"Be sustainable": EOSC-Life recommendations for implementation of FAIR principles in life science data handling.

The main goals and challenges for the life science communities in the Open Science framework are to increase reuse and sustainability of data resources, software tools, and workflows, especially in large-scale data-driven research and computational analyses. Here, we present key findings, procedures, effective measures and recommendations for generating and establishing sustainable life science resources based on the collaborative, cross-disciplinary work done within the EOSC-Life (European Open Science Cloud for Life Sciences) consortium. Bringing together 13 European life science research infrastructures, it has laid the foundation for an open, digital space to support biological and medical research. Using lessons learned from 27 selected projects, we describe the organisational, technical, financial and legal/ethical challenges that represent the main barriers to sustainability in the life sciences. We show how EOSC-Life provides a model for sustainable data management according to FAIR (findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability) principles, including solutions for sensitive- and industry-related resources, by means of cross-disciplinary training and best practices sharing. Finally, we illustrate how data harmonisation and collaborative work facilitate interoperability of tools, data, solutions and lead to a better understanding of concepts, semantics and functionalities in the life sciences.

Characterization of Constituents with Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Chinese Lonicera Species by UHPLC-HRMS Based Metabolite Profiling.

This study centered on detecting potentially anti-inflammatory active constituents in ethanolic extracts of Chinese Lonicera species by taking an UHPLC-HRMS-based metabolite profiling approach. Extracts from eight different Lonicera species were subjected to both UHPLC-HRMS analysis and to pharmacological testing in three different cellular inflammation-related assays. Compounds exhibiting high correlations in orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) of pharmacological and MS data served as potentially activity-related candidates. Of these candidates, 65 were tentatively or unambiguously annotated. 7-Hydroxy-5,3',4',5'-tetramethoxyflavone and three bioflavonoids, as well as three C32- and one C34-acetylated polyhydroxy fatty acid, were isolated from Lonicera hypoglauca leaves for the first time, and their structures were fully or partially elucidated. Of the potentially active candidate compounds, 15 were subsequently subjected to pharmacological testing. Their activities could be experimentally verified in part, emphasizing the relevance of Lonicera species as a source of anti-inflammatory active constituents. However, some compounds also impaired the cell viability. Overall, the approach was found useful to narrow down the number of potentially bioactive constituents in the complex extracts investigated. In the future, the application of more refined concepts, such as extract prefractionation combined with bio-chemometrics, may help to further enhance the reliability of candidate selection.

Phloroglucinol and Terpenoid Derivatives from Hypericum cistifolium and H. galioides (Hypericaceae).

A new simple phloroglucinol derivative characterized as 1-(6-hydroxy-2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanone (1) was isolated from Hypericum cistifolium (Hypericaceae) as a major constituent of the non-polar plant extract. Minor amounts of this new compound, in addition to two known structurally related phloroglucinol derivatives (2 and 3), and two new terpenoid derivatives characterized, respectively, as 2-benzoyl-3,3-dimethyl-4R,6S-bis-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-cyclohexanone (4a) and 2-benzoyl-3,3-dimethyl-4S,6R-bis-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-cyclohexanone (4b), were isolated from a related species, H. galioides Lam. The chemical structures were established using 2D-NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. These compounds were evaluated in vitro for antimicrobial activity against a panel of pathogenic microorganisms and anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX catalyzed LTB4 formation.

A new chromanone derivative isolated from Hypericum lissophloeus (Hypericaceae) potentiates GABAA receptor currents in a subunit specific fashion.

A phytochemical investigation of the lipophilic extract of Hypericum lissophloeus (smoothbark St. John's wort, Hypericaceae) was conducted, resulting in the isolation and identification of a new chromanone derivative: 5,7-dihydroxy-2,3-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-chroman-4-one (1). This compound was demonstrated to act as a potent stimulator of currents elicited by GABA in recombinant α1ß2γ2 GABAA receptors, with a half-maximal potentiation observed at a concentration of about 4µM and a maximal potentiation of >4000%. Significant potentiation was already evident at a concentration as low as 0.1µM. Extent of potentiation strongly depends on the type of α subunit, the type of ß subunit and the presence of the γ subunit.

Allanblackia Oil: Phytochemistry and Use as a Functional Food.

The consumption and commercial exploitation of Allanblackia (Clusiaceae) seed oils is of current interest. The favorable physicochemical characteristics of Allanblackia oil (solid at room temperature; high stearic acid content) lend food products that contain it (i.e., vegetable-based dairy products, ice cream, spreads) health advantages over others that contain higher levels of lauric, myristic, and/or palmitic acids, which can increase blood cholesterol levels. Such considerations are important for individuals prone to cardiovascular disease or with hypercholesterolemia. Domestication projects of several Allanblackia species in tropical Africa are underway, but wildcrafting of fruits to meet the seed demand still occurs. Proper species authentication is important, since only authenticated oil can be deemed safe for human consumption. The chemical constituency of Allanblackia seed oils, and potential roles of these phytochemicals in preventive strategies (e.g., as part of a healthy diet) and as pharmacological agents used to treat chronic disease were examined in this review. The primary and secondary metabolite constituency of the seed oils of nearly all Allanblackia species is still poorly known. The presence, identity, and quantity of potentially bioactive secondary metabolites in the seed oils, and pharmacological testing of isolated compounds were identified as important directions for future research.

Immune responses of honeybees and their fitness costs as compared to bumblebees.

Immune responses of invertebrates imply more than developing a merely unspecific response to an infection. Great interest has been raised to unveil whether this investment into immunity also involves fitness costs associated to the individual or the group. Focusing on the immune responses of honeybees, we use the well-studied insect bumblebee for comparison. Bumblebees are capable of producing specific immune responses to infections whereas this has not been assessed for honeybees so far. We investigated whether a prior bacterial encounter provides protection against a later exposure to the same or a different bacterium in honeybees. Additionally, we studied whether the foraging activities of honeybees and bumblebees are affected upon immune stimulation by assessing the flight performance. Finally, the acceptance behavior of nestmates toward immune-challenged honeybees was determined. Results show that despite stimulating the immune system of honeybees, no protective effects to infections were found. Further, honeybees were not affected by an immune challenge in their flight performance whereas bumblebees showed significant flight impairment. Immune-challenged honeybees showed lower survival rates than naive individuals when introduced into a regular colony. Here, we reveal different immune response-cost scenarios in honeybees and bumblebees for the first time.

Aldose reductase inhibition of a saponin-rich fraction and new furostanol saponin derivatives from Balanites aegyptiaca.

BACKGROUND: Balanites aegyptiaca Del. (Zygophyllaceae) fruits are used to treat hyperglycemia in Egyptian folk medicine and are sold by herbalists in the Egyptian open market for this purpose. Nevertheless, the fruits have not yet been incorporated into pharmaceutical dosage forms. The identity of the bioactive compounds and their possible mechanisms of action were not well understood until now. PURPOSE: Aldose reductase inhibitors are considered vital therapeutic and preventive agents to address complications caused by hyperglycemia. The present study was carried out to identify the primary compounds responsible for the aldose reductase inhibitory activity of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits. STUDY DESIGN: The 70% ethanolic extract of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit mesocarp and its fractions were screened for inhibition of the aldose reductase enzyme. Bio-guided fractionation of the active butanol fraction was performed and the primary compounds present in the saponin-rich fraction (D), which were responsible for the inhibitory activity, were characterized. HPLC chromatographic profiles were established for the different fractions, using the isolated compounds as biomarkers. METHODS: Aldose reductase inhibition was tested in vitro on rat liver homogenate. The butanol fraction of the 70% ethanolic extract was fractionated using vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC, RP-18 column). The most active sub-fraction D, which was eluted with 75% methanol, was subjected to preparative HPLC to isolate the bioactive compounds. RESULTS: The butanol fraction displayed inhibitory activity against the aldose reductase enzyme (IC50 = 55.0 ± 6 µg/ml). Sub-fraction D exhibited the highest inhibitory activity (IC50 = 12.8 ± 1 µg/ml). Five new steroidal saponin derivatives were isolated from this fraction. The isolated compounds were identified as compound 1a/b, a 7:3 mixture of the 25R:25S epimers of 26-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-furost-5-ene-3,22,26-triol 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)- ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]- α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-ß-D-glucopyranoside; compound 2, 26-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-5-ene-3,22,26-triol 3-O-[ ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]- α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-ß-D-glucopyranoside; compound 3, 26-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-5,20-diene-3,26-diol 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)- ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]- α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-ß-D-glucopyranoside; compound 4, 26-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-5,20-diene-3,26-diol 3-O-[ ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]- α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-ß-D-glucopyranoside; and compound 5, which is the 25S epimer of compound 4, by using various spectroscopic methods [MS,1D and 2D NMR (HSQC, HMBC, DQF-COSY, HSQC-TOCSY)]. Compounds 1a/b, 2, 3, 4, 5 exhibited highly significant aldose reductase inhibitory activities (IC50 values were 1.9 ± 0.2, 1.3 ± 0.5, 5.6 ± 0.2, 5.1 ± 0.4, 5.1 ± 0.6 µM, respectively) as compared to the activity of the reference standard quercetin (IC50 = 6.6 ± 0.3 µM). CONCLUSION: The aldose reductase inhibitory activity of Balanites fruits is due to the steroidal saponins present. HPLC chromatographic profiles of the crude butanol fraction and its 4 sub-fractions showed that the most highly bioactive fraction D contained the highest amount of steroidal saponins (75%) as compared to the 21% present in the original butanol fraction. The isolated furostanol saponins proved to be highly active in an in vitro assay.

In vitro growth inhibition by Hypericum extracts and isolated pure compounds of Paenibacillus larvae, a lethal disease affecting honeybees worldwide.

The in vitro inhibitory potential of 50 extracts from various species of the flowering plant genus Hypericum was investigated using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test against Paenibacillus larvae, a spore-forming, Gram-positive bacterial pathogen that causes American foulbrood (AFB), a lethal disease affecting honeybee brood worldwide. Of the tested extracts, 14 were identified as highly active against P. larvae as compared to the activity of the positive control, indicating the presence of highly potent antibacterial compounds in the extracts. Examination of these extracts using TLC and HPLC/MS analyses revealed the presence of acylphloroglucinol and filicinic-acid derivatives. Six pure compounds isolated from these extracts, viz., hyperforin (1), uliginosin B (2), uliginosin A (3), 7-epiclusianone (4), albaspidin AA (5), and drummondin E (6), displayed strong antibacterial activity against the vegetative form of P. larvae (MIC ranging from 0.168-220 µM). Incubation of P. larvae spores with the lipophilic extract of Hypericum perforatum and its main acylphloroglucinol constituent 1 led to the observation of significantly fewer colony forming units as compared to the negative control, indicating that the acylphloroglucinol scaffold represents an interesting lead structure for the development of new AFB control agents.

Reduced Alzheimer's disease pathology by St. John's Wort treatment is independent of hyperforin and facilitated by ABCC1 and microglia activation in mice.

Soluble ß-amyloid peptides (Aß) and small Aß oligomers represent the most toxic peptide moieties recognized in brains affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we provide the first evidence that specific St. John's wort (SJW) extracts both attenuate Aß-induced histopathology and alleviate memory impairments in APP-transgenic mice. Importantly, these effects are attained independently of hyperforin. Specifically, two extracts characterized by low hyperforin content (i) significantly decrease intracerebral Aß42 levels, (ii) decrease the number and size of amyloid plaques, (iii) rescue neocortical neurons, (iv) restore cognition to normal levels, and (iv) activate microglia in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we reveal that the reduction of soluble Aß42 species is the consequence of a highly increased export activity in the bloodbrain barrier ABCC1transporter, which was found to play a fundamental role in Aß excretion into the bloodstream. These data (i) support the significant beneficial potential of SJW extracts on AD proteopathy, and (ii) demonstrate for the first time that hyperforin concentration does not necessarily correlate with their therapeutic effects. Hence, by activating ABC transporters, specific extracts of SJW may be used to treat AD and other diseases involving peptide accumulation and cognition impairment. We propose that the anti-depressant and anti-dementia effects of these hyperforin-reduced phytoextracts could be combined for treatment of the elderly, with a concomitant reduction in deleterious hyperforin-related side effects.

Flavonoid glycosides and naphthodianthrones in the sawfly Tenthredo zonula and its host-plants, Hypericum perforatum and H. hirsutum.

Larvae of the sawfly Tenthredo zonula are specialized on Hypericum. Whether the sawfly is able to sequester plant metabolites was unknown. Aerial materials of Hypericum perforatum and H. hirsutum, as well as dissected larvae and prepupae of T. zonula, were analyzed by HPLC to determine the presence and content of flavonoid glycosides (rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, and quercitrin) and naphthodianthrones (pseudohypericin and hypericin). All flavonoid glycosides were detected in both Hypericum species, with hyperoside as major compound in H. perforatum (ca. 1.7 µmol/g fresh weight, FW) and isoquercitrin in H. hirsutum (0.7 µmol/g FW). Naphthodianthrones were present at low concentrations (0.02 µmol/g FW) in the former, and almost undetected in the latter species. In the body parts (i.e., hemolymph, digestive tract, salivary glands, or miscellaneous organs) of T. zonula, the surveyed compounds were detected more frequently in prepupae than in larvae. The compounds were not present in every sample, and flavonoid glycosides especially occurred in highly variable amounts, with maximal concentrations of 41 µg rutin/prepupa in salivary glands, 8 µg hyperoside/prepupa in hemolymph (= 0.36 µmol/g FW), 32 µg isoquercitrin/prepupa in salivary glands, and 63 µg quercitrin/larva in miscellaneous organs (mainly composed of the integument). We conclude that flavonoid glycosides are sequestered since they were detected in organs other than the digestive tract of larvae, and because prepupae are a non-feeding stage. The naphthodianthrone pseudohypericin, but not hypericin, occurred generally in the digestive tract (up to 0.25 µg/larva). Both naphthodianthrones and related unidentified compounds, but not flavonoid glycosides, were found in the larval excrement. The highly variable distributions of flavonoid glycosides and naphthodianthrones in T. zonula larvae and prepupae make it difficult to determine the ecological significance of these metabolites.

Bioactive xanthones from the roots of Hypericum perforatum (common St John's wort).

BACKGROUND: Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (common St John's wort; Hypericaceae) are sold as phytopharmaceuticals and herbal supplements to treat mild to moderate depression and as food additives. Extensively cultivated in Europe, plants can be infected by anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides), a virulent fungal pathogen that causes tissue necrosis and dramatically decreases crop value. Such infections triggered the production of new secondary metabolites, specifically xanthones, in cell culture experiments. RESULTS: Bioassay-guided fractionation of H. perforatum root extracts, testing for growth inhibition of plant pathogenic fungi from the genera Colletotrichum, Botrytis, Fusarium and Phomopsis, was performed. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX-catalyzed LTB(4) formation was also evaluated. Extracts were analyzed by various chromatographic means and structure elucidation was performed using data from nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. CONCLUSION: Researchers have previously described constituents from the aerial parts of this species, but few reports describe secondary metabolites found in underground parts, of particular interest because the lower stem and upper root are often sites of fungal infection. This work resulted in the isolation of three xanthones: 1,6-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-4',5'-dihydro-4',4',5'-trimethylfurano-(2',3':3,4)-xanthone; 4,6-dihydroxy-2,3-dimethoxyxanthone; and cis-kielcorin, one of which possessed novel bioactivity against species of Phomopsis and inhibited 5-LOX-mediated LTB(4) formation.

Taxonomy and Chemotaxonomy of the Genus Hypericum.

The genus Hypericum L. (St. John's Wort, Hypericaceae) includes, at the most recent count, 469 species that are either naturally occurring on, or which have been introduced to, every continent in the world, except Antarctica. These species occur as herbs, shrubs, and infrequently trees, and are found in a variety of habitats in temperate regions and in high mountains in the tropics, avoiding only zones of extreme aridity, temperature and/or salinity. Monographic work on the genus has resulted in the recognition and description of 36 taxonomic sections, delineated by specific combinations of morphological characteristics and biogeographic distribution ranges. Hypericum perforatum L. (Common St. John's wort, section Hypericum), one of the best-known members of the genus, is an important medicinal herb of which extracts are taken for their reported activity against mild to moderate depression. Many other species have been incorporated in traditional medicine systems in countries around the world, or are sold as ornamentals. Several classes of interesting bioactive secondary metabolites, including naphthodianthrones (e.g. hypericin and pseudohypericin), flavonol glycosides (e.g. isoquercitrin and hyperoside), biflavonoids (e.g. amentoflavone), phloroglucinol derivatives (e.g. hyperforin and adhyperforin) and xanthones have been identified from members of the genus. A general overview of the taxonomy of the genus and the distribution of relevant secondary metabolites is presented.

Morphological and Phytochemical Diversity among Hypericum Species of the Mediterranean Basin.

The genus Hypericum L. (St. John's wort, Hypericaceae) includes more than 450 species that occur in temperature or tropical mountain regions of the world. Monographic work on the genus has resulted in the recognition and description of 36 taxonomic sections, delineated by specific combinations of morphological characteristics and biogeographic distribution. The Mediterranean Basin has been recognized as a hot spot of diversity for the genus Hypericum, and as such is a region in which many endemic species occur. Species belonging to sections distributed in this area of the world display considerable morphological and phytochemical diversity. Results of a cladistic analysis, based on 89 morphological characters that were considered phylogenetically informative, are given here. In addition, a brief overview of morphological characteristics and the distribution of pharmaceutically relevant secondary metabolites for species native to this region of the world are presented.

Hypericum species in the Páramos of Central and South America: a special focus upon H. irazuense Kuntze ex N. Robson.

Knowledge about members of the flowering plant family Clusiaceae occurring in the tropical mountain regions of the world is limited, in part due to endemism and restricted distributions. High altitude vegetation habitats (Páramos) in Central and South America are home to numerous native Hypericum species. Information related to the phytochemistry of páramo Hypericum, as well as ecological factors with the potential to influence chemical defenses in these plants, is briefly reviewed. Results of the phytochemical analysis of Hypericum irazuense, a species collected in the páramo of the Cordillera de Talamanca in Costa Rica, are presented. Lastly, guidelines for the viable and sustainable collections of plant material, to facilitate future investigations of these interesting plants, are given.

Essential oil and volatile components of the genus Hypericum (Hypericaceae).

The flowering plant genus Hypericum (Hypericaceae) contains the well-known medicinally valuable species Hypericum perforatum (common St. John's wort). Species of Hypericum contain many bioactive constituents, including proanthocyanins, flavonoids, biflavonoids, xanthones, phenylpropanes and naphthodianthrones that are characterized by their relative hydrophilicity, as well as acylphloroglucinols and essential oil components that are more hydrophobic in nature. A concise review of the scientific literature pertaining to constituents of Hypericum essential oils and volatile fractions is presented.

Anti-inflammatory phloroglucinol derivatives from Hypericum empetrifolium.

Phytochemical investigation of Hypericum empetrifolium Willd. (Clusiaceae), a species native to Greece and Turkey has led to the bioassay-guided identification of two acylphloroglucinol derivatives with potent in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Using NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, the acylphloroglucinol derivatives were characterized as 3-geranyl-1-(2'-methylpropanoyl)phloroglucinol (1) and 3-geranyl-1-(2'-methylbutanoyl)phloroglucinol (2). Hypotheses are proposed regarding the biosynthetic origin of these and similar acylphloroglucinols from related Hypericum species. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for in vitro inhibitory activity against COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX catalyzed LTB(4) formation. Compound 1 displayed good activity (IC(50) values: 6.0, 29.9, and 2.2 µM, respectively) in all three assays. Compound 2 showed good activity (IC(50) value: 5.8 µM) against LTB(4) formation and moderate activity (IC(50) value: 26.2 µM) against COX-1.

Chemical composition and antifungal activity of Arnica longifolia, Aster hesperius, and Chrysothamnus nauseosus essential oils.

Essential oils from three different Asteraceae obtained by hydrodistillation of aerial parts were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Main compounds obtained from each taxon were found as follows: Arnica longifolia carvacrol 37.3%, alpha-bisabolol 8.2%; Aster hesperius hexadecanoic acid 29.6%, carvacrol 15.2%; and Chrysothamnus nauseosus var. nauseosus beta-phellandrene 22.8% and beta-pinene 19.8%. Essential oils were also evaluated for their antimalarial and antimicrobial activity against human pathogens, and antifungal activities against plant pathogens. No antimalarial and antimicrobial activities against human pathogens were observed. Direct bioautography demonstrated antifungal activity of the essential oils obtained from three Asteraceae taxa and two pure compounds, carvacrol and beta-bisabolol, to the plant pathogens Colletotrichum acutatum, C. fragariae and C. gloeosporioides. Subsequent evaluation of antifungal compounds using a 96-well micro-dilution broth assay indicated that alpha-bisabolol showed weak growth inhibition of the plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea after 72 h.

Phytochemical profiling of New and Old World Hypericum (St. John's Wort) species.

Botanical extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (common St. John's Wort) are used in the USA and in Europe as a treatment for mild to moderate depression, although controversy surrounds the identity of the active constituent(s). RP-HPLC with photodiode array detection was used to separate and quantify nine compounds of pharmacological interest in extracts from 74 taxa of Hypericum native to the Old and New World. Chemical profiles of these constituents may be used to distinguish extracts of H. perforatum from those of other species of Hypericum, and to indicate species that may be of interest for further phytochemical investigation.

Hyperolactone C: determination of its absolute configuration by comparison of experimental and calculated CD spectra.

A detailed conformational analysis of hyperolactone C diastereomers and enantiomers ((5R,9R),(5S,9S) and (5S,9R),(5R,9S)) was done with molecular mechanics and density functional theory methods. Time-dependent density functional theory (B3PW91/TZVP) was used to calculate electronic transition energies (UV/vis spectra) and rotational strengths of the respective conformations. The effect of solvation (acetonitrile solution) on excitation energies and electronic circular dichroism was approximated by the polarizable continuum model. By comparison of the simulated CD spectrum with that measured for hyperolactone C isolated from Hypericum lloydii, its absolute configuration can be assigned as (5S,9S).