Lupeol: An antioxidant triterpene in Ficus pseudopalma Blanco (Moraceae)

Objective

To assess the antioxidant activity of Ficus pseudopalma Blanco (Moraceae) (F. pseudopalma) and characterize the active components present in it.

Methods

Column chromatography of crude ethanol leaf extract of F. pseudopalma was performed and seven fractions were obtained, labeled as F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7. DPPH, FRAP, Griess, Fenton and superoxide radical scavenging assays were performed to assess the antioxidant ability of the fractions. Thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance liquid chromatography and Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to identify and characterize the bioactive component present in each fractions of F. pseudopalma.

Results

DPPH and FRAP assay showed that F5, F6 and F7 exhibited the good proton accepting ability and reducing power as compared to the other fractions. All fractions exhibited a good nitric oxide radical scavenging activity wherein F1, F2 and F3 showed the highest inhibition. However, all of the fractions exhibited a stimulatory activity on hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. Lupeol matched one of the spots on the thin layer chromatography chromatogram of the fractions. Linear gradient high performance liquid chromatography and spiking of lupeol with the fraction revealed the presence of 5.84 mg/L lupeol in F6. Infrared spectra of the fractions revealed the presence of C-C, OH, aromatic C=C and C=O groups.

Conclusions

The identified lupeol in F. pseudopalma may be responsible for the exhibited antioxidant property of the plant. Furthermore, knowing the antioxidant capability of the plant, F. pseudopalma can be developed into products which can help prevent the occurrence of oxidative stress related diseases.     

Severe isolated allergy to Ficus benjamina after bedroom exposure

Allergies to Ficus benjamina (Fb, weeping fig) have been described first as an occupational disease in plant keepers and later in clearly atopic subjects with known sensitizations to other inhalant allergens. We report a case of a hitherto nonatopic man with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, contact urticaria, and asthma caused by a Fb kept in his bedroom for 18 months. Rubbing and skin prick test with native fig leaves and sap, and RAST to Fb were clearly positive. No other sensitization could be detected. After eliminating his Fb , he became asymptomatic within a few months. This case shows that private close contact to Fb can also induce allergy even in hitherto nonatopic subjects. Therefore, Fb should not be kept in bedrooms.     

A new indoor allergen from a common non-flowering plant

Ficus benjamina or weeping fig (w-fig) is one of the most common indoor non-flowering green plants in northern Europe. We have previously reported that occupational exposure to w-fig in plant keepers, both atopic and non-atopic, gives rise to IgE-mediated allergy with airway symptoms. About one-fourth of the plant keepers had become sensitized. We now report a study of sensitization in non-occupationally exposed persons comprising 395 patients, consecutively referred for allergological investigation, and 107 employees from two offices decorated with an abundance of w-figs. Of the patients, 56% were found to be atopic and more than half of them reported exposure to w-fig. Sensitization, as judged by a positive skin prick test and positive RAST, was found in 13 of the patients and in three of the employees. All of them suffered from rhinitis and/or asthma and were atopics and sensitized to one or several common allergens. We conclude that sensitization to w-fig is not uncommon and that in Sweden it is of the same magnitude as sensitization to the most common mould, Cladosporium herbarum. The risk that subjects with a genuine atopic constitution exposed to w-fig will become sensitized is about 6%. In approximately half of the patients the sensitization was considered to be clinically important.     

无花果多糖对荷S180小鼠血清MDA SOD 和GSH-PX的影响

目的：观察无花果多糖对荷瘤小鼠血清丙本醛，超氧化物歧化酶和谷光甘肽过氧化物酶的影响。方法：以荷S180实体瘤小鼠为模型，灌胃给药，连续10d，测定小鼠血清中SOD、GSH－PX的活性及MDA的含量。结果：无花果多糖可提高荷瘤小鼠血中抗氧化酶的活性，降低脂质过氧化物的含量。结论：无荷果多糖的抗瘤作用可能与提高SOD，GSH－PX活性和降低自由基水平有关。     

Ficus carica; isolation and quantification of the photoactive components

The presence and levels of furocoumarins in several parts of Ficus carica including the milky sap, were investigated. The results show that psoralen and bergapten are the only significant photoactive compounds, and are present in appreciable quantities in the leaf and shoot sap but are not detected in the fruit or its sap. These compounds are more concentrated in the leaf sap compared to the shoot sap. The psoralen levels are several times higher than those of bergapten. Lower concentrations of both compounds are present in autumn compared to spring and summer. These findings suggest that the reaction is induced primarily by psoralen. The response can follow contact with the leaf and shoot sap but not with the fruit sap, and is expected to occur more frequently from exposure to the leaf sap. The higher content of both photoactive compounds in spring and summer is partly responsible for the increased incidence of fig dermatitis during these seasons. Ingestion of the fruit does not cause photosensitization and the absence of photoactive furocoumarins in the fruit and its sap remains unexplained.     

Occupational allergy to weeping fig in plant keepers

Plant keepers take regular care of green plants in public buildings and offices. One of the most common green plants in Scandinavia is weeping fig (Ficus benjamina). We have previously reported on two plant keepers sensitized to this plant, one had asthma and the other allergic rhinitis. We now report a study of four plant-leasing firms employing 60 plant keepers and 24 less exposed. Positive RAST and skin tests in 16 of the plant keepers and two of the employees showed them to be sensitized. All sensitized subjects suffered from conjunctivitis and/or rhinitis and six had asthma. Handling of green plants is a new example of an occupation which may cause IgE-mediated allergy.     

小叶榕干浸膏及咳特灵胶囊的HPLC指纹图谱研究及LC-Q-TOF-MS成分分析

目的:建立小叶榕干浸膏及咳特灵胶囊的HPLC指纹图谱,并对其主要成分进行成分鉴定分析。方法:采用高效液相色谱法建立小叶榕干浸膏及其制剂的指纹图谱并用液相色谱-四极杆-飞行时间质谱(LC-Q-TOF-MS)鉴定指纹图谱主要色谱峰。采用Acquity UPLC HSS T₃C₁₈色谱柱(2.1 mm×100 mm,1.7 μm),流动相甲醇-0.05%甲酸梯度洗脱,流速0.2 mL·min^-1,柱温25℃。对指纹图谱所标识色谱峰进行了部分鉴定。结果:建立了小叶榕干浸膏及咳特灵胶囊的HPLC指纹图谱,通过液相色谱-四极杆-飞行时间质谱对其主要成分进行成分鉴定分析,鉴别出了14个化合物组分。结论:该指纹图谱方法适用于小叶榕干浸膏及咳特灵胶囊,化学成分鉴定准确,完善了高效液相指纹图谱,为小叶榕干浸膏及其制剂的整体质量控制提供了一定的依据。     

Mutagenic activity and chemical composition of phenolic-rich extracts of leaves from two species of Ficus medicinal plants

Plant species from the Ficus genus are widely used as food, and in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer agents, although some of these species are known to produce adverse effects. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the chemical composition as well as in vitro antioxidant and mutagenic activity of the aqueous extracts of leaves from F. adhatodifolia and F. obtusiuscula. Phytochemical screening using thin-layer chromatography identified 6 classes of secondary metabolites in the extracts. Total phenolic content was estimated by the Folin-Ciocalteau method and the phenolic profile was determined by UPLC-DAD-ESI/MS/MS. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by the DPPH radical assay and by the β-carotene/linoleic acid system. Mutagenic activity was measured by the Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation test with 4 strains, in both the presence and absence of metabolic activation. Flavonoids, coumarins, and tannins were detected in both extracts, and 6 major derivatives were identified as flavone compounds. Antioxidant activities were demonstrated for both extracts, while F. obtusiuscula contained higher concentrations of phenolic compounds. Mutagenic activity of the TA97 strain without metabolic activation was observed for both tested extracts, as well as the TA102 strain with metabolic activation. In addition, the extract of F. adhatodifolia was shown to be mutagenic to the TA102 strain without metabolic activation. Evidence indicates that the use of teas obtained from these two plant extracts in folk medicine may raise concerns and needs further investigation as a result of potential pro-oxidant mutagenic effects in the absence or presence of metabolic activation.     

Antihyperglycemic Activity of Petroleum Ether Leaf Extract of Ficus krishnae L. on Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

The petroleum ether leaf extract of Ficus krishnae has been evaluated for the management of diabetes in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Phytochemical screening of the leaf extract for various chemical compounds has also been carried out. Leaf extract was administered continuously for 21 days orally at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Along with this, the blood glucose level was monitored at regular intervals to understand the activity of the extract. The leaf extract has decreased the blood glucose level of diabetic rats which was comparable to an antidiabetic standard drug, glibenclamide, given at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg. It has been observed that the leaves of Ficus krishnae possess antidiabetic activity and it reduces the blood glucose level significantly. The phytochemical screening of leaf has revealed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, gums and mucilage, phlobatannins, reducing sugars and phenolic compounds. The Fourier Transform Infrared analysis of glibenclamide and leaf powder has displayed some common absorption spectra. This shows that leaf powder has a molecule which is close to glibenclamide. Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy have shown the presence of cellulose, Ca, Si, K, Cl, Mg, P, S, Al, Fe, Na, Sr, Pd, Zn, Mn, Cr, Mo, Br, Ni, Rb and Zr. It is assumed that these elements alongwith other chemical compounds of the plant species may play a role in the management of diabetes. The Raman Specta of both glibenclamide and leaf powder has also shown some similarities. The results obtained during the present investigation have revealed the antidiabetic activity of Ficus krishnae leaves. The phytochemical screening has indicated the various chemical constituents likely to be responsible for this activity. The Fourier Transform Infrared, Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence and Raman Specta of the leaf powder suggested that there is some glibenclamide like molecule or its derivatives which is imparting antidiabetic activity.     

Effects of Cream Containing Ficus carica L. Fruit Extract on Skin Parameters: In vivo Evaluation

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of cream containing Ficus carica L. fruit (Fig) extract on various skin parameters such as skin melanin, erythema, moisture content, trans-epidermal water loss and sebum. For this purpose, formulation with 4% concentrated extract of F. carica fruit and base without extract were developed. Base served as a control. Both base and formulation were applied to the cheeks of human volunteers for 8 weeks to investigate the effects on different skin parameters using non-invasive bioengineering instruments. Formulation decreased the skin melanin, trans-epidermal water loss and skin sebum significantly. Formulation increased the skin hydration significantly and insignificant effects on skin erythema. We concluded that a stable topical cream (w/o emulsion) containing F. carica fruit extract have effects on skin melanin, trans-epidermal loss, hydration values and sebum content and possibly could be used against for hyper pigmentation, acne, freckles and wrinkle.