bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the Metabolites of the Marine Algicolous Fungus Penicillium sp. on Seedling Root Growth of Agricultural Plants
Authors: Anisimov Mikhail M. , Chaikina Elena L. , Smetanina Olga F. , Yurchenko Anton N.
Published: March 2019

N-Methylpretrichodermamide B (I), pretrichodermamide C (II), quinolactacide (III) and 8-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-isochromen-6-ol (IV), isolated from the marine fungus Penicillium sp., were examined for their ability to stimulate growth of seedling roots of buckwheat ( Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.), soy { Glycine max (L.) Merr.}, and barley ( Hordeum vulgare). It was shown that the stimulatory effects depend on the chemical structure of the compounds and on the plant species. Compounds I and III improved the rate of growth of seedling roots of buckwheat (1) and wheat (2), compound II stimulated growth of buckwheat roots (1), and compound IV improved growth of seedling roots of wheat (2) and soy (3). These compounds can be recommended for field study as plant growth stimulators.
Gramine-derived Bromo-alkaloids Activating NF-κB-dependent Transcription from the Marine Hydroid Abietinaria abietina
Authors: Guzii Alla G. , Makarieva Tatyana N. , Fedorov Sergey N. , Denisenko Vladimir A. , Dmitrenok Pavel S. , Kuzmich Aleksandra S. , Krasokhin Vladimir B. , Lee Hyi-Seung , Lee Yeon-Ju , Stonik Valentin A.
Published: March 2019

Two new natural products, 6-bromogramine (1) and bis-6-bromogramine (2) were isolated from the marine hydroid Abietinaria abietina and their structures were established using NMR and MS analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 activate NF-κB-dependent transcriptional activity in JB6 Cl 41 NF-κB cells at 1.6 μM concentrations.
Inhibitory Effect of Three Diketopiperazines from Marine-derived Bacteria on Secretory Group IIA Phospholipase A2
Authors: Choi Hyukjae , Ku Sae-Kwang , Bae Jong-Sup
Published: March 2019

Diketopiperazines, natural products found in bacteria, fungi, marine sponges, gorgonian and red algae, are cyclic dipeptides possessing relatively simple and rigid structures with chiral nature and various side chains. The compounds in this structure class have been known to possess diverse bioactivities including antibiotic activity, anti-cancer activity, neuroprotective activity, and anti-inflammatory activity. The expression of secretory group IIA phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA) is enhanced by development of inflammatory disorders. Aim of this study is to determine the effects of diketopiperazines on the secretion and activity of sPLA2-IIA by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). To do this, sPLA2-IIA expression was induced in the LPS-stimulated HUVECs and mice to evaluate the effect of diketopiperazines. Results showed that diketopiperazines remarkably suppressed the LPS-mediated protein expression and activity of sPLA2-IIA via inhibition of phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. These results demonstrated that diketopiperazines might play an important role in the modulation of sPLA2-IIA expression and activity in response to the inflammatory diseases.
A Novel Biflavonoid from Rhus leptodictya
Authors: Matamela Tshifhiwa , Green Ivan R. , Mtunzi Fanyana M.
Published: March 2019

An investigation of the leaves of Rhus leptodictya led to the isolation of the new biflavonoid: 5,5″,6″,7,8-pentahydroxy-2,2″-bis( p-hydroxyphenyl)-4 H,4″ H 3,7″-bichromene-4,4″-dione the structure of which was established by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
Glucosinolate Profiling of Calepina irregularis
Authors: Zekić Marina , Radonić Ani , Marijanović Zvonimir
Published: March 2019

Three different types of extracts of volatile isolates from aerial parts of Calepina irregularis (Asso) Thell. were investigated to uncover glucosinolates using indirect methods consisting of either non-enzymatic (thermal degradation) or enzymatic (with exogenous and endogenous myrosinase) hydrolysis, followed by GC-FID/MS analysis of the volatile isolates. The identification of volatile glucosinolate degradation products isolated from C. irregularis indirectly revealed the presence of seven glucosinolates, namely glucoiberverin, glucoiberin, glucocheirolin, glucolepidiin, sinigrin, glucoerucin and glucotropaeolin. Quantitatively the most important compound in the distillate (sample obtained by thermal degradation) was 3-(methylthio)propyl isothiocyanate (95.6%), the degradation product of glucoiberverin, which constituted almost the entire sample. Two isothiocyanates, 3-(methylthio)propyl isothiocyanate (57.8%) and 3-(methylsulfinyl)propyl isothiocyanate (16.7%), originating from degradation of glucoiberverin and glucoiberin, respectively, were the most abundant compounds identified in the hydrolysate (sample obtained by exogenous myrosinase hydrolysis). Some isothiocyanates, 3-(methylthio)propyl isothiocyanate and 3-(methylsulfinyl)propyl isothiocyanate, were present in almost the same percentages (41.0% and 40.0%, respectively), in the autolysate (endogenous myrosinase hydrolysis).
Management of Diabetic Bacterial Foot Infections with Organic Extracts of Liverwort Marchantia debilis from Cameroon
Authors: Yongabi Kenneth Anchang , Novaković Miroslav , Bukvički Danka , Reeb Catherine , Asakawa Yoshinori
Published: March 2019

Diabetic bacterial foot infections (DBFIs) are limb-threatening complications in patients with diabetes mellitus, accounting for 50% of diabetes related lower limb amputations in developing countries, representing approximately 20 percent of all diabetes-related hospital admissions with significant healthcare-related costs involved. The widespread problem of bacterial resistance to most commonly used antibiotics places a huge economic burden on the healthcare system, with both increased morbidity and mortality among diabetic patients with foot infections. In this study, the antibacterial activity of organic extracts of the fresh liverwort Marchantia debilis from the North West Region of Cameroon is reported. An exit pool system, where patients presenting with DBFIs consented to be involved in the use of phytomedicines, after long term treatment of ulcers with antibiotics and not yielding significant long term benefit, presented themselves at the Phytobiotechnology Research clinic (PRF). Continuous culture of swabs from foot and toe wounds from 30 infected patients on nutrient agar and MacConkey agars in triplicate as well as Gram stain microscopy, revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Bacillus species. Light petroleum and methanol extracts of the whole bryophyte plants at 100% concentration were tested. In vitro inhibition of the tested bacterial isolates from the diabetic foot ulcers by M. debilis was observed only with the light petroleum extract. No inhibition by the extracts was observed for the Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate. The light petroleum extract of M. debilis was formulated into a petroleum oil based cream named BryoCreamTM. This was administered to 20 of the patients with 90% cure rate in a three week time period. The main nonpolar components were determined by GCMS as lepidozene and β-barbatene, and by NMR as stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. In conclusion, nonpolar extracts from bryophytes from Cameroon could, potentially, be used to treat diabetic bacterial foot infections.
Biological Activities of Extracts from Different Parts of Cryptomeria japonica
Authors: Horiba Hiroki , Nakagawa Toshinori , Zhu Qinchang , Ashour Ahmed , Watanabe Atsushi , Shimizu Kuniyoshi
Published: March 2019

Cryptomeria japonica is one of the most important forest tree species in Japan. To increase the demand for domestic timber, broad uses related to the functional attributes of C. japonica must be developed. Several studies have examined the usefulness of C. japonica in terms of its biological activities, but a comprehensive study subjecting all parts of the C. japonica plant to the same solvent for extraction has not been done. Here, methanol extractions from the leaves, branches, bearing branches, male flowers, female flowers, cones, bark, heartwood, sapwood, pith, rhizomes, roots, and pollen were subjected to several in vitro assays of their biological activities such as antioxidant activity, anti-lipase activity, antibacterial activity and melanin-biosynthesis-inhibition activity. Their total phenolic content was also determined. The methanol extracts from each part of C. japonica except for pollen showed strong activities in the bioactivity assays. Furthermore, the methanol extracts were analyzed by GC/MS. The phytochemical profile varied among extracts from various parts of C. japonica. Our results suggest the great potential of C. japonica for use as a functional ingredient in health-related products.
Terpenoids with Special Pharmacological Significance: A Review
Authors: Jaeger Rolf , Cuny Eckehard
Published: March 2019

Terpenoids are a very prominent class of natural compounds produced in diverse genera of plants, fungi, algae and sponges. They gained significant pharmaceutical value since prehistoric times, due to their broad spectrum of medical applications. The fragrant leaves of Eucalyptus trees are a rich source of terpenoids. Therefore this review starts by summarizing the main terpenoid compounds present in Eucalyptus globulus, E. citriodora, E. radiata and E. resinifera and describing their biosynthetic pathways. Of the enormous number of pharmaceutically important terpenoids, this paper also reviews some well established and recently discovered examples and discusses their medical applications. In this context, the synthetic processes for (–)-menthol, (–)- cis-carveol, (+)-artemisinine, (+)-merrilactone A and (–)-sclareol are presented. The tricyclic sesquiterpene (–)-englerin A isolated from the stem bark of the Phyllanthus engleri plant ( Euphorbiaceae) is highly active against certain renal cancer cell lines. In addition, recent studies showed that englerin A is also a potent and selective activator of TRPC4 and TRPC5 calcium channels. These important findings were the motivation for several renowned research labs to achieve a total synthesis of (–)-englerin A. Two prominent examples – Christmann and Metz – are compared and discussed in detail.
Recent Advances of Total Syntheses of Diterpenoids Starting from Carvone
Authors: Hagiwara Hisahiro
Published: March 2019

This review focuses on total syntheses of diterpenoids starting from carvone (1) since 2006 in the alphabetical order of compound names.
A Novel Genistein Prodrug: Design, Synthesis and Bioactivity on Mouse RAW264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Kloesch Burkhard , Loebsch Silvia , Breitenbach Jenny , Goldhahn Katrin , Handler Norbert , Schreppel Philipp , Erker Thomas
Published: March 2019

Genistein, a naturally occurring isoflavone, possesses many beneficial health effects. To improve the bioactivity of the natural compound, we designed and synthesized the genistein prodrug FEHH6-1. In the present study, we evaluated the biological effects of FEHH6-1 on mouse RAW264.7 macrophages and compared them with those obtained with the parent drug genistein. The characteristics of FEHH6-1 were determined by melting point, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and mass spectrometric analysis. The effects of FEHH6-1 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression were monitored by XTT-assay, Annexin-V/7-AAD staining, Western blotting, and ELISA. FEHH6-1 showed NMR spectra and relative molecular mass in agreement with the designed structure. In mouse RAW264.7 macrophages, FEHH6-1 inhibited proliferation, induced apoptotic cell death and blocked interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha synthesis. At low concentrations, FEHH6-1 induced phosphorylation of AKT1, a kinase involved in cell proliferation and survival. Our data demonstrate that the genistein prodrug FEHH6-1 is a bioactive molecule but its solubility and therefore also its efficacy was significantly lower compared with genistein.
In vitro Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
Authors: Elansary Hosam O. , Yessoufou Kowiyou , Mahmoud Eman A. , Skalicka-Woźniak Krystyna
Published: March 2019

Bioactive compounds, including phenols, flavonoids, and tannins, were quantified in leaves, stems and roots of methanol, n-butanol, diethyl ether and n-hexane extracts of Ceratostigma plumbaginoides Bunge. (Plumbaginaceae) ornamental plants. The antioxidant capacity was measured by the DPPH and linoleic acid assays. The total bioactive compounds, as well as the antioxidant capacities, were the highest in the leaves compared with stems and roots. The methanolic, n-butanol, diethyl ether and n-hexane leaf extracts varied in their antibacterial and antifungal activities. In general, the most sensitive bacterium to leaf extracts was Bacillus cereus and the most resistant was Staphyllococcus aureus, while the most sensitive fungus was Aspergillus flavus and the most resistant one was Penicillium ochrochloron. As the methanolic leaf extract was the most active, it was subjected to column chromatography and two compounds were isolated and identified as 1 (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone / plumbagin) and 2 (3,3′-biplumbagin). Compounds 1 and 2 showed the highest antibacterial and antifungal activities compared with other extracts tested. The MIC and MBC values for the most active compound 1 were in the range of 0.001 – 0.09 and 0.004 – 0.21 mg mL−1, while MIC and MFC were determined as 0.001 – 0.11 and 0.002 – 0.19 mg mL−1, respectively. The isolated compounds and leaf extracts showed also equal or higher antimicrobial activities compared with antibiotics/commercial reagents which indicate that the plant might be useful for drug development. This is the first report on the antibacterial and antifungal activities, as well as the antioxidant properties of the tested plant parts and isolated compounds.
Natural and Synthetic Furanones with Anticancer Activity
Authors: Cimmino Alessio , Scafato Patrizia , Mathieu Veronique , Ingels Aude , D'Amico Wanda , Pisani Laura , Maddau Lucia , Superchi Stefano , Kiss Robert , Evidente Antonio
Published: March 2019

This paper describes the enantioselective synthesis of analogues of sapinofuranones A and B, namely 5-substitutes dihydro- and 5 H-furan-ones, and their in vitro growth inhibitory activity against six cancer cell lines in comparison with fungal furanones such as diplofuranone A, diplobifuranylones A and B, as well as ( S,S)-enantiomer of sapinofuranone B. The compounds under study displayed weak if any in vitro growth inhibitory activity against the analysed cancer cell lines. However, it seems that among dihydro- and 5 H-furan-ones bearing a 1-hydroxypentyl side chain, the stereochemistry of the furanone ring and that of hydroxylated methine could modify the in vitro growth activity of these compounds. The natural furanones that showed a different unsaturated chain at C-4 or rearranged into a dihydrofuran ring appeared to be inactive in terms of growth inhibitory activity, e.g. displaying growth inhibitory concentration at 50% (GI50) > 100 μM in all six cancer cell lines analysed.
Plant Genomic DNA Extraction for Selected Herbs and Sequencing their Internal Transcribed Spacer Regions Amplified by Specific Primers
Authors: Abdullah Farah Izana , Chua Lee Suan , Rahmat Zaidah , Samad Azman Abd , Wagiran Alina
Published: March 2019

This study was focused on plant genomic DNA extraction and sequencing from five commonly used medicinal herbs, namely Impatiens balsamina, Ficus deltoidea, Centella asiatica, Andrographis paniculata and Orthosiphon aristatus. This molecular technique is another highly reliable alternative for plant species identification besides phytochemical profiling. Three cetyl hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) based methods with slight modification on incubation time, salt content and other additives were used for DNA extraction. The CTAB method of Doyle and Doyle produced higher DNA concentration from I. balsamina, most probably due to the presence of ammonium acetate in the washing buffer and longer incubation time (2 h). The CTAB based method was suitable for A. paniculata because a high DNA concentration of acceptable quality was obtained for all the modified methods. However, O. aristatus was likely to have a lower DNA concentration (33–87 μg/g) and quality, probably due to the high concentration of phenolic compounds, particularly rosmarinic acid. The extracted genomic DNA was effectively amplified by a polymerase chain reaction using a universal primer of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), particularly AB101 and AB102 at the optimum annealing temperature of 48°C. The DNA sequences were analyzed by phenetic analysis and it was found that they have high similarity with the nucleotide sequences of ITS regions for similar plant species in the GenBank database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Effect of Angelica acutiloba Extract on Blood flow Regulation in Stroke-prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Negishi Hiroko , Sugahama Sari , Kawakami Ayaka , Kondo Junna , Nishigaki Yuriko , Yoshikawa Masato , Ueyama Taketeru , Ikeda Katsumi
Published: March 2019

Angelica acutiloba Kitagawa (Yamato Toki) is a herbal medicine known to exhibit various health effects. In this study, we used a rat model to examine the effects of two different Yamato Toki extracts on the blood flow response of the instep of the hind paw. Twelve-week- old male stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) were orally given 200 mg of a water extract of Yamato Toki (n=6), 200 mg of an ethanol extract of Yamato Toki (n = 6), 30 mg/kg of nicardipine (n = 6) as a positive control and saline (n = 6) as a negative control. Blood flow was monitored continuously for 0, 1, 3, 6 and 24 hours after treatment. Rats given 200 mg of the ethanol extract of Yamato Toki demonstrated significantly greater blood flow compared with control rats at 1 hour after treatment. An ethanol extract of Yamato Toki from Nara administrated orally can increase blood flow in SHRSP.
Chemical Composition and Bio-efficacy of Essential Oils from Italian Aromatic Plants: Mentha suaveolens, Coridothymus capitatus, Origanum hirtum and Rosmarinus officinalis
Authors: Spagnoletti Antonella , Guerrini Alessandra , Tacchini Massimo , Vinciguerra Vittorio , Leone Claudia , Maresca Immacolata , Simonetti Giovanna , Sacchetti Gianni , Angiolella Letizia
Published: March 2019

The chemical composition, antifungal, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the essential oils (EOs) of mint (Mentha suaveolens), thyme (Coridothymus capitatus), oregano (Origanum hirtum) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) were investigated. The antifungal properties of the EOs were investigated against four species of Candida by a microdilution method. Cytotoxicity was tested on human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and lung cancer (A549) cell lines using the MTT test. DPPH• and ABTS•+ spectrophotometric assays and DPPH•- ABTS•+(HP)TLC-bioautographic assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. The main compounds of thyme and oregano EOs were carvacrol and thymol, respectively; piperitenone oxide and γ-terpinene were the most abundant compounds of mint and rosemary EOs, respectively. All EOs showed activity against all Candida species in a range between 760 ± 290 to 3120 ± 0.0 μg/mL. Among the EOs, that of M. suaveolens showed a stronger cytotoxic activity on HaCaT cells. Thyme, oregano and rosemary EOs exhibited important antioxidant activities by ABTS•+ assay compared with trolox.
Essential Oil Composition of Helichrysum conglobatum from Cyprus
Authors: Polatoğlua Kaan , Demirci Betül , Çalιş İhsan , Başer Kemal Hüsnü Can
Published: March 2019

The essential oil of aerial parts of Helichrysum conglobatum (Viv.) Steudel. (Asteraceae) from Cyprus was analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The essential oil yield was 0.01, v/w. Forty five compounds were identified in the oil comprising 96.1% of the total. The essential oil was mainly composed of sesquiterpene type compounds and oxygenated sesquiterpene derivatives. The main components of the oil were β-caryophyllene (14.6%), γ-curcumene (14.1%), hexadecanoic acid (13.5%), tetradecanoic acid (7.5%), rosifoliol (5.4%) and δ-cadinene (5.3%). This is the first report on the essential oil composition of H. conglobatum from Cyprus.
Chemical Profiles and Anti-inflammatory Activity of the Essential Oils from Seseli gummiferum and Seseli corymbosum subsp. corymbosum
Authors: Tosun Alev , Chun Jaemoo , Jerković Igor , Marijanović Zvonimir , Fenu Maurizio A. , Aslan Sena S. , Tuberoso Carlo I. G. , Kim Yeong S.
Published: March 2019

The anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oils from Seseli corymbosum subsp. corymbosum Pall. ex Sm. (SC) and Seseli gummiferum Boiss. & Heldr. subsp. corymbosum (SG) was investigated for the first time on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The main constituents (determined by GC-FID and GC-MS analyses) were germacrene D (54.1%) and sabinene (22.4%) in SG oil and β-phellandrene (29.2%), α-phellandrene (8.2%) and germacrene D (2.5%) in SC oil. SC and SG oils inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production with IC50 values of 56.1 and 108.2 μg/mL, respectively. The oils also inhibited prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) with IC50 values of 49.4 μg/mL (SC oil) and 95.5 μg/mL (SG oil). The inhibitory effect of SC and SG oils was accompanied by dose-dependent decreases of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expressions in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. The research of the reporter gene assay on nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) showed that SC and SG oils inhibited NF-κB transcriptional activity. The obtained results suggest that SC and SG oils exert the anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by suppressing NF-κB activation.
Effect of Thyme Essential Oil Supplementation on Thymol Content in Blood Plasma, Liver, Kidney and Muscle in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Ocel'ová Vladimíra , Chizzola Remigius , Pisarčíková Jana , Novak Johannes , Ivanišinová Oksana , Faix Štefan , Plachá Iveta
Published: March 2019

The absorption and metabolism of phytogenic feed additives in poultry is studied related to the metabolism and deposition of their main compounds in tissues intended for food production. Fifty-six non-sexed Ross 308 broilers were allocated to seven dietary treatments and fed a diet containing graded levels of thyme ( Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oil (EO) (0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.1%, w/w). Thymol concentration was measured in plasma, liver, kidney and breast muscle tissue using solid phase micro-extraction followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. We found the highest concentrations of thymol in kidney and plasma, and the lowest in breast muscle and liver. Thymol content in plasma and kidney significantly increased when 0.05 and 0.1%, w/w, EO and in liver and breast muscle only when 0.1%, w/w, EO was added to the diet ( p<0.05). Our results indicate intensive metabolism of thymol in liver and its accumulation in kidney tissue. We confirm low deposition of thymol in the muscle tissue. It is necessary to keep in mind the selection of a sufficient concentration of EO in the feed additive for animals without the risk of thymol residues in edible tissues.
Constituents of Melittis melissophyllum subsp. albida
Authors: Venditti Alessandro , Frezza Claudio , Caretti Fulvia , Gentili Alessandra , Serafini Mauro , Bianco Armandodoriano
Published: March 2019

In this paper, for the first time, we have reported the analysis of the polar fraction of Melittis melissophyllum subsp. albida, a species with ecological relevance which is also used in traditional medicine of Central-Southern Italy. Iridoid glucosides were mainly identified, together with verbascoside, an ubiquitous phenyl-ethanoid glycoside, with chemotaxonomic implications in Lamiales order. The majority of the isolated compounds is endowed with interesting bio-activities and may justify the traditional uses of this plant also from a chemical point of view. Several peculiarities were also recorded in the metabolic pattern of this subspecies, i.e. the presence of virginioside and geniposidic acid, two rare compounds in the Lamiaceae family. The presence of free cinnamic acid was an additional characteristic of this subspecies which showed a specific secondary metabolites content. These phytochemical peculiarities, together with the morphological differences showed by the subsp. albida in respect to the nominal species, may be a base for a reconsideration of the systematic of Melittis melissophyllum subsp. albida.
Phytochemical Content, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Sedum spurium
Authors: Şöhretoğlu Didem , Gença Yasin , Harput Ü. Şebnem , Sabuncuoğlub Suna , Šoralc Michal , Rendad Gülin , Liptaj Tibor
Published: March 2019

Sedum L. species are used for their hemostatic, antidiarrheal, antifungal, diuretic and wound healing properties, and there is growing interest in these species because of their usage in folk medicine. DPPH, SO, NO, and ABTS radical scavenging activities and protective effects against H2O2 induced cytotoxicity, as well as cytotoxic activities against the Hep-2 cell line of various extracts from Sedum spurium Bieb. were investigated. Besides, the total phenol, flavonoid, and flavonol contents of the extracts were determined to clarify their biological and phytochemical properties. Chromatographic studies on the most active extract led to the isolation of the major compound, identified as 2-methyl-erythritol by 1H and 13C NMR techniques. The EtOAc extract is found to be the most active extract in all tests. However, major compound of EtOAc extract did not possess tested activities. The EtOAC extract of S. spurium could be effective to improve antihemolytic defences of erythrocytes, and radical scavenging potential of the antioxidant mechanism. The extracts should be investigated in detail for their cytotoxic activities because of their possible pro-oxidant effects at high concentrations.
Fatty Acid Methyl Ester Composition of Some Turkish Apiaceae Seed Oils: New Sources for Petroselinic Acid
Authors: Küçükboyacι Nurgün , Ayaz Fatma , Adιgüzel Nezaket , Bani Barιş , Gören Ahmet Ceyhan
Published: March 2019

The seed oils of twenty-six species of Apiaceae belonging to the genera Bunium, Cnidium, Ferula, Ferulago, Heracleum, Hippomarathrum, Malabaila, Myrrhoides, Olymposciadium, Pimpinella, Prangos, Szovitsia, Trigonasciadium, Trinia and Zosima, collected in Turkey, were investigated for their oil content, and amount of petroselinic acid (PA), as well as for the composition of their fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) by GC-MS. Seed oil content ranged from 7.1% in Szovitsia callicarpa to 29.3% in Ferula haussknechtii. The results showed that the seed oils of the studied species contained high amounts of PA (1.2–72.2%), followed by significant amounts of linoleic (LA, 13.8–50.8%) and oleic (OA, 4.2–61.6%) acids. PA was found in all the analyzed species, except for Olymposciadium caespitosum, which belongs to a monotypic endemic genus of the family. According to data from our study, PA was found to be predominantly in the seed oils of Hippomarathrum cristatum (72.2%), Trinia glauca (64.9%) and Bunium microcarpum (59.7%) and, therefore these species might be considered as new sources of PA, and represent a potential oleochemical raw material. This is the first extensive study of the composition of Turkish Apiaceae species. The high amounts of PA may also have chemotaxonomic significance.
Detection and Identification of Antibacterial and Antioxidant Components of Essential Oils by TLC-Biodetection and GC-MS
Authors: Móricz Ágnes M. , Horváth Györgyi , Böszörményi Andrea , Ott Péter G.
Published: March 2019

Components of cinnamon bark, rosemary, clove and thyme essential oils were screened for antioxidant and antibacterial activity utilizing thin-layer chromatography (TLC) coupled with the DPPH• test and direct bioautography using Bacillus subtilis cells. The compounds in the active chromatographic zones were identified by solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) after their elution. Seven antibacterial components were found: cinnamaldehyde and eugenol in cinnamon bark oil, 1,8-cineole, camphor, borneol and α-terpineol in rosemary oil, eugenol in clove oil and thymol in thyme oil. Only two of them, thymol and eugenol displayed a free radical scavenging effect.
Multidimensional Effects of Soy Isoflavone by Food or Supplements in Menopause Women: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Perna Simone , Peroni Gabriella , Miccono Alessandra , Riva Antonella , Morazzoni Paolo , Allegrini Pietro , Preda Stefania , Baldiraghi Valentina , Guido Davide , Rondanelli Mariangela
Published: March 2019

Isoflavones can exert their action on various levels: on cardiovascular system, bone and muscle health, on cancer, on menopausal symptoms, on obesity, on thyroid and on cognitive function. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the multidimensional effects of phytoestrogens in postmenopausal woman, and specifically to explore the impact on scientific literature. A research strategy was planned on PubMed and Scopus by defining the following key words:: menopause, climacteric, soy, isoflavone, phytoestrogens, cardiovascular system, bone mineral density, muscle mass, cancer, thyroid, obesity, cognitive. A total of 43 studies (in humans) were retrieved. The majority (12) describe the applications of soy isoflavones on cardiovascular disease, followed by effects on bone and muscle health (9), and studies concerning their action on menopausal symptoms (7), on cancer (6), on obesity (4), on cognitive function (3) and on thyroid function (2). The citation analysis revealed a growing interest for this topic and the papers on thyroid function are the most cited. Citation trends of the articles regarding the action on cardiovascular disease and on obesity are growing in the last years. Concerning the research areas, this review has assessed the effectiveness of various activities of isoflavones on welfare of menopausal women. In particular, literature show that a specific dosage of isoflavones reduces cardiovascular disease (from 20 to 100 mg/die), may be protective in osteoporosis and muscular fatigue (from 20 to 80 mg/die), may be useful for cancer prevention on endometrium, mammary glands and liver (from 50 to 100 mg/die), might improve menopausal symptoms, particularly in reducing the frequency of hot flashes (from 50 to 120 mg/die), can reduce abdominal fat and circulating inflammatory markers (from 80 to 160 mg/die), may ameliorate the possible interaction between endogenous estrogen and thyroid function (75 mg/die) and improve visual memory (from 50 to 100 mg/die).
Leonurine, a Potential Agent of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Recent Updates and Future Perspectives
Authors: Yang Di , Jia Wanwan , Zhu Yi Zhun
Published: March 2019

Herba Leonuri, also named Chinese Motherwort, has been extensively investigated as an effective agent on the uterus system. Our group has been studying the natural products of Herba Leonuri for several years, and during this period, many biological activities of the drug were recognized. Leonurine (4-guanidino- N-butyl-syringate) is an alkaloid present in Herba Leonuri. Recently, growing evidence has highlighted the therapeutic potential of leonurine in multiple diseases, especially cardiovascular. In this review, we discuss the biological activities of leonurine, as well as recent advances involving this alkaloid.
Two New 8, 14-seco-pregnane Steroidal Aglycones from Roots of Cynanchum bungei
Authors: Zhao Jia-Wen , Chen Feng-Yang , Gao Li-Juan , Xu Shi-Fang , Hao Shu-Juan , Ye Yi-Ping , Li Xiao-Yu
Published: March 2019

Two new 8, 14-seco skeleton C21 steroidal aglycones, cynanbungeigenin A ( 1 ) and cynanbungeigenin B ( 2 ), were isolated from the hydrolyzed extract of the EtOAc soluble extract of the roots of Cynanchum bungei. Their structures were determined on the basis of chemical evidence and extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Alkaloids Isolated from Stephania venosa
Authors: Kongkiatpaiboon Sumet , Duangdee Nongnaphat , Prateeptongkum Saisuree , Chaijaroenkul Wanna
Published: March 2019

Stephania venosa (Blume) Spreng or “Sa-Bu-Leud” is a Thai medicinal plant used for treatment of cancer and diabetes, and as a blood-tonic and aphrodisiac. This plant contains alkaloids as its major components and has been of interest for its acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity. Phytochemical screening of S. venosa was made using HPLC analysis and showed the chemical variation between the same species from different provenances. Fractionation of S. venosa extract yielded three alkaloids, namely, dicentrine, crebanine, and tetrahydropalmatine. AChE inhibitory potential of the isolated alkaloids was evaluated using Ellman's AChE inhibition assay. Dicentrine, crebanine, and tetrahydropalmatine inhibited AChE activity with IC50 values of 93.5, 86.6, and 168.6 μg/mL, respectively. The AChE inhibitory activity of the tertiary protoberberine alkaloid, tetrahydropalmatine, was lower than that of the aporphine alkaloids, dicentrine and crebanine, whereas the quaternary protoberberine alkaloid, berberine, showed a higher AChE inhibitory effect than the others.
The Absolute Configuration and Cytotoxic Properties of Roehybridine β-N-oxide
Authors: Ebrahimi Samad Nejad , Bagheri-Zomorrodi Zahra , Shakeri Abolfazl , Iranshahy Milad , Masullo Milena , Piacente Sonia , Iranshahi Mehrdad
Published: March 2019

Roehybridine β- N-oxide (RNO) is a proaporphine-tryptamine dimer alkaloid from Roemeria hybrida. RNO possesses five stereogenic centers and so far its absolute configuration has not been determined. In this study, the absolute configuration of RNO was established as 6a S,7a R,6 R,9 S,10 R by comparing experimental and TDDFT calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. In addition, we have reported an amendment indicating exact 1H and 13C chemical shifts of RNO. RNO exhibited cytotoxic activity when tested in vitro against prostate cancer cell lines including PC3 and DU145. The IC50 values of RNO against PC3 and DU145 were 13.3 and 15.1 μg/mL, respectively.
Monanchoxymycalins A and B, New Hybrid Pentacyclic Guanidine Alkaloids from the Far-Eastern Marine Sponge Monanchora pulchra
Authors: Tabakmakher Kseniya M. , Makarieva Tatyana N. , Shubina Larisa K. , Denisenko Vladimir A. , Popov Roman S. , Kuzmich Aleksandra S. , Lee Hyi-Seung , Lee Yeon-Ju , Stonik Valentin A.
Published: March 2019

The new pentacyclic guanidine alkaloids, monanchoxymycalin A (1) and monanchoxymycalin B (2) were isolated from the Far-Eastern marine sponge Monanchora pulchra. Their structures were assigned on the basis of detailed analysis of 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric data. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against cervical epithelioid carcinoma HeLa cells and breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB231 cells.
Tulasporins A–D, 19-Residue Peptaibols from the Mycoparasitic Fungus Sepedonium tulasneanum
Authors: Otto Alexander , Laub Annegret , Haid Mark , Porzel Andrea , Schmidt Jürgen , Wessjohann Ludger , Arnold Norbert
Published: March 2019

Four new 19-residue peptaibols, named tulasporins A–D (1–4), were isolated from the semi-solid cultures of Sepedonium tulasneanum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive ESI-HRMSn fragmentation studies as well as 1H NMR spectroscopic analyses. Interestingly, the structures of tulasporins A–D (1–4) resemble those of chrysospermins isolated earlier from cultures of S. chrysospermum. Previously, it was hypothesized that the peptaibol production by Sepedonium species correlates with the morphology of the aleurioconidia, as exclusively round-shaped aleurioconidia forming species produced peptaibols. Since the investigated Sepedonium tulasneanum produces oval aleurioconidia, this study can be considered as the first report of peptaibols from a Sepedonium strain with oval-shaped aleurioconidia. Thus, it could be demonstrated that both round as well as oval aleurioconidia forming Sepedonium species are able to produce peptaibols. Tulasporins A-D (1–4), when tested against phytopathogenic fungi, exhibited good growth inhibitory activity against both Botrytis cinerea and Phytophthora infestans, while they were devoid of significant activity against Septoria tritici.
Phytochemical Screening of Garcinia travancorica by HPLC-ESI-QTOF Mass Spectrometry and Cytotoxicity Studies of the Major Biflavonoid Fukugiside
Authors: Aravind Aravindakshanpillai P. Anu , Pandey Renu , Kumar Brijesh , Asha Kumarapillai R. T. , Rameshkumar Koranappallil B.
Published: March 2019

Qualitative screening of multiclass secondary metabolites present in the fruits, leaves and stem bark extracts of Garcinia travancorica was carried out using HPLC-QTOF-MS analysis. Twenty-three compounds were identified in the fruits, leaves and stem bark, including two acids (hydroxycitric acid and hydroxycitric acid lactone), eight biflavonoids (morelloflavone, GB-1, GB-1a, GB-2, GB-2a, fukugiside, xanthochymusside and GB-1a glucoside), nine xanthones (α-mangostin, γ-mangostin, 1,5-dihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone, garciniaxanthone E, 4-(1,1-dimethylprop-2-enyl)-1,3,5,8-tetrahydroxy-xanthone, garcinone A, garcinone B, garcinone C and polyanxanthone C) and four polyisoprenylated benzophenones (gambogenone, aristophenone A, garcinol and garciyunnanin A). Cytotoxicity studies of the major biflavonoid fukugiside reported from G. travancorica leaves revealed a dose-dependent cancer cell growth inhibition in A431 and HeLa cells. The antiproliferative effect appears to be due to the ability of fukugiside to induce S-phase arrest and apoptotic cell death. In HeLa cells, fukugiside reduced the expression of MAPKp38 by 26.1% compared with untreated control.
Secondary Metabolites from Astragalus lycius and Their Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Horo Ibrahim , Kocabaş Fatma , Alankuş-Çalışkan Özgen , Özgökçe Fevzi , Khan Ihlas A. , Bedir Erdal
Published: March 2019

Eight known secondary metabolites were isolated from the methanolic extract of the whole plant of Astragalus lycius Boiss. They were identified as 5,5′-dihydroxy-3′-methoxy-isoflavone-7- O-β-D-glucoside (1), genistin (2), sissotrin (3), 5,4′-dimethoxy-isoflavone-7- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), (7 S,8 R)-5-methoxydehydrodiconiferyl alcohol-4- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), 4- O-lariciresinol-glucoside (6), 2-phenylethyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (7) and β-sitosterol-3- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8) by spectroscopic methods including 1H- and 13C-NMR and HR-MS experiments, and by comparison with literature values. Compounds 1–7 are reported for the first time from Astragalus taxa. All of the compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activities against a number of cancer cell lines. Among them, only 6 exhibited significant activity against human colon carcinoma (HT-29) at 2.69 μM concentration.
Caffeic Acid Derivatives from Bacopa monniera Plants as Inhibitors of Pancreatic Lipase Activity and their Structural Requirements
Authors: Nakashima Souichi , Ohta Tomoe , Nakamura Seikou , Oda Yoshimi , Koumoto Mari , Kashiwazaki Eri , Kado Maiko , Shimada Atsumi , Akita Ryogo , Matsuda Hisashi
Published: March 2019

The methanol extract of whole Bacopa monniera plants inhibited pancreatic lipase activity in vitro. From this extract we have reported the isolation of 11 triterpene glycosides and 5 phenylethanoid- and/or phenylpropanoid- glycosides. In this paper, we describe the effects of the methanol extract and/or its constituents on pancreatic lipase activity and the isolation of an active constituent, desrhamnosyl isoacteoside. In addition, the structural requirements for its inhibitory effects were examined. We also examined the effects on the elevation of plasma triglyceride (TG) levels in olive oil loaded mice. The major active constituents, desrhamnosyl isoacteoside and plantainoside B, reduced plasma TG levels in the mice. The inhibitory effects of B. monniera and its constituents on pancreatic lipase activity and plasma TG level are reported for the first time.
New Phenolic Glycosides from Physalis angulata
Authors: Anh Hoang Le Tuan , Dung Duong Thi , Tuan Do Thanh , Tai Bui Huu , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Yen Pham Hai , Duc Tran Minh , Binh Pham Quoc , Nam Nguyen Hoai , Van Minh Chau , Van Kiem Phan
Published: March 2019

Two new phenolic glycosides, physangulosides A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from the whole plant of Physalis angulata. Their chemical structures were determined by mean of HR-ESI-MS, 1D, and 2D-NMR spectra. Both of the compounds showed weak protection against hydrogen peroxide induced hepatocytes damage.
Positional Isomerization of Phenylethanoid Glycosides from Magnolia officinalis
Authors: Xue Zhenzhen , Li Hua , Yang Bin
Published: March 2019

Positional isomerization, an inducement leading to instability of phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs) containing the caffeoyl moiety linked to C-3/4 of the central saccharide, is reported. Magnolosides M, A and F from Magnolia officinalis were found to be transformed into their isomers magnolosides A, D, M and B, respectively, which indicated that PhGs containing the caffeoyl moiety linking to C-3/4 of the central saccharide were unstable, and the caffeoyl group could be transferred to either C-4/3 or C-6 of the central saccharide. In addition, among the factors of temperature, solvent type and exposure time in solvent, temperature was found to play a critical role in initiation of positional isomerization of PhGs. In order to retard this isomerization, the temperature should be lower than 40°C during the final purification stages of PhGs.
Galbonolides from Streptomyces sp. SR107
Authors: Zhang Juanli , Chang Xiaoyan , Li Yaoyao , Lu Chunhua
Published: March 2019

Genome sequence analysis of Streptomyces sp. LZ35 has revealed a large number of secondary metabolite pathways, including a hybrid fatty acid-type PKS gene cluster for biosynthesis of galbonolides. By sequence-guided and culture medium selection and with the aid of specific staining on TLC, galbonolides B (1) and E (2) have been identified from strain Streptomyces sp. LZ35. Further discovery and mining of galbonolides from a clean background mutant strain, Streptomyces sp LZ35Δheng (SR107), led to the isolation of galbonolides F (3) and G (4), which were elucidated by analysis of their HRESIMS and NMR spectroscopic data.
Phytochemistry and Ethnopharmacology of Medicinal Plants Used on Safeen Mountain in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Authors: Abdullah Fuad Othman , Hussain Faiq Hama Saeed , Sardar Abdullah Shukur , Vita-Finzi Paola , Vidari Giovanni
Published: March 2019

In remote villages of Kurdistan-Iraq, such as in those on Safeen Mountain, decoctions, potions, and oils from the local herbal tradition have provided the only medicinal remedies for centuries, up to today. A variety of diseases are treated with different plant preparations, ranging from simple rheumatism to diarrhea, skin diseases, and highly complicated kidney and heart problems. This survey describes, for the first time, the mostly used medicinal plants, resulting from several interviews with local herbal healers. The bioactivity of some isolated compounds is, indeed, strictly related to traditional uses of plants in Safeen Mountain Province. We also report the preliminary results of our ongoing research project on the constituents of the still uninvestigated plant Pterocephalus nestorianus Nab., which is traditionally used against inflammation and oral diseases. Luteolin-7- O-glucoside, 3,5-di- O-caffeoylquinic acid and loganic acid were isolated.
Acetyl-cholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Methoxyflavones Isolated from Kaempferia parviflora
Authors: Seo Sang-Hwan , Lee Young-Choon , Moon Hyung-In
Published: March 2019

MeOH extracts of Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex. Baker, family Zingiberaceae, were consecutively partitioned with CHCl3, EtOAc, and n-BuOH. The CHCl3 fractions were diluted in distilled water with n-hexane–CH2Cl2 and three methoxyflavones were isolated from the CH2Cl2 extract. Based on spectral analysis and comparison of the spectral data with literature values, the compounds were identified as 3,5,7,3′,4′-pentamethoxyflavone (KP1), 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (KP2), and 5,7,4′-trimethoxyflavone (KP3). In relation to their possible effectiveness against Alzheimer's disease, these compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity and neurite outgrowth in the PC12 cell line. Of the three compounds, KP1 was the only one to inhibit significantly the acetylcholinesterase activity in a dose-dependent manner.
Secondary Metabolites from the Leaves of Digitalis viridiflora
Authors: Kırmızıbekmez Hasan , Kúsz Norbert , Karaca Nursenem , Demirci Fatih , Hohmann Judit
Published: March 2019

A new phenylethanoid glycoside, named digiviridifloroside (1), was isolated from the leaves of Digitalis viridiflora Lindley along with a known phenylethanoid glycoside calceolarioside A (2), two flavonoid glycosides, scutellarein 7- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3) and hispidulin 7- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), two cleroindicins, cleroindicins B (5) and F (6), a nucleoside, adenosine (7), as well as a mixture of β-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-4- O-caffeoyl-α/β -glucopyranose and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol. The structure of the new compound was established as 3,4-dihydroxy-β-phenylethoxy-6- O-( E)-feruloyl-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-4- O-( E)-caffeoyl-β-glucopyranoside (1) based on extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy, as well as HR-ESI-MS. Digiviridifloroside represents a rare type of phenylethanoid glycoside which bears two aromatic acyl units in its structure. In addition to phytochemical studies, the isolates were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activities against three pathogenic bacteria and three yeast strains using a microdilution method. Among the tested compounds, 5 exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus NRRLB 3711 with a MIC value of 25 μg/mL, whereas compounds 5 and 6 showed relatively high anticandidal activity against Candida strains with MIC values down to 12.5 μg/mL, in comparison to the standard antimicrobial compounds.
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects in Rodent Models of Ethanol Extract of Clausena anisata Roots and their Chemical Constituents
Authors: Kumatia Emmanuel Kofi , Annan Kofi , Dickson Rita Akosua , Mensah Abraham Yeboah , Amponsah Isaac Kingsley , Appiah Alfred A. , Tung Nguyen Hu , Edoh Dominic Adotey , Habtemariam Solomon
Published: March 2019

The in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the crude ethanol extract and chemical constituents of Clausena anisata roots were investigated. The crude extract, which was devoid of any visible acute toxicity, displayed significant anti-inflammatory effect at the dose of 1000 mg/kg (p.o.) when assessed using the carrageenan-induced oedema model. In the acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests, it produced a very significant ( p < 0.001), dose-dependent analgesic effect, with maximum analgesic activity of 72.1% at 1000 mg/kg (p.o.). Phytochemical analysis of the crude extract resulted in the isolation of four coumarins (anisocoumarin B, osthol, imperatorin and xanthotoxol) and a carbazole alkaloid, heptaphylline. Among the isolated compounds, osthol and anisocoumarin B produced the highest anti-inflammatory activity at 9 mg/kg (p.o.): slightly better than the positive control, indomethacin. Except for xanthotoxol, all the isolated compounds administered at 6 mg/kg (p.o.) produced significant analgesic activity and higher than diclofenac; with heptaphylline being the most potent (48.7%). The analgesic activity of anisocoumarin B (50.4%) was the highest among the isolates tested and the standard, tramadol, in the hot plate test. The nonselective opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, abolished the analgesic effect of the crude extract and the tested isolates (anisocoumarin B and xanthotoxol) in the hot plate test suggesting an effect via the central opioidergic system. These findings provide the scientific basis for the use of C. anisata roots in traditional medicine as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents.