Iridoids of Chemotaxonomy Relevance, a New Antirrhinoside Ester and Other Constituents from Kickxia spuria subsp. integrifolia (Brot.) R.Fern.

In this work, the secondary metabolite content of the EtOH extract of Kickxia spuria subsp. integrifolia (Brot.) R.Fern. is reported. Fourteen compounds were isolated and identified by means of column chromatography and NMR and MS instrumental techniques, respectively. Among the identified compounds, the chemotaxonomic markers of the species were evidenced, whereas others were reported for the first time in the genus. Among these, a new antirrhinoside derivative (12) was recognized. The iridoid content showed a molecular pattern very similar to those reported for other taxa comprised in the Antirrhinae tribe of Plantaginaceae, thus providing an additional evidence that supports the current botanical classification of the Kickxia genus. Anyway, most of the recognized components are able to exert important pharmacological properties which might suggest the possible employment of also this species in traditional medicine just like it happens for some other species of the Kickxia genus.

Genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of Alternanthera Bettzickiana, an important ethno-medicinal plant.

The present study was carried out to investigate the mutagenic and cytotoxic potential of n-hexane and aqueous-methanolic whole plant extracts of Alternanthera bettzickiana. Aqueous-methanolic and n-hexane extracts of Alternanthera bettzickiana extracts were assessed for the mutagenic potential with Salmonella tester strains TA-100 and TA-102 in the presence and absence of the rodent enzyme activation system and cytotoxic potential was assessed by MTT assay. Aqueous-methanolic extract showed the presence of saponins, tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids and glycosides. However n-hexane extract revealed the presence of tannins and terpenoids only. It was found that a concentration as low as 15mg/mL of both extracts was more mutagenic to the TA 102 tester strain than TA-100. Hexane whole plant extract of Altenanthera bettzickiana was more mutagenic than aqueous-methanolic extract considering revertant colonies of TA 100 strain. Aqueous-methanolic and n-hexane whole plant extracts of Altenanthera bettzickiana showed higher mutagenic potential in the presence of the enzyme activation system. Mutagenicity of aqueous-methanolic extract increased with an enzyme activation system in case of TA 100 whereas mutagenicity of n-hexane extract decreased in the presence of the enzyme activation system with TA 100 and TA 102 strains. Aqueous-methanolic and n-Hexane whole plant extracts of Alternanthera bettzickiana showed an IC-50 of 493 and 456 µg/mL in BHK-21 cells respectively. It can be concluded that Altenanthera bettzickiana exhibited mutagenic activity in a bacterial reverse mutation assay with and without enzyme activation systems. However, it showed limited cytotoxicity to BHK-21 cells.

Phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of genus Amaranthus.

The variety of bioactive compounds found in different species of Amaranthus, an herb that is a staple food in many parts of India. The plethora of herb Amaranthus has been a rich source of bioactive compounds like essential oils, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, phenolic acids, flavonoids, etc. The traditional uses of Amaranthus, spp. have been established scientifically and were shown due to the presence of different phytochemicals. Although the pharmacological activities of Amaranthus genus have been well-documented, further studies are needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and clinical applications. In conclusion, the phytochemistry and pharmacological activity of genus Amaranthus make it a promising source of natural products for drug discovery and development. The present is review mainly concise to the ethnopharmacological relevance and pharmacological studies of Amaranthus species. This conclusive review work may on Amaranthus species provided the interconnection of bioactive molecules with its ethno pharmacological utility of plant species.

Iridoids and phenylethanoid glycosides from the aerial parts of Ajuga tenorei, an endemic Italian species.

We report the first analysis in absolute, and in particular, concerning the phytochemical pattern, about an endemic Italian species, Ajuga tenorei C. Presl. The analysis, performed by means of techniques such as Column Chromatography and NMR spectroscopy and Mass spectrometry, led to the isolation and the identification of five compounds namely verbascoside (1), echinacoside (2), ajugoside (3), harpagide (4) and 8-O-acetylharpagide (5). The presence of these compounds is important from both chemotaxonomic and ethno-pharmacological point of view. For what concerns the first point is confirmed the correct botanical classification of the species. The isolated compounds are also known to exert peculiar pharmacological activities and their presence may give a rationale to the historical medicinal properties associated to the Ajuga genus in general, since these plants have a long traditional use in many parts of the world. Such fact might suggest the use of also this species in this sense.

Phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract of Agathis robusta (C. Moore ex F. Muell.) F.M. Bailey.

This work reports the phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract obtained from the leaves of Agathis robusta (C. Moore ex F. Muell.) F.M. Bailey. The methodology utilised during this study comprised classical chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Six compounds were identified: agathisflavone (1), 7″-O-methyl-agathisflavone (2), cupressuflavone (3), rutin (4), shikimic acid (5) and (2S)-1,2-Di-O-[(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoyl]-3-O-ß-d-galactopyranosyl glycerol (6). These belong to four major classes of natural compounds: bi-flavonoids (1-3); diglycosidic flavonoids (4); cycloexen-carboxylic acids (5); glycerol-glycolipids (6). To the best of our knowledge, compounds (3-6) were identified for the first time in this study as constituents of A. robusta. Anyway, the majority of these compounds has chemotaxonomic relevance and is mostly in accordance with the current botanical classification of this species. Moreover, they also present several pharmacological properties among which, the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and protective ones are the most important and may explain why this species is used in the ethno-medicinal field.

Ficus carica L. (Moraceae): an ancient source of food and health.

Since early in the man history, common fig was appreciated as food and for its medicinal properties. This review explores some aspects about the importance of Ficus carica L., an amazing and ancient source of medicines and food. Topics regarding chemistry, biological activity, ethno-pharmacological uses, and its nutritional value are discussed, as well as the potential of the species as a source of new and different chemical scaffolds. Very important in the past, appreciated in our time and extremely promising in the future, F. carica represents an interesting example of healthy foods and bioproducts.

Identification of medicinal plants of Urmia for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders

The gastrointestinal tract is one of the most important organs of the human body and is vulnerable to different diseases. Available drugs often have low efficacy or are associated with many adverse effects. Therefore, alternative drugs are necessary to treat gastrointestinal complications. This study intended to identify medicinal plants in Urmia, Iran, that can affect common gastrointestinal disorders and diseases. Data was collected from public resources via interviews and questionnaires applied from April to June 2013. Herbarium specimens were collected from the region and authenticated by a botanist. A total of 41 indigenous medicinal plants from the Urmia region, belonging to twenty families, have a traditional medicinal role in the treatment of parasitic and infectious diseases, diarrhea, reflux, gastroenteritis, peptic ulcer, constipation, bloating, among other gastrointestinal tract disorders. Analysis showed that most plants affecting the gastrointestinal tract belonged in the Asteraceae family (24%). The most used part of the plants was the seed at 17%. Decoction at 65% was the most popular form of treatment used. Some of the medicinal plants discussed in this article have new implications presented for the first time. Pharmacological studies on the therapeutic effects of the indigenous plants mentioned in this study are necessary in order to investigate their claimed clinical effects and the use of their effective compounds to produce natural and useful drugs. Currently, there is no data on the herbal plants used to treat gastrointestinal disorders in northwestern Iran. Therefore, these findings are important for the management of gastrointestinal disorders and to conduct future studies on traditional medicine for drug development.