The Protective Effect of Lasia spinosa (Linn.) Dissipates Chemical-Induced Cardiotoxicity in an Animal Model.

Lasia spinosa (L.) Thwaites is a medicinal plant of enormous traditional use with insufficient scientific evidence. This research screened the antioxidative effect of L. spinosa extracts by measuring the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, ABTS scavenging activity, Iron-chelating activity, and Ferric reducing power followed by an evaluation of in vivo cardioprotective effect in doxorubicin-induced Wistar Albino rats. Phytochemical characterization was made by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopic analysis. L. spinosa showed an excellent antioxidative effect while methanol leaf extract (LSM) was found to be more potent than ethyl acetate leaf extract (LSE) in scavenging the free radicals. Intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin caused a significant (P < 0.001) increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK-MB), C-reactive protein (CRP), and Cardiac troponin I. Pretreatment with orally administrated (LSM100 and LSM200 mg/kg b.w.) daily for 10 days showed a decrease in the cardiac markers, lipid profiles, especially triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and an increase of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) compared to the disease control group. LSM200 was found to significantly (P < 0.05) decrease the levels of CK-MB and LDH. It also restored TC, TG, and LDL levels compared to the doxorubicin-induced cardiac control group. The protective role of LSM was further confirmed by histopathological examination. This study thus demonstrates that L. spinosa methanol extract could be approached as an alternative supplement for cardiotoxicity, especially in the chemical-induced toxicity of cardiac tissues.

Repurposing of existing antibiotics for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Proline specific serine protease enzyme, dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) has become a promising target for diabetes, as it stops glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) from becoming inactive, resulting in higher levels of active GLP-1. This lowers glucose levels by increasing insulin secretion and decreasing glucagon secretion. DPP-4 is also linked to a higher BMI and a 0.7 to 1% reduction in HbA1c. Currently available DPP-4 inhibitor drugs showed less promising anti-diabetic activity as this class associated with many side effects due to non-selectivity and therefore searching on more potent DPP-4 inhibitors are still ongoing. In our present study, we investigate the inhibition of DPP-4 through a series of antibiotic compounds which were previously reported to be used in diabetic foot infections and compared with existing DPP-4 inhibitors. To obtain this objective, three-dimensional crystal structure of DPP-4 was retrieved from the protein data bank (PDB id: 1 × 70). A systematic computational method combining molecular docking, MM-GBSA binding energy calculation, MD simulations, MM-PBSA binding free energy calculations and ADME were used to find best DPP-4 inhibitor. Molecular docking results revealed that clindamycin has a higher affinity towards the catalytic sides of DPP-4 and built solid hydrophobic and polar interactions with the amino acids involved in the binding region of DPP-4, such as S1 subsite, S2 subsite and S2 extensive subsite. MD simulations results showed clindamycin as potent virtual hit and suggested that it binds with DPP-4 in competitive manner, which virtually indicate that besides antibiotic activity clindamycin has anti-diabetic activity. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-021-00118-6.

GreenMolBD: Nature Derived Bioactive Molecules' Database.

BACKGROUND: One of the essential resources for developing new drugs are naturally derived biologically active lead compounds. Biomedical researchers and pharmaceutical companies are highly interested in these plant-derived molecules to develop the new drug. In this process, collective information of the plants and their phytoconstituents with different properties and descriptors would greatly benefit the researchers to identify the hit, lead or drug-like compound. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: Therefore, the work intended to develop a unique and dynamic database Green- MolBD to provide collective information regarding medicinal plants, such as their profile, chemical constituents, and pharmacological evidence. We also aimed to present information of phytoconstituents, such as in silico description, quantum, drugability and biological target information. METHODS: For data mining, we covered all accessible literature and books, and for in silico analysis, we employed a variety of well-known software and servers. The database is integrated by MySQL, HTML, PHP and JavaScript. RESULTS: GreenMolBD is a freely accessible database and searchable by keywords, plant name, synonym, common name, family name, family synonym, compound name, IUPAC name, InChI Key, target name, and disease name. We have provided a complete profile of individual plants and each compound's physical, quantum, drug likeliness, and toxicity properties (48 type's descriptor) using in silico tools. A total of 1846 associated targets related to 6,864 compounds already explored in different studies are also incorporated and synchronized. CONCLUSION: This is the first evidence-based database of bioactive molecules from medicinal plants specially grown in Bangladesh, which may help explore and foster nature-inspired rational drug discovery.

Identification of bioactive metabolites and evaluation of in vitro anti-inflammatory and in vivo antinociceptive and antiarthritic activities of endophyte fungi isolated from Elaeocarpus floribundus blume.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Functional disability associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease is a challenging concern in healthcare systems. Along with environmental factors and epigenetic disorders, multiple pathways are reported as prominent mechanism for the progression of RA symptoms including; pain, swelling and stiffness of joints. Elaeocarpus floribundus Blume has been used as a folklore medicine for RA from ancient times. This plant harbours a suite of endophytic fungi that produce a range of metabolites of potential interest. Thus, for the establishment of a scientific basis for this folklore use, it is essential to find out the involvement, if any, of the endophytic fungi living in this plant and the metabolites they elaborate, for the management of RA. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to isolate, identify and evaluate the in vitro anti-inflammatory and in vivo antinociceptive and antiarthritic activities of the compounds produced by the endophytic fungi living in different parts of Elaeocarpus floribundus Blume. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endophytic fungi from different parts of the plant were isolated and cultured for the production of secondary metabolites. Chromatographically fractionated fungal extracts were assessed for anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. For the evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity, in vitro cyclooxygenase (COX1/COX2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitory assays were performed. For the evaluation of in vivo antinociceptive activity, hot plate acetic acid induced writhing, and formalin induced paw licking methods were adopted, whereas complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced poly-arthritic method was adopted for the evaluation of antiarthritic activity. The most effective fraction was analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) in search of the bioactive extracellular metabolites. RESULTS: Five endophytic fungi viz. Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizoctonia oryzae, Rhizopus oryzae, and Syncephalastrum racemosum were isolated. COX1/COX2 and 5-LOX inhibitory assays state that the Aspergillus niger fraction possesses the greatest activity against these enzymes of inflammatory process. In vivo antinociceptive showed significant (***P<0.001) reduction of pain in a dose dependent manner. As well, significant (***P<0.001) reduction of paw volume was observed in CFA induce poly-arthritic test. LC/MS analysis of the Aspergillus niger fraction revealed the presence of bioactive compounds including tensyuic acid, hexylitaconic acid, chlorogenic acid, nigragillin, TMC-256C1, asnipyrone B, asperenone, fumaric acid and fusarubin, all having reported pharmacological activities. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that secondary metabolites produced by endophytic fungi living in various parts of Elaeocarpus floribundus Blume had potential to relief pain and inflammation. The endophytes were found to contain multiple biomolecules effective in rheumatoid arthritis. These findings provide a rationale for the folklore use of the plant in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

A Comprehensive Review on Linum usitatissimum Medicinal Plant: Its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Ethnomedicinal Uses.

BACKGROUND: Linum usitatissimum or flax has been broadly utilized in numerous milieus worldwide as a primeval medicinal plant because of its health benefits in diverse types of diseases. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to assemble the latest information on the botanical description, distribution, conventional uses, and biochemical constituents, along with the pharmacological activities and toxicity of flax. METHODS: For this purpose, data on Linum was accumulated from scientific journals, books, and worldwide acknowledged scientific databases via a library and electronic search. RESULTS: Phytochemical analysis showed that the major chemical constituents of L. usitatissimum are ω-3 fatty acid, phytoestrogenic-lignans (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside-SDG), phenols, flavonoids, sterols, proteins, antioxidants as well as various soluble and insoluble fibres. Among them, secoisolariciresinol diglucosides (SDG) are the major bioactive compounds of L. usitatissimum with prospective pharmacological accomplishments. Pure compounds and crude extracts isolated from L. usitatissimum exhibited significant anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, anti-diarrheal, anti-malarial, hepato-protective, reno-protective, immunosuppressive, antiarrhythmic, and cognitive effects. Studies indicated that the toxicological effect from the consumption of flaxseed is because of its cyanogenic glycosides, linatine, and cadmium, but the level does not seem to be adequately concentrated to contribute to any physiological impact. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are expected to comprehend the detailed mode of action of its dynamic constituents as potent therapeutics and to completely reveal its preventive and healing potentials.

Adhatoda vasica (Nees.): A Review on its Botany, Traditional uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities and Toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Adhatoda vasica (Nees.) of the family Acanthaceae has been used in the Southeast tropical zone as it is efficacious against headache, colds, cough, whooping cough, fever, asthma, dyspnea, phthisis, jaundice, chronic bronchitis, and diarrhea. It exhibits commendable pharmacological activities. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the review is to provide a systematic overview of pharmacological activities with toxicity and clinical assessment, phytochemistry of A. vasica along with its characterization, geographical observation, phenology, traditional uses, as well as an organized representation of the findings. METHOD: The overall information of A. vasica was collected from various resources, including books, review papers, research papers, and reports which were obtained from an online search of globallyaccepted scientific databases. ChemDraw software was used to draw the compound's structure. RESULTS: Phytochemical review on A. vasica has led to the collection of 233 compounds of different types such as alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils, terpenoids, fatty acids, phenols, etc. It is a promising source of potential phytopharmaceutical agent that exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, hepatoprotective, anti-ulcer, abortifacient, antiviral, antiinflammatory, thrombolytic, hypoglycemic, anti-tubercular, antioxidant, and antitussive activities. CONCLUSIONS: Sufficient number of studies on ethnopharmacology, traditional uses, and pharmacological activities of A. vasica are conducted. Furthermore, it is necessary to study the activity of chemical constituents for new drug design and discovery from natural products.

Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba: A Review on its Botany, Traditional uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities.

BACKGROUND: Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba (white cabbage) is a cruciferous vegetable used as a vegetable and traditional medicine all over the world. Different preparation from several parts of the plant- roots, shoots, leaves, and the whole plant are used to treat a wide range of diseases, including diabetes, cancer, gastric, inflammation, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, bacterial, oxidation, and obesity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current review is to evaluate the botany, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of B. oleracea var. capitata. Moreover, this review will guide to fill the existing gaps in information and highlight additional research prospects in the field of phytochemistry and pharmacology. METHOD: Various resources, including research papers, review papers, books, and reports, were collected to obtain overall information on Brassica oleracea var. capitata, which were obtained by an online search of worldwide-accepted scientific databases. Phytochemical constituents' structures were drawn by ChemDraw software. RESULTS: About 72 isolated phytochemical compounds of B. oleracea var. capitata have been collected from different articles, which included different types of compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, organic acids, glucosinolates, steroids, hydrocarbons, etc. Crude extracts and phytoconstituents of B. oleracea var. capitata have various pharmacological effects, including antidiabetic, anticancer, antihypertensive, anticholesterolemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-obesity, anticoagulant, and hepatoprotective. We have enlisted all these pharmacological data along with all the phytochemical constituents of Brassica oleracea var. capitata. CONCLUSION: The study was focused on the traditional uses, pharmacological activities, and phytochemistry of Brassica oleracea var. capitata, and the findings indicated that B. oleracea var. capitata is an important medicinal plant that shows several pharmacological effects. We hope our review of this plant will provide more basic and useful information and fill some research gaps for further investigation and drug design. Although we found some important traditional uses and pharmacological activities of Brassica oleracea var. capitata, there is insufficient work in the field of phytochemical activities.

Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Properties of Enhydra fluctuans Lour: a Comprehensive Review.

BACKGROUND: Enhydra fluctuans Lour, a tropical herb, commonly known as helencha or harkuch, belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is an edible semi-aquatic herbaceous vegetable plant with serrate leaves and grows commonly in different parts of the world. Enhydra fluctuans possesses potential pharmacological role against inflammation, cancer, diarrhea, microbial infection, diabetes, etc. Aim: This review aims to provide the most current information on the botanical characterization, distribution, traditional uses, chemical constituents, as well as the pharmacological activities of Enhydra fluctuans Lour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The recently updated information on Enhydra fluctuans was gathered from scientific journals, books, and worldwide accepted scientific databases via a library and electronic search PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Springer, Scopus, Web of Science, Wiley online library. All of the full-text articles and abstracts related to Enhydra were screened. The most important and relevant articles were carefully chosen for study in this review. RESULTS: Crude extracts and isolated compounds of Enhydra fluctuans Lour have been reported to be pharmacologically active against cytoprotective, analgesic and anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiarrheal, antihelmintic, CNS depressant, hepatoprotective, thrombolytic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, phagocytic and cytotoxic, and neuroprotective potential activities. DISCUSSION: Phytochemical analysis from different studies has reported Germacranolide, Sesquiterpene lactone, Flavonoid, Essential oil, Steroid, Diterpenoid, Melampolide, Sesquiterpene lactone, and Isoflavone glycoside as major compounds of Enhydra fluctuans Lour. CONCLUSION: However, more research is needed to explore the mode of action of bioactive components of the plant and its therapeutic capabilities.

A Review of Saurauia roxburghii Wall. (Actinidiacaea) as a Traditional Medicinal Plant, Its Phytochemical Study and Therapeutic Potential.

Saurauia roxburghii Wall. is an interesting plant, found growing chiefly along the eastern and south-eastern countries of Asia. The various ethnic groups of these regions use the plant as a medication for relieving a wide spectrum of diseases and conditions, including indigestion, boils, fever, gout, piles, eczema, asthma, ulcers, bronchitis, epilepsy, and hepatitis B. This review aims to appraise the vernacular information, botanical characterization, geographical distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of S. roxburghii as well as to conduct a critical analysis on the findings. To understand the therapeutic potential and provide an overall idea about the ethnomedicinal practices, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of S. roxburghii, relevant information was collected via a library and electronic search of online journals, books, and reputed databases. Phytochemical examination revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, O-glycosides, flavonoids, carbohydrates, saponins, steroids, reducing sugars, tannins, phlobatannins, and triterpenoids. The sterols were identified as Stigmasterol and beta-Sitosterol. The triterpenes were found to be Ursolic acid, Corosolic acid, Maslinic acid, 24-Hydroxy corosolic acid, 3b,7b,24-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid, Oleanolic acid, beta-Amyrin, cis-3-O-p-Hydroxycinnamoyl ursolic acid, trans-3-O-p- Hydroxycinnamoyl ursolic acid, and 7,24-dihydroxyursolic acid. Several in-vivo and in-vitro tests revealed anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, and anti-viral activities of the plant leaves. Detailed analysis of the information collected on S. roxburghii suggested some promising leads for future drug development. However, many scientific gaps were found in the study of this and further extensive investigation is needed to fully understand the mechanism of action of the active constituents and exploit its therapeutic promises.