Component Composition and Biological Activity of Oleo-Gum Resin from Boswellia serrata (Burseraceae).

The review summarizes the published data on identification of biologically active compounds (BACs) and the pharmacological potential of various components of oleo-gum resin from the Indian frankincense Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. Boswellia oleo-gum resin contains a wide range of BACs from the classes of mono-, sesqui-, di-, and triterpenes. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated their anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects. Boswellic acids (BAs), which belong to the tetra- and pentacyclic triterpenoid classes, showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity. The frankincense resin is traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine and can provide a promising source to design drugs effective in treating musculoskeletal disorders.

In vitro antiplasmodial activity and toxicological profile of extracts, fractions and chemical constituents of leaves and stem bark from Dacryodes edulis (Burseraceae).

BACKGROUND: Dacryodes edulis is a plant that belongs to the Burseraceae family. It is widely used traditionally alone or in association with other plants in Cameroonian folk medicine to cure wounds, fever, headaches, and malaria. The aim of this work was to investigate the leaves and stem bark of D. edulis with an emphasis on the antiplasmodial and cytotoxic effects of extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds. METHODS: Extracts, fractions, and some isolated compounds were subjected to antiplasmodial activity screening in vitro against chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 and multidrug resistant Dd2 strains of Plasmodium falciparum using a SyBr Green fluorescence-based assay. The cytotoxicity of active extracts, fractions, and compounds was tested against mammalian Raw cell lines using an in vitro resazurin-based viability assay. The structures of the compounds were determined based on their NMR and MS data. The in vivo toxicity using female BALB/c mice was performed on the most active extract according to the protocol of OECD (2002), guideline 423. RESULTS: The hydroethanolic extract from the leaves of D. edulis displayed good antiplasmodial activity with IC50 values of 3.10 and 3.56 µg/mL respectively on sensitive (3D7) and multiresistant (Dd2) strains of P. falciparum. Of the sixteen compounds isolated, 3,3',4-tri-O-methylellagic acid (4) exhibited the highest antiplasmodial activity against PfDd2 strains with an IC50 value of 0.63 µg/mL. All extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds demonstrated no cytotoxicity against Raw cell lines with CC50 > 250 µg/mL. In addition, the most active extract on both strains of P. falciparum was nontoxic in vivo, with a LD50 greater than 2000 and 5000 mg/kg. A phytochemical investigation of the stem bark and leaves of D. edulis afforded sixteen compounds, including two xanthones (1-2), three ellagic acid derivatives (3-5), one phenolic compound (6), one depside (7), one triglyceride (8), one auranthiamide acetate (9), one gallic acid derivative (10), four triterpenoids (11-14), and two steroids (15-16). Compounds 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, and 9 were herein reported for the first time from the Burseraceae family. CONCLUSION: This work highlights the good in vitro antiplasmodial potency of the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of this plant and that of two isolated constituents (3,3',4-tri-O-methylellagic acid and ethylgallate) from the plant. These biological results support the use of D. edulis in traditional medicine against malaria.

Parallel evolution and cryptic diversification in a common and widespread Amazonian tree, Protium subserratum.

The lowland Amazon rainforest houses some of the greatest tree diversity on Earth. While the vast majority of these species are rare, a small number are common and widespread and thus considered to play a disproportionate role in many of the global ecosystem services provided by the Amazon. However, the extent to which dominant Amazonian tree species actually include multiple clades, each on their own unique evolutionary trajectory, is unknown. Here we investigate the extent to which lineage divergence may be occurring within Protium subserratum (Burseraceae), a common and widespread tree species that is monophyletic with populations exhibiting genotypic and phenotypic differences associated with soil and geography. Utilizing a combination of phylogenomic and population genomic methods with sampling from across the range, we found that P. subserratum contains at least eight distinct clades. Specialization onto white-sand soils has evolved independently at least twice within the species; however, phenotype is not correlated with soil type. Finally, cryptic diversity at the base of the Andes is associated with elevational shifts. Together these results lend support to the hypothesis that common and widespread Amazon tree species may not represent evolutionary cohesive units. Instead, these dominant species may more commonly represent species complexes, undergoing evolutionary transitions on a trajectory to become multiple range-restricted, specialist species.

Wound Healing Potential of an Oleoresin Essential Oil Chemotype from Canarium schweinfurthii Engl.

This study was conducted to investigate the chemical composition of essential oil (EO) extracted from an oleoresin of Canarium schweinfurthii widespread in the Gabonese tropical forest. A great variability in the chemical composition of EO was observed, among which a chemical profile rich in terpinolene and α-phellandrene (31.2 and 21.8%, respectively), was found and tested as a natural active ingredient for topical applications. After the evaluation of eye and skin irritancy and sensitization potentials of EO on in vitro and in chemico models, the in vitro modulating potential on a model of wound re-epithelialization was assessed. The terpinolene and α-phellandrene-rich chemotype have been proven to accelerate wound healing in a dose-dependent manner (concentration range from 1.8 to 9.0 µg/mL). In addition, the ability of this EO to modulate the pro-inflammatory response in human keratinocytes stimulated by UVB was observed in vitro by the reduction in levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), suggesting a possible implication during the inflammation phase of wound healing. Despite the high variability in EO composition, a method of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) of the oleoresin headspace is proposed for the in situ identification of the terpinolene and α-phellandrene-rich chemotype instead of conducting hydrodistillation. These results offer interesting perspectives for the development of innovative natural ingredients for the topical route, ingredients obtained in an eco-responsible and non-destructive way.

Acute Toxicity and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Trattinnickia rhoifolia Willd (Sucuruba) Using the Zebrafish Model.

The species Trattinnickia rhoifolia Willd, (T. rhoifolia), which belongs to the Burseraceae family, is widely used in ethnopharmacological cultural practices by traditional Amazonian people for anti-inflammatory purposes, sometimes as their only therapeutic resource. Although it is used in teas, infusions, macerations and in food, the species is still unexplored in regard to its pharmacophoric potential and chemical profile. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a phytochemical characterization of the hydroethanolic extract of T. rhoifolia leaves (HELTr) and to evaluate the acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of this species using zebrafish (Danio rerio). The extract was analyzed by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The evaluation of the acute toxicity of the HELTr in adult zebrafish was determined using the limit test (2000 mg/kg), with behavioral and histopathological evaluations, in addition to the analysis of the anti-inflammatory potential of HELTr in carrageenan-induced abdominal edema, followed by the use of the computational method of molecular docking. The phytochemical profile of the species is chemically diverse, suggesting the presence of the fatty acids, ester, alcohol and benzoic acid classes, including propanoic acid, ethyl ester and hexadecanoic acid. In the studies of zebrafish performed according to the index of histopathological changes (IHC), the HELTr did not demonstrate toxicity in the behavioral and histopathological assessments, since the vital organs remained unchanged. Carrageenan-induced abdominal edema was significantly reduced at all HELTr doses (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg) in relation to the negative control, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), while the 200 mg/kg dose showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in relation to the positive control (indomethacin). With these activities being confirmed by molecular docking studies, they showed a good profile for the inhibition of the enzyme Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), as the interactions established at the sites of the receptors used in the docking study were similar to the controls (RCX, IMN and CEL). Therefore, the HELTr has an acceptable degree of safety for acute toxicity, defined in the analysis of behavioral changes, mortality and histopathology, with a significant anti-inflammatory action in zebrafish at all doses, which demonstrates the high pharmacophoric potential of the species. These results may direct future applications and drug development but still require further elucidation.

Development of Genomic Resources in Mexican Bursera (Section: Bullockia: Burseraceae): Genome Assembly, Annotation, and Marker Discovery for Three Copal Species.

Bursera comprises ~100 tropical shrub and tree species, with the center of the species diversification in Mexico. The genomic resources developed for the genus are scarce, and this has limited the study of the gene flow, local adaptation, and hybridization dynamics. In this study, based on ~155 million Illumina paired-end reads per species, we performed a de novo genome assembly and annotation of three Bursera species of the Bullockia section: Bursera bipinnata, Bursera cuneata, and Bursera palmeri. The total lengths of the genome assemblies were 253, 237, and 229 Mb for B. cuneata, B. palmeri, and B. bipinnata, respectively. The assembly of B. palmeri retrieved the most complete and single-copy BUSCOs (87.3%) relative to B. cuneata (86.5%) and B. bipinnata (76.6%). The ab initio gene prediction recognized between 21,000 and 32,000 protein-coding genes. Other genomic features, such as simple sequence repeats (SSRs), were also detected. Using the de novo genome assemblies as a reference, we identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for a set of 43 Bursera individuals. Moreover, we mapped the filtered reads of each Bursera species against the chloroplast genomes of five Burseraceae species, obtaining consensus sequences ranging from 156 to 160 kb in length. Our work contributes to the generation of genomic resources for an important but understudied genus of tropical-dry-forest species.

Urolithin M5 from the Leaves of Canarium album (Lour.) DC. Inhibits Influenza Virus by Targeting Neuraminidase.

Ganlanye (GLY), the leaf of Canarium album (Lour.) DC., is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb for warm disease treatment. We found that its aqueous extract could inhibit the influenza A virus. To find and characterize anti-influenza virus phytochemicals from GLY, we performed (1) bioassay-guided isolation, (2) a cell and animal assay, and (3) a mechanism study. Bioassay-guided isolation was used to identify the effective components. Influenza virus-infected MDCK cell and BALB/c mouse models were employed to evaluate the anti-influenza virus activities. A MUNANA assay was performed to find the NA inhibitory effect. As a result, urolithin M5 was obtained from the crude extract of GLY. It inhibited influenza virus activities in vitro and in vivo by suppressing the viral NA activity. In the MDCK cell model, urolithin M5 could inhibit an oseltamivir-resistant strain. In a PR8-infected mouse model, 200 mg/kg/d urolithin M5 protected 50% of mice from death and improved lung edema conditions. GLY was recorded as a major traditional herb for warm disease treatment. Our study identified GLY as a potent anti-influenza herb and showed urolithin M5 as the active component. We first report the in vivo activity of urolithin M5 and support the anti-influenza application of GLY.

Fatty Acid Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Dabai (Canarium odontophyllum L.): Effect of Origin and Fruit Component.

In the present work, the influence of geographical location on the fatty acid profiles, antioxidant potential, as well as cytotoxicity of edible dabai fruit fractions (kernel, skin, and pulp) were analyzed. The fatty acid profiles were determined by Gas Chromatography (GC), and the antioxidant activity was quantified with free 2,2-diphenyl-1-picr/ylhdrazyl, while the cytotoxicity was assessed by the brine shrimp lethality test. The results showed that the samples from Sibu, Serian, and Kapit geographical locations had a high content of the saturated fatty acids, ranging from 46.63% to 53.31% in the three fractions. The highest mono-saturated fatty acids (MUFA) content was found in Sibu. Serian and Kapit kernel fractions MUFA, however, ranged from 21.2% to 45.91%. No fatty acid composition was detected in Bentong and Kanowit. The fatty acid composition and DPPH free radical scavenging antioxidant activity of dabai were statistically independent using a multivariate analysis in different localities in Malaysia. The skin fraction had a more appreciable antioxidant potential and toxicity level than the pulp and kernel fractions. The highest antioxidant activity (EC50 198.76 ± 1.06 µg/mL) with an LC50 value of 1387.22 µg/mL was obtained from the Sibu skin fraction. Therefore, the fatty acid composition, antioxidant, as well as cytotoxicity analyses of the extracts from different localities indicated that "geographical location" remarkably influenced fatty acid composition, antioxidant activity, and toxicity.

Anti-influenza mechanism of phenolic phytochemicals from Canarium album (Lour.) DC. leaf extract.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Canarium album (Lour.) DC. belongs to the Burseraceae family. Its leaf, named as Ganlanye (GLY), was recorded to treat warm disease symptoms via clearing lung heat and toxicants in medical classics. Its aqueous extract had anti-influenza activity in our previous phenotypic screening. However, its active components and mechanism were not identified. AIM: We aim to isolate the anti-influenza phytochemicals from GLY extract and explore its anti-flu mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Influenza A virus infected MDCK cells were used to test the compounds and fractions. Structural analyses of new compounds were performed via NMR calculation with the combination of DP4plus probability method and computed electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Hemagglutination inhibitory assay and neuraminidase inhibitory assay were performed to find the target protein. Molecular docking and recombinant virus were used to confirm the action site of the three new canaroleosides. RESULTS: Three new phenolic glycosides, canaroleosides A-C (1-3), and three known flavonoids (4-6), were isolated from the GLY aqueous extract and their anti-influenza virus mechanism was revealed. The absolute configurations of 1-3 were determined by ECD method, with the structure of the 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid moiety in 1 assigned by NMR calculation. Compound 1 was found to suppress both hemagglutinin and neuraminidase activities. Compounds 2, 3 4 and 6 inhibited neuraminidase, while compound 5 inhibited hemagglutinin. 1-3 could interact with Arg152 of the viral neuraminidase based on the result of molecular docking and reverse genetics. CONCLUSION: Six phytochemicals were isolated from GLY aqueous extract and found to inhibit influenza A strains. They were found to interact with hemagglutinin or neuraminidase and canaroleosides 1-3 could interact with Arg152 of the viral neuraminidase. This study provided more evidence on the anti-influenza effect of Ganlan and laid the foundation for further generation of potent NA inhibitors.

Cell wall thickenings and tylosoid: developmental morphology reveals novelties for secretory canals in Protium ovatum (Burseraceae).

We investigated the structure, histochemistry, and ultrastructure of the secretory canals in the vegetative axis of Protium ovatum from a developmental perspective. Samples of roots, stems, and leaves were analyzed using light and transmission electron microscopy. Secretory canals composed of a uniseriate epithelium and a wide lumen occurred in the phloem of all analyzed organs. Schizogenesis and lysigenesis were merging processes involved in the origin, growth, ramification, and fusion of the secretory canals, forming an anastomosed secretory net. Essential oils, polysaccharides, and proteins were detected in the epithelial cells, as well as plastids with poorly developed thylakoids, dictyosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum, polysomes, and oil drops, showing the mixed nature of the secretion. Epithelial cells exhibited pectin-cellulosic thickenings in the anticlinal and radial walls. These thickenings may act in directing the secretion flux toward the lumen, protecting the neighboring tissues from the toxicity of secreted metabolites. Structural irregularities observed in the mitochondria cristae in epithelial cells may be associated with processes induced by toxic substances. Epithelial cells protruded into the lumen and became lignified in the outer portion of the secondary phloem, obliterating the non-functional secretory canals. We propose that this phenomenon presents a physiological significance similar to that of tylose, preserving the secretion flow inside the active portions of the secretory system. To our knowledge, epithelial cells with wall thickenings, mitochondria with structural abnormalities, and obliteration of non-functional canals are features reported for the first time for Burseraceae. These features have important functional significance for Burseraceae secretory system and contribute to a deeper knowledge of P. ovatum, a medically and economically important plant.

Anti-Inflammatory Benzofuran Neolignans from the Fruits of Canarium album (Chinese Olive).

Chinese olive is a well-known fruit in China. In this study, we explored anti-inflammatory phytochemicals of Chinese olive fruit, which led to the isolation of nine pairs of new enantiomers of benzofuran neolignans (1a/1b-9a/9b). Among them, the planar structures of compounds 1-3 were undescribed previously, and the absolute configurations of all compounds were reported first. Their stereostructures were elucidated on the basis of the interpretation of NMR, HRESIMS, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data, as well as ECD calculation. All compounds exhibited pronounced inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC50 values ranging from 6.0 to 30.2 µM. Furthermore, compounds 6a and 6b exert anti-inflammatory effects by blocking the nuclear translocation of NF-κB, thereby reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators COX-2, iNOS, IL-1ß, and IL-6. This study could provide some guidance and evidence to the further development and utilization of the Chinese olive.

Canarimoic acid: new tirucallane triterpene with antisalmonellal activity from the stem bark of Canarium schweinfurthii Engl.

One new tirucallane triterpene named as canarimoic acid (1), and three known analogues: 3ß-hydroxytirucalla-8,24-dien-21-oic acid (2), 3α-acetyltirucalla-8,24-diene-21oic acid (3) and 3-oxotirucalla-8,24-dien-21-oic (4) were isolated from the hydro-ethanolic crude extract of Canarium schweinfurthii. Their structures were established by extensive analysis of 1 D and 2 D NMR data in conjunction with mass spectrometry and by comparison with those reported in the literature. The evaluation of their antisalmonellal activity using broth microdilution method showed that compound 3 was the most active (MIC =16 µg/mL) against Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Typhimurium followed by compound 1 (MIC= 32 µg/mL) against Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Enteritidis.

In-vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity and preliminary mechanism of action of Canarium album Raeusch. fruit extracts.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Canarium album Raeusch. belongs to the Burseraceae family. Its ripe fruits, known as Qing Guo (QG) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), are used to treat sore throat, cough, and fish or crab poisoning. QG was reported to have antibacterial activity, and it exerted excellent anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) activity in our screening of abundant TCM. However, few studies have reported its anti-H. pylori activity and mechanism. AIM OF STUDY: The commonly used eradication therapies for H. pylori infection are antibiotic-based therapies. With the increasing antibiotic resistance of H. pylori, interest in finding alternative therapies has been aroused. This study investigated the phytochemistry profile, in vitro anti-H. pylori activity and possible anti-bacterial mechanism of QG extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: QG extracts were obtained by heat reflux extraction, ultrasonic extraction or liquid-liquid extraction with different solvents. The quantitative and qualitative phytochemical analyses were performed by colorimetric determination, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and UPLC-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). In vitro anti- H. pylori activity was assessed by broth micro-dilution method. Mechanism of action studies included morphological observation using electron microscopy, urease inhibition assay and determination of expression of virulence genes by RT-qPCR. RESULTS: All QG extracts especially ethyl acetate extract (QGEAE) were rich in phenolic components, with the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) on H.pylori of 39-625 µg/ml and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of 78-1250 µg/ml. Both aqueous extract (QGAE) and QGEAE could induce the morphological and structural changes of H. pylori, inhibit urease activity with IC50 of 1093 µg/ml and 332.90 µg/ml, respectively, and down-regulate the virulence genes, such as vacA and cagA. CONCLUSIONS: QG may exhibit in vitro anti-H. pylori activity by inhibiting growth, destroying the bacterial structure and down-regulating the expression of virulence factors. Moreover, QG is the homology of food and TCM, which can be considered as a safe and convenient agent against H. pylori infection.

Avaliação da ingestão de breu-branco no processo de reparo de incisivos de ratos reimplantados / Evaluation of breu-branco ingestion in the repair process of reimplanted rat incisors

Objetivo: Avaliação histológica da influência da administração sistêmica de solução de Breu-branco, sob o reparo periodontal e pulpar de incisivos de ratos submetidos a reimplante dentário. Material e método: O composto testado foi obtido a partir do fracionamento da resina de P. heptaphyllum (Breu-branco) em coluna cromatográfica e diluído em solução de tween 80. A avulsão foi induzida no incisivo central superior direito de 33 ratos Wistar machos, divididos em três grupos: RI (Reimplante imediato), em que os dentes foram mantidos em meio seco e reimplantados com 5 minutos, RTLI (Reimplante tardio conservado em leite integral), dentes mantidos 60 minutos em leite integral, reimplantados e após os animais foram tratados por 5 dias com soro fisiológico por gavagem, e RTLI+BB (Reimplante tardio conservado em leite integral com administração de solução de breu-branco), os dentes permaneceram 60 minutos em leite integral, reimplantados e os animais foram tratados por 5 dias com breu-branco sistemicamente por gavagem. Após 60 dias foi realizada eutanásia por sobredosagem anestésica e coletada a hemi-maxila direita contendo o incisivo reimplantado. Os cortes histológicos transversais foram corados com hematoxilina-eosina para avaliação histológica em microscopia de luz. Na análise histomorfométrica foram analisadas as características do ligamento periodontal, osso alveolar, cemento, dentina e polpa. Os testes Kruskal-Wallis e post-hoc de Dunn foram utilizados para a comparação entre os grupos. Resultados: Os três grupos no geral apresentaram resultados semelhantes na maioria das variáveis analisadas, somente o grupo RTLI apresentou diferença estatística significativa menor na organização do ligamento periodontal e inflamação aguda em comparação com o grupo controle. Conclusão: A solução de breu-branco apresentou potencial para utilização como medicação sistêmica em casos de reimplante dentário tardio, por mostrar comportamento semelhante ao reimplante imediato no processo de reparo do ligamento periodontal e pulpar(AU)

Objective: Histological evaluation of the influence of systemic administration of Breubranco solution on periodontal and pulpal repair of incisors of rats submitted to dental reimplantation. Material and method: The compound tested was obtained from the fractionation of P. heptaphyllum resin (Breu-branco) in a chromatographic column and diluted in a tween 80 solution. The avulsion was induced in the upper right central incisor of 33 male Wistar rats, divided into three groups: IR (Immediate replantation), in which the teeth were kept in a dry medium and reimplanted after 5 minutes, RTLI (Delayed replantation preserved in whole milk), teeth kept 60 minutes in whole milk, reimplanted and after that the animals were treated for 5 days with saline solution by gavage, and RTLI+BB (Delayed replantation preserved in whole milk with administration of breu-branco solution), the teeth remained 60 minutes in whole milk, reimplanted and the animals were treated for 5 days with breu-branco systemically by gavage. After 60 days, euthanasia was performed by anesthetic overdose and the right hemi-maxilla containing the reimplanted incisor was collected. Cross-sectional histological sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin for histological evaluation in light microscopy. In the histomorphometric analysis, the characteristics of the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, cementum, dentin and pulp were analyzed. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post-hoc tests were used for comparison between groups. Results: The three groups in general showed similar results in most of the variables analyzed, only the RTLI group showed a statistically significant lower difference in the organization of the periodontal ligament and acute inflammation compared to the control group. Conclusion: The breu-branco solution showed potential for use as a systemic medication in cases of late dental replantation, as it behaves similarly to immediate replantation in the repair process of the periodontal ligament and pulp(AU)

Secondary Metabolites Found among the Species Trattinnickia rhoifolia Willd.

Plant-derived products may represent promising strategies in the treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). From this perspective, it is observed that the Amazon phytogeographic region contains the tribe Canarieae of the Burseraceae family, composed of trees and shrubs supplied with resin channels. Its uses in folk medicine are related to aromatic properties, which have numerous medicinal applications and are present in reports from traditional peoples, sometimes as the only therapeutic resource. Despite its economic and pharmacological importance in the region, and although the family is distributed in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world, most of the scientific information available is limited to Asian and African species. Therefore, the present work aimed to review the secondary metabolites with possible pharmacological potential of the species Trattinnickia rhoifolia Willd, popularly known as "Breu sucuruba". To this end, an identification key was created for chemical compounds with greater occurrence in the literature of the genus Trattinnickia. The most evident therapeutic activities in the consulted studies were antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, anesthetic and antiparasitic. An expressive chemical and pharmacological relevance of the species was identified, although its potential is insufficiently explored, mainly in the face of the NTDs present in the Brazilian Amazon.

An aqueous extract of Canarium schweinfurthii attenuates seizures and potentiates sleep in mice: Evidence for involvement of GABA Pathway.

About 30% of epileptic patients continue to have seizures. The present study investigates the anticonvulsant and sedative effects of an aqueous extract of C. schweinfurthii in mice. Anticonvulsant effects of C. schweinfurthii aqueous extract (0.01-300 mg/kg, p.o.) were tested against 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 15 mg/kg, i.p.) -, pilocarpine (PILO, 380 mg/kg, i.p.) - and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, 75 mg/kg, i.p.) -induced seizures, while sedative effects were tested on diazepam (35 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced sleep. Afterward, the most effective dose of the extract (11.9 mg/kg) was antagonized with N-methyl-ß-carboline-3-carboxamide or flumazenil. In another set of experiments, mice were sacrificed for the estimation of GABA content and GABA-T activity in the cerebral cortex. The dose of the extract that protected 50% of mice (ED50) against 4-AP, PILO, and PTZ was respectively 4.43 mg/kg (versus 12.01 for phenobarbital), 9.59 mg/kg (vs 8.67 for diazepam), and 2.12 mg/kg (vs 0.20 for clonazepam). Further, the ED50 of the extract that increased the duration of sleep was 0.24 mg/kg (vs 0.84 for phenobarbital). N-methyl-ß-carboline-3-carboxamide or flumazenil antagonized (p < 0.001) the anticonvulsant effect of C. schweinfurthii in PTZ-induced seizures and diazepam-induced sleep when compared to the negative control group. The extract at all doses increased (p < 0.001) the GABA content and decreased (p < 0.001) GABA-T activity. These findings suggest that C. schweinfurthii possesses anticonvulsant and sedative effects. These effects seem to be mediated via the modulation of the GABA neurotransmission. These data explain the use of this plant to treat epilepsy in Cameroon traditional medicine.

Identification and Characterization of Glucosyltransferase That Forms 1-Galloyl-ß-d-Glucogallin in Canarium album L., a Functional Fruit Rich in Hydrolysable Tannins.

Hydrolysable tannins (HTs) are useful secondary metabolites that are responsible for pharmacological activities and astringent taste, flavor, and quality in fruits. They are also the main polyphenols in Canarium album L. (Chinese olive) fruit, an interesting and functional fruit that has been cultivated for over 2000 years. The HT content of C. album fruit was 2.3-13 times higher than that of berries with a higher content of HT. 1-galloyl-ß-d-glucose (ßG) is the first intermediate and the key metabolite in the HT biosynthesis pathway. It is catalyzed by UDP-glucosyltransferases (UGTs), which are responsible for the glycosylation of gallic acid (GA) to form ßG. Here, we first reported 140 UGTs in C. album. Phylogenetic analysis clustered them into 14 phylogenetic groups (A, B, D-M, P, and Q), which are different from the 14 typical major groups (A~N) of Arabidopsis thaliana. Expression pattern and correlation analysis showed that UGT84A77 (Isoform0117852) was highly expressed and had a positive correlation with GA and ßG content. Prokaryotic expression showed that UGT84A77 could catalyze GA to form ßG. These results provide a theoretical basis on UGTs in C. album, which will be helpful for further functional research and availability on HTs and polyphenols.

Amazonian medicinal smokes: Chemical analysis of Burseraceae pitch (breu) oleoresin smokes and insights into their use on headache.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In Latin American Traditional Medicine, the use of Burseraceae oleoresins for headache relief is widespread. In the quilombola (maroon) communities of the municipality of Oriximiná, Pará State, Brazil, Burseraceae oleoresins are burned as incenses to treat headache; an effect attained by inhaling the smokes. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to investigate the scientific rationale behind the use of Burseraceae pitch oleoresin smokes on headache by identifying its chemical constituents and discussing whether they could be beneficial for headache treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two samples of pitch oleoresins were purchased from Amazonian public markets; one of them marketed as "breu preto" (black pitch), and the other as "breu branco" (white pitch). The smoke headspaces produced upon burning these oleoresins were collected and analysed by GC-MS. For comparative purposes, the triterpenoid fingerprints of the oleoresins' dichloromethane extracts and profiles of the essential oils were also obtained by GC-MS - and GC-FID, in the case of the essential oils. RESULTS: A total of 32 compounds were detected in black and white pitch oleoresin smokes. All smoke headspaces of the pitch oleoresins shared the presence of volatile terpenoids (e.g., α-terpineol) and triterpenoids (e.g., α-amyrin, ß-amyrin, α-amyrone, and ß-amyrone). These compounds were also present in the crude resins and could potentially be responsible for anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and analgesic effects on headache. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacological data on the terpenoids detected in the Burseraceae pitch smokes strongly support their traditional use for headache, but their actual effects upon inhalation have yet to be determined.

Evaluation of Phytochemical, Antioxidant, and Memory-Enhancing Activity of Garuga pinnata Roxb. Bark and Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam) Oken. Leaves.

Garugapinnata Roxb. (Burseraceae) is a medium-sized tree widely available all over the tropical regions of Asia. Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam) Oken. (Crassulaceae) is an indigenous and exotic plant grown in tropical regions. Both plants have been used for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, wound healing, antidiabetic activities, etc. This investigation was designed to explore the result shown by methanolic extract of Garuga pinnata bark and Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves, on cognitive power and retention of the memory in experimental mice along with quantification of phenolic compounds and DPPH radicals neutralizing capacity. The memory-enhancing activity was determined by the elevated plus-maze method in Scopolamine-induced amnesic mice, using Piracetam as allopathic and Shankhpushpi as ayurvedic standard drugs. Two doses (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o.) of both extracts were administered to mice up to 8 consecutive days; transfer latency of individual group was recorded after 45 minutes and memory of the experienced things was examined after 1 day. DPPH assay method and the Folin-Ciocalteu method were employed to determine antioxidant potency and total phenol amount, respectively. 400 mg/kg of the methanolic B. pinnatum bark extract significantly improved memory and learning of mice with transfer latency (TL) of 32.75 s, which is comparable to that of standard Piracetam (21.78 s) and Shankhpushpi (27.83 s). Greater phenolic content was quantified in B. pinnatum bark extract (156.80 ± 0.33 µg GAE/mg dry extract) as well as the antioxidant potency (69.77% of free radical inhibition at the 100 µg/mL concentration). Our study proclaimed the scientific evidence for the memory-boosting effect of both plants.

De novo transcriptome assembly and comparative transcriptomic analysis provide molecular insights into low temperature stress response of Canarium album.

A de novo transcriptome analysis was performed in C. album, a temperature sensitive fruit tree in China, after treatment with varied temperatures. A total number of 168,385 transcripts were assembled, comprising of 109,439 unigenes, of which 70,530 were successfully annotated. Compared with control check group (CK), which was treated under 25 °C, the chilling stress (4 °C) treated group (CT), showed about 2810 up-regulated and 2567 down-regulated genes. Whereas, group treated under freezing (- 3 °C) stress (FT) showed an up-regulation and a down-regulation of 1748 and 1459 genes, respectively. GO classification analysis revealed that DEGs related to metabolic processes, single-organism metabolic process, and catalytic activity are significantly enriched in both CT and FT conditions. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis for both CT and FT treatments showed an enrichment of genes encoding or related to glycine/serine and threonine metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, carotenoid biosynthesis, photosynthesis-antenna proteins, and circadian rhythm. However, genes related to photosynthesis, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, glutathione metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism were specifically enriched in CT condition. Nevertheless, FT treatment induced genes related to plant-pathogen interaction, linoleic acid metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction and pentose phosphate pathway. Many of the genes involved in plant hormone signal transduction showed significantly different expression in both FT and CT conditions. However, the change was more evident in FT. Here we present the first of the reports for a de novo transcriptomic analysis in C. album, suggesting that the plant shows differential responses in chilling and freezing temperatures, where the hormone signaling and transduction contribute greatly to FT responses. Our study thus paves way for future research regarding functions of these potentially identified genes.