bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell Aggregates Derived from Natural Lichen Thallus Fragments: Antioxidant Activities of Lichen Metabolites Developed in Vitro
Authors: Verma Neeraj , Behera Bhaskar C , Sonone Anjali , Makhija Urmila
Published: March 2019

Cell aggregates composed of mycobiont and photobiont derived from three lichen species, Arthothelium awasthii, Heterodermia podocarpa and Parmotrema tinctorum, were grown in Lilly-Barnett (LB) and Modified Bold's Basal (MBB) media for one year under laboratory conditions. Results are presented on growth rate, production of barbatic acid, zeorin and lecanoric acid, and the antioxidant potential of extracts prepared with different solvents and of the partially purified substances. The growth rate of the cell aggregates of the three species was found to be more or less similar in the LB and MBB media. The production of lichen substances by the three species was found to vary in both media. The dried, soluble extract yield found from the solvents was in the order of n-hexane > chloroform > ethyl acetate > acetone > methanol > DMSO. The antioxidant activities showed by barbatic acid, zeorin and lecanoric acid was highest at a concentration of 50 μg / mL.
Essential Oil Composition of the Aerial Parts of Bupleurum Candollii
Authors: Joshi Rajesh K. , Pande Chitra
Published: March 2019

The essential oil composition of the aerial parts of Bupleurum candollii Wall. ex DC. was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. A total of 19 compounds have been identified, representing 91.8% of the total oil. The main constituents were identified as β-caryophyllene (34.1%), caryophyllene oxide (20.7%), dehydro-aromadendrene (7.6%) and thymol methyl ether (7.2%).
Essential Oils of Dennettia Tripetala Bak. f. Stem Bark and Leaf – Constituents and Biological Activities
Authors: Gbolade Adebayo A. , Arcoraci Teresita , D'Arrigo Manuela , Olorunmola Francis O. , Biondi Daniela M. , Ruberto Giuseppe
Published: March 2019

The essential oil from the stem bark and leaves of Dennettia tripetala Bak. f. (Annonaceae) growing wild in Ondo State, Nigeria, has been characterized by combined gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC- MS) analyses. Overall, thirty-six components have been fully identified, thirty-two in the stem-bark oil, and only seven in the leaf oil. In both oils, 2-phenylnitroethane was the main component, ranging between 70 – 76% of the total oils. The profile of the stem bark oil was characterized by a large number of sesquiterpenes, whereas among the few components in the leaf oil, linalool reaches over 17%. When both oils were assayed for antimicrobial activity, only Staphylococcus aureus was susceptible to the stem-bark oil which was more active than leaf oil. For protective effects against UV radiation–induced peroxidation in phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes, stem-bark oil also showed greater effectiveness. Activity of the leaf oil against Trichomonas gallinae, was also remarkable.
Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial and Antiradical Properties of the Essential Oils of Seseli Globiferum Fruits
Authors: Stojković Dejan , Glamočlija Jasmina , Soković Marina , Grubišić Dragoljub , Petrović Silvana , Kukić Jelena , Ristić Mihailo
Published: March 2019

The chemical composition and antimicrobial and antiradical activities of the essential oils isolated from unripe and ripe fruits of S. globiferum Vis. (Apiaceae) have been determined. The most abundant constituent in the essential oils of unripe and ripe fruits was sabinene (53.1% and 65.3%), followed by γ-terpinene (7.7% and 6.6%), α-pinene (7.2% and 4.4%), and β-phellandrene (5.0% and 4.9%). Antibacterial and antifungal properties of these oils were evaluated using a modified microdilution technique. Scavenging activity was determined by the DPPH radical assay. The essential oils exhibited significant antimicrobial, but low antiradical activity.
1968–2008: 40 Years of Franco F. Vincieri's Natural Products Research
Authors: Bilia Anna Rita
Published: March 2019

This paper presents an overview of Prof. Vincieri's accomplishments in his career as a researcher in the field of pharmacognosy (pharmaceutical biology), analytical phytochemistry and pharmaceutical technology applied to herbal drug preparations at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Florence. This article is a recognition of his valuable contributions to these research fields, especially for his outstanding and innovative interdisciplinary studies on the quality control of herbal drugs, herbal drug preparations, herbal medicinal products, botanical food supplements, and some “special foods” such as grapes, wines, olives and olive oil.
Effects of Terpenoids from Salvia Willeana in Delayed-type Hypersensitivity, Human Lymphocyte Proliferation and Cytokine Production
Authors: Vonaparti Anna , Karioti Anastasia , Recio María C. , Máñez Salvador , Ríos José L. , Skaltsa Eleani , Giner Rosa M.
Published: March 2019

The effect of the lipophilic extract of S. willeana and three terpenoids isolated therefrom, camphor, lupeol and oleanolic acid, on oxazolone-induced hypersensitivity was evaluated. The extract reduced the ear edema by 46% at 24 h after challenge. All three terpenoids inhibited the edema and suppressed cytokines release at different rates. Lupeol inhibited the swelling by over 50% and reduced the production of IL-1β by 62%. Camphor caused inhibition of the efferent phase (45% inhibition at 72 h) and the levels of IL-1β, IL-4 and TNF-α (around 80% inhibition). Oleanolic acid diminished moderately the reaction and the levels of IL-4 and TNF-α. We also demonstrated that the three terpenoids inhibited human T-lymphocytes proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner and induced their apoptosis. Thus, these terpenoids could be considered anti-inflammatory constituents of S. willeana.
Characterization of By-products of Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.) Production
Authors: Vignolini Pamela , Heimler Daniela , Pinelli Patrizia , Ieri Francesca , Sciullo Arturo , Romani Annalisa
Published: March 2019

The stigma, stamens and sepals of Crocus sativus L,. from two different geographical origins, were analyzed for their crocin and flavonol contents. Identification of crocins, safranal, picrocrocin, and flavonols was carried out by HPLC/DAD and HPLC/MS analysis. Both stigma samples, grown under natural conditions, exhibited high crocin contents (between 342 and 231 mg/g), while the stamens and sepals were rich in flavonols (between 6 and 10 mg/g). The stamens contain mainly kaempferol- 3-O-sophoroside, whereas the sepals contain mainly quercetin and methyl-quercetin glycosides. These data may be useful in order to find a possible exploitation of the by-products of saffron production, in which large quantities of C. sativus flowers are available.
Antitrypanosomal and Antileishmanial Activities of Organic and Aqueous Extracts of Artemisia Annua
Authors: Bilia Anna Rita , Kaiser Marcel , Vincieri Franco Francesco , Tasdemir Deniz
Published: March 2019

Artemisia annua is an herbal drug with profound antimalarial activity, which can be ascribed to the sesquiterpene lactone artemisinin. Artemisinin also shows efficacy against other parasitic protozoan species, such as Trypanosoma and Leishmania, however trypanocidal and leishmanicidal effects of A. annua extracts have not been reported so far. In the current study, we evaluated the in vitro growth inhibitory activity of a number of organic and aqueous A. annua extracts, including tinctures, infusions and decoctions against three parasitic protozoa, T. brucei rhodesiense, T. cruzi and L. donovani. Artemisinin content of these extracts was determined by HPLC/DAD/MS. Artemisinin was also evaluated for its antiparasitic activity for comparison. Among the tested extracts, the acetone- and the n-hexane-solubles of A. annua were the most potent against T. b. rhodesiense with IC50 values of 0.30 and 0.455 μg/mL, respectively, whereas the other extracts were ten- to fifty-fold less potent. Neither of the extracts nor artemisinin had trypanocidal activity against T. cruzi (IC50 > 30 μg/mL). Only the organic extracts of A. annua arrested the growth of L. donovani with modest IC50 values (5.1 to 9.0 μg/mL) comparable to that of artemisinin (IC50 8.8 μg/mL). This study highlights significant variations in the artemisinin content of A. annua extracts and underlines the potential of A. annua extracts and artemisinin in the treatment of trypanosomal and leishmanial infections.
Secondary Metabolites from the Roots of Salvia Palaestina Bentham
Authors: Vassallo Antonio , Bader Ammar , Braca Alessandra , Bisio Angela , Rastrelli Luca , De Simone Francesco , De Tommasi Nunziatina
Published: March 2019

Two new sesquiterpenes (1–2), and one diterpene (3) were isolated from the roots of Salvia palaestina Bentham (Lamiaceae), together with eight known diterpenes and two triterpenes. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, including 1D-TOCSY, DQF-COSY, ROESY, HSQC, and HMBC experiments, as well as ESIMS and chemical analysis.
HPLC-DAD-MS Fingerprint of Andrographis Paniculata (Burn. f.) Nees (Acanthaceae)
Authors: Arpini Sabrina , Fuzzati Nicola , Giori Andrea , Martino Emanuela , Mombelli Giacomo , Pagni Luca , Ramaschi Giuseppe
Published: March 2019

An HPLC-UV fingerprint analysis was developed for the quality evaluation of Andrographis paniculata aerial parts. HPLC-DAD-MS experiments allowed the identification of eleven diterpenes and five flavonoids. Plant material of Indian and Chinese origin was evaluated employing the developed method. The chemical fingerprints of the plant material of different origins do not show significant differences.
Comparative Analysis of Antimalarial Principles in Artemisia Annua L. Herbal Drugs from East Africa
Authors: Lapenna Silvia , Bergonzi Maria Camilla , Vincieri Franco Francesco , Bilia Anna Rita
Published: March 2019

Malaria mortality continues to increase across the world and represents the most important parasitic disease of man. Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae) has been used to treat fevers in China for over two millennia and recently the clinical efficacy of teas and decoctions derived from this species have been demonstrated, using high artemisinin-yielding plants. Therefore, it is important to verify the artemisinin levels in local cultivations in areas where malaria is endemic and to assess how different geographical and climatic conditions may affect the efficacy of traditional treatments. In this study, samples of the aerial parts of A. annua (ANAMED 3 hybrid) cultivated in three different locations in Burundi were compared for their content of active principles. Artemisinin levels in the plant materials ranged from 0.20% to 0.35%, while total flavonoid contents ranged from 0.32% to 0.80%.
In Vitro Apoptotic Bioactivity of Flavonoids from Astragalus Verrucosus Moris
Authors: Buhagiar Joseph A. , Bertoli Alessandra , Camilleri-Podesta Marie Therese , Pistelli Luisa
Published: March 2019

Six aglycone flavonoids and their corresponding glycosides: genistein and genistin, quercetin and rutin, apigenin and apigenin 7-O-β-D-(6- p-coumaroyl) glucoside, as well as the aglycone daidzein isolated from Astragalus verrucosus Moris, were tested for their apoptosis-inducing potential. In vitro techniques that monitor bioactivity through morphological and biochemical changes were carried out on HCT116 (human colon carcinoma) and MCF7 (human Caucasian breast adenocarcinoma) cancer cell lines. Dose-dependent cytotoxic effects were monitored through changes in mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity using the standard MTT assay. The median inhibitory concentration (GI50) determined from the dose-response curves showed that the aglycones apigenin and quercetin were the most bioactive (low GI50), whilst daidzein and genistein, which had not been previously tested on these cell lines, showed a smaller cytotoxic effect (high GI50). The remaining flavonoids, mostly glycosides, showed negligible cytotoxicity. Morphological changes were monitored by microscopic observation with a photographic record. Results showed important hallmarks of apoptosis, including cell rounding with reduction of cell volume, small condensed nuclei, membrane blebbing and formation of apoptotic bodies.
Qualitative Profile and Quantitative Determination of Flavonoids from Crocus Sativus L. Petals by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Montoro Paola , Tuberoso Carlo I. G. , Maldini Mariateresa , Cabras Paolo , Pizza Cosimo
Published: March 2019

From the methanolic extract of Crocus sativus petals nine known flavonoids have been isolated and identified, including glycosidic derivatives of quercetin and kaempferol as major compounds (1–2), and their methoxylated and acetylated derivatives. Additionally, LC-ESI-MS qualitative and LC-ESI-MS/MS quantitative studies of the major compounds of the methanolic extract were performed. The high content of glycosylated flavonoids could give value to C. sativus petals, which are a waste product in the production of the spice saffron.
HPLC/DAD/ESI-MS Analysis of Non-volatile Constituents of Three Brazilian Chemotypes of Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown
Authors: Timóteo Patrícia , Karioti Anastasia , Leitão Suzana G. , Vincieri Franco Francesco , Bilia Anna Rita
Published: March 2019

Aqueous preparations and ethanolic extracts of three Brazilian chemotypes of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown (Verbenaceae) were investigated for the chemical variability of their non volatile constituents by HPLC/DAD/ESI-MS analysis. The main class of compounds in all the extracts investigated was phenylpropanoids, mainly verbascoside, followed by the flavonoids tricin-7- O-diglucuronide (present in Lippia alba chemotypes 2 and 3), luteolin-7- O-glucuronide (present in L. alba chemotype 1) and mono-and di- O-glucuronic derivatives of apigenin and tricin. Four iridoids, geniposidic acid, theveside, 8- epi-loganin and mussaenoside were also identified.
(Bio)Sensor Approach in the Evaluation of Polyphenols in Vegetal Matrices
Authors: Bergonzi M. Camilla , Minunni Maria , Bilia Anna Rita
Published: March 2019

Polyphenols are compounds widely distributed in the plant kingdom and have attracted much attention, because of their health benefits and important properties such as radical scavenging, metal chelating agents, inhibitors of lipoprotein oxidation, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities. Due to their important role in the diet and in therapy, it is important to estimate their content in the different matrices of interest. Besides classical analytical methods, new emerging technologies have also appeared in the last decade aiming for simple and eventually cheap detection of polyphenols. This review focused on the recent applications of biosensing-based technologies for polyphenol estimation in vegetal matrices, using different transduction principles. These analytical tools are generally fast, giving responses in the order of a few seconds/minutes, and also very sensitive and generally selective (mainly depending on the enzyme used). Direct measurements in most of the investigated matrices were possible, both in aqueous and organic phases.
Do Non-Aromatic Labiatae Produce Essential Oil? The Case Study of Prasium Majus L
Authors: Giuliani Claudia , Pellegrino Roberto Maria , Tirillini Bruno , Bini Laura Maleci
Published: March 2019

Prasium majus L. (Labiatae, Lamioideae) is considered a typical non-aromatic plant. In this work we examined the glandular trichomes present on leaves and inflorescences and the essential oils of plants growing along the Tuscan coast of Italy. The micromorphological study evidenced different types of trichomes responsible for the essential oil production. The essential oil compositions of leaves and flowers were analyzed by GC/MS and are here reported.
Traceability of Secondary Metabolites in Eucalyptus and Fagus Wood derived Pulp and Fiber
Authors: Lamien-Meda Aline , Zitterl-Eglseer Karin , Fuchs Heidrun , Franz Chlodwig
Published: March 2019

Industrial pulp and fiber of Eucalyptus and Fagus were investigated for possible identification of secondary metabolites, using chloroform, ethanol and methanol/HCl extracts. The total phenolics test was positive with all the samples and some phenolic compounds like vanillin, vanillic acid and syringic acid were identified by HPLC analysis in the ethanol and methanol-HCl extracts. The extracts had also DPPH radical scavenging activity. Fatty acids like palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid and stearic acid, cholestane and its derivatives were found in the different extracts by GC/MS analysis. Squalene was also identified and quantified by GC/FID in the dichloromethane extracts. The results showed that the industrial pulp and fibers still contain some secondary plant products comparable to those of the original woods, which confirm the ‘botanical origin’ of the fibers and enables the natural fibers to possess some biological properties, like DPPH antioxidant activity.
Problems in Evaluating Herbal Medicinal Products
Authors: Corthout Jozef
Published: March 2019

Compared to chemical drugs, the quality control of herbal medicinal products poses many problems due to the complexity of herbal drugs, herbal drug preparations and the products themselves, and due to the use of different analytical methods (selective and non-selective) giving different results. To illustrate this, three groups of herbal medicinal products were assayed by different analytical methods: products containing St. John's wort (colorimetry and HPLC), milk thistle (spectrophotometry and HPLC) and ginkgo (HPLC). These studies show that complete and correct labeling is necessary for the evaluation of herbal medicinal products and that for the majority of plants the knowledge of the applied analytical method is essential for a proper verification of conformity.
Impurities in Herbal Substances, Herbal Preparations and Herbal Medicinal Products, IV. Heavy (Toxic) Metals
Authors: Guédon Didier , Brum Michèle , Seigneuret Jean-Marc , Bizet Danièle , Bizot Serge , Bourny Edmond , Compagnon Pierre-Albert , Kergosien Hélène , Quintelas Luis Georges , Respaud Jerôme , Saperas Olivier , Taoubi Khalil , Urizzi Pascale
Published: March 2019

The main source of available forms of heavy metals (toxic metals) for the plant kingdom is anthropogenic, resulting from diverse activities such as metallurgic processing of ore, cement plants, uncontrolled discharge of sewage sludge, burning of fossil fuels and waste incineration plants, and leaded petrol. Agricultural chemicals (e.g. phosphate fertilizers containing cadmium) may also contribute to the contamination of cultivated plants. The main threats to human health from toxic metals are associated with exposure to lead, cadmium, mercury (organic forms, especially methylmercury) and arsenic (mineral form only), which have no known vital or beneficial effect on living organisms. As their toxicity often takes years to manifest and may go unsuspected, their toxicological risk is defined on the basis of the so-called Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) values. Beside anthropogenic causes, the main factors that may lead to high levels of toxic metals in medicinal plants are their availability in the soil with soil pH as the most important parameter for uptake by the plant. Indeed, genetic features of certain plant species show a tendency to accumulate certain trace elements, especially cadmium (“cadmium collector”). A very recent revision draft of the monograph “Herbal drugs” (Ph. Eur., 1433) includes acceptance criteria for lead, cadmium and mercury. This proposal is discussed in detail, based on literature data dealing with terrestrial plants and seaweed. Additionally, the need for inclusion of tests for inorganic impurities in quality control specification is examined, based on a risk assessment. As the daily intake of food supplements is very similar to the one of herbal remedies, it would be advisable to take into account the same acceptance criteria. The specific situation has also been considered of exotic herbal remedies, particularly those of Asian origin, which have been repeatedly reported to contain toxic levels of heavy metals and/or arsenic resulting in heavy metal poisoning.
A Fresh Insight into the Interaction of Natural Products with Pregnane X Receptor
Authors: Máñez Salvador
Published: March 2019

The discovery that various drugs (e.g., phenobarbital) stimulate their own metabolism through a mechanism coined as enzymatic induction opened up a fascinating road that eventually led to the accurate biochemical characterization of the pregnane X receptor. After numerous studies, researchers have concluded that this receptor is activated by different endogenous steroids and a number of foreign lipophile ligands. Once activated, it induces the synthesis of oxygenases and conjugating enzymes. The activating ligands identified to date include many synthetic drugs, along with a number of natural products. The present review summarizes the data relating to the origin, chemistry, and pharmacological activity of the newest natural products that have been found to interact with the pregnane X receptor.
Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Boronia Pinnata Sm
Authors: MassimoCurini  , Genovese Salvatore , Menghini Luigi , Marcotullio Maria Carla , Epifano Francesco
Published: March 2019

Boronia pinnata Sm. (Rutaceae) is a plant that is widespread in New South Wales (Australia). Although there are no reports about the use of this species in the local ethnomedical traditions, recent investigations led to the characterization of several secondary metabolites, most belonging to the class of prenyloxyphenylpropanoids. Some of the compounds extracted from B. pinnata showed valuable biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory activity and in vitro inhibition of growth of Helicobacter pylori. The aim of this review is to cover what has been reported so far in the literature on the title plant from a phytochemical and pharmacological point of view.
Synthesis and Stereochemistry of Occidenol, a 4,5-Dihydro-Oxipin-Containing Sesquiterpene: A Pericyclic Approach
Authors: Marx John N. , Ajlouni Abdulaziz
Published: March 2019

The first synthesis of occidenol (1), a 4,5-dihydrooxipin-containing sesquiterpene, is reported. The stereochemistry is corrected from that postulated by Tomita and Hirose, by a synthesis starting with natural occidentalol (4), the stereochemistry of which was also initially in error. The route (schemes 1 and 2) utilizes a retro-electrocyclic [2+2+2] fragmentation with N2 expulsion from 9 to produce, quantitatively, the acid sensitive dihydrooxipin system.
Structure and Absolute Configuration of a Diterpenoid from Castanea mollissima
Authors: Gao Hui-Yuan , Wang Xiao-Bo , Xi Rong-Gang , Sun Bo-Hang , Huang Jian , Wu Li-Jun
Published: March 2019

From the nuts of Castanea mollissima Blume, a new kauranoid diterpene glycoside, named mollioside (1), was isolated. Its structure was established as (4R, 5S, 6R, 8R, 9S, 10S, 13R, 16R) 17-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, ent-6,7-epoxy-6α-hydroxyl-6,7-secokaur-19-oic acid, 6, 19-lactone-16β, 17-diol on the basis of HR-FAB-MS, 1D, 2D-NMR and CD spectral analysis. The aglycone (1a, named mollissin), also as a new compound, was obtained after enzymatic hydrolysis of 1. Both compounds exhibited significant growth inhibitory activity on HeLa tumor cells, but no activity on A375-S2.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Main Constituents of Radix Ilicis Pubescentis by LC-Coupled with DAD and ESIMS Detection
Authors: Liu Wen-Yuan , Feng Feng , Yu Cheng-Xia , Xie Ning
Published: March 2019

A sensitive and selective high performance liquid chromatographic method coupled with DAD detection is presented for quality control of Radix Ilicis Pubescentis. By means of this analytical procedure the major individual constituents (ilexoside O, ilexgenin A, ilexsaponin A1, ilexsaponin B1, liriodendin and acanthoside B) could be quantified simultaneously. LC-ESIMS was applied for identification of the six compounds in the plant by comparing their m/z value and retention times with those of selected standards. For quantitative analysis, the extraction procedure and the extraction solvent were optimized in order to ensure the exhaustive extraction of the plant material. The HPLC conditions were evaluated and optimized for the exact quantification of all six individual compounds. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a C18 column using gradient elution with acetonitrile and 0.1% phosphoric acid as the mobile phase. Detection was carried out using a photodiode array detector. The calibration curves for determination of the six constituents showed good linearity over the investigated ranges (r2>0.999). Measurement of intra-day and inter-day variability (expressed as RSD value) was conducted to assess precisions of the method, and RSD (%) of intra- and inter-day variation were between 1.56-3.36% and 1.61-3.58%, respectively. The recoveries of the six compounds were between 96.4-102.2%, with RSD (%) values ranging from 1.7-3.8%. These validation results demonstrated the suitability of the method for the precise and accurate determination of the main constituents in Radix Ilicis Pubescentis. The method was successfully applied for quality evaluation of 12 batches of Radix Ilicis Pubescentis obtained from different regions of southern China. The contents of the six major constituents varied significantly due to their different origins, which can be used as an aid to assessing the quality of Radix Ilicis Pubescentis.
A New Alkaloid and Flavonoids from the Aerial Parts of Euphorbia guyoniana
Authors: Boudiar Tarek , Hichem Lakhal , Khalfallah A. , Kabouche Ahmed , Kabouche Zahia , Brouard Igniacio , Bermejo Jaime , Bruneau Christian
Published: March 2019

One novel alkaloid, 1,5-diphenyl-3-styryl-2-pyrazoline 1, in addition with six known flavonoids namely, kaempferol, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside, kaempferol 3-rutinoside, quercetin, quercetin 3-O-glucoside, and rutin, were isolated from the aerial parts of Euphorbia guyoniana. Their structures were established on the basis of physical and spectroscopic analysis, and by comparison with the literature data.
Apigenin Di- and Trirhamnoside from Asplenium normale in Malaysia
Authors: Iwashina Tsukasa , Matsumoto Sadamu , Kitajima Junichi , Nakamura Takehisa , Kokubugata Goro , Suleiman Monica , Said Idoris M.
Published: March 2019

Two new flavone rhamnosides, apigenin 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside and apigenin 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside-4′-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside were isolated from the fronds of Asplenium normale D. Don, together with two known C-glycosylflavones, vicenin-2 and lucenin-2. The chemical structures of the isolated glycosides were established by UV, LC-MS, characterization of acid hydrolysates, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy.
A New Prenylated Flavanoid with Antibacterial Activity from Propolis Collected in Egypt
Authors: El-Bassuony Ashraf , AbouZid Sameh
Published: March 2019

A novel prenylated flavanoid, isonymphaeol-D (1), together with two known compounds, isonymphaeol-B (2) and nymphaeol-B (3), were isolated from Egyptian propolis. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by various spectroscopic methods. 1 exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative strains (Serratia sp., Pseudomonos sp., Escherichia coli).
Reverse phase-HPLC Method for Determination of Marker Compounds in NP-1, an Anti-osteoporotic Plant Product from Butea monosperma#
Authors: Gupta Varsha , Dwivedi Anil Kumar , Yadav Dinesh Kumar , Kumar Manmeet , Maurya Rakesh
Published: March 2019

An isocratic, reversed phase, high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed for the determination of the marker compounds K052 (iso-formononetin), K054 (methoxy derivative) and K080 (formononetin) in NP-1, an anti-osteoporotic plant product from Butea monosperma. The separation was achieved on a C18 column with a mobile phase consisted of a mixture of 0.05M potassium dihydrogen phosphate containing 0.1% v/v triethyl amine (pH adjusted to 2.5 with phosphoric acid) buffer and acetonitrile (70:30 v/v), at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min. The retention times of K054, K080 and K052 were about 13, 21 and 23 mins, respectively. The effluents were monitored at 254 nm. The calibration curves were linear over the concentration ranges of 2.7-21.3, 2.1-33.6 and 2.8-22.4 μg/mL for K054, K052 and K080, respectively. The limits of detection were 0.42, 0.53 and 0.56 μg/mL, respectively. The accuracies and precisions in all cases were less than 5% in the calibration range.
Antioxidant Effects of Glechoma hederacea as a Food Additive
Authors: Milovanovic Mirjana , Zivkovic Dusan , Vucelic-Radovic Biljana
Published: March 2019

The antioxidant properties of Glechoma hederacea L. (Lamiaceae), of Serbian origin, were studied in respect to its potential use in foodstuffs. Ethanol-water (8:2, v/v) and purified ethyl acetate extracts of the plant were found to possess significant antioxidant activity. Tests were performed on two different substrates, prime steam pork lard and active-carbon-treated edible sunflower oil, using Schaal oven test storage conditions at 60°C. The ethanol-water and purified ethyl acetate extracts of G. hederacea showed strong concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. On the contrary, under the Rancimat method conditions at 120°C, the ethanol-water extract showed significantly stronger antioxidant activity, in comparison with the other tested extracts. All activities were compared with commercial antioxidants, such as BHA and a tocopherol mixture, respectively. For the first time, the activity of the flavonol quercetagetin was determined.
Variation in Antioxidant Activity of Extracts of Acacia confusa of Different Ages
Authors: Tung Yu-Tang , Chang Shang-Tzen
Published: March 2019

The antioxidant activity of extracts of Acacia confusa of different ages has been evaluated. Ethanolic extracts of bark, twigs, branches (2- and 5 cm-diameter branch-bark, 2- and 5 cm-diameter branch-wood), and leaves of 15-, 25-, and 35-year-old A. confusa were examined. Results indicate that the ethanolic extracts of 5 cm-diameter branch-bark and bark of A. confusa exhibited stronger antioxidant activities, and higher phenolic and proanthocyanidin contents than the other plant parts. Furthermore, twig, 2 cm-diameter branch-wood, 2 cm-diameter branch-bark, and 5 cm-diameter branch-wood extracts of 35-year-old specimens showed better antioxidant activities and higher phenolic contents, followed by the 25- and 15-year-old specimens tested. This reveals that the composition of extracts and their differential antioxidant activities are dependent on the age of A. confusa. In addition, the total phenolic content of A. confusa ethanolic extracts has a high positive correlation with the DPPH free-radical scavenging activity (R2 = 0.83), superoxide radical-scavenging activity (R2 = 0.66), ferrous ion-chelating effect (R2 = 0.67), and reducing power (R2 = 0.92).
Lipoxygenase Inhibitory Activity of 6-Pentadecanylsalicylic Acid without Prooxidant Effect
Authors: Kubo Isao , Ha Tae Joung , Shimizu Kuniyoshi
Published: March 2019

6-Pentadecanylsalicylic acid, referred to as anacardic acid (C15:0), was found to inhibit the linoleic acid peroxidation competitively catalyzed by soybean lipoxygenase-1 (EC 1.13.11.12, Type 1) with an IC50 of 14.3 μM (4.88 μg/mL). This inhibition is a reversible reaction without pro-oxidant effects. The inhibition kinetics analyzed by Dixon plots indicates that anacardic acid (C15:0) is a competitive inhibitor and the inhibition constant, KI, was established as 6.4 μM. The hydrophilic head (salicylic acid) portion first chelates the iron in the active site and then the hydrophobic tail portion begins reversibly interacting with the C-terminal domain where the iron is located. The inhibition of anacardic acid (C15:0) can be explained by a combination of iron ion-chelation and hydrophobic interaction abilities because of its specific structural feature.
Capsaicinoids in the Hottest Pepper Bhut Jolokia and its Antioxidant and Antiinflammatory Activities
Authors: Liu Yunbao , Nair Muraleedharan G.
Published: March 2019

Hot peppers are known for medicinally important capsaicinoids. Bhut Jolokia, Capsicum chinense/Capsicum frutescens, is the hottest pepper in the world. However, its bioactivity and quantity of heat principles are not reported. We have now quantified capsaicin (C) and dihydrocapsaicin (DHC) in Bhut Jolokia and compared it with commonly consumed hot peppers, Jalapeno (Capsicum annuum) and Scotch Bonnet (Capsicum chinense). The concentration of C and DHC in Bhut Jolokia was 5.36%, which is about 338 and 18 times greater than in Scotch Bonnet and Jalapeno, respectively. We have also isolated capsaicin (C) and dihydrocapsaicin (DHC) in pure form and determined lipid peroxidation (LPO) and cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and -2) enzymes inhibitory concentrations. This is the first report of the quantification of C and DHC in Bhut Jolokia, comparison of capsaicinoids content in Bhut Jolokia with Jalapeno and Scotch Bonnet hot peppers and the COX and LPO inhibitory activities of C and DHC.
Anti-diabetes Constituents in Leaves of Smallanthus sonchifolius
Authors: Zheng Xiang , Fan He , Ting-Guo Kang , De-Qiang Dou , Kuo Gai , Yu-Yuan Shi , Young-Ho Kim , Feng Dong
Published: March 2019

The inhibitory effect of smallanthaditerpenic acids A, B, C and D previously isolated from leaves of Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacon) on α-glucosidase were examined and their IC50 were determined to be 0.48 mg/mL, 0.59 mg/mL, 1.00 mg/mL, and 1.17 mg/mL respectively. In addition, a rapid, reliable RP-HPLC method for the analysis of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and smallanthaditerpenic acids A and C in yacon leaves was established, and the variation in their contents in leaves from plants cultivated in different places and collected at different times of the year were compared. The established analytical method for determining smallanthaditerpenic acids A and C, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid presented good results and could be used as a method for the quality control of S. sonchifolius leaves.
Phytotoxic Chlorophyll Derivatives from Petrorhagia velutina (Guss.) Ball et Heyw Leaves
Authors: D'Abrosca Brigida , Scognamiglio Monica , Tsafantakis Nikolaos , Fiorentino Antonio , Monaco Pietro
Published: March 2019

In this investigation the phytochemical study of chlorophyll derivatives from leaf extract of Petrorhagia velutina, a eurimediterranean plant species typical of macchia vegetation is reported. A new pheophorbide, as well as nine other chlorophyll derivatives were isolated and their structures determined predominantly based on 1D and 2D NMR methods. The phytotoxicity against Raphanus sativus L. was evaluated. A significant photoinduced phytotoxicity was evident for both germination and root elongation.
The Role of Secreting Structures Position on the Leaf Volatile Organic Compounds of Hypericum androsaemum
Authors: Giuliani Claudia , Pellegrino Roberto Maria , Tirillini Bruno , Bini Laura Maleci
Published: March 2019

Hypericum androsaemum L. presents typical translucent, essential oil producing glands, which are distributed on the leaf along both margins (margin glands) and on the lamina (lamina glands). The gland secretion was studied by histochemical and chemical analysis; the gland content was sampled directly from the secretory glands, and the volatile organic compounds (VOC) of the margin and lamina glands were separately analyzed. The lipophilic fraction of the lamina glands had as main components: (E)-2-hexenal (15.5%), hexadecanoic acid (14.7%), β-caryophyllene (11.2%), germacrene B (11.0%) and γ-himachalene (9.8%). The lipophilic fraction of the margin glands had as its main components: β-pinene (22.0%), limonene (17.6%), (E)-β-ocimene (6.1%), methyl linoleate (5.7%), terpinolene (5.4 %), (E)-2-hexenal (4.9%) and α-pinene (4.1%).
Chemotypes of Pistacia atlantica Leaf Essential Oils from Algeria
Authors: Gourine Nadhir , Bombarda Isabelle , Yousfi Mohamed , Gaydou Emile M.
Published: March 2019

The essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of Pistacia atlantica Desf. leaves collected from different regions of Algeria were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The essential oil was rich in monoterpenes and oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The major components were α-pinene (0.0-67%), δ-3-carene (0.0-56%), spathulenol (0.5-22%), camphene (0.0-21%), terpinen-4-ol (0.0-16%) and β-pinene (0.0-13%). Among the various components identified, twenty were used for statistical analyses. The result of principal component analysis (PCA) showed the occurrence of three chemotypes: a δ-3-carene chemotype (16.4-56.2%), a terpinen-4-ol chemotype (10.8-16.0%) and an α-pinene/camphene chemotype (10.9-66.6% / 3.8-20.9%). It was found that the essential oil from female plants (δ-3-carene chemotype) could be easily differentiated from the two other chemotypes corresponding to male trees.
Misidentification of Tansy, Tanacetum Macrophyllum, as Yarrow, Achillea Grandifolia: A Health Risk or Benefit?
Authors: Radulović Niko S. , Blagojević Polina D. , Skropeta Danielle , Zarubica Aleksandra R. , Zlatković Bojan K. , Palić Radosav M.
Published: March 2019

Tansy, Tanacetum macrophyllum (Waldst. & Kit.) Sch. Bip., is often misidentified by herb collectors as yarrow, Achillea grandifolia Friv. With the former, cases of poisoning induced by its ingestion are well documented, but the latter is widely used for ethnopharmacological purposes. The aim of this study was to estimate, based on the volatile metabolite profiles of the two species, the potential health risk connected with their misidentification. GC and GC-MS analysis of the essential oils hydrodistilled using a Clevenger-type apparatus from A. grandifolia, T. macrophyllum, and two plant samples (reputedly of A. grandifolia, but in fact mixtures of A. grandifolia and T. macrophyllum) obtained from a local market, resulted in the identification of 215 different compounds. The main constituents of A. grandifolia oil were ascaridole (15.5%), α-thujone (7.5%), camphor (15.6%), borneol (5.2%) and (Z)-jasmone (6.4%), and of T. macrophyllum oil, 1,8-cineole (8.6%), camphor (6.4%), borneol (9.1%), isobornyl acetate (9.5%), copaborneol (4.2%) and γ-eudesmol (6.2%). The compositions of the oils extracted from the samples obtained from the market were intermediate to those of A. grandifolia and T. macrophyllum. Significant differences in the corresponding volatile profiles and the literature data concerning the known activities of the pure constituents of the oils, suggested that the pharmacological action of the investigated species (or their unintentional mixtures) would be notably different. It seems, however, that misidentification of T. macrophyllum as A. grandifolia does not represent a health risk and that the absence of the toxic α-thujone from T. macrophyllum oil may in fact be regarded as a benefit.
Composition of Essential Oil of Aerial Parts of Chamomilla suaveolens from Estonia
Authors: Orav Anne , Sepp Janne , Kailas Tiiu , Müürisepp Mati , Arak Elmar , Raal Ain
Published: March 2019

Variations in the essential oil composition of aerial parts of pineapple weed (Chamomilla suaveolens (Pursh) Rydb.) growing wild in Estonia, were determined using GC/FID and GC/MS. Forty-four components were identified, representing over 90% of the total oil. Nine compounds have not been mentioned in the literature before. The principal biologically active compounds in C. suaveolens oils were (Z)-en-yne-dicycloether (17.0 – 40.7%), (E)-β-farnesene (19.5– 32.2%), geranyl isovaleriate (8.4 –18.4%), palmitic acid (0.3 – 9.4%) and myrcene (1.1 – 7.9%). The investigation seems to approve the benefit of using aerial parts of pineapple weed as the substitute for flowers.
Anxiolytic Effect and Tissue Distribution of Inhaled Alpinia zerumbet Essential Oil in Mice
Authors: Satou Tadaaki , Murakami Shio , Matsuura Mariko , Hayashi Shinichiro , Koike Kazuo
Published: March 2019

The use of essential oils is common throughout the world, and clarification of their detailed effects and pharmaceutical potencies is necessary. Additionally, detailed information regarding the pharmacokinetics of essential oils is needed. In this report, GC-MS analysis was used to observe the tissue distribution of the multiple components of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt. et Sm. Anxiety-related behavior was evaluated by the light and dark box test (LD), open field test (OF), and elevated plus maze test (EPM). GC-MS quantification of the major components of A. zerumbet essential oil (AZEO) (α-pinene, p-cymene, 1,8-cineole, and limonene) was almost identical using either the injection or headspace injection method. All the behavioral assessments indicated that inhalation of AZEO had a positive anxiolytic effect. This was especially evident in the EPM (time spent in the open arms), where anxiolytic effects were clearly observed (P < 0.05). α-Pinene accumulated in the brain at almost the same rate as in the liver. However, the oil components chiefly accumulated in the kidney. Therefore, the essential oil component in the largest proportion will not necessarily be distributed to organs throughout the body in the same quantities and/or ratios. It is necessary to consider tissue distribution for investigating the effects of essential oil inhalation.
Stimulating Effect of Aromatherapy Massage with Jasmine Oil
Authors: Hongratanaworakit Tapanee
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aromatherapy massage with jasmine oil (Jasminum sambac L., Oleaceae) on humans. Human autonomic parameters, i.e. blood pressure, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation, breathing rate, and skin temperature, were recorded as indicators of the arousal level of the autonomic nervous system. In addition, subjects had to rate their emotional condition in terms of relaxation, vigor, calmness, attentiveness, mood, and alertness in order to assess subjective behavioral arousal. Forty healthy volunteers participated in the experiments. Jasmine oil was applied topically to the skin of the abdomen of each subject. Compared with placebo, jasmine oil caused significant increases of breathing rate, blood oxygen saturation, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which indicated an increase of autonomic arousal. At the emotional level, subjects in the jasmine oil group rated themselves as more alert, more vigorous and less relaxed than subjects in the control group. This finding suggests an increase of subjective behavioral arousal. In conclusion, our results demonstrated the stimulating/activating effect of jasmine oil and provide evidence for its use in aromatherapy for the relief of depression and uplifting mood in humans.
Effect of Miconazole and Terbinafine on Artemisinin Content of Shooty Teratoma of Artemisia annua
Authors: Jain Rinki , Dixit Vinod Kumar
Published: March 2019

The effects produced by the addition of sterol synthesis inhibitors on the artemisinin content of the transgenic organ culture (A. tumefaciens ATCC 33970 or 15955) of Artemisia annua are presented. The transgenic tissue produced 3-4 fold higher levels of artemisinin 0.84% (56.3 mg/L) within a short culture period compared with field grown plants (0.23%). The addition of the sterol synthesis inhibitors, miconazole and terbinafine, to these transgenic cultures resulted in enhanced artemisinin content up to 1.15% and 1.44%, respectively. Further enhancement of artemisinin content was achieved by varying the addition time of the sterol synthesis inhibitor to the cultures. The best artemisinin content (2.62%) was observed after terbinafine (10 mg/L) addition on the sixteenth day of the culture period.
27-Hydroxyoleanolic Acid Type Triterpenoid Saponins from Anemone raddeana rhizome
Authors: Fan Li , Lu Jin-Cai , Xue Jiao , Gao Song , Xu Bei-Bei , Cao Bai-Yi , Zhang Jing-Jing
Published: March 2019

Two new 27-hydroxyoleanolic acid type triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the rhizomes of Anemone raddeana Regel. The structures of the two compounds were elucidated as 27-hydroxyoleanolic acid 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranoside (1) and 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)[β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→4)]-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-27-hydroxyoleanolic acid 28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Spin-Labeled Derivatives of Podophyllotoxin
Authors: Zhang Jia-qiang , Zhang Zhi-wei , Hui Ling , Tian Xuan
Published: March 2019

In order to design new antitumor drugs and study the relationship between antitumor and antioxidative activity of spin-labeled derivatives of podophyllotoxin, five novel pyrroline spin-labeled 4β-N-substituted-amino acid-4′-O-demethylepipodo-phyllotoxin compounds (11a-e) (Scheme 2) were synthesized and evaluated. Their cytotoxicity against three tumor cell lines (human lung carcinoma A-549, human leukemia cell HL-60 and multiple myeloma RPMI-8226) has been evaluated using a MTT-based assay in vitro. Also, we determined malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver and kidney homogenate of SD rats by the TBA method. The five new compounds showed either superior or comparable inhibitory activity against A-549, HL-60 and RPMI-8226 cell lines compared with etoposide (VP-16, 2), and all the tested compounds showed more significant antioxidant activities than VP-16. Furthermore, the partition coefficients were measured and preliminary structure-activity relationships are presented.
Bioassay-guided Isolation of Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Compounds from the Mesophilic Actinomycete M-33-5
Authors: Urgen Mustafa , Kocabaş Fatma , Nalbantsoy Ayşe , Kocabas Esin Hameş , Uzel Ataç , Bedir Erdal
Published: March 2019

One hundred and twenty-six mesophilic Actinomycete cultures were isolated from the Aegean region of Turkey. The antimicrobial activities of pure isolates were tested using the agar-plaque method. Based on high antimicrobial activity against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli O157-H7 (E. coli), the isolate M-33-5 was selected for bioactivity-guided isolation. Fermentation, followed by solvent partition (H2O-EtOAc, H2O-n-BuOH), showed that the highest activity was present in the EtOAc extract. By using chromatographic methods, two bioactive compounds were isolated and their structures were determined by spectral methods to be 4′-deacetyl griseusin A and griseusin A. The MIC values of griseusin A and 4′-deacetyl griseusin A against MRSA and E. coli were ≤ 1.0 μg/mL. The cytotoxicities of the EtOAc extract and 4′-deacetyl griseusin A were also evaluated against two cancer cell lines (human servical cancer: HeLa; murine fibroblastic cells: L-929). The EtOAc extract showed strong cytotoxic activity against HeLa and L-929 lines with IC50 values of 1.57 and 2.43 μg/mL, respectively, whereas 4′-deacetyl griseusin A was very potent with IC50 values of 0.43 versus HeLa, and 0.12 μg/mL against L-929. The active strain M-33-5 was identified as Streptomyces griseus by 16SrDNA sequence data.
Aristolactams, 1-(2-C-Methyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-uracil and Other Bioactive Constituents of Toussaintia orientalis
Authors: Odalo Josiah O. , Joseph Cosam C. , Nkunya Mayunga H.H. , Sattler Isabel , Lange Corinna , Friedrich Gollmick , Dahse Hans-Martin , Möllman Ute
Published: March 2019

The new aristolactam alkaloid toussalactam {2-hydroxy-1,6-dimethoxy-5H-dibenzo[cdf]indol-4-one} and the known ones, namely aristolactam AII, aristolactam BII, piperolactam C and aristolactam FII; 1-(2-C-methyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-uracil, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside, and three catechinoids were isolated from the cytotoxic Toussaintia orientalis Verdc stem and root bark extracts, and their structures established based on analysis of spectroscopic data. The aristolactams exhibited antimicrobial and antiinflammatory activity, aristolactam FII showing almost the same level of activity as the standard anti-inflammatory agent Indomethacin. The compounds also exhibited either mild or no antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities, except aristolactam FII that showed the same level of cytotoxicity as the standard drug Camptothecin. 1-(2-C-Methyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-uracil, which is being reported for the first time as a natural product, was inactive in the antibacterial, antifungal, antiinflammatory, antiproliferative and cytotoxicity assays.