Polypodium leucotomos extract: antioxidant activity and disposition.

The extract of the fern Polypodium leucotomos (PL, Fernblock) is an oral photoprotectant with strong antioxidative properties. Recent studies to determine its chemical composition have shown 4-hydroxycinnamic acid (p-coumaric), 3 methoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (ferulic), 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid (caffeic), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (vanillic) and 3-caffeoilquinic acid (chlorogenic) to be among its major phenolic components. No conclusive data are available, however, on the H2O2-scavenging capacity of these compounds, or on their absorption and metabolism following their oral intake. In the present work, their antioxidative capacity was assessed by the luminol/H2O2 assay, their absorption studied using Caco-2 cells to resemble the intestinal barrier, and their metabolism investigated using cultured primary rat hepatocytes. The antioxidant capacity of PL components increased in a concentration-dependent manner, with ferulic and caffeic acids the most powerful antioxidants. The apparent permeability results correspond to a human post-oral administration absorption of 70-100% for all tested substances. Coumaric, ferulic and vanillic acids were metabolized by CYP450-dependent mono-oxygenases and partially conjugated to glucuronic acid and sulfate. These phenolic compounds may contribute to the health benefits afforded by this oral photoprotectant.     

Immunomodulatory properties of a hydrophilic extract of Polypodium leucotomos

A hydrophilic extract of Polypodium leucotomos has been used in Central and South America's traditional folk medicine to ameliorate different skin and joint diseases. An extract of Polypodium leucotomos has been commercialized in Spain under the brand name Difur® and used for the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis and vitiligo. In this study, a pharmacological study has been carried out in order to show the immunological basis of the curative properties attributed to this extract.     

Effect of Anapsos (Polypodium leucotomos extract) on in vitro production of cytokines

Aims The aim of the study was to test the immunomodulating capacity of Anapsos, Polypodium leucotomos extract, in vitro in an attempt to explore how this extract acts from an immunological point of view and thus to identify a common link capable of explaining most of its effects.
Methods Polypodium leucotomos rhizomes were harvested in Guatemala and the extract, Anapsos, obtained. Mononuclear cells were obtained by density gradent centrifugation from healthy donors, and stimulated with phytohemagglutinin or Pokeweed with and without Anapsos and with Anapsos alone. Cell proliferation was determined by thymidine incorporation. Cells were also stimulated and the following cytokines determined by ELISA at 0, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h: IL-lP, TNF-a, IL-2, INF-8, IL-4 and IL-10.
Results Anapsos, Polyodium leucotomos extract, has a modulating effect on the in vitro production and release of cytoknies by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy subjects. At doses effective in vivo , Anapsos can stimulate PBMNc proliferation, delay IL-1β secretion and at the same time increase that of IL-2, IL-10, and INF-γ.
Conclusions Anapsos may have an antagonistic effect on some of the cytokines released on cell stimulation with LPS and/or PHA, which suggests that this product has a pleiotropic effect on different populations in the immune system.     

Phenolic constituents from the aerial parts ofArtemisia stolonifera

Two acetophenone glycosides, 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methoxy acetophenone 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(I), 2,4,6-trihydroxy acetophenone 2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(II), together with coniferin(III) were isolated from the aerial parts ofArtemisia stolonifera (Max.) Kom. The structures of the compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. Compound II was also confirmed as a new phenolic glycoside from natural sources. In addition, compound I induced cytostatic activity of macrophages, while compounds II and III did not.     

Biological activity of HPLC-characterized ethanol extract from the aerial parts of Haplophyllum tuberculatum

Context: The search for new sources of natural antioxidants from plant material may have beneficial therapeutic potential for those diseases associated with oxidative stress. The medicinal plant Haplophyllum tuberculatum (Forsskal) A. Juss. (Rutaceae) contains phenolic compounds as main phytochemicals; however, there are no reports on its antioxidant properties.

Objective: To evaluate antioxidant and cytoprotective potential of ethanol extract of Haplophyllum tuberculatum aerial parts.

Materials and methods: Total phenol content was determined using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent; antiradical activity was measured using ORAC assay and the analysis of the major polyphenols was carried out using a HPLC-MS method. The antioxidant and cytoprotective effect were also investigated by the MTT assay and DCFH–DA method. The human astrocytoma U373-MG cell line was pretreated with ethanol extract (from 0.025 to 250?µg/mL) for 24?h, prior to 1?mM H₂O₂ exposure (30?min).

Results and conclusion: Total phenol content was 46.2?mg gallic acid/g sample and ORAC value was 1.283?µmol TE/mg sample. Chemical constituents were methoxyflavones, flavonols (mainly quercetin derivatives), cinnamic acids and benzoic acids. In cell system model of oxidative stress, pretreatments with ethanol extract at the concentrations of 2.5, 0.25 and 0.025?µg/mL significantly attenuated H₂O₂-induced loss in viability by 13.5, 17 and 20.5%, respectively. Furthermore, these ethanol extract concentrations markedly inhibited intracellular ROS production with IC₅₀ 0.026?µg/mL. These findings demonstrate the beneficial properties of ethanol extract of Haplophyllum tuberculatum aerial parts, rich in phenolic compounds, as antioxidant and radical scavenger ameliorating ROS-related processes and diseases such as several neurodegenerative disorders.     

Antimutagenic and antioxidant activity of a protein fraction from aerial parts of Urtica dioica

Abstract

Context: Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae), stinging nettle, has been employed as a folklore remedy for a wide spectrum of ailments, including urinary disorders, prostatic hyperplasia, and liver diseases. It has been also used traditionally for cancer treatment.

Object: To evaluate the potential chemopreventive properties of a protein fraction from the aerial part of Urtica dioica (namely UDHL₃₀).

Materials and methods: UDHL₃₀ has been tested for the antimutagenic activity in bacteria (50–800?μg/plate; Ames test by the preincubation method) and for the cytotoxicity on human hepatoma HepG2 cells (0.06–2?mg/mL; 24 and 48?h incubation). Moreover, the antioxidant activity of UDHL₃₀ (0.1–1200?μg/mL; ABTS and superoxide-radical scavenger assays) was evaluated as potential protective mechanisms.

Results: UDHL₃₀ was not cytotoxic on HepG2 cells up to 2?mg/mL; conversely, it exhibited a strong antimutagenic activity against the mutagen 2-aminoanthracene (2AA) in all strains tested (maximum inhibition of 56, 78, and 61% in TA98, TA100, and WP2uvrA strains, respectively, at 800?μg/plate). In addition, a remarkable scavenging activity against ABTS radical and superoxide anion (IC₅₀ values of 19.9?±?1.0?μg/mL and 75.3?±?0.9?μg/mL, respectively) was produced.

Discussion and conclusions: UDHL₃₀ possesses antimutagenic and radical scavenging properties. Being 2AA a pro-carcinogenic agent, we hypothesize that the antimutagenicity of UDHL₃₀ can be due to the inhibition of CYP450-isoenzymes, involved in the mutagen bioactivation. The radical scavenger ability could contribute to 2AA-antimutagenicity. These data encourage further studies in order to better define the potential usefulness of UDHL₃₀ in chemoprevention.     

Antidepressant and anxiolytic activity of Lavandula officinalis aerial parts hydroalcoholic extract in scopolamine-treated rats

Context: Anxiety and depression are common in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Despite some evidence, it is difficult to confirm Lavandula officinalis Chaix ex Vill (Lamiaceae) as an anxiolytic and antidepressant drug.

Objective: The effects of L. officinalis extract were studied in scopolamine-induced memory impairment, anxiety and depression-like behaviour.

Materials and methods: Male NMRI rats were divided into control, scopolamine alone-treated group received scopolamine (0.1?mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.), daily and 30?min prior to performing behavioural testing on test day, for 12 continuous days and extract pretreated groups received aerial parts hydro alcoholic extract (i.p.) (100, 200 and 400?mg/kg), 30?min before each scopolamine injection. Memory impairment was assessed by Y-maze task, while, elevated plus maze and forced swimming test were used to measure anxiolytic and antidepressive-like activity.

Results: Spontaneous alternation percentage in Y maze is reduced by scopolamine (36.42?±?2.60) (p?≤?0.001), whereas lavender (200 and 400?mg/kg) enhanced it (83.12?±?5.20 and 95?±?11.08, respectively) (p?≤?0.05). Also, lavender pretreatment in 200 and 400?mg/kg enhanced time spent on the open arms (15.4?±?3.37 and 32.1?±?3.46, respectively) (p?≤?0.001). On the contrary, while immobility time was enhanced by scopolamine (296?±?4.70), 100, 200 and 400?mg/kg lavender reduced it (193.88?±?22.42, 73.3?±?8.25 and 35.2?±?4.22, respectively) in a dose-dependent manner (p?≤?0.001).

Discussion and conclusion: Lavender extracts improved scopolamine-induced memory impairment and also reduced anxiety and depression-like behaviour in a dose-dependent manner.     

Phenolic compounds from the aqueous extract of Acacia catechu

Two new phenolic compounds, 5-hydroxy-2-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acetyl]-3-methoxylbenzoic acid (1) and (2S,3S)-3,7,8,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavane (2), were obtained from the aqueous extract of Acacia catechu, along with four known compounds identified as rhamnetin (3), 4-hydroxyphenyl ethanol (4), 3,3',5,5',7-pentahydroxyflavane (5), and fisetinidol (6). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Free radical-scavenging activities of the new compounds were evaluated.     

Phenolic compounds from the aqueous extract of Acacia catechu

Two new phenolic compounds, 5-hydroxy-2-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acetyl]-3-methoxylbenzoic acid (1) and (2S,3S)-3,7,8,3′,4′-pentahydroxyflavane (2), were obtained from the aqueous extract of Acacia catechu, along with four known compounds identified as rhamnetin (3), 4-hydroxyphenyl ethanol (4), 3,3′,5,5′,7-pentahydroxyflavane (5), and fisetinidol (6). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Free radical-scavenging activities of the new compounds were evaluated.     

Isolation of luteolin 7-O-rutinoside and esculetin with potential antioxidant activity from the aerial parts ofArtemisia montana

The antioxidant activity of Artemisia montana was determined by measuring the radical scavenging effect on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and inhibitory activity against free radical generation of hepatocytes (AC2F). The methanol extract of A. montana showed strong radical scavenging activity at a concentration of 10.1 microg/ml, and thus fractionated by solvent extraction. Esculetin and luteolin 7-O-rutinoside (scolymoside) were isolated as the active principles from the EtOAc and Interphase fractions, respectively. The antioxidant activity of these compounds were comparable to that of L-ascorbic acid.     

Validation of a LC method for the analysis of phenolic compounds from aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri aerial parts

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic separation and quantitative method using a phosphoric acid-acetonitrile gradient was developed to analyze phenolic compounds present in aqueous extract from the aerial parts of Phyllanthus niruri. The chromatographic method was validated for linearity, precision and accuracy for both reference substance (gallic acid) and for three well resolved peaks from P. niruri aqueous extract. Both calibration curves were linear with correlation coefficients higher than 0.999. The reproducibility for the three peaks ranged from 2.3% to 4.6% and the accuracy for gallic acid in the aqueous extract was 103%. The method allowed the complete resolution of three peaks, one of them was identified by diode array detection as gallic acid. The analysis of the botanic morphological elements of the aerial parts from P. niruri showed that the leaves have a higher amount of phenolic compounds than the branches.     

Effect of Polypodium leucotomos on acute, chronic and reactivated trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid colitis in rats

The effects were examined of a Polypodium leucotomos extract on trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) induced rat colitis. Pretreatment with the extract had a dose-dependent acute anti-inflammatory effect which was maximal at 100 mg/kg/day. This was characterized by preservation of glutathione levels at low doses (25-50 mg/kg) and inhibition of leukotriene B₄ synthesis at high doses (50-100 mg/kg). Treatment was also active in chronic colitis, induced by TNBS, as was evident by enhanced colonic fluid absorption and reducing myeloperoxidase levels, while glutathione levels and leukotriene B₄ synthesis were unaffected by treatment. Finally, treated animals were partially protected against colitis reactivation, showing lower myeloperoxidase and leukotriene B₄ synthesis than controls and normal fluid absorption, but no change in glutathione. In conclusion, Polypodium leucotomos is useful to control experimental colitis (acute, chronic and reactivated) but no common mechanism of action could be delineated, since neither an antioxidative mechanism nor inhibition of leukotriene B₄ synthesis can account for the overall effect.     

Antinociceptive activity of a hydroalcoholic extract obtained from aerial parts of Sebastiania schottiana (Euphorbiaceae)

This study analyzed the antinociceptive effects of a hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the aerial parts of Sebastiania schottiana, a Brazilian medicinal plant used to treat various painful diseases. For this purpose, the writhing test, capsaicin and formalin induced-pain in mice were used. The results showed that the hydroalcoholic extract exhibited considerable antinociception in all the models studied, being more potent than aspirin.     

Constituents of the Egyptian Centaurea scoparia. III. Phenolic constituents of the aerial parts

The ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Centaurea scoparia Sieb. (Asteraceae) afforded five polyoxygenated flavones apigenin, luteolin, salvigenin, cirsimaritin, and hispidulin, the two lignans (-)-matairesinol and (-)-arctigenin together with omega-hydroxypropioguaiacone and vanillin. The structure elucidations of the isolated compounds are based on spectroscopic methods including 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra. Some proton and carbon signals are revised or newly reported.     

Chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant principle from the aerial parts ofArtemisia iwayomogi that acts on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical

The antioxidant activity ofArtemisia iwayomogi was determined by measuring the radical scavenging effect on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical The methanol extract ofA. iwayomogi showed strong antioxidant activity, and thus fractionated with several solvents. The antioxidant activity potential of the individual fraction was in the order of ethyl acetate>n-butanol>water>chloroform>n-hexane fraction. The ethyl acetate andn-butanol soluble fractions exhibiting strong antioxidant activity were further purified by repeated silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Antioxidant chlorogenic acid was isolated as one of the active principles from then-butanol fraction, together with the inactive components, 1-octacosanol, scopoletin, scopolin, apigenin 7,4′-di-O-methylether luteolin 6,3′-di-O-methylether (jaceosidin), apigenin 7-methylether (genkwanin), 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methoxyacetophenone 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and quebrachitol. The antioxidant activity of chlorogenic acid was comparable to that of L-ascorbic acid, which is a well known antioxidant.     

Antiosteoporotic activity of phytoestrogen-rich fraction separated from ethanol extract of aerial parts of Cissus quadrangularis in ovariectomized rats

Objective:

Cissus quadrangularis L. (C. quadrangularis L.) (Vitaceae) has been reported in Ayurveda for its antiosteoporotic activity. The study separated the phytoestrogen-rich fraction (IND-HE) from aerial parts of C. quadrangularis L. and evaluated its effect on osteoporosis caused by ovariectomy in rats.

Materials and Methods:

IND-HE was separated from the ethanol extract of C. quadrangularis. Ovariectomized female Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6). Group 1: Control (distilled water), Group II: IND-HE (75 mg/kg p.o.), Group III: IND-HE (100 mg/kg p.o.) were treated once daily for 8 weeks and Group IV: standard estradiol group, received estrogen (1 mg/kg, s.c. bi-weekly). The effects on body weight were determined. DEXA (Dual energy-emission X-ray absorptimatory analysis) of whole body bone and femur was carried out. Blood was removed and analyzed for biochemical parameters. After sacrificing the animals, biomechanical study of right tibia and histopathology of pelvic bone was carried out.

Results:

IND-HE showed presence of phytoestrogen-rich fraction. IND-HE (75 and 100 mg/ kg) and estrogen treatment showed statistically significant increase in bone thickness, bone density and bone hardness. IND-HE (75 and 100 mg/kg) and estrogen treatment significantly increased serum estradiol. IND-HE (100 mg/kg) (P<0.05) and estrogen treatment increased serum vitamin D3 and serum calcium compared to control. Alkaline phosphatase was significantly reduced by IND-HE (100 mg/kg p.o.) and estrogen treatment. Histopathology and DEXA results indicated that IND-HE (75 and 100 mg/kg) prevented bone loss.

Discussion and Conclusion:

These findings confirm that phytoestrogen-rich fraction (IND- HE) possess good antiosteoporotic activity.KEY WORDS: Antiosteoporosis, estrogenic activity, phytoestrogen-rich fraction, ovariectomized rats, serum alcium     

地稔水提液抗氧化活性的紫外光谱快速预测方法

目的 建立基于紫外光谱和偏最小二乘回归算法的地稔水提液抗氧化活性快速预测方法.方法 采用1,1-二苯基-2-苦腈基(DPPH)自由基清除活性表征地稔水提液的抗氧化活性,采集190～600 nm的紫外光谱,通过优化光谱波长范围和预处理方法,建立抗氧化活性与紫外光谱的最优偏最小二乘回归模型.采用Visual Basic开发...