New sesquiterpene dilactone and ß-carboline alkaloid and the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of selected phytochemicals from Neolitsea cassia (L.) Kosterm.

One new sesquiterpene dilactone, coccinine (1) and one new ß-carboline alkaloid, daibucarboline F (2) together with 10 known compounds; linderane (3), linderalactone (4), pseudoneolinderane (5), linderanlide C (6), linderanine A (7), epicatechin (8), (-)-taxifolin (9), astilbin (10), L-quercitrin (11) and afzelin (12) were isolated from the stems and leaves of Neolitsea cassia (L.) Kosterm (Lauraceae). The structures of (1 and 2) were established by extensive spectroscopic methods and the known compounds were identified by comparisons with data reported in literature. The relative stereochemistry of compound (1) was assigned by X-ray diffraction analysis with Cu-Kα irradiation. Compounds (3-8) and (10) were evaluated for their α-glucosidase enzymatic inhibitory activity. Compounds (4-6), (8) and (10) exhibited inhibition towards α-glucosidase enzymatic activity with IC50 values ranging from 12.10 to 96.77 µM. This is the first report on the isolation of phytochemicals from N. cassia and their bioactivities.

A new xanthone dimer and cytotoxicity from the stem bark of Calophyllum canum.

A phytochemical investigation of the stem bark of Calophyllum canum resulted in the isolation of a new xanthone dimer identified as biscaloxanthone (1), together with four compounds; trapezifoliaxanthone (2), trapezifolixanthone A (3), taraxerone (4) and taraxerol (5). The structures of these compounds were determined via spectroscopic methods of IR, UV, MS and NMR (1D and 2D). The cytotoxicity of compounds 1-3 were screened against A549, MCF-7, C33A and 3T3L1 cell lines, wherein weak cytotoxic activities were observed (IC50 > 50 µm).

A lignan with glucose uptake activity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes from the stem bark of Knema patentinervia.

A new naturally occurring dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan named isocubebinic ether has been isolated from Knema patentinervia. The structure was established by spectroscopic methods, which include Ultraviolet, Infrared, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Mass Spectrometry. The compound showed activity in the stimulation of glucose uptake by 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Chemical profiling and biological properties of Neolitsea kedahense Gamble essential oils.

Hydrodistillation of the fresh stem and leaf of Neolitsea kedahense Gamble, collected from Gunung Jerai, Malaysia followed by the GC-FID and GC-MS analysis revealed the detection of a total of 47 constituents of which 28 (86.4%) from the stem and 31 (96.4%) constituents from the leaf. δ-Cadinene (17.4%), 1-epi-cubenol (11.8%), cyperotundone (9.0%), cis-cadin-4-en-7-ol (7.7%), τ-cadinol (7.1%) and α-cadinol (7.1%) were the principle constituents in the stem oil, whereas ß-caryophyllene (18.9%), bicyclogermacrene (18.6%) and trans-muurola-4(14),5-diene (9.8%) were the major constituents in the leaf oil. Among the identified constituents, three constituents namely 7-epi-α-selinene, junenol and cis-cadin-4-en-7-ol have not been found previously from Neolitsea oils. The stem and leaf oils were screened for their α-glucosidase inhibitory and antibacterial activities. Both oils displayed potential α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, while the stem oil possessed weak antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Essential Oils of Actinodaphne macrophylla and A. pruinosa (Lauraceae).

The essential oils of Actinodaphne macrophylla and A. pruinosa were analyzed by GC and GC-MS and evaluated for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The essential oil of the leaves of A. macrophylla was characterized by the presence of 31 components (78.2%), with germacrene B (16.8%) and globulol (16.0%) as the major components. A total of 28 components (71.6%) were characterized in the leaf oil of A. pruinosa with the most abundant components being globulol (17.8%) and spathulenol (12.0%). The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging and total phenolic content, while anti-inflammatory activity by lipoxygenase assay. The essential oil of A. pruinosa demonstrated significant activity on DPPH (IC50 85.6 µg/mL), phenolic content (190.2 mg GA/g) and in the lipoxygenase (IC50 85.2 µM) assays.

Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oil of Beilschmiedia pulverulenta.

CONTEXT: The ethnopharmacological study of Beilschmiedia indicates that several species are used for the treatment of various ailments. OBJECTIVE: This is the first study of the chemical composition of Beilschmiedia pulverulenta Kosterm (Lauraceae) essential oil and its antioxidant, antimicrobial, antityrosinase, anti-inflammatory, and anticholinesterase activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antioxidant activities were evaluated by ß-carotene, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and phenolic content at different concentrations. The antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi were revealed by disk diffusion and microdilution. The antityrosinase and anti-inflammatory activities were assayed against mushroom tyrosinase and lipoxygenase enzymes. The anticholinesterase activity was analyzed using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. RESULTS: Forty-two components were detected in B. pulverulenta oil with eugenol (45.3%) being the major component. The oil phenolic content and the FRAP were 660.1 mg gallic acid/g and 604.0 mg ascorbic acid/g, respectively. The oil gave an IC50 value of 94.5 µg/mL and an inhibition of 93.9% in DPPH and ß-carotene, respectively. The antimicrobial activity showed that the oil had strong activity against all Gram-positive bacteria with an minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value each of 62.5 µg/mL and moderate against all fungi with MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values each of 125 µg/mL. The oil showed significant antityrosinase and anti-inflammatory activities with 67.6 and 62.5% inhibition, respectively. In addition, the oil had moderate AChE (56.5%) and BChE (48.2%) activities. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results show that the oil could potentially be used for nutraceutical industries, food manufactures, and therapeutic agents against various diseases such as inflammation and rheumatism.

The Mechanisms of Inhibition of Advanced Glycation End Products Formation through Polyphenols in Hyperglycemic Condition.

Glycation, the non-enzymatic binding of glucose to free amino groups of an amino acid, yields irreversible heterogeneous compounds known as advanced glycation end products. Those products play a significant role in diabetic complications. In the present article we briefly discuss the contribution of advanced glycation end products to the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, such as atherosclerosis, diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and wound healing. Then we mention the various mechanisms by which polyphenols inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products. Finally, recent supporting documents are presented to clarify the inhibitory effects of polyphenols on the formation of advanced glycation end products. Phytochemicals apply several antiglycation mechanisms, including glucose metabolism, amelioration of oxidative stress, scavenging of dicarbonyl species, and up/down-regulation of gene expression. To utilize polyphenols in order to remedy diabetic complications, we must explore, examine and clarify the action mechanisms of the components of polyphenols.

Chemical Composition, Antibacterial and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of the Essential Oils of Neolitsea coccinea (Lauraceae).

The chemical composition, antibacterial and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the essential oils obtained from hydrodistillation of the fresh stem and leaf of Neolitsea coccinea B. C. Stone are reported for the first time. GC and GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 42 volatile compounds from the stem and leaf oils, accounting for 84.9% and 90.4%, respectively of the identified components. The principle compounds in the stem oil were δ-cadinene (21.2%), 1-epicubenol (11.3%) and cyperotundone (10.7%), while the main compounds in the leaf oil were selin-ll-en-4-α-ol (26.8%), bicyclogermacrene (12.6%), γ-eudesmol (7.1%), germacrene D (6.1%) and globulol (5.9%). The leaf oil demonstrated moderate to weak antibacterial activity towards Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus with MIC values of 250 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, respectively, whereas the stem oil posessed weak antibacterial activity against B. subtilis with a MIC value of 500 µg/mL. The stem and leaf oils showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC(50) values of 32.2 ± 0.8 µg/mL and 70.9 ± 1.1 µg/mL, respectively.

α-Glucosidase and 15-Lipoxygenase Inhibitory Activities of Phytochemicals from Calophyllum symingtonianum.

A phytochemical investigation of the crude extracts of the bark and leaves of Calophyllum symingtonianum has resulted in the isolation of inophyllum D, inophyllum H, calanone, isocordato-oblongic acid, amentoflavone, carpachromene and lupenone. Their chemical structures were elucidated and confirmed by spectroscopic analysis. All flavonoids and coumarins showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, while amentoflavone gave a positive result against 15-lipoxygenase inhibition.

Antioxidant and Anticholinesterase Activities of Essential Oils of Cinnamomum griffithii and C. macrocarpum.

The essential oils of Cinnamomum griffithii and C. macrocarpum were analyzed by GC and GC-MS and evaluated for their antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities. The essential oils of leaf and bark of C. grffithii were characterized by the presence of 30 components, with methyl eugenol (38.5-43.8%) as the major component. A total of 11 components were characterized in.the leaf and bark of C. macrocarpum essential oil with the most abundant component was safrole (54.5-59.5%). The bark oil of C. griffithii demonstrated significant activity on DPPH (IC50 73.4 microg/mL) and a high phenolic content (192.0%), while the leaf oil inhibited oxidation of ß-carotene/linoleic acid with an inhibition value of 65.5 µg/mL. Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition were assessed and the results showed that C. macrocarpun bark oil exhibited significant activity with inhibition values of 55.8% and 66.1%, respectively at a concentration of 1 mg/mL.

Chemical compositions and biological activities of the essential oils of Beilschmiedia madang Blume (Lauraceae).

The present study aimed to examine the chemical compositions of the essential oils of Beilschmiedia madang and their antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anticholinesterase and anti-tyrosinase activities. The major constituents of the essential oils of leaf and bark of B. madang were δ-cadinene (17.0 and 20.5 %), ß-caryophyllene (10.3 and 6.7 %), α-cubebene (11.3 and 15.6 %), and α-cadinol (5.8 and 10.6 %). The essential oils were screened for their antioxidant activities using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, ß-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching, and total phenolic content. The bark oil showed the highest ß-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching (90.3 % ± 0.2) and DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 212.0 µg/mL), while the highest phenolic content was exhibited by the leaf oil (94.5 % ± 0.3 mg GA/g). The antibacterial and antifungal activities were investigated by the disc diffusion and micro dilution method. The leaf and bark oils showed moderate activity towards Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value 125 µg/mL. For antifungal assay, the bark oil showed strong activity towards Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus with MIC value 62.5 µg/mL. Anticholinesterase and anti-tyrosinase activities were evaluated against Ellman method and mushroom tyrosinase, respectively. The results showed that leaf oil gave significant percentage inhibition (I%: acetylcholinesterase 55.2 %, butyrylcholinesterase 60.4 %, tyrosinase 53.1 %).

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Essential Oil and Extracts of Piper miniatum.

The chemical composition of the essential oil and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts from Piper miniatum were determined. GC and GC-MS analysis of the essential oil resulted in the identification of 64 components, accounting for 89.2% of the total. The major components were caryophyllene oxide (20.3%) and α-cubebene (10.4%). The antioxidant activity was evaluated by ß-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching, DPPH radical scavenging and total phenolic content. In the ß-carotene assay, the n-hexane extract showed the highest inhibition activity with 42.7%, while the oil gave 91.3%. The essential oil and extracts were tested for anti-inflammatory activity by using the TPA-induced mouse ear edema model and lipoxygenase assays. The essential oil exhibited significant activity in both models as an anti-inflammatory agent. The n-hexane extract showed strong activity with inhibition of 85.9% in the TPA-induced mouse ear edema model, while the chloroform extract showed the highest activity with 94.2% in the lipoxygenase assay.

Cytotoxic tirucallane triterpenes from the stem of Luvunga scandens

Two tirucallane triterpenes, namely flindissol (1) and 3-oxotirucalla-7,24-dien-21-oic-acid (2), were isolated from the dichloromethane extract of the stem of Luvunga scandens (Roxb.) Buch-Ham ex Wight & Arn, Rutaceae. This is the first report of their isolation from this plant. Their structures were constructed by high resolution mass and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The cytotoxic potential of the two pure compounds 1 and 2 were determined by MTT assay against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7). Compounds 1 and 2 showed potent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cell line with IC50 values of 13.8 μM and 27.5 μM, respectively. This result suggested their potential activity as antitumor agents.

Chemical composition of Piper stylosum Miq. and Piper ribesioides Wall.essential oils, and their antioxidant, antimicrobial and tyrosinaseinhibition activities / Composición química de los aceites esenciales de Piper stylosum Miq. y Piper ribosoides Wall. y sus actividadesantioxidantes, antimicrobiana y de inhibición de la tirosinasa

Chemical compositions of P. stylosum and P. ribesioides essential oils, and their antioxidant, antimicrobial and tyrosinase inhibition activities were determined. GC and GC–MS analysis of essential oils from leaves and stems of P. stylosum resulted in the identification of 50 (89.2 percent) and 45 (88.8 percent) components, respectively. The major components were aromadendrene (leaves 26.6 percent; stems 18.8 percent), sabinene (leaves 13.8 percent; stems 6.7 percent) and beta-caryophyllene (leaves 11.5 percent; stems 17.9 percent). A total of 60 (87.0 percent) and 39 (82.9 percent) components were identified from leaves and stems of P. ribesioides, respectively. The most abundant components were beta-caryophyllene (leaves 20.0 percent; stems 14.4 percent), camphene (leaves 16.3 percent; stems 12.3 percent) and delta-cadinene (leaves 4.4 percent; stems 7.8 percent). Antioxidant activity using DPPH and total phenolic content were tested for essential oils. However, the essential oils showed low antioxidant activity and phenolic content, compared to BHT. Studies of tyrosinase inhibition showed that the essential oils of P. ribesioides leaves had the highest inhibition (30.0 percent), although were lower than the control (kojic acid 81.8 percent). The evaluation of antimicrobial activities revealed that P. ribesioides essential oils showed strong activity against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, both with MIC value 62.5 micrograms/mL.

Se determinaron las composiciones químicas, las actividades antioxidante y antimicrobiana, y el contenido total de fenoles de los aceites esenciales de P. stylosum y P. ribesioides. El análisis GC y GC-MS de los aceites esenciaales de hojas y tallos de P. stylosum permitió la identificación de 50 (89.2 por ciento) y 45 (88.8 por ciento) de components, respectivamente. Los principales componentes fueron aromadendreno (hojas 26.6 por ciento; tallos 18.8 por ciento), sabineno (hojas 13.8 por ciento; tallos 6.7 por ciento) y beta-cariofileno (hoja 11.5 por ciento; tallo 17.9 por ciento). Se identificaron 60 (87.0 por ciento) y 39 (82.9 por ciento) components en los aceites esenciales de hojas y tallos de P. ribesioides. Los componentes más abundantes fueron beta-cariofileno (hojas 20.0 por ciento; tallos 14.4 por ciento), canfeno (hojas 16.3 por ciento; tallos 12.3 por ciento) y delta-cadineno (hojas 4.4 por ciento; tallos 7.8 por ciento). Los aceites esenciales se ensayaron para determinar sus actividades antioxidantes con DPPH y el contenido de fenoles totales. Para los aceites esenciales obtenidos se determinaron valores bajos en la actividad antioxidante con DPPH y el contenido total de fenoles, en comparación con BHT. Sin embargo, los ensayos de inhibición de tirosinasa most raron que el aceite esencial de las hojas de P. ribesioides presento la mayor inhibición (30.0 por ciento), aunque mas baja que el compuesto control (Àcido Kójico, 81.8 por ciento). Para el aceite esencial de P. ribesioides se determinó una MIC 62.5 mg/mL contra Bacillus cereus y Staphylococcus aureus.

Aporphine alkaloids of Cinnamomum mollissimum and their bioactivities.

A chemical investigation of the crude extracts of Cinnamomum mollissimum bark resulted in the isolation of five aporphine alkaloids, namely N-methyl-1,2,10-trimethoxyaporphine, N-methylhernagine, N-methylhemovine, hernagine and hernovine. Their structures were elucidated by spectral analysis. The alkaloid crude extract demonstrated significant antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

Anticholinesterase and antityrosinase activities of ten piper species from malaysia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and antityrosinase activities of extracts from ten Piper species namely; P. caninum, P. lanatum, P. abbreviatum, P. aborescens, P. porphyrophyllum, P. erecticaule, P. ribesioides, P. miniatum, P. stylosum, and P. majusculum. METHODS: Anticholinesterase and antityrosinase activities were evaluated against in vitro Ellman spectroscopy method and mushroom tyrosinase, respectively. RESULTS: The EtOAc extract of P. erecticaule showed the highest AChE and BChE inhibitory with 22.9% and 70.9% inhibition, respectively. In antityrosinase activity, all extracts of P. porphyrophyllum showed the highest inhibitory effects against mushroom tyrosinase, compared to standard, kojic acid. CONCLUSION: This study showed that P. erecticaule and P. porphyrophyllum have potential AChE/BChE and tyrosinase inhibition activities. The respective extracts can be explored further for the development of novel lead as AChE/BChE and tyrosinase inhibitors in therapeutic management of Alzheimer's disease.

Chemical compositions and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of Piper abbreviatum, P. erecticaule and P. lanatum (Piperaceae).

The study was designed to examine the chemical composition and antimicrobial activities of essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of three Piper species: Piper abbreviatum, P. erecticaule and P. lanatum, all from Malaysia. GC and GC/MS analysis showed qualitative and quantitative differences between these oils. GC and GC-MS analysis of P. abbreviatum, P. erecticaule and P. lanatum oils resulted in the identification of 33, 35 and 39 components, representing 70.5%, 63.4% and 78.2% of the components, respectively. The major components of P. abbreviatum oil were spathulenol (11.2%), (E)-nerolidol (8.5%) and ß-caryophyllene (7.8%), whereas P. erecticaule oil mainly contained ß-caryophyllene (5.7%) and spathulenol (5.1%). Borneol (7.5%), ß-caryophyllene (6.6%) and α-amorphene (5.6%) were the most abundant components in P. lanatum oil. Antimicrobial activity was carried out using disc diffusion and broth micro-dilution method against nine microorganisms. All of the essential oils displayed weak activity towards Gram-positive bacteria with MIC values in the range 250-500 µg/mL. P. erecticaule oil showed the best activity on Aspergillus niger (MIC 31.3 µg/mL), followed by P. lanatum oil (MIC 62.5 µg/mL). This study demonstrated that the essential oils have potential as antimicrobial agents and may be useful in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

Essential oils of Alpinia rafflesiana and their antimicrobial activities.

The essential oils from the leaves, pseudostems, rhizomes and fruits of Alpinia rafflesiana were isolated by hydrodistillation. The oils were analysed by capillary GC and GC-MS. The most abundant components in the leaf oil were trans-caryophyllene (32.61%), caryophyllene oxide (8.67%), (2E,6Z)-farnesol (4.91%) and alpha-terpineol (4.25%), while 1,8-cineole (32.25%), myrcene (13.63%), alpha-terpineol (9.90%) and trans-caryophyllene (9.80%) were the main constituents in the pseudostem oil. The rhizome constituted of tetracosane (42.61%), tau-cadinol (7.46%), alpha-terpineol (6.71%) were the major components, whereas tetracosane (13.39%), (2E,6E)-farnesol (7.31%), alpha-terpineol (8.51%) and caryophyllene oxide (8.05%) were the main components in the fruit oil. Antimicrobial assay revealed that all the essential oils showed moderate to weak inhibition against the tested microorganisms. The leaf oil was the most active and inhibited both S. aureus and E. coli with MIC values of 7.81 microg/mL and 15.6 microg/mL, respectively.

The phytochemical content and antimicrobial activities of Malaysian Calophyllum canum (stem bark).

Recently there was huge increase in using of 'herbal products'. These can be defined as plants, parts of plants or extracts from plants that are used for curing disease. However, Calophyllum species is a tropical plant and it has been used in traditional medicine, the limitation in safety and effectiveness information could lead to serious health problems. Providing information for communities by evaluating the phytochemical contents, antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities will improve the therapeutic values. Three main Calophyllum canum fractions (none - high polar) were tested to find out the phenolic, flavonoid, flavonol content, DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power and chelating iron ions. Also were tested against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Psedomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans. In addition, cytotoxic activity was assayed against lung cancer A549 cell line. The methanol fraction showed no bioactivity but achieved the highest amount of phenolic, flavonol and flavonoid contents, also it showed a significant result as antioxidant, reducing power and chelating agent. The n-hexane fraction achieved the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value 12.5 µg. mL(-1) against B. cereus while the MIC value for DCM fraction was 25 µg. mL(-1). The DCM fraction was more active against S. aureus where the result was 50 µg. mL(-1) while the n-hexane fraction was 100 µg. mL(-1). The three main fractions have shown no activity against gram negative bacterial and fungal. The n-hexane and DCM fractions have shown cytotoxicity against lung cancer cell line; the 50% inhibition concentration (IC(50)) was 22 ± 2.64 and 32 ± 3.78 µg. mL(-1) respectively. The results were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Among the results, C. canum fractions proved to be effective against gram positive bacterial and anti-proliferation activity. Also it showed antioxidant activity as well. The results provided beneficial information for communities as well as can help to search for alternative drugs, and will contribute to establish safe and effective use of phytomedicines in the treatment of diseases.

Apoptosis, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of phytochemicals from Garcinia malaccensis Hk.f.

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of stembark of Garcinia malaccensis (G. malaccensis) together with apoptotic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. METHODS: Purification and structure elucidation were carried out by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, respectively. MTT and trypan blue exclusion methods were performed to study the cytotoxic activity. Antibacterial activity was conducted by disc diffusion and microdilution methods, whereas antioxidant activities were done by ferric thiocyanate method and DPPH radical scavenging. RESULTS: The phytochemical study led to the isolation of α,ß-mangostin and cycloart-24-en-3ß-ol. α-Mangostin exhibited cytotoxic activity against HSC-3 cells with an IC(50) of 0.33 µM. ß- and α-mangostin showed activity against K562 cells with IC(50) of 0.40 µM and 0.48 µM, respectively. α-Mangostin was active against Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) with inhibition zone and MIC value of (19 mm; 0.025 mg/mL) and (20 mm; 0.013 mg/mL), respectively. In antioxidant assay, α-mangostin exhibited activity as an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation. CONCLUSIONS: G. malaccensis presence α- and ß-mangostin and cycloart-24-en-3ß-ol. ß-Mangostin was found very active against HSC-3 cells and K562. The results suggest that mangostins derivatives have the potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. In addition, α-and ß-mangostin was found inhibit the growth of Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria and also showed the activity as an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation.