LC-HRMS Profiling and Antidiabetic, Anticholinergic, and Antioxidant Activities of Aerial Parts of Kinkor (Ferulago stellata).

Kinkor (Ferulago stellata) is Turkish medicinal plant species and used in folk medicine against some diseases. As far as we know, the data are not available on the biological activities and chemical composition of this medicinal plant. In this study, the phytochemical composition; some metabolic enzyme inhibition; and antidiabetic, anticholinergic, and antioxidant activities of this plant were assessed. In order to evaluate the antioxidant activity of evaporated ethanolic extract (EEFS) and lyophilized water extract (WEFS) of kinkor (Ferulago stellata), some putative antioxidant methods such as DPPH· scavenging activity, ABTS•+ scavenging activity, ferric ions (Fe3+) reduction method, cupric ions (Cu2+) reducing capacity, and ferrous ions (Fe2+)-binding activities were separately performed. Furthermore, ascorbic acid, BHT, and α-tocopherol were used as the standard compounds. Additionally, the main phenolic compounds that are responsible for antioxidant abilities of ethanol and water extracts of kinkor (Ferulago stellata) were determined by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Ethanol and water extracts of kinkor (Ferulago stellata) demonstrated effective antioxidant abilities when compared to standards. Moreover, ethanol extract of kinkor (Ferulago stellata) demonstrated IC50 values of 1.772 µg/mL against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), 33.56 ± 2.96 µg/mL against α-glycosidase, and 0.639 µg/mL against α-amylase enzyme respectively.

Phytochemical Content, Antidiabetic, Anticholinergic, and Antioxidant Activities of Endemic Lecokia cretica Extracts.

The aim of this work was to investigate the enzyme inhibition, antioxidant activity, and phenolic compounds of Lecokia cretica (Lam.) DC. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and α-glycosidase enzymes were strongly inhibited by the L. cretica extracts. IC50 values for the three enzymes were found as 3.21 mg/mL, 2.1 mg/mL, and 2.07 mg/mL, respectively. Antioxidant activities were examined in both aqueous and ethanol (EtOH) extracts using CUPRAC, FRAP, and DPPH method. Also, the phenolic compounds of the endemic plant were identified and quantified by using HPLC/MS/MS. According to the results, the extracts have remarkable antioxidant activities. The most abundant phenolic acids of L. cretica in EtOH extract were determined as quinic acid (12.76 mg/kg of crude extract), chlorogenic acid (3.39 mg/kg), and malic acid (2.38 mg/kg).

Molecular Docking Studies of Coumarins Isolated from Extracts and Essential Oils of Zosima absinthifolia Link as Potential Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Disease.

Coumarins and essential oils are the major components of the Apiaceae family and the Zosima genus. The present study reports anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities of extracts and essential oils from aerial parts, roots, flowers, fruits and coumarins-bergapten (1); imperatorin (2), pimpinellin (3) and umbelliferone (4)-isolated of the roots from Zosima absinthifolia. The investigation by light and scanning electron microscopy of the structures of secretory canals found different chemical compositions in the various types of secretory canals which present in the aerial parts, fruits and flowers. The canals, present in the aerial parts, are characterized by terpene hydrocarbons, while the secretory canals of roots, flowers and fruits include esters. Novel data of a comparative study on essential oils constituents of aerial parts, roots, flowers and fruits of Z. absinthfolia has been presented. The roots and fruits extract showed a high content of total phenolics and antioxidant activity. The GC-FID and GC-MS analysis revealed that the main components of the aerial parts, roots, flowers and fruits extracts were octanol (8.8%), octyl octanoate (7.6%), octyl acetate (7.3%); trans-pinocarvyl acetate (26.7%), ß-pinene (8.9%); octyl acetate (19.9%), trans-p-menth-2-en-1-ol (4.6%); octyl acetate (81.6%), and (Z)-4-octenyl acetate (5.1%). The dichloromethane fraction of fruit and flower essential oil was characterized by the highest phenolics level and antioxidant activity. The dichloromethane fraction of fruit had the best inhibition against butyrylcholinesterase enzyme (82.27 ± 1.97%) which was higher then acetylcholinesterase inhibition (61.09 ± 4.46%) of umbelliferone. This study shows that the flowers and fruit of Z. absinthifolia can be a new potential resource of natural antioxidant and anticholinesterase compounds.

Nerolidol and its Pharmacological Application in Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review.

BACKGROUND: Research on natural bioactive compounds has increased exponentially over the last decades. The discovery of new phytochemicals that possess pharmaceutical properties is useful in the development of therapeutic alternatives. The nerolidol (3,7,11-trimetil-1,6,10-dodecatrien-3-ol or 3,7,11-trimetildodeca-1,6,10-trien-3-ol) has been extensively studied for its therapeutic potential because of its pharmacological activities in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. METHOD: All articles and patents regarding nerolidol and its pharmacological properties were revised, focusing mainly on the important properties in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. A thorough search in article databases (Science Direct, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus and Scielo) and patent database (WIPO, EPO, ESPTO, LATIPAT and INPI) was performed over the course of this study. RESULTS: Several studies stood out for their relevance regarding the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Nerolidol demonstrated anticholinesterasic, antioxidant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic activities, thus classifying it as a promising phytochemical for the development of therapeutic drugs. CONCLUSION: Analysis suggested that nerolidol is a promising target for new drugs and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Isorhamnetin and Quercetin Derivatives as Anti-Acetylcholinesterase Principles of Marigold (Calendula officinalis) Flowers and Preparations.

Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) is one of the most common and widespread plants used medicinally all over the world. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-acetylcholinesterase activity of marigold flowers, detect the compounds responsible and perform chemical analysis of marigold commercial products. Analysis of 23 varieties of C. officinalis flowers introduced into Siberia allowed us to select the Greenheart Orange variety due to the superior content of flavonoids (46.87 mg/g) and the highest inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (IC50 63.52 µg/mL). Flavonoids, isorhamnetin and quercetin derivatives were revealed as potential inhibitors with the application of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) activity-based profiling. Investigation of the inhibitory activity of isorhamnetin glycosides demonstrated the maximal potency for isorhamnetin-3-О-(2'',6''-di-acetyl)-glucoside (IC50 51.26 µM) and minimal potency for typhaneoside (isorhamnetin-3-O-(2'',6''-di-rhamnosyl)-glucoside; IC50 94.92 µM). Among quercetin derivatives, the most active compound was quercetin-3-О-(2'',6''-di-acetyl)-glucoside (IC50 36.47 µM), and the least active component was manghaslin (quercetin-3-O-(2'',6''-di-rhamnosyl)-glucoside; IC50 94.92 µM). Some structure-activity relationships were discussed. Analysis of commercial marigold formulations revealed a reduced flavonoid content (from 7.18-19.85 mg/g) compared with introduced varieties. Liquid extract was the most enriched preparation, characterized by 3.10 mg/mL of total flavonoid content, and infusion was the least enriched formulation (0.41 mg/mL). The presented results suggest that isorhamnetin and quercetin and its glycosides can be considered as potential anti-acetylcholinesterase agents.

Discovery of new muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists from Scopolia tangutica.

Scopolia tangutica (S. tangutica) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant used for antispasmodics, anesthesia, analgesia and sedation. Its pharmacological activities are mostly associated with the antagonistic activity at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAchRs) of several known alkaloids such as atropine and scopolamine. With our recent identification of four hydroxycinnamic acid amides from S. tangutica, we hypothesized that this plant may contain previously unidentified alkaloids that may also contribute to its in vivo effect. Herein, we used a bioassay-guided multi-dimension separation strategy to discover novel mAchR antagonists from S. tangutica. The core of this approach is to use label-free cell phenotypic assay to first identify active fractions, and then to guide purification of active ligands. Besides four tropanes and six cinnamic acid amides that have been previously isolated from S. tangutica, we recently identified two new tropanes, one new cinnamic acid amide, and nine other compounds. Six tropane compounds purified from S. tangutica for the first time were confirmed to be competitive antagonists of muscarinic receptor 3 (M3), including the two new ones 8 and 12 with IC50 values of 1.97 µM and 4.47 µM, respectively. Furthermore, the cinnamic acid amide 17 displayed 15-fold selectivity for M1 over M3 receptors. These findings will be useful in designing lead compounds for mAchRs and elucidating mechanisms of action of S. tangutica.

Manufacture, characterization, and pharmacodynamic evaluation of engineered ipratropium bromide particles.

PURPOSE: The intent of this research was to generate and characterize respirable particles of ipratropium bromide (IPB), a short-acting anticholinergic bronchodilator, to achieve demonstrable sustained-release properties. The value of a long-acting anticholinergic agent is evident in the use of tiotropium for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: Hollow, spherical particles of ipratropium bromide suitable for inhalation were generated using a spray-drying process and characterized by laser diffraction particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic vapor sorption, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dissolution testing. Experimental design techniques were used to identify critical process parameters and optimize the spray drying process. Pharmacodynamic studies were conducted to determine duration of effect. RESULTS: Crystalline, stable, respirable particles with a range of dissolution profiles were manufactured by application of polylactic acid (PLA) coatings of 1, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 50% w/w. A novel, robust, modified Type IV dissolution method discriminated between formulations and guided their development. Preliminary studies in guinea pigs indicated an increased duration of bronchodilatory effect for 30% PLA-coated particles (56.3 min) particles compared with IPB powders alone (11.0 min). CONCLUSIONS: Sustained-release respirable particles of ipratropium bromide were developed using a PLA spray coating approach and a trend for increased duration of effect was demonstrated in guinea pigs.

Similarity in drugs: reflections on analogue design.

A survey of novel small-molecule therapeutics reveals that the majority of them result from analogue design and that their market value represents two-thirds of all small-molecule sales. In natural science, the term analogue, derived from the Latin and Greek analogia, has always been used to describe structural and functional similarity. Extended to drugs, this definition implies that the analogue of an existing drug molecule shares structural and pharmacological similarities with the original compound. Formally, this definition allows the establishment of three categories of drug analogues: analogues possessing chemical and pharmacological similarities (direct analogues); analogues possessing structural similarities only (structural analogues); and chemically different compounds displaying similar pharmacological properties (functional analogues).

An efficient approach to the asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-anisodine.

-Anisodine (l-6,7-epoxy-3-tropyl-alpha-hydroxytropate), which was isolated from the medicinal plant Scopolia tanguticus Maxim, was the first efficiently prepared using 6-beta-acetyltropine as the starting material via a key step of the Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD). The intermediate compounds 10 and 11 showed promising cholinergic activity.

Anisodamine as an effective drug to treat snakebites.

Anisodamine is a natural alkaloid drug isolated from the plant Anisodus tanguticus growing in western China. The chemical structure and pharmacological action are just like the cholinergic receptor blocking agents atropine or scopolamine. The specific characteristic of the drug is being able to relieve the dangerous situation of microcirculatory failure, especially in case of DIC or renal failure. The prognosis of the patients will be quite good. Another characteristic of the drug is that no serious toxic reaction occurs even in successive doses given intravenously up to 500 mg a day. This is about fifty times greater than a common dose of 10 mg. Since we begin with the drug as a routine medication for the symptomatic treatment of renal failure, DIC bleeding, and microcirculatory failure, we should say that the specific antivenin and anisodamine are two treasure drugs for snakebites.

Structure-activity relationships of imperialine derivatives and their anticholinergic activity.

In order to check the structure-activity relationship and prepare more potent derivatives of imperialine with anticholinergic activity, imperialinol (2), 3 beta-acetoxyimperialine (3), 3 beta-propionoxyimperialine (4), and 3 beta-butyroxyimperialine (5) were prepared. Compounds 4 and 5 displayed better anticholinergic activity against muscarinic receptors of the heart and brain than imperialine (1). The decrease in activity in 2 showed the importance of the 6-keto functionality in imparting the anticholinergic activity.

[The preparation and bioactivities of chiral analogs of baogongteng A].

Eight chiral analogs of baogongteng A were prepared from (+/-)-3 alpha-hydroxy-6 beta-acetoxytropane by chemical resolution. In myotic or mydriatic tests in rabbits, (-)-3 alpha-paramethyl benzenesulfonyloxy-6 beta-acetoxytropane showed cholinergic activities, while (+)-3 alpha-benzoyloxy-6 beta-acetoxytropane and (+)-3 alpha-parachloro benzoyloxy-6 beta-acetoxytropane showed anticholinergic activities.

New steroid acids from Antrodia cinnamomea, a fungal parasite of Cinnamomum micranthum.

Three new steroids, zhankuic acids A [1], B [2], and C [3], were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Antrodia cinnamomea by bioassay-guided fractionation. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by chemical reactions and detailed analysis of their 1H- and 13C-nmr spectra. Biological studies revealed that 1 exhibited cytotoxic activity against P-388 murine leukemia cells and 2 showed weak anticholinergic and antiserotonergic activities.