Abstract
BackgroundThe health benefits of botanicals is linked to their phytochemicals that often exert pleiotropic effects via targeting multiple molecular signaling pathways such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and the nuclear factor kappaB (NFκB). The PPARs are transcription factors that control metabolic homeostasis and inflammation while the NF-κB is a master regulator of inflammatory genes such as the inducible nitric-oxide synthase that result in nitric oxide (NO) overproduction.MethodsExtracts of Maerua subcordata (MS) and selected candidate constituents thereof, identified by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy, were tested for their ability to induce PPARγ mediated gene expression in U2OS-PPARγ cells using luciferase reporter gene assay and also for their ability to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced NO production in RAW264.7 macrophages. While measuring the effect of test samples on PPARγ mediated gene expression, a counter assay that used U2OS-Cytotox cells was performed to monitor cytotoxicity or any non-specific changes in luciferase activity.ResultsThe results revealed that the fruit, root, and seed extracts were non-cytotoxic up to a concentration of 30 g dry weight per litre (gDW/L) and induced PPARγ mediated gene expression but the leaf extract showed some cytotoxicity and exhibited minimal induction. Instead, all extracts showed concentration (1–15 gDW/L) dependent inhibition of LPS induced NO production. The root extract showed weaker inhibition. Among the candidate constituents, agmatine, stachydrine, trigonelline, indole-3-carboxyaldehyde, plus ethyl-, isobutyl-, isopropyl, and methyl-isothiocyanates showed similar inhibition, and most showed increased inhibition with increasing concentration (1–100 μM) although to a lesser potency than the positive control, aminoguanidine.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated for the first time the induction of PPARγ mediated gene expression by MS fruit, root, and seed extracts and the inhibition of LPS induced NO production by MS fruit, leaf, root, and seed extracts and some candidate constituents thereof.
Highlights
The health benefits of botanicals is linked to their phytochemicals that often exert pleiotropic effects via targeting multiple molecular signaling pathways such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and the nuclear factor kappaB (NFκB)
The results revealed that the fruit, root, and seed extracts were non-cytotoxic up to a concentration of 30 g dry weight per litre and induced peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) mediated gene expression but the leaf extract showed some cytotoxicity and exhibited minimal induction
The present study demonstrated for the first time the induction of PPARγ mediated gene expression by mass spectroscopy (MS) fruit, root, and seed extracts and the inhibition of LPS induced nitric oxide (NO) production by MS fruit, leaf, root, and seed extracts and some candidate constituents thereof
Summary
Extracts of Maerua subcordata (MS) and selected candidate constituents thereof, identified by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy, were tested for their ability to induce PPARγ mediated gene expression in U2OS-PPARγ cells using luciferase reporter gene assay and for their ability to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced NO production in RAW264.7 macrophages. Plant material Different parts of M. subcordata (fruit, leaf, root tuber, and seed) were collected near Shiraro area (14.3970° N, 37.7743° E) of Northwest Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. The dried plant materials were packed in plastic bags, and stored at room temperature on shelf until they were transported to Wageningen University, The Netherlands; where they were powdered: each dried plant part was splashed with liquid nitrogen to remove moisture and facilitate powdering, and powdered using an analytical miller. Each powdered plant material was mixed well, packed in capped plastic tubes, and stored at − 80 °C until further use
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
