Anti-Influenza A Potential of Tagetes erecta Linn. Extract Based on Bioinformatics Analysis and In Vitro Assays.

Tagetes erecta Linn. (TE) is traditionally used to treat cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal diseases. In this study, we investigated the active compounds and targets of TE extract that may exert antiviral effects against influenza A. Active compounds and targets of TE extract were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database (TCSMP). The influenza A-related gene set was screened using GeneCards and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built to establish the hub targets. Pathway and target studies were conducted using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The interactions between active compounds and potential targets were assessed by molecular docking. An in vitro study was performed using antiviral and plaque reduction assays. From the compound and target search, we identified 6 active compounds and 95 potential targets. We retrieved 887 influenza-associated target genes and determined 14 intersecting core targets between TE and influenza. After constructing a compound-target network, we discovered lutein and beta-carotene to be the key compounds. Next, PPI network analysis identified the top three hub genes associated with influenza (IL-6, HIF1A, and IL-1ß). Similarly, GEO analysis revealed IL-6, TGFB1, and CXCL8 to be the top three target genes. In our docking study, we identified that lutein and IL-6 had the strongest bindings. Our in vitro experimental results revealed that the TE extract exhibited therapeutic rather than prophylactic effects on influenza disease. We identified lutein as a main active compound in TE extract, and IL-6 as an important target associated with influenza, by using data mining and bioinformatics. Our in vitro findings indicated that TE extract exerted protective properties against the influenza A virus. We speculated that lutein, as a key active component in TE extract, is largely responsible for its antiviral effects. Therefore, we suggest TE extract as an alternative in the treatment of influenza.

Bioavailability of Lutein from Marigold Flowers (Free vs. Ester Forms): A Randomised Cross-Over Study to Assess Serum Response and Visual Contrast Threshold in Adults.

Lutein (Lut) and zeaxanthin (Zeax) are found in the blood and are deposited in the retina (macular pigment). Both are found in the diet in free form and esterified with fatty acids. A high intake and/or status is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, especially eye diseases. There is a large global demand for Lut in the dietary supplement market, with marigold flowers being the main source, mainly as lutein esters. As the bioavailability of Lut from free or ester forms is controversial, our aim was to assess the bioavailability of Lut (free vs. ester) and visual contrast threshold (CT). Twenty-four healthy subjects (twelve women, twelve men), aged 20-35 and 50-65 years, were enrolled in a cross-sectional study to consume 6 mg lutein/day from marigold extract (free vs. ester) for two months. Blood samples were taken at baseline and after 15, 40, and 60 days in each period. Serum Lut and Zeax were analysed using HPLC, and dietary intake was determined with a 7-day food record at the beginning of each period. CT, with and without glare, was at 0 and 60 days at three levels of visual angle. Lut + Zeax intake at baseline was 1.9 mg/day, and serum lutein was 0.36 µmol/L. Serum lutein increased 2.4-fold on day 15 (up to 0.81 and 0.90 µmol/L with free and ester lutein, respectively) and was maintained until the end of the study. Serum Zeax increased 1.7-fold. There were no differences in serum Lut responses to free or ester lutein at any time point. CT responses to lutein supplementation (free vs. ester) were not different at any time point. CT correlated with Lut under glare conditions, and better correlations were obtained at low frequencies in the whole group due to the older group. The highest correlations occurred between CT at high frequency and with glare with serum Lut and Lut + Zeax. Only in the older group were inverse correlations found at baseline at a high frequency with L + Z and with Lut/cholesterol and at a low frequency with Lut/cholesterol. In conclusion, daily supplementation with Lut for 15 days significantly increases serum Lut in normolipemic adults to levels associated with a reduced risk of age-related eye disease regardless of the chemical form of lutein supplied. Longer supplementation, up to two months, does not significantly alter the concentration achieved but may contribute to an increase in macular pigment (a long-term marker of lutein status) and thus improve the effect on visual outcomes.

Isolation of flavonoids from Tagetes patula (French Marigold) flowers: Cytotoxic and oxidant activity in human cervical carcinoma cells / Aislación de flavonoides de las flores de Tagetes patula (cempasúchil francés): Actividad citotóxica y oxidante en células de carcinoma cervical humano

T agetes patula , known as French Marigold, belongs to the family Asteraceae. Human papillomavirus infection is considered one of the causes of cervical cancer. This study assessed the cytotoxic activity and intracellular oxidative capacity of compounds isolated from extract of T. patula flowers as anti - cancer cervical agents. Fraction F6 of n - butanol extract was subjected to column chromatography and HPLC - ESI - MS. The isolated compo unds of T. patula were used to examine cytotoxic activity and the production of total reactive oxygen species in SiHa and HeLa cells; the cells were also characterized using scanning electron microscopy. Patulitrin was cytotoxic to SiHa and HeLa cells. An increase in ROS production was observed at different times of treatment of cells with patuletin and patulitrin. Scanning electron microscopy showed morphological changes in SiHa and HeLa cells. Thus, compounds isolated from T. patula have great treatment p otential against cervical cancer.

Tagetes patula , conocida como cempasúchil francés, pertenece a la familia Asteraceae. La infección por el virus del papiloma humano se considera una de las causas del cáncer cervical. En este estudio, se evaluó la actividad citotóxica y la capacidad oxidativa intracelular de los compuestos aislados del extracto de las flores de T. patula como agentes anticancerígenos cervicales. La fracción F6 del ext racto de n - butanol se sometió a cromatografía en columna y HPLC - ESI - MS. Los compuestos aislados de T. patula se utilizaron para examinar la actividad citotóxica y la producción total de especies reactivas de oxígeno en las células SiHa y HeLa; las células también se caracterizaron mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido. Patulitrina resultó citotóxica para las células SiHa y HeLa. Se observó un aumento en la producción de ROS en diferentes momentos del tratamiento de las células con patuletina y patulit rina. La microscopía electrónica de barrido mostró cambios morfológicos en las células SiHa y HeLa. Por lo tanto, los compuestos aislados de T. patula tienen un gran potencial de tratamiento contra el cáncer cervical.

Synergistic Interaction Effect of Artemisia cina n-hexane Extract and Tagetes lucida Ethyl Acetate Extract on Haemonchus Contortus.

PURPOSE: We analysed the possible synergistic activity among active extracts from Artemisia cina and Tagetes lucida combinations on Haemonchus contortus, a nematode parasitising sheep. METHODS: The work was carried out in vitro on eggs and infective larvae (L3) of H. contortus. The results were analysed with SAS 9.1, applying the ANOVA and Tukey test, and the lethal concentration (LC) values LC50 and LC90 were determined with regression analysis, employing Proc Probit of SAS 9.1. Additionally, the lethal concentration (LC) was calculated with LC50 and LC90 to determine the synergistic effect. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a high efficacy of the two plants studied on both nematode eggs and L3 larvae as well as of their combinations. The highest egg hatching inhibition was obtained with a 50/50 combination, and the best larvae mortality was obtained with 25% A. cina and 75% T. lucida at 10 mg/mL. Additionally, this combination showed a synergistic effect. CONCLUSION: The two plant species studied here can be applied as natural anthelmintic alternatives due to their high bioactive effect and synergistic response.

Effect of Tagetes minuta essential oil on the central nervous system of unfed Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato 'tropical lineage' ticks.

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato 'tropical lineage' (Acari: Ixodidae) is considered a sanitary concern due to its role as a disease vector. Tick strains resistant to synthetic acaricides have caused difficulties in their control, besides synthetic acaricides are harmful to the environment and to the health of non-target animals. The research of plants with acaricidal and repellent properties has proved to be an efficient alternative in tick control. The genus Tagetes spp. excels for its use as traditional pest control in households and plantations and also for its potential as an acaricide against R. sanguineus under laboratory conditions. The first aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of Tagetes minuta essential oil (TMEO) on the central nervous system (synganglion) in unfed R. sanguineus adults. The histological analysis of synganglion exposed to the different concentrations of TMEO and amitraz 12.5% (50% of the recommended dose in the package insert) showed a significant effect with signs of cell damage including volume increase, loss of shape, and vacuolization, in addition to chromatin alterations such as condensation, margination, and fragmentation. TMEO were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry showing the presence of 21 compounds that according to their chemical structure are classified as terpenoids. Among them (Z)-ß-ocimene, ocimene, (Z)-tagetone, and verbenone were found in major quantities.

Cytotoxic and Antitumor Effects of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tagetes erecta in Lung Cancer Cells.

Among all cancers, lung cancer is the one with the highest mortality rate, and it also has limited therapeutics. Antitumor agents based on medicinal plants have gained importance as a source of bioactive substances. Tagetes erecta is a plant of great cultural value, and recent reports have suggested its cytotoxic effects in tumor cells. Our objective was to evaluate the antitumor activity of Tagetes erecta extract in a lung carcinoma model. Hydroalcoholic extracts were obtained from fresh flowers and leaves of T. erecta; both extracts did not exert toxicity on Artemia salina. We observed cytotoxic effects induced by the floral extract in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and breast tumor cell line (MCF7), but not by the leaf extract. In vivo, a xenograft lung carcinoma model was performed with LLC cells implanted on C57BL/6 mice, which showed that the floral extract reduced tumor growth and improved the effect of etoposide. Microscopic analysis of tumors showed a reduction in mitoses and an increase in necrotic areas with the extract and the etoposide. The main phytochemical compounds found are 2,3-dihydro-benzofuran, octadecanoic acid, benzenacetic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and acetic acid. We conclude that the hydroalcoholic extract of T. erecta flowers has cytotoxic effects in lung carcinoma cells and enhances the effect of etoposide.

Carotenoid-derived norsesquiterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids from Tagetes erecta L.

Tagetes erecta L. (marigold), a common landscaping flower widely cultivated in America, Africa, Asia and Europe, is the fundamental source of carotenoids (especially lutein) in food and pharmaceutical industry. Carotenoids are well-known to possess various healthy and beneficial biological activities such as eye protection, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory. In our exploitation of carotenoid-derived products from T. erecta, nine previously undescribed compounds including seven megastigmane-type norsesquiterpenoids (1-7), one carotenoid-derived sesquiterpenoid (8), and one natural 3-hydroxyl-α-ionylideneacetic acid derivative (9), along with twelve known compounds (10-21), were afforded from the 95% ethanol extract of the petals of T. erecta. Their planar chemical structures and the absolute configurations were established by analysis of the extensive spectroscopic data including HRESI-MS, 1D/2D NMR and the simulation of ECD. Further, a plausible biosynthesis pathway for compounds 1-20 is proposed.

Assessments of Alpha-Amylase Inhibitory Potential of Tagetes Flavonoids through In Vitro, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies.

Diabetes is a chronic fast-growing metabolic disorder that is characterized by high blood glucose levels. Tagetes minuta L. has been used as a traditional remedy for various illnesses for many years, and, furthermore, its oil is used in the perfume and flavor industries. T. minuta contains various metabolites, such as flavonoids, thiophenes, terpenes, sterols, and phenolics, with varied bioactivities. Flavonoids can inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, such as alpha-amylase, which is a convenient dietary strategy for controlling hyperglycemia. In the current investigation, the isolated flavonoids quercetagetin-6-O-(6-O-caffeoyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside), quercetagetin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, quercetagetin-6-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, minutaside A, patuletin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, quercetagetin-7-methoxy-6-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, tagenols A and B, quercetagetin-3,7-dimethoxy-6-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, patuletin, quercetin-3,6-dimethyl ether, and quercetin-3-methyl ether from T. minuta were assessed for their alpha-amylase inhibition (AAI) efficacy using an in vitro assay, as well as molecular docking, dynamics simulation, and ADMET analyses. Our findings show that quercetagetin-6-O-(6-O-caffeoyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside) (1), quercetagetin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (2), quercetagetin-6-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (3), minutaside A (4), patuletin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (5), and quercetagetin-7-methoxy-6-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (6) had a notable AAI capacity (IC50s ranged from 7.8 to 10.1 µM) compared to acarbose (IC50 7.1 µM). Furthermore, these compounds with the highest binding affinity among the tested flavonoids revealed high docking scores for AA (ranging from -12.171 to 13.882 kcal/mol) compared to that of acarbose (-14.668 kcal/mol). In MDS, these compounds were observed to show maximum stability and the greatest binding free energy, suggesting that they may contend with native ligands. In addition, the ADMET analysis showed that these active compounds had a broad span of drug-like, pharmacokinetic, and physicochemical features and did not possess any considerable undesired effects. The current results suggest the potential of these metabolites as AAI candidates. However, further in vivo and mechanistic studies are warranted to specify the efficacy of these metabolites.

In Vitro α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Effects, Antioxidant Activities, and Lutein Content of Nine Different Cultivars of Marigold Flowers (Tagetes spp.).

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are major sources of bioactive compounds. The flowers are used to treat a variety of illnesses and have both antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. However, marigolds exhibit a wide range of genetic variations. Because of this, both the bioactive compounds and biological activities of the plants differ between cultivars. In the present study, nine marigold cultivars grown in Thailand were evaluated for their bioactive compound content, as well as for their antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, using spectrophotometric methods. The results showed that the Sara Orange cultivar possessed the highest total carotenoid content (431.63 mg/100 g). However, Nata 001 (NT1) had the highest amount of total phenolic compounds (161.17 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (20.05 mg QE/g), and lutein (7.83 mg/g), respectively. NT1 exhibited strong activities against the DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation, and had the highest FRAP value as well. Moreover, NT1 demonstrated the most significant (p < 0.05) α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects (IC50 values of 2.57 and 3.12 mg/mL, respectively). The nine marigold cultivars had reasonable correlations between lutein content and the capacity to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. Hence, NT1 may be a good source of lutein; it may also be beneficial in both functional food production and medical applications.

A Study on Natural Control against Nematodes and Whiteflies with Marigold, Known as an Antagonist Plant.

The importance of finding natural solutions for the protection of our health in the fight against pests in agriculture is increasing day by day. In this study, the interaction of the active ingredients in marigolds as the great importance as a garden flower, with nematode and whitefly receptors as ligands in the fight against them, have been investigated by chemical calculation method. The inhibition effect of ligands (alpha-Terthienyl, Quercetagetin in marigold) on nematode and whitefly receptors in this plant was determined by comparing the binding energy values with reference drug active ingredients (imidacloprid, Perhexiline).This calculation method, the accuracy determined by different studies, is very important in terms of determining the most active substance in a short time, preventing time and substance loss, and will guide the experimental studies and applications to be made in this field.

The volatile organic compounds and palatability of mixed ensilage of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) crop residues.

With increasing acreage of cash crops, the use of their by-products as supplements for livestock feed becomes an important factor. Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) account for more than half of the world's loose flower production. However, there is no precedent for the abundantly available marigold crop residue (MCR) being used as feed in agricultural production, probably because of its strong pungent taste. This study aimed to evaluate the biotransformation of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of MCR by mixed ensilage and assess its palatability by cattle. Caryophyllene, the most prevalent VOC in MCR, decreased by 29.11% (P < 0.05), 38.85% (P < 0.05), 37.15% (P < 0.05), and 28.36% (P < 0.05) ensilage with corn meal (CM), bran (BR), crop corn (CC), and straw (ST), respectively. The acetic acid content increased by 686.05% (P < 0.05), 1337.21% (P < 0.05), 1244.19% (P < 0.05), and 1795.34% (P < 0.05) after mixed ensilage with CM, BR, CC, and ST, respectively. The total amount of alcoholic VOCs followed an overall increasing trend during mixed storage and 10 new alcohols were obtained. Over seven days, feed intake of mixed ensilage MCR by cattle differed significantly (P < 0.05) among treatments compared with MCR and was highest in MCRCM. Combined with palatability trials, the best MCR feed intake was achieved with MCRCM. The findings shed light on how feed odor can be improved and how degradation of terpenes can be enhanced in practical applications by mixed ensilage.

Chemical Composition of Tagetes patula Flowers Essential Oil and Hepato-Therapeutic Effect against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Toxicity (In-Vivo).

The liver is a crucial organ among body organs due to its wide functions, in particular, detoxification and metabolism. Exposure to detrimental chemicals or viral infections may provoke liver dysfunction and ultimately induce liver tissue damage. Finding natural substances for liver disease treatment to overcome the conventional treatments' side effects has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide. Our current work was conducted to investigate the hepato-therapeutic activities of essential oil (EO) isolated from Tagetes patula flowers. EO was extracted using the hydro-distillation (HD) technique and its chemical composition was identified by GC/MS. Then, the hepatic treatment potential of extracted EO was evaluated in vivo against CCL4 in rats. HD of T. patula flowers yielded highly chemical constituents of EO along with significant antioxidant potential. A coherent molecular network was fashioned via the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) to visualize the essential components and revealed that the sesquiterpene (E)-ß-caryophyllene was the most predominant volatile constituent which accounted for 24.1%. The treatment of CCL4 led to significant induced oxidative stress markers malonaldehyde, total protein, and non-protein sulfhydryl, as well as elevated serum aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin. In addition, it disrupted the level of lipid profile. The post-treatment using T. patula EO succeeded in relieving all toxic effects of CCl4 and recuperating the histopathological signs induced by CCL4. Silymarin was used as a standard hepatoprotective agent. The obtained results demonstrated that the extracted EO exerted high protective activities against the toxicity of CCL4. Moreover, the T. patula flowers EO can be used as a natural remedy to relieve many contemporary liver diseases related to oxidative stress.

An efficient process for the extraction of lutein and chemical characterization of other organic volatiles from marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) flower.

Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) petals are the primary industrial source of lutein, which is used as a colouring agent and nutrient supplement to foods. This research extracted marigold petals using different solvents, covering conventional and non-toxic green solvents. The oleoresin, free lutein, and recrystallized lutein yields varied from 8.47-16.67%, 2.56-9.62%, and 1.11-1.61%, respectively. The purity of lutein was achieved up to 92.57% and 97.64% in conventional and newly established green methods, respectively. The present study described an efficient green process to isolate lutein with significantly improved yield (2.56%) and purity (97.33%) over the conventional methods. Based on the results, 2-methyltetrahydrofurancould be a practical green alternative to the traditional toxic solvents for the processing of lutein. Further, the chemical analysis of the essential oil of the residual receptacles obtained after removing petals revealed the presence of important organic volatiles, including piperitone (54.7%) and piperitenone oxide (6.5%), indicating its usefulness for value-addition.

Effect of Natural Antioxidants from Marigolds (Tagetes erecta L.) on the Oxidative Stability of Soybean Oil.

In recent years, synthetic antioxidants that are widely used in foods have been shown to cause detrimental health effects, and there has been growing interest in antioxidants realised from natural plant extracts. In this study, we investigate the potential effects of natural antioxidant components extracted from the forage plant marigold on the oxidative stability of soybean oil. First, HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) to screen and identify potential antioxidant components in marigold. Four main antioxidant components were identified, including quercetagetin-7-O-glucoside (1), quercetagetin (2), quercetin (3) and patuletin (4). Among them, quercetagetin (QG) exhibited the highest content and the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity and effectively inhibited the production of oxidation products in soybean oil during accelerated oxidation, as indicated by reductions in the peroxide value (PV) and acid value (AV). Then, the fatty acids and volatile compounds of soybean oil were determined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). A total of 108 volatile components, including 16 alcohols, 23 aldehydes, 25 ketones, 4 acids, 15 esters, 18 hydrocarbons, and 7 other compounds, were identified. QG significantly reduced the content and number of aldehydes and ketones, whereas the formation of acids and hydrocarbons was completely prevented. In addition, the fatty acid analysis demonstrated that QG significantly inhibited oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. Consequently, QG was identified as a potential, new natural antioxidant that is believed to be safe, effective and economical, and it may have potential for use in plant extracts feed additives.

Extract of Tagetes erecta L., a medicinal plant rich in lutein, promotes gastric healing and reduces ulcer recurrence in rodents.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tagetes erecta L. (Asteraceae), popularly known as Aztec Marigold, is used in South America to treat several ailments. Despite reports that T. erecta flowers are used in folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases, there is no study regarding its gastric healing effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: The effect of dry extract of T. erecta L. (DETe) in gastric healing and gastric ulcer recurrence was evaluated, contributing to the validation of the antiulcer potential of this medicinal plant. METHODS: Rats were treated orally with vehicle (1 ml/kg), omeprazole (20 mg/kg), or DETe (3, 30 or 300 mg/kg) for 7 days, twice a day. The lesion area was evaluated, and the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipoperoxides (LOOH) and the activity of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured. The ulcer recurrence was evaluated in mice and induced by interleukin (IL)-1ß (1 µg/kg, i.p). The recurred area, gastric wall thickness, GSH and cytokines levels, MPO and N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) activities were measured. RESULTS: DETe accelerated the healing of gastric ulcers only at 300 mg/kg, reducing the ulcerated area by 66%. In parallel, DETe reduced LOOH levels, SOD, CAT and MPO activities, while increasing GST activity and mucin amount. In the recurrence model, DETe reduced the lesion area by 94%, and in parallel decreased the gastric wall thickness and TNF levels, while increasing IL-10 amount. CONCLUSIONS: Corroborating the popular use of T. erecta, DETe favors the antioxidant system and reduce gastric inflammation, accelerating the gastric healing process and reducing the ulcer recurrence.

The Content of Phenolic Compounds and Organic Acids in Two Tagetes patula Cultivars Flowers and Its Dependence on Light Colour and Substrate.

The main focus of the study was to determine the content of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and organic acids in the flowers of Tagetes patula 'Petite Gold' and 'Petite Orange'. The growth of the plants was assessed depending on the cultivation conditions. The above plants were illuminated with white light, whereas the 'Petite Gold' ones with white light enhanced with blue or red light. Both cultivars grew in a two-level-mineral compounds organic substrate. The research showed that the French marigold flowers were rich in phenolic compounds and organic acids. The 'Petite Gold' flowers had more bioactive compounds compared with the 'Petite Orange' flowers. Three flavonoids, 10 phenolic acids and seven organic acids were found in the 'Petite Gold' flowers. The artificial lighting used during the cultivation of the plants showed diversified influence on the content of organic compounds in their flowers. The measurements of the plants' morphological traits and the number of inflorescences showed that illumination with red light resulted in a better effect. Large plants with numerous inflorescences grew in the substrate with a lower content of nutrients.

Isolation, chemical characterization, and anti-inflammatory activity of coumarins, flavonoids, and terpenes from Tagetes lucida.

Tagetes lucida is widely used in traditional Mexican medicine for several disorders, including those associated with inflammation. In this work, fifteen compounds were identified (1-15) from T. lucida. Some of these compounds (1-8, 10, 12-14) were detected for the first time in the plant, and quercetagetin 7-O-ß-(6''-Protocatecoyl) glucopyranoside (13) has been identified for any plant species. The inflammation inhibition effects of these compounds were as follows: Amix (1-2) > 10 > 12a > 13 > 14a > Bmix (3-9) > 12; 12 and 13 showed a dose-response behavior. The mixture of 14 and 15 was not active. This work contributes to the knowledge of the anti-inflammatory capacity of T. lucida and the chemical identity of their bioactive compounds.

Hepatoprotective effects of Tagetes lucida root extract in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats through amelioration of oxidative stress.

CONTEXT: The roots of Tagetes lucida Cav. (Asteraceae) have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the hepatoprotective effects of T. lucida roots ethanol extract (TLRE) using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The active ingredients of TLRE were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography, infra-red spectrum, and mass spectrometric procedures. Ninety rats were distributed into four main groups: positive, therapeutic, protective, and negative group. The therapeutic group was implemented using CCl4 (a single dose of 2 mL/kg) before TLRE or silymarin administration. Meanwhile, the protective group was implemented by administering CCl4 (a single dose of 2 mL/kg) after force-feeding TLRE or silymarin. Each therapeutic and protective group was divided into three subgroups: force-fed with saline, TLRE (500 mg/kg), and silymarin (25 mg/kg). The positive group was split into two subgroups that were force-fed TLRE and silymarin. Positive, therapeutic, and protective groups were compared to the negative group (untreated rats). CCl4, TLRE, and silymarin were orally administrated using a gastric tube. RESULTS: In the therapeutic and protective groups, TLRE significantly reduced liver enzymes, i.e., aspartate aminotransferase (12.47 and 6.29%), alanine aminotransferase (30.48 and 11.39%), alkaline phosphatase (17.28 and 15.90%), and cytochrome P450-2E1 (39.04 and 48.24%), and tumour necrosis factor-α (53.72 and 53.72%) in comparison with CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity controls. CONCLUSIONS: TLRE has a potent hepatoprotective effect with a good safety margin. After a repeated study on another type of small experimental animal, their offspring, and an experiment with a large animal, this study may lead to clinical trials.

Tagetes erecta L. flowers, a medicinal plant traditionally used to promote diuresis, induced diuretic and natriuretic effects in normotensive and hypertensive rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tagetes erecta L., known as marigold, belongs to the Asteraceae family and is mainly found in South America. Despite reports that T. erecta flowers are used in folk medicine to treat cardiovascular and renal diseases, there is no study regarding its diuretic effect. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and the diuretic efficacy of the hydroethanolic extract from T. erecta (HETE) in normotensive (NTR) and hypertensive (SHR) rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The HETE was analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-MS). Female and male NTR and SHR received the treatment with vehicle, HETE (0.01 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, and 1 mg/kg) or hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ; 5 mg/kg) orally. The urinary parameters were measured at the end of the 8-h experiment. RESULTS: From HETE, saccharides and triterpenes were the main annotated compounds, such as erythrodiol and ß-amyrin. The urine volume was significantly increased in the groups treated with HETE, in both male and female NTR and SHR rats, compared to the respective vehicle-treated groups. Regarding electrolytes elimination, the treatment with HETE did not reveal significant changes in the urine levels of K+ or Cl-, but it showed a natriuretic and Ca2+-sparing effects. The HETE beneficial result in reducing Ca2+ excretion was confirmed through the protective effect found in front of the urinary calcium oxalate precipitation and crystallization. The combination with HCTZ, a classic diuretic and saluretic medicine, significantly enhanced HETE-induced diuresis, natriuresis, and the Ca2+-sparing effect. On the other hand, the K+-sparing action was improved in the combination of HETE with amiloride, a standard K+-sparing diuretic. In contrast, the combination of HETE with atropine (a non-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist) and indomethacin (an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase enzyme), promoted an important reduction in urinary volume, but interestingly the natriuretic effect was maintained. CONCLUSION: This study contributed to the preclinical validation of the diuretic efficacy of T. erecta, highlighting this species as promising for the development of new pharmacological strategies for the management of kidney disorders.

Antimicrobial and physical properties of experimental endodontic sealers containing vegetable extracts.

To assess the antimicrobial activity and the physical properties of resin-based experimental endodontic sealers with the incorporation of vegetable extracts obtained from Bixa orellana, Mentha piperita, and Tagetes minuta species. The extracts were obtained and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. The extracts were individually incorporated into a dual-cure experimental sealer at a mass concentration of 0.5%. A commercial reference RealSeal was used. The sealers were evaluated by measuring the setting time, degree of conversion, dimensional stability, radiopacity, flow, and film thickness of these materials, also and its antimicrobial effect was evaluated using the direct contact test. Data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc test at α = 0.05 significance level. The physical properties were not influenced by the addition of the vegetable extracts (p > 0.05). For S. mutans, only T. minuta and B. orellana groups presented antibacterial activity after 24 h of contact (p < 0.05). All extracts evidenced an antibacterial effect against E. faecalis (p < 0.05). The experimental sealers hold promise as a novel vegetable sealer with great antimicrobial activity and also great physical-mechanical properties. Nonetheless, more studies are needed.