Bombax ceiba Linn. leaf extract rich in phenolic compounds to mitigate non-alcoholic fatty liver-related complications in experimental model.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance (IR), and hypertriglyceridemia are common features observed in non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). There is a critical medical necessity to find novel therapeutics that can halt the development of NAFLD. METHODS: Bombax ceiba Linn. leaf extract was prepared and its phytochemical profile was determined. Standard and high carbohydrate high-fat diets (HCHF) were prepared. Rats were fed HCHF for 18 weeks to induce a non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) model. Forty male rats were divided into control, B. ceiba Linn. leaf extract, NAFL, prophylactic, and treated groups. Serum fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), intelectin-1 (ITLN1), p38 MAP kinase (MAPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were evaluated. RESULTS: Data obtained showed that HCHF-induced NAFL resulting in a significant increase in FBS, serum insulin, HOMA-IR, cholesterol, LDL, TG, ALT, AST, and IL-6 and a significant decrease in serum levels of HDL, ITLN1, p38 MAP kinase, and PPAR-α compared to the control group. The analysis of B. ceiba Linn. leaf extract showed high content of phenol compounds which may cause a significant decrease in the levels of FBS, insulin, HOMA-IR values, lipid profile, and levels of IL-6 while a significant increase in serum levels of LDL, ITLN1, p38 MAP kinase, and PPAR-α compared to the NAFL group. CONCLUSIONS: B. ceiba Linn. Leaf extract is a highly protective and promising therapeutic agent against inflammation and oxidative stress in the NAFLD model induced by HCHF.

Single-cell RNA landscape of the special fiber initiation process in Bombax ceiba.

As a new source of natural fibers, the Bombax ceiba tree can provide thin, light, extremely soft and warm fiber material for the textile industry. Natural fibers are an ideal model system for studying cell growth and differentiation, but the molecular mechanisms that regulate fiber initiation are not fully understood. In B. ceiba, we found that fiber cells differentiate from the epidermis of the inner ovary wall. Each initiated cell then divides into a cluster of fiber cells that eventually develop into mature fibers, a process very different from the classical fiber initiation process of cotton. We used high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to examine the special characteristics of fiber initiation in B. ceiba. A total of 15 567 high-quality cells were identified from the inner wall of the B. ceiba ovary, and 347 potential marker genes for fiber initiation cell types were identified. Two major cell types, initiated fiber cells and epidermal cells, were identified and verified by RNA in situ hybridization. A developmental trajectory analysis was used to reconstruct the process of fiber cell differentiation in B. ceiba. Comparative analysis of scRNA-seq data from B. ceiba and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) confirmed that the additional cell division process in B. ceiba is a novel species-specific mechanism for fiber cell development. Candidate genes and key regulators that may contribute to fiber cell differentiation and division in B. ceiba were identified. This work reveals gene expression signatures during B. ceiba fiber initiation at a single-cell resolution, providing a new strategy and viewpoint for investigation of natural fiber cell differentiation and development.

Bombax ceiba flower extract mediated synthesis of Se nanoparticles for antibacterial activity and urea detection.

Plant mediated synthesis of metallic nanomaterials has emerged as a non-toxic and economical approach to their applications in diverse fields especially in biomedical sciences. Herein, this study first time reporting the use of Bombax ceiba flower extract for synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). Initially, SeNPs were confirmed by turning the color of reaction mixtures from light yellow to brick-red. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed spherical shaped nanoparticles with smooth surface, size ranges between 30 and 150 nm. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed 100-150 nm for the distribution of particle size. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed SeNPs crystallinity and confirmed by matching with selenium JCPD card No. 06-362. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra showed presence of pure Se peaks that corroborate the conversion of selenium ions into its elemental form by bio-reduction. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra demonstrated that involvement of -OH, C-H, C=C, and C=O functional groups for SeNPs formation. Raman Spectra peaks at 250 cm-1 represent asymmetric trigonal selenium (t-Se). Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis) peaks at 296 and 306 nm which is an indication of surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Moreover, maximum antibacterial activity of SeNPs were observed against Staphylococcus aureus- a gram positive bacteria that possess zone of inhibition (ZOI) 20 mm and Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa-gram negative bacteria with ZOI 28 mm, respectively, at concentration 100 µg/ml. In addition, the surface functionalities induced through extract components adhere over Se binds with urea and give its detection up to 1mM in milk sample. Conclusively, synthesized SeNPs may function as a potential antibacterial pharmaceutical candidate.

An integrative GC-MS and LC-MS metabolomics platform determination of the metabolite profile of Bombax ceiba L. root, and in silico & in vitro evaluation of its antibacterial & antidiabetic activities.

The Bombax ceiba L. tree is a member of the family Bombacaceae and the genus Bombax. Both Chinese and Indian traditional medicine have made extensive use of it in the treatment of sickness. Its chemical composition is still a mystery. B. ceiba roots methanol extract (BCRME) was analyzed by different chromatographic analytical techniques in order to identify its major chemical constituents. Twelve compounds and six compounds were identified from GC-MS and LC-MS analysis, respectively. This is the first report on the presence of lathodoratin, cedrene, 4H-1-benzopyran-4-one,8-[{dimethylamino} methyl]-7-methoxy-3-methyl-2-phenyl, asiatic acid, and (E)-2,4,4'-trihydroxylchalcone in B. ceiba roots. Methanol extract demonstrated noteworthy antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC96) (MIC: 100 µg/mL) compare to antibiotic ampicillin (MIC: 250 µg/mL) as well as the highest α-amylase inhibition (IC50=26.91 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50=21.21 µg/mL) effects, molecular docking study confirmed these findings, with some compounds having a very high docking score.

Therapeutic effects of Bombax ceiba flower aqueous extracts against loperamide-induced constipation in mice.

CONTEXT: Bombax ceiba Linnaeus (Bombacaceae) is known as silk cotton tree, the flowers of which are used in many medicinal applications. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of B. ceiba flower aqueous extracts (BCE) against loperamide-induced constipation and characterize the chemical composition of BCE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty male Kunming mice were divided into control (saline), model (10 mg/kg loperamide + saline), phenolphthalein (10 mg/kg loperamide + 10 mg/kg phenolphthalein) and different dosage of BCE (10 mg/kg loperamide + 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg BCE, respectively) groups, and received intragastric administrations for eight days. Faecal water content, number of faeces, first black-stool defecation time and gastrointestinal transit rates were evaluated. Various biochemical and molecular biomarkers were assessed in blood and colon. UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS was used to tentatively identify the composition of the BCE. RESULTS: BCE treatment (160 mg/kg) could increase faecal water (15.75%), faeces number (11.65%), gastrointestinal transit rate (25.37%) and decrease first black-stool defecation time (24.04%). The BCE (80 mg/kg) increased the serum level of motilin (30.62%), gastrin (54.46%) and substance P (18.99%), and decreased somatostatin (19.47%). Additionally, the BCE (160 mg/kg) reduced the mucosal damage, restored colonic goblet cell function, down-regulated the protein expression of AQP3 (33.60%) and increased c-kit protein expression (11.63%). Twelve known compounds, including protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid and rutin, previously reported in B. ceiba, were identified in the BCE. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that BCE is a promising agent for the treatment of constipation.

Stem bark chloroform extract of Bombax costatum Pellegr. & Vuillet exhibit anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in rats.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed at evaluating the potentials of stem bark extracts of Bombax costatum (B. costatum) on seizure, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced kindling and associated changes in wistar albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phase 1 evaluated which extract of B. costatum (chloroform, ethanol and n-hexane) is most effective in preventing seizure in acute PTZ-induced (85mg/kg) seizure in rats. Phase 2 evaluated the potentials of stem bark chloroform extract of B. costatum in PTZ-kindled rats at a dose 250 and 500mg/kg in comparison to diazepam. As its effects on memory, oxidative stress markers, neurotransmitters and brain histology were evaluated. Phase 3 determined the probable curative effects of B. costatum on fully kindled rats. RESULTS: In phase 1, Chloroform extract of B. coststum 500mg/kg is the most effective (P<0.05) in preventing seizure as compared to ethanol and n-hexane extracts. In phase 2, chloroform extract of B. costatum delayed the development of kindling, improved kindling associated cognitive impairment and alterations of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Further, it attenuated oxidative stress besides the maintenance of neuronal architecture of the hippocampus. CONCLUSION: Conclusively, chloroform stem bark extract of B. costatum antagonizes PTZ-induced seizure progression, protects against kindling induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress. Additionally, it also increases the brain level of GABA at high dose and prevented against kindling-induced hippocampal disruptions. Hence, this justifies its use traditionally in the treatment of epileptic seizures.

Evaluation of Corrosion Mitigation Behaviour of Bombax ceiba Leaves Extract.

In this research investigation, conventional weight loss method, electrochemical measurements of potentiodynamic polarization and AC impedance spectroscopy were applied to inspect the Bombax ceiba leaves extract mitigation efficiency in 1.0 M H2SO4 medium at different temperatures. Behaviour of adsorption, parameters of thermodynamical and kinetic were intended in this study. Adsorption behaviour revealed that the phyto-organic constituents existing in the mitigator adsorbed on the metal exterior. The spectral studies then topographical experiments confirm the creation of insoluble film on mild steel in destructive medium. The contact angle method predicts the wettability character of the mild steel in the occurrence of mitigator. This research work exhibited that Bombax ceiba leaves extract act as a best low-cost, bio-friendly mitigator on mild steel in destructive medium.

Polyphenol Content, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, and Genotoxic Activities of Bombax ceiba Flowers in Liver Cancer Cells Huh7.

OBJECTIVE: Bombax ceiba (red Silk cotton tree) has great ethnopharmacological significance due to its widespread use to treat various diseases such as dysentery, inflammation, and tuberculosis. Despite decades of research, the studies on the in vitro anticancer/genotoxic activity of B. ceiba flower remains restricted. Thus, the present research explored the effect of ethanol extract from B. ceiba flowers on three human cancer cells, including lung A549 and liver HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines. METHODS: Cytotoxic and genotoxic activity of B. ceiba extract was examined by MTT and comet assay, respectively. Further, B. ceiba extract was analysed to determine total polyphenol content and DPPH antiradical scavenging activity. RESULTS: ethanol extract from B. ceiba flowers had a high polyphenols content with very potent antioxidant activity. Further, B. ceiba extract displayed moderate cytotoxicity against Huh7 cells and no cytotoxicity against HepG2 and A549 cells. The comet assay findings showed that Huh7 cells treated with four concentrations of B. ceiba extract (» IC50, ½ IC50, IC50, and double IC50) increased the comet tail formation within 48 h in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: ethanol extract from B. ceiba flowers exhibited its cytotoxicity through induction of DNA fragmentation in Huh7 cells.

Antidepressant, anti-amnesic and vasoprotective effect of Bombax costatum Pellegr. & Vuillet aqueous stem bark extract on chronic mild unpredictable stress induced in rat.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Bombax costatum Pellegr. & Vuillet is used traditionally in Northern Cameroon to treat memory impairment, anxiety, insomnia and depression. AIM OF THE STUDY: Investigating the effect of Bombax costatum stem bark aqueous extract (BC) on depression associated with amnesia and vascular disorder, using a chronic mild unpredictable stress (CMUS) model in rats for 30 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sucrose Preference Test (SPT), Forced Swimming Test (FST), corticosteronemia, brain serotonin and dopamine level were evaluated as indices of antidepressant-like effect. The Novel Object Recognition Task (NOR), the Morris Water Maze (MWM) and acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampus were also used to verify memory integrity. Oxidative and nitrosative stress markers, the lipid profile and atherogenic index were estimated in blood serum to assess vasoprotective effect. Chlorophenylalanine and haloperidol, were used to delineate the extract's mechanism of action. RESULTS: CMUS induced a decrease in sucrose preference and swimming time in the SPT and FST respectively while BC (27.5 and 55 mg/kg) increased sucrose preference and swimming time. Increments in these parameters were however reversed by the treatment of rats with chlorophenylalanine a serotonin synthesis inhibitor and haloperidol a D2 receptor antagonist. An increase in blood corticosterone level, prefrontal cortex malondialdehyde and nitric oxide concentrations were reversed by the extract. Moreover, BC increased the time spent in the target quadrant of the MWM test and the discrimination index in the NOR test. This was associated with an increase in hippocampus superoxide dismutase and catalase levels, a decrease in acetylcholine esterase level, total blood cholesterol and atherogenicity index compared to CMUS group. CONCLUSION: Thirty days CMUS induces a depressive state in rats. BC reverses this condition when administered alongside stress exposure. This antidepressive effect is associated with antiamnesic, antioxidant and vasoprotective actions, suggesting its use as a potential candidate in the management of major depressive disorder.

Bombax ceiba calyx displays antihyperglycemic activity via improving insulin secretion and sensitivity: Identification of bioactive phytometabolomes by UPLC-QTof-MS/MS.

Vegetables are considered good food for the management of hyperglycemia. Bombax ceiba L. (family: Bombacaceae) calyces are part of traditional vegetables. This study evaluated its usefulness on various parameters responsible for the development of hyperglycemia and conducted phytometabolomic analysis to identify phytochemicals responsible for the observed activities. It was found that the aqueous methanol extract of its calyces (B. ceiba calyx extract, BCE) reduced (12.4%) significantly (p < 0.05) the development of sucrose-induced postprandial hyperglycemic load in rats. In-vitro studies revealed that BCE improved glucose-stimulated insulin secretory activity in MIN6 cells plausibly by decreasing ADP/ATP ratio. BCE also augmented concentration-dependent (5 µg, 10 µg, and 20 µg) increase in glucose uptake in hyperglycemic L6 myotubes both by non-insulin-dependent manner (35%, 68%, and 132%, respectively) and insulin-dependent manner (42%, 59%, and 172%, respectively). The insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation was compromised (34%) significantly (p < 0.05) under hyperglycemic condition; however, it was improved by 23% and 72% (p < 0.001) when L6 myotubes were primed with 10 and 20 µg of BCE, respectively. Hyperglycemia aggravated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in L6 myotubes. The ROS generation was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced by priming myotubes with BCE before challenging myotubes to hyperglycemic environment, possibly by preserving cellular antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced glutathione levels. Phytometabolomic analysis disclosed a number of phytochemicals present in B. ceiba calyces known to display these activities. This is the first study reporting antihyperglycemic activity in B. ceiba calyces, its mechanisms of action, and phytometabolomic profile applying UPLC-QTof-MS/MS technique. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: B. ceiba calyces are part of traditional vegetables. Our study finds that B. ceiba calyces contain phytochemicals possessing antihyperglycemic, insulin secretory, insulin sensitization properties, and potentials for preserving hyperglycemia-induced vitiations in cellular antioxidant defense. These observations provide foundation for exploring further possibilities of B. ceiba calyces to become valuable dietary inclusion in the diet of people suffering from metabolic disorders.

Bombax costatum enhances piroxicam's efficacy: Possible involvement of alpha-2 adrenergic receptor, opioidergic and arachidonic pathways.

BACKGROUND: With increasing drug-herb combination and widespread use of Bombax costatum as analgesic in Africa, this research studies effects of Bombax costatum on piroxicam's efficacy and possible mechanisms of antinociception. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In efficacy studies, four groups of mice were respectively treated with 1mL/kg distilled water, 400mg/kg Bombax costatum, 20mg/kg piroxicam and a combination of both. Acetic acid and hot plate were used to induce pain in mice while prostaglandin-E2 and formalin were used to induce inflammation in rats. For mechanistic studies, different groups of mice were treated intraperitoneally with 2mg/kg naloxone, 1mg/kg yohimbine, 20mg/kg propranolol, 5mg/kg glibenclamide and 1mg/kg prazosin respectively. Two other groups were treated orally with 1mL/kg of the vehicle and 400mg/kg Bombax costatum respectively. 60minutes later, 10mL/kg of 0.6% acetic acid was administered via the intraperitoneal route and number of writhes were observed for 10minutes. RESULTS: Concurrent administration of Bombax costatum and piroxicam decreased the number of writhes significantly (P≤0.001), increased reaction time with decreased paw diameter in comparison to control. Additionally, this drug-herb combination showed enhanced anti-nocipective efficacy than when administered singly. Also, pre-treatment with yohimbine and naloxone significantly (P≤0.01) inhibited the antinociceptive activities of Bombax costatum. CONCLUSION: Bombax costatum posses antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities and may involve α-2 adrenergic receptor, opioidergic and arachidonic pathways. In addition, Bombax costaum augments the efficacy of piroxicam and could be of clinical benefits if studied on man.

Effects of repeated drought stress on the physiological characteristics and lipid metabolism of Bombax ceiba L. during subsequent drought and heat stresses.

BACKGROUND: Trees of Bombax ceiba L. could produce a large number of viable seeds in the dry-hot valleys. However, the seedling regeneration of the species is difficult in these areas as mild drought often occur repeatedly which might be followed by heat stress. However, how the repeated drought affects the subsequent drought and heat tolerance of B. ceiba is not clear. In this study, chlorophyll fluorescence, soluble sugar content and lipid metabolism were measured for the drought-treated seedlings and heat-treated seedlings with or without drought hardening. RESULTS: Neither the first nor third dehydration treatments affected the photosynthetic activity and soluble sugar content of B. ceiba seedlings. However, they differentially affected the fluidity of the local membranes and the levels of diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid. Heat shock severely decreased the photosynthetic efficiency but drought priming reduced the effects of heat shock. Moreover, heat shock with or without drought priming had differential effects on the metabolism of soluble sugars and some lipids. In addition, the unsaturation level of membrane glycerolipids increased following heat shock for non-drought-hardened seedlings which, however, maintained for drought-hardened seedlings. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that two cycles of dehydration/recovery can affect the metabolism of some lipids during the third drought stress and may enhance the heat tolerance of B. ceiba by adjusting lipid composition and membrane fluidity.

Evaluation of efficacy of Bombax ceiba extract and its major constituent, mangiferin in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVES: Based on the ethno-medicinal use of Bombax ceiba leaf, in the treatment of diabetes, the present study is aimed at evaluation of antidiabetic potential of leaf extract and its major constituent mangiferin. METHODS: Efficacy of hydroalcoholic extract of Bombax ceiba leaf (BCL, 200 and 400 mg/kg body wt.) and mangiferin (MF, 20 mg/kg body wt) was studied in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and associated complications visually, retinopathy, cardiopathy and nephropathy. After 20 days, serum glucose, lipid profiles, glycol-hemoglobin % (HbA1c%), liver enzymes activity and glycogen content, and histopathology of the pancreas were corroborated. The study was coxswained for development of validated RP-HPLC method for the estimation of MF in BCL. RESULTS: The results demonstrated significant reductions in the levels of glucose (p<0.001), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c%, p<0.001), cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, and concurrent elevation of high density lipoproteins level in the groups administered BCL and MF relative to the controls. It significantly reversed most of the altered metabolic and oxidative stress parameters and histopathological changes. Mangiferin content in BCL was found to be 0.04%w/w. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-diabetic effects of BCL may be attributed to its ability to enhance insulin release, antioxidant and hypolipidemic potential.

Bombax ceiba (Linn.) calyxes ameliorate methylglyoxal-induced oxidative stress via modulation of RAGE expression: identification of active phytometabolites by GC-MS analysis.

Non-enzymatic reactions between proteins and methylglyoxal (MG) result in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs play a vital role in the development of diabetic complications by stimulating oxidative stress and acting upon their receptor RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products). This study examined the effect of aqueous methanol extract of Bombax ceiba L. calyxes (BCCE) on MG induced protein glycation and oxidative stress, followed by the identification of phytometabolites present in the calyxes using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The study revealed that priming of bovine serum albumin protein with the BCCE inhibited MG induced AGE formation in vitro and restrained AGE-induced RAGE up-regulation in HEK-293 cells. The BCCE significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the MG induced increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), NADPH oxidase (NOX), and mitochondrial dysfunction. Improvements in the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as Mn and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase were also observed in HEK-293 cells. Furthermore, the decrease in primary cellular defense against AGEs, the glyoxalase 1 (Glo-1) activity, due to MG treatment was restored in BCCE treated cells. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of antioxidant and antiglycation compounds such as myo-ionisitol, scopoletin, d-sedoheptulose, succinic acid, and xylitol in B. ceiba calyxes. The observed beneficial effect in our study might be attributed to the presence of these compounds in B. Ceiba calyxes. This is the first report presenting the antioxidant and antiglycation activities of B. ceiba calyxes and GC-MS analysis of active phytometabolites. These observations show that B. ceiba calyxes may become a potent and promising functional food to manage/control the development of diabetic complications.

Bombax Costatum extract abrogates piroxicam-mediated hepatic and gastric toxicities in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Concurrent administration of orthodox drugs and herbs is common in tropical Africa. This study investigates the effect of co-administration of piroxicam and Bombax costatum on hepatic and gastric toxicities and levels of oxidative stress markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty male wistar rats were grouped into four. Rats in group one were administered 1mL/kg distilled water as normal control; group two were treated with 400mg/kg of extract; group three were treated with 20mg/kg of piroxicam; while those in group four were treated with both extract and piroxicam at 400mg/kg and 20mg/kg, respectively. All treatments were given orally for 14 days. At the end of the treatment period, the rats were euthanised; blood samples and stomach were collected for determination of hepatic and gastro-toxicity alongside with oxidative stress markers. RESULTS: Treatment with piroxicam alone shows the presence of oxidative stress with marked hepatic and gastric toxicities. Oxidative stress markers, hepatic and gastric toxicity indices after treatment with extract alone and in combination with piroxicam appear like that of the control group. CONCLUSION: Concurrent administration of piroxicam and Bombax costatum prevents piroxicam-induced hepatic and gastric toxicities with a positive effect on antioxidant levels. This may indicate important health benefits of this drug-herb combination.

Chemical investigation on the root bark of Bombax malabarica.

Ten compounds were isolated from the root bark of Bombax malabarica, including two new compounds, bombamalin (1) and 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenol-1-[ß-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-ß-glucopyranoside (3), and shorealactone (4), a rare dehydroascorbic acid fused l-ε-viniferin. Compound 1 is an unusual bissesquiterpene, containing a 1,4-dioxene ring formed by fusing isohemigossypol with ent-cadinen-2-one. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. This chemical reinvestigation is of value for chemotaxonomy of the Bombax genus, in particular the finding of the unusual 1 and rare 4. Among the isolates, shorealactone (4), l-epicatechin 5-O-ß-D-xyloside (5), and 2-C-[ß-D-apiosyl-(1 → 6)]- ß-D-glucosyl]-1,3,6-trihydroxy-7-methoxyxanthone (6) displayed some inhibition against α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 224, 345, and 285 µM, respectively.

In-vitro osteoblast proliferation and in-vivo anti-osteoporotic activity of Bombax ceiba with quantification of Lupeol, gallic acid and ß-sitosterol by HPTLC and HPLC.

BACKGROUND: Bombax ceiba is used traditionally to treat bone disorders, rheumatism, and joint pain. The aim of the study is to carry out osteogenic activity in-vitro and anti-osteoporotic activity in-vivo of stem bark of B. ceiba in surgical ovariectomy model in female rats. METHODS: Plant drug: B. ceiba stem bark was extracted with solvents petroleum ether and methanol using Soxhlet extraction. In-vitro osteoblastic proliferation study was performed using UMR-106 cell lines. Both the extracts were undergone to acute toxicity study as per OECD423 guidelines. Female Wistar albino rats 180-240 g were used (n = 6). Surgical ovariectomy was performed under anesthesia to induce bone porosity and loss in all animals except normal control and sham control. Each extract was administered at two dose level: 100 and 200 mg/kg and the standard Raloxifene was given at 1 mg/kg orally for 28 days. The phytochemical study of both the extracts was performed using HPLC and HPTLC. RESULTS: A significant osteoblast cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity were observed with B. ceiba extracts in UMR-106 cell lines. Surgical removal of ovaries produced significant (p < 0.05) decline in bone mineral density, bone breaking strength, serum ALP, calcium, phosphorus, and estradiol level and marked bone tissue destruction in histology. Administration of petroleum ether and methanolic extract for 28 days significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated the consequences of ovariectomy induced bone porosity and restored the normal architecture of bone, as compared to OVX control. The phytochemical screening of both the extracts were also carried out. The quantification of phytoconstituents showed the presence of ß-sitosterol and lupeol in petroleum ether extract, whereas the lupeol is also quantified in the methanolic extract. The presence of gallic acid was quantified in methanolic extract using HPLC. CONCLUSION: B. ceiba: stem bark ameliorated the state of bone fragility and fracture possibly due to estrogenic modulation, as also confirmed by in-vitro osteogenic activity which may be due to the presence of lupeol, gallic acid and ß-sitosterol constituents of the plant.

De novo genome assembly of the red silk cotton tree (Bombax ceiba).

Background: Bombax ceiba L. (the red silk cotton tree) is a large deciduous tree that is distributed in tropical and sub-tropical Asia as well as northern Australia. It has great economic and ecological importance, with several applications in industry and traditional medicine in many Asian countries. To facilitate further utilization of this plant resource, we present here the draft genome sequence for B. ceiba. Findings: We assembled a relatively intact genome of B. ceiba by using PacBio single-molecule sequencing and BioNano optical mapping technologies. The final draft genome is approximately 895 Mb long, with contig and scaffold N50 sizes of 1.0 Mb and 2.06 Mb, respectively. Conclusions: The high-quality draft genome assembly of B. ceiba will be a valuable resource enabling further genetic improvement and more effective use of this tree species.

Report: Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activities of red silk cotton tree (Bombax ceiba L.).

The present study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activities of stem bark of Bombax ceiba L. The methanol extract was subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening using standard procedures. The results indicated the presence of alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, reducing sugar, saponins, phlobatanins and terpenoids. The antimicrobial activity was measured by disc diffusion method. Data revealed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa was inhibited by both methanol and ethanol extracts at the concentration of 2mg disc-1 {21.8mm (68.12%) and 21.3mm (66.56%)}. Similarly, methanol extract reduced the growth of Bacillus subtilis by 17.1mm (74.34%) at the concentration of 1 mg disc-1. However, ethanol extract showed a good activity of 18mm (121.6%) and 20.6mm (112.5%) against Xanthomonas maltophilia at concentrations of 1 and 2 mg disc-1, respectively. Aqueous extract showed 16 mm (53.33% Z.I) against Escherichia coli at 2 mg disc-1. Klebsiella pneumoniae was found resistant to all of the three extracts, while the growth of Candida albicans was inhibited by methanol through 16.5 mm (58.92% Z.I) at 1 mg disc-1. The above study concluded the medicinal potential of B. ceiba.

Effects of ethanol extract of Bombax ceiba leaves and its main constituent mangiferin on diabetic nephropathy in mice.

The present study was designed to explore the mechanism by which ethanol extract of Bombax ceiba leaves (BCE) and its main constituent mangiferin (MGF) affect diabetic nephropathy by combating oxidative stress. Oral administration of BCE and MGF to normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice were carried out. Fasting blood glucose, 24-h urinary albumin, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen were tested, histopathology, and immunohistochemical analysis of kidney tissues were performed. Moreover, mesangial cells were treated with BCE and MGF for 48 h with or without 25 mmol·L-1 of glucose. Immunofluorescence, Western blot and apoptosis analyses were used to investigate their regulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function. BCE and MGF ameliorated biochemical parameters and restored STZ-induced renal injury in the model mice. In vitro study showed that high glucose stimulation increased oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in mesangial cells. BCE and MGF limited mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) collapse by inhibiting Nox4, mitochondrially bound hexokinase II dissociation, and subsequent ROS production, which effectively reduced oxidative stress, cleaved caspase-3 expression and cell apoptosis. Our work indicated that BCE and MGF had protective effects on diabetic caused kidney injury and prevented oxidative stress in mesangial cells by regulation of hexokinase II binding and Nox4 oxidase signaling.