Overview of the Justicia Genus: Insights into Its Chemical Diversity and Biological Potential.

The genus Justicia has more than 600 species distributed in both hemispheres, in the tropics and temperate regions, and it is used in the treatment of numerous pathologies. This study presents a review of the biological activities of plant extracts and isolated chemical constituents of Justicia (ACANTHACEAE), identified in the period from May 2011 to August 2022. We analyzed over 176 articles with various biological activities and chemical compound descriptions present in the 29 species of Justicia. These have a variety of applications, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial, with alkaloids and flavonoids (e.g., naringenin) the most frequently identified secondary metabolites. The most observed species were Justicia gendarussa Burm., Justicia procumbens L., Justicia adhatoda L., Justicia spicigera Schltdl, and Justicia pectoralis Jacq. The frontier molecular orbitals carried out using density functional theory (M062X and basis set 6-311++G(d,p) indicate reactive sites for naringenin compound and a chemical reaction on phytomedicine activity. The energy gap (206.99 kcal/mol) and dimer solid state packing point to chemical stability. Due to the wide variety of pharmacological uses of these species, this review points toward the development of new phytomedicines.

Bromine Substitution Effect on Structure, Reactivity, and Linear and Third-Order Nonlinear Optical Properties of 2,3-Dimethoxybenzaldehyde.

The structural and electronic properties of 2,3-dimethoxybenzaldehyde (2,3-DMB), 5-bromo-2,3-dimethoxybenzaldehyde (5-BRB), and 6-bromo-2,3-dimethoxybenzaldehyde (6-BRB) were extensively discussed with emphasis on linear and nonlinear optical responses. The intermolecular interactions were comparatively studied by Hirshfeld surfaces, quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), and natural bond orbitals (NBOs), indicating that bromine substitution decreases the H···H and C···H contacts and increases H···Br and Br···Br closed-shell interactions on crystalline arrangements. The frontier molecular orbitals and molecular electrostatic potential map, carried out at the CAM-B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory, showed that the kinetic stability occurs in the increasing order 6-BRB < 5-BRB < 2.3-DMB. The bromine atom has a beneficial effect on the nonlinear third-order susceptibility of 2,3-DMB, with theoretical predictions of 89.54 ×10-22 and 83.15 ×10-22 (m/V)2 for 6-BRB and 5-BRB, respectively. These findings were favorably compared with available theoretical and experimental data of other organic crystals that may be promising as NLO materials.

Flavonoids from Brazilian Cerrado: Biosynthesis, Chemical and Biological Profile.

Flavonoids are highly bioactive compounds with very low toxicity, which makes them attractive starting points in drug discovery. This study aims to provide information on plant species containing flavonoids, which are found in the Brazilian Cerrado. First, we present the characterization and plant diversity with emphasis on the families of flavonoid-producing plants, and then we describe the phenylpropanoid pathway which represents the flavonoids' main route biosynthesis-generally conserved in all species. Chemical structures and biological activities of flavonoids isolated from the Cerrado's plant species are also described based on examples from the relevant literature studies. Finally, research on the biodiversity of the Cerrado biome should be encouraged, due to the discovery of new sources of flavonoids which can provide several benefits to human health and the possibility of developing new drugs by the pharmaceutical industry.

Evaluation of Gastroprotective Activity of the Methanolic Extract of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. (Acanthaceae).

INTRODUCTION: Justicia pectoralis Jacq. is traditionally applied in folk medicine in Brazil and in several Latin American countries. The leaves are used in tea form, especially in the treatment of respiratory disorders, acting as an expectorant. It also has activity in gastrointestinal disorders, and it is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, sedative, and estrogenic, among others. AIMS: To investigate the gastroprotective activity of the methanol extract of the leaves of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. (MEJP) in different experimental models of gastric ulcers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The adult leaves of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. were collected and cultivated in beds, with an approximate spacing of 40 × 40 cm, organic fertilization, irrigation with potable water and without shelter from light. The MEJP was prepared from the dried and pulverized leaves and concentrated under reduced pressure in a rotary evaporator. For the experimental model of gastric ulcer, Swiss male albino mice were used. The inputs used in the experiment were MEJP at three different concentrations (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o.), cimetidine (50 mg/kg p.o.), indomethacin (50 mg/kg s.c.) and vehicle (10 mL/kg p.o.). RESULTS: MEJP (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o.) demonstrated gastroprotective activity, with levels of protection of 45.65%, 44.80% and 40.22%, respectively, compared to the control (vehicle). Compared with cimetidine (48.29%), MEJP showed similar gastroprotective activity. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the gastroprotective activity of MEJP and contributes to validate the traditional use the species for gastric disorders and provides a pharmacological basis for its clinical potential.

A comparative analysis of depressive-like behavior: Exploring sex-related differences and insights.

Profiling the variability related to the estrous cycle is essential for assessing depressive-like behavior and screening drugs. This study compares circulating plasma corticosterone levels [CORT] and behavioral alterations in mice exposed to sucrose preference, forced swimming, and tail suspension tests (SPT, FST, and TST, respectively). While SPT exposure did not significantly alter [CORT], FST and TST showed notable changes. Mice in the TST exhibited increased movement and decreased immobility time compared to FST, suggesting a lower likelihood of depressive-like behavior in male mice. Notably, during the proestrus phase, female mice displayed the highest tendency for depressive-like behavior and elevated [CORT], but similar response to antidepressants (imipramine and fluoxetine). The inherent stress of the FST and TST tasks appears to influence [CORT] as well as depressant and antidepressant effects. These comparisons provide valuable insights for further behavioral phenotyping, model sensitivity assessment, and deepen our neurobiological understanding of depression in the context of drug screening.

Heterocyclic Compounds: Pharmacology of Pyrazole Analogs From Rational Structural Considerations.

Low quality of life and life-threatening conditions often demand pharmacological screening of lead compounds. A spectrum of pharmacological activities has been attributed to pyrazole analogs. The substitution, replacement, or removal of functional groups on a pyrazole ring appears consistent with diverse molecular interactions, efficacy, and potency of these analogs. This mini-review explores cytotoxic, cytoprotective, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant activities of some pyrazole analogs to advance structure-related pharmacological profiles and rational design of new analogs. Numerous interactions of these derivatives at their targets could impact future research considerations and prospects while offering opportunities for optimizing therapeutic activity with fewer adverse effects.