In Vivo and In Silico Analgesic Activity of Ficus populifolia Extract Containing 2-O-ß-D-(3',4',6'-Tri-acetyl)-glucopyranosyl-3-methyl Pentanoic Acid.

Natural product-based structural templates have immensely shaped small molecule drug discovery, and new biogenic natural products have randomly provided the leads and molecular targets in anti-analgesic activity spheres. Pain relief achieved through opiates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been under constant scrutiny owing to their tolerance, dependency, and other organs toxicities and tissue damage, including harm to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and renal tissues. A new, 3',4',6'-triacetylated-glucoside, 2-O-ß-D-(3',4',6'-tri-acetyl)-glucopyranosyl-3-methyl pentanoic acid was obtained from Ficus populifolia, and characterized through a detailed NMR spectroscopic analysis, i.e., 1H-NMR, 13C-DEPT-135, and the 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) correlations. The product was in silico investigated for its analgesic prowess, COX-2 binding feasibility and scores, drug likeliness, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) properties, possible biosystem's toxicity using the Discovery Studio®, and other molecular studies computational software programs. The glycosidic product showed strong potential as an analgesic agent. However, an in vivo evaluation, though at strong levels of pain-relieving action, was estimated on the compound's extract owing to the quantity and yield issues of the glycosidic product. Nonetheless, the F. populifolia extract showed the analgesic potency in eight-week-old male mice on day seven of the administration of the extract's dose in acetic acid-induced writhing and hot-plate methods. Acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing for all the treated groups decreased significantly (p < 0.0001), as compared to the control group (n = 6) by 62.9%, 67.9%, and 70.9% of a dose of 100 mg/kg (n = 6), 200 mg/kg (n = 6), and 400 mg/kg (n = 6), respectively. Similarly, using the analgesia meter, the reaction time to pain sensation increased significantly (p < 0.0001), as compared to the control (n = 6). The findings indicated peripheral and central-nervous-system-mediated analgesic action of the product obtained from the corresponding extract.

Valerian and valeric acid inhibit growth of breast cancer cells possibly by mediating epigenetic modifications.

Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is a popular and widely available herbal supplement used to treat sleeping disorders and insomnia. The herb's ability to ameliorate sleep dysfunction may signify an unexplored anti-tumorigenic effect due to the connection between circadian factors and tumorigenesis. Of particular interest are the structural similarities shared between valeric acid, valerian's active chemical ingredient, and certain histone deacteylase (HDAC) inhibitors, which imply that valerian may play a role in epigenetic gene regulation. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the circadian-related herb valerian can inhibit breast cancer cell growth and explored epigenetic changes associated with valeric acid treatment. Our results showed that aqueous valerian extract reduced growth of breast cancer cells. In addition, treatment of valeric acid was associated with decreased breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, colony formation and 3D formation in vitro in a dose- and time-dependent manner, as well as reduced HDAC activity and a global DNA hypomethylation. Overall, these findings demonstrate that valeric acid can decrease the breast cancer cell proliferation possibly by mediating epigenetic modifications such as the inhibition of histone deacetylases and alterations of DNA methylation. This study highlights a potential utility of valeric acid as a novel HDAC inhibitor and a therapeutic agent in the treatment of breast cancer.

Comparison of Chemical Composition between Kuromoji (Lindera umbellata) Essential Oil and Hydrosol and Determination of the Deodorizing Effect.

Kuromoji (Lindera umbellata) is a tree that grows throughout Japan. The components of kuromoji essential oil have antitumor and aromatherapy effects. However, the composition of the hydrosol, obtained as a by-product of the essential oil process, is unknown. Furthermore, it is unknown whether kuromoji essential oil has a deodorizing effect. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to compare the chemical composition of kuromoji essential oil and hydrosol, as well as evaluate the deodorizing effect of the former. The chemical composition of samples was evaluated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, the deodorizing effect of Kuromoji essential oil was investigated with the detector tube method using ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and isovaleric acid. Linalool was the most abundant component in both the essential oil and hydrosol; however, its proportion was higher in the hydrosol (57.5%) than in the essential oil (42.8%). The hydrosol contained fewer chemical components, but higher proportions of trans-geraniol and ethanol. Moreover, the essential oil eliminated 50% of ammonia and 97.6% or more of isovaleric acid. Interestingly, linalool was soluble in the hydrosol and did not irritate the skin. This suggests that the hydrosol may be an effective foot care product.

Profiling Vaccinium macrocarpon components and metabolites in human urine and the urine ex-vivo effect on Candida albicans adhesion and biofilm-formation.

The aim of this work was to profile, by using an HPLC-MS/MS method, cranberry compounds and metabolites found in human urine after ingestion of a highly standardized cranberry extract (Anthocran®). Two different strategies were adopted for the data analysis: a targeted and an untargeted approach. These strategies allowed the identification of 42 analytes including cranberry components, known metabolites and metabolites hitherto unreported in the literature, including six valerolactones/valeric acid derivatives whose presence in urine after cranberry consumption has never been described before. Absolute concentrations of 26 over 42 metabolites were obtained by using pure available standards. Urine collected at different time points after the last dosage of Anthocran® were tested on the reference strain C. albicans SC5314, a biofilm-forming strain. Fractions collected after 12 h were found to significantly reduce the adhesion and biofilm formation compared to the control (p < 0.05). A similar effect was then obtained by using Anthocran™ Phytosome™, the lecithin formulation containing 1/3 of standardized cranberry extract and formulated to enhance the absorption of the cranberry components. The urinary profile of cranberry components and metabolites in the urine fractions collected at 1 h, 6 h and 12 h after the last capsule intake were then reproduced by using the pure standards at the concentration ranges found in the urine fraction, and tested on C. albicans. Only the mixture mimicking the urinary fraction collected at 12 h and containing as main components, quercetin and 5-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone was found effective thus confirming the ex-vivo results.

Isovalerylshikonin, a new resistance-modifying agent from Arnebia euchroma, supresses antimicrobial resistance of drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Antimicrobial resistance is the greatest threat to the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases. The development of resistance-modifying agents (RMAs) represents a promising strategy to mitigate the spread of bacterial antimicrobial resistance. In this study, a natural product, isovalerylshikonin (IVS), was isolated from Arnebia euchroma, a traditional Chinese medicine herb, that exhibited marginal antibacterial activity against drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus RN4220, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16 mg/L. In addition, a synergistic effect between IVS and streptomycin (STM) was detected by the microdilution antimicrobial chequerboard assay, with a reduction in the MIC of STM by up to 16-fold against strain RN4220. A bacterial ethidium bromide efflux assay and reverse transcription PCR were performed to investigate the synergistic mechanism. IVS significantly inhibited bacterial efflux and expression of msrA mRNA in vitro. A murine peritonitis/sepsis model was employed to test the in vivo synergistic activity of IVS and STM. IVS synergistically decreased bacterial counts with STM in peritoneal, spleen and liver tissue and increased mouse survival with STM in 7 days. The acute toxicity of IVS was tested and the 50% lethal dose (LD50) of IVS with a single exposure was 2.584 g/kg in mice. Overall, IVS, a low-toxicity RMA, exhibited synergistic antibacterial activities in vitro and in vivo against drug-resistant S. aureus. The effects were mediated by suppression of msrA mRNA expression and reduced bacterial efflux. In addition, these data support that IVS is a potential RMA against microbial resistance caused by the MsrA efflux pump.

Tussilagonone-induced Nrf2 pathway activation protects HepG2 cells from oxidative injury.

Tussilagonone is a compound derived from the medicinal plant Tussilago farfara L., which is used as a traditional medicine for respiratory diseases, including asthma and pneumonia. Recent reports suggest that tussilagonone exhibits anti-inflammatory effects; however, the scope of protective functions has not been elucidated yet. In this study, we demonstrate that tussilagonone enhances cellular detoxification by increasing quinone reductase activity in Hepa1c1c7 cells. In addition, tussilagonone decreased tert-butyl hydroperoxide(t-BHP)-induced ROS production and cell death, suggesting that it also acts as a potent antioxidant. To verify the molecular mechanism underlying tussilagonone activity, we examined the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)-a transcription factor that regulates antioxidant protein expression-in HepG2 cells. Significantly, these results showed that tussilagonone induces Nrf2 activation and nuclear accumulation, resulting in the upregulation of the detoxifying enzymes NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1(NQO1) and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) that protect cells from oxidative stress. Further molecular analyses revealed that tussilagonone-induced Nrf2 activation was mediated by ERK1/2 in HepG2 cells. Collectively, these data indicate that tussilagonone attenuates t-BHP-induced ROS and activates quinone reductase activity via Nrf2 pathway activation and target gene expression, and thereby acts as an antioxidant that protects HepG2 cells from oxidative stress and associated damage.

Don't Forget Product Recovery in Catalysis Research-Check the Distillation Resistance.

When investigating a new catalytic reaction, scientists may wonder if the crude reaction product can be easily separated and purified. We present here a new concept-distillation resistance-to assess the potential of distillation as a purification technique and to guide catalyst formulation or operation at the very early stage of the research. Distillation resistance, which has been developed from the analysis of 15 industrial distillation trains, can be quickly calculated with knowledge of only the product composition and atmospheric boiling points of the components. It can be directly converted into a preliminary distillation cost that considers investment and energy cost. Its application and its potential guidance in catalysis research are illustrated through a few cases studies derived from biorefinery processes.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, Linalyl isovalerate, CAS Registry Number 1118-27-0.

The use of this material under current use conditions is supported by the existing information. This material was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity, skin sensitization potential, as well as, environmental safety. Reproductive toxicity was based on the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) of 0.03 mg/kg/day for a Cramer Class I material. The estimated systemic exposure is determined to be equal to this value while assuming 100% absorption from skin contact and inhalation. A systemic exposure at or below the TTC value is acceptable.

Steroidal esters from Ferula sinkiangensis.

Two new steroidal esters with an unusual framework, Sinkiangenorin A and B, a new organic acid glycoside, Sinkiangenorin C, and four known lignin compounds were isolated from the seeds of Ferula sinkiangensis. The structures of these compounds were established by spectroscopic analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All of the isolated compounds were tested against Hela, K562 and AGS human cancer cell lines. Sinkiangenorin C showed cytotoxic activity against AGS cells with an IC50 of 36.9 µM.

Differential regulation of human cathelicidin LL-37 by free fatty acids and their analogs.

LL-37 is the single cathelicidin host defense peptide in humans with direct antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. Specific regulation of LL-37 synthesis has emerged as a novel non-antibiotic approach to disease control and prevention. Short-chain fatty acids, and butyrate in particular, were found recently to be strong inducers of LL-37 gene expression without causing inflammation. Here, we further evaluated the LL-37-inducing efficiency of a broad range of saturated free fatty acids and their derivatives in human HT-29 colonic epithelial cells and U-937 monocytic cells by real-time RT-PCR. Surprisingly, we revealed that valerate, hexanoate, and heptanoate with 5-7 carbons are more potent than 4-carbon butyrate in promoting LL-37 gene expression in both cell types. Free fatty acids with longer than 7 or shorter than 4 carbons showed only a marginal effect on LL-37 expression. Studies with a series of fatty acid derivatives with modifications in the aliphatic chain or carboxylic acid group yielded several analogs such as benzyl butyrate, trans-cinnamyl butyrate, glyceryl tributyrate, and phenethyl butyrate with a comparable LL-37-inducing activity to sodium butyrate. On the other hand, although reactive, the anhydride derivatives of short- and medium-chain fatty acids are as potent as their corresponding free acid forms in LL-37 induction. Thus, these newly identified free fatty acids and their analogs with a strong capacity to augment LL-37 synthesis may hold promise as immune boosting dietary supplements for antimicrobial therapy.

A novel antibacterial compound from Siegesbeckia glabrescens.

The crude methanol extract of the dried aerial parts of Siegesbeckia glabrescens (Compositae) showed antibacterial activity against the foodborne pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Bioactivity-guided separation led to the isolation of 3-(dodecanoyloxy)-2-(isobutyryloxy)-4-methylpentanoic acid from nature for the first time. The structure was determined by spectroscopic data analysis (UV, MS, and NMR). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3-(dodecanoyloxy)-2-(isobutyryloxy)-4-methylpentanoic acid against S. aureus was found to be 3.12 μg/mL. In addition, in a further antimicrobial activity assay against Gram-positive (B. subtilis, E. faecalis, P. acnes, S. epidermidis, S. schleiferi subsp. coagulans, S. agalactiae and S. pyrogens), and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa), and yeast strains (C. alibicans and F. neoformans), the antimicrobial activity of the compound was found to be specific for Gram-positive bacteria. The MIC values of the compound for Gram-positive bacteria ranged from 3.12 to 25 mg/mL. Furthermore, it was found that the 2-(isobutyryloxy)-4-methylpentanoic acid substituent may operate as a key factor in the antibacterial activity of the compound, together with the laurate group.

Three new compounds from Dictamnus dasycarpus.

Phytochemical investigation of the ethyl acetate extracts from root barks of Dictamnus dasycarpus led to the isolation of three new compounds, named as dasycarpusenester A (1), dasycarpusester B (2), dasycarpusacid (3). Their structures were elucidated as (2S)-4-(2,2-dimethyl-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)-2-hydroxypent-3-enoic acid methyl ester (1), (2R)-4-(2,2-dimethyl-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)-2-hydroxypent-3-anoic acid methyl ester (2), and (2S)-4-(2,2-dimethyl-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)-2-hydroxypent-3-anoic acid (3), respectively, on the basis of modern spectroscopic methods and chemical analysis.

In situ ATR-IR study of prochiral 2-methyl-2-pentenoic acid adsorption on Al2O3 and Pd/Al2O3.

Adsorption and desorption of trans-2-methyl-2-pentenoic acid (MPeA) in dichloromethane (CH(2)Cl(2)) were investigated by using in situ attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy. A liquid flow-through spectroscopic cell allowed for high quality spectra to be obtained from deposited thin films of Al(2)O(3) and 1 wt% Pd/γ-Al(2)O(3) on a ZnSe internal reflection element. The MPeA molecules adsorb on both Al(2)O(3) and Pd surfaces molecularly and dissociatively under the concentration range examined (2-16 mM). In the case of molecular adsorption, both monomer (ν(C=O) ~ 1720 cm(-1)) and dimer (ν(C=O) ~ 1685 cm(-1)) species are observed to adsorb, with the relative amount of monomer to dimer dependent on the surface and the liquid phase acid concentration. In the case of dissociative adsorption, the acid adsorbs predominantly in a bridged bidentate configuration, as adjudged by the ca. 150-220 cm(-1) separation between asymmetric and symmetric vibrational bands. All of these species are found to be strongly adsorbed on both Al(2)O(3) and 1 wt% Pd/γ-Al(2)O(3) surfaces, even under pure solvent flow after adsorption.

Influence of short chain organic acids and bases on the wetting properties and surface energy of submicrometer ceramic powders.

The effect of short chained organic acids and bases on the surface energy and wetting properties of submicrometer alumina powder was assessed. The surface chemistry of treated powders was determined by means of Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform spectroscopy and compared to untreated powder. The wetting of powders was measured using a modified Washburn method, based on the use of precompacted powder samples. The geometric factor needed to calculate the contact angle was derived from measurements of the porous properties of the powder compacts. Contact angle measurements with several probe liquids before and after modification allowed a theoretical estimation of the surface energy based on the surface tension component theory. Trends in the surface energy components were linked to observations in infrared spectra. The results showed that the hydrophobic character of the precompacted powder depends on both the chain length and polar group of the modifying agent.

Physiological functions of iso-type short-chain fatty acid and omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids containing oil in obese OLETF rats.

It has been known that tissues of porpoise contain unique structured-lipids as combination of iso-valeric acid (iso-C5:0) and omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega3 PUFAs). It is well known that omega3 PUFAs have lipid-lowering effects in animal and human studies. Although branched chain fatty acids have been interested in their unique functions, there is no data concerning the effect of iso-C5:0 on lipid metabolism. In this study we investigated the effect of structured-lipids from porpoise adipose tissue (porpoise oil) on lipid metabolism in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. For 4 weeks, rats were fed semisynthetic diets containing either 10% corn oil or 5% corn oil plus 5% porpoise oil. After feeding period, the porpoise oil diet significantly alleviated hepatic triglyceride accumulation compared with the control diet in OLETF rats. Although serum triglyceride level increased, serum level of adiponectin that can protect liver function and alleviate abnormalities of lipid and glucose metabolism increased in rats fed porpoise oil diet. In conclusion, results from the present study suggest that porpoise oil feeding prevents the development of fatty liver disease through the enhancement of lipoprotein secretion and increase of adiponectin production in obese rats.

Polyprenylated benzoylphloroglucinol-type derivatives including novel cage compounds from Hypericum erectum.

Hyperici erecti herba (Hypericum erectum THUNB.) showed a suppressive effect on generation of isovaleric acid by Corynebacterium xerosis. An ethyl acetate (AcOEt) soluble fraction of methanol extract of H. erectum showed the activity. The AcOEt fraction was separated by various successive choromatographical methods to give seven new compounds 1-7 along with some known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated to be polyprenylated benzoylphloroglucinol derivatives by means of HR-MS and NMR spectra including 2D-NMR. Some of these compounds had novel cage structures having benzoyltricyclo[3,3,1,1(3,7)]decane and benzoyltricyclo[4,3,1,1(3,8)]undecane skeletons arising from a polyprenylated phloroglucinol precursor by a transannular cyclization reaction. The isolated compounds were tested for suppressive activity, but they showed only weak activity.

A rapid HPLC/ESI-MS/MS method for quantitative analysis of isovalerylshikonin in rat plasma.

A new, fast and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for isovalerylshikonin in rat plasma using emodin as internal standard (IS). The analyte was extracted from rat plasma with ethyl acetate, after 10% HCl treatment and protein precipitated by methanol. The compound was separated on an Ultimate XB-C(18) analytical column using a mobile phase of methanol-10 mM ammonium acetate in water-acetonitrile containing 0.05% formic acid (45 : 10 : 45, v/v/v) with isogradient elution. The analyte was detected in negative ion mode using multiple-reaction monitoring. The method was validated and the specificity, linearity, lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ), precision, accuracy, recoveries and stability were determined. LLOQ was 9 ng/mL for isovalerylshikonin. Correlation coefficient (r) value for the linear range of the analyte was greater than 0.99. The intra-day and inter-day precision and accuracy were better than 8.52%. The relative and absolute recovery was above 86% and no matrix effects were observed for isovalerylshikonin. This validated method provides a modern, rapid and robust procedure for the pharmacokinetic study of the two compounds in rats after intravenous administration to rats (n = 4).

Acylated triterpenoid saponins from the stem bark of Foetidia africana.

Nine new acylated triterpenoid saponins (4-12) were isolated from the stem bark of Foetidia africana. They all possess barringtogenol C as the aglycone, esterified by acetic and/or isovaleric acids. The sugar chain consists of up to three units: D-glucuronic acid (GlcUA) linked to C-3 of the aglycone and substituted by D-galactose (Gal) (at GlcUA C-2) and/or L-rhamnose (Rha) (at GlcUA C-4). The structures were established by acid and alkaline hydrolysis, by NMR experiments including (1)H-(1)H (COSY, HOHAHA, ROESY) and (1)H-(13)C (HSQC, HMBC) spectroscopy, and by mass spectrometry (ESIMS, ESIMS(n)).