Exploring the Biological and Phytochemical Potential of Jordan's Flora: A Review and Update of Eight Selected Genera from Mediterranean Region.

Jordan's flora is known for its rich diversity, with a grand sum of 2978 plant species that span 142 families and 868 genera across four different zones. Eight genera belonging to four different plant families have been recognized for their potential natural medicinal properties within the Mediterranean region. These genera include Chrysanthemum L., Onopordum Vaill. Ex. L., Phagnalon Cass., and Senecio L. from the Asteraceae family, in addition to Clematis L. and Ranunculus L. from the Ranunculaceae family, Anchusa L. from the Boraginaceae family, and Eryngium L. from the Apiaceae family. The selected genera show a wide variety of secondary metabolites with encouraging pharmacological characteristics including antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-ulcer, and neuroprotective actions. Further research on these genera and their extracts will potentially result in the formulation of novel and potent natural pharmaceuticals. Overall, Jordan's rich flora provides a valuable resource for exploring and discovering new plant-based medicines.

Irvingia gabonensis baill. (African Mango): A comprehensive review of its ethnopharmacological significance, unveiling its long-standing history and therapeutic potential.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill. (IG) is a multipurpose tree native to tropical Africa such as Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Gabon, and Cameroon with high ethnomedicinal values. AIM OF THE STUDY: This review emphasizes the ethnopharmacological significance, phytochemical, and functional properties of African mango, focusing on its potential for human health and industrial applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature published on IG was traced by different databases, including the Egyptian Knowledge Bank database (EKB), ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholars, Research Gate, Web of Science, Elsevier, and Scopus. Numerous keywords were used to achieve an inclusive search in the databases, like 'African Mango', 'Bush Mango', 'Irvingia gabonensis', 'Wild Mango', 'Dika Nut', 'Phytochemistry', 'Traditional uses', 'Functional foods', 'Polyphenols', 'Ogbono', 'Ellagic acid and its derivatives', and 'Pharmacological activities'. RESULTS: Different parts of IG have been employed in traditional medicine and recorded a great success. The ripe fruit pulp was consumed fresh or processed into juice and wine documented for anti-diarrheal, anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The kernels, which are widely traded and incorporated into traditional dishes, remain an integral part of culinary traditions. Seeds have folkloric uses for weight loss and are popular as blood thinners and anti-diabetics. Where the bark is reported for dysentery, colic, scabies, toothache, and various skin conditions. In Senegal, the stem bark is employed for gonorrhea, hepatic disorders, and gastrointestinal ailments. The leaves possess the potential to enhance renal and hepatic functions, safeguarding these vital organs against the detrimental effects of toxic substances. Pulp is rich in vitamin C, carbohydrates, and proteins. Oil is the major constituent of the seed, which is mainly composed of myristic and lauric acids. The defatted extracts are characterized by flavonoid glycosides and ellagic acid derivatives. Despite their widespread use, IG extracts are still inadequately characterized phytochemically and merit further investigation within the realm of scientific research. Encouragingly, toxicity studies have demonstrated the relative safety of IG extract at the administered doses. CONCLUSION: The review extends our knowledge of the health benefits of IG, where these effects could be attributed to the phytochemicals present.

A mechanistic exploration of the metabolome of African mango seeds and its potential to alleviate cognitive impairment induced by high-fat/high-carbohydrate diets: Involvement of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3ß/CREB, PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2, and AMPK/SIRT-1/mTOR Axes.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill., also known as "African mango" or "bush mango", belonging to family Irvingiaceae, has been mostly used as food and traditional medicine for weight loss and to enhance the health. AIM OF THE STUDY: The overconsumption of high-fat and high-carbohydrate (HFHC) food induces oxidative stress, leading to neurological and cognitive dysfunction. Consequently, there is an immediate need for effective treatment. Hence, this study explored the efficacy of orlistat, metformin, and I. gabonensis seeds' total aqueous extract (IG SAE) in addressing HFHC-induced cognitive impairment by mitigating oxidative stress and their underlying mechanistic pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Initially, the secondary metabolite profile of IG SAE is determined using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a mass detector (UHPLC/MS). The in vivo study involves two phases: an established model phase with control (10 rats on a standard diet) and HFHC diet group (50 rats) for 3 months. In the study phase, HFHC is divided into 5 groups. The first subgroup receives HFHC diet only, while the remaining groups each receive HFHC diet with either Orlistat, metformin, or IG SAE at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively, for 28 days. RESULTS: More than 150 phytoconstituents were characterized for the first holistic approach onto IG metabolome. Characterization of IG SAE revealed that tannins dominate metabolites in the plant. Total phenolics and flavonoids were estimated to standardize our extract (77.12 ± 7.09 µg Gallic acid equivalent/mg extract and 8.039 ± 0.53 µg Rutin equivalent/mg extract, respectively). Orlistat, metformin, and IG SAE successfully reduced the body weight, blood glucose level, lipid profile, oxidative stress and neurotransmitters levels leading to improved behavioral functions as well as histological alternation. Also, IG SAE halted inflammation, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, together with promoting autophagy, via modulation of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3ß/CREB, PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2 and AMPK/SIRT-1/m-TOR pathways. CONCLUSION: Metformin, orlistat, and IG SAE offer a promising multi-target therapy to mitigate HFHC diet-induced oxidative stress, addressing cognitive function. This involves diverse molecular mechanisms, particularly the modulation of inflammation, ER stress, and both PI3K/AKT/GSK-3ß/CREB and AMPK/SIRT-1/m-TOR pathways. Furthermore, the higher dose of IG SAE demonstrated effects comparable to orlistat and metformin across most studied parameters.

Hydrocotyle umbellata L.; a natural source of bioactives to mitigate diabetes mellitus and its complications.

Metabolomics study of Hydrocotyle umbellata L. revealed the richness of its aerial parts in phenolics primarily; quercetin and its glycoside derivatives, which are well-reported to exert antidiabetic activity owing to their powerful antioxidant capacity. Hence, the antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials of the quercetin standardized ethanolic extract of H. umbellata aerial parts were investigated. The antioxidant activity was examined by using in-vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging assay, while the antidiabetic activity was examined by using in-vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory assay and further confirmed by in-vivo experiments using streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rat model. Interestingly, the standardized ethanolic extract showed significant in-vitro antioxidant activity, and effectively inhibited Saccharomyces cerevisiae α-glucosidase enzyme activity. Moreover, it significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. Thus, H. umbellata is a potential natural candidate to attenuate diabetes mellitus and its altered lipid profile complications, which could be attributed to its quercetin and quercetin glycosides content.

In Vitro Cytotoxic Potential of Selected Jordanian Flora and Their Associated Phytochemical Analysis.

Traditional medicines are a significant source of phytochemicals with potential anticancer effects. Ten Jordanian plants were chosen to be tested for cytotoxicity on human colorectal (HT-29) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines. The ethanol extracts were screened for their potential cytotoxic effects using a Sulforhodamine B (SRB) colorimetric assay, using doxorubicin as positive control. Plants extracts exhibiting marked cytotoxic activity were further investigated by qualitative and quantitative phytochemical methods. Total phenolics were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, while flavonoids were quantified using aluminum chloride. The total saponins of the n-butanol fraction were estimated using diosgenin as a standard. The total alkaloids and total terpenoids were also evaluated using the gravimetric method. As results, Senecio leucanthemifolius (IC50: 13.84 µg/mL) and Clematis cirrhosa (IC50: 13.28 µg/mL) exhibited marked cytotoxic effects on human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cell lines. Total phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and terpenoids found in Senecio leucanthemifolius were (91.82, 14.90, 14.27, 101, and 135.4 mg/g of dry extract), respectively. They were revealed to be (68.18, 7.16, 31.25, 73.6, and 180 mg/g of dry extract) in Clematis cirrhosa, respectively. Senecio leucanthemifolius and Clematis cirrhosa have been found to possess cytotoxicity against colorectal (HT-29). In conclusion, the findings of this study offer a new perspective on Jordanian plant extracts anticancer activity research.

Characterization and anti-aging effects of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller extracts in a D-galactose-induced skin aging model.

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller (OFI), belonging to the family Cactaceae, is widely cultivated not only for its delicious fruits but also for its health-promoting effects, which enhance the role of OFI as a potential functional food. In this study, the in vitro collagenase and elastase enzyme inhibitory effects of extracts from different parts of OFI were evaluated. The most promising extracts were formulated as creams at two concentrations (3 and 5%) to investigate their effects on a D-galactose (D-gal)-induced skin-aging mouse model. The ethanolic extracts of the peel and cladodes exhibited the highest enzyme inhibitory effects. Cream made from the extract of OFI peel (OP) (5%) and cream from OFI cladodes extract (OC) (5%) significantly decreased the macroscopic aging of skin scores. Only a higher concentration (5%) of OC showed the normalization of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) skin levels and achieved significant improvements as compared to the vitamin E group. Both OC and OP (5%) showed complete restoration of the normal skin structure and nearly normal collagen fibres upon histopathological examination. The Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-TOF-MS) metabolite profiles revealed the presence of organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, betalains, and fatty acids. Flavonoids were the predominant phytochemical class (23 and 22 compounds), followed by phenolic acids (14 and 17 compounds) in the ethanolic extracts from the peel and cladodes, respectively. The anti-skin-aging effects could be attributed to the synergism of different phytochemicals in both extracts. From these findings, the OFI peel and cladodes as agro-waste products are good candidates for anti-skin-aging phytocosmetics.

An overview and update on the chemical composition and potential health benefits of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller.

Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI), widely recognized as prickly pear, is native to Mexico and it is distributed in many areas of the world because of its socioeconomic, agronomic, and ecological benefits, besides its large amounts of functional, nutraceutical, and biological activities. Various parts of this plant including the fruit pulp and peel, cladode, and seeds are scientifically proven to have therapeutic potentials and are safe for human use. The contents of phytochemical compounds in each part of the OFI are different. Each pharmacological activity depends on the phytochemical compounds, the components used, and the extraction type. In this review, we summarize the active constituents from different parts of OFI and their pharmacological effects including the antioxidant, wound healing, skin protective, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypercholesterolemic, and anti-obesity activities. Besides its effects on the bone health, cardiovascular system, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract, its gastroprotective, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, neuroprotective, sedative, analgesic, anxiolytic and antimicrobial effects and effects on cognitive and memory function are also mentioned. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Over the past few decades, the health benefits of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) have received much attention. All parts of the plant, including the fruit pulp and peel, cladode, and seeds have found use in the treatment of many diseases. The chemical composition of OFI provides both a high nutritional value and various health benefits. Therefore, the aim of this review is to present the up-to-date research carried out on OFI phytochemicals, showing the most important biological activities reported.

The role of active metabolites isolated from Jasminum multiflorum flowers against hepatitis C virus infection and related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Jasminum multiflorum Burm. f. (J. multiflorum) is an ornamental plant with traditional medicinal importance. This study aims to evaluate the activity of J. multiflorum isolated compounds against hepatocellular carcinoma cells infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in vitro. The in vitro anti-viral and anti-oncogenic-related activity were validated by anchorage-independent assay plus transwell migration/invasion and spreading assay. In addition to chromatographic isolation of the active metabolites. The flower extract demonstrated a significant antiviral potential through reducing active viral replication by more than 90%. Study results credit this to specific reduction of viral NS5A and cellular EphA2 protein levels. Molecular docking analysis proved the role of the isolated compounds especially multifloroside, jasfloroside A and jasfloroside B as possible anti HCV molecules.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activities of Jasminum multiflorum (Burm. F.) Andrews Leaves towards MCF-7 Breast Cancer and HCT 116 Colorectal Cell Lines and Identification of Bioactive Metabolites.

BACKGROUND: The plants of high phenolic contents are perfect antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents and participate in biological studies as effective agents towards different cancer cell lines. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of the hydromethanolic leaf extract of Jasminum multiflorum (Burm. f.) Andrews. (J. multiflorum), and phenolic profiling of the extract. METHODS: The antioxidant activity for the extract was estimated using ß-Carotene-linoleic and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by histamine release assay. Cytotoxicity of J. multiflorum was performed using a neutral red uptake assay towards breast cancer (MCF-7) and colorectal cancer (HCT 116) cell lines. Phenolic profiling of the leaves was characterized using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detector-mass spectroscopy-mass spectroscopy (HPLC-PDA-MS/MS), and chromatographic isolation and identification of the isolated compounds were performed using spectroscopic and NMR data, and virtual docking was performed to the isolated compounds against HSP90 (HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 90). RESULTS: At a concentration of 75 µg mL-1, J. multiflorum extract showed high antioxidant power; 68.23±0.35 % inhibition and 60.30±0.60 a TEAC (µmol Trolox g-1) for ß-Carotene-linoleic assay and FRAP assay; respectively, and possessed anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 67.2 µg/ml. J. multiflorum showed high cytotoxic activity with IC50 of 24.81 µg/ml and 11.38 µg/ml for MCF-7 and HCT 116 cell lines, respectively. HPLC-PDA-MS/MS analysis tentatively identified 39 compounds; major compounds are secoiridoid glycosides, kaempferol, and quercetin glycosides, in addition to simple phenylethanoid compounds. Isolation of active metabolites was performed and led to the isolation and identification of four compounds. On the basis of docking study using HSP90 legend, kaempferol neohesperidoside showed a high cytotoxic potential supported by a high affinity score towards HSP90 legend protein. CONCLUSION: Jasminum multiflorum is a good candidate to isolate cytotoxic agents.

Phytochemical and Biological Evaluation of a Newly Designed Nutraceutical Self-Nanoemulsifying Self-Nanosuspension for Protection and Treatment of Cisplatin Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Rats.

The incorporation of cisplatin (CP) as a cytotoxic antineoplastic agent in most chemotherapeutic protocols is a challenge due to its toxic effect on testicular tissues. Natural compounds present a promising trend in research, so a new nutraceutical formulation (NCF) was designed to diminish CP spermatotoxicity. A combination of three nutraceutical materials, 250 mg Spirulina platensis powder (SP), 25 mg Tribulus terrestris L. extract (TT), and 100 mg fish oil (FO) were formulated in self-nanoemulsifying self-nanosuspension (SNESNS). SP was loaded into the optimized self-nanoemulsifying system (30% FO, 50% span 80/cremophor EL and 20% isopropanol) and mixed with TT aqueous solution to form SNESNS. For the SP, phytochemical profiling revealed the presence of valuable amounts of fatty acids (FAs), amino acids, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and particle size analysis confirmed the formation of nanoemulsion-based nanosuspension upon dilution. Method validation of the phytochemical constituents in NCF has been developed. Furthermore, NCF was biologically evaluated on male Wistar rats and revealed the improvement of spermatozoa, histopathological features, and biochemical markers over the CP and each ingredient group. Our findings suggest the potential of NCF with SNESNS as a delivery system against CP-induced testicular toxicity in male rats.

Phenolic profiling of different Jasminum species cultivated in Egypt and their antioxidant activity.

This study focused on the profiling of phenolic constituents in 80% methanolic extracts of the leaves of some Jasminum species cultivated in Egypt and their antioxidant activities. Phenolic profiling was performed by total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents and HPLC-DAD for selected species in comparison to authentic standards. DPPH assay was used to estimate the antioxidant activities of Jasminum azoricum L., Jasminum humile L., Jasminum multiflorum (Burm.f.) Andrew, Jasminum officinale L., Jasminum sambac (Ait) L. "Arabian Nights cultivar" and Jasminum sambac (Ait) L. "Grand Duke of Tuscany cultivar". Jasminum multiflorum showed the highest antioxidant activity among selected species with IC50 of 34.8 µg/ml. J. multiflorum showed high concentrations of hydroxytyrosol, protocatechuic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, kaempferol-3-O- neohesperidoside, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside with concentrations of 977.1 µg/g, 2224.7 µg/g, 714.8 µg/g, 1738.8 µg/g, and 4356.1 µg/g, respectively.

Jasminum azoricum L. leaves: HPLC-PDA/MS/MS profiling and in-vitro cytotoxicity supported by molecular docking.

In this study chemical profiling of Jasminum azoricum L. (J. azoricum) using HPLC-PDA/MS/MS and evaluation of its in-vitro cytotoxicity towards the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), human colorectal cancer cell (HCT-116) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (Huh-7) cell lines. The viability % was determined by the neutral red uptake assay. The study led to the identification of 37 secondary metabolite; major nine compounds were subjected to virtual docking to determine their role in tumour growth inhibition by controlling apoptosis and cancer cell proliferation using the 3D crystal structure of MST3 ligand protein. Two compounds; sambacoside A and molihauside C, showed high-affinity values of (-9.91, -9.57) kcal/mol against MST3 protein. In silico prediction of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) was performed and revealed no mutagenicity, no tumorigenicity and non-irritant actions of both compounds, so J. azoricum could be used as a beneficial source for cytotoxic compounds.[Figure: see text].

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Extract of Jasminum officinal L. Leaves and Evaluation of Cytotoxic Activity Towards Bladder (5637) and Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cell Lines.

INTRODUCTION: Jasminum officinale L. is a very important medicinal and industrial flowering aromatic plant. METHODS: The present study deals with Jasminum officinale L. leaves extract (JOLE) as a reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by the green pathway. Phenolic profile of the extract was evaluated using HPLC-PDA/MS/MS technique. Jasminum officinale L. leaves extract silver nanoparticles (JOLE-AgNPs) were characterized by ultraviolet light (UV), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential and X-ray diffraction (XRD). JOLE-AgNPs were examined for their cytotoxic activities by neutral red uptake assay (NRU) against bladder (5637) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines. RESULTS: HPLC-PDA/MS/MS tentatively identified 51 compounds of different chemical classes. UV spectra showed absorption peak at λmax = 363 nm. The biosynthesized AgNPs were predominantly spherical in shape with an average size of 9.22 nm by TEM. The face cubic center (fcc) nature of silver nanoparticles was proved by XRD diffractogram. JOLE-AgNPs exhibited high cytotoxic activity against 5637 and MCF-7 cell lines compared to the cytotoxic activities of JOLE with IC50 of 13.09 µg/mL and 9.3 µg/mL, respectively. DISCUSSION: The silver nanoparticles formed by Jasminum officinale L. showed high cytotoxic activities against MCF-7 and 5637 cell lines and can be introduced as a new alternative cytotoxic medication.

Structural Characterization and In Vitro Cytokines Modulation Effect of New Acetylated Galactomannans from Aloe arborescens.

Three new galactomannan components designed as AANP-1, AANP-3, and AAAP-7 were isolated from previously purified Aloe arborescence polysaccharide fractions, using ion-exchange, gel filtration, and preparative chromatographic techniques. Based on Fourier transform-infrared, one-dimensional and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the main backbone of AANP-1 elucidated as (1 → 4)-linked_α-d-deoxyGalp, (1 → 4) d-Manp, and ß-d-2-glup. The sugar residue sequence of AANP-3 was (1 → 4)-linked ß-d-NHAC-GAlp with ß-d-AcManp side chain that attached to O-4 position. The AAAP-7 repeated units were (1 → 4) d-Manp linked with (1 → 4) d-Galp interspersed with (1 → 3)-α-Manp. The results of high performance size-exclusion chromatography indicated that the approximate molecular weights of AANP-1, AANP-3, and AAAP-7 were 4.2, 2.4, and 2.5 kDa, respectively. The cytokine modulation assay revealed that the isolated components promoted a remarkable release of interleukin (IL)-12 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in comparison with the negative control group, whereas potent significant induction of IL-2 and interferon gamma was detected more than the positive control phytohemagglutinin (P < .05). This is the first report for isolation galactomannans from Aloe arborescence. Moreover, this finding could provide new insights for exploring the biological modifier mechanism in correlation with the knowledge of structural configuration.

Structural Elucidation of Immunomodulators, Acetylated Heteroglycan and Galactosamine, Isolated from Aloe arborescens Leaves.

Plant polysaccharides gained extended scientific attention for their immunomodulatory effect. However, few scientific studies structurally defined polysaccharides in relation to their biological modifier response. Therefore, the study explored the effect of structurally identified isolated macromolecules from Aloe arborescens against cytokine modulation (interferon [IFN-γ], interleukins [IL-2 and IL-12], and tumor necrosis factor [TNF-α]) in vitro. The structures were elucidated by GC, GPC, FT-IR spectroscopy, 1D NMR, COSY, HMBC, and HSQC. Two acetylated glucomannans (AANP4 and AAAP6), one deoxy-glucogalactan (AANP5), and one deoxy-N-acetyl-[1-4]-galactosamine (AANP2) were isolated. The results showed significant induction for all cytokines and the most potent component was AAAP6; acetylated phenolic glucomannan with a (1 → 3)-linked glucose-mannose and (1 → 4)-linked mannose backbone, which stimulated IL-12 by more than 10-fold compared with phytohemagglutinin (positive control). In conclusion, A. arborescens polysaccharides could be a landmark for development of effective immunotherapeutics against cancer and chronic inflammatory conditions.

In-vivo Anti-inflammatory Activity of Hydrocotyle umbellata L. aerial parts and Isolation of the Main Phytochemicals.

Hydrocotyle umbellata L. (Family Araliaceae) populary known as Acaricoba, is indicated in folk medicine for treatment of several inflammatory disorders. The goal of the present study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the defatted ethanolic extract (DEE) of the aerial parts using carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema method. The levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the inflammatory mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were assessed using ELISA. The DEE at dose level 100 mg/kg showed significant decrease in oedema volume after 2 and 3 h, equivalent to 70.75% and 95.92% of the activity of the standard anti-inflammatory indomethacin, respectively. DEE significantly decreased the concentrations of the excessively produced IL-6 and PGE2 (24 ± 2.1 and 2374 ± 87 pg/mL compared to 16 ± 2 and 2419 ± 95 pg/mL induced by indomethacin). Chemical investigation was carried out to isolate and identify the bioactive compounds that might be responsible for this activity. The total phenolic (79.28 ± 0.1 mg) and total flavonoid (57.99 ± 0.1 mg) contents of the DEE were quantified spectrophotometricaly and expressed as gallic acid and rutin equivalents/g dry weight, respectively. The DEE was subjected to further fractionation using solvents of increasing polarities. Purification of the ethyl acetate fraction using different chromatographic techniques led to the isolation of five compounds, which were identified through 1D and 2D and UV/Vis spectral data. The five compounds were: quercetin, avicularin, quercitrin, hyperoside, and neochlorogenic acid. Several biological studies confirmed the important role of caffeoyl quinic acid and quercetin derivatives as anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds.

Isolates from Alpinia officinarum Hance attenuate LPS-induced inflammation in HepG2: Evidence from in silico and in vitro studies.

In an attempt to connect the legacy of centuries of invaluable knowledge from traditional medicine and the current understanding to the molecular mechanism of diseases, we took the advantage of the emergence of in silico screening as a promising tool for identification of potential leads from libraries of natural products. Traditional Chinese Medicine database was subjected to structure based virtual screening for identification of anti-inflammatory compounds using the 3D crystal structure of p38 alpha mitogen activated protein kinase. The molecular docking studies revealed the potential activity of several classes of compounds known to be the constituents of the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum Hance (Lesser galangal). Five compounds, galangin, kaempferide, isorhamnetin, and two diarylheptanoids, were isolated from the rhizomes of the plant using vacuum liquid chromatography and flash chromatography techniques. The anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds was investigated on HepG2 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. The latter induced the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines; interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha. Addition of the 5 isolated compounds downregulated this increased gene expression in a dose dependent manner. Thus, these results indicate that the isolated compounds from A. officinarum could be used as a beneficial source for preventing and treating inflammatory diseases.

Chemical profile and antihyperlipidemic effect of Portulaca oleracea L. seeds in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Hypolipidemic effect of Portulaca oleracea L. seed extract and its fractions have been studied on streptozotocin (STZ) at dose 75 mg/kg b.wt. After fractionation of the alcoholic extract; petroleum ether fraction was the most active fraction that decreased different hyperlipidemia biochemical parameters. After chromatographic analysis; oleamide, ethylpalmitate, ß-amyrin, stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol were identified. The GLC analysis of unsaponifiable matter revealed the presence of; lignoceric acid as a major constituent in the most bioactive fraction. In conclusion, petroleum ether fraction possessed a hypolipidemic effect in STZ-induced diabetic rats, which may be attributed to its phytosterols, fatty acid and amide compounds. The finding of the present investigation strongly demonstrates the potential of non-polar fraction of P. oleracea L. seed in combating hyperlipidemia in diabetic condition. So the petroleum ether fractions and its constituents can be used as hypolipdemic supplement in the developing countries towards the development of new therapeutic agents.

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oils of Some Coniferous Plants Cultivated in Egypt.

Family Cupressaceae is the largest coniferous plant family. Essential oils of many species belonging to family Cupressaceae are known to have several biological activities specially antimicrobial activity. The essential oils from aerial parts of Calocedrus decurrens Torr., Cupressus sempervirens stricta L. and Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast. were prepared by hydrodistillation. The chemical composition of the essential oils has been elucidated by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis. The prepared essential oils were examined against selected species of Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and Candida species. Broth dilution methods were used to detect minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). Sixteen compounds were identified in the essential oils of both Calocedrus decurrens and Cupressus sempervirens L. and fifteen compounds were identified in the essential oil of Tetraclinis articulata. δ-3-Carene (43.10%), (+)-Cedrol (74.03%) and Camphor (21.23%) were the major constituents in the essential oils of Calocedrus decurrens, Cupressus sempervirens L. and Tetraclinis articulata, respectively. The essential oils showed strong antimicrobial activities against the selected microorganisms in concentration range 0.02 3- 3.03 µL/mL. This study could contribute to the chemotaxonomic characterization of family Cupressaceae. In addition, it proved that the essential oils under investigation possess potential antimicrobial properties.

Chromatographic separation and detection methods of Aloe arborescens Miller constituents: A systematic review.

Aloe arborescens Miller (Family Asphodelaceae) is a member of genus Aloe, which is used in traditional medicine to cure various diseases. The extracts of the plant have been reported to possess anticancer, immunomodulator, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The phytochemical investigations have revealed diverse chemical constituents, including phenolics [anthraquinones, anthrones, pyrones, chromones and coumarins], polysaccharides [arborans [(1-4) linked glucomannans, polysaccharide (A, B and C): (A: a linear (1-6)-O-α-glucan, B: a branching (1-2)-O-l-arabinose with (1-2)-O-d-galactose linkages and C: (1-4)-O-ß-mannan with 18% acetyl group)]], glycoproteins and carboxypeptidase enzyme. There are many reports, describing the different methodologies developed to perform chemical analysis as well as, separation, detection and identification of these constituents. Different chromatographic techniques were applied such as gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization coupled with mass spectroscopy (LC-ESI/MS/MS) and gel filtration chromatography. Also the isolated compounds were identified based on the spectroscopic analysis; ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), infra-red spectroscopy (IR), mass spectroscopy (MS) and nuclear-magnetic resonance (NMR). This study aims to pinpoint the active components besides finding out new structural leads for future drugs. Therefore, the review is targeted to provide evidence reported in the relevant literature on qualitative and quantitative research to assist scientists in isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds in A. arborescens.