Development and characterization of liposomal formulations containing sesquiterpene lactones for the treatment of chronic gout.

Gout and hyperuricemia are characterized by high uric acid levels, and their treatment involves medications that have adverse effects. In this study, we evaluated oral liposomal formulations with eremantholide C and goyazensolide as a novel approach to reduce the toxicity associated with these substances while maintaining their anti-hyperuricemic activity. We characterized the formulations and evaluated them based on encapsulation efficiency and stability over 12 months and under simulated physiological environments. We determined the toxicity of the liposomal formulations in Caco-2 cells and the anti-hyperuricemic activity in rats. The formulations exhibited nanometric size, a narrow size distribution, and a negative zeta potential, indicating their stability and uniformity. The efficient encapsulation of the sesquiterpene lactones within the liposomes emphasizes their potential for sustained release and therapeutic efficacy. Stability evaluation revealed a small decrease in the eremantholide C concentration and a remarkable stability in the goyazensolide concentration. In Caco-2 cells, the liposomes did not exert toxicity, but did exhibit an antiproliferative effect. In vivo assays demonstrated that the liposomes reduced serum uric acid levels. Our study represents an advancement in gout and hyperuricemia treatment. The liposomal formulations effectively reduced the toxicity associated with the sesquiterpene lactones while maintaining their therapeutic effects.

Chemical Analysis of Eruca sativa Ethanolic Extract and Its Effects on Hyperuricaemia.

In vivo assays and chemical analyses were performed on the ethanolic extract from leaves of Eruca sativa. UHPLC-ESI-QTOF analysis confirmed the presence of glucosinolates and flavonol glucosides. The major flavonoid of the ethanolic extract, kaempferol-3,4'-di-O-ß-glucoside, was isolated, a HPLC-DAD method developed and validated to quantify its content in the extract. In vivo experiments were carried out on Wistar rats with hyperuricaemia induced by potassium oxonate and uric acid. A hypouricaemic effect was observed in hyperuricaemic Wistar rats treated with ethanolic extract at dose of 125 mg/kg and kaempferol-3,4'-di-O-ß-glucoside at dose of 10 mg/kg. The main anti-hyperuricaemic mechanism observed in the extract was uricosuric. Kaempferol-3,4'-di-O-ß-glucoside was identified as an important component responsible for the total activity of the ethanolic extract and was considered as a good chemical and biological marker of the ethanolic extract of E. sativa. The obtained results indicated the potential of E. sativa in the treatment of hyperuricaemia and its comorbidities.

Cytotoxic activity of extracts from Tecoma species and isolated lignans

Abstract A phytochemical study of Tecoma genus (Bignoniaceae) was accomplished by antitumor activity of ethanolic extracts. Species of this genus are composed of small shrubs often used as ornamental plants. The Tecoma stans species is used in folk medicine for different purposes. Recent work shows in vitro anticancer activity against human breast cancer. The ethanolic extracts from leaves and trunks of Tecoma casneifolia, T. garrocha, T. stans var. angustata and T. stans var. stans were tested in vitro. The assays used were against line tumor cells by the MTT method and the most active extracts were further studied. In this way, the ethanolic extract from T. stans var. stans trunks presented the higher cytotoxicity against the tumor cell lines studied (CC50 0.02 to 0.55 µg/ml) when compared to the other extracts tested (CC50 0.08 to 200.0 µg/ml). Accordingly, this extract was selected for chromatographic fractionation from which five known lignans were isolated. Further, paulownin, paulownin acetate, sesamin, olivil and cycloolivil were identified using 13C and 1H NMR, IR, UV and spectroscopy and spectrometric MS techniques. These isolated compounds were tested and exhibited CC50 ranging from 13.01 to100.0 µg/ml which is superior to the ethanolic extract of trunk of T. stans

Chromatographic profile of xanthones and flavonoids in the anti-dengue extracts of Fridericia samydoides (Cham. ) L. G. Lohmann (Bignoniaceae)

Abstract The flavonoids and xanthones present in the ethanol extracts of leaves and stems of Fridericia samydoides showed that anti-dengue activities in vitro were investigated qualitatively by liquid chromatography-ultraviolet-mass spectrometry in series. Nineteen flavones and fifteen xanthones were detected and characterized on the basis of their fragmentation pattern in the positive and negative ion mode tandem mass spectrometry spectra and ultraviolet bands. Acacetin, chrysin, vitexin, isovitexin, orientin, isoorientin, mangiferin, 2'-O-trans-caffeoylmangiferin, 2'-O-trans-coumaroylmangiferin and 2'-O-trans-cinnamoylmangiferin were identified by comparison with authentic samples. The other compounds detected were tentatively assigned by analysis of the spectral data and by comparison with literature reports. In addition, it performed the fractionation of the leaves extract leading to the isolation of mangiferin, isovitexin and isoorientin. All extracts and isolated compounds inhibited the Dengue virus replication cycle with EC50 less than 25.0 µg/mL for extracts and 272.5, 85.6 and 79.3 µg/mL for mangiferin, isovitexin and isoorientin, respectively.

New AChE inhibitors from microbial transformation of trachyloban-19-oic acid by Syncephalastrum racemosum.

Trachyloban-19-oic acid (1) is a diterpene very abundant in nature and its structural modification can furnish new bioactive compounds. Biotransformation of 1 by fungus Syncephalastrum racemosum provided three derivatives, two hydroxylated products (2-3) and one product of rearrangement (4). Products 3 and 4 have never been reported so far, to the best of our knowledge. Structure of 3 was formed after oxidation and rearrangement of compound 2. Compounds 1-4 were evaluated for inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, enzyme linked to the symptomatic control of Alzheimer's disease. All the compounds presented inhibitory activity higher than starting material 1, and product 3 presented IC50 = 0.06 µM, which is about six times higher than activity found for galanthamine (IC50 = 0.38 µM), the positive control used in this assay.

Esterification of trans-aconitic acid improves its anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced acute arthritis.

trans-Aconitic acid (TAA) is an abundant constituent in the leaves of Echinodorus grandiflorus, a medicinal plant used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in Brazil. Esterification was explored as a strategy to increase lipophilicity and biopharmaceutical properties of TAA, a highly polar tricarboxylic acid. We herein report the synthesis of TAA esters via Fischer esterification with ethanol, n-butanol and n-octanol. The reaction kinetics was investigated to produce mono-, di- and tri- derivatives. Mono- and diesters of TAA were obtained as a mixture of positional isomers, whereas the triesters were recovered as pure compounds. The obtained esters were screened in a model of acute arthritis induced by the injection of LPS in the knee joint of Swiss mice. The diesters were the most active compounds, regardless of the alcohol employed in the reaction, whereas bioactivity of the derivatives improved by increasing the length of the aliphatic chain of the alcohol employed in esterification. In general, the esters showed higher potency than TAA. When administered orally to mice at doses of 0.017-172.3 µmol/Kg, the diethyl, di-n-butyl and di-n-octyl esters of TAA reduced the cellular infiltration into the knee joint, especially of neutrophils. The study identified diesters of TAA as potential useful derivatives for the management of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Development of a bone-targeted pH-sensitive liposomal formulation containing doxorubicin: physicochemical characterization, cytotoxicity, and biodistribution evaluation in a mouse model of bone metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in cancer therapy, the treatment of bone tumors remains a major challenge. A possible underlying hypothesis, limitation, and unmet need may be the inability of therapeutics to penetrate into dense bone mineral, which can lead to poor efficacy and high toxicity, due to drug uptake in healthy organs. The development of nanostructured formulations with high affinity for bone could be an interesting approach to overcome these challenges. PURPOSE: To develop a liposomal formulation with high affinity for hydroxyapatite and the ability to release doxorubicin (DOX) in an acidic environment for future application as a tool for treatment of bone metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Liposomes were prepared by thin-film lipid hydration, followed by extrusion and the sulfate gradient-encapsulation method. Liposomes were characterized by average diameter, ζ-potential, encapsulation percentage, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. Release studies in buffer (pH 7.4 or 5), plasma, and serum, as well as hydroxyapatite-affinity in vitro analysis were performed. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay against the MDA-MB-231 cell line, and biodistribution was assessed in bone metastasis-bearing animals. RESULTS: Liposomes presented suitable diameter (~170 nm), DOX encapsulation (~2 mg/mL), controlled release, and good plasma and serum stability. The existence of interactions between DOX and the lipid bilayer was proved through differential scanning calorimetry and small-angle X-ray scattering. DOX release was faster when the pH was in the range of a tumor than at physiological pH. The bone-targeted formulation showed a strong affinity for hydroxyapatite. The encapsulation of DOX did not interfere in its intrinsic cytotoxicity against the MDA-MB-231 cell line. Biodistribution studies demonstrated high affinity of this formulation for tumors and reduction of uptake in the heart. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that bone-targeted pH-sensitive liposomes containing DOX can be an interesting strategy for selectively delivering this drug into bone-tumor sites, increasing its activity, and reducing DOX-related toxicity.

Nematicidal activity of Annona crassiflora leaf extract on Caenorhabditis elegans.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to investigate the potential nematicidal activity of Annona crassiflora leaf extract against Caenorhabditis elegans. METHODS: The hydroalcoholic leaf extract and its fractions (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water) were submitted to mobility assay against the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. GC-MS and NMR analysis were performed in order to identify metabolites. RESULTS: The dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions showed to be the most active among the hydroalcoholic leaf extracts and its four fractions. The percentages of C. elegans larvae immobility were 98.13 and 89.66%, respectively, at a concentration of 1000 µg.mL(-1). Besides some amino acids, palmitic acid methyl ester, 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol, oleic acid methyl esther, stearic acid methyl ester, quercetin and kaempferol were also identified in these fractions. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that of A. crassiflora leaf ethanolic extract has a good potential as a source for natural nematicide.

The first report on flavonoid isolation from Annona crassiflora Mart.

Annona crassiflora, a native tree from Brazilian Cerrado, is reported to possess several ethnomedical uses. Here, we report the isolation and unambiguous characterisation of the flavonoids quercetin-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosil(1 â†’ 6)-O-α-L-arabinoside (1), known as peltatoside, kaempferol-3-O-ß-D-galactopyranoside (2), quercetin-3-O-ß-D-galactopyranoside (3), quercetin-3-O-ß-L-arabinopiranoside (4) and the ( - )-epicatechin (5) from the hydroalcoholic portion of the leaf ethanolic extract. Their structures were elucidated by using 1D and 2D NMR, ESI-MS, UV/Vis spectroscopy, optical rotation analysis and literature data comparison. The leaf ethanolic extract and its isolated compounds were evaluated by using antimicrobial, antioxidant and larvicidal assays, expressing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. This is the first report on flavonoid isolation from A. crassiflora.

Biotransformation of 21-O-acetyl-deoxycorticosterone by cell suspension cultures of Digitalis lanata (strain W.1.4).

Cell cultures of Digitalis species are known to accept exogenous substrates for biotransformation reactions. We here report the biotransformation of 21-O-acetyl-deoxycorticosterone (1) by cell suspension cultures of Digitalis lanata strain W.1.4. Nine derivatives of 1 were obtained and their chemical structures determined by spectroscopic methods. 2ß-Hydroxylation and C-21-glucosylation of the steroidal nucleus were described for the first time in suspension-cultured plant cells. Steroid 5α- and 5ß-reduction products were also observed. Among the compounds isolated and structures elucidated were 2ß,3ß,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one, 2ß,3α,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one and 3ß,21-dihydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one-3ß-O-ß-glucoside.

Chemical composition and vasodilatation induced by Cuphea carthagenensis preparations.

The aerial parts of Cuphea carthagenensis (Jacq.) J.F. Macbride (Lythraceae) are traditionally employed in Brazil to treat cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to compare preparations of C. carthagenensis aerial parts (aqueous and ethanol extracts, together with derived fractions) with regard to their total phenolic contents and in vitro vasodilating activity. The main flavonoids found in the extracts were isolated and identified as quercetin derivatives. The extracts and fractions showed similar HPLC profiles with the presence of quercetin-5-O-ß-glucopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-α-arabinofuranoside and quercetin-3-sulfate in all of them, but marked differences in the contents of flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, tannis and total phenolics. Excepting the aqueous extract, all assayed preparations elicited vasodilatation on pre-contracted rat aortic rings in the range of pIC(50) 4.53±0.03 to 4.98±0.06. Polynomial regression analysis demonstrated the relationship between vasodilating activity and the contents of flavonoids (r(2)=0.5190), proanthocyanidins (r(2)=0.8016), tannins (r(2)=0.8041) and total phenolics (r(2)=0.6226), suggesting the participation of these compounds in the pharmacological effect and their potential use as chemical markers for the species.

Pharmacological basis for use of Lychnophora trichocarpha in gouty arthritis: anti-hyperuricemic and anti-inflammatory effects of its extract, fraction and constituents.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The ethanolic extract of Lychnophora trichocarpha Spreng. is used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat bruise, pain and inflammatory diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed at investigating whether ethanolic extract of L. trichocarpha, its ethyl acetate fraction and its main bioactive compounds could be useful to treat gouty arthritis by countering hyperuricemia and inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: L. trichocarpha ethanolic extract (LTE), ethyl acetate fraction from ethanolic extract (LTA) and isolated compounds were evaluated for urate-lowering activity and liver xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibition in oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice. Anti-inflammatory activity in monosodium urate crystal-induced paw oedema, an experimental model of gouty arthritis, was also investigated. RESULTS: Crude ethanolic extract and its ethyl acetate fraction showed significant urate-lowering effects. LTE was also able to significantly inhibit liver xantine oxidase (XOD) activity in vivo at the dose of 250mg/kg. Luteolin, apigenin, lupeol, lychnopholide and eremantholide C showed the anti-hyperuricemic activities among tested compounds. Apigenin also showed XOD inhibitory activity in vivo. Luteolin, lychnopholide, lupeol and eremantholide C, in turn, did not shown significant inhibitory activity towards this enzyme, indicating that this mechanism is not likely to be involved in urate-lowering effects of those compounds. LTE, LTA, lupeol, ß-sitosterol, lychnopholide, eremantholide, luteolin and apigenin were also found to inhibit monosodium urate crystals-induced paw oedema in mice. CONCLUSIONS: Ethanolic extract of Lychnophora trichocarpha and some of its bioactive compounds may be promising agents for the treatment of gouty arthritis since they possesses both anti-hiperuricemic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Antimicrobial, antiviral and cytotoxic activity of extracts and constituents from Polygonum spectabile Mart.

Polygonum spectabile is used in Brazil for treatment of several infection diseases. Extracts and constituents isolated from this species were evaluated for cytotoxicity and effects on 15 bacterias and yeasts as well on 4 viruses strains (HHV-1, VACV-WR, EMCV, DEN-2). Less polar extracts were effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtillis, Micrococcus luteus, M. canis and Tricophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum. Two known chalcones and 3-O-ß-D-glucosyl-ß-sitosterol were isolated. The ethanol extract was the only one to show antiviral activity (CE50 < 30 µg/ml). One chalcone has inhibited the growth of several bacteria and was significantly active against dermathophytes. The 3 compounds isolated have shown moderate cytotoxicity against Vero and LLCMK(2) cells (CC(50) < 50 µg/ml). These results support the use of P. spectabile as antimicrobial agent.

Dihydroisocoumarin from Xyris pterygoblephara active against dermatophyte fungi.

The ethanol extract from Xyris pteygoblephara aerial parts was evaluated against five microorganism strains, by the microdilution and agar diffusion methods. Extract fractionation led to the isolation of three compounds, whose structures were assigned by spectrometric data (1D and 2D NMR, IR, MS and UV) as (3R,4R)-(-)-6-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-3-n-pentil-4-acethoxy-1H-2-benzopyran-1-one (1), moronic acid and quercetin. The absolute configuration of 1 was defined by circular dichroism spectroscopy and comparison with data reported for other dihydroisocoumarins. Assay of 1 (100 microg/disc) by the agar diffusion method against clinical isolates of the dermatophytes Epidermophyton floccosum (inhibition zone, mm+/-s.d.: 4.5+/-0.8), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (4.8+/-0.4) and Trichophyton rubrum (10.2+/-0.8) revealed similar inhibition zones to the positive control amphotericin B (32 microg/disc; 5.0+/-0.2; 5.0+/-0.6 and 8.8+/-1.2, respectively). The result corroborates the ethnomedical use of Xyris species to treat dermatitis.

Antifungal constituents of Clytostoma ramentaceum and Mansoa hirsuta.

Ethanol extracts of Clytostoma ramentaceum Bur. & K. Schum and Mansoa hirsuta DC. (Bignoniaceae) inhibited the growth of standardized cultures of Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum, at concentrations of 400 microg and 500 microg, in bioautographic assays. The activity-guided fractionation of C. ramentaceum extract afforded ursolic acid and 2-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl) ethanol, both active against the test fungi (100 microg). These compounds are reported for the first time in C. ramentaceum and were not detected in M. hirsuta extract, according to HPLC analysis. The bioguided study of M. hirsuta resulted in five active fractions (100 to 200 microg), whose GC-MS analysis allowed us to identify 11 compounds, mostly alkanols and alkanodiols, that may be regarded as the antifungal constituents of M. hirsuta.

NMR characterization of new 10-membered-ring macrolactones and dihydrobenzophenazine-5-one, oxidized derivatives of benzo[a]phenazines.

Peroxidation of the phenazine of beta-lapachone using m-ClC6H4CO3H-CH2Cl2 furnished a macrolactone with a rigid 10-membered ring, and the corresponding N-oxide, along with a dihydrobenzophenazine-5-one. All of the new compounds were fully characterized by spectroscopic methods, with the unambiguous assignment of the hydrogens and carbon NMR signals for the N-oxide, with the aid of 2-D NMR, mainly COSY, HMQC, HSQC and HMBC. For the other two compounds some signals could not be assigned owing to their own intrinsic features.

Antimicrobial activity and constituents of Coccoloba acrostichoides.

The ethanol extract and fractions from Coccoloba acrostichoides aerial parts were assayed for in vitro antimicrobial activity. The extract was active against the assayed bacteria while most of the fractions also inhibited fungal growth, especially the n-hexane and EtOAc fractions. The isolated beta-sitosterol and betulin were tested, being the last one active against Fusarium oxysporum.

In vitro evaluation of the activity of aromatic nitrocompounds against Trypanosoma cruzi.

Fourteen compounds were evaluated for their activity against Trypanosoma cruzi blood stream forms at the concentration of 500 g/ml. Six compounds were active and re-tested at lower concentrations.

In vitro evaluation of the activity of aromatic nitrocompounds against Trypanosoma cruzi

Fourteen compounds were evaluated for their activity against Trypanosoma cruzi blood stream forms at the concentration of 500 æg/ml. Six compounds were active and re-tested at lower concentrations