Flavonoids and Stilbenoids of the Genera Dracaena and Sansevieria: Structures and Bioactivities.

The genera Dracaena and Sansevieria (Asparagaceae, Nolinoideae) are still poorly resolved phylogenetically. Plants of these genera are commonly distributed in Africa, China, Southeast Asia, and America. Most of them are cultivated for ornamental and medicinal purposes and are used in various traditional medicines due to the wide range of ethnopharmacological properties. Extensive in vivo and in vitro tests have been carried out to prove the ethnopharmacological claims and other bioactivities. These investigations have been accompanied by the isolation and identification of hundreds of phytochemical constituents. The most characteristic metabolites are steroids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and saponins; many of them exhibit potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and cytotoxic activities. This review highlights the structures and bioactivities of flavonoids and stilbenoids isolated from Dracaena and Sansevieria.

Assessment of Multiple Solvents for Extraction and Direct GC-MS Determination of the Phytochemical Inventory of Sansevieria Extrafoliar Nectar Droplets.

Considerable effort has been devoted to analytical determinations of sugar and amino acid constituents of plant nectars, with the primary aim of understanding their ecological roles, yet few studies have reported more exhaustive organic compound inventories of plant nectars or extrafoliar nectars. This work evaluated the efficacy of four solvents (ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, toluene and hexane) to extract the greatest number of organic compound classes and unique compounds from extrafoliar nectar drops produced by Sansevieria spp. Aggregation of the results from each solvent revealed that 240 unique compounds were extracted in total, with 42.5% of those detected in multiple extracts. Aliphatic hydrocarbons dominated in all but the ethyl acetate extracts, with 44 unique aliphatic hydrocarbons detected in dichloromethane (DCM) extracts, followed by 41, 19 and 8 in hexane, toluene and ethyl acetate extracts, respectively. Hexane extracted the most unique compounds (79), followed by DCM (73), ethyl acetate (56) and toluene (32). Integrated total ion chromatographic peak areas of extracted compound classes were positively correlated with numbers of unique compounds detected within those classes. In addition to demonstrating that multi-solvent extraction with direct GC-MS detection is a suitable analytical approach for determining secondary nectar constituents, to the best of our knowledge, this study also represents: (i) the first attempt to inventory the secondary phytochemical constituents of Sansevieria spp. extrafoliar nectar secretions and (ii) the largest organic solvent extractable compound inventory reported for any plant matrix to date.

A dihydrochalcone derivative and further steroidal saponins from Sansevieria trifasciata Prain.

Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Sansevieria trifasciata, one of the most common Dracaenaceae plants, has resulted in the isolation of a new dihydrochalcone derivative named trifasciatine C (1), four previously unreported steroidal saponins as two pairs of inseparable regioisomers: trifasciatosides K/L (2/3), M/N (4/5), together with the known 1,2-(dipalmitoyl)-3-O-ß-D-galactopyranosylglycerol (6), aconitic acid (7), and 1-methyl aconitic acid (8). Their structures were elucidated mainly by extensive spectroscopic analysis (1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance) and high-resolution electronspray ionization-mass spectrometry, as well as chemical methods and comparison of their spectral data with those of related compounds. Compounds 2/3 and 4/5 were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity on Hela cells, and no significant effect was observed.

Sansevieria roxburghiana Schult. & Schult. F. (Family: Asparagaceae) Attenuates Type 2 Diabetes and Its Associated Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Sansevieria roxburghiana Schult. & Schult. F. (Family: Asparagaceae) rhizome has been claimed to possess antidiabetic activity in the ethno-medicinal literature in India. Therefore, present experiments were carried out to explore the protective role of edible (aqueous) extract of S. roxburghiana rhizome (SR) against experimentally induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated cardiomyopathy in Wistar rats. METHODS: SR was chemically characterized by GC-MS analysis. Antidiabetic activity of SR (50 and 100 mg/kg, orally) was measured in high fat diets (ad libitum) + low-single dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) induced type 2 diabetic (T2D) rat. Fasting blood glucose level was measured at specific intermissions. Serum biochemical and inflammatory markers were estimated after sacrificing the animals. Besides, myocardial redox status, expressions of signal proteins (NF-κB and PKCs), histological and ultrastructural studies of heart were performed in the controls and SR treated T2D rats. RESULTS: Phytochemical screening of the crude extract revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, sugar alcohols, sterols, amino acids, saturated fatty acids within SR. T2D rats exhibited significantly (p < 0.01) higher fasting blood glucose level with respect to control. Alteration in serum lipid profile (p < 0.01) and increased levels of lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.01) and creatine kinase (p < 0.01) in the sera revealed the occurrence of hyperlipidemia and cell destruction in T2D rats. T2DM caused significant (p < 0.05-0.01) alteration in the biochemical markers in the sera. T2DM altered the redox status (p < 0.05-0.01), decreased (p < 0.01) the intracellular NAD and ATP concentrations in the myocardial tissues of experimental rats. While investigating the molecular mechanism, activation PKC isoforms was observed in the selected tissues. T2D rats also exhibited an up-regulation in nuclear NF-κB (p65) in the cardiac tissues. So, oral administration of SR (50 and 500 mg/kg) could reduce hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, membrane disintegration, oxidative stress, vascular inflammation and prevented the activation of oxidative stress induced signaling cascades leading to cell death. Histological and ultra-structural studies of cardiac tissues supported the protective characteristics of SR. CONCLUSIONS: From the present findings it can be concluded that, SR could offer protection against T2DM and its associated cardio-toxicity via multiple mechanisms viz. hypoglycemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

Trifasciatosides A-J, Steroidal Saponins from Sansevieria trifasciata.

Four previously unreported steroidal saponins, trifasciatosides A-D (1-4), three pairs of previously undescribed steroidal saponins, trifasciatosides E-J (5a, b-7a, b) including acetylated ones, together with twelve known compounds were isolated from the n-butanol soluble fraction of the methanol extract of Sansevieria trifasciata. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis, including (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, (1)H-(1)H correlated spectroscopy (COSY), heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC), heteronuclear multiple bond connectivity (HMBC), total correlated spectroscopy (TOCSY), nuclear Overhauser enhancement and exchange spectroscopy (NOESY), electrospray ionization-time of flight (ESI-TOF)-MS and chemical methods. Compounds 2, 4, and 7a, b exhibited moderate antiproliferative activity against HeLa cells.

Cleanup of trimethylamine (fishy odor) from contaminated air by various species of Sansevieria spp. and their leaf materials.

Removal of trimethylamine (TMA) by 10 different living Sansevieria spp. and their dried leaf materials was studied. The results showed that living Sansevieria kirkii was the most effective plant while Sansevieria masoniana was the least effective in TMA removal. Two major pathways were involved in stomata opening and epicuticular wax on the leaf surface. In the presence of TMA, the stomata opening in Sansevieria spp. was induced, which enhanced TMA removal under light conditions. Dried leaf powders of Sansevieria spp. adsorbed TMA through their waxes. Therefore, both living and non-living Sansevieria spp. can be effectively used for removal of TMA.

Positive moderation of the hematology, plasma biochemistry and ocular indices of oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, by an aqueous extract of the leaves of Sansevieria liberica Gerome and Labroy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ability of an aqueous extract of the leaves of Sansevieria liberica (S. liberica) to alter the hematology, plasma biochemistry and ocular indices of oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. METHOD: Diabetes mellitus was induced by injection of alloxan (80 mg/kg body weight), via the tail vein. The extract was administered orally at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight (both to normal and diabetic rats), and metformin at 50 mg/kg body weight. RESULTS: Compared to test control, the treatment dose dependently, significantly lowered (P<0.05) ocular malondialdehyde content, atherogenic indices, red cell, total white cell and lymphocyte counts, mean cell hemoglobin concentration; and plasma levels of glucose, triglyceride, total-, very low density lipoprotein-, low density lipoprotein- and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterols, total, conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin, sodium, urea, blood urea nitrogen, as well as plasma activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate transaminases. However, the treatment significantly increased (P<0.05) hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, mean cell hemoglobin, and mean cell volume, neutrophil and monocyte counts, and plasma levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol, potassium, chloride, calcium, bicarbonate and total protein, ocular ascorbic acid content and ocular activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase. This study showed the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, immune-modulating, ocular-, hepato-renal and cardio-protective potentials of the extract. CONCLUSIONS: All these, support the use of the leaves of S. liberica in African traditional health care practices for the management of diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory property of the leaves of Sansevieria liberica ger. and labr. (fam: Dracaenaceae).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory property of leaves of Sansevieria liberica Ger. and Labr. and to ascertain the toxicity and phytochemical profiles of the extract of the leaves. METHODS: The juice from the fresh leaves was expressed manually and lyophilized. The crude extract (CE) was then fractionated into n-hexane fraction (HF), chloroform fraction (CF), ethylacetate fraction (EF) and methanol fraction (MF). The crude extract (CF) and the fractions were screened for anti-inflammatory activity using egg albumen-induced paw (systemic) edema in rats as a measure of acute inflammation. The toxicity test and phytochemical screening were done using standard procedures. RESULTS: The CE and the fractions significantly (P<0.05) inhibited the development of paw edema induced by egg albumen in rats. The potency/activity of the CE and the fractions increased in the order HF>CE>MF>CF>EF, with the CE and HF at 400 mg/kg exhibiting inhibition comparable to that obtained with 5 mg/kg diclofenac sodium. Acute toxicity test on CE established an oral and intraperitoneal LD(50) of > 5 000 mg/kg in mice. Phytochemical screening of the CE and the fractions showed the presence of various bioactive substances such as alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, glycosides, reducing sugars, tannins, resins, carbohydrates, proteins, acidic compounds, fats and oils. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed that the leaves of Sansevieria liberica Ger and Labr. possess anti-inflammatory effects which may be due to its bioactive constituents. Further purification on these bioactive constituents may result in the development of potent anti-inflammatory agent with low toxicity and better therapeutic index.

Antitumor activity of Sansevieria roxburghiana rhizome against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice.

CONTEXT: Sansevieria roxburghiana Schult. & Schult. f. (Agavaceae) is a herbaceous perennial plant traditionally used for coughs, rheumatism; as an expectorant, febrifuge, purgative, and tonic. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hydroalcoholic extract of S. roxburghiana rhizome (HASR) for antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice. METHODS: Twenty-Four hours after intraperitoneal inoculation of tumor (EAC) cells in mice, HASR was administered at 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight for nine consecutive days. On day 10 half of the mice were sacrificed and rest were kept alive for assessment of increase in life-span. The antitumor effect of HASR was assessed by evaluating tumor volume, packed cell count, viable and non-viable tumor cell count, median survival time and increase in life-span of EAC bearing hosts. Hematological profiles and serum biochemical parameters were estimated. Further, antioxidant properties were assessed by estimating lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: HASR showed a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count and increased the life span of EAC bearing mice. Hematological and serum biochemical profiles were restored to normal levels in HASR treated mice as compared to EAC control. HASR treatment significantly (p <0.001) decreased lipid peroxidation and recovered GSH, SOD and CAT towards normal as compared to EAC control. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that S. roxburghiana rhizome exhibited remarkable antitumor activity in Swiss mice that is plausibly attributable to its augmenting endogenous antioxidant mechanisms.

Analgesic and antipyretic effects of Sansevieria trifasciata leaves.

The ethanol and water extracts of Sansevieria trifasciata leaves showed dose-dependent and significant (P < 0.05) increase in pain threshold in tail-immersion test. Moreover, both the extracts (100 - 200 mg/kg) exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of writhing and also showed a significant (P < 0.001) inhibition of both phases of the formalin pain test. The ethanol extract (200 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.01) reversed yeast-induced fever. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, tannins, proteins and carbohydrates.

Antineoplastic agents. 534. isolation and structure of sansevistatins 1 and 2 from the African Sansevieria ehrenbergii.

Using bioactivity-directed isolation procedures, three new spirostanol saponins designated sansevierin A (1), sansevistatin 1 (2), and sansevistatin 2 (3) were isolated (10(-5) % yield) from the CH3OH-CH2Cl2 extract of Sansevieria ehrenbergii, accompanied by three known steroidal saponins (4-6). The structures were determined on the basis of chemical methods and spectroscopic analysis, especially 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Each of the saponins was evaluated against the P388 lymphocytic leukemia cell line and a panel of human cancer cell lines. Except for 1, all were found to cause inhibition of cancer cell growth. In addition, most of the saponins exhibited antimicrobial activity, particularly against the pathogenic fungi Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans.

An assisted solvolysis of 23-spirostanyl bromides and tosylates. A new rearrangement of spirostanes to the bisfuran systems.

Steroidal sapogenins bearing a good leaving group at C23 undergo a completely stereospecific rearrangement under a variety of conditions via a mechanism involving neighboring-group participation by the acetal oxygen atom in the departure of the nucleofuge from C23. The reactions of equatorial (23S)-23-bromo- or (23S)-23-tosyloxyspirostanes with either the alpha (25R) or beta (25S) oriented 25-methyl group lead to the bisfuran products with inversion of configuration at C23. The reactions of the starting compounds with axial substituents (23R) at C23 require drastic conditions and result in the formation of the corresponding olefin accompanied by the rearranged product (in the case of the 25S isomer only).