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8 pages, 344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Insight into the Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial and Synergistic Effects of the Moroccan Endemic Thymus atlanticus (Ball) Roussine Essential Oil in Combination with Conventional Antibiotics

by Ahmed Nafis, Marcello Iriti, Lahcen Ouchari, Fatima El Otmani, Najat Marraiki, Abdallah M. Elgorban, Asad Syed, Noureddine Mezrioui, Lahcen Hassani and Luísa Custódio

Molecules 2021, 26(19), 5850; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26195850 - 27 Sep 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2264

Abstract

This study reported the volatile profile, the antimicrobial activity and the synergistic potential of essential oil (EO) from the Moroccan endemic Thymus atlanticus (Ball) Roussine, in combination with the antibiotics ciprofloxacin and fluconazole for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. [...] Read more.

This study reported the volatile profile, the antimicrobial activity and the synergistic potential of essential oil (EO) from the Moroccan endemic Thymus atlanticus (Ball) Roussine, in combination with the antibiotics ciprofloxacin and fluconazole for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The EO chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and the antimicrobial activity assessed by the disc diffusion method against three Gram positive (Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus) and three Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and one clinical isolate, Klebsiella pneumonia). The antifungal activity was evaluated in four pathogenic yeasts (Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis). The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and the synergistic effect with ciprofloxacin and fluconazole were determined by the two-fold dilution technique and checkerboard test, respectively. Twenty-one constituents were identified by GC-MS in the EO, including carvacrol (21.62%) and borneol (21.13%) as the major components. The EO exhibited a significant antimicrobial activity with inhibition zones ranging from 0.7 mm to 22 mm for P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis, respectively, and MIC values varying from 0.56 mg/mL to 4.47 mg/mL. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values ranged from 0.25 to 0.50 for bacteria and from 0.25 to 0.28 for yeasts. The maximum synergistic effect was observed for K. pneumonia with a 256-fold gain of antibiotic MIC. Our results have suggested that EO from T. atlanticus may be used alone or in association with antibiotics as a new potential alternative to prevent and control the emergence of resistant microbial strains both in the medical field and in the food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds)

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10 pages, 1408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dihydroisocoumarins and Dihydroisoflavones from the Rhizomes of Dioscorea collettii with Cytotoxic Activity and Structural Revision of 2,2′-Oxybis(1,4-di-tert-butylbenzene)

by Songsong Jing, Zhuo Qu, Chengcheng Zhao, Xia Li, Long Guo, Zhao Liu, Yuguang Zheng and Wenyuan Gao

Molecules 2021, 26(17), 5381; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26175381 - 04 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2090

Abstract

The investigation of the constituents of the rhizomes of Dioscorea collettii afforded one new dihydroisocoumarin, named (−)-montroumarin (1a), along with five known compounds—montroumarin (1b), 1,1′-oxybis(2,4-di-tert-butylbenzene) (2), (3R)-3′-O-methylviolanone (3a), (3S)-3′- [...] Read more.

The investigation of the constituents of the rhizomes of Dioscorea collettii afforded one new dihydroisocoumarin, named (−)-montroumarin (1a), along with five known compounds—montroumarin (1b), 1,1′-oxybis(2,4-di-tert-butylbenzene) (2), (3R)-3′-O-methylviolanone (3a), (3S)-3′-O-methylviolanone (3b), and (RS)-sativanone (4). Their structures were elucidated using extensive spectroscopic methods. To the best of our knowledge, compound 1a is a new enantiomer of compound 1b. The NMR data of compound 2 had been reported but its structure was erroneous. The structure of compound 2 was revised on the basis of a reinterpretation of its NMR data (1D and 2D) and the assignment of the ¹H and ¹³C NMR data was given rightly for the first time. Compounds 3a–4, three dihydroisoflavones, were reported from the Dioscoreaceae family for the first time. The cytotoxic activities of all the compounds were tested against the NCI-H460 cell line. Two dihydroisocoumarins, compounds 1a and 1b, displayed moderate cytotoxic activities, while the other compounds showed no cytotoxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds)

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17 pages, 2601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clitorienolactones and Isoflavonoids of Clitorea ternatea Roots Alleviate Stress-Like Symptoms in a Reserpine-Induced Zebrafish Model

by Muhammad Afiq Ngadni, Muhammad Tayyab Akhtar, Intan Safinar Ismail, Anis Irfan Norazhar, Soo Yee Lee, Maulidiani Maulidiani and Khozirah Shaari

Molecules 2021, 26(14), 4137; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26144137 - 07 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2911

Abstract

Clitorea ternatea has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a brain stimulant to treat mental illnesses and mental functional disorders. In this study, the metabolite profiles of crude C. ternatea root extract (CTRE), ethyl acetate (EA), and 50% aqueous methanol (50% MeOH) fractions [...] Read more.

Clitorea ternatea has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a brain stimulant to treat mental illnesses and mental functional disorders. In this study, the metabolite profiles of crude C. ternatea root extract (CTRE), ethyl acetate (EA), and 50% aqueous methanol (50% MeOH) fractions were investigated using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–DAD–MS/MS), while their effect on the stress-like behavior of zebrafish, pharmacologically induced with reserpine, was investigated. A total of 32 compounds were putatively identified, among which, a series of norneolignans, clitorienolactones, and various flavonoids (flavone, flavonol, isoflavone, and isoflavanone) was found to comprise the major constituents, particularly in the EA and 50% MeOH fractions. The clitorienolactones, presently unique to the species, were present in both the free and glycosylated forms in the roots. Both the EA and 50% MeOH fractions displayed moderate effects on the stress-induced zebrafish model, significantly decreasing freezing duration and elevating the total distance travelled and average velocity, 72 h post-treatment. The results of the present study provide further evidence that the basis for the use of C. ternatea roots in traditional medicine to alleviate brain-related conditions, such as stress and depression, is attributable to the presence of clitorienolactones and the isoflavonoidal constituents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds)

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12 pages, 896 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validated Stability-Indicating GC-MS Method for Characterization of Forced Degradation Products of Trans-Caffeic Acid and Trans-Ferulic Acid

by Maša Islamčević Razboršek, Milena Ivanović and Mitja Kolar

Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2475; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092475 - 23 Apr 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3397

Abstract

When dealing with simple phenols such as caffeic acid (CA) and ferulic acid (FA), found in a variety of plants, it is very important to have control over the most important factors that accelerate their degradation reactions. This is the first report in [...] Read more.

When dealing with simple phenols such as caffeic acid (CA) and ferulic acid (FA), found in a variety of plants, it is very important to have control over the most important factors that accelerate their degradation reactions. This is the first report in which the stabilities of these two compounds have been systematically tested by exposure to various different factors. Forced degradation studies were performed on pure standards (trans-CA and trans-FA), dissolved in different solvents and exposed to different oxidative, photolytic and thermal stress conditions. Additionally, a rapid, sensitive, and selective stability-indicating gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method was developed and validated for determination of trans-CA and trans-FA in the presence of their degradation products. Cis-CA and cis-FA were confirmed as the only degradation products in all the experiments performed. All the compounds were perfectly separated by gas chromatography (GC) and identified using mass spectrometry (MS), a method that additionally elucidated their structures. In general, more protic solvents, higher temperatures, UV radiation and longer storage times led to more significant degradation (isomerization) of both trans-isomers. The most progressive isomerization of both compounds (up to 43%) was observed when the polar solutions were exposed to daylight at room temperature for 1 month. The method was validated for linearity, precision as repeatability, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ). The method was confirmed as linear over tested concentration ranges from 1−100 mg L⁻¹ (r²s were above 0.999). The LOD and LOQ for trans-FA were 0.15 mg L⁻¹ and 0.50 mg L⁻¹, respectively. The LOD and LOQ for trans-CA were 0.23 mg L⁻¹ and 0.77 mg L⁻¹, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds)

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17 pages, 13864 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simultaneous Quantitative Analysis of Ginsenosides Isolated from the Fruit of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer and Regulation of HO-1 Expression through EGFR Signaling Has Anti-Inflammatory and Osteogenic Induction Effects in HPDL Cells

by Eun-Nam Kim, Oryon Kaygusuz, Hyun-Su Lee and Gil-Saeng Jeong

Molecules 2021, 26(7), 2092; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26072092 - 06 Apr 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2512

Abstract

Periodontitis is a set of chronic inflammatory diseases caused by the accumulation of Gram-negative bacteria on teeth, resulting in gingivitis, pocket formation, alveolar bone loss, tissue destruction, and tooth loss. In this study, the contents of ginsenosides isolated from Panax ginseng fruit extract [...] Read more.

Periodontitis is a set of chronic inflammatory diseases caused by the accumulation of Gram-negative bacteria on teeth, resulting in gingivitis, pocket formation, alveolar bone loss, tissue destruction, and tooth loss. In this study, the contents of ginsenosides isolated from Panax ginseng fruit extract were quantitatively analyzed, and the anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated in human periodontal ligament cells. The major ginsenosides, Re, Ra8, and Rf, present in ginseng fruit were simultaneously analyzed by a validated method using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector; Re, Ra8, and Rf content per 1 g of P. ginseng fruit extract was 1.01 ± 0.03, 0.33 ± 0.01, and 0.55 ± 0.04 mg, respectively. Ginsenosides-Re, -Ra8, and -Rf inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory factors and the expression of important cytokines in periodontitis by inducing the expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), promoting osteoblast differentiation of periodontal ligament cells, suppressing alveolar bone loss, and promoting the expression of osteoblast-specific genes, such as alp, opn, and runx2. An inhibitory effect of these ginsenosides on periodontitis and alveolar bone loss was observed via the regulation of HO-1 and subsequent epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. Silencing EGFR with EGFR siRNA confirmed that the effect of ginsenosides on HO-1 is mediated by EGFR. In conclusion, this study evaluated the contents of ginsenosides-Re, -Ra8, and -Rf isolated from P. ginseng fruit extract. Therefore, these results provide important basic data for future P. ginseng fruit component studies and suggest that ginsenosides Re, Ra8, and Rf have potential as future treatment options for periodontitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds)

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10 pages, 2741 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eudesmane and Eremophilane Sesquiterpenes from the Fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla with Protective Effects against Oxidative Stress in Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

by Punam Thapa, Yoo Jin Lee, Tiep Tien Nguyen, Donglan Piao, Hwaryeong Lee, Sujin Han, Yeon Jin Lee, Ah-Reum Han, Hyukjae Choi, Jee-Heon Jeong, Joo-Won Nam and Eun Kyoung Seo

Molecules 2021, 26(6), 1762; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26061762 - 21 Mar 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2651

Abstract

Alpinia oxyphylla Miquel (Zingiberaceae) has been reported to show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. In this study, two new eudesmane sesquiterpenes, 7α-hydroperoxy eudesma-3,11-diene-2-one (1) and 7β-hydroperoxy eudesma-3,11-diene-2-one (2), and a new eremophilane sesquiterpene, 3α-hydroxynootkatone (3), were isolated [...] Read more.

Alpinia oxyphylla Miquel (Zingiberaceae) has been reported to show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. In this study, two new eudesmane sesquiterpenes, 7α-hydroperoxy eudesma-3,11-diene-2-one (1) and 7β-hydroperoxy eudesma-3,11-diene-2-one (2), and a new eremophilane sesquiterpene, 3α-hydroxynootkatone (3), were isolated from the MeOH extract of dried fruits of A. oxyphylla along with eleven known sesquiterpenes (4–14). The structures were elucidated by the analysis of 1D/2D NMR, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), and optical rotation data. Compounds (1–3, 5–14) were evaluated for their protective effects against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-induced oxidative stress in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). As a result, treatment with isolated compounds, especially compounds 11 and 12, effectively reverted the damage of tBHP on ADMSCs in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, 11 and 12 at 50 µM improved the viability of tBHP-toxified ADMSCs by 1.69 ± 0.05-fold and 1.61 ± 0.03-fold, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds)

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12 pages, 4237 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Metabolome-Based Discrimination Analysis of Five Lilium Bulbs Associated with Differences in Secondary Metabolites

by Ying Kong, Huan Wang, Lixin Lang, Xiaoying Dou and Jinrong Bai

Molecules 2021, 26(5), 1340; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26051340 - 02 Mar 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2293

Abstract

The bulbs of several Lilium species are considered to be both functional foods and traditional medicine in northern and eastern Asia. Considering the limited information regarding the specific bioactive compounds contributing to the functional properties of these bulbs, we compared the secondary metabolites [...] Read more.

The bulbs of several Lilium species are considered to be both functional foods and traditional medicine in northern and eastern Asia. Considering the limited information regarding the specific bioactive compounds contributing to the functional properties of these bulbs, we compared the secondary metabolites of ten Lilium bulb samples belonging to five different species, using an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS)-based secondary metabolomics approach. In total, 245 secondary metabolites were detected; further, more metabolites were detected from purple Lilium bulbs (217 compounds) than from white bulbs (123–171 compounds). Similar metabolite profiles were detected in samples within the same species irrespective of where they were collected. By combining herbal analysis and screening differential metabolites, steroid saponins were considered the key bioactive compounds in medicinal lilies. Of the 14 saponins detected, none were accumulated in the bulbs of L. davidii var. willmottiae, also called sweet lily. The purple bulbs of L. regale accumulated more secondary metabolites, and, notably, more phenolic acid compounds and flavonoids. Overall, this study elucidates the differential metabolites in lily bulbs with varying functions and colors and provides a reference for further research on functional foods and the medicinal efficacy of Lilium species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds)

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15 pages, 1859 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of White Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Fruits on Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages

by Jae Sik Yu, Sung Ho Lim, Seoung Rak Lee, Chang-Ik Choi and Ki Hyun Kim

Molecules 2021, 26(4), 920; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26040920 - 09 Feb 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3618

Abstract

In this study, the protective effects of white mulberry (Morus alba) fruits on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were investigated. The ethanol (EtOH) extract of white mulberry fruits and its derived fractions contained adequate total phenolic and flavonoid contents, with good [...] Read more.

In this study, the protective effects of white mulberry (Morus alba) fruits on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were investigated. The ethanol (EtOH) extract of white mulberry fruits and its derived fractions contained adequate total phenolic and flavonoid contents, with good in vitro antioxidant radical scavenging activity. The extract and fractions also markedly inhibited ROS generation and antioxidant activity. After treatment with the EtOH extract and its fractions, LPS stimulation-induced elevated nitric oxide (NO) production was restored, which was primarily mediated by downregulation of inducible NO synthase expression. A total of 20 chemical constituents including flavonoids, steroids, and phenolics were identified in the fractions using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). These findings provide experimental evidence of the protective effects of white mulberry fruit extract against oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, suggesting their nutraceutical and pharmaceutical potential as natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds)

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15 pages, 3238 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Chemical Constituents from Fruits of Catalpa bignonioides Walt. and Their α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity and Insulin Secretion Effect

by Youngse Oh, Dahae Lee, SeonJu Park, Seung Hyun Kim and Ki Sung Kang

Molecules 2021, 26(2), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26020362 - 12 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3099

Abstract

Catalpa pod has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in South America. Studies on the constituents of Catalpa species have shown that it is rich in iridoids. In the present study, three previously undescribed compounds (2– [...] Read more.

Catalpa pod has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in South America. Studies on the constituents of Catalpa species have shown that it is rich in iridoids. In the present study, three previously undescribed compounds (2–4), including two secoiridoid derivatives along with twelve known compounds, were isolated from the fruits of Catalpa bignonioides Walt. In addition, fully assigned ¹³C-NMR of 5,6-dihydroxy-7,4’-dimethoxyflavone-6-O-sophoroside (1) is reported for the first time in the present study. The structures of compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, 1D, and 2D NMR, mass spectroscopy, and CD spectroscopic data. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Among the tested compounds, compounds 2, 3, and 9 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase enzyme assay. Meanwhile, the effect of compounds 2, 3, and 9 on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) was measured using pancreatic β-cells. Compounds 2, 3, and 9 exhibited non-cytotoxicity-stimulated insulin secretion in INS-1 cells. The expression levels of proteins associated with β-cell function and insulin secretion such as phosphorylation of total insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, activated pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) were increased in INS-1 cells after treatment with compounds 2, 3, and 9. The findings of the present study could provide a scientific warrant for their application as a potential antidiabetic agent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds)

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34 pages, 15018 KiB

Open AccessArticle

7β-(3-Ethyl-cis-crotonoyloxy)-1α-(2-methylbutyryloxy)-3,14-dehydro-Z Notonipetranone Attenuates Neuropathic Pain by Suppressing Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory and Pro-Apoptotic Protein Expressions

by Amna Khan, Adnan Khan, Sidra Khalid, Bushra Shal, Eunwoo Kang, Hwaryeong Lee, Geoffroy Laumet, Eun Kyoung Seo and Salman Khan

Molecules 2021, 26(1), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26010181 - 01 Jan 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4293

Abstract

7β-(3-Ethyl-cis-crotonoyloxy)-1α-(2-methylbutyryloxy)-3,14-dehydro-Z-notonipetranone (ECN), a sesquiterpenoid obtained from a natural source has proved to be effective in minimizing various side effects associated with opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The current study focused on investigating the effects of ECN on neuropathic pain [...] Read more.

7β-(3-Ethyl-cis-crotonoyloxy)-1α-(2-methylbutyryloxy)-3,14-dehydro-Z-notonipetranone (ECN), a sesquiterpenoid obtained from a natural source has proved to be effective in minimizing various side effects associated with opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The current study focused on investigating the effects of ECN on neuropathic pain induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) by mainly focusing on oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic proteins expression in mice. ECN (1 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.), was administered once daily for 11 days, starting from the third day after surgery. ECN post-treatment was found to reduce hyperalgesia and allodynia in a dose-dependent manner. ECN remarkably reversed the histopathological abnormalities associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation. Furthermore, ECN prevented the suppression of antioxidants (glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), hemeoxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase) by PSNL. Moreover, pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrotic factor-alpha, interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase) expression was reduced by ECN administration. Treatment with ECN was successful in reducing the caspase-3 level consistent with the observed modulation of pro-apoptotic proteins. Additionally, ECN showed a protective effect on the lipid content of myelin sheath as evident from FTIR spectroscopy which showed the shift of lipid component bands to higher values. Thus, the anti-neuropathic potential of ECN might be due to the inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators and pro-apoptotic proteins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds)

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10 pages, 1963 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Discrimination of Lycium chinense and L. barbarum Based on Metabolite Analysis and Hepatoprotective Activity

by Min-Ji Ryu, Minjeong Kim, Moongi Ji, Chaeyoung Lee, Inho Yang, Seong-Bin Hong, Jungwook Chin, Eun Kyoung Seo, Man-Jeong Paik, Kyung-Min Lim and Sang-Jip Nam

Molecules 2020, 25(24), 5835; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245835 - 10 Dec 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2907

Abstract

Lycii Fructus is a traditional medicine used to prevent liver and kidney diseases, which commonly derives from Lycium chinense and Lycium barbarum. Here, the extracts and ethyl acetate-soluble fractions of L. chinense fruits exhibited better hepatoprotective effects than those of L. barbarum [...] Read more.

Lycii Fructus is a traditional medicine used to prevent liver and kidney diseases, which commonly derives from Lycium chinense and Lycium barbarum. Here, the extracts and ethyl acetate-soluble fractions of L. chinense fruits exhibited better hepatoprotective effects than those of L. barbarum, which was likely due to differences in their composition. Therefore, GC-MS and HPLC analyses were conducted to characterize the metabolite differences between L. chinense and L. barbarum. Based on amino acid (AA) and phenolic acid (PA) profiling, 24 AAs and 9 PAs were identified in the two species. Moreover, each species exhibited unique and readily distinguishable AA and PA star graphic patterns. HPLC analysis elucidated composition differences between the ethyl acetate-soluble layers of the two compounds. Further, NMR analysis identified their chemical structures as 4-(2-formyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)butanoic acid and p-coumaric acid. The higher content of 4-(2-formyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)butanoic acid was detected in L. chinense, whereas the content of p-coumaric acid was higher in L. barbarum. Therefore, the differences in the relative contents of these two secondary metabolites in the ethyl acetate-soluble layer of Lycii Fructus could be a good marker to discriminate between L. chinense and L. barbarum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds)

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11 pages, 1283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Two Novel Quassinoid Glycosides with Antiviral Activity from the Samara of Ailanthus altissima

by Qing-Wei Tan, Jian-Cheng Ni, Jian-Ting Shi, Jian-Xuan Zhu and Qi-Jian Chen

Molecules 2020, 25(23), 5679; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25235679 - 02 Dec 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1928

Abstract

Phytochemistry investigations on Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, a Simaroubaceae plant that is recognized as a traditional herbal medicine, have afforded various natural products, among which C₂₀ quassinoid is the most attractive for their significant and diverse pharmacological and biological activities. Our continuous [...] Read more.

Phytochemistry investigations on Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, a Simaroubaceae plant that is recognized as a traditional herbal medicine, have afforded various natural products, among which C₂₀ quassinoid is the most attractive for their significant and diverse pharmacological and biological activities. Our continuous study has led to the isolation of two novel quassinoid glycosides, named chuglycosides J and K, together with fourteen known lignans from the samara of A. altissima. The new structures were elucidated based on comprehensive spectra data analysis. All of the compounds were evaluated for their anti-tobacco mosaic virus activity, among which chuglycosides J and K exhibited inhibitory effects against the virus multiplication with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 56.21 ± 1.86 and 137.74 ± 3.57 μM, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds)

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Review

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38 pages, 5742 KiB

Open AccessReview

Conifers Phytochemicals: A Valuable Forest with Therapeutic Potential

by Kanchan Bhardwaj, Ana Sanches Silva, Maria Atanassova, Rohit Sharma, Eugenie Nepovimova, Kamil Musilek, Ruchi Sharma, Mousa A. Alghuthaymi, Daljeet Singh Dhanjal, Marcello Nicoletti, Bechan Sharma, Navneet Kumar Upadhyay, Natália Cruz-Martins, Prerna Bhardwaj and Kamil Kuča

Molecules 2021, 26(10), 3005; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26103005 - 18 May 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6079

Abstract

Conifers have long been recognized for their therapeutic potential in different disorders. Alkaloids, terpenes and polyphenols are the most abundant naturally occurring phytochemicals in these plants. Here, we provide an overview of the phytochemistry and related commercial products obtained from conifers. The pharmacological [...] Read more.

Conifers have long been recognized for their therapeutic potential in different disorders. Alkaloids, terpenes and polyphenols are the most abundant naturally occurring phytochemicals in these plants. Here, we provide an overview of the phytochemistry and related commercial products obtained from conifers. The pharmacological actions of different phytochemicals present in conifers against bacterial and fungal infections, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are also reviewed. Data obtained from experimental and clinical studies performed to date clearly underline that such compounds exert promising antioxidant effects, being able to inhibit cell damage, cancer growth, inflammation and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, an attempt has been made with the intent to highlight the importance of conifer-derived extracts for pharmacological purposes, with the support of relevant in vitro and in vivo experimental data. In short, this review comprehends the information published to date related to conifers’ phytochemicals and illustrates their potential role as drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds)

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16 pages, 1934 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phytochemicals and Bioactivities of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb

by Ah-Reum Han, Hyunyoung Kim, Donglan Piao, Chan-Hun Jung and Eun Kyoung Seo

Molecules 2021, 26(8), 2377; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26082377 - 19 Apr 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5999

Abstract

Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. (Zingiberaceae), is an important medicinal plant known as “Plai (Phlai)” in Thailand, “Bangle” in Indonesia, and “Bulei” in China. Traditionally, this plant has been used to treat inflammation, pain, and respiratory problems. The rhizomes are the primary part of the [...] Read more.

Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. (Zingiberaceae), is an important medicinal plant known as “Plai (Phlai)” in Thailand, “Bangle” in Indonesia, and “Bulei” in China. Traditionally, this plant has been used to treat inflammation, pain, and respiratory problems. The rhizomes are the primary part of the plant that has been used for medicinal purposes due to their constituents with therapeutic properties, including phenylbutenoids, curcuminoids, and essential oils. Since the 1970s, many studies have been conducted on the phytochemicals and bioactivities of Z. cassumunar to establish fundamental scientific evidence that supports its use in traditional medicine. The accumulated biological studies on the extracts, solvent fractions, and constituents of Z. cassumunar have described their diverse medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective/neurotrophic, cosmeceutical, and antifungal/antimicrobial bioactivities. In this review, we summarize information on the phytochemicals of Z. cassumunar and the bioactivities of its extracts and constituents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds)

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