Cinnamaldehyde: An effective component of Cinnamomum cassia inhibiting Helicobacter pylori.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cinnamomum cassia Presl (Cinnamomum cassia) is a common traditional Chinese medicine, which can promote the secretion and digestion of gastric juice, improve the function of gastrointestinal tract. Cinnamaldehyde (CA) is a synthetic food flavoring in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to search for the active ingredient (CA) of inhibiting H. pylori from Cinnamomum cassia, and elucidate mechanism of action, so as to provide the experimental basis for the treatment of H. pylori infection with Cinnamomum cassia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It's in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties were evaluated based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and an acute gastric inflammation model in mice infected with H. pylori. Drug safety was evaluated using the CCK8 method and high-dose administration in mice. The advantageous characteristics of CA in inhibiting H. pylori were confirmed using acidic conditions and in combination with the antibiotics. The mechanism underlying the action of CA on H. pylori was explored using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), adhesion experiments, biofilm inhibition tests, ATP and ROS release experiments, and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) screening of target proteins. The protein function and target genes were verified by molecular docking and Real-Time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: The results demonstrated that CA was found to be the main active ingredient against H. pylori in Cinnamomum cassia in-vitro tests, with a MIC of 8-16 µg/mL. Moreover, CA effectively inhibited both sensitive and resistant H. pylori strains. The dual therapy of PPI + CA exhibited remarkable in vivo efficacy in the acute gastritis mouse model, superior to the standard triple therapy. DARTS, molecular docking, and qRT-PCR results suggested that the target sites of action were closely associated with GyrA, GyrB, AtpA, and TopA, which made DNA replication and transcription impossible, then leading to inhibition of bacterial adhesion and colonization, suppression of biofilm formation, and inhibition ATP and enhancing ROS. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the suitability of CA as a promising lead drug against H. pylori, The main mechanisms can target GyrA ect, leading to reduce ATP and produce ROS, which induces the apoptosis of bacterial.

A Systematic Review Evaluating Cinnamon's Effects on Glucose Utilizing a Ranking System to Assess Bias and Study Quality.

In the context of diabetes, the use of cinnamon continues to be among the most popular supplements taken by patients for glucose control. To strategically evaluate the available literature comparing various cinnamon species and statistically significant glucose effects after ranking studies based on two tools to assess bias and overall study quality, to clarify cinnamon's role in glucose control. The authors performed a systematic search based upon PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted utilizing PubMed, AMED, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Medline databases, with the final search performed in September 2022 with restrictions to human subjects and English language. Electronic searches were conducted utilizing the keywords "diabetes mellitus" combined with Cinnamomum zeylanicum/Cinnamomum cassia/Cinnamomum verum combined with blood glucose (BG). A second search utilized "cinnamomum zeylanicum/cinnamomum cassia/cinnamomum verum" combined with "blood glucose," and a final search utilized "diabetes mellitus" combined with "cinnamon." Data extraction and ranking of included studies utilizing the risk of bias 2 tool and modified Heyland Methodological Quality Scoring tool were performed independently by two review authors. These authors compared their results and reconciled any differences in scoring to generate a final ranking of studies. A third author was available for any discrepancies that could not be resolved but was not needed. Forty-five studies were included in the review and were scored for bias and quality. Overall 62% demonstrated statistical significance for positive effects in at least one parameter around BG control. Applying the ranking systems reduced the percentage closer to 50%. Safety was extremely well documented across studies with few adverse effects. Results are limited by heterogeneity of glucose parameters, leading to studies being ranked individually and not synthesized. Cinnamon supplementation likely has a modest positive effect on BG. Based upon the strong safety profile, utilization of this spice as an adjunct to pharmacologic therapy is reasonable.

Chinese herb couple against diabetes: integrating network pharmacology and mechanism study.

Cassia twig is a dry twig of Cinnamomum cassia Presl, a Lauraceae plant. Astragalus L is one of the largest genuses of flowering plants in the Leguminosae family. Roots of A. membranaceus Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao, A. membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. Chinese herb couple refers to the matching of two herbs in pairs, mostly with synergistic effects or toxicity reduction. This Chinese herb couple (Cassia twig-Astragalus) come from the classic famous book "Zhang Xichun's book on Chinese herb couple", which is widely used to treat diabetes. Moreover, both Cassia twig and Astragalus belong to the homology of medicine and food. However, its mechanism is still unclear. The study identified the effective components of Cassia twig-Astragalus by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and investigated the mechanism of Cassia twig-Astragalus in treating diabetes by virtue of network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification. Firstly, based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and network pharmacology, a total of 10 active ingredients of Astragalus and 6 active ingredients of Cassia twig were screened, and a total of 13 key targets were obtained. There were 64 targets at the intersection of Cassia twig-Astragalus with diabetes, mainly including IL-17, TNF, NF-κß, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, etc. It mainly involves the response of cells to insulin stimulation, the response to insulin and the positive regulation of cell adhesion. Secondly, molecular docking results showed that quercetin has good binding activities with AKT1 and TNF. Calycosin has good binding activities with AKT1, TNF and CAV1. Formononetin has good binding activities with TNF and IL-6. Isorhamnetin has good binding activities with AKT1, TNF and IL-6. Finally, the animal experiments showed that Cassia twig-Astragalus could improve the body weight, blood glucose and glucose tolerance in diabetic rats. After the intervention with Cassia twig-Astragalus, the inflammatory factors (IL-10, TNF-α, IL-6) were significantly improved in diabetic rats, which also effectively reduced TG and TC.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of different plants and in silico investigation of their bioactive compounds in wound healing and rheumatism.

In the current study the assessment of the antimicrobial and phytochemical properties of Cassia fistula, Musa paradisiaca, Ficus religiosa and Murraya koenigii plants extracts was carried out. The antibacterial potential of these plants extracts was tested against S. aureus and E. coli. The Cassia fistula and Ficus religiosa leaves showed the larger zone of inhibition in aqueous and butanolic extract respectively against Escherichia coli. Musa paradisiaca and Murraya koenigii leaves showed larger zone of inhibition in ethanolic extract against S. aureus. Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, steroids, glycosides, saponins, carbohydrates, proteins and tannins in all extracts while phylobatannins, emodins, anthocyanins and leucoanthocyanins were not present in these extracts. Quantitative phytochemical analysis showed the highest alkaloid content in the Murraya koenigii leaves. Highest tannin content and flavonoid content was found in Ficus religiosa leaves, while highest phenolic content was found in case of Cassia fistula. In addition to this antioxidant potential of all the extracts was determined. Musa paradisiaca leaves showed highest antioxidant potential as compared to other plant extracts. In silico analysis of bioactive components present in plant extracts was performed by molecular docking. The rutin and Glu from Musa paradisiaca and Murraya koenigii respectively, were docked with Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta (1GSK-3beta) protein. Quercetin and rutin from Cassia fistula and Ficus religiosa respectively, were docked with C- reactive protein (CRP). The tested bioactive compounds showed good binding affinity with significant number of hydrogen bonds and can be used as a good alternative of synthetic drugs to treat rheumatism and wounds.

Large-scale computational screening of Indian medicinal plants reveals Cassia angustifolia to be a potentially anti-diabetic.

Researchers are investigating the medicinal properties of herbal plants throughout the world, which often leads to the discovery of novel plants and their chemicals for prophylactic needs of humans. Natural phytochemicals continue to be sought as alternative treatments for various diseases because of their non-toxic and therapeutic properties. In recent years, computational phytochemistry has enabled large-scale screening of phytochemicals, enabling researchers to pursue a wide range of therapeutic research alternatives to traditional ethnopharmacology. We propose to identify an anti-diabetic plant by computational screening on Indian herbal plants in conjunction with experimental characterization and biological validation. The methodology involves the creation of an in-house Indian herbal plant database. Molecular docking is used to screen against alpha amylase for anti-diabetic prophylaxis. Cassia angustifolia was chosen because its phytochemicals are able to bind to alpha amylase. Plants were experimentally extracted, botanically studied and their biological activity was evaluated. Further, the use of molecular dynamics was then applied to pinpoint the phytochemicals responsible for the affinity of alpha amylase. Results in the phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed strong presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. Moreover, alpha amylase biological activity with C. angustifolia extracts of chloroform, hexane and ethyl acetate demonstrated activity of 3.26, 8.01 and 30.33 µg/ml validating computational predictions. In conclusion, this study developed, validated computational predictions of identifying potential anti-diabetic plants 'Cassia angustifolia' from house herbal databases. Hope this study shall inspire explore plant therapeutic repurposing using computational methods of drug discovery.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In-house database phytochemicals preparation using Indian medicinal plants for repurposing plant therapeutics screening.Virtual screening of in-house database against alpha amylase for anti-diabetic therapeutics.The highest affinity plants Cassia angustifolia were identified, collected, processed four solvent extracts, along with qualitative and quantitative estimations.All plant extracts are subjected to botanical and biological experimental perspective.Advanced molecular dynamics simulations are used to understand the non-bonding interactions of phytochemicals with alpha amylase.

Astragalus membranaceus and Cinnamomum cassia Stimulate the Hair Follicle Differentiation-Related Growth Factor by the Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling Pathway.

Astragalus membranaceus and Cinnamomum cassia are used as spices and flavorful ingredients, or medicinal herbs with pharmacological effects. In this study, the hair-growth-promoting effects of the YH complex, a newly developed formula consisting of membranaceus and C. cassia, are investigated with the prediction of its molecular mechanism. The target gene of the YH complex was about 74.8% overlapped with the gene set of 'Hair growth' on the GO Biological Process database. The oral administration of the YH complex promoted hair regrowth and increased hair-shaft thickness in depilated hair loss mice. In addition, the anagen/telogen hair follicle ratio was significantly increased by the YH complex. The growth factors affecting the growth of hair follicles were dose-dependently increased by treatment with the YH complex. The Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway expressions in skin tissues were apparently increased by the administration of the YH complex. In conclusion, the YH complex consisting of A. membranaceus and C. cassia induced hair follicle differentiation and preserved the growing-anagen phase by increasing growth factors and the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, leading to the restoration of hair loss. The YH complex can be a remedy for hair loss diseases, such as alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

Antiprotozoal activity of natural products from Nigerien plants used in folk medicine.

In the course of the screening of plants from Niger for antiprotozoal activity, the methanol extract of Cassia sieberiana, and the dichloromethane extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana and Sesamun alatum were found to be active against protozoan parasites, namely Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania donovani and/or Plasmodium falciparum. Myricitrin (1), quercitrin (2) and 1-palmitoyl-lysolecithin (3) were isolated from C. sieberiana. From Z. mauritiana, the three triterpene derivatives 13, 15, and 16 are described here for the first time. Their chemical structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR experiments, UV, IR and HRESIMS data. The absolute configurations were assigned via comparison of the experimental and calculated ECD spectra. In addition, eight known cyclopeptide alkaloids (4, 5, 7-12), and five known triterpenoids (6, 14, 17-19) were isolated. The antiprotozoal activity of the isolated compounds, as well as of eleven quinone derivatives (20-30) previously isolated from S. alatum was determined in vitro. The cytotoxicity in L6 rat myoblast cells was also evaluated. Compound 18 showed the highest antiplasmodial activity (IC50 = 0.2 µm) and compound 24 inhibited T. b. rhodesiense with an IC50 value of 0.007 µM. However, it also displayed significant cytotoxicity in L6 cells (IC50 = 0.4 µm).

[Spectrum-effect relationship of total anthraquinone extract of Cassia seeds against fluorouracil-induced liver injury in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the spectrum-effect relationship between the total anthraquinone extract of Cassia seeds and fluorouracil (5-Fu)-induced liver injury in mice and identify the effective components in the extract. METHODS: A mouse model of liver injury was established by intraperitoneal injection of 5-Fu, with bifendate as the positive control. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver tissue were detected to investigate the effect of the total anthraquinone extract of Cassia seeds (0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 g/kg) on liver injury induced by 5-Fu. HPLC fingerprints of 10 batches of the total anthraquinone extracts were established to analyze the spectrum- effectiveness of the extract against 5- Fu- induced liver injury in mice and screen the effective components using the grey correlation method. RESULTS: The 5- Fu- treated mice showed significant differences in liver function parameters from the normal control mice (P < 0.05), suggesting successful modelling. Compared with those in the model group, serum ALT and AST activities were decreased, SOD and T- AOC activities significantly increased, and MPO level was significantly lowered in the mice treated with the total anthraquinone extract (all P < 0.05). HPLC fingerprints of the 31 components in the total anthraquinone extract of Cassia seeds showed good correlations with the potency index of 5-Fu-induced liver injury but with varying correlation strengths. The top 15 components with known correlations included aurantio-obtusina (peak 6), rhein (peak 11), emodin (peak 22), chrysophanol (peak 29) and physcion (peak 30). CONCLUSION: The effective components in the total anthraquinone extract of Cassia seeds, including aurantio-obtusina, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion, are coordinated to produce protective effects against 5-Fu-induced liver injury in mice.

Cinnamomum cassia on Arterial Stiffness and Endothelial Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Outcomes of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Cinnamomum cassia is a medicinal plant whose use has demonstrated benefits on body weight, blood pressure, glucose, and lipids. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of C. cassia on arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction (ED) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 18 subjects aged 40-65 years, with a diagnosis of T2DM of one year or less since diagnosis and treated with Metformin 850 mg daily. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either C. cassia or a placebo in 1000 mg capsules, thrice a day, before each meal for 12 weeks. At baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and Flow Mediated Dilation were measured, as well as body weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), fasting glucose (FG), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, respectively, triglycerides, creatinine, and transaminases. The Mann-Whitney U test for differences between groups and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for intragroup differences were used, and a P ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant. After C. cassia administration, statistically significant reductions in body weight (81.4 ± 10.4 kg vs. 79.9 ± 9.0 kg, P = .037), BMI (30.6 ± 4.2 kg/m2 vs. 30.1 ± 4.2 kg/m2, P = .018), and HbA1c (53 ± 5.4 mmol/mol vs. 45 ± 2.1 mmol/mol, P = .036) were observed. No changes statistically significant on arterial stiffness, ED, FG, BP, and lipids were observed. C. cassia administration decreases body weight, BMI, and HbA1c without statistically significant changes on arterial stiffness, ED, FG, BP, and lipids. CTR Number: NCT04259606.

De novo transcriptome assembly and metabolomic analysis of three tissue types in Cinnamomum cassia.

Objective: The barks, leaves, and branches of Cinnamomum cassia have been historically used as a traditional Chinese medicine, spice, and food preservative, in which phenylpropanoids are responsible compounds. However phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways are not clear in C. cassia. We elucidated the pathways by descriptive analyses of differentially expressed genes related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis as well as to identify various phenylpropanoid metabolites. Methods: Chemical analysis, metabolome sequencing, and transcriptome sequencing were performed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the difference of active components content in the barks, branches and leaves of C. cassia. Results: Metabolomic analysis revealed that small amounts of flavonoids, coumarine, and cinnamaldehyde accumulated in both leaves and branches. Transcriptome analysis showed that genes associated with phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis were downregulated in the leaves and branches relative to the barks. The observed differences in essential oil content among the three tissues may be attributable to the differential expression of genes involved in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid metabolic pathways. Conclusion: This study identified the key genes in the phenylpropanoid pathway controling the flavonoid, coumarine, and cinnamaldehyde contents in the barks, branches and leaves by comparing the transcriptome and metabolome. These findings may be valuable in assessing phenylpropanoid and flavonoid metabolites and identifying specific candidate genes that are related to the synthesis of phenylpropanoids and flavonoids in C. cassia.

Phytochemical Investigation, In silico/In vivo Analgesic, and Anti-inflammatory Assessment of the Egyptian Cassia occidentalis L.

Cassia occidentalis L., from Fabaceae family phytochemical screening, revealed several biologically active principles mainly flavonoids and anthraquinones. GLC analysis of the lipoidal matter afforded 12 hydrocarbons: 9-dodecyl-tetradecahydro-anthracene (48.97 %), 9-dodecyl-tetradecahydro-phenanthrene (14.43 %), and 6 sterols/triterpenes: isojaspisterol (11.99%) and fatty acids were palmitic acid (50 %), and Linoleic acid (16.06%). Column chromatography led to the isolation of fifteen compounds (1-15), elucidated using spectroscopic evidence. First report of undecanoic acid (4) from the family Fabaceae, while p-dimethyl amino-benzaldehyde (15) was first time isolated from a natural origin. Eight compounds isolated for the first time from C. occidentalis L.; ß-amyrin (1), ß-sitosterol (2), stigmasterol (3), camphor (5), lupeol (6), chrysin (7), pectolinargenin (8), and 1, 2, 5-trihydroxy anthraquinone (14) besides five known compounds previously isolated; apigenin (9), kaempferol (10), chrysophanol (11), physcion (12), and aloe-emodin (13). In-vivo evaluation of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of C. occidentalis L. extracts where the n-butanol and total extracts showed the highest activities. The percentage of the inhibitory effect of the n-butanol extract was 29.7 at a dose of 400 mg/Kg. Furthermore, identified phytoconstituents were docked into the active sites of enzymes nAChRs, COX-1, and COX-2 to evaluate binding affinity. Phyto-compounds Physcion, aloe-emodin, and chrysophanol were found to have a good affinity for targeted receptors compared to co-crystalized inhibitors, validating the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the phytochemicals.

First report of 'Candidatus phytoplasma asteris' (16SrI) from Cassia fistula showing symptoms of flat stem and witches'-broom in India.

Cassia fistula commonly known as 'golden shower tree' is a deciduous tree with a greenish-gray bark and complex leaves with lovely clusters of yellow blossoms that is also utilized for several purposes in traditional medicine offer therapeutic characteristics (Pawar et al., 2017). Random spotting of flat stem symptoms along with unopened flower beds was observed in C. fistula plant during March 2022 in IISER (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India and during May 2022 in SKUAST (Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology), Jammu, which were suggestive of phytoplasma infection (Fig. 1 a-e). Surge of leaf hoppers was also observed in and around the tree. The leaf samples were collected from 3 individual C. fistula trees showing suspected symptoms of phytoplasma and one sample from asymptomatic plant of both the states. Leafhopper (LH) species were collected using sweep net method from both the locations. DNA was extracted using CTAB (Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide) method and nested universal PCR primers P1/P7 and R16F2n/R16R2 for the 16S rRNA gene (Deng and Hiruki 1991; Gundersen and Lee 1996) and secAfor1/secArev3 and SecAfor2/ SecArev3 for SecA gene (Hodgetts et al. 2008) were employed for the analysis of the phytoplasma strain association. The symptomatic plants and leaf hopper species showed positive bands of 1.2kb and 480bp for 16S rRNA and SecA gene respectively along with. Purified PCR products of both the genes (16Sr RNA and sec A) were ligated into pGEM ®T vector and cloned in Escherichia coli (DH5-α) were sequenced at Agri Genome labs, Kerala, India. The comparative sequence analysis using the BLASTn tool results showed 16S rRNA sequences acquired from plant samples (GenBank Acc. No. OP950857, OP950858) and the leafhoppers Hishimonus phycitis (OP538583) and Orosius albicinctus (OP538584) of Kerala had the minimum of 99.84% of similarity with Bitter gourd little leaf phytoplasma from Myanmar and maximum sequence identity (100%) with the Rapeseed phyllody phytoplasma strain from Taiwan. The sequences of phytoplasma strains from Jammu trees (Genbank Acc. No. OP801671 & OP801672) and H. phycitis (OP801673) shared 100% similarity with each other as well as with North American grapevine yellows and a minimum of 97.65% with Beta vulgaris phytoplasma from Poland. The pairwise comparison results were completely supported by the corresponding phylogenetic sequence analysis of 16S rRNA and SecA gene sequences of all the isolates in the study which clustered with 16SrI-B subgroup related strains. Virtual RFLP analysis through iPhyClassifer results that were derived from in silico digestions of R16F2n/R2 region of 16S rRNA gene using 17 restriction endonucleases enzymes indicated that all the samples produced similar virtual RFLP profiles identical to the reference strain of 16SrI-B phytoplasma subgroup (aster yellows: Acc. No. M30790) with a similarity coefficient value of 1.0. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the phytoplasma association of 'Ca. P. asteris' (16SrI-B) subgroup with Cassia fistula in the world.

Assessment of in vivo antiepileptic potential and phytochemical analysis of Cassia absus seed extracts.

Cassia absus, a member of Fabaceae family, has been a part of traditional medicine for various ailments such as Hypertension, Diabetes, and Cancer. This family of plants has been utilized for Anticonvulsant and Anxiolytic effects. The ongoing investigation is aimed to seek the antiepileptic potential of C. absus seed extracts in pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling mice. The seeds of C. absus were subjected to a sequential extraction process for the preparation of n-hexane, chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts. The PTZ-induced kindling model was employed to assess the antiepileptic activity of each extract. Seizure activity and antioxidant biomarkers in the brain tissue such as levels of CAT, SOD, tGSH, and MDA were assessed. Mechanism of action was elucidated by Flumazenil. Through GC-MS analysis, the phytochemical components in the chloroform extract of C. absus were evaluated. The outcomes showed that C. absus extracts markedly reduced the seizure activity in kindling mice. The extracts exhibited significant Antioxidant properties by enhancing the levels of antioxidant biomarkers in the brain tissue such as CAT, SOD, and tGSH, and decreasing the MDA level. The results demonstrated that C. absus extracts showed antiepileptic effects may be via GABA pathway. According to the results of this investigation, C. absus has significant antiepileptic potential in PTZ-induced kindling mice via GABA pathway modulation and combating reactive oxygen species.

Cassia absus-mediated upregulation of IL-4, IL-10 and downregulation of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF- α, NF-κB, IFN-γ in CFA-induced arthritis model.

Traditional use of Cassia absus as an anti-inflammatory in conjunctivitis and bronchitis is well reported. Owing to its anti-inflammatory potential, the current study appraised in vivo anti-arthritic activity of n-hexane and aqueous extracts of Cassia absus seeds (200 mg/kg) using Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) rat model of arthritis. Changes in paw size (mm), joint diameter (mm), and pain response (sec) were recorded at the baseline and then after CFA induction at the interval of 4 days till the 28th day. Blood samples of anesthetized rats were collected for the estimation of hematological, oxidative, and inflammatory biomarkers. Results showed percent inhibition in paw edema (45.09% and 60.79%) with both n-hexane and aqueous extracts, respectively. Significant reduction in paw size and ankle joint diameter (P < 0.01) was seen in extracts treated rats. Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate, C-Reactive Protein, White Blood Cell levels significantly lowered, and Hemoglobin, Platelets and Red Blood Cell count significantly increased post-treatments. Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione were significantly improved (P < 0.0001) in treated groups as compared to CFA induced arthritic control. Real-time polymerase chain reaction investigation showed significant downregulation (P < 0.05) of Interleukin-1ß, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukin-6, Cycloxygenase-2, Nuclear Factor-κB, Prostaglandin E Synthase 2, Interferon Gamma and upregulation of Interleukin-4, Interleukin-10 in both n-hexane and aqueous extract-treated groups. It is thereby concluded that Cassia absus can significantly attenuate CFA-induced arthritis by modulation of oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers.

Two new meroterpenoids from the bark of Cinnamomum cassia and their antioxidant activity.

Two new (1 and 2) meroterpenoids were isolated from the bark of Cinnamomum cassia. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses and chemical methods. Antioxidant activities of 1 and 2 were evaluated by the ORAC and DPPH radical scavenging assays, and the results revealed that compound 2 displayed oxygen radical absorbance capacity. The discovery of compounds 1 and 2 added new members of this kind of natural product.

Dietary Supplement, Containing the Dry Extract of Curcumin, Emblica and Cassia, Counteracts Intestinal Inflammation and Enteric Dysmotility Associated with Obesity.

Intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) impairment and enteric inflammation are involved in the onset of obesity and gut-related dysmotility. Dietary supplementation with natural plant extracts represents a useful strategy for the management of body weight gain and systemic inflammation associated with obesity. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of a food supplement containing the dry extract of Curcumin, Emblica and Cassia in counteracting enteric inflammation and motor abnormalities in a mouse model of obesity, induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Male C57BL/6 mice, fed with standard diet (SD) or HFD, were treated with a natural mixture (Curcumin, Emblica and Cassia). After 8 weeks, body weight, BMI, liver and spleen weight, along with metabolic parameters and colonic motor activity were evaluated. Additionally, plasma LBP, fecal calprotectin, colonic levels of MPO and IL-1ß, as well as the expression of occludin, TLR-4, MYD88 and NF-κB were investigated. Plant-based food supplement administration (1) counteracted the increase in body weight, BMI and metabolic parameters, along with a reduction in spleen and liver weight; (2) showed strengthening effects on the IEB integrity; and (3) reduced enteric inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as ameliorated the colonic contractile dysfunctions. Natural mixture administration reduced intestinal inflammation and counteracted the intestinal motor dysfunction associated with obesity.

Bioherbicidal Activity and Metabolic Profiling of Allelopathic Metabolites of Three Cassia species using UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS and Molecular Networking.

INTRODUCTION: Compared to synthetic herbicides, natural products with allelochemical properties can inhibit weed germination, aiding agricultural output with less phytotoxic residue in water and soil. OBJECTIVES: To identify natural product extracts of three Cassia species; C. javanica, C. roxburghii, and C. fistula and to investigate the possible phytotoxic and allelopathic potential. METHODS: Allelopathic activity of three Cassia species extracts was evaluated. To further investigate the active constituents, untergated metabolomics using UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS and ion-identity molecular networking (IIMN) approach was performed to identify and determine the distribution of metabolites in different Cassia species and plant parts. RESULTS: We observed in our study that the plant extracts showed consistent allelopathic activity against seed germination (P < 0.05) and the inhibition of shoot and root development of Chenopodium murale in a dose-dependent manner. Our comprehensive study identified at least 127 compounds comprising flavonoids, coumarins, anthraquinones, phenolic acids, lipids, and fatty acid derivatives. We also report the inhibition of seed germination, shoot growth, and root growth when treated with enriched leaf and flower extracts of C. fistula, and C. javanica, and the leaf extract of C. roxburghii. CONCLUSION: The present study recommends further evaluation of Cassia extracts as a potential source of allelopathic compounds in agricultural systems.

Methanolic fraction of Cassia fistula L. bark exhibits potential to combat oxidative stress and possess antiproliferative activity.

Cassia fistula L. is well known for its traditional medicinal properties as an anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antifungal, antibacterial, antimutagenic, and wound healing agent. The aim of the present study was to determine antioxidant, genoprotective, and cytotoxic potential of different fractions of C. fistula bark including hexane (CaMH), chloroform (CaMC), ethyl acetate (CaME), and methanol (CaMM). Among all the fractions studied, CaMM exhibited maximal radical scavenging activity in antioxidant DPPH assay, Superoxide anion radical scavenging assay and nitric oxide radical scavenging assay displayed an IC50 value of 18.95, 29.41, and 13.38 µg/ml, respectively. CaMM fraction possessed the highest phenolic (130.37 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight of extract) and flavonoid (36.96 mg rutin equivalent/g dry weight of fraction) content. Data demonstrated significant positive correlation between polyphenol levels and radical scavenging activity. Single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet assay) exhibited genoprotective potential of C. fistula bark fractions against DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in human lymphocytes. CaMM fraction displayed highest protective ability against H2O2 induced-toxicity as evidenced by significant decrease in % tail DNA content from 30 to 7% at highest concentration (200 µg/ml). CaMM was found to be rich in catechin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and kaempferol. The phenolic content and antioxidant ability of the fractions was markedly negatively correlated with H2O2- induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes. Cytotoxic potential was evaluated against dermal epidermoid carcinoma (A431), pancreatic (MIA PaCa-2) and brain glioblastoma (LN-18) cancer cell lines using MTT assay. Results showed that C. fistula bark fractions possessed highest toxicity against the skin carcinoma cells. CaMM fraction reduced over 50% cell growth at the concentration of 76.72 µg/ml in A431 cells. These findings suggest that fractions of C. fistula bark exhibit potential to be considered as therapeutic agents in various carcinomas.

In vitro antimicrobial efficacy of Cassia alata (Linn.) leaves, stem, and root extracts against cellulitis causative agent Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND: Cellulitis is a common skin disease encountered in medical emergencies in hospitals. It can be treated using a combination of antibiotics therapy; however, the causative agent Staphylococcus aureus has been reported to develop resistance towards the currently used antibiotics. Therefore, the search for more alternative herbal origin antimicrobial agents is critical. AIM: In this study, maceration and Soxhlet extraction of the whole plant of Cassia alata Linn. (leaves, roots, and stem) were performed using four solvents with different polarities, namely n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and distilled water. The crude extracts were screened using agar well diffusion, colorimetric broth microdilution, grid culture and bacterial growth curve analysis against Staphylococcus aureus. The phytochemicals in the crude extracts were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS: Agar-well diffusion analysis revealed that extraction using ethyl acetate showed the largest inhibition zone with an average diameter of 15.30 mm (root Soxhlet extract) followed by 14.70 mm (leaf Soxhlet extract) and 13.70 mm (root maceration extract). The lowest minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration in root Soxhlet extract using ethyl acetate was 0.313 and 0.625 µg µL-1, respectively. Our study proved that crude extract of the plant suppressed the growth of S. aureus as evidenced from a significant regression extension (p < 0.06, p = 0.00003) of lag phase for 6 h after the treatment with increased concentration. Based on the GC-MS analysis, 88 phytochemicals consist of fatty acids, esters, alkanes, phenols, fatty alcohols, sesquiterpenoids and macrocycle that possibly contributed to the antimicrobial properties were identified, 32 of which were previously characterized for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. CONCLUSION: Ethyl acetate crude extract was better than the other investigated solvents. The root and stem of C. alata showed significant antimicrobial efficacy against S. aureus in this study. The remaining 56 out of 88 phytochemicals of the plant should be intensively studied for more medicinal uses.

Anthraquinone Removal from Cassia obtusifolia Seed Water Extract Using Baking, Stir-Frying, and Adsorption Treatments: Effects on the Chemical Composition, Physicochemical Properties of Polysaccharides, and Antioxidant Activities of the Water Extract.

Safety issues of the controversial anthraquinones from Cassia obtusifolia seed water extracts (CWEs) limit its application. This work aimed to remove the anthraquinones of CWEs by baking treatment (BT), stir-frying treatment (ST), and adsorption treatment (AT). Effects of these treatments on the chemical composition, physicochemical properties of polysaccharides, and antioxidant activities of CWEs were analyzed and compared. Results indicated that AT exhibited the best removal effect on the total anthraquinone among the three treatments. After AT, the contents of rhein, emodin, aloe-emodin, and aurantio-obtusin of the CWE were below the limit of detection. In addition, AT increased the contents of neutral sugars in CWEs in comparison to BT and ST. None of the treatments had an obvious influence on the structural characteristics of polysaccharides. However, AT decreased the antioxidant activity of CWEs due to their lower anthraquinone content. In summary, AT was considered as an efficient and simple method to remove anthraquinones, while retaining the features of polysaccharides.