Identification of Vernonia patula Merr. and Its Similar Varieties Based on a Combination of HPLC Fingerprinting and Chemical Pattern Recognition.

Vernonia patula Merr. (VP) is a traditional medicine used by the Zhuang and Yao people, known for its therapeutic properties in treating anemopyretic cold and other diseases. Distinguishing VP from similar varieties such as Praxelis clematidea (PC), Ageratum conyzoides L. (AC) and Ageratum houstonianum Mill (AH) was challenging due to their similar traits and plant morphology. The HPLC fingerprints of 40 batches of VP and three similar varieties were established. SPSS 20.0 and SIMCA-P 13.0 were used to statistically analyze the chromatographic peak areas of 37 components. The results showed that the similarity of the HPLC fingerprints for each of the four varieties was >0.9, while the similarity between the control chromatogram of VP and its similar varieties was <0.678. Cluster analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis provided consistent results, indicating that all four varieties could be individually clustered together. Through further analysis, we found isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C were present only in the original VP, while preconene II was present in the three similar varieties of VP. These three components are expected to be identification points for accurately distinguishing VP from PC, AC and AH.

Highly efficient catalytic degradation of organic dyes using iron nanoparticles synthesized with Vernonia Amygdalina leaf extract.

Today, nanoscience explores the potential of nanoparticles due to their extraordinary properties compared to bulk materials. The synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is a very promising method for environmental remediation, which gets global attention due to pollution-led global warming. In the present study, iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) were successfully synthesized by the green method using Vernonia amygdalina plant leaf extract as a natural reducing and capping agent. Biosynthesized FeNPs were characterized with different analytical techniques such as UV-visible, FT-IR, XRD, and SEM. The analysis revealed the formation of amorphous FeNPs with an irregular morphology and non-uniform distribution in size and shape. The average particle size was approximately 2.31 µm. According to the catalytic degradation investigation, the FeNPs produced via the green approach are highly effective in breaking down both CV and MB into non-toxic products, with a maximum degradation efficiency of 97.47% and 94.22%, respectively, when the right conditions are met. The kinetics study exhibited a high correlation coefficient close to unity (0.999) and (0.995) for the degradation of MB and CV, respectively, for the zero-order pseudo-kinetics model, which describes the model as highly suitable for the degradation of both dyes by FeNPs compared to other models. The reusability and stability of biosynthesized nano-catalysts were studied and successfully used as efficient catalysts with a slight decrease in the degradation rate more than four times. The results from this study illustrate that green synthesized FeNPs offer a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient means for the catalytic degradation of organic dyes.

Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Vernonia arborea accelerate the healing of infected wounds in adult Zebrafish.

BACKGROUND: Management of wounds and healing under impaired conditions are the major challenges faced globally by healthcare workers. Phytocompounds which are anti-microbial and capable of modulating inflammation contribute to overall wound healing and regain of the lost structure and function especially in wounds impaired with polymicrobial infection. METHODS: An acute cutaneous impaired wound model using adult zebrafish was validated to simulate mammalian wound pathophysiology. This model was used to evaluate phytofractions of Vernonia arborea in the present study, for reduction of infection; myeloperoxidase (MPO) as a marker of infection; neutrophil infiltration and resolution; kinetics of inflammatory cytokines; and wound repair kinetics (viz., nitrite levels and iNoS expression; reepithelisation). RESULTS: Four fractions which were active in-vitro against five selected wound microbes were shown to reduce ex-vivo microbial bioburden upto 96% in the infected wound tissue. The reduction in CFU correlated with the neutrophil kinetics and MPO enzyme levels in the treated, wound infected zebrafish. Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) was downregulated while upregulating anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), and nitric oxide signalling with fourfold increase in iNOS expression. The adult zebrafish wound model could well serve as a standard tool for assessing phytoextracts such as V. arborea for wound healing with anti-microbial properties.

Pyrroloquinolones B-F: Five unusual alkaloids from Vernonia glabra (Steetz) Vatke (Asteraceae).

Five unusual alkaloids featuring a pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolone skeleton (pyrroloquinolones B-F, 1-5) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the whole plant of Vernonia glabra (Steetz) Vatke, along with sixteen known compounds. Their structures were established by means of spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR, UV, IR, and ECD) and high resolution mass spectrometric techniques as well as by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. The ethanol extract and some isolated compounds were assessed for their antibacterial activity against four bacterial strains. The extract was significantly active against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC1026 and S. epidermidis ATCC35984 (MIC = 64 µg/mL). All the tested compounds showed moderate activity against S. epidermidis (16 ≤ MIC ≤ 64 µg/mL). Furthermore, this is the first report on tricyclic pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolone alkaloids from a plant source. A biosynthetic pathway for the formation of these compounds is also proposed.

Aqueous distillate of mature leaves of Vernonia zeylanica (L.) Less. and Mallotus repandus (Rottler) Müll. Arg. cued from traditional medicine exhibits rapid wound healing properties.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sri Lankan traditional medicine uses Vernonia zeylanica and Mallotus repandus broadly for the treatment of a multitude of disease conditions, including wound healing. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to scientifically validate the safety and efficacy of wound healing of an aqueous distillate of Vernonia zeylanica and Mallotus repandus (ADVM) mature leaves, tested on primary human dermal fibroblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human dermal fibroblasts isolated from clinical waste from circumcision surgery were characterized by flowcytometry and trilineage differentiation. The MTT dye reduction assay, and the ex vivo wound healing scratch assay established wound healing properties of ADVM using the primary human dermal fibroblast cell line. Upregulation of genes associated with wound healing (MMP3, COL3A1, TGFB1, FGF2) were confirmed by RT qPCR. GC-MS chromatography evaluated the phytochemical composition of ADVM. RESULTS: Compared to the synthetic stimulant, ß fibroblast growth factor, ADVM at 0.25% concentration on the primary dermal fibroblast cell line exhibited significant ex vivo, (i) 1.7-fold % cell viability (178.7% vs 304.3 %, p < 0.001), (ii) twofold greater % wound closure (%WC) potential (47.74% vs 80.11%, p < 0.001), and (iii) higher rate of % WC (3.251 vs 3.456 % WC/h, p < 0.05), sans cyto-genotoxicity. Up regulated expression of FGF2, TGFB1, COL3A1 and MMP3, genes associated with wound healing, confirmed effective stimulation of pathways of the three overlapping phases of wound healing (P < 0.05). GC-MS profile of ADVM characterized four methyl esters, which may be posited as wound healing phytochemicals. CONCLUSIONS: Exceeding traditional medicine claims, the exvivo demonstration of rapid skin regeneration, reiterated by upregulated expression of genes related to wound healing pathways, sans cytotoxicity, propounds ADVM, cued from traditional medicine, as a potential safe and effective natural stimulant for rapid wound-healing. Additionally, it may serve as an effective proliferative stimulant of dermal fibroblasts for cell therapy, with potential in reparative and regenerative therapy of skin disorders.

Stigmastane-type steroid saponins from the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina and their α-glucosidase and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities.

Two new vernonioside K (1) and vernonioside L (2) and four known Δ7,9(11) stigmastane-type steroidal saponins-vernonioside B2 (3), vernoniacum B (4), vernonioside B1 (5), and vernoamyoside A (6)-were isolated from the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina. Their structures were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis with one-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance, two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. All isolated compounds (1-6) were evaluated to determine their inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and xanthine oxidase. Among them, two new compounds 1 and 2 showed significant inhibition of α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 78.56 ± 7.28 and 14.74 ± 1.57 (µM), respectively, comparable with acarbose as a positive control (127.53 ± 1.73 µM); none of these compounds inhibited xanthine oxidase activity. Compounds 1 and 2 are promising candidates for the development of antidiabetic agents from natural sources.

Therapeutic Benefit of Vernonia amygdalina in the Treatment of Diabetes and Its Associated Complications in Preclinical Studies.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a complex heterogeneous metabolic disorder characterized by a defect in the function of insulin, is on the rapid rise globally. Sustained hyperglycemia which is a major sign of DM is linked to the generation of reactive oxygen species which promotes adverse complications of the disorder. Traditional herbal treatment of DM is a common practice in Africa and other tropical parts of the world. Vernonia amygdalina (VA), one of the highly researched species in the Asteraceae family, has proven to possess potent antidiabetic properties. Several phytochemicals identified in multiple extracts from VA are purported to be responsible for the antidiabetic potential of the plant. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic potential of VA in diabetes and its associated complications. We appraise the current evidence and further suggest potential areas that could be effectively exploited in future VA research on diabetes.

Blood pressure lowering effects of Vernonia amygdalina Del. Aqueous fraction on hypertensive Wistar Kyoto rats.

OBJECTIVES: Vernonia amygdalina (VA) is a plant that consumed as vegetable by Indonesians contained numerous secondary metabolites. VA's pharmacological action, including its antioxidant properties, anticancer, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective. The purpose of this research is to reveal the activity of Vernonia amygdalina. leafs aqueous fraction (VALAF) as a blood pressure-lowering agent in hypertensive model. METHODS: Combination of prednisone and NaCl were used as hypertensive inducer. The animals were split into five different groups, normal control group treated with distilled water, treatment VALAF groups with dose of 10; 20 and 40 mg/kg BW respectively, while the last group was treated with captopril at dose of 2.25 mg/kg BW. All animals were given an oral treatment for 15 days. On days 5, 10, and 15, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and blood flow (BF) were all measured. On days 0 and 15, NO level were assessed. All data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, and Duncan Multiple Range Test. RESULTS: The V. amygdalina leaf aqueous fraction has blood pressure lowering activity. The blood pressure parameter of the rats treated with VALAF were lower as compared to the normal control group (p<0.05). NO levels in the VALAF group were not significantly higher than in the normal control group (p>0.05). The VALAF 20 give the greatest percentage of decrease in blood pressure, heart rate and blood volume on the 15th day of examination. CONCLUSIONS: These study indicated that V. amygdalina leaf aqueous fraction has the potential to be an alternative therapy for managing blood pressure in hypertensive animal models.

Insight on Vernonia Plant for its Pharmacological Properties: A Review.

Vernonia is a woody shrub of the family Asteraceae. Over 1500 species are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. There are more than 54 species known to possess similar morphological features with the characteristic bitter taste. The pharmacological properties of different parts like seeds, leaves, and roots are well documented in folk medicine. They are rich in biologically active constituents such as alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroid tannins, and carotenoids having broad therapeutic activities like antiinflammatory, hypoglycemic, hyperlipidemia, antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidative, antiproliferative, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, etc. The present study summarizes and discusses the phytochemical profile, pharmacological properties, and toxicological effects of the Vernonia plant.

Polyoxygenated Stigmastane-Type Steroids from Vernonia kotschyana Sch. Bip. ex Walp. and Their Chemophenetic Significance.

Four polyoxygenated stigmastanes (1-4) alongside known analogues (7-8) and flavonoids (5-6) were isolated from a dichloromethane/methanol (1:1, v/v) extract of the whole plant of Vernonia kotschyana Sch. Bip. ex Walp. (Asteraceae). Their structures were determined by means of spectroscopic and spectrometric analysis. The relative stereochemistry of the new compounds was established and confirmed via biosynthesis evidence and cyclization of 1 under acidic conditions. A plausible biosynthetic pathway to the new compounds and the chemophenetic significance of the isolated constituents were also discussed. The crude extract, fractions, and compounds (1-3) were assessed for their antibacterial activity against five highly prevalent bacterial strains. The fractions and compounds showed low to moderate activity with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) > 125 µg/mL.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Vernonia amygdalina Del. in Uganda based on genome wide markers.

Determining the extent and distribution of genetic diversity is an essential component of plant breeding. In the present study, we explored the genetic diversity and population structure of Vernonia amygdalina, a fodder, vegetable and medicinal species of Africa and some parts of Yemen. Most empirical studies demonstrate that populations that are separated by geographic or ecological factors may experience genetic differentiation resulting from restricted gene flow between populations. A total of 238 individuals were sampled from two populations: i) Lake Victoria crescent (LVC) and ii) Southern and Eastern Lake Kyoga basin (SEK) agroecological zones of Uganda and genotyped using DArT platform. Of the two populations, the overall mean observed heterozygosity (Ho) was low to medium (Ho = 0.07[silicoDArTs] and 0.2[SNPs]). Inbreeding levels were also very low (-0.04 to -0.08) suggesting the presence of random mating. Partitioning of genetic structure in the two populations indicated that SEK exhibited a higher genetic diversity than LVC. The principal coordinates analysis (PCA) showed no geographical structuring, consistent with the low genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.00) and the low Euclidean genetic distance (1.38-1.39) between the LVC and SEK populations. However, STRUCTURE analysis with admixture models revealed weak possible genetic clusters with very small genetic distance among them. Overall, the results suggest low genetic diversity and weak genetic differentiation between the two populations. One possible explanation of the results could be the presence of human assisted gene flow over long distances.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Effects of Ethyl Acetate Root Extracts from Vernonia adoensis (Asteraceae) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

There is an increase in mortality and morbidity in the health facilities due to nosocomial infections caused by multidrug-resistant nosocomial bacteria; hence, there is a need for new antibacterial agents. Vernonia adoensis has been found to possess medicinal value. Plant phytochemicals may have antimicrobial activity against some resistant pathogens. The antibacterial efficacy of root extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated using the microbroth dilution method. All extracts from the roots had an inhibitory effect on the growth of both bacteria, with the most susceptible being P. aeruginosa. The most potent extract was the ethyl acetate extract which caused a percentage inhibition of 86% against P. aeruginosa. The toxicity of the extract was determined on sheep erythrocytes, and its effect on membrane integrity was determined by quantifying the amount of protein and nucleic acid leakage from the bacteria. The lowest concentration of extract used, which was 100 µg/ml, did not cause haemolysis of the erythrocytes, while at 1 mg/ml of the extract, 21% haemolysis was observed. The ethyl acetate extract caused membrane impairment of P. aeruginosa, leading to protein leakage. The effect of the extract on the biofilms of P. aeruginosa was determined in 96-microwell plates using crystal violet. In the concentration range of 0-100 µg/ml, the extract inhibited the formation of biofilms and decreased the attachment efficiency. The phytochemical constituents of the extract were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results of analysis showed the presence of 3-methylene-15-methoxy pentadecanol, 2-acetyl-6-(t-butyl)-4-methylphenol, 2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropanoyl) cyclohexane-1,4-dione, E,E,Z-1,3,12-nonadecatriene-5,14-diol, and stigmasta-5,22-dien-3-ol. Fractionation and purification will elucidate the potential antimicrobial compounds which are present in the roots of V. adoensis.

In vivo anticoccidial activity and immune response of Moringa oleifera and Vernonia amygdalina leaves against Eimeria magna and Eimeria media in rabbits.

Introduction: The aims of this study were to determine the immune response and the anticoccidial activity induced by Moringa oleifera and Vernonia amygdalina leaves in rabbits infected with Eimeria magna and Eimeria media. Methods: Thirty-five-day-old rabbits, free from coccidia, were infested with 2.103 oocysts of Eimeria magna and Eimeria media, then received the acetone extract of the leaves of Moringa oleifera and Vernonia amygdalina at different doses by oral gavage. Results and discussion: The inhibition of the excretion of oocysts was evaluated by the McMaster technique and the levels of cytokines (IL-4 and IL-12) and immunoglobulin IgG were assayed by the ELISA method. The in vivo efficacy on E. magna and E. media oocysts was 95.43% and 96.53% for Moringa oleifera and Vernonia amygdalina at 1000 mg/kg bw against 98% for the positive control. Interestingly the plant extracts increased the production of interleukin (IL) and immunoglobulins (Ig) compared to controls. Plasma IL-4 levels (pg/ml) in rabbits were 128.94 and 131.38; those of IL-12 (pg/ml) were 395.55 and 426.56, and then for those of IgG (µg/ml) were 14.70 and 13.94 respectively with the acetone extracts of Moringa oleifera and Vernonia amygdalina on D14 PT at 1000 mg/kg bw. This study indicates that Moringa oleifera and Vernonia amygdalina can be used as an alternative to synthetic anticoccidials. These plants could be used to increase the resistance of the immune system of rabbits to infestations of Eimeria species in rabbit farms.

[Properties of new exotic traditional Chinese medicinal Vernonia amygdalina leaves:a literature research].

The leaves of Vernonia amygdalina Delile of the family Asteraceae(also known as "bitter leaf"), rich in biological activities, are used as both medicine and food for a long time in West tropical Africa. They have been introduced into Southeast Asia and Fujian and Guangdong provinces of China in recent years. However, little is known about the properties of the plant in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), which limits its combination with other Chinese medicinal herbs. In this study, 473 articles on V. amygdalina leaves were selected from PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data and VIP to summarize their components, pharmacological effects and clinical research. V. amygdalina leaves presented anti-microbial, hypoglycemic, anti-hypertensive, lipid-lowering, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other pharmacological effects. On the basis of the theory of TCM properties, the leaves were inferred to be cold in property and bitter and sweet in flavor, acting on spleen, liver, stomach and large intestine and with the functions of clearing heat, drying dampness, purging fire, removing toxin, killing insects and preventing attack of malaria. They can be used to treat dampness-heat diarrhea, interior heat and diabetes, malaria, insect accumulation and eczema(5-10 g dry leaves by decoction per day and an appropriate amount of crushed fresh leaves applying to the affected area for external use). Due to the lack of TCM properties, V. amygdalina leaves are rarely used medicinally in China. The determination of medicinal properties of the leaves is conducive to the introduction of new exotic medicinal herbs and the development of new TCM resources, which facilitated further clinical application and research and development of Chinese medicinal herbs.

Bisabolane-Type Sesquiterpenoids with a Tetrahydrofuran or Tetrahydropyran Ring from Vernonia solanifolia.

Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Vernonia solanifolia resulted in the isolation of 23 new highly oxidized bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids (1-23). Structures were determined by interpretation of spectroscopic data, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and time-dependent density functional theory electronic circular dichroism calculations. Most compounds possess a rare tetrahydrofuran (1-17) or tetrahydropyran ring (18-21). Compounds 1/2 and 11/12 are pairs of epimers isomerized at C-10, while compounds 9/10 and 15/16 are isomerized at C-11 and C-2, respectively. The anti-inflammatory effect in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages was evaluated for pure compounds. Compound 9 inhibited LPS-stimulated NO production at the concentration of 80 µM. It showed an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Vernonia amygdalina Ethanol Extract Protects against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity via TGFß, Cytochrome c, and Apoptosis.

Doxorubicin (DOX) has been extensively utilized in cancer treatment. However, DOX administration has adverse effects, such as cardiac injury. This study intends to analyze the expression of TGF, cytochrome c, and apoptosis on the cardiac histology of rats induced with doxorubicin, since the prevalence of cardiotoxicity remains an unpreventable problem due to a lack of understanding of the mechanism underlying the cardiotoxicity result. Vernonia amygdalina ethanol extract (VAEE) was produced by soaking dried Vernonia amygdalina leaves in ethanol. Rats were randomly divided into seven groups: K- (only given doxorubicin 15 mg/kgbw), KN (water saline), P100, P200, P400, P4600, and P800 (DOX 15 mg/kgbw + 100, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg/kgbw extract); at the end of the study, rats were scarified, and blood was taken directly from the heart; the heart was then removed. TGF, cytochrome c, and apoptosis were stained using immunohistochemistry, whereas SOD, MDA, and GR concentration were evaluated using an ELISA kit. In conclusion, ethanol extract might protect the cardiotoxicity produced by doxorubicin by significantly reducing the expression of TGF, cytochrome c, and apoptosis in P600 and P800 compared to untreated control K- (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that Vernonia amygdalina may protect cardiac rats by reducing the apoptosis, TGF, and cytochrome c expression while not producing the doxorubicinol as doxorubicin metabolite. In the future, Vernonia amygdalina could be used as herbal preventive therapy for patient administered doxorubicin to reduce the incidence of cardiotoxicity.

In vitro antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activities of polar leaf extracts of Vernonia amygdalina.

BACKGROUND: Plants are able to deliver a huge number of differing bioactive compounds which may supplement the requirements of the human body by acting as natural antioxidants. Antioxidants are mindful for the defense component of the life form against the pathologies related to the assault of free radicals. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the qualitative phytochemical composition of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract and its antioxidant activity. METHOD: The powdered plant sample was successively extracted with aqueous, methanol and ethanol solvents using Soxhlet apparatus. The antioxidant activities of the crude leaf extract were determined using 1, 1- diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical, phosphomolybdate (PM) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging assay. All the examinations were drained triplicates and average values of each test were taken. RESULTS: Phytochemical investigation of the plant revealed that the three solvent extracts contained numerous bioactive compounds namely alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenols, terpenoids, steroids, glycosides and sugars. The result showed that, the leaf extracts of V. amygdalina obtained from methanol extract exhibit the maximum antioxidant activity compared ethanol and aqueous extracts. The IC50 values of DPPH assay for the H2O, MeOH and EtOH extracts were 111.4, 94.92 and 94.83 µg/ml; of ABTS assay were 334.3, 179.8 and 256.9 µg/ml; of H2O2 assay were 141.6, 156 and 180.6 µg/ml, respectively. The maximum radical scavenging activity was obtained in DPPH assay while the lowest scavenging activity was obtained in ABTS assay method. The data obtained in the in vitro models clearly suggest that methanol extract has higher antioxidant activity due to a higher presence of phenolic constituents in the extract. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that V. amygdalina leaf has a noteworthy antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity mitigating the traditional use of the plant for different aliments.

[Melanogenesis of quality markers in Vernonia anthelmintica Injection based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined network pharmacology].

This study aimed to evaluate the biological effect and mechanism of Vernonia anthelmintica Injection(VAI) on melanin accumulation. The in vivo depigmentation model was induced by propylthiouracil(PTU) in zebrafish, and the effect of VAI on melanin accumulation was evaluated based on the in vitro B16F10 cell model. The chemical composition of VAI was identified according to the high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Network pharmaco-logy was applied to predict potential targets and pathways of VAI. A "VAI component-target-pathway" network was established, and the pharmacodynamic molecules were screened out based on the topological characteristics of the network. The binding of active molecules to key targets was verified by molecular docking. The results showed that VAI promoted tyrosinase activity and melanin production in B16F10 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner and could restore the melanin in the body of the zebrafish model. Fifty-six compounds were identified from VAI, including flavonoids(15/56), terpenoids(10/56), phenolic acids(9/56), fatty acids(9/56), steroids(6/56), and others(7/56). Network pharmacological analysis screened four potential quality markers, including apigenin, chrysoeriol, syringaresinol, and butein, involving 61 targets and 65 pathways, and molecular docking verified their binding to TYR, NFE2L2, CASP3, MAPK1, MAPK8, and MAPK14. It was found that the mRNA expression of MITF, TYR, TYRP1, and DCT in B16F10 cells was promoted. By UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and network pharmacology, this study determined the material basis of VAI against vitiligo, screened apigenin, chrysoeriol, syringaresinol, and butein as the quality markers of VAI, and verified the efficacy and internal mechanism of melanogenesis, providing a basis for quality control and further clinical research.

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Saponins Isolated from Vernonia gratiosa Hance.

Species belonging to the Vernonia (Asteraceae), the largest genus in the tribe Vernonieae (consisting of about 1,000 species), are widely used in food and medicine. These plants are rich sources of bioactive sesquiterpene lactones and steroid saponins, likely including many as yet undiscovered chemical components. A phytochemical investigation resulted in the separation of three new stigmastane-type steroidal saponins (1 - 3), designated as vernogratiosides A-C, from whole plants of V. gratiosa. Their structures were elucidated based on infrared spectroscopy (IR), one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), and electronic circular dichroism analyses (ECD), as well as chemical reactivity. Molecular docking analysis of representative saponins with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was performed. Additionally, the intended substances were tested for their ability to inhibit α-glucosidase activity in a laboratory setting. The results suggested that stigmastane-type steroidal saponins from V. gratiosa are promising candidate antidiabetic agents.

Different proportions of dried Vernonia amygdalina leaves and wheat bran mixture supplementation on feed intake, digestibility and body weight change of Arsi-Bale sheep fed with natural pasture hay as basal diet.

BACKGROUND: Animal feed shortage in quality and quantity, and escalating costs of agro-industrial by-products to supplement crop residues and natural pasture hay urged to look for alternative feed supplements. Vernonia amygdalina leaf is one of the potential feed resources to supplement poor quality feeds in ruminant feeding. OBJECTIVES: This experiment was designed to evaluate effects of supplementing dried V. amygdalina leaves (DVL) and wheat bran (WB) mixture on feed intake, digestibility, body weight change and economic feasibility of Arsi-Bale sheep fed with natural pasture hay as basal diet. METHODS: Twenty intact yearling male sheep with an initial body weight (IBW) of 18.85 ± 0.95 kg (mean ± SD) were stratified into five blocks (four animals per block) based on their IBW and kept for 90 days of feeding and 10 days of digestibility trials. Four treatment diets comprised ad libitum hay (control, T1) and ad libitum hay plus daily supplementation of 300 g dry matter (DM) in a ratio of 2DVL:1WB (T2), 1DVL:1WB (T3) and 1DVL:2WB (T4), and the treatment feeds were randomly assigned to each animal within a block. Data were subjected to the analysis of variance using the GLM procedure of SAS (version 9.1). RESULTS: The results showed that the crude protein contents of hay, DVL and WB were 9.4%, 21.5% and 15.5%, respectively. Supplementation improved (p < 0.0001) DM intake (DMI), apparent nutrient digestibility, average daily gain (ADG) and economic return. Sheep supplemented with two parts of DVL and one part of WB resulted significantly (p<0.0001) the highest DMI, DM and nutrient digestibility and a better feed conversion ratio. Consequently, they resulted highest ADG and net return. CONCLUSIONS: Sheep fed with a basal diet of natural pasture hay supplemented with two parts of DVL and one part of WB is economical to improve body weight of Arsi-Bale sheep.