Phytoecdysteroids from Dianthus superbus L.: Structures and anti-neuroinflammatory evaluation.

Six undescribed C27-phytoecdysteroid derivatives, named superecdysones A-F, and ten known analogs were extracted from the whole plant of Dianthus superbus L. Their structures were identified by extensive spectroscopy, mass spectrometric methods, chemical transformations, chiral HPLC analysis, and the single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Superecdysones A and B possess a tetrahydrofuran ring in the side chain and superecdysones C-E are rare phytoecdysones containing a (R)-lactic acid moiety, whereas superecdysone F is an uncommon B-ring-modified ecdysone. Notably, based on the variable temperature (from 333 K to 253 K) NMR experiments of superecdysone C, the missing carbon signals were visible at 253 K and assigned. The neuroinflammatory bioassay of all compounds were evaluated, and 22-acetyl-2-deoxyecdysone, 2-deoxy-20-hydroxyecdysone, 20-hydroxyecdysone, ecdysterone-22-O-benzoate, 20-hydroxyecdysone-20,22-O-R-ethylidene, and acetonide derivative 20-hydroxyecdysterone-20, 22-acetonide significantly suppressed the LPS-induced nitric oxide generation in microglia cells (BV-2), with IC50 values ranging from 6.9 to 23.0 µM. Structure-activity relationships were also discussed. Molecular docking simulations of the active compounds confirmed the possible mechanism of action against neuroinflammations. Furthermore, none compounds showed cytotoxicity against HepG2 and MCF-7. It is the first report about the occurrence and anti-neuroinflammatory activity of the phytoecdysteroids in the genus Dianthus. Our findings demonstrated that ecdysteroids may be used as potential anti-inflammatory drugs.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide Extract of Dianthus carmelitarum Induces S Phase Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Cells.

Although several studies have investigated the cytotoxic effects of different Dianthus species, there has been only limited research into the cytotoxic effect of Dianthus carmelitarum. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the phenolic characterization and the cytotoxic effect of D. carmelitarum on human colon cancer (WiDr) cells and the possible mechanisms involved. Total polyphenolic contents (TPC) and phenolic characterization of the extract were evaluated using the Folin-Cioceltau method and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), respectively. The cytotoxic activity of the extract was determined using the methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The mechanism involved in the extract's cytotoxic effect was then evaluated in terms of apoptosis and the cell cycle using flow cytometry, while mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was investigated using the fluorometric method. The TPC value of the extract was 784.8 ± 40.3 mg gallic acid equivalent per 100 g sample, and sinapic acid and benzoic acid were detected as major phenolics in the extract. D. carmelitarum extract exhibited a selective cytotoxic effect (3.6-fold) on WiDr cells compared to normal colon cells. The extract induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase and apoptosis via reduced MMP in WiDr cells. Phytomedical and nutraceutical applications of D. carmelitarum may represent promising approaches in the treatment of cancer.

Utilization of Dianthus superbus L and its bioactive compounds for antioxidant, anti-influenza and toxicological effects.

Dianthus superbus (DS) is a traditional medicinal herb well known for its medicinal and therapeutic potential and widely distributed in various Asian countries. The ethyl acetate (EA), butanol (Bu) and distilled water (DW) extracts of DS assessed for extraction of bioactive compounds and their biological activities. The chemical analysis was done using LC-MS/MS and antioxidant, anticancer and antiviral activities were determined. EA extracts showed strong anticancer activity with IC50 of 9.5, 13.8 and 69.9 µg/mL on SKOV, NCL-H1299 and Caski cancer cell lines, respectively. The Bu extracts exhibited strongest antiviral activity with respect to both influenza A and B viruses with IC50 values of 4.97 and 3.9 µg/mL, respectively. Also the metabolic profile for EA, Bu and DW extracts shows high variations and influence precisely the antioxidant, anticancer and antiviral properties. The quercetin 3- rutinoside and isorhamnetin 3- glucoside showed higher neuraminidase inhibition activity in dose dependent manner. Molecular docking study revealed that flavonol glycosides have higher binding activities towards influenza polymerase membrane glycoprotein. Correlation study showed that flavonol glycosides were linked to anti-influenza activity and cyclic peptides with anticancer activities. This study provides vital information for effective utilization of DS for medicinal, food and therapeutic purposes.

Biological, chemical and in silico fingerprints of Dianthus calocephalus Boiss.: A novel source for rutin.

Extracts (methanol, ethyl acetate, and water) from Dianthus calocephalus Boiss. prepared by different extraction techniques (maceration, Soxhlet, and ultrasonication) were studied for possible inhibitory action against key enzymes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetyl cholinesterase, butyryl cholinesterase, and tyrosinase). Antioxidant potential was established using a battery of assays and phenolic compounds profiled by RP-HPLC. Binding pose of tyrosinase with rutin was studied by means of molecular docking. Methanol extracts showed the highest phenolic (39.35-40.25 mgGAE/g) content and rich in rutin (61.38-72.07 mg/g extract). Ethyl acetate extracts of D. calocephalus were potent inhibitors of acetyl (1.45-1.48 mgGALAE/g) and butyryl (2.44-2.74 mgGALAE/g) cholinesterases. Docking studies showed that rutin interacts with the side chains of the key amino acid residues and to the copper atom found at the active site of tyrosinase. Methanol extracts showed highest antioxidant capacity. D. calocephalus showed interesting biological properties that could be further studied to manage diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and hyperpigmentation.

Isolation, characterization, and in rats plasma pharmacokinetic study of a new triterpenoid saponin from Dianthus superbus.

One new oleanolic acid triterpenoid saponin, 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl olean-11, 13(18)-diene-23,28-dioic acid, (hereafter referred to as DS-1) was isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Dianthus superbus (D. superbus). DS-1 plays an important role in the bioactivity of D. superbus. Thus, a sensitive, reliable and accurate reversed-phased liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in negative ion mode was developed and validated for the quantification and pharmacokinetic study of DS-1 in rats plasma. The pharmacokinetic profile showed that DS-1 was rapidly absorbed and eliminated in plasma, indicating that significant accumulation of the compound in biological specimen is unlikely. In addition, poor absorption into systemic circulation was observed after oral administration of DS-1, resulting in low absolute bioavailability (0.92 %).

Probing the impact of quercetin-7-O-glucoside on influenza virus replication influence.

BACKGROUND: Influenza virus is still at large and seriously affects social welfare and health. Dianthus superbus is a well-known medicinal plant widely used in Mongolian and Chinese traditional medicine for anti-inflammatory purposes. PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of this novel herbal medicinal product over virus infection and virus-induced symptoms METHOD: Quercetin-7-O-glucoside was isolated by bioassay (anti-influenza)-guided fractionation. The structural elucidation was made with 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. Influenza A/Vic/3/75 (H3N2), A/PR/8/34 (H1N1), B/Maryland/1/59 and B/Lee/40 viruses were used for the evaluation of the antiviral activity. Virus-induced reactive oxygen species and autophagy formation levels were studied. The antiviral mechanism was elucidated via time-dependent, pre-, post-incubation assay methods. The viral RNA replication inhibition of Q7G was analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR method. The blocking of polymerase basic protein subunits of influenza viral RNA polymerase by Q7G was detected by in silico molecular docking assays using AutoDock Vina program with m(7)GTP. Additionally, Q7G was tested against M-MuLV RNA polymerase. RESULTS: Q7G was not cytotoxic (CC50>100µg/ml) in MDCK cells and it showed 3.1µg/ml, 6.61µg/ml, 8.19µg/ml and 5.17µg/ml IC50 values against influenza A/PR/8/34, A/Vic/3/75, B/Lee/40 and B/Maryland/1/59 virus strains, respectively. Treatment of Q7G highly reduced ROS and autophagy formation induced by influenza virus infection. Q7G did not reduce NA activity and did not directly interact with the virus particles. Since viral RNA synthesis was blocked by treatment of Q7G. We targeted viral RNA polymerase for further probing. Interestingly, the binding energy of Q7G on viral PB2 protein was -9.1kcal/mol and was higher than m(7)GTP recorded as -7.5kcal/mol. It also was observe to block M-MuLV RNA polymerase. CONCLUSION: Isolated compound Q7G showed strong inhibition activity against influenza A and B viruses. It also reduced virus-induced ROS and autophagy formation. Q7G does not directly bind to the virus particles and did not affect NA activity. These results indicated that Q7G inhibits viral RNA polymerase, and that it occupies the binding site of m(7)GTP on viral PB2 protein.

Dianthosaponins G-I, triterpene saponins, an anthranilic acid amide glucoside and a flavonoid glycoside from the aerial parts of Dianthus japonicus and their cytotoxicity.

Extensive isolation work on the 1-BuOH-soluble fraction of a MeOH extract of the aerial parts of Dianthus japonicus afforded three further triterpene glycosyl estsers, termed dianthosaponins G-I, an anthranilic acid amide glucoside and a C-glycosyl flavonoid along with one known triterpene saponin. Their structures were elucidated from spectroscopic evidence. The cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds toward A549 cells was evaluated.

ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY OF DIANTHUS SUPERBUSN L. AGAINST HEPATITIS B VIRUS IN VITRO AND IN VIVO.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis is a viral infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Limitations of drug used in the management of it opens the interest related to alternative medicine. The given study deals with the antiviral activity of Dianthus superbusn L. (DSL) against HBV in vitro & in vivo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In vitro study liver cell line HepG2.2.15 was used by transinfected it with HBV. Cytotoxicity stduy was performed by using different concentrations of DSL such as 50, 100, 200, 500 & 1000 µg/ml. Anti HBV activity of DSL was estimated by assesing the concentration of HBsAg and HbeAg in cell culture medium by using ELISA. Whereas in vivo study was performed on ducklings and antiviral activity of DSL (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) was confirmed by estimating the serum concentration of HBV DNA and histopathology study of hepatocytes in HBV infected ducklings. RESULT: Result of the study suggested that >500 µg/ml concentration of hydroalcoholic extract of DSL was found tobe cytotoxic. It was also observed that DSL significantly (p<0.05) reduces the concentration of antigenes in cell culture media as per the concentration and days of treatment dependent. Moreover in vivo study confirms the anti viral activity of DSL (200 & 400 mg/kg) as it significantly (p<0.05) decreases the serum concenetration of HBV DNA in HBV infected dukling compared to control group. Histopathology study was also reveals the hepatprotective effect of DSL in HBV infected ducklings. CONCLUSION: The given study concludes the antiviral activity DSL against HBV by in vitro and in vivo models.

Cyclopentapeptides from Dianthus chinensis.

A new cyclopentapeptide dianthin I (1), together with two known ones pseudostellarin A (2) and heterophyllin J (3), was isolated from the aerial parts of Dianthus chinensis. The structure of 1 was elucidated as cyclo-(Gly(1)-L-Phe(2)-L-Pro(3)-L-Ser(4)-L-Phe(5)) on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and chemical methods.

Volatile constituents of Dianthus rupicola Biv. from Sicily: activity against microorganisms affecting cellulosic objects.

Dianthus rupicola Biv. (cliffs carnation) is a camephytic, suffruticous, perennial plant growing up to 40 cm high. The plant is widespread in Sicily and neighbouring islands (Egadi, Lampedusa, Lipari) and in some areas of southern Italy. GC and GC-MS analyses of the essential oil distilled from the flowers showed the presence of 66 components. Its composition is characterised by the high content of thymol and carvacrol derivatives. A good antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus and Bacillussubtilis, both infesting cellulosic historical material, was shown, whereas the antioxidant capacity was determined to be quite poor.

New dicyclopeptides from Dianthus chinensis.

One new dicyclopeptide cyclo-(L-N-methyl Glu-L-N-methyl Glu) (1), together with one new natural dicyclopeptide cyclo-(L-methyl Glu ester-L-methyl Glu ester) (2), and two known dicyclopeptides cyclo-(L-methyl Glu ester-L-Glu) (3), and cyclo-(L-Glu-L-Glu) (4), were isolated from the aerial parts of Dianthus chinensis L. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses and chemical methods.

Cytotoxic constituents of ethyl acetate fraction from Dianthus superbus.

The ethyl acetate fraction (EE-DS) from Dianthus superbus was found to possess the cytotoxic activity against cancer cells in previous study. To investigate cytotoxic constituents, the bioassay-guided isolation of compounds from EE-DS was performed. Two dianthramides (1 and 2), three flavonoids (3-5), two coumarins (6 and 7) and three other compounds (8-10) were obtained. Structures of isolated compounds were identified by spectroscopic analysis. Cytotoxicity of the compounds against HepG2 cells was evaluated. Compound 1 showed the strongest cytotoxicity, compounds 10, 4, 3 and 5 had moderate cytotoxicity.

In vitro apoptotic effects of methanol extracts of Dianthus chinensis and Acalypha australis L. targeting specificity protein 1 in human oral cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to evaluate the apoptotic activities and molecular mechanisms of methanol extracts of Dianthus chinensis (MEDC) and Acalypha australis L. (MEAL) in human oral cancer cells. METHODS: The apoptotic effects and related molecular mechanisms of MEDC and MEAL on oral cancer cells were evaluated using MTS assay, DAPI staining, immunostaining, Western blotting, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Sp1 was overexpressed in oral tumor tissues compared with normal oral mucosa. Downregulation of Sp1 inhibited the growth of SCC-15 and YD-15 oral cancer cells. MEDC and MEAL inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in both cell lines by decreasing the expression of Sp1. In addition, treatment of cells with MEDC and MEAL decreased Mcl-1 expression, which is a downstream target of Sp1. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that MEDC and MEAL are bioactive natural products that can potentially induce apoptosis of tumor cells that overexpress the Sp1 protein.

[A new eremophilane derivative from Senecio dianthus].

A new eremophilane derivative, 4,5,11-trimethyl-9( 10), 7 ( 11) -eremophiladien-8-keto-12-carboxylic acid-beta-D-glucopyranoside( which named dianthuside A) 1 and four known compounds, 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-flavonone-3-0-beta-D-glucoside (2), quercetin-3-0-beta-D-glucoside(3) ,hyperin(4) and rutin(5) have been isolated from the aerial part of Senecio dianthus. Their structures were elucidated by physicochemical properties and spectroscopic data analysis. Compounds 2, 4 and 5 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Extending the shelf life of edible flowers with controlled release of 1-methylcyclopropene and modified atmosphere packaging.

Edible flowers have great sensory appeal, but their extremely short shelf life limits their commercial usage. Postharvest 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment is used to counter ethylene activity and delay senescence in fresh produce; however, its potential application in edible flowers has not been tested. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 1-MCP treatment with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the shelf life of edible flowers. Freshly harvested carnations and snapdragons were packaged in trays with or without 0.5 µL/L of 1-MCP, sealed with a gas permeable film, and stored at 5 °C. Package atmospheres, tissue electrolyte leakage, and flower quality were evaluated on days 0, 7, and 14. Treatment with 1-MCP resulted in significantly slower changes in package headspace O(2), CO(2), and C(2)H(4) partial pressures, maintained higher overall quality of both flower species and reduced electrolyte leakage and abscission in snapdragon. All samples prepared with MAP had significantly reduced dehydration and higher overall quality compared to flowers packaged commercially in plastic clamshell containers. Treatments with controlled release of 1-MCP and MAP significantly extended storage life of edible carnation and snapdragon flowers.

New cyclic peptides with osteoblastic proliferative activity from Dianthus superbus.

Two new cyclic peptides, dianthins G-H (1 and 2), together with the known dianthin E (3), were isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Dianthus superbus. The sequences of cyclic peptides 1 and 2 were elucidated as cyclo (-Gly(1)-Pro(2)-Leu(3)-Thr(4)-Leu(5)-Phe(6)-) and cyclo (-Gly(1)-Pro(2)-Val(3)-Thr(4)-Ile(5)-Phe(6)-), on the basis of ESI tandem mass fragmentation analysis, extensive 2D NMR methods and X-ray diffraction. The isolated three compounds all increase proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro using MTT method.

Activation of apoptosis by ethyl acetate fraction of ethanol extract of Dianthus superbus in HepG2 cell line.

Dianthus superbus L. is commonly used as a traditional Chinese medicine. We recently showed that ethyl acetate fraction (EE-DS) from ethanol extract of D. superbus exhibited the strongest antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. In this study, we examined apoptosis of HepG2 cells induced by EE-DS, and the mechanism underlying apoptosis was also investigated. Treatment of HepG2 cells with EE-DS (20-80 µg/ml) for 48 h led to a significant dose-dependent increase in the percentage of cells in sub-G1 phase by analysis of the content of DNA in cells, and a large number of apoptotic bodies containing nuclear fragments were observed in cells treated with 80 µg/ml of EE-DS for 24 h by using Hoechst 33258 staining. These data show that EE-DS can induce apoptosis of HepG2 cells. Immunoblot analysis showed that EE-DS significantly suppressed the expressions of Bcl-2 and NF-κB. Treatment of cells with EE-DS (80 µg/ml) for 48 h resulted in significant increase of cytochrome c in the cytosol, which indicated cytochrome c release from mitochondria. Activation of caspase-9 and -3 were also determined when the cells treated with EE-DS. The results suggest that apoptosis of HepG2 cells induced by EE-DS could be through the mitochondrial intrinsic pathway. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) data showed that the composition of EE-DS is complicated. Further studies are needed to find the effective constituents of EE-DS.

HPLC determination of flavonoid glycosides in Mongolian Dianthus versicolor Fisch. (Caryophyllaceae) compared with quantification by UV spectrophotometry.

INTRODUCTION: Dianthus versicolor is used in traditional Mongolian medicine against liver impairment. Fractions enriched in flavone-di- and triglycosides were shown to enhance bile secretion. Therefore, reliable and accurate analytical methods are needed for the determination of these flavonoids in the crude drug and extracts thereof. OBJECTIVE: To provide a validated HPLC-DAD (diode array detector) method especially developed for the separation of polar flavonoids and to compare the data obtained with those evaluated by UV spectrophotometry. METHODOLOGY: Separations were carried out on an Aquasil® C18-column (4.6 mm × 250.0 mm, 5 µm) with a linear gradient of acetonitrile and water (adjusted to pH 2.8 with trifluoroacetic acid) as mobile phase. Rutoside was employed as internal standard with linear behavior in a concentration range of 0.007-3.5 mg/mL. Accuracy was determined by spiking the crude drug with saponarin resulting in recoveries between 92% and 102%. RESULTS: The method allows the quantification of highly polar flavonoid glycosides and the determination of their total content. For saponarin a linear response was evaluated within the range 0.007-3.5 mg/mL (R² > 0.9999). It was proven that threefold sonication represents a time-saving, effective and cheap method for the extraction of the polar flavonoid glycosides. The contents determined by HPLC were shown to be in agreement with those obtained employing UV spectrophotometry. CONCLUSION: The study has indicated that the newly developed HPLC method represents a powerful technique for the quality control of D. versicolor. Ultraviolet spectrophotometry may be used alternatively provided that the less polar flavonoids are removed by purification.

Flavonoid C- and O-glycosides from the Mongolian medicinal plant Dianthus versicolor Fisch.

Eighteen flavonoids were identified from an aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Dianthus versicolor, a plant used in traditional Mongolian medicine against liver diseases. The flavonoid C- and O-glycosides isoorientin-7-O-rutinoside, isoorientin-7-O-rhamnosyl-galactoside, isovitexin-7-O-rutinoside, isovitexin-7-O-rhamnosyl-galactoside, isoscoparin-7-O-rutinoside, isoscoparin-7-O-rhamnosyl-galactoside, isoscoparin-7-O-galactoside, and isoorientin-7-O-galactoside were isolated and structurally elucidated. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic techniques including LC-UV-DAD, LC-MS(n), LC-HRMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and by GC-MS analysis after hydrolysis. Flavonoids with such a high glycosylation pattern are rare within the genus Dianthus. Furthermore, isovitexin-7-O-glucoside (saponarin), isovitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside, apigenin-6-glucoside (isovitexin), luteolin-7-O-glucoside, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, as well as the aglycons luteolin, apigenin, chrysoeriol, diosmetin, and acacetin were identified by TLC and LC-DAD-MS(n) in comparison to reference substances or literature data. The NMR data of seven structures have not been reported in the literature to date.

The biosynthesis of Caryophyllaceae-like cyclic peptides in Saponaria vaccaria L. from DNA-encoded precursors.

Cyclic peptides (CPs) are produced in a very wide range of taxa. Their biosynthesis generally involves either non-ribosomal peptide synthases or ribosome-dependent production of precursor peptides. Plants within the Caryophyllaceae and certain other families produce CPs which generally consist of 5-9 proteinogenic amino acids. The biological roles for these CPs in the plant are not very clear, but many of them have activity in mammalian systems. There is currently very little known about the biosynthesis of CPs in the Caryophyllaceae. A collection of expressed sequence tags from developing seeds of Saponaria vaccaria was investigated for information about CP biosynthesis. This revealed genes that appeared to encode CP precursors which are subsequently cyclized to mature CPs. This was tested and confirmed by the expression of a cDNA encoding a putative precursor of the CP segetalin A in transformed S. vaccaria roots. Similarly, extracts of developing S. vaccaria seeds were shown to catalyze the production of segetalin A from the same putative (synthetic) precursor. Moreover, the presence in S. vaccaria seeds of two segetalins, J [cyclo(FGTHGLPAP)] and K [cyclo(GRVKA)], which was predicted by sequence analysis, was confirmed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Sequence analysis also predicts the presence of similar CP precursor genes in Dianthus caryophyllus and Citrus spp. The data support the ribosome-dependent biosynthesis of Caryophyllaceae-like CPs in the Caryophyllaceae and Rutaceae.