bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary Metabolites, Dietary Fiber and Conjugated Fatty Acids as Functional Food Ingredients against Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Kasprzak Kamila , Wojtunik-Kulesza Karolina , Oniszczuk Tomasz , Kuboń Maciej , Oniszczuk Anna
Published: March 2019

Obesity is a common serious health problem leading to many serious health disorders. This phenomenon is defined as the over-storage of lipids in adipose tissue that occurs when there is an imbalance between the energy intake and energy used. During obesity, many metabolic alterations occur that can damage several organs, such as vascular or skeletal muscle resulting in the dysfunction of these tissues. In this review, we will discuss molecular genetics and causes of obesity, some of the disorders related to human obesity as well as anti-obesity tool. An interesting solution to the obesity problem is natural substances, revealing anti-obesity activity, as well as functional food enriched with aforementioned substances. Functional foods are products exhibiting a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition. They contain well-known biologically active natural compounds, which promote optimal health and reduce the risk of many diseases, including obesity.
Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Lipophilic EGCG Derivatives and Antitumor and Antioxidant Evaluation
Authors: Paonessa Rosina , Nardi Monica , Di Gioia Maria Luisa , Olivito Fabrizio , Oliverio Manuela , Procopio Antonio
Published: March 2019

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was structurally modified to obtain EGCG fatty acid esters using an eco-friendly method employing Er(OTf)3 in 2-MeTHF as the catalyst. The products were purified in short times on a large scale using VERSAFLASH HTFP station on octadecyl-functionalized silica gel. The same Lewis acid showed to be a good catalyst for the synthesis of EGCG peracetated. The EGCG derivatives were assayed for their antioxidant capacity by DPPH assay and by ROS formation using the SH-SY5Y cell line.
Constituents of the Rhizomes of Sansevieria cylindrica
Authors: Aye Mya Mu , Aung Hnin Thanda , Thu Zaw Min , Sein Myint Myint , Takaya Yoshiaki , Komori Yumiko , Clericuzio Marco , Vidari Giovanni
Published: March 2019

A new sappanin-type 3-benzyl chroman-4-one (homoisoflavanone), (3 S)-3-(4'-methoxybenzyl)-3,5-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-6-methyl chroman-4-one (1), together with known congeners (3 S)-3-(4'-methoxybenzyl)-3,5-dihydroxy-7-methoxy chroman-4-one (2), (3 S)-3-(4'-hydroxybenzyl)-3,5-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-6-methyl chroman-4-one (3), (3 S)-3-(4'-hydroxybenzyl)-3,5-dihydroxy-7-methoxy chroman-4-one (4), 3-(3’,4'-methyledioxybenzyl)-7-hydroxy-8-methoxy chroman-4-one (5), and stigmasterol and ergosterol peroxide have been isolated from the rhizomes of Sansevieria cylindrica, collected in Myanmar. Moreover, the first isolation of the (-)-enantiomer of the dihydrochalcone trifasciatine C (7) from nature is described. The structures of the compounds have been established by extensive spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 4 and 7 showed no significant cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. Compounds 1–4 and 7 exhibited weak radical scavenging activity (DPPH). A new biosynthetic pathway has been proposed for the formation of homoisoflavanone 5 and dihydrochalcone 7.
Chemical Composition and Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oil of Cotinus coggygria from Marche Region (Italy)
Authors: Fraternale Daniele , Ricci Donata
Published: March 2019

The present study reports the results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses of the essential oil from flowering aerial parts of Cotinus coggygria Scoop. (Anacardiaceae), as well as its in vitro antifungal activity against nine plant pathogenic fungi. Moreover, the essential oil was evaluated for its antifungal activity using the agar dilution method, and also MICs (minimum inhibitory concentrations) and MFCs (minimum fungicidal concentrations) were determined. The major compounds identified by GC-MS were limonene (49.2%), (Z)-β-ocimene (13.6%), α-pinene (8.8%) and (E)-β-ocimene (5.9%). The oil showed in vitro antifungal activity against some species of the Fusarium genus, Botrytis cinerea, and Alternaria solani. Our study indicates that the oil of C. coggygria could be used as a control agent for plant pathogenic fungi in natural formulations.
A Systematic Review on Natural Antioxidant Properties of Resveratrol
Authors: Colica Carmela , Milanović Maja , Milić Nataša , Aiello Vincenzo , De Lorenzo Antonino , Abenavoli Ludovico
Published: March 2019

Polyphenols, including anthocyanins, flavonoids and stilbenes, which constitute one of the most abundant and ubiquitous groups of plant metabolites, are an integral part of the human diet. Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene), a naturally occurring polyphenol produced by some plants as a self-defence agent, has an antifungal activity. Resveratrol has been found in some plants (such as grapevine, pine and peanuts) and is considered to have beneficial effects also on human health. The number of studies on resveratrol greatly increased in PubMed database since 1997, after the anticancer effect of this molecule was first reported. The interest in resveratrol in grape was originally sparked by epidemiological studies indicating an inverse relationship between long-standing moderate consumption of red wine and the risk of coronary heart disease; this effect has been ascribed to resveratrol, which possesses diverse biochemical and physiological properties, including antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory proprieties, and provides a wide range of health benefits ranging from chemoprevention to cardioprotection. Recently, resveratrol has been described as an anti-aging compound. The consumption of resveratrol (red wine) together with a Mediterranean diet or a fast-food meal (“McDonald'sMeal”) had a positive impact on oxidized (ox-) LDL and on the expression of oxidative and inflammatory genes. Therefore, this review summarized the most important scientific data about healing and preventive potential of resveratrol, acting as cardioprotective, neuroprotective, chemopreventive and antioxidant agent.
Phytochemistry of Commiphora erythraea: A Review
Authors: Marcotullio Maria Carla , Rosati Ornelio , Lanari Daniela
Published: March 2019

Commiphora erythraea (Burseraceae) resin derives from the bark injury of the plant, a small tree native to the Arabian Peninsula. The resin is commonly known as myrrh and it is traditionally used to protect livestock from ticks and to treat diseases related to inflammation. The resin is constituted by a volatile and a non-volatile fraction. The volatile fraction is a source of furanosesquiterpenoids among which furanodienone showed to be the most promising pharmacological active compound. The composition and pharmacological activities of the extracts and the isolated compounds have been reviewed.
Briaviolide Q, a New Briarane from the Cultured Briareum violaceum
Authors: Tsai Tsung-Chang , Xu Jing-Hao , Li Mu-Jang , Chen Jih-Jung , Su Jui-Hsin , Wu Yang-Chang , Wen Zhi-Hong , Sung Ping-Jyun
Published: March 2019

A new briarane-type diterpenoid, briaviolide Q (1), along with a known analogue, excavatolide Z (2), were obtained from a cultured octocoral Briareum violaceum. Details of the isolation and structure determination of briarane 1 from spectroscopic data are presented in this paper. In RAW264.7 cells, a macrophage-like murine cell line, briarane 1 was found to inhibit the protein expression of pro-inflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Suppression of Release of Matrix Metalloprotease-1 from Human Gingival Fibroblasts by Cimicifuga Rhizome Extract and a Novel Cimigenol Xyloside as an Active Constituent
Authors: Honda-Yokota Mami , Murata Kazuya , Anraku Takuya , Iwaki Masahiro
Published: March 2019

Oral malodor has become a major oral problem and the need for self-medication has increased. Oral malodor is attributed to the various enzymes produced by periodontal bacteria and the treatment of periodontal disease is recognized as the major therapy for oral malodor. In our research program to investigate novel agents for alternative medicine, which are effective for oral malodor treatment, we focused on Cimicifuga rhizomes used in ancient Chinese medicine for the treatment of periodontal diseases. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of Cimicifuga rhizomes on periodontal disease, suppression of matrix metalloprotease-1 from human gingival fibroblasts was assayed. A 50% ethanol extract from Cimicifuga rhizomes showed 51.0% suppression at 10 μg/mL. Activity-guided purification of the active principle was led to the isolation of 7,8-didehydrocimigenol 3- O-β-D-xylopyranoside (1), 24- epi-24- O-acetyl-7,8-didehydrohydro-shengmanol 3- O-β-D-xylopyranoside (2) and a novel compound (3). Compound 3 was elucidated as 24,25-epoxy-7,8-didehydrohydroshengmanol 3- O-β-D-xylopyranoside by spectral analysis. Compounds 1 and 3 suppressed matrix metalloprotease-1 release at 50 nM. From these results, the extract from Cimicifuga rhizome may be a novel agent for oral malodor therapy as an alternative medicine.
Antiplasmodial Activity of Gnetum gnemon Leaves and Compounds Isolated from them
Authors: Dutta Partha P , Bordoloi Manobjyoti , Roy Sonali , Narzary Bardwi , Gogoi Kabita , Bhattacharyya Dibya R , Mohapatra Pradyumna K , Mazumder Bhaskar
Published: March 2019

Gnetum gnemon L. (Gnetaceae) is used traditionally for treating malaria related fever by indigenous people of North East India. In our preliminary study, the ethanol extract of G. gnemon leaves showed promising antiplamodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine sensitive (3D7) strain in vitro with an IC50 value of 29.4 μg/mL. Therefore, it was further investigated, and by following a bioassay guided approach, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl icosanoate (1), oleic acid (2) and ursolic acid (3) were isolated for the first time from this plant. Compound 3 showed highest antiplasmodial activity with IC50 values of 4.0 and 6.0 μg/mL against chloroquine sensitive (3D7) and resistant (Dd2) strains of P. falciparum, respectively. The antiplasmodial activity of 1 (IC50 9.5 and 11.4 μg/mL) and 2 (IC50 17.6 and 21.1 μg/mL) was moderate. The isolated constituents showed low cytotoxicity against rat skeletal muscle (L6) and human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells. This is the first report on the antimalarial potential of G. gnemon and the isolated compounds may be responsible for its activity. The findings of the study are in line with the ethnopharmacological claim and can be possible leads for future studies.
Pantoea ananatis Converts MBOA to 6-Methoxy-4-nitro-benzoxazolin-2(3H)-one (NMBOA) for Cooperative Degradation with its Native Root Colonizing Microbial Consortium
Authors: Schulz Margot , Hofmann Diana , Sicker Dieter , Hennig Lothar , Schütz Vadim , Preusche Matthias , Thiele Björn
Published: March 2019

6-Methoxy-benzoxazolin-2(3 H)-one (MBOA) is a degradation product derived from 2,4-Dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2 H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4 H)-one (DIMBOA), one of the bioactive compounds found e.g., in maize. Here we present hitherto unknown 6-methoxy-4-nitro-benzoxazolin-2(3 H)-one (NMBOA) produced in Czapek medium by Pantoea ananatis (Enterobacteriaceae). P. ananatis is a member of a microbial consortium dominated by the zygomycete Actinomucor elegans, which was isolated from roots of Abutilon theophrasti. NMBOA was identified by NMR spectra and HR-ESI-MS analyses, revealing an unusual position of the nitro group at C-4. Nitration of MBOA initiates the degradation of the compound that is almost completed within three days by the entire consortium and isolated P. ananatis. The yeast Papiliotrema baii, another member of the consortium, is unable to degrade NMBOA but stored it at the surface of its polysacchararide capsule. NMBOA has negative effects on microbial growth in liquid medium whereas seedlings of Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L. (kohlrabi) or Lepidium sativum (cress) are not impaired up to 500 μM. Degradation via nitration may be important to understand the behavior of microbial species and effects of microbiomes when exposed to MBOA.
Phenolic Compounds Isolated and Identified from Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) Juice Powder and their Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Activities
Authors: Rose Kenneth , Wan Chunpeng , Thomas Amber , Seeram Navindra P. , Ma Hang
Published: March 2019

The edible fruit of Phyllanthus emblica (known as amla and Indian gooseberry) is widely used in Eastern traditional medicinal systems for a variety of ailments. Our group has previously reported that an amla juice powder shows neuroprotective effects in several in vitro and in vivo assay models but its chemical constituents and their neuroprotective activity remain unknown. Therefore, we conducted a phytochemical investigation of amla juice powder and evaluated the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of the isolates. Ten phenolics (1–10), including gallic acid (1), five gallic acid derivatives (2–6), ellagic acid (7), and three ellagic acid derivatives (8–10), were isolated and identified with compounds 8–10 being reported from amla for the first time. All of the isolates showed antioxidant effects in the DPPH assay with IC50 values ranging from 6-158.9 μM superior to the synthetic commercial antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene (IC50 = 371.4 μM). In addition, compound 8 reduced β-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model by increasing their survival rate by 28.3% compared to the control group. This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the potential health benefits of amla and supports the functional food and nutraceutical applications of amla juice powder.
12-Hydroxycorniculatolide a from the Mangrove Tree, Lumnitzera littorea
Authors: Wongsomboon Puttandon , Maneerat Wisanu , Pyne Stephen G , Vittaya Luksamee , Limtharakul(née Ritthiwigrom) Thunwadee
Published: March 2019

A new macrocyclic lactone, 12-hydroxycorniculatolide A (1), along with three known compounds, corniculatolide A (2), 12-hydroxy-11- O-methyl-corniculatolide A (3) and 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin (4) were isolated from the methanolic extract of the twigs of Lumnitzera littorea. All compounds were characterized using spectroscopic methods. All compounds were screened against a panel of six Gram positive and five Gram negative bacteria.
Volatile Constituents of Emilia sonchifolia from India
Authors: Joshi Rajesh K.
Published: March 2019

The volatile constituents were isolated by hydro-distillation of the aerial parts of Emilia sonchfolia (L.) DC. (Asteraceae). The constituents were analyzed for the first time by gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Forty-three compounds were identified, representing 96.3% of the total oil. The major constituents were γ-muurolene (32.1%) and β-caryophyllene (22.7%). The other minor constituents were ( E)-β-ocimene (4.0%), α-muurolene (3.9%), δ-cadinene (3.7%) and epi-α-cadinol (3.7%). The oil was found to be rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarbon (67.6%) type constituents.
Chemical Characterization of Wild Growing Origanum vulgare Populations in Montenegro
Authors: Stešević Danijela , Jaćimović Željko , Šatović Zlatko , Šapčanin Aida , Jančan Gordan , Kosović Milica , Damjanović-Vratnica Biljana
Published: March 2019

In order to make chemical characterization of two Origanum vulgare L. subspecies in Montenegro, the essential oils of five wild growing populations were analyzed. Among 67 oil constituents, in O. vulgare subsp. hirtum dominant one was oxygenated monoterpene carvacrol (74.3%), while in O. vulgare subsp. vulgare prevailed sesquiterpene hydrocarbons: germacrene D (15.4–27.9%) and β-caryophyllene (7.7–14.6%), and among oxygenated monoterpenes: α- terpineol (4.8–17.8%), linalyl acetate (0.5–9.6%), linalool (3.0–8.8%), thymol (0.2–8.3), terpinene 4-ol (1.5–8.3%). Several of the main essential oil constituents appeared to be highly intercorrelated. Strong positive correlations (r > 0.70; P < 0.01) were observed between α-terpineol and linalyl acetate, α-terpineol and thymol, linalyl acetate and thymol, γ-terpenene and carvacrol, ( E)-β-ocimene and β-bisabolene, while strong negative correlations (r < −0.70; P < 0.01) were evidenced between γ-terpenene and β-caryophyllene, γ-terpenene and germacrene D, p-cymene and germacrene D. Multivariate analyses allowed the grouping of the populations into three distinct chemotypes. Population P5 (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum) was distinguished from O. vulgare subsp. vulgare populations by predominance of carvacrol, while within the typical subspecies the population P1 (Boljevići) separated from P2 (Radovče), P3 (Lipovo) and P4 (Grahovo) by high oil levels of α-terpineol, linalyl-acetate and thymol.
Composition, in vitro Anti-mildew Fungal Activities of the Heartwood Essential Oil of Chamaecyparis formosensis from Taiwan
Authors: Su Yu-Chang , Hsu Kuang-Ping , Ho Chen-Lung
Published: March 2019

In this study, anti-mildew fungal activities of the heartwood essential oil, and its constituents from Chamaecyparis formosensis were evaluated in vitro against 7 mildew fungi. The main compounds responsible for the anti-mildew fungal activities were isolated and identified. The heartwood essential oil of C. formosensis was isolated using hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus, and characterized by GC-FID and GC-MS. The heartwood oil consisted primarily of myrtenol (18.4%), cis-myrtanol (14.0%), α-muurolol (13.8%), α-cadinol (12.7%), and chamaecynone (9.8%). The heartwood oil was shown to have excellent anti-mildew fungal activities. Further fractionation of the heartwood oil produced α-cadinol, chamaecynone, α-muurolol, τ-cadinol, and τ-muurolol. The 5 compounds exhibited very strong anti-mildew fungal activities. For the anti-mildew fungal activities of the heartwood oil, the active source compounds were determined to be α-cadinol, chamaecynone, α-muurolol, τ-cadinol, and τ-muurolol.
Chemical Composition and Phytotoxic Activity of Rosmarinus officinalis Essential Oil
Authors: Caputo Lucia , Trotta Mariarosa , Romaniello Angelica , De Feo Vincenzo
Published: March 2019

In this study we determined the chemical composition of R. officinalis essential oil and evaluated its possible phytotoxic activity. The chemical composition of the essential oil was studied by GC and GC-MS analyses. A total of 57 compounds were identified and the main components are α-pinene (24.9%), verbenol (8.5%), verbenone (8.5%), 1,8-cineol (8.2%) and isoborneol (8.1%). Moreover, the essential oil and its main constituents, α-pinene and 1,8-cineol, were evaluated for their possible in vitro phytotoxic activity against germination and initial radical growth of radish ( Raphanus sativus L.), rue ( Ruta graveolens L.), lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) and tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.). The results showed thatboth germination and radical elongation were sensitive to the oil but not in the same way to α-pinene and 1,8-cineol. The oil influences in different ways radical elongation of R. sativus, R. graveolens, and L. sativa and the germination of S. lycopersicum. Instead α-pinene influenced only radical elongation of lettuce.
A New Taxane Diterpenoid and a New Neolignan from Taxus baccata
Authors: Lei Xiaoyun , Huang Shuai , Xiao Hu , Gao Feng , Zhou Xianli
Published: March 2019

Two new compounds, baccataxinine (1) and baccalignan (2), were isolated from the Taxus baccata, together with 16 known ones. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses of HR-ESI-MS, NMR and IR. Compound 1 is a taxane diterpenoid possessing a rare dioxolane ring between C-1 and C-2, while 2 is the first benzofuran neolignan from this species. Furthermore, they were also evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, but none of them showed considerable inhibitory effects.
Competitive Inhibition of Mammalian Hyaluronidase by Tomato Saponin, Esculeoside A
Authors: Zhou Jian-Rong , Kimura Souta , Nohara Toshihiro , Yokomizo Kazumi
Published: March 2019

Esculeoside A, a glycoside of spirosolane-type, is identified as a major component in ripe tomato fruits. Our previous study showed that esculeoside A inhibited hyaluronidase activity in vitro and ameliorated experimental dermatitis in vivo. The aim of this present study is to investigate the inhibition mode on mammalian hyaluronidase by esculeoside A. Measured by a modified Morgan-Elson method, the present kinetic analysis of the hydrolysis reaction using hyaluronic acid revealed that no significant difference was observed in velocity maximum Vmax, and Michaelis-Menten constant Km was shown as 0.74 mM in the absence of esculeoside A, was increased as 1.32 and 1.98 mM with 3 and 30 μM of esculeoside A, respectively. Thus suggested that the inhibition mode on hyaluronidase by esculeoside A was competitive. This competitive inhibition on hyaluronidase activity may become valuable in the amelioration of mice experimental dermatitis by esculeoside A.
Antioxidant and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of Fisetin
Authors: Yue Yike , Chen Yongsheng , Geng Sheng , Liang Guizhao , Liu Benguo
Published: March 2019

Fisetin is a flavonoid widespread in vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants. The in vitro antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of fisetin were systemically investigated in this study. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging performance of fisetin was higher than that of BHA. In the ORAC and PSC assays, fisetin also exhibited strong antioxidant activity. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of fisetin (IC50, 9.38±0.35 μg/mL) was significantly superior to that of acarbose (IC50, 1.07±0.15 mg/mL). Its inhibition type was determined to be a mixed competitive and non-competitive inhibition mode. Molecular docking analysis suggested it could exert the α-glucosidase inhibitory role by forming hydrogen bonds with the TRP391, ASP392, ARG428 and ASP568 residues of α-glucosidase.
Simultaneous Quantification of Two Flavonoids in Morus alba by High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Photodiode Array Detector
Authors: Seo Chang-Seob , Shin Hyeun-Kyoo
Published: March 2019

The root bark of Morus alba L. (Family: Moraceae) is an important medicinal herb in many countries and has long been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of cough, fever, blood pressure reduction, and respiratory diseases. In the present study, the simultaneous determination of two flavonoids, kuwanon G and morusin, for quality control of M alba was conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with photodiode array (PDA) detector. The column used for separation of kuwanon G and morusin was a Gemini C18 analytical column maintained at 45°C. The mobile phase for efficient separation of two analytes was flowed 0.1% (v/v) aqueous formic acid-acetonitrile with gradient elution. The detection wavelength for quantification was set at 266 nm. The optimized method showed good linearity with coefficients of determination of 0.9998 within the tested concentration ranges. The limits of detection for the two flavonoids, kuwanon G and morusin, were 0.69 μg/mL and 0.35 μg/mL and the limits of quantification of kuwanon G and morusin, were 2.10 μ/mL and 1.07 μg/mL. The recoveries were 98.40–111.55% and the relative standard deviation (RSD) value was within 3.50%. The RSD values of intra- a g d interday precisions were 0.08–0.70% and 0.06-0.48%, respectively. The amounts of kuwanon G and morusin were 1.94-2.26 mg/g and 1.05–1.12 mg/g. The established HPLC-PDA method will help to improve the quality control of M. alba and related products.
Characterization and Quantitation of Polyphenolic Compounds in Senna gardneri and S. georgica from the Northeast of Brazil
Authors: Maia Irvila Ricarte de O. , Trevisan Maria Teresa Salles , Silva Maria Goretti de V. , Breuer Andrea , Owen Robert W.
Published: March 2019

Because there is a dearth of data on the taxon Senna, the aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition of various botanical parts of Senna gardneri Irwin & Barneby and Senna georgica Irwin & Barneby. A total of 24 polyphenolic compounds were identified in methanol extracts. The higher concentration (on a dry weight basis) of polyphenolic compounds, was detected in the leaves (29.3 g/kg) and roots (17.3 g/kg) of S. gardneri. By contrast, a lower concentration of polyphenolic compounds were detected in the roots of S. georgica (11.8 g/kg), followed by the bark (5.8 g/kg), leaves (0.7 g/kg) and fruits (0.3 g/kg). Flavonoids comprised the major polyphenolic compounds in leaves of S. gardneri (98 %) and S. georgica (100 %) and the bark of S. georgica (86 %). Whereas the composition was quite different in the roots, of which the major components were stilbenes and naphthapyrones at 87 % and 13 % in S. georgica roots and 64 % and 28 % in S. gardneri roots. The fruits of S. georgica contained only one anthraquinone. In conclusion the roots of S. gardneri (11.023 g/kg) and S. georgica (10.285 g/kg) are a rich source of stilbenes, which have promising cancer chemopreventive capacities.
A Concise Asymmetric Synthesis of the Macrolide Antibiotic (-)-A26771B and Evaluation of its Antibacterial Activity and Some of its Precursors
Authors: Chatterjee Sucheta , Subramanian Mahesh , Sharma Anubha , Chattopadhyay Subrata
Published: March 2019

An asymmetric synthesis of the macrolide antibiotic (-)-A26771B (1) has been developed wherein the stereochemistries at its C-5 and C-15 centres were installed using an ( R)-BINOL-catalyzed allylation and a lipase-catalyzed acylation respectively. Acrylation at the C-15 centre under Mitsunobu conditions followed by a ring closing metathesis provided the macrocylic skeleton, which was suitably functionalized to obtain (-)-1. The biological assay of the antibiotic and two of its precursors suggested that presence of the γ-oxo moiety and the succinate function in (-)-1 were detrimental to its antibacterial activity.
Potential Phytopharmacy and Food Applications of Capsicum spp.: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Salehi Bahare , Hernández-Álvarez Alan Javier , del Mar Contreras María , Martorell Miquel , Ramírez-Alarcón Karina , Melgar-Lalanne Guiomar , Matthews Karl R. , Sharifi-Rad Mehdi , Setzer William N. , Nadeem Muhammad , Yousaf Zubaida , Sharifi-Rad Javad
Published: March 2019

Capsicum genus (Solanaceae) is native to the Americas. Today, it is an important agricultural crop cultivated around the world, not only due to its economic importance, but also for the nutritional value of the fruits. Among their phytochemical constituents, capsaicinoids are characteristic and responsible of the pungency of sharp-tasting cultivars. Moreover, Capsicum and capsaicinoids (mainly, capsaicin) have been largely studied because of their health benefits. Thus, this study reviews the scientific knowledge about Capsicum spp. and their phytochemicals against cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, pain, and metabolic syndrome, as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. These bioactivities can be the basis of the formulation of functional ingredients and natural preservatives containing Capsicum extracts or isolated compounds.
Beneficial Effect of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extracted (SC-CO2) Dabai (Canarium odontophyllum) Pulp Oil in Hypercholesterolemia-Induced SPF Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Kadir Noor Atiqah Aizan Abdul , Azlan Azrina , Abas Faridah , Ismail Intan Safinar
Published: March 2019

Production of dabai ( Canarium odontophyllum) pulp oil by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is still relatively new and should be investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extracted dabai pulp oil (DPO) on rats induced with hypercholesterolemia. Male-specific pathogen free (SPF) Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with diets with high cholesterol contents for 4 weeks to induce hypercholesterolemia. Afterwards, the hypercholesterolemia rats were divided into groups namely: positive control group (PG), low dose group (LG), high dose group (HG), and statin group (SG). 0.5% and 2% of SC-CO2 DPO were administered to the LG and HG groups respectively for another 4 weeks. Changes in body weight and biochemistry profiles were measured. When compared with the normal rats that were fed with a normal basal diet, the hypercholesterolemia rats had elevated body weights and major increments in total cholesterol and LDL levels(NG) ( p<0.05). Paired-samples t-tests showed that the LG group exhibited a notable reduction in total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL levels ( p<0.05) and an 8.26% increment in HDL level. Meanwhile, diminishing levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL levels were found in the HG group. Notable differences in AST and ALT levels were not detected in LG and HG groups when compared with the NG group. These results indicated that SC-CO2dabai pulp oil contains vital elements which contribute to cholesterol-loweringeffects and which can be used as special oils for health promotion and disease prevention.
Recent Development of Quality Control Methods for Herbal Derived Drug Preparations
Authors: Indrayanto Gunawan
Published: March 2019

Pharmaceutical industries should apply rigorous QC (quality control) to ensure the consistency, safety, and efficacy of their herbal derived drug-preparations. QC must be performed at every stage of the production line i.e. incoming raw materials, extractions, in-process control, finished products and keeping samples. Due to the complex nature of the chemical content of herbal drugs, two approaches to QC should be taken, that is quantitative determination of the selected marker(s) compound(s), and metabolite profiling. Contamination of herbal medicines by heavy metals, pesticides, toxic metabolites, microbial toxins, pathogenic microorganisms and other foreign matter should also be evaluated. A combination of chemical profiling and multivariate analysis (MVA) is recommended as the QC tool for the botanical identification method (BIM) of herbs, extracts, herb materials, and herbal drug preparations. Microscopic methods, DNA profiling or chemical marker(s) are not recommended for use as the sole BIM due to the lack of specificity. Only markers that meet certain criteria i.e. quality active (QA) markers can be utilized as a QC tool. The limit specification range of markers used as QC tools should be described in the analytical target profile (ATP). To gain reliable results of any analysis that has been performed at any QC laboratory, the analysis method must be validated according to the newest guidance. Sample detection limit of any toxic compound(s) should be lower than its cut-off value and MPL. The reliability of any results of analysis of a QC laboratory must be evaluated by using QC-samples for each series of measurements.
Differential Antifungal Efficiency of Geraniol and Citral
Authors: Gaonkar Roopa , Avti Pramod K , Hegde Gurumurthy
Published: March 2019

Terpenoids such as geraniol and citral are known to have antibacterial, antifungal and anti-cancerous properties; however, their mechanism of action is least understood. In this study, the antifungal mechanism of monoterpene alcohol (geraniol) and monoterpene aldehyde (citral) was studied using Saccharomyces cerevisiae throughout 120 h duration and over a maximum tolerable dosage of 0.5% (v/v). Cell growth studies using optical density readings at 600 nm (ODλ=600nm), Cell viability using MTT assay, Na+/K+ leakage into media, osmotic stress using flame photometry, detection of metabolites like dehydroergosterol (DHE), H2O2 using fluorescence spectroscopy, changes in functional group analysis using FT-IR, elemental analysis using EDAX, DNA damage using gel electrophoresis and cellular structural changes using SEM were carried out. Growth inhibition studies using ODλ=600nm and MTT assays suggest that both geraniol and citral inhibited the growth kinetics significantly up to 0.1% v/v at and significantly increased beyond 0.1% at all the studied time points. Both the monoterpenoids induced the osmotic stress in S. cerevisiae measured as a change in reduction in pH, [H]+ concentration, with elevation in [Na]+ and [K]+ leakage into the media. Geraniol treatment reduced the levels of metabolites, dehydroergosterol (DHE) and H2O2, in a time-dependent manner whereas citral only affected their levels at 120 h. Energy dispersive X - ray spectroscopy (EDAX) studies suggest that both the monoterpenoids treatment differentially modulated the cellular elemental contents. Geraniol (0.03% v/v) and not the citral treatment induced DNA damage. Cellular structural analysis showed that both monoterpenoids have differential damaging effects to S. cerevisiae. This study shows that having an aldehyde and alcohol group on the terpenoids strongly affect the anti-fungal activity.
Design, Synthesis and Cytotoxic Evaluation of 4-Anilinoquinazoline– triazole–AZT Hybrids as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Giang Le Nhat Thuy , Nga Nguyen Thi , Van Dinh Thuy , Anh Dang Thi Tuyet , Phuong Hoang Thi , Thanh Nguyen Ha , Anh Le Thi Tu , Trung Vu Quoc , Van Tuyen Nguyen , Van Kiem Phan
Published: March 2019

A series of 4-anilinoquinazoline–triazole–AZT hybrids were designed and synthesized as anticancer agents. Their cytotoxic potential has been evaluated by means of a micro-dilution assay against three human cancer cell lines (KB, epidermoid carcinoma; HepG2, hepatoma carcinoma; SK-Lu-1, non-small lung cancer). The biological results revealed that compounds 4b and 6d showed good anticancer activities against KB, HepG2, and Lu cell lines (IC50 values ranging from 9 μM to 100 μM). Especially, compounds 4b and 6d exhibited up to 3-fold more potent than reference drugs erlotinib hydrochloride and AZT in term of anti-lung cancer activity.
A New Flavonol Glucoside from the Leaves of Crypsinus trilobus
Authors: Hanh Pham Thi Bich , Phuong Ngo Thi , Hung Le Ngoc , Dat Nguyen Quoc , Tri Dang Minh , Thien Do Truong , Ha Le Minh
Published: March 2019

A new flavonol glucoside, kaempferol 3- O-[2″,4″-di- O-acetyl-6″- O-( E- p-coumaroyl)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (namely crypsinoside A) (1), along with 7 known compounds 2 – 8 were isolated from the leaves of Crypsinus trilobus (Houtt.) Copel. (Polypodiaceae) for the first time. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra.
Production of Anthocyanins in Callus Cultures of Angelica archangelica
Authors: Siatka Tomáš
Published: March 2019

Anthocyanins have been used as food color additives, but they also possess many properties beneficial to health. Plant tissue culture technology is an attractive alternative for obtaining these valuable natural pigments. In this work, dark-grown anthocyanin producing callus cultures of Angelica archangelica were established. They were cultured on a Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 2 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0.4 mg/L benzylaminopurine. Anthocyanin contents in cultures were around 2%, i.e. one order of magnitude higher than in the intact plant that contains up to 0.17% anthocyanins. Growth and production characteristics of the culture were determined – fresh and dry biomass as well as anthocyanin levels reached a maximum on day 30. Effects of basal nutrient media on callus proliferation and anthocyanin accumulation were tested. Culture growth (fresh weight) achieved 105%, 102%, 141%, 129%, 54%, and 26%, and anthocyanin contents attained 114%, 41%, 33%, 31%, 25%, and 15% on Linsmaier and Skoog, Gamborg B5, Schenk and Hildebrandt, Woody plant, Nitsch and Nitsch, and Heller medium, respectively, in comparison with that of Murashige and Skoog.
Analysis of Active Metabolites of Sophora flavescens for Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and Monoamine Oxidases using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Park Mi Hyeon , Lee Seong Mi , Ko Sung-Kyun , Oh Kyeong Yeol , Kim Jung-Hee , Kim Hoon , Kwon Min-Cheol , Ryoo In-Ja , Ahn Jong Seog , Ryu Hyung Won , Oh Sei-Ryang
Published: March 2019

As part of ongoing research on natural products derived from medicinal plants for enzyme inhibition, known dibenzoyl derivatives (1–3, 11 and 20), pterocarpans (4, 15 and 19), flavanones (5, 7, 10, 12–14, 18, 21–24, 26, 27, 29, 31–33, 35, 36, and 38–46), flavones (6, 16, 28, 30 and 37), isoflavones (8 and 17), furocoumarins (9), and chalcones (25 and 34) have been tentatively identified within fractions of Sophora flavescens roots (SFR) using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTof-MS) technique. The extract and column fractions inhibited indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and monoamine oxidases (MAOs) differently depending on the metabolite groups. The majority of rich fractions were shown to have residual activities of 49–59% at 10 μg/mL (IDO) and 11.7–34.9% at 50 μg/mL (MAOs) or below. In the total ion current (TIC) chromatogram, significant markers for the metabolites of the bioactive-guided fractions were identified; pterocarpans (4, 15 and 19), flavanones (5, 10, 12–14, 18, 21–23, 26, 29 31–33, 35, 36, and 38–46), isoflavones (8 and 17), furocoumarins (9), dibenzoyl derivatives (11 and 20), flavones (16, 28, 30 and 37), and chalcones (25 and 34) were evaluated among forty-six analyzed metabolites. Possible bioactive markers could be deduced using a data library and previous references, and information regarding spectroscopic characterization and optimal target metabolites was obtained.
Antiangiogenic Chromanones from Cynanchum thesiodes
Authors: Wei Rongrui , Ma Qinge , Zhong Guoyue , Yang Ming , Sang Zhipei
Published: March 2019

A total of 10 chromanone derivatives (1–10), including two new compounds (1 and 2), were isolated from the fruits of Cynanchum thesiodes, and their structures were identified based on UV, IR, MS and NMR spectroscopic data, and comparison with those of reference compounds. The isolated compounds (1–10) were evaluated for their antiangiogenic activity by MTT assay using axitinib as a positive control. As a result, 1, 2, 3 and 9 exhibited important antiangiogenic activity with IC50 values of 13.8, 11.9, 43.6, and 74.8 μM, respectively.
Underutilized Native Biobío Berries: Opportunities for Foods and Trade
Authors: López María D. , Baenas Nieves , Retamal-Salgado Jorge , Zapata Nelson , Moreno Diego A.
Published: March 2019

The Biobío Region in Chile presents special edaphoclimatic characteristics and biodiversity that make it suitable for the introduction and development of some berries that are understudied in terms of their health-promoting composition and characteristics. Chilean strawberry ( Fragaria chiloensis ssp. chiloensis, form chiloensis) and calafate ( Berberis microphylla G. Forst.) have been underused despite having interesting nutritive values and health-promoting capacities. The polyphenolic compositions of Chilean strawberry and calafate were characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn analyses, as well as their antioxidant potential (in ORAC and DPPH assays). The major secondary metabolites present in Chilean strawberry and calafate were ellagic acid derivatives and anthocyanins, respectively, being the anthocyanins more closely related to the higher antioxidant capacity found in the berries. Therefore, the Biobío Region berries analyzed are rich in bioactive phytochemicals with health-promoting characteristics. This represents an opportunity for the food industry and for international trade with Chilean berries, as well as a potential way of promoting rural development in the region.
Isolation and Characterization of a Lectin-like Protein (SBLP) from the Dried Roots of Scutellaria baicalensis (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Wang Huiqin , Gao Guanzhen , Ke Lijing , Zhou Jianwu , Rao Pingfan
Published: March 2019

A novel lectin-like protein with MW 63.2 kDa, designated as SBLP, has been isolated and characterized from the dried roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Lamiaceae). SBLP was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and anion exchange chromatography. It is a glycoprotein according to a PAS staining assay and consisting of protein (86.0%) and sugar (14.0%). Its N-terminal amino acid sequence was determined as GSAVGFLY by Edman degradation. SBLP showed hemagglutinating activity against human and rooster erythrocytes, which were stable below 60°C and in the pH range of 4 −10. Furthermore, SBLP was found to be stimulated by Ca2+, Na+, Ba2+, Zn2+ ions, which suggested it was a metal-dependent lectin. SBLP inhibited the growth of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici and Alternaria eichhorniae in the a dose-dependent manner, and suppressed the proliferation of HepG2 tumor cells with an IC50 of 1.00 μM. This is the first report of a lectin from Radix Scutellariae.
Antifungal Activity of Monoterpenes against Botryosphaeria dothidea
Authors: Zhang Zhilin , Xie Yongjian , Hu Xian , Shi Hongan , Wei Mi , Lin Zhufeng
Published: March 2019

The development of natural plant extracts and essential oils will assist to decrease the negative effects of synthetic chemicals. The antifungal activity of 20 pure monoterpenes was assessed their efficacy against Botryosphaeria dothidea. 20 compounds were investigated the antifungal activity against B. dothidea at the concentration of 400 μg·mL−1. And components were used to the future test, which of the antifungal rate is greater than 50% against B. dothidea. Results from antifungal tests revealed that cuminaldehyde, β-citronellol, nerol, geraniol, citral and α-terpineol exhibited strong antifungal effect against B. dothidea. In addition, the antifungal activity of cuminaldehyde, β-citronellol, and geraniol had a highest effect toward B. dothidea with LC50 values of 105.15, 135.73, 132.69 μg·mL−1, respectively. In addition to the antagonistic effect of geraniol/β-citronellol (1/2) mixture, the combination of other compounds has synergistic effect on B. dothidea. The present results indicated that cuminaldehyde, geraniol, and β-citronellol are promising antifungal effect against B. dothidea and could be useful in the search for new natural fungicide. Several high activity monoterpenes and some combined with two monoterpenes were identified, and provided a rationale for pursuing further research on the fungicide and enhanced efficacy by the combined of fungicide.
Liver injury after methylprednisolone pulses: A disputable cause of hepatotoxicity. A case series and literature review
Authors: Zoubek Miguel Eugenio , Pinazo-Bandera José , Ortega-Alonso Aida , Hernández Nelia , Crespo Javier , Contreras Fernando , Medina-Cáliz Inmaculada , Sanabria-Cabrera Judith , Sanjuan-Jiménez Rocío , González-Jiménez Andrés , García-Cortés Miren , Lucena M Isabel , Andrade Raúl J , Robles-Díaz Mercedes
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

Corticosteroids are often empirically used to treat idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity with severe features. Interestingly, intravenous methylprednisolone (MP) is increasingly being recognized as being responsible for liver injury. We aimed to characterize MP‐induced liver injury by analyzing demographical, clinical, laboratory and outcome data of three MP‐induced hepatotoxicity cases and compared this information with that of previously published cases.

Case series

Three females with multiple sclerosis (MS) were treated intravenously with MP, mean daily dose 767 mg. Liver damage occurred 2 to 6 weeks after exposure. Severity was mild to moderate. Two patients suffered positive rechallenge.

Literature review

We identified 50 published cases of MP hepatotoxicity. Most of these cases were female (86%) and main treatment indications were MS (29 cases) and Graves' ophthalmopathy (13 cases). Hepatocellular damage predominated and mean time to onset was 6 weeks. Four patients died and rechallenge occurred in 19 cases.

Conclusion

MP pulses can induce severe liver injury, often with an autoimmune phenotype, particularly in patients with MS and Graves' ophthalmopathy. Consequently, these patient groups should have liver tests monitored when treated with MP to provide safer patient care.
Spontaneous retroperitoneal haemorrhage as a first presentation of Behçet disease
Authors: Agarwal Ketan , Patel Chirag , Long Ronan , Cornford Philip A
Published: March 2019

Level of evidence – Level 5 (case report)
Neuro-Behçet’s masquerading as progressive bulbar palsy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Paschalis Theodoros , Shami Noor M , Mandal Amit KJ , Missouris Constantinos G
Published: March 2019

In patients with progressive bulbar palsy without an obvious cause, there should be a high index of suspicion for the potential diagnosis of Neuro-Behçet’s Disease, even in the absence of the acute classical peripheral manifestations of Bechet’s Disease, with emphasis in prompt diagnosis using ‘The International Criteria for Behçet’s Disease’ and rapid, effective treatment in order to improve outcome.
Blurred boundaries: Citizens journalists versus conventional journalists in Hong Kong
Authors: Darbo Karoline Nerdalen , Skjerdal Terje
Published: March 2019

Hong Kong has a reputation for being one of the freest media societies in Asia, but its ranking on press freedom indices has fallen steadily since the Chinese takeover in 1997. The online media have nevertheless created a space for a widened public sphere. In a situation of growing self-censorship and rise of alternative journalism formats, this study asks whether citizen journalism represents a viable alternative to conventional journalism. The aim of the study is to map out differences between conventional journalists and citizen journalists with regard to role perception. The empirical data consist of 12 semi-structured interviews with citizen journalists and conventional journalists in Hong Kong. The study finds that both groups are concerned about the future of press freedom, perceiving high degrees of self-censorship as well as political and commercial pressure. Concerns about declining trust are strong. Neither of the informant groups trusts the media to be neutral, and they do not express support to “Beijing” (i.e., central Chinese politics). At the same time, professional journalists do not trust citizen journalism to be a viable alternative to traditional journalism, especially because of deficient validation processes and lack of neutrality. The citizen journalists on their part are in fact often organized in one way or another, and they do to some extent follow established editorial procedures. This indicates that even if the conventional journalists are skeptical to the new group of journalists, the two groups may not be as different as they might think. The two groups largely share ideals related to journalistic expertise, duty and autonomy, but differ on the collectivist–individualist dimension. Overall, the study identifies blurred boundaries between conventional journalism and citizen journalism in Hong Kong.
Prosumers in a digital multiverse: An investigation of how WeChat is affecting Chinese citizen journalism
Authors: Wu Yan , Wall Matthew
Published: March 2019

This article examines how WeChat, contemporary China’s most popular mobile phone application, is affecting digitally enabled citizen journalism. Based on focus-group research with WeChat users, and building on the insights of previous studies of digitally enabled citizen journalism within and outside of China, we find that WeChat’s integration of multiple communicative networks renders it a multiversal space where citizen journalistic practice can bleed across public, semi-public, and private spheres. We show that WeChat offers diverse communicative affordances facilitating practices of “metavoicing” as a form of citizen journalism, blurring divides between news production and consumption. This dynamic affects users’ experiences of news and can influence news agendas story lifecycles. WeChat also faces important limitations as a citizen journalism platform: it is a space where political discussion can be readily reported, where the tone of current affairs coverage is often sensationalized, and where the reliability of content can be difficult to discern.