Molecular docking and two-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship studies of synthetic flavonoids on horseradish peroxidase compounds (I, II, and III).

For the first time, the enzymatic inhibition activity of 13 synthetic flavonoids was assessed by quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling and molecular docking with the three states of the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The results show that apigenin, quercetin, kaempferol, fisetin, tricetin, and luteolin exerted a high competitive inhibition on HRP (Ki between 0.14 and 1.74 mM) compared with other flavonoids. The QSAR model of enzymatic activity (R2 = 0.95, RMSE = 5.48) showed that Ghose-Crippen octanol-water partition coefficient (Alog P) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital's energy (εlumo ) correlated with 0.65 and 0.17, respectively, with Ki values. According to the docking results using Molegro Virtual Docker program, all the flavonoids have shown great binding affinity towards peroxidase. Apigenin has the largest MolDock score in the three states of HRP noting an increased affinity of these flavonoids between compound I and compound II by 2.26%. However, these affinities strongly decrease between compound II and compound III by 28.43% especially for luteolin whose MolDock score decreased by 74.7%. With the results of docking, the affinities of the flavonoids tested and translated by their Ki values are much more presentative of the inhibition of the first reaction states of HRP because their inhibitory effect is important.

Structure-activity relationships and molecular docking of thirteen synthesized flavonoids as horseradish peroxidase inhibitors.

For the first time, the structure-activity relationships of thirteen synthesized flavonoids have been investigated by evaluating their ability to modulate horseradish peroxidase (HRP) catalytic activity. Indeed, a modified spectrophotometrically method was carried out and optimized using 4-methylcatechol (4-MC) as peroxidase co-substrate. The results show that these flavonoids exhibit a great capacity to inhibit peroxidase with Ki values ranged from 0.14±0.01 to 65±0.04mM. Molecular docking has been achieved using Auto Dock Vina program to discuss the nature of interactions and the mechanism of inhibition. According to the docking results, all the flavonoids have shown great binding affinity to peroxidase. These molecular modeling studies suggested that pyran-4-one cycle acts as an inhibition key for peroxidase. Therefore, potent peroxidase inhibitors are flavonoids with these structural requirements: the presence of the hydroxyl (OH) group in 7, 5 and 4' positions and the absence of the methoxy (O-CH3) group. Apigenin contributed better in HRP inhibitory activity. The present study has shown that the studied flavonoids could be promising HRP inhibitors, which can help in developing new molecules to control thyroid diseases.

Chemotypes of essential oil of unripe galls of Pistacia atlantica Desf. from Algeria.

The essential oils (EOs) of unripe galls (from male and female plants) of a total number of 52 samples of Pistacia atlantica collected from different regions in Algeria were analysed by GC/MS and GC. The yields of the extraction of the EO by hydrodistillation vary from low to high values (0.08-1.89% v/w). The results of both methods of principal component analysis and hierarchical ascendant classification revealed the presence of two different chemotypes: α-pinene chemotype and α-pinene/sabinene/terpinen-4-ol chemotype.

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil and fatty acids of the flowers of Rhanterium adpressum.

The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of the flowers of Rhanterium adpressum Coss. & Durieu was analyzed using GC and GC-MS. The essential oil was very rich in monoterpene compounds. The major components identified were the monoterpene hydrocarbons: camphene (21.8%), myrcene (19.3%) and alpha-pinene (17.4%). Other compounds, including limonene, beta-pinene and terpinol-4-ol, were present in low content (4-6%). The composition of the fatty acids in the lipid extract obtained from the flowers was also investigated by GC and GC-MS. The main fatty acids identified were palmitic (47.4%), oleic (12.9%) and stearic acids (10.6%). The total phenolic contents and the antioxidant activities were also evaluated for both extracts. The total phenolic contents were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and the antioxidant activities were measured using three different assays: DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity, FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant potential) and a molybdenum assay. As a result of these tests, the lipid extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activities in comparison with the essential oil extract.

Chemical composition of the essential oil of Pituranthos scoparius.

The essential oils obtained by hydro distillation of the aerial parts of Pituranthos scoparius were collected from different regions of Algeria and gave various yields ranging from 0.6 up to 2.8% (v/w). These samples were analyzed by GC and GC-MS showing the occurrence of monoterpene hydrocarbons and some oxygenated compounds. The major components were alpha-pinene (4.4-35.8%), limonene (0.8-66.5%), bornyl acetate (tr-9.6%), myristicin (tr-31.1) and dill apiole (0.4-47.3%). The aerial parts of P. scoparius could be either very rich or very poor in limonene, myristicin or dill apiole. Cluster analysis shows differences in essential oil compositions of samples coming from the different area collected.

Free and bound cinnamic acid derivatives in corsica sweet blond oranges.

Total determination of cinnamic acids (CA), including hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives is generally not accurate since, during hydrolysis, a possible degradation of dihydroxy CA such as caffeic acid could occur. Evaluations of CA (ferulic, p-coumaric, sinapic, cinnamic and caffeic acids) before and after hydrolysis have been undertaken using standards and either with or without addition of ascorbic acid and EDTA. The method was then applied to the determination of free and bound CA in five blond cultivars (Navelina, Washington navel, Pera, Salustiana and Valencia late) of sweet oranges [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.]. Four parts of the fruits (peel juice, flavedo, albedo and juice) have been investigated. Results show that CA are mainly bound (86% up to 92%) in the four fruit parts. The mean of total CA contents was found to be higher in peel juice (1.5 g kg(-1)) in comparison with flavedo (0.7 g kg(-1)), albedo (0.1 g kg(-1)) and juice (0.6 g kg(-1)). Free and bound ferulic acid represented 55-70% of CA in juices, followed by p-coumaric acid (20%), sinapic acid (10%) and caffeic acid (9%). Total contents of each CA in the four fruit parts are discussed and show the potential interest in orange peel wastes.

Salaramides A and B; two alpha-oxoamides isolated from the marine sponge Hippospongia sp. (Porifera, Dictyoceratida).

Two novel alpha-oxoamides, salaramide A (1) and its homologue salaramide B (2), were isolated from the Madagascar marine sponge, Hippospongia sp., collected in Salary Bay, north of Tulear. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by interpretation of mass spectra, 1D and 2D NMR spectra, and confirmed by chemical transformation.

Plakinamine L: a new steroidal alkaloid from the marine sponge Corticium sp.

A new steroidal alkaloid, plakinamine L (1) with an unprecedented acyclic side chain, was isolated from the marine sponge Corticium sp. collected near Salary (south-west of Madagascar). The structure was elucidated by combined spectroscopic methods.

Chemotypes of Pistacia atlantica leaf essential oils from Algeria.

The essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of Pistacia atlantica Desf. leaves collected from different regions of Algeria were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The essential oil was rich in monoterpenes and oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The major components were alpha-pinene (0.0-67%), delta-3-carene (0.0-56%), spathulenol (0.5-22%), camphene (0.0-21%), terpinen-4-ol (0.0-16%) and beta-pinene (0.0-13%). Among the various components identified, twenty were used for statistical analyses. The result of principal component analysis (PCA) showed the occurrence of three chemotypes: a delta-3-carene chemotype (16.4-56.2%), a terpinen-4-ol chemotype (10.8-16.0%) and an alpha-pinene/camphene chemotype (10.9-66.6%/3.8-20.9%). It was found that the essential oil from female plants (delta-3-carene chemotype) could be easily differentiated from the two other chemotypes corresponding to male trees.

Isohalitulin and haliclorensins B and C, three marine alkaloids from Haliclona tulearensis.

Three new alkaloids, designated isohalitulin (4), haliclorensin B (5), and haliclorensin C (6), were isolated from two specimens of the Madagascan sponge Haliclona tulearensis, collected at two locations in Salary Bay, north of Tulear. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic means. Alkaloids 4-6 exhibited mild toxicity in the brine shrimp test.

Isolation and characterization of a new hispolone derivative from antioxidant extracts of Pistacia atlantica.

The quantification of the total phenolic compounds of Pistacia atlantica showed that the different parts of the tree are rich in natural phenolic compounds. The antioxidant tests proved that the phenolic extracts have a strong antioxidant activity. The positive correlation between the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and the amount of phenolic compounds confirms their contribution to the antioxidant activity. Among the various phenolic compounds isolated and characterized by spectroscopic methods, a new natural antioxidant 1 (methyl 5-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxypenta-2,4-dienoate) derived from hispolone 2 has been isolated from the mushroom Inonotus hispidus growing on Pistacia atlantica. Hispolone 2 (6-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-hydroxyhexa-3,5-dien-2-one) and hispidin 3 (6-(2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)vinyl)-4-hydroxy-2H-pyran-2-one) have been also identified using spectroscopic methods, including 2D-NMR and EI-MS.

Screening of anti-HIV-1 inophyllums by HPLC-DAD of Calophyllum inophyllum leaf extracts from French Polynesia Islands.

Various pyranocoumarins, calophyllolide, inophyllums B, C, G(1), G(2) and P, from Calophyllum inophyllum (Clusiaceae) leaves of French Polynesia (Austral, Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu archipelagos) have been determined in 136 leaf extracts using a high pressure liquid chromatography-UV-diode array detection (HPLC-UV-DAD) technique. Results show a wide range in chemical composition within trees growing on eighteen islands. The use of multivariate statistical analyses (PCA) shows geographical distribution of inophyllums and indicate those rich in HIV-1 active (+)-inophyllums. Inophyllum B and P contents (0.0-39.0 and 0.0-21.8 mg kg(-1), respectively) confirm the chemodiversity of this species within the large area of French Polynesia. The study suggests the presence of interesting chemotypes which could be used as plant source for anti-HIV-1 drugs.

Anthocyanin characterization of pilot plant water extracts of Delonix regia flowers.

Following the development of new applications of pilot plant scale extraction and formulation processes for natural active bioproducts obtained from various underutilized tropical plants and herbs, we have manufactured water-extracts from Delonix regia flowers, grown in Ivory Coast. These extracts, which contain polyphenols, are traditionally home made and used as healthy bioproducts. They are reddish-coloured due to the presence of anthocyanins. The three major anthocyanins in these extracts have been characterized. The molecular structures were confirmed by LC-SM analysis. Amongst them, two are described for the first time in Delonix regia.

Synthesis and spectroscopic examination of various substituted 1,3-dibenzoylmethane, active agents for UVA/UVB photoprotection.

We describe the synthesis of eighteen variously substituted 1,3- dibenzoylmethane (1,3-DBM) and their change in absorption spectra depending of the nature of donor or acceptor substituents on one or the two aromatic moieties. These compounds were prepared in two steps starting from the corresponding acetophenones, phenol and benzoyl chlorides. The phenyl benzoate was obtained by condensation of benzoyl chloride with phenol in a classical way. Stirring of the phenyl benzoate and acetophenone in DMSO with powdered sodium hydroxide for a few minutes gave the dibenzoylmethane in yields depending on substituents on the phenyl rings. Changes in absorption of UVA/UVB sunlight of these molecules were observed according to the nature and the position of substituents on the phenyl rings. Molecules 2b (1-phenyl-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanedione), 2d (1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-phenyl-l,3-propanedione), 2e (1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-phenyl-l,3-propanedione) and 2f (1-(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)-3-phenyl-l,3-propanedione) were the most interesting for cosmetic applications because even after irradiation, they preserve their absorptive in UVA range and also in UVB range The other compounds are too photounstable and so can lose their protective effects. These results showed the lack of phototoxicity of these compounds and the possibility to use them as solar filters. Therefore, variously di- or tri methoxy 1,3-DBM are interesting molecules in term of photoprotection and open new prospects for UVA photostable filters.

Marine bifunctional sphingolipids from the sponge Oceanapia ramsayi.

During the course of our continuing studies on marine natural lipid products,two known sphingolipids have been isolated for the first time from a specimen of the marine sponge Oceanapia ramsayi collected at Itampolo on the west coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. The structures were elucidated using NMR data and by comparison with literature data. The occurrence of these sphingolipids within other Oceanapia spp. is discussed.

Flexusines A and B and epimukulol from the soft coral Sarcophyton flexuosum.

Three new cembranes, flexusines A (1) and B (2) and an epimukulol (3), were isolated from the soft coral Sarcophyton flexuosum collected near Reunion Island, Indian Ocean. Their structures were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR spectral analyses.

Antioxidant activities of polyphenols extracted from Perilla frutescens varieties.

Various cultivars of Perilla frutescens (L.) (var. crispa and var. frutescens) Britt. were harvested in China and Japan. They were easily differentiated on the basis of their foliage color, that varied from red to green. Water extracts of dried plants were investigated for their antioxidant activity (AA) and their polyphenolic compounds compared. Among them, cinnamic acid derivatives (coumaroyl tartaric acid, caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid), flavonoids (apigenin 7-O-caffeoylglucoside, scutellarein 7-O-diglucuronide, luteolin 7-O-diglucuronide, apigenin 7-O-diglucuronide, luteolin 7-O-glucuronide, and scutellarein 7-O-glucuronide) and anthocyanins (mainly cis-shisonin, shisonin, malonylshisonin and cyanidin 3-O-(E)-caffeoylglucoside-5-O-malonylglucoside) were quantified. AA assays are based on the inhibition of the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The DPPH radical scavenging activity was calculated as Trolox [(+/-)-6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchromane-2-carboxylic acid] equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). The mean amount of total phenolics of the water extracts (4-29 micromol/100 mL) and the TEAC value calculated (23-167 micromol TE/100 mL) confirmed the high antioxidant activity of these leaf water extracts. These results were highly correlated within some o-dihydroxylated polyphenolic compounds and AA.

Ptilomycalin D, a polycyclic guanidine alkaloid from the marine sponge Monanchora dianchora.

A new polycyclic guanidine alkaloid, ptilomycalin D, and the known crambescidic acid were isolated from the marine sponge Monanchora dianchora collected in Nosy-Be, northwest of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean. The structures were elucidated using 1- and 2-D NMR and MS data, and their biogenetic implications are discussed.

Fatty acids in liver, muscle and gonad of three tropical rays including non-methylene-interrupted dienoic fatty acids.

Scientific investigation of lipids in Elasmobranchs has been conducted mainly on shark species. Because rays seem to be neglected, this study was performed to examine the complete fatty acid (FA) composition with a particular interest for long-chain polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) content in different tissues of three ray species including parts usually discarded. The total FA and PUFA profiles of total lipids were determined in muscle, liver, and gonad of Rhinobatos cemiculus, Rhinoptera marginata, and Dasyatis marmorata, the most often caught ray species from the East Tropical Atlantic Ocean. Fifty FA were characterized as methyl esters and N-acyl pyrrolidides by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, showing significant levels of 20:5n-3 (EPA) (up to 5.3%) and 22:5n-3 (DPA) (up to 7.3%), high levels of 20:4n-6 arachidonic (ARA) (4.8-8.6% of total FA) and 22:6n-3 (DHA) (up to 20.0%). The results show that muscle, liver and gonad of rays can provide high amounts of essential PUFA, specially DHA, for direct human nutrition or the food processing industry. High proportions of DHA were particularly found in all samples of R. cemiculus (11.6-20.0%), and in muscle and liver of D. marmorata (11.1-16.1%). Regarding the high amounts of (n-3) PUFA, this study shows that these rays deserve a better up-grading, including the normally discarded parts, and describes the occurrence of unusual NMID FA in all tissues studied. Five non-methylene-interrupted dienoic fatty acids (NMID FA) (0-3.4%) were reported, including previously known isomers, namely 20:2 Delta7,13, 20:2 Delta7,15, 22:2 Delta7,13, 22:2 Delta7,15, and new 22:2 Delta6,14. These acids are quite unusual in fish and unprecedented in rays. The 22:2 Delta6,14 acid occurred in gonads of male specimens of R. cemiculus at 2.9%.

Annual evolution of fatty acid profile from muscle lipids of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in Madagascar inland waters.

Annual evolution of muscle lipids fatty acid (FA) from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) has been determined in 2001 through monthly samplings in the reserve pond of Sisaony (SIS series) and Itasy Lake (ITA series) of the Madagascar highlands. Total lipids from muscle were extracted and quantified according to the Bligh and Dyer method. FA identification was performed by GC-MS of FA methyl esters and FA pyrrolidides and led to the identification of 41 FA; routine analyses of FA were made by capillary GC. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on the data set to compare FA profiles. Lipid content is low, ranging from 0.91 to 1.73% of wet muscle, with a low stage during the hot season (January-April) and a higher stage during the cold season (July-October). Three FA dominated the FA composition: oleic acid (17.0-21.5%), palmitic acid (13.1-16.1%), and linoleic acid (9.6-13.2%). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were present in appreciable amounts: arachidonic acid (AA; 2.9-5.9%), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 2.9-6.7%), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 1.9-3.4%), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; 1.9-4.3%). Two opposite evolution schemes appear within two groups of FA; on the one hand PUFA (both n-3 and n-6 series) show a maximum in August-October and a minimum in January-April, and, on the other hand, oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acids show the opposite maxima and minima. PCA results give confirmation of these evolution schemes, the two groups of FA giving opposite high factor loadings on axis 1. The SIS and ITA series are differentiated by axis 2 by mean of minor FA, mostly odd- and branched-chain. Results indicate that common carp, the second most abundant freshwater fish in Madagascar highlands waters, may be an interesting source of dietary PUFA.