Physiochemical and nutritional evaluation of whole kumquat fruits powder and its protective effect on thyroid hormones and blood sugar levels in diabetic rats / Avaliação físico-química e nutricional de frutas inteiras de kumquat em pó e seu efeito protetor sobre os hormônios da tireoide e os níveis de açúcar no sangue em ratos diabéticos

Abstract The present study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and hypoglycemic effects of whole kumquat (Ku) powder in diabetic rats fed a high-fat-high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using stable 1,1-diphenyl 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method, 2,2´-azinobis (3-ethyl benzo thiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation (ABTS) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Total phenolic content was (51.85 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content was (0.24 mg Cateachin Equivalent, CE/g). DPPH and ABTS values were 3.32 and 3.98 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g where FRAP value was 3.00 mM Fe2+/kg dry material. A total of 90 albino rats were used in the present study. Rats group were as follows: normal diet; normal treated (2, 4, and 6% Ku.), diabetic rats (non-treated), diabetic + HFHC diet (non-treated), HFHC (non-treated), Diabetic (treated), HFHC (treated) and Diabetic + HFHC (treated). The diets were followed for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment. Serum glucose was recorded and thyroid hormones (T4, Thyroxine and T3, Triiodothyronine) were conducted. Diet supplemented with Kumquat at different concentrations have a hypoglycemic effect and improve the thyroid hormones of both diabetic rats and HFHC diabetic rats.

Resumo O presente estudo foi conduzido para avaliar a composição química, a atividade antioxidante e os efeitos hipoglicêmicos do pó de kumquat (Ku) em ratos diabéticos alimentados com uma dieta rica em gordura e colesterol (HFHC). As atividades antioxidantes foram avaliadas usando o método de eliminação de radicais livres de 1,1-difenil 2-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis (ácido 3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-sulfônico) radical cátion (ABTS) e antioxidante redutor férrico potência (FRAP). O conteúdo fenólico total foi (51,85 mg GAE / g) e o conteúdo total de flavonoides foi (0,24 mg Cateachin Equivalent, CE / g). Os valores de DPPH e ABTS foram 3,32 e 3,98 mg equivalente de Trolox (TE) / g, em que o valor de FRAP foi de 3,00 mM Fe2 + / kg de material seco. Um total de 90 ratos albinos foi usado ​​no presente estudo. O grupo dos ratos foi o seguinte: dieta normal: tratados normais (2, 4 e 6% Ku.), ratos diabéticos (não tratados), diabéticos + dieta HFHC (não tratados), HFHC (não tratados), diabéticos (tratados), HFHC (tratados) e diabéticos + HFHC (tratados). As dietas foram seguidas por 8 semanas. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas ao final do experimento. A glicose sérica foi registrada e os hormônios tireoidianos (T4, Tiroxina e T3, Triiodotironina) foram conduzidos. A dieta suplementada com kumquat em diferentes concentrações tem um efeito hipoglicêmico e melhora os hormônios tireoidianos tanto de ratos diabéticos quanto de ratos diabéticos com HFHC.

Three new coumarins and a new coumarin glycoside from Micromelum integerrimum / 中国天然药物

Three new coumarins, integmarins A-C (1-3), and a new coumarin glycoside, integmaside A (4) were isolated from the leaves and stems of Micromelum integerrimum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR and MS data, and their absolute configurations were assigned according to the ECD data of the in situ formed transition metal complexes and comparison of experimental and calculated ECD data. Compounds 1 and 2 are two rare coumarins with butyl and propyl moieties at the C-6 position; compound 3 is a novel coumarin with a highly oxidized prenyl group, and compound 4 is a rare bisdihydrofuranocoumarin glycoside.

Evaluación genotóxica de las moléculas con efectos tripanocida y leishmanicida cantin-6-ona y 5-metoxicantin-6-ona en células de médula ósea de ratones / Genotoxic evaluation of the molecules with trypanocidal and leishmanicidal effects, canthin-6-one and 5-methoxycanthin-6-one in mouse bone marrow cells

La tripanosomiasis americana y la leishmaniasis son problemas de salud pública relevantes en Iberoamérica. Las drogas utilizadas actualmente para el tratamiento de estas enfermedades poseen efectos colaterales tóxicos severos. Varios grupos de investigación están abocados a la búsqueda de productos naturales y sintéticos para encontrar nuevos agentes terapéuticos efectivos que no presenten reacciones colaterales adversas. En la evaluación de compuestos de la especie vegetal Zanthoxylum chiloperone (Rutaceae), se demostró que compuestos aislados del extracto presentaban actividad leishmanicida, tripanocida y antifúngica in vivo. Teniendo como antecedentes estos resultados, en el presente estudio se evaluaron los efectos genotóxico y citotóxico del cantín-6-ona y del 5-metoxicantin-6-ona, moléculas aisladas de la planta, en células de médula ósea de animales tratados. El estudio de los efectos genotóxicos se hizo a través del ensayo de modificaciones en la frecuencia de micronúcleos y el efecto citotóxico por modificaciones en la relación entre eritrocitos policromáticos y eritrocitos normocromáticos. Se realizaron 2 ensayos independientes y en cada ensayo los animales fueron divididos en tres grupos de tratamiento: GRUPO I: control negativo que recibió 200 uL de agua y 2.1% de DMSO, vía oral, GRUPO II: compuesto a ser evaluado (canthin-6-ona o 5-methoxicantin-6-ona) con 2.1% de DMSO, y GRUPO III: control positivo que recibió ciclofosfamida 50mg/kg/peso del animal, vía intraperitoneal. El análisis estadístico mostró que ambos compuestos no presentaron efectos genotóxicos ni citotóxicos. Estos resultados permiten proponer a estas moléculas como candidatas a ser sometidas a estudios más detallados como potenciales fármacos contra estas dos enfermedades

American trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis are relevant public health problems in Latin America. The drugs currently used to treat these diseases have severe toxic side effects. Several research groups are dedicated to the search of natural and synthetic products to find new effective therapeutic agents that do not present adverse collateral reactions. In the evaluation of compounds of the plant species Zanthoxylum chiloperone (Rutaceae), it was shown that isolated compounds of the extract had leishmanicidal, trypanocidal and antifungal in vivo activities. Based on these results, the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of canthin-6-one and 5-methoxycanthin-6-one, molecules isolated from the plant, on bone marrow cells of treated mice were evaluated in the present study. The study of genotoxic effects was made through the test of modifications in the frequency of micronuclei and the cytotoxic effects by modifications in the relationship between polychromatic erythrocytes and normochromic erythrocytes. Two independent assays were performed and in each assay the animals were divided into three treatment groups: GROUP I: negative control that received 200 µL of water and 2.1% of DMSO, orally, GROUP II: compound to be evaluated (canthin-6 -one or 5-methoxycanthin-6-one) with 2.1% DMSO, and GROUP III: positive control that received cyclophosphamide 50mg /kg animal weight, intraperitoneal. Statistical analysis showed that both compounds had neither genotoxic nor cytotoxic effects. These results allow these molecules to be proposed as candidates to be subjected to more detailed studies as potential drugs against these two diseases

Chemical composition and in vitro antibacterial activity of essential oils from Murraya paniculata (L. ) Jack (Rutaceae) ripe and unripe fruits against bacterial genera Mycobacterium and Streptococcus

This study aims to investigate chemical composition of essential oils from Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack (Rutaceae) ripe and unripe fruits and determine their in vitro antibacterial activity. Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation from Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack ripe and unripe fruits collected in the Cerrado, in Rio Verde, southwestern Goiás, Brazil. They were analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Sesquiterpenes, which represent the most abundant class of compounds in oils, predominated in both ripe and unripe fruits. Major constituents of essential oils extracted from ripe fruits (RF-EO) were (-caryophyllene (21.3%), (-ylangene (13.3%), germacrene-D (10.9%) and (-zingiberene (9.7%) whereas the ones of unripe fruits (UF-EO) were sesquithujene (25.0%), (-zingiberene (18.2%), germacrene-D (13.1%) and (-copaene (12.7%). In vitro antibacterial activity of essential oils was evaluated in terms of its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values by the broth microdilution method in 96-well microplates. Both essential oils under investigation showed moderate anti-streptococcal activity against the following bacteria: Streptococcus mutans, S. mitis, S. sanguinis, S. sobrinus and S. salivarius. MIC values ranged between 100 and 400 µg/mL. Regarding the antimycobacterial activity, essential oils from M. paniculata (L.) Jack unripe and ripe fruits were active against Mycobacterium kansasii (MIC = 250 µg/mL), moderately active against M. tuberculosis (MIC = 500 µg/mL) and inactive against M. avium (MIC = 2000 µg/mL). This study was pioneer in revealing similar chemical profiles of both essential oils extracted from Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack unripe and ripe fruits, besides describing their in vitro anti-streptococcal and antimycobacterial activities.

Acronyculatin P, A New Isoprenylated Acetophenone from the Stem Bark of Acronychia pedunculata

A new isoprenylated acetophenone, acronyculatin P (1) as well as two known compounds, 3′,5′-diisoprenyl-2′,4′-dihydroxy-6′-methoxyphenylethanone (2) and 3′-isoprenyl-2′,4′,6′-trihydroxyphenylethanone (3) were isolated from the stem bark of Acronychia pedunculata (L.) Miq. The structures were determined by HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR. The inhibitory activity of the isoprenylated acetophenone derivatives against murine leukemia P-388 cells showed compound 1 moderate activity with IC₅₀ 15.42 µM.

Meliglabrin, A New Flavonol Derivative from the leaves of Melicope glabra (Blume) T.G. Hartley

A new flavonol derivative, meliglabrin (1) along with three known flavonols, ternatin (2), meliternatin (3), and 5,4′-dihydroxy-3,7,3′-trimethoxyflavon (4) were isolated from the leaves of Melicope glabra (Blume) T.G. Hartley. Their structures were determined using extensive spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR. Compounds 1 – 4 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against murine leukemia P-388 cells, compound 4 showed moderate activity.

Volatile constituents of Atalantia roxburghiana Hook. f., Tetradium trichotorum Lour. and Macclurodendron oligophlebia (Merr.) Hartl. (Rutaceae) from Vietnam / Compuestos volátiles de Atalantia roxburghiana Hook. f., Tetradium trichotorum Lour. y Macclurodendron oligophlebia (Merr.) Hartl. (Rutaceae) provenientes de Vietnam

The chemical constituents of essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of the leaves of Atalantia roxburghiana Hook. f. and Tetradium trichotomum Lour., as well as the leaves and fruits of Macclurodendron oligophlebia (Merr.) Hartl. (Rutaceae) are being reported. The essential oils were analysed by using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Sabinene (36.9%) was the most singly abundant compound in the leaf of A. roxburghiana. The major constituents present in the leaf oil of T. trichotorum were (E)-ß-ocimene (24.8%), α-pinene (10.4%), (Z)-ß-ocimene (9.4%) and ß-caryophyllene (8.0%). On the other hand, while α-pinene (17.5%), ß-caryophyllene (15.5%) and caryophyllene oxide (10.6%) occurred in higher proportion in the leaf of M. oligophlebia, the fruit oil was dominated by benzyl benzoate (16.8%), (E, E)-farnesol (8.3%) and ß-caryophyllene (6.0%).

Se muestran los constituyentes químicos de los aceites esenciales obtenidos, por hidrodestilación, de las hojas de Atalantia roxburghiana Hook. f. y de Tetradium trichotomum Lour., así como de las hojas y frutos de Macclurodendron oligophlebia (Merr.) Hartl. (Rutaceae). Los aceites esenciales fueron analizados por Cromatografía de Gases (CG) y por Cromatografía de Gases acoplada a Espectrometría de Masas (CG-EM). El compuesto más abundante en las hojas de A. roxburghiana es el sabineno (36.9%); mientras que los mayoritarios en el aceite de las hojas de T. trichotomum fueron (E)-ß-ocimeno (24.8%), α-pineno (10.4%), (Z)-ß-ocimeno (9.4%) y ß- cariofileno (8.0%). En las hojas de M. oligophlebia los compuestos más abundantes fueron α-pineno (17.5%), ß-cariofileno (15.5%) y óxido de cariofileno (10.6%); sin embargo, en el aceite obtenido del fruto fueron benzoato de bencilo (16.8%), (E, E)-farnesol (8.3%) y ß- cariofileno (6.0%).

Estudio fitoquímico y evaluación de la actividad antioxidante de Esenbeckia litoralis Donn.Sm. (Loro grande) / Phytochemical study and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of Esenbeckia litoralis Donn. Sm. (loro)

Introducción: la especie Esenbeckia litoralis Donn.Sm. (Rutaceae) es también conocida como Loro o Loro grande, ha sido empleado en la medicina tradicional para el tratamiento de mordeduras de serpientes, dolor de garganta y lesiones ocasionadas por picaduras de insectos. Esta variedad de actividades son causadas por acción de los compuestos que la constituyen, como lignanos, terpenos, alcaloides, cumarinas y polifenoles que representan un alto potencial farmacológico para esta especie. Objetivo: realizar el estudio fitoquímico y evaluación de la actividad antioxidante de la especie E. litoralis. Métodos: los extractos vegetales de hojas corteza y madera se obtuvieron empleando etanol al 96 por ciento, y posteriormente fueron fraccionados usando técnicas cromatográficas como Cromatografía en Capa Delgada (CCD), Cromatografía en Columna (CC) y Cromatografía en Capa Delgada Preparativa (CCDP). Los compuestos se identificaron mediante el análisis de datos espectroscópicos con el empleo de técnicas instrumentales como: Infrarrojo (IR), Resonancia Magnética Nuclear Protónica y de Carbono trece (RMN-1H y 13C), Espectrometría de Masas (EM) y difracción de rayos x (DRX). La actividad antioxidante se evaluó a través de los métodos radical catiónico ABTS•+, radical libre DPPH• y Potencial de Actividad de Reducción Férrica (FRAP). Resultados: de esta especie se aislaron e identificaron cinco compuestos: cuatro alcaloides y un flavonoide. Los extractos en acetato de etilo de hojas y corteza mostraron una significativa actividad frente a los radicales ABTS•+ con un IC50 de 5,65 y 7,65 µg/mL respectivamente. Conclusiones: de los distintos extractos se aislaron cinco compuestos: 1-hidroxi-3-metoxi-N-metilacridona (1), maculosidina (2) maculina (3), dictamina (4) y gardenina B (5). El extracto en acetato de etilo de hojas y corteza presentaron una significativa actividad antioxidante frente al radical ABTS con un IC50 de 5,65 y 7,65 mg/L, respectivamente(AU)

Introduction: The species Esenbeckia litoralis Donn. Sm. (Rutaceae), also known as loro or loro grande, has been used in traditional medicine to treat snakebites, sore throats and lesions caused by insect bites. The compounds contained in the plant, among them lignans, terpenes, alkaloids, coumarins and polyphenols, are responsible for such a broad variety of activities, granting it great pharmacological potential. Objective: Conduct a phytochemical study and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the species E. litoralis. Methods: Plant extracts from leaves, stem and wood were obtained using 96 percent ethanol, and then fractioned with chromatographic techniques such as thin-layer chromatography (TLC), column chromatography (CC) and preparative thin-layer chromatography (PTLC). The compounds were identified by spectroscopic data analysis using instrumental techniques such as infrared (IR) spectroscopy, proton and Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR-1H and 13C), mass spectrometry (MS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Antioxidant activity was evaluated with the methods ABTSo+ radical cation, DPPHo free radical and ferric reducing ability power (FRAP). Results: Five compounds were isolated from the species: four alkaloids and one flavonoid. Ethyl acetate extracts from leaves and stem displayed significant activity against ABTSo+ radicals, with a CI50 of 5.65 and 7.65 µg/ml, respectively. Conclusions: Five compounds were isolated from the various extracts: 1-hydroxy-3-methoxy-N-methylacridone (1), maculosidin (2), maculin (3), dictamin (4) and gardenin B (5). The leaf and stem extract in ethyl acetate displayed significant antioxidant activity against the ABTS radical, with a CI50 of 5.65 and 7.65 mg/l, respectively(AU)

Role of Apigenin in Cancer Prevention via the Induction of Apoptosis and Autophagy

Apigenin (4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a flavonoid commonly found in many fruits and vegetables such as parsley, chamomile, celery, and kumquats. In the last few decades, recognition of apigenin as a cancer chemopreventive agent has increased. Significant progress has been made in studying the chemopreventive aspects of apigenin both in vitro and in vivo. Several studies have demonstrated that the anticarcinogenic properties of apigenin occur through regulation of cellular response to oxidative stress and DNA damage, suppression of inflammation and angiogenesis, retardation of cell proliferation, and induction of autophagy and apoptosis. One of the most well-recognized mechanisms of apigenin is the capability to promote cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis through the p53-related pathway. A further role of apigenin in chemoprevention is the induction of autophagy in several human cancer cell lines. In this review, we discuss the details of apigenin, apoptosis, autophagy, and the role of apigenin in cancer chemoprevention via the induction of apoptosis and autophagy.

Repellent activity of Glycosmis plant extracts against two stored product insects / Actividad repelente de extractos de plantas Glycosmis contra dos insectos de productos almacenados

In the present study, the repellent activities of the leaf and/or stem crude extracts of Glycosmis lucida Wall. ex Huang, G. craibii var. glabra, G. craibii Tanaka, G. oligantha Huang, G. pentaphylla (Retz) Correa. and G. esquirolii (Levl.) Tanaka were analyzed by using assays on petri dishes against Tribolium castaneum and Liposcelis bostrychophila. The leaf and stem extracts of G. lucida, G. craibii var. glabra, G. craibii Tanaka, G. oligantha and G. esquirolii possessed significant repellent activities against T. castaneum, the same level repellent with the positive control, DEET. However, the extracts of G. pentaphylla, no repellency but some insect attractant was observed. Moreover, they also showed repellent activities against L. bostrychophila. These results indicate that extracts from G. lucida and G. oligantha leaf could be a source of novel repellent against insects.

En el presente estudio, las actividades repelentes de la hoja y/o tronco de los extractos crudos de Glycosmis lucida Wall. ex Huang, G. craibii var. glabra, G. craibii Tanaka, G. oligantha Huang, G. pentaphylla (Retz) Correa y G. esquirolii (Levl.) Tanaka se analizaron mediante el uso de ensayos en placas de Petri contra Tribolium castaneum y Liposcelis bostrychophila. Los extractos de las hojas y tallo de G. lucida, G. craibii var. glabra, G. craibii Tanaka, G. oligantha y G. esquirolii poseían actividades repelentes significativas contra T. castaneum, el mismo nivel repelente del control positivo, el DEET. Sin embargo, los extractos de G. pentaphylla, no se observó la repelencia pero sí actividad atrayente de insectos. Por otra parte, también se mostraron las actividades repelentes contra L. bostrychophila. Estos resultados indican que los extractos de hojas de G. lucida y G. oligantha podrían ser una fuente de repelente contra los insectos.

Evaluation of the tickcide, genotoxic, and mutagenic effects of the Ruta graveolens L (Rutaceae) / Avaliação dos efeitos carrapaticida, genotóxico e mutagênico da Ruta graveolens L (Rutaceae)

Current analysis investigated the tickcide effects of the aqueous extract and chloroform fractions of Ruta graveolens L. (rue) on engorged females of Rhipicephalus microplus, as well as their genotoxic and mutagenic effects on human leukocytes. The best tickcide activity (non-dependent dose) and genotoxic / mutagenic effects (dependent-dose) were observed on exposure to chloroform fractions. Results suggest that extract fractions of R. graveolens L are efficient against R. microplus, although the fraction and the tested concentrations show genotoxic and mutagenic potential for human leukocytes.

O efeito carrapaticida do extrato aquoso e frações da Ruta graveolens L. (arruda) sobre teleóginas de Rhipicephalus microplus, bem como seu potencial genotóxico sobre leucócitos humanos foram investigados neste trabalho. A melhor atividade carrapaticida (dose não dependente) e efeito genotóxico / mutagênico (dose dependente) foram observados nas frações clorofórmicas. Os resultados encontrados sugerem que frações clorofórmicas do extrato de Ruta graveolens L. são eficazes contra R. microplus, embora a fração e as concentrações testadas apresentem potencial genotóxico e mutagênico para células leucocitárias humanas.

Estudio de plantas antiparasitarias de la farmacopea tacana: Galipea longiflora y Ficus ssp / Study of antiparasitic plants of the tacana pharmacopoeia: Galipea longiflora and Ficus ssp

Farmacopea Tacana. Se realizó el estudio de 2 especies vegetales antiparasitarias de la Farmacopea Tacana: Galipea longiflora (Evanta) y Ficus spp. (Ojé). El estudio de la Evanta comprende a su vez: el estudio de plantines de diferentes tamaños, este se centra en el análisis de variaciones de la mezcla de alcaloides quinolínicos y la actividad antiparasitaria frente a la variación del tamaño del plantin; y la validación del uso tradicional como antiparasitario, mediante un estudio de campo, que compara la efectividad de la decocción de alcaloides de Evanta en jugo de naranja, frente a un fármaco de actividad reconocida (Mebendazol). En el caso del Ojé, se realizaron estudios comparativos de las proteasas contenidas en su látex, colecta do en diferentes zonas [Iquitos-Perú; Provincia Sud Yungas y Provincia Abel Iturralde, La Paz-Bolivia] Materiales y métodos. En el estudio de plantines se obtuvieron los alcaloides totales de plantin (PAT), los cuales fueron analizados por cromatografía de gases - masas (GC/MS) y evaluados frente a promastigotes de Leishmania. Para la validación de Evanta como antiparasitario, se realizó un examen coproparasitológico seriado a niños de la escuela Charcas II, aplicando el método de Ritchie para la evaluación microscópica. En el estudio del Ojé, se emplearon métodos de cuantificación de proteínas (Biuret), determinación de actividad proteolítica sobre azocaseína (Cristen-Marshall) y leche (Balls y Hoover), además de caracterización por SDS-PAGE. Resultados Se identificaron hasta 14 alcaloides quinolínicos, 5 de ellos comunes entre adultos y plantines, otros aparecen cuando el plantin tiene mayor edad. Se obtuvo una mejor actividad biológica para los plantines con respecto al árbol adulto. La validación de Evanta como antiparasitario, en general, muestra un control en los niveles de parasitosis y la disminución de parásitos por muestra. A nivel de tratamientos tanto la decocción de Evanta como el Mebendazol presentan alta tasa de curación para helmintos, en protozoarios los niveles de eliminación son mínimos. La administración de placebo (2013) confirma la eficacia de los tratamientos al existir un incremento en la prevalencia de parásitos; reapareciendo parásitos que se habían eliminado y otros que no se reportaron al inicio del estudio. El estudio del látex de Ojé muestra concentraciones de proteínas, actividad proteolítica y especies proteínicas por SDS-PAGE variables entre zonas de colecta. Además de la conservación. (AU)

Chemical constituents from stems and leaves of Micromelum integerrimum / 药学学报

A new benzene derivative microintegerrin C (1) and a new norsesquiterpenoid microintegerrin D (2), along with six known compounds (3-8), were isolated and identified from stems and leaves of Micromelum integerrimum by various chromatographies such as silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, RP-18 column chromatography and HPLC. Their structures were mainly identified based on the spectral data analysis such as 1D-, 2D-NMR and HR-EI-MS. All known compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Murrayafoline A Induces a G0/G1-Phase Arrest in Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-Stimulated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The increased potential for vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth is a key abnormality in the development of atherosclerosis and post-angioplasty restenosis. Abnormally high activity of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is believed to play a central role in the etiology of these pathophysiological situations. Here, we investigated the anti-proliferative effects and possible mechanism(s) of murrayafoline A, a carbazole alkaloid isolated from Glycosmis stenocarpa Guillamin (Rutaceae), on PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs. Murrayafoline A inhibited the PDGF-BB-stimulated proliferation of VSMCs in a concentration-dependent manner, as measured using a non-radioactive colorimetric WST-1 assay and direct cell counting. Furthermore, murrayafoline A suppressed the PDGF-BB-stimulated progression through G0/G1 to S phase of the cell cycle, as measured by [3H]-thymidine incorporation assay and cell cycle progression analysis. This anti-proliferative action of murrayafoline A, arresting cell cycle progression at G0/G1 phase in PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs, was mediated via down-regulation of the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)2, CDK4, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRb). These results indicate that murrayafoline A may be useful in preventing the progression of vascular complications such as restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and atherosclerosis.

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.

Estudo fitoquímico e avaliação in vitro da atividade anti-Trypanosoma cruzi cepa Y de Pilocarpus spicatus St. Hil. (Rutaceae) / Phytochemical study and in vitro evaluation of the anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain activity of Pilocarpus spicatus A. St. Hil.

A investigação química da espécie Pilocarpus spicatus, popularmente conhecida como jaborandi e usada na medicina tradicional para doenças como estomatite, febre, bronquite e psoríase, teve por objetivo o isolamento e/ou identificação de substâncias ativas e a avaliação da atividade antiparasitária dos extratos frente às formas epimastigotas de Trypanosoma cruzi. O estudo resultou na identificação de nove substâncias, tais como: tridecanona, 2-heptadecanona, espatulenol, aromadendreno, β-cariofileno, ácido 3α-hidroxitirucala-7,24-dien-21-óico, (+)-isoangenomalina, episesamina e sesamina. As estr uturas dos compostos foram elucidadas por análises espectroscópicas e comparação com dados da literatura. Os extratos hexânico e metanólico de folhas e raízes foram testados in vitro contra o Trypanosoma cruzi cepa Y e apresentaram atividade tripanomicida.

The chemical investigation of the species Pilocarpus spicatus - popularly known as jaborandi and used in traditional medicine for diseases, such as stomatitis, fever, bronchitis and psoriasis - aimed to isolate and / or identify the active substances and evaluate the antiparasitic activity of the extracts against the Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote forms. The study resulted in the identification of nine substances, such as tridecanone, 2-heptadecanone, spathulenol, aromadendrene, β-caryophyllene, 3α-hydroxytirucalla-7,24-dien-21-oic acid, (+)-isoangenomaline, episesamin and sesamin. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and comparison with literature data. The hexane and methanol extracts from leaves and roots were tested in vitro against Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain and showed trypanocidal activity.

Estudo farmacognóstico de folhas e raízes da Spiranthera odoratissima A. St. -Hil. (Rutaceae) / Pharmacognostic study of the leaves and roots of Spiranthera odoratissima A. St. -Hil. (Rutaceae)

A Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil. (manacá) é um arbusto cujas raízes são utilizadas popularmente contra dores musculares, de estômago e de cabeça, disfunções hepáticas, reumatismo, e como estimulante do apetite. As folhas são empregadas como depurativo do sangue, nas afecções renais e hepáticas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar o estudo morfo-anatômico de S. odoratissima, bem como a triagem fitoquímica, a determinação dos teores de água, cinzas totais e insolúveis em ácido. O material vegetal foi coletado em Leopoldo de Bulhões/ Goiás e os estudos morfo-anatômicos e a triagem fitoquímica foram realizados utilizando as técnicas convencionais. Verificou-se que a folha é hipoestomática, com estômatos anomocíticos e a epiderme apresenta papilas na face abaxial. O mesofilo é dorsiventral e a nervura principal possui drusas de oxalato de cálcio e cavidades secretoras. O pecíolo apresenta sistema vascular em forma circular. Na raiz, em crescimento primário, observou-se cilindro vascular com organização diarca. Na prospecção fitoquímica detectaram-se fenóis, taninos, cumarinas, flavonoides, triterpernos/esteróis, antraquinonas e antocianinas nas folhas e alcaloides, cumarinas, amido e saponinas nas raízes. Esses resultados são parâmetros importantes para o controle de qualidade dessa matéria-prima vegetal.

Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil. (manacá) is a shrub whose roots are popularly used against stomach pains, headache, muscle pain, liver disorders, rheumatism and as an appetite stimulant. The leaves are used as a blood depurative and for liver and kidney disease. The purpose of this work was to perform the morphological and anatomical study, the phytochemical screening and determine the water content and the levels of total and acid of S. odoratissima. The plant material was collected in Leopoldo de Bulhões/ Goiás and the morpho-anatomical studies and the phytochemical screening were performed using conventional techniques. It was verified that the leaf is hypostomatic, with anomocytic stomata and the epidermis has papillae on the abaxial surface. The mesophyll is dorsiventral and the midrib presents druses of calcium oxalate and secretory cavities. The petiole has a circular vascular system. The root in primary growth presents vascular cylinder with diarchic organization. Phenols, tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, triterpenes/sterols, anthraquinones and anthocyanins were detected in the phytochemical screening of the leaves, and alkaloids, coumarins, saponins and starch were detected in the roots. These results are important parameters for the quality control of the vegetal raw material.

Preparation process of rutacarpine-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex / 中国中药杂志

Rutaecarpine (Rut) is a type of indole quinazoline alkaloid exracted from Ruticarpum. Studies showed that Rut has a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as anti-hypertension, anticancer, anti-inflammation, anti-thrombus formation. Currently, many scholars are committed to developing it into a new antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory drug with all new mechanisms. But studies found that Rut is a highly fat-soluble drug with low water and oil solubility. Its high insolubility is the main obstacle in its oral absorption and application, which greatly reduced its bioavailability. Therefore, hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) was used as the inclusion material to prepare Rut-HP-beta-CD inclusion complex in this experiment, in order to increase its water solubility and bioavailability. In this experiment, the inclusion complex was prepared by the stirring-freeze-dry method. The preparation process was optimized by the orthogonal test, with the inclusion rate as the index, and molar ratio between host and guest molecules, inclusion temperature, time and stirring speed as the impacting factors. Moreover, the inclusion complex was verified by detecting the apparent solubility, thin layer chromatography, microscopic identification, melting point detection and dissolution study. The results showed that under the conditions of the molar ratio between Rut and HP-beta-CD of 1: 1, temperature at 60 degrees C, inclusion time of 4h and stirring speed at 600 r x min(-1), the inclusion rate of Rut-HP-beta-CD reached 91.04%. Therefore, the preparation process of Rut-HP-beta-CD inclusion under the optimum conditions is simple and feasible, with a highest inclusion rate and reproducibility, and could significantly improve Rut's solubility and bioavailability, and provide a reliable experimental basis for its clinical application.

Anticoccidial effects of the root bark of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz extract on experimental Eimeria tenella infection / 한국실험동물학회지

Anticoccidial effects of the root bark of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz (Rutaceae) extract (DDE) were evaluated in chickens following oral infection with Eimeria (E.) tenella. Three-day-old chickens (n=30) were assigned to three groups (control, untreated, and DDE 0.1% treated). Chickens were fed a standard diet supplemented with or without DDE for 1 week prior to infection with E. tenella (10,000 sporulated oocysts per chicken). The effects of DDE on E. tenella infection were assessed by two parameters; fecal oocysts shedding and body weights gain. The DDE-fed chickens produced significantly reduced fecal oocysts (P<0.05) when compared to the E. tenella-infected group fed standard diet. Also, DDE-based diet, improved body weight loss caused by E. tenella infection. Our data demonstrated that DDE had remarkable anticoccidial activities against E. tenella. This finding might have implications for the development of anticoccidial drug. This study is the first to demonstrate anticoccidial effect of DDE on Eimeria parasites.

Two new phenylpropanoids from Micromelum integerrimum / 中国天然药物

AIM@#To investigate the chemical and bioactive constituents from the stems and leaves of Micromelum integerrimum.@*METHOD@#The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and HPLC. Their structures were mainly elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Their cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activities were tested by the SRB and turbidimetric methods, respectively.@*RESULTS@#Two new phenylpropanoids and two known coumarins were obtained, and their structures were identified as microintegerrin A (1), microintegerrin B (2), scopoletin (3), and scopolin (4). All of the compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity against three cancer cell lines (HeLa, A549, and BGC-823) and for antimicrobial activity against the fungus Candida albicans and the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus.@*CONCLUSION@#Two new phenylpropanoids 1 and 2 were isolated and identified from the stems and leaves of M. intgerrimum. None of the compounds showed cytotoxic or antimicrobial activity at the tested concentration of 20 μg·mL(-1).