Chemical Profile, Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, and Antiviral Activities of Pulicaria crispa Most Potent Fraction: An In Vitro and In Silico Study.

Infectious diseases caused by viruses and bacteria are a major public health concern worldwide, with the emergence of antibiotic resistance, biofilm-forming bacteria, viral epidemics, and the lack of effective antibacterial and antiviral agents exacerbating the problem. In an effort to search for new antimicrobial agents, this study aimed to screen antibacterial and antiviral activity of the total methanol extract and its various fractions of Pulicaria crispa (P. crispa) aerial parts. The P. crispa hexane fraction (HF) was found to have the strongest antibacterial effect against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including biofilm producers. The HF fraction reduced the expression levels of penicillin binding protein (PBP2A) and DNA gyrase B enzymes in Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. Additionally, the HF fraction displayed the most potent antiviral activity, especially against influenza A virus, affecting different stages of the virus lifecycle. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of the HF fraction identified 27 compounds, mainly belonging to the sterol class, with ß-sitosterol, phytol, stigmasterol, and lupeol as the most abundant compounds. The in silico study revealed that these compounds were active against influenza A nucleoprotein and polymerase, PBP2A, and DNA gyrase B. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the chemical composition and mechanism of action of the P. crispa HF fraction, which may lead to the development of more effective treatments for bacterial and viral infections.

Investigation of Antimicrobial, Anti-Quorum Sensing, and Cytotoxic Activities of Flavonoids Isolated from Pulicaria armena Boiss. & Kotschy ex Boiss. (Asteraceae).

This is the first report on the separation and biological assessment of all metabolites derived from Pulicaria armena (Asteraceae) which is an endemic species narrowly distributed in the eastern part of Turkey. The phytochemical analysis of P. armena resulted in the identification of one simple phenolic glucoside together with eight flavon and flavonol derivatives whose chemical structures were elucidated by NMR experiments and by the comparison of the spectral data with the relevant literature. The screening of all molecules for their antimicrobial, anti-quorum sensing, and cytotoxic activities revealed the biological potential of some of the isolated compounds. Additionally, quorum sensing inhibitory activity of quercetagetin 5,7,3' trimethyl ether was supported by molecular docking studies in the active site of LasR which is the primary regulator of this cell-to-cell communication system in bacteria. Lastly, the critical molecular properties indicating drug-likeness of the compounds isolated from P. armena were predicted. As microbial infections can be a serious problem for cancer patients with compromised immune systems, this comprehensive phytochemical research on P. armena with its anti-quorum sensing and cytotoxic compounds can provide a new approach to the treatment.

Constituents of Pulicaria inuloides and Cytotoxic Activities of Two Methoxylated Flavonols.

Plants of the genus Pulicaria are known for providing traditional medicines, spices, herbal teas, and insect deterrents. Pulicaria inuloides (Poir.). DC. is one of the less chemically studied species within the genus. Hydroalcoholic extracts from roots and aerial parts of P. inuloides were analyzed using the UHPLC-PAD-MSn technique and revealed the presence of six caffeoylquinic and eleven caffeoylhexaric conjugates together with hydroxykaempferol dimethyl ether and quercetagetin trimethyl ether. Moreover, constituents of chloroform extract from the whole P. inuloides plants were isolated and identified by spectroscopic methods. One new and four known caryophyllene derivatives, three thymol derivatives, and four polymethoxylated flavonols were found in the analyzed extract. The structure of the new compound was established by spectroscopic methods (HRESIMS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY). The cytotoxicity of 6-Hydroxykaempferol 3,7-dimethyl ether and quercetagetin 3,7,3'-trimethyl ether (chrysosplenol C), which are major flavonols isolated from the plant, were tested on prostate epithelial cells (PNT2), prostate cancer cells (DU145 and PC3), human keratinocytes (HaCaT), and melanoma cells (HTB140 and A375). Both flavonols demonstrated moderate cytotoxic activity against PC3 cells (IC50 = 59.5 µM and 46.6 µM, respectively). The remaining cell lines were less affected (IC50 > 150 µM).

Downregulation of fibrosis and inflammatory signalling pathways in rats liver via Pulicaria crispa aerial parts ethanol extract.

CONTEXT: Liver is a vital organ for the detoxification of toxic substances in the body, where fibrosis is the major cause of liver damage. Pulicaria crispa processes many therapeutic applications such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-ulcerative agent. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to modulate the fibrosis and inflammatory signalling pathways in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in rats via treatment with Pulicaria crispa aerial parts ethanol extract (PCEE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CCl4 was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 0.5 mL/kg b.wt./twice a week/six consecutive weeks, PCEE was orally allocated at a dose of 250 mg/kg b.wt./day/six weeks and silymarin was orally administrated at a dose of 100 mg/kg, b.wt/day/six weeks. The plant extract evaluation was done through measuring aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST& ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total lipids (TP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low level glycoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), alpha fetoprotein (AFP), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). The liver architectures were also estimated. RESULT: The phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of sterols and/or triterpenoids. Treatments with plant extract suppressed significantly (p < 0.0001) the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, TP, TG, TC, LDH-C, MDA, NO, AFP, TNF-α and IL-6, while increased (p < 0.0001) the levels of HDL-C, GSH and SOD. The histopathological features confirmed the therapeutic role of the plant extract. CONCLUSION: PCEE succeeded to exert anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory and anti- oxidants effects in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis.

Physicochemical properties, microstructure, and storage stability of Pulicaria jaubertii extract microencapsulated with different protein biopolymers and gum arabic as wall materials.

This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of using gum arabic (GA) with different protein materials namely whey protein isolate (WP), sodium caseinate (SC), and soybean protein (SP) as wall materials to encapsulate Pulicaria jaubertii extract (PJ) using freeze-drying. Four formulations of microencapsulation of Pulicaria jaubertii extract (MPJE) were produced, including WPGA-MPJE, SCGA-MPJE, SPGA-MPJE, and GA-MPJE. The formulations were stored at 4 °C and 25 °C for 28 days to assess the storage stability. The results indicated that mixtures of proteins with GA improved the physicochemical properties and bioactive content of the MPJE compared to GA-MPJE. The SCGA-MPJE formula showed optimal values of particle size (450.13 nm), polydispersity index (0.33), zeta potential (74.63 mV), encapsulation efficiency (91.07%), total phenolic content (25.51 g GAE g-1 capsules), and antioxidants compounds, as well as presented a lower release of bioactive composites with high oxidative stability during storage at 4 °C and 25 °C. The microstructure of MPJE formulations showed a flat surface without any visible cracking on surfaces. The microcapsules prepared from protein mixtures with GA, especially the SCGA-MPJE formula, are the most efficient in encapsulating the plant extract derived from the PJ, which could be useful for application in various industrial fields.

Assessment of Euphorbia retusa and Pulicaria undulata activity against Leishmania major and Toxoplasma gondii.

Leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis are parasitic protozoal diseases that pose serious health concerns, especially for immunocompromised people. Leishmania major and Toxoplasma gondii are endemic in Saudi Arabia and are particularly common in the Qassim Region. The present work was conducted to evaluate the in vitro antileishmanial and antitoxoplasmal activity of methanolic extracts and phytochemical fractions from two plants, Euphorpia retusa and Pulicaria undulata, which are ethnobotanical agents used to treat parasitic infection. Whole E. retusa and P. undulata plants were extracted with methanol and fractionated using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water and then were tested in vitro against L. major promastigote and the amastigote stages of T. gondii; the cytotoxicity of the extracts was tested against Vero cell line. The methanolic extracts of E. retusa and P. undulata exhibited promising antitoxoplasmal activity against T. gondii with EC50 values 5.6 and 12.7 µg mL-1, respectively. The chloroform fraction of P. undulata was the most potent, exhibiting an EC50 of 1.4 µg mL-1 and SI value of 12.1. It was also the most active fraction against both L. major promastigotes and amastigotes, exhibiting an EC50 of 3.9 and 3.8 µg mL-1 and SI values 4.4 and 4.5, respectively. The chloroform fraction from P. undulata is a very good candidate for the isolation of active antitoxoplasmal and antileishmanial ingredients; therefore, further phytochemical analysis for active compound isolation is highly recommended.

Essential Oil Analysis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Three Aromatic Plant Species Growing in Saudi Arabia.

Arabian flora is a rich source of bioactive compounds. In this study, we investigated three aromatic plant species with the aim of finding valuable sources of antimicrobial agents against common pathogenic microorganisms. We focused especially on microorganisms, which cause outbreaks of infectious disease during mass gatherings and pilgrimages season in Saudi Arabia. The essential oils of three aromatic plant species were hydrodistilled from flowering aerial parts of Lavandula pubescens Decne. and Pulicaria incisa subsp. candolleana E.Gamal-Eldin, and from leaves, stems, ripe and unripe fruits of Juniperus procera Hochst. Ex Endl. They were subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The main constituents of L. pubescens were found to be carvacrol (55.7%), methyl carvacrol (13.4%), and ß-bisabolene (9.1%). P. incisa subsp. Candolleana essential oil was rich in linalool (33.0%), chrysanthenone (10.3%), eugenol (8.9%), and cis-chrysanthenol (8.0%); the major components of J. procera essential oil were α-pinene (31.3-62.5%) and δ-3-carene (7.3-30.3%). These essential oils were tested against thirteen American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using the agar diffusion assay. The only effective essential oil was that of L. pubescens and the most sensitive strains were Acinetobacter baumannii, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella sonnei, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Carvacrol, the major constituent of L. pubescens, was tested on these strains and was compared with vancomycin, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays of L. pubescens essential oil and carvacrol revealed that Gram-negative strains were more susceptible than the Gram-positive ones.

Stabilization of water-in-oil emulsion of Pulicaria jaubertii extract by ultrasonication: Fabrication, characterization, and storage stability.

This study investigated the effect of ultrasonic treatments on the properties and stability of the water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion of Pulicaria jaubertii (PJ) extract. The study used different ultrasound powers (0, 100, 200, 400, and 600 W) at two storage degrees (4 and 25 °C) for 28 days. The findings showed that the emulsifying properties were improved to different extents after ultrasonic treatments. The treatment at 600 W showed optimum particle size, polydispersity index, emulsifying property, viscosity properties, and release of total phenolic content than the other powers. However, the ultrasonic power of 400 W gave positive effects on creaming index and antioxidant release compared to 600 W. The emulsion stored at 4 °C presented higher stability than that stored at 25 °C during the 28 days of storage. Microscopically, the increase in sonication power up to 600 W reduced particle size and decreased flocculation, thus resulted in stable emulsions, which is desirable for its applications in food systems.

Evaluation of the hepatoprotective activity of Pulicaria incisa subspecies candolleana and in silico screening of its isolated phenolics.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Pulicaria incisa sub. candolleana E. Gamal-Eldin (Asteraceae) was traditionally used by Bedouins as a refreshing tea and as hypoglycemic, in gastrointestinal ailments, sinusitis and headache. Recently a great correlation has been established between liver cirrhosis and gastrointestinal dysfunction reflected by abdominal bloating, pain, diarrhea, constipation, besides decreased food intake. So far, the hepatoprotective effect of P. incisa sub. candolleana E. Gamal-Eldin was not studied before although other Pulicaria species have previously shown hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, we aimed to identify the phytochemical constituents of the P. incisa sub. candolleana E. Gamal-Eldin hydroethanolic extract (PICE), as well as to evaluate the hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in methotrexate (MTX)- intoxicated rats. Besides, the molecular interaction between the isolated compounds and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and phospholipase 2 (PLA-2) were assessed by in-silico screening. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The main phytoconstituents were characterized using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). Vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) aided by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were also used to isolate the major phenolics from the hydroethanolic extract. Their structures were elucidated using different spectroscopic analysis methods, including 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI/MS). The hepatoprotective activity of three doses (100, 250, 500 mg/kg) of PICE in MTX-intoxicated rats was assessed and compared to silymarin as a standard. Additionally, in silico docking study on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and phospholipase 2 (PLA-2) was performed to justify the anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds. RESULTS: Thirteen compounds were tentatively identified, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. Four main isolated compounds were identified as, eugenol-1-O-ß-glucoside, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3, 5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid and quercetin-3-O-ß-glucoside. Treatment of MTX-intoxicated rats with the 250 mg/kg extract reversed the altered levels of biochemical markers of liver damage, ameliorated the oxidant status and reduced the inflammatory mediators, similar to treatment with silymarin. Quercetin-3-O-ß-glucoside showed the best docking energy score of -19.12 kcal/mol against COX-2, forming four binding interactions with residues Leu 353, Arg 121, Tyr 356 and Ala 528, followed by 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (-18.01 kcal/mol). CONCLUSION: This study reveals P. incisa sub. candolleana as a rich source of phenolics including flavonoids, supporting its anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects and suggesting its usage as a promising candidate in inflammatory conditions.

Phytochemical Characterization, In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Diabetic, and Cytotoxic Activities of the Edible Aromatic Plant; Pulicaria jaubertii.

Pulicaria jaubertii is a medicinal herb that alleviates inflammations and fever. Chromatographic separation, phytochemical characterization, and in vitro biological activities of the plant n-hexane extract were conducted for the first time in this study. Six compounds were isolated for the first time from the n-hexane fraction of Pulicaria jaubertii aerial parts and were identified on the bases of NMR and MS analyses as pseudo-taraxaterol (1), pseudo-taraxasterol acetate (2), 3ß-acetoxytaraxaster-20-en-30-aldehyde (3), calenduladiol-3-O-palmitate (4), stigmasterol (5), and α-tocospiro B (6). Compound (6) was a rare tocopherol-related compound and was isolated for the first time from family Asteraceae, while compound (3) was isolated for the first time from genus Pulicaria. The total alcoholic extract and n-hexane fraction were tested for their anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic activities. The n-hexane fraction has dose dependent red blood cells (RBCs) membrane stabilization and inhibition of histamine release activities with IC50: 60.8 and 72.9 µg/mL, respectively. As antidiabetic activity, the alcoholic extract exerted the most inhibition on the activity of yeast α-glucosidase, with an IC50: 76.8 µg/mL. The n-hexane fraction showed cytotoxic activity against hepatocarcinoma (HepG-2), breast carcinoma (MCF-7), and prostate carcinoma (PC-3) cell lines with IC50: 51.8, 90.8 and 62.2 µg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory effect of Pulicaria jaubertii might be attributed to the triterpenoid constituents of the n-hexane extract of the plant.

2α-Hydroxyalantolactone from Pulicaria undulata: activity against multidrug-resistant tumor cells and modes of action.

BACKGROUND: Sesquiterpene lactones having α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety are promising natural metabolites showing various biological activity. One of the major metabolites isolated from Pulicaria undulata, 2α-hydroxyalantolactone (PU-1), has not been investigated in detail yet. Multidrug resistance (MDR) represents a major obstacle for cancer chemotherapy and the capability of novel natural products to overcoming MDR is of great interest. PURPOSE: Exploring the molecular modes of action for potent natural product metabolites. METHODS: The resazurin reduction assay was employed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of PU-1 on sensitive and their corresponding drug-resistant cell lines (overexpressing P-glycoprotein, BCRP, ABCB5, ΔEGFR, or TP53 knockout). Gene expression profiling was performed by transcriptome-wide mRNA microarray in the human CCRF-CEM leukemic cells after treatment with PU-1. The top significantly up- or down-regulated genes were identified by Chipster program and analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. Finally, flow cytometry and Western blotting were performed for cell cycle analyses and apoptosis detection. RESULTS: The sesquiterpene lactone, PU-1, showed potent cytotoxicity towards the drug-sensitive and -resistant cell lines. Transcriptome-wide mRNA expression profiling and pathway analysis pointed to genes involved in DNA damage response and G2/M cell cycle arrest. G2/M arrest was verified by flow cytometry and further confirmed by the upregulation of p21 and downregulation of p-CDC25C expression in Western blotting. Moreover, the suggested DNA damage checkpoint regulation was confirmed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting by upregulation of pS345 Chk1, p-H3 and γ-H2AX. Furthermore, PU-1 inhibited PI3K/AKT pathway, which is involved in signaling DNA damage and G2/M arrest. Cells ultimately induced apoptosis upon PU-1 treatment. CONCLUSIONS: PU-1 is a potent natural product inhibiting otherwise drug-resistant human tumor cell growth through DNA damage, G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Antimicrobial activity, phytochemical screening of crude extracts, and essential oils constituents of two Pulicaria spp. growing in Sudan.

The search for plant extracts with highly antimicrobial activity has been increased nowadays. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Pulicaria crispa (Forsk.) Oliv., and Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A.Mey., which have been used traditionally in Sudan as insect replants. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against six pathogenic microorganisms, four bacteria (two Gram-positive; Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, two Gram-negative; Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and two fungi (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans) using disc diffusion method. The extraction of the crude extracts was done by maceration. The essential oils were extracted by hydro-distillation. Phytochemical screening was done using reference method. Essential oils were analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. The results indicated that all used the microorganisms were sensitive to the plants extracts. Results of the preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of saponins, comarins, tannins, sterols, and triterpenes, and absence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, and flavonoids. Twenty-eight and forty-five constituents were identified in P. crispa and P. undulata, essential oils, respectively. The main constituents in the essential oil of P. crispa were 1,4-ditert butylbenzene (22.81%), caryophyllene (13.19%), carvone (11.80%), and neryl(s)-2-methylbutanoate (10.33%), and for P. undulata were camphor (44.48%), and thymyl acetate (10.31%). Data from this study could be used for developing of natural bioactive agents to improve human health.

In Vitro Studies on the Immunomodulatory Effects of Pulicaria crispa Extract on Human THP-1 Monocytes.

BACKGROUND: Pulicaria crispa (P. crispa) is a plant from the Compositae family that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed at investigating the immunomodulatory effects of P. crispa extract in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated human monocytic THP-1 cells. METHODS: To induce macrophage differentiation, THP-1 cell lines were treated with phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate, followed by exposure to LPS with or without 50 or 100 µg/ml of P. crispa extract. The following tests were employed to test the immunomodulatory effects of the extract: MTT assay, ELISA, Western blotting analysis, cell migration and phagocytosis assays, and Annexin V staining method. RESULTS: Exposure to 100 µg/ml P. crispa extract significantly reduced THP-1 cell proliferation, migration, and phagocytosis (in LPS-stimulated cells, but not in unstimulated cells). Moreover, the extract alone significantly reduced the rate of THP-1 cell apoptosis, while it increased the rate of late apoptosis. Molecular investigations showed that treatment with P. crispa extract significantly upregulated the expression of ERK1, p-MAPK, P-P38, and Bcl2, while it significantly reduced the expression of ERK5, Bax, NF-κB, P-NF-κB, CCL1, CCL2, CCL5, CCL22, CXCL1, and CXCL10. CONCLUSION: Pulicaria crispa extract exhibited anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antimigratory, and antiphagocytic effects in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells. Future studies should investigate these mechanisms in animal models with chronic inflammatory diseases.

Ovicidal and Latent Effects of Pulicaria jaubertii (Asteraceae) Leaf Extracts on Aedes aegypti.

The control of Aedes aegypti with synthetic pesticides may result in adverse effects on wildlife and the environment. Bioactive plant extracts have been proposed as one of the alternatives to chemical pesticides used against mosquitoes. Here, we report on the ovicidal and latent effects of ethanolic, petroleum ether, and chloroform leaf extracts of Pulicaria jaubertii at 25 to 150 ppm each against the life stages of laboratory stain of Ae. aegypti. At 150 ppm, the ethanolic leaf extract resulted in 100% ovicidal activity, followed by petroleum ether extract (74%), and chloroform extract about 7% mortality. The ethanolic extract produced 100% larval and pupal mortality at both 75 and 50 ppm, while the petroleum ether extract produced 76.5 and 58.3%, respectively. The ethanolic extract recorded the highest percentage of adult mortality (72.7%) at the lowest concentration (25 ppm). At 25 and 50 ppm, the ethanolic extract resulted in 62.2 and 85.2% sterility index of Ae. aegypti females, respectively, as compared with the 0.1 and 3.5% sterility index caused by the chloroform extract at the same concentrations. In conclusion, P. jaubertii appears to have potential to be further evaluated as a mosquito control agent. Additional studies are needed on its mode of action, synergism with other products, and efficacy under actual field conditions.

Chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oil from Pulicaria undulata (L.) C. A. Mey. growing wild in Egypt.

Pulicaria undulata is used as a traditional herbal remedy in Egypt. We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for analysis of essential oil of this plant growing wild in Egypt and 64 compounds were identified. The oil was rich in oxygenated monoterpenes (64.0%) and aromatic derivatives (18.8%). The major components were carvacrol (46.5%), xanthoxylin (18.1%) and carvotanacetone (8.7%). The oil of the Egyptian plant showed significant differences from the oil results reported on this species derived from different accessions. Antioxidant activity was performed by FRAP, DPPH and ABTS assays, and the oil demonstrated a powerful antioxidant properties. Furthermore, cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT assay against three cell lines (A375, T98G, HCT116) and the oil showed moderate results with IC50 of 18.53, 40.64 and 22.23 µg/ml; respectively. The oil showed a good anti-acetylcholinesterase activity (IC50 = 139.2 µg/ml) using Ellman method. In conclusion, the studied oil exhibited a peculiar fingerprint and promising biological activities.

Phytochemical, antimicrobial and antiquorum-sensing studies of pulicaria undulata L.: a revision on the structure of 1ß,2α,3ß,19α,23-pentahydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid.

Phytochemical study of the aerial part of Pulicaria undulata L. led to the isolation of nine compounds. The structure of 1ß,2α,3ß,19α,23-pentahydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (4) was revised and confirmation of the stereochemical configuration of the hydroxyl groups was established using NOESY and selective decoupling experiments. The other compounds were identified as 1,2-dehydro-1,10α-dihydropseudoivalin (1), axillarin (2), grandifloric acid-15-ß-glucoside (3), myrianthic acid (5), caffeic acid (6), quercetin (7), paniculoside IV (8) and caffeic anhydride (9). The structures were characterized by 1 D, 2 D NMR spectroscopy and confirmed with HRMS. Antimicrobial and antiquorum-sensing activities of the different extracts and isolated compounds of the plant were investigated. Generally, the phenolic rather than the terpenoidal compounds exhibited remarkable antimicrobial and antiquorum-sensing activity.[Formula: see text].

Suppression of LPS-Induced Hepato- and Cardiotoxic Effects by Pulicaria petiolaris via NF-κB Dependent Mechanism.

Recently, there is an increasing interest in searching for harmless natural products isolated from plant materials that can be used as beneficial dietary supplements and/or therapeutic drug candidates. The present study aimed to test the potential protective role of Pulicaria petiolaris (PP, Asteraceae) against hepatic and cardiotoxic effects associated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. PP was given orally for 5 days at two different doses before LPS injection. Results have shown that LPS induced remarkable hepatic and cardiac injurious effects in mice. Hepatic damage was evident through increased serum transaminases, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and activity. Estimation of high levels of serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I indicated cardiac damage. Histopathological examination of liver and heart confirmed the biochemical results. Increase in oxidative stress along with a depressed antioxidant status of liver and heart were observed in LPS-intoxicated animals. Furthermore, LPS induced activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and subsequent elevation of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6). On the other hand, PP treatment successfully safeguards both organs against LPS-induced injury as indicated by the improvement of the biochemical and histopathological parameters. These results suggest that PP ameliorates LPS-induced hepatic and cardiac oxidative injurious effects via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Assessment of anticancer activity of Pulicaria undulata on hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell line.

Searching for new sources of safe nutraceuticals antitumor drugs is an important issue. Consequentially, this study designed to assess the antitumor activity of Pulicaria undulata extract in vitro in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell line. Aerial parts of P. undulata plants were collected, used for phytochemical analysis, and assessed for anticancer activity. The antitumor activity was evaluated through studying the cell viability and apoptotic pathway. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry phytochemical analysis revealed that P. undulata is a promising new source of several known antioxidant and antitumor compounds which could participate in drug development and exploration of alternative strategies to the harmful synthetic antitumor drugs. P. undulata stifled HepG2 cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile, P. undulata tempted substantial apoptosis in HepG2 cells and enhanced the expression of miR-34a. However, the mRNA expression level of antiapoptotic B-cell lymphoma-2 was markedly decreased by P. undulata treatment. Moreover, P. undulata increased the protein expression of proapoptotic p53 and caspase 3/9 with reducing B-cell lymphoma-2 protein expression level. Thus, P. undulata induced apoptosis in the HepG2 cells by overexpression of miR-34a which regulates p53/B-cell lymphoma-2/caspases signaling pathway. These findings were well appreciated with morphological studies of cells treated with P. undulata. In conclusion, P. undulata could be a probable candidate agent for the initiation of cell apoptosis in HepG2 and thereby can serve as promising therapeutic agent for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma which should attract further studies.

Innovative perspectives on Pulicaria dysenterica extracts: phyto-pharmaceutical properties, chemical characterization and multivariate analysis.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of different extraction procedures [decoction, homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE), infusion, maceration, Soxhlet and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)] on the chemical profiling and biological properties of methanol and water extracts of Pulicaria dysenterica (L.) Bernh. The chemical profiles of the extracts were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS). The antioxidant properties and enzymes (lipase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, tyrosinase and cholinesterases) inhibitory potential of the extracts were evaluated. RESULTS: The chemical profiles were dependent on the type of extraction methods as well as on the type of solvent. The methanolic extracts showed higher levels of total phenolic, flavonoid, and phenolic acid content, while the highest total flavonol content was observed in the HAE-water extract. Forty different compounds were identified from P. dysenterica. In relation to the potential in vitro anti-diabetic effects, the highest activity against the studied key enzymes was observed for the macerated extract (α-amylase: 0.58 ± 0.03 and α- glucosidase: 1.65 ± 0.03 mmol ACAE g-1 ). The HAE-methanol extract was the most potent inhibitor of cholisterases, whereas the highest activities against tyrosinase were observed for UAE-methanol extract, followed by macerated and Soxhlet. The inhibitory activity of the studied extracts against lipase were in the order: soxhlet > macerated> HAE-methanol > UAE-methanol. CONCLUSION: This study has established scientific baseline data on the therapeutic properties of P. dysentrica, thereby advocating the need for further investigations in an endeavour to develop novel pharmaceuticals from this plant. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Structural Elucidation of Presilphiperfolane-7α,8α-diol, a Bioactive Sesquiterpenoid from Pulicaria vulgaris: A Combined Approach of Solvent-Induced Chemical Shifts, GIAO Calculation of Chemical Shifts, and Full Spin Analysis.

Structural elucidation of a new triquinane sesquiterpenoid, presilphiperfolane-7α,8α-diol, 1a, isolated from Pulicaria vulgaris, was accomplished by combining solvent-induced removal of chemical shift degeneracy and computational (DFT-GIAO) prediction of NMR spectra with the analysis of 1H NMR splitting patterns. In addition to extensive NMR experiments (in 10 different solvents), MS, and FTIR, the identity of 1a was also confirmed by chemical transformations. The applied approach can facilitate structural elucidation of organic molecules and decrease the probability of an erroneous identification, permitting an unambiguous stereochemical elucidation and full NMR assignment. The pharmacological/toxicological profile of 1a was evaluated in several different models.