Green Synthesis of Metal-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Using Bauhinia racemosa Lam. Extract and Evaluation of Their Photocatalysis and Biomedical Applications.

A fascinating problem in the fields of nanoscience and nanobiotechnology has recently emerged, and to tackle this, the production of metal oxide nanoparticles using plant extracts offers numerous benefits over traditional physicochemical methods. In the present investigation, ZnO nanoparticles were fabricated from Bauhinia racemosa Lam. (BR) leaves extract with various transition metal (TM) dopants (Ni, Mn, and Co). Plant leaves extract containing metal nitrate solutions were utilized as a precursor to synthesize the pristine and TM-doped ZnO nanoparticles. Structural, functional, optical, and surface properties of the fabricated samples were studied by using physicochemical and photoelectrochemical measurements. The organic pollutants tetracycline (TC), ampicillin (AMP), and amoxicillin (AMX) were used in the photocatalytic degradation assessment of the fabricated samples. Through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigation, the fabricated nanoparticles wurtzite crystal structure was verified. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis verified the existence of functional groups in the fabricated nanoparticles. The migration of electrons from the deep donor level and zinc interstitial to the Zn-defect and O-defect is related to the emission peaks seen at 468, 480, 534, and 450 nm in photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Co-ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated potent and excellent photocatalytic degradation performance for TC (91.09%), AMP (87.97%), and AMX (92.42%) antibiotics within 210, 180, and 150 min of visible light irradiation. Co-ZnO nanoparticles also demonstrated strong antimicrobial performance against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Bacillus subtilis. Further investigation of in vitro cytotoxic potential against the A549 cell line (IC50 = 24 ± 0.5 µg/mL) utilizing MTT assay and the free radical scavenging performance of Co-ZnO nanoparticles estimated by DPPH assay utilizing l-ascorbic acid as a reference was also performed. Anti-inflammatory potential is also reviewed by comparing it with the standard drug Diclofenac, and the maximum activity was obtained for Ni-ZnO nanoparticles (IC50 = 72.4 µg/mL).

Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of five species of Bauhinia genus: A review.

Genus Bauhinia has been widely used in the treatment of diabetes, malaria, cough, headache, fever, piles, dysentery, flatulence, diarrhoea, ulcer and cardiovascular problems. Among 600 species of this genus, Bauhinia variegata, B. purpurea, B. championii, B. racemosa, and B. forficata are commonly used in the traditional medicine and found to be throughly investigated for their medicinal properties. They possess diverse pharmacological activities such as anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-arthritic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, fibrinolytic, and wound healing properties and most of the biological activities are corelating with traditional knowledge. Phytochemical analysis indicated that steroids, terpenoids, and flavonoids are prominent in the selected species, whereas bauhiniastatins, bauhinoxepins, racemosols, roseosides, and bauhichamines are found unique to the genus. This review aims to decipher active molecules from the aforementioned species of Bauhinia covering comprehensive analysis of phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and traditional uses. The data has been carefully analyzed to find compounds or fractions with a translational value. In most of the cases, the pharmacological activities have been established, however, further studies are needed such as safety evaluations, target identification, bioavailability, metabolite identification, and pharmacokinetic properties. In conclusion, the pharmacological potential of Bauhinia plants show promise with various leads such as insulin-like protein, roseoside, bauhiniastatin, and melibiose binding lectin. However, further investigations are required to address existing gaps and advance them towards product development. This review will lay the groundwork for future research initiatives aimed at fully realizing the therapeutic potential of Bauhinia plants.

In Vitro and In Silico Antioxidant Activity and Molecular Characterization of Bauhinia ungulata L. Essential Oil.

Bauhinia ungulata is an antioxidant medicinal plant that has been manipuled in Brazil to lower glycemic index as well is for alternative treatment for diabetes. Therefore, the present hearch has aimed to investigates the antioxidant effects of the essential oil of Bauhinia ungulata L. (EOBU) collected in Amazon region better specified in Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil, located in the Amazon region. Gas chromatography had been used to characterize the components, and antioxidant assays such as DPPH, TAC, reducing power, Fe2+ chelation, and total phenols had also been performed. The major constituents had molecularly anchored with the human catalase (CAT) enzyme, and maltol has showed as a positive control. Among the 25 revealed components, the main ones have been α-bisabolol (27.2 %), ß-Caryophyllene (12.5 %) and Epi-γ-eudesmol (13.6 %). The EOBU has comproved a TAC value of 618.79 mg of ascorbic acid equivalent, free radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) around 53.7 % and 65.27 %, Fe2+ chelation capacity of 161±6 and 126.7±39.6, for 0.1 mg.mL-1 and 0.5 mg.mL-1 , respectively. The power around the EOBU has appeared percentages equals to 28.66 %, 44.6 %, and 77.03 % in the concentrations tested. As well as, 96.5 % of total phenols. The compounds α-bisabolol (-5.7±0.4 Kcal.mol-1 ) and ß-caryophyllene (-6.1±0.5 Kcal.mol-1 ) have showed good interaction with CAT compared to Maltol (-4.4±0.4 Kcal.mol-1 ). The present work has demonstrated that EOBU functions as a potent antioxidant, capable of scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress damage.

Anatomical and histochemical characterization of stem and leaves of Bauhinia pulchella Benth. (Fabaceae).

Bauhinia pulchella Benth. (Fabaceae), is native to Brazil and popularly known as pata-de-bode. In folk medicine, it is used to treat diabetes. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated different properties, such as cytotoxic and antioxidant, and different chemical constituents, such as essential oil, triterpenoids, steroids, among others. In order to highlight the morphological differences of the species B. pulchella from the others of the genus, and its pharmacological potential, the present study aimed to carry out the anatomical and histochemical characterization of the stem and leaves of B. pulchella. Usual methods in plant anatomy were used in the preparation of semi-permanent slides containing cross sections of the stem, petiole and leaf blade and paradermal sections of the leaf blade for analysis in light microscopy and polarized light. Histochemical tests were also performed to localize the metabolites in the stem and leaf blade. The stem of B. pulchella has a cylindrical outline, the bark is composed of 7-8 layers of cells and discontinuously distributed sclerenchyma; petiole presents flat convex contour, prominences in the adaxial region, concentric amphicrivral vascular bundle, surrounding a small concentric anfivasal intramedullary bundle, adaxially two accessory bundles and tector trichomes; leaf blade with anisocytic and tetracytic stomata on the adaxial surface and anisocytic, tetracytic and anomocytic on the abaxial surface; and midrib with plain-convex outline, 1-2 layers of collenchyma and covering trichomes. Characteristics that differ from other species of the genus Bauhinia. Alkaloids, phenolic compounds, lipophilic compounds, lignin, triterpenes, steroids and tannins were observed in the species. The results are fundamental for the pharmacobotanical standardization of the studied species.

Cytotoxicity, acute and sub-chronic toxicities of the leaves of Bauhinia thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh. (Caesalpiniaceae).

BACKGROUND: Bauhinia thonningii is a plant traditionally used against many human diseases such as gastric ulcers, fever, inflammations, coughs, dysentery, diarrhea, and malaria. In the present investigation, the cytotoxicity of methanol extract of Bauhinia thonningii leaves (BTL), fractions and the isolated phytoconstituents was determined in a panel of 9 human cancer cell lines including drug sensitive and multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes. The acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity of BTL was investigated as well. METHODS: Compounds were isolated using chromatographic techniques while their chemical structures were determined using spectroscopic methods. The resazurin reduction assay (RRA) was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of samples, propidium iodide (PI) for apoptosis, 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) staining for mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) analysis, 2´,7´-dichlorodihydrofluoresceine diacetate (H2DCFH-DA) staining for the quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas Caspase Glo assays were combined by means of flow cytometry. Furthermore, the toxicological investigations were performed as recommended by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). RESULTS: The botanicals as well as 6-C-methylquercetin-3,7-dimethyl ether (2), quercetin-3-O-L-rhamnopyranoside (5), quercetin-3-O-ß-glucopyranoside (6), 6,8-C-dimethylkaempferol 3,7-dimethyl ether (7), and 6,8-C-dimethylkaempferol-3-methyl ether (8) had promising cytotoxic effects in the 9 tested cancer cell lines. The IC50 values below 20 µg/mL (botanicals) or 10 µM (compounds) on at least 1/9 tested cancer cell lines were considered. The best cytotoxic effects with IC50 values below 5 µM were achieved with compounds 7 against CEM/ADR5000 leukemia cells (2.86 µM) and MDA-MB-231-pcDNA breast adenocarcinoma cells (1.93 µM) as well as 8 against CCRF-CEM leukemia cells (3.03 µM), CEM/ADR5000 cells (2.42 µM), MDA-MB-231-pcDNA (2.34 µM), and HCT116 p53-/- cells (3.41 µM). BTL and compound 8 induced apoptotic cell death in CCRF-CEM cells through caspase activation, alteration of MMP, and increased ROS production. BTL did not cause any adverse effects in rats after a single administration at 5000 mg/kg or a repeated dose of 250 mg/kg body weight (b. w.). CONCLUSION: Bauhinia thonningii and its constituents are sources of cytotoxic drugs that deserve more in-depth studies to develop novel antiproliferative phytomedicine to fight cancer including resistant phenotypes.

Liver protective effect of chloroform extract of Bauhinia purpurea leaves is attributed partly to its antioxidant action and the presence of flavonoids.

CONTEXT: Bauhinia purpurea L. (Fabaceae) is used in the Ayurvedic system to treat various oxidative-related ailments (e.g., wounds, ulcers etc.). Therefore, it is believed that the plant also has the potential to alleviate oxidative-related liver damage. OBJECTIVE: This study elucidates the hepatoprotective activity of chloroform extract of B. purpurea leaves (CEBP) in paracetamol (PCM)-induced liver injury (PILI) rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6) were pre-treated once daily (p.o.) with CEBP (50-500 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days before being administered (p.o.) a hepatotoxic agent, 3 g/kg PCM. Liver enzyme levels were determined from the collected blood, while the collected liver was used to determine the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and for histopathological examination. CEBP was also subjected to radical scavenging assays and phytochemical analysis. RESULTS: CEBP significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the toxic effect of PCM by increasing the serum levels of AST and ALT, and the activity of endogenous catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) while reducing the liver weight/body weight (LW/BW) ratio. Other than low TPC value and radical scavenging activity, CEBP had a high antioxidant capacity when evaluated using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis of CEBP showed the presence of flavonoids. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: CEBP exerts its hepatoprotective activity through a non-free radical scavenging pathway that involves activation of the endogenous enzymatic antioxidant defense system. Further study is needed to identify the responsible bioactive compounds before the plant can be developed as a future alternative hepatoprotective medicament for clinical use.

Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities, and UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS-Based Metabolite Profiling of an Endophytic Fungus Nigrospora sphaerica BRN 01 Isolated from Bauhinia purpurea L.

Diabetes-associated postprandial hyperglycemia is a major risk factor in cardiovascular disease. Since enzyme α-glucosidase is primarily responsible for glucose release during digestion, inhibiting it mitigates post-meal spike in blood glucose level. Metabolites from endophytic fungi could be potential natural inhibitors of this enzyme. Endophytic fungi isolated from Bauhinia purpurea L. were screened for their potential antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Ethyl acetate extract of Nigrospora sphaerica BRN 01 (NEE) displayed high antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 9.72 ± 0.91 µg/ml for DPPH assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of 1595 ± 0.23 µmol AAE g-1 DW. NEE also showed high degree of inhibition of α-glucosidase activity with an IC50 value of 0.020 ± 0.001 mg/ml, significantly greater than the standard drug acarbose (0.494 ± 0.009 mg/ml). Metabolite profiling of NEE was carried using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS) and 21 metabolites identified based on the MS/MS fragmentation patterns. Docking analysis of all 21 identified metabolites was carried out. Of these, 6 showed binding energies higher than acarbose (- 6.6 kcal/mol). Based on the analysis of interactions of feruloyl glucose with active site residues of the enzyme, it could be a potential α-glucosidase inhibitor. Metabolites of Nigrospora sphaerica BRN 01, therefore, could be potential lead molecules for design and development of antidiabetic drugs.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities of astilbin contained in Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib. stems: an investigation by in silico and in vitro studies.

INTRODUCTION: Bioactive compounds from traditional medicines are good alternatives to standard diabetes therapies and may lead to new therapeutic discoveries. The stems of Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib. (BC) have a possible antihyperglycemic effect; However, the extraction of astilbin from BC has never been recorded in alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities. METHODS: Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), 32 compounds were detected in the BC extract. The screening was based on peak area. Seven compounds found. PASS recognized all seven compounds as potential alpha-glucosidase (AG) inhibitors. Astilbin and quercetin 3-rhamnoside were the most likely inhibitors of AG. Arguslab, AutoDock, and AutoDock Vina investigated the binding of the two compounds and AG. The binding stability was confirmed by molecular dynamics (MD). In addition, the optimum solvent extraction was studied via CosmoQuick, and extracts were examined with 1H-NMR prior to testing with AG. RESULTS: All three software programs demonstrated that both compounds inhibit AG more effectively than acarbose. According to the sigma profile, THF is recommended for astilbin extraction. The BC extract with THF showed outstanding AG inhibitory action with an IC50 of 158 ± 1.30 µg mL-1, which was much lower than that of the positive control acarbose (IC50 = 190 ± 6.97 µg mL-1). In addition, astilbin from BC was found to inhibit AG strongly, IC50 = 22.51 ± 0.70 µg mL-1 through the extraction method of large-scale astilbin with THF has the best extraction capacity compared to other solvents, hence the initial stage of extraction employs THF to extract and precipitate them with ethyl acetate and water. CONCLUSION: In silico and in vitro studies reveal that astilbin inhibits AG and is superior to acarbose, validating its promise as an AG inhibitor. Overall, astilbin was the most bioactive component of BC for antidiabetic action.

Natural Dibenzo[b,f]oxepines, Pacharin and Bauhiniastatin-1, Isolated from Bauhinia acuruana Induce Apoptosis on Breast Cancer Cells via MCL-1 Protein Reduction.

Herein, we describe the antiproliferative effects of two natural dibenzo [b,f]oxepines, pacharin and bauhiniastatin-1, isolated from Bauhinia acuruana on a breast cancer cell line and the mode of action underlying the cytotoxicity. Both compounds were cytotoxic in a panel of six tumor lines analyzed by the MTT assay, and IC50 values ranged from 7.8 to 45.1 µM, including human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells. In contrast, none of the compounds were cytotoxic on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (IC50 > 100 µM). Human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells treated with pacharin or bauhiniastatin-1 20 µM for 24 h presented a reduction in cell volume and intensification of chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and apoptotic cells. These findings became more evident after 48 h of exposure. Antiapoptotic B-cell lymphoma-2 family members, such as myeloid cell leukemia-1 and B-cell lymphoma-extra large, are important targets in cancer cells since their overexpression confers resistance to cancer treatments. A significant reduction of the myeloid cell leukemia-1 protein levels in human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells after 24 h of treatment with pacharin or bauhiniastatin-1 at 20 µM was observed, while the B-cell lymphoma-extra large protein content was reduced in bauhiniastatin-1-treated cells at 40 µM only. The cytotoxic effects of pacharin and bauhiniastatin-1 are likely linked to myeloid cell leukemia-1 inhibition, which leads to the apoptosis of breast adenocarcinoma cells.

Preservation of phenolic compounds on dried leaf infusion of Bauhinia forficata Link

Abstract Bauhinia forficata Link aqueous extract is usually recommended as a phytomedicine to reduce blood glucose levels and its biological activity has been linked to the presence of phenolic compounds from B. forficata preparations. Several drying processes are used in the production of dry herbal extracts, which may influence the chemical composition and efficacy of final herbal medicines. Due to significant chemical changes, defining appropriate drying processes is essential for phytopharmaceutical drug development. In view of this, we analyzed dried B. forficata leaf infusion (BFLI) extracts by HPLC-UV-MSn, followed by molecular networking analysis to evaluate the chemical profiles from dried extracts yielded by freeze-and spray-drying processes. The main metabolites detected included 11 ferulic/isoferulic acid derivatives and 13 glycosylated flavonoids. The qualitative chemical profiles were alike for both drying processes, whereas the relative abundance of some flavonoids was higher using spray-drying. Taken together, our results showed that freeze-and spray-drying preserved the phenolic profile of BFLI and suggested that spray-drying may be the most suitable to obtain its dried products. Along with studying the chemical profiles of dried herbal extracts, evaluating the influence of drying processes on the quality and chemical profiles of final products is pivotal and may benefit future research.

Beneficial Effects of Bauhinia rufa Leaves on Oxidative Stress, Prevention, and Treatment of Obesity in High-Fat Diet-Fed C57BL/6 Mice.

Obesity is an epidemic disease worldwide, associated with oxidative stress and the development of several other diseases. Bauhinia rufa (Bong.) Steud. is a native Brazilian Cerrado medicinal plant popularly used for the treatment of obesity. In this context, we investigated the chemical composition of the methanolic extract of B. rufa leaves (MEBr) and evaluated the antioxidant activity and its impact on the prevention and treatment of obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD 60%). Additionally, the acute oral toxicity of MEBr was evaluated. In MEBr, 17 glycosylated compounds were identified, including myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, coumaroyl, cyanoglucoside, and megastigmane. In vitro, MEBr showed antioxidant activity in different methods: DPPH•, ABTS•+, FRAP, iron-reducing power, inhibition of ß-carotene bleaching, and inhibition of DNA fragmentation. In human erythrocytes, MEBr increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Under oxidative stress, MEBr reduced oxidative hemolysis, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels generated in erythrocytes. Mice treated acutely with MEBr (2000 mg/kg) showed no signs of toxicity. During 90 days, the mice received water or MEBr simultaneously with HFD for induction of obesity. At this stage, MEBr was able to reduce the gain of subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) and prevent the increase of MDA in the heart and brain. After 180 days of HFD for obesity induction, mice that received MEBr simultaneously with HFD (HFD-MEBr) in the last 60 days of treatment (120-180 days) showed a reduction of retroperitoneal and mesenteric WAT deposits and MDA levels in the heart, liver, kidney, and brain, compared to the HFD-Control group. These effects of MEBr were similar to mice treated with sibutramine (HFD-Sibutramine, 2 mg/kg). Combined, the results show that compounds from the leaves of B. rufa affect controlling oxidative stress and actions in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Thus, associated oxidative stress reduction and body composition modulation, in obese people, can contribute to the prevention of obesity-related comorbidities and improve quality of life.

Alternativas de controle do diabetes / Alternatives for diabetes control / Alternativas para el control de la diabetes

O Diabetes desde a antiguidade tem sido uma das maiores causas de morte entre as populações do globo, e segundo a Organização Mundial da Saúde continua assolando nos nossos dias. Apesar das descobertas de tratamentos mais eficazes, a doença vem avançando em progressões assustadoras atualmente, com projeções preocupantes para a saúde pública. Como estratégia de acompanhamento terapêutico, estatístico direcionado a portadores de diabetes, o Governo Federal lançou o programa HIPERDIA (Hipertensos e Diabéticos), que faz o acompanhamento da evolução da doença e das complicações dos pacientes. E neste sentido, também são utilizadas terapêuticas mais acessíveis como as plantas medicinais. O objetivo desta pesquisa consiste em realizar uma revisão bibliográfica abordando as opções de terapias de controle do diabetes oferecidas no Sistema Único de Saúde e pesquisar fitoterápicos com potencial hipoglicêmico aprovados pela Anvisa. Através de levantamento bibliográfico, foram identificadas oito espécies vegetais utilizadas pela medicina popular no controle do diabetes, sendo estas: Bauhinia Forficata, Syzygium Cumini, Annona Muricata, Cynara Scolymus, Momordica Charantia, Eugenia Uniflora e Baccharis Trimera. Essas plantas do programa, embora tenham comprovação de seu efeito hipoglicêmico e redutores dos sintomas diabéticos, pelas suas propriedades antioxidantes e antiinflamatórias, colabora para uma melhor qualidade de vida aos pacientes.

Since antiquity, Diabetes has been one of the biggest causes of death amon-g populations around the globe, and according to the World Health Organization, it continues to plague our days. Despite discoveries of more effective treatments, the disease is currently advancing in frightening progressions, with worrying projections for public health. As a therapeutic, statistical follow-up strategy aimed at people with diabetes, the Federal Government launched the HIPERDIA (Hypertensive and Diabetic) program, which monitors the evolution of the disease and the complications of patients. And in this sense, more accessible therapies such as medicinal plants are also used. The objective of this research is to carry out a literature review addressing the options for diabetes control therapies offered in the Unified Health System and to search for herbal medicines with hypoglycemic potential approved by Anvisa. Through a bibliographical survey, eight plant species used by folk medicine to control diabetes were identified, namely: Bauhinia Forficata, Syzygium Cumini, Annona Muricata, Cynara Scolymus, Momordica Charantia, Eugenia Uniflora and Bacharis Trimera. These plants in the program, although they have evidence of their hypoglycemic effect and reduce diabetic symptoms, due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contribute to a better quality of life for patients.

La diabetes ha sido desde la antigüedad una de las principales causas de muerte entre las poblaciones del planeta, y según la Organización Mundial de la Salud sigue haciendo estragos en nuestros días. A pesar de los descubrimientos de tratamientos más eficaces, la enfermedad avanza actualmente con una progresión aterradora, con proyecciones preocupantes para la salud pública. Como estrategia de seguimiento terapéutico, estadísticamente dirigida a las personas con diabetes, el Gobierno Federal puso en marcha el programa HIPERDIA (Hipertensión y Diabetes), que controla la evolución de la enfermedad y las complicaciones de los pacientes. En este sentido, también se utilizan terapias más accesibles, como las plantas medicinales. El objetivo de esta investigación es realizar una revisión bibliográfica que aborde las opciones de terapias para el control de la diabetes ofrecidas en el Sistema Único de Salud y buscar fitoterapias con potencial hipoglucemiante aprobadas por Anvisa. Mediante un estudio bibliográfico, se identificaron ocho especies vegetales utilizadas por la medicina popular en el control de la diabetes, a saber: Bauhinia Forficata, Syzygium Cumini, Annona Muricata, Cynara Scolymus, Momordica Charantia, Eugenia Uniflora y Baccharis Trimera. Estas plantas del programa, aunque han demostrado su efecto hipoglucemiante y reductor de los síntomas diabéticos, por sus propiedades antioxidantes y antiinflamatorias, colaboran a una mejor calidad de vida para los pacientes.

Bauhinia spp. (pata-de-vaca) and its biological potentialities ­ literature review / Bauhinia spp. (pata-de-vaca) e suas potencialidades biológicas ­ revisão da literatura / Bauhinia spp. (pata-de-vaca) y sus potencialidades biológicas - revisión de la literatura

The genus Bauhinia popularly known as "pata-de-vaca", "unha de vaca", "unha de boi", "unha de anta" e "casco de vaca" is widely used in the form of teas and other herbal preparations. The aim of this literature review was to show the diversity and biological potential of Bauhinia species for health promotion. A search was carried out for articles listing some species of medical interest. The pharmacological activities of B. forficata were also highlighted in articles published in the last twenty years using the PubMed database. Research has shown that Bauhinia is used as a hypoglycemic and antidiabetic agent, diuretic, cholesterol reducer, in the treatment of cystitis, intestinal parasites, elephantiasis, tumors and other ailments, including infections and painful processes. In the last eleven years, 86% of the works carried out with B. forficata used the plant collected or acquired in Brazil, predominantly publications from the southern region of the country where almost 60% reported activity on diabetes and its complications and/or antioxidant effect. Despite the literature pointing out the great medicinal potential of Bauhinia in chronic diseases and their complications, there is still a need for more translational research.

O gênero Bauhinia conhecido popularmente como "pata-de-vaca", "unha de vaca", "unha de boi", "unha de anta" e "casco de vaca" é amplamente utilizado em forma de chás e outras preparações fitoterápicas. O objetivo desta revisão de literatura foi mostrar a diversidade e potencial biológico das espécies de Bauhinia para a promoção a saúde. Foi realizada a busca de artigos elencando algumas espécies de interesse médico. Destacou-se também as atividades farmacológicas de B. forficata em artigos publicados nos últimos vinte anos utilizando a base de dados PubMed. A pesquisa mostrou que a Bauhinia é utilizada como hipoglicemiante e antidiabética, diurética, redutora de colesterol, no tratamento da cistite, parasitoses intestinais, elefantíase, tumores e outros males, incluindo infecções e processos dolorosos. Nos últimos onze anos, 86% dos trabalhos realizados com B. forficata utilizaram a planta coletada ou adquirida no Brasil sendo predominante publicações oriundas da região sul do país onde quase 60% relataram atividade sobre o diabetes e suas complicações e/ou efeito antioxidante. Apesar da literatura apontar o grande potencial medicinal da Bauhinia em doenças crônicas e suas complicações ainda há a necessidade de mais pesquisas de caráter translacional.

El género Bauhinia, conocido popularmente como "garra de vaca", "garra de ganado", "garra de tapir" y "pezuña de vaca", se utiliza ampliamente como té y otros preparados fitoterapéuticos. El objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica era mostrar la diversidad y el potencial biológico de las especies de Bauhinia para la promoción de la salud. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda de artículos que incluyeran algunas especies de interés médico. Las actividades farmacológicas de B. forficata también fueron destacadas en artículos publicados en los últimos veinte años utilizando la base de datos PubMed. La investigación demostró que la Bauhinia se utiliza como hipoglucemiante y antidiabético, diurético, reductor del colesterol, en el tratamiento de la cistitis, la parasitosis intestinal, la elefantiasis, los tumores y otras dolencias, incluyendo infecciones y procesos dolorosos. En los últimos once años, el 86% de los estudios realizados con B. forficata utilizaron la planta recolectada o adquirida en Brasil, siendo predominantes las publicaciones de la región sur del país, donde casi el 60% reportó actividad sobre la diabetes y sus complicaciones y/o efecto antioxidante. Aunque la bibliografía señala el gran potencial medicinal de la Bauhinia en las enfermedades crónicas y sus complicaciones, todavía es necesario realizar más investigaciones traslacionales.

Bauhinia forficata Link Infusions: Chemical and Bioactivity of Volatile and Non-Volatile Fractions.

This study aimed to evaluate Bauhinia forficata infusions prepared using samples available in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As such, infusions at 5% (w/v) of different brands and batches commercialized in the city (CS1, CS2, CS3, and CS4) and samples of plant material botanically identified (BS) were evaluated to determine their total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC), antioxidant capacity (ABTS•+, DPPH•, and FRAP assays), phytochemical profile, volatile compounds, and inhibitory effects against the α-amylase enzyme. The results showed that infusions prepared using BS samples had lower TPC, TFC and antioxidant potential than the commercial samples (p < 0.05). The batch averages presented high standard deviations mainly for the commercial samples, corroborating sample heterogeneity. Sample volatile fractions were mainly composed of terpenes (40 compounds identified). In the non-volatile fraction, 20 compounds were identified, with emphasis on the CS3 sample, which comprised most of the compounds, mainly flavonoid derivatives. PCA analysis demonstrated more chemical diversity in non-volatile than volatile compounds. The samples also inhibited the α-amylase enzyme (IC50 value: 0.235−0.801 mg RE/mL). Despite the differences observed in this work, B. forficata is recognized as a source of bioactive compounds that can increase the intake of antioxidant compounds by the population.

Development of a validated high-performance thin-layer chromatography method for quantification of lupeol from different parts of Bauhinia acuminata.

The goal of the study was to determine how much lupeol was present in different Bauhinia acuminata samples. Lupeol was analyzed using a unique (verified) high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method. Separation of various compounds was achieved on silica gel (66 F 254) plates with toluene and methanol (99:1) as the mobile phase, followed by derivatization with Liebermann-Burchard reagent (r2 = 0.996). The proposed approach demonstrated a satisfactory linear relationship in the concentration range of 4-8 µg/mL. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 63.84 ng/spot and 208.57 ng/spot, respectively. The proposed method was a simple and precise procedure that provided good resolution with other constituents of extracts. The validated HPTLC method described was simple, dependable, and practical and could be useful for standardizing and evaluating the quality of herbal material and formulations containing various Bauhinia species. The leaf, stem, unsaponified matter leaf, and stem petroleum ether extract had good amounts of lupeol (25.75, 38.25, 1.65, and 1.75, respectively). This research will be helpful for the quantitative determination of lupeol from herbal formulations as well as useful for further studies in this area.

GC-MS profiling of Bauhinia variegata major phytoconstituents with computational identification of potential lead inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was originally identified in Wuhan city of China in December 2019 and it spread rapidly throughout the globe, causing a threat to human life. Since targeted therapies are deficient, scientists all over the world have an opportunity to develop novel drug therapies to combat COVID-19. After the declaration of a global medical emergency, it was established that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could permit the use of emergency testing, treatments, and vaccines to decrease suffering, and loss of life, and restore the nation's health and security. The FDA has approved the use of remdesivir and its analogs as an antiviral medication, to treat COVID-19. The primary protease of SARS-CoV-2, which has the potential to regulate coronavirus proliferation, has been a viable target for the discovery of medicines against SARS-CoV-2. The present research deals with the in silico technique to screen phytocompounds from a traditional medicinal plant, Bauhinia variegata for potential inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Dried leaves of the plant B. variegata were used to prepare aqueous and methanol extract and the constituents were analyzed using the GC-MS technique. A total of 57 compounds were retrieved from the aqueous and methanol extract analysis. Among these, three lead compounds (2,5 dimethyl 1-H Pyrrole, 2,3 diphenyl cyclopropyl methyl phenyl sulphoxide, and Benzonitrile m phenethyl) were shown to have the highest binding affinity (-5.719 to -5.580 kcal/mol) towards SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. The post MD simulation results also revealed the favorable confirmation and stability of the selected lead compounds with Mpro as per trajectory analysis. The Prime MM/GBSA binding free energy supports this finding, the top lead compound 2,3 diphenyl cyclopropyl methyl phenyl sulphoxide showed high binding free energy (-64.377 ± 5.24 kcal/mol) towards Mpro which reflects the binding stability of the molecule with Mpro. The binding free energy of the complexes was strongly influenced by His, Gln, and Glu residues. All of the molecules chosen are found to have strong pharmacokinetic characteristics and show drug-likeness properties. The lead compounds present acute toxicity (LD50) values ranging from 670 mg/kg to 2500 mg/kg; with toxicity classifications of 4 and 5 classes. Thus, these compounds could behave as probable lead candidates for treatment against SARS-CoV-2. However further in vitro and in vivo studies are required for the development of medication against SARS-CoV-2.

Antinociceptive effect of ethanolic extract of Bauhinia brachycarpa Benth on neuropathic pain model induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The plant Bauhinia brachycarpa Benth (BBB) has been traditionally used for treating muscle aches such as bone pain, and neuralgia for a long time, on account of its sedative and antinociceptive activities in Yunnan province of China. However, there was no experimental evidence to confirm its traditional medicinal use. AIM OF THE STUDY: The antinociceptive effect and possible mechanism of ethanolic extract of BBB on neuropathic pain was evaluated through a model of partial sciatic nerve ligation in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A commonly employed animal model induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) in mice was established in the aim of studying neuropathic pain. Ethanolic extract of BBB (1000, 500, 250 mg/kg) and pregabalin (60 mg/kg) were intragastric administrated daily for 7 days post-PSNL. Mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were assessed throughout the experimental period. After the experiment, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in serum were determined by ELISA. The mRNA expressions of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1), CD16, CD206, arginine-1 (Arg-1), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the spinal cord were detected by qPCR. The protein levels of Iba-1, CD16, CD206, and p38 phosphorylation in the spinal cord were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The phytochemical analysis of BBB was performed through the colorimetric test. RESULTS: Neuropathic pain induced by PSNL was significantly alleviated by BBB treatment, which decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1ß and iNOS, increased anti-inflammatory cytokine such as IL-10 and Arg-1, and attenuated p38 phosphorylation. BBB also reduced the number of Iba-1 and CD16 positive cells, but it enhanced the number of CD206 positive cells. n-Butanol portion that was partitioned from the ethanolic extract had the highest content of total flavonoids among all the portions, and the antinociceptive effect of n-butanol portion is better than that of other portions. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the antinociceptive effect of BBB is mediated by inhibiting the inflammatory response and regulating the differentiation of microglia. The antinociceptive effect of BBB was related to the content of total flavonoids.

Flavonoids and Phenols, the Potential Anti-Diabetic Compounds from Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib. Stem.

Bioactive compounds from medicinal plants are good alternative treatments for T2DM. They are also sources of lead molecules that could lead to new drug discoveries. In this study, Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib. stem, a traditional Thai medicinal plant for detoxification, was extracted into five fractions, including crude extract, BsH, BsD, BsE, and BsW, by ethanolic maceration and sequential partition with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and water, respectively. Among these fractions, BsE contained the highest amounts of phenolics (620.67 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoids (131.35 mg QE/g extract). BsE exhibited the maximum inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase (IC50 1.51 ± 0.01 µg/mL) and DPP-IV (IC50 2.62 ± 0.03 µg/mL), as well as dominantly promoting glucose uptake on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Furthermore, the four compounds isolated from the BsE fraction, namely resveratrol, epicatechin, quercetin, and gallic acid, were identified. Quercetin demonstrated the highest inhibitory capacity against α-glucosidase (IC50 6.26 ± 0.36 µM) and DPP-IV (IC50 8.25 µM). In addition, quercetin prominently enhanced the glucose uptake stimulation effect on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Altogether, we concluded that quercetin was probably the principal bioactive compound of the B. strychnifolia stem for anti-diabetic, and the flavonoid-rich fraction may be sufficiently potent to be an alternative treatment for blood sugar control.

Phytochemical and biological attributes of Bauhinia variegata L. (Caesalpiniaceae).

Bauhinia variegata plant is a very popular and traditionally potent ethnomedicine. Therefore, it is need of hour to study ameliorative characteristics of B. variegata for novel secondary metabolites. The current study was designed to explore antiproliferative potential of B. variegata due to scant reports on this aspect. Extracts of various parts (flowers, leaves, bark, stem, and roots) were prepared by successive maceration using organic solvents in increasing order of polarity (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water). The determination of polyphenolic contents was done by using colorimetric methods while antioxidant potential was measured using reducing power assay. Brine shrimp lethality assay was performed for determining preliminary cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity against breast cancer MCF-7 cell line using MTT protocols. Moreover, antimicrobial activities were detected by using disc diffusion assay. The alpha-amylase assay was performed to monitor the antidiabetic potential of the plant. In case of phytochemical analysis methanolic extract of leaves and bark showed highest phenolic and flavonoids contents. n-Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of stem and roots exhibited more than 90% mortality with LD50 ranges between 1-25 µg/mL when studied by brine shrimp lethality assay. n-Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of roots and stem also showed antiproliferative activity against human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line with IC50 values ranges between 12.10-14.20 µg/mL. Most of the extracts displayed moderately high antibacterial and antifungal activities. The n-hexane extract of roots showed antidiabetic activity with 60.80 ± 0.20% inhibition of alpha-amylase. In sum, these preliminary results will be useful for further compound isolation from selected plant parts for the discovery of antibacterial, antidiabetic, and anticancer lead candidates.

Extracts of Bauhinia Championii Alleviate Acute Neuronal Injury After Ischemic Reperfusion by Improving Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Neuronal Apoptosis.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is a potential factor for lethal injury, and currently lacks effective remedies. Bauhinia championii extracts (BCEs) have been reported to exhibit anti-oxidative and anti-hypoxia properties. The current work aimed to study whether BCE could alleviate neuronal injury caused by I/R. METHODS: To investigate the protective effects of BCE, oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) was applied to the HT22 cell line in vitro and to a cerebral I/R mouse model in vivo. RESULTS: Under OGD/R, the survival of HT22 cells was significantly prolonged after treatment with BCE. In vivo, BCE significantly reduced the infarct area and decreased neuronal apoptosis caused by I/R. It was further found that OGD/R could trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and induce ER stress-mediated neuronal apoptosis in vivo and in vitro, while BCE could effectively alleviate ER stress and neuronal apoptosis. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that BCE exhibits neuroprotective effects by reducing ER stress-mediated apoptosis after cerebral I/R injury. BCE may therefore be an effective therapeutic regimen against cerebral I/R damage.