Antiproliferative effects of extracts from Iranian Artemisia species on cancer cell lines

Objective: Different species of Artemisia (Asteraceae) have shown to exhibit antitumor activity. The aim of this study was to identify the antiproliferative effect of some Artemisia species from Iran on cultured human cancer cells.

Materials and methods: Methanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and n-hexane extracts from aerial parts of seven species of Artemisia were prepared and their antiproliferative effects on four cancer (AGS, HeLa, HT-29 and MCF-7) and normal cell line (L929) were determined. Different concentrations of extracts were added to cultured cells and incubated for 72?h. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was employed to assess the cell viability.

Results: Different extracts exert various growth inhibitory effects. In case of AGS cells, dichloromethane and methanol extracts of A. ciniformis Krasch. & Popov ex Poljak. (IC₅₀ values: 35 and 60 µg/ml, respectively) showed the highest growth inhibitory effects. HeLa cells were more sensitive to both A. diffusa Krasch. ex Poljak. dichloromethane (IC₅₀ value: 71 µg/ml) and A. ciniformis ethylacetate (IC₅₀ value: 73 µg/ml) extracts. Dichloromethane extracts of A. diffusa, A. santolina Schrenk and A. ciniformis (IC₅₀ values: 42, 91 and 94 µg/ml, respectively) exhibited more inhibition on HT-29 cells in comparison to other extracts. MCF-7 cells were best inhibited by A. ciniformis dichloromethane (IC₅₀ value: 29 µg/ml) and A. vulgaris L. ethyl acetate (IC₅₀ value: 57 µg/ml) extracts.

Discussion and conclusion: This study shows the antiproliferative effects of Artemisia extracts on malignant cell lines. Artemisia could be also considered as a promising chemotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment.     

Cytotoxic effects of Eryngium kotschyi and Eryngium maritimum on Hep2, HepG2, Vero and U138 MG cell lines

Abstract

Context: Eryngium maritimum L. and the endemic Eryngium kotschyi Boiss. of the Apiaceae family are used for antiinflammatory, antivenom, antinociceptive and diuretic purposes in folk medicine in Turkey.

Objective: This study investigated the cytotoxic effects of the plant extracts belonging to Eryngium L. genus on various cell lines.

Materials and methods: Cytotoxic activites of the lyophilized aqueous aereal and root parts of the plant extracts on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), human laryngeal epidermoid carcinoma (Hep2), human glioma (U138-MG) and African green monkey kidney epithelial (Vero) cell lines at 8.33–266.62?µg/ml concentrations were analyzed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) cell viability assays.

Results: Inhibitory concentration 50 (IC₅₀) values were found <100?µg/ml in most cases varying around 16.33–125.66?µg/ml. IC₅₀ values for E. kostchyi and E. maritimum root parts on Hep2 cells (32.86 and 30.25?µg/ml, respectively), E. kotschyi aereal, E. maritimum aereal and root parts on HepG2 cells (31.75, 32.42 and 35.01?µg/ml, respectively) by MTT assay were found to be close to the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommendations (IC₅₀?<?30?µg/ml) to define the antivity aganist cancer cells. The lowest IC₅₀ values according to the LDH method were observed in Hep2 cells and the highest in U138-MG cells. Root parts were found to be more toxic than aereal parts for both plants in both methods in general.

Discussion and conclusion: Both plant extracts exerted cytotoxic activity aganist Hep2 and HepG2 cells, with low IC₅₀ values defining their promising anticancer property according to NCI; however, further analysis are needed to confirm their activity.     

Antimalarial Ethnobotany: In Vitro. Antiplasmodial Activity of Seven Plants Identified in the Nigerian Middle Belt

Abstract

Seven methanol extracts of seven plants from seven plant families were screened for antimalarial properties. The plants were identified and selected from Gboko and Kastina-Ala local government areas in the Tivland ethnobotany in the Middle Belt Zone of Nigeria. Methanol plant extracts were evaluated for in vitro. antimalarial properties using the lactate dehydrogenase technique, with a multiresistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum. K1. Quantification of activity was by estimation of the concentration of extracts that inhibited 50% growth of parasite (IC₅₀) in µg/ml. Of the seven plants screened, Erythrina senegalensis. DC (Leguminosae), Pericopsis elata. Harms (Papilionaceae), and Bridelia micrantha. Benth (Fabaceae) had IC₅₀ values of 99.7, 124.8, and 158.7?µg/ml, respectively. Nauclea latifolia. SM (Rubiaceae) extract exhibited the least activity in the assay with an IC₅₀ value of 478.9?µg/ml.     

Carthamus,Salvia and Stachys species protect neuronal cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis

Context: Finding effective therapies for neurodegenerative diseases is of utmost importance for the aging population. Plants growing in Iran are rich sources of antioxidants and active phytochemicals.

Objective: The protective capacity of plants, with a special focus on those with reported antioxidant or neuroprotective potential or nervous system-related applications in folk medicine, was tested against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.

Materials and methods: Aerial parts of 20 plants including Carthamus, Salvia, and Stachys species were extracted with 80% methanol and dichloromethane and preincubated with neuronal PC12 cells for 3?h. Oxidative stress and apoptosis were induced by hydrogen peroxide (75?µM, 1?h exposure). Cell viability and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by MTT and 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA) assays, respectively, while apoptosis was determined by annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining by a flow cytometer.

Results: Eighty percent methanol extracts of Carthamus oxyacantha Bieb. (Asteraceae), Salvia santolinifolia Boiss. (Lamiaceae), and Salvia sclarea L. (Lamiaceae) at the concentration of 100?μg/ml showed significant neuroprotection in the MTT assay by 38.7, 34.7, and 39.5%, respectively, and inhibited intracellular ROS by 48.6, 61.9, and 61.4%, respectively. The first two extracts also significantly inhibited apoptosis. Dichloromethane extracts of C. oxyacantha and Stachys pilifera Benth. (Lamiaceae) at the concentration of 25?μg/ml showed neuroprotection by 27.5 and 26.5%, respectively, and inhibited ROS by 44.5 and 39.4%, respectively.

Conclusion: The above-mentioned plants seem to have important biological activities and their further study may lead to the discovery of new natural therapeutics useful against disorders such as Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases.     

Pharmacological evaluation for anti-asthmatic and anti-inflammatory potential of Woodfordia fruticosa flower extracts

Context: Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. (Lythraceae) flowers are ethnopharmacologically acclaimed in the Indian medicinal system to treat asthma.

Objective: To evaluate W. fruticosa flower extracts for anti-asthmatic effect.

Materials and methods: Ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, and hydro-alcohol extracts of W. fruticosa flowers were obtained successively and standardized. Ability of extracts to stabilize free radicals and compound-48/80-induced mast cell degranulation was evaluated. In vitro anti-inflammatory potential of extracts at 100 and 200?µg/ml by membrane stabilization and in vivo inhibition of rat paw edema up to 5?h (100 and 200?mg/ml; p.o.) was evaluated. In vitro bronchorelaxant effect was examined against histamine- and acetylcholine (1?µg/ml; independently)-induced guinea pig tracheal contraction. Extracts were evaluated for bronchoprotection (in vivo) ability against 0.1% histamine- and 2% acetylcholine-induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs at 100 and 200?mg/ml; p.o.

Results: Standardization studies revealed that the methanol extract exhibited highest polyphenolic (62.66 GAE), and flavonoid (6.32 RE) content and HPLC fingerprinting confirmed the presence of gallic acid (R_t 1.383). IC₅₀ values for DPPH scavenging and metal chelation by the methanol extract were 40.42 and 31.50?µg/ml. Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts at 100?µg/ml exhibited 06.52 and 07.12% of histamine release. Methanol, ethyl acetate, and hydro alcohol extracts at 200?mg/kg demonstrated 32.73, 29.83, 26.75% and 32.46, 9.38, 26.75% inhibition of egg albumin and carrageenan-induced inflammation, respectively. Methanol extract exhibited 100% bronchorelaxation and 48.83% bronchoprotection.

Conclusion: Woodfordia fruticosa flower (WFF) extracts exhibited anti-asthmatic effect by demonstrating bronchoprotection, bronchorelaxation, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mast cell stabilization ability.     

Evaluation of the antimutagenic,antigenotoxic, and antioxidant activities of Eriobotrya japonica leaves

Abstract

Context: The leaves of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. (Rosaceae) are used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory diseases. However, information about the antigenotoxic and antioxidant properties of its leaves remains to be elucidated.

Objective: The objective of this work was to evaluate the mutagenic/antimutagenic, genotoxic/antigenotoxic, and antioxidant potentials of aqueous and total oligomers flavonoid (TOF) extracts from E. japonica.

Materials and methods: The mutagenic/antimutagenic and genotoxic/antigenotoxic potentials of extracts (50, 250, and 500?µg/plate) were evaluated, respectively, by the Ames test with 48?h incubation and the SOS chromotest test with 2?h incubation. The antioxidant capacity of these extracts (ranging from 50 to 700?µg/mL) was tested using xanthine/xanthine oxidase and the deoxyribose assays.

Results: Eriobotrya japonica extracts showed neither mutagenic nor genotoxic effect. The highest protective effect against methyl methanesulfonate and 2-aminoanthracene was obtained in the presence of aqueous extract, with IC₅₀ values of 80 and 140?µg/plate, respectively, against S. typhimurium TA104. Moreover, this extract (500?µg/plate) was also able to reduce significantly the genotoxicity induced by nitrofurantoin and aflatoxin B1 with IC₅₀ values of 140 and 240?µg/assay, respectively. Likewise, aqueous and TOF extracts inhibited xanthine oxidase and superoxide anion formation with IC₅₀ values ranging from 45 to 95 and from 70 to 90?µg/mL, respectively. However, TOF extract is more efficient in inhibiting hydroxyl radical and chelating iron ion with IC₅₀ values of 140 and 400?µg/mL, respectively, when compared with the aqueous extract.

Conclusion: Eriobotrya japonica prevents the genotoxicity of some carcinogenic substances probably thanks to its antioxidant capacities.     

Chemical profile and biological activities of Veronica thymoides subsp. pseudocinerea

Abstract

Context: In Turkey, Veronica species (Plantaginaceae) have been used as a diuretic and for wound healing in traditional medicine.

Objective: To examine the fatty acid and essential oil profiles, the antioxidant, anticholinesterase, antimicrobial, and DNA damage effects of Veronica thymoides P.H. Davis subsp. pseudocinerea M.A. Fischer as a potential source of natural active compounds.

Materials and methods: GC/MS was used to analyze essential oil and fatty acid obtained from whole plant. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the β-carotene-linoleic acid test system, DPPH-free and ABTS cation radicals scavenging, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assays. The anticholinesterase and antimicrobial activities were determined by Ellman and broth macrodillution methods, respectively. The effect of the methanol extract on DNA cleavage was investigated.

Results: Hexatriacontene (21.0%) was found to be the main constituent in essential oil, and linoleic acid (25.2%) and palmitic acid (20.6%) in fatty acid. Methanol extract demonstrated the best IC₅₀ values in lipid peroxidation (49.81?±?0.31?µg/ml) and DPPH-free radical scavenging activity (15.32?±?0.17?µg/ml). Methanol and water extracts possessed strong ABTS cation radical scavenging activity with IC₅₀ values 9.15?±?0.28 and 8.90?±?0.14?µg/ml, respectively. The acetone extract exhibited moderate butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. The highest antimicrobial activity was determined in methanol extract against Escherichia coli with 31.25?µg/ml MIC value. Inhibition of methanol extract on plasmid DNA cleavage by OH radicals was found to be 93.32% at 500?µg/ml.

Conclusion: The methanol extract having strong antioxidant and DNA damage effects could be investigated phytochemically to find natural active compounds.     

Kinetics of α-glucosidase inhibition by different fractions of three species of Labiatae extracts: a new diabetes treatment model

Context: Glucosidases are a group of enzymes playing crucial roles in digestion of carbohydrates. Glucosidase inhibitors can reduce carbohydrate digestion rate and have the potential to prevent development of type 2 diabetes. The Labiatae is one of the largest plant families grown globally and many studies that have isolated new pharmaceutical compounds. In folk medicine, some of Labiatae plants such as Zataria multiflora Boiss, Salvia mirzayanii Rech. F. &; Esfand, and Otostegia persica Boiss are consumed for the treatment of diabetes.

Objectives: This study investigates the inhibitory effects of different fractions of three mentioned species extracts on α-glucosidase.

Materials and methods: Ethanol extracts of these plants leaves were fractionated using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol solutions. The duration of this study was 12?months. To measure enzyme inhibition, 5?μL of the enzyme, 20?μL of substrate and samples were used and for evaluation mode of inhibition, constant amounts of α-glucosidase were incubated with rising concentrations of substrate (PNPG).

Results: The results revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction of Zataria multiflora (IC₅₀ =?0.35?±?0.01?mg/mL) and petroleum ether fraction of Salvia mirzayanii (IC₅₀ =?0.4?±?0.11?mg/mL) were the most potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase in comparison with the other samples and acarbose as the standard (IC₅₀ =?7?±?0.19?mg/mL). All of the samples exhibited noncompetitive-uncompetitive inhibition.

Discussion and conclusion: It can be inferred from this study that α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of the studied extracts may be a marker of antidiabetic potential of these extracts.     

Antioxidant,antimicrobial and wound healing properties of Struthanthus vulgaris

Context: Struthanthus vulgaris (Vell.) Mart. (Loranthaceae) has been widely used in traditional medicine in Brazil to bathe wounds.

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the in vitro wound healing effects, together with the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of S. vulgaris leaf and branch extracts.

Material and methods: Ethanol leaf and branch extracts of S. vulgaris were investigated at 1–100?µg/ml concentrations in the scratch assay after 14?h. Antioxidant activity was investigated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay, and the antibacterial activity was tested at concentrations up to 1000?µg/ml against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by the microdilution test after 24?h. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by colorimetric methods.

Results: Struthanthus vulgaris leaf and branch extracts at 100?µg/ml concentration stimulated migration and proliferation of fibroblasts and enhanced cell numbers by 56.2% and 18.6%, respectively. Antioxidant activity exhibited IC₅₀ values of 24.3 and 18.9?µg/ml for the leaf and branch extracts, respectively. The ethanol leaf extract showed antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive Staphylococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, exhibiting minimum inhibitory concentration values of 125 and 500?µg/ml, respectively. An appreciable total phenolic content in the leaves (813.6?±?2.7?mg/g) and branches (462.8?±?9.6?mg/g), and relatively low concentration of flavonoids in the leaves (13.3?±?4.3?mg/g) and branches (1.9?±?0.2?mg/g), was detected.

Discussion and conclusion: The antioxidant and antibacterial activities, together with the strong ability to stimulate proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, provide some support for the traditional use of S. vulgaris.     

In vitro antioxidant and antitumor activities of six selected plants used in the Traditional Arabic Palestinian herbal medicine

Context: Despite several pharmacological applications of the medicinal plants in the Traditional Arabic Palestinian Herbal Medicine in Palestine (TAPHM), studies on their antioxidant properties are still scarce.

Objective: This work evaluates the antioxidant and antitumor activities of the ethanol extracts from different parts of six plants: [Arum palaestinum Boiss (Araceae), Urtica pilulifera L. (Urticaceae), Coridothymus capitatus (L.) Reichb (Lamiaceae), Majorana syriaca (L.) Rafin. (Lamiaceae), Teucrium creticum L. (Lamiaceae), and Teucrium capitatum L. (Lamiaceae)] used in the TAPHM.

Materials and methods: The antioxidant activity was evaluated for the ethanol extracts by DPPH and β-carotene–linoleic acid assays together with total contents of phenols and flavonoids. For the anti-carcinogenic evaluation, the extracts were tested for the ability to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) using the MTT reduction assay.

Results: Among the extracts, the U. pilulifera had the highest amount of total phenolics, possessing the second highest total flavonoids. It also showed a maximum cytotoxic activity (IC₅₀?=?63?µg/ml), followed by C. capitatus, and A. palaestinum. Otherwise, the extract of T. creticum was demonstrated to be an efficient scavenger of O₂ (IC₅₀?=?83?µg/ml), followed by M. syriaca, C. capitatus, T. capitatum, A. palaestinum, and U. pilulifera.

Discussion and conclusion: The results suggest that the investigated plants have shown varied antioxidant capacities which were strongly correlated with their contents of phenolics. Accordingly, this study proposes that the therapeutic benefit of these plants can be, at least in part, attributed to its potential inhibition of oxidative processes.     

Effective antidiabetic and antioxidant fractions of Otostegia persica extract and their constituents

Context: Otostegia persica (Burm.) Boiss. (Lamiaceae), “Goldar” in Persian, is widely used in the folk medicine of south Iran for control of diabetes mellitus.

Objective: In the present study, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of different fractions of the O. persica extract were investigated and constituents of effective fractions were elucidated.

Materials and method: Different concentrations (100–400?mg/kg) of aqueous infusion (AI) of flowering aerial parts of the plant (traditional preparation) and all fractions of the O. persica extract (i.p. injection) were tested for antidiabetic activity in streptozocin-induced diabetic NMRI mice. Blood glucose level was measured at time 0 and intervals of 1, 2, 4, and 6?h later. Antioxidant activities of different fractions of the plant extract and pure compounds (0.1, 0.5, and 1?mg/ml) were determined with the DPPH method. Four compounds were isolated and identified from potent fractions.

Results and discussion: Antidiabetic activity demonstrated that the effect of the methanol fraction at a dose of 300?mg/kg was equivalent with glibenclamide, and at a dose of 400?mg/kg was comparable with glibenclamide and insulin (p?>?0.05). The EC₅₀ of the methanol fraction was 307.12?mg. Methanol and ethyl acetate fractions showed antioxidant activities (both IC₅₀ equal to 0.49?mg/ml), so these fractions were selected for the purification of compounds. Chrysoeriol from ethyl acetate and three apigenin derivatives (6-methylapigenin, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, and echinaticin) from the methanol fraction were isolated and identified (new for the species). Chrysoeriol exhibited potent antioxidant activity comparable with vitamin E and BHT (p?>?0.05).

Conclusion: The present study confirmed the folklore usage of O. persica for antidiabetic properties.     

Antidiabetic components of Cassia alata leaves: Identification through α-glucosidase inhibition studies

Context: Cassia alata Linn. [syn. Senna alata (L.) Roxb.] (Caesalpiniaceae) is used for treating various disease conditions including diabetes but its mechanism(s) of action and active principles remain to be elucidated.

Objective: The antidiabetic principles were identified using an in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition study.

Materials and methods: The methanol extract of leaves of C. alata, which showed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀, 63.75?±?12.81 µg/ml), was fractionated. Active fractions were taken for further analysis by a variety of techniques including HPLC and Combiflash chromatography. The identity of the isolated compounds was established by spectroscopic analysis while their potential antidiabetic activity was assessed by in vitro enzyme inhibition studies.

Results: The α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of the crude extract was far better than the standard clinically used drug, acarbose (IC₅₀, 107.31?±?12.31 µg/ml). A subsequent fractionation of the crude extract was made using solvents of ascending polarity (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water). The ethyl acetate (IC₅₀, 2.95?±?0.47 µg/ml) and n-butanol (IC₅₀, 25.80?±?2.01 µg/ml) fractions which contained predominantly kaempferol (56.7?±?7.7 µM) and kaempferol 3-O-gentiobioside (50.0?±?8.5 µM), respectively, displayed the highest carbohydrate enzyme inhibitory effect.

Discussion: One of the possible antidiabetic mechanisms of action of C. alata is by inhibiting carbohydrate digestion. This is the first report on α-glucosidase activity of kaempferol 3-O-gentiobioside.

Conclusion: Considering the activity profile of the crude extract and isolated bioactive compounds, further in vivo and clinical studies on C. alata extracts and compounds are well merited.     

Phytochemical investigation and radical scavenging activities of Melia azedarach and its DNA protective effect in cultured lymphocytes

Abstract

Context: Melia azedarach Linn (Meliaceae) is an Ayurvedic medicinal plant which is native to India. It is traditionally used for the treatment of leprosy, inflammation, scrofula, anthelmintic, antilithic, diuretic, deobstruent and cardiac disorders.

Objective: To evaluate the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of the ethanol leaf extract of Melia azedarach (MA) and its protective effect against H₂O₂-induced cellular damage in cultured lymphocytes.

Materials and methods: The dose-dependent study of MA (20, 40, 60, 80, 100?µg/ml) was used to study in vitro radical scavenging assays. The effective dose of MA (60?µg/ml) was further used to study the H₂O₂-induced DNA damage (comet assay and DNA fragmentation assay) in cultured lymphocytes.

Results: The ethanol extract of MA (20, 40, 60, 80, 100?µg/ml) exhibited a significant dose-dependent inhibition of in vitro radical scavenging assays and their corresponding IC₅₀ values as follows: hydroxyl radical (26.50?±?0.26?µg/ml), superoxide anion (30.00?±?0.32?µg/ml), nitric oxide radical (48.00?±?0.48?µg/ml), DPPH radical (30.55?±?0.32?µg/ml) and reducing power (22.00?±?0.22?µg/ml). The increase in the severity of DNA damage and TBARS was increased significantly (p?<?0.05) at 500?µM H₂O₂-treated cultured lymphocytes and RBC cellular membranes. The phytochemical screening studies identified 13 chemical constituents present in the leaf extract of MA.

Discussion and conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that MA offers protection against H₂O₂-induced cellular damage and it can be developed as an effective antioxidant during oxidative stress.     

Biological activities of ethyl acetate extract of different parts of Hyssopus angustifolius

Context: Hyssopus angustifolius M. Bieb. (Lamiaceae) is one of the most important medicinal plants in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of lung inflammation, laryngitis and cough relief. Much attention has been paid to this medicinal plant because of its traditional uses.

Objective: The present study examined the antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of ethyl acetate extract of stems, leaf and flowers of Hyssopus angustifolius.

Materials and methods: Antioxidant activity of extracts was evaluated by employing six different models, i.e., DPPH, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging, metal chelating and reducing power activities and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid system. Also, antihemolytic activity was evaluated against hydrogen peroxide-induced hemolysis.

Results: Flowers extract showed the better activity than leaf and stems extracts in DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ was 275.4?±?7.6 μg mL^?1). Leaf, stems and flowers extracts showed good nitric oxide scavenging activity (IC₅₀ were 376.6?±?11.4 µg mL^?1 for flowers, 297.6?±?9.6 μg mL^?1 µg mL^?1 for leaves and 837.8?±?19.2 µg mL^?1 for stems). The leaf extract exhibited better hydrogen peroxide scavenging and Fe²⁺ chelating activity than stems and flowers extracts. In hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid system, all of the extracts exhibited very good activity. Also, extracts show weak reducing power activity. The ethyl acetate extract of leaf showed better antihemolytic activity than the flower and stems (IC₅₀ was 94.0?±?2.4 μg mL^?1).

Discussion and conclusion: These findings give a scientific basis to the traditional usage of Hyssopus angustifolius, also showing its potential as rich sources of natural antioxidant compounds.     

Evaluation of the Ethnomedical Claims of Murraya koenigii.

Abstract

Based on sethnomedicine, Murraya koenigii. (L.) Spreng. is used as a stimulant, antidysentery, and for the management of diabetes mellitus. Twelve carbazole alkaloids were isolated from the stem, seed, and leaf of the plant growing in Nigeria and Sri Lanka. The methanol extracts were devoid of hypoglycemic activity, and some isolates decreased insulin secretion when they were subjected to both in vivo. and in vitro. (insulin secretion from INS-1 cells) antidiabetic tests. The cytotoxicity of the leaf and stem methanol extracts determined by the brine shrimp lethality bioassay were LC₅₀ 61.5 and 14.5?µg/ml, respectively. These extracts caused CNS depression in albino mice at the dose levels of 25–400?mg/kg. Also, they had an IC₅₀ of 34.0 and 35.0?µg/ml at 24?h, respectively, against trichomonas. These results confirmed the use of the plant as an antidysentery caused by trichomonas but refute the antidiabetic and stimulant ethnomedical claims for the plant. The differences observed in their alkaloidal composition suggested probable influence of geographical location on the elaboration of carbazole alkaloids in the plant and differences in the localization of carbazole alkaloids in the plant parts.     

Antitumor Activity of Extracts from Peperomia elongata.

Abstract

The cytotoxic potential of ethanol extracts from Peperomia elongata. H. B. & K. (Piperaceae) were evaluated against human cancer cell lines by the MTT method. The samples considered cytotoxic were tested for antimitotic activity with the sea urchin egg development test and for hemolytic activity using mice erythrocytes. The extracts from leaves (hexane), stems (ethanol, hexane, hexane:AcOEt, AcOEt, and MeOH:H₂O insoluble), and roots (R4) presented potential cytotoxic action. The stems extracts showed the highest toxicity in all tumor cell lines tested, with an IC₅₀ ≤ 9.0 µg/mL for ethanol extract, IC₅₀ ≤ 11.6 µg/mL for MeOH:H₂O insoluble, IC₅₀ ≤ 7.3 µg/mL for hexane extract, IC₅₀ ≤ 11.4 µg/mL for hexane: AcOEt, and IC₅₀ ≤ 16.2 µg/mL for AcOEt extract. All extracts considered cytotoxic for tumoral cell lines presented antimitotic activity. The samples from roots (R4) and stems (ethanol, MeOH:H₂O insoluble, and hexane extract from leaves) were found to possess lytic activity in mice erythrocytes but in higher doses (> 125 µg/mL). Further studies for the isolation and identification of the active principles of these extracts should be undertaken.     

Bioactivity-guided isolation of cytotoxic constituents from three medicinal plants

Abstract

Context: The ethanol extracts and their fractions of three Indian medicinal plants, Ervatamia coronaria (Jacq.) Stapf, (Apocynaceae), Mimosa pudica L. (Mimosaceae) and Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. (Caesalpiniaceae) were tested for their cytotoxic activity in the brine shrimp lethality (BSL) bioassay and in various cancer cell lines. The plants were selected based on their traditional use in the treatment of cancer/tumors.

Objectives: To investigate the in vitro cytotoxicity of Ervatamia coronaria, Mimosa pudica and Caesalpinia bonduc.

Materials and methods: Ethanolic extracts and their fractions of E. coronaria, M. pudica and C. bonduc were subjected to cytotoxicity studies using BSL bioassay method with concentrations of 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000?µg/ml. The alkaloid fraction of E. coronaria with significant cytotoxicity in BSL bioassay was subjected to in vitro cytotoxicity studies with HT-29, A-549, HepG-2, MCF-7 and L-6 cell lines at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200?µg/ml and a DNA fragmentation study using the HT-29 cell line.

Results: The alkaloid fractions of E. coronaria and M. pudica showed significant cytotoxicity with LC₅₀ values of 65.83 and 85.10?µg/ml in the BSL bioassay, respectively. The purified alkaloid fraction of E. coronaria exhibited highest cytotoxicity in HT-29, A-549 and MCF-7 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 32.5, 47.5 and 72.5?µg/ml, respectively, and induced DNA fragmentation in the HT-29 cell line at a concentration of 65?µg/ml.

Conclusion: The alkaloid fraction of E. coronaria exhibited significant cytotoxicity. Alkaloids such as ervatamine, apparicine and coronaridine that were earlier reported may be responsible for this activity.     

Antiplasmodial and antitrypanosomal activity of plants from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The antiplasmodial and antitrypanosomal activity of the methanol extracts of 42 plants collected from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and some fractions obtained thereof were evaluated. The antiplasmodial activity was tested in vitro against chloroquine-resistant strain (K1) and sensitive strain (FCR3), and the antitrypanosomal activity was tested in vitro against Trypanosoma brucei brucei GUTat 3.1 strain. For host cells, the cytotoxicity of the active extracts was also evaluated against the MRC5 human cell line. Only extracts of three samples demonstrated good antiplasmodial activity (IC₅₀ < 12.5 and > 1.56 μg/ml, score 2), the methanol extracts of Lycium shawii, Heliotropium zeylanicum and the petroleum ether-soluble fraction of the methanol extract of Caralluma tuberculata, while extracts of the remaining 42 plants were inactive (IC₅₀ > 12.5 μg/ml, score 1). As for the antitrypanosomal activity, the methanol extract of Solanum schimperianum demonstrated the highest activity (IC₅₀ 0.061 μg/ml), followed by the petroleum ether-soluble fraction of the methanol extract of C. tuberculata (IC₅₀ 0.5 μg/ml). The chloroform-soluble fraction of the methanol extract of C. tuberculata was moderately active (IC₅₀ 3.5 μg/ml), with low cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ 62.6 μg/ml) and moderate selectivity index (SI 17.9). The methanolic extracts of 34 plants showed good activity with score 2 (IC₅₀ < 12.5 and > 1.56 μg/ml), while the extracts of seven plants were inactive (IC₅₀ > 12.5 μg/ml, score 1).     

Potent anti-proliferative effects against oral and cervical cancers of Thai medicinal plants selected from the Thai/Lanna medicinal plant recipe database “MANOSROI III”

Abstract

Context: Thai/Lanna medicinal plant recipes have been used for the treatment of several diseases including oral and cervical cancers.

Objective: To investigate anti-proliferative activity on human cervical (HeLa) and oral (KB) cancer cell lines of medicinal plants selected from Thai/Lanna medicinal plant recipe database “MANOSROI III”.

Materials and methods: Twenty-three methanolic plant crude extracts were tested for phytochemicals and anti-proliferative activity on HeLa and KB cell lines for 24?h by the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay at the doses of 1?×?10¹–1?×?10^?6?mg/ml. The nine extracts with the concentrations giving 50% growth inhibition (GI₅₀) lower than 100?µg/ml were further semi-purified by liquid/liquid partition in order to evaluate and enhance the anti-proliferative potency.

Results: All extracts contained steroids/triterpenoids, but not xanthones. The methanolic extracts of Gloriosa superba L. (Colchinaceae) root and Albizia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr. (Leguminosae–Mimosoideae) wood gave the highest anti-proliferative activity on HeLa and KB cell lines with the GI₅₀ values of 0.91 (6.0- and 0.31-fold of cisplatin and doxorubicin) and 0.16?µg/ml (28.78- and 82.29-fold of cisplatin and doxorubicin), respectively. Hexane and methanol–water fractions of G. superba exhibited the highest anti-proliferative activity on HeLa and KB cell lines with the GI₅₀ values of 0.15 (37- and 1.9-fold of cisplatin and doxorubicin) and 0.058?µg/ml (77.45- and 221.46-fold of cisplatin and doxorubicin), respectively.

Discussion and conclusion: This study has demonstrated the potential of plants selected from MANOSROI III database especially G. superba and A. chinensis for further development as anti-oral and cervical cancer agents.     

Bioactivity screening of five Centaurea species and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of C. athoa

Context: Centaurea L. (Asteraceae) species used as herbal remedies in Turkish traditional medicine have shown several biological properties.

Objective: Extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Centaurea aphrodisea Boiss., Centaurea athoa DC., Centaurea hyalolepis Boiss., Centaurea iberica Trev. and Centaurea polyclada DC. were evaluated for their antioxidant, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Materials and methods: Extracts of Centaurea species were tested for their antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) screening assays and for in vitro anti-inflammatory activity by Nf-κB and iNOS inhibition assays. The extracts were tested for their in vitro cytotoxicities against a panel of human solid tumor cell lines (SK-MEL: malignant melanoma, KB: oral epidermal carcinoma, BT-549: breast ductal carcinoma and SK-OV-3: ovary carcinoma) as well as non-cancerous kidney fibroblast (Vero) and kidney epithelial cells (LLC-PK1) by Neutral Red assay. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of C. athoa was evaluated by the carrageenan-induced paw edema test in rats.

Results: Antioxidant activities were observed for methanol extracts of plants. C. polyclada had the strongest effect on BT-549, KB and SK-OV-3 cell lines (30, 33 and 47?µg/ml, respectively). Nf-κB inhibition of chloroform extract of C. athoa was determined equivalent to positive control parthenolide (IC₅₀: 6?µg/ml). This extract also showed anti-inflammatory activity by the carrageenan-induced paw edema test in rats, in all hours at a dose of 50?mg/kg compared to the control group.

Discussion and conclusion: C. athoa is suggested to be a potential source of lead compounds for inflammatory diseases due to the significant in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory results.