Antibacterial and anti-coronavirus investigation of selected Senegalese plant species according to an ethnobotanical survey.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In Senegal, upper and lower respiratory tract infections constitute a real health problem. To manage these disorders, most people rely on the use of local medicinal plants. This is particularly the case for species belonging to the botanical families, Combretaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae and Rubiaceae, which are widely used to treat various respiratory problems such as colds, flu, rhinitis, sinusitis, otitis, angina, bronchitis, bronchiolitis and also pneumonia. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to identify medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of infectious diseases, in particular those of the respiratory tract. On the basis of these ethnopharmacological uses, this study made it possible to highlight the antibacterial, antiviral and cytotoxic activities of selected plant species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Senegal among informants, including herbalists, traditional healers, and households, using medicinal plants in the management of infectious diseases, with a focus on respiratory tract infections. The most cited plant species were evaluated in vitro on a panel of 18 human pathogenic bacteria may be involved in respiratory infections and against the human coronavirus HCoV-229E in Huh-7 cells. The antiviral activity of the most active extracts against HCoV-229E was also evaluated on COVID-19 causing agent, SARS-CoV-2 in Vero-81 cells. In parallel, cytotoxic activities were evaluated on Huh-7 cells. RESULTS: A total of 127 informants, including 100 men (78.74%) and 27 women (21.26%) participated in this study. The ethnobotanical survey led to the inventory of 41 plant species belonging to 19 botanical families used by herbalists and/or traditional healers and some households to treat infectious diseases, with a specific focus on upper respiratory tract disorders. Among the 41 plant species, the most frequently mentioned in the survey were Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel. (95.2%), Combretum glutinosum Perr. Ex DC. (93.9%) and Eucalyptus spp. (82.8%). Combretaceae (30.2%) represented the most cited botanical family with six species, followed by Fabaceae (29.3%, 12 species). A total of 33 crude methanolic extracts of the 24 plant species selected for their number of citations were evaluated in vitro for their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Guiera senegalensis, Combretum glutinosum, Vachellia nilotica subsp. tomentosa (Benth.) Kyal. & Boatwr, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh., and Terminalia avicennioides Guill. & Perr., showed antibacterial activities. The most active plants against HCoV-229E were: Ficus sycomorus L., Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) Kuntze, Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir., and Spermacoce verticillata L. One of these plants, Mitragyna inermis, was also active against SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSION: This work confirmed the anti-infective properties of plant species traditionally used in Senegal. Overall, the most frequently cited plant species showed the best antibacterial activities. Moreover, some of the selected plant species could be considered as a potential source for the management of coronavirus infections. This new scientific data justified the use of these plants in the management of some infectious pathologies, especially those of the respiratory tract.

Interspecific insect relationships on Terminalia argentea (Myrtales: Combretaceae) trees in the Cerrado biome.

Terminalia argentea Mart. (Combretaceae), native to Brazil, is used in habitat restoration programs. Arthropods are bioindicators because their populations reflect changes in the environment. We evaluated the recovery of a degraded area by using ecological indices and analyzing arthropod interactions on T. argentea plants. The richness and diversity of sap-sucking Hemiptera and the abundance of tending ants and Sternorrhyncha predators increased with the number of T. argentea leaves. The correlation of the abundance of tending ants and Sternorrhyncha predators was positive with that of the sap-sucking Hemiptera, and the abundance of Sternorrhyncha predators was negative with that of tending ants and sap-sucking Hemiptera. The positive correlation between the abundance, richness, and diversity of insect groups and numbers of T. argentea leaves is an example of the bottom-up regulation mechanism, with the population dynamics of the lower trophic levels dictating those of higher trophic levels. The contribution of T. argentea, a host plant of many arthropods, to the recovery of ecological relationships between organisms in degraded ecosystems is important.

Arthropods as possible losses and solutions on Terminalia argentea (Combretaceae) saplings.

Terminalia argentea native tree to Brazil and used in landscaping, wood and coal production, and civil construction, is adapted to poor and dry soils and cultivated in severely disturbed ecosystems. This plant has insecticidal activity, but arthropods can cause damage to its saplings. This study evaluates the herbivorous insects and of their natural enemies on 48 T. argentea saplings which were divided according to the damage they cause or reduce it on these saplings using the percentage of the Importance Index-Production Unknown (% I.I.-P.U.). The Lamprosoma sp., Epitragus sp., Tropidacris collaris, Cerambycidae, Cratosomus sp., Psiloptera sp., Parasyphraea sp., Trigona spinipes, and Aphis spiraecola showed the highest % I.I.-P.U. on leaves of T. argentea. The Aphirape uncifera, Mantis religiosa, Uspachus sp., Podisus sp., and Araneidae, with the highest % I.I.-P.U. on leaves of T. argentea saplings are possible solutions to reduce damage by these pests. These natural enemies can reduce herbivorous insects on T. argentea saplings. However, their populations should be increased, especially spiders. Nevertheless, the Brachymyrmex sp. associated to A. spiraecola, in future T. argentea commercial plantations, can increase populations of sap-sucking insect and, consequently, their damage.

Insecticidal efficacy and possibility of Combretum trifoliatum Vent. (Myrtales: Combretaceae) extracts in controlling Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

BACKGROUND: The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is an important pest of agronomical crops. It is interesting to discover secondary metabolites in plants that are environmentally safer than synthetic pesticides. For this purpose, Combretum trifoliatum crude extract and its isolated compounds were investigated for their insecticidal activities against S. frugiperda. RESULTS: The median lethal dose (LD50 ) was evaluated in the second-instar larvae using the topical application method. The isolated compounds, apigenin and camphor, demonstrated a highly toxic effect on larvae at a lower LD50 dose than crude extract. Moreover, when the larvae were exposed to crude extract concentrations, the development to pupa and adult stages was reduced by more than 50%. The ovicidal toxicity was examined using a hand sprayer. The extract concentration 5, 10, and 20 µg/egg significantly decreased the egg hatchability. In addition, crude extract showed a significant difference in inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity while crude extract and camphor showed significant inhibitory effects on carboxylesterase (CE) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities. CONCLUSION: The crude ethanol extract of Combretum trifoliatum was toxic to S. frugiperda in terms of larval mortality, negatively affecting biological parameters, and decreasing egg hatchability. Additionally, the activities of cholinergic and detoxifying enzymes were affected by crude extract and its isolated compounds. These results highlight that Combretum trifoliatum might be efficient as a bioinsecticide to control S. frugiperda. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Challenging Structure Elucidation of Lumnitzeralactone, an Ellagic Acid Derivative from the Mangrove Lumnitzera racemosa.

The previously undescribed natural product lumnitzeralactone (1), which represents a derivative of ellagic acid, was isolated from the anti-bacterial extract of the Indonesian mangrove species Lumnitzera racemosa Willd. The structure of lumnitzeralactone (1), a proton-deficient and highly challenging condensed aromatic ring system, was unambiguously elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses involving high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), 1D 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and 2D NMR (including 1,1-ADEQUATE and 1,n-ADEQUATE). Determination of the structure was supported by computer-assisted structure elucidation (CASE system applying ACD-SE), density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and a two-step chemical synthesis. Possible biosynthetic pathways involving mangrove-associated fungi have been suggested.

Understanding the natural expansion of white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) in an ephemeral inlet based on geomorphological analysis and remote sensing data.

The interactions between local tides and river discharges are crucial in the processes related to the recruitment of mangrove propagules in estuarine systems. This investigation aimed to determine the causes of the recent natural recruitment and expansion of Laguncularia racemosa in mudflats within an ephemeral inlet in Mexico. We conducted a fluvial and coastal geomorphology assessment with spaceborne and UAV-based images. We deployed and recorded continuous data loggers in the estuarine system to assess water level and salinity. Depending on the available data, we used a combination of cloud-computing Google Earth Engine, UAV-Digital Surface Models, LiDAR, Google Earth images, and biophysical variables to monitor mangrove forests from 2005 to 2022. When the inlet is open, the estuarine system presents a full tidal range (∼1-1.5 m) with a strong salinity gradient (0-35 mS/cm), in contrast to the strong freshwater influence and minimal water level variability (<10 cm) that prevails for three months when the inlet is closed. Once the mouth of the river closes, there is considerable sediment accumulation, creating mudflat areas adjacent to the mangrove forests where Laguncularia racemosa propagules begin to establish under minimal water level variability and oligohaline conditions. After 16 years, the new forest expanded by 12.3 ha, presenting a very high density (10000 stems/ha), a considerable basal area (54-63 m2/ha), and a maximum canopy height of 15.8 m, which largely surpasses that of other semiarid Laguncularia racemosa forests within permanent open-inlet systems or even in ephemeral inlets with different hydrological conditions. Our study will help to understand the causes of natural Laguncularia racemosa recruitment in extremely dynamic systems.

Therapeutic potential and industrial applications of Terminalia arjuna bark.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight & Arnot (Combretaceae) is one of the most frequently used medicinal trees in Indian traditional medicinal systems. It is used for the treatment of a variety of diseases including cardiovascular disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the phytochemistry, medicinal uses, toxicity, and industrial applications of T. arjuna bark (BTA), as well as to identify gaps in research and applications of this important tree. It also aimed to analyze trends and future research paths to utilize the full potential of this tree. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extensive bibliographic research on the T. arjuna tree was carried out using scientific research engines and databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science, covering all relevant English-language articles. The database "World Flora Online (WFO)" (http://www.worldfloraonline.org) was used to confirm plant taxonomy. RESULTS: To date, BTA has been traditionally employed for several disorders such as snakebites, scorpion stings, gleets, earaches, dysentery, sexual disorders, and urinary tract infections along with the cardioprotective activity. About 38 phytocompounds were identified from BTA and were classified as triterpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, and glycosides. A wide range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects of BTA were reported such as anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-allergic, anti-diabetic, and wound healing activities. The oral administration of BTA (500 mg/kg) per day did not result in any toxicity in humans. The in vivo acute and sub-acute toxicity analysis of the methanol extract of BTA and one of its major compounds, 7-methyl gallate, did not produce any adverse effects up to a dose of 1000 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive review highlights various aspects of traditional knowledge, phytochemicals, and pharmacological significance of BTA. The review covered safety information on employing BTA in pharmaceutical dosage forms. Despite its long history of medicinal benefit, more studies are needed to understand the molecular mechanisms, structure-activity relationship, and potential synergistic and antagonistic effects of its phytocompounds, drug administration, drug-drug interactions, and toxicological effects.

Laguncularia racemosa leaves indicate the presence of potentially toxic elements in mangroves.

Brazilian mangroves have been severely impacted by metallurgical, petrochemical, pyrometallurgical smelters and other industrial activities. In Rio de Janeiro, mangroves are part of the Atlantic Rainforest now under the stress of high levels of industrial waste. Therefore, this work aimed to detect potentially toxic elements (PTEs) by evaluating the leaves of Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertn. f. collected from three mangroves with different levels of pollution. To gain further insight toward an accurate diagnosis of the effects of anthropogenic pollution on mangrove stands, we evaluated leaf epicuticular wax composition, as well as morphological and anatomical traits. Samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), gas chromatography (GC) and microscopy. Results revealed variation in the contents of PTEs among the three mangroves from lowest to highest concentration, as follows: Al (0.30-0.73), Pb (0.095-0.325) and Zn (0.25-0.30) mg/kg. Zn was detected in sclerenchyma tissues. Leaf epicuticular wax contained more than 50% of triterpenes, in particular, the pentacyclic triterpenes lupeol (41.61-55.63%) and ß-amyrin (8.81-16.35%). Such high concentrations promote the increase in leaf permeability to salts and PTEs. Micromorphology of leaf epicuticular wax in L. racemosa also varied among the three evaluated sites, especially around stomatal openings, but no harmful changes were noted. L. racemosa plays a key role in the rich diversity of mangrove ecosystems. As such, this species could, by the presence of PTEs in its leaves, be a suitable biomonitor of toxic substances in coastal environments of the world and used accordingly in strategies designed for eco-sustainable technologies.

Oral sub-chronic treatment with Terminalia phaeocarpa Eichler (Combretaceae) reduces liver PTP1B activity in a murine model of diabetes.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The endemic Brazilian medicinal plants of the genus Terminalia (Combretaceae), popularly known as capitão, comprising the similar species Terminalia phaeocarpa Eichler and Terminalia argentea, are traditionally and indistinguishably used in the country to treat diabetes. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present work investigated the effect of 28 days of treatment with the crude ethanolic extract (CEE) and its derived ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) from T. phaeocarpa leaves in a mice model of diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Streptozotocin-nicotinamide-fructose diabetic model was used to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of 28 days of treatment with the CEE and EAF from the leaves of T. phaeocarpa and metformin as a positive control. Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, ALP, AST, and ALT were measured with specific commercial kits and glucose with a strip glucometer. The thiobarbituric acid method measured the liver MDA level, while a colorimetric assay measured the GSH level and PTP1B activity. A UPLC-DAD profile was obtained to identify the main polyphenolic compound in the EAF. RESULTS: Treatment with CEE and EAF reduced plasma glucose in diabetic mice. At the end of the treatment, the plasma glucose level was significantly lower in EAF-treated (100 mg/kg) diabetic mice (106.1 ± 13.7 mg/dL) than those treated with 100 mg/kg CEE (175.2 ± 20.9 mg/dL), both significantly lower than untreated diabetic mice (350.4 ± 28.1 mg/dL). The serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, ALP, AST, and ALT were significantly reduced in diabetic mice treated with CEE and EAF. In the livers of diabetic mice, the treatment with CEE and EAF reduced MDA levels and the activity of the enzyme PTP1B (96.9 ± 3.7%, 113.8 ± 2.8%, and 134.8 ± 4.6% for CEE-, EAF-treated, and untreated diabetic mice, respectively). Galloylpunicalagin was the main polyphenol observed in the EAF of T. phaeocarpa. CONCLUSION: The present results demonstrate the significant antidiabetic effect of CEE and EAF of T. phaeocarpa and their reduction on the markers of liver dysfunction in diabetic mice. Moreover, the antidiabetic activity of T. phaeocarpa might be associated with lowering the augmented activity of the PTP1B enzyme in the liver of diabetic mice.

Lead tolerance of Laguncularia racemosa is associated to high proline accumulation and high antioxidant capacities.

Mangrove forests are threatened by the continuous discharge of inorganic pollutants and studies show that coasts receive high levels of heavy metals, from which lead (Pb) is one of the most persistent and toxic. In the present study, lead accumulation capacity, as well as its toxicological effects and tolerance mechanisms, such as proline accumulation and increased antioxidant capacity were evaluated in two contrasting mangrove species: Avicennia germinans and Laguncularia racemosa. Six-month-old plants were exposed to different concentrations of lead nitrate (0, 75, 150, and 300 µM) and samples of roots and leaves were taken from all treatments at different times during a 30d exposure period. Both species accumulated Pb in their tissues mainly in the roots, but L. racemosa had a greater capacity to accumulate Pb than A. germinans. Nevertheless, lead exposure caused less leaf chlorosis, lower reduction in the efficiency of photosystem II, lower reduction of daily photosynthetic rates, and lower electrolyte leakage in L. racemosa than in A. germinans. In line with those results, L. racemosa, in response to Pb exposure, accumulated more proline and showed higher antioxidant capacity than A. germinans, in both roots and leaves. Altogether, L. racemosa might be more suitable for restoration purposes, as it is not only capable of accumulating more Pb in its tissues but also shows greater tolerance to the stress caused by lead.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from Conocarpus lancifolius Engl. (Combretaceae).

Conocarpus lancifolius Engl. (Combretaceae) has several potential health-promoting effects, such as antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects. Phytochemical study of the ethyl acetate fraction of the leaf extract of this plant led to the isolation and identification of eight compounds viz., gallic acid (1), dihydromyricetin (2), myricetin (3), daucosterol (4), syringetin 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (5), quercetin 3-O-ß-D-glucoside (6), gallocatechin (7), and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (8). Their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in vitro and in silico inhibitory activities were evaluated. Daucosterol (4) showed the highest activity (IC50 0.316 µM) which was further validated by the superimposed docking orientation with the co-crystallized inhibitor, donepezil.

Untargeted GC-MS metabolomics to identify and classify bioactive compounds in Combretum platypetalum subsp. oatesii (Rolfe) Exell (Combretaceae).

INTRODUCTION: Combretum platypetalum is used in traditional African healing practices against different infections. Unfortunately, no scientific knowledge of its phytochemical composition exists, except for the isolation of two compounds from the leaves. Scientific study has been limited to the leaves only, despite the applications of stems and roots in traditional medicine practice and natural product drug discovery programs. OBJECTIVE: Omics was applied to identify and classify different volatile and semivolatile bioactive compounds in the leaf, stem, and root parts of C. platypetalum. The thermal stability of the plant constituents at 60-65°C extraction temperature by Soxhlet and maceration at room temperature on the type, class, and concentration of compounds in the leaf was further investigated. METHOD: A GC-MS untargeted metabolomics approach, automated deconvolution by the Automated Mass Spectral Deconvolution and Identification System (AMDIS) for GC-MS data, preprocessing by Metab R, and multivariate statistical data analysis were employed in this study. RESULTS: A total of 97 phytoconstituents, including 17 bioactive compounds belonging to the terpenoids, flavonoids, long-chain fatty acids, and other unclassified structural arrangements distributed across C. platypetalum, were identified for the first time. A correlation (r = 0.782; P = 0.000) between Soxhlet and maceration extraction methods relative to resolved chromatographic peak areas of metabolites was established. CONCLUSION: Findings corroborate the reported bio-investigation of its leaf extracts, its traditional uses, and previous findings from the Combretum genus. The results substantiate the possible applications of C. platypetalum in natural product drug discovery and provide a guide for future investigations.

Toxicological evaluation of aqueous leaf extract of Terminalia catappa linn (combretaceae) in pregnant rats.

Introduction: Terminalia catappa (T. catappa) leaves are used in the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, cough, jaundice, indigestion etc, while the bark is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, abscesses etc. Due to the acceptance and increased use of medicinal plants in pregnancy, there is a need to evaluate their toxicological profiles in pregnancy for safe use. This study aims to evaluate the toxicological effects of aqueous leaf extract of T. catappa in pregnant rats. Methods: acute toxicity study was carried out using Organization of Economic Corporation Development (OECD) 423 guidelines. Seventy-five rats (50 females and 25 males) were used at the age of 2 weeks just after weaning. The male rats were separated from the female rats in different cages and allowed to mature for 10 weeks. Then the rats were allowed to mate. After mating, 20 female rats with viable spermatozoa counts were selected and divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each (n=5). The control group received distilled water while the treatment groups II, III, and IV were administered with aqueous leaf extract of T. catappa orally at graded doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg respectively for 21 consecutive days. The daily food and water intake, and weight were recorded. On the 22th day, the rats were anesthetized by chloroform inhalation, and blood samples were collected for haematological and biochemical analysis. The maternal livers, kidneys, and hearts were collected and weighed, and histological studies were carried out. The fetuses were removed and examined. An isolated tissue experiment was carried out on the myometrium of the pregnant rat uterus. The isometric reading of the uterine contractions was recorded. Results: the oral LD50 was found to be ≤2000-5000 mg/kg. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the mean food intake at the 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses of the extract used on the 14th and 21st days when compared to the 7th day. The renal function test showed a significant (p<0.05) increase for chloride. The liver function test revealed that the extract at 100 mg/kg dose, significantly (p<0.05) increased only Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) liver enzyme, while at 200 mg/kg dose, only AST liver enzyme was significantly (p<0.05) increased, while at 400 mg/kg dose, ALT, AST, ALP, and albumin increased significantly (p<0.05) when compared to the control group. There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the relative organ weight of the liver at 400 mg/kg dose of the extract. The liver histology showed moderate hepatic vacuolation and necrosis, while the histology of the kidney showed slight tubular necrosis. Conclusion: this study has shown that the aqueous leaf extract of T. catappa is relatively not safe in the pregnant rats. Although it is non-toxic to the fetus, it exhibited tocolytic effect by inhibiting uterine contractions, thus it should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester or during labor.

Spectral analysis, in vitro cytotoxicity and antibacterial studies of bioactive principles from the leaves of Conocarpus lancifolius, a common tree of Jazan, Saudi Arabia / Análise espectral, citotoxicidade in vitro e estudos antibacterianos de princípios bioativos das folhas de Conocarpus lancifolius, uma árvore comum de Jazan, Arábia Saudita

The objective of the present study was to analyse the bioactive compounds of the leaves of Conocarpus lancifolius (C. lancifolius). The GC-MS analysis of the hot methanolic extract of the leaves (HMEL) of C. lancifolius exhibited the bioactive compounds such as 1-(3-Methoxy-2-nitrobenzyl) iso quinoline, morphin-4-ol-6,7-dione, 1-bromo N-methyl-, phytol, hexadecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester, 2,2’:4’,2”-terthiophene, ethyl iso-allocholate, caryophyllene oxide, campesterol, epiglobulol, cholestan-3-ol, 2-methylene-, (3á,5à)-, dasycarpidan-1-methanol, acetate (ester) and oleic acid, eicosyl ester. The FT-IR analysis of HMEL of C. lancifolius showed a unique peak at 3184, 2413, 1657 cm-¹ representing coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid. The HMEL of C. lancifolius was actively inhibiting the proliferation of breast cancer cells MCF-7 ATCC at the concentration of 72.66 ± 8.21 µg/ml as IC50 value. The HMEL of C. lancifolius also revealed a good spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram negative bacterial cultures screened in this work. The activity observed has shown more or less similar effects against screened bacteria. However, the magnitude of potentiality was significantly lesser compared to standard ciprofloxacin disc at p< 0.001 level (99% confidence intervals). Furthermore, the study demonstrating the bioactive compounds can be isolated from the leaves of C. lancifolius.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar os compostos bioativos das folhas de Conocarpus lancifolius (C. lancifolius). A análise por GC-MS do extrato metanólico quente das folhas (HMEL) de C. lancifolius exibiu os compostos bioativos como 1- (3-Metoxi-2-nitrobenzil) isoquinolina, morfina-4-ol-6,7- diona, 1-bromo-N-metil-, fitol, ácido hexadecanoico, 2,3-di-hidroxipropil éster, 2,2 ‘: 4’, 2 ” - tertiofeno, isoalocolato de etil, óxido de cariofileno, campesterol, epiglobulol, colestano -3-ol, 2-metileno-, (3á, 5à) -, dasycarpidan-1-metanol, acetato (éster) e ácido oleico, éster eicosílico. A análise FT-IR de HMEL de C. lancifolius mostrou um pico único em 3184, 2413, 1657 cm-¹ representando ácido cumarico, ácido clorogênico e ácido ferúlico. O HMEL de C. lancifolius inibiu ativamente a proliferação de células de câncer de mama MCF-7 ATCC na concentração de 72,66 ± 8,21 µg/ml como valor de IC50. O HMEL de C. lancifolius também revelou bom espectro de atividade contra culturas de bactérias Gram-positivas e Gram-negativas rastreadas neste trabalho. A atividade observada mostrou efeitos mais ou menos semelhantes contra bactérias rastreadas. No entanto, a magnitude da potencialidade foi significativamente menor em comparação com o disco de ciprofloxacina padrão em nível de p < 0,001 (intervalos de confiança de 99%). Além disso, o estudo demonstrando os compostos bioativos pode ser isolado das folhas de C. lancifolius.

Molecular Modeling Study of Novel Lancifolamide Bioactive Molecule as an Inhibitor of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1), and Anti-proliferative Proteins.

Combretaceae, an immense family involving species (500) or genera (20), originates in tropical and subtropical regions. This family has evinced medicinal values such as anti-leishmanial, cytotoxic, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiprotozoal, and antifungal properties. Conocarpus lancifolius (C. lancifolius) methanol extract (CLM) was prepared, then compound isolation performed by open column chromatography, and compound structure was determined by spectroscopic techniques (13C NMR, IR spectroscopy, 1H-NMR, mass spectrometry UV-visible, and 2D correlation techniques). Molecular docking studies of ligand were performed on transcriptional regulators 4EY7 and 2GV9 to observe possible interactions. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of secondary metabolites including steroids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, anthraquinones, and flavonoids. The isolated compound was distinguished as lancifolamide (LFD). It showed cytotoxic activity against human breast cancer, murine lymphocytic leukemia, and normal cells, human embryonic kidney cells, and rat glioma cells with IC50 values of 0.72 µg/mL, 2.01 µg/mL, 1.55 µg/mL, and 2.40 µg/mL, respectively. Although no cytotoxic activity was noticed against human colon cancer and human lung cancer, LFD showed 24.04% inhibition against BChE and 60.30% inhibition against AChE and is therefore beneficial for Alzheimer's disease (AD). AChE and LFD interact mechanistically in a way that is optimum for neurodegenerative disorders, according to molecular docking studies. Methanol and dichloromethane extract of C. lancifolius and LFD shows antibacterial and antifungal activity against antibiotic resistance Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus mutans, Brevibacillus laterosporus, Salmonella Typhi, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans, respectively. LFD shows antiviral activity against HSV-1 with 26% inhibition IP. The outcomes of this study support the use of LFD for cognitive disorders and highlight its underlying mechanism, targeting AChE, DNA-POL, NF-KB, and TNF-α, etc., for the first time.

Bioautography-guided HPTLC-MS as a rapid hyphenated technique for the identification of antimicrobial compounds from selected South African Combretaceae species.

INTRODUCTION: Many species within Combretaceae are traditionally used for the treatment of bacterial infections. The similarity in chemistry and antimicrobial activities within the family pose a challenge in selecting suitable species for herbal drug development. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at rapidly identifying antimicrobial compounds using bioautography-guided high-performance thin-layer chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPTLC-MS). METHODS: Hierarchical cluster analysis of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry data from the methanol extracts of 77 samples, representing four genera within Combretaceae, was carried out. Based on groupings on the dendrogram, 15 samples were selected for bioautography analysis against four pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium). Active compounds were identified using HPTLC-MS analysis of bands corresponding to the inhibition zones. RESULTS: Bioautography revealed 15 inhibition zones against the four pathogens, with the most prominent present for Combretum imberbe. Analysis of the active bands, using HPTLC-MS indicated that flavonoids, triterpenoids and combretastatin B5 contributed to the antibacterial activity. The compounds corresponding to molecular ions m/z 471 (Combretum imberbe) and 499 (Combretum elaeagnoides) inhibited all four pathogens, and were identified as imberbic acid and jessic acid, respectively. Chemotaxonomic analysis indicated that arjunic acid, ursolic acid and an unidentified triterpenoid (m/z 471) were ubiquitous in the Combretaceae species and could be responsible for their antibacterial activities. CONCLUSION: Application of HPTLC-MS enabled the rapid screening of extracts to identify active compounds within taxonomically related species. This approach allows for greater efficiency in the natural product research workflow to identify bioactive compounds in crude extracts.

Fungal succession on the decomposition of three plant species from a Brazilian mangrove.

Leaf decomposition is the primary process in release of nutrients in the dynamic mangrove habitat, supporting the ecosystem food webs. On most environments, fungi are an essential part of this process. However, due to the peculiarities of mangrove forests, this group is currently neglected. Thus, this study tests the hypothesis that fungal communities display a specific succession pattern in different mangrove species and this due to differences in their ecological role. A molecular approach was employed to investigate the dynamics of the fungal community during the decomposition of three common plant species (Rhizophora mangle, Laguncularia racemosa, and Avicennia schaueriana) from a mangrove habitat located at the southeast of Brazil. Plant material was the primary driver of fungi communities, but time also was marginally significant for the process, and evident changes in the fungal community during the decomposition process were observed. The five most abundant classes common to all the three plant species were Saccharomycetes, Sordariomycetes, Tremellomycetes, Eurotiomycetes, and Dothideomycetes, all belonging to the Phylum Ascomycota. Microbotryomycetes class were shared only by A. schaueriana and L. racemosa, while Agaricomycetes class were shared by L. racemosa and R. mangle. The class Glomeromycetes were shared by A. schaueriana and R. mangle. The analysis of the core microbiome showed that Saccharomycetes was the most abundant class. In the variable community, Sordariomycetes was the most abundant one, mainly in the Laguncularia racemosa plant. The results presented in this work shows a specialization of the fungal community regarding plant material during litter decomposition which might be related to the different chemical composition and rate of degradation.

Antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of total extract and supernatant fraction of the roots of Anogeissus leiocarpus in HFD-fed and Streptozocin -induced diabetic rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic properties of hydro alcoholic extract and supernatant fraction of the roots of Anogeissus leiocarpus, a plant used by traditional healers to treat Diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intraperitoneal administration of Streptozocin to Sprague Dawley rats under a fructose-enriched fat diet. Diabetic rats were treated with 500 mg/kg of total extract and 100 mg/kg of supernatant. The antidiabetic activity was assessed by measuring blood glucose level, lipid profile, insulin and biochemical parameters together with the antioxidant potential. The administration of total extract and supernatant exhibited significant decrease (p < 0.01) of the blood glucose level in the diabetic rats after 7 days of treatment compared to the diabetic rats. A significant reduction in the serum concentrations of cholesterol (19.7 %) and triglycerides (56.7 %) was observed in the treated diabetic rats. The levels of insulin did not differ across all the groups. However, compared to diabetic rats, HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin-resistance) and HOMA-ß (Homeostasis Model Assessment for ß cell function) showed a statistical decrease in insulin resistance and an increase in pancreatic ß cell function in the treated diabetic rats. Moreover, total extract and supernatant significantly increased GSH level and decreased lipid peroxidation because of their antioxidant properties. In comparison, the supernatant fraction exerted stronger antidiabetic and antioxidant effects than the total extract. Hence, the roots of Anogeissus leiocarpus are a potent antidiabetic agent that can be developed as an alternative medicine for diabetes and its complications.

GC-MS Analysis of Bioactive Compounds of Flower Extracts of Calycopteris floribunda Lam.: A Multi Potent Medicinal Plant.

Calycopteris floribunda Lam. is a potent medicinal woody climber that belongs to Combretaceae. This plant is usually found in dry deciduous tropical forests and is used in various medicinal practices like Ayurveda, Unani and Sidda. Whole plant and its different parts like leaves, flowers and stem are used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, jaundice and malaria. It is also have anthelminthic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, hepatoprotective and anticancerous activities. Knowing its medicinal properties, the present study is undertaken to investigate the preliminary phytochemical constituents and bioactive compounds of flower extracts by GC-MS. GC-MS analysis of flower extracts revealed the presence of over all 41 compounds, of which, acetone and ethanol extracts showed the presence of 13 compounds each, chloroform extract 8 and petroleum ether extract 7 compounds. Some compounds were common in two and three extracts only. The significant bioactive compounds identified are 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (59.81%) in chloroform extract, triterpene lupeol (34.98%) in ethanol extract, tetratetracontane (26.99%) in petroleum ether extract and gamma sitosterol (22.04%) in acetone extract.

Microcosm study on cold adaptation and recovery of an exotic mangrove plant, Laguncularia racemosa in China.

Laguncularia racemosa (a white mangrove) is an exotic mangrove species commonly distributed in southern intertidal zones in China since it was introduced for reforestation purposes in 1999. However, the invasiveness of this exotic species and its cold adaptability have rarely been reported. The present work determined the cold resistance level of L. racemosa and its recovery from cold stress, aiming to speculate its potential invasive capability in China. Results showed that the germination of L. racemosa seeds in sand or in simulated sea field models was significantly inhibited by a series of cold treatments, with no germination at 5 °C and decreased in germination at low temperatures (15-25 °C). Low temperature also reduced net photosynthetic rate (A), water use efficiency (WUE), transpiration rate (E), and stomatal conductance (Gs) of the seedlings of L. racemosa. On the other hand, cold stress up-regulated in leaves of malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Additionally, these physiological and biochemical indexes of cold-stressed L. racemosa could recover to the original levels if the plants were returned to room temperature with a few exceptions. For instance, the cold exposure duration altered seedlings' physiology, but the photosynthetic related activities could not recover if cold treatment lasted for 120 h. This study suggests that L. racemosa can tolerate low temperatures to some extent, thus settle and even invade the coast of China at high latitudes having cold winter, which poses a challenge to the conservation and management of local mangrove ecosystems.