Tecoma stans Floral Extract-Based Biosynthesis for Enhanced Surface Plasmon-Coupled Emission and a Preliminary Study on Fluoroimmunoassay.

We demonstrate the synthesis of biogenic supported silver spiked star architectures and their application to increase the electromagnetic field intensity at its tips that enhance plasmon-coupled emission. Tecoma stans floral extract has been used to synthesize silver nanocubes and spiked stars. We observe ∼445-fold and ∼680-fold enhancements in spacer and cavity configurations, respectively, in the SPCE platform. The hotspot intensity and Purcell factor are evaluated by carrying out finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations. Time-based studies are presented to modulate the sharpness of the edges wherein an increase in the tip sharpness with the increase in reaction time up to 5 h is observed. The unique morphology of the silver architectures allowed us to utilize them in biosensing application. A SPCE-based fluoroimmunoassay was performed, achieving a 1.9 pg/mL limit of detection of TNF-α cytokine. This combination of anisotropic architectures, SPCE and immunoassay prove to be a powerful platform for the ultrasensitive detection of biomarkers in surface-bound assays.

Chemical characterization, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity of fatty acids methyl esters from Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos (Bignoniaceae) seeds.

Handroanthus impetiginosus, popularly known as "ipê-roxo", is used in folk medicine to treat skin inflammations, infections, stomach diseases, and cancer. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) obtained from the esterification reaction of fatty acids (FA) found in the hexane extract (HE) of seeds of H. impetiginosus were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the HE and FAMEs were evaluated. Methyl palmitate, methyl linoleate, methyl oleate, and methyl stearate were the major FAMEs obtained from the HE. The samples, especially the HE, exhibited a significant antioxidant potential analyzed by ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) assay. In the A. salina larvae bioassay, the HE showed no cytotoxic effects, but the FAMEs exhibited a high toxicity. This study reported, for the first time, the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the HE and FAMEs obtained from H. impetiginosus seeds.

Identification, characterization and quantification of xanthones from Fridericia formosa leaves extract with antiviral activity.

Fridericia formosa (Bureau) L.G. Lohmann (Bignonaceae) is a neotropical liana species found in the Cerrado biome in Brazil. It has been of great interest to the scientific community due to its potential as a source of new antivirals, including xanthones derived from mangiferin. In this context, the present study aimed to characterize and quantify the xanthones present in the ethanol extract of this species using high performance liquid chromatography. Additionally, the antiviral activity against Chikungunya, Zika, and Mayaro viruses was evaluated. The chromatographic analyses partially identified twenty-six xanthones, among which only fourteen had already been described in the literature. The xanthones mangiferin, 2'-O-trans-caffeoylmangiferin, and 2'-O-trans-coumaroylmangiferin, are present in higher quantities in the extract, at concentrations of 9.65%, 10.68%, and 3.41% w/w, respectively. In antiviral assays, the extract inhibited the multiplication cycle only for the Mayaro virus with a CE50 of 36.1 µg/mL. Among the isolated xanthones, 2'-O-trans-coumaroylmangiferin and 2'-O-trans-cinnamoylmangiferin inhibited the viral cytopathic effect with CE50 values of 180.6 and 149.4 µg/mL, respectively. Therefore, the extract from F. formosa leaves, which has a high content of xanthones, has antiviral potential and can be a source of new mangiferin derivatives.

Markhamia lutea leaves aqueous and ethanolic extract with curative anti-inflammatory activity attenuates paclitaxel toxicity in rat's intestine.

OBJECTIVES: Markhamia lutea (M. lutea, Bignoniaceae) is mainly found in tropical/neotropical regions of America, Africa and Asia. The plant's leaves, stems or roots are used to treat anaemia, bloody diarrhoea, parasitic and microbial infections. This study evaluates anti-inflammatory properties (in vitro) of Markhamia lutea and their curative effects on paclitaxel-induced intestinal toxicity (in vivo). METHODS: The anti-inflammatory potential of Markhamia lutea was tested over cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1ß, IL-10), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enzymes (cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase). While in vivo, intestinal toxicity was induced for 10 days by oral administration of paclitaxel (3 mg/kg, 0.05 mL). Animals in each group were further treated with aqueous (300 mg/kg) and ethanolic (300 mg/kg) leaves extracts of Markhamia lutea during 7 days and clinical symptoms were recorded, hematological, biochemical and histological analysis were subsequently performed. RESULTS: In vitro, aqueous (250 µg/mL) and ethanolic (250 µg/mL) extracts of Markhamia lutea inhibited the activities of cyclooxygenase 1 (56.67 % and 69.38 %), cyclooxygenase 2 (50.67 % and 62.81 %) and 5-lipoxygenase (77.33 % and 86.00 %). These extracts inhibited the production of intracellular ROS, extracellular ROS and cell proliferation with maximum IC50 of 30.83 µg/mL, 38.67 µg/mL and 19.05 µg/mL respectively for the aqueous extract, then 25.46 µg/mL, 27.64 µg/mL and 7.34 µg/mL respectively for the ethanolic extract. The extracts also inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1ß and IL-6) and stimulated the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). In vivo, after administration of paclitaxel, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Markhamia lutea significantly reduced the weight loss, the diarrheal stools and the mass/length intestines ratio of the treated animals compared to the animals of the negative control group. Biochemically, the extracts lead to a significant drop in serum creatinine and alanine aminotransferase levels, followed by a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase. In addition to bringing the haematological parameters back to normal values after disturbance by paclitaxel, the extracts caused tissue regeneration in the treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro, aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Markhamia lutea showed anti-inflammatory properties (inhibition of COX1, COX2, 5-LOX activities, inhibition of ROS production and cell proliferation); in vivo, the same extracts showed curative properties against intestinal toxicity caused by paclitaxel.

The schistosomicidal activity of ethanolic extracts from branches, leaves, flowers and fruits of Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos (Bignoniaceae) plant and metabolic profile characterization by UPLC-ESI-QTOF analysis.

Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907, is a severe and widely distributed parasitic disease, affecting about 200 million people worldwide. The disease is recognized by elevated mortality rates, especially among those living in areas of poor sanitation. Currently, the chemotherapeutic treatment is solely based on using the praziquantel drug. Therefore, there is a need for the discovery of new medicines for the treatment of this parasitosis. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the schistosomicidal activity of ethanolic crude extracts from the branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits of Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart ex DC.) Masttos and characterize its metabolic profile by UPLC-ESI-QTOF analysis. Evaluation of plant extract on S. mansoni was carried out in adult worms in vitro, in which the mortality rate was quantified, and the damages in the tegument of the worms were monitored. All extracts induced changes in the viability of adult males of S. mansoni, causing the death of the parasites, which was directly dependent of the concentration.

Identification of highly active compounds from insecticidal plant Oroxylum indicum L. (Vent.) and the induction of apoptosis by lapachol on Sf9 cells.

The extraction of biopesticides from plants has become a promising field for agricultural development. To explore a high-efficiency and viable method for the screening of plant compounds with insecticidal activity, we screened for active ingredients in the insecticidal plant, Oroxylum indicum L. Vent, using Sf9 cells. A CCK-8 cytotoxicity assay kit was used for high-throughput screening of 34 compounds contained in O. indicum. The apoptosis-inducing effect of the highly cytotoxic compound on Sf9 cells was investigated by morphological characterization using inverted microscopy, caspase-3 activity assay, and DNA gel electrophoresis. Finally, the biological activity of compounds against aphids was evaluated using the leaf-pest dipping methods and leaf dipping methods. Results showed that among the main compounds identified, lapachol, chrysin, and baicalein had good proliferation inhibitory effects on Sf9 cells, with their recorded IC50 being 11.53 mg/L, 38.39 mg/L, and 42.10 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, the IC50 value of lapachol was lower than the control insecticides rotenone (18.03 mg/L) and fipronil (21.04 mg/L). Apoptosis assay further showed that lapachol promoted the production of caspase-3 and led to DNA fragmentation in Sf9 cells. Lapachol showed high biological activity against Aphis gossypii, Sitobion avenae, and Semiaphis heraclei, with its recorded LC50 being 104.40, 101.80, and 110.29 mg/L, respectively, which were comparable to the activity of the control insecticide rotenone. High-throughput screening of active ingredients in the insecticidal plant O. indicum using Sf9 cells is feasible, and the identification of lapachol as the main aphidicidal active substance is valuable for further study.

Determination of Phytochemical Contents in Extracts from Different Growth Stages of Oroxylum indicum Fruits Using HPLC-DAD and QAMS Methods.

Flavones are major compounds found in several parts of Oroxylum indicum (O. indicum). The quantification of multiple components by one marker (QAMS) method and the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method were developed for the quantitative analysis of extracts from the young fruits, green mature fruits, dry pod coats and seeds of O. indicum. Oroxin A, oroxin B and chrysin-7-O-glucuronide were identified in the O. indicum extracts. Oroxylin A and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural were isolated and structurally identified from the pod coat and young fruit extracts, respectively. From the HPLC analysis of the seven major flavones in the extracts, baicalin was the major compound in all extracts investigated (0.4-11% w/w of the extract). All flavone contents were low in the young fruit extract (<1% w/w of the extract). The green mature fruit and dry pod coat extracts showed similar constituent compositions. They contained small amounts of baicalin and oroxylin A, which were found only in these two extracts. Oroxylin A could be used as a marker to indicate the maturity of O. indicum fruits, while 5-hydroxymethylfurfural could be used as a marker for the young fruits. Baicalin was found to be a suitable single marker to calculate the contents of all flavones in the O. indicum extracts.

Methanolic extract of Kigelia africana and wound healing: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. (Bignoniaceae) syn. Kigelia pinnata (Jacq. DC) is a tropical plant that is native to tropical Africa. The aim of this study was to determine if a methanolic extract prepared from Kigelia africana (KAE) can promote wound healing in treated human normal epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells and human normal foreskin fibroblast cell line (BJ) cells compared with untreated cells. METHOD: Experimental steps included: the methanolic extraction of the leaf and fruit of the Kigelia africana plant; the preparation of HaCaT and BJ cell lines; cell culture with a stable tetrazolium salt-based proliferation assay; and the evaluation of the wound healing effect of KAE (2µg/ml) in BJ and HaCaT cells. The phytochemical contents of KAE were determined using liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The following molecules were identified as being present in the KAE, among others: cholesterol sulfate; lignoceric acid; embelin; isostearic acid; linoleic acid; dioctyl phthalate; arg-pro-thr; 15-methyl-15(S)-PGE1; sucrose; benzododecinium (Ajatin); and 9-Octadecenamide (oleamide). KAE effected faster wound healing in treated cells compared with untreated cells for both cell lines. HaCaT cells that had been mechanically injured and treated with KAE healed completely in 48 hours compared with 72 hours for untreated HaCaT cells. Treated BJ cells healed completely in 72 hours compared with 96 hours for untreated BJ cells. Concentrations of KAE up to 300µg/ml had a very low cytotoxic effect on treated BJ and HaCaT cells. CONCLUSION: The experimental data in this study support the potential of KAE-based wound healing treatment to accelerate wound healing.

Iridoids and derivatives from Catalpa ovata with their antioxidant activities.

Six new iridoid derivatives (1-6)，together with twelve known compounds (7-18), were isolated and identified from the dried fruits of Catalpa ovata G. Don. Their chemical structures were mainly established through the relative spectroscopic data, while the absolute configurations of compounds 2 and 3 were elucidated on the electronic circular dichroism calculations. Their antioxidant activities were evaluated by activating the Nrf2 transcriptional pathway in 293 T cells in vitro. Among them, Compounds 1, 3, 4, 6-8, 10-12, 14, 15, 17 and 18 showed significant Nrf2 agonistic effect compared with the control group at 25 µM. Finally, The hypothetical biosynthetic pathway for 1-13 was discussed.

Antioxidant and anticancer potential of ethyl acetate extract of bark and flower of Tecoma stans (Linn) and In Silico studies on phytoligands against Bcl 2 and VEGFR2 factors.

This study was designed to appraise the antioxidant and anticancer competence of solvent extracts of Tecoma stans (Linn) and analyze the phytoligands interaction against Bcl 2 VEGFR2 through in silico studies. The phytochemical analysis revealed that the ethyl acetate extract contains more number of pharmaceutically valuable phytochemicals than other solvent extracts. Among the various phytochemicals, flavonoid was found as a predominant component, and UV-Vis- spectrophotometer analysis initially confirmed it. Hence, the column chromatogram was performed to purify the flavonoid, and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed. It revealed that the flavonoid enriched fraction by compared with standard flavonoid molecules. About 84.69% and 80.43% of antioxidant activity were found from ethyl acetate extract of bark and flower at the dosage of 80 µg mL-1 with the IC50 value of 47.24 and 43.40 µg mL-1, respectively. In a dose-dependent mode, the ethyl acetate extract of bark and flower showed cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell line MCF 7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7) as up to 81.38% and 80.94% of cytotoxicity respectively. Furthermore, the IC50 was found as 208.507 µg mL-1 and 207.38 µg mL-1 for bark and flower extract correspondingly. About 10 medicinal valued flavonoid components were identified from bark (6) and flower (4) ethyl acetate extract through LC-MS analysis. Out of 10 components, the 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (ΔG -8.8) and Isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (ΔG -8.3) had the competence to interact with Bcl 2 (B-Cell Lymphoma 2) and VEGFR2 (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2) respectively with more energy. Hence, these results confirm that the ethyl acetate extract of bark and flower of T. stans has significant medicinal potential and could be used as antioxidant and anticancer agent after some animal performance study.

Evaluation of the gastroprotective and ulcer healing properties by Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L.G. Lohmann hydroethanolic extract of leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L.G. Lohmann (Bignoniaceae), is a climber native to Brazil, found in all Brazilian biomes. It is mostly known in Brazil as "carajiru," and home medicines made from the leaves have been used to cure disorders including stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of the study was to investigate the F. chica hydroethanolic extract of leaves (HEFc) preventative and curative antiulcer gastrointestinal efficacy as well as the mechanisms of action using in vivo rodent models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: F. chica was collected in the municipality of Juína, Mato Grosso, and its leaves were used to prepare the extract by maceration technique (70% hydroethanol in the 1:10 ratio, w/v) to obtain the HEFc. The chromatographic analysis of HEFc was carried out by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photo Diode Array-Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS)- LCQ Fleet™ system. To determine the potential antiulcer potential of HEFc (1, 5 and 20 mg/kg, p.o.), the gastroprotective activity was assessed in various animal models of stomach ulcers caused by acidified ethanol, water constraint stress, indomethacin, (acute), and acid acetic (chronic). Additionally, the prokinetic properties of the HEFC were assessed in mice. The gastroprotective underlying mechanisms were evaluated by the histopathological analysis and determination of gastric secretion (volume, free and total acidity), gastric barrier mucus, activation of PGs, NO, K +ATP channels, α2-adrenoceptor, antioxidant activity (GSH, MPO and MDA), NO and mucosal cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-10) levels. RESULTS: The chemical composition of HEFc was analyzed and apigenin, scutellarin, and carajurone were identified. HEFc (1, 5 and 20 mg/kg) showed effect against acute ulcers induced by HCl/EtOH with a reduction in the ulcerated area of 64.41% (p < 0.001), 54.23% (p < 0.01), 38.71% (p < 0.01), respectively. In the indomethacin experiment, there was no change in the doses tested, whereas in the water immersion restraint stress ulcer there was a reduction of lesions at doses of 1, 5, and 20 mg/kg by 80.34% (p < 0.001), 68.46% (p < 0.01) and 52.04% (p < 0.01). HEFc increased the mucus production at doses of 1 and 20 mg/kg in 28.14% (p < 0.05) and 38.36% (p < 0.01), respectively. In the pyloric ligation-induced model of gastric ulceration, the HEFc decreased the total acidity in all doses by 54.23%, 65.08%, and 44.40% (p < 0.05) and gastric secretory volume in 38.47% at dose of 1 mg/kg (p < 0,05) and increased the free acidity at the dose of 5 mg/kg by 11.86% (p < 0.05). The administration of EHFc (1 mg/kg) showed a gastroprotective effect possibly by stimulating the release of prostaglandins and activating K+ATP channels and α2-adrenoreceptors. Also, the gastroprotective effect of HEFc involved an increase in CAT and GSH activities, and a reduction in MPO activity and MDA levels. In the chronic gastric ulcer model, the HEFc (1, 5 and 20 mg/kg) decreased the ulcerated area significantly (p < 0.001) at all doses by 71.37%, 91.00%, and 93.46%, respectively. In the histological analysis, HEFc promoted the healing of gastric lesions by stimulating the formation of granulation tissue and consequently epithelialization. On the other hand, regarding the effect of HEFc on gastric emptying and intestinal transit, it was observed that the extract did not alter gastric emptying, but there was an increase in intestinal transit at the dose of 1 mg/kg (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These outcomes confirmed the advantages of Fridericia chica leaves for the treatment of stomach ulcers, which are well-known. HEFc was discovered to have antiulcer characteristics through multitarget pathways, which might be related to an increase in stomach defense mechanisms and a decrease in defensive factor. HEFc can be regarded as a potential new antiulcer herbal remedy because of its antiulcer properties, which may be attributed to the mixture of flavonoids, apigenin, scutellarin and carajurone.

Quantification of Luteolin, Apigenin and Chrysoeriol in Tecoma stans by RP-HPLC Method.

Tecoma stans (Fam. Bignoniaceae) is also popularly known as yellow bells and yellow trumpet bush in vernacular terminology. Limited and variable data are available from the literature regarding the quantification of luteolin, apigenin and chrysoeriol, which are considered as the most active pharmacological active constituents. High-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection has been developed for the determination of the bioactive flavonoids, luteolin, apigenin and chrysoeriol, from the methanolic extract of the leaves of T. stans. A column packed with a pentafluorophenyl-based stationary phase was used for the separation of the analytes under gradient elution. The detection wavelength was 345 nm. The validation of the method as per the International Council on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines (ICH 2005) for linearity, accuracy and precision was investigated and found within limits specified by the ICH guidelines. The method was linear over with a good regression coefficient of more than 0.99. The limit of detection of the method was 0.68, 2.97 and 1.76 µg/mL for luteolin, apigenin and chrysoeriol, respectively. In conclusion, a reliable and reproducible method was devised that can be used for the estimation of the said components from T. stans.

Cytoprotective, Antiproliferative, and Anti-Oxidant Potential of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Fridericia chica Leaves on Human Cancer Cell Lines Exposed to α- and ß-Zearalenol.

Fridericia chica (Bignoniaceae) is a Colombian Caribbean plant with numerous health benefits, including properties such as wound healing, immune system stimulation, and antioxidant capacity, among others. Mycotoxins alpha-zearalenol (α-ZEL) and beta-zearalenol (ß-ZEL) are phase I metabolites of zearalenone, a natural product involved in endocrine disruption and cell proliferation processes. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic potential of the hydroethanolic extract of F. chica leaves (HEFc) and determine their protective effects against proliferation induced by α-ZEL and ß-ZEL on human hepatoma HepG2, lung cancer Calu-1, and primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes, neonatal (HEKn). The cytotoxicity of HEFc was measured in a range from 4 to 1000 µg/mL and from 0.4 to 100 µM for both α-ZEL and ß-ZEL. Cell production of intracellular ROS was monitored using the H2-DCFDA probe. The cells exposed to HEFc presented IC50 of 128, 249, and 602 µg/mL for the HepG2, Calu-1, and HEKn cells, respectively. A greater selectivity was seen in HepG2 cells [selectivity index (SI) = 3.5] than in Calu-1 cells (SI = 2.4). Cells treated with mycotoxins remained viable during the first day, and cell proliferation increased at low tested concentrations (0.4-6.3 µM) in all three cell lines. However, after 48 h treatment, cells exposed to 50 and 100 µM of α-ZEL and ß-ZEL displayed decreased viability. HEFc at 16 µg/mL was able to give some protection against cytotoxicity induced by high concentrations of ß-ZEL in HepG2, reducing also cell proliferation elicited at low levels of α-ZEL and ß-ZEL. ROS production was not observed in cells treated with this HEFc concentration; however, it prevented ROS formation induced by treatment with 50 µM α-ZEL or ß-ZEL. In summary, HEFc isolated from plants grown in northern Colombia displayed promising results against cell proliferation and oxidative stress caused by mycotoxins.

Diversity of medicinal plants and their therapeutic usages of Kachin people (Jinghpaw) in the central part of Kachin State, Myanmar.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The traditional medical system plays a major role in healthcare in Kachin State, Myanmar, where long-term political instability persists and conventional healthcare facilities are inadequate. A knowledge of the traditional medicinal plants therefore benefits the Kachin people, yet documentation and records of the uses of these plants are rare. In this study, we attempt to answer the questions on what medicinal plants and how they are used by the Kachin people. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to document knowledge of the traditional medicinal plants and to identify those most frequently used by the Kachin people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-two informants from eight villages in three townships were interviewed, and their knowledge of medicinal plants was recorded. The reported ailments were classified to the standard categories of the International Classification of Primary Care-2 (ICPC-2) system. Use reports (UR) were employed to evaluate the knowledge consensus of the informants. RESULTS: We recorded a total of 117 species used as medicinal plants, of which 22 are newly recorded medicinal plant species for Myanmar. The plants belonged to 103 genera in 52 families, and were used to treat a total of 72 ailments from 17 ICPC-2 disease categories. Fabaceae and Lamiaceae were the most highly represented families of medicinal plants, with eleven and eight species used, respectively. The most cited species based on URs were Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook.f. & Thomson (URs = 39), Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz (URs = 28), Aquilaria malaccensis Lam. (URs = 26), Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob. (URs = 24), and Chloranthus elatior Link. (URs = 22). Digestive system disorder was the most prevalent disease category, and was treated with 47 different medicinal plants (URs = 142). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part; decoction was the dominant method of preparation; and oral consumption was the most frequent method of administration. CONCLUSION: Our study documented a list of 117 medicinal plants and their uses in traditional medicine based on the local knowledge of the Kachin people. The study also identified the five most frequently cited species and found that the plants investigated are used to treat a total of 72 diseases. The 642 therapeutic reports we collected showcase a rich and diverse living knowledge of medicinal plant use by the Kachin people. Moreover, we present 22 new medicinal records, enriching the list of known medicinal plants in Myanmar. This exploratory study has enabled us to assemble the local knowledge of the Kachin people into solid dataset that will allow further scientific validation and will potentially contribute to better integration of medicinal plants into the healthcare provision for Kachin people in Myanmar.

Anti-arboviral activity and chemical characterization of hispidulin and ethanolic extracts from Millingtonia hortensis L.f. and Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz (Bignoniaceae).

Millingtonia hortensis L.f. and Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz (Bignoniaceae) are native species from the Asian continent. They are popularly used in traditional medicine and their extracts are rich in flavonoids. In this work, ethanolic extracts of stems and leaves of these species were evaluated against the Chikungunya, Zika and Mayaro virus. The extracts were subjected to analysis by ultra-efficient liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Additionally, M. hortensis leaves extract was fractionated, leading to the isolation of hispidulin. Anti-arboviral activity against the three viruses was detected for M. hortensis leaves extract with EC50 ranging from 37.8 to 134.1 µg/mL and for O. indicum stems extract with EC50 ranging from 18.6 to 55.9 µg/mL. Hispidulin inhibited viral cytopathic effect of MAYV (EC50 value 32.2 µM) and CHIKV (EC50 value 78.8 µM). In LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis we characterized 25 flavonoids confirming once again the presence of these substances in extracts of these species.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of extracts from the pericarp of Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. Ex Kunth (Bignoniaceae).

Tecoma stans (L.), popularly known as ipê-mirim, is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes and digestive problems. The components of the hexane (HE) and methanol (ME) extracts obtained from the pericarp of T. stans were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in their methyl ester forms (FAME). The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of extracts, fatty acids, and methyl esters were evaluated. Methyl linolenate, methyl linoleate, and methyl palmitate were the major compounds in the HE, while methyl hexacosanoate was the main component in the ME. The samples exhibited significant antioxidant potential by DPPH assay. In the Artemia salina larvae bioassay, FAME (HE) and FAME (ME) were considered toxic. This study showed, for the first time to our knowledge, the chemical composition of the hexane and methanol extracts from T. stans pericarp, as well as the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the extracts, fatty acids, and methyl esters.

Ethyl Acetate Fraction from a Catalpa ovata G. Don Extract Inhibits ɑ-MSH-Induced Melanogenesis through the cAMP/CREB Pathway.

The whitening effect of reducing skin pigmentation is one of the most important goals of cosmetics. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Catalpa ovata extract and its fractions have potential as natural skin-lightening agents. Initially, we screened various fractions of Catalpa ovata extract using an in vitro antioxidant assay. Then, the inhibitory effects of C. ovata extract and its fraction on melanogenesis and the related mechanisms were investigated in B16F1 melanoma cells. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction (EF) from C. ovata extract markedly inhibited melanin synthesis in a dose-dependent manner at non-toxic concentrations. Furthermore, EF downregulated both the protein and mRNA levels of tyrosinase, which is a specific enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine into melanin. We also found that EF decreased the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) at the protein and mRNA levels. EF increased the phosphorylation of ERK and suppressed the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 in ɑ-MSH-induced B16F1 cells. These results indicate that EF can regulate the MAPK pathway. In addition, EF has an anti-melanogenic effect via the downregulation of intracellular cyclic-AMP (cAMP). Nineteen major compounds of EF were identified using LC-MS/MS. Taken together, these results suggest that EF may be a potential anti-melanogenic agent for use in skin-whitening cosmetics and in topical treatments for hyperpigmentation disorders.

Root Bark Extract of Oroxylum indicum Vent. Inhibits Solid and Ascites Tumors and Prevents the Development of DMBA-Induced Skin Papilloma Formation.

Oroxylum indicum is a traditionally used plant in Ayurvedic and folk medicines. The plant is useful for the management of gastrointestinal diseases as well as skin diseases. In the present study, we analyzed the antitumor potential of O. indicum in Dalton's lymphoma ascites tumor cells (DLA) and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-induced solid and ascites tumors. Further, the potential of O. indicum extract (OIM) on skin papilloma induction by dimethyl benz(a) anthracene (DMBA) and croton oil was evaluated. The chemical composition of the extract was analyzed using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The predominant compounds present in the extract were demethoxycentaureidin 7-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, baicalein-7-O-glucuronide, 5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone, 3-Hydroxy-3',4',5'-trimethoxyflavone, 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl) chromen-4-one, and 4'-Hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxyflavanone. Treatment with high-dose OIM enhanced the percentage of survival in ascites tumor-bearing mice by 34.97%. Likewise, high and low doses of OIM reduced the tumor volume in mice by 61.84% and 54.21%, respectively. Further, the skin papilloma formation was brought down by the administration of low- and high-dose groups of OIM (by 67.51% and 75.63%). Overall, the study concludes that the Oroxylum indicum root bark extract is a potentially active antitumor and anticancer agent.

Study of potent CDK7 inhibitor secondary metabolites from Tecomella undulata.

Chemical investigation of the petroleum ether extract of heartwood of Tecomella undulata led to the isolation of tectonaquinone B (1), 2-methylquinizarin (2) along with tecomaquinone I (3), lapachol (4), 2-isopropenylnaphtho[2,3-b]-furan-4,9-quinone (5), dehydro-α-lapachone (6), α-lapachone (7), and ß-lapachone (8). This is the first report of isolation of tectonaquinone B and 2-methylquinizarin from this plant. The structures of compounds were elucidated by advanced spectroscopic methods. Molecular docking study for potential inhibitory action toward CDK7 (cyclin-dependent kinase 7) were performed, which proved that these compounds have high binding affinities with the receptor protein (CDK7). 2-Methylquinizarin exhibited best docking score (-7.70 kcal/mol) among all the tested compounds. The present study showed that 2-methylquinizarin may exhibit potent anticancer activity through inhibiting CDK7 via interaction with Met94.

Bioactivity of aqueous extract of Jacaranda spp. (Bignoniaceae) on Plutella xylostella L. 1758 (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae).

The high consumption rate of vegetables stimulates the cultivation and increases the demand regarding the adequacy of the production processes. The attack of the pest Plutella xylostella causes high losses by reducing product quality, typifying a phytosanitary problem. This study aimed to verify the bioactivity of aqueous extracts of leaves of Jacaranda decurrens and Jacaranda mimosifolia at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15% on the insect. The choice test was carried out at the laboratory to determine the food effect of plant extracts and evaluate changes in the life cycle of insects exposed to active compounds through the analysis of biological parameters. Plant extracts of J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia presented with phagodeterrent classification in the choice experiments. The three J. decurrens extract concentrations promoted a prolongation of larval and pupal duration, while the duration of individuals treated with J. mimosifolia at 10% was significantly reduced. Occurred reduction in larval survival of individuals treated with aqueous extracts of J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia. Eggs from treatments with aqueous extract of J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia had reduced survival. Pupal survival of individuals treated with extract at 15% showed a significant reduction compared to the treatments at 5% and 10%. Pupae from the treatment with aqueous extract of Jacaranda mimosifolia showed a reduction in biomass in the treatment at 15% differing from the control e 5%. Thus, the aqueous extracts of the species J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia show insecticidal potential in the tests performed on P. xylostella.