A highly sensitive GC-MS method for simultaneous determination of anacardic acids in cashew (Anacardium occidentale) nut shell oil in the presence of other phenolic lipid derivatives.

The commercial value of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) has become a cornerstone of the agrowaste industry. It is the by-product of the cashew industry and has an 1/8 inch thickness of soft honeycomb structure. CNSL contains phenolic lipids with aliphatic chains such as anacardic acid, cardanol, cardol and methyl cardol, and their derivatives. The developed GC-MS method is rapid, accurate and selective using a selected derivatizing reagent, namely N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide that was previously diluted 1:1% with anhydrous pyridine. The proposed GC-MS method was applied for the analysis of different CNSL samples. The results showed that all classes of CNSL compounds were detected. The four alkyl phenols were detected with their different alkyl sidechains without any interference. This method is also specified for the detection of fatty acids of saturated and unsaturated chains. Silylation did not cause any alteration in the chemical structure of CNSL compounds regardless of esterification action. Silylation is considered a safe derivatizing agent compatible with GC chromatography and specific for all volatile and nonvolatile polar and nonpolar CNSL compounds that could be detected in CNSL samples.

A New Polyoxygenated Flavonol Gossypetin-3-O-ß-d-Robinobioside from Caesalpinia gilliesii (Hook.) D. Dietr. and In Vivo Hepatoprotective, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Ulcer Activities of the Leaf Methanol Extract.

A hitherto unknown polyoxygenated flavonol robinobioside (gossypetin-3-O-ß-d-robinobioside) was isolated from the leaves of Caesalpinia gilliesii along with thirteen known phenolic secondary metabolites. The isolated compounds were characterized using spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectrometry (MS) analyses. The extract reduced the level of liver damage in CCl4-induced liver injury in rats. A decrease of the liver biomarkers-aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and an increase of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels-were observed similar to the liver protecting drug silymarin. In addition, the extract showed promising activity against carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and protected their stomachs against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in a concentration dependent fashion. The observed activities could be attributed to the high content of antioxidant polyphenols. Our results suggest that the C. gilliesii has the capacity to scavenge free radicals and can protect against oxidative stress, and liver and stomach injury.

Phenolic metabolites, biological activities, and isolated compounds of Terminalia muelleri extract.

CONTEXT: Terminalia muelleri Benth. (Combretaceae), is rich with phenolics that have antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. No screening studies were published before on T. muelleri. OBJECTIVE: The study focused on isolation and identification of secondary metabolites from aqueous methanol leaf extract of T. muelleri and evaluation of its biological activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The n-butanol extract was chromatographed on polyamide 6, and eluted with H2O/MeOH mixtures of decreasing polarity, then separated by different chromatographic tools that yielded 10 phenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated by investigating its total phenolic and flavonoid content and DPPH scavenging effectiveness. The extract and the two acylated flavones were evaluated for their anticancer activity towards MCF-7 and PC3 cancer cell lines. Molecular docking study of the acylated flavones was performed against topoisomerase enzyme. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Two acylated flavonoids, apigenin-8-C-(2″-O-galloyl) glucoside 1 and luteolin-8-C-(2″-O-galloyl) glucoside 2, were isolated and identified for the second time in nature, with eight tannins (3-10), from the leaves of T. muelleri. The extract and compound 10 showed the most significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 3.55 and 6.34 µg/mL), respectively. The total extract and compound 2 demonstrated cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 with IC50 = 29.7 and 45.2 µg/mL respectively, while compound 1 showed cytotoxic effect against PC3 (IC50 = 40.8 µg/mL). The docking study of compounds 1 and 2 confirmed unique binding mode in the active site of human DNA topoisomerase enzyme. CONCLUSIONS: Terminalia muelleri is a promising medicinal plant as it possesses high antioxidant activity and moderate cytotoxic activity against MCF-7.

Citrus clementine Peel Essential Oil Ameliorates Potassium Dichromate-Induced Lung Injury: Insights into the PI3K/AKT Pathway.

Acute Lung Injury (ALI) is a life-threatening syndrome that has been identified as a potential complication of COVID-19. There is a critical need to shed light on the underlying mechanistic pathways and explore novel therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to examine the potential therapeutic effects of Citrus clementine essential oil (CCEO) in treating potassium dichromate (PDC)-induced ALI. The chemical profile of CCEO was created through GC-MS analysis. An in vivo study in rats was conducted to evaluate the effect of CCEO administrated via two different delivery systems (oral/inhalation) in mitigating acute lung injury (ALI) induced by intranasal instillation of PDC. Eight volatile compounds were identified, with monoterpene hydrocarbons accounting for 97.03% of the identified constituents, including 88.84% of D-limonene. CCEO at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These significant antioxidant properties were revealed through the reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the restoration of reduced glutathione (GSH). In addition, inflammation reduction was observed by decreasing levels of cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and tumor growth factor-ß (TNF-α and TGF-ß), along with an increase in phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt overexpression in lung tissue homogenate, in both oral and inhalation routes, compared to the PDC-induced group. These results were supported by histopathological studies and immunohistochemical assessment of TGF-ß levels in lung tissues. These findings revealed that CCEO plays an integral role in relieving ALI induced by intranasal PDC and suggests it as a promising remedy.

The Impact of Sociodemographic, Nutritional, and Health Factors on the Incidence and Complications of COVID-19 in Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study was intended to explore sociodemographic, nutritional, and health-related factors on the incidence of COVID-19 infection within the Egyptian population by assessing the frequency and determinants of post-COVID-19 symptoms and complications. A cross-sectional study using a structured survey on 15,166 participants was adopted. The results revealed common symptoms including fever (79.1%), cough (74.5%), anosmia& ageusia (68.4%), and dyspnea (66.9%). The patients were nonsmokers (83.9%), while 9.7% were mild smokers. The percentage of infected patients with comorbidities versus those without comorbidities were 29%, 71%, respectively. The highest incidence of infection was in those patients with hypertension (14.8%) and diabetes (10.9%), especially females with age >50 years and obesity (BMI; 30−39.9). The highest risks were observed for anticoagulants in the age above 50 years, morbid obesity, presence of comorbidities, and being a healthcare worker. The predictors of clot risk were in the age above 50 years, non-educated, and eating meat and eggs. Nonetheless, the highest risk of using antidepressants was in patients >50 years and those who traveled abroad. These findings and similarities within the surrounding region, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Europe, indicate the possibility of sharing the same viral strain and characteristics that may predict a similar vaccine efficacy and response.

The role of active metabolites isolated from Jasminum multiflorum flowers against hepatitis C virus infection and related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Jasminum multiflorum Burm. f. (J. multiflorum) is an ornamental plant with traditional medicinal importance. This study aims to evaluate the activity of J. multiflorum isolated compounds against hepatocellular carcinoma cells infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in vitro. The in vitro anti-viral and anti-oncogenic-related activity were validated by anchorage-independent assay plus transwell migration/invasion and spreading assay. In addition to chromatographic isolation of the active metabolites. The flower extract demonstrated a significant antiviral potential through reducing active viral replication by more than 90%. Study results credit this to specific reduction of viral NS5A and cellular EphA2 protein levels. Molecular docking analysis proved the role of the isolated compounds especially multifloroside, jasfloroside A and jasfloroside B as possible anti HCV molecules.

Jasminum azoricum L. leaves: HPLC-PDA/MS/MS profiling and in-vitro cytotoxicity supported by molecular docking.

In this study chemical profiling of Jasminum azoricum L. (J. azoricum) using HPLC-PDA/MS/MS and evaluation of its in-vitro cytotoxicity towards the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), human colorectal cancer cell (HCT-116) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (Huh-7) cell lines. The viability % was determined by the neutral red uptake assay. The study led to the identification of 37 secondary metabolite; major nine compounds were subjected to virtual docking to determine their role in tumour growth inhibition by controlling apoptosis and cancer cell proliferation using the 3D crystal structure of MST3 ligand protein. Two compounds; sambacoside A and molihauside C, showed high-affinity values of (-9.91, -9.57) kcal/mol against MST3 protein. In silico prediction of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) was performed and revealed no mutagenicity, no tumorigenicity and non-irritant actions of both compounds, so J. azoricum could be used as a beneficial source for cytotoxic compounds.[Figure: see text].

Phenolic profiling of different Jasminum species cultivated in Egypt and their antioxidant activity.

This study focused on the profiling of phenolic constituents in 80% methanolic extracts of the leaves of some Jasminum species cultivated in Egypt and their antioxidant activities. Phenolic profiling was performed by total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents and HPLC-DAD for selected species in comparison to authentic standards. DPPH assay was used to estimate the antioxidant activities of Jasminum azoricum L., Jasminum humile L., Jasminum multiflorum (Burm.f.) Andrew, Jasminum officinale L., Jasminum sambac (Ait) L. "Arabian Nights cultivar" and Jasminum sambac (Ait) L. "Grand Duke of Tuscany cultivar". Jasminum multiflorum showed the highest antioxidant activity among selected species with IC50 of 34.8 µg/ml. J. multiflorum showed high concentrations of hydroxytyrosol, protocatechuic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, kaempferol-3-O- neohesperidoside, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside with concentrations of 977.1 µg/g, 2224.7 µg/g, 714.8 µg/g, 1738.8 µg/g, and 4356.1 µg/g, respectively.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activities of Jasminum multiflorum (Burm. F.) Andrews Leaves towards MCF-7 Breast Cancer and HCT 116 Colorectal Cell Lines and Identification of Bioactive Metabolites.

BACKGROUND: The plants of high phenolic contents are perfect antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents and participate in biological studies as effective agents towards different cancer cell lines. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of the hydromethanolic leaf extract of Jasminum multiflorum (Burm. f.) Andrews. (J. multiflorum), and phenolic profiling of the extract. METHODS: The antioxidant activity for the extract was estimated using ß-Carotene-linoleic and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by histamine release assay. Cytotoxicity of J. multiflorum was performed using a neutral red uptake assay towards breast cancer (MCF-7) and colorectal cancer (HCT 116) cell lines. Phenolic profiling of the leaves was characterized using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detector-mass spectroscopy-mass spectroscopy (HPLC-PDA-MS/MS), and chromatographic isolation and identification of the isolated compounds were performed using spectroscopic and NMR data, and virtual docking was performed to the isolated compounds against HSP90 (HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 90). RESULTS: At a concentration of 75 µg mL-1, J. multiflorum extract showed high antioxidant power; 68.23±0.35 % inhibition and 60.30±0.60 a TEAC (µmol Trolox g-1) for ß-Carotene-linoleic assay and FRAP assay; respectively, and possessed anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 67.2 µg/ml. J. multiflorum showed high cytotoxic activity with IC50 of 24.81 µg/ml and 11.38 µg/ml for MCF-7 and HCT 116 cell lines, respectively. HPLC-PDA-MS/MS analysis tentatively identified 39 compounds; major compounds are secoiridoid glycosides, kaempferol, and quercetin glycosides, in addition to simple phenylethanoid compounds. Isolation of active metabolites was performed and led to the isolation and identification of four compounds. On the basis of docking study using HSP90 legend, kaempferol neohesperidoside showed a high cytotoxic potential supported by a high affinity score towards HSP90 legend protein. CONCLUSION: Jasminum multiflorum is a good candidate to isolate cytotoxic agents.

Aldose reductase inhibitor form Cassia glauca: A comparative study of cytotoxic activity with Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and molecular docking evaluation.

UPLC-MS/MS profiling of Cassia glauca leaves extract revealed the identification of 10 flavonoids. Kaempferol 3-O-ß-D-rutinoside was isolated and studied for its cytotoxic activity. It showed high cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 (IC50 of 4.6±0.038 µg/ml) and HepG-2 (IC50 of 8.2±0.024 µg/ml) cancer cell lines, compared to the leaves extracts, their Ag nanoparticles, and doxorubicin. Moreover, Kaempferol 3-O-ß-D-rutinoside exerted a synergistic cytotoxic effect with doxorubicin on MCF-7 cell lines. It was discovered as kinases and aldose reductase inhibitor while rationalizing its cytotoxic activity through molecular docking study. Thus, it is expected that the cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin can be also decreased by using Kaempferol 3-O-ß-D-rutinoside due to its aldose reductase inhibitory effect. These findings suggested that Kaempferol 3-O-ß-D-rutinoside could be used in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs to increase the sensitivity to their cytotoxic activity and protect against their side effects.

Cytotoxic constituents from Vicia monantha subsp. monantha seeds.

Chemical investigation of Vicia monantha subsp. monantha Retz. revealed isolation of one new hydroxy- fatty acid (6) identified as (6-Z, 10-E)-9-hydroxy henicosa-6,10-dienoic acid in addition to six known metabolites; hexadecanoic acid (1), ß-sitosterol (2), ß-amyrin (3), ß-sitosterol-glucoside (4), 2,3-dihydroxypropyl tetradecanoate (5) and (Z)-9-hydroxypentadec-6-enoic acid (7). The cytotoxic effect of the isolated compounds was assessed by MTT assay using lung cancer A-549, prostate cancer PC3, breast cancer MCF-7, colon cancer HCT-116 and liver cancer HepG2 cell lines. Only compounds 1, 2, and 4 showed cytotoxic effect on HCT-116 cells where compound 2 was the most active with IC50 value of 22.61 µg/mL. In addition, compounds 1, 2, 3, and 4 showed promising cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 21.03, 15.42, 10.089, and 11.34 µg/mL, respectively.

Rheum palmatum root extract inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma in rats treated with diethylnitrosamine.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential anticancer properties of a methanol extract of Rheum palmatum roots against diethylnitrosamine (DENA)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats and to characterize its phytoconstituents. METHODS: HPLC-PDA-MS/MS was used to profile the secondary metabolites in R. palmatum root extract. HCC was induced using diethylnitrosamine (DENA). The activity of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), total proteins, serum albumin and serum globulin was determined. DNA fragmentation and histopathological examination and GST-P immunostaining were also studied. KEY FINDINGS: LC-MS/MS analysis identified 16 compounds belonging to anthraquinones, flavonoids and tannins. The root extract significantly reduced the elevated liver enzymes ALT and AST and increased total proteins, albumin and globulin in HCC-rats. Also, the tumour markers AFP and GGT levels were significantly reduced in HCC-rats treated with the extract. In addition, the extract significantly reduced elevated DNA fragmentation and decreased the numbers and areas of GST-P positive putative foci in HCC-rats. CONCLUSIONS: Rheum palmatum is a potential candidate to be explored for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

A new pregnane glycoside from Gomphocarpus fruticosus growing in Egypt.

Phytochemical investigation of Gomphocarpus fruticosus (L.) Ait. of Egyptian origin afforded the new pregnane glycoside lineolon-3-O-[ß-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1-4)-ß-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1-4)-ß-D-cymaropyranoside], along with six known compounds. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic evidences derived from 1D, 2D NMR experiments, mass spectrometry and by comparing their physical and spectroscopic data to literature. These included the triterpenoids 3ß-taraxerol, 3ß-taraxerol acetate and betulinic acid, which are identified for the first time in G. fruticosus and the cardenolides uzarigenin, gomphoside and calotropin.

New Isorhamnetin Derivatives from Salsola imbricata Forssk. Leaves with Distinct Anti-inflammatory Activity.

BACKGROUND: Salsola imbricata Forssk. is a shrub widely growing in Egypt, used as a camel food, traditionally, used as anti-inflammatory agent. Literature survey showed no report about the anti-inflammatory activity of S. imbricata. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work was designed to study the phenolic constituents and to provide evidence for the traditional use of S. imbricata as an anti-inflammatory agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the total aqueous methanol extract and some isolated compounds were investigated in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells using nitric oxide assay. All chemical structures were identified on the basis of electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry, one- and two-dimension nuclear magnetic resonance. RESULTS: Nine phenolic compounds, among them two new natural products; isorhamnetin-3-O-ß-D-glucuronyl (1'''→4'') glucuronide (1) and its dimethyl ester; isorhamnetin-3-O-ß-D-di glucuronate dimethyl ester (2), two isorhamnetin glycosides: Isorhamnetin-3-O-ß-D-galactopyranoside (3), isorhamnetin-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (4), and isorhamnetin (5). In addition, an alkaloidal phenolic; trans N-feruloyl tyramine (6), three phenolic acids: Isovanillic acid (7), ferulic acid (8), and p-hydroxy benzoic acid (9) were isolated from salsola imbricata leaves. All compounds were isolated and identified for the first time from this plant except compound (6). The extract and the tested compounds showed distintict anti-inflammatory activities with no toxicity on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. CONCLUSION: The extract and the tested compounds showed distintict anti-inflammatory activities with no toxicity on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. SUMMARY: Investigation of the chemical constituents of the leaves of Salsola imbricata led to isolation of two new isorhamnetin derivatives: isorhamnetin.3-O-ß-D.glucuronyl (1'"→") glucuronide (1) and its dimethyl ester (2), together with seven known phenolic compounds. The extract and the tested compounds showed distintict anti-inflammatory activities with no toxicity on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Abbreviations used: PC: Paper chromatography, MPLC : Medium Pressure Liquid Chromatography, HMBC: Heteronuclear multiple bond correlation, HMQC: Heteronuclear single quantum correlation, NMR: Nuclear magnetic resonance.

A New Octadecenoic Acid Derivative from Caesalpinia gilliesii Flowers with Potent Hepatoprotective Activity.

BACKGROUND: Caesalpinia gilliesii Hook is an ornamental shrub with showy yellow flowers. It was used in folk medicine due to its contents of different classes of secondary metabolites. In our previous study, dichloromethane extract of C. gilliesii flowers showed a good antioxidant activity. AIM OF THE STUDY: Isolation and identification of bioactive hepatoprotective compounds from C. gilliesii flowers dichloromethane fraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hepatoprotective activity of dichloromethane fraction and isolated compounds were studied in CCl4-intoxicated rat liver slices by measuring liver injury markers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and glutathione [GSH]). All compounds were structurally elucidated on the basis of electron ionization-mass spectrometry, one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance. RESULTS: A new 12,13,16-trihydroxy-14(Z)-octadecenoic acid was identified in addition to the known ß-sitosterol-3-O-butyl, daucosterol, isorhamnetin, isorhamnetin-3-O-rhamnoside, luteolin-7,4'-dimethyl ether, genistein-5-methyl ether, luteolin-7-O-rhamnoside, isovanillic acid, and p-methoxybenzoic acid. Dichloromethane fraction and isorhamnetin were able to significantly protect the liver against intoxication. Moreover, the dichloromethane fraction and the isolated phytosterols induced GSH above the normal level. CONCLUSION: The hepatoprotective activity of C. gilliesii may be attributed to its high content of phytosterols and phenolic compounds. SUMMARY: Bioactive Hepatoprotective phytosterols and phenolics from chloroform extract of Caesalpinia gilliesii Abbreviations used: ALT: Alanine Aminotransferase; AST: Aspartate aminotransferase; GSH: Glutathione; SC50: Scavenging Capacity 50 (SC 50); COSY: Correlation spectroscopy; NMR: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance; CC: Column chromatography; EI-MS: Electron-impact mass spectrometry; HSQC: Heteronuclear single-quantum correlation.