Polyphenolic compounds of Euphorbia umbellata (Pax) Bruyns (Euphorbiaceae) improved endothelial dysfunction through arginase inhibition.

Euphorbia umbellata is used for its anti-inflammatory properties; however, there are limited data available regarding its effects on vascular function. Its bark is rich in polyphenolic compounds, which potentially improve endothelial dysfunction (ED). This study proposes to investigate the effects of E. umbellata bark extracts and its polyphenolic compounds on arginase (ARG) activity and nitric oxide (NO)-related targets. Chromatographic procedures were used for the chemical characterisation of the extracts. Furthermore, in silico (molecular docking), in vitro (ARG inhibition), in vivo (streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia model), and ex vivo (l-arginine metabolism, vascular reactivity, western blot, and biochemical) techniques were carried out. Quercetin, gallic acid, and ellagic acid were identified in the extracts. In silico screening predicted that gallic acid and quercetin would have the most promising interactions with ARG -identified cavities. This was confirmed in vitro as both compounds had a direct inhibitory effect on ARG, as was the case regarding the extracts. Oral treatment preserved endothelium-dependent vasodilation through ARG inhibition together with an increase in l-arginine bioavailability and endothelial NO synthase expression. Biochemical parameters determined the lack of toxicity for sub-chronic treatment. E. umbellata bark extracts and its compounds can contribute to ED treatment, at least partly, through the inhibition of vascular ARG.

Enriched Terpenes Fractions of the Latex of Euphorbia umbellata Promote Apoptosis in Leukemic Cells.

The current study was carried out by a bioguided fractionation of a hexane extract of the latex of Euphorbia umbellata against leukemic cells. Samples were analyzed by NMR, GC/MS, triterpenes quantification, and MTT reduction assay. Morphological, cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential and caspases 3/7 analyses were performed for the dichloromethane and ethanol fractions, and selectivity index for the dichloromethane fraction. NMR analysis presented characteristic signals of terpenes and steroids, data were confirmed by the quantification of triterpenes and GC/MS analysis. MTT reduction assay demonstrated that HL-60 was the most sensitive cell lineage against dichloromethane and ethanol fractions. Compounds of these matrices caused morphological changes compatible with apoptosis induction, altered cell cycle, increment of depolarized population cells and activation of caspases 3/7. Selectivity indices were higher than 22.44. Bioguided-fractionation study showed that samples of the latex of E. umbellata raised the activity of the phytocomplex against leukemic cells, and the cytotoxicity can be associated with an apoptosis pathway.