A Study on Chemical Characterization and Biological Abilities of Alstonia boonei Extracts Obtained by Different Techniques.

In the quest for novel therapeutic agents from plants, the choice of extraction solvent and technique plays a key role. In this study, the possible differences in the phytochemical profile and bioactivity (antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity) of the Alstonia boonei leaves and stem bark extracted using water, ethyl acetate and methanol, and different techniques, namely infusion, maceration and Soxhlet extraction, were investigated. Data collected showed that methanol extracts of both A. boonei leaves (48.34-53.08 mg gallic acid equivalent [GAE]/g dry extract) and stem bark (37.08-45.72 mg GAE/g dry extract) possessed higher phenolic content compared to the ethyl acetate extracts (leaves: 30.64-40.19 mg GAE/g; stem bark: 34.25-35.64 mg GAE/g). The methanol extracts of A. boonei leaves showed higher radical scavenging and reducing capacity, and these findings were in accordance with phenolic content results. In general, water extracts of A. boonei leaves and stem bark obtained by infusion were poor inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase, except for butyrylcholinesterase. The chemical profiles of the extracts were determined by UHPLC-MS and the presence of several compounds, such as phenolic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic and ferulic acids, etc.), flavonoids (rutin and isoquercetin) and flavonolignans (Cinchonain isomers). Cell viability was tested using the human peripheral blood monocytic cell line (THP-1), and the extracts were safe up to 25 µg/mL. In addition, anti-inflammatory effects were investigated with the releasing of IL-6 TNF-α and IL-1ß. In particular, stem bark extracts exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects. Data presented in this study highlight the key role of solvent choice in the extraction of bioactive secondary metabolites from plants. In addition, this study appraises the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory action of A. boonei leaves and stem bark, which are extensively used in traditional medicine.

UHPLC-MS Characterization and Biological Insights of Different Solvent Extracts of Two Achillea Species (A. aleppica and A. santolinoides) from Turkey.

In the current study, Achillea santolinoides and Achillea aleppica aeral parts and root were extracted with ethyl acetate, methanol, and water. Detailed phytochemical profiles were obtained using UHPLC-MS, yielding the identification of hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, phenolic acid glycosides and sugar esters, acylquinic acids, O-glycosyl flavones and flavonols, and flavonoid aglycons, among others. The antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibitory activities of the extracts were assayed with in vitro tests. The phenolic content of the water extracts was significantly higher as compared to the ethyl acetate and methanol ones. A. aleppica aerial parts methanol extract possessed highest flavonoid content (49.18 mg rutin equivalent/g). Antioxidant properties assessment revealed that the methanol extract of A. santolinoides roots actively scavenged DPPH (54.11 mg TE/g) and ABTS radicals (112.53 mg TE/g) and possessed highest reducing potential (183.55 and 129.92 mg TE/g, for CUPRAC and FRAP, respectively). The ethyl acetate extracts of aerial parts and roots of both species showed highest inhibition against BuCHE (6.07-6.76 mg GALAE/g). The ethyl acetate extract of A.santolinoides aerial part showed highest inhibition against tyrosinase (73.00 mg KAE/g). These results showed that the tested Achillea species might represent novel phytotherapeutic avenues for the management of Alzheimer's disease and epidermal hyperpigmentation conditions, which are both associated with oxidative stress. This paper could shed light into future potential industrial applications using the tested Achillea species.

A comparative study of the HPLC-MS profiles and biological efficiency of different solvent leaf extracts of two African plants: Bersama abyssinica and Scoparia dulcis.

In the present study, two medicinal plants from Africa, namely Bersama abyssinica Fresen. and Scoparia dulcis L., were extracted using ethyl acetate, methanol, and water. The antioxidant, enzyme (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase, lipase, and tyrosinase) inhibitory action, and phytochemical profiles of extracts of Bersama abyssinica and Scoparia dulcis were determined. The aqueous (180.62 and 61.81 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract, for B. abyssinica and S. dulcis respectively) and methanol (75.21 and 57.81 mg rutin equivalent/g extract, for B. abyssinica and S. dulcis, respectively) extracts contained high concentrations of phenolic and flavonoids, respectively. The ethyl acetate extracts of both plants were potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase and tyrosinase. Several phytochemical groups were determined by HPLC-MS/MS. The study tend to suggest that B. abyssinica and S. dulcis are potential candidates for the development of novel therapeutical agents.

Qualitative Chemical Characterization and Multidirectional Biological Investigation of Leaves and Bark Extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr. (Combretaceae).

Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr. (Combretaceae) has a long history of use by folk populations for the management of multiple human ailments. Based on the published literature, there has been no attempt to conduct a comparative assessment of the biological activity and the phytochemical profiles of the leaves and stem bark of A. leiocarpus extracted using methanol, ethyl acetate, and water. By high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-ESI-MSn) analysis, quinic, shikimic, gallic, and protocatechuic acids were tentatively identified from all the extracts, while chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic, and dodecanedioic acids were only characterised from the leaves extracts. Additionally, a pharmacological study was carried out to evaluate potential protective effects that are induced by the extracts in rat colon and colon cancer HCT116 cell line. In general, the methanol and water extracts of A. leiocarpus leaves and stem bark showed potent radical scavenging and reducing properties. It was noted that the stem bark extracts were more potent antioxidants as compared to the leaves extracts. The methanol extract of A. leiocarpus leaves showed the highest acetyl (4.68 mg galantamine equivalent/g) and butyryl (4.0 mg galantamine equivalent/g) cholinesterase inhibition. Among ethyl acetate extracts, the pharmacological investigation suggested stem bark ethyl acetate extracts to be the most promising. This extract revealed ability to protect rat colon from lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress, without exerting promoting effects on HCT116 cell line viability and migration. As a conclusion, A. leiocarpus represents a potential source of bioactive compounds in the development of novel therapeutic agents.

Comprehensive approaches on the chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of flowers and leaves of American basil (Ocimum americanum L).

Ocimum americanum L. (Lamiaceae) is a common food condiment and also used in traditional medicine in the management of several human diseases. Nonetheless, there has been no effort to delineate the biological and phytochemical profiles of leaves and flowers prepared by different extractive solvents (ethyl acetate, methanol (MeOH), and water). The pharmacological potential of O. americanum extracts on pro-oxidant/pro-inflammatory mediators in rat colon specimens treated with lipopolysaccharide was investigated. In parallel, the inhibitory effects of the extracts on fungal and bacterial strains involved in ulcerative colitis were studied. Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins. Water extracts of flowers and leaves showed strong reducing and radicals scavenging potential. Both MeOH and ethyl acetate extracts of the leaves and flowers were able to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase. All the extracts inhibited the selected bacterial and fungal strains, while only ethyl acetate flower extract displayed antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects in rat colon. The water and MeOH extracts stimulated colon lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and serotonin (5-HT) and induced spontaneous migration of HCT116 cells. Future investigations should focus on the biological activity of isolated phytochemicals from the leaves and flowers of O. americanum, in order to clarify the mechanism(s) of action substantiating the observed pharmacological properties.

Multi-targeted potential of Pittosporum senacia Putt.: HPLC-ESI-MSn analysis, in silico docking, DNA protection, antimicrobial, enzyme inhibition, anti-cancer and apoptotic activity.

Pittosporum senacia (PS) Putt. (Pittosporaceae), indigenous to the Mascarene Islands, is a common ingredient in traditional medicines. However, there is currently a dearth of studies to validate some of these traditional claims. Given the broad traditional uses of PS against several diseases, we aimed to provide a comprehensive insight into the biological and chemical profile of P. senacia. The antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory activity, anticancer, and phytochemical composition of the methanolic extract of P. senacia leaf extracts were studied. The possible interaction and binding mode of the most abundant phytochemicals were studied via in silico docking experiments on tyrosinase and α-glucosidase. The mechanism behind the cytotoxic property of P. senacia extract for MDA-MB-231 was also examined using different methods including 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell viability test checking apoptosis-associated genes, and wound healing assays. Twenty-six compounds were identified, of which caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, ferulic acid derivative, cinnamoylquinic acid derivative and two other polyphenols (oleuropeine and isoramnetin glucoside) being abundant, have been tested using in silico studies, against α-glucosidase and tyrosinase. The extract (IC50 = 118.8 µg/ml) exhibited time and dose dependent anti-proliferative effect on human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231. According to the expression profile of apoptosis inhibitors and apoptosis promoters genes, expression of Bax and Bak genes were significantly increased compared to Bcl-2 and Birc5 genes. Based on wound healing analysis, cell migration was inhibited after the application of the plant extract. The present findings suggested that PS might be a good candidate as sources of bioactive compounds for designing functional applications.

Comprehensive Chemical Profiling and Multidirectional Biological Investigation of Two Wild Anthemis Species (Anthemis tinctoria var. Pallida and A. cretica subsp. tenuiloba): Focus on Neuroprotective Effects.

Ethyl acetate (EA), methanol (MeOH), and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Anthemis tinctoria var. pallida (ATP) and A. cretica subsp. tenuiloba (ACT) were investigated for their phenol and flavonoid content, antioxidant, and key enzyme inhibitory potentials. All extracts displayed antiradical effects, with MeOH and aqueous extracts being a superior source of antioxidants. On the other hand, EA and MeOH extracts were potent against AChE and BChE. Enzyme inhibitory effects against tyrosinase and α-glucosidase were observed, as well. We also studied Anthemis extracts in an ex vivo experimental neurotoxicity paradigm. We assayed extract influence on oxidative stress and neurotransmission biomarkers, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and serotonin (5-HT), in isolated rat cortex challenged with K+ 60 mM Krebs-Ringer buffer (excitotoxicity stimulus). An untargeted proteomic analysis was finally performed in order to explore the putative mechanism in the brain. The pharmacological study highlighted the capability of ACT water extract to blunt K+ 60 mM increase in LDH level and 5-HT turnover, and restore physiological activity of specific proteins involved in neuron morphology and neurotransmission, including NEFMs, VAMP-2, and PKCγ, thus further supporting the neuroprotective role of ACT water extract.

Chemical profiling of Centaurea bornmuelleri Hausskn. aerial parts by HPLC-MS/MS and their pharmaceutical effects: From nature to novel perspectives.

Ethnobotanical evidences substantiate the use of several Centaurea species to treat and/or manage several human ailments. In the present study, the phytochemical profile of the ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous extracts (prepared by infusion and decoction) of Centaurea bornmuelleri Hausskn. aerial parts was established. The enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant properties were also determined by in vitro bioassays. Methanol extract (38.58 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract) and ethyl acetate extract (38.83 mg rutin equivalent/g extract) possessed the highest concentration of phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. Aqueous extract prepared following traditional infusion method showed potent DPPH (38.54 mg TE/g extract) and ABTS (57.75 mg TE/g extract) scavenging abilities. The methanol extract (101.46 mg TE/g extract) of C. bornmuelleri exhibited potent reducing activity in the CUPRAC assay while the aqueous extract obtained by infusion was more active in the FRAP assay (69.81 mg TE/g extract). Ethyl acetate extract of C. bornmuelleri inhibited both acetylcholinesterase (1.14 mg galantamine equivalent [GALAE]/g extract), butyrylcholinesterase (0.63 mg GALAE/g extract), tyrosinase (69.84 mg kojic acid equivalent/g extract), amylase (19.90 mg acarbose equivalent [ACAE]/g extract), and glucosidase (33.12 mg ACAE/g extract). The phytochemical profile of C. bornmuelleri has been characterized and the main components quantified in order to provide scientific base to design innovative products including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or nutraceuticals although further investigation concerning the isolation of the main bioactive compounds would be required.

Influence of different extraction techniques on the chemical profile and biological properties of Anthemis cotula L.: Multifunctional aspects for potential pharmaceutical applications.

The phytochemical composition of different extracts obtained from stinking chamomile (Anthemis cotula L.) was investigated. Ethanol was used as solvent and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), microwave assisted extraction (MAE), maceration, soxhlet extraction (SE), and ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) were applied on plant material. Comparison of the phytochemical contents, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties were performed. The most abundant sesquiterpene in the extracts was anthecotuloide, while the most present phenolics were caffeoyl quinic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol derivatives. UAE extract was the most efficient in the extraction of sesquiterpenoids and polyphenols. Considering the assays on antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition, ASE extract showed highest phenolic content (62.92 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract). Likewise, this extract showed highest radical scavenging (103.44 mg trolox equivalent [TE]/g extract and 155.70 mg TE/g extract, for DPPH and ABTS assays respectively) and reducing power potential (435.32 and 317.89 mg TE/g extract, for CUPRAC and FRAP assays, respectively). The different extracts showed similar results in the enzyme inhibition assays suggesting that the extraction methods used have no effect on observed enzyme activities. Novelty of our findings are the inhibitory action of the ethanol extract of A. cotula aerial parts on key enzymes associated with Alzheimer's disease (acetyl cholinesterase, butyryl cholinesterase), type 2 diabetes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase), and skin hyperpigmentation disorders (tyrosinase). Data collected from the present work further appraises the multiple potential biological properties of stinking chamomile suggesting the need for further investigation on its constituents.

Chemical fingerprints, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and cell assays of three extracts obtained from Sideritis ozturkii Aytaç & Aksoy: An endemic plant from Turkey.

This study was geared towards assessing the possible antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and cytotoxic activities of ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts of Sideritis ozturkii Aytaç & Aksoy. The phytochemical profiles of the studied extracts were characterised by HPLC-MS/MS. The methanol extract, rich in phenolics (78.04 mg gallic acid equivalent/g), exhibited the strongest antioxidant activities. However, the ethyl acetate extract was the most active extract in the enzyme inhibitory assays. The water extract of S. ozturkii (1 mg/ml, 48 h incubation) slightly inhibited (22%) growth of human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231 cells). On the other hand, the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts showed strong inhibition (98% and 97%, respectively) of MDA-MB-231 cells and caused apoptotic cell death. Scientific data generated from this study further appraises the multiple biological activities of plants belonging to the Sideritis genus. In addition, preliminary evidence gathered from the current investigation advocates for further studies geared towards the preparation of therapeutic formulations from S. ozturkii.

Multidirectional biological investigation and phytochemical profile of Rubus sanctus and Rubus ibericus.

In the present study, the biological properties, including, the enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant activities, as well as, the phytochemical profile of the ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts of Rubus sanctus Schreb. and Rubus ibericus Juz. leaves were determined using in vitro bioassays. Wide range of phytochemicals, including, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, acylquinic acids, ellagitannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoid saponins were determined using UHPLC-ESI/HRMS technique. The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the studied Rubus species effectively inhibited acetyl and butyryl cholinesterase. On the other hand, R. sanctus water extract showed low inhibition against α-amylase and prominent inhibitory action against α-glucosidase. Data collected from this study reported the radical scavenging and reducing potential of the studied Rubus species. Investigation of the protective effects of the different extracts of R. sanctus and R. ibericus in experimental model of ulcerative colitis was performed. The extracts were also tested on spontaneous migration of human colon cancer cells (HCT116) in wound healing experimental paradigm. Only R. sanctus methanol extract inhibited spontaneous HCT116 migration in the wound healing test. Our results suggested that R. sanctus and R. ibericus may be potential candidates as sources of biologically-active compounds for the development of nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and/or cosmetics.

Multifunctional approaches to provide potential pharmacophores for the pharmacy shelf: Heracleum sphondylium L. subsp. ternatum (Velen.) Brummitt.

Heracleum sphondylium L. subsp. ternatum (Velen.) Brummitt. commonly known as "hogweed" is traditionally used to manage several human ailments. This investigation assessed, for the first time, the enzyme inhibitory properties, antioxidant activity, phytochemical profile, antimutagenic, and antimicrobial potential of the ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts of H. sphondylium. We also established the possible interactions of identified phenolic compounds with cholinesterases, amylase, glucosidase, and tyrosinase using in silico docking studies. Chlorogenic acid was found in high amounts in the methanol extract of H. sphondylium. The methanol extract was an effective inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (1.70 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g extract) while the ethyl acetate extract showed pronounced inhibitory action against butyrylcholinesterase (1.77 mg GALAE/g extract). The extracts exhibited low inhibition against amylase (0.12-0.84 mmol acarbose equivalent (ACAE)/g extract) and a more pronounced inhibition against glucosidase (2.29-3.65 mmol ACAE/g extract). In silico results showed that rutin and quercetin (-70.4 and -72.2 Kcal/mol, for rutin and quercetin respectively) docked to the enzymatic cavity of acetylcholinesterase but these phenolic compounds showed less affinity with butyrylcholinesterase (-15.0 and -5.2 Kcal/mol, for rutin and quercetin respectively). The extracts did not induce any mutations on the bacterial strains, while they have excellent antimutagenic capacity against well-known mutagens (inhibition values 98%, 97% and 96%). The methanol extract (0.78 mg/ml) showed moderate antifungal activity while the ethyl acetate extract (0.78-3.12 mg/ml) showed weak to moderate antimicrobial activity. This study provides valuable baseline data which might serve for the development of future pharmacophores for the management of human ailments.

Characterization of phytochemical components of Ferula halophila extracts using HPLC-MS/MS and their pharmacological potentials: a multi-functional insight.

The inhibitory action of F. halophila extracts (acetone, chloroform, and methanol) against key enzymes linked to diabetes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase), cognitive functions (acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), butyryl cholinesterase (BChE)), and hyperpigmentation (tyrosinase) was assessed. The mutagenic/antimutagenic activities were assessed and the phytochemical profile established by HPLC-MS/MS. The acetone extract showed the highest phenolic (55.22 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoid (34.52 mg RE/g extract) contents. The chloroform extract was a potent inhibitor of cholinesterases (4.86 and 6.13 mg GALAE/g extract, against AChE and BChE, respectively). Cinnamic acid derivatives (methyl cinnamate, ferulic acid, methoxycinnamic acid isomer) were identified in the chloroform extract. Methanol extract showed potent inhibitory action against tyrosinase (137.63 mg KAE/g extract) and glucosidase (43.02 mmol ACAE/g extract). The chloroform extract (32.07 mg EDTAE/g extract) showed potent metal chelating potential. The neuroprotective action of the chloroform extract might be attributed to the metal chelating action coupled by the cholinesterase inhibitory potential. F. halophila showed no mutagenic capacity. When combined with 2-aminoflouren and 2-aminoanthracene, the acetone and chloroform extracts revealed excellent antimutagenicity in the presence of metabolic activation enzymes for Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains. The observed inhibitory effects of F. halophila against the studied enzyme suggest that this plant could be a promising source of bioactive phytochemicals for the management of clinical conditions.

New insights into the in vitro biological effects, in silico docking and chemical profile of clary sage - Salvia sclarea L.

Salvia sclarea L. is traditionally used to manage common human ailments and is consumed as a food product. This study aimed to establish the phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential of ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts of Salvia sclarea. The inhibitory action of the extracts against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase was also investigated. Methanol extract showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents (81.78 mg GAE/g extract and 40.59 mg RE/g extract, respectively). Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector analysis revealed that S. sclarea was rich in rosmarinic acid. The water extract exhibited the lowest inhibitory activity against α-amylase but the upmost activity against α-glucosidase (0.19 and 18.24 mmol ACAE/g extract, respectively). Experimental data showed that only the water extract (8.86 mg KAE/g extract) significantly inhibited tyrosinase. Docking studies showed that quercetin binds to tyrosinase by two hydrogen and a pi-pi bonds. Salvia sclarea showed interesting biological activity against key enzymes involved in the pathogenesis of common ailments.

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

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

In vitro and in silico evaluation of Centaurea saligna (K.Koch) Wagenitz-An endemic folk medicinal plant.

Centaurea saligna (K.Koch) Wagenitz is an endemic plant used in Turkish folk medicine as antibacterial, tonic, astringent, choleretic, anti-rheumatic, diuretic, and antipyretic. This study attempts for the first time to assess the possible enzyme inhibitory potential, antioxidant activity, and determine the phytochemical profile of the ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts of C. saligna. The water extract had the highest phenolic content (30.18 mg GAE/g extract) and the most potent oxidant scavenging activity ((120.53, 111.90, 68.43, and 157.88 mg TE/g extract, for CUPRAC [cupric reducing antioxidant capacity], FRAP [ferric reducing antioxidant power], DPPH [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl], and ABTS [2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid] assays respectively)). The water extract (4.16 mg KAE/g extract) also inhibited tyrosinase and contained high level of catechin (214 µg/g extract). Ethyl acetate extract showed potent inhibitory capacity against cholinesterases (2.22 and 2.21 mg GALAE/g extract for acetyl and butyryl cholinesterase, respectively) and α-glucosidase (23.80 mmol ACAE/g extract). High concentration of apigenin (2472 µg/g extract) was identified in the ethyl acetate extract. In silico studies showed that apigenin binds to the enzymatic pocket of α-glucosidase and is stabilised by a network of hydrogen bonds and pi-pi stacking. Data collected in the present study advocates the need for further investigation geared towards validation of C. saligna for the management of complications related to the target enzymes, such as diabetes type II, Alzheimer's disease, and epidermal hyperpigmentation.