Identification and Characterization of Natural and Semisynthetic Quinones as Aurora Kinase Inhibitors.

Aurora kinases (Aurora A, B, and C) are a family of serine/threonine kinases that play critical roles during mitotic initiation and progression. Aurora A and B kinases are ubiquitously expressed, and their overexpression and/or amplification in many cancers have been associated with poor prognosis. Several inhibitors that target Aurora kinases A, B, or both have been developed during the past decade with efficacy in different in vitro and in vivo models for a variety of cancers. Recent studies have also identified Aurora A as a synthetic lethal target for different tumor suppressors, including RB1, SMARCA4, and ARID1A, which signifies the need for Aurora-A-selective inhibitors. Here, we report the screening of a small library of quinones (nine naphthoquinones, one orthoquinone, and one anthraquinone) in a biochemical assay for Aurora A kinase that resulted in the identification of several quinones as inhibitors. IC50 determination against Aurora A and B kinases revealed the inhibition of both kinases with selectivity toward Aurora A. Two of the compounds, natural quinone naphthazarin (1) and a pseudo anthraquinone, 2-(chloromethyl)quinizarin (11), potently inhibited the proliferation of various cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 0.16 ± 0.15 to 1.7 ± 0.06 and 0.15 ± 0.04 to 6.3 ± 1.8 µM, respectively. Treatment of cancer cells with these compounds for 24 h resulted in abrogated mitosis and apoptotic cell death. Direct binding of both the compounds with Aurora A kinase was also confirmed through STD NMR analysis. Docking studies predicted the binding of both compounds to the ATP binding pocket of Aurora A kinase. We have, therefore, identified quinones as Aurora kinase inhibitors that can serve as a lead for future drug discovery endeavors.

GC-MS Chemical Profiling, Biological Investigation of Three Salvia Species Growing in Uzbekistan.

Salvia is a potentially valuable aromatic herb that has been used since ancient times. The present work studied the chemical profile of three Salvia species essential oils (EO): S. officinalis, S. virgata and S. sclarea, as well as assessing their antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities. A total of 144 compounds were detected by GC-MS analysis, representing 91.1, 84.7 and 78.1% in S. officinalis, S. virgata and S. sclarea EOs, respectively. The major constituents were cis-thujone, 2,4-hexadienal and 9-octadecenoic acid, respectively. The principal component analysis (PCA) score plot revealed significant discrimination between the three species. The antioxidant activity of the EOs was evaluated using in vitro assays. Only S. virgata EO showed antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay (26.6 ± 1.60 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g oil). Moreover, this oil exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in 2,2-azino bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric-reducing power (FRAP) assays in comparison with the other two EOs (190.1 ± 2.04 vs. 275.2 ± 8.50 and 155.9 ± 1.33 mg TE/g oil, respectively). However, S. virgata oil did not show any effect in the chelating ability assay, while in the PBD assay, S. officinalis had the best antioxidant activity (26.4 ± 0.16 mmol TE/g oil). Enzyme inhibitory effect of the EOs was assessed against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, α-glucosidase and α-amylase. AChE enzyme was more sensitive to S. officinalis EO (4.2 ± 0.01 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g oil), rather than S. virgata EO, which was ineffective. However, S. virgata had the highest BChE effect (12.1 ± 0.16 mg GALAE/g oil). All studied oils showed good tyrosinase inhibitory activity, ranging between 66.1 ± 0.61 and 128.4 ± 4.35 mg kojic acid equivalent (KAE)/g oil). Moreover, the EOs did not exhibit any glucosidase inhibition and were weak or inefficient on amylase enzyme. Partial least squares regression (PLS-R) models showed that there is an excellent correlation between the antioxidant activity and the volatile profile when being compared to that of enzyme inhibitory activity. Thus, the studied Salvia essential oils are interesting candidates that could be used in drug discovery for the management of Alzheimer's and hyperpigmentation conditions.

Facile multifunctional-mode of fabricated biocompatible human serum albumin/reduced graphene oxide/Cladophora glomeratananoparticles for bacteriostatic phototherapy, bacterial tracking and antioxidant potential.

To overcome multi-drug resistance in microbes, highly efficient antimicrobial substances are required that have a controllable antibacterial effect and are biocompatible. In the present study, an efficient phototherapeutic antibacterial agent, human serum albumin (HSA)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/Cladophora glomeratabionanocomposite was synthesized by the incorporation of rGO nanoparticles with HSA, forming protein-rGO, and decorated with a natural freshwater seaweedCladophora glomerata. The prepared HSA/rGO/Cladophora glomeratabionanocomposite was characterized by spectroscopic (UV-vis, FTIR, XRD and Raman) and microscopic (TEM and SEM) techniques. The as-synthesized bionanocomposite showed that sunlight/NIR irradiation stimulated ROS-generating dual-phototherapic effects against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The bionanocomposite exerted strong antibacterial effects (above 96 %) against amoxicillin-resistantP. aeruginosaandS. aureus, in contrast to single-model-phototherapy. The bionanocomposite not only generated abundant ROS for killing bacteria, but also expressed a fluorescence image for bacterial tracking under sunlight/NIR irradiation. Additionally, the bionanocomposite displayed pronounced antioxidant activity.

Validation of the Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Potential of Selected Triterpenes Using In Vitro and In Silico Studies, and the Evaluation of Their ADMET Properties.

The antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory potential of fifteen cycloartane-type triterpenes' potentials were investigated using different assays. In the phosphomolybdenum method, cycloalpioside D (6) (4.05 mmol TEs/g) showed the highest activity. In 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH*) radical and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) cation radical scavenging assays, cycloorbicoside A-7-monoacetate (2) (5.03 mg TE/g) and cycloorbicoside B (10) (10.60 mg TE/g) displayed the highest activities, respectively. Oleanolic acid (14) (51.45 mg TE/g) and 3-O-ß-d-xylopyranoside-(23R,24S)-16ß,23;16α,24-diepoxycycloart-25(26)-en-3ß,7ß-diol 7-monoacetate (4) (13.25 mg TE/g) revealed the highest reducing power in cupric ion-reducing activity (CUPRAC) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, respectively. In metal-chelating activity on ferrous ions, compound 2 displayed the highest activity estimated by 41.00 mg EDTAE/g (EDTA equivalents/g). The tested triterpenes showed promising AChE and BChE inhibitory potential with 3-O-ß-d-xylopyranoside-(23R,24S)-16ß,23;16α,24-diepoxycycloart-25(26)-en-3ß,7ß-diol 2',3',4',7-tetraacetate (3), exhibiting the highest inhibitory activity as estimated from 5.64 and 5.19 mg GALAE/g (galantamine equivalent/g), respectively. Compound 2 displayed the most potent tyrosinase inhibitory activity (113.24 mg KAE/g (mg kojic acid equivalent/g)). Regarding α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, 3-O-ß-d-xylopyranoside-(23R,24S)-16ß,23;16α,24-diepoxycycloart-25(26)-en-3ß,7ß-diol (5) (0.55 mmol ACAE/g) and compound 3 (25.18 mmol ACAE/g) exerted the highest activities, respectively. In silico studies focused on compounds 2, 6, and 7 as inhibitors of tyrosinase revealed that compound 2 displayed a good ranking score (-7.069 kcal/mole) and also that the ΔG free-binding energy was the highest among the three selected compounds. From the ADMET/TOPKAT prediction, it can be concluded that compounds 4 and 5 displayed the best pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior, with considerable activity in most of the examined assays.

Lasianosides F-I: A New Iridoid and Three New Bis-Iridoid Glycosides from the Leaves of Lasianthus verticillatus (Lour.) Merr.

A series of iridoid glycosides were isolated from the leaves of Lasianthus verticillatus (Lour.) Merr., belonging to family Rubiaceae. A new iridoid glycoside, lasianoside F (1), and three new bis-iridoid glycosides, lasianosides G-I (2-4), together with four known compounds (5-8) were isolated. The structures were established by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR experiments (1H, 13C, DEPT, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) in combination with HR-ESI-MS and CD spectra.

Fusaripeptide A: new antifungal and anti-malarial cyclodepsipeptide from the endophytic fungus Fusarium sp.

From the culture of the endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. isolated from the roots of Mentha longifolia L. (Labiatae) growing in Saudi Arabia, a new cyclodepsipeptide, namely fusaripeptide A (1), along with three known compounds adenosine (2), 2[(2-hydroxypropionyl)amino]benzamide (3), and cyclopentanol (4), have been isolated. Their structures were determined, using extensive 1D and 2D NMR and HRESI and GC mass spectral data. That is the first report for the isolation of compound 4 from natural source. In addition, compounds 2 and 3 are reported here for the first time from Fusarium sp. The absolute configuration of the amino acid residues of 1 was assigned by chiral GCMS and Marfey's analysis after acid hydrolysis. Fusaripeptide A differs from the reported ones from Fusarium sp. in the length of fatty acidic alkyl chain. Compound 1 was evaluated for its antifungal, anti-malarial, and cytotoxic activities. It exhibited potent antifungal activity toward C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, and A. fumigates with IC50 values of 0.11, 0.24, 0.19, and 0.14 µM, respectively. Furthermore, it had significant anti-malarial activity toward P. falciparum (D6 clone) with IC50 value of 0.34 µM. However, it showed cytotoxic activity toward the tested cell lines.

Elucidation of the interaction of human serum albumin with anti-cancer sipholane triterpenoid from the Red Sea sponge.

A sipholane triterpenoid, named sipholenone A, with anti-cancer properties was isolated from the Red Sea sponge Siphonochalina siphonella and characterized by proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (1 H NMR and 13 C NMR) spectroscopies. The goal of this study was to visualize the binding of this triterpenoid with human serum albumin (HSA) and to determine its binding site on the biomacromolecule. The interaction was visualized using fluorescence quenching, synchronous fluorescence, far- and near-UV circular dichroism (CD), UV-visible and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies. UV-visible spectroscopy indicated the formation of a ground-state complex as a result of the interaction. Sipholenone A quenches the fluorescence of HSA via a static quenching mechanism. A small blue shift in the fluorescence quenching profiles suggested the involvement of hydrophobic forces in the interaction. Sipholenone A binding takes place at site I of subdomain II A with a 1:1 binding ratio, as revealed by displacement binding studies using warfarin, ibuprofen and digitoxin. Far-UV CD and FT-IR studies showed that the binding of sipholenone A to HSA also had a small effect on the protein's secondary structure with a slight decrease in the α-helical content. Several thermodynamic parameters were calculated, along with Forster's radiative energy transfer analysis.

Curviflorside and curviflorin, new naphthalene glycoside and flavanol from Plicosepalus curviflorus.

The naphthalene glycosidecurviflorside [1,5-dihydroxy-8-methoxynaphthalene-2-O-ß-D-xylopyranoside] (3) and the flavanol curviflorin [(+)-catechin-7-O-3″,4″-dihydroxybenzoate] (4), along with two known flavonoids: (+)-catechin (1) and quercetin (2) were isolated from the shoots of Plicosepalu scurviflorus Benth. (Loranthaceae) growing in Saudi Arabia and the chemical structures were elucidated by 2D-NMR spectroscopy.

Odorasides A and B, new sphingolipid glucosides from Klienia odora.

Two new sphingolipid glucosides, odoraside A (1) and odoraside B (2), have been isolated from chloroform-soluble fraction of the total methanolic extract of Klienia odora, together with five known compounds, ß-sitosterol (3), oleanolic acid (4), betulone (5), 2,3-dihydroxy-12-oleanen-28-oic acid (6), and ß-sitosterol 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (7). Their structures were assigned from (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra, DEPT and by 2D COSY, NOESY, HMQC, and HMBC experiments.

In vitro antiprotozoal activity of abietane diterpenoids isolated from Plectranthus barbatus Andr.

Chromatographic separation of the n-hexane extract of the aerial part of Plectranthus barbatus led to the isolation of five abietane-type diterpenes: dehydroabietane (1); 5,6-didehydro-7-hydroxy-taxodone (2); taxodione (3); 20-deoxocarnosol (4) and 6α,11,12,-trihydroxy-7ß,20-epoxy-8,11,13-abietatriene (5). The structures were determined using spectroscopic methods including one- and two-dimensional NMR methods. Compounds (1)-(3) and (5) are isolated here for the first time from the genus Plectranthus. The isolated abietane-type diterpenes tested in vitro for their antiprotozoal activity against erythrocytic schizonts of Plasmodium falciparum, intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi and free trypomastigotes of T. brucei. Cytotoxicity was determined against fibroblast cell line MRC-5. Compound (2) 5,6-didehydro-7-hydroxy-taxodone showed remarkable activity with acceptable selectivity against P. falciparum (IC50 9.2 µM, SI 10.4) and T. brucei (IC50 1.9 µM, SI 50.5). Compounds (3)-(5) exhibited non-specific antiprotozoal activity due to high cytotoxicity. Compound (1) dehydroabietane showed no antiprotozoal potential.

New thiophene and flavonoid from Tagetes minuta leaves growing in Saudi Arabia.

Phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extract of Tagetes minuta L. (Asteraceae) leaves resulted in the isolation and identification of two new compounds: 5-methyl-2,2',5',2'',5'',2''',5''',2''''-quinquethiophene (1) and quercetagetin-6-O-(6-O-caffeoyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside) (9), in addition to seven known compounds: quercetin-3,6-dimethyl ether (2), quercetin-3-methyl ether (3), quercetin (4), axillarin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (5), quercetagetin-3,7-dimethoxy-6-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (6), quercetagetin-7-methoxy-6-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (7), and quercetagetin-6-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (8). The compounds were identified by UV, IR, 1D, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS spectral data. They showed significant antioxidant activity, comparable with that of propyl gallate. Compounds 8 and 3 showed weak to moderate antileishmanial and antimalarial activities, with IC50 values of 31.0 µg/mL and 4.37 µg/mL, respectively.

Silver nanoparticles improve the fungicidal properties of Rhazya stricta decne aqueous extract against plant pathogens.

One of the most promising, non-toxic, and biocompatible developments for many biological activities is the green synthesis of nanoparticles from plants. In this work, we investigated the antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized from Rhazya stricta aqueous extract against several plant pathogenic fungi. UV-visible spectroscopy, Zeta potential analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmitted electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyze the biosynthesized AgNPs. Drechslera halodes, Drechslera tetramera, Macrophomina phaseolina, Alternaria alternata, and Curvularia australiensis were tested for their potential antifungal activity. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) of Aq. AgNPs and Alkaline Aq. AgNPs was observed at 405 nm and 415 nm, respectively. FTIR analysis indicated hydroxyl, nitrile, amine, and ketone functional groups. Aq. AgNPs and Alka-line Aq. AgNPs had velocities of - 27.7 mV and - 37.9 mV and sizes of 21-90 nm and 7.2-25.3 nm, respectively, according to zeta potential studies and TEM. The antifungal examination revealed that all species' mycelial development was significantly inhibited, accompanied by severe ultra-structural alterations. Among all treatments, Aq. AgNPs were the most effective fungicide. M. phaseolina was statistically the most resistant, whereas A. alternata was the most vulnerable. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on R. stricta's antifungal activity against these species.

Biogenic Synthesis of Photosensitive Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles Using Citron Waste Peel Extract and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial and Anticarcinogenic Potential.

Background: Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) have been fabricated by several approaches, including green chemistry approach due to diverse application and versatile features. Objectives: The current study aimed to prepare a convenient, biocompatible, and economically viable MgONPs using waste citron peel extract (CP-MgONPs) to evaluate their biological applications. Methods: The CP-MgONPs were synthesized by a sustainable approach from extract of waste citron peel both as capping and reducing agents without use of any hazardous material. The physicochemical features of formed CP-MgONPs were determined by sophisticated analytical and microscopic techniques. The biogenic CP-MgONPs were examined for their antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, and photocatalytic attributes. Results: A prominent absorption peak in the UV-Vis spectra at 284 nm was the distinguishing characteristic of the CP-MgONPs. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals polyhedral morphology of nanoparticles with slight agglomeration of CP-MgONPs. The CP-MgONPs exerted excellent antibacterial potencies against six bacterial strains. The CP-MgONPs displayed significant susceptibility towards E. coli (20.72 ± 0.33 mm) and S. aureus (19.52 ± 0.05 mm) with the highest inhibition zones. The anticancer effect of CP-MgONPs was evaluated against HepG2 (IC50 : 15.3 µg·mL-1) cancer cells and exhibited potential anticancer activity. A prompt inversion of cellular injury manifested as impairment of the integrity of the cell membrane, apoptosis, and oxidative stress was observed in treated cells with CP-MgONPs. The biosynthesized CP-MgONPs also conducted successful photocatalytic potential as much as MgO powder under the UV-light using acid orange 8 (AO-8) dye. The degradation performance of CP-MgONPs showed over 94% photocatalytic degradation efficiency of acid orange 8 (AO-8) dyes within a short time. Conclusions: Outcomes of this research signify that biogenic CP-MgONPs may be advantageous at low concentrations, with positive environmental impacts.

LC-ESI-MS/MS-Based Comparative Metabolomic Study, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Three Lobelia Species: Molecular Modeling and ADMET Study.

The hydroethanol (70%) extracts of three Lobelia species (L. nicotianifolia, L. sessilifolia, and L. chinensis) were analyzed using LC-ESI-MS/MS. Forty-five metabolites were identified, including different flavonoids, coumarin, polyacetylenes, and alkaloids, which were the most abundant class. By applying Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) based on LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis, the three species were completely segregated from each other. In addition, the three Lobelia extracts were tested for their antioxidant activities using a DPPH assay and as antidiabetic agents against α-glycosidase and α-amylase enzymes. L. chinensis extract demonstrated significant antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 1.111 mg/mL, while L. nicotianifolia showed mild suppressing activity on the α-glycosidase activity with an IC50 value of 270.8 µg/mL. A molecular simulation study was performed on the main compounds to predict their potential antidiabetic activity and pharmacokinetic properties. The molecular docking results confirmed the α-glycosidase inhibitory activity of the tested compounds, as seen in their binding mode to the key amino acid residues at the binding site compared to that of the standard drug acarbose. Furthermore, the predictive ADMET results revealed good pharmacokinetic properties of almost all of the tested compounds. The biological evaluation results demonstrated the promising activity of the tested compounds, aligned with the in silico results.

Phytochemical, antimicrobial and antiprotozoal evaluation of Garcinia mangostana pericarp and α-mangostin, its major xanthone derivative.

Five xanthone derivatives and one flavanol were isolated from the dichloromethane extract of Garcinia mangostana. Dichloromethane, ethyl acetate extract and the major xanthone (α-mangostin) were evaluated in vitro against erythrocytic schizonts of Plasmodium falciparum, intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi and free trypomastigotes of T. brucei. The major constituent α-mangostin was also checked for antimicrobial potential against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillius subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium smegmatis, M. cheleneoi, M. xenopi and M. intracellulare. Activity against P. falciparum (IC50 2.7 µg/mL) and T. brucei (IC50 0.5 µg/mL) were observed for the dichloromethane extract, however, with only moderate selectivity was seen based on a parallel cytotoxicity evaluation on MRC-5 cells (IC50 9.4 µg/mL). The ethyl acetate extract was inactive (IC50 > 30 µg/mL). The major constituent α-mangostin showed rather high cytotoxicity (IC50 7.5 µM) and a broad but non-selective antiprotozoal and antimicrobial activity profile. This in vitro study endorses that the antiprotozoal and antimicrobial potential of prenylated xanthones is non-conclusive in view of the low level of selectivity.

In vitro antiprotozoal activity of triterpenoid constituents of Kleinia odora growing in Saudi Arabia.

Two lupane and four ursane triterpenes, namely epilupeol (1), lupeol acetate (2), ursolic acid (3), brein (4), 3ß 11α-dihydroxy urs-12-ene (5) and ursolic acid lactone (6) were isolated from aerial parts of Kleinia odora and identified. Compounds 1 and 3-6 were isolated for the first time from K. odora. The triterpene constituents were investigated for antiprotozoal potential against erythrocytic schizonts of Plasmodium falciparum, intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi and free trypomastigotes of T. brucei. Cytotoxicity was determined against MRC-5 fibroblasts to assess selectivity. The ursane triterpenes were found to be active against more than one type of the tested parasites, with the exception of compound 6. This is also the first report on the occurrence of ursane type triterpenes in the genus Kleinia and their antiprotozoal potential against P. falciparum, L. infantum, T. cruzi, and T. brucei.

Advanced polymeric metal/metal oxide bionanocomposite using seaweed Laurencia dendroidea extract for antiprotozoal, anticancer, and photocatalytic applications.

Background: Biosynthesized nanoparticles are gaining popularity due to their distinctive biological applications as well as bioactive secondary metabolites from natural products that contribute in green synthesis. Methodology: This study reports a facile, ecofriendly, reliable, and cost-effective synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs), and polymeric PVP-silver-copper oxide nanocomposite using ethanol extract of seaweed Laurencia dendroidea and were evaluated for antiprotozoal, anticancer and photocatalytic potential. The nanostructures of the AgNPs, CuONPs, and polymeric PVP-Ag-CuO nanocomposite were confirmed by different spectroscopic and microscopic procedures. Results: The UV-vis spectrum displayed distinct absorption peaks at 440, 350, and 470 nm for AgNPs, CuONPs, and polymeric Ag-CuO nanocomposite, respectively. The average particles size of the formed AgNPs, CuONPs, and Ag-CuO nanocomposite was 25, 28, and 30 nm, respectively with zeta potential values -31.7 ± 0.6 mV, -17.6 ± 4.2 mV, and -22.9 ± 4.45 mV. The microscopic investigation of biosynthesized nanomaterials revealed a spherical morphological shape with average crystallite sizes of 17.56 nm (AgNPs), 18.21 nm (CuONPs), and 25.46 nm (PVP-Ag-CuO nanocomposite). The antiprotozoal potential of green synthesized nanomaterials was examined against Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi parasites. The polymeric PVP-Ag-CuO nanocomposite exerted the highest antiprotozoal effect with IC50 values of 17.32 ± 1.5 and 17.48 ± 4.2 µM, in contrast to AgNPs and CuONPs. The anticancer potential of AgNPs, CuONPs, and polymeric PVP-Ag-CuO nanocomposite against HepG2 cancer cell lines revealed that all the nanomaterials were effective and the highest anticancer potential was displayed by PVP-Ag-CuO nanocomposite with IC50 values 91.34 µg mL-1 at 200 µg mL-1 concentration. Additionally, PVP-Ag-CuO nanocomposite showed strong photocatalytic effect. Conclusion: Overall, this study suggested that the biogenic synthesized nanomaterials AgNPs, CuONPs, and polymeric PVP-Ag-CuO nanocomposite using ethanol extract of seaweed L. dendroidea possesses promising antiprotozoal anticancer and photocatalytic effect and could be further exploited for the development of antiprotozoal and anticancer therapeutics agents.

In vitro antiplasmodial, antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities of selected medicinal plants used in the traditional Arabian Peninsular region.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide particularly in developing countries, a large proportion of the population is at risk for tropical parasitic diseases. Several medicinal plants are still used traditionally against protozoal infections in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Thus the present study investigated the in vitro antiprotozoal activity of twenty-five plants collected from the Arabian Peninsula. METHODS: Plant materials were extracted with methanol and screened in vitro against erythrocytic schizonts of Plasmodium falciparum, intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi and free trypomastigotes of T. brucei. Cytotoxic activity was determined against MRC-5 cells to assess selectivity. The criterion for activity was an IC(50) < 10 µg/ml (<5 µg/ml for T. brucei) and selectivity index of >4. RESULTS: Antiplasmodial activity was found in the extracts of Chrozophora oblongifolia, Ficus ingens, Lavandula dentata and Plectranthus barbatus. Amastigotes of T. cruzi were affected by Grewia erythraea, L. dentata, Tagetes minuta and Vernonia leopoldii. Activity against T. brucei was obtained in G. erythraea, L. dentata, P. barbatus and T. minuta. No relevant activity was found against L. infantum. High levels of cytotoxicity (MRC-5 IC(50) < 10 µg/ml) and hence non-specific activities were noted in Cupressus sempervirens, Kanahia laniflora and Kniphofia sumarae. CONCLUSION: The results endorse that medicinal plants can be promising sources of natural products with antiprotozoal activity potential. The results support to some extent the traditional uses of some plants for the treatment of parasitic protozoal diseases.

New constituents from the rhizomes of Egyptian Iris germanica L.

Chemical investigation of the methanolic extract of the rhizomes of Iris germanica L. (Iridaceae) afforded two new compounds; irigenin S (7) and iriside A (12), together with ten known compounds: stigmasterol (1), a-irone (2), γ-irone (3), 3-hydroxy-5-methoxyacetophenone (4), irilone (5), irisolidone (6), irigenin (8), stigmasterol-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (9), irilone 4'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (10) and iridin (11). Their structures were established by UV, IR, 1D (¹H and ¹³C) and 2D (¹H-¹H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) NMR spectroscopy, in addition to mass spectroscopic data and comparison with literature data. The methanolic extract was evaluated for its antimicrobial activity. Both the methanolic extract and the isolated flavonoids were tested for their anti-inflammatory activity.

Assessment of the in vitro antiprotozoal and cytotoxic potential of 20 selected medicinal plants from the island of Soqotra.

Malaria, leishmaniasis and human African trypanosomiasis continue to be major public health problems in need of new and more effective drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro antiprotozoal activity of twenty endemic medicinal plants collected from the island of Soqotra in the Indian Ocean. The plant materials were extracted with methanol and tested for antiplasmodial activity against erythrocytic schizonts of Plasmodium falciparum, for antileishmanial activity against intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania infantum and for antitrypanosomal activity against intracellular amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi and free trypomastigotes of T. brucei. To assess selectivity, cytotoxicity was determined against MRC-5 fibroblasts. Selective activity was obtained for Punica protopunica against Plasmodium (IC50 2.2 µg/mL) while Eureiandra balfourii and Hypoestes pubescens displayed activity against the three kinetoplastid parasites (IC50 < 10 µg/mL). Acridocarpus socotranus showed activity against T. brucei and T. cruzi (IC50 3.5 and 8.4 µg/mL). Ballochia atrovirgata, Dendrosicycos socotrana, Dracaena cinnabari and Euphorbia socotrana displayed non-specific inhibition of the parasites related to high cytotoxicity.