Attenuation of cannabis withdrawal symptoms by Prosopis farcta extract, its luteolin and melatonin in mice: Involvement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and dopamine.

The aim of this study was the identification of luteolin in Prosopis farcta extract (PFE) and melatonin to evaluate its effect on THC withdrawal syndrome in mice. Luteolin was identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPCL). Signs of toxicity of mice in PFE and luteolin were monitored for LD50 calculation. The behavioral symptoms of THC withdrawal (stereotypies, ambulation, and inactivity time) induced by the rimonabant challenge were illustrated in THC-dependent mice receiving PFE, luteolin, and melatonin. The expression of mature BDNF (mBDNF) was evaluated by Western blot analysis. The dopamine concentrations were measured using HPLC. PFE and luteolin LD50 were 650 and 220 mg/kg, respectively. PFE (300 mg/kg), all doses of luteolin, and melatonin increased significantly the mBDNF expression and decreased the dopamine concentration. The findings suggest that PFE, luteolin, and melatonin are mighty in reducing the signs of THC withdrawal. It seems these effects were due to a decrease in dopamine concentration level and an increase in mBDNF protein expression in mice brains.

Chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of purified extracts of Prosopis pallida (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Kunth (Fabaceae) fruits from Northern Peru / Composición química y capacidad antioxidante de extractos purificados de frutos de Prosopis pallida (Humb. & Bonpl. Ex Willd.) Kunth (Fabaceae) del norte de Perú

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of Prosopis pallida (Fabaceae) fruits "algarrobo", in addition to determine their main chemical components. Fruit purified extracts from the regions of Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque, and La Libertad (Peru) were evaluated using infusion, decoction, and alcoholic extraction at concentrations of 45, 70 and 96%. To measure the antioxidant capacity of the extracts, the determination of total phenolics content was performed, followed by the antioxidant evaluation using DPPH, FRAP and ABTS. The chemical identification was carried out through UHPLC-UV-MS/MS. The results showed that the decoction of the sample from the region of La Libertad, as well as the ethanol extracts at 45% of the samples from Tumbes and Lambayeque presented greater antioxidant capacity. Moreover, ten major substances of these extracts were identified: nine phenolic derivatives (vicenin II as the main constituent of the extracts) and one diterpene (7-oxodehydroabietic acid).

El propósito de este trabajo fue evaluar la capacidad antioxidante de frutos de Prosopis pallida (Fabaceae) "algarrobo", además de determinar sus principales componentes químicos. Se estudiaron extractos purificados de frutos de las regiones de Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque y La Libertad (Perú), mediante infusión, decocción y extracción alcohólica en concentraciones de 45, 70 y 96%. Para medir la capacidad antioxidante de los extractos, se realizó la determinación del contenido de fenoles totales, seguida de la evaluación antioxidante mediante DPPH, FRAP y ABTS. La identificación química se realizó mediante UHPLC-UV-MS/MS. Los resultados mostraron que la decocción de la muestra de la región de La Libertad, así como los extractos de etanol al 45% de las muestras de Tumbes y Lambayeque presentaron mayor capacidad antioxidante. Además, se identificaron diez sustancias principales de estos extractos: nueve derivados fenólicos (vicenin II como componente principal de los extractos) y un diterpeno (ácido 7-oxodehidroabiético).

Effect of Prosopis ruscifolia on incretin and insulin secretion in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats / Efecto de Prosopis ruscifolia sobre la secreción de incretina e insulina de ratas hiperglicémicas por aloxano

Background: Diabetes mellitus treatment is based on oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. Medicinal plants constitute an option, and the leaves of Prosopis ruscifolia (Pr) were shown to be effective in reducing glycemia in hyperglycemic animals. Objective: In this paper, we report the effect of P. rusciofolia (Pr) on insulin and incretin secretion in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats. Methodology: The effective dose was selected, and four groups (n=10) of Wistar rats were used. Two groups with normal glycemia received water or Pr (75 mg/Kg, per os, p.o.), and two groups with hyperglycemia induced by alloxan (intraperitoneal, ip), received water or Pr (75 mg/Kg, p.o.) for 2 weeks. Oral glucose tolerance test, and incretin and insulin levels were measured at the end of the experimental period. Results: The results showed that extract promotes better tolerance to oral glucose overload, in addition to a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in blood levels of incretin and insulin, compared to the hyperglycemic rats. Conclusion: It is concluded that the ethanolic extract of P. ruscifolialeaves has a hypoglycemic effect in hyperglycemic animals by a mechanism that involves the incretin-insulin system

Antecedentes: la diabetes mellitus es una enfermedad metabólica cuyo tratamiento se basa en el uso de agentes hipoglicemiantes orales o insulina. Una opción al tratamiento son las plantas medicinales y en ese sentido, estudios previos en animales con hojas de Prosopis ruscifolia (Pr) han demostrado efecto hipoglicemiante. Objetivo: en este trabajo se reporta el efecto de P. rusciofolia (Pr) en la secreción de insulina e incretina, en ratas hiperglicémicas por aloxano. Metodología: se emplearon cuatro grupos de ratas Wistar (n=10). Dos grupos con glicemia normal que fueron tratadas con agua Pr (75 mg/Kg, per os, p.o.) y dos grupos con hiperglicemia inducida por la inyección intraperitoneal de aloxano recibieron agua Pr (75 mg/Kg, per os, p.o.) durante dos semanas. Se midieron la tolerancia oral a la glucosa, y los niveles de incretina e insulina al final del periodo de experimentación. Resultados: se encontró que el extracto promueve una mayor tolerancia a la sobrecarga de glucosa, y además un incremento significativo (p<0.001) de los niveles de incretina e insulina en sangre, comparados al grupo de ratas hiperglicémicas. Conclusión: se concluye que e l estracto etanólico de las hojas de P. ruscifolia tienen efecto hipoglicemiante en animales hiperglicémicos por un mecanismo que incluye al sistema incretina-insulina

Unveiling Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Effects of Prosopis juliflora Leaves against Human Prostate Cancer LNCaP Cells.

Herbal medications or formulations are regularly recommended by clinicians as a potential therapeutic method for a variety of human ailments, including cancer. Although Prosopis juliflora extracts have shown promise in anticancer activity, the effects on prostate cancer and the accompanying molecular mechanisms of action are still unexplored. This research aims at the antioxidant, antiproliferative, and apoptosis-inducing properties of Prosopis juliflora methanolic leaves extract in human prostate cancer LNCaP cells. The antioxidant ability of the extract was assessed using the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and two additional reducing power tests. Antitumor activity was determined using MTT cell viability tests and LDH cytotoxicity assays. The probable mechanism of apoptotic cell death was further investigated utilizing a caspase-3 activation assay and qRT-PCR mRNA expression investigations of apoptotic-related genes. The results revealed that the methanol extract of Prosopis juliflora leaves contains alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, and phenols, all of which have substantial antioxidant activity. In vitro anticancer tests demonstrated that extract therapy resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability of LNCaP prostate cancer cells, but normal HaCaT cells showed no cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, plant extract therapy increased caspase-3 activation and mRNA expression of apoptotic-related genes, suggesting that this could be a mechanism for cancer cell growth suppression. The significance of Prosopis juliflora as a source of new antioxidant compounds against prostate cancer was emphasized in the current study. However, more study is needed to demonstrate the efficacy of Prosopis juliflora leaves extract in the treatment of prostate cancer.

LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS characterization of phenolic compounds from Prosopis farcta (Banks & Sol.) J.F.Macbr. and their potential antioxidant activities.

Prosopis farcta (Banks & Sol.) J.F.Macbr. is an emerging medicinal plant containing a diverse array of phytochemicals, including protein, fat, carbohydrate, fibre, alkaloids, fatty acids, glycosides, and polyphenols, with strong antioxidant potential. However, the screening and characterization of phenolic compounds in P. farcta is limited. This study is conducted to determine the polyphenol contents and their antioxidant activity in P. farcta leaves samples via liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (HPLC-PDA). Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total tannins content (TTC) were determined for polyphenol estimation. The antioxidant properties were measured by total antioxidant capacity (TAC), 2,2'-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and 2,2"²-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS was used to identify and characterize 47 phenolic compounds, which mainly included phenolic acids (13), flavonoids (28), other polyphenols (4), lignans (1), and stilbenes (1). According to HPLC-PDA quantification, chlorogenic acid (9.78 ± 2.15 mg/g dw) was the most abundant phenolic acid, while the main flavonoids included catechin (12.73 ± 1.29 mg/g dw) and kaempferol (7.93 ± 1.47 mg/g dw). The study demonstrated the significance of P. farcta as a rich source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant capacity that can be widely used in food, beverage, feed, and pharmaceutical applications.

Novel Prosopis juliflora leaf ethanolic extract as natural antimicrobial agent against food spoiling microorganisms.

Fresh produces spoilage is a worldwide concern that accompany the global increase in food demand. Adverse human health and environmental effects of commercial spoilage control agents are major public concern. In this study, Prosopis juliflora leaves and fruit extracts had their antimicrobial activities evaluated against the growth of selected bacteria and yeast, and against mycelial growth and conidial germination of selected mycotoxins-producing fungi. P. juliflora water-soluble leaf ethanolic (PJ-WS-LE) extract with its novel extraction method showed the strongest antibacterial activity. Antimicrobial tests showed total inhibition of Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans with MICs ranging between 0.125 and 1 mg/ml. Percent inhibition of mycelial growth (PIMG) of the extract was also determined against seven other fungal strains with highest value against Geotrichum candidum (66.2%). Even the least affected fungal strain showed alterations in their hyphae and spores exposed to PJ-WS-LE extract when observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM), alterations include exfoliated flakes, pores, vacuolation and applanation. Small-scale fruit bioassays controlled experiment showed high efficacy of the extract in protecting inoculated cherry tomato samples from B. cinerea and A. alternata infections. In conclusion, PJ-WS-LE extract is a feasible, natural antifungal agent that can replace common anti-spoiling chemicals.

The Efficacy of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Prosopis farcta Against Leishmania major

Objective: Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major (L. major) is an endemic disease in Iran. The current reference drugs, including Glucantime, possess high toxicity in addition to some side-effects. Therefore, there is a growing interest in exploring biomedical plants. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the anti-leishmanial activity and cytotoxicity of hydroalcoholic extracts from Prosopis farcta (P. farcta) over promastigote and amastigote forms. Methods: This study was performed at the Iran Birjand University of Medical Sciences, during the year 2019. In this study, the hydroalcoholic extracts of the stems, leaves (LE) and fruits (FE) of P. farcta were obtained. The anti-leishmanial activity was assessed against leptomonad promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of L. major. The cytotoxicity of these extracts was determined in murine macrophages. Results: The FE and LE of P. farcta demonstrated a significant leishmanicidal effect against L. major promastigotes with an IC50 of 0.9 mg/mL and 1.1 mg/mL, respectively. The FE showed the most anti-leishmanial activity and presented with the highest index of selectivity (SI=14.6) as an anti-leishmanial product. Infected macrophages treated using the FE showed a reduction in parasite burden by 97.3%. Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrated the leishmanicidal activity of P. farcta on both promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. There is a need for performing comprehensive studies on relevant animal models and to access the effects of active components of P. farcta extract on the growth of L. major.

Anti-tick effect and cholinesterase inhibition caused by Prosopis juliflora alkaloids: in vitro and in silico studies.

We investigated the in vitro acaricide activity of the methanolic extract (ME) and alkaloid-rich fraction (AF) of Prosopis juliflora on Rhipicephalus microplus and correlated this effect with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. The acaricide activity was evaluated using adult and larval immersion tests. Also, we studied the possible interaction mechanism of the major alkaloids present in this fraction via molecular docking at the active site of R. microplus AChE1 (RmAChE1). Higher reproductive inhibitory activity of the AF was recorded, with effective concentration (EC50) four times lower than that of the ME (31.6 versus 121 mg/mL). The AF caused mortality of tick larvae, with lethal concentration 50% (LC50) of 13.8 mg/mL. Both ME and AF were seen to have anticholinesterase activity on AChE of R. microplus larvae, while AF was more active with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.041 mg/mL. The LC-MS/MS analyses on the AF led to identification of three alkaloids: prosopine (1), juliprosinine (2) and juliprosopine (3). The molecular docking studies revealed that these alkaloids had interactions at the active site of the RmAChE1, mainly relating to hydrogen bonds and cation-pi interactions. We concluded that the alkaloids of P. juliflora showed acaricide activity on R. microplus and acted through an anticholinesterase mechanism.

High-performance thin-layer chromatography fingerprinting, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents and anti-platelet-aggregation activities of Prosopis farcta extracts.

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of worldwide death and excessive platelet is closely related with their pathogenesis. Different plants and natural compounds have demonstrated anti-platelet effects. The aim of this study was to report the high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting and anti-platelet-aggregation activities of different leaf extracts (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous) of Prosopis farcta (Syrian mesquite) plant. The results showed a 100% inhibition of aggregation activity after plasmatic adenosine diphosphate (ADP) aggregation activation of ethyl acetate, ethanolic, methanolic and aqueous extracts, at 60 mg/mL concentration. The IC50 ADP value of these extracts ranged between 4.07 and 11.39 mg/mL. Moreover, these extracts reported the highest amounts of phenolic and flavonoid contents. In conclusion, phytochemicals present in P. farcta leaves have anti-platelet-aggregation activities. Future studies are needed to identify the compounds with anti-platelet potential present in P. farcta.

Un-riped fruit pods of Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce ameliorates Cisplatin therapy-induced partial testicular atrophy in male Wistar rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce is a plant that is widely found in dry parts of India. The unripe fruit pod has a very specific traditional claim of treating male infertility and increasing sperm volume and count. AIM: The present work was endeavored to investigate the long-standing traditional claim of P. cineraria on meliorating male fertility. The study focussed on cancer therapy-induced male infertility and curative effect of the extract with an appraisal on any possible revitalizing effects on sperm count, morphology, motility, and viability combined with hormonal and histopathological investigations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were used for the study. Two different doses of 400 mg/kg/d and 800 mg/kg/d (both p.o.) of the Hydroalcoholic extract were chosen as test dose while Clomiphene (25 mg/kg/d; p.o.) treatment served as standard treatment. Animals were initially injected with cisplatin (1 mg/kg/d; i.p.) for 15 days and the drug treatment was begun at the 16th day and continued till 43rd day (28 days treatment). Later all male animals got cohabited with female animals in the ratio 1:3. On confirmation of mating, female animals were isolated. Male animals were euthanized on batches. Testis and epididymis were weighed and homogenized. Sperm count, motility, morphology, viability, and headcount. The serum collected was evaluated for serum FSH, LH, and testosterone levels. On day Gestational day 15, gravid uterus observations were calculated to evaluate male and female fertility parameters. RESULTS: There were statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001) in sperm motility, sperm count, sperm viability, and improved morphological features. The same pace was also noticed in testosterone, FSH and LH levels in serum and LPO, CAT, GSH, GPx and SOD in testicular tissues. The extract treated male animals produced better and healthy litter compared to cisplatin-treated animals with less pre- and post-implantation loss. CONCLUSION: Consolidating the results seen, the extract ameliorated the testicular toxicity caused by cisplatin in a dose-dependent manner. Further insight and evaluation of the phytochemicals of the pods should be performed to bring up commercial viability.

Isorhamnetin: A Nematocidal Flavonoid from Prosopis Laevigata Leaves Against Haemonchus Contortus Eggs and Larvae.

Haemonchus contortus affect small ruminants all over the world. Anthelmintics cause resistance, contamination, and a risk of public health. Prosopis laevigata is a plant used as a home remedy against many diseases in Mexico. This study arose from a preliminary study where a P. laevigata hydroalcoholic extract (Pl-hae) showed anthelmintic activity (aa) against H. contortus. Searching for bioactive compounds (bac) with high aa, the Pl-hae was fractioned obtaining an aqueous (Aq-F) and an ethyl acetate fraction (EtAc-F), and a flavonoid with aa identified as isorhamnetin was obtained from EtAc-F. Both fractions were in vitro assessed by the egg hatch test (eht) and larval mortality (lm) assays. The bac obtained from EtAc-F were characterised by NMR analysis. The highest aa were recorded with EtAc-F, resulting in 100% eht and 80.45% lm at 0.75 and 30 mg/mL, respectively. Alterations in eggs and larvae attributed to isorhamnetin were recorded by environmental scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning and by high-resolution digital-coupled camera. This flavonoid caused 100% eht at 0.07 mg/mL after 48 h and 100% lm at 7.5 mg/mL after 72 h exposure. Isorhamnetin has promising potential as an anthelmintic against sheep haemonchosis.

Prosopis juliflora as a new cosmetic ingredient: Development and clinical evaluation of a bioactive moisturizing and anti-aging innovative solid core.

Prosopis juliflora is an invasive plant distributed throughout the world and presents metabolites of interest for cosmetology. The aim of this work was to develop a new polysaccharide-based ingredient from P. juliflora and analyze its application in a solid core formulation that upon contact with water instantly forms a gel to improve moisturizing and anti-aging skin properties. Purified extracts by gel chromatography were characterized by NMR and LC-DAD-MS-MS. The in vitro and in vivo safety, antioxidant activity, formulation development and clinical evaluation were performed. The extract was characterized as containing an α-glucan and phenolics. It was non-cytotoxic, non-phototoxic and no skin reactions were observed in vivo. Antioxidant activity were present through different mechanisms. Clinical evaluation reinforced the potential of P. juliflora in skin hydration and microrelief improvement. This innovative form proved to be a prototype of a new product and the first study of an α-glucan as a cosmetic ingredient.

Phytoconstituents of an ethanolic pod extract of Prosopis cineraria triggers the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and the regression of atherosclerotic plaque in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

BACKGROUND: The HMG-CoA reductase is key enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis which potentially contributes in management of hypercholesterolemia. The present study was designed to assess the inhibitory effect of phytoconstituents of an ethanolic extract of Prosopis cineraria pods on HMG - CoA reductase and regression potential of atherosclerotic plaque. METHODS: Healthy, adult male, albino rabbits in which hypercholesterolemia was induced by supplying the high fat diet and a supplement of cholesterol powder with coconut oil (500 mg/5 ml/Day/kg body weight) for 15 days, were used as a disease model. Phytochemical analysis of an ethanolic extract Prosopis cineraria pods was conducted using LCMS, GCMS and FTIR analysis. Further, in-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico assessments were performed. RESULTS: The in-vitro assessment of HMG -CoA reductase activity indicated a 67.1 and 97.3% inhibition by the extract and a standard drug (Pravastatin), respectively. Additionally, an in-silico evaluation was made using appropriate docking software and results also indicated as significant interactions of the identified compounds with the target enzyme. Treatment of rabbits with the ethanolic extract of P. cineraria pod resulted in significant (P ≤ 0.001) reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, and triglyceride. Accordingly, reductions were occurred in atherosclerotic plaque, intima and media of aortal wall along with lumen volume of the aorta significantly increased (P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: It can be illustrating that the ethanolic extract of Prosopis cineraria pod contains potent bioactive phytocompounds might be inhibit HMG - CoA reductase and have regression potential of atherosclerotic plaque.

Bioactive Constituents from South American Prosopis and their Use and Toxicity.

BACKGROUND: The pods from several South American Prosopis species have been considered relevant food in arid and semi-arid South America since prehistoric times. Traditionally the meal from the pods was processed to prepare different foods and beverages. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to discuss literature from the archaeological evidence of use to study the chemistry and (bio)activity of the extracts and secondary metabolites occurring in different Prosopis food products. METHODS: The review was carried out by searching electronic databases, including ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Scopus, Scielo, Google Scholar, PubMed and hand-search on literature. The review mainly covers studies performed in the year 1995-2019 and the first-hand experience of the authors. References on the historical and prehistorical uses of the natural resource were also included. RESULTS: In the last decades, most studies on the edible South American Prosopis focused on the constituents of pods meal, traditional preparations and by-products. Total 45 flavonoids, ellagic acid derivatives, catechin and simple phenolics were identified. Alkaloids occur mainly in the leaves, that are not used for human nutrition but as food for domestic animals. Piperidine alkaloids, tryptamine, tyramine and ß-phenethylamine were isolated and identified from several species. The (bio)activity studies included mainly the antioxidant effect, antiinflammatory and enzyme inhibition associated with metabolic syndrome. The products showed no toxicity or mutagenic effect. CONCLUSION: While data on the chemistry, some (bio)activities and toxicity are available for the pods meal and byproducts, little is known about the composition of the fermented Algarrobo beverages. Further studies are needed on the digestion of Algarrobo products both in humans and cattle.

Plant extract supplementation as a strategy for substituting dietary antibiotics in broiler chickens exposed to low ambient temperature.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of two plant extracts as alternatives to dietary antibiotics in broiler chickens exposed to low ambient temperature. A total of 300 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (5 replicate pens; 15 broiler chickens each) which consisted of starter (d 0 to 10), and grower (d 10 to 28) diets. Dietary treatments included a basal diet (negative control, NC) and three similar diets that were either supplemented with 200 mg/kg of Prosopis farcta extract (PFE), Rhus coriaria L. extract (RCE) or an antibiotic premix containing oxytetracycline (positive control, PC). In order to simulate low ambient temperature, room temperature was maintained at 32°C during the first 3 d of the trial and afterwards, the temperature was gradually reduced by approximately 1.5°C each day to 14°C on d 21. PFE and PC treatments exerted a significant effect on body weight gain at d 28. Diet PFE was effective in reducing mortality when compared with diet NC (p < 0.05). Furthermore, diet PFE caused increases in ileal  digestibility of gross energy, dry matter and organic matter when compared with diet NC (p < 0.05). Diets PFE and PC decreased coliforms, total aerobic bacteria and total anaerobic bacteria loads in the caeca when compared with diet NC (p < 0.05). Moreover, the addition of PFE to the diet improved villous height in all small intestinal segments as well as villous height:crypt depth ratio in the duodenum when compared with diet NC (p < 0.05). The results indicated that PFE is not only a valid alternative to oxytetracycline under cold stress conditions, with no antibiotic resistance, but also has the potential to increase the resistance of broiler chickens against ascites syndrome. Moreover, the addition of RCE at the concentration of 200 mg/kg to the diet was not sufficient to improve the performance of broiler chickens (similar to diet PC) but maybe more effective at higher concentrations.

Antifungal and antimycotoxigenic metabolites from native plants of northwest Argentina: isolation, identification and potential for control of Aspergillus species.

Extracts from aerial parts of Prosopis ruscifolia, Bidens pilosa, Cercidium praecox and Phoradendron liga were assayed against toxigenic Aspergillus species. They were obtained by sequential extraction of the aerial parts with hexane (fHex), dichloromethane (fDCM), ethyl acetate (fEtOAc) and methanol (fMeOH). The fMeOH from P. ruscifolia showed the highest antifungal spectrum (MIC = 750-1500 µg mL-1; MID = 50-200 µg; DI = 1.7-3.0 mm). Indolizidine alkaloids (juliflorine and juliprosine) and tryptamine were identified with strong (MIC = 188 µg mL-1) and moderate antifungal activities (MIC = 750 µg mL-1), respectively, towards A. parasiticus and A. flavus. The fMeOH, the indolizidine alkaloids and tryptamine synergized the fungitoxic effect of potassium sorbate and propiconazole. They completely suppressed the biosynthesis of aflatoxins at concentrations of 47, 94 and 375 µg mL-1, respectively. Our results indicate that fMeOH and its identified alkaloids are promisory additives of commercial antifungals and are antiaflatoxigenic agents at concentrations below of those required for complete suppression of fungal growth.

Anti-tick effect and cholinesterase inhibition caused by Prosopis juliflora alkaloids: in vitro and in silico studies / Efeito carrapaticida e inibição da acetilcolinesterase por alcaloides de Prosopis juliflora: estudos in vitro e in silico

Abstract We investigated the in vitro acaricide activity of the methanolic extract (ME) and alkaloid-rich fraction (AF) of Prosopis juliflora on Rhipicephalus microplus and correlated this effect with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. The acaricide activity was evaluated using adult and larval immersion tests. Also, we studied the possible interaction mechanism of the major alkaloids present in this fraction via molecular docking at the active site of R. microplus AChE1 (RmAChE1). Higher reproductive inhibitory activity of the AF was recorded, with effective concentration (EC50) four times lower than that of the ME (31.6 versus 121 mg/mL). The AF caused mortality of tick larvae, with lethal concentration 50% (LC50) of 13.8 mg/mL. Both ME and AF were seen to have anticholinesterase activity on AChE of R. microplus larvae, while AF was more active with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.041 mg/mL. The LC-MS/MS analyses on the AF led to identification of three alkaloids: prosopine (1), juliprosinine (2) and juliprosopine (3). The molecular docking studies revealed that these alkaloids had interactions at the active site of the RmAChE1, mainly relating to hydrogen bonds and cation-pi interactions. We concluded that the alkaloids of P. juliflora showed acaricide activity on R. microplus and acted through an anticholinesterase mechanism.

Resumo A atividade carrapaticida in vitro do extrato metanólico (EM) e da fração de alcaloides (FA) de Prosopis juliflora foi investigada, frente ao Rhipicephalus microplus, e relacionada com a inibição da enzima acetilcolinesterase (AChE). A predição in silico das interações de alcaloides dessa fração com a AChE1 de R. microplus (RmAChE1) foi realizada por acoplamento molecular. A atividade carrapaticida foi avaliada, utilizando-se os ensaios de imersão de adultos e larvas. Maior efeito sobre parâmetros reprodutivos de teleóginas foi verificado para a FA, com valor de Concentração Efetiva 50% (CE50) (31.6 mg/mL), quatro vezes menor do que o valor do EM (121 mg/mL). A FA induziu mortalidade de larvas (Concentração Letal de 50% - CL50 = 13,8 mg/mL). A inibição da atividade da AChE de larvas do carrapato foi observada para EM e FA, sendo a FA mais ativa (Concentração Inibitória 50%- CI50 de 0,041mg/mL). As análises químicas da FA permitiram a identificação dos alcaloides prosopina (1), juliprosinina (2) e juliprosopina (3). No ensaio in silico, observou-se que esses alcaloides podem interagir com o sítio ativo da RmAChE1, principalmente por ligações de hidrogênio e interações cátion-pi. Os alcaloides de P. juliflora têm atividade carrapaticida contra R. microplus, atuando através do mecanismo anticolinesterásico.

Prosopis Plant Chemical Composition and Pharmacological Attributes: Targeting Clinical Studies from Preclinical Evidence.

Members of the Prosopis genus are native to America, Africa and Asia, and have long been used in traditional medicine. The Prosopis species most commonly used for medicinal purposes are P. africana, P. alba, P. cineraria, P. farcta, P. glandulosa, P. juliflora, P. nigra, P. ruscifolia and P. spicigera, which are highly effective in asthma, birth/postpartum pains, callouses, conjunctivitis, diabetes, diarrhea, expectorant, fever, flu, lactation, liver infection, malaria, otitis, pains, pediculosis, rheumatism, scabies, skin inflammations, spasm, stomach ache, bladder and pancreas stone removal. Flour, syrup, and beverages from Prosopis pods have also been potentially used for foods and food supplement formulation in many regions of the world. In addition, various in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed interesting antiplasmodial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic and wound healing effects. The phytochemical composition of Prosopis plants, namely their content of C-glycosyl flavones (such as schaftoside, isoschaftoside, vicenin II, vitexin and isovitexin) has been increasingly correlated with the observed biological effects. Thus, given the literature reports, Prosopis plants have positive impact on the human diet and general health. In this sense, the present review provides an in-depth overview of the literature data regarding Prosopis plants' chemical composition, pharmacological and food applications, covering from pre-clinical data to upcoming clinical studies.

Modulatory effect of Prosopis juliflora leaves on hepatic fibrogenic and fibrolytic alterations induced in rats by thioacetamide.

This study investigated the antifibrotic effect of Prosopis juliflora leaves crude methanolic extract (PJEL) against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis. The phytochemical analysis of PJEL was performed via HPLC/MS in association with evaluating its free radical scavenging and cytotoxic activities. The antifibrotic activity of PJEL was assessed by dividing Wistar rats into 8 groups: normal control, PJEL1-administered rats (2 mg/ Kg b.w.), PJEL2-administered rats (4 mg/ Kg b.w.), PJEL3-administered rats (8 mg/Kg b.w.), TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis, TTA + PJEL1, TAA + PJEL2, and TAA + PJEL3. Results indicated that PJEL crude methanolic extract is rich in polyphenolic compounds and alkaloids. PJEL exerted free radical scavenging activity with IC50 of 123.5 µg/mL and cytotoxic activity against a well-differentiated hepatocellular cell line (IC50 = 11.1 µg/mL). PJEL at a dose of 4 mg/Kg b.w. ameliorated serum ALT activity and improved serum albumin level and hepatic hydroxyproline content in association with a reduction in the fibrosis stage. PJEL elevated hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 contents with less necrosis grade. PJEL post-therapy ameliorated the relative expression of Bcl-2, Col1A1, Mmp-9, and Mmp-2 genes in liver. CONCLUSION: PJEL possesses a good therapeutic activity against TAA-induced liver fibrosis via enhancing extracellular matrix removal and stimulating hepatic regeneration to decrease hepatic necrosis.

Comparative analysis of protein composition and digestibility of Ceratonia siliqua L. and Prosopis spp. seed germ flour.

By virtue of exclusive nutrient composition and nutritional properties, seed germ flours from both European carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) and South American algarrobo (Prosopis alba and Prosopis nigra) or vinal (Prosopis ruscifolia) have potential as a high nutritional value and health-promoting ingredient for food formulations. In order to define their compositional and functional properties, we investigated the germ protein content of carob compared to the P. alba, P. nigra and P. ruscifolia counterparts, applying proteomics and complementary methods. The mono- and two-dimensional electrophoretic profiles of Prosopis spp. were very similar among one another, while C. siliqua exhibited significant differences. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy highlighted a dominant ß-sheet structural conformation for C. siliqua, suggesting that carob germ flour might more suited than Prosopis germ flour for baking and food technological applications. In contrast, Prosopis spp. contained a more adequate nutritional value than C. siliqua, in terms of essential amino acid complement. Both carob and algarrobo germ flour samples were highly digestible, as demonstrated by in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion, releasing high amounts of free amino acids and only minor proportions of low molecular weight peptides.