Antidiarrheal and Antibacterial Activities of Monterey Cypress Phytochemicals: In Vivo and In Vitro Approach.

Elshaymaa I Elmongy,Suzy A El-Sherbeni,Nashwah G M Attallah,Walaa A Negm,Engy Elekhnawy,Najla Altwaijry,Gaber El-Saber Batiha,Thanaa A El-Masry

doi:10.3390/molecules27020346

Abstract

Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) is a decorative plant; however, it possesses various pharmacological activities. Therefore, we explored the phytochemical profile of C. macrocarpa root methanol extract (CRME) for the first time. Moreover, we investigated its antidiarrheal (in vivo), antibacterial, and antibiofilm (in vitro) activities against Salmonella enterica clinical isolates. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of CRME detected the presence of 39 compounds, besides isolation of 2,3,2″,3″-tetrahydro-4′-O-methyl amentoflavone, amentoflavone, and dihydrokaempferol-3-O-α-l-rhamnoside for the first time. Dihydrokaempferol-3-O-α-l-rhamnoside presented the highest antimicrobial activity and the range of values of MICs against S. enterica isolates was from 64 to 256 µg/mL. The antidiarrheal activity of CRME was investigated by induction of diarrhea using castor oil, and exhibited a significant reduction in diarrhea and defecation frequency at all doses, enteropooling (at 400 mg/kg), and gastrointestinal motility (at 200, 400 mg/kg) in mice. The antidiarrheal index of CRME increased in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of CRME on various membrane characters of S. enterica was studied after typing the isolates by ERIC-PCR. Its impact on efflux and its antibiofilm activity were inspected. The biofilm morphology was observed using light and scanning electron microscopes. The effect on efflux activity and biofilm formation was further elucidated using qRT-PCR. A significant increase in inner and outer membrane permeability and a significant decrease in integrity and depolarization (using flow cytometry) were detected with variable percentages. Furthermore, a significant reduction in efflux and biofilm formation was observed. Therefore, CRME could be a promising source for treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases.

Highlights

Antibiotics afford the key basis for the treatment of different bacterial infections, the emerging resistance to many antibiotics commonly used is a global concern
The compounds of the C. macrocarpa root methanol extract (CRME) were tentatively identified by negative mode ESI-MS/MS
The antidiarrheal index of CRME increased in a dose-dependent manner

Summary

Introduction

Antibiotics afford the key basis for the treatment of different bacterial infections, the emerging resistance to many antibiotics commonly used is a global concern. Salmonella enterica bacteria represent the main foodborne pathogens that are responsible for enteric infections and food poisoning [2]. In addition to the disseminated antibacterial resistance among S. enterica isolates, they can form biofilms and synthesize many cell surface components [3]. It is observed that when bacteria are within biofilms, their eradication becomes difficult as biofilms give them good conservation against different antibiotics, disinfectants, and preservatives, in addition to protection against the host immune system and the stressful environmental conditions [4]. There is a high need for new antimicrobials to fight against these bacteria. An underappreciated source for new antimicrobials might be the natural plants which contain many primary metabolites, secondary metabolites, and minerals responsible for antibacterial and antidiarrheal effects [5]

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Discussion

Conclusion