Comprehensive investigation of network pharmacology, computational modeling, and pharmacokinetic assessment to evaluate the efficacy of flavonoids in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and joint damage, imposing a significant burden on affected individuals worldwide. Flavonoids, a class of natural compounds abundant in various plant-based foods, have shown promising anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents for RA. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of identified LCMS compounds utilizing network pharmacology, computational modeling, in silico approaches, and pharmacokinetic assessment to evaluate the efficacy of flavonoids in RA treatment. The study identified 5 flavonoid structures with common targets via LCMS and Integration of network pharmacology approaches enabled a comprehensive evaluation of the pharmacological profile of flavonoids in the context of RA treatment, guiding the selection of promising candidates for further experimental validation and clinical development. The top 10 targets were AKT1, PI3KR1, CDK2, EGFR, CDK6, NOS2, FLT3, ALOX5, CCNB1, and PTPRS via PPI network. The investigation emphasized several pathways, including the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the PI3K-AKT signaling network, and the Rap 1 signaling pathway. In silico studies estimated binding affinities that ranged from - 7.0 to - 10.0 kcal/mol. Schaftoside and Vitexin showed no toxicity in computational approach and found suitable for further investigations. Overall, our study underscores the potential of flavonoids as therapeutic agents for RA and highlights the utility of integrative approaches combining network pharmacology, computational modeling, in silico methods, and pharmacokinetic assessment in drug discovery and development processes.

The Emerging Importance of Cirsimaritin in Type 2 Diabetes Treatment.

Cirsimaritin is a dimethoxy flavon that has different biological activities such as antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. This study aims to investigate the anti-diabetic effects of cirsimaritin in a high-fat diet and streptozotocin-(HFD/STZ)-induced rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Rats were fed HFD, followed by a single low dose of STZ (40 mg/kg). HFD/STZ diabetic rats were treated orally with cirsimaritin (50 mg/kg) or metformin (200 mg/kg) for 10 days before terminating the experiment and collecting plasma, soleus muscle, adipose tissue, and liver for further downstream analysis. Cirsimaritin reduced the elevated levels of serum glucose in diabetic rats compared to the vehicle control group (p < 0.001). Cirsimaritin abrogated the increase in serum insulin in the treated diabetic group compared to the vehicle control rats (p < 0.01). The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was decreased in the diabetic rats treated with cirsimaritin compared to the vehicle controls. The skeletal muscle and adipose tissue protein contents of GLUT4 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and pAMPK-α1 (p < 0.05) were upregulated following treatment with cirsimaritin. Cirsimaritin was able to upregulate GLUT2 and AMPK protein expression in the liver (p < 0.01, <0.05, respectively). LDL, triglyceride, and cholesterol were reduced in diabetic rats treated with cirsimaritin compared to the vehicle controls (p < 0.001). Cirsimaritin reduced MDA, and IL-6 levels (p < 0.001), increased GSH levels (p < 0.001), and reduced GSSG levels (p < 0.001) in diabetic rats compared to the vehicle control. Cirsimaritin could represent a promising therapeutic agent to treat T2D.

Santin and cirsimaritin from Betula pubescens and Betula pendula buds induce apoptosis in human digestive system cancer cells.

Flavonoids are bioactive secondary metabolites of plants, which exert anti-cancer effects. However, metabolism in enterocytes and the liver can influence the biological activity of flavonoids contained in the diet. Therefore, results from in vitro studies on cancer cells from the digestive tract and liver may reflect the real effects in the human body. Previously, we have found that the extract from birch buds exerts antiproliferative activity in a panel of cancer cells. In the present study, the anti-cancer activity of ten flavonoids isolated from the buds of Betula pubescens and Betula pendula was characterized. Among them, santin and cirsimaritin significantly reduced viability, proliferation and clonogenicity of gastric (AGS), colon (DLD-1) and liver (HepG2) cancer cells. Both flavonoids induced apoptosis, accompanied by activation of caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-8 and caspase-9. Moreover, upregulation of p53 was detected only in wild-type p53 harbouring cells. Together, our results suggest that santin and cirsimaritin exhibit promising anti-cancer activity in cultures of digestive system cancer cells.

Isorhamnetin, Hispidulin, and Cirsimaritin Identified in Tamarix ramosissima Barks from Southern Xinjiang and Their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities.

As a natural potential resource, Tamarix ramosissima has been widely used as barbecue skewers for a good taste and unique flavor. The polyphenolics in the branch bark play a key role in the quality improvement. The purposes of the present work were to explore the polyphenolic composition of T. ramosissima bark extract and assess their potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Hispidulin and cirsimaritin from T. ramosissima bark extract were first identified in the Tamarix genus reported with UPLC-MS analysis. Isorhamnetin (36.91 µg/mg extract), hispidulin (28.79 µg/mg extract) and cirsimaritin (13.35 µg/mg extract) are rich in the bark extract. The extract exhibited promising antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 117.05 µg/mL for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 151.57 µg/mL for hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, as well as excellent reducing power with an EC50 of 93.77 µg/mL. The bark extract showed appreciable antibacterial properties against foodborne pathogens. Listeria monocytogenes was the most sensitive microorganism with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 5 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value of 10 mg/mL followed by S. castellani and S. aureus among the tested bacteria. The T. ramosissima bark extract showed significantly stronger inhibitory activity against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria. Nevertheless, this extract failed to show any activity against tested fungi. Overall, these results suggested that T. ramosissima shows potential in improving food quality due to its highly efficacious antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Cirsimaritin inhibits influenza A virus replication by downregulating the NF-κB signal transduction pathway.

BACKGROUND: Artemisia scoparia Waldst and Kit is a famous traditional Chinese medicine widely distributed in Xinjiang, China. Flavonoids extracted from it exhibits inhibitory activities against several influenza virus strains. Despite this fact, the antiviral properties of CST, one of such flavonoids, against the influenza virus has not been reported. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the anti-influenza virus efficacy and antiviral mechanism of CST. METHODS: The inhibitory activity of CST against influenza viruses was assessed by using viral titers and performing Western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescence assays in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and a human monocytic cell line (THP-1). The mechanism of CST against influenza virus was analyzed by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay, neuraminidase (NA) inhibition assay, and Western blot. RESULTS: CST reduced viral titers and influenza A virus (IAV) RNA and protein synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, CST had no inhibitory effect on the attachment and release processes of the viral life cycle, as indicated by the HI and NA assays. Conversely, the CST-mediated inhibition of IAV is possibly linked to the inactivation of the NF-κB/p65 signal pathway. CST also suppressed the activation of JNK MAPK and P38 MAPK in vitro. In line with NF-κB/p65 inhibition, the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-8, and IL-10) and the inflammation-related protein COX-2 were downregulated by CST. CONCLUSIONS: CST inhibited IAV replication by downregulating the NF-κB signal transduction pathway. CST may be a potential agent or supplement against IAV infection.

Anti-inflammatory effects and corresponding mechanisms of cirsimaritin extracted from Cirsium japonicum var. maackii Maxim.

In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of cirsimaritin isolated from an ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Cirsium japonicum var. maackii Maxim. using RAW264.7 cells. The extract and its flavonoid cirsimaritin inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in RAW264.7 cells. Cirsimaritin inhibited interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and NO production in a concentration-dependent manner in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. From a western blot study, pretreatment with cirsimaritin inhibited phosphorylation/degradation of IκBα and phosphorylation of Akt in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, cirsimaritin suppressed activation of LPS-induced transcription factors, such as c-fos and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), in RAW264.7 cells. Collectively, these results show that cirsimaritin possesses anti-inflammatory activity, which is regulated by inhibition of c-fos and STAT3 phosphorylation in RAW264.7 cells.

Beneficial effects of a medicinal herb, Cirsium japonicum var. maackii, extract and its major component, cirsimaritin on breast cancer metastasis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

The biological activities of the ethanol extract from Cirsium japonicum var. maackii (ICF-1) and its major component, polyphenol cirsimaritin, were investigated as part of the search for possible alternative drugs for breast cancer. Three in vitro cell-based assays were used: the cell proliferation assay, tube-formation assay, and Western blot analysis. Both the ICF-1 extract and cirsimaritin inhibited the viability of HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition achieved was 36.89% at a level of 200µg/ml by the ICF-1 extract and 62.04% at a level of 100µM by cirsimaritin. The ICF-1 extract and cirsimaritin reduced tube formation by 12.69% at level of 25µg/ml and 32.18% at the levels of 6.25µM, respectively. Cirsimaritin inhibited angiogenesis by downregulation of VEGF, p-Akt and p-ERK in MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting that cirsimaritin is potentially useful as an anti-metastatic agent. The present study demonstrated that Cirsium japonicum extract and its active component cirsimaritin is an excellent candidate as an alternative anti-breast cancer drug.

Bioactivity-guided isolation of anti-proliferative compounds from endemic Centaurea kilaea.

CONTEXT: The genus Centaurea L. (Asteraceae) is one of the largest genera in Turkey. Compounds and extracts obtained from different Centaurea species have significant anti-cancer activity against various cancer cell lines. OBJECTIVE: To determine the anti-proliferative activity of isolates from the chloroform extract of C. kilaea Boiss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven compounds were isolated using column chromatography and preparative TLC from the chloroform extract of aerial parts of endemic C. kilaea. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods, including UV, lH-NMR and 13C-NMR. Anti-proliferative activity of compounds (0.5-50 µg/mL) were measured against one normal cell line (L-929, mouse fibroblast) and three human cancer cell lines (Hela, cervix carcinoma; MCF-7, breast carcinoma; PC-3, prostate carcinoma) using MTT assay. Results were expressed as IC50 values. RESULTS: None of the 11 compounds displayed activity against L-929 and HeLa. Two of these compounds, cnicin and cirsimaritin, showed fairly strong activity against MCF-7 and PC-3 with IC50 values of 3.25 and 4.3 µg/mL, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This is the first report on cirsimaritin. Cirsimaritin and cnicin could serve as potential anti-cancer drug candidates against breast and prostate cancer, respectively.

Pharmacological evaluation of the anxiolytic-like effects of Lippia graveolens and bioactive compounds.

CONTEXT: Lippia species (Verbenaceae) are widely used in Latin America and Africa as folk medicine for their tranquilizing properties. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anxiolytic-like effects and safety of Lippia graveolens Kunth. by exploring its aqueous and organic leaf extracts and identifying the responsible chemical constituents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Aqueous and organic extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol) were pharmacologically evaluated at several doses. Chemical constituents were identified using MS, NMR and GC-MS analysis. The isolated compounds (3 mg/kg, i.p.), extracts (1, 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.), and the reference drug diazepam (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) were assessed in CD-1 mice using experimental behavioural models: open-field, cylinder, hole-board, plus-maze and sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis, as well as their acute toxicity (LD50). RESULTS: After administration of the extracts and bioactive compounds, a significant anxiolytic-like response from 1 mg/kg, i.p. was observed, resembling the effect of diazepam. Major presence of thymol (33.40%) was observed in the hexane extract; whereas for the first time in this species a p-cymene + thymol mixture (9.78%), naringenin (0.18%) and cirsimaritin (1.16%) were obtained as bioactive constituents of the ethyl acetate crude extract. Acute toxicity was calculated to be LD50 = 1000 mg/kg for the crude hexane extract, lower in comparison to the other extracts analyzed (LD50 > 2000 mg/kg). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that L. graveolens exerts anxiolytic-like activity involving many kinds of constituents, mainly of the terpenoid and flavonoid nature. These results reinforce the potential use of this species in the therapy of anxiety.

Cirsimaritin Alleviates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Acute Colitis in Experimental Animals: A Therapeutic Approach for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease that affects the entire digestive tract. IBD can be classified as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. The key symptoms of IBD include the emergence of abscesses or pustules, pronounced abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, fistulas, and intestinal narrowing, all of which can greatly affect a patient's daily well-being. Several factors, including bacterial infections, immune response irregularities, and changes in the intestinal milieu, can contribute to the onset of IBD. The aim of this study was investigating the role of cirsimaritin in reducing the severity of colitis in animal model. To induce colitis in laboratory Swiss albino mice, a 4% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) concoction was provided in their hydration source for a duration of six days. Before the onset of colitis, mice were treated with cirsimaritin (10 mg/kg) once daily to evaluate its potential treatment effects against DSS-induced inflammation. The results showed that 10 mg/kg of cirsimaritin decreased colitis severity (P<0.05). Moreover, cirsimaritin successfully reversed the detrimental effects induced by DSS, including weight reduction, colon truncation, tissue-related damage, increased levels of inflammatory cells in the affected region, and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Our findings suggest that cirsimaritin can effectively alleviate acute colitis triggered by DSS.

Anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects of Baccharis conferta Kunth in a kaolin/carrageenan-induced monoarthritis model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Popularly known as "escoba" (broom) or "escobilla china" (Chinese brush), Baccharis conferta Kunth (Asteraceae), is a plant widely used in Mexican folk medicine for alleviating muscular and rheumatic pain. A recent study described that dichloromethane extract as well as fractions and isolated compounds, possess anti-inflammatory activity in TPA-induced acute edema. AIM OF THE STUDY: Based on the popular medicinal uses of B. conferta as well as previous studies on its anti-inflammatory activity, the aim of this research was to evaluate the anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects of dichloromethane extract, fractions, and compounds from B. conferta in a monoarthritis model induced with kaolin/carrageenan (K/C). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aerial parts of B. conferta were collected, dried, and macerated with dichloromethane. The dichloromethane extract (BcD) was separated by open column chromatography to obtain the BcD2 fraction where the diterpene kingidiol (KIN) was isolated and from the BcD3 fraction the flavonoid cirsimaritin (CIR), which are the most active compounds in the TPA model. In addition, the flavonoids acacetin, pectolinaringenin and 6-methoxykaempferide were identified and isolated from the BcD2 fraction. The content of the main compounds was estimated in BcD, BcD2 and BcD3. The anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects of B. conferta were investigated by evaluating ankle joint inflammation, hyperalgesia using the hot plate test, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in the synovial capsule as well as histological changes in ankle joint tissue in a monoarthritis model induced with K/C in Balb/c mice. RESULTS: Oral administration of BcD2 fraction (25 mg/kg) and KIN (10 mg/kg) reduced the ankle thickness induced by K/C and decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-17, while BcD2 increased IL-10. In addition, BcD2 and KIN showed significant edema attenuation of the synovial membrane and decreased inflammatory infiltration and cartilage erosion compared to the VEH group. Finally, BcD (50 mg/kg), KIN (10 mg/kg) and CIR (5 mg/kg) decreased hyperalgesia. CONCLUSIONS: B. conferta constitutes a therapeutic or preventive candidate for osteoarthritis, because of decreased articular inflammation and pain accompanied with the modulation of cytokine concentrations, which confirms the anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities of B. conferta and support its popular use.

Cirsimaritin, a lung squamous carcinoma cells (NCIH-520) proliferation inhibitor.

Cirsimaritin is a dimethoxy flavone, which is present in Ocimum sanctum, Microtea debilis, Artemisia judaica, Cirsium japonicum, and Lithocarpus dealbatus. Its antiproliferative potential has been explored in breast and gall bladder cancer cell lines. However, no reports are available on skin and squamous lung carcinoma. Also, the complete mode of action is unknown. Therefore, in the present study, the anticancer potential of cirsimaritin is explored in organ-specific cell lines by using MTT assay. Further, the inhibitory potential and binding interaction with the selected targets were analyzed through in vitro and in-silico analysis. Cirsimaritin showed selective anticancer activity against NCIH-520 cell-line (IC50 23.29 µM), also inhibited the proliferation of other cell-lines up to 48% at 100 µM. In NCIH-520 cell-line, cirsimaritin significantly increased the apoptosis of the cells at both the tested concentrations (10 and 100 µM), which was confirmed by Annexin-V signifying the induction of late apoptosis. Besides, an increase in the ROS levels of 1.6 fold (10 µM) and 1.8 fold (100 µM), circimaritin also inhibits the activity of ODC and CATD with the IC50 57.30 and 68.22 µM respectively. It exhibited a good binding score with the selected targets, follow Lipinski's rule of five and non-mutagenic. Hence, cirsimaritin is a potent molecule, which inhibits the proliferation of lung squamous cell lines by inducing apoptosis. It also inhibited the activity of ODC and CATD responsible for the progression phase in the cancer cells. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Ameliorative effects of Cirsium japonicum extract and main component cirsimaritin in mice model of high-fat diet-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.

The objective of this study was to determine biological effects of Cirsium japonicum extract and its main component cirsimaritin on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in a mouse model. Mice were fed with a HFD to induce MAFLD and simultaneously administered with C. japonicum extract (CJE) or cirsimaritin. Various MAFLD biomarkers were evaluated using biological methods. Results demonstrated that triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde levels in the liver of mice were significantly reduced upon administration of CJE or cirsimaritin. Treatment with CJE or cirsimaritin also reduced the severity of liver injury in the experimental mouse model of MAFLD by inhibiting hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver fibrosis. These results demonstrate that CJE and cirsimaritin as its main compound have a preventive action against the progression of hepatic steatosis to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Our study suggests that CJE and cirsimaritin might be promising agents for preventing and/or treating MAFLD.

Extract From Plectranthus amboinicus Inhibit Maturation and Release of Interleukin 1ß Through Inhibition of NF-κB Nuclear Translocation and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation.

Uncontrolled inflammation may produce massive inflammatory cytokines, in which interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) plays a key role, resulting in tissue damage and serious disorders. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome is one of the major mechanisms in maturation and release of IL-1ß. Plectranthus amboinicus is a perennial herb. Several pharmacological activities of natural components and crude extracts from P. amboinicus have been reported including anti-inflammation; however, the underlying mechanism is not clear. Phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate-differentiated THP-1 monocytic leukemia cells were used as a reliable model in this study to examine the effect on inflammasome signaling pathway by PA-F4, an extract from Plectranthus amboinicus. PA-F4 inhibited ATP-induced release of caspase-1, IL-1ß, and IL-18 from lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-primed cells. PA-F4 induced a concentration-dependent inhibition of both ASC dimerization and oligomerization in cells under LPS priming plus ATP stimulation. Co-immunoprecipitation of NLRP3 and ASC demonstrated that PA-F4 significantly blunted the interaction between NLRP3 and ASC. Furthermore, PA-F4 completely abolished ATP-induced K+ efflux reaction in LPS-primed cells. Taken together, PA-F4 displayed an inhibitory activity on NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Moreover, PA-F4 also inhibited LPS-induced p65 NF-κB activation, suggesting an inhibitory activity on LPS priming step. Further identification showed that rosmarinic acid, cirsimaritin, salvigenin, and carvacrol, four constituents in PA-F4, inhibited LPS-induced IL-6 release. In contrast, rosmarinic acid, cirsimaritin and carvacrol but not salvigenin inhibited ATP-induced caspase-1 release from LPS-primed cells. In conclusion, PA-F4 displayed an inhibitory activity on activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. PA-F4 inhibited LPS priming step through block of p65 NF-κB activation. It also inhibited ATP-induced signaling pathways in LPS-primed cells including the inhibition of both ASC dimerization and oligomerization, K+ efflux reaction, and the release reaction of caspase-1, IL-1ß, and IL-18. Rosmarinic acid, cirsimaritin, salvigenin, and carvacrol could partly explain PA-F4-mediated inhibitory activity on blocking the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.

Apoptotic and antimetastatic activities of betulin isolated from Quercus incana against non-small cell lung cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Globally, the prevalence and mortality rates of lung cancer have been escalated with the increasing trend of tobacco smoking. The toxicity and irresponsive nature of the available drugs for lung cancer treatment demands an alternative approach. METHODS: In this study, four known compounds namely, cirsimaritin (4',5, -dihydroxy-6,7-di-methoxyflavone) (1), eupatorin (5,3'-dihydroxy-6,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone) (2), betulin (Lup-20 (29)-ene-3, 28-diol) (3), and ß-amyrin acetate (12-Oleanen-3yl acetate) (4) have been isolated from the leaves extract of Quercus incana. Preliminary screening of these natural compounds (1-4) was performed against non-small cell lung carcinoma (NCI-H460) and normal mouse fibroblast (NIH-3T3) cell lines. RESULTS: The compounds were found to be antiproliferative against cancer cells with wide therapeutic index in comparison to the normal cells. Effects of betulin (3) on cell migration, invasion, apoptosis, and expression of important apoptosis- and metastasis-related markers were observed at different concentrations. The results showed significant dose-dependent induction of apoptosis after the treatment with betulin (3) followed by increased expression of the caspases family (ie, caspase-3, -6, and -9), proapoptotic genes (BAX and BAK), and inhibiting anti-apoptotic genes (BCL-2L1 and p53). Furthermore, wound healing and transwell invasion assays suggested that betulin (3) could also regulate metastasis by inhibiting MMP-2/-9. Osteopontin, a central regulator of apoptosis and metastasis was also inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that betulin (3) can be an attractive chemotherapeutic target for treating resistant lung cancers.

Protective effect of cirsimaritin against streptozotocin-induced apoptosis in pancreatic beta cells.

OBJECTIVES: Maintaining glucose homoeostasis is essential for the survival of cells. Despite the various health benefits of Korean thistle (Cirsium japonicum var. maackii), their effects on pancreatic ß-cell apoptosis in type 1 diabetes mellitus and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, and experimentally investigated in this study. METHODS: The effects of C. japonicum var. maackii and its active component cirsimaritin against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced cytotoxicity were assessed in INS-1 cells. By Western blotting analysis, protein expressions related to apoptosis were evaluated. The involvement of apoptosis was also confirmed with image-based cytometric assay and caspase activity tests. KEY FINDINGS: Cirsium japonicum var. maackii extract and cirsimaritin in non-toxic concentrations improved cell viability to near normal levels and protected INS-1 cells against STZ-induced damage. In addition, cirsimaritin reduced the intracellular oxidative stress induced by STZ. Cirsimaritin effectively suppressed apoptosis in pancreatic ß cells by decreasing the activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3, BID and the DNA repair protein poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and increasing anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential and action mechanism of cirsimaritin for the prevention and treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Cirsium maritimum Makino Inhibits the Antigen/Immunoglobulin-E-Mediated Allergic Response In Vitro and In Vivo.

We investigated whether Cirsium maritimum Makino can inhibit immunoglobulin-E-mediated allergic response in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in BALB/c mice. In vitro, the ethyl acetate extract of C. maritimum Makino (ECMM) significantly inhibited ß-hexosaminidase release and decreased intracellular Ca2+ levels in RBL-2H3 cells. Moreover, ECMM leaves more strongly suppressed the release of ß-hexosaminidase than ECMM flowers. ECMM leaves also significantly suppressed the PCA reaction in the murine model. High-performance liquid chromatography and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance indicated that cirsimaritin, a flavonoid, was concentrated in active fractions of the extract. Our findings suggest that ECMM leaves have a potential regulatory effect on allergic reactions that may be mediated by mast cells. Furthermore, cirsimaritin may be the active anti-allergic component in C. maritimum Makino.

High-resolution PTP1B inhibition profiling combined with high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry-solid-phase extraction-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy: Proof-of-concept and antidiabetic constituents in crude extract of Eremophila lucida.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) constituted 90% of the global 387 million diabetes cases in 2014. The enzyme protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has been recognized as a therapeutic target for treatment of T2D and its adverse complications. With the aim of accelerating the investigation of complex natural sources, such as crude plant extracts, for potential PTP1B inhibitors, we have developed a bio-analytical platform combining high-resolution PTP1B inhibition profiling and high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry-solid-phase extraction-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, i.e., HR-bioassay/HPLC-HRMS-SPE-NMR. Human recombinant PTP1B enzyme was used for the microplate-based PTP1B inhibition assay, which was optimized for pH and substrate concentration to be compatible with rate measurements within the 10 min incubation time. Subsequently, analytical-scale HPLC-based microfractionation followed by colorimetric microplate-based PTP1B bioassaying enabled construction of a high-resolution inhibition profile corresponding to the HPLC profile. The high-resolution PTP1B inhibition profiling was validated using an artificial mixture of known PTP1B inhibitors and non-inhibiting compounds as negative controls. Finally, a proof-of-concept study with a real sample was performed using crude ethyl acetate extract of the phytochemically hitherto unexplored plant Eremophila lucida. This led to the identification of the first viscidane type diterpene, i.e., 5-hydroxyviscida-3,14-dien-20-oic acid (9) as PTP1B inhibitor with an IC50 value of 42.0 ± 5.9 µM. In addition, a series of flavonoids, i.e., luteolin (1), dinatin (3a), tricin (3b), 3,6-dimethoxyapigenin (4), jaceidin (5), and cirsimaritin (6) as well as a cembrene diterpene, (3Z, 7E, 11Z)-15-hydroxycembra-3,7,11-trien-19-oic acid (8), were also identified for the first time from E. lucida.

A new bioactive monoterpene-flavonoid from Satureja khuzistanica.

A new monoterpene-flavonoid, saturejin (3'-(2,5-dihydroxy-p-cymene) 5,7,4'-trihydroxy flavone) (4), together with twelve known flavonoids consist of two flavanonols (aromadendrin (8) and taxifolin (12)), two flavanones (naringenin (3) and 5,7,3',5'-tetrahydroxy flavanone (9)) and eight flavones (xanthomicrol (1), acacetin (2), cirsimaritin (5), 7-methoxy luteolin (6), apigenin (7), cirsilineol (10), diosmetin (11) and 6-hydroxyluteolin 7,3'-dimethyl ether (13)), were isolated from an ethyl acetate extract and identified for the first time in the dried aerial parts of Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad, an endemic medicinal plant traditionally used as dental anesthetic, oral antiseptic and anti-inflammatory among the nomadic inhabitants of southwestern Iran. The structures of these compounds were determined using the usual spectroscopic methods including 2D-NMR and MS analyses. Saturejin showed a significant ß-glucosidase inhibitory activity at concentration of 10 µg as well as positive antioxidant activity at the amount of 1 µg. These results could be correlated with the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic properties reported from this medicinal plant. Similar activities were also described for some of the other isolated compounds.

Antigiardial activity of flavonoids from leaves of Aphelandra scabra

AbstractAphelandra scabra (Vahl) Sm., Acanthaceae, is a shrub widely used by some Mayan communities as carminative, antidote, and remedy for some infections. Bio-guided isolation of the methanol extract of leaves led us to the purification of the anti-giardial metabolites cirsimaritin and sorbifolin, along with the inactive metabolites cirsimarin, sorbifolin-6-O-β-glucopyranoside, and squalene. Cirsimaritin displayed high activity in the anti-giardial bioassay with an IC50 = 3.8 μM, being considered as outstanding when compared to previous reported metabolites, while sorbifolin showed a low activity with an IC50 = 75.6 μM. Additionally, both compounds proved not to be cytotoxic in an in vitro bioassay against HEK-293, a normal cell line. This is the first investigation on anti-giardial properties of A. scabra and its phytochemistry as well, thus the isolated compounds are considered as new for the plant genus and for the species.