In Vitro and In Vivo Inhibitory Activities of Selected Traditional Medicinal Plants against Toxin-Induced Cyto- and Entero- Toxicities in Cholera.

Careya arborea, Punica granatum, Psidium guajava, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Aegle marmelos, and Piper longum are commonly used traditional medicines against diarrhoeal diseases in India. This study investigated the inhibitory activity of these plants against cytotoxicity and enterotoxicity induced by toxins secreted by Vibrio cholerae. Cholera toxin (CT) and non-membrane damaging cytotoxin (NMDCY) in cell free culture filtrate (CFCF) of V. cholerae were quantified using GM1 ELISA and cell-based assays, respectively. Hydro-alcoholic extracts of these plants and lyophilized juice of P. granatum were tested against CT-induced elevation of cAMP levels in CHO cell line, binding of CT to ganglioside GM1 receptor and NMDCY-induced cytotoxicity. Significant reduction of cAMP levels in CFCF treated CHO cell line was observed for all extracts except P. longum. C. arborea, P. granatum, H. antidysenterica and A. marmelos showed >50% binding inhibition of CT to GM1 receptor. C. arborea, P. granatum, and P. guajava effectively decreased cytotoxicity and morphological alterations caused by NMDCY in CHO cell line. Further, the efficacy of these three plants against CFCF-induced enterotoxicity was seen in adult mice ligated-ileal loop model as evidenced by decrease in volume of fluid accumulation, cAMP levels in ligated-ileal tissues, and histopathological changes in intestinal mucosa. Therefore, these plants can be further validated for their clinical use against cholera.

Lichen Depsidones with Biological Interest.

Depsidones are some of the most abundant secondary metabolites produced by lichens. These compounds have aroused great pharmacological interest due to their activities as antioxidants, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic agents. Hence, this paper aims to provide up-to-date knowledge including an overview of the potential biological interest of lichen depsidones. So far, the most studied depsidones are fumarprotocetraric acid, lobaric acid, norstictic acid, physodic acid, salazinic acid, and stictic acid. Their pharmacological activities have been mainly investigated in in vitro studies and, to a lesser extent, in in vivo studies. No clinical trials have been performed yet. Depsidones are promising cytotoxic agents that act against different cell lines of animal and human origin. Moreover, these compounds have shown antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi, mainly Candida spp. Furthermore, depsidones have antioxidant properties as revealed in oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo models. Future research should be focused on further investigating the mechanism of action of depsidones and in evaluating new potential actions as well as other depsidones that have not been studied yet from a pharmacological perspective. Likewise, more in vivo studies are prerequisite, and clinical trials for the most promising depsidones are encouraged.

Kaolinite group minerals: Applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The clay minerals are characterized as important minerals due to their specific properties. One of the most important groups of the clay minerals is the kaolinite's group minerals due to their morphology, availability and range of potential applications. Halloysite and kaolinite are investigated here for their pharmaceutical applications and especially for their potential in cancer treatment. This review study is focusing on the potential applications of the kaolinite's group minerals in cancer diagnosis and monitoring, cancer treatment, the avoidance of metastasis, and the relief of cancer pains. Anticancer drug-loaded formulations based on these minerals show high potential for the treatment of various types of cancer as they have been shown to exhibit high anticancer activity in cancer cell lines and cancer animal models, high biocompatibility, low side effects, and high drug bioavailability.

Effects of lecithin-based nanoemulsions on skin: Short-time cytotoxicity MTT and BrdU studies, skin penetration of surfactants and additives and the delivery of curcumin.

Surfactants are important ingredients in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, as in creams, shampoos or shower gels. As conventional emulsifiers such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) have fallen into disrepute due to their skin irritation potential, the naturally occurring lecithins are being investigated as a potential alternative. Thus, lecithin-based nanoemulsions with and without the drug curcumin, known for its wound healing properties, were produced and characterised in terms of their particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential and compared to SDS-based formulations. In vitro toxicity of the produced blank nanoemulsions was assessed with primary human keratinocytes and fibroblasts using two different cell viability assays (BrdU and EZ4U). Further, we investigated the penetration profiles of the deployed surfactants and oil components using combined ATR-FTIR/tape stripping experiments and confirmed the ability of the lecithin-based nanoemulsions to deliver curcumin into the stratum corneum in tape stripping-UV/Vis experiments. All manufactured nanoemulsions showed droplet sizes under 250 nm with satisfying PDI and zeta potential values. Viability assays with human skin cells clearly indicated that lecithin-based nanoemulsions were superior to SDS-based formulations. ATR-FTIR tests showed that lecithin and oil components remained in the superficial layers of the stratum corneum, suggesting a low risk for skin irritation. Ex vivo tape stripping experiments revealed that the kind of oil used in the nanoemulsion seemed to influence the depth of curcumin penetration into the stratum corneum.

Postbiotic metabolites produced by Lactobacillus plantarum strains exert selective cytotoxicity effects on cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Lactobacillus plantarum, a major species of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), are capable of producing postbiotic metabolites (PM) with prominent probiotic effects that have been documented extensively for rats, poultry and pigs. Despite the emerging evidence of anticancer properties of LAB, very limited information is available on cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity of PM produced by L. plantarum. Therefore, the cytotoxicity of PM produced by six strains of L. plantarum on various cancer and normal cells are yet to be evaluated. METHODS: Postbiotic metabolites (PM) produced by six strains of L. plantarum were determined for their antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on normal human primary cells, breast, colorectal, cervical, liver and leukemia cancer cell lines via MTT assay, trypan blue exclusion method and BrdU assay. The toxicity of PM was determined for human and various animal red blood cells via haemolytic assay. The cytotoxicity mode was subsequently determined for selected UL4 PM on MCF-7 cells due to its pronounced cytotoxic effect by fluorescent microscopic observation using AO/PI dye reagents and flow cytometric analyses. RESULTS: UL4 PM exhibited the lowest IC50 value on MCF-7, RG14 PM on HT29 and RG11 and RI11 PM on HL60 cell lines, respectively from MTT assay. Moreover, all tested PM did not cause haemolysis of human, dog, rabbit and chicken red blood cells and demonstrated no cytotoxicity on normal breast MCF-10A cells and primary cultured cells including human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, mice splenocytes and thymocytes. Antiproliferation of MCF-7 and HT-29 cells was potently induced by UL4 and RG 14 PM respectively after 72 h of incubation at the concentration of 30% (v/v). Fluorescent microscopic observation and flow cytometric analyses showed that the pronounced cytotoxic effect of UL4 PM on MCF-7 cells was mediated through apoptosis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, PM produced by the six strains of L. plantarum exhibited selective cytotoxic via antiproliferative effect and induction of apoptosis against malignant cancer cells in a strain-specific and cancer cell type-specific manner whilst sparing the normal cells. This reveals the vast potentials of PM from L. plantarum as functional supplement and as an adjunctive treatment for cancer.

Induction of Secondary Metabolites from the Marine-Derived Fungus Aspergillus versicolor through Co-cultivation with Bacillus subtilis.

A new cyclic pentapeptide, cotteslosin C (1: ), a new aflaquinolone, 22-epi-aflaquinolone B (3: ), and two new anthraquinones (9: and 10: ), along with thirty known compounds (2, 4:  - 8, 11:  - 34: ) were isolated from a co-culture of the sponge-associated fungus Aspergillus versicolor with Bacillus subtilis. The new metabolites were only detected in the co-culture extract, but not when the fungus was grown under axenic conditions. Furthermore, the co-culture extract exhibited an enhanced accumulation of the known constituents versicolorin B (14: ), averufin (16: ), and sterigmatocyctin (19: ) by factors of 1.5, 2.0, and 4.7, respectively, compared to the axenic fungal culture. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra and mass spectrometry as well as by comparison with literature data. The absolute configuration of compounds 3, 9: , and 10: was determined by ECD (electronic circular dichroism) analysis aided by TDDFT-ECD (time-dependent density functional theory electronic circular dichroism) calculations. Compounds 15, 18:  - 21: , and 26: exhibited strong to moderate cytotoxic activity against the mouse lymphoma cell line L5178Y, with IC50 values ranging from 2.0 to 21.2 µM, while compounds 14, 16, 31, 32: , and 33: displayed moderate inhibitory activities against several gram-positive bacteria, with MIC values ranging from 12.5 to 50 µM.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of Opuntia stricta cladodes.

BACKGROUND: The Opuntia spp. have been used in traditional medicine for many centuries. It is used in the management of diseases that involves oxidative stress, especially diabetes, obesity and cancer. Opuntia stricta (Haw) is one of the relatively unknown species in South Africa where it is regarded more as a weed. Because of this, not much is known about its chemical composition. AIM: To determine the chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of Opuntia stricta cladodes. METHODS: The phytochemical composition of acetone, aqueous and ethanol extract of cladodes of Opuntia stricta (Haw), as well as the vitamins A, C and E of its dried weight cladodes and the antioxidant activities, were evaluated using standard in vitro methods. The anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities were evaluated using cell-based assays. The phytochemical composition and vitamins were determined spectrophotometrically, while the antioxidant activities were determined by DPPH, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and phosphomolybdenum (total) antioxidant activity. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined using RAW 264.7 cells, while cytotoxicity was determined using U937 cells. RESULTS: The phytochemical composition showed a significant difference in the various extracts. The total phenolics were higher than other phytochemicals in all the extracts used. All the extracts displayed antioxidant activity, while most of the extracts showed anti-inflammatory activity. Only one extract showed cytotoxicity, and it was mild. CONCLUSION: The results show that the Opuntia stricta is rich in polyphenolic compounds and has good antioxidant activity as well as anti-inflammatory activities.

Incorporation of 3,3'-Diindolylmethane into Nanocapsules Improves Its Photostability, Radical Scavenging Capacity, and Cytotoxicity Against Glioma Cells.

3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a phytochemical that presents health benefits (antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects). However, it is water insoluble and thermo- and photolabile, restraining its pharmaceutical applications. As a strategy to overcome such limitations, this study aimed the development and characterization of DIM-loaded nanocapsules (NCs) prepared with different compositions as well as the in vitro assessment of scavenging activity and cytotoxicity. The formulations were obtained using the interfacial deposition of preformed polymer method and were composed by Eudragit® RS100 or ethylcellulose as polymeric wall and primula or apricot oil as the core. All the formulations had adequate physicochemical characteristics: nanometric size (around 190 nm), low polydispersity index (< 0.2), pH value at acid range, high values of zeta potential, drug content, and encapsulation efficiency (~ 100%). Besides, nanoencapsulation protected DIM against UVC-induced degradation and increased the scavenging activity assessed by the 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 1-1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl methods. The developed DIM-loaded nanocapsules were further evaluated regarding the in vitro release profile and cytotoxicity against a human glioblastoma cell line (U87 cells). The results demonstrated that the nanoencapsulation promoted a sustained release of the bioactive compound (in the range of 58-78% after 84 h) in comparison to its free form (86% after 12 h), as well as provided a superior cytotoxic effect against the U87 cells in the highest concentrations. Therefore, our results suggest that nanoencapsulation could be a promising approach to overcome the DIM physicochemical limitations and potentialize its biological properties.

An ethanolic extract of Bailian (Radix Ampelopsis Japonicae): demonstration of colorectal cancer treatment efficacy via inhibition of ß-catenin signaling in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the underlying mechanism of Bailian (Radix Ampelopsis Japonicae, BL) extract action on colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: We explored the involvement of ß-catenin signaling on the anti-CRC effects of an BL ethanolic extract (BLE) in cell models by using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- iphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, immunofluorescent staining, luciferase assay, Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Anti-CRC compounds were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The contents of gallic acid, catechin, and epicatechin in the BLE were 0.23, 1.25, and 0.18 g/kg, respectively. BLE-mediated cytotoxic and apoptotic effects were accompanied by lowered ß-catenin/Tcf transcriptional activity, reduced ß-catenin nuclear localization, and downregulated protein and mRNA levels of both ß-catenin and molecules regulated by ß-catenin. CONCLUSION: The mechanism underpinning the anti-CRC effects of BLE may involve inhibition of ß-catenin signaling. Further studies are necessary to establish the role of ß-catenin signaling in the action of BLE-mediated anti-CRC effects.

Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, transplacental transfer and tissue disposition in pregnant rats mediated by nanoparticles: the case of magnetic core mesoporous silica nanoparticles.

Whether in the cosmetic or as therapeutic, the use of nanoparticles has been increasing and taking on global proportion. However, there are few studies about the physical potential of long-term use or use in special conditions such as chronic, AIDS, pregnant women and other special health circumstances. In this context, the study of the mutagenicity and the transplacental passage represents an important and reliable model for the primary evaluation of potential health risks, especially maternal and child health. In this study we performed mutagenicity, cytotoxic and transplacental evaluation of magnetic core mesoporous silica nanoparticles, radiolabeled with 99mTc for determination of toxicogenic and embryonic/fetuses potential risk in animal model. Magnetic core mesoporous silica nanoparticles were produced and characterized by obtaining nanoparticles with a size of (58.9 ± 8.1 nm) in spherical shape and with intact magnetic core. The 99 m Tc radiolabeling process demonstrated high efficacy and stability in 98% yield over a period of 8 hours of stability. Mutagenicity assays were performed using Salmonella enteric serovar Typhimurium standard strains TA98, TA100 and TA102. Cytotoxicity assays were performed using WST-1. The transplacental evaluation assays were performed using the in vivo model with rats in two periods: embryonic and fetal stage. The results of both analyzes corroborate that the nanoparticles can i) generate DNA damage; ii) generate cytotoxic potential and iii) cross the transplantation barrier in both stages and bioaccumulates in both embryos and fetuses. The results suggest that complementary evaluations should be conducted in order to attest safety, efficacy and quality of nanoparticles before unrestricted approval of their use.

In Vitro Characterization and Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity Effects of Nisin and Nisin-Loaded PLA-PEG-PLA Nanoparticles on Gastrointestinal (AGS and KYSE-30), Hepatic (HepG2) and Blood (K562) Cancer Cell Lines.

The aim of this study was an in vitro evaluation and comparison of the cytotoxic effects of free nisin and nisin-loaded PLA-PEG-PLA nanoparticles on gastrointestinal (AGS and KYSE-30), hepatic (HepG2), and blood (K562) cancer cell lines. To create this novel anti-cancer drug delivery system, the nanoparticles were synthesized and then loaded with nisin. Subsequently, their biocompatibility, ability to enter cells, and physicochemical properties, including formation, size, and shape, were studied using hemolysis, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Then, its loading efficiency and release kinetics were examined to assess the potential impact of this formulation for the nanoparticle carrier candidacy. The cytotoxicities of nisin and nisin-loaded nanoparticles were evaluated by using the MTT and Neutral Red (NR) uptake assays. Detections of the apoptotic cells were done via Ethidium Bromide (EB)/Acridine Orange (AO) staining. The FTIR spectra, SEM images, and DLS graph confirmed the formations of the nanoparticles and nisin-loaded nanoparticles with spherical, distinct, and smooth surfaces and average sizes of 100 and 200 nm, respectively. The loading efficiency of the latter nanoparticles was about 85-90%. The hemolysis test represented their non-cytotoxicities and the FITC images indicated their entrance inside the cells. An increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells was observed through EB/AO staining. These results demonstrated that nisin had a cytotoxic effect on AGS, KYSE-30, HepG2, and K562 cancer cell lines, while the cytotoxicity of nisin-loaded nanoparticles was more than that of the free nisin.

Simvastatin Hydroxy Acid Fails to Attain Sufficient Central Nervous System Tumor Exposure to Achieve a Cytotoxic Effect: Results of a Preclinical Cerebral Microdialysis Study.

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors were potent hits against a mouse ependymoma cell line, but their effectiveness against central nervous system tumors will depend on their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and attain a sufficient exposure at the tumor. Among 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A inhibitors that had activity in vitro, we prioritized simvastatin (SV) as the lead compound for preclinical pharmacokinetic studies based on its potential for central nervous system penetration as determined from in silico models. Furthermore, we performed systemic plasma disposition and cerebral microdialysis studies of SV (100 mg/kg, p.o.) in a murine model of ependymoma to characterize plasma and tumor extracellular fluid (tECF) pharmacokinetic properties. The murine dosage of SV (100 mg/kg, p.o.) was equivalent to the maximum tolerated dose in patients (7.5 mg/kg, p.o.) based on equivalent plasma exposure of simvastatin acid (SVA) between the two species. SV is rapidly metabolized in murine plasma with 15 times lower exposure compared with human plasma. SVA exposure in tECF was <33.8 ± 11.9 µg/l per hour, whereas the tumor to plasma partition coefficient of SVA was <0.084 ± 0.008. Compared with in vitro washout IC50 values, we did not achieve sufficient exposure of SVA in tECF to suggest tumor growth inhibition; therefore, SV was not carried forward in subsequent preclinical efficacy studies.

Cytotoxicity and DNA interaction of brucine and strychnine-Two alkaloids of semen strychni.

The cytotoxicities of the two alkaloids strychnine and brucine from the seed of Strychnos nux-vomica and their interaction with DNA were investigated. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrasolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to examine the growth inhibitory effects of these alkaloids on Vero cells after 24, 48 and 72h of incubation. The cytotoxicities of strychnine and brucine were found to be time- and concentration-dependent. Strychnine was determined to be more toxic to Vero cells than brucine. At the same time, the interactions of strychnine and brucine with DNA were investigated using neutral red (NR) dye as a probe by UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and an examination of the ionic strength effect, and the effects of alkaloids on DNA melting were also examined. The results indicated that a DNA-brucine mixture but not a DNA-strychnine mixture could be extracted from Vero cells after treatment with brucine and strychnine, respectively. Brucine competitively intercalated into the DNA double-helix causing fluorescence quenching of the DNA-NR system. UV absorption spectroscopy and the melting temperature (Tm) curve also provided evidence that brucine interacted with DNA through intercalation. Furthermore, the results of the ionic strength effect experiment suggested that electrostatic interactions between brucine and phosphate groups in the DNA backbone might also play an important role in the binding of brucine to DNA.

Safety profile, efficacy, and biodistribution of a bicistronic high-capacity adenovirus vector encoding a combined immunostimulation and cytotoxic gene therapy as a prelude to a phase I clinical trial for glioblastoma.

Adenoviral vectors (Ads) are promising gene delivery vehicles due to their high transduction efficiency; however, their clinical usefulness has been hampered by their immunogenicity and the presence of anti-Ad immunity in humans. We reported the efficacy of a gene therapy approach for glioma consisting of intratumoral injection of Ads encoding conditionally cytotoxic herpes simplex type 1 thymidine kinase (Ad-TK) and the immunostimulatory cytokine fms-like tyrosine kinase ligand 3 (Ad-Flt3L). Herein, we report the biodistribution, efficacy, and neurological and systemic effects of a bicistronic high-capacity Ad, i.e., HC-Ad-TK/TetOn-Flt3L. HC-Ads elicit sustained transgene expression, even in the presence of anti-Ad immunity, and can encode large therapeutic cassettes, including regulatory elements to enable turning gene expression "on" or "off" according to clinical need. The inclusion of two therapeutic transgenes within a single vector enables a reduction of the total vector load without adversely impacting efficacy. Because clinically the vectors will be delivered into the surgical cavity, normal regions of the brain parenchyma are likely to be transduced. Thus, we assessed any potential toxicities elicited by escalating doses of HC-Ad-TK/TetOn-Flt3L (1×10(8), 1×10(9), or 1×10(10) viral particles [vp]) delivered into the rat brain parenchyma. We assessed neuropathology, biodistribution, transgene expression, systemic toxicity, and behavioral impact at acute and chronic time points. The results indicate that doses up to 1×10(9) vp of HC-Ad-TK/TetOn-Flt3L can be safely delivered into the normal rat brain and underpin further developments for its implementation in a phase I clinical trial for glioma.

Secondary metabolites of plants from the genus Cipadessa: chemistry and biological activity.

The plants of genus Cipadessa, which are distributed across India and southwest of China, have been used as natural insecticides, as well as folk medicines for the treatment of a range of maladies such as diabetes, dysentery, malaria, piles, snake poison, rheumatism, etc. This article reviews the chemical constituents that have been isolated from Cipadessa species to date, including their biological activities. The compounds listed are tetranortriterpenoids (limonoids), diterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, and some others.

Synthesis, characterization, nucleic acid binding, and cytotoxic activity of a Ru(II) polypyridyl complex.

The binding properties of [Ru(bpy)(2)(H(2)IIP)](2+) (1) {bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, H(2)IIP=2-(indole-3-yl)-imidazolo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline} with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and yeast tRNA have been investigated comparatively by different spectroscopic and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that the affinity of complex 1 binding with yeast tRNA is stronger than that of complex 1 binding with CT-DNA, and complex 1 is a better enantioselective binder to yeast tRNA than to CT-DNA. The toxicity of complex 1 was concentration dependent, and HL-60 cells are more sensitive to complex 1 than Hep-G2 cells; complex 1 could induce Hep-G2 cell apoptosis.

LL37 and hBD-3 elevate the ß-1,3-exoglucanase activity of Candida albicans Xog1p, resulting in reduced fungal adhesion to plastic.

The opportunistic fungus Candida albicans causes oral thrush and vaginal candidiasis, as well as candidaemia in immunocompromised patients including those undergoing cancer chemotherapy, organ transplant and those with AIDS. We previously found that the AMPs (antimicrobial peptides) LL37 and hBD-3 (human ß-defensin-3) inhibited C. albicans viability and its adhesion to plastic. For the present study, the mechanism by which LL37 and hBD-3 reduced C. albicans adhesion was investigated. After AMP treatment, C. albicans adhesion to plastic was reduced by up to ~60% and was dose-dependent. Our previous study indicated that LL37 might interact with the cell-wall ß-1,3-exoglucanase Xog1p, which is involved in cell-wall ß-glucan metabolism, and consequently the binding of LL37 or hBD-3 to Xog1p might cause the decrease in adhesion. For the present study, Xog1p(41-438)-6H, an N-terminally truncated, active, recombinant construct of Xog1p and Xog1p fragments were produced and used in pull-down assays and ELISA in vitro, which demonstrated that all constructs interacted with both AMPs. Enzymatic analyses showed that LL37 and hBD-3 enhanced the ß-1,3-exoglucanase activity of Xog1p(41-438)-6H approximately 2-fold. Therefore elevated Xog1p activity might compromise cell-wall integrity and decrease C. albicans adhesion. To test this hypothesis, C. albicans was treated with 1.3 µM Xog1p(41-438)-6H and C. albicans adhesion to plastic decreased 47.7%. Taken together, the evidence suggests that Xog1p is one of the LL37/hBD-3 targets, and elevated ß-1,3-exoglucanase activity reduces C. albicans adhesion to plastic.

Secondary metabolites of Centaurea calolepis and evaluation of cnicin for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities.

CONTEXT: Centaurea L. (Astreaceae) species are used as herbal remedies in Turkey. Centaurea calolepis Boiss. is an endemic species of Anatolia that has not been subjected to phytochemical studies except essential oil analysis. OBJECTIVE: Secondary metabolite determination, isolation and structure elucidation of pure compounds were performed on C. calolepis. Cnicin, which is the main component of several Centaurea species, was tested for its in vitro anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chloroform and methanol extracts of the aerial parts of C. calolepis were subjected to isolation process using column chromatography. The structures of the compounds were characterized by 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments. Thin-layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography were used in determination of phenolics. Cnicin was subjected to a panel of cellular assays to test for inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), reactive oxygen species and cytotoxicity. RESULTS: Cnicin, lucenin-2, schaftoside and 3-O-feruloylquinic acid were isolated from C. calolepis extracts. Vicenin-2, vitexin, isovitexin, homoorientin, rutin, orientin, luteolin-7-O-glycoside and chlorogenic acid were determined in fractions. Cnicin showed inhibition of NF-κB and inhibition of iNOS activity with IC50 Values of 1.8 and 6.5 µM, respectively. Cytotoxic activity of cnicin was observed toward pig kidney epithelial (LLC-PK11), human malignant melanoma (SK-MEL) and human ductal carcinoma (BT-549) cells with IC50 values of 23.3, 14.0 and 18.3 µM, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This is the first detailed report of secondary metabolites of C. calolepis. Evaluation of biological activity of cnicin establishes the potential of this compound as an anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic agent.

Extracts of edible and medicinal plants in inhibition of growth, adherence, and cytotoxin production of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli.

UNLABELLED: Campylobacter spp. is recognized as one of the most common cause of food-borne bacterial gastroenteritis in humans. Campylobacter infection causes campylobacteriosis, which can range from asymptomatic to dysentery-type illnesses with severe complications, such as Guillian-Barre syndrome. Epidemiological studies have revealed that consumption of poultry products is an important risk factor of this disease. Adherence and cytotoxic activity of the bacteria to host mucosal surfaces have been proposed to be critical steps in pathogenesis. Innovative tools for controlling Campylobacter, such as natural products from plants, represent good alternatives for use in foods or as therapeutic agents. In this study, 28 edible or medicinal plants species were analyzed for their bactericidal effects on the growth of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli. The extracts of Acacia farnesiana, Artemisia ludoviciana, Opuntia ficus-indica, and Cynara scolymus were the most effective against these microorganisms at minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of 0.3, 0.5, 0.4, and 2.0 mg/mL, respectively. No effect on growth was detected with lower concentrations of extract (25%, 50%, or 75% of the MBC) added to the media. The effect of each extract (75% of the MBC) on adherence and cytotoxicity of C. jejuni and C. coli was evaluated in Vero cells. Adherence of Campylobacter to Vero cells was significantly affected by all the extracts. Cytotoxic activity of bacterial cultures was inhibited by A. farnesiana and A. ludoviciana. These plant extracts are potential candidates to be studied for controlling Campylobacter contamination in foods and the diseases associated with this microorganism. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Innovative tools for controlling Campylobacter, such as natural products from plants, represent good alternatives for use in foods or as therapeutic agents. The extracts of Acacia farnesiana, Artemisia ludoviciana, Opuntia ficus-indica, and Cynara scolymus were the most effective against these microorganisms. Adherence and cytotoxic activity of the bacteria to host mucosal surfaces which are critical steps in pathogenesis were decreased by these extracts. Our results point to these plants as potential candidates for the control of Campylobacter contamination in foods, the treatment of the diseases associated with this microorganism, and as feed supplements to reduce on-farm prevalence of Campylobacter.

Rapid resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection for metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies of ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one.

Ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one (ergone) from many medicinal plants has been demonstrated to possess a variety of pharmacological activities in vivo and in vitro, including cytotoxic, diuretic and immunosuppressive activity. Metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies on rat were conducted for ergone. Rapid resolution liquid chromatography with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem multi-stage mass spectrometry (RRLC-APCI-MS(n)) and high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) methods were applied for the identification and quantification of ergone and its metabolite from rat plasma, faeces and urine. A metabolite was identified by RRLC-DAD-APCI-MS(n): 22,23-epoxy-ergosta-4,6,8(14)-triaen-3-one (epoxyergone). The concentrations of the analyte with its metabolites were determined by HPLC-FLD at excitation wavelength of 370 nm and emission wavelength of 485 nm. The samples were deproteinized with methanol after addition of camptothecin as internal standard (IS). The analysis was performed on a Diamonsil C18 column (150 mm x 4.6 mm x 5 microm) with a mobile phase gradient consisting of methanol and water at a flow rate of 1 mL min(-1). The assay was linear over the concentration range of 42-1500, 36-7500 and 42-1500 ng mL(-1) for plasma, faecal homogenate and urine respectively. The absolute recoveries were found to be 97.0+/-1.2%, 98.1+/-0.7% and 96.6+/-1.8% for plasma, faecal homogenate and urine respectively. The intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSD) were less than 10%. The previous HPLC-MS/MS method is not affordable for most laboratories because of the specialty requirement and high equipment cost. However, the HPLC-FLD method is economic and operating simply for quantitative determination of ergone and its metabolite in rat plasma, faeces and urine. In addition, liquid chromatography coupled with ion trap multi-stage mass spectrometry is becoming a useful technique for ergone metabolite identification.