Chemical Variability and In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Leaf Essential Oil from Ivorian Isolona dewevrei (De Wild. & T. Durand) Engl. & Diels.

The chemical variability and the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf essential oil from Ivorian Isolona dewevrei were investigated for the first time. Forty-seven oil samples were analyzed using a combination of CC, GC(RI), GC-MS and 13C-NMR, thus leading to the identification of 113 constituents (90.8-98.9%). As the main components varied drastically from sample to sample, the 47 oil compositions were submitted to hierarchical cluster and principal components analyses. Three distinct groups, each divided into two subgroups, were evidenced. Subgroup I-A was dominated by (Z)-ß-ocimene, ß-eudesmol, germacrene D and (E)-ß-ocimene, while (10ßH)-1ß,8ß-oxido-cadina-4-ene, santalenone, trans-α-bergamotene and trans-ß-bergamotene were the main compounds of Subgroup I-B. The prevalent constituents of Subgroup II-A were germacrene B, (E)-ß-caryophyllene, (5αH,10ßMe)-6,12-oxido-elema-1,3,6,11(12)-tetraene and γ-elemene. Subgroup II-B displayed germacrene B, germacrene D and (Z)-ß-ocimene as the majority compounds. Germacrene D was the most abundant constituent of Group III, followed in Subgroup III-A by (E)-ß-caryophyllene, (10ßH)-1ß,8ß-oxido-cadina-4-ene, germacrene D-8-one, and then in Subgroup III-B by (Z)-ß-ocimene and (E)-ß-ocimene. The observed qualitative and quantitative chemical variability was probably due to combined factors, mostly phenology and season, then harvest site to a lesser extent. The lipoxygenase inhibition by a leaf oil sample was also evaluated. The oil IC50 (0.020 ± 0.005 mg/mL) was slightly higher than the non-competitive lipoxygenase inhibitor NDGA IC50 (0.013 ± 0.003 mg/mL), suggesting a significant in vitro anti-inflammatory potential.

Ethnopharmacology, biological activities and chemical compounds of Canarium strictum: An important resin-yielding medicinal tree in India.

The resin of Canarium strictum Roxb. is used for rheumatism and asthma; the bark is used as a mosquito repellent. The major compounds in the resin are triterpenoids, but as no studies have been performed on the bark, this study investigated this economically important resource. Ten folk healers were interviewed about their medicinal uses of C. strictum. Resin and bark were extracted with dichloromethane followed by methanol using accelerated solvent extraction. The extracts were fractionated using different chromatographic methods, and isolated compounds were identified by NMR spectroscopy and GC-MS. Resin and bark extracts were investigated for DPPH radical scavenging, 15-lipoxygenase inhibition, effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-activated dendritic D2SC/I cells and toxicity against Artemia salina nauplii. Traditional healers used resin to treat colds, airway afflictions and rheumatoid arthritis. α-Amyrin and ß-amyrin were identified as the major constituents in the dichloromethane resin extract. From the stem bark, procyanidins, gallic acid, methyl gallate, scopoletin, 3,3'-di-O-methylellagic acid 4-O-α-arabinofuranoside and elephantorrhizol (3,3',4',5,6,7,8-heptahydroxyflavan) were isolated and identified. By GC-MS, α-amyrin and ß-amyrin and their acetates, lupeol, and taraxasterol were identified. Radical scavenging, 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity and inhibition of NO production was observed from resin and bark extracts, and no toxicity towards Artemia salina nauplii was found. Triterpenoids and procyanidins are the major compounds in C. strictum resin and stem bark, respectively. The high content of triterpenoids might contribute to anti-inflammatory effects and give a rationale for the widespread usage of the resin in India.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant Activity, and Cytotoxicity Assessment of Tagetes erecta L. Flowers.

Tagetes erecta L. is a popular ornamental plant of the Asteraceae family, which is widely cultivated not only for its decorative use, but also for the extraction of lutein. Besides carotenoid representatives, which have been extensively studied, other important classes of secondary metabolites present in the plant, such as polyphenols, could exhibit important biological activities. The phytochemical analysis of a methanolic extract obtained from T. erecta inflorescences was achieved using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques. The extract was further subjected to a multistep purification process, which allowed the separation of different fractions. The total extract and its fractions contain several polyphenolic compounds, such as hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonols (especially quercetagetin glycosides), and several aglycons (e.g., quercetin, patuletin). One of the fractions, containing mostly quercetagitrin, was subjected to two different antioxidant assays (metal chelating activity and lipoxygenase inhibition) and to in vitro cytotoxicity assessment. Generally, the biological assays showed promising results for the investigated fraction compared to the initial extract. Given the encouraging outcome of the in vitro assays, further purification and structural analysis of compounds from T. erecta extracts, as well as further in vivo investigations are justified.

Synthesis, characterization and anti-inflammatory properties of karanjin (Pongamia pinnata seed) and its derivatives.

Karanja (Pongamia pinnata) is a medicinal tree used in the Indian traditional ayurvedic system for treating several ailments. The seeds contain a unique furano-flavonoid karanjin, which has shown to possess many medicinal properties. Its usage at the clinical level is affected due to poor solubility and absorption. In the present investigation, molecular modifications of karanjin were attempted and evaluated their effect on anti-inflammatory activity. Firstly, Karanja ketone was obtained from karanjin by hydrolysis, and it was converted into karanja ketone oxime. The oxime undergoes Beckmann rearrangement and cyclized to yield furano benzoxazole (karanja oxazole). The new derivatives were purified with >95% purity (HPLC) and spectrally characterized (HR-MS, FTIR, and NMR). Among the test compounds, karanja ketone oxime exhibited higher antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 360 µg/ml (DPPH). Soy lipoxygenase-1 (LOX-1) inhibitory activity of oxime was higher (IC50 = 65.4 µM) than other compounds. Fluorescence studies showed that oxime had higher quenching capacity with a Qmax of 76.3% and a binding constant of 0.9 × 105 M-1 for soy LOX-1. In-silico interaction studies showed that karanja ketone oxime had the least binding energy of -5.76 kcal/mol with LOX-1 by forming two hydrogen bonds with hydrophobic amino acids Leu 390 and Gly 392. The compounds were evaluated for their acute anti-inflammatory activity by the paw and ear edema in the rat model. Karanjin inhibits paw edema and ear edema by 34.13% and 51.13%, respectively, whereas the derivatives inhibited by 45-57 % and 70-76.8%. This study reports a rational approach to synthesize karanjin derivatives with considerable anti-inflammatory properties, both in-vitro and in-vivo.

Extraction, Antioxidant Capacity, 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibition, and Phytochemical Composition of Propolis from Eastern Canada.

Soxhlet (SE), microwave-assisted (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted (UAE) extraction were compared using ten extraction solvents for their efficiency to extract phenolic and flavonoid antioxidants from Eastern Canada propolis. Extracts were compared for total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) content, and radical scavenging activities. Anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) products biosynthesis in HEK293 cells was also evaluated. The results showed that SE extracts using polar solvents had the highest TPC and TFC. Extracts obtained with ethanol, methanol and acetone were effective free radical scavengers, and showed 5-LO inhibition similar to zileuton. UAE was an effective extraction method since the extracts obtained were comparable to those using SE and the MAE while being done at room temperature. With UAE, extracts of less polar solvents showed similar free radical scavenging and 5-LO inhibition to extracts of much more polar solvents such as methanol or ethanol. Reversed-phase liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of 21 natural compounds in the propolis extracts based on the comparison of intact mass, chromatographic retention time and fragmentation patterns derived from commercial analytical standards. The current study is the first of its kind to concurrently investigate solvent polarity as well as extraction techniques of propolis.

Tagetnoic acid, a new lipoxygenase inhibitor peroxy fatty acid from Tagetes minuta growing in Saudi Arabia.

A new peroxy fatty acid, tagetnoic acid (5) [4-((3S,6S)-6-((3E,8E)-octadeca-3,8-dien-1-yl)-3,6-dihydro-1,2-dioxin-3-yl)butanoic acid] and four known metabolites: ecliptal (5-formyl-α-terthiophene) (1), 5-(4-hydroxybut-1-ynyl)-2,2'-bithiophene (2), 22,23-dihydrospinasterone (3), and stigmasterol (4) were separated from the n-hexane fraction of the aerial parts of Tagetes minuta L. (Asteraceae). Their chemical structures were verified using IR, UV, 2D and 1D NMR, and HRMS. Compounds 3-5 displayed potent lipoxygenase inhibitory potential with IC50s 2.26, 1.83, and 1.17 µM, respectively compared to indomethacin (IC50 0.89 µM). Moreover, molecular docking study revealed that the potent activity of 5 is due to H-bonding and hydrophobic interaction. The results of this study suggested that Tagetes minuta dietary consumption would be useful for the individuals at risk of acute and chronic inflammatory disorders.

An unreported bis-abeo cembrane-type diterpenoid with antioxidative and anti-lipoxygenase activities from the muricid gastropod mollusc Chicoreus ramosus.

The chemical analyses of ethyl acetate-methanol (EtOAc-MeOH) extract of muricid gastropod mollusk, Chicoreus ramosus from the southeastern coast of Indian peninsular led to the identification of unprecedented cembrane-type diterpenoid, which was characterized as (3E, 6E, 10E)-8a-butoxy-17(15→14), 20(12→11)-bis-abeo-cembra-3,6,10,14(17),15-pentaene (1). The structure of the studied cembrane was unambiguously assigned through the extensive spectroscopic experimentations. The antioxidant potentials of the bis-abeo cembrane as determined by in vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid diammonium salt radical quenching potentials were greater (IC50 < 0.40 mg/mL) related to α-tocopherol (IC50 > 0.60 mg/mL). The pro-inflammatory anti-5-lipoxygenase potential of studied cembrane was higher (IC50 < 0.80 mg/mL) related to those demonstrated by ibuprofen and sodium salicylate (IC50 > 0.90 mg/mL).

First report of anti-inflammatory chromenyl derivatives from the spineless cuttlefish Sepiella inermis.

The spineless cuttlefish Sepiella inermis encompasses a major share in the marine fisheries sector, and represents as a culinary delicacy in many cultures. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of methanol:ethyl acetate (MeOH:EtOAc, 1:1) extract of the edible parts of the species ensued in identification of two hexahydro chromenyl analogues namely, methyl 7-ethyl-hexahydro-8a-methyl-2H-chromene-4-carboxylate (1) and methyl 1-acetoxy-hexahydro-3-methyl-3-propyl-1H-isochromene-4-carboxylate (2). The isolated metabolites were checked for their radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory potentials by selective in vitro models. The isochromenyl derivative exhibited potential 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (IC50 < 0.45 mg mL-1) radical-scavenging capacities along with pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (IC50 0.75 mg mL-1) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) (IC50 0.77 mg mL-1) inhibitory activities. The titled compounds displayed the selectivity indices (IC50 anti-COX-1/IC50 anti-COX-2) greater than 1.25, in comparison with synthetic anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen (0.44), which attributed to their greater selectivity towards inducible pro-inflammatory enzyme COX-2.

Phytochemical study, molecular docking, genotoxicity and therapeutic efficacy of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of Ximenia americana L. in the treatment of experimental COPD in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ximenia americana L. is popularly known as yellow plum, brave plum or tallow wood. All the parts of this plant are used in popular medicine. Its reddish and smooth bark are used to treat skin infections, inflammation of the mucous membranes and in the wound healing process. OBJECTIVE: Verification of phytochemical profile, the molecular interaction between flavonoid, (-) epi-catechin and 5-LOX enzyme, by means of in silico study, the genotoxic effect and to investigate the pharmacological action of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of X. americana in pulmonary alterations caused by experimental COPD in Rattus norvegicus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The identification of secondary metabolites was carried out by TLC and HPLC chromatographic methods, molecular anchoring tests were applied to analyze the interaction of flavonoid present in the extract with the enzyme involved in pulmonary inflammation process and the genotoxic effect was assessed by comet assay and micronucleus test. For induction of COPD, male rats were distributed in seven groups. The control group was exposed only to ambient air and six were subjected to passive smoke inhalations for 20 min/day for 60 days. One of the groups exposed to cigarette smoke did not receive treatment. The others were treated by inhalation with beclomethasone dipropionate (400 mcg/kg) and aqueous and lyophilized extracts of X. americana (500 mg/kg) separately or in combination for a period of 15 days. The structural and inflammatory pulmonary alterations were evaluated by histological examination. Additional morphometric analyses were performed, including the alveolar diameter and the thickness of the right ventricle wall. RESULTS: The results showed that the aqueous extract of the bark of X. americana possesses (-) epi -catechin, in silico studies with 5-LOX indicate that the EpiC ligand showed better affinity parameters than the AracA ligand, which is in accordance with the results obtained in vivo studies. Genotoxity was not observed at the dose tested and the extract was able to stagnate the alveolar enlargement caused by the destruction of the interalveolar septa, attenuation of mucus production and decrease the presence of collagen fibers in the bronchi of animals submitted to cigarette smoke. CONCLUSION: Altogether, the results proved that the aqueous extract of X. americana presents itself as a new option of therapeutic approach in the treatment of COPD.

Myxochelin- and Pseudochelin-Derived Lipoxygenase Inhibitors from a Genetically Engineered Myxococcus xanthus Strain.

Precursor-directed biosynthesis was used to introduce selected aryl carboxylic acids into the pseudochelin pathway, which had recently been assembled in Myxococcus xanthus. Overall, 14 previously undescribed analogues of the natural products myxochelin B and pseudochelin A were generated and structurally characterized. A subset of 10 derivatives together with their parental molecules were evaluated for their activity toward human 5-lipoxygenase. This testing revealed pseudochelin A as the most potent 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor among the naturally occurring compounds, whereas myxochelin A is the least active. Replacement of the catechol moieties in myxochelin B and pseudochelin A affected the bioactivity to different degrees.

Phenolic Profiling and Biological Potential of Ficus curtipes Corner Leaves and Stem Bark: 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibition and Interference with NO Levels in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages.

The economic value of fig trees has been globally acknowledged due to their utilization in the food industry, being also frequently used in traditional medicine. While ubiquitously distributed in Southeast Asia, Ficus curtipes Corner remains uninvestigated concerning its biological properties and chemical profile. HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn characterization of methanol extracts obtained from the stem bark and leaves allowed the identification and quantitation of 21 phenolic compounds for the first time; the stem bark was predominantly rich in flavan-3-ols and apigenin derivatives, while solely apigenin-di-glycosides have been identified and quantitated on the leaf extract. Both extracts inhibited 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) activity in a concentration-dependent manner, the one obtained from the stem bark being significantly more active (IC50 = 10.75 µg/mL). The effect of both extracts on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages was evaluated, and while the stem bark extract did not lead to a noticeable interference on nitric oxide (NO) levels, the extract obtained from the leaves notably decreased NO and L-citrulline levels at concentrations ranging from 250 to 500 µg/mL. Herein, F. curtipes is valorized due to its modulatory effects on inflammatory mediators and also as a source of bioactive phenols, which may fuel further studies on the development of nutraceuticals.

Short Communication: Discovery and molecular docking simulation of 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one as a LOX Inhibitor.

Millettia ovalifolia is traditionally used in variety of diseases including inflammation. In our investigation in to the phytochemical constituents of Millettia ovalifolia an effort was made to find out bioactive constituent from medicinal Plant M. ovalifolia to scientifically validate its use in inflammatory disorders. The compound 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one was isolated from the bark of M. ovalifolia and was found to exhibited significant lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory activity with (IC50 value: 116.83±0.02µM). The Standard compounds Baicalein and Tenidap sodium revealed IC50 value being 22.1±0.03µM and 41.6±0.02µM. Molecular docking study further displayed significant molecular interactions between 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one and LOX showed potential for further optimization as a possible anti-inflammatory lead compound.

Previously undescribed benzoxepins with bioactivities against inducible pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase from Rhizophora annamalayana Kathir.

Two unprecedented benzoxepins were obtained from the ethyl acetate fraction of the leaves of Rhizophora annamalayana Kathir, and characterized as 4-(11-(hydroxymethyl)-10-methylpentan-2-yl)-4, 5-dihydrobenzo[c]oxepin-1(3H)-one (1) and (E)-methyl-14-hydroxy-4-(11-(5-hydroxy-1-oxo-3,4,5-tetrahydrobenzo[c]oxepin-4-yl)ethyl)-10-methylhept-11-enoate (2). The benzoxepin 2 exhibited greater 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2, 2'-azino-bis-3 ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid diammonium radical scavenging assays (IC50 0.68 and 0.84 mg/mL, respectively) than those recorded with 1 (IC50 0.70 and 0.89 mg/mL, respectively). The tetrahydrobenzo[c]oxepin analogue (2) exhibited significantly great cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory properties (IC50 0.87 and 0.94 mg/mL, respectively), while compared with its dihydrobenzo[c]oxepin-1(3H)-one isoform (1) (IC50 1.16 and 1.64 mg/mL, respectively). The dihydrobenzo[c]oxepin-1(3H)-one isoform (2) exhibited significantly greater selectivity index (~2) than synthetic ibuprofen (0.44) (p < 0.05), which attributed the higher anti-inflammatory selectivity of the former against inducible pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 than its constitutive isoform (cyclooxygenase-1). No significant difference in 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitory activities were apparent between compound 2 (IC50 0.94 mg/mL) and synthetic ibuprofen (IC50 0.93 mg/mL).

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of Premna integrifolia extracts and assay-guided isolation of a COX-2/5-LOX dual inhibitor.

Premna integrifolia (Agnimantha brihat) is a traditional medicinal plant with a prominent place in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems of medicine. In this study we have evaluated the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of the Premna integrifolia root extracts employing cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzyme-based assays, lymphocyte proliferation assay, pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines measurement. Petroleum ether extract (PEE) of Premna integrifolia showed potent inhibition of COX-2 and 5-LOX with IC50 values of 6.15 µg/mL and 11.33 µg/mL respectively. In in vitro studies on RAW 264.7 cell line, PEE showed inhibition in the formation of nitric oxide (NO), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, induction of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-2) and down-regulation of expression of COX-2, 5-LOX, TNF-α, IL-1ß and iNOS. PEE also significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema in mouse model of inflammation. Further, attempts in isolating the active principle(s) involved in these anti-inflammatory effects of PEE by separation on RP-HPLC resulted in the isolation of four active peaks, H1, H2, H3 and H5, inhibiting COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX, out of which H3 was identified as 6- hydroxy salvinolone (6-HS). Present findings reveal that PEE of roots of Premna integrifolia exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, which could form a potential source for development of anti-inflammatory drugs. 6-HS, a COX-2/5-LOX dual inhibitor along with other lead molecules isolated from PEE of Premna integrifolia may form lead molecules for the development of COX-LOX dual inhibitors.

The ameliorative effect of hemp seed hexane extracts on the Propionibacterium acnes-induced inflammation and lipogenesis in sebocytes.

In this study, we investigated the anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-lipogenic effects of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed hexane extracts, focusing on the Propionibacterium acnes-triggered inflammation and lipogenesis. Hemp seed hexane extracts (HSHE) showed anti-microbial activity against P. acnes. The expression of iNOS, COX-2, and the subsequent production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin increased after infection of P. acnes in HaCaT cells, however, upon treating with HSHE, their expressions were reduced. P. acnes-induced expressions of IL-1ß and IL-8 were also reduced. HSHE exerted anti-inflammatory effects by regulating NF-κB and MAPKs signaling and blunting the translocation of p-NF-κB to the nucleus in P. acnes-stimulated HaCaT cells. Moreover, P. acnes-induced phosphorylation of ERK and JNK, and their downstream targets c-Fos and c-Jun, was also inhibited by HSHE. In addition, the transactivation of AP-1 induced by P. acnes infection was also downregulated by HSHE. Notably, HSHE regulated inflammation and lipid biosynthesis via regulating AMPK and AKT/FoxO1 signaling in IGF-1-induced inflammation and lipogenesis of sebocytes. In addition, HSHE inhibited 5-lipoxygenase level and P. acnes-induced MMP-9 activity, and promoted collagen biosynthesis in vitro. Thus, HSHE could be utilized to treat acne vulgaris, through its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-lipogenic, and collagen-promoting properties.

Specialized oxygenated heterocyclics from Villorita cyprinoides with cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory properties.

Villorita cyprinoides is traditional seafood in the coastal regions of Arabian Sea. Bioactivity-guided purification of ethyl acetate:methanol extract of V. cyprinoides resulted in the identification of two O-spirocyclic ether derivatives (1-2) along with one O-heterocyclic irregular meroterpenoid (3). The structures and their relative stereochemistries were elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic experiments. These specialized metabolites were found to exhibit potential antioxidative (IC50<0.70mg/mL) and anti-inflammatory activities against pro-inflammatory inducible 5-lipoxygenase (anti-5-LOX IC50≤0.80mg/mL) and cyclooxygenase-2 (anti-COX-2 IC50<0.75mg/mL) enzymes. Molecular docking simulations were used to describe the interactions of the isolated compounds (ligands) with COX-2 and 5-LOX inflammation model. The permissible hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance and lesser steric bulk of spirocyclic ether derivative (compound 2), along with greater number of hydrogen bonding interactions in the active sites of COX-2 and 5-LOX manifested towards its greater bioactivities compared to other compounds isolated from V. cyprinoides.

Evaluation of the neuroprotective and antidiabetic potential of phenol-rich extracts from virgin olive oils by in vitro assays.

In this work, phenol-rich extracts from 'Cornicabra' and 'Picual' virgin-olive oils (EVOOs) were examined, for the first time, to establish their capacity to inhibit key enzymes involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) (acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) and 5-lipoxygenase (LOX)), major depressive disorder (MDD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) (monoamine oxidases: hMAO-A and hMAO-B respectively), and diabetes mellitus (DM) (α-glucosidase and α-amylase). 'Cornicabra' displayed the best inhibitory activity against all enzymes, when compared to 'Picual': BuChE (IC50 = 156 ±â€¯4 and 308 ±â€¯33 mg mL-1), LOX (IC50 = 26 ±â€¯0.5 and 37 ±â€¯3 mg mL-1), hMAO-A (IC50 = 20 ±â€¯2 and 37 ±â€¯0.2 mg mL-1), hMAO-B (IC50 = 131 ±â€¯7 and 215 ±â€¯13 mg mL-1) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 154 ±â€¯17 and 251 ±â€¯31 mg mL-1), respectively. The behaviour observed can be associated with the higher content of secoiridoids, lignans and phenolic acids in 'Cornicabra' EVOO.

Triterpene Acids from Frankincense and Semi-Synthetic Derivatives That Inhibit 5-Lipoxygenase and Cathepsin G.

Age-related diseases, such as osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, are often associated with chronic unresolved inflammation. Neutrophils play central roles in this process by releasing tissue-degenerative proteases, such as cathepsin G, as well as pro-inflammatory leukotrienes produced by the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway. Boswellic acids (BAs) are pentacyclic triterpene acids contained in the gum resin of the anti-inflammatory remedy frankincense that target cathepsin G and 5-LO in neutrophils, and might thus represent suitable leads for intervention with age-associated diseases that have a chronic inflammatory component. Here, we investigated whether, in addition to BAs, other triterpene acids from frankincense interfere with 5-LO and cathepsin G. We provide a comprehensive analysis of 17 natural tetra- or pentacyclic triterpene acids for suppression of 5-LO product synthesis in human neutrophils. These triterpene acids were also investigated for their direct interference with 5-LO and cathepsin G in cell-free assays. Furthermore, our studies were expanded to 10 semi-synthetic BA derivatives. Our data reveal that besides BAs, several tetra- and pentacyclic triterpene acids are effective or even superior inhibitors of 5-LO product formation in human neutrophils, and in parallel, inhibit cathepsin G. Their beneficial target profile may qualify triterpene acids as anti-inflammatory natural products and pharmacological leads for intervention with diseases related to aging.

In-silico Studies of Isolated Phytoalkaloid Against Lipoxygenase: Study Based on Possible Correlation.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: Lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes play an important role in the pathophysiology of several inflammatory and allergic diseases including bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Inhibitors of the LOX are believed to be an ideal approach in the treatment of diseases caused by its over-expression. In this regard, several synthetic and natural agents are under investigation worldwide. Alkaloids are the most thoroughly investigated class of natural compounds with outstanding past in clinically useful drugs. In this article, we have discussed various alkaloids of plant origin that have already shown lipoxygenase inhibition in-vitro with possible correlation in in silico studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Molecular docking studies were performed using MOE (Molecular Operating Environment) software. Among the ten reported LOX alkaloids inhibitors, derived from plant, compounds 4, 2, 3 and 1 showed excellent docking scores and receptor sensitivity. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: These compounds already exhibited in vitro lipoxygenase inhibition and the MOE results strongly correlated with the experimental results. On the basis of these in vitro assays and computer aided results, we suggest that these compounds need further detail in vivo studies and clinical trial for the discovery of new more effective and safe lipoxygenase inhibitors. In conclusion, these results might be useful in the design of new and potential lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitors.

Tetraglochin andina Ciald.: A medicinal plant from the Argentinean highlands with potential use in vaginal candidiasis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Argentinean medicinal plant Tetraglochin andina Ciald, formerly classified as T. cristatum (Britton) Rothm is used in traditional medicine by inhabitants from Argentinean northwestern highlands (Puna) to treat candidiasis and as anti-inflammatory. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the potential of the crude drug as an anti-Candida agent with anti-inflammatory properties. The bioactivity and phytochemical composition of a dry extract of the plant was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The pharmacognostic description of the crude drug is carried out for the first time, including macroscopic and microscopic examinations of the different organs, physicochemical and extractive values (petroleum ether-, ethanol- and water-soluble). The dry extract from T. andina was evaluated as antifungal against pathogenic Candida sp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from vaginal infections and reference strains, by the macrodilution and microdilution assays. The normal vaginal microbiome in women is characterized by the dominance of lactic acid-producing bacteria, mainly Lactobacillus spp. The effect of T. andina extract on Lactobacillus strains was also assayed. The inhibitory effect on proinflammatory enzymes (cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase and phospholipase A2) and antioxidant capacity was studied. The chemical profile was analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS. RESULTS: The hydroalcoholic extract inhibited the growth of all yeasts with Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values between 12.5 and 400 µg GAE/mL and the MIC values on Lactobacillus were higher than the MIC values against Candida isolates ( > 400 µg GAE/mL). These results indicate that the hydroalcoholic extract could be used without affecting the normal microbiota of vaginal fluid. The extract showed antioxidant activity and could modulate the inflammatory process by three pathways (sPLA2, COX-2, LOX). The plant extract contained high total phenolic levels (386.9±1.7 mg GAE/g dry extract) and flavonoid levels (260.4±2.7 mg GAE/g dry extract). Fifty phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC-ESI-MS. They were mainly hydrolysable and condensed tannins. The dry extract was chemically and biologically stable during one year at room temperature or 4 °C. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of anti-Candida and anti-inflammatory activities in Tetraglochin andina extracts give support to their traditional use for treating conditions associated with microorganism infections and inflammatory process in humans. This plant preparation could be used to design phytopharmaceutical preparations to inhibit yeast growth and moderate the inflammatory and oxidative process.