Anti-inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activities of Phenolic Compoundsfrom Broussonetia kazinoki

The phytochemical investigation of Broussonetia kazinoki roots led to the isolation of ten compounds, including six flavonoids (1–6), two lignans (7 and 8), and two coumarins (9 and 10) by comparing their 1H and 13C NMR spectra with reference values. To the best of our knowledge, compounds 9 and 10 were isolated from this plant for the first time. Among the ten isolates, compounds 2, 4, and 6 exhibited inhibitory effects against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophage RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values of 11.98, 10.16, and 24.06 μM, respectively. Furthermore, compounds 2, 4, and 6 reduced LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in a dose-dependent manner. Pre-incubation of cells with these compounds also significantly suppressed LPS-induced COX-2 protein expression. Compounds 2, 4, and 6 also showed cytotoxic activity against HL-60 cells with IC50 values ranging between 46.43 and 94.06 μM.

Anti-inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activities of Phenolic Compoundsfrom Broussonetia kazinoki

The phytochemical investigation of Broussonetia kazinoki roots led to the isolation of ten compounds, including six flavonoids (1–6), two lignans (7 and 8), and two coumarins (9 and 10) by comparing their 1H and 13C NMR spectra with reference values. To the best of our knowledge, compounds 9 and 10 were isolated from this plant for the first time. Among the ten isolates, compounds 2, 4, and 6 exhibited inhibitory effects against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophage RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values of 11.98, 10.16, and 24.06 μM, respectively. Furthermore, compounds 2, 4, and 6 reduced LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in a dose-dependent manner. Pre-incubation of cells with these compounds also significantly suppressed LPS-induced COX-2 protein expression. Compounds 2, 4, and 6 also showed cytotoxic activity against HL-60 cells with IC50 values ranging between 46.43 and 94.06 μM.

Biological Activity of Chemical Constituents Isolated from Strain Chlamydomonas sp. KSF108 (Chlamydomonadaceae)

This study focused on investigation of the immunosuppressive inhibitory effect through determination of IL-2 production of nine compounds (1 − 9) isolated from Chlamydomonas sp. KSF108. Among them, compounds 1, 5, and 6 displayed moderately inhibitory effects on IL-2 production at a concentration of 100 μM. In addition, the related ones including cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities were also elucidated. 6 further displayed cytotoxic activity against the MCF-7 cell line, with an IC50 value of 17.2 μM and 4, 6 − 7, and 9 possessed significant DPPH radical scavenging activity, with IC50 values ranging from 3.1 to 4.4 μM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the bioactivity of isolated chemical constituents from the genus Chlamydomonas. Compounds 1 and 5 investigated for the first time in the activity of immunosuppressivity and 6 may come to serve as the most important marker in broad-spectrum activities of the secondary metabolites identified from C. sp. KSF108.

Development and Validation of an HPLC-PDA Method for Quantitation of Ten Marker Compounds from Eclipta prostrata (L.) and Evaluation of Their Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B, α-Glucosidase, and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities

The aerial parts of Eclipta prostrata is used as a traditional medicine and vegetable. In traditional folk medicine, it is used for treatment of hemorrhages, hepatic, disease, renal injuries, hair loss, tooth mobility, and viper bites. In this study, ten compounds (1 ‒ 10) were isolated from the aerial parts of E. prostrata. A reliable high performance liquid chromatography equipped with photometric diode array detector (HPLC-PDA) method was developed to simultaneously quantitate 10 marker compounds [chlorogenic acid (1), paratensein 7-O-β-ᴅ-glucoside (2), quercetin 7-O-β-ᴅ-glucoside (3), luteolin 7-O-β-ᴅ-glucoside (4), apigenin 7-O-β-ᴅ-glucoside (5), apigenin 4'-O-β-ᴅ-glucoside (6), apigenin (7), luteolin (8), wedelolactone (9), and paratensein (10)]. In addition, compounds 5 and 6 showed considerable inhibitory effects against protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) enzyme. Moreover, compounds 6 ‒ 8, and 10 exhibited potent α-glucosidase inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 24.5 ± 1.9, 33.0 ± 0.5, 45.5 ± 0.1, and 23.8 ± 1.0 µM, respectively. All compounds (1 ‒ 10) showed considerable acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effects with IC 50 ranging from 30.1 to 75.2 µM.

Development and Validation of an HPLC-PDA Method for Quantitation of Ten Marker Compounds from Eclipta prostrata (L.) and Evaluation of Their Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B, α-Glucosidase, and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities

The aerial parts of Eclipta prostrata is used as a traditional medicine and vegetable. In traditional folk medicine, it is used for treatment of hemorrhages, hepatic, disease, renal injuries, hair loss, tooth mobility, and viper bites. In this study, ten compounds (1 ‒ 10) were isolated from the aerial parts of E. prostrata. A reliable high performance liquid chromatography equipped with photometric diode array detector (HPLC-PDA) method was developed to simultaneously quantitate 10 marker compounds [chlorogenic acid (1), paratensein 7-O-β-ᴅ-glucoside (2), quercetin 7-O-β-ᴅ-glucoside (3), luteolin 7-O-β-ᴅ-glucoside (4), apigenin 7-O-β-ᴅ-glucoside (5), apigenin 4'-O-β-ᴅ-glucoside (6), apigenin (7), luteolin (8), wedelolactone (9), and paratensein (10)]. In addition, compounds 5 and 6 showed considerable inhibitory effects against protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) enzyme. Moreover, compounds 6 ‒ 8, and 10 exhibited potent α-glucosidase inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 24.5 ± 1.9, 33.0 ± 0.5, 45.5 ± 0.1, and 23.8 ± 1.0 µM, respectively. All compounds (1 ‒ 10) showed considerable acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effects with IC 50 ranging from 30.1 to 75.2 µM.

Development of Analytical Method and Validation using HPLC/PDA for Discrimination between Artemisiae Argyi Folium and Artemisiae Iwayomogii Herba

In this study, we described the new developed method to simultaneously discriminate two herbal drugs of Artemisiae Argyi Folium and Artemisiae Iwayomogii Herba using eight marker compounds (1 – 8) on an HPLC-PDA system. The developed method was applied to quantify the major components of two herbal drugs. The pattern analysis successfully discriminated and evaluated different components between Artemisiae Argyi Folium and Artemisiae Iwayomogii Herba. Results were used for classification of different species from collected samples.

Quantitation and Radical Scavenging Activity Evaluation of Iridoids and Phenylethanoids from the Roots of Phlomis umbrosa (Turcz.) using DPPH Free Radical and DPPH-HPLC Methods, and their Cytotoxicity

The roots of Phlomis umbrosa (Turcz.) (Phlomidis Radix) have been traditionally used to treat cold, reduce swelling and staunch bleeding. Four iridoids (1 – 3 and 5) and six phenylethanoid derivatives (4, and 6 – 10) were isolated from the roots of P. umbrosa. A simple, sensitive, and reliable analytical HPLC/PDA method was developed, validated, and applied to determine 10 marker compounds in Phlomidis Radix. Furthermore, the isolates were evaluated for cytotoxic and anti-oxidant activities as well as DPPH-HPLC method. Among them, compounds 4 and 6 – 9 displayed potent anti-oxidant capacities using DPPH assay with IC50 values of 27.7 ± 2.4, 10.2 ± 1.1, 18.0 ± 0.8, 19.1 ± 0.3, and 19.9 ± 0.6 µM, and compounds 6, 8, and 9 displayed significant cytotoxic activity against HL-60 with IC50 values of 35.4 ± 3.1, 18.6 ± 2.0, and 42.9 ± 3.0 µM, respectively.

Anti-inflammatory and Immunosuppressive Effects of Panax notoginseng

Here, we designed to examine the anti-inflammatory effects on RAW264.7 cells and the immunosuppressive effects by evaluating interleukin-2 (IL-2) production in Jurkat T cells using a MeOH extract of Panax notoginseng roots. The results showed that the MeOH extract inhibited the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) in a dose-dependent manner (IC₅₀ value of 7.08 µg/mL) and displayed effects on T cell activation at a concentration of 400 µg/mL. In efforts to identify the potent compounds, bioactivity-guided fractionation of the MeOH extract and chemical investigation of its active CH₂Cl₂-, EtOAc-, and butanol-soluble fractions led to the successful isolation and identification of eleven compounds, including two polyacetylenes (1, 2), a steroid saponin (3), seven dammarane-type ginsenosides (4 – 10), and an oleanane-type ginsenoside (11). Among them, compound 11 was isolated from this plant for the first time. Compound 2 exhibited potent inhibitory effects on NO synthesis and an immunosuppressive effect with IC₅₀ values of 2.28 and 65.57 µM, respectively.

Development and Validation of HPLC-PDA Method and Pattern Recognition Analyses Using Eight Marker Compounds for the Quality Control Between the Seeds of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. and Cuscuta japonica Choisy

Cuscuta chinensis Lam. and Cuscuta japonica Choisy are parasitic plants. C. chinensis seeds were traditionally used for treatment of kidney and liver deficiencies. C. japonica seeds were used as tonic medicine to improve liver function and strengthen kidneys, treatment of high blood pressure, chronic diarrhea, and sore eyes. Cuscutae Semen are seeds of only C. chinensis in Korean Herbal Pharmacopoeia (K.H.P.). The developed HPLC-PDA method easily, accurately, and sensitively quantified using eight marker compounds [hyperoside (1), astragalin, (2), quercetin (3), kaempferol (4), chlorogenic acid (5), 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (6), 1,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (7), and 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (8)]. In addition, the method may be used to distinguish seeds between C. chinensis Lam. and C. japonica Choisy. Furthermore, the result from the current study was applied to clarify samples between steam processed and unprocessed samples of C. chinensis by pattern analysis.

Cytotoxic Lactones from the Pericarps of Litsea japonica

From the pericarps of Litsea japonica (Thunb.) Jussieu, eighteen butanolide derivatives (1 – 18) were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against HeLa, HL-60, and MCF-7 cells. Compounds 1 – 9 with 2-alkylidene-3-hydroxy-4-methylbutanolides structure exhibited cytotoxic activities against cancer-cell lines. Among them, compound 8 (litsenolide D₂) exhibited the most potent cytotoxicity against the tested cell lines, including HeLa, HL-60, and MCF-7, with IC₅₀ values of 17.6 ± 1.3, 4.2 ± 0.2, and 12.8 ± 0.0 µM, respectively. Compound 8 induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Annexin V/Propidium Iodide (PI) double staining confirmed that 8 effectively induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. To the best of our knowledge, we have reported cytotoxic activity of butanolides from L. japonica against these cancer-cell lines for the first time.

Cytotoxic Triterpenoids from the Fruits of Ligustrum japonicum

Medicinal plants are potential sources of anticancer agents screening. A large number of phytochemicals, including triterpenoids, have been reported to have significant cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. From the fruits of Ligustrum japonicum Thunb., thirteen triterpenoids (1 – 13) were isolated and evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against Hela and HL-60 cells. As results, 8 (oleanolic acid) showed significant effects on Hela with IC50 values of 5.5 µM, and moderate effects on HL-60 cells with IC₅₀ values of 55.9 µM. Meanwhile, 10 (oleanderic acid) and 11 (3β-acetoxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid) exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on Hela with IC₅₀ value of 55.0 and 68.8 µM, respectively. Moreover, 10 showed cytotoxic effect on HL-60 cell line with IC₅₀ value of 63.9 µM. To our knowledge, this is the first report that oleanderic acid was isolated from L. japonicum and investigated in cytotoxic effects on Hela and HL-60 cells.

Antioxidant Compounds Isolated from the Roots of Phlomis umbrosa Turcz

Two triterpenoids, arjunolic acid (1), belleric acid (2), five phenylethanoids, martynoside (3), orobanchoside (4), 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylalcohol-6-O-caffeoyl-β-D-glucoside (5), leucosceptoside B (6), lunariifolioside (7), four phenolic acids, ferulic acid (8), syringic acid (9), vanillic acid (10), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (11), and one lignan, (+)-syringaresinol-β-D-glucoside (12), were isolated from the roots of P. umbrosa. All isolated compounds were explored for their antioxidant potential in the DPPH and ABTS assays. In DPPH assay, compound 5 showed high antioxidant capacity. Compounds 3, 4, 6, and 7 displayed considerable antioxidant activities. In addition, compounds 5–7 exhibited potential antioxidant capacities in the ABTS assay.

Phenolic Constituents and Their Anti-inflammatory Activity from Echinochloa utilis Grains

Seven phenolic compounds including p-coumaric acid (1), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (2), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (3), vanillic acid (4), luteolin (5), acacetin (6), and tricin (7), were isolated from the methylene chloride and ethyl acetate fractions of Echinochloa utilis grains. Compounds (1 - 4, 6) were isolated for the first time from this plant. These compounds were tested for inhibitory activities against LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 5 and 6 displayed significant inhibitory effects, with IC₅₀ values of 27.9 ± 2.6 and 14.0 ± 1.1 µM, respectively. The results suggested that E. utilis ethanolic extract may be used as a potential source of anti-inflammatory agents and functional foods for the treatment of allergic diseases.

Bioactive Constituents from the Leaves of Zanthoxylum schinifolium

Activity-guided separation of the methylene chloride-soluble fraction of the leaves of Zanthoxylum schinifolium, resulted in the isolation of four coumarinoids (1 - 4), two triterpenoids (5, 6) and three fatty acid derivatives (7 - 9) as active principles. Their chemical structures were identified as collinin (1), 8-methoxyanisocoumarin (2), 7-(6'R-hydroxy-3',7'-dimethylocta-2',7'-dienyloxy)-coumarin (3), (E)-4-methly-6-(coumarin-7'-yloxy) hex-4-enal (4), lupeol (5), epi-lupeol (6), phytol (7), hexadec-3-enoic acid (8) and palmitic acid (9), on the basis of spectroscopic (1D, 2D and MS) data analyses and comparing with the data published in the literatures. Compounds 1 and 7 showed potent cytotoxicity against Jurkat T cells with IC50 values of 45.58 and 47.51 microM, respectively. The others showed moderate activity with IC50 values ranging around 80.58 to 85.83 microM, while the positive control, auraptene, possessed an IC50 value of 55.36 microM.

Anti-Thrombogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Solvent Fractions from Leaves of Zanthoxylum Schinifolium (Sancho Namu) in Rats Fed High Fat Diet

This study was performed to investigate anti-thrombogenic, anti-inflammatory effects of n-BuOH (B) and CH2Cl2 (MC) fractions extracted from Sancho (Zanthoxylum. schinifolium) leaves in rats fed high fat diets. The experimental animal groups were consisted of eight including one 5% fat (N) and one 20% fat (H) without the test materials in diets and six H groups of feeding three levels (50, 100 and 150 mg/day) of the B and the MC fractions from Z. schinifolium, respectively. Plasma activated partial thromboplastin times and thrombin times of H group were decreased compared to the N group, but they were increased by feeding the MC fraction of 50 mg and over. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte 5'-lipoxygenase activities and leukocyte leukotriene B4 contents of the H group were significantly increased compared to the N group, but they were decreased in the 100 mg and 150 mg of B fraction or the 150 mg of MC fraction fed groups. Liver cytochrome P450, O2-, H2O2 and GSSG contents were increased by the high fat diet but decreased by feeding the B fraction or the MC fraction, while GSH content and glutathione S-transferase activity lowered by high fat diet were increased by feeding the two solvent fractions. The effects of the solvent fractions were evident at the level of 100 mg/day and over. The present results confirmed that two solvent fractions from the leaves of Z. schinifolium have enhancing effects on antithrombosis and anti-inflammation partly by antioxidant action and partly by direct modulation of the respective processeds. In conclusion, the n-BuOH and CH2Cl2 fractions from leaves of Z. schinifolium can be utilized as the proper ingredients of functional foods for preventing chronic degenerative disease.

Effects of Antioxidative, DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity and Antithrombogenic by the Extract of Sancho ( Zanthoxylum Schinifolium)

Effects of root, stem and leaf extract of sancho (Zanthoxylum schinifolium) on the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in the hepatic microsome of rat, DPPH radical scavenging activity and activated partial thromboplastin times (APTT) were examined in vitro. The highest inhibition of hepatic microsomal lipid peroxidation was observed by ethyl acetate fraction than that of methylene chloride fraction of the root and stem extracts. The high inhibition of lipid peroxidation was determined in the leaf, the root and the stem in order. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of ethyl acetate fraction was higher than that of n-butanol fraction and it was similar to the root and the steam extract. It was similar to the inhibition of hepatic microsomal lipid peroxidation. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was the highest in 2.500 mg/mL of ethyl acetate fraction and it was 4.4 fold higher than that of h-tocopherol, as an antioxidant standard. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was dependent on the extract concentration in the range of 0.125 - 5.000 mg/mL. The thromboplastin times were higher than that of n-butanol fraction and it was similar to the root and the steam extracts. The leaf extract showed the highest antithrombogenic effect followed by the stem and then the root extract. The activated partial thromboplastin times were dependent on the extract concentration in the range of 0.100 - 2.000 mg/mL. Consequently, the effects of antioxidative, DPPH radical scavenging activity and antithrombogenic of Z. schinifolium was observed due to the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the DPPH radical scavenging activity by methylene chloride, n-butanol and ethyl acetate fraction of the leaf extract.