Hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF) was also found in the formulation. Thus, emphasis is laid upon consideration of processing methods of formulation which has been lacking in the standardization of most of Ayurvedic formulations.
GC-MS Analysis, Antibacterial Activity and Genotoxic Property of Erigeron mucronatus Essential Oil
Authors: Awen Bahlul Z. , Unnithan C. Ramachandra , Ravi Subban , Lakshmanan Akoni J.
Published: March 2019

GC-MS analysis of the hydrodistilled oil of Erigeron mucronatus DC was carried out, after the separation of a crystalline compound, lachnophyllum cumulene. Twenty-four components were identified. The oil contained 59.6% sesquiterpenoids, 16.1% monoterpenoids and 24.3% polyacetylenic esters. Among the mono and sesquiterpenoids, limonene (10.3%) and caryophyllenes (11.4%) were the major constituents. The essential oil also revealed the unusual presence of both cis (8.3%) and trans (1.1%) methyl lachnophyllum esters. Seasonal variation in the yield of E. mucronatus oil was observed. The yield varied from 0.49 to 0.58%, being highest during the rainy season. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using a method based on zones of inhibition; the oil exhibited maximum anti- bacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, but moderate activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Genotoxicity of the oil was determined in AB blood serum at different concentrations and hours of exposure. The antibacterial activity of the oil and its insignificant genotoxicity at low concentrations make the oil a good candidate as a curative agent.
Nepetalactone Content and Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oils from Different Parts of Nepeta persica
Authors: Shafaghat Ali , Oji Khodamali
Published: March 2019

The essential oils from the flower, leaf, stem and root of Nepeta persica Boiss., analyzed by GC and GC/MS, were shown to contain 4aβ,7α,7aβ-nepetalactone (58.5%, 62.3%, 66.2% and 27.1%, respectively), and 4aα,7α,7aβ-nepetalactone (33.0%, 28.3%, 24.9% and 7.6%, respectively). The other main component of the flower and stem oils was α-pinene (3.6% and 4.4%) and of the leaf oil β-ocimene (3.6%). In the root oil, other main constituents were α-pinene (40.4%), α-amorphene (5.3%), γ-cadinene (2.9%), and cis-calamenene (2.5%). Nepetalactone was the major component of the flower, leaf and stem oils, which are thus important sources of nepetalactone. Antibacterial activities of the flower, leaf, stem and root oils were evaluated using the microdilution broth method. Inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Enterococcus faecalis were recorded. The flower, leaf, stem, and root oils had difference activities against the test microorganisms. The antibacterial property of the essential oils might be ascribed to their high content of nepetalactone isomers.
Chemical Composition and Antiradical Activity of the Essential Oil from Satureja intricata, S. obovata and their Hybrid Satureja x delpozoi
Authors: Jordán María J. , Sánchez-Gómez P. , Jiménez Juan F. , Quílez María , Sotomayor José A.
Published: March 2019

Satureja x delpozoi is a hybrid found in southeastern Spain, in a population in which both parents S. intrincata and S. obovata are found together. This work presents for the first time the volatile profile and antioxidant activity of the essential oils of this hybrid. The volatile profile of the essential oils from S. x delpozoi underlines the hybrid character of these plants since the p-cymene, γ-terpinene, camphor and thymol concentrations in hybrid 1, and the same components, along with α-terpineol concentrations in hybrid 2, showed intermediate values with respect to the values observed in the parents. As regards the antioxidant capacity, the phenolic content of S. intrincata resulted in its essential oil having the greatest activity against the DPPH. and ABTS+ radicals. Both hybrids showed low activity against these radicals, although S. obovata showed none. On the bases of their essential oil composition and antioxidant capacity, these results corroborate the hybrid character of these two S. x delpozoi plants.
Constituents of Calamintha ashei: Effects on Florida Sandhill Species
Authors: Menelaou Marios A. , Henandez Hidelisa P. , Macías Francisco A. , Weidenhamer Jeffrey D. , Williamson G. Bruce , Fronczek Frank R. , Fischer Helga D. , Fischer Nikolaus H.
Published: March 2019

Chemical constituents of the perennial shrub Calamintha ashei have been characterized as part of our investigation of the allelopathic properties of this plant. Besides the known monoterpenes, (+)-evodone, (-)-calaminthone and (+)-desacetylcalaminthone, fresh aerial parts of C. ashei provided six new menthofurans, two new germacrane sesquiterpenes, and the six, known flavonoids: 5-desmethoxynobiletin, 5-hydroxy-6,7,8,4′-tetramethoxyflavone, 5,4′-dihydroxy-6,7,8,3′-tetra-methoxyflavone, thymonin, 5,4′-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavone and 6-hydroxy-7,3′-dimethoxyluteolin. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and comparison of their 1H NMR spectra with those of structurally related compounds. The molecular structures of (+)-evodone, 5-desmethoxynobiletin (5-hydroxy-6,7,8,3′,4′-pentamethoxyflavone) and the triacetate of thymonin (7,8,3′-trimethoxy-5,6,4′-triacetoxyflavone), were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Saturated aqueous solutions of menthofuran, (+)-evodone, (-)-calaminthone, (+)-desacetylcalaminthone, 4α,5β–diacetoxymenthofuran, as well as mixtures of (+)-evodone and (+)-desacetylcalaminthone inhibited the germination and root growth of Schizachyrium scoparium and Leptochloa dubia, two native Florida sandhill grasses, as well as Lactuca sativa. (+)-Evodone and (+)-desacetylcalaminthone were the most active. 5-Hydroxy-6,7,8,3′,4′-pentamethoxyflavone and 5,4′-dihydroxy-6,7,8,3′-tetramethoxyflavone and mixtures of the two flavonoids in aqueous as well as in saturated aqueous solutions of ursolic acid were tested on the same species, but showed no significant activity.
Prenylated Pterocarpanes from Erythrina melanacantha
Authors: Hauschild Wera , Mutiso Patrick B. Chalo , Passreiter Claus M.
Published: March 2019

The stem bark of Erythrina melanacantha ssp. melanacantha Taub. ex Harms. afforded one new and five known prenylated pterocarpanes (phaseollin, isoneorautenol, erybraedin A, phaseollidin, and homoedudiol). The new compound was identified as 2’,3’-epoxy-homoedudiol [3-hydroxy-8-(3,3-dimethyl-oxiranyl-methyl)pterocarpane]. All structures were elucidated by interpretation of their 1D and 2D NMR spectra.
Triterpene Saponins from the Fruits of Phytolacca rugosa (Phytolaccaceae)
Authors: Elier Galarraga M. , Mitaine-Offer Anne-Claire , Amaro-Luis Juan Manuel , Miyamoto Tomofumi , Pouységu Laurent , Quideau Stéphane , Rojas Luis B. , Lacaille-Dubois Marie-Aleth
Published: March 2019

Four known serjanic acid glycosides were isolated from the fruits of Phytolacca rugosa and characterized mainly by 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. This aglycon has a chemotaxonomic significance for the genus Phytolacca.
Constituents of Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction and its Parent Herbal Medicines Determined by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Xu Fengguo , Liu Ying , Song Rui , Dong Haijuan , Zhang Zunjian
Published: March 2019

Da-Cheng-Qi decoction (DCQD) is a purgative prescription used in China and East Asia. To profile the constituents of this complex traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a high-performance liquid chromatographic, electrospray ionization, tandem mass spectrometric (HPLC-ESI/MS/MS) analytical method was developed. After separation on a reversed-phase C18 analytical column using gradient elution, samples were analyzed by ESI-MS/MS in negative mode. As a result, a total of 37 compounds were detected, of which two tannins, three anthraquinones, two sennosides, five flavonoids and two lignans were unambiguously identified by comparison with standard compounds, and sixteen compounds were either tentatively identified or deduced according to their MS/MS data. The fragmentation pathways of many of the observed compounds, such as the tannins and lignans are reported for the first time. In addition, the identity of each peak in DCQD was explored by comparison with those of its three constituent herbs. The results indicated that tannins, anthraquinones and sennosides in DCQD originated from Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, flavonoids from Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, and lignans from Cortex Magnoliae officinalis. The present study provides an example of chemical constitution profiling in complex TCM systems using LC/MS/MS.
Synthesis and Insecticidal Activities of New Ether-Derivatives of Celangulin-V
Authors: Zhang Jiwen , Hu Zhaonong , Yang Hua , Wu Wenjun
Published: March 2019

In order to find new biorational pesticides, eight new 6-substituted ether derivatives of Celangulin-V were synthesized. The structures were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic and HRMS analyses. The insecticidal activities of these compounds were tested against third-instar larvae of Mythimna separata. Four derivatives (b, c, f, g) showed higher insecticidal activities than Celangulin-V, with KD50 values of 135.9, 101.33, 169.0 and 219.2 μg.g-1, respectively. However, two compounds (a, d) showed lower insecticidal activities and two (e, h) no activity. The results suggest that C-6 substitutions in these compounds are very important for their insecticidal activities. The insecticidal activities of the derivatives with two or three carbon substitutions at C-6 are higher than that of Celangulin-V showing that this compound has the potential to be a lead structure for semi-synthetic, green insecticides.
New Sesquiterpene Lactone and Other Constituents from Centaurea sulphurea (Asteraceae)
Authors: Lakhal Hichem , Boudiar Tarek , Kabouche Ahmed , Kabouche Zahia , Touzani Rachid , Bruneau Christian
Published: March 2019

Five known flavonoids (1-5) and three sesquiterpene lactones (6-8) are reported for the first time from the endemic species Centaurea sulphurea Willd. (Asteraceae). Compound 7 is a new heliangolide (6 R, 7 R, 8 S, 3' R)-8α-(3’,4’-dihydroxy-methylene-2’-butanoyloxy)-15-oxo-helianga-1(10), 4(5), 11(13)-trien-6,12-olide, named as sulphurein.
Tetranortriterpenoids from Spathelia sorbifolia (Rutaceae)
Authors: Simpson Denise S. , McLean Stewart , Reynolds William F. , Jacobs Helen
Published: March 2019

Two new tetranortriterpenoids were obtained by chromatography of the acetone extract of the wood of Spathelia sorbifolia L.; these compounds were characterized as their p-bromobenzoyl derivatives (2, 3). This extract also yielded a known tetranortriterpenoid and the chromones allopteroxylin, spatheliabischromene and anhydrosorbifolin.
A Validated Method for Standardization of the Bark of Clerodendron serratum
Authors: Gantait Arunava , Roy Payel , Nema Neelesh Kumar , Dutta Pradip Kumar , Mukherjee Pulok Kumar
Published: March 2019

Clerodendron serratum (Linn.) Moon (family: Verbenaceae) is used in Indian System of Medicine for asthma and cough. In the present study the extract of the bark of the plant was standardized using oleanolic acid as a marker. Methanolic extracts of the bark were prepared after defatting. HPTLC was used to quantify oleanolic acid in the extract. Percentage content of oleanolic acid in the methanolic extract was determined as 1.2% in contrast to the raw material at 0.058 % (Percentage yield of the extract 4.8%).
Activity of Extracts and Procesterol from Calotropis gigantea against Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Singh Shailendra , Bharti Neelam , Chugh Manoj , Naqvi Fehmida , Azam Amir
Published: March 2019

Extracts from the root bark of Calotropis gigantea were subjected to bioactivity-guided fractionation using growth inhibitory effects against Entamoeba histolytica. The n-hexane soluble portion of the chloroform extract showed in vitro antiamoebic activity against the HK-9 strain of Entamoeba histolytica. Chromatographic separation of the chloroform extract afforded the known compound, procesterol, which showed activity against E. histolytica.
Free-radical Scavenging Activity of some European Polyporales
Authors: Macáková Kateřina , Opletal Lubomír , Polášek Miroslav , Samková Věra
Published: March 2019

The ethanol extracts of 30 mushroom species from the order Polyporales were tested for their free radical scavenging activities by means of the DPPH free-radical scavenging and hydrogen peroxide-induced luminol chemiluminescence assays. In the DPPH radical scavenging test, 7 species gave EC50 values of less than 1 mg/mL. The highest activity was exhibited by Fomitopsis pinicola (0.09 mg/mL). However, in the hydrogen peroxide-induced luminol chemiluminescence assay, only 4 species had EC50 values of less than 1 mg/mL, with the highest activity being exhibited also by F. pinicola (0.26 mg/mL). When compared with known antioxidants, all the mushroom extracts exhibited relatively low activity in both assays. The free radical scavenging results appeared not to be correlated with the total phenol contents of the extracts.
In vitro Plant Regeneration from Callus of Citrus x monstruosa (Pompia), an Endemic Citrus of Sardinia
Authors: Fraternale Daniele , Giamperi Laura , Bucchini Anahi , Cara Pierpaolo , Ricci Donata
Published: March 2019

A regeneration protocol was developed from callus obtained from various explants taken from in vitro cultured seedlings (root, leaf and stem internodes) of Citrus x monstruosa. The best treatment in terms of response frequency and mean number of shoots for explants was 35.0 μM BA with 5.5 uM NAA. The best shoot regeneration was obtained with internodal stem segments cut longitudinally with the cut surface in contact with the culture medium and pre-treatment of 21 days of these explants in darkness. The best rooting of explants was obtained on half-strength MS basal medium supplemented with either NAA or IBA at 5.4 μM and 2.5 μM, respectively. Hardening of Citrus x monstruosa was accomplished in 40 days, with 95% survival rate.
Purification and Biochemical Characterization of Alkaline Serine Protease from Caesalpinia bonducella
Authors: Khan Hidayatullah , Ali Irshad , Khan Arif-ullah , Ahmed Mushtaq , Shah Zamarud , Saeed Ahmad , Naz Rubina , Mustafa Mohamad Rais , Abbasi Atiya
Published: March 2019

A high molecular weight serine protease has been purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from the seeds of Caesalpinia bonducella Flem. (Caesalpiniaceae) by the combination of size exclusion and ion exchange chromatography. About 524 fold purification was achieved with an overall recovery of 6.8%. The specific activity was found to be 86 U/mg/min at pH 8.0. The calculated Km and Vmax were 1.66 mg/mL and 496.68 units/min per mg of protein, respectively. The molecular mass was estimated to be about 63 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate PAGE. The enzyme showed optimum activity at pH 8.0 and exhibited its highest activity at 40°C. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by 2mM phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), suggesting the presence of a serine residue at the active site. PMSF showed a pure competitive type of inhibition with the serine protease enzyme. It was observed that enzyme activity was enhanced in the presence of dications and was active against a variety of modified substrates and natural proteins.
The Volatile Constituents of Salvia leucantha
Authors: Rojas Luis B. , Visbal Tomas , Morillo Marielba , de Rojas Yndra Cordero , Arzola Juan Carmona , Usubillaga Alfredo
Published: March 2019

Salvia leucantha Cav. (Lamiaceae), native to Mexico, is found in Venezuela in parks and gardens. Hydrodistillation of the fresh leaves of this plant yielded 0.05% of essential oil. GC and GC/MS analyses permitted the identification of 30 compounds, which made up 95.9% of the oil. The most abundant constituents were bornyl acetate (24.1%), β-gurjunene (14.8%), β-caryophyllene (14.1%), dillapiol (11.0%) and bicyclogermacrene (8.9%).
Chemical Investigations of Essential Oils from Endemic Cupressaceae Trees from New Caledonia
Authors: Lebouvier Nicolas , Menut Chantal , Hnawia Edouard , Illinger Audrey , Cabalion Pierre , Nour Mohammed
Published: March 2019

The volatile components obtained by hydrodistillation of leaves of C. neocaledonica Dummer, C. sulcata (Parlatore) Schlechter and N. pancheri (Carrière) de Laubenfels from New Caledonia were investigated for the first time by a combination of GC and GC–MS analysis, and compared with the heartwood oil compositions of the three species. The essential oils from C. sulcata and C. neocaledonica leaves contain a majority of monoterpenes while the leaf oil of N. pancheri is characterized by a high level of sesquiterpenoids. On the basis of the sesquiterpenoid composition of the wood- and leaf oils, N. pancheri is closely related to both New Caledonian Callitris spp. However, C. sulcata and C. neocaledonica oils remain distinct from N. pancheri and the Australian Callitris oils by the presence of compounds biosynthetically related to the bisabolyl cation, mainly barbatenes and thujopsene.
Constituents, Antileishmanial Activity and Toxicity Profile of Volatile Oil from Berries of Croton macrostachyus
Authors: Tariku Yinebeb , Hymete Ariaya , Hailu Asrat , Rohloff Jens
Published: March 2019

The chemical composition of the volatile oil from berries of Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Del. was determined by GC and GC/MS. The oil was tested for its in vitro antileishmanial activity on two Leishmania strains, and its toxicity on the human monocytic leukemia (THP-1) cell line and erythrocytes from sheep blood. The main constituents of the oil were benzyl benzoate (51.8%), linalool (10.1%), γ-muurolene (9.3%), ( E,E)-α-farnesene (3.2%), δ-cadinene (2.8%) and α-curcumene (2.7%). The oil was effective against L. donovani and L. aethiopica promastigotes (MIC = 0.08 μL/mL and 0.16 μL/mL, respectively) and axenic amastigote stages (EC50 = 20.00 nL/mL and 6.66 nL/mL, respectively). The CC50 value for the oil was 10.00 nL/mL on THP-1 cells with selectivity index values of 0.5 for L. donovani and 1.5 for L. aethiopica. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of the oil was 2.45 μL/mL. Thus the observed high efficacy and moderate toxicity of the volatile oil from C. macrostachyus, makes the plant a promising source of new lead compounds in the search for safe and effective antileishmanial drugs.
Triterpene Saponins from Cyclamen persicum
Authors: Mihci-Gaidi Ghezala , Pertuit David , Miyamoto Tomofumi , Mirjolet Jean-François , Duchamp Olivier , Mitaine-Offer Anne-Claire , Lacaille-Dubois Marie-Aleth
Published: March 2019

A new triterpene saponin 3- O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-16α-hydroxy-13β,28-epoxy-oleanan-30-al (1), along with four known triterpene glycosides (2-5) were isolated from Cyclamen persicum. Their structures were characterized by a combination of 1D- and 2D-NMR (1H-1H COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, HSQC, and HMBC) and MS spectrocopic data. The cytotoxicity of compounds 2 and 4 was evaluated using two human colon cancer cell lines HT-29 and HCT 116.
Preparative Separation of Four Major Bufadienolides from the Chinese Traditional Medicine, Chansu, Using High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography
Authors: Xin Xiu Lan , Liu Junying , Ma Xiao Chi , Wei Qing , Lv Li , Wang Chang Yuan , Yao Ji Hong , Cui Jian
Published: March 2019

A preparative, high-speed, counter-current chromatographic (HSCCC) method for the isolation and purification of bufadienolides from Chansu was successfully developed by using stepwise elution with a two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane: chloroform: methanol: water (4:1:2.5:5 and 4:1:4:5, v/v). A total of 7.5 mg of cinobufotalin (1), 8.0 mg of bufalin (2), 14.0 mg of cinobufagin (3) and 9.5 mg of resibufogenin (4) were obtained in a one-step separation from 80 mg of the crude extract with purities of 93.2%, 98.7%, 99.2%, and 99.4%, respectively. The chemical structures were determined from 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic data.
In Vitro Testing for Genotoxicity of Indigo Naturalis Assessed by Micronucleus Test
Authors: Dominici Luca , Cerbone Barbara , Villarini Milena , Fatigoni Cristina , Moretti Massimo
Published: March 2019

In the field of cosmetic dyes, used for coloring the hair and skin, there is a clear tendency to replace the widely used synthetic dyes by natural colorants, such as henna and mixtures of henna with indigo. The aim of this study was to estimate the genotoxicity of water and DMSO solutions of indigo naturalis (prepared from Indigofera tinctoria leaves) using the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay in the human metabolically active HepG2 cell line. The cytotoxic effects of indigo solutions were first assessed by propidium iodide and fluorescein-diacetate simultaneous staining. For both solutions, cytotoxicity was always under 10%. Data obtained in the CBMN assay (for all concentrations tested) indicated that the frequency of MN (micronuclei) in exposed cells was no higher than the control. Both the water and DMSO solutions showed the same behavior. These results indicate that indigo naturalis exhibits neither cytotoxicity, nor genotoxicity for all concentrations tested, which may justify excluding indigofera and its components from the list of carcinogenic agents.
Spartinoxide, a New Enantiomer of A82775C with Inhibitory Activity toward HLE from the Marine-derived Fungus Phaeosphaeria spartinae
Authors: Elsebai Mahmoud Fahmi , Kehraus Stefan , Gütschow Michael , König Gabriele M.
Published: March 2019

The fungus Phaeosphaeria spartinae is an endophyte of the marine alga Ceramium sp. Investigation of this marine-derived fungus led to the isolation of spartinoxide (1), which is the enantiomer of the known compound A82775C (2). Additionally, the known metabolites 4-hydroxy-3-prenyl-benzoic acid (4) and anofinic acid (5) were obtained. The structures of all compounds were established from extensive spectroscopic investigations. Compounds 1, 4 and 5 were assayed against the enzymes human leukocyte elastase (HLE), trypsin, acetylcholinesterase and cholesterolesterase. Compounds 1 and 4 showed potent inhibition of HLE with IC50 values of 1.71 ± 0.30 μg/mL (6.5 μM) and 1.67 ± 0.32 μg/mL (8.1 μM), respectively.
The First Total Synthesis of Aspergillusol A, an α-Glucosidase Inhibitor
Authors: Ullah Nisar , Haladu Shamsuddeen A.
Published: March 2019

The first total synthesis of aspergillusol A, an α-glucosidase inhibitor, was accomplished in an overall high yielding reaction sequence. A convergent synthetic approach was adopted; the erythritol segment of the molecule was derived from L-arabinose, whereas hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid oxime was built up from 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde.
Chemical Composition of Fatty Acid and Unsaponifiable Fractions of Leaves, Stems and Roots of Arbutus unedo and in vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Unsaponifiable Extracts
Authors: Dib Mohamed Amine , Paolini Julien , Bendahou Mourad , Varesi Laurent , Allali Hocine , Desjobert Jean-Marie , Tabti Boufeldja , Costa Jean
Published: March 2019

The chemical composition of the fatty acid and unsaponifiable fractions of the leaves, stems and roots of Arbutus unedo L. were determined using gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The fatty acid fractions of the leaves, stems and roots contained 38.5%, 31.3% and 14.1% palmitic acid, respectively, along with other long-chain fatty acids (up to C22). The chemical composition of the unsaponifiable fractions differed: the leaf and stem fractions contained high levels of aliphatic (32.1% and 62.6%, respectively) and terpenic compounds (49.6% and 25.7%, respectively), and the root fraction mainly contained esters, of which the most abundant was benzyl cinnamate (36.6%). The antimicrobial activities of the unsaponifiable fractions against nine species of microorganisms were assessed. The unsaponifiable leaf and stem extracts inhibited the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans.
Volatile Profiles of Artemisia alba from Contrasting Serpentine and Calcareous Habitats
Authors: Radulović Niko , Blagojević Polina
Published: March 2019

GC and GC-MS analyses of the essential oils of two populations of Artemisia alba Turra, wild-growing on calcareous and serpentine substrates, enabled the identification of 227 different components. Volatile profiles of the two samples differed significantly and only 48 components were in common to both oils. Major constituents of the oils were as follows: germacrene D (38.3%) in the serpentinophyte A. alba (sometimes regarded as A. alba ssp. saxatilis or A. saxatilis) oil and spathulenol (11.8%), artemisia ketone (10.1%), camphor (7.5%) and 1,8-cineole (7.4%) in A. alba (from calcareous habitat) oil. The noted differences were observable on the class level as well: with 73% the sesquiterpenoids (48.2% hydrocarbons, 24.5% oxygen or sulfur containing) were the most abundant compound class in A. saxatilis oil, while the other oil was dominated by monoterpenoids, comprising ca. 60% of the oil (2.1% hydrocarbons and 54.7% oxygenated). Additionally, the serpentinophyte yielded ca. four times less essential oil. These results pointed out to the fact that the type of substrate (soil) could have an important influence on the biosynthesis of A. alba volatiles (genetically predetermined or environmental), especially in the case of populations grown on serpentine rock, characterized by a deficiency of water and indispensable mineral elements.
Volatile Constituents of Two Rare Subspecies of Thymus praecox
Authors: Vidic Danijela , Ćavar Sanja , Šolić Marija Edita , Maksimović Milka
Published: March 2019

Hydrodistilled essential oil and the corresponding headspace volatiles of Bosnian wild growing Thymus praecox ssp. polytrichus (A. Kern. Ex Borbàs) Jalas and Thymus praecox ssp. skorpilii (Velen.) Jalas were subjected to capillary GC-MS analysis. This work presents a detailed essential oil analysis of these two rare Thymus subspecies from Bosnia, as well as the very first report on their headspace composition. Eighty-seven volatile constituents were identified in four samples. Two alcohols were the major constituents in the essential oil of T. praecox ssp. polytrichus, a monoterpene, linalool (13.9%), and a sesquiterpene, ( E)-nerolidol (10.4%), while linalyl acetate (36.7%) and linalool (22.7%) were the most abundant volatiles in the corresponding headspace sample. Oxygenated monoterpenes (57.5%) predominate in the essential oil of T. praecox ssp. skorpilii with linalyl acetate (28.7%) and linalool (14.4%) as the main representatives. Headspace sample of this subspecies also showed richness in linalyl acetate (52.4%), while the second most abundant compound was α-pinene (14.5%), a monoterpene hydrocarbon.
Antiproliferative and Cytotoxic Effects on Malignant Melanoma Cells of Essential Oils from the Aerial Parts of Genista sessilifolia and G. tinctoria
Authors: Rigano Daniela , Russo Alessandra , Formisano Carmen , Cardile Venera , Senatore Felice
Published: March 2019

Genista species (family Leguminosae) show interesting biological properties. In this paper we describe the biological activity of the essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of G. sessilifolia DC. and G. tinctoria L. against M14 human melanoma cells, testing several biochemical parameters, such as cell vitality, cell membrane integrity and genomic DNA fragmentation. In addition, we report for the first time the study of the composition of the essential oil obtained from G. tinctoria. The most abundant components of the oil were carbonylic compounds such as ( E)-β-ionone (9.1%), dihydroactinidiolide (7.3%), nonanal (5.1%) and hexahydrofarnesylacetone (4.3%). The essential oils from aerial parts of both G. sessilifolia and G. tinctoria showed interesting potential anticancer activity, suggesting the presence of active compounds.
Composition and Antimicrobial and Anti-wood-decay Fungal Activities of the Leaf Essential Oils of Machilus pseudolongifolia from Taiwan
Authors: Ho Chen-Lung , Liao Pei-Chun , Hsu Kuang-Ping , Wang Eugene I-Chen , Dong Wei-Chih , Su Yu-Chang
Published: March 2019

The hydrodistillated leaf essential oil of Machilus pseudolongifolia was analyzed to determine its composition and yield. Seventy compounds were identified, the main components being β-eudesmol (26.8%), α-cadinol (20.8%), viridiflorene (8.9%), α-caryophyllene (5.3%), globulol (4.6%) and β-caryophyllene (4.2%). Oxygenated sesquiterpenes (60.1%) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (31.4%) were the predominant groups of compounds. The leaf oil exhibited excellent antimicrobial and anti-wood-decay fungal activities.
Anti-Herpetic Activities of Chemical Components from the Brazilian Red Alga Plocamium Brasiliense
Authors: Ferreira Wilton José , Amaro Rodrigo , Cavalcanti Diana Negrão , de Rezende Claudia Moraes , Galvão da Silva Viveca Antonia Giongo , Barbosa Juliana Eymara , de Palmer Paixão Izabel Christina Nunes , Teixeira Valéria Laneuville
Published: March 2019

The CH2Cl2 crude extract and a fraction enriched with halogenated monoterpenes of the Brazilian red alga Plocamium brasiliense were evaluated for cytotoxicity and against the virus HSV-1. The extract showed low cytotoxicity compared with the fraction containing monoterpenes. The crude extract showed, in vitro, a high reduction of infectivity of the virus HSV-1.
Triterpenes from Protium Hebetatum Resin
Authors: Marques Delcio Dias , Graebner Ilmar Bernardo , de Lemos Telma Leda Gomes , Machado Luciana Lucas , Assunção Jõao Carlos Costa , Monte Francisco José Queiroz
Published: March 2019

Three olean (β-amyrenone, β-amyrin and maniladiol), three ursane (α-amyrinone, α-amyrin and breine) and four tirucallane (3-oxotirucalla-8,24-dien-21-óic acid, 3α-hydroxytirucalla-8,24-dien-21-oic acid, 3α-acetoxytirucalla-8,24-dien-21-oic acid and 3α-hydroxytirucalla-7,24-dien-21-oic acid) triterpenes were isolated from the oleoresin of Protium hebetatum Daly. The structures were established mainly by 13C, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis. The isolation of 3α-hydroxytirucalla-8,24-dien-21-oic acid permitted correction of the chemical shift assignments of some of its carbon atoms.
A Short Stereoselective Synthesis of Racemic 2-Epicalvine
Authors: Moosa Basem A. , Ali Shaikh A.
Published: March 2019

The cycloaddition reaction of 6-pentyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine 1-oxide with butyl vinyl ether was used as a key step in the short stereoselective racemic synthesis of ladybird beetle alkaloid, 2-epicalvine. The cycloadduct was subjected to quaternization with 2-bromoethanol, followed by ring opening and lactonization to afford the natural product in a one-pot reaction.
Analysis of Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids from Zephyranthes Robusta by GC-MS and Their Cholinesterase Activity
Authors: Cahlíková Lucie , Kulhánková Andrea , Urbanová Klára , Valterová Irena , Macáková Kateřina , Kuneš Jiří
Published: March 2019

From the bulbs of Zephyranthes robusta Baker (Amaryllidaceae), seven known compounds, belonging to four structural types of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, were identified and quantified by GC-MS. The alkaloid extract from the bulbs showed promising acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities against HuAChE (IC50 = 35.9 ± 3.5 μg/mL) and HuBuChE (IC50 = 190.9 ± 8.2 μg/mL).
A New Biflavonyloxymethane from Pongamia Pinnata
Authors: Ghosh Anindita , Mandal Suvra , Banerji Avijit , Banerji Julie
Published: March 2019

The root bark of Pongamia pinnata Pierre Syn Pongamia glabra (Family: Fabaceae) has afforded a new biflavonyloxymethane, karanjabiflavone, along with a known furanoflavone, pongapin. The structure of this new biflavonyloxymethane was elucidated from extensive spectral studies including 2D-NMR experiments. Both of these compounds possess antioxidant activity.
Liquiritigenin Derivatives and Their Hepatotoprotective Activity
Authors: Gaur Rashmi , Kumar Sunil , Trivedi Priyanka , Bhakuni Rajendra Singh , Bawankule Dnyaneshwar Umrao , Pal Anirban , Shanker Karuna
Published: March 2019

Liquiritigenin (7,4’-dihydroxyflavanone), isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza Glabra, was derivatized to liquiritigenin 7, 4’-diacetate, liquiritigenin 4’-acetate, isoliquiritigenin, and liquiritigenin 7, 4’-dibenzoate. All these derivatives were evaluated for in vitro hepatoprotective activity against D-galactosamine–lipopolysaccharide(GalN/LPS) induced toxicity. In-vitro hepatotoxicity was manifested by a significant increase ( P < 0.05) in liver toxicity biomarkers (SGPT, SGOT, ALKP, triglyceride, LPO, NO and LDH). The level of biomarkers in the treatment groups was significantly decreased ( P< 0.05) when compared with the GalN/LPS group. The results revealed that isoliquiritigenin exhibited better hepatoprotective activity than liquiritigenin and its derivatives.