bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro Anti-inflammatory Activity of Ligustrum vulgare Extracts and Their Analytical Characterization
Authors: Macková Anna , Mučaji Pavel , Widowitz Ute , Bauer Rudolf
Published: March 2019

Interest in the anti-inflammatory effects of Ligustrum vulgare L., which has been used traditionally in China and Japan prompted us to determine anti-inflammatory effects of the plant's compounds in leukocytes. The leaves of L. vulgare were used to prepare a decoction which was successively extracted with organic solvents (dichloromethane (DCM), n-butanol, ethyl acetate) using liquid-liquid partition. Extracts were tested for inhibition of LTB4, resp. PGE2 biosynthesis. Each extract was evaluated for its in vitro cyclooxygenase-1/2 (COX-1/2) inhibitory activity using assays with purified COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, as well as for their LTB4 formation inhibitory activity using an assay with activated human neutrophil granulocytes. All extracts reported inhibitory actions against COXs in comparison with the synthetic inhibitors NS-398 (IC50 = 2.6 μM) and indomethacin (IC50 = 0.9 μM). The dichloromethane extract of privet leaves showed a considerable inhibitory effect against COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme activity. The DCM extract revealed 2.7 times higher inhibitory activity against LTB4 formation in comparison with the known specific LT inhibitor zileuton (IC50 = 5.0 μM). Additionally, oleuropein and echinacoside were detected by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS in the Ligustrum vulgare leaves. Both compounds exhibited weak inhibitory activity on cyclooxygenases and leukotriene formation.
Uncaria tomentosa Alkaloidal Fraction Reduces Paracellular Permeability, IL-8 and NS1 Production on Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells Infected with Dengue Virus
Authors: Lima-Junior Raimundo Sousa , Mello Cintia da Silva , Siani Antonio Carlos , Valente Ligia M. Marino , Kubelka Claire Fernandes
Published: March 2019

Dengue is the major Arbovirus in the world, annually causing morbidity and death. Severe dengue is associated with changes in the endothelial barrier function due to the production of inflammatory mediators by immune cells and by the endothelium. Dengue virus (DENV) replicates efficiently in human endothelial cells in vitro and elicits immune responses resulting in endothelial permeability. Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC.(Rubiaceae), known as cat's claw, has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of a wide-array of symptoms, and several scientific studies reported its antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Here we infected a human lineage of dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) with DENV-2 and treated it with an alkaloidal fraction from U. tomentosa bark (AFUT). We showed antiviral and immunomodulatory activities of U. tomentosa by determining the NS1 antigen and IL-8 in supernatant of DENV-2 infected HMEC-1. Furthermore, by measurement of transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) we demonstrated, for the first time, that a plant derivative contributed to the reduction of paracellular permeability in DENV-2 infected HMEC-1. We also showed that IL-8 contributed significantly to the induction of permeability. Although further investigations should be conducted before a new drug can be suggested, our in vitro data support evidence that AFUT could be potentially useful in developing a treatment for severe dengue.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Nonaprenylsulfates
Authors: Ravada Suryachandra R. , Emani Lakshmareddy , Mallula Ganeswara R. , Golakoti Trimurtulu
Published: March 2019

A naturally occurring nonaprenylsulfate (1) and its synthetic analogue (2) were synthesized from substituted phenolic precursors in three steps with an overall yield of 40–45%. Both compounds exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity against 5-lipoxygenase, and potent brine shrimp lethality. They also showed moderate anti-oxidant activity in the super oxide radical scavenging model. Nonaprenylsulfate (1) showed moderate inhibition of paw edema in Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) induced model of arthritis, thus confirming its anti-inflammatory activity.
Chemical Composition and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of the Essential Oil of Achillea ligustica Growing Wild in Lipari (Aeolian Islands, Sicily)
Authors: Jemia Mariem Ben , Rouis Zyed , Maggio Antonella , Venditti Alessandro , Bruno Maurizio , Senatore Felice
Published: March 2019

In the present study the chemical composition of the essential oils from aerial parts and flowers of Achillea ligustica All., collected in Lipari (Aeolian Islands) was evaluated by GC and GC-MS. ( Z)-Chrysanthenyl acetate was the most abundant component of both oils (29.6% in A1 and 27.8% in F1), followed by viridiflorol (16.8% in A1 and 21.6% in F1), bornyl acetate (8.7% in A1 and 11.6% in F1) and 1,8-cineole (7.4% in A1 and 9.3% in F1). A comparison was made of the composition of the different populations studied so far. Futhermore, the free radical scavenging activity of the oil was determined by DPPH and ABTS methods.
Chemical Analysis and Calcium Channel Blocking Activity of the Essential Oil of Perovskia abrotanoides
Authors: Shah Abdul Jabbar , Rasheed Munawwer , Jabeen Qaiser , Ahmed Amir , Tareen Rasool Bakhsh , Gilani Anwarul Hassan , Nadir Muhammad , Ahmad Viqar Uddin
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and provide a pharmacological base for the medicinal use of the essential oil of Perovskia abrotanoides (Pa. Oil) in gastrointestinal disorders, such as colic. The chemical investigation resulted in the identification of 26 compounds, of which tricyclene, β- trans-ocimene, terpinene-4-acetate, terpinen-4-ol, caran-3β-ol, linalyl acetate, β-caryophyllene oxide and α-elemene had not previously been reported from P. abrotanoides. Major constituents were 1,8-cineol and δ–3-carene, which constituting 50% of the oil. In the isolated rabbit jejunum preparation Pa.Oil caused inhibition of spontaneous and high K+ (80 mM)-induced contractions, with respective EC50 values of 0.13 (0.08-0.20; n=4) and 0.90 mg/mL (0.50–1.60; n=5), thus showing that spasmolytic activity is mediated possibly through calcium channel blockade (CCB). The CCB activity was confirmed when pre-treatment of the tissue with Pa. Oil (0.03-0.1 mg/mL) caused a rightward shift in the Ca++ concentration-response curves, similar to that caused by verapamil, a standard calcium channel blocker. These data indicate that the essential oil of P. abrotanoides possesses spasmolytic activity mediated possibly through inhibition of voltage-dependent calcium channels, which may explain its medicinal use in colic and possibly diarrhea.
Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil of the Flowering Aerial Parts of Pimpinella monoica
Authors: Joshi Rajesh K.
Published: March 2019

The essential oil composition of the flowering aerial parts of Pimpinella monoica Dalzell was analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Fifty four compounds were identified, representing 94.7% of the total oil. The main constituents were bornyl acetate (26.2%), β-caryophyllene (24.0%), limonene (6.7%) and amorpha-4, 11-dien (4.9%). The oil was dominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (40.7%), followed by oxygenated monoterpenes (27.2%), monoterpene hydrocarbons (15.6%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (7.6%) and others (3.6%).
New Triterpenoid Saponins from the Roots of Saponaria officinalis
Authors: Moniuszko-Szajwaj Barbara , Pecio Łukasz , Kowalczyk Mariusz , Simonet Ana M. , Macias Francisco A. , Szumacher-Strabel Małgorzata , Cieślak Adam , Oleszek Wiesław , Stochmal Anna
Published: March 2019

Three new triterpenoid saponins (1–3), along with nine known saponins, were isolated from the roots of Saponaria officinalis L. Two of them: vaccaroside D (4) and dianchinenoside B (5) are known, but not previously reported for S. officinalis, and seven others: saponarioside C (6), D (7), F (8), G (9), I (10), K (11), and L (12) have been previously isolated from this plant. The structures of the new saponins were established as 3- O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-16α-hydroxygypsogenic acid-28- O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), 3- O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-16α-hydroxygypsogenic acid-28- O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-[α-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→6)-α-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) and 3- O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-gypsogenic acid-28- O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-[6- O-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (3). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D- (1H, 13C) and 2D-NMR (D QF-COSY, TOCSY, ROESY, HSQC and HMBC) experiments, as well as high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), ESI-MS/MS and acid hydrolysis.
Isolation of a Phomoxanthone A Derivative, a New Metabolite of Tetrahydroxanthone, from a Phomopsis sp. Isolated from the Mangrove, Rhizhopora mucronata
Authors: Shiono Yoshihito , Sasaki Takehiro , Shibuya Fumiaki , Yasuda Yukito , Koseki Takuya , Supratman Unang
Published: March 2019

From the rice culture of Phomopsis sp. IM 41–1, isolated from the mangrove plant, Rhizhopora mucronata, two dimeric tetrahydroxanthones, phomoxanthone A (1) and 12- O-deacetyl-phomoxanthone A (2) were obtained. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and spectrometric methods. Both compounds exhibited antimicrobial activities.
Anti-allergic Inflammatory Effects of Cyanogenic and Phenolic Glycosides from the Seed of Prunus persica
Authors: Kim Geum Jin , Choi Hyun Gyu , Kim Ji Hyang , Kim Sang Hyun , Kim Jeong Ah , Lee Seung Ho
Published: March 2019

A methanol extract of the seed of Prunus persica (Rosaceae) was found to inhibit histamine release in human mast cells. Activity-guided fractionation of the methanol extract yielded three cyanogenic glycosides (1–3) and other phenolic compounds (4–8). To evaluate their anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities, the isolates (1–8) were tested for their inhibitory effects on histamine release and on the gene expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)–6 in human mast cells. Of these, phenolic glycosides 7 and 8 suppressed histamine release and inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. These results suggest that isolates from P. persica are among the anti-allergic inflammatory principles in this medicinal plant.
Isolation, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Phenylpropanoids from the Rhizomes of Alpania galanga
Authors: Chourasiya Sumit S , Sreedhar Eppakayala , Babu K. Suresh , Shankaraiah Nagula , Nayak V. Lakshma , Ramakrishna S. , Sravani S. , Rao M.V. Basaveswara
Published: March 2019

Bioactivity guided investigation of the DCM: MeOH (1:1) extract from the rhizomes of Alpinia galanga led to the isolation of phenylpropanoids (1–9) and their structures were established by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR and LC-MS/MS. These compounds have been evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activity against the human cancer cell lines A549 (lung cancer), Colo-205 (colon cancer), A431 (skin cancer), NCI H460 (lung cancer), PC-3 (prostate cancer), and HT-29 (colon cancer). Compounds 4 and 9 showed potent anticancer activity (ranging from 1.3–19.7 μg/mL) against all the tested cancer cell lines. In addition, an asymmetric synthesis of acetoxychavicol acetate (1) and trans-p-coumaryl alcohol (4) has been accomplished in six steps starting from readily available p-hydroxybenzaldehyde for the first time. Grignard reaction and Sharpless kinetic resolution reactions were utilized as the key steps to install the basic core.
New Butenolide and Pentenolide from Dysidea cinerea
Authors: Van Kiem Phan , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Van Quang Ngo , Van Minh Chau , Nam Nguyen Hoai , Cuc Nguyen Thi , Anh Hoang Le Tuan , Tai Bui Huu , Yen Pham Hai , Cuong Nguyen Xuan , Thao Nguyen Phuong , Hoai Nguyen Thi , Kim Nan Young , Park Seon Ju , Hyun Kim Seung
Published: March 2019

Two new butenolide and pentenolide derivatives, dysideolides A-B, were isolated from the marine sponge Dysidea cinerea. Their structures were determined by the combination of spectroscopic and chemical methods, including 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy, and CD spectra, as well as by comparing with the NMR data reported in the literature.
A New Cyclopeptide from Endophytic Streptomyces sp. YIM 64018
Authors: Yang Xueqiong , Yang Yabin , Peng Tianfeng , Yang Fangfang , Zhou Hao , Zhao Lixing , Xu Lihua , Ding Zhongtao
Published: March 2019

One new cyclopeptide, cyclo(L-Phe-L-Ala-L-Phe-Gly), named as vinaceuline (1) and three known cyclodipeptides, cyclo (Phe-Gly), cyclo (Phe-4-hydroxyl-Pro) and cyclo (Phe-Ile) were isolated from broth culture of endophytic Streptomyces YIM 64018 associated with Paraboea sinensis. The planar structure of the new compound was assigned on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques, while the absolute configurations of the amino acid residues were determined by application of the advanced Marfey method. Cyclotetrapeptides are rarely found as Streptomycete metabolites.
Low-Volatile Lipophilic Compounds in Needles, Defoliated Twigs, and Outer Bark of Pinus thunbergii
Authors: Shpatov Alexander V. , Popov Sergey A. , Salnikova Olga I. , Khokhrina Ekaterina A. , Shmidt Emma N. , Um Byung Hun
Published: March 2019

Despite a long history of the use of Pinus thunbergii for technical, medicinal, agricultural, and other purposes, the composition of low-volatile metabolites in the used parts of the plant has been poorly investigated. We report here on the distribution of lipophilic extractive compounds in different parts of the shoot system (needles, defoliated twigs, outer bark) of P. thunbergii studied by GC/MS. The highest and lowest contents of lipophilic substances were found in defoliated twigs and in outer bark correspondingly. Acid compounds in the extract of needles comprised mainly labdane type diterpenoids ( trans-communic acid), while in the extracts of defoliated twigs and outer bark the acids were represented predominantly by abietane type compounds (neoabietic, dehydroabietic, abietic, levopimaric and palustric acids). The major neutral components of the extract of needles were 10-nonacosanol, labdanoids (18-hydroxy-13- epi-manoyl oxide, trans-communol), and β-sitosterol. In the case of the extract of defoliated twigs, labdanoids (18-hydroxy-13- epi-manoyl oxide, trans-communol, 13- epi-torulosol), serratane triterpenoids (3β-methoxyserrat-14-en-21-one), and β-sitosterol were the main neutral constituents, whereas serratanoids (3β-methoxyserrat-14-en-21-one) alone dominated among the neutral compounds of the outer bark extract. Most of the neutral components and the labdane type acids were detected for the first time in organs and tissues of P. thunbergii. The distribution of lipophilic metabolites in the studied parts of P. thunbergii shoot system may be applied for chemotaxonomy purposes. Diversified accumulation of extractive substances in different organs of the plant should be taken into account for isolation of specific components from the pine raw material.
Pogostemon hirsutus Oil, Rich in Abietane Diterpenes
Authors: Murugan Ramar , Mallavarapu Gopal Rao , Sudha Veerappan , Brindha Pemaiah
Published: March 2019

Volatile oil extracted from the leaves of Pogostemon hirsutus Benth., a rare species from Anamalai hills of the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India was analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Fifty-four compounds amounting to 90.8% of the oil were identified. The oil was rich in monoterpenes and diterpenes. The major components of the oil were α-pinene (11.5%), sabinene (8.5%), β-pinene (5.2%), abietatriene (16.3%), dehydroabietal (3.5%) and dehydroabietol (21.0%). Abietane diterpenes are reported for the first time in the genus Pogostemon of Lamiaceae with six abietanes representing 42.6% of the oil.
Bioactivities and Compositional Analyses of Cinnamomum Essential Oils from Nepal: C. camphora, C. tamala, and C. glaucescens
Authors: Satyal Prabodh , Paudel Prajwal , Poudel Ambika , Dosoky Noura S. , Pokharel Kiran Kumar , Setzer William N.
Published: March 2019

This work examines the biological activity of essential oils of Cinnamomum camphora leaves, C. glaucescens fruit, and C. tamala root from Nepal. The oils were screened for phytotoxic activity against lettuce and perennial ryegrass, brine shrimp lethality, and antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, insecticidal, and nematicidal activities. C. camphora leaf essential oil was phytotoxic to lettuce, antifungal to Aspergillus niger, and insecticidal, particularly toward midge and butterfly larvae, fruit flies, and fire ants. C. camphora oil was also toxic to brine shrimp and human breast tumor cells. C. glaucescens fruit essential oil showed notable nematicidal activity, as well as termiticidal and mosquito larvicidal activity. The root essential oil of C. tamala was toxic to mosquito larvae and fire ants.
Biomedical Properties of Edible Seaweed in Cancer Therapy and Chemoprevention Trials: A Review
Authors: Namvar Farideh , Tahir Paridah Md. , Mohamad Rosfarizan , Mahdavi Mahnaz , Abedi Parvin , Najafi Tahereh Fathi , Rahman Heshu Sulaiman , Jawaid Mohammad
Published: March 2019

This review article summarizes in vitro and in vivo experiments on seaweed anticancer activity and seaweed chemical components. Seaweed use in cancer therapy, chemopreventive randomized control trials (RCTs) and quasi-experiments are discussed. The literature reviewed in this article was obtained from various scientific sources and encompasses publications from 2000–2012. Seaweed therapeutic effects were deemed scientifically plausible and may be partially explained by the in vivo and in vitro pharmacological studies described. Although the mechanisms of action remain unclear, seaweed's anticancer properties may be attributable to its major biologically active metabolites. Much of the seaweed research outlined in this paper can serve as a foundation for explaining seaweed anticancer bioactivity. This review will open doors for developing strategies to treat malignancies using seaweed natural products.
Determination of Triterpenic Acids and Screening for Valuable Secondary Metabolites in Salvia sp. Suspension Cultures
Authors: Kümmritz Sibylle , Haas Christiane , Pavlov Atanas I. , Geib Doris , Ulber Roland , Bley Thomas , Steingroewer Juliane
Published: March 2019

Plant in vitro cultures are a prospective alternative for biochemicals production, for example the triterpenes oleanolic and ursolic acid present in plants and cell cultures of Salvia sp. Our objective was to develop a suitable analysis protocol for evaluation of triterpenic acid yield in plant raw material and in vitro cultures supporting selection processes. Moreover, valuable bioactive compounds had to be revealed. Thus, different strategies enhancing the separation for a sensitive and effective HPLC-UV method were investigated and the developed method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, limits of detection and quantification. A baseline separation of these isomers enabled detection limits of below 0.4 μg/mL and quantification limits of about 1.2 μg/mL. Over the tested concentration range a good linearity was observed (R2 > 0.9999). The variations in the method were below 6% for intra- and inter-day assays of concentration. Recoveries were between 85–98% for both compounds using ethanol as extraction solvent. Additionally, metabolite profiling of cell suspension culture extracts by GC-MS has shown the production variability of different plant metabolites and especially the presence of plant phenols and sterols. These studies provide a method suitable for screening plant and cell culture productivity of triterpenic acids and highlighted interesting co-products of plant cell cultures.
Chiral Resolution and Absolute Configuration of 3α,6β-Dicinnamoyloxytropane and 3α,6β-Di(1-ethyl-1H-pyrrol-2-ylcarbonyloxy)tropane, Constituents of Erythroxylum Species
Authors: Muñoz Marcelo A. , Arriagada Solange , Joseph-Nathan Pedro
Published: March 2019

Chiral resolution of (±)-3α,6β-dicinnamoyloxytropane (1) and (±)-3α,6β-di(1-methyl-1 H-pyrrol-2-ylcarbonyloxy)tropane (2), prepared by esterification of (±)-3α,6β-tropanediol (3), was achieved using an amylose-derived HPLC stationary phase and normal phase conditions. The corresponding vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra provided the absolute configuration of the enantiomers as (-)-(3 R,6 R)-1, (+)-(3S,6S)- 1, (-)-(3 R,6 R)-2 and (+)-(3S,6S)- 2. In each case, characteristic VCD bands for the absolute configuration determination of the 3α,6β-tropandiol esters were observed. While the absolute configuration of natural 1, previously isolated from Erythroxylum hypericifolium, could not be established due to the lack of literature optical rotation values, that of catuabine E, previously isolated from E. vacciniifolium, is now assigned as (-)-(3 R,6 R)-2 by comparison with the optical rotation values of the prepared samples and the reported rotation of the natural product.
Aporphine Alkaloids of Cinnamomum mollissimum and their Bioactivities
Authors: Masnon Fatin Fasihah , Hassan Najmah PS , Ahmad Farediah
Published: March 2019

A chemical investigation of the crude extracts of Cinnamomum mollissimum bark resulted in the isolation of five aporphine alkaloids, namely N-methyl-1,2,10-trimethoxyaporphine, N-methylhernagine, N-methylhernovine, hernagine and hernovine. Their structures were elucidated by spectral analysis. The alkaloid crude extract demonstrated significant antibacterial and antioxidant activities.
In Vitro Antiviral Activity of a Series of Wild Berry Fruit Extracts against Representatives of Picorna-, Orthomyxo- and Paramyxoviridae
Authors: Nikolaeva-Glomb Lubomira , Mukova Luchia , Nikolova Nadya , Badjakov Ilian , Dincheva Ivayla , Kondakova Violeta , Doumanova Lyuba , Galabov Angel S.
Published: March 2019

Wild berry species are known to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. They have long been traditionally applied for their antiseptic, antimicrobial, cardioprotective and antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study is to reveal the potential for selective antiviral activity of total methanol extracts, as well as that of the anthocyanins and the non-anthocyanins from the following wild berries picked in Bulgaria: strawberry ( Fragaria vesca L.) and raspberry ( Rubus idaeus L.) of the Rosaceae plant family, and bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillis L.) and lingonberry ( Vaccinium vitis-idaea L) of the Ericaceae. The antiviral effect has been tested against viruses that are important human pathogens and for which chemotherapy and/or chemoprophylaxis is indicated, namely poliovirus type 1 (PV-1) and coxsackievirus B1 (CV-B1) from the Picornaviridae virus family, human respiratory syncytial virus A2 (HRSV-A2) from the Paramyxoviridae and influenza virus A/H3N2 of Orthomyxoviridae. Wild berry fruits are freeze-dried and ground, then total methanol extracts are prepared. Further the extracts are fractioned by solid phase extraction and the non-anthocyanin and anthocyanin fractions are eluted. The in vitro antiviral effect is examined by the virus cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition test. The results reveal that the total extracts of all tested berry fruits inhibit the replication of CV-B1 and influenza A virus. CV-B1 is inhibited to the highest degree by both bilberry and strawberry, as well as by lingonberry total extracts, and influenza A by bilberry and strawberry extracts. Anthocyanin fractions of all wild berries strongly inhibit the replication of influenza virus A/H3N2. Given the obtained results it is concluded that wild berry species are a valuable resource of antiviral substances and the present study should serve as a basis for further detailed research on the matter.
Chromatographic Analysis and Antioxidant Capacity of Tabernaemontana catharinensis
Authors: Boligon Aline A. , Piana Mariana , Schawnz Thiago G. , Pereira Romaiana P. , Rocha João B. T. , Athayde Margareth L.
Published: March 2019

In this study we evaluated the composition of the crude extract and fractions of Tabernaemontana catharinensis (Apocynaceae) by HPLC/DAD and GC/MS. We also tested the antioxidant capacity and investigated the contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids of T. catharinensis stem bark. The extract and fractions showed inhibition against thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), in the following order: ethyl acetate (IC50 = 4.7 ± 0.2 μg/mL) > dichloromethane (23.9 ± 1.1 μg/mL) > n-butanolic (25.2 ± 0.4 μg/mL) > crude extract (38.0 ± 0.07 μg/mL). Moreover, the DPPH assay, presented IC50 values ranged from 5.6 ± 0.6 to 30.3 ± 1.3 μg/mL. Contents of total phenols, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids of T. catharinensis followed the order: ethyl acetate > n-butanolic > dichloromethane fractions > crude extract. HPLC/DAD analyses indicated that gallic, chlorogenic and caffeic acids, and rutin, quercetin and kaempferol are components of the species. Taken together, the results suggest that T. catharinensis could be considered an effective agent in the prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Simultaneous Determination of 13 Chemical Marker Compounds in Gwakhyangjeonggi-san, a Herbal Formula, with Validated Analytical Methods
Authors: Kim Jung-Hoon , Shin Hyeun-Kyoo , Seo Chang-Seob
Published: March 2019

This study was designed for simultaneous determination of 13 chemical marker compounds, namely, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, liquiritin, hesperidin, apigetrin, rosmarinic acid, oxypeucedanin hydrate, byakangelicin, apigenin, glycyrrhizin, nobiletin, and 6-gingerol in Gwakhyangjeonggi-san (GJS: Huoxiang-zhengqi-san in Chinese). A quantitative analytical method was developed based on HPLC-PDA with validation in terms of precision, accuracy, and repeatability, and successfully employed for quality evaluation of GJS samples with the help of chemometric techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). The correlation coefficient for the linear regression was > 0.9994. The intra-day and inter-day precision was < 3.0% of the relative standard deviation (RSD) value, and the recovery was in the range 92.5–107.0%, with RSD values < 4.0%, and the repeatability was < 3.0% of RSD. Variations in the quantity were observed in GJS products from different origins, which were classified by PCA and HCA. The quantitative and chemometric analyses indicate the necessity for consistency in GJS production for the purpose of quality control.
Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction, Spectroscopic and Mass Spectrometric Studies of Furanocoumarin Peucedanin
Authors: Bartnik Magdalena , Arczewska Marta , Hoser Anna A. , Mroczek Tomasz , Kamiński Daniel M. , Głowniak Kazimierz , Gagoś Mariusz , Woźniak Krzysztof
Published: March 2019

The structure of peucedanin, isolated from Peucedanum tauricum Bieb. (Apiaceae), has been established using single crystal X-ray diffraction. This furanocoumarin isolated from the light petroleum extract of P. tauricum fruits was characterized by high resolution EI-MS, sATR-FTIR and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques. The EI-MS showed the typical fragmentation pattern of methoxyfuranocoumarins. Extensive 1D (1H and 13C) as well as 2D NMR data enabled complete assignment of the carbon atoms in the peucedanin molecule. The FTIR data confirms intermolecular hydrogen bonding between peucedanin molecules in polar solvents. Peucedanin crystallises in the R-3 space group from the trigonal system with one molecule in the asymmetric part of the unit cell. The crystal lattice of peucedanin consists of the molecules arranged in separate columns. They are related by two fold screw axes and centres of symmetry. Interestingly, peucedanin columns form two channels per unit cell with a diameter of 7.5Å going through the crystal lattice in the Z-direction. These channels are filled with disordered water molecules, which are surrounded by hydrophobic methyl groups and are located exactly at the centres of the channels. The peucedanin molecules are stacked in a single column with the opposite orientation of the neighbouring molecules. These results could be interesting in further application of this molecule, for example in biological tests of its activity.
Phomopsolides and Related Compounds from the Alga-associated Fungus, Penicillium clavigerum
Authors: Stierle Andrea A. , Stierle Donald B. , Mitman Grant G. , Snyder Shea , Antczak Christophe , Djaballah Hakim
Published: March 2019

For the past fifteen years we have studied the secondary metabolites of extremophilic fungi from the Berkeley Pit, an abandoned acid mine waste lake. Fungi associated with an acid-tolerant alga have also been harvested from the Pit. Penicillium clavigerum Demelius was isolated from the green alga Chlorella vulgaris Beyerinck [Beijerinck]. In culture it produced the known compounds phomfuranone (1), patulin (2), dimethylphthalides (3) and (4), phomopsolide A (5), phomopsolide C (6), phomopsolide B (7), phomopsolide E (8), phomopsolide F (9), and phompyrone (10) and the new compound berkbenzofuran thioester (11). Compounds 5 and 6 were potent inhibitors (IC50 < 10 μM) of specific and established human cancer cell lines.
Anticancer Activity of Binary Toxins from Lysinibacillus sphaericus IAB872 against Human Lung Cancer Cell Line A549
Authors: Luo Wenjuan , Liu Cuicui , Zhang Ruijuan , He Jianwei , Han Bei
Published: March 2019

The inhibitory effect of binary toxic (Bin) protein produced by Lysinibacillus sphaericus IAB872 on cell proliferation of human lung, liver, stomach and cervical tumor cell lines was assessed using MTT assay. The effect of Bin protein on A549 cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration and invasion were examined by MTT assay, Western blotting, Immunocytochemical staining, flow cytometry assay and wound-healing assay. Results showed that Bin protein inhibits proliferation of a range of human cancer cells in vitro. The anti-proliferative effect of Bin is associated with cell apoptosis as a result of an increased ratio of cellular Bax/bcl-2, up-regulated CyclinB1and down-regulated Cdc25c expression, and its anti-proliferative action was associated with cell cycle arrest in the G2/M-phase. Bin protein could promote apoptosis and inhibit motility and invasion of A549 cancer cells. The anti-proliferative effect of Bin protein was associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death and cell cycle disruption. These results show that Bin protein has the potential to be developed as a chemotherapeutic agent by induction of human tumor cell apoptosis.
Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil from Croton kimosorum, an Endemic Species to Madagascar
Authors: Rabehaja Delphin J. R. , Ihandriharison Harilala , Ramanoelina Panja A. R. , Benja Rakotonirina , Ratsimamanga-Urverg Suzanne , Bighelli Ange , Casanova Joseph , Tomi Félix
Published: March 2019

Croton kimosorum Leandri is an endemic species to Madagascar. The chemical composition of aerial parts, leaf and stem oils is reported for the first time. Analysis was carried out by combination of chromatographic (CC, GC), spectroscopic and spectrometric (MS, 13C NMR) techniques. In total, 76 compounds have been identified. Essential oil isolated from aerial parts contained mainly linalool (21.6%), sabinene (10.4%), 1,8-cineole (6.3%), β-pinene (6.2%), ( E)-P-caryophyllene (5.9%), terpinen-4-ol (4.8%), geraniol (4,5%) and germacrene D (2.3%). In comparison with the first sample, the composition of leaf and stem oils varied slightly, while essential oil isolated by vapor distillation from a semi-industrial still exhibited similar composition.
Chemical Constituents, and their Cytotoxicity, of the Rare Wood Decaying Fungus Xylaria humosa
Authors: Sodngam Sirirath , Sawadsitang Sasiphimol , Suwannasai Nuttika , Mongkolthanaruk Wiyada
Published: March 2019

Samples of Xylaria humosa, a rare species of Xylariaceae, were collected during an investigation into the diversity of the fungus in the Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. Nine compounds were isolated from the species and their structures elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The compounds were ergosterol (1), ergosterol peroxide (2), two meroterpenoids, chevalone B and C (3–4), together with five indole alkaloids, tryptoquivaline L (5), tryptoquivaline M (6), fiscalin A (7), epi-fiscalin A (8) and epi-fiscalin C (9). Compounds 2–9 exhibited variable cytotoxic activity against KB, NCI-H187 and MCF-7 cell lines.
Alkaloids from Habranthus tubispathus and H. jamesonii, two Amaryllidaceae with Acetyl- and Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibition Activity
Authors: Cavallaro Valeria , Alza Natalia P. , Murray María G. , Murray Ana P.
Published: March 2019

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with memory impairment and cognitive deficit. Most of the drugs currently available for the treatment of AD are acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. Plants of the Amaryllidaceae family are known to synthesize alkaloids, which have shown AChE inhibitory activity. Habranthus tubispathus and H. jamesonii are two Amaryllidaceae that can be found growing wild to the southwest of Buenos Aires in Argentina. Acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition was observed for the extracts obtained from bulbs of H. tubispathus and bulbs and aerial parts of H. jamesonii. The strongest cholinesterase inhibition was observed for the alkaloid extract obtained from the aerial parts for H. jamesonii (AChE IC50= 0.7 μg/mL; BChE IC50= 6.7 μg/mL). The AChE inhibition observed for H. jamesonii could be explained by the presence of galanthamine and sanguinine, two potent AChE inhibitors. The levels of lycorine and hippeastidine, moderate AChE inhibitors, observed in the bulbs of H. tubispathus could be responsible for the significant AChE inhibition observed. The alkaloids present in these Amaryllidaceae were identified by means of GC-MS analysis. In the case of H. tubispathus, hippeastidine and 3- O-demethylhippeastidine, were isolated and completely characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy.
Anti-trypanosomal Phenolic Derivatives from Baccharis uncinella
Authors: Grecco Simone dos S. , Félix Maria Júlia P. , Lago João Henrique G. , Pinto Érika G. , Tempone André G. , Romoff Paulete , Ferreira Marcelo José P. , Sartorelli Patricia
Published: March 2019

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the EtOH extract of the aerial parts of Baccharis uncinella C. DC. (Asteraceae) led to identification of two cinnamic acid derivatives (caffeic and ferulic acids), two flavones (hispidulin and pectolinaringenin) and a mixture of three chlorogenic acids (3,4-, 3,5- and 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acids), which displayed in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity. Pectolinaringenin, hispidulin and caffeic acid showed activity against trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi, exhibiting 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 52, 81 and 56 μg/mL, respectively, while the chlorogenic acid mixture showed an IC50 value of 61 μg/mL. The flavonoids and cinnamic acid derivatives were evaluated for cytotoxicity against NCTC cells resulting in a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) ranging from 33.82 to 129.1 μg/mL while the chlorogenic acids did not display cytotoxicity (CC50 >150 μg/mL). This is the first report of anti-trypanosomal activity of compounds from B. uncinella.
In vitro Inhibitory Effects of Limonium contortirameum and L. virgatum Extracts from Sardinia on α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase and Pancreatic Lipase
Authors: Foddai Marzia , Kasabri Violet , Petretto Giacomo L. , Azara Emanuela , Sias Angela , Afifi Fatma U. , Delogu Giovanna , Chessa Mario , Pintore Giorgio
Published: March 2019

Pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase (PL), α-amylase and α-glucosidase are interesting pharmacological targets for the management of dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and obesity-diabetes. Limonium spp (Plumbaginaceae) are endemic to Sardinia, Italy. Comparable with acarbose, aqueous extracts (AE) of L. contortirameum and L. virgatum, and their phytoconstituent gallic acid concentration gradients (mg/mL) were identified as in vitro potent ( p<0.001, n=3) and efficacious dual inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidase with respective IC50 (mg/mL) values of 0.6 ± 0.1, 1.2 ± 0.1 and 0.15 ± 0.02. Equivalent to orlistat (PL IC50 of 0.114 ± 0.004 μg/mL), L. contortirameum, L. virgatum AE and their phytoprinciple gallic acid inhibited PL substantially ( p<0.001, n=3) in a dose-dependent manner in vitro with PL- IC50 (μg/mL) of 920.4 ± 105.2, 593.1 ± 56.8 and 8.4 ± 0.9, respectively. LC-MS analysis of extracts revealed the presence of several phenolic compounds in their aglycon and glycoside forms. These are catechins, flavones, epigallocatechins and flavonols. Flavonoid- and polyphenol-rich L contortirameum and L. virgatum, modulating gastrointestinal carbohydrate and lipid digestion and absorption, may be advocated as candidates for obesity-diabetes prevention and phytotherapy.
Search for Skin-whitening Agent from Prunus Plants and the Molecular Targets in Melanogenesis Pathway of Active Compounds
Authors: Murata Kazuya , Takahashi Keisuke , Nakamura Haruka , Itoh Kimihisa , Matsuda Hideaki
Published: March 2019

In our research program for discovering novel skin-whitening materials, screening of extracts from flowers of some Prunus species was performed using an anti-tyrosinase assay. Among the tested plants, the flowers of P. persica showed the most potent inhibitory activity. In addition, P. persica also showed suppression of melanogenesis in B16 rat melanoma cells. The active principles of tyrosinase inhibition and suppression of melanogenesis were revealed to be an afzelin (3- O-α-L-rhamnosylkaempferol) and a flavanone, naringenin. The mechanism of the anti-melanogenesis effect of these two compounds was disclosed, for the first time, as the suppression of the expression of tyrosinase protein, which was controlled by the inhibition of phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. These findings show that these compounds could be candidates for the novel molecular target for a skin-whitening agent.
Anthocyanins from the Flowers of Nagai Line of Japanese Garden Iris (Iris ensata)
Authors: Kitahara Kaori , Murai Yoshinori , Bang Sang Woo , Kitajima Junichi , Iwashina Tsukasa , Kaneko Yukio
Published: March 2019

Six anthocyanins were isolated from the flowers of the Nagai line of Iris ensata Thunb. They were identified as petunidin and malvidin 3- O-β-[(4″′- Z- p-coumaroyl-α-rhamnopyranosyl)-(1→6)- β -glucopyranoside]-5- O-β-glucopyranosides (1 and 3) and their E-forms (2 and 4), and petunidin and malvidin 3- O-rutinoside-5- O-glucosides (5 and 6). Though the E-form of petunidin 3- O-[(4″′- p-coumaroylrhamnosyl)-(1→6)-glucoside]-5- O-glucoside has been reported, its Z-form was found for the first time. The presence of Z- and E -forms of malvidin 3- O-[(4″′- p-coumaroylrhamnosyl)-(1→6)-glucoside]-5- O-glucoside is also reported for the first time. Fifty-one cultivars of Nagai line and their wild form ( I. ensata var. spontanea) were divided into four anthocyanin patterns, i.e. 1) the presence of 1–4, 2) the presence of 2 and 4, 3) the presence of 5 and 6, and 4) no anthocyanin.
Biological Studies of Turmeric Oil, Part 3: Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Properties of Turmeric Oil and Fish Oil in Comparison with Aspirin
Authors: Jacob James N. , Badyal Dinesh K.
Published: March 2019

Turmeric and fish oil have been gaining interest as food supplements because of their beneficial properties. Turmeric oil contains sesquiterpenes and fish oil has eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), possessing anti-inflammatory activity. The present study is to evaluate and compare the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of these two natural food products with aspirin as a standard. The percent inhibition as a measure of paw edema for turmeric oil and fish oil at 100 mg/kg was 76% and 31%, respectively, while the percent inhibition by the combination of the two at 100 mg/kg was 62%, which was the same as that of aspirin at the same dose. The inhibitory activity of fish oil at 50 mg/kg was 86% and with an increase in dose the activity decreased. The analgesic activity measured by the tail flick method showed optimum activities for turmeric oil and fish oil at 60 and 90 minutes, respectively, whereas the combination of the two decreased the analgesic activity. Thus the two common food ingredients, oils from turmeric and fish, have desirable biochemical properties to develop further their use as food and medicine.
Cyclic Dipeptides Produced by Marine Sponge-Associated Bacteria as Quorum Sensing Signals
Authors: Abbamondi Gennaro Roberto , De Rosa Salvatore , Iodice Carmine , Tommonaro Giuseppina
Published: March 2019

Four bacterial strains belonging to the genera Vibrio, Pseudoalteromonas and Photobacterium were isolated from the marine sponges Dysidea avara and Geodia cynodium. A Bacillus strain was isolated from Ircinia variabilis. A screening of molecules involved in quorum sensing (QS) was carried out by TLC-overlay and a new “plate T-streak” test. To analyze quorum quenching (QQ), a plate T-streak was performed with Chromobacterium violaceum. Strains of Vibrio isolated from both marine sponges and a strain of Photobacterium isolated from G. cynodium, activated QS bioreporters. A strain of Pseudoalteromonas isolated from D. avara showed QQ activity. Finally, it is reported that cyclic dipeptides isolated from strains of Vibrio sp. and Bacillus sp. (isolated from D. avara and I. variabilis, respectively) were involved in the QS mechanism. The simultaneous presence of bacteria that showed contrasting responses in bioassays for QS signal molecule synthesis in marine sponges could add an interesting dimension to the signalling interactions which may be happening in sponges.
Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil of Croton bonplandianus from India
Authors: Joshi Rajesh K.
Published: March 2019

The essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of Croton bonplandianus Baill. was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A total of 37 compounds have been identified, representing 96.2% of the total oil. The main constituents were identified as β-caryophyllene (16.7%), germacrene D (14.7%), borneol (8.3%), Z-β-damascenone (6.(%), isobornyl acetate (6.2%), α-humulene (6.1%), germacrene A (5.2%) and caryophyllene oxide (4.5%). The oil was rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (60.1%).
Modernization of Ayurveda: A Brief Overview of Indian Initiatives
Authors: Mukherjee Ambarish , Banerjee Mousumi , Mandal Vivekananda , Shukla Amritesh C. , Mandal Subhash C.
Published: March 2019

Ayurveda has been the main guiding force in drug discovery from traditional medicine. In concept, this system is rooted in folk or ethnomedicine and in practice it shows further refinement and development in accordance with local traditions. Isolation of active principles from crude drugs, their pharmacological evaluation, therapeutic proving and clinical application resulted in the genesis of modern or so called allopathic medicine. To keep the opportunity alive for further development in traditional as well as modern medicines, it is necessary to have an uninterrupted connection with ethnomedicine. Since the practice of ethnomedicine is based on the age-long indigenous knowledge which has been orally transmitted through generations and sustained in traditions there is an urgent need to document such knowledge. The ongoing strategies adopted in India to document the precious traditional knowledge and conserve medicinal plants are discussed in this communication. India with her rich plant wealth and traditional knowledge about the medicinal use of plants has tremendous scope to provide leadership in ensuring human health and longevity.
Cyclonerol Derivatives from Trichoderma longibrachiatum YM311505
Authors: Xuan Qi-Cun , Huang Rong , Chen You-Wei , Miao Cui-Ping , Ma Kai-Xia , Wang Tang , Wu Shao-Hua
Published: March 2019

A new sesquiterpene, 10,11-dihydrocyclonerotriol (1), together with two known compounds, catenioblin C (2) and sohirnone A (3), were isolated from Trichoderma longibrachiatum YM311505, an endophytic fungus of Azadirachta indica. Their structures were characterized and identified by spectral analysis. Compounds 1–3 exhibited antifungal activities against Pyricularia oryzae and Candida albicans.
Bioactivity-guided Isolation of Antiproliferative Compounds from the Roots of Onopordum acanthium
Authors: Csupor-Löffler Boglárka , Zupkó István , Molnár Judit , Forgo Peter , Hohmann Judit
Published: March 2019

Onopordum acanthium has been considered in traditional medicine to be effective against different cancers. The chloroform extracts of the root, which displayed antiproliferative effect against human tumor cell lines, was subjected to bioactivity-guided multistep chromatographic separation. This experiment resulted in the isolation of the sesquiterpene lactones 4β,14-dihydro-3-dehydrozaluzanin C (1), zaluzanin C (2) and 4β,15,11β,13-tetrahydrozaluzanin C (3), the neolignan nitidanin-diisovalerianate (4), besides 13-oxo-9 Z,11 E-octadecadienoic acid (5), 24-methylenecholesterol (6), α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. The structures of the isolated compounds were established through analytical data (NMR, MS), and by comparison of these with those reported in the literature. All the aforementioned compounds were detected for the first time from this plant. The antiproliferative activities of compounds 1–6 were assessed on cervix adenocarcinoma HeLa, breast adenocarcinoma MCF7 and skin epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells by using the MTT assay. It was found that, 4β,14-dihydro-3-dehydrozaluzanin C (1), the most active antiproliferative compound of the extract, exerted remarkable tumor cell growth inhibitory activity (IC50 2.7–15.1 μM).
Distribution of (-)-Hamanasic Acid A in South American Species of Flourensia and Phytotoxic Effects of Leaf Aqueous Extracts
Authors: López Daniela , Piazza Leonardo A. , Silva Mariana P. , Rivilli Marisa J. López , Cantero Juan J. , Tourn Graciela M. , Scopel Ana L.
Published: March 2019

The presence of the phytotoxic sesquiterpene (-)-hamanasic acid A {(-)HAA; 7-carboxy-8-hydroxy-1(2), 12(13)-dien-bisabolene} isolated from Flourensia campestris ( FC), was investigated in the South American species of the genus, together with the evaluation of the phytotoxic activity of their leaf aqueous extracts. (-)HAA was identified and isolated from F. fiebrigii ( FF) and F. oolepis ( FO), being chemically (GC-MS, NMR, [α]D) and biologically (bioassayed on lettuce) indistinguishable from that of FC, while no (-)HAA was found in F. hirta ( FH), F. riparia ( FR) and F. niederleinii ( FN). Its leaf content in FF was similar to that found in FC (ca. 15 mg g−1 WT) and significantly higher than in FO (0.8 mg g−1 WT). The screening for the presence of (-)HAA in other species of Flourensia communities showed that its natural occurrence is restricted only to Flourensia species. No (-)HAA could be detected in any of the 37 -most representative- species of these communities (26 natives, 11 exotics), despite many of them belong to the same family and tribe as Flourensia spp. Leaf aqueous extracts of all Flourensia species exhibited strong inhibitory effects on lettuce germination and on root and shoot growth, regardless of the presence and content of (-)HAA. These results strongly suggest the existence of other powerful phytotoxic compounds in those Flourensia spp lacking (-)HAA. Our results clearly show that (-)HAA only pertains to some species of the genus Flourensia. Relative to previous exomorphologic groupings of the genus, our chemotaxonomic data would give support to the close link described between FC and FF, but not with FR. In addition, the fact that (-)HAA was also found in FO, which belongs to a second different line, also points out that species position in this lineage would deserve to be revisited. The restricted production of (-)HAA by Flourensia in their communities suggests its special link with the genus, and sustains its putative allelochemical role.