In vivo determination of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of isolated compounds from Cleome amblyocarpa and molecular modelling for the top active investigated compounds.

Cleome amblyocarpa Barr. and Murb. from the family Cleomaceae is used in folk medicine as it has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. In this study, ten compounds from the whole plant of C. amblyocarpa, a wild plant that grows in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, were isolated. Six compounds, ß-sitosterol 3-O-ß-d-glucoside 2, calycopterin 5, rhamnocitrin 6, 17α-hydroxycabraleahy-droxylactone 7, cleogynol 8, and ß-sitosterol 10 were first isolated from this species. In addition, four previously reported compounds, kaempferol-3, 7-dirhamnoside 1, 15α-acetoxycleomblynol A 3, and 11-α-acetylbrachy-carpone-22(23)-ene 4, as well as cleocarpanol 9, were isolated and identified. Isolated compounds were evaluated to determine their analgesic properties utilizing a hot-plate test method, and their anti-inflammatory effects utilizing rat paw edema. In a hot-plate test, compounds 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9 showed significant pain inhibition in latency time as compared to the normal group. Compounds 3-9 exhibited a significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced inflammation. According to the results of this work, compounds 3 and 4 (Dammarane triterpenoid) have the strongest analgesic/anti-inflammatory activity as compared to the other tested compounds. These results give support to the medicinal benefits of the plant as an analgesic along with an anti-inflammatory agent in traditional therapy. Molecular modelling studies of the isolated compounds 3 and 4 assessed the molecular affinity and binding interaction patterns for these compounds towards COX-2 as compared to specific COX-2 inhibitors and in relation to COX-1 isozyme. Compound 3 revealed extended accommodation across COX-2's hydrophobic sub-pockets and preferential thermodynamic stability across molecular dynamics simulations.

Cornulacin: a new isoflavone from Cornulaca monacantha and its isolation, structure elucidation and cytotoxicity through EGFR-mediated apoptosis.

Chemical investigation of the methanolic extract of Cornulaca monacantha (Amaranthaceae), an annual wild herb collected from North Sinai, Egypt, yielded a new isoflavone cornulacin 1 and five known compounds: N-trans-feruloyltyramine 2, N-trans-feruloyl-3'-methoxytyramine 3, N-trans-caffeoyl tyramine 4, Cannabisin F 5 and (2aS, 3aS) lyciumamide D 6. Using MTT assay, the isolated compounds were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity against pancreatic (Panc1) and ovarian (A2780) cancer cell lines. Compounds 1, 2, 3, and 4 exhibited promising cytotoxic activity against the tested cells, among which compound 1 (IC50 of 2.1 ± 0.21 µM) was the most active one against A2780 cells, whereas compound 2 (IC50 of 3.4 ± 0.11 µM) was the most effective compound against Panc1 cells. Accordingly, compound 1 was further investigated for its apoptotic induction in A2780 cancer cells using Annexin V/PI staining. Compound 1 significantly stimulated apoptotic ovarian A2780 cancer cells by 45.9-fold and arrested cell proliferation in the S-phase. Such activity was mediated through the upregulation of proapoptotic genes Bax; P53; and caspase 3, 8, and 9 besides the downregulation of the Bcl-2 gene, the anti-apoptotic one. Furthermore, molecular docking investigation demonstrated the strong binding affinity of compound 1 with EGFR active sites, which validated its experimental EGFR enzyme inhibition activity.

Dual SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV inhibitors from Artemisia monosperma: isolation, structure elucidation, molecular modelling studies, and in vitro activities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread throughout the whole globe, so it is imperative that all available resources be used to treat this scourge. In reality, the development of new pharmaceuticals has mostly benefited from natural products. The widespread medicinal usage of species in the Asteraceae family is extensively researched. In this study, compounds isolated from methanolic extract of Artemisia monosperma Delile, a wild plant whose grows in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. Three compounds, stigmasterol 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside 1, rhamnetin 3, and padmatin 6, were first isolated from this species. In addition, five previously reported compounds, arcapillin 2, jaceosidin 4, hispidulin 5, 7-O-methyleriodictyol 7, and eupatilin 8, were isolated. Applying molecular modelling simulations revealed two compounds, arcapillin 2 and rhamnetin 3 with the best docking interactions and energies within SARS-CoV-2 Mpro-binding site (-6.16, and -6.70 kcal mol-1, respectively). The top-docked compounds (2-3) were further evaluated for inhibitory concentrations (IC50), and half-maximal cytotoxicity (CC50) of both SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV. Interestingly, arcapillin showed high antiviral activity towards SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, with IC50 values of 190.8 µg mL-1 and 16.58 µg mL-1, respectively. These findings may hold promise for further preclinical and clinical research, particularly on arcapillin itself or in collaboration with other drugs for COVID-19 treatment.

Unraveling the Enigma of Organismal Death: Insights, Implications, and Unexplored Frontiers.

Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding the responses of cells, tissues, and organs to organismal death. Examining the survival mechanisms influenced by metabolism and environment, this research has the potential to transform regenerative medicine, redefine legal death, and provide insights into life's physiological limits, paralleling inquiries in embryogenesis.

Characterization of Sesuvium sesuvioides Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Validation of Its In Vivo Anti-hyperthyroidism Effect via Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Markers.

Sesuvium sesuvioides was used to treat inflammation, arthritis, gout, and thyroid dysfunction. The current study evaluated the antihyperthyroidism effect of S. sesuvioides to consolidate its traditional use. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of S. sesuvioides methanol extract revealed the presence of phenolics such as gallic acid (0.73 ppm/mg), benzoic acid (11.22 ppm/mg), p-coumaric acid (3.12 ppm/mg), ferulic acid (5.47 ppm/mg), cinnamic acid (3.54 ppm/mg), and sinapic acid (3.17 ppm/mg). In vivo hyperthyroidism was induced using thyroxine in vivo, which increased T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (tetraiodothyronine), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. However, it reduced thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH). S. sesuvioides methanol extract alleviated thyroxine-induced intoxication in a dose-dependent manner. At a 750 mg/kg (SsCr3) dose, it reduced T3, T4, MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α by 61.23, 41.29, 45.17, 44.66, and 62.03%, respectively, and elevated TSH, SOD, and GSH by 365.52, 94.45, and 95.12%, respectively, relative to the diseased group. Further confirmation was done by histopathological examination, which showed normal thyroid histology where follicles were filled with colloids with more cytoplasmic concentrations. This activity is undoubtedly correlated to the richness of the extract by phenolic acids, as revealed by HPLC. In silico ADME/TOPKAT prediction performed on the secondary metabolites identified in S. sesuvioides methanol extract revealed acceptable pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicity potential. Thus, S. sesuvioides could serve as a promising source for alleviating hyperthyroidism, which could be further incorporated into pharmaceutical preparations.

A New Saponin (Zygo-albuside D) from Zygophyllum album Roots Triggers Apoptosis in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (A549 Cells) through CDK-2 Inhibition.

Phytochemical study of the ethyl acetate root extract of Zygophyllum album has resulted in the isolation of a new saponin, Zygo-albuside D (1), along with two known compounds; (3-O-[ß-D-quinovopyranosyl]-quinovic acid) (2), which is first reported in the root, and catechin (3), first reported in the genus. Their chemical structures were established by NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The new saponin (1) exhibited promising cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 3.5 and 5.52 µM on A549 and PC-3 cancer cell lines, respectively, compared to doxorubicin with IC50 values of 9.44 and 11.39 µM on A549 and PC-3 cancer cell lines, respectively. While it had an IC50 value of 46.8 µM against WISH cells. Investigating apoptosis-induction, compound 1 induced total apoptotic cell death in A549 lung cancer cells by 32-fold; 21.53% compared to 0.67% in the untreated control cells. Finally, it upregulated the pro-apoptotic genes and downregulated the antiapoptotic gene using gene expression levels. Compound 1 exhibited remarkable CDK-2 target inhibition by 96.2% with an IC50 value of 117.6 nM compared to Roscovitine. The molecular docking study further confirmed the binding affinity of compound 1 as CDK2 and Bcl2 inhibitors that led to apoptosis induction in A549 cancer cells. Hence, this study highlights the importance of compound 1 in the design of a new anticancer agent with specific mechanisms.

UHPLC-QTOF-MS Metabolic Profiling of Marchantia polymorpha and Evaluation of Its Hepatoprotective Activity Using Paracetamol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice.

Marchantia species were traditionally used to treat liver failure. Marchantia polymorpha chloroform extract showed a marked hepatoprotective activity in a dose-dependent manner in paracetamol-induced extensive liver damage in mice. At a dose of 500 mg/kg (MP-500), it resulted in a reduction in aspartate transaminase by 49.44%, alanine transaminase by 44.11%, and alkaline phosphatase by 24.4% with significant elevation in total proteins by 58.69% with respect to the diseased group. It showed significant reductions in total bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), very LDL, total lipids, and to high density lipoprotein ratio (CH/HDL) by 53.42, 30.14, 35.02, 45.79, 34.74, 41.45, and 49.52%, respectively, together with a 37.69% increase in HDL with respect to the diseased group. It also showed an elevation of superoxide dismutase by 28.09% and in glutathione peroxidase by 81.83% in addition to the reduction of lipid peroxidation by 17.95% as compared to the paracetamol only treated group. This was further supported by histopathological examination that showed normal liver architecture and a normal sinusoidal gap. Metabolic profiling by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QTOF/MS) led to the tentative identification of 28 compounds belonging to phenols, quinolones, phenylpropanoid, acylaminosugars, terpenoids, lipids, and fatty acids to which the activity was attributed. Four compounds were detected in the negative ionization mode which are neoacrimarine J, marchantin A, chitobiose, and phellodensin F, while the rest were detected in the positive mode. Thus, it can be concluded that this plant could serve as a valuable choice for the treatment of hepatotoxicity that further consolidated its traditional use.

Assessment of binding interaction to salmon sperm DNA of two antiviral agents and ecofriendly nanoparticles: comprehensive spectroscopic study.

The direct binding of antiviral agents; Daclatasvir and valacyclovir and green synthesized nanoparticles to salmon sperm DNA have been assessed in a comparative study. The nanoparticles were synthesized by the hydrothermal autoclave method and have been fully characterized. The interactive behavior and competitive binding of the analytes to DNA in addition to the thermodynamic properties were deeply investigated by the UV-visible spectroscopy. The binding constants were monitored in the physiological pH conditions to be 1.65 × 106, 4.92 × 105 and 3.12 × 105 for daclatasvir,valacyclovir and quantum dots, respectively. The significant changes in the spectral features of all analytes have proven intercalative binding. The competitive study has confirmed that, daclatasvir, valacyclovir, and the quantum dots have exhibited groove binding. All analytes have shown good entropy and enthalpy values indicating stable interactions. The electrostatic and non-electrostatic kinetic parameters have been determined through studying the binding interactions at different concentrations of KCl solutions. A molecular modelling study has been applied to demonstrate the binding interactions and their mechanisms. The obtained results were complementary and afforded new eras for the therapeutic applications.

Bacterial Pyocyanin Inducible Keratin 6A Accelerates Closure of Epithelial Defect under Conditions of Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

Repair of epithelial defect is complicated by infection and related metabolites. Pyocyanin (PYO) is one such metabolite that is secreted during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Keratinocyte (KC) migration is required for the closure of skin epithelial defects. This work sought to understand PYO-KC interaction and its significance in tissue repair. Stable Isotope Labeling by Amino acids in Cell culture proteomics identified mitochondrial dysfunction as the top pathway responsive to PYO exposure in human KCs. Consistently, functional studies showed mitochondrial stress, depletion of reducing equivalents, and adenosine triphosphate. Strikingly, despite all stated earlier, PYO markedly accelerated KC migration. Investigation of underlying mechanisms revealed, to our knowledge, a previously unreported function of keratin 6A in KCs. Keratin 6A was PYO inducible and accelerated closure of epithelial defect. Acceleration of closure was associated with poor quality healing, including compromised expression of apical junction proteins. This work recognizes keratin 6A for its role in enhancing KC migration under conditions of threat posed by PYO. Qualitatively deficient junctional proteins under conditions of defensive acceleration of KC migration explain why an infected wound close with deficient skin barrier function as previously reported.

Identification of a physiologic vasculogenic fibroblast state to achieve tissue repair.

Tissue injury to skin diminishes miR-200b in dermal fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are widely reported to directly reprogram into endothelial-like cells and we hypothesized that miR-200b inhibition may cause such changes. We transfected human dermal fibroblasts with anti-miR-200b oligonucleotide, then using single cell RNA sequencing, identified emergence of a vasculogenic subset with a distinct fibroblast transcriptome and demonstrated blood vessel forming function in vivo. Anti-miR-200b delivery to murine injury sites likewise enhanced tissue perfusion, wound closure, and vasculogenic fibroblast contribution to perfused vessels in a FLI1 dependent manner. Vasculogenic fibroblast subset emergence was blunted in delayed healing wounds of diabetic animals but, topical tissue nanotransfection of a single anti-miR-200b oligonucleotide was sufficient to restore FLI1 expression, vasculogenic fibroblast emergence, tissue perfusion, and wound healing. Augmenting a physiologic tissue injury adaptive response mechanism that produces a vasculogenic fibroblast state change opens new avenues for therapeutic tissue vascularization of ischemic wounds.

Quantitative Determination of Cannabis Terpenes Using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector.

Background: Cannabis has a long history of being credited with centuries of healing powers for millennia. The cannabis plant is a rich source of cannabinoids and terpenes. Each cannabis chemovar exhibits a different flavor and aroma, which are determined by its terpene content. Methods: In this study, a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector method was developed and validated for the determination of the 10 major terpenes in the main three chemovars of Cannabis sativa L. with n-tridecane used as the internal standard following the standard addition method. The 10 major terpenes (monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes) are α-pinene, ß-pinene, ß-myrcene, limonene, terpinolene, linalool, α-terpineol, ß-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and caryophyllene oxide. The method was validated according to Association of Official Analytical Chemists guidelines. Spike recovery studies for all terpenes were carried out on placebo cannabis material and indoor-growing high THC chemovar with authentic standards. Results: The method was linear over the calibration range of 1-100 µg/mL with r2>0.99 for all terpenes. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were calculated to be 0.3 and 1.0 µg/mL, respectively, for all terpenes. The accuracy (%recovery) at all levels ranged from 89% to 104% and 90% to 111% for placebo and indoor-growing high THC chemovar, respectively. The repeatability and intermediate precision of the method were evaluated by the quantification of target terpenes in the three different C. sativa chemovars, resulting in acceptable relative standard deviations (less than 10%). Conclusions: The developed method is simple, sensitive, reproducible, and suitable for the detection and quantification of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in C. sativa biomass.

Comparative Cytotoxic Evaluation of Zygophyllum album Root and Aerial Parts of Different Extracts and Their Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles on Lung A549 and Prostate PC-3 Cancer Cell Lines.

The current work demonstrates a comparative study between aerial and root parts of Zygophyllum album L. The total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC), in addition to the antioxidant activity, of the crude extracts were investigated, where the aerial parts revealed a higher value overall. By means of UV-VIS and HPLC, rutin and caffeic acid were detected and then quantified as 5.91 and 0.97 mg/g of the plant extract, respectively. Moreover, the biosynthesis of AgNPs utilizing the crude extract of the arial parts and root of Z. album L. and the phenolic extracts was achieved in an attempt to enhance the cytotoxicity of the different plant extracts. The prepared AgNPs formulations were characterized by TEM and zeta potential measurements, which revealed that all of the formulated AgNPs were of a small particle diameter and were highly stable. The mean hydrodynamic particle size ranged from 67.11 to 80.04 nm, while the zeta potential ranged from 29.1 to 38.6 mV. Upon biosynthesis of the AgNPs using the extracts, the cytotoxicity of the tested samples was improved, so the polyphenolics AgNPs of the aerial parts exhibited a potent cytotoxicity against lung A549 and prostate PC-3 cancer cells with IC50 values of 6.1 and 4.36 µg/mL, respectively, compared with Doxorubicin (IC50 values of 6.19 and 5.13 µg/mL, respectively). Regarding the apoptotic activity, polyphenolics AgNPs of the aerial parts induced apoptotic cell death by 4.2-fold in PC-3 and 4.7-fold in A549 cells compared with the untreated control. The mechanism of apoptosis in both cancerous cells appeared to be via the upregulation proapoptotic genes; p53, Bax, caspase 3, 8, and 9, and the downregulation of antiapoptotic gene, Bcl-2. Hence, this formula may serve as a good source for anticancer agents against PC-3 and A549 cells.

Zygo-Albuside A: New Saponin from Zygophyllum album L. with Significant Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiapoptotic Effects against Methotrexate-Induced Testicular Damage.

Chemical investigation of the crude extract of the aerial part of Zygophyllum album L. (Z. album) led to the isolation of a new saponin, Zygo-albuside A (7), together with seven known compounds, one of them (caffeic acid, compound 4) is reported in the genus for the first time. NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectrometric analysis, including high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), were utilized to set up the chemical structures of these compounds. The present biological study aimed to investigate the protective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities of the crude extract from the aerial part of Z. album and two of its isolated compounds, rutin and the new saponin zygo-albuside A, against methotrexate (MTX)-induced testicular injury, considering the role of miRNA-29a. In all groups except for the normal control group, which received a mixture of distilled water and DMSO (2:1) as vehicle orally every day for ten days, testicular damage was induced on the fifth day by intraperitoneal administration of MTX at a single dose of 20 mg/kg. Histopathological examination showed that pre-treatment with the crude extract of Z. album, zygo-albuside A, or rutin reversed the testicular damage induced by MTX. In addition, biochemical analysis in the protected groups showed a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1ß, Bcl-2-associated-protein (Bax), and an increase in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the testis, along with an increase in serum testosterone levels compared with the unprotected (positive control) group. The mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), p53, and miRNA-29a were downregulated in the testicular tissues of the protected groups compared with the unprotected group. In conclusion, the study provides sufficient evidence that Z. album extract, and its isolated compounds, zygo-albuside A and rutin, could alleviate testicular damage caused by the chemotherapeutic agent MTX.

NS3 helicase inhibitory potential of the marine sponge Spongia irregularis.

In the current study, an investigation of the activity of the total extract of the marine sponge Spongia irregularis and its different fractions against the hepatitis C virus (HCV) was pursued. The results revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest anti-HCV activity, with an IC50 value of 12.6 ± 0.05 µg ml-1. Chromatographic resolution of the ethyl acetate fraction resulted in the isolation of four known compounds, 1,3,7-trimethylguanine (1), 3,5-dihydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one (2), thymidine (3), and 1H-indazole (4). By using LC-HR-ESI-MS metabolic profiling, compounds 5-14 were also identified in the same fraction. Molecular docking calculations revealed the high binding affinity of compound 14 against the allosteric pocket of HCV NS3-NS4A and the active site of HCV NS3 helicase (-10.1 and -7.4 kcal mol-1, respectively). Molecular dynamics simulations, followed by molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area energy calculations, demonstrated the structural and energetic stability of compound 14 in complex with HCV targets.

Quality Control, Anti-Hyperglycemic, and Anti-Inflammatory Assessment of Colvillea racemosa Leaves Using In Vitro, In Vivo Investigations and Its Correlation with the Phytoconstituents Identified via LC-QTOF-MS and MS/MS.

Colvillea racemosa is a cultivated ornamental plant that is a monotypic genus of Fabaceae. It is native to Madagascar, with limited studies. For the first time, the leaf quality control parameters, the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory in vitro activity of Colvillea racemosa ethanol extract (CRE) and its fractions of petroleum ether (CRP), methylene chloride (CRMC), ethyl acetate (CREA), n-butanol (CRB), and methanol (CRME) were evaluated. It exhibited significant inhibition against α-amylase, α-glucosidase and membrane stabilization. CRB was the most active fraction, and in vivo studies revealed that oral treatment with CRB of STZ-induced diabetic rats efficiently lowered blood glucose by 67.78%, reduced serum nitric oxide and lipid peroxide levels by 41.23% and 38.45%, respectively, and increased the GSH level by 90.48%. In addition, compared with the diabetic group, there was a 52.2% decrease in serum VCAM, a 55.5% increase in paraoxonase, an improved lipid profile, and improved liver and kidney functions for a treated diabetic group with CRB. Metabolite profiling of CRB was determined by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and tandem MS/MS. Twenty-three chromatographic peaks were identified, which were classified into phenolic compounds and amino acids. The characterized flavonoids were apigenin and luteolin derivatives.

Anticancer Effects of New Ceramides Isolated from the Red Sea Red Algae Hypnea musciformis in a Model of Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma: LC-HRMS Analysis Profile and Molecular Modeling.

Different classes of phytochemicals were previously isolated from the Red Sea algae Hypnea musciformis as sterols, ketosteroids, fatty acids, and terpenoids. Herein, we report the isolation of three fatty acids-docosanoic acid 4, hexadecenoic acid 5, and alpha hydroxy octadecanoic acid 6-as well as three ceramides-A (1), B (2), and C (3)-with 9-methyl-sphinga-4,8-dienes and phytosphingosine bases. Additionally, different phytochemicals were determined using the liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-HRMS) technique. Ceramides A (1) and B (2) exhibited promising in vitro cytotoxic activity against the human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell line when compared with doxorubicin as a positive control. Further in vivo study and biochemical estimation in a mouse model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) revealed that both ceramides A (1) and B (2) at doses of 1 and 2 mg/kg, respectively, significantly decreased the tumor size in mice inoculated with EAC cells. The higher dose (2 mg/kg) of ceramide B (2) particularly expressed the most pronounced decrease in serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor -B (VEGF-B) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) markers, as well as the expression levels of the growth factor midkine in tumor tissue relative to the EAC control group. The highest expression of apoptotic factors, p53, Bax, and caspase 3 was observed in the same group that received 2 mg/kg of ceramide B (2). Molecular docking simulations suggested that ceramides A (1) and B (2) could bind in the deep grove between the H2 helix and the Ser240-P250 loop of p53, preventing its interaction with MDM2 and leading to its accumulation. In conclusion, this study reports the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and antiangiogenic effects of ceramides isolated from the Red Sea algae Hypnea musciformis in an experimental model of EAC.

The Red Sea marine sponge Spongia irregularis: metabolomic profiling and cytotoxic potential supported by in silico studies.

The current study discusses the chemical composition of the marine sponge Spongia irregularis using LC-HRESIMS. The metabolomic profiling resulted in the annotation of 17 metabolites of different chemical classes. Additionally, evaluation of the cytotoxic activities of the total extract and different fractions were carried out against three different cell lines where the n-butanol fraction exhibited the highest cytotoxic effects against HepG-2, MCF-7 and CACO-2 cell lines with IC50 values of 9.6 ± 0.02, 4.3 ± 0.10 and 5.6 ± 0.03 µg/mL, respectively. Also, the study was supported by docking study of the identified compounds for binding affinity to MSK1.

Chemical profiling, cytotoxic activities through apoptosis induction in MCF-7 cells and molecular docking of Phyllostachys heterocycla bark nonpolar extract.

The chemical constituents of the nonpolar fractions of the bamboo shoot skin Phyllostachys heterocycla were extensively studied. The phytochemical study was divided into two parts: the first deals with isolation of the chemical constituents using different chromatographic techniques that resulted in isolation of four compounds. The chemical structures of the pure isolated compounds were elucidated using different spectroscopic data. The second part deals with identification of the rest of the constituents using the GC technique. Additionally, both crude extract and the pure isolated compounds were investigated for cytotoxic activity. One of the isolated compounds; namely glyceryl 1-monopalmitate showed highly promising effect against the MCF-7 cells with (IC50 = 19.78 µM) compared to 5-FU (26.98 µM), and it remarkably stimulated apoptotic breast cancer cell death with 31.6-fold (16.13% compared to 0.51 for the control) at pre-G1 and G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest and blocked the progression of MCF-7 cells. Moreover, the identified compounds especially 1 were found to have high binding affinity towards both TPK and VEGFR-2 through the molecular docking studies which highlight its mode of action. HighlightsChemical profiling of Phyllostachys heterocycla bark nonpolar extract was fully identified.Glyceryl 1-monopalmitate showed highly promising effect against the MCF-7 cells with (IC50 = 19.78 µM) compared to 5-FU (26.98 µM).Glyceryl 1-monopalmitate significantly stimulated apoptotic breast cancer cell death with 31.6-fold by arresting cell cycle at G2/M and preG1 phases.Molecular docking simulation showed good binding affinities towards TPK and VEGFR-2 proteins.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Microbial Biotransformation of Cannabidiol (CBD) from Cannabis sativa.

Microbial biotransformation of cannabidiol was assessed using 31 different microorganisms. Only Mucor ramannianus (ATCC 9628), Beauveria bassiana (ATCC 7195), and Absidia glauca (ATCC 22 752) were able to metabolize cannabidiol. M. ramannianus (ATCC 9628) yielded five metabolites, namely, 7,4″ß-dihydroxycannabidiol (1: ), 6ß,4″ß-dihydroxycannabidiol (2: ), 6ß,2″ß-dihydroxycannabidiol (3: ), 6ß,3″α-dihydroxycannabidiol (4: ), and 6ß,7,4″ß-trihydroxycannabidiol (5: ). B. bassiana (ATCC 7195) metabolized cannabidiol to afford six metabolites identified as 7,3″-dihydroxycannabidivarin (6: ), 7-hydroxycannabidivarin-3″-carboxylic acid (7: ), 3″-hydroxycannabidivarin (8: ), 4″ß-hydroxycannabidiol (9: ), and cannabidivarin-3″-carboxylic acid (10: ) along with compound 1: . Incubation of cannabidiol with A. glauca (ATCC 22 752) yielded three metabolites, 6α,3″-dihyroxycannabidivarin (11: ), 6ß,3″-dihyroxycannabidivarin (12: ), and compound 6: . All compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial and antiprotozoal activity.

Malva parviflora Leaves Mucilage: An Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Biopolymer with Antioxidant Properties.

Malva parviflora L. is an edible and medicinal herb containing mucilaginous cells in its leaves. Mucilage obtained from M. parviflora leaves (MLM) was extracted in distilled water (1:10 w/v) at 70 °C followed by precipitation with alcohol. Preliminary phytochemical tests were performed to assess the purity of the extracted mucilage. Results showed that the yield of mucilage was 7.50%, and it was free from starch, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, lipids and heavy metals. MLM had 16.19% carbohydrates, 13.55% proteins and 4.76% amino acids, which indicate its high nutritional value. Physicochemical investigations showed that MLM is neutral and water-soluble, having 5.84% moisture content, 15.60% ash content, 12.33 swelling index, 2.57 g/g water-holding capacity and 2.03 g/g oil-binding capacity. The functional properties, including emulsion capacity, emulsion stability, foaming capacity and stability increased with increased concentrations. Micromeritic properties, such as bulk density, tapped density, Carr's index, Hausner ratio, and angle of repose, were found to be 0.69 g/cm3, 0.84 g/cm3, 17.86%, 1.22 and 28.5, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that MLM is an amorphous powder possessing particles of varying size and shape; meanwhile, rheological studies revealed the pseudoplastic behavior of MLM. The thermal transition process of MLM revealed by a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermogram, occurring at a reasonable enthalpy change (∆H), reflects its good thermal stability. The presence of functional groups characteristic of polysaccharides was ascertained by the infrared (IR) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses. GC revealed the presence of five neutral monosaccharides; namely, galactose, rhamnose, arabinose, glucose and mannose, showing 51.09, 10.24, 8.90, 1.80 and 0.90 mg/g of MLM, respectively. Meanwhile, galacturonic acid is the only detected acidic monosaccharide, forming 15.06 mg/g of MLM. It showed noticeable antioxidant activity against the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical with an IC50 value of 154.27 µg/mL. It also prevented oxidative damage to DNA caused by the Fenton reagent, as visualized in gel documentation system. The sun protection factor was found to be 10.93 ± 0.15 at 400 µg/mL. Thus, MLM can be used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry and as a therapeutic agent due to its unique properties.