Evaluation of The Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Activities of Dicliptera bupleuroides Isolated Compounds Using In Vitro and In Silico Studies.

Phytochemical investigation of chloroform fraction (DBC) and ethyl acetate fraction (DBE) of D. bupleuroides (Acanthaceae) resulted in the isolation of ß-sitosterol (1) from DBC and vanillic acid (2) from DBE, which were first to be isolated from D. bupleuroides. ß-Sitosterol (1) exhibited substantial antioxidant activity (IC50 = 198.87 µg/mL), whereas vanillic acid (2) showed significant antioxidant power (IC50 = 92.68 µg/mL) employing 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH*) radical scavenging capacity assay. Both compounds showed pronounced antimicrobial activity using the agar disc diffusion method, particularly against fungi showing MIC values of 0.182 and 0.02 concerning Candida albicans, respectively, and 0.001 mg/mL regarding Penicillium notatum. They revealed considerable antibacterial activity with MIC values ranging between 0.467 and 0.809 mg/mL. Vanillic acid (2) exhibited substantial anticancer potential displaying 48.67% cell viability at a concentration of 100 µg/mL using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyl-2H-Tetrazolium Bromide) assay concerning HepG2 cell lines. These results were further consolidated by in silico studies on different enzymes, where vanillic acid displayed a high fitting score in the active pockets of DNA-gyrase, dihydrofolate reductase, aminoglycoside nucleotidyltransferase, and ß-lactamase. It also inhibited human cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK-2) and DNA topoisomerase II, as revealed by the in silico studies. ADME/TOPKAT (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) prediction showed that vanillic acid exhibited reasonable pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicity properties and, thus, could perfectly together with D. bupleuroides crude extract be incorporated in pharmaceutical preparations to counteract cancer and microbial invasion, as well as oxidative stress. Thus, it is concluded that D. bupleroides could be a potential source of therapeutically active compounds, which would be helpful for the discovery of clinically effective and safe drugs.

Phenolic Profiles of Ten Australian Faba Bean Varieties.

Although Australia is the largest exporter of faba bean globally, there is limited information available on the levels of bioactive compounds found in current commercial faba bean varieties grown in this country. This study profiled the phenolic acid and flavonoid composition of 10 Australian faba bean varieties, grown at two different locations. Phenolic profiling by HPLC-DAD revealed the most abundant flavonoid to be catechin, followed by rutin. For the phenolic acids, syringic acid was found in high concentrations (72.4-122.5 mg/kg), while protocatechuic, vanillic, p-hydroxybenzoic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, and trans-ferulic acid were all found in low concentrations. The content of most individual phenolics varied significantly with the variety, while some effect of the growing location was also observed. This information could be used by food processors and plant breeders to maximise the potential health benefits of Australian-grown faba bean.

Study on vascular mechanisms underlying the hypotensive effect of Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.

Sorghum halepense L (Poaceae), ordinarily it is known as Johnson grass and locally as baru. This study was designed to find the vascular mechanisms underlying the hypotensive activity of S. halepense. In this study, effect of S. halepense seed extract/fractions on various blood pressure parameters were evaluated in normal and fructose induced hypertensive rats by invasive technique. Possible underlying hypotensive mechanism of active fraction was determined by using various pharmacological inhibitors. S. halepense extract/fractions vasorelaxant effect were also evaluated on rat aorta rings in organ bath and various intracellular signaling pathway inhibitors were used for determination of underlying mechanisms. S. halepense extract/fractions produced blood pressure lowering effect with most significant effect by its aqueous soluble fraction at dose of 10mg/kg. This effect was attenuated by pretreatment of atropine. Aqueous soluble fraction produced endothelium dependent vasorelaxation in rat aortic rings that was inhibited by pretreatment of atropine after phenylephrine induced contraction. The vasorelaxant effect of aqueous soluble fraction was attenuated by potassium channel blockers and also produced inhibitory effect on calcium entry through calcium channels. It also suppressed phenylephrine induced contraction like verapamil. By HPLC analysis found vanillic acid and naringinin in it. In conclusion, aqueous soluble fraction of S.halepense possess phytoconstituents which may be responsible for hypotensive and vasorelaxant effect of Sorghum halepense.

Purification of Polyphenols from Distiller's Grains by Macroporous Resin and Analysis of the Polyphenolic Components.

We aimed to purify polyphenols from distiller's grain extract using macroporous resins and to identify its polyphenolic components. The influence of operational parameters on purification efficiency was investigated. The polyphenolic composition was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and then quantified by UPLC-MS using authenticated standards. The results showed that the optimal purifying conditions were D101 resin with a dosage of 3 g, four hours adsorption, three hours desorption time, and 60% ethanol as the eluent, producing the highest purification rate of 51%. The purified distiller's grain extract exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than the unpurified extracts, which was assessed using DPPH and ABTS methods (IC50 DPPH = 34.03 and 16.21 µg/mL, respectively; IC50 ABTS = 20.31 and 5.73 µg/mL, respectively). UPLC-MS results indicated that (-)-epicatechin is the major compound found in distiller's grain extract which was quantified as 562.7 µg/g extract, followed by ferulic acid (518.2 µg/g), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (417.7 µg/g), caffeic acid (217.1 µg/g), syringic acid (158.0 µg/g) and quercetin (147.8 µg/g). Two compounds, vanillic acid (66.5 µg/g) and gallic acid (41.4 µg/g), were found in lower concentrations. The findings of this study suggest that purification of polyphenolic compounds from distiller's grain by macroporous resins is feasible, providing a new and effective method for the secondary use of distiller's grain resources.

Anti-inflammatory effect of the compounds from the flowers of Trollius chinensis.

In order to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids from the flowers of Trollius chinensis, some representative compounds, namely, orientin, 2"-O-ß-L-galactopyranosylorientin, vitexin, quercetin, isoquercetin, luteolin, veratric acid, proglobeflowery acid, trollioside, and trolline were selected to study their inhibitory effects against LPS-induced NO, IL-6, and TNF-ß release in RAW264.7 cells. At the higher concentration, both phenolic acids and flavonoids inhibited the production of NO, whereas only phenolic acids showed this effect at the lower concentration. Although trolline had stronger cytotoxicity, it exhibited a potential effect of decreasing NO production induced by LPS in the non-toxic concentration range. In addition, all tested compounds decreased the production of IL-6 and TNF-a by almost 50% at both the higher and lower concentrations. It is concluded that the anti-inflammatory activity of the phenolic acids is stronger than that of the flavonoids.

First evidence of epicatechin vanillate in grape seed and red wine.

Flavan-3-ols are units incorporating condensed tannin, which are widely present in grape and wine. They play a considerable role in wine sensory perception such as astringency, bitterness and mouth-feel. In grape and wine, the flavan-3-ols reported to date are (epi)catechin, (epi)gallocatechin, (epi)gallocatechin gallate and (epi)catechin glycoside. This study now shows the presence of a new flavan-3-ol epicatechin vanillate in grape seed and red wine. A putative unknown flavan-3-ol derived from grape seed was targeted by LC-HRMS/MS. Fractionation and purification by centrifugal partition chromatography and Prep HPLC allowed us to obtain the pure new flavan-3-ol. NMR and HRMS data revealed this compound to be epicatechin-3-O-vanillate. Quantification analysis results showed that epicatechin vanillate present in grape seed and red wine in the µg/g dry seed and the µg/L concentration range, respectively.

Anti-Amyloid Aggregation Activity of Black Sesame Pigment: Toward a Novel Alzheimer's Disease Preventive Agent.

Black sesame pigment (BSP) represents a low cost, easily accessible material of plant origin exhibiting marked antioxidant and heavy metal-binding properties with potential as a food supplement. We report herein the inhibitory properties of the potentially bioaccessible fraction of BSP following simulated gastrointestinal digestion against key enzymes involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD). HPLC analysis indicated that BSP is transformed under the pH conditions mimicking the intestinal environment and the most abundant of the released compounds was identified as vanillic acid. More than 80% inhibition of acetylcholinesterase-induced aggregation of the ß-amyloid Aß1-40 was observed in the presence of the potentially bioaccessible fraction of BSP, which also efficiently inhibited self-induced Aß1-42 aggregation and ß-secretase (BACE-1) activity, even at high dilution. These properties open new perspectives toward the use of BSP as an ingredient of functional food or as a food supplement for the prevention of AD.

Development and Validation of an Analytical Method Readily Applicable for Quality Control of Tabebuia impetiginosa (Taheebo) Ethanolic Extract.

The dried inner bark of Tabebuia impetiginosa, known as taheebo or red lapacho, has numerous beneficial effects on human health. This study presents the first simple and reliable quantitative method that could serve for the QC of taheebo. The method uses LC-UV spectroscopy to determine the veratric acid (VA; 3,4-dimethoxybenzoic acid) content of taheebo extracts (TEs). Sample preparation entailed the dissolution of TE in methanol (MeOH), facilitated by ultrasonic radiation for 10 min. The optimized conditions included chromatographic separation on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 column (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 µm) at 30°C. The mobile phase consisted of 1% acetic acid in water and MeOH, which was eluted under gradient mode at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was 254 nm. Using these conditions, VA was selectively resolved, and the entire chromatographic analysis time was 27 min. The method was linear in the range of 50-500 µg/mL (r2 = 0.9995), precise (≤3.97% RSD), and accurate (97.10-102.72%). The validated method was applied to three batches of TE samples, yielding an estimated VA content range of 14.92-15.58 mg/g. Thus, the proposed method could serve as an easy and practical method for the QC of TEs or related products containing TEs.

Special metabolites isolated from Urochloa humidicola (Poaceae).

This study aims to identify special metabolites in polar extracts from Urochloa humidicola (synonym Brachiaria humidicola) that have allelopathic effects and induce secondary photosensitization in ruminants. The compounds were isolated and identified via chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The compounds 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzoic acid, trans-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, and p-hydroxy-benzoic acid; the flavonols isorhamnetin-3-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside and methyl quercetin-3-O-ß-d-glucuronate; and kaempferitrin, quercetin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, and tricin were identified in the extract from the leaves of Urochloa humidicola. Two furostanic saponins, namely, dioscin and 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-4)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-2)]-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-penogenin, as well as catechin-7-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside were identified in the methanolic extract obtained from the roots of this plant. This species features a range of metabolites that may be toxic for animals if used in food and may interfere with the growth medium, thereby inhibiting the development of other species.

Antileishmanial Activity and Immunomodulatory Effects of Tricin Isolated from Leaves of Casearia arborea (Salicaceae).

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of antileishmanial active extract from leaves of Casearia arborea led to isolation of three metabolites: tricin (1), 1',6'-di-O-ß-d-vanilloyl glucopyranoside (2) and vanillic acid (3). Compound 1 demonstrated the highest activity against the intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania infantum, with an IC50 value of 56 µm. Tricin (1) demonstrated selectivity in mammalian cells (SI > 7) and elicited immunomodulatory effect on host cells. The present work suggests that tricin modulated the respiratory burst of macrophages to a leishmanicidal state, contributing to the parasite elimination. Therefore, the natural compound tricin could be further explored in drug design studies for leishmaniasis treatment.

A novel alkaloid from Portulaca oleracea L.

A novel alkaloid named oleraciamide C (1), with six known compounds, hydroxydihydrobovolide (2), uracil (3), catechol (4), 4-aminophenol (5), vanillic acid (6) as well as 3-hydroxypyridine (7), were isolated from Portulaca oleracea L. Additionally, hydroxydihydrobovolide (2), 4-aminophenol (5), 3-hydroxypyridine (7) were obtained from the plant for the first time. Structure of the new compound was determined using spectroscopic methods including HR-ESI-TOF-MS, 1D and 2D NMR. Others were elucidated through 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectra and comparison with literature data. Notably, Compound 1 possessed an unusual bis-substituted eight-membered ring linked with the ß-glucopyranose moiety. The cytotoxicity of compound 1 was evaluated against human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) by CCK-8 method.

Effects of Hovenia dulcis Thunb. extract and methyl vanillate on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions and TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced chemokines production in HaCaT cells.

OBJECTIVES: Here, we hypothesized that Hovenia dulcis branch extract (HDB) and its active constituents ameliorates 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions by modulating the T helper Th1/Th2 balance in NC/Nga mice and TNF-α- and IFN-γ-induced production of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) in HaCaT cells. METHODS: HaCaT cells were stimulated by TNF-α/IFN-γ in the presence of HDB and its constituents. TARC and MDC were measured by ELISA and RT-PCR. For the in-vivo study, oral feeding of HDB was performed for 5 weeks with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) treatment every other day. The efficacy of HDB on parameters of DNCB-induced AD was evaluated morphologically, physiologically and immunologically. KEY FINDINGS: In-vitro studies showed that HDB and its constituents suppressed TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced production of TARC and MDC in HaCaT cells by inhibiting MAPK signalling. In-vivo studies showed that HDB regulated immunoglobulin (Ig) E and immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) levels in serum and the expression of mRNA for Th1- and Th2-related mediators in skin lesions. Histopathological analyses revealed reduced epidermal thickness and reduced infiltration of skin lesions by inflammatory cells. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that HDB inhibits AD-like skin diseases by regulating Th1 and Th2 responses in NC/Nga mice and in HaCaT cells.

A New Succinate Derivative from Ajuga decumbens.

A new succinate derivative, ethyl (5-formylfuran-2-yl)methyl succinate (1), along with three known compounds (2-4) have been isolated from the whole plants of Ajuga decumbens Thunb. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR) and HR-ESI-MS data analysis, and literature values. Compound 1 was isolated as a new succinate derivative, and compounds 2 and 3 were for the first time separated from A. decumbens.

A new caffeate compound from Nardostachys chinensis.

A new caffeate compound, (E)-erythro-syringylglyceryl caffeate (1), was isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys chinensis Batal., together with nine known phenolic compounds, including (+)-licarin A (2), naringenin 4', 7-dimethyl ether (3), pinoresinol-4-O-ß-D-glucoside (4), caraphenol A (5), Z-miyabenol C (6), protocatechuic acid (7), caffeic acid (8), gallic acid (9) and vanillic acid (10). Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data and physicochemical properties. Furthermore, this is the first report of compounds 2, 5 and 6 from Nardostachys genus.

Development of nanoformulation of picroliv isolated from Picrorrhiza kurroa.

Picroliv, a mixture of picroside I and kutkoside isolated from rhizome of Picrorrhiza kurroa has been reported for many pharmaceutical properties such as hepatoprotective, anticholestatic, antioxidant and immune-modulating activity. However, picroliv possessed lesser efficacy due to its poor aqueous solubility and lesser bioavailability. To find solution, picroliv was loaded into biodegradable poly lactic acid nanoparticles (PLA NPs) using solvent evaporation method. The picroliv-loaded PLA NPs were characterised by UV-vis spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared and Zeta sizer. The size of picroliv-loaded PLA NPs was 182 ± 20 nm. Zeta potential of picroliv-loaded PLA NPs was -23.5 mV, indicated their good stability. In vitro picroliv release from picroliv-loaded PLA NPs showed an initial burst release followed by slow and sustained release. The efficacy of picroliv-loaded PLA NPs was assessed against KB cell lines. Blank PLA NPs showed no cytotoxicity on KB cells. The picroliv-loaded PLA NPs showed more cytotoxic activity on KB cells as compared to the pure drug. Hence, the developed picroliv nanoformulation would find potential application in pharma-sector.

Nutritional evaluation, antioxidant studies and quantification of poly phenolics, in Roscoea purpurea tubers.

BACKGROUND: Roscoea purpurea (Zingiberaceae) is commonly known as "kakoli". Traditionally, various parts like leaves, roots and flower etc. are used for the treatment of diabetic, hypertension, diarrhea, fever, inflammation etc. In Nepal tubers are boiled for edible purpose and also used in traditional veterinary medicine. The study aims for nutritional characterization, chemical profiling of R. purpurea (tubers) methanol extract (RPE) along with evaluation of its anti-oxidant activity. Physicochemical and nutritional content were estimated as per standard protocols. Chemical profiling of markers includes method optimization, identification & quantification of bioactive poly phenolics through HPTLC. Anti oxidant potential RPE was analyzed via. Total phenolics (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC), reducing power assay, DPPH and ß-carotene bleaching model. RESULTS: Physicochemical and nutritional standards were established. Kaempferol (0.30%), vanillic acid (0.27%), protocatechuic (0.14%), syringic (0.80%) and ferulic acid (0.05%) were identified and then quantified. TPC and TFC content were found to be 7.10 ± 0.115 and 6.10 ± 0.055%, reducing power of extract also increases linearly (r(2) = 0.946) with concentration, similar to standards. IC50 value of extract in DPPH and ß-carotene bleaching model was observed at 810.66 ± 1.154 and 600.66 ± 1.154 µg/ml, which is significantly different from standards (p < 0.05). Although there is a positive, significant correlation between the phenolic and flavonoid content with anti oxidant activity of extract. CONCLUSION: Thus, study will authenticates the identity, utility of herb as nutrient supplement and an important medicinal plant having promising pharmacological activities for further elaborated/extended investigation work.

Utilizing a nano-sorbent for the selective solid-phase extraction of vanillic acid prior to its determination by photoluminescence spectroscopy.

Vanillic acid (VA) is a phenolic acid, and acts as a natural antioxidant in fruits, vegetables and plants. The extraction and determination of trace levels of VA in plants is important, because stimulation of protein synthesis and activation of antioxidant enzymes occur in the presence of phenolic acids at trace levels. In this research, a photoluminescence spectroscopic method was developed for the quantification of VA in plant samples after separation and pre-concentration. Selective extraction of VA from aqueous solution was performed using a solid-phase extraction column packed with nickel-aluminum layered double hydroxide as a nano-sorbent. After elution of extracted analyte from the column using 3 mL of a 3 mol/L NaOH solution, its concentration was determined spectrofluorometrically at λ(em) = 357 nm with excitation at λ(ex) = 280 nm. The spectrofluorometry method gave a linear response for VA within the range 20.0-900.0 µg/L, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9982. The limit of detection and sorption capacity were 7.6 µg/L and 66.2 mg/g, respectively. The method was validated by comparing the obtained results with gas chromatographic data. This method was used to determine VA in Chenopodium album and Prangos asperula plants.

A new aromatic glycoside from Glehnia littoralis.

A new aromatic glycoside (1) was isolated from the roots of Glehnia littoralis Fr. Schmidtex Miq. Its structure was elucidated as vanillic acid 1-O-[ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 6)-ß-D-glucopyranoside] ester mainly by analysing the NMR and MS spectral data. In the in vitro assays, compound 1 displayed some TNF-α secretion inhibitory activity.

Distribution of Two bioactive compounds in flowers of Trollius chinensis.

A comprehensive procedure was established, which combined a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay for the simultaneous quantification of 2″-O-ß-L-galactopyranosylorientin (OGA) and veratric acid and a gravimetric analysis for the determination of the mass fraction of the floral parts (calyx, corolla, stalk, stamens and pistils and ovary) of Trollius chinensis, to investigate the distribution and identify the enriched floral part(s) of these two compounds in the flowers. The calculated mean distributions of OGA in calyx, corolla, stamens and pistils, stalk and ovary were 83.62, 7.76, 4.35, 2.92 and 1.35%, respectively, whereas those of veratric acid in the corresponding floral parts were 46.41, 9.01, 18.41, 4.11 and 22.06%, respectively, indicating the uneven and noncorresponding distribution of these two compounds. This study extends the application of the HPLC assay and favors the production of OGA and veratric acid from the flowers of T. chinensis in addition to the benefits of breeding, cultivation and utilization of these flowers.

[Study on Chemical Constituents of Oldenlandia diffusa].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Oldenlandia diffusa. METHODS: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography as well as recrystallization method, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of physical and spectral analyses. RESULTS: Nine compounds were isolated and their structures were identified as quercetin (1), kaempferol (2), scopoletin (3), 2-hydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone (4), 2-hydroxy-l-methoxyanthraquinone (5), α-linolenic acid (6), vanillic acid (7), p-hydroxyphenylethanol (8) and, ß-sitosterol (9). CONCLUSION: Compound 6 is obtained from this genus for the first time. Compounds 7 and 8 are obtained from this plant for the first time.