Disentangling the chemistry of Australian plant exudates from a unique historical collection.

For thousands of years, the unique physicochemical properties of plant exudates have defined uses in material culture and practical applications. Native Australian plant exudates, including resins, kinos, and gums, have been used and continue to be used by Aboriginal Australians for numerous technical and cultural purposes. A historic collection of well-preserved native Australian plant exudates, assembled a century ago by plant naturalists, gives a rare window into the history and chemical composition of these materials. Here we report the full hierarchical characterization of four genera from this collection, Xanthorrhoea, Callitris, Eucalyptus, and Acacia, from the local elemental speciation, to functional groups and main molecular markers. We use high-resolution X-ray Raman spectroscopy (XRS) to achieve bulk-sensitive chemical speciation of these plant exudates, including insoluble, amorphous, and cross-linked fractions, without the limitation of invasive and/or surface specific methods. Combinatorial testing of the XRS data allows direct classification of these complex natural species as terpenoid, aromatic, phenolic, and polysaccharide materials. Differences in intragenera chemistry was evidenced by detailed interpretation of the XRS spectral features. We complement XRS with Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography­mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and pyrolysis­GC-MS (Py-GC-MS). This multimodal approach provides a fundamental understanding of the chemistry of these natural materials long used by Aboriginal Australian peoples.

Evaluation of antioxidant and anti-ulcerogenic effects of Eremurus persicus (Jaub & Spach) Boiss leaf hydroalcoholic extract on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and protective effect of E. persicus leaf hydroalcoholic extract (EPE) in preventing gastric ulcers induced by ethanol in rats. Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were randomly divided into five groups. These groups included negative control (normal) group, positive control (ethanolic) group, comparative control (ranitidine recipient) group, group recipient the dose of 250 mg/kg plant extract, and group recipient the dose of 500 mg/kg plant extract. One hour after gavage of the drug and extract, the gastric ulcer was induced by feeding 1 ml of 96% ethanol to each animal except the rats of the negative control group. After one hour, the rats were killed, and their stomachs were separated. Then, the gastric Ulcer index (UI), pH, oxidative stress parameters, and histopathological changes in the stomach of all groups were measured. Pre-treatment of ethanol-induced rats with the EPE reduced (P < 0.05) the ulcer index and gastric juice pH, compared to ethanolic group rats. Furthermore, pre-treatment with EPE at a dose-dependent manner, alleviated the gastric oxidative stress injury in rats through increase the activity of CAT, tissue NO· and GSH levels. EPE also was able to decrease the levels of ROS, MDA, PCO and serum NO·. According to the results, it can be concluded that pre-treatment with EPE prevents the formation of gastric ulcers caused by ethanol, which can be attributed to the antioxidant activity of plant polyphenols compounds.

Cytotoxic, Cellular Antioxidant, and Antiglucuronidase Properties of the Ethanol Leaf Extract from Bulbine asphodeloides.

Bulbine asphodeloides (L.) Spreng (Xanthorrhoeaceae family), popularly known in South Africa as "ibhucu" or "Balsamkopieva," is a perennial plant traditionally used to treat skin diseases, including sunburns, rough skin, dressing burns, itches, and aging. The present study reports the cytotoxic, cellular antioxidant, and antiglucuronidase properties of the ethanol leaf extract from B. asphodeloides. The cytotoxic effect of the plant extract on human dermal fibroblast (MRHF) cells was evaluated by the bis-Benzamide H 33342 trihydrochloride/propidium iodide (Hoechst 33342/PI) dual-staining method. A validated biological cell-based assay was used to determine the cellular antioxidant activity of the extract. The antiglucuronidase and metal chelating activities were evaluated using standard in vitro methods. Lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced RAW 264.7 cell model was used to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of the plant extract, and the immune-modulatory activity was performed using RAW 264.7 cells. The extract demonstrated no cytotoxic effect towards the MRHF cells at all the tested concentrations. Furthermore, the extract also possessed significant cellular antioxidant and antiglucuronidase activities, but a weak effect of metal chelating activity in a dose-dependent manner. However, the extract showed no significant anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulatory activities. Overall, the results showed that B. asphodeloides may be a useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of skin diseases, therefore supporting its ethnomedicinal usage.

In vivo anti-malarial activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of rhizomes of Kniphofia foliosa and its constituents.

BACKGROUND: Kniphofia foliosa is a flamboyant robust perennial herb which has dense clumps and tick upright rhizomes with leaves at the base. In Ethiopia, it has several vernacular names including Abelbila, Ashenda, Amelmela, Yeznjero Ageda, Shemetmetie and Yezinjero Ageda. The plant is endemic to Ethiopian highlands, where its rhizomes are traditionally used for the treatment of malaria, abdominal cramps and wound healing. In the present study, the 80% methanol extract of K. foliosa rhizomes and its constituents are tested against Plasmodium berghei in mice. METHODS: Isolation was carried out using column and preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC). The chemical structures of the compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (ESI-MS, 1D and 2D-NMR). Peters' 4-day suppressive test against P. berghei in mice was utilized for in vivo anti-malarial evaluation of the test substances. RESULTS: Two compounds, namely knipholone and dianellin were isolated from the 80% methanolic extract of K. foliosa rhizomes, and characterized. The hydroalcoholic extract (400 mg/kg) and knipholone (200 mg/kg) showed the highest activity with chemosuppression values of 61.52 and 60.16%, respectively. From the dose-response plot, the median effective (ED50) doses of knipholone and dianellin were determined to be 81.25 and 92.31 mg/kg, respectively. Molecular docking study revealed that knipholone had a strong binding affinity to Plasmodium falciparum l-lactate dehydrogenase (pfLDH) target. CONCLUSION: Results of the current study support the traditional use of the plant for the treatment of malaria.

New phenolics from Dianella ensifolia.

Phytochemical investigation and chromatographic separation of extracts from the aerial parts of Dianella ensifolia (L.) DC. (synonym Dianella nemorosa Lam. Ex. Schiler f.) led to the isolation of 10 compounds, the structures of which were determined by HR-ESI-MS and 1 D- and 2 D-NMR spectroscopies, and by comparisons with published studies. Among the isolated compounds were three flavans, a biflavan, a biflavone, a tetralone, a naphthalen glycoside, an aromatic compound, and two steroids. Six of these were known chemicals, while three were identified as new compounds: 7-acetyl-4R,8-dihydroxy-6-methyl-1-tetralone, 2(S),2',4'-dihydroxy-7-methoxyflavan, and diaensi-biflavan. 2(S),7,4'-dimethoxy flavan was obtained for the first time as a natural product.

Asphodelus tenuifolius extracts arrested inflammation and arthritis through modulation of TNF-α, NF-κB, ILs, and COX-2 activities in in vivo models.

Asphodelus tenuifolius is traditionally used in the management of rheumatic pain and inflamed body parts. The current study validated its traditional use as an anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory agent using a series of in vivo models. Carrageenan and histamine-induced acute oedema models were employed to study the effects of n-hexane (n-HeAT) and ethanolic (EeAT) extracts on acute inflammatory mediators and were found to inhibit oedema formation in a dose-dependent manner. Formalin and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) were injected into the hind paw of rats for the induction of arthritis. In the formalin model both n-HeAT and EeAT showed significantly better (p < 0.05) anti-oedema effects from day 6 onward. In CFA model rats were treated on 8th day of induction with extracts at the doses of 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg respectively. Piroxicam (10 mg/kg) and normal saline (10 mL/kg) were used as positive and negative controls respectively. Both n-HeAT and EeAT significantly (p < 0.05) decreased arthritis development in a time-dependent manner and at 28th day extent of inflammation was even less than that observed at day 8. The arthritic score was measured at day 12, 16, 20, 24, and 28 and was observed to be significantly less (p < 0.05) in animals treated with 750 mg/kg of n-HeAT and EeAT, respectively. Joint inflammation (p < 0.01), bone erosion (p < 0.001) and, pannus formation (p < 0.01) were significantly declined in A. tenuifolius treatment groups. Radiographic evaluations (X-ray) were conducted to check bone integrity and extent of inflammation and were observed to be diminished at day 28 in A. tenuifolius extracts treated groups. HPLC was performed to screen the phytochemical profile of n-HeAT and EeAT and were found to contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to detect effects of n-HeAT and EeAT treatments on inflammatory markers i.e., IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, COX-2, NF-κB, and I-κB using blood samples. ELISA assays were performed for the detection of levels of C-reactive proteins, respectively. Significant downregulation of TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-1ß, COX-2, NF-κB with simultaneous upregulation of IL-10 and I-κB was observed in n-HeAT and EeAT treatment groups. ELISA assays also showed significant (p < 0.05) down-modulation in the serum levels of CRP and TNF-α. Both extracts showed relatively weak antioxidant activities as compared with ascorbic acid in in vitro assay. Based on findings of the current study it is concluded that A. tenuifolius has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects and thus has potential to be used as an adjunct to standard NSAIDs therapy.Graphic abstract.

Modulation of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 activity by Bulbine natalensis and its constituents: An assessment of HDI risk of B. natalensis containing supplements.

BACKGROUND: Bulbine natalensis is an African-folk medicinal plant used as a dietary supplement for enhancing sexual function and muscle strength in males by presumably boosting testosterone levels, but no scientific information is available about the possible herb-drug interaction (HDI) risk when bulbine-containing supplements are concomitantly taken with prescription drugs. PURPOSE: This study was aimed to investigate the HDI potential of B. natalensis in terms of the pregnane X receptor (PXR)-mediated induction of major drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzyme isoforms (i.e., CYP3A4 and CYP2C9) as well as inhibition of their catalytic activity. RESULTS: We found that a methanolic extract of B. natalensis activated PXR (EC50 6.2 ± 0.6 µg/ml) in HepG2 cells resulting in increased mRNA expression of CYP3A4 (2.40 ± 0.01 fold) and CYP2C9 (3.37 ± 0.3 fold) at 30 µg/ml which was reflected in increased activites of the two enzymes. Among the constituents of B. natalensis, knipholone was the most potent PXR activator (EC50 0.3 ± 0.1 µM) followed by bulbine-knipholone (EC50 2.0 ± 0.5 µM), and 6'-methylknipholone (EC50 4.0 ± 0.5 µM). Knipholone was also the most effective in increasing the expression of CYP3A4 (8.47 ± 2.5 fold) and CYP2C9 (2.64 ± 0.3 fold) at 10 µM. Docking studies further confirmed the unique structural features associated with knipholones for their superior inductive potentials in the activation of PXR compared to other anthraquinones. In a CYP inhibition assay, the methanolic extract as well as the anthraquinones strongly inhibited the catalytic activity of CYP2C9 while, inhibition of CYP3A4 was weak. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that consumption of B. natalensis may pose a potential risk for HDI if taken with conventional medications that are substrates of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 and may contribute to unanticipated adverse reactions or therapeutic failures. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings and establish their clinical relevancy.

Ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacological significance of the genus Bulbine (Asphodelaceae).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The genus Bulbine (Asphodelaceae) is spread across Southern Africa and Australia and has been traditionally used for various medicinal applications such as treating skin diseases, burns, diarrhoea, and sexually transmitted diseases. AIM OF THIS REVIEW: The aim is to present a critical review of the ethnomedicinally important species of the genus Bulbine with a comprehensive overview of their chemical constituents and biological activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This paper is an overview of literature published on the genus Bulbine in the last six decades with regards to phytochemical composition and their respective pharmacological potentials with the aid of data obtained from the search engine Google Scholar with string searches performed using keywords to obtain relevant publications from scientific databases including ACS Journals, PubMed, Science Direct, SciELO, Sci Finder, Springer, Tailor & Francis, The Plant List Database, Web of Science and Wiley. RESULTS: The literature survey reveals that only 12 species in the genus Bulbine have been reported to be used traditionally with scientific records of ethnomedicinal usage Anthraquinones appeared as the most abundant phytochemicals in the genus. Other isolated/detected metabolites include isofuranonaphthoquinones, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. Promising pharmacological activities have been reported by members of the genus with antiplasmodial, antitrypanosomal, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activity, potent wound healing properties as well as improved reproduction. CONCLUSIONS: This review showed the traditional uses of this genus and its preventative and curative properties in the management of the listed diseases providing support from bioassays of the tested compounds and extracts. State-of-the-art analytical techniques are required for the characterisation and quantification of the compounds within the genus. The efficacy of the therapeutic potential of the Bulbine species need to be further confirmed with pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Development and Validation of a UHPLC-PDA-MS Method for the Quantitative Analysis of Anthraquinones in Bulbine natalensis Extracts and Dietary Supplements.

A UHPLC-photodiode array-MS method was developed and validated for the quantification of one chromone and six anthraquinone type of compounds from Bulbine natalensis plant samples and dietary supplements. Metabolites 1:  -  7: were identified based on their retention times and electrospray ionization-MS spectra compared with a mix of previously isolated compounds. The quantification of 1:  -  7: was based on photodiode array detection. The optimized separation was achieved using a CORTECS C18 column with a gradient of water/acetonitrile as the mobile phase. Seven compounds were separated within 15 minutes with detection limits of 50 pg on the column. The analytical method was validated for linearity, repeatability, accuracy, limits of detection, and limits of quantification. The relative standard deviations for intra- and inter-day experiments were less than 5% and the recovery efficiency was 98 - 101%. Nine dietary supplements labeled as containing B. natalensis were examined. Anthraquinone-type compounds were detected in only five out of nine dietary supplements, with the total amount ranging from 11.3 to 90.4 mg per daily dose. The analytical method is simple, economic, rapid, and can be applied for quality assessment of B. natalensis and dietary supplements. Electrospray ionization-MS was used for the identification of these compounds in plant samples and dietary products.

Bulbine frutescens phytochemical inhibits notch signaling pathway and induces apoptosis in triple negative and luminal breast cancer cells.

Breast cancer (BCa) is the most commonly diagnosed lethal cancer in women worldwide. Notch signaling pathway is directly linked to BCa recurrence and aggressiveness. Natural remedies are becoming a prime choice to overcome against cancer due to lesser side effect and cost-effectiveness. Bulbine frutescens (Asphodelaceae), a traditional medicinal plant in South Africa possess bioactive flavonoids and terpenoids. Polar (methanol) and non-polar (hexane) B. frutescens plant extracts were prepared. GC-MS analysis revealed the differential presence of secondary metabolites in both methanolic and hexane extracts. We hereby first time evaluated the anticancer potential of B. frutescens methanolic and hexane extract in triple-negative and luminal BCa cells. B. frutescens extracts significantly decreased cell viability (IC50 4.8-28.4 µg/ml) and induced cell cycle arrest at G1 phase in MDA-MB-231 and T47D cells as confirmed by spectrophotometry and flow cytometry technique. RT-PCR analysis of cell cycle (cyclin D1, CDK4, and p21) and apoptosis modulating genes (caspase 3, Bcl2 and survivin) revealed upexpression of p21, and caspase 3, and down expression of cyclin D1, CDK4, Bcl2 and survivin genes in extract-treated BCa cells. Fluorescence spectrophotometry and confocal microscopy showed B. frutescens induced nuclear morphology and mitochondrial integrity disruption, and increased reactive oxygen species production in MDA-MB-231 and T47D cells. Flow cytometric apoptosis analysis of B. frutescens extracts treated MDA-MB-231 cells showed ≈13% increase in early apoptotic population in comparison to non-treated cells. Dual-Luciferase Reporter assay confirmed notch promoter inhibitory activity of B. frutescens extracts. Moreover, RTPCR analysis showed down regulation of notch responsive genes (Hes1 and Hey1) at transcription levels in extract-treated BCa cells. Western Blot analysis showed increased procaspase 3 protein expression in extract-treated BCa cells. In all the assays methanolic extract showed better anti-cancer properties. Literature-based identification of methanol soluble phytochemicals in B. frutescens and in silico docking study revealed Bulbineloneside D as a potent ϒ-secretase enzyme inhibitor. In comparison to standard notch inhibitor, lead phytochemical showed two additional hydrophobic interactions with Ala80 and Leu81 amino acids. In conclusion, B. frutescens phytochemicals have cell cycle arrest, ROS production, apoptosis induction, and mitochondria membrane potential disruption efficacy in breast cancer cells. B. frutescens phytochemicals have the ability to downregulate the notch signaling pathway in triple-negative and luminal breast cancer cells.

A comparative study of UHPLC/Orbitrap MS metabolomics profiles and biological properties of Asphodeline taurica from Bulgaria and Turkey.

The present investigation attempts to compare the pharmacological properties and phytochemical profile of four extracts (ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, methanol, and water) of Asphodeline taurica (Pall.) Endl. roots from Bulgaria and Turkey. The Bulgarian ethyl acetate extract displayed the highest antioxidant activity in the DPPH, CUPRAC, and phosphomolybdenum assay, and strongest inhibition against α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The Turkish aqueous extract exhibited the strongest ABTS scavenging and ferric reducing power while its methanol extract was the most effective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitor. On the other hand, the Turkish dichloromethane extract showed the highest lipase inhibition. UHPLC/Orbitrap MS analysis showed a wide array of individual phenolics; six free anthraquinones, two bianthraquinones, three bianthracenes, three anthraquinone glycosides and one bianthracen glycoside were identified. The present data suggest that A. taurica roots can be considered as a valuable source of biologically active phytocompounds with functional properties for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

New pharmacological targets of three Asphodeline species using in vitro and ex vivo models of inflammation and oxidative stress.

This study explored the efficacy of the methanolic extract of three Asphodeline species (A. damascena subsp. rugosa, A. tenuior subsp. tenuiflora var. tenuiflora, and A. cilicica) to protect against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in HCT116 cells, and also any protective effects against lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced nitrite levels, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) levels, 5HIAA/5-HT ratio, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 gene expression in rat colon specimens. Interestingly, A. tenuior extract was most effective in improving the tested biomarkers, by reducing LDH activity and nitrite level. On the other hand, A. damascena was the only species able to blunt LPS-induced TNF-α gene expression in rat colon specimens. The present findings highlighted the protective effects of Asphodeline extracts via in vitro and ex vivo models of inflammation and oxidative stress, adding new insights to the pharmacological actions of these medicinal plant species. Abbreviations: IBD: inflammatory bowel disease; LPS: lipopolysaccharide; LDH: lactate dehydrogenase; 5HIAA: 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid; 5-HT: 5-hydroxytryptamine.

Medicinal Plants Used for the Traditional Management of Diabetes in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: Pharmacology and Toxicology.

The use of medicinal plants for the management of diabetes mellitus is on the rise in the developing countries, including South Africa. There is increasing scientific evidence that supports the claims by the traditional healers. In this review, we compare the families of previously reported anti-diabetic plants in the Eastern Cape by rating the anti-diabetic activity, mode of action and also highlight their therapeutic potentials based on the available evidence on their pharmacology and toxicity. Forty-five plants mentioned in ethnobotanical surveys were subjected to a comprehensive literature search in the available electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Elsevier, by using "plant name" and "family" as the keywords for the primary searches to determine the plants that have been scientifically investigated for anti-diabetic activity. The search returned 25 families with Asteraceae highly reported, followed by Asphodelaceae and Alliaceae. Most of the plants have been studied for their anti-diabetic potentials in vivo and/or in vitro, with most of the plants having a higher percentage of insulin release and inhibition against carbohydrate digesting enzymes as compared with insulin mimetic and peripheral glucose uptake. Almost all the investigated plants also inhibit oxidative stress as part of their hypoglycemic activity with less toxicity. However, the isolation of their bioactive molecules is still lacking. This review provides a resource to enable thorough assessments of the therapeutic profiles of available medicinal plants used for the management of diabetes in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Further studies such as the identification of the active ingredients of potent plants still need to be carried out; this may lead to new molecules in drug discovery and development.

Gastroprotective and antioxidant effects of Eremurus spectabilis Bieb. methanol extract and its isolated component isoorientin on indomethacin induced gastric ulcers in rats1.

PURPOSE: To investigate the gastroprotective effect of methanol extract of E. spectabilis and its major component isoorientin. METHODS: Effects of isoorientin and methanol extract of E. spectabilis were investigated in indomethacin-induced gastric damage model on rats. Famotidine was used as the standard antiulcer drug. Numerical density of ulcer areas and oxidative status were determined on stomach tissues of rats. RESULTS: All doses of isoorientin and methanol extract decreased MDA level and increased SOD activity and GSH levels in the stomach tissue of rats. When numerical density of ulcer areas were analized, the 500 mg/kg dose of methanol extract (84%) exhibited a similar effect to 20 mg/kg dose of standart drug famotidine (87%). CONCLUSIONS: The gastroprotective effects of E. spectabilis and its major constituent isoorientin in rats for the first time. Detailed analyses suggested that potential antioxidant activity of both plant extract and isoorientin mediates the gastroprotective effect.

Investigations into the therapeutic potential of Asphodeline liburnica roots: In vitro and in silico biochemical and toxicological perspectives.

This study aims to establish the biological and chemical profile of Asphodeline liburnica (Scop.) Rchb. root. The antioxidant, antimicrobial, enzyme inhibitory, DNA protection, apoptotic DNA ladder fragmentation analysis, and anti-proliferative of A. liburnica were established using standard assays. In silico study was also performed to understand interactions between quantified anthraquinones and key enzymes of clinical relevance. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found to be 9.67 mgGAE/g and 1.48 mgRE/g extract, respectively. Chrysophanol was detected as a major anthraquinone. The extract exhibited radical scavenging ability against DPPH and ABTS with values of 13.23 and 66.99 mgTE/g extract, respectively. Good inhibitory activity against tyrosinase was recorded. In silico experiments showed that the anthraquinones were able to establish coordinative bonds with the copper atoms present in the enzymatic cavity of tyrosinase. MTT cell viability test on MDA-MB-231 cells showed that at 0.1 and 1 µg of extracts induced anti-proliferative effect. Apoptotic DNA fragmentation analysis indicated nuclear condensation resulting in DNA fragmentation, which exhibited apoptotic cell death in the presence of A. liburnica. This study has provided insights on the potential usage of A. liburnica which could open new avenues for research and stimulate future interest for the development of safe novel biopharmaceuticals.

Gastroprotective and antioxidant effects of Eremurus spectabilis Bieb. methanol extract and its isolated component isoorientin on indomethacin induced gastric ulcers in rats

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the gastroprotective effect of methanol extract of E. spectabilis and its major component isoorientin. Methods: Effects of isoorientin and methanol extract of E. spectabilis were investigated in indomethacin-induced gastric damage model on rats. Famotidine was used as the standard antiulcer drug. Numerical density of ulcer areas and oxidative status were determined on stomach tissues of rats. Results: All doses of isoorientin and methanol extract decreased MDA level and increased SOD activity and GSH levels in the stomach tissue of rats. When numerical density of ulcer areas were analized, the 500 mg/kg dose of methanol extract (84%) exhibited a similar effect to 20 mg/kg dose of standart drug famotidine (87%). Conclusions: The gastroprotective effects of E. spectabilis and its major constituent isoorientin in rats for the first time. Detailed analyses suggested that potential antioxidant activity of both plant extract and isoorientin mediates the gastroprotective effect.

A Comparative Assessment of Biological Effects and Chemical Profile of Italian Asphodeline lutea Extracts.

The present study aims to highlight the therapeutic potential of Asphodeline lutea (AL), a wild edible plant of the Mediterranean diet. Roots, aerial parts, and flowers of AL at two different phenological stages were collected from three locations in Italy. The inhibitory activities of extracts on strategic enzymes linked to human diseases were assessed. The antioxidant properties were evaluated in vitro, using six standard bioassays. The phenolic and anthraquinone profiles were also established using HPLC-PDA. Zinc, cadmium, lead, and copper contents were also determined. All the samples inhibited acetylcholinesterase (from 1.51 to 2.20 mg GALAEs/g extract), tyrosinase (from 7.50 to 25.3 mg KAEs/g extract), and α-amylase (from 0.37 to 0.51 mmol ACAEs/g extract). Aloe-emodin and physcion were present in all parts, while rhein was not detected. The phenolic profile and the heavy metals composition of specimens gathered from three different regions of Italy were different. It can be argued that samples collected near the street can contain higher concentrations of heavy metals. The experimental data confirm that the A. lutea species could be considered as a potential source of bioactive metabolites, and its consumption could play a positive and safe role in human health maintenance.

Isolation, purification and structural characterization of a new water-soluble polysaccharide from Eremurus stenophyllus (boiss. & buhse) baker roots.

A new water-soluble polysaccharide (ESPS-1), with the average molecular weight of 52.1kDa and a specific optical rotation of +169.7° (c 1.0, H2O), was successfully isolated by warm-water extraction and then purified using DEAE-Cellulose and Sephadex G-100 columns from the roots of Eremurus stenophyllus. The results from chemical and instrumental tests including FT-IR, methylation and GC-MS analysis, periodate oxidation and Smith degradation, partial acid hydrolysis, and NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, 1H-1H COSY, HMQC and HMBC) demonstrated that ESPS-1 was a 2-O-acetylgalactan, composed of galactose, arabinose and mannose in a molar ratio of about 10:3:1, respectively. It has a backbone of (1→6)-α-d-galactopyranosyl residues, with branches at O-3 consisting of α-d-Manp-(1→3)-α-l-Araf-(1→3)-α-l-Araf-(1→3)-α-l-Araf-(1→. The acetyl groups are substituted at O-2 of (1→6)-linked Galp and the degree of acetylation was about 14%.

Bioactive chemical compounds in Eremurus persicus (Joub. & Spach) Boiss. essential oil and their health implications.

The genus Eremurus is native to Eastern Europe and temperate Asia. Particularly, Eremurus persicus (Joub. & Spach) Boiss. is highly valued in traditional foods and medicine. Scientific knowledge about E. persicus chemical composition and bioactivity is required. Therefore, the present study is aimed to determine the volatile composition of E. persicus essential oil (EO) by means of gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization/mass spectrometry detection. Moreover, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of the EO were tested. Interestingly, the anti-dermatophyte potency was close to that of the drug griseofulvin, with minimum fungicidal concentration ranging between 0.7 and 4.5% depending on the fungi strain. The EO was also effective against hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep-G2) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) human cancer cell lines in a concentration (200-1500 ng/mL)-dependent manner, with a decrease of the cell viability up to 65% and 52%, respectively. The E. persicus EO was rich in terpenes and oxygenated terpene derivatives. Individually, limonene (16.25%), geranylgeraniol (15.23%), n-nonanal (9.48%), geranyl acetone (9.12%), benzene acetaldehyde (8.51%), linalool (7.93%), α-pinene (6.89%), and 1,8-cineol (5.22%) were the most abundant volatile compounds and could be chosen as analytical markers of this essential oil. In conclusion, our results suggested that this EO possesses a wide range of bioactive properties that could be useful in nutraceutical, functional foods and cosmeceutical formulations.

Selective enrichment in bioactive compound from Kniphofia uvaria by super/subcritical fluid extraction and centrifugal partition chromatography.

Nowadays, a large portion of synthetic products (active cosmetic and therapeutic ingredients) have their origin in natural products. Kniphofia uvaria is a plant from Africa which has proved in the past by in-vivo tests an antioxidant activity due to compounds present in roots. Recently, we have observed anthraquinones in K. uvaria seeds extracts. These derivatives are natural colorants which could have interesting bioactive potential. The aim of this study was to obtain an extract enriched in anthraquinones from K. uvaria seeds which mainly contains glycerides. First, the separation of the seed compounds was studied by using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) in the goal to provide a rapid quantification method of these bioactive compounds. A screening of numerous polar stationary phases was achieved for selecting the most suited phase to the separation of the four anthraquinones founded in the seeds. A gradient elution was optimized for improving the separation of the bioactive compounds from the numerous other families of major compounds of the extracts (fatty acids, di- and triglycerides). Besides, a non-selective and green Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) with pure CO2 was applied to seeds followed by a Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC). The CPC system was optimized by using the Arizona phase system, to enrich the extract in anthraquinones. Two systems were selected to isolate the bioactive compounds from the oily extract with varied purity target. The effect of the injection mode for these very viscous samples was also studied. Finally, in order to directly apply a selective process of extraction to the seeds, the super/subcritical fluid extraction was optimized to increase the anthraquinone yield in the final extract, by studying varied modifier compositions and nature, as well as different temperatures and backpressures. Conditions suited to favour an enrichment factor bases on the ratio of anthraquinone and trilycerides extracted are described.