Chemical Elicitors-Induced Variation in Cellular Biomass, Biosynthesis of Secondary Cell Products, and Antioxidant System in Callus Cultures of Fagonia indica.

Fagonia indica is a rich source of pharmacologically active compounds. The variation in the metabolites of interest is one of the major issues in wild plants due to different environmental factors. The addition of chemical elicitors is one of the effective strategies to trigger the biosynthetic pathways for the release of a higher quantity of bioactive compounds. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effects of chemical elicitors, aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and cadmium chloride (CdCl2), on the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, biomass, and the antioxidant system in callus cultures of F. indica. Among various treatments applied, AlCl3 (0.1 mM concentration) improved the highest in biomass accumulation (fresh weight (FW): 404.72 g/L) as compared to the control (FW: 269.85 g/L). The exposure of cultures to AlCl3 (0.01 mM) enhanced the accumulation of secondary metabolites, and the total phenolic contents (TPCs: 7.74 mg/g DW) and total flavonoid contents (TFCs: 1.07 mg/g DW) were higher than those of cultures exposed to CdCl2 (0.01 mM) with content levels (TPC: 5.60 and TFC: 0.97 mg/g) as compared to the control (TPC: 4.16 and TFC: 0.42 mg/g DW). Likewise, AlCl3 and CdCl2 also promoted the free radical scavenging activity (FRSA; 89.4% and 90%, respectively) at a concentration of 0.01 mM, as compared to the control (65.48%). For instance, the quantification of metabolites via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed an optimum production of myricetin (1.20 mg/g), apigenin (0.83 mg/g), isorhamnetin (0.70 mg/g), and kaempferol (0.64 mg/g). Cultures grown in the presence of AlCl3 triggered higher quantities of secondary metabolites than those grown in the presence of CdCl2 (0.79, 0.74, 0.57, and 0.67 mg/g). Moreover, AlCl3 at 0.1 mM enhanced the biosynthesis of superoxide dismutase (SOD: 0.08 nM/min/mg-FW) and peroxidase enzymes (POD: 2.37 nM/min/mg-FW), while CdCl2 resulted in an SOD activity up to 0.06 nM/min/mg-FW and POD: 2.72 nM/min/mg-FW. From these results, it is clear that AlCl3 is a better elicitor in terms of a higher and uniform productivity of biomass, secondary cell products, and antioxidant enzymes compared to CdCl2 and the control. It is possible to scale the current strategy to a bioreactor for a higher productivity of metabolites of interest for various pharmaceutical industries.

In silico bimolecular characterization of anticancer phytochemicals from Fagonia indica.

The in silico molecular dynamics and structure-based site-specific drug design of indigenous plant biomolecules and selected proteins have remarkable potential for cancer therapy. A set of five proteins included for this research were epidermal growth factor protein (PDB ID; 1M17), crystal structure of mutated EGFR kinase (PDB ID; 2EB3), crystal structure of Bcl-xl (PDB ID; 2YXJ), apoptosis regulator protein MCL-1 BH3 (PDB ID; 3MK8) and apoptosis proteins (PDB ID; 5C3H). The present study on in silico investigation of fifteen indigenous medicinal plants were selected there one hundred thirty four ligands available literature were docked against five proteins involved in carcinogenesis. The highest scoring in silico plant, Fagonia indica was subjected to in vitro cytotoxic effects on HCT116, HepG-2 and HeLa human carcinoma cell lines. Molecular dynamics showed best ligand-protein inhibition interaction between Coumarin-2xyj and Kaempferol-2eb3 with promising binding affinities. Whereas, on HeLa human cervical cancer cell line IC50 was 28.3±0.102/ml. Fagonia indica could be potential source from natural products that have cytotoxic properties against cervical cancer cells by blocking mutant epidermal growth factor tyrosine or peroxisome proliferators activated receptor proteins.

Flower beverages of native medicinal plants from Argentina (Acacia caven, Geoffroea decorticans and Larrea divaricata) as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Herbal beverages have been used as a natural part of the medicinal and food culture in northwestern Argentina. The flower beverages (infusion or decoction) of Acacia caven, Geoffroea decorticans and Larrea divaricata, three native species from arid and semiarid regions of Argentina are widely used as anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic by several local communities. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to analyze the phytochemical composition of some Argentine flower beverage and to validate its traditional use as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phenolic profiles from all flower infusions and decoctions were analyzed by both spectrophotometric analysis and HPLC-DAD. ABTS•+; the scavenging activity of both hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical was determined and finally, their ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as xanthine oxidase (XOD), and lipoxygenase (LOX) was also assessed. RESULTS: The flower beverages of all assayed species showed a high level of phenolic compounds with similar chromatographic patterns in both infusions and decoctions of each plant species, the major components of which have been identified. The flower beverages, especially G. decorticans infusion and decoctions, displayed an important antioxidant activity (SC50 values between 18.14 and 47 µg/mL) through different mechanisms; all of them were able to inhibit the XOD enzyme activity and, consequently, the formation of uric acid and reactive oxygen species, the primary cause of arthritis-related diseases. The most active beverages as XOD inhibitor were G. decorticans flower infusion and decoctions (IC50 values of 20 and 35 µg/mL, respectively). Pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as LOX, were also inhibited by infusions and decoctions of G. decorticans, L. cuneifolia and A caven flowers, lessening inflammation mediators in all beverages. CONCLUSIONS: The present work validates the traditional medicinal use of flower beverages from Argentina as an anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory agent as it has been used for hundreds of years in several pathologies associated with oxidative stress.

A new anti-inflammatory flavonoid glycoside from tetraena aegyptia.

The chromatographic reinvestigation the methanol extract of Tetraena aegyptia led to the separation of a new flavonoid glycoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-[2```,3```-O-isopropylidene-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl]-(1```→6``)-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (1), together with two known flavonoids, isorhamnetin (2) and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside (3), isolated for the first time from the plant. The new compound was evaluated for the anti-inflammatory activity by using LPS-induce RAW 264.7 cells model. Compound 1 showed significant inhibitory effect on NO release. ELISA assay showed a pronounced effect of 1 on the secretion of cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent results were obtained by qRT-PCR which revealed that compound 1 markedly reduced the mRNA expression of IL-6 and TNF-α. Together these data, we demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity of compound 1.

In vitro antimutagenic, cytotoxic and anticancer potential of Fagonia indica phytochemicals.

Cancer is one of the most diagnosed and life threatening disease throughout the world. Nevertheless present day clinical management for cancers are surgery, radiations which are insufficient to contain the disease burden. In the past two decades, more than half of chemotherapeutic drugs developed are either directly or indirectly dependent on medicinal base phytocompounds or their derivative. The present study aims to provide the base for chemotherapeutic phytochemicals. Fagonia indica showed significant antimutagenic potential with reference to control IC50 values were calculated as 146.33±5.2µg/ml, TA100 (AZS) 105.33±4.0µg/ml, TA98 (2AA) 113.6±5.2µg/ml followed and TA98 (AZS) 112.6±4.4 in Ames test. For this reason, the antiproliferation effect of extracts on cancer cell lines was studied through resazurin fluorescence. On HepG-2 cell lines 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of (FIWM) was recorded as 128.3±,2.43µg/ml. On the homo sapiens epithelial cell of lung tissue (A549), the high throughput instrumental analysis of Fagonia indica depicts maximum cytotoxic effect in 30hr. The electrical impedance displays the real-time evidence about qualitative apoptosis expressed. The impedance results were supported as palmitic acid from Fagonia indica virtually that inhibits Cyclin Dependent Kinase 2 (CDKs 2) in silico molecular docking studies. Fagonia indica extract possesses substantial antimutagenic, cytotoxic and anticancer activity which supports the potential of its phytochemicals for drug development.

Preparation and antihepatotoxicity activity of Fagonia indica extract and its solid dispersion formulation.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antihepatotoxicity effect of Fagonia indica extract and its solid dispersion formulation (SD) against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Dried Ethanolic plant extract was prepared by cold maceration in ethanol followed by solvent evaporation under reduced pressure. Quality control of crude extract was performed and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. Solid dispersion (SD) formulations were prepared by solvent evaporation technique and optimized with respect to drug solubility. Antihepatotoxicity activities of Fagonia indica extract and optimized solid dispersion were performed against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Quality control parameters like total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, crude fiber content and moisture content were within the acceptable limits. Total flavonoid and phenolic contents were found to be 31.289mg quercetin equivalents/g and 40.28mg gallic acid equivalent/g respectively. TLC Investigation of the plant extract revealed the presence of gallic acid, kaempferol and quarcetin. Optimized SD formulation with 200 mg of the dried extract, 350mg of PEG 4000 and 50mg of Tween 20 showed almost four-fold increasing in the solubility of the extract in water. The average hydrodynamic diameter of extract particles was reduced from 1972 nm to 437.6nm when prepared as SD. SD formulation showed highest antihepatotoxicity activity compared with plain plant extract at the same concentration. Optimized SD formulation at 500mg dose showed complete recovery from hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol in rats. Therefore, SD is found to be one of the promising strategy to enhance the antihepatoxicity activity of Fagonia indica plant.

Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Induced Apoptotic Cell Death in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells by Generating Reactive Oxygen Species and Activating Caspase 3 and 9 Enzyme Activities.

Silver nanoparticles are among the most significant diagnostic and therapeutic agents in the field of nanomedicines. In the current study, the green chemistry approach was made to optimize a cost-effective synthesis protocol for silver nanoparticles from the aqueous extract of the important anticancer plant Fagonia indica. We investigated the anticancer potential and possible involvement of AgNPs in apoptosis. The biosynthesized AgNPs are stable (zeta potential, -16.3 mV) and spherical with a crystal size range from 10 to 60 nm. The MTT cell viability assay shows concentration-dependent inhibition of the growth of Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cells (IC50, 12.35 µg/mL). In addition, the fluorescent microscopic analysis shows activation of caspases 3 and 9 by AgNPs that cause morphological changes (AO/EB assay) in the cell membrane and cause nuclear condensation (DAPI assay) that eventually lead to apoptotic cell death (Annexin V/PI assay). It was also observed that AgNPs generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that modulate oxidative stress in MCF-7 cells. This is the first study that reports the synthesis of a silver nanoparticle mediated by Fagonia indica extract and evaluation of the cellular and molecular mechanism of apoptosis.

Quinovic acid purified from medicinal plant Fagonia indica mediates anticancer effects via death receptor 5.

Plants are major source for discovery and development of anticancer drugs. Several plant-based anticancer drugs are currently in clinical use. Fagonia indica is a plant of medicinal value in the South Asian countries. Using mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy, several compounds were purified from the F. indica extract. We have used one of the purified compounds quinovic acid (QA) and found that QA strongly suppressed the growth and viability of human breast and lung cancer cells. QA did not inhibit growth and viability of non-tumorigenic breast cells. QA mediated its anticancer effects by inducing cell death. QA-induced cell death was associated with biochemical features of apoptosis such as activation of caspases 3 and 8 as well as PARP cleavage. QA also upregulated mRNA and protein levels of death receptor 5 (DR5). Further investigation revealed that QA did not alter DR5 gene promoter activity, but enhanced DR5 mRNA and protein stabilities. DR5 is one of the major components of the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Accordingly, Apo2L/TRAIL, the DR5 ligand, potentiated the anticancer effects of QA. Our results indicate that QA mediates its anticancer effects, at least in part, by engaging DR5-depentent pathway to induce apoptosis. Based on our results, we propose that QA in combination with Apo2L/TRAIL can be further investigated as a novel therapeutic approach for breast and lung cancers.

Constituents from the Leaves of Tetraena mongolica and Their Protective Activity in HEK 293t Cells Damaged by CdCl2.

Tetraena mongolica Maxim, a relict originating from the Tertiary Period, is an endemic species of Zygophyllaceae in China. Three new monoterpenoids (1-3), two new phenols (4, 5) with unusual O-sulfoglucosyl groups, a new flavonoid (6), and nine known compounds were isolated from the leaves of T. mongolica. The structures of these compounds were determined by interpretation of NMR, MS, and ECD data. Some of the isolated compounds showed protective effects on HEK 293t cells damaged by CdCl2, with IC50 values being 55.7 and 80.3 µM for compounds 7 and 8, respectively, at the time point of 48 h after treatment.

Analysis of Nitraria Tangutourum Bobr-Derived Fatty Acids with HPLC-FLD-Coupled Online Mass Spectrometry.

Fatty acids (FAs) are basic components in plants. The pharmacological significance of FAs has attracted attentions of nutritionists and pharmaceutists. Sensitive and accurate detection of FAs is of great importance. In the present study, a pre-column derivatization and online mass spectrometry-based qualitative and quantitative analysis of FAs was developed. Nineteen main FAs were derivatized by 2-(7-methyl-1H-pyrazolo-[3,4-b]quinoline-1-yl)ethyl-4-methyl benzenesulfonate (NMP) and separated on reversed-phase Hypersil BDS C8 column with gradient elution. All FAs showed excellent linear responses with correlation coefficients more than 0.9996. The method obtained LOQs between 0.93 ng/mL and 5.64 ng/mL. FA derivatives were identified by both retention time and protonated molecular ion corresponding to m/z [M + H]+. A comparative study based on FA contents in peel and pulp, seeds and leaves of Nitraria tangutourum Bobr (NTB) from different geographical origins was performed with the established method. Results indicated that NTB were rich in FAs, and the types and contents of FAs varied among tissues. On the other hand, the same tissue of NTB from different geographical areas differed in the content, but not in type, of FAs.

[Study on transformation rules of terrestrosin D in course of Tribuli Fructus stir-frying based on simulated processing technology].

The contents of terrestrosin D and hecogenin from Tribuli Fructus were determined before and after stir-frying. The results showed that the content of terrestrosin D was decreased significantly,and the content of hecogenin was increased significantly after such processing. In order to verify the inference that terrestrosin D was converted to hecogenin by stir-frying,the quantitative variation rules of terrestrosin D and hecogenin were studied by simulated processing technology,and the simulated processing product of terrestrosin D was qualitatively characterized by ultra performance liquid chromatography/time of flight mass spectrometry( UPLC-TOF/MS) to clarify its transformation process during stir-frying. The results showed that the content of terrestrosin D was decreased significantly at first and then a platform stage appeared with the prolongation of processing time at a certain temperature. Raising the stir-frying temperature could further decrease the content of terrestrosin D and delay the time that the platform stage appeared. When the processing was simulated at higher temperatures( 220 ℃ and 240 ℃),the content of hecogenin was increased gradually with the increase of processing temperature and the prolongation of processing time. In the process of stir-frying,the deglycosylation reaction of terrestrosin D to hecogenin was not completed in one step. The deglycosylation reaction occurred first at the end of the sugar chain,and then other glycosyl units in the sugar chain were sequentially removed from the outside to the inside to finally form the hecogenin. This study provides a basis for further revealing the detoxification mechanism of stir-fried Tribuli Fructus.

The assessment of cadmium, chromium, copper, and nickel tolerance and bioaccumulation by shrub plant Tetraena qataranse.

Heavy metals constitute some of the most significant environmental contaminants today. The abundance of naturally growing Tetraena qataranse around Ras Laffan oil and gas facilities in the state of Qatar reflects its toxitolerant character. This study examined the desert plant's tolerance to Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb relative to soil concentration. Analysis by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) showed that the plant biomass accumulates higher Cd, Cr, Cu and Ni concentration than the soil, particularly in the root. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of all metals in the root and shoot indicates the plant's capacity to accumulate these metals. Cd had a translocation factor (TF) greater than one; however, it is less than one for all other metals, suggesting that the plant remediate Cd by phytoextraction, where it accumulates in the shoot and Cr, Cu and Ni through phytostabilization, concentrating the metals in the root. Metals phytostabilization restrict transport, shield animals from toxic species ingestion, and consequently prevent transmission across the food chain. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis further corroborates ICP-OES quantitative data. Our results suggest that T. qataranse is tolerant of Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni. Potentially, these metals can accumulate at higher concentration than shown here; hence, T. qataranse is a suitable candidate for toxic metals phytostabilization.

Bulnesia sarmientoi Supercritical Fluid Extract Exhibits Necroptotic Effects and Anti-Metastatic Activity on Lung Cancer Cells.

Bulnesia sarmientoi (BS) has long been used as an analgesic, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory medicinal plant. The aqueous extract of its bark has been demonstrated to have anti-cancer activity. This study investigated the anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects of BS supercritical fluid extract (BSE) on the A549 and H661 lung cancer cell lines. The cytotoxicity on cancer cells was assessed by an MTT assay. After 72 h treatment of A549 and H661 cells, the IC50 values were 18.1 and 24.7 µg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxicity on MRC-5 normal cells was relatively lower (IC50 = 61.1 µg/mL). BSE arrested lung cancer cells at the S and G2/M growth phase. Necrosis of A549 and H661 cells was detected by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. Moreover, the cytotoxic effect of BSE on cancer cells was significantly reverted by Nec-1 pretreatment, and BSE induced TNF-α and RIP-1 expression in the absence of caspase-8 activity. These evidences further support that BSE exhibited necroptotic effects on lung cancer cells. By wound healing and Boyden chamber assays, the inhibitory effects of BSE on the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells were elucidated. Furthermore, the chemical composition of BSE was examined by gas chromatography-mass analysis where ten constituents of BSE were identified. α-Guaiene, (-)-guaiol and ß-caryophyllene are responsible for most of the cytotoxic activity of BSE against these two cancer cell lines. Since BSE possesses significant cytotoxicity and anti-metastatic activity on A549 and H661 cells, it may serve as a potential target for the treatment of lung cancer.

Towards a complete characterisation of guaiacwood oil.

Guaiacwood oil is a common perfume ingredient used in modern compositions for its suave woody-rosy scent. This essential oil is a byproduct of the timber industry obtained by hydrodistillation of the heartwood of Bulnesia sarmientoi, a tree native from Latin America. Despite being widely used in perfumery, guaiacwood oil has been poorly described in the past. This study aims at giving an in-depth characterisation of its chemical composition as well as disclosing the odorant compounds responsible for its characteristic fragrance. Our methodology was based on a combination of fractionation and analytical techniques, including comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and preparative capillary-gas chromatography. The entire analytical work led to the isolation of 20 constituents among which 14 have never been reported so far in natural extracts. Each isolated compound was fully characterised by spectroscopic methods. Finally, the accurate knowledge of the chemical composition permitted the identification of the odour-active constituents by gas chromatography-olfactometry.

An assessment on the role of endophytic microbes in the therapeutic potential of Fagonia indica.

BACKGROUND: Natural products of animals, plants and microbes are potential source of important chemical compounds, with diverse applications including therapeutics. Endophytic bacteria that are especially associated with medicinal plants presents a reservoir of therapeutic compounds. Fagonia indica has been recently investigated by numerous researchers because of its striking therapeutic potential especially in cancer. It is also reported that endophytes play a vital role in the biosynthesis of various metabolites; therefore we believe that endophytes associated with F. indica are of crucial importance in this regard. The present study aims successful isolation, molecular identification of endophytic bacteria and their screening for bioactive metabolites quantification and in vitro pharmacological activities. METHODS: 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used for the identification of isolated endophytic bacteria. Methanolic extracts were evaluated for total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoids contents (TFC), DPPH free radical scavenging activity, reducing power and total anti-oxidant assays were performed. And also screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities by disc diffusion method and their MIC were calculated by broth dilution method using microplate reader. Further, standard protocols were followed for antileishmanial activity and protein kinase inhibition. Analysis and statistics were performed using SPSS, Table curve and Origin 8.5 for graphs. RESULTS: Bacterial strains belonging to various genera (Bacillus, Enterobacter, Pantoea, Erwinia and Stenotrophomonas) were isolated and identified. Total phenolic contents and total flavonoids contents varies among all the bacterial extracts respectively in which Bacillus subtilis showed high phenolic contents 243 µg/mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia showed high flavonoids contents 15.9 µg/mg quercitin equivalents (QA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) 37.6 µg/mg of extract, reducing power (RP) 206 µg/mg of extract and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity with 98.7 µg/mL IC50 value. Although all the extracts tested were active to inhibit growth of selected pathogenic microbes (bacteria and fungi), but significant antibacterial activity was observed against Klebsiella pneumonia and B. subtilis. An Enterobacter cloaca was active against Leishmania tropica with IC50 value of 1.4 µg/mg extracts. B. subtilis and Bacillus tequilensis correspondingly exhibit significant protein kinase inhibition of 47 ± 0.72 and 42 ± 1.21 mm bald zones, indicating anti-infective and antitumor potential. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that crude extracts of selected endophytic bacteria from F. indica possess excellent biological activities indicating their potential as an important source of antibiotics (antifungal, antibacterial) compounds.

Isolation and characterization of non-sulfated and sulfated triterpenoid saponins from Fagonia indica.

Seven previously undescribed, sulfated triterpenoid glycosides, named nayabin A-G along with a known triterpenoid glycoside were isolated from the whole plant of Fagonia indica. Their structures were elucidated through spectral studies including 1D- (1H and 13C), 2D-NMR spectroscopy (HSQC, HMBC, COSY and NOESY), and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). ß-D-Glucopyranosyl 3ß-hydroxy-23-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyloxy-taraxast-20-en-28-oate, a known compound exerts glucose-dependent insulin secretory activity, which seems to exhibit a decreased risk of drug-induced hypoglycemia and may offer distinct advantages as anti-diabetic agent.

Characterization and cardioprotective activity of anthocyanins from Nitraria tangutorum Bobr. by-products.

The Nitraria tangutorum Bobr. fruit is an indigenous berry of the shrub belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family which grows at an altitude of over 3000 m in the Tibetan Plateau, and has been used as a native medicinal food for treating weakness of the spleen, stomach syndrome, dyspepsia, neurasthenia, dizziness, etc. for thousands of years. Nowadays, N. tangutorum industrial juice by-products generated from health food production can be a potential low cost source of some unique bioactive ingredients. In a prior study, we established a simultaneous microwave/ultrasonic assisted enzymatic extraction method for extracting antioxidant ingredients from the industrial by-products of N. tangutorum juice. In this study, these ingredients were selectively fractionated by cation-exchange resin chromatography to obtain an anthocyanin fraction namely NJBAE. NJBAE was found to be composed of 16 anthocyanins derived from six anthocyanidins by HPLC-ESI-MS, and has an appreciable cardioprotective effect on doxorubicin-induced injured H9c2 cardiomyocytes. The cardioprotective mechanism research showed that NJBAE could directly scavenge ROS, restrict further generation of ROS, promote the activity of key antioxidase, enhance glutathione redox cycling, then affect the apoptotic signaling changes in a positive way, and finally mediate caspase-dependent cell death pathways. Therefore, NJBAE has great potential to be used for preventing and treating cardiovascular disease in the food, pharmaceutical and other emerging industries.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant potential and phytochemical screening of Fagonia olivieri.

The present paper investigates antioxidant, antimicrobial and photochemical screening different extracts of Fagonia olivieri. Analysis of the data indicated that the subject plant contained a good amount of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids and steroids. Maximum concentrations of phenolic compounds was found in methanol fraction (29.0±6.12 mg GAE/g) while minimum (22.10±6.31mg GAE/g) in methylated spirit fraction. Similarly, ethanol fraction contained higher concentration of flavonoid content (135.4±7.63mg Quercetin/g) followed by methanol fraction (138.4±2.96 mg Quercetin/g). Analysis of the data revealed that maximum antioxidant activity was recorded in mthylated spirit fraction (IC50= 10.69±1.66) followed by methanol fraction (IC50= 9.10±0.76) while no activity was noted in hexane fraction. The data indicated good antibacterial and antifungal activity against S. typhi, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and A. flavus.

Antidiabetic Activities of an LC/MS Fingerprinted Aqueous Extract of Fagonia cretica L. in Preclinical Models.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease and one of the most important public health challenges facing mankind. Fagonia cretica is a medicinal plant used widely in the Punjab in Pakistan. A recent survey has demonstrated that traditional healers and herbalists frequently use this plant to treat diabetes. In the current study, the traditional medicine was prepared as a tea, and the profile of the main metabolites present in the traditional medicine was analysed via LC/MS/MS. The extract was shown to contain a number of phenolic glycosides including quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-O-glycoside, kaempferol-3(6'-malonylglucoside), isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, and isorhamnetin 3-(6″-malonylglucoside) in addition to two unidentified sulphonated saponins. The traditional medicine inhibits α-glucosidase in vitro with an IC50 of 4.62 µg/mL. The hypoglycaemic effect of the traditional medicine was evaluated in normoglycaemic and streptozotocin-treated diabetic rats, using glibenclamide as an internal control. The preparation (250 or 500 mg/kg body weight) was administered once a day for 21 consecutive days. The dose of 500 mg/kg was effective in the management of the disease, causing a 45 % decrease in the plasma glucose level at the end of the experimental period. Histological analysis of pancreatic sections confirmed that streptozotocin/nictotinamide treatment caused destruction of pancreatic islet cells, while pancreatic sections from the treatment groups showed that both the extract and glibenclamide partially prevented this deterioration. The mechanism of this protective effect is unclear. However, such a finding suggests that ingestion of the tea could confer additional benefits and should be investigated further.

Fagonia olivieri prevented hepatorenal injuries induced with gentamicin in rat.

Gentamicin is used clinically against Gram negative bacteria because of its efficacy. However, it causes renal injuries and failure at clinical dosages on account of induced oxidative stress. Fagonia olivieri is used in kidneys, liver, alimentary canal and cardiovascular disorders in local system of medicine in Pakistan. This study evaluates the protective abilities of methanol extract of F. olivieri (FOM) against the liver and renal injuries induced with gentamicin in rat. Sprague-Dawley male rats were treated with gentamicin (80mg/kg) alone or with silymarin (50mg/kg) as standard antioxidant drug. The other groups of rats were treated with gentamicin along with FOM (200mg/kg, 400mg/kg) or FOM (400mg/kg) alone. Effect of FOM was investigated on body weight, urine and serum biochemical markers, enzymatic antioxidants of renal and liver along with histopathological alterations. FOM was investigated by GC-MS for the presence of bioactive constituents. Treatment of FOM to rats ameliorated the gentamicin induced toxicity and increased the percent increase in body weight while decreased the absolute and relative weight of hepatic and kidneys. Gentamicin increased the level of specific gravity, count of RBCs and WBCs, and urobilinogen in urine; and AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL in serum. Level of lipid peroxides in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and DNA damages increased while the GSH contents and activity level of CAT, SOD, GSH-Px and GR decreased with gentamicin in liver and kidney samples. Co-treatment of FOM, dose dependently, alleviated the injuries induced with gentamicin. Histopathological studies of liver and kidneys supported the protective abilities of FOM. GC-MS analysis indicated the presence of various compounds including hexadecanoic acid, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, benzoic acid and thalicpureine in the FOM. Results of the present investigation suggested the protective potential of FOM against the oxidative injuries of gentamicin that could be attributed by phytochemicals having antioxidant and free radical scavenging abilities.