bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxic Plants Used in Ethnoveterinary Medicine in Italy
Authors: Viegi Lucia , Vangelisti Roberta
Published: March 2019

This study was conducted to document the use of toxic or potentially toxic plants for the treatment of ailments in livestock and pets in ethnoveterinary practice in Italy. More than 250 of the entities used (81% for curative purposes) can be toxic unless dosed appropriately. Many (55%) are dietary supplements. The list included 186 species (45%) for internal and 175 (55%) for external use, many used in places where animals are kept. The species belong to 71 families, among which the Fabaceae predominate. The purpose of the study was to provide information that can be validated and associated with correct determination, permitting even potentially dangerous plants to be used in veterinary practice.
Diagnosis of Public Programs focused on Herbal Medicines in Brazil
Authors: Camargo Ely Eduardo Saranz , Bandeira Mary Anne Medeiros , de Oliveira Anselmo Gomes
Published: March 2019

The present study is aimed to diagnose the current public programs focused on herbal medicines in Brazil by means of in loco visits to 10 programs selected by means of questionnaires sent to 124 municipalities that count on herbal medicine services. The main purpose of the implementation of program programs is related to the development of medicinal herbs. 70% of them are intended for the production of herbal medicines and 50% are aimed to ensure the access of the population to medicinal plants and or herbal medicines. The initiative of the implementation of these programs was related to the managers (60%). The difficulties in this implementation were due to the lack of funding (100%) of the programs. In 60% of the programs, the physicians did not adhere to herbal medicine services due to the lack of knowledge of the subject. Training courses were proposed (80%) to increase the adhesion of prescribers to the system. Some municipalities use information obtained from patients to assess the therapeutic efficiency of medicinal plants and herbal medicines. Of the programs underway, cultivation of medicinal plants was observed in 90% and 78% of them adopt quality control. In most programs, this control is not performed in accordance with the legal requirements. The programs focused on medicinal plants and herbal medicines implemented in Brazil face some chronic problems of infrastructure, management, operational capacity and self-sustainability, which can be directly related to the absence of a national policy on medicinal plants and herbal medicines.
Composition of Egyptian Nerolì Oil
Authors: Bonaccorsi Ivana , Sciarrone Danilo , Schipilliti Luisa , Trozzi Alessandra , Fakhry Hussein A. , Dugo Giovanni
Published: March 2019

The bitter orange flower oil (or nerolì) is an essential product, largely used in perfumery. Nerolì is obtained by hydrodistillation or steam distillation, from the flowers of bitter orange ( Citrus aurantium L.). Since a long time nerolì production is limited and its cost on the market is considerably high. The annual production in Tunisia and Morocco is ca. 1500 Kg, representing more than 90% of the worldwide production. A small amount of nerolì is also produced in Egypt, Spain and Comorros (not exceeding 150 kg totally). Due to the high cost, the producers and the users have tried to obtain less expensive products, with odor characters close to that of nerolì oil to be used as substitute and sometimes as adulterants of the genuine oil. In this study are investigated five samples of Egyptian nerolì oils produced in 2008 and 2009, in the same industrial plant, declared genuine by the producer. For all the samples the composition was determined by GC/FID and by GC/MS-LRI; the samples were also analyzed by esGC to determine the enantiomeric distribution of twelve volatiles and by GC-C-IRMS for the determination of the δ 13CVPDB values of some mono and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, alcohols and esters. The analytical procedures allowed to quantitatively determining 86 components. In particular the variation of the composition seems to be dependent on the period of production. In fact, the amount of linalool decreases from March to April while linalyl acetate presents an opposite trend, increasing in the same period. The RSD determined for the δ 13CVPDB are very small (max. 3.89%), ensuring the authenticity of all samples. The results are also discussed in function of the limits provided by the European Pharmacopoeia (EP) (2004), AFNOR (1995) and ISO (2002) regulations for genuine nerolì oils.
Essential oil of Nepeta X Faassenii Bergmans ex Stearn (N. mussinii Spreng. x N. nepetella L.): A Comparison Study
Authors: Radulović Niko , Blagojević Polina D. , Rabbitt Kevin , de Sousa Menezes Fabio
Published: March 2019

Analysis (GC and GC/MS) of an essential oil sample obtained from dry leaves of Nepeta x faassenii Bergmans ex Stearn, a hybrid species produced by crossbreeding N. mussinii Spreng. with N. nepetella L., led to the identification of 109 constituents that represented 95.9% of the oil. The major constituents were 4aα,7α,7aα-nepetalactone (67.8%), 1,8-cineole (6.6%), germacrene D (4.8%), β-pinene (2.7%), ( E)-β-ocimene (2.6%), 4aα,7β,7aα-nepetalactone (2.3%) and ( E)-β-farnesene (1.0%). Chemical composition of the oil was compared, using multivariate statistical analyses (MVA) with those of the oils of other Nepeta taxa, in particular N. mussinii and N. nepetella. This was done in order to explore the mode of inheritance of the monoterpene biosynthetic apparatus of N. faassenii. Chemical composition of the volatiles of a Nepeta taxon (different populations) can be subject to variation due to environmental and geographical factors. To accommodate this fact in the MVAs, along side with N. faassenii essential oil, additional 6 oils (3 different populations of N. nuda L. and N. cataria L. from Serbia) were included in this study (isolated and analyzed (chemically and statistically)). The MVA analyses recognized N. faassenii as being closely related to both N. mussinii and N. nepetella. If the relative content of oil constituents per plant and not per chromatogram were used as variables in the MVA (this was done by simple multiplication of the yields and relative percentages of components) a higher degree of mutual similarity (in respect to the monoterpene biosynthesis) of N. faassenii to N. mussinii, than to the other parent species, was observed.
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activities of the Essential Oils from Ocimum Selloi and Hesperozygis myrtoides
Authors: Martini Márcia G. , Bizzo Humberto R. , Moreira Davyson de L. , Neufeld Paulo M. , Miranda Simone N. , Alviano Celuta S. , Alviano Daniela S. , Leitão Suzana G.
Published: March 2019

Ocimum selloi, a traditional medicinal plant from Brazil, is sold in open-air markets at Rio de Janeiro State. Hesperozygis myrtoides is a very aromatic small bush found in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, growing at an altitude of 1800m. The chemical composition of both essential oils was analyzed as well as their antimicrobial activity against fungi and bacteria. For all specimens of Ocimum selloi obtained at open-air markets, methylchavicol was major compound found (93.6% to 97.6%) in their essential oils. The major compounds identified in the oil of H. myrtoides were pulegone (44.4%), isomenthone (32.7%), and limonene (3.5%). Both oils displayed antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms but Candida albicans was the most susceptible one. Combinations of the two oils in different proportions were tested to verify their antimicrobial effect against C. albicans, which, however, was not modified in any of the concentrations tested. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined to confirm the antimicrobial activity against C. albicans as well as other clinical isolates ( C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis).
Activity against Streptococcus Pneumoniae of the Essential Oil and 5-(3-Buten-1-ynyl)-2, 2′-bithienyl Isolated from Chrysactinia mexicana Roots
Authors: Guevara Campos Bárbara Missiam Mezari , Cirio Anabel Torres , Galindo Verónica Mayela Rivas , Aranda Ricardo Salazar , de Torres Noemi Waksman , Pérez-López Luis Alejandro
Published: March 2019

The essential oil of Chrysactinia mexicana retrieved from the root bark was characterized by gas chromatography coupled to a mass detector. The compounds silphiperfol-5-ene, 7-epi- silphiperfol-5-ene, modheph-2-ene, α-isocomene, β-isocomene and methyl-linoleate were identified. The principal compound (76.42%) could not be identified by the library and was further isolated through a reverse phase C-18 chromatography followed by silica gel chromatography and identified as 5-(3-buten-1-ynyl)-2,2′-bithienyl. Both the oil and the isolated compound were tested for their antimicrobial activity against two strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae resistant to β-lactam antibiotics. MICs were 250 μg/mL and 125 μg/mL respectively. This is the first report about extraction of oil and compound 5-(3-buten-1-ynyl)-2, 2′-bithienyl from roots of Chrysactinia mexicana as well as the determination of antimicrobial activity against S. pneumoniae.
Chemical Composition and In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oil of Phthirusa adunca from Venezuelan Andes
Authors: Mora Flor D. , Ríos Nurby , Rojas Luis B. , Díaz Tulia , Velasco Judith , Juan Carmona A , Silva Bladimiro
Published: March 2019

In this paper, preliminary studies on the chemical characterization of Phthirusa adunca Meyer essential oil, obtained by hydrodistillation, is presented. The separation of the components was performed by GC-MS. Twenty-three compounds (94.5% of the sample) were identified of which the three major ones (76% of the sample) were β-phellandrene (38.1%), germacrene D (26.8%) and β-pinene (11.5%). The essential oil showed a broad spectrum of activity against Salmonella Typhi CDC 57 (100 μg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (200 μg/mL), Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 (250 μg/mL), Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 y Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 23357 (500 μg/mL). This is the first report on the composition and activity of the essential oil of this species.
New Clerodane Diterpenoid from the Bulbils of Dioscorea bulbifera
Authors: Kidyu Kanlaya , Thaisuchat Haruthai , Meepowpan Puttinan , Sukdee Sukee , Nuntasaen Narong , Punyanitya Sittiporn , Pompimon Wilart
Published: March 2019

A new clerodane diterpenoid has been isolated from the acetone extract of bulbils of Dioscorea bulbifera. The structure of compound 1 was established as 15,16-epoxy-6α- O-acetyl-8β-hydroxy-19-nor-clero-13(16),14-diene-17,12;18,2-diolide on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic techniques.
Pregnane Derivatives from Potentilla evestita
Authors: Khan Rehan , Siddiq Farah , Fatima Itrat , Yasmeen Shazia , Karim Aman , Malik Abdul , Afza Nighat , Hameed Saira
Published: March 2019

A new pregnane derivative, 2,6β,7β-trihydroxy-4-methyl-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one, has been isolated from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of Potentilla evestita along with a pregnane derivative, 11α,17α,21-trihydroxypregna-4,16(22)-diene-3,20-dione, that is reported for the first time as a natural product. Their structures were elucidated with the aid of 1H and 13C NMR spectra and by COSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOESY experiments.
Insect Growth Regulatory Activity of Blechnum chilense
Authors: Carlos A. Hincapié L. , Zulma Monsalve F. , Parada Katherine , Lamilla Claudio , Alarcón Julio , Carlos L. Céspedes A. , Seigler David
Published: March 2019

The genus Blechnum has 13 species that are common plants, well-distributed in Chile. Here, we report a phytochemical analysis of B. chilense (Kaulf.) Mett., as well as the insecticidal effects of extracts of this plant. From the n-hexane fraction four phytoecdysones were isolated: ecdysone, ponasterone, shidasterone and 2-deoxycrustecdysone. A bioassay with Drosophila melanogaster larvae was used to evaluate insecticidal activity. The EtOAc and n-hexane fractions at 800 ppm caused 66.7 and 50.0% larval mortality, respectively. Treatments with both extracts at 800 ppm caused the greatest larval mortality, whereas treatments with 500 and 200 ppm induced premature pupation compared with the control and the highest adult mortality, probably due to interference with ecdysteroid metabolism and inhibition of ecdysis triggering hormone (ETH). The dead adult flies exhibited malformations.
Drypetdimer A: A New Flavone Dimer from Drypetes gerrardii
Authors: Ng'ang'a Margaret Mwihaki , Hussain Hidayat , Chhabra Sumesh , Langat-Thoruwa Caroline , Riaz Muhammad , Krohn Karsten
Published: March 2019

A new flavone dimer, drypetdimer A (1), was isolated from Drypetes gerrardii J. Hutch. The structure of the new compound was elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis such as 1H, 13C NMR, COSY, HMQC, HMBC and HREIMS.
DPPH Radical Scavenging and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activity of Terminalia macroptera Leaves
Authors: Pham Anh Thu , Malterud Karl Egil , Paulsen Berit Smestad , Diallo Drissa , Wangensteen Helle
Published: March 2019

From a methanol extract of the leaves of the Malian medicinal tree Terminalia macroptera, cis-polyisoprene (1), chebulic acid trimethyl ester (2), methyl gallate (3), shikimic acid (4), corilagin (5), rutin (6), narcissin (7), chebulagic acid (8) and chebulinic acid (9), were isolated. Cis-polyisoprene (1) was the major non-polar constituent. The novel compound 2 showed high radical scavenging activity (IC50 4.7 μg/mL), but was inactive as xanthine oxidase inhibitor. The major substituent of the crude extract, substance 5, showed a high radical scavenger effect (IC50 2.7 μg/mL) and weak xanthine oxidase inhibition (IC50 ca 105 μg/mL). The antioxidant and radical scavenging effects of some of the substances identified in this study may to some extent explain the medical use of this tree in West Africa.
Epoxidation of Soybean Oil Catalyzed by [π-C5H5NC16H33]3[PW4O16] with Hydrogen Peroxide and Ethyl Acetate as Solvent
Authors: Cai Shuang-Fei , Wang Li-Sheng
Published: March 2019

A new environmentally benign and highly efficient catalytic system [π-C5H5NC16H33]3[PO4(WO3)4]/H2O2/CH3COOC2H5 for the epoxidation of soybean oil displayed excellent activity and high recovery. The change of the catalyst during the reaction was investigated by elemental analysis, FTIR and 31P NMR.
Susceptibility of the Multi-drug Resistant Strain of Enterobacter aerogenes EA289 to the Terpene Alcohols from Cistus ladaniferus Essential Oil
Authors: Guinoiseau Elodie , Lorenzi Vannina , Luciani Anne , Tomi Félix , Casanova Joseph , Berti Liliane
Published: March 2019

The essential oil (EO) of Cistus ladaniferus was separated into non polar, moderately polar and polar fractions by column chromatography. The EO and its fractions were analysed by gas chromatography in combination with retention indices [GC-(RI)] and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) spectroscopy. A minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay was used to evaluate their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens of clinical relevance, including a multi-drug resistant (MDR) strain. The most polar fraction, constituted by mono- and sesquiterpene alcohols, strongly inhibited the growth of all tested bacteria with MIC values ranging from 0.05 to 0.8 mg/mL. More importantly, this fraction displayed high activity against the MDR strain of Enterobacter aerogenes EA289. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations of the MDR bacteria treated with the terpene alcohol-rich fraction revealed cell wall distortion with an outer cytoplasmic membrane detachment. The susceptibility of the MDR strain of E. aerogenes EA289 to the polar fraction of C. ladaniferus oil suggests the possible use of these natural products to treat infections caused by highly resistant bacteria.
Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Seseli globiferum Essential Oil
Authors: Janaćković Peđa , Soković Marina , Vujisić Ljubodrag , Vajs Vlatka , Vucković Ivan , Krivošej Zoran , Marin Petar D.
Published: March 2019

The essential oil from aerial parts of Seseli globiferum Vis. obtained by hydrodistillation with Clevenger-type apparatus was analyzed by GC-MS. Twenty-eight compounds were identified, representing 99.4% of the total oil. The main components of the oil were sabinene (38.0%), α-pinene (21.2%) and β-phellandrene (13.5%). The microbial growth inhibitory properties of the isolated essential oil were determined using the broth microdilution method against seven bacterial species: Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 13311), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Enterobacter cloacae (clinical isolates), Bacillus cereus (clinical isolates), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228), Micrococcus flavus (ATCC 10240) and three fungal species: Aspergillus niger (ATCC 6275), Aspergillus versicolor (ATCC 11730), Trichoderma viride (IAM 5061) and Penicillium funiculosum (ATCC 36839). The essential oil showed activity against bacteria P. aeruginosa, followed by M. flavus, L. monocytigenes and E. coli, and all investigated fungal species.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of the Essential Oil from Tornabenea bischoffii (Apiaceae)
Authors: Ortet Risoleta , Regalado Erik L. , Thomas Olivier P. , Pino Jorge A. , Fernández Miguel D.
Published: March 2019

The chemical composition of Tornabenea bischoffii J. A. Schmidt essential oil from Cape Verde was studied by GC and GC/MS. Sixty volatile compounds were identified of which myristicin was the major constituent (33.6%). Using the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free-radical scavenging method and the in vitro assay for prevention of lipid peroxidation by thiobarbituric reactive species, significant antioxidant activities were evidenced.
Neolitsea aciculata Essential Oil Inhibits Drug-Resistant Skin Pathogen Growth and Propionibacterium acnes-Induced Inflammatory Effects of Human Monocyte Leukemia
Authors: Kim Sang Suk , Kim Jung Eun , Hyun Chang-Gu , Lee Nam Ho
Published: March 2019

This study examined the chemical composition of Neolitsea aciculata essential oil (NAE) and its biological activities. NAE was obtained by hydrodistillation of N. aciculata leaves collected in Jeju Island and analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometer detector. 1-Dodecen-3-yne (12.5%), calarene (11.5%) and elemol (9.5%) were identified as the major components of NAE. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of NAE against skin pathogens were examined to determine the protective properties against acne vulgaris. NAE exhibited moderate to strong antibacterial activity against drug-susceptible and -resistant Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, which are known as acne-causing bacteria. In addition, NAE reduced the P. acnes-induced secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in THP-1 cells, highlighting its anti-inflammatory effects. The DPPH radical scavenging activities of NAE also revealed moderate antioxidant properties (IC50, 21.3 μL/mL). Overall, NAE is an attractive candidate as an ingredient in skin care products.
Aroma-therapeutic Effects of Massage Blended Essential Oils on Humans
Authors: Hongratanaworakit Tapanee
Published: March 2019

Although blended essential oils are increasingly being used for the improvement of the quality of life and for the relief of various symptoms in patients, the scientific evaluation of the aroma-therapeutic effects of blended essential oils in humans is rather scarce. In this study, we hypothesized that applying blended essential oil would provide a synergistic effect that would have a chance for success in treating depression or anxiety. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the blended essential oil on autonomic parameters and on emotional responses in humans following transdermal absorption. The blended essential oil consisted of lavender and bergamot oils. Human autonomic parameters, i.e. blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing rate, and skin temperature, were recorded as indicators of the arousal level of the autonomic nervous system. In addition, subjects had to rate their emotional condition in terms of relaxation, vigor, calmness, attentiveness, mood, and alertness in order to assess subjective behavioral arousal. Forty healthy volunteers participated in the experiments. Blended essential oil was applied topically to the skin of the abdomen of each subject. Compared with placebo, blended essential oil caused significant decreases of pulse rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which indicated a decrease of autonomic arousal. At the emotional level, subjects in the blended essential oil group rated themselves as ‘more calm’ and ‘more relaxed’ than subjects in the control group. This finding suggests a decrease of subjective behavioral arousal. In conclusion, our investigation demonstrates the relaxing effect of a mixture of lavender and bergamot oils. This synergistic blend provides evidence for its use in medicine for treating depression or anxiety in humans.
Biological Activity of Bicyclic and Tricyclic Diterpenoids from Salvia Species of Immediate Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Interest
Authors: Bonito Maria Carmela , Cicala Carla , Marcotullio Maria Carla , Maione Francesco , Mascolo Nicola
Published: March 2019

Diterpenoids are a class of compounds that derive from the condensation of four isoprene units that leads to a wide variety of complex chemical structures, including acyclic bi-, tri-and tetra-cyclic compounds; in Salvia species, only bi-, tri-and tetra-cyclic compounds have been found. This review covers a wide range of biological activities and mode of action of diterpenoids isolated from Salvia species that might raise some pharmacological and pharmaceutical interest.

We have produced a synoptic table where the biological activities of the main active principles are summarized. Our analysis emphasizes that diterpenoids from Salvia species continue to be a plant defence system since their antimicrobic activity. Experimental studies show that most of diterpenoids considered have cytotoxic and / or antiproliferative activity. Some of them have also cardiovascular and central effects. In a less extended manner, diterpenoids from Salvia species show gastrointestinal, urinary, antinflammatory, antidiabetic, ipolipidemic and antiaggregating effects.

In the last decade, several clinical trials have been developed in order to investigate the real value of Salvia extracts treatment; results obtained are promising and confer scientific basis in the use of medicinal plants from folk medicine.
Free Radical Scavenging Activity-Guided Isolation of a Diterpenoid from Plectranthus punuctatus
Authors: Kebede Wossen , Bisrat Daniel , Asres Kaleab
Published: March 2019

Free radical scavenging activity-guided investigation of the acetone extract of Plectranthus punuctatus (L'Her) (Lamiaceae) resulted in the isolation of a novel diterpenoid 3,11,12,14,19-pentahydroxy-5,8,11,13-abietatraen-7-pyran[4,6]-16-dione whose structure was elucidated based on spectral evidence. The isolated compound showed a significant antioxidant activity in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and deoxyribose degradation assays with IC50 values of 9.65 μg/mL and 5.25 μg/mL, respectively.
Components from the Steamed Leaves of Acanthopanax koreanum and their Effects on PPAR Activity in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Kim Jeong Ah , Song Seok Bean , Yang Seo Young , Kim Young Ho
Published: March 2019

Three ent-kaurane diterpenes (1-3), four lupane-triterpene glycosides (4-7), and an oleanane-triterpene glycoside (8) were isolated from the ethyl acetate and water extracts of the steamed leaves of Acanthopanax koreanum using a combination of various column chromatographies. The structures of the isolates were determined by 1H-, 13C-NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. To investigate the biological effects of the eight compounds (1-8) on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), luciferase reporter assays were used. Among the tested compounds, ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (1), 16α-hydroxy- ent-kauran-19-oic acid (2), and 17-hydroxy- ent-kaur-15-en-19-oic acid (3) showed considerable effects on PPARγ activity, compared with the positive control, troglitazone. To evaluate specificity and sensitivity of the active compounds (1-3) in the regulation of transactivation of PPARs, Gal4-PPARs-LBD luciferase reporter assays were examined. In this study, the three ent-kaurane diterpenes (1-3) were found to up-regulate PPARβ/δ and PPARγ activities, whereas they did not activate PPARα activity.
Chemical Constituents of the Gorgonian Dichotella fragilis (Ridleg) from the South China Sea
Authors: Zhou Yuan-Ming , Shao Chang-Lun , Wang Chang-Yun , Huang Hui , Xu Ying , Qian Pei-Yuan
Published: March 2019

Two new steroidal glycosides, fragilioside A (1) and fragilioside B (2), along with five known compounds (3–7) were isolated from the gorgonian Dichotella fragilis (Ridleg) collected from the South China Sea. The structures of the new compounds (1 and 2) were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of spectral data, especially 2D NMR. The brine shrimp lethality and antifouling activity of the isolated compounds were also evaluated.
A New Pyrrolidine Derivative and Steroids from an Algicolous Gibberella zeae Strain
Authors: Liu Xiang-Hong , Tang Xiao-Zhen , Miao Feng-Ping , Ji Nai-Yun
Published: March 2019

A new pyrrolidine derivative, 3-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-4-(4′-hydroxyphenoxy)pyrrolidin-2-one (1), and eight known steroids, (22 E,24 R)-7β,8β-epoxy-3β,5α,9α-trihydroxyergosta-22-en-6-one (2, a reassigned structure of (22 E,24 R)-5α,6α-epoxy-3β,8β,14α-trihydroxyergosta-22-en-7-one), (22 E,24 R)-3β,5α,9α-trihydroxyergosta-7,22-dien-6-one (3), (22 E,24 R)-3β,5α-dihydroxyergosta-7,22-dien-6-one (4), (22 E,24 R)-ergosta-7,22-dien-3β,5α,6β-triol (5), (22 E,24 R)-ergosta-5,22-dien-3β-ol (6), (22 E,24 R)-5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,22-dien-3β-ol (7), (22 E,24 R)-5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,9(11),22-trien-3β-ol (8), and (22 E,24 R)-1(10→6)- abeo-ergosta-5,7,9,22-tetraen-3α-ol (9), were isolated from the cultures of Gibberella zeae, an endophytic fungus isolated from the marine green alga Codium fragile. Their structures and relative stereochemistry were elucidated by 1D, 2D NMR and mass spectroscopic techniques. Compound 1 showed cytotoxicity against A-549 and BEL-7402 cell lines.
Szentiamide, an N-formylated Cyclic Depsipeptide from Xenorhabdus szentirmaii DSM 16338T
Authors: Ohlendorf Birgit , Simon Sven , Wiese Jutta , Imhoff Johannes F.
Published: March 2019

Szentiamide (1) a new cyclic hexadepsipeptide was isolated from the culture broth of the entomopathogenic bacterium Xenorhabdus szentirmaii DSM 16338T. The structure was elucidated by analysis of one- and two-dimensional NMR spectra and high resolution mass spectrometry. The amino acids were determined to be D-leucine, L-threonine, D-phenylalanine, D-valine, L-tyrosine and L-tryptophane after hydrolysis and derivatization with D-FDVA [ Nα-(2,4-dinitro-5-fluorophenyl)-D-valinamide].
Bioactive Constituents from Michelia champaca
Authors: Yeh Yu-Ting , Huang Jin-Cherng , Kuo Po-Lin , Chen Chung-Yi
Published: March 2019

(-)-Anonaine (1), (-)-asimilobine (2), (-)-nuciferine (3), (-)-anolobine (4), (-)-romerine (5), (-)- N-acetylanonaine (6), liriodenine (7), (+)-syringaresinol (8), N-trans-feruloyltyramine (9), N-cis-feruloyltyramine (10), scopoletin (11), 4-acetonyl-3,5-dimethoxy- p-quinol (12), vanillin (13), vanillic acid (14), syringic acid (15), β-sitosterol (16) and stigmasterol (17) were isolated from branches of Michelia champaca L. In addition, a cell proliferation assay of five of the isolated compounds on human breast and lung cancer cells showed that liriodenine (7) was the strongest inhibitor.
A New Chromene Isolated from Ageratum conyzoides
Authors: Adebayo Abiodun Humphrey , Ji Chang-Jiu , Zhang Yu-Mei , He Wen-Jun , Zeng Guang-Zhi , Han Hong-Jin , Xu Jun-Ju , Akindahunsi Afolabi Akintunde , Tan Ning-Hua
Published: March 2019

From the ethanol extract of the whole plant of Ageratum conyzoides L. (Compositae), one new chromene, 2,2-dimethylchromene 7-methoxy-6- O-β-D-glucopyranoside, was isolated, together with thirteen known compounds, seven of which were being reported for the first time. The compounds were all characterized by MS, IR, 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. 7,3′,5′-Tri- O-methyltricetin (7), precocene II (9), 3,5,7,4′-tetrahydroxyflavone (13) and 5,6,7,3′,4′,5′-hexamethoxyflavone (14) exhibited inhibitory activity on the P-388 cancer cell line with IC50 values of 12.8, 24.8, 3.5 and 7.8 μM respectively, while compound 9 exhibited inhibitory activity on the HT-29 cancer cell line with an IC50 value of 61μM; the others showed no significant cytotoxic activity on the cell lines tested.
Anthraquinone Profile, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Bark Extracts of Rhamnus catharticus and R. orbiculatus
Authors: Locatelli Marcello , Epifano Francesco , Genovese Salvatore , Carlucci Giuseppe , Končić Marijana Zovko , Kosalec Ivan , Kremer Dario
Published: March 2019

The anthraquinone profile, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities as well as the total phenol and total flavonoid contents were determined in methanol extracts of the barks of Rhamnus catharticus L. and R. orbiculatus Bornm. The most abundant anthraquinone derivatives in R. catharticus were physcion (67.8%) and emodin (26.2%), while R. orbiculatus contained mostly physcion (81.3%) and chrysophanol (14.6%). R. catharticus displayed better activity in the β-carotene–linoleic acid assay, as well as chelating activity, whereas its activity in the reducing power assay was significantly lower than that of R. orbiculatus. Both methanol extracts showed antimicrobial activity against all microbial species tested ( Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Microsporum gypseum) with MIC values either equal to or lower than 2.50 mg/mL. R. catharticus and R. orbiculatus contained several anthranoid aglycones and their bark extracts demonstrated notable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The results obtained indicate the medicinal potential of these two species.
Quantitative Analysis of Euglobals in Eucalyptus loxophleba Leaves by qNMR¶
Authors: Sidana Jasmeen , Foley William J. , Singh Inder Pal
Published: March 2019

A simple, rapid, accurate and selective 1H NMR spectroscopic method to detect and quantify euglobals in the leaves of Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp. lissophloia has been developed. The method allows for the estimation of total concentration of diformylphloroglucinol-monoterpene adducts, as well as the quantitation of sabinene- and α/β-phellandrene-adducts, separately. The method was validated for accuracy, precision and linearity using as reference standards 2-ethyl phenol and mixtures of jensenone, a monomeric formylated phloroglucinol, and 2-ethyl phenol.
Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Isoferulic Acid in vitro
Authors: Wang Xiaozhen , Li Xican , Chen Dongfeng
Published: March 2019

Isoferulic acid (3-hydroxy-4-methoxycinnamic acid, IFA), the isomer of ferulic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid), is a rare phenolic acid occurring in Rhizoma Cimicifugae. Unlike ferulic acid, which has been well investigated, the antioxidant activity of IFA has not been measured. In this study, IFA was systematically evaluated for its in vitro antioxidant activity for the first time. IC50 values were calculated of 7.30±0.57, 4.58±0.17, 1.08±0.01, 8.84±0.43, 7.69±0.39, 1.57±0.2, 13.33±0.49 μg/mL, respectively, for lipid peroxidation, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) and ABTS (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid diammonium salt) radical scavenging, reducing power on Fe3+ and Cu2+ ions, and hydroxyl and superoxide anion radical scavenging. Comparison with the IC50 values with those of the positive controls, Trolox and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), it can be concluded that isoferulic acid is an effective natural antioxidant in both lipid and aqueous media.
Determination of Caffeoyl Quinic Acids and Flavonoids in Acanthopanax trifoliatus Leaves by HPLC
Authors: Sithisarn Pongtip , Muensaen Sarinthip , Jarikasem Siripen
Published: March 2019

Extracts from the leaves of Acanthopanax trifoliatus, harvested at different seasons, were quantitatively analyzed for phenolic contents using high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) methods. Samples collected in winter contained high amounts of the major active components, mono and dicaffeoylquinic acid derivatives and flavonoid glycosides. It was found that January and November were the preferred periods for collecting plant material containing high amounts of caffeoyl quinic acid and flavonoid constituents.
Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Capacity and Antibacterial Activity of Selected Irish Brassica Vegetables
Authors: Jaiswal Amit Kumar , Rajauria Gaurav , Abu-Ghannam Nissreen , Gupta Shilpi
Published: March 2019

Vegetables belonging to the Brassicaceae family are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and glucosinolates, and their hydrolysis products, which may have antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer properties. In the present study, phenolic composition, antibacterial activity and antioxidant capacity of selected Brassica vegetables, including York cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and white cabbage were evaluated after extraction with aqueous methanol. Results obtained showed that York cabbage extract had the highest total phenolic content, which was 33.5, followed by 23.6, 20.4 and 18.4 mg GAE/g of dried weight (dw) of the extracts for broccoli, Brussels sprouts and white cabbage, respectively. All the vegetable extracts had high flavonoid contents in the order of 21.7, 17.5, 15.4 and 8.75 mg QE/g of extract (dw) for York cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and white cabbage, respectively. HPLC-DAD analysis showed that different vegetables contain a mixture of distinct groups of phenolic compounds. All the extracts studied showed a rapid and concentration dependent antioxidant capacity in diverse antioxidant systems. The antibacterial activity was determined against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. York cabbage extract exhibited significantly higher antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes (100%) and Salmonella abony (94.3%), being the most susceptible at a concentration of 2.8%, whereas broccoli, Brussels sprouts and white cabbage had moderate to weak activity against all the test organisms. Good correlation (r2 0.97) was found between total phenolic content obtained by spectrophotometric analysis and the sum of the individual polyphenols monitored by HPLC-DAD.
Dietary Burden of Phenolics per Serving of “Mountain Tea” (Sideritis) from Macedonia and Correlation to Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Petreska Jasmina , Stefova Marina , Ferreres Federico , Moreno Diego. A. , Tomás-Barberán Francisco. A. , Stefkov Gjose , Kulevanova Svetlana , Gil-Izquierdo Angel
Published: March 2019

This work was afforded from 2 points of view, phytochemical evaluation and relation to antioxidant activity and dietary burden of phenolics of a cup of “Mountain tea”, a drink obtained by domestic infusion of Sideritis. Phytochemically, two extraction protocols using water and methanol as solvent were used for comparison. Methanol and boiling water extracts (by domestic infusion procedure) showed that extracts were rich in bound forms of phenolics such as hydroxycinnamic acids, phenylethanoid glycosides and flavonoid glycosides. The total phenolic content for Sideritis species ranged around 190 mg per serving (2 g infusion bag) for methanol extracts and around 72 mg per serving in water extracts. Among the two different Macedonian Sideritis species, Sideritis raeseri (wild growing) showed the highest phenolics content in both extracts (212 mg and 89 mg per serving, respectively). Concerning the phenolic content in the different aerial parts, leaf was the richest plant organ in phenolics followed by flower and stem with the lowest amount. The methanol extract from Sideritis raeseri (wild growing) showed the highest antioxidant capacity as shown by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. The antioxidant capacity was linearly correlated with phenolic content. Nutritionally, the dietary burden of phenolics of a “Mountain tea” bag for domestic infusion (serving size) was established at 89 mg for an homogeneous and equal distribution of the different aerial parts (leaf, flower and stem). However, and according to our results a rate of 60% leaf and 40% flower would increase the content of bioavailable phenolics and also the total phenolics content of a serving bag of “Mountain tea”.
Variability of Essential Oils of Betonica officinalis (Lamiaceae) from Different Wild Populations in Kosovo
Authors: Hajdari Avni , Mustafa Behxhet , Franz Chlodwig , Novak Johannes
Published: March 2019

The aerial parts and roots of Betonica officinalis were collected from three localities characterized by different ecological conditions to study the natural variability of the chemical composition of the essential oils in this plant. The leaves and inflorescences were collected during the flowering time, whereas the roots were collected at the end of the vegetative period. The plant material was dried at room temperature. The essential oils were obtained by micro-steam hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Overall, 69 constituents were identified in all localities and plant parts. The main compositions of the leaves in all localities were α-pinene, 1-octen-3-ol, β-bourbonene, ( E)-caryophyllene and germacrene D. The essential oil of the inflorescences was characterized by these main constituents: α-pinene, ( E)-caryophyllene and trans-β-farnesene. In all localities, the percentages of α-pinene and ( E)-caryophyllene were higher in the inflorescences than in the leaves, whereas nonane was the main constituent in the roots.
Chemical Diversity in Mentha spicata: Antioxidant and Potato Sprout Inhibition Activity of its Essential Oils
Authors: Chauhan Shailendra S. , Prakash Om , Padalia Rajendra C. , Vivekanand  , Pant Anil K. , Mathela Chandra S.
Published: March 2019

The essential oils from fresh aerial parts of Mentha spicata L. collected from ten different natural habitats of Uttarakhand, India were analyzed by a combination of GC, GC/MS and NMR spectroscopy. The analysis revealed that monoterpenoids (46.1%-91.6%), mainly carvone (15.3%-68.5%), piperetenone oxide (24.0%-79.2%) and α-humulene (0.1%-29.9%), were the major constituents of the essential oils, but with significant qualitative and quantitative differences among the other constituents. Cluster analysis of the oil composition was carried out in order to discern the differences and similarities within different accessions collected from different natural habitats. The essential oils were also screened for their antioxidant activities by chelating properties of Fe2+, DPPH radical-scavenging activity, and their reducing power. The essential oils of two chemo variants (viz. carvone and piperetenone oxide types) were also tested for potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) sprout suppressant activity. The results showed that these oils exhibit good sprout inhibition activity in comparison to CIPC and iodine, the standard sprout suppressant.
Role of Direct Bioautographic Method for Detection of Antistaphylococcal Activity of Essential Oils
Authors: Horváth Györgyi , Jámbor Noémi , Kocsis Erika , Böszörményi Andrea , Lemberkovics Έva , Héthelyi Έva , Kovács Krisztina , Kocsis Béla
Published: March 2019

The aim of the present study was the chemical characterization of some traditionally used and therapeutically relevant essential oils (thyme, eucalyptus, cinnamon bark, clove, and tea tree) and the optimized microbiological investigation of the effect of these oils on clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). The chemical composition of the oils was analyzed by TLC, and controlled by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antibacterial effect was investigated using a TLC-bioautographic method. Antibacterial activity of thyme, clove and cinnamon oils, as well as their main components (thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, and cinnamic aldehyde) was observed against all the bacterial strains used in this study. The essential oils of eucalyptus and tea tree showed weak activity in the bioautographic system. On the whole, the antibacterial activity of the essential oils could be related to their most abundant components, but the effect of the minor components should also be taken into consideration. Direct bioautography is more cost-effective and better in comparison with traditional microbiological laboratory methods (e.g. disc-diffusion, agar-plate technique).
Toxic Effects of Citrus aurantium and C. limon Essential Oils on Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Villafañe Emilio , Tolosa Diego , Bardón Alicia , Neske Adriana
Published: March 2019

Citrus aurantium and C. limon were selected in the search for natural plant insecticides. The essential oils of C. aurantium and C. limon and ethanol extracts of the seeds, pulp, albedo, and peel of C. aurantium were incorporated into the larval diet of the lepidopteran pest Spodoptera frugiperda. Larval and pupal mortality were quantified and adult malformation was observed. C aurantium essential oil had antifeedant action and the mixture of albedo ethanol extract and C aurantium essential oil had toxic effects on S. frugiperda larvae at early stages, when they had not yet produced major damage to the crop. Our results indicated that a mixture of ethanol extract of albedo and C. aurantium essential oil (250 μg of extract mix per g of diet) deterred feeding by 46% and had the highest larval mortality (100%) of the materials tested. The peel extract (250 μg per g of diet) produced an increment in growth rate and diet consumption. However, 40% of the larval and 45% of the pupal populations died after 96 h of treatment. The blend of essential oil and C. aurantium albedo ethanol extract showed the lowest consumption and a poor nutrient conversion into biomass. Finally, the presence of D-limonene and nootkatone in the peel ethanol extract, and C. limon and C. aurantium essential oils, may be the cause of the response in the feeding behavior and toxic effects found on S. frugiperda.
Artocarpus Plants as a Potential Source of Skin Whitening Agents
Authors: Arung Enos Tangke , Shimizu Kuniyoshi , Kondo Ryuichiro
Published: March 2019

Artocarpus plants have been a focus of constant attention due to the potential for skin whitening agents. In the in vitro experiment, compounds from the Artocarpus plants, such as artocarpanone, norartocarpetin, artocarpesin, artogomezianol, andalasin, artocarbene, and chlorophorin showed tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Structure-activity investigations revealed that the 4-substituted resorcinol moiety in these compounds was responsible for their potent inhibitory activities on tyrosinase. In the in vitro assay, using B16 melanoma cells, the prenylated polyphenols isolated from Artocarpus plants, such as artocarpin, cudraflavone C, 6-prenylapigenin, kuwanon C, norartocarpin, albanin A, cudraflavone B, and brosimone I showed potent inhibitory activity on melanin formation. Structure-activity investigations revealed that the introduction of an isoprenoid moiety to a non-isoprenoid-substituted polyphenol enhanced the inhibitory activity of melanin production in B16 melanoma cells. In the in vivo investigation, the extract of the wood of Artocarpus incisus and a representative isolated compound from it, artocarpin had a lightening effect on the skin of guinea pigs’ backs. Other in vivo experiments using human volunteers have shown that water extract of Artocarpus lakoocha reduced the melanin formation in the skin of volunteers. These results indicate that the extracts of Artocarpus plants are potential sources for skin whitening agents.
Vitexin Inhibits Polyubiquitin Synthesis by the Ubiquitin-conjugating Enzyme E2-25K
Authors: Helms Kimberli M. , Wilson Randall C. , Ogungbe Ifedayo V. , Setzer William N. , Twigg Pamela D.
Published: March 2019

An extract of bark from the tropical rainforest plant Byrsonima crassifolia was screened for inhibition of diubiquitin formation by the human ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2-25K. Activity assays with both the full-length enzyme and a truncated, active catalytic UBC domain revealed that the extract contained inhibitory properties. Separation of the extract into individual components and additional screens identified vitexin as the active inhibitor. An IC50 for vitexin was calculated to be approximately 0.5 mM. Molecular modeling simulations were used to predict the mode of inhibition and NMR spectra were used to confirm the binding site of vitexin to E2-25K.
Peptidyl-tRNA Hydrolase Screening Combined with Molecular Docking Reveals the Antibiotic Potential of Syzygium johnsonii Bark Extract
Authors: Harris Sarah M. , McFeeters Hana , Ogungbe Ifedayo V. , Cruz-Vera Luis R. , Setzer William N. , Jackes Betsy R. , McFeeters Robert L.
Published: March 2019

With the rapid rise of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria, the need for new antibacterial agents is overwhelming. Herein we report the limited screening of tropical plant extracts for inhibitory activity against the essential enzyme peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (Pth). Initial screening was conducted through an electrophoretic mobility assay and Northern blot detection. The ability of Pth to cleave the peptide-tRNA ester bond was assessed. The ethanol bark extract of Syzygium johnsonii showed strong inhibitory potential. Molecular docking studies point to Syzygium polyphenolics as the potential source of inhibition. This work is the forerunner of activity-directed isolation, purification, and structure elucidation of the inhibitory components from Syzygium johnsonii extracts and studies of compound interaction with Pth.
Evaluation of in vivo and in vitro Biological Activities of Different Extracts of Cuscuta arvensis
Authors: Koca Ufuk , Küpeli-Akkol Esra , Sekeroglu Nazim
Published: March 2019

In the present study, the potential effects of extracts from the whole plant of Cuscuta arvensis were studied in mice using the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model for anti-inflammatory activity and the p-benzoquinone-induced writhing reflex for the assessment of antinociceptive activity. In order to obtain the extracts, the whole plant of C. arvensis was extracted with different solvents such as n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and distilled water. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The methanolic and water extracts inhibited the carrageenan-induced paw edema and p-benzoquinone-induced writhing reflex, whereas the other extracts showed only mild inhibitory antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in these in vivo models. Additionally, the methanol and ethyl acetate extracts had higher scavenging ability then the non polar extracts.
In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory and In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Moroccan Medicinal Plants
Authors: Moussaid Mina , Elamrani Abd Elaziz , Bourhim Nourdinne , Benaissa Mohamed
Published: March 2019

Five ethanol extracts of wild plants from the Casablanca region (Morocco) used in local traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases were evaluated for their in vivo topical anti-inflammatory activity (inhibition of carrageenan-induced ear edema in mice) and in vitro antioxidant and antiradical properties (inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation, DPPH radical scavenging). All the extracts showed an anti-inflammatory effect: 300 μg/cm2 provoked edema reductions ranging from 22 to 28%. All the extracts also exerted radical scavenging and/or antioxidant properties, the most active plant being Mentha pulegium L. (Lamiaceae), which contained the highest amount of phenolics (339 mg/g), and flavonoids (16.7 mg/g).