Hormonemate Derivatives from Dothiora sp., an Endophytic Fungus.

A search for cytotoxic agents from cultures of the endophytic fungus Dothiora sp., isolated from the endemic plant Launaea arborescens, led to the isolation of six new compounds structurally related to hormonemate, with moderate cytotoxic activity against different cancer cell lines. By using a bioassay-guided fractionation approach, hormonemates A-D (1-4), hormonemate (5), and hormonemates E (6) and F (7) were obtained from the acetone extract of this fungus. Their structures were determined using a combination of HRMS, ESI-qTOF-MS/MS, 1D and 2D NMR experiments, and chemical degradation. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were evaluated by microdilution colorimetric assays against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), human liver cancer cells (HepG2), and pancreatic cancer cells (MiaPaca_2). Most of the compounds displayed cytotoxic activity against this panel.

The Antioxidant Properties of Salvia verbenaca Extract Contribute to Its Intestinal Antiinflammatory Effects in Experimental Colitis in Rats.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal inflammation with unpredictable symptom fluctuations. While there is no effective cure for IBD, various treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for affected individuals. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential benefits of certain natural plants and herbs in the management of IBD. In this regard, this study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of a well-characterized extract of Salvia verbenaca (S. verbenaca) in an experimental model of colitis in rats. Interestingly, the daily administration of S. verbenaca (10 and 25 mg/kg) effectively alleviated colitis symptoms, as evidenced by reduced weight/length ratio and colonic damage. Moreover, it reduced oxidative stress markers (MPO and GSH), decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (Il-6, Il-12a, Il-1ß, Il-23, Icam-1, Mcp-1, Cinc-1), and preserved the integrity of the intestinal barrier (Villin, Muc-2, Muc-3). These effects suggest S. verbenaca extract could represent a potential complementary candidate to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Its beneficial actions can be related to its antioxidant properties as well as the downregulation of the immune response, which can result in the improvement in the intestine epithelial barrier.

The Antioxidant Properties of Lavandula multifida Extract Contribute to Its Beneficial Effects in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice.

Obesity is a worldwide public health problem whose prevalence rate has increased steadily over the last few years. Therefore, it is urgent to improve the management of obesity and its comorbidities, and plant-based treatments are receiving increasing attention worldwide. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate a well-characterized extract of Lavandula multifida (LME) in an experimental model of obesity in mice and explore the underlying mechanisms. Interestingly, the daily administration of LME reduced weight gain as well as improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Additionally, LME ameliorated the inflammatory state in both liver and adipose tissue by decreasing the expression of various proinflammatory mediators (Il-6, Tnf-α, Il-1ß, Jnk-1, Pparα, Pparγ, and Ampk) and prevented increased gut permeability by regulating the expression of mucins (Muc-1, Muc-2, and Muc-3) and proteins implicated in epithelial barrier integrity maintenance (Ocln, Tjp1, and Tff-3). In addition, LME showed the ability to reduce oxidative stress by inhibiting nitrite production on macrophages and lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that LME may represent a promising complementary approach for the management of obesity and its comorbidities.