Acovenoside A Induces Mitotic Catastrophe Followed by Apoptosis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells.

We investigated the cytotoxic potential of the cardenolide glycoside acovenoside A against non-small-cell lung cancer cells. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality and the second most common cancer diagnosed. Epidemiological studies revealed a direct correlation between the regular administration of cardiac glycosides and a lower incidence of various cancers. Acovenoside A, isolated from the pericarps of Acokanthera oppositifolia, potently inhibited proliferation and induced cytotoxicity in A549 non-small-cell lung cancer cells with an IC50 of 68 ± 3 nM after 48 h of exposure. Compared to the antineoplastic agent doxorubicin, acovenoside A was more potent in inhibiting the viability of A549 cancer cells. Moreover, acovenoside A exhibited selectivity against cancer cells, being significantly less toxic to lung fibroblasts and nontoxic for peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Analysis of the cell cycle profile in acovenoside A-treated A549 cells revealed mitotic arrest, due to accumulation of the G2/M regulators cyclin B1 and CDK1, and cytokinesis failure. Furthermore, acovenoside A affected the mitochondrial membrane integrity and induced production of radical oxygen species, which resulted in induction of canonical apoptosis, manifested by caspase 3 activation and DNA fragmentation. Based on our results, acovenoside A warrants further exploration as a potential anticancer lead.

The Cardenolide Glycoside Acovenoside A Affords Protective Activity in Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Mice.

The current study aimed to investigate the protective effect of the cardenolide glycoside acovenoside A (AcoA) against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in mice. AcoA was isolated from the pericarps of Acokanthera oppositifolia to chemical homogeneity and characterized by means of one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. AcoA exhibited relatively low toxicity in mice (LD50 = 223.3 mg/kg bw). Repeated administration of doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity manifested by reduced activity of myocardial membrane-bound ion pumps and elevated serum biomarkers of myocardial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Pretreatment of doxorubicin-exposed mice with AcoA (11.16 or 22.33 mg/kg bw, i.p.) for 2 weeks after 2 weeks of combined administration of AcoA and doxorubicin protected the animals dose dependently against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity as indicated by normalization of the levels of different myocardial markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, total antioxidant capacity, and cardiac glutathione), serum myocardial diagnostic marker enzymes (serum cardiac troponin T, creatine kinase isoenzyme MB, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase), and inflammatory markers (c-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6), as well as myocardial Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity. These effects were attributed to the negative impact of AcoA on transcription factors nuclear factor κB and interferon regulatory factor 3/7. Thus acovenoside A might act as a cardioprotective agent to prevent doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Use of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Technique to Study the Genetic Diversity of Eight Aloe Species.

The genus Aloe comprises over 400 species of flowering succulent plants. Aloe leaves are used in the treatment of asthma, gastrointestinal ulcers, cardiovascular disease, tumors, burns, and diabetes. They are rich in anthraquinones, such as aloin, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, aloinoside A, and aloinoside B. The various species of Aloe show chemical and morphological similarity and diversity, which depend on the genotype and environmental conditions. In a continuity to our interest in the genus Aloe, this study targets the authentication of eight different Aloe species, Aloe vera (A1), Aloe arborescens (A2), Aloe eru (A3), Aloe grandidentata (A4), Aloe perfoliata (A5), Aloe brevifolia (A6), Aloe saponaria (A7), and Aloe ferox (A8), grown in Egypt by using the technique of random amplified polymorphic DNA. Twelve decamer primers were screened in amplification with genomic DNA extracted from all species, of which five primers yielded species-specific reproducible bands. Out of 156 loci detected, the polymorphic, monomorphic, and unique loci were 107, 26, and 23, respectively. Based on a dendrogram and similarity matrix, the eight Aloe species were differentiated from each other and showed more divergence. Aloe species prevailed similarity coefficients of 54-70 % by which they could be classified into three major groups. Thus, this technique may contribute to the identification of these Aloe species that have great morphological similarity in the Egyptian local markets.

Comparative metabolomics analysis of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis Swingle and Limonia acidissima Linn. Fruits and leaves cultivated in Egypt in context to their antiviral effects.

A comprehensive study of fruits and leaves extracts of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis Swingle and Limonia acidissima L. family Rutaceae was accomplished to investigate their antiviral activity along with their zinc oxide nanoparticles formulation (ZnONPs) against the avian influenza H5N1 virus. A thorough comparative phytochemical investigation of C. medica and L.acidissima leaves and fruits was performed using UPLC-QTOF-MS-MS. Antiviral effects further aided by molecular docking proved the highly significant potential of using C. medica and L.acidissima extracts as medicinal agents. Antiviral potency is ascendingly arranged as L. acidissima leaves (LAL) > L. acidissima fruits (LAF) > C. medica leaves (CML) at 160 µg. Nano formulation of LAF has the most splendid antiviral upshot. The metabolomic profiling of CMF and LAL revealed the detection of 48 & 74 chromatographic peaks respectively. Docking simulation against five essential proteins in survival and replication of the influenza virus revealed that flavonoid di-glycosides (hesperidin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and kaempferol-7-neohesperidoside) have shown great affinity toward the five investigated proteins and achieved docking scores which approached or even exceeded that achieved by the native ligands. Hesperidin has demonstrated the best binding affinity toward neuraminidase (NA), haemagglutinin (HA), and polymerase protein PB2 (-10.675, -8.131, and -10.046 kcal/mol respectively. We propose using prepared crude methanol extracts of both plants as an antiviral agent.

Metabolomics analysis of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle and Limonia acidissima Linn. fruits and leaves in perspective to their antimicrobial potential.

Antimicrobial potential of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle and Limonia acidissima L. fruits and leaves extracts CMF, CML, LAF and LAL, respectively were evaluated. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for lipoidal matters revealed a high percentage of non-oxygenated compounds. Phytol was the major in LAL. Palmitic and linoleic acid were the major in CML and LAL, respectively. Rutin and P-hydroxy benzoic acid were the main compounds identified by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the plants extract were determined by the well diffusion method. Antimicrobial investigation for different successive fractions of active methanol extracts of CML, LAL, LAF and CMF showed the highest activity (CML), whereas the petroleum ether (CML PE) and MeOH (CML) fractions exhibit a significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 12 and 15 µg/mL, respectively. The antifungal activity prevailed by C. medica leaves may be attributed to its polyphenolics (rutin, chlorogenic and rosmarinic acid) in addition to phenylated hydrocarbon.

ESI-LC-MS/MS based comparative multivariate metabolomic and biological profiling with dynamic molecular docking of Gmelina arborea Roxb different organs.

A comprehensive study of leaves, flowers, fruits, bark, and seeds' extracts of Gmelina arborea Roxb was performed for first time to investigate their anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer, and antidiabetic activities. A thorough comparative phytochemical investigation of the five organs was performed using Tandem ESI-LC-MS. The biological investigation, further aided by multivariate data analysis and molecular docking proved the highly significant potential of using G.arborea organs' extracts as medicinal agents. Chemometric analysis of the obtained data revealed 4 distinct clusters among different samples of the 5 G.arborea (GA)organs and also confirmed that each organ was chemically distinct from the others, except for fruits and seeds which were closely correlated. Compounds anticipated to be responsible for activity were identified by LC-MS/MS. To clarify the differential chemical biomarkers of G. arborea organs, an orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was constructed. Bark exhibited it's in vitro anti-inflammatory activity through down regulation of COX-1 pro-inflammatory markers while fruits and leaves affected mainly DPP4 the marker for diabetes, and flowers were the most potent against Alzheimer maker acetylcholine (ACE) esterase. The metabolomic profiling of the 5 extracts lead to the identification of 27 compounds in negative ion mode and the differences in chemical composition were correlated to difference in activity. Iridoid glycosides were the major class of identified compounds. Molecular docking proved the different affinities of our metabolite towards different targets. Gmelina arborea Roxb. is a very important plant both economically and medicinally.

Seasonal metabolic profiling of Valencia orange leaf essential oil using GC coupled with chemometrics, nano-formulation, and insecticidal evaluation: in vivo and in silico.

Mosquitoes and mosquito-borne infectious diseases are a global challenge, especially with increased resistance to synthetic insecticides. The foregoing study aimed to utilize the essential oil of leaves of Citrus sinensis var. Valencia as a cheap, safe, eco-friendly (green), and effective alternative to chemical insecticides. Essential oil samples were collected from fresh and dried leaves across different seasons. They are subjected to hydrodistillation and then GC analysis to be compared. Seventy-seven compounds were detected in all samples where monoterpene hydrocarbons represented the most abundant class of hydrocarbons in fresh leaves (52.6-74.4%) and dried leaves (58.6-66.9%). Sabinene (8.26-29.2%), delta-3-carene (8.23-16.4%), d-limonene (2.50-11.2%), and ß-myrcene (2.40-4.93%) were the major monoterpene hydrocarbons in all seasons. Oxygenated monoterpenes comprising ß-linalool, citronellal, terpinen-4-ol, ß-citral, and α-citral exhibited also appreciable percentages in fresh (21.2-43.4%) and dried leaves (23.4-33.0%). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) effectively segregated all samples into three discriminate clusters where, ß-linalool, terpinen-4-ol, ß-elemene enantiomer, sabinene, and ß-phellandrene constitute the main discriminatory biomarkers. Essential oil of fresh spring leaves (FS) was chosen for nano-formulation adopting the hot emulsification method. Both FS sample and the prepared nano-hexosomal formula were screened against the 3rd instar larvae Culex pipiens L. (common house mosquito). LC50 and LC95 values of FS and oil loaded nano-formula were (48 and 30 552 mg L-1) and (30 and 1830 mg L-1) respectively. α-Citral followed by citronellal showed the best fitting within the binding sites of acetylcholine esterase enzyme utilizing molecular docking. Thus, it can be concluded that Valencia orange leaf as a nano-formulation could serve as an effective and sustainable insecticidal agent.

Larvicidal and repellent potential of Ageratum houstonianum against Culex pipiens.

Mosquitoes are unquestionably the most medic arthropod vectors of disease. Culex pipiens, usually defined as a common house mosquito, is a well-known carrier of several virus diseases. Crude ethanol extracts of different organs of Agratum houstonianum are tested with Culex pipiens Linnaeus (Diptera: Culicidae) to determine their larvicidal, antifeedant, and repellency effects. Alongside biochemical analysis, the activity of the AChE, ATPase, CarE, and CYP-450 is detected in the total hemolymph of the C. pipiens larvae to examine the enzymatic action on the way to explain their neurotoxic effect and mode of action. Through HPLC and GC-MS analysis of the phytochemical profile of A. houstonianum aerial parts is identified. The larvicidal activity of aerial parts; flower (AF), leaf (AL), and stem (AS) of A. houstonianum extracts are evaluated against the 3rd instar larvae of C. pipiens at 24-, 48- and 72-post-treatment. A. houstonianium AF, AL, and AS extracts influenced the mortality of larvae with LC50 values 259.79, 266.85, and 306.86 ppm, respectively after 24 h of application. The potency of AF and AL extracts was 1.69- and 1.25-folds than that of AS extract, respectively. A high repellency percentage was obtained by AF extract 89.10% at a dose of 3.60 mg/cm2. A. houstonianium AF prevailed inhibition on acetylcholinesterase and decrease in carboxylesterase activity. Moreover, a significant increase in the ATPase levels and a decrease in cytochrome P-450 monooxegenase activity (- 36.60%) are detected. HPLC analysis prevailed chlorogenic and rosmarinic acid as the major phenolic acids in AL and AF, respectively. GC-MS analysis of A. houstonianum results in the identification of phytol as the major makeup. Precocene I and II were detected in AF. Linoleic, linolenic, and oleic acid were detected in comparable amounts in the studied organs. Overall, results suggest that the A. houstonianum flower extract (AF) exhibits significant repellent, antifeedant, and larvicidal activities.

Homing and reparative effect of intra-articular injection of autologus mesenchymal stem cells in osteoarthritic animal model.

BACKGROUND: This work aimed to study the homing evidence and the reparative effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the healing process of induced osteoarthritis in experimental animal model (donkeys). METHODS: Twenty-seven donkeys were equally divided into 3 groups based on the observation period after induction of arthritis (3, 6 and 9 weeks) to achieve different degrees of osteoarthritis. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups of three animals each based on the follow-up period (1, 2 and 6 months) after treatment. The induction was done through intra-articular (IA) injection of 2 ml of Amphotericin-B in both carpal joints. MSCs were harvested in a separate procedure, labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) using monster GFP vector and suspended in hyaluronic acid for IA injection. Treatment approaches consisted of cell-treatment using MSCs suspended in 3 ml of hyaluronic acid (HA) for the right carpal joint; and using the same amount of (HA) but without MSCs for the left contralateral carpal joint to serve as a control. Animals were assessed clinically and radiologically before and after treatment. Synovial fluid was also evaluated. Histopathologically; articular cartilage structural changes, reduction of articular cartilage matrix staining, osteophyte formation, and subchondral bone plate thickening were graded. Data was summarized using median and percentile for scores of histopathologic grading. Comparison between groups was done using non-parametric Mann Whitney test. RESULTS: The reparative effect of MSCs was significant both clinically and radiologically in all treated groups (P < 0.05) compared to the control groups. Fluorescence microscopy of sections of the cell-treated joints of all animals indicated that the GFP-transduced injected cells have participated effectively in the reparative process of the damaged articular surface and have integrated within the existing articular cartilage. The cells were associated with the surface of the cartilage and, were also detected in the interior. CONCLUSIONS: Homing was confirmed by the incorporation of injected GFP-labeled MSCs within the repaired newly formed cartilage. Significant recovery proves that the use of IA injection of autologous MSCs is a viable and a practical option for treating different degrees of osteoarthritis.

Efficacy of Topical Timolol 0.5% in the Treatment of Acne and Rosacea: A Multicentric Study.

BACKGROUND: Acne and rosacea are common chronic inflammatory skin diseases associated with psychosocial impairment, anxiety, depression, and impaired overall quality of life. Timolol maleate is a potent nonselective ß-blocker that causes a combination of vasoconstriction and inhibition of inflammatory mediators. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the clinical efficacy and safety of topical timolol maleate 0.5% for the treatment of acne and rosacea. METHODS: A total of 116 patients (58 patients with rosacea and 58 patients with acne) were treated with topical timolol maleate 0.5% every night before bedtime for eight weeks. RESULTS: The severity of both acne and rosacea decreased relative to baseline; however, the improvement in rosacea was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In our study, topical timolol maleate 0.5% demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of acne, especially in noninflammatory lesions, but seems to be more effective in erythematotelangiectatic rosacea than papulopustular rosacea lesions, with insignificant side effects. The addition of topical timolol to the standard treatment protocol for acne and rosacea is expected to be beneficial, especially by way of improving comedones of acne and resistant inflammatory erythema of both acne and rosacea.

LC-MS/MS and GC-MS profiling as well as the antimicrobial effect of leaves of selected Yucca species introduced to Egypt.

Few studies thoroughly investigated different Yucca species introduced to Egypt. As a part of our ongoing investigation of the Yucca species; Yucca aloifolia and its variety Yucca aloifolia variegata, Yucca filamentosa, and Yucca elephantipes (Asparagaceae) were extensively subjected to phytochemical and antimicrobial investigation. Yucca species cultivated in Egypt showed no antimicrobial effect. GC/MS of the lipoid contents of Y. aloifolia variegata was carried out. Twenty-six fatty acids were identified. Saturated fatty acids established almost twice the unsaturated ones and constituted 64.64% of which palmitic acid and palmitoleic acid signifying 58.28% and 30.98%, respectively. Hydrocarbons were 21 constituting 39.64% of the unsaponifiable fraction. Only three sterols 42.36% were detected, major was γ-sitosterol. LC-MS/MS comparison of the 4 plant extracts imply that Y.aloifolia variegata L extract was the richest, which was apparent through its superior biological activity. LC-MS/MS analysis of the total alcoholic extract (Alc) of the leaves of Y.aloifolia variegata L. was performed using MS-techniques at different voltages; equal to 35 and 135 eV. Negative and positive-ion modes analyses at low fragmentation energy allowed the tentative identification of 41 and 34 compounds, respectively. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis in the positive mode proved to be better in the identification of saponins.

Pregnane glycoside from Huernia saudi-arabica as latent schistosomicidal mediator.

Development of a novel agent for control of schistosomiasis is a mandate. In-vitro anti-schistosomal activity of the aerial parts of Huernia saudi-arabica were examined. Chromatographic investigations of the ethanol extract (EE) were afforded three compounds. Pregnane glycoside (CI) 12-ß-p-hydroxy-benzoyl-20-O-acetyl-boucerin-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-ß-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-ß-D-cymaropyranoside, in addition to two flavonoids (CII) luteolin-4'-O-ß-D-neohesperidoside and (CIII)quercetin-3-rutinoside were recognized via spectral analysis. The schistosomicidal effects were evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). In-vitro bioassays on the viability (mobility, morphological changes and mortality) of Schistosoma mansoni adults, cercariae, miracidia and eggs at different concentrations 2.5, 5, 12.5, 25 and 50 µg/ml of EE and 2.6, 5.2, 13, 26 and 52 µM of CI in incubation times 1,2,4,6,12hrs were carried out. EE and CI evidenced in-vitro anti-schistosomal activity with a dose and incubation time-dependent fashion. The effect of EE and CI was evident by the topography damage showed by SEM. EE proved moderate in-vitro cytotoxicity with IC50 of 8.48 µg/ml.

A new antibacterial lupane ester from the seeds of Acokanthera oppositifolia Lam.

As a part of ongoing investigation of Acokanthera oppositifolia (Lam.) Codd., four compounds were isolated from its seeds, a new compound; lup-20(29)-en-3ß-O-(3'-ß-hydroxy) palmitate (1), three known compounds; a triterpene; lupeol (2), a cardiac glycoside; acovenoside A (3) and a sterol; ß-sitosterol (4). Their structures were investigated using 1D & 2D- 1H and 13CNMR spectroscopy. Antimicrobial potential of the compounds was evaluated against 10 microorganisms responsible for endocarditis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the compounds was determined using broth microdilution method. The new compound (1) evidenced significant antibacterial activity especially aganist Pseudomonas aeruginosa with (MIC 7.81 µg/ml). Lupeol (2) exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus fumigates and Candida albicans (MIC 3.9, 0.24 and 3.9 µg/ml, respectively). On the other hand, acovenoside A (3) inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli (MIC 0.98 µg/ml). We herein present the potential of A. oppositifolia as a cardioprotective agent against the microorganisms responsible for endocarditis.

Evaluation of some medicinal plants in controlling Culex pipiens.

The study evaluated the efficacy of methanolic extracts of Ruta chalepensis (Rutaceae), Withania somnifera (Solanaceae), Cleome paradoxa (Capparaceae) and Heliotropium longiflorum (Boraginaceae) aerial parts against Culex pipiens larvae. Different concentrations (100-500 ppm) of the methanolic extracts of the plants were tested towards larval mortality and development of C. pipiens separately. Larval mortalities were counted at 2, 4 & 10 days after treatment. Egg hatchability was determined at 4 & 7 days after treatment. Successful pupation and adult emergence percentage were recorded daily till all control adults emerged. All plants extracts exhibited variable activities. The greatest effect was with R. chalepensis which showed acute (2 days) and chronic (10 days) LC50 of 132.6 & 96.56 ppm, respectively. Larval mortality up to 84.47% &85.53%, were observed with C. paradoxa and R. Chalepensis respectively. Egg hatch was significantly reduced about equal with R. chalepensis and W. somnifera extracts. Concentration levels of C. paradoxa (≥200 ppm) and H. longiflorum (>400 ppm) showed significant hindrance to the larval development and reduction to resulting pupae and adults. Drastic development retardation was shown with extract of C. paradoxa leaves (300 ppm), but only 15.3% & 5.6% of larvae reach pupal and adult stages respectively. The larvicidal activity of methanolic extracts of R. chalepensis, W somnifera, C. paradoxa, H. longiflorum proved to be effective against C. pipiens larvae without any human or animal risk.

Evaluation of rifaximin in management of hepatic encephalopathy.

This study evaluated the efficacy of rifaximin versus lactulose in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The study population included 50 patients who were diagnosed to have signs of the first to third degree HE, according to the West Haven criteria and classified into two groups. GI: included 25 patients who had HE and were treated with lactulose syrup (laxolac) 90 ml daily divided into 3 doses for 7 days. GII: included 25 patients who had HE and were treated with rifaximin 1200 mg daily divided into 3 doses for 7 days. Patients in both groups also received other measures of treatment of HE as daily enema and protein restriction. Rifaximin significantly improved various subjective and measurable components of HE including mental status, behavior, asterixis, and serum ammonia concentration. In acute HE of grade 1 to grade 3, rifaximin may be a good alternative to non-absorbable disaccharides as it is broad spectrum, non-absorbable antibiotic with rapid action and little side effects. It is better tolerated, associated with less frequent and shorter hospitalization in comparison to lactulose.

Artichoke edible parts are hepatoprotective as commercial leaf preparation

ABSTRACT Chemical profile analyses of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L., Asteraceae) edible parts (fleshy receptacle, inner bracts) as well as roots are compared with the commercially usable leaf extract using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS via chlorogenicacid as a marker. Overall polyphenolic constituents demonstrated by means of LC/MS profiling. The nutritional values and inulin contents of different assessed parts were investigated. The present study was designed to determine the effect of artichoke: leaves, bracts, receptacles and roots alcoholic extracts against CCl4-induced acute hepatotoxicity and hyperlipidemia in rats by means of histopathological and biochemical parameters. Serum liver enzymes levels of aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase and lipid peroxidase content (malondialdehyde MDA) were estimated. Blood glutathione, total cholesterol, triacylglycerides and high density lipid level were estimated in plasma. The ethanol extract of roots, leaves, bracts and receptacles were standardized to (0.82 ± 0.02, 1.6 ± 0.06, 2.02 ± 0.16 and 2.4 ± 0.27 mg chlorogenic acid/100 mg extract), respectively. The receptacle showed the highest content of polyphenols and exhibits the highest antioxidant activity. HPLC analysis of inulin in the receptacles of globe artichoke revealed high content of inulin (41.47 mg/g) dry extract. All artichoke parts contain comparable vitamins and minerals. Artichokes receptacles extract when taken in dose of (500 mg/kg/day) reduce the lesion caused by CCl4 alone more than groups receiving silymarin. Bracts and leaves extract exert nearly the same effect.

Bioactive constituents from Harpephyllum caffrum Bernh. and Rhus coriaria L.

BACKGROUND: The leaf ethanol extract of Harpephyllum caffrum Bernh. has evidenced medicinal value due to its hepatoprotective activity. It demonstrated inhibitory effects on test standard microbes approximated to 40% the potency of ofloxacin and fluconazole. The same extract evidenced in vitro cytotoxicity on human cell lines, liver carcinoma HEPG2, larynx carcinoma HEP2, and colon carcinoma HCT116 cell lines when compared to doxorubicin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fractionation of the leaf ethanol extract led to the isolation of the polyphenols, ethyl gallate, and quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, a hydrocarbon, hendecane, the fatty acid ester, methyl linoleate, and four triterpenoids, betulonic acid, 3-acetyl-methyl betulinate, lupenone and lupeol for the first time, in addition to the previously reported phenol acids and flavonoids, gallic acid, methyl gallate, quercetin, kaempferol, kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside, kaempferol-3-O-galactoside, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, and quercetin-3-O-arabinoside. RESULTS: The ethanol extract of the fruit of the genetically related Rhus coriaria L., known as sumac, afforded protocatechuic acid, isoquercitrin, and myricetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside from the fruits for the first time, in addition to the previously reported phenol acids and flavonoids, gallic acid, methyl gallate, kaempferol, and quercetin. CONCLUSION: The leaf ethanol extract of H. caffrum Bernh. exhibited variable anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities, besides the hepatoprotective, in vitro cytotoxic and anti-microbial activities.

In vivo diabetic wound healing effect and HPLC–DAD–ESI–MS/MS profiling of the methanol extracts of eight Aloe species

Abstract Genus Aloe, Xanthorrhoeaceae, is well distributed all over Egypt, and many species have been used as medicinal plants; mainly reported to prevent cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. This study attempts to analyze the secondary metabolites in the methanol extract of the leaves of eight Aloe species; A. vera (L.) Burm. f., A. arborescens Mill., A. eru A. Berger, A. grandidentata Salm-Dyck, A. perfoliata L., A. brevifolia Mill., A. saponaria Haw. and A. ferox Mill. growing in Egypt. For this aim HPLC–DAD–MS/MS in negative ion mode was used. Although belonging to the same genus, the composition of each species presented different particularities. Seventy one compounds were identified in the investigated Aloe species, of which cis-p-coumaric acid derivaties, 3,4-O-(E) caffeoylferuloylquinic acid and caffeoyl quinic acid hexoside were the most common phenolic acids identified. Aloeresin E and isoaloeresin D, 2'-O-feruloylaloesin were the common anthraquinones identified. Lucenin II, vicenin II, and orientin were the common identified flavonoids in the investigated Aloe species. 6'-Malonylnataloin, aloe-emodin-8-O-glucoside, flavone-6,8-di-C-glucosides could be considered as chemotaxonomic markers for the investigated Aloe species. The eight Aloe species had significant anti-inflammatory activity, in addition to the significant acceleration of diabetic wound healing in rats following topical application of the methanol extracts of their leaves. This is the first simultaneous characterization and qualitative determination of multiple phenolic compounds in Aloe species from locally grown cultivars in Egypt using HPLC–DAD–MS/MS, which can be applied to standardize the quality of different Aloe species and the future design of nutraceuticals and cosmetic preparations.

Flow cytometric immunophenotyping (FCI) of lymphoma: correlation with histopathology and immunohistochemistry.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the role of flow cytometric immunophenotyping (FCI) in diagnosis and characterization of lymphoma tissue specimens from Egyptian patients. METHODS: FCI using 2 and 3 color staining approaches, was performed on 50 fresh lymph nodes specimen from Cairo NCI patients with suspected lymphoma presenting with either localized or generalized lymphadenopathy.FCI results were correlated with histopathologic as well as immunophenotypic[by immunohistochemistry (IHC)] findings. RESULTS: By FCI, cases were diagnosed as follows: 9(18%) reactive hyperplasia (RH), 32(64%) B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) [24 diffuse large (DLBCL), 2 follicular, 3 small lymphocytic, 2 mantle cell lymphoma and a case of T cell rich B cell lymphoma], 3 (6%) T cell NHL [2 peripheral T cell lymphoma and a case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma], 2(4%) Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) while 4 (8%) were non-lymphomatous tumors (NLT). Light chain restriction (LCR) was detected in the 32 FCI diagnosed B-NHL. The overall concordance between FCI versus histopathology and IHC was 88%. The sensitivity and specificity of FCI in diagnosis of NHL was 94.9% and 100% respectively; in HL they were 40% and 100% respectively and in NLT, both sensitivity and specificity were 100% while for RH were 100% and 89.1% respectively. CONCLUSION: FCI is a sensitive and specific method in diagnosis and classification of NHL as well as in detection of monoclonality. False negative results could be due to the presence of heterogeneous populations of lymphocytes in special types of lymphoma.