Role of saffron and its constituents on cancer chemoprevention

Abstract

Context: Cancer dramatically impacts human life expectancy and quality of life. Natural substances from vegetables, herbs and spices could be beneficial in the prevention or treatment of a variety of cancers. Crocus sativus (Iridaceae), which has been used as a folk medicine for treating diseases for ages, showed obvious cancer chemoprevention potential.

Objective: This article focuses on the effects of Crocus sativus and its main ingredients, such as crocin, on cancer therapeutics.

Methods: We reviewed research data from saffron, a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, and its constituents using the major databases, namely, Web of Science, SciFinder and PubMed.

Results and conclusion: Saffron possesses free radical-scavenging properties and antitumor activities. Significant cancer chemopreventive effects have been shown in both in vitro and in vivo models. Based on current data, saffron and its ingredients could be considered as a promising candidate for clinical anticancer trials.     

Antidepressant properties of bioactive fractions from the extract of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crocus sativus</Emphasis> L.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antidepressant properties of stigmas and corms of Crocus sativus L. The aqueous ethanol extract of C. sativus corms was fractionated on the basis of polarity. Among the different fractions, the petroleum ether fraction and dichloromethane fraction at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg showed significant antidepressant-like activities in dose-dependent manners, by means of behavioral models of depression. The immobility time in the forced swimming test and tail suspending test was significantly reduced by the two fractions, without accompanying changes in ambulation when assessed in the open-field test. By means of a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry technique, twelve compounds of the petroleum ether fraction were identified. These data show that administration of C. sativus corms extract produces antidepressant-like effects. Aqueous stigmas extract also exerted antidepressive effects in the behavioral models. Crocin 1 and crocin 2 of the aqueous stigmas extract were identified by a reversed-phase HPLC analysis. In addition, the bioactive compound crocin 1 in this herb was quantitatively determined. The data indicate that antidepressant-like properties of aqueous stigma extracts may be due to crocin 1, giving support to the validity of the use of this plant in traditional medicine. All these results suggest that the low polarity parts of C. sativus corms should be considered as a new plant material for curing depression, which merit further studies regarding antidepressive-like activities of chemical compounds isolated from the two fractions and mechanism of action.     

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.     

GC-MS profile of antimicrobial and antioxidant fractions from Cordia rothii roots

Context: An ethnobotanical survey of Cordia rothii Roem. & Schult. (Boraginaceae) reveals it as a medicinal plant.

Objective: Antimicrobial and antioxidant potential evaluation and identification of chemical constituents via GC-MS of C. rothii roots fractions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic investigation of the roots exploiting GC-MS.

Materials and methods: Extraction and fractionation of C. rothii roots furnished various fractions using solvents of varying polarity, i.e., n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol. In vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant screening was performed using disk diffusion and DPPH methods, respectively. MIC of active fractions was also determined using disk diffusion method. GC-MS was used to identify constituents which may be responsible for these activities.

Results: Among various fractions from C. rothii roots, fraction KA-C showed strong antibacterial activity against 17 microorganisms tested, with MIC ranging from 250–31.25?μg/mL. Fractions KA-A, KM and KM-A exhibited significant antioxidant potential with EC₅₀ 46.875?μg/mL, while fractions KEA-PE, KM-PE and KM-M were good with EC₅₀ 93.750?μg/mL. Forty-five phytochemicals were identified in GC-MS studies including eight hydrocarbons, six free fatty acids, 11 fatty acids esters, two phenylpropanoids, four aromatics, four terpenoid quinones/hydroquinones, three triterpenes, four phytosterols, two hexose metabolites and a DNA base. Of these, 32 constituents have been reported for the first time from C. rothii, 24 from genus Cordia and 15 from Boraginaceae.

Discussion and conclusion: Strong antibacterial and antioxidant potential of C. rothii roots may be due to the contribution of phytoconstituents identified through GC-MS studies.     

Bioactivity assessment and toxicity of crocin: A comprehensive review

Since ancient times, saffron, the dried stigma of the plant Crocus sativus L. has been extensively used as a spice and food colorant; in folk medicine it has been reputed to be efficacious for the alleviation and treatment of ailments. In addition to the three founded major constituents including crocin, picrocrocin and safranal, presence of carotenoids, carbohydrates, proteins, anthocyanins, vitamins and minerals provide valuable insights into the health benefits and nutritional value of saffron. Of the carotenoids present in saffron, highly water-soluble crocin (mono and diglycosyl esters of a polyene dicarboxylic acid, named crocetin) is responsible for the majority of its color, and appears to possess various health-promoting properties, as an antioxidant, antitumor, memory enhancer, antidepressant, anxiolytic and aphrodisiac. It is also worth noting that the crocin principle of saffron exhibited high efficacy along with no major toxicity in experimental models. We would be remiss to not consider the great potential of saffron and crocin, which benefits the cuisine and health of human life throughout the world. The present study provides a comprehensive and updated report of empirical investigations on bioactivities and biological characteristics of crocin.     

Saffron as an antidote or a protective agent against natural or chemical toxicities

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is an extensively used food additive for its color and taste. Since ancient times this plant has been introduced as a marvelous medicine throughout the world. The wide spectrum of saffron pharmacological activities is related to its major constituents including crocin, crocetin and safranal. Based on several studies, saffron and its active ingredients have been used as an antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antinociceptive, antidepressant, antitussive, anticonvulsant, memory enhancer, hypotensive and anticancer. According to the literatures, saffron has remarkable therapeutic effects. The protective effects of saffron and its main constituents in different tissues including brain, heart, liver, kidney and lung have been reported against some toxic materials either natural or chemical toxins in animal studies.In this review article, we have summarized different in vitro and animal studies in scientific databases which investigate the antidotal and protective effects of saffron and its major components against natural toxins and chemical-induced toxicities. Due to the lake of human studies, further investigations are required to ascertain the efficacy of saffron as an antidote or a protective agent in human intoxication.     

Antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of Juglans regia fruit extracts

Context: Cancer chemopreventive action of walnut [Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae)] has been explored.

Objective: This study evaluated antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of walnut.

Materials and methods: Various fractions of walnut extract have been screened for antiproliferative activity against human cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. All these fractions have also been evaluated for total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and reducing power capacity.

Results and discussion: Chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions exhibited a high level of antiproliferation against HepG-2, liver cancer cell line (IC₅₀?=?9 and 15 µg/mL, respectively).

Conclusion: Exhibiting high phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and potent antiproliferative activity, walnut may act as a cancer chemopreventive agent.     

Improvement of cytotoxic and apoptogenic properties of crocin in cancer cell lines by its nanoliposomal form

Objective: Saffron Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) is known for anticancer properties. However, limited effort has been made to correlate these effects to the active ingredients of saffron. In the present study, cytotoxic effects of crocin, the major coloring compound in saffron, and its nanoliposomal form for better cellular delivery are investigated.

Methods: HeLa and MCF-7 cells were cultured and exposed to crocin (1, 2, and 4?mM) and liposomal crocin (0.5 and 1?mM). The 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed to assess cytotoxicity. Apoptotic cells were determined using propidium iodide (PI) staining of DNA fragmentation by flow cytometry.

Results: MTT assay revealed a remarkable and concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect of crocin on HeLa and MCF-7 cells in comparison with non-malignant cell line (L929). Crocin liposomal forms (IC₅₀ values after 48 h: 0.61, 0.64, and 1.2?mM) showed enhanced cytotoxic effect compared with the crocin (IC₅₀ after 48 h: 1.603?mM) in HeLa cells. Crocin and its liposomal form induced a sub-G1 peak in flow cytometry histogram of treated cells indicating apoptosis is involved in this toxicity. Liposomal encapsulation enhances apoptogenic effects of crocin on cancerous cells.

Conclusion: It might be concluded that crocin and its liposomes could cause cell death in HeLa and MCF-7 cells, in which liposomal encapsulation improved cytotoxic effects. They could be also considered as a promising chemotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment in future.     

Protective effect of saffron extract against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in isolated rabbit heart

Abstract

Context: Anticancer treatments such as anthracyclines are effective; however, they induce cardiotoxicity by releasing radical oxygen species (ROS). Saffron (Crocus sativus; Iridaceae) is a widely used spice with antioxidant properties and numerous health benefits that may provide cardioprotection.

Objective: To assess the effect of saffron against acute myocardium damage by anthracyclines compared with electrolysis as a free radical generating system.

Materials and methods: According to the Langendorff method, we used the model of an isolated rabbit heart perfused in retrograde. In one set of experiments, ROS was generated by electrolysis of the perfused heart solution (3?mA for 30?min) in the presence and absence of saffron extracts at the optimal dose (10?μg/ml). In another set, we perfused the heart with anthracycline, i.e. 30?μM doxorubicin (Doxo) in the presence and absence of 10?μg/ml saffron extracts. We evaluated cardiodynamics, as well as biochemical and pathological parameters, to emphasize the effectiveness of the treatment with saffron extract using the optimal dose of catalase (150?IU) as a positive control.

Results: ROS generated, respectively, by electrolysis and by Doxo significantly (p?<?0.05) affects cardiovascular function; it decreased ventricular pressure (45.02 and 40.41%), heart rate (36.31 and 22.39%) and coronary flow (50.98 and 36.67%). Increased lipid peroxidation of the myocardium was also observed (118.22 and 56.58%), while superoxide dismutase activity decreased (48.33 and 38.70%). The myocardial architecture was altered and the intercellular spaces increased.

Conclusion: Saffron perfused during electrolysis helps trap ROS and significantly improves myocardial function; however, saffron was less effective against Doxo, thus suggesting that mechanisms other than oxidative stress underlie Doxo cardiotoxicity.     

Antiulcer Activity of the Root Bark of Oroxylum indicum. Against Experimental Gastric Ulcers

Abstract

The current study was undertaken to investigate the effect of the root bark of Oroxylum indicum. Vent. (Bignoniaceae) against experimental gastric ulcers. The 50% alcohol extract of root bark of Oroxylum indicum. and its different fractions, viz., petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n.-butanol, were studied (p.o.) against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage. The alcohol extract (300 mg/kg) and its different fractions (100 and 300 mg/kg) showed significant reduction in gastric ulceration. Out of all these fractions, the petroleum ether (96%) and n.-butanol (99%) fractions showed maximum inhibition of gastric lesions against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage. The results were comparable with omeprazole (reference standard). In the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model, treatment with both the active fractions and omeprazole showed significant antioxidant activity as evident from the reduction in the extent of lipid peroxidation that was measured in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA), along with significant rise in the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione levels (GSH), when compared with the control group. In 6-h pylorus-ligated animals, active fractions of drug at 100 mg/kg showed significant reduction in the ulcer index. Furthermore, in the pylorus-ligation model, significant reduction (p < 0.05) was observed in total acidity, total acid output, pepsin activity, and pepsin output, along with a significant rise in the total carbohydrate to protein ratio (reflecting mucin activity) when compared with the control group. TLC studies revealed the presence of baicalein in the petroleum ether and hydrosylate in n.-butanol fraction. Fingerprinting of both the active fractions was developed by performing HPLC analysis. Baicalein was found to be a major flavonoid present both in petroleum ether and n.-butanol hydrosylate. The mechanism of its antiulcer activity could be attributed to a decrease in gastric acid secretory and antioxidant activities leading to gastric cytoprotection. This activity could be linked to the presence of baicalein in the root bark of the plant.     

Chemical composition and biological activities of volatile fractions from three Tunisian cultivars of olive leaves

The chemical composition, antibacterial, and antifungal activities of the volatile fractions from fresh and dried leaves of three Olea europaea L. cultivars from Tunisia (Neb jemel, Chemchali and Chemlali) have been studied. The volatile components were obtained via hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC–MS. The major constituents were (E)-3-hexenol, 3-ethenylpyridine, (E)-β-damascenone and phenylethyl alcohol, but their percentages varied according to the treatment of the leaves. Antioxidant activities were determined applying DPPH and ABTS⁺ radical-scavenging assays. In general, antioxidant activity of the volatile fraction obtained from fresh leaves was superior to that obtained from dried leaves. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the volatile fractions from fresh and dried leaves were evaluated against four bacterial and four fungal strains. The volatile fractions showed significant antibacterial and antifungal effects. However, some differences were observed in the response for several microorganisms, because of the variability of the composition. This work gives further knowledge for extensive development of this medicinal plant.     

Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Nine Medicinal Plants from Zaire

Abstract

Zairean medicinal plants were extracted and screened for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities. Of nine plants investigated, extracts of six plants (Alchornea cordifolia, Bridelia ferruginea, Eucalyptus citriodora, Hymenocardia acida, Maprounea africana and Sida rhombifolia) demonstrated a marked antibacterial activity against the microorganisms Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans; and extracts of four plants (A. cordifolia, E. citriodora, M. africana and S. rhombifolia) exhibited significant antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Microsporum gypseum. Extracts from A. cordifolia and M. africana were the most active with a MIC value of 62.5 μg/ml. Fractionation of the crude methanol extracts revealed that the bactericidal and fungicidal constituents of the active plants were mainly distributed in their ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions. These results may provide a basis for the isolation of compounds of biological interest from these medicinal plants.     

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.     

Antioxidant and Anticholinesterase Activities in Various Parts of Sonneratia caseolaris (L.)

Cork tree, (Sonneratia caseolaris L.), family Sonneratiaceae, is a typical plant in mangroves. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical tideland throughout the World. It is reported to possess many medicinal properties. For searching new pharmacological activities of Cork tree, the total phenolic contents, antioxidant activities and the electric eel acetylcholinesterase inhibitions and the kinetics of extracts of various plant parts were determined. The graphs of trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power of all extracts showed good linearity with P-value of slopes less than 0.05. The methanol extract of calyxs by maceration method and methanol extract of stamen by soxhlet method presented moderate trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity values. For ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, all extracts gave fair to low antioxidant activities. The tacrine, stamen extract and seed extract by maceration using methanol showed noncompetitive inhibition on acetylcholinesterase activity. While, luteolin, luteolin glycoside and calyx extract and seed extract by boiling using water presented partial noncompetitive inhibition on acetylcholinesterase activity.     

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.     

Antimicrobial,anticancer, and antioxidant compounds from Premna resinosa growing in Saudi Arabia

Context: Premna resinosa (Hochst.) Schauer (Lamiaceae) is used in many places to treat bronchitis, respiratory illness and convulsions of the rib cage.

Objective: This study evaluates the anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of P. resinosa, and isolates some responsible constituents.

Materials and methods: The methanol extract of P. resinosa aerial parts and its fractions (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) were tested. Antimicrobial activity was tested using microdilution method against three Gram-positive and four Gram-negative bacteria. The tested concentrations ranged from 4000 to 7.8?μg/mL and MIC values were determined after 24?h incubation. Anticancer activity was evaluated against three human cancer cell lines (Daoy, HepG2 and SK-MEL28) using MTT assay. Antioxidant activity was investigated by DPPH scavenging method and β-carotene-linoleic acid assay.

Results: The greatest antimicrobial activity was exhibited by n-hexane fraction (MIC 10?μg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Shigella flexneri. The n-hexane fraction induced the greatest cytotoxic activity against Daoy, HepG2, and SK-MEL28 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 9.0, 8.5 and 13.2, respectively. Moreover, the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions showed the highest antioxidant potential. A bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation and characterization of seven compounds for the first time, namely, quercetin (1), 3-methoxy quercetin (2), kaempferol (3), 3-methoxy kaempferol (4), myricetin 3,7,3′-trimethyl ether (5), lupeol (6), and stigmasterol (7).

Conclusion: Our results indicate that P. resinosa is a source for antimicrobial and cytotoxic compounds. However, further work is required to isolate other active principles and to determine the mechanism of action.     

Antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of fixed oil extracted from the body fat of the snake Spilotes pullatus

Context: Ethnozoological studies have shown that Spilotes pullatus Linn. (Colubridae: Ophidia), is associated with medicinal and magic-religious uses in Brazil.

Objectives: This study was designed to determine the chemical composition of the oil extracted from the body fat of S. pullatus and to test its antimicrobial properties, alone and in association with aminoglycosides, against fungi and bacterial strains in concentrations ranging between 1024 and 0.5?µg/mL.

Material and methods: The snakes were collected in the Chapada do Araripe, county of Crato, Ceará State, Brazil. The oil was extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus using hexane. The methyl esters of the fatty acids present in the samples were identified using GC-MS. The antimicrobial and drug modulatory activities of oil were tested by microdilution against fungal and bacterial strains.

Results: The chemical composition of the fixed oils of S. pullatus identified 10 constituents representing 94.97% of the total sample. The percentages of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were 33.59 and 61.38%, respectively, with the most abundant components being elaidic (37.26%). The oil did not demonstrate any antimicrobial or antifungal activity when tested alone, presenting MIC values?≥?1024?µg/mL. However, when associated with antibiotics, it demonstrated synergistic effects with gentamicin against all the bacterial lineages assayed, and antagonistic effects with amikacin and neomycin against strains of Escherichia coli.

Conclusions: Oil extracted from the body fat of S. pullatus did not demonstrate any inhibitory effects on bacterial or fungal activities, but was effective in modulating the effects of certain antibiotics.     

Iridoid content and biological activities of Veronica cuneifolia subsp. cuneifolia and V. cymbalaria

Context: The genus Veronica L. (Plantaginaceae) is represented by 79 species, 26 of which are endemic in Turkey. Some Veronica species are used for the treatment of different inflammatory diseases and cancer in traditional medicine. In addition, chemotaxonomy of the genus is important for the reclassification of the family Plantaginaceae after different phylogenetic studies.

Objective: Veronica cuneifolia subsp. cuneifolia D. Don and V. cymbalaria Bodard were studied from the view point of iridoid glucosides which are known as chemotaxonomical markers for this genus. Radical scavenging and cytotoxic activities of the extracts were also determined in this study.

Material and methods: Major compounds, isolated from iridoid fractions of V. cuneifolia subsp. cuneifolia were used as the standard compounds for HPLC after determination of their structures, and investigated for their presence in iridoid fractions of V. cymbalaria. Additionally, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and SO radical scavenging and cytotoxic activities against three cancer and a noncancerous cell lines of both extract were also tested using the MTT method.

Results: While aucubin, catalpol, verproside, amphicoside, verminoside, and veronicoside were obtained from V. cuneifolia subsp. cuneifolia, two more iridoid glucosides, 6-O-veratroylcatalposide and 6-O-isovanilloylcatalpol, were isolated from V. cymbalaria. Comparing both species, V. cuneifolia subsp. cuneifolia showed stronger radical scavenging and cytotoxic activities than V. cymbalaria.

Discussion: Our results demonstrated that the iridoid contents of both species were very close to each other confirming to the chemotaxonomic studies on Veronica species and their different bioactivity range make the plants interesting from the view point of natural drug discovery research.     

Seagrass as a potential source of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents

Context: Halophila spp. is a strong medicine against malaria and skin diseases and is found to be very effective in early stages of leprosy. Seagrasses are nutraceutical in nature and therefore of importance as food supplements.

Objective: The antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of Halophila ovalis R. Br. Hooke (Hydrocharitaceae) methanol extract were investigated and the chemical constituents of purified fractions were analyzed.

Materials and methods: Plant materials were collected from Pondicherry coastal line, and antimicrobial screening of crude extract, and purified fractions was carried out by the disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) of the purified fractions and reference antibiotics were determined by microdilution method. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were investigated in vitro. Chemical constituents of purified fractions V and VI were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and the phytochemicals were quantitatively determined.

Results: Methanol extract inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 50 µg/mL and other Gram-negative pathogens at 75 µg/ml, except Vibrio vulnificus. Reducing power and total antioxidant level increased with increasing extract concentration. H. ovalis exhibited strong scavenging activity on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radicals at IC₅₀ of 0.13 and 0.65?mg/mL, respectively. Methanol extract of H. ovalis showed noticeable anti-inflammatory activity at IC₅₀ of 78.72 µg/mL. The GC–MS analysis of H. ovalis revealed the presence of triacylglycerols as major components in purified fractions. Quantitative analysis of phytochemicals revealed that phenols are rich in seagrass H. ovalis.

Discussion and conclusion: These findings demonstrated that the methanol extract of H. ovalis exhibited appreciable antibacterial, noticeable antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, and thus could be use as a potential source for natural health products.     

Antioxidant Activity of Chinese Medicinal Herbs

Abstract

Sequential extraction with petroleum ether, chloroform–ethyl acetate, methanol, and water was carried out on 40 commonly used Chinese medicinal herbs. The antioxidant power of different fraction extracts was measured with both the DPPH assay and the FRAP assay. Ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene were used as two reference antioxidants. The total phenolic content of the extracts was measured by Folin-Ciocalteu method. The fraction extracts showed different antioxidant activity in the two assays; however, there was a significant positive correlation between the DPPH assay and the FRAP assay. Methanol fraction extracts generally demonstrated stronger antioxidant power and higher total phenolic content than did the others. The results suggest that Radix Sanguisorbae, Cortex cinnamomi, Herba taxilli, Semen arecae, and L., Cinnamomum cassia Presl ., Taxillus sutchuenensis (Lecomte) Danser, Areca catechu Linn. and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi contain relatively high values in antioxidant power and/or high total phenolic content. This study is the first comprehensive antioxidant activity evaluation among Chinese medicinal herbs. It demonstrates that most Chinese medicinal herbs are also useful in preventing various degenerative diseases.