Antimicrobial and Antiviral Compounds of Phlomis viscosa Poiret.

Phlomis viscosa Poiret (an evergreen shrub) represents a valuable source of medicinal compounds. In this study, we discovered compounds with antimicrobial and antiviral properties. The aim of this study was to identify compounds of P. viscosa and estimate the antimicrobial and antiviral activity of its phytochemicals. The volatile compounds were identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. For the identification of nonvolatile components of the extracts, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) were applied. Quercetin 3-O-rutinoside and hesperidin caused a significant decrease in the bacterial concentration of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Xylella fastidiosa and Pseudomonas syringae (p < 0.001). The growth of drug-resistant microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Serratia marcescens and Salmonella enteritidis) was inhibited by quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, quercetin 3-O-arabinoside and hesperidin. In addition, these compounds demonstrated antiquorum-sensing properties. Diosmin, hesperidin and quercetin 3-O-arabinoside significantly inhibited varicella zoster virus (VZV) (p < 0.001). Quercetin 3-O-rutinoside and quercetin 3-O-arabinoside were effective against herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), including mutant strains.

Medicinal Properties of Anchusa strigosa and Its Active Compounds.

Anchusa strigosa is a widespread weed in Greece, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, and Iran. The purpose of this study was to identify the phytochemicals of Anchusa strigose and estimate the pro-wound healing (pro-WH) and antimicrobial activities of its active compounds. An identification of volatile compounds was performed by GC/MS analysis; HPLC, LC-ESI-MS, and MALDI-TOF-MS were also applied. Our results demonstrate that two specific combinations of compounds from A. strigosa extract significantly enhanced WH (p < 0.001). Several flavonoids of the plant extract, including quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol, kaempferol 3-O-ß-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)-ß-glucopyranoside, and kaempferol 3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)-ß-galactopyranoside, were effective against drug-resistant microorganisms. In addition, all the above-mentioned compounds had antibiofilm activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis.

Recent Updates on the Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Phlomis viscosa Poiret.

Crude ethanolic extracts from Phlomis viscosa Poiret leaves from the Judea region (Israel) are renowned for their remarkable geroprotective properties: anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer. A phytochemical investigation carried out in this study revealed that the tested plant might belong to a particular distinct chemotype because its phytochemicals are different from compounds that were mentioned in the literature. Among the compounds identified by us was diosmin, the synthetic derivatives of which were further obtained and investigated. In particular, activities of the isolated compounds and synthesized diosmin derivatives were assessed. Our results revealed that the following compounds significantly lessened secretion of some pro-inflammatory cytokines: diosmin, himachala-2-diene, and 5,7-dihydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) chromen-4-one. In addition, diosmin, synthesized diosmin derivatives, and some identified terpenes were found to have anti-diabetic activities. A significant anti-cancer effect of the whole extract on U-87 (human glioblastoma carcinoma cells line) and MCF7 (human breast carcinoma cell line) was also demonstrated, and it was better than that of DOX (doxorubicin). Collectively, the results obtained in the in vitro models suggest a wide spectrum of beneficial bioactivities of the extract and its active compounds.

Effect of Bioactive Phytochemicals from Phlomis viscosa Poiret on Wound Healing.

Phlomis viscosa Poiret is an evergreen shrub growing in Israel, Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria with acknowledged pro-wound healing (WH) properties. In this study, we evaluated the pro-WH potential of selected compounds found in this plant. Among the pro-WH compounds (identified by us) was a combination of three chemicals-diosmin, 1-octen-3-ol, and himachala-2,4-diene which enhanced WH significantly both in in vitro and in vivo models. The determined phytochemicals combination could be used for the treatment of chronic wounds. The effect of the extracts, diosmin, 1-octen-3-ol on the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 (A) and IL-8 (B) by human dermal fibroblasts was significant (p < 0.001). In addition, the beneficial effect of extracts of P. viscosa and its phytochemicals on WH was evidenced by inhibiting the growth of several WH delaying microorganisms.