bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plants of the Genus Lavandula: From Farm to Pharmacy
Authors: Salehi Bahare , Mnayer Dima , Özçelik Beraat , Altin Gokce , Kasapoğlu Kadriye Nur , Daskaya-Dikmen Ceren , Sharifi-Rad Mehdi , Selamoglu Zeliha , Acharya Krishnendu , Sen Surjit , Matthews Karl R. , Fokou Patrick Valere Tsouh , Sharopov Farukh , Setzer William N. , Martorell Miquel , Sharifi-Rad Javad
Published: March 2019

The Lavandula genus, belonging to the Lamiaceae, includes 39 species, with nearly 400 registered cultivars. Lavandula are worldwide plants that occur over the Mediterranean, Europe, North Africa, southwest Asia to southeast India. Lavandula plants have been used since ancient time to flavor and preserved food, to treat diseases including wound healing, sedative, antispasmodic, microbial and viral infections. Numerous researches have described the chemical composition and the primary components of lavender oils are the monoterpenoids (linalool, linalyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, β-ocimene, terpinen-4-ol, and camphor), sesquiterpenoids (β-caryophyllene and nerolidol) and other terpenoid compounds (e.g., perillyl alcohol). The high concentrations of linalyl acetate make them attractive in perfumery, flavoring, cosmetics and soap industries. Currently, data on the antimicrobial activity of lavender plants have been scientifically confirmed. Indeed, lavender essential oils possess wide spectra of biological activities such as antispasmodic, carminative, analgesic, sedative, hypotensive, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antifungal, antidiuretic and general tonic action. In addition, clinical studies support their uses as treatment of health conditions. However, further clinical studies are necessary to define the magnitude of the efficacy, mechanisms of action, optimal doses, long-term safety, and, potential side effects of lavender plants.
Lavandula Essential Oils: A Current Review of Applications in Medicinal, Food, and Cosmetic Industries of Lavender
Authors: Wells Rebecca , Truong Felisha , Adal Ayelign M. , Sarker Lukman S. , Mahmoud Soheil S.
Published: March 2019

The global essential oil market has been steadily increasing in size over the past few years, and is estimated to reach ca. $7.5 billion USD per annum by 2018. Lavenders ( Lavandula; Lamiaceae) contribute significantly to this market, yielding ca. 1500 tons of essential oils which are primarily used in cosmetics, personal care products, and medicines. Recent literature indicates that these oils may also have applications in food preservation and pest control, among others. The medicinal and pharmaceutical properties of lavenders are chiefly due their essential oils, in particular the major essential oil constituents linalool and linalyl acetate, although certain activities have been attributed to the phenolic compounds. In addition, there is evidence that the major and minor essential oil constituents act synergistically to provide various biological effects. A substantial amount of current research focuses on evaluating the biological activities of lavender essential oils for potential use in traditional and complementary medicine, food systems, cosmetic and fragrance formulations, and insect control products. This review examines recent progress in these areas, and highlights the current and future implications for these economically and medicinally valuable plants.
Sesquiterpenes Isolated from Aspergillus fumigatus, an Endophytic Fungus from Ligusticum wallichii
Authors: Li Xiao-Hua , Hu Han-Wen , Tan Lu , Wu Wen-Lin , Cao Zhi-Xing , Gu Yu-Cheng , Deng Yun , Guo Da-le
Published: March 2019

Four sesquiterpenes, including a previously undescribed one, were isolated from the fermentation broth of an endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, which was obtained from the root of Ligusticum wallichii. Their structures were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analyses, and the absolute configurations of 1 and 3 were elucidated through NOESY analyses combined with the calculated ECD spectra.
Kojic Acid Derivatives and Sesquiterpenes from the Aspergillus flavus GZWMJZ-288, A Fungal Endophyte of Garcinia multiflora
Authors: Xu Yanchao , Wang Liping , Gong Qianyu , Zhu Guoliang , Yuan Chunmao , Zuo Mingxing , Rao Qing , Zhu Weiming , Hao Xiaojiang
Published: March 2019

One new kojic acid dimer, dikojiacid A (1), one new naturally occurring kojic acid dimer, dikojiacid B (2), one new sesquiterpene, 12-hydroxy-8-ene-3-oxodrimenol (6), as well as three known kojic acid derivatives (3–5) and five sesquiterpenes (7–11) were isolated from a solid culture of the endophytic fungus Aspergillus flavus GZWMJZ-288 with Garcinia multiflora. The structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data and ECD calculation. This is the first report for the natural kojic acid dimers by which Aspergillus flavus GZWMJZ-288 avoids the injury from acetaldehyde.
Diterpenoid Alkaloids from Delphinium aemulans
Authors: Ablajan Nurfida , Zhao Bo , Xue Wenjuan , Ruzi Zukela , Zhao Jiangyu , Aisa Haji Akber
Published: March 2019

A new naturally occurring lycoctonine-type C19-diterpenoid alkaloid aemulansine (1), together with ten known alkaloids (2–11), were isolated from the whole herb of Delphinium aemulans Navski. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D, 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS. Compounds 1–10 were also evaluated in vitro for cytotoxicity against A549, Hela and MCF-7 cells using the MTT method.
Grapefruit Seed Extract Inhibits the Formation of Amyloid-like Fibrils by Trypsin in Aqueous Ethanol
Authors: Kasi Phanindra Babu , Borics Attila , Varga Mónika , Endre Gábor , Molnár Kinga , László Lajos , Kotormán Márta
Published: March 2019

Several natural compounds deriving from plants are known to be efficient anti-amyloid aggregation agents. In this study, anti-aggregation activity of grapefruit seed extract was investigated using trypsin as a model protein in aqueous ethanol at pH 7.0. Using turbidity measurement, Congo red (CR) binding assay, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we found that grapefruit seed extract has ability to inhibit trypsin amyloidlike fibril formation in vitro, and effectiveness increases with growing concentration of grapefruit seed extract. The total phenolic content of it was determined. The results showed that in addition to the polyphenolic compounds some other compounds are also responsible for the fibril formation inhibitory effect. We indicated it for the first time that limonin has anti-fibrillation effect.
Cytotoxic Effects of Cucurbitacin I and Ecballium elaterium on Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Yıilmaz Kadir , Karakuş Fuat , Eyol Ergül , Tosun Emir , Yıilmaz İsmet , Ünüvar Songül
Published: March 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of cucurbitacin I (CuI) and Ecballium elaterium L. (fruit juice and chloroform extract) on breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). The CuI content of E. elaterium fruit juice and chloroform extract was quantified using high performance liquid chromatography. The cytotoxic effects of the fruit juice, chloroform extract and CuI were determined by MTT, wound healing and colony formation assays; all had an anti-proliferative activity on the breast cancer cells. Clarifying the mechanisms of cucurbitacins will enable the identification of new molecular targets for breast cancer therapy.
Anti-HIV-1 Activities and Chemical Constituents from Leaves and Twigs of Santisukia pagetii (Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Limjiasahapong Suphitcha , Tuchinda Patoomratana , Reutrakul Vichai , Pohmakotr Manat , Akkarawongsapat Radeekorn , Limthongkul Jitra , Napaswad Chanita , Nuntasaen Narong
Published: March 2019

The first phytochemical investigation of the leaves and twigs of Santisukia pagetii (Bignoniaceae) using a bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation and identification of seventeen known compounds, including four triterpenoids, 3- O-acetylpomolic acid (1), ursolic acid (2), 3- O-acetylursolic acid (3) and siaresinolic acid (4), three iridoid glycosides, specioside (5), verminoside (6) and ambiguuside (7), three flavonoid glycosides, luteolin-7- O-neohesperidoside (8), apigenin-7- O-neohesperidoside (9) and isoquercitrin (10), two phenolic compounds, p-coumaric acid (11) and caffeic acid (12), one monoterpenoid, ( 6S)-menthiafolic acid (13), together with α-D-glucose (14), β-D-maltose (15), β-sitosterol 3- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (16), a mixture of β-sitosterol (17A) and stigmasterol (17B). Compounds 1–13 were isolated from Santisukia genus for the first time. In addition, compounds 1–7, 9 and 10 were found to be active against HIV-1 in anti-syncytium assay, while only compounds 1 and 3 were found to be active (84.4% and 87.2% inhibition at 200 μg/mL, with IC50 values of 290.96 and 210.34 μM, respectively) against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Moreover, anti-HIV-1 activities of compounds 1, 3–8, and 13 were reported for the first time.
Cytotoxic Activity of Alkaloids from the Fruits of Piper nigrum
Authors: Ngo Quynh Mai Thi , Cao Thao Quyen , Hoang Le Son , Ha Manh Tuan , Woo Mi Hee , Min Byung Sun
Published: March 2019

Medicinal plants have been shown to have tremendous potential for the development of new drug molecules for various serious diseases. Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae) is a well-known spice considered to be the “The King of Spices” among various spices. The phytochemicals isolated from P. nigrum L. are potent biological agents with anticancer properties. Our study was designed to evaluate the cytotoxic activities of chemical compounds from the dried fruits of P. nigrum L. Sixteen known compounds (1–16), including fifteen alkaloids, were isolated and identified. Compounds 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 exhibited cytotoxic activities against a human cervical cancer cell line, Hela, with IC50 values of 49.8, 40.4, 23.1, 22.1, 41.0, and 26.9 μM, respectively. Compounds 10, 12, and 15 exhibited cytotoxicities against a breast cancer cell line, MCF-7, with IC50 values of 36.9, 55.7, and 36.0 μM, respectively. Compounds 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 exhibited cytotoxic activities against the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line, HL-60, with IC50 values of 26.9, 51.4, 51.6, 54.4, 16.0, and 21.1 μM, respectively.
A New Oxoaporphine Alkaloid from the Root of Dasymaschalon glaucum
Authors: Silprakob Weerachai , Sukhamsri Nuntaporn , Kuhakarn Chutima , Hongthong Sakchai , Jariyawat Surawat , Suksen Kanoknetr , Akkarawongsapat Radeekorn , Limthongkul Jitra , Nantasaen Narong , Reutrakul Vichai
Published: March 2019

The first phytochemical investigation of the root of Dasymaschalon glaucum led to the isolation of a new oxoaporphine alkaloid 1 together with seven known compounds, duguevalline (2), stigmalactam (3), enterocarpam III (4), desmosdumotin B (5), spiraeamide (6), kaempferol-3- O-glucopyranoside (7) and β-sitosterol (8). The chemical structures of all isolated compounds were established on the basis of their spectroscopic data. The cytotoxic and anti-HIV 1-RT activities of isolated compounds were also evaluated.
Boldine Does Not Modify Gender Specific Wound Healing in Zucker Diabetic Rats
Authors: Köhlerová Renata , Čermáková Eva , Hajzlerová Milena
Published: March 2019

Boldine is a natural alkaloid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It reduces glycemia and decreases blood pressure in rats with type 1 diabetes. We have also studied whether boldine has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in rats with type 2 diabetes and whether it can improve healing of their skin wounds, a serious comorbidity of type 2 diabetes. This work also compares lean and obese Zucker diabetic rats, including a comparison of both sexes. After skin excisions, the wounded animals received granules containing boldine ad libitum. The weights of rats, amount of consumed food and wound size were measured regularly. Scar and internal organs were removed and analyzed. Further, the tensile strength of the scar was tested and hydroxyproline content (a marker of collagen) measured. We have not confirmed previously published positive effects of boldine, but we observed important differences between gender and between genotypes. Male rats had higher body weight, liver, kidney and spleen than female rats. Furthermore, their wounds took longer to heal with bigger scar areas.
Chemical Composition and Cytotoxicity of Garcinia rubro-echinata, a Western Ghats Endemic Species
Authors: Menon Lekshmi N. , Sindhu Ganapathy , Raghu Kozhiparambil G. , Rameshkumar Koranappallil B.
Published: March 2019

Phytochemical analysis of the leaves of Garcinia rubro-echinata Kosterm., an endemic species to the Western Ghats, India yielded the triterpenoid friedelin (1), the flavonoids naringenin (2), apigenin (3) and (-)-epicatechin (7), the biflavonoids podocarpusflavone A (5) and amentoflavone (6), and the dihydrochalcone phloretin (4) and phloretin-4'-O-β-D-glycoside (8). The compounds 4 and 8 were isolated from the genus Garcinia for the first time. Validated HPTLC estimation showed 0.21% amentoflavone and 0.18% friedelin in the plant. Cytotoxicity of the leaf extract and the compounds 5 and 6 against human hepatocarcinoma (Hep G2) and rat cardiomyocyte (H9C2) cells, evaluated by MTT assay, showed potential cytotoxicity for compound 5. This is the first report of the phytochemical and bio-activity studies of G. rubro-echinata.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Cynaroside from Elsholtiza bodinieri
Authors: Zou Ying , Zhang Min , Zhang Tingrui , Wu Junwen , Wang Jun , Liu Kehai , Zhan Nannan
Published: March 2019

The flavonoid fraction was obtained from Elsholtiza bodinieri Vaniot (EBV) by ethanol-reflux and liquid-liquid extraction. The total content of flavonoid was 179.55 mg/g, and the purity was 64.6%. Then cynaroside with the purity of 94% was isolated from the fraction by preparative HPLC and characterized by the combined usage of HPLC, ESI-MS, and NMR. The antioxidant activity of cynaroside was determined using 2 complementary methods, namely, 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and reducing power assay. The anti-inflammatory effect of cynaroside was investigated based on in-vitro and in-vivo experiment. The results showed that cynaroside from EBV scavenged DPPH radical and reduced Fe3+ to Fe2+ effectively, inhibited NO and ROS production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and attenuated the inflammation in the mouse model significantly ( p < 0.01), which showed it to be a nutraceutical product in the food industry.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Novel Comenic Acid Derivatives Containing Isoxazole and Isothiazole Moieties
Authors: Kletskov Alexey V. , Potkin Vladimir I. , Kolesnik Irina A. , Petkevich Sergey K. , Kvachonak Anastasia V. , Dosina Margarita O. , Loiko Diana O. , Larchenko Maria V. , Pashkevich Svetlana G. , Kulchitsky Vladimir A.
Published: March 2019

Methyl 5-hydroxy-4-oxo-4 H-pyran-2-carboxylate was synthesized by esterification of methanol with comenic acid under acidic catalysis. The obtained ester was alkylated with 3-(chloromethyl)-5-phenylisoxazole and 4,5-dichloro-3-(chloromethyl)isothiazole to afford corresponding conjugates containing isoxazole and isothiazole moieties which then were transformed into water-soluble Li-salts. During the bioassays of synthesized isoxazole and isothiazole derivatives of comenic acid in mixtures with first-line antitumor drug Temobel (Temozolomid) used in brain tumors chemotherapy, a synergetic effect was observed.
Identification of 6,7-Dimethoxychromone as a Potent Allelochemical from Jatropha podagrica
Authors: Boonmee Sutjaritpan , Iwasaki Arihiro , Suenaga Kiyotake , Kato-Noguchi Hisashi
Published: March 2019

Jatropha podagrica Hook. is cultivated as an ornamental plant and is also used in traditional medicine. The species has various pharmacological properties, but it has not yet been investigated for any potential allelopathic activity and allelopathic substances. In this study, an allelopathic active substance was isolated from an aqueous methanol extract of J. podagrica leaves through chromatography and reverse-phase HPLC. The substance was characterized as 6,7-dimethoxychromone by spectral analysis. 6,7-Dimethoxychromone significantly inhibited the shoots and roots of cress at concentrations greater than 0.3 mM. The concentrations required of 6,7-dimethoxychromone for 50% growth inhibition of cress shoots and roots were 0.95 and 0.83 mM, respectively. The inhibitory activity against the seedling growth of cress indicates that 6,7-dimethoxychromone may contribute to the allelopathic effects and may be responsible for the allelopathic activity in J. podagrica. This report is the first on the allelopathic activity of 6,7-dimethoxychromone as an allelopathic substance from J. podagrica.
Identification and Quantification of Human Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitory Caffeoylquinic Acids in the Leaves of Aster koraiensis
Authors: Lee Ik-Soo , Kim Chan-Sik , Kim Jin Sook
Published: March 2019

A method for identifying and quantifying caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) in aqueous extracts of the leaves of Aster koraiensis (AKAE) using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was developed. Six CQAs (5-CQA, 3-CQA, 4-CQA, 3,4-diCQA, 3,5-diCQA, and 4,5-diCQA) in AKAE were identified by comparing their retention times and ultraviolet spectra with those of the corresponding standards, and the results were confirmed by ESI/MS. The developed HPLC method was applied to quantitative analyses of the six CQAs in AKAE, whose contents in AKAE were in the range 2.04–4.00 mg/g. The inhibitory activities of the CQAs against human neutrophil elastase (HNE) were also evaluated; all tested di-CQA isomers showed considerable inhibition of HNE activity, with IC50 values ranging from 2.09 to 14.20 μM, while three mono-CQAs exhibited no such activity (IC50 > 100 μM). 3,5-diCQA and 4,5-diCQA inhibited HNE in a mixed-type noncompetitive manner, with inhibition constant ( Ki) values of 0.47 and 1.4 μM, respectively.
Antitumor Effects of Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid (NDGA) in Bladder T24 Cancer Cells are Related to Increase in ROS Production and Mitochondrial Leak Respiration
Authors: Vázquez-Cervantesa Gustavo Ignacio , Villaseñor-Aguayoa Karla , Hernández-Damiána Jacqueline , Aparicio-Trejoa Omar Emiliano , Medina-Camposa Omar Noel , López-Marureb Rebeca , Pedraza-Chaverria José
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) on tumor bladder T24 cells. Bladder cancer T24 cells were cultured on Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium in presence of NDGA. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated after 24, 48 and 72 h by using fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and Alexa fluor 488 annexin-V/propidium iodide solution, respectively. To determine the mitochondrial effects of NDGA (0-24 h), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by dihydroethidium fluorescence, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) by 5,5’,6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1’,3,3'-tetraethyl-imidacarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) dual fluorescence and cellular respiration states by high resolution respirometry were evaluated. It was found that NDGA reduced T24 cell viability after 72 h of incubation in a concentration-dependent manner and apoptosis increased at 48 h. Furthermore, 20 μM NDGA increased ROS levels, decreased ΔΨm and promoted leak of respiration from mitochondrial respiratory chain in T24 cells which was associated to the death of tumor cells. Taken together these results suggested that antitumor effects of NDGA in T24 cells are related to its ability to induce mitochondrial alteration.
Effect of Precursor and Phytohormones on Podophyllotoxin Production in Juniperus virginiana Suspension Cultures
Authors: Kašparová Marie , Pilařová Pavla , Tůmová Lenka , Siatka Tomáš
Published: March 2019

Our results showed that cinnamic acid can increase podophyllotoxin production in Juniperus virginiana suspension cultures. The best effect was manifested after a 24-hours application of a 10 mmol/L concentration. The highest podophyllotoxin content was determined at 1.47 mg/g DW and the production was statistically significantly stimulated by about 444% in comparison with the control. Comparison of podophyllotoxin production in the cinnamic acid- and salicylic acid-elicited J. virginiana suspension cultures confirms that the maximum increase in both cases was induced by the 24-hours application of the 10 mmol/L concentration. In contrast, the best effect of jasmonic acid was manifested after the longest 168-hours application of a 5 mmol/L concentration.
Effect of Resveratrol Dimers and Tetramers Isolated from Vitaceous and Dipterocarpaceous Plants on Human SIRT1 Enzyme Activity
Authors: Hikita Kiyomi , Seto Norikazu , Takahashi Yusuke , Nishigaki Ayako , Suzuki Yuya , Murata Tomiyasu , Loisruangsin Arthorn , Aminah Nanik Siti , Takaya Yoshiaki , Niwa Masatake , Kaneda Norio
Published: March 2019

SIRT1 is a mammalian ortholog of the yeast enzyme Sir2, which is an NAD+-dependent deacetylase of histones, p53, FOXO, NF-κB, PGC-1α, and other transcription factors. The Sir2 protein is reported as a longevity protein in yeast. Resveratrol, a polyphenol isolated from various types of plant families, particularly the Vitaceae family, is a known naturally occurring SIRT1 activator. In this study, we evaluated the effects of four types of resveratrol dimers and four types of tetramers isolated from vitaceous plants, and one type of resveratrol tetramer isolated from a dipterocarpaceous plant on purified human SIRT1 enzyme activity. Of the resveratrol dimers examined, (+)-ε-viniferin and pallidol exhibited no effect on SIRT1 enzyme activity, whereas (+)-ampelopsin B and (-)-ampelopsin F showed inhibitory activity on SIRT1. However, all the resveratrol tetramers examined, i.e., (+)-vitisin A, (-)-vitisin B, (+)-hopeaphenol, (-)-hopeaphenol, and (-)-isohopeaphenol markedly inhibited the human SIRT1 enzyme activity. (+)-Hopeaphenol exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity, which was comparable with that exhibited by a known SIRT1 inhibitor suramin. Since SIRT1 inhibitors reportedly possess anticancer activity, (+)-hopeaphenol and other resveratrol oligomers can be used as a seed compound for anticancer drugs.
Screening of Chemical Composition, in vitro Antioxidant, α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of the Leaf Essential Oils of Cinnamomum wightii from Different Populations
Authors: Sriramavaratharajan Venkatraman , Murugan Ramar
Published: March 2019

Cnnamomum wightii is an endemic species of the Western Ghats, India and is used in Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine. Its bark and leaves are adulterated with commercial cinnamon in southern India. Despite its medicinal and commercial importance, the species remains underexplored. The objective of the present work was to screen the chemical composition, in vitro antioxidant, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the leaf essential oil of C. wightii collected from different populations. GC-FID and GC-MS analyses of the leaf essential oils from seven accessions enabled the identification of a total of 70 constituents, of which only 16 compounds were present in all samples. Eleven major constituents (> 5%) were identified, of which only linalool and spathulenol were present in all accessions as major constituents. Among seven accessions, essential oil from Parson's valley, Nilgiris exhibited better antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 2.552 ± 0.13 and 3.485 ± 0.09 mg/mL for ABTS and DPPH respectively. The essential oil from Korakundah, Nilgiris showed better hypoglycemic activity with IC50 values of 1.617 ± 0.02 and 1.146 ± 0.02 mg/mL for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities respectively. The leaf essential oils of C. wightii may be used in nutraceutical products focusing diabetes mellitus as the moderate inhibition of the metabolic enzymes has the advantage of slow release of glucose.
Optimization of Clinacanthus nutans Biodegradable Analgesic Patch
Authors: Chaiprateep Em-on , Thavornwat Chalermsak
Published: March 2019

This paper aims to analyze and perfect the C. nutans-based biodegradable patch for analgesic employing a design of experiment (DoE) by Minitab version 18 program. Fifty-four full factorial design formulation were used to determine three factors and levels. They are made up of various concentration of 2%, 4%, and 6% of sodium alginate (ALG-Na) and Aloe vera juice. The sodium alginate (ALG-Na) and Aloe vera juice play the role of natural film former and terpenes act as permeation enhancers (eugenol, anethole, limonene). The Physicochemical characteristics include weight variation, thickness, surface pH, max stress, % elongation, mucoadhesive time and cost of production. These physicochemical properties were all investigated. The results show that the combination of 6% of sodium alginate (ALG-Na) and anethole produced the total quality (max stress, % elongation, mucoadhesive time, cost of production) (R2 adj > 87.95%, p<0.01). From the Accelerated stability test performed, it was observed that the weight and thickness of the patch were not statistically significantly different (p<0.05). This is a favorable physicochemical property. It is also a cost-effective profile for biodegradable dermal analgesic patches commercial product further.
Styryl Lactones from Roots and Barks Goniothalamus lanceolatus
Authors: Rasol Nurulfazlina Edayah , Ahmad Fasihuddin Badruddin , Mai Chun-Wai , Bihud Nur Vicky , Abdullah Fauziah , Awang Khalijah , Ismail Nor Hadiani
Published: March 2019

A new styryl lactone, 5 R,6 R-5-hydroxy-6-styryltetrahydropyrane-2-one 2 was isolated from the roots of an endemic Goniothalamus lanceolatus Miq. of Sarawak, Malaysia. Furthermore, seven previously undescribed diastereomers, 5 R,6 R-5-hydroxygoniothalamin 3, 5 R,6 R-5-acetylgoniothalamin 4, 6 S,7 S,8 S-goniodiol-7-monoacetate 5, 6 S,7 S,8 S-goniodiol-8-monoacetate 6, goniofupyrone B 7, deoxygoniopypyrone B 8 and 1 S,5 S,7 R,8 S,3- endo,7- endo-(+)-8- epi-9-deoxygoniopypyrone acetate 9, along with six known styryl lactones (1, 10–15) were also isolated and characterized. 6 S-goniothalamin 1 is reported for the first time from a Goniothalamus species. 1, 11 and 12 showed cytotoxic activity against human colon and lung cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 2.38–7.59 μM.
Chemical Analysis of Red Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe var rubrum) Essential Oil and Its Anti-biofilm Activity against Candida albicans
Authors: Rinanda Tristia , Isnanda Rizki Puji , Zulfitri
Published: March 2019

Biofilm formation is one of the virulence factors of Candida albicans, contributing to the development of resistance to various antifungal drugs. In order to combat resistant microbes such as C. albicans, the discovery and development of antifungal substances must explore the anti-biofilm activity of substances, which are extracted from traditional medicinal plants widely available in tropical countries such as Indonesia. One of the natural ingredients that can be developed is red ginger. This plant has been used empirically in the treatment of various infectious diseases, including fungal infections. The aim of this study is to determine the composition of chemical compounds in the essential oil of the red ginger rhizomes planted in Aceh, Indonesia and the anti-biofilm activity of the essential oil against C. albicans, isolated from a clinical sample. The chemical analysis of the essential oil was performed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS). Anti-biofilm activity was observed through biofilm inhibition and degradation activities, determined by Cristal Violet assay. Data were analyzed using ANOVA test and Duncan's post hoc test with 99% CI. The GC-MS results showed that the essential oil used in this study contained high monoterpenes (60.55%) which is dominated by E-citral/geranial (11.97%) and 1.8 - cineole (15.10%). The highest sesquiterpenes derivative was αr-curcumene (16.86%). The significant inhibition of C. albicans biofilm formation was obtained at a concentration of 0.5% and the biofilm degradation was obtained at a concentration of 0.125%. The data indicates that the high monoterpenoids-red ginger essential oil used in this study has performed significant anti-biofilm activity against C. albicans.
Antiplasmodial Anthraquinones from Medicinal Plants: The Chemistry and Possible Mode of Actions
Authors: Osman Che Puteh , Ismail Nor Hadiani
Published: March 2019

Malaria killed nearly half a million people in 2015, and 70% of this victims were young children. Malarial chemotherapy makes use of several drugs, each with its own pharmacological limitations, and with parasite resistance being the most challenging. People of low income nations often rely on traditional medicine as a treatment due to limited access to modern healthcare services. Despite uncertainties present in the outcome of traditional medicine, ethnomedicine approach has yielded important lead candidates. The investigation of medicinal plants utilized in the malaria endemic region yielded many antiplasmodial compounds with anthraquinone moiety. This paper describes natural anthraquinones extracted from medicinal plants utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria. In addition, the insight on structure-activity relationship and their mode of actions are also elaborated.
A New Tocopherol Derivative and Cytotoxicity from the Leaves of Dalbergia velutina
Authors: Kaennakam Sutin , Aree Thammarat , Rassamee Kitiya , Siripong Pongpun , Tip-pyang Santi
Published: March 2019

A new tocopherol derivative, named (+)-α-tocuspirone (1), along with eleven known compounds, including six tocopherol derivatives (2–7) and five triterpenes (8–12) were isolated from the leaves of Dalbergia velutina. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis especially NMR spectroscopy. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were assigned by NOESY experiments and ECD calculations. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against five cancer cell lines (KB, HeLa S-3, HT-29, MCF-7 and HepG-2). Dioslupecin A (10) showed potent cytotoxicity against all the five cancer cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 0.28–2.05 μM. In addition, caffeoxylupeol (12) showed potent cytotoxicity against KB cell with an IC50 value of 2.28 μM.
Antibacterial Activity of Flavans from Crinum distichum
Authors: Koagne Roméol Romain , Annang Frederick , de la Cruz Mercedes , Bitchagno Gabin Thierry M. , Perez-Victoria Ignacio , Konga Ingrid Simo , Vicente Francisca , Reyes Fernando , Tane Pierre
Published: March 2019

The phytochemical study of the ethanol extract from Crinum distichum Herb. was carried out using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography and afforded a new natural flavan (1), along with (2 S)-4'-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavan (2), (2 R)-4'-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxyflavan (3), hippadine (4) and hippacine(5). The structure of the new compound was elucidated using a combination of NMR and HRESI-MS analysis while the structures of the known compounds were established by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those of similar reported compounds. Compounds 2–5 also had moderate activity (32> MIC> 16 μg/mL) against methicillin resistant (MRSA) and methicillin sensitive (MSSA) Staphylococcus aureus (both Gram-positive bacteria), whilst compound 1 was inactive against these two bacterial strains (MIC>128μg/mL). None of the compounds was active against the Gram-negative bacterial strains Escherichia coli and Klesbesiella pneumoniae. The research described herein confirms once more that, plants of the Crinum genus continue to be a rich and underexploited source of new small molecules that could lead to the discovery of new bioactive compounds.
Mapping of Spinochromes in the Body of Three Tropical Shallow Water Sea Urchins
Authors: Brasseur Lola , Caulier Guillaume , Flammang Patrick , Gerbaux Pascal , Eeckhaut Igor
Published: March 2019

Sea urchin pigments, also known as spinochromes or polyhydroxynaphthoquinones (PHNQ) have been well studied for their bioactive properties like anti-bacterial, fungicidal, antioxidant and pro-inflammatory effects. Moreover, many studies have analyzed and identified these pigments in sea urchin tests and spines but, and to the best of our knowledge, never in their body compartments or in a quantitative manner. The aim of this work was to investigate the diversity and concentration of pigments in three sea urchins localized in the same coral reef in Madagascar ( Diadema savignyi, Tripneustes gratilla and Toxopneustes pileolus). Their pigment distribution patterns were compared and linked to their behavior in order to understand better the implication of spinochromes in a sea urchin's life. Analyses and quantifications by LC-MS showed the presence of 11 different spinochromes with principally two kinds of patterns. First, D. savignyi showed a high concentration in all its body compartments with a predominance for Echinochrome A and Spinochrome D – Iso 3, a pattern close to the E. mathaei distribution found in our previous study. The presence of these pigments has been linked to their bioactive properties and suggested their implications in UV radiation protection, in reproduction, in feeding as well as in their immune systems. Secondly, T. gratilla and T. pileolus presented few spinochromes, which could explain their restricted diet and their covering behavior facing sunlight. Moreover, the absence of pigments in their gonads could be explained by their seasonal spawning occurring before our collection period. Nevertheless, the near absence of spinochromes may be counterbalanced by other bioactive compounds like their toxic proteins, which may act as either a defense mechanism or immune agents, or like carotenoid pigments already shown in sea urchin and acting as defense agents. In conclusion, spinochromes, and pigments in general, seem to play many roles in sea urchin ecology. Their highly reactive structures confer them with strong bioactive properties involved in most parts of their metabolic system and clearly participate in the survival of the sea urchins.
The Brown Algae Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum Reduce Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors: A Clinical Study
Authors: De Martin Sara , Gabbia Daniela , Carrara Maria , Ferri Nicola
Published: March 2019

Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum have been traditionally used for the treatment of obesity and several gastrointestinal diseases. We have recently demonstrated that the phytocomplex obtained from these algae (Gdue™) controls postprandial glucose levels in a mouse model of steatohepatitis, a condition often associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We analyzed the effect of Gdue™ on HOMA index, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in overweight or obese subjects. Waist circumference decreased significantly after 6 months of treatment (112 ± 17 at t0 vs 105 ± 13 cm after 6 months of treatment; p<0.0001). Both blood glucose and insulin levels were significantly reduced after 6 months of treatment with Gdue™ (110 ± 15 at t0 vs 98 ± 15 mg/dL after 6 months for glucose; p<0.0001; 22.6 ± 9.5 at t0 vs 17.8 ± 8.6 μU/mL after 6 months for insulin; p<0.05). Accordingly, HOMA index decreased significantly (6.103 ± 2.548 at t0 vs 4.419 ± 2.382 after 6 months; p<0.01), suggesting an improvement of insulin sensitivity status. This phytocomplex represents a useful dietary supplement for controlling relevant metabolic syndrome risk factors, such as waist circumference, fasting insulin and glucose levels.
Cloning and Heterologous Expression of Plantaricin ZJ5, a Novel Bacteriocin from Lactobacillus plantarum ZJ5, in Escherichia coli
Authors: Song Dafeng , Li Ping , Gu Qing
Published: March 2019

A novel bacteriocin, plantaricin ZJ5 (PZJ5) was yielded from Lactobacillus plantarum ZJ5, cloned, and produced in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) pLys. The PZJ5 structural gene was fused with a Trx tag, and cloned into the pET32a plasmid under the control of the inducible lac operon. Induction was performed with isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), with subsequent overexpression of the fusion protein, followed by purification to homogeneity via His affinity chromatography. Recombinant E. coli produced greater quantities of PZJ5 than L. plantarum ZJ5, and PZJ5 in E. coli was expressed in the form of soluble material. Biologically active PZJ5 was recovered by cleaving the purified fusion protein using enterokinase. The released PZJ5 demonstrated antibacterial activity against Micrococcus luteus. In this study, an inexpensive biological method using a Trx fusion system was presented, and for the first time, bacteriocin PZJ5 was expressed and purified in E. coli.
Cold Steeping Infusion, a Novel Lectin Extraction Technique for the Isolation, Purification and Partial Characterization of Lectins from the Green Venezuelan Marine Alga Caulerpa serrulata
Authors: Djabayan-Djibeyan Pablo , Carpenter Brian , Medina-Ramírez Gerardo , Andueza-Leal Felix , León-Leal Andrés , Djabayan-Russo Andrea , Jaramillo-Abril David , Valarezo-García Carlos , Araujo-Baptista Liliana
Published: March 2019

A lectin from the green Venezuelan marine alga Caulerpa serrulata was extracted with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) using cold steeping infusion (CSI) and by grinding with liquid nitrogen (GLN). The proteins were precipitated using solid ammonium sulfate. Both the crude extracts and ammonium sulfate precipitated proteins were tested for hemagglutinins using native and papain-treated human red blood cell suspensions in isotonic saline solution. Purification of lectins was achieved using affinity chromatography-sugar-epoxy-sepharose 6B and molecular weight was assessed by size exclusion chromatography using Bio-gel® P-100 and SDS-PAGE with 2-mercaptoethanol. IEF-urea 8M was also evaluated. Using CSI it was shown that the marine alga released hemagglutinating compounds into the solutions; the same hemagglutinating compounds were also obtained by GLN. Ammonium sulfate precipitated proteins exhibited agglutinating activity against native and papain-treated human red blood cells. Temperature and EDTA were shown to affect dramatically the lectin activity towards red blood cells. A lectin was purified efficiently and the molecular weight calculated as approximately 78,000 Daltons. The CSI technique demonstrated that the alga could be returned to an active metabolic state by immersion in a simple buffer after having been kept dormant by freezing at −20°C for long periods. It was also shown that the alga was releasing bioactive compounds into the solutions and, therefore, this procedure is being suggested as a good, gentle, non-disruptive extraction technique and we postulate CSI as a possible bioreactor for the continuous production of bioactive compounds from green marine algae.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of the Essential Oil from Hedeoma mandoniana Grown in Cuzco
Authors: Solis-Quispe Leoncio , Solis-Quispe Jorge A. , Tomaylla-Cruz Ciro , Aragon-Alencastre Luz J. , Rodríguez José L. , Pino Jorge A.
Published: March 2019

The chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Hedeoma mandoniana Wedd. grown in Cuzco was studied. A total of 125 volatile compounds were identified in the essential oil, of which the most prominent were pulegone (35.3%), trans-menthone (9.8%) and limonene (9.2%). The essential oil had a low radical-scavenging activity determined by the ABTS method.
Characterization of the Essential oil of the Bat-Pollinated Passiflora mucronata
Authors: della Cuna Francesco Saverio Robustelli , Calevo Jacopo , Giovannini Annalisa , Boselli Cinzia , Tava Aldo
Published: March 2019

The genus Passiflora is an important source of food, therapeutic substances and for the horticultural economy. In the last decades, a detailed chemical composition of the essential oil of Passiflora species has been reported, but only for few species, mainly of agricultural interest, although little attention has been paid to chiropterophilous Passifloraceae, such as P. mucronata. The present study is focused on analyzing the essential oil composition of P. mucronata, a Brazilian bat-pollinated species. From GC/FID and GC/MS analyses of the volatile fraction from fresh flowers and leaves, hydrocarbons were quantified as 47.9% and 42.8% of the total volatiles of flowers and leaves, respectively, esters for 50.8% in flowers and 6.4% in leaves, and alcohols 38.2% and 0.3% of the total volatiles from leaves and flowers, respectively. Other classes of compounds, such as monoterpenes and aldehydes, together with phytol, were detected in higher concentration in leaves compared with flowers. The higher content of methyl and ethyl esters of long chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, i.e. ethyl linolenate (38.3%), methyl linolenate (7.0%) and ethyl palmitate (3.6%), were the most representative suggesting that esters might play a critical role for fertilization of P. mucronata acting as bat attractors.
Chemotaxonomy as a Potential Method to Rapidly Identify Various Namibian Plocamium Species
Authors: Knott Michael G. , Ishola Anthony
Published: March 2019

Differentiating between different Plocamium species of marine algae is not a trivial task. However, a literature review reveals that each species of Plocamium has a major and minor metabolite that is unique to a particular Plocamium species being investigated. Knowledge about the chemotaxonomy of these unique major and minor metabolite standards therefore enables the potentially rapid identification of Plocamium species by means of either 1H NMR or GC-MS analysis of crude Plocamium extracts.
Bacterial Pigments: The Bioactivities and as an Alternative for Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Azman Adzzie-Shazleen , Mawang Christina-Injan , Abubakar Sazaly
Published: March 2019

Synthetic pigments have been widely used in various applications since the 1980s. However, the hyperallergenicity or carcinogenicity effects of synthetic dyes have led to the increased research on natural pigments. Among the natural resources, bacterial pigments are a good alternative to synthetic pigments because of their significant properties. Bacterial pigments are also one of the emerging fields of research since it offers promising opportunities for different applications. Besides its use as safe coloring agents in the cosmetic and food industry, bacterial pigments also possess biological properties such as antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant and anticancer activities. This review article highlights the various types of bacterial pigments, the latest studies on the discovery of bacterial pigments and the therapeutic insights of these bacterial pigments which hopefully provides useful information, guidance and improvement in future study.
No Differences in Nasal Tissue Inflammatory Cells and Adhesion Molecules (iCAM-1 and vCAM-1) Based on the Comparison of EGPA With Eosinophilic Chronic Sinusitis With Polyposis
Authors: Brescia Giuseppe , Schiavon Franco , Nicolè Lorenzo , Zanoletti Elisabetta , Zanotti Claudia , Padoan Roberto , Felicetti Mara , Parrino Daniela , Cinetto Francesco , Cangiano Daniela , Giacomelli Luciano , Cappellesso Rocco , Martini Alessandro , Fassina Ambrogio , Marioni Gino
Published: March 2019

Background

An example of aggressive eosinophilic polyposis can be found in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (iCAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (vCAM-1) play a part in mediating the recruitment and adhesion of leukocytes to the vessel wall, and their blood-to-tissue migration under inflammatory conditions.

Objective

This prospective study compared 3 groups—patients with a definite diagnosis EGPA, non-EGPA patients with phenotypic features suggestive of EGPA, and patients with non-eosinophilic nasal polyposis (controls)—in terms of nasal tissue histology, iCAM-1 and vCAM-1 expression, and blood inflammatory cells.

Methods

A total of 58 adults underwent sinus surgery (13 patients with EGPA, 23 suspected of having EGPA, and 22 controls).

Results

Mean tissue eosinophil counts were significantly higher in EGPA patients and suspected cases of EGPA than in controls. Although iCAM-1 and vCAM-1 were diffusely expressed in sinonasal tissues, they did not differently stain EGPA, eosinophilic-type and non-eosinophilic polyposis. Blood basophil and eosinophil levels were high in both the EGPA and the suspected EGPA groups. Intergroup differences were found for eosinophils but not for basophils.

Conclusions

We do not have yet blood or tissue markers able to differentiate the early phase of EGPA from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Further investigations are mandatory considering EGPA patients at their initial diagnosis and before any treatment, in terms of nasal histology and blood inflammatory cells, to identify markers characterizing sinonasal mucosa inflammation and useful for an early diagnosis of EGPA.
Health-promoting lifestyle profile and associated factors among medical students in a Saudi university
Authors: Alzahrani Sami H , Malik Ahmad Azam , Bashawri Jamil , Shaheen Saleh Ageel , Shaheen Musab Mamdouh , Alsaib Abdullah Abdulaziz , Mubarak Mubarak Abdullah , Adam Youssouf Souleymane , Abdulwassi Hassan Khaled
Published: March 2019

Objectives:

Health promotion is the main strategy for encouraging people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and for preventing non-communicable diseases. Medical students, in particular, are expected to have an important role in health promotion in their near future as physicians. The aim of this study was to determine and evaluate all six components of the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile and its sociodemographic determinants among medical students.

Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in January 2018 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire used in this study consisted of two parts: the first part included sociodemographic questions and body mass index measurement and the second part consisted of questions from the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II.

Results:

The study enrolled 243 medical students, of which 55.1% were male, 39.5% were in their fifth year, and more than half had a monthly family income above 20,000 Saudi Riyal. The mean body mass index of the respondents was 25.1 ± 5.2 (range = 13.7–43.8). The total mean score of the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II was 123.8 ± 19.8 (range = 72–191). Study findings showed that health-promoting profiles differed by gender, particularly with respect to physical activity and interpersonal relationships. Factors were found to be associated with the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II subscales, including income and year of study.

Conclusions:

University students, and in particular health science students, represent an appropriate area for health promotion interventions to be established.