Evaluation of antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Polygonum cognatum Meisn. and phytochemical analysis of effective extracts.

Polygonum cognatum Meisn. (Polygonaceae) is used both as food and as a folk medicine to treat diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the extracts, along with isolated compounds, from P. cognatum aerial parts on diabetes. In vitro studies were conducted using an α-glucosidase inhibitory assay, while in vivo antidiabetic studies were carried out on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Effective extracts were subjected to isolation studies, and structures of the compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts had the highest effect in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. They also decreased aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and malondialdehyde levels, while increasing glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity in rats. From the active extracts, 11 phenolic compounds were isolated and characterized. Among the isolated compounds, quercetin was found to be the most active according to α-glucosidase inhibitory activity studies. This study provided scientific evidence for the traditional use of P. cognatum as a folk medicine for treating diabetes. The findings suggest that the ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts, as well as quercetin, have the potential for development as antidiabetic agents.

Exploring Astrodaucus orientalis (L.) Drude: Phytochemical Analysis and its Biological Potential Against Alzheimer's and Diabetes.

In current study antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticholinesterase, and human carbonic anhydrase I, and II (hCA I and II) isoenzymes inhibition activities of Astrodaucus orientalis different parts were investigated. Achetylcholinesterse (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterse (BChE) inhibitory activities of octyl acetate were determined via molecular docking. Quantitative assessment of specific secondary metabolites was conducted using LC-MS/MS. An examination of chemical composition of essential oils was carried out by GC-MS/MS. A thorough exploration of plant's anatomical characteristics was undertaken. The highest phenolics level and DPPH antioxidant capacity were seen in root and fruit. Fruit essential oil demonstrated the highest AChE inhibition (44.13±3.61 %), while root dichloromethane sub-extract had the best inhibition towards BChE (86.13±2.58 %). Cytosolic hCA I, and II isoenzymes were influentially inhibited by root oil with 1.974 and 2.207 µM IC50 values, respectively. The most effective extracts were found to be root all extract/sub-extracts (except water) against C. tropicalis and C. krusei strains with MIC value 160>µg/mL. Sabinene (29.4 %), α-pinene (20.2 %); octyl acetate (54.3 %); myrcene (28.0 %); octyl octanoate (71.3 %) were found principal components of aerial parts, roots, flowers, and fruits, respectively. Flower essential oil, fruit dicloromethane and ethyl acetate exhibited potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with 900, 40, and 937 µg/mL IC50 values, respectively.

Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Genotoxic, Antigenotoxic Effects in Bacterial Models, and Hypoglycemic Activity of Epilobium angustifolium L. with Bioguided Isolation of Active Compounds.

This study examined the effects of methanol extract and its sub-extracts from Epilobium angustifolium on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity. Secondary metabolites and amino acids were quantified using LC-MS/MS. Dichloromethane sub-extract displayed the highest activity and was chosen for further investigation. Despite the widespread use of E. angustifolium, genotoxicity studies were conducted to assess its safety. Dichloromethane significantly inhibited α-glucosidase (IC50 =17.340 µg/mL), making it approximately 293 times more effective than acarbose. Six known compounds, including gallic acid (1), a mixture of quercetin-3-O-α-galactoside (2a) and quercetin-3-O-α-glucoside (2b), quercetin-3-O-α-glucuronic acid (3), quercetin-3-O-α-rhamnoside (4), and kaempferol-3-O-α-rhamnoside (5) were identified. Quercetin-3-O-α-rhamnoside exhibited the highest inhibition of α-glucosidase (IC50 =1735±85 µM), making it 3.70 times more effective than acarbose. Dichloromethane also showed significant antigenotoxic activity against mutagenesis induced by NaN3, 9-AA, 4-NPD, and MNNG. Gallic acid was found in the highest abundance (13253.6931 ng/mL) in the methanolic extract. Furthermore, L-Aspartic acid was the most concentrated amino acid (363.5620 nmol/mL) in the methanolic extract.

Anatomical, Morphological, and Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Gagea taurica Steven (Liliaceae): A New Record for the Turkish Flora.

Gagea genus, which is native to the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, has attracted significant attention due to its biodiversity and potential health benefits. In this study, the biochemical composition and biological activities of methanol extracts from various parts of G. taurica were investigated, along with their anatomical and morphological characteristics. The best antimicrobial activity was found to be MeOH extracts of corm and leaf against several Candida strains with MIC=640 µg/mL. The highest level of phenolics together with significant results of antioxidant activities were observed in flowers extracts. The α-amylase inhibition assay results showed that the highest inhibition percentage was observed with acarbose (59 %), followed by leaf extract (43 %). Leaf exhibited the most effective inhibitory activity in AChE inhibition assay, whereas flower demonstrated the most significant inhibitory activity in BChE inhibition assay. Hesperidin was found as 1621.0001 ng/ml value in flower extract and 283.9339 ng/ml value leaf.

Antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of Paeonia mascula L.: In vitro and in vivo studies, and phytochemical analysis.

The medicinal plant Paeonia mascula L. is commonly used in Anatolian folk medicine for its antidiabetic properties. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition effect, in vivo antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities of extracts obtained from P. mascula. The in vivo studies were conducted on diabetic rats induced with streptozotocin. The ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts showed the highest efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, reducing AST, ALT, and MDA levels while increasing GSH and SOD activities in rats. In total, seven compounds were isolated from both extracts, and their structures were identified using spectroscopic methods such as 1D and 2D NMR and Mass Spectrometry. The in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition assay on purified compounds revealed that 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-ß-d-glucose was the most effective compound. These findings support the traditional use of P. mascula as an antidiabetic agent.

Evaluation of cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of the extracts and phenolic compounds of Astragalus globosus Vahl and Astragalus breviflorus DC.

Astragalus L. is a genus member of the Fabaceae family, representing about 3,000 species all over the world and 380 species in Turkey. Astragalus species have been used in traditional medicine for many years. Astragalus globosus Vahl, known as "top geven", is a dwarf, scapose, perennial herb, Astragalus breviflorus DC., known as "yünlü geven", is an extremely spiny dwarf shrub. These endemic species grow in the Turkish cities of Erzurum, Kars, and Van. This is the first phytochemical and cytotoxic investigation of Astragalus globosus Vahl and Astragalus breviflorus DC. The main extracts and sub-fractions from the plants were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic and apoptotic activities. The IC50 values of dichloromethane, n-butanol, and water extracts of the aerial parts of A. globosus against the MCF-7 cell line were determined as 28.39, 868.60, and 1753.00 µg/mL. The values for the MDA-MB-231 cell line were 264.00, 620.30, and 1300.50 µg/mL, respectively. From A. globosus, the following were isolated: a flavone glycoside, diosmetin-7-O-rutinoside (1); and two flavonol glycosides, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (2) and quercetin-3-O-galactoside (3). From A. breviflorus, two phenolic acids, caffeic acid (4) and chlorogenic acid (5), and a flavan-3-ol, catechin (6), were isolated. Diosmetin-7-O-rutinoside was isolated from Astragalus species for the first time and showed the highest cytotoxic activities on the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 13.65 and 12.89 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, we observed that diosmin exerts cytotoxic effects by causing cell necrosis.

Phytochemical screening, biological evaluation, anatomical, and morphological investigation of Ferula tingitana L. (Apiaceae).

Ferula tingitana L. is a high perennial plant and its leaf is an alternate arrangement and yellow, and its flowers are unisexual like other Apiaceae. It has been used as a spice and for various medicinal purposes in the Mediterranean region. The paper reports antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticholinesterase, antioxidant, and genotoxic activities of leaves, flowers, stems, and fruits methanol extracts of F. tingitana. Also, quantitative determination of some secondary metabolites was also analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Moreover, chemical composition of essential oils was analyzed. Consequently, anatomical, and morphological properties of plant were investigated. Germacrene D (23.6%), 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (18.4%), and α-pinene (50.0%) were found as the main compounds in flower, leaf, and stem oils, respectively. The cortex in stem, pedicel, and fruit is characterized by angular collenchyma cells and a distinct cambium layer. 6 compounds (quinic acid, fumaric acid, keracyanin chloride, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, chlorogenic acid, hesperidin) were observed in samples. Leaf extract showed anticholinesterase activity. Leaf and flower extracts showed the highest % inhibition value on ABTS·+ and DPPH•. Leaf extract has the strongest antioxidant effect because it is rich in total phenolic contents. All extracts of F. tingitana were found generally effective against C. albicans. Stem extract was found effective against E. coli and flower extract was found more effective against S. enterica and C. albicans. Bacterial genotoxicity results showed that extracts did not have genotoxic activity on tester strains S. typhimurium and E. coli WP2uvrA. Thus, it revealed that extracts were genotoxic-ally safe at applied concentrations up to 3 mg/plate.

The anatomical, morphological features, and biological activity of Scilla siberica subsp. armena (Grossh.) Mordak (Asparagaceae).

Scilla siberica subsp. armena is known as Siberian Squill which is naturally distributed in Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus, and Turkey. It is a perennial bulbous plant with a short vegetation period from March to May. In this study, the antimicrobial, antioxidant, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of corm, leaf, and flower methanolic extracts were examined. The anatomy and morphology of the plant organs were investigated by light and electron microscopes. The anatomy of S. siberica subsp. armena was investigated for the first time by electron microscopy in this study. The corm, leaf, and flower methanolic extracts were assessed against E. coli ATCC 8739, S. aureus ATCC 6538, B. subtilis ATCC 19,659, C. albicans ATCC 10,231, C. krusei ATCC 14,243, and C. tropicalis ATCC 750. Among the extracts, that obtained from the blue pollen showed the best antimicrobial activity against C. tropicalis ATCC 750 strain with a MIC value of 312.5 µg/mL. The highest phenolic content was determined in leaf extract with 53.59211 µg GAE/mg extract value. The extract showed the best anti-lipid peroxidation activity with 376.69 µg/mL value. Using DPPH· and ABTS·+ tests, it was determined that the flower and leaf extracts have the best activity (IC50 = 756.13 µg/mL and IC50 = 94.07 µg/mL, respectively). The flower extract exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with the IC50 value of 5239 µg/mL. Based on the presented results of the in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of the S. siberica subsp. armena, we suggest that natural compounds from S. siberica subsp. armena are of potential use for the improvement of an antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial agent.

Molecular Docking Study of Several Seconder Metabolites from Medicinal Plants as Potential Inhibitors of COVID-19 Main Protease.

Objectives: Coronaviruses (CoVs) cause infections that affect the respiratory tract, liver, central nervous, and the digestive systems in humans and animals. This study focused on the main protease (Mpro) in CoVs (PDB ID: 6LU7) that is used as a potential drug target to combat 2019-CoV. In this study, a total of 35 secondary metabolites from medical plants was selected and docked into the active site of 6LU7 by molecular docking studies to find a potential inhibitory compound that may be used to inhibit Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection pathway. Materials and Methods: The chemical structures of the ligands were obtained from the Drug Bank (https://www.drugbank.ca/). AutoDockTools (ADT ver. 1.5.6) was used for molecular docking studies. The docking results were evaluated using BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer and PyMOL (ver. 2.3.3, Schrodinger, LLC). Results: Pycnamine, tetrahydrocannabinol, oleuropein, quercetin, primulic acid, kaempferol, dicannabidiol, lobelin, colchicine, piperidine, medicagenic acid, and narcotine is found to be potential inhibitors of the COVID-19 Mpro. Among these compounds, pycnamine, which was evaluated against COVID-19 for the first time, showed a high affinity to the COVID-19 Mpro compared with other seconder metabolites and reference drugs. Conclusion: Our results obtained from docking studies suggest that pycnamine should be examined in vitro to combat 2019-CoV. Moreover, pycnamine might be a promising lead compound for anti-CoV drugs.

Screening of antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic activities, anatomical and morphological properties of Colchicum speciosum Steven (Colchicaceae).

Colchicum speciosum Steven species is a perennial stemless plant. C. speciosum is a flowering herb native to mountainous regions of northern Turkey, the Caucasus, and northern Iran. It has been known as "Vargit, Aci Çigdem, Güz Çigdemi". The present study reports the antimicrobial, antioxidant, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of corm, leaf and flower methanol extracts, anatomical (light and electron microscopes) properties of root, corm, leaf, flowers and morphological characteristics of C. speciosum. Three different part of extracts C. speciosum were evaluated against E. coli ATCC 8739, S. aureus ATCC 6538, B. subtilis ATCC 19,659, C. albicans ATCC 10,231, C. krusei ATCC 14,243, and C. tropicalis ATCC 750. The most effective extract was found to be MeOH extract for corm and leaf against C. tropicalis ATCC 750 strain with MIC value 160 > µg/mL. It has been investigated first time anatomy of the tepal, ovary, anther, filament of C. speciosum. Leaf extract was the highest phenolic component (78.61842 µg GAE/ mg extract). As a result of DPPH• and ABTS•+ tests, it was determined that the leaf extract showed the best activity (IC50 = 6.568 µg/mL and IC50 = 3.243 µg/mL, respectively). Corm extract exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 21039 µg/mL. This is the first study of the in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic activities, detailed anatomical and morphological properties of C. speciosum. HiGHLiGHTS : • Antioxidant-antidiabetic-antimicrobial potential of Colchicum speciosum • Leaf extract had the highest phenolic component • The leaf got the highest DPPH• and ABTS•+ antioxidant potential • Corm extract exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity • The most effective extract was found to be MeOH extract for corm and leaf against C. tropicalis • This is the first study of the in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic activities, detailed anatomical and morphological properties of C. speciosum.

Evaluation of anticholinesterase effect of some Epilobium species and quantification of hyperoside by HPLC.

This article presents the evaluation of anticholinesterase effects of aerial parts of Epilobium angustifolium, E. stevenii and E. hirsutum and isolated flavonoids from E. angustifolium, and quantification of the flavonoids by HPLC. Besides, the highest acetylcholinesterase inhibition was seen in the EtOAc sub-extracts of E. angustifolium and E. stevenii (36.51 ± 1.88 and 39.89 ± 3.09%, respectively), whereas EtOAc sub-extract of E. angustifolium had the best butyrylcholinesterase inhibition (62.09 ± 1.98%). Hyperoside showed strong inhibition activity on both enzymes. The active EtOAc sub-extract of E. angustifolium was quantitatively analyzed for their content of hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-ß-D-galactoside) by HPLC. The content of hyperoside in EtOAc sub-extract of E. angustifolium was detected as 3.312%. The anatomical structures of the stem, leaf, sepal, petal, anther, and filament of E. angustifolium were investigated. The anatomical properties given in this study provide a description of E. angustifolium.[Formula: see text].

trans-Tiliroside: A potent α-glucosidase inhibitor from the leaves of Elaeagnus angustifolia L.

Elaeagnus angustifolia L. (Elaeagnaceae) is an important medicinal plant associated with numerous pharmacological activities. Its leaves are used as a therapeutic agent in traditional medicinal systems to treat diabetes. However, the active compounds responsible for the beneficial effects of E. angustifolia remain unclear. In this study, we determined the bioactive profile of E. angustifolia leaves using open column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Further, we sought to determine its α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities, and its DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activities. Four undescribed flavonol glycosides, igdoside A-D, and four known glucosides were isolated from the ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts of E. angustifolia leaves. Thereafter, the compound structures were identified using spectroscopic methods, including NMR and mass spectrometry. Of the compounds extracted, kaempferol-3-O-(6″-trans-p-coumaroyl)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (trans-tiliroside), exhibited the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 2128 ±â€¯63 µM compared to the positive control, acarbose (IC50 = 6561 ±â€¯207 µM). trans-Tiliroside was also found to exhibit potent scavenging activity against the ABTS radical, with an IC50 value of 5 ±â€¯0 µM, compared to the positive controls, trolox (31 ±â€¯1 µM) and α-tocopherol (50 ±â€¯1 µM). In addition, isorhamnetin-3-O-ß-D-galactopyranoside (IC50 = 6 ±â€¯0 µM) and astragalin (IC50 = 6 ±â€¯0 µM) showed similar ABTS radical-scavenging activity as trans-tiliroside. Based on HPLC, the content of trans-tiliroside was 9.69% in the ethyl acetate extract, 1.04% in decoction, 0.34% in 70% methanol extract, and 0.23% in infusion. None of the extracts and compounds showed α-amylase inhibition or DPPH-scavenging activity.

Inhibitory potential on key enzymes relevant to type II diabetes mellitus and antioxidant properties of the various extracts and phytochemical constituents from Rumex acetosella L.

Type II diabetes mellitus is a common and costly disease worldwide, characterized by hyperglycemia. Alpha (α)-amylase and α-glucosidase are important targets in diabetes therapy. Inhibition of these enzymes may lessen hyperglycemia, preventing diabetic complications. Oxidative stress is another factor involved in the disease's etiology. In the present study, we investigated antidiabetic profiles of the various extracts and phytochemicals of Rumex acetosella. Since the plant has been traditionally used for the antidiabetic purposes. α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory studies in addition to DPPH•, ABTS•+, NO 2 - radical scavenging, and phosphomolybdate antioxidant assays were performed to evaluate the antidiabetic property. Specifically, the ethanol and ethanol-water extracts remarkably inhibited α-glucosidase than that of acarbose, unlike their slight/no inhibition on α-amylase. Convincing α-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant potential of alcohol-including extracts verified the ethnobotanical use of R. acetosella as an antidiabetic agent. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The incidence of Type II DM is rising globally. Reducing hyperglycemia holds great importance to prevent devastating outcomes of diabetic complications. Ethnobotanical use of natural sources for medical purposes provides a basis for their potential activity against various diseases. The introduction of herbal agents may lead to the development of new drug candidates with convincing activity. Rumex acetosella L. has been traditionally used for the antidiabetic purposes. The research pointed out various extracts and phytochemical constituents from R. acetosella may act as antihyperglycemic agents. Particularly, alcohol-including extracts of R. acetosella may be considered as promising alternatives in the prevention or treatment of type II DM. The study puts emphasis on the therapeutic value of the plants for antidiabetic medication.

In vivo bioactivity assessment on Epilobium species: A particular focus on Epilobium angustifolium and its components on enzymes connected with the healing process.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Epilobium species are generally known as "Yaki Otu" in Turkey, which mens "plaster herb" in English. Young shoots of Epilobium angustifolium L., Epilobium stevenii Boiss., and Epilobium hirsutum L. are consumed as salad or meal. These species have been used as a poultice for the treatment of mouth wounds in traditional medicine. An ointment prepared from leaves is used for skin disorders in children. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to evaluate the ethnopharmacological use of Epilobium angustifolium, E. stevenii, and E. hirsutum by using in vivo and in vitro experimental models, and to identify the active wound-healer compound(s) and to explain the probable mechanism of the wound-healing activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Evaluation of wound healing effects of plant extracts was performed in rats and mice by linear incision and circular excision wound models. Determination of total phenolic constituents and antioxidant capacities, which are known to promote the wound healing process, were carried out through Folin-Ciocalteau method and 2,2 Diphenyl 1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay as well as determination of total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) on the treated tissues. The active ethyl acetate (EtOAc) sub-extract of E. angustifolium was fractionated by different chromatographic separation techniques. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated via detailed analyzes (NMR and LC/MS). In addition, in vitro collagenase, hyaluronidase, and elastase enzymes inhibitory activity tests were performed on the isolated compounds to discover the activation pathways of the samples. RESULTS: Among the methanol (MeOH) extracts, E. angustifolium had the highest wound healing activity. Among the sub-extracts, EtOAc showed the highest wound healing activity. Thus, EtOAc sub-extract was subjected to chromatography to isolate the active compounds. Five known flavonoids namely hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-ß-D-galactoside) (1), kaempferol (2), kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamno pyranoside (3), quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamno pyranoside (4), and quercetin-3-O-α-L-arabino pyranoside (5) were isolated from the EtOAc sub-extract of E. angustifolium. In vitro tests showed that hyperoside could be the compound responsible for the wound-healing activity by its significant anti-hyaluronidase, anti-collagenase, and antioxidant activities. CONCLUSION: The EtOAc sub-extract of the aerial part of Epilobium angustifolium displayed remarkable wound-healing activity with anti-hyaluronidase, anti-collagenase, and antioxidant activities. Hyperoside was detected as the primary active compound of the aerial parts. According to the results, we suggest that EtOAc sub-extract of E. angustifolium and hyperoside may be a potent nominee to be used for the improvement of a wound-healing agent.

Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor and sunscreen effective compounds from Rumex crispus L.: isolation, identification, bioactivity and molecular docking study.

INTRODUCTION: Rumex (Polygonaceae) species are widely grown worldwide and their main compounds are anthranoids, tannins, naphthalenes and flavonoids. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes that cause the breakdown of the extracellular matrix and harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays are two important causes of skin ageing. Although there have been many studies on anthraquinones, there are not many studies on their anti-ageing effects. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the anti-ageing effects of pure compounds isolated from Rumex crispus L. by measuring their MMP inhibitory and sunscreen activities. METHODOLOGY: Molecular docking studies on anthranoid, flavonoid, tannin and naphthalene skeletons with MMP enzymes were applied for the first time. Various chromatographic methods were used for isolation studies. The structure elucidation was performed by spectroscopic [UV, infrared (IR), electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)] methods. To determine the anti-ageing capacity of compounds, MMP-1, MMP-8, MMP-13 enzyme inhibitory effects and sun protection factors (SPFs) were investigated for the first time. RESULTS: Molecular docking results showed that skeletons had low binding energy to the target and were likely to inhibit MMP enzymes. Then, eight anthraquinones and a naphthalene glycoside were isolated from the underground parts of Rumex crispus L. According to the results, MMP inhibitory effects of compounds were found to be high. In vitro and molecular docking study results confirmed each other. All anthraquinones showed high sun protection and emodin showed highest UV capability with SPF of 30.59. CONCLUSION: This study shows that anthraquinones may be evaluated as new potential MMP inhibitors, sun protective and anti-ageing agents.

Cytotoxic naphthoquinones from Arnebia densiflora (Nordm.) Ledeb and determining new apoptosis inducers.

In this study, phytochemical composition of Arnebia densiflora (AD) was determined and cytotoxic effects of the n-hexane extract and compounds isolated from this species on various cell lines were investigated. By means of serial chromatographic studies, 6 naphthoquinone derivatives were yielded, which are isovalerylalkannin, α-methyl-n-butyl alkannin, acetylalkannin, ß-acetoxy isovalerylalkannin, alkannin and a new compound: 4-hydroxy 4-methyl valeryl alkannin. Structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated using UV, IR, 1D-2D NMR, MS and CD methods. Cytotoxic effects of the extract and isolated alkannins were investigated on L929, HeLa, HEp-2 cells. AD and the isolated compounds demonstrated moderate to strong cytotoxic effects (IC50 range: 4.92-172.35 µg/ml). The results of DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity studies on HeLa cells exhibited that AD and the naphthoquinones isolated from it caused cytotoxicity through induction of apoptosis.[Formula: see text].

Antimicrobial Activities of Extracts and Isolated Coumarins from the Roots of Four Ferulago Species Growing in Turkey.

Ferulago species have been utilized since ancient times as digestive, sedative, aphrodisiac, along with in salads or as a spice due to their special odors. The study reports isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds of Ferulago pachyloba (F. pachyloba), Ferulago trachycarpa (F. trachycarpa), Ferulago bracteata (F. bracteata), and Ferulago blancheana (F. blancheana) via bioassay guided fractionation and isolation process. The structures of compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses. They were also assessed for their activities at 1000-31.25 µg/mL concentrations by microbroth-dilution methods. Antimicrobial activity of aqueous, methanol extracts and dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous residue fractions of methanol extracts from aerial parts and roots of species along with isolated compounds [osthole, imperatorin, bergapten, prantschimgin, peucedanol-2'-benzoate, grandivitinol, suberosin, xanthotoxin, felamidin, marmesin, umbelliferone, ulopterol and a sterol mixture consisted of stigmasterol, ß-sitosterol] were evaluated. Antimicrobial effect has been seen against Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria, and a yeast C. albicans at a concentration between 31.25 and 62.5 µg/mL. Especially, C. albicans (MIC = 31.25 µg/mL) was the most inhibited microorganism. Moreover, growth of P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, E. coli, and S. aureus were inhibited at 62.5 µg/mL MIC values. Among tested samples prantschimgin and dichloromethane fraction of aerial parts from F. pachyloba showed the best activity against C. albicans (MIC = 31.25 µg/mL). However, among aqueous extracts and residue fractions, only F. blancheana aerial parts, F. trachycarpa aerial parts, and roots and F. bracteata roots showed activity against C. albicans. Among microorganisms E. coli was found to be the least affected.

Phenylacylated-flavonoids from Peucedanum chryseum

ABSTRACT Phytochemical investigation of the methanol extract of the aerial parts of Peucedanum chryseum (Boiss. & Heldr.) D.F.Chamb., Apiaceae, led to the isolation of a dihydrofuranochromone, cimifugin (1); a phloroacetophenone glucoside, myrciaphenone A (2); and a flavonoid glycoside, afzelin (3) along with two phenylacylated-flavonoid glycosides: rugosaflavonoid C (4), and isoquercitrin 6"-O-p-hydroxybenzoate (5). The structures of compounds 1-5 were elucidated by extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis in combination with MS experiments and comparison with the relevant literature. All compounds are reported for the first time from this species and compounds 2, 4, and 5 from the genus Peucedanum and from Apiaceae.

Simultaneous Determination of Arbutin and Hydroquinone in Different Herbal Slimming Products Using Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to develop a simple, precise, sensitive and specific method for the simultaneous determination of arbutin and hydroquinone in different herbal slimming products using GC-MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methanol and aqueous extracts of nine herbal slimming products in Turkey were evaluated for analysis of arbutin and hydroquinone using GC-MS method. RESULTS: The retention times of arbutin and hydroquinone were found as 11.32 and 5.44 min, respectively. The linear ranges in this method were 5-500 ng/mL for arbutin and hydroquinone, respectively. The intra- and inter-day precisions, expressed as the relative standard deviation, were less than 1.94 and 2.73%, determined from quality control samples for arbutin and hydroquinone, and accuracy was within 1.13 and 2.56% in terms of relative error, respectively. The limit of detection and quantification were 0.555 and 1.665 ng/mL for arbutin, and 0.031 and 0.093 ng/mL for hydroquinone, respectively. CONCLUSION: The developed method can be used for routine quality control analysis of arbutin and hydroquinone in different herbal slimming products.

The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the dichloromethane extracts and constituents of Ferulago bracteata roots.

CONTEXT: Ferulago (Apiaceae) species have been used since ancient times for the treatment of intestinal worms, hemorrhoids, and as a tonic, digestive, aphrodisiac, or sedative, as well as in salads or as a spice due to their special odors. OBJECTIVES: This study reports the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of dichloromethane extract and bioactive compounds isolated from Ferulago bracteata Boiss. & Hausskn. roots. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The isolated compounds obtained from dichloromethane extract of Ferulago bracteata roots through bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation process were evaluated for their in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities at 5000-400 µg/mL concentrations. Compound structures were elucidated by detailed analyses (NMR and MS). RESULTS: A new coumarin, peucedanol-2'-benzoate (1), along with nine known ones, osthole (2), imperatorin (3), bergapten (4), prantschimgin (5), grandivitinol (6), suberosin (7), xanthotoxin (8), felamidin (9), umbelliferone (10), and a sterol mixture consisted of stigmasterol (11), ß-sitosterol (12) was isolated from the roots of F. bracteata. Felamidin and suberosin showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 0.42 and 0.89 mg/mL, respectively) when compared to the reference standard acarbose (IC50 4.95 mg/mL). However, none of the tested extracts were found to be active on α-amylase inhibition. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that among the compounds isolated from CH2Cl2 fraction of F. bracteata roots, coumarins were determined as the main chemical constituents of this fraction. This is the first report on isolation and characterization of the bioactive compounds from root extracts of F. bracteata and on their α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.