Acanthus Ebracteatus Research Articles

Inhibition of Oral Pathogenic Bacteria, Suppression of Bacterial Adhesion and Invasion on Human Squamous Carcinoma Cell Line (HSC-4 Cells), and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts from Acanthaceae Family.

Medicinal plants have traditionally been used to treat various human diseases worldwide. In this study, we evaluated the leaf extracts of plants from the Acanthaceae family, specifically Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau, Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl., and Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl., for their compounds and antioxidant activity. The ethanolic extracts of A. ebracteatus showed the highest total phenolic content at 22.55 mg GAE/g extract and the strongest antioxidant activities, with IC50 values of 0.24 mg/mL and 3.05 mg/mL, as determined by DPPH and ABTS assays. The antibacterial efficacy of these extracts was also tested against Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The diameters of the inhibition zones ranged from 14.7 to 17.3 mm using the agar well diffusion method, with MIC and MBC values ranging from 7.81 to 250 mg/mL. Anti-biofilm formation, antibacterial adhesion, and antibacterial invasion assays further demonstrated that these medicinal plant extracts can inhibit bacterial biofilm formation and prevent the adhesion and invasion of oral pathogenic bacteria on the human tongue squamous cell carcinoma-derived cell line (HSC-4 cells). The ethanolic extracts of C. nutans and A. ebracteatus were able to inhibit the gtfD and gbp genes, which facilitate biofilm formation and bacterial adherence to surfaces. These findings provide new insights into the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of plant extracts from the Acanthaceae family. These activities could enhance the clinical and pharmaceutical applications of plant extracts as an alternative therapy for bacterial infections and a dietary supplement.

A new strain of Rhodococcus indonesiensis T22.7.1T and its functional potential for deacetylation of chitin and chitooligsaccharides.

Chitin, abundant in marine environments, presents significant challenges in terms of transformation and utilization. A strain, T22.7.1T, with notable chitin deacetylation capabilities, was isolated from the rhizosphere of Acanthus ebracteatus in the North Sea of China. Comparative 16S rDNA sequence analysis showed that the new isolate had the highest sequence similarity (99.79%) with Rhodococcus indonesiensis CSLK01-03T, followed by R. ruber DSM 43338T, R. electrodiphilus JC435T, and R. aetherivorans 10bc312T (98.97%, 98.81%, and 98.83%, respectively). Subsequent genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis confirmed that strain T22.7.1T belongs to the R. indonesiensis species. However, additional taxonomic characterization identified strain T22.7.1T as a novel type strain of R. indonesiensis distinct from CSLK01-03T. This study refines the taxonomic description of R. indonesiensis and investigates its application in converting chitin into chitosan. The chitin deacetylase (RiCDA) activity of strain T22.7.1T was optimized, and the enzyme was isolated and purified from the fermentation products. Through optimization, the RiCDA activity of strain T22.7.1T reached 287.02 U/mL, which is 34.88 times greater than the original enzyme's activity (8.0 U/mL). The natural CDA enzyme was purified with a purification factor of 31.83, and the specific activity of the enzyme solution reached 1200.33 U/mg. RiCDA exhibited good pH and temperature adaptability and stability, along with a wide range of substrate adaptabilities, effectively deacetylating chitin, chitooligosaccharides, N-acetylglucosamine, and other substrates. Product analysis revealed that RiCDA treatment increased the deacetylation degree (DD) of natural chitin to 83%, surpassing that of commercial chitosan. Therefore, RiCDA demonstrates significant potential as an efficient deacetylation tool for natural chitin and chitooligosaccharides, highlighting its applicability in the biorefining of natural polysaccharides.

Mangroves and their Associates in Metal-Rich Soils in Candelaria, Zambales Province, Philippines

The Philippines, an archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia, has a coastline of over 18,000 km. and hosts at least 50 % of the world’s 65 mangrove species. Mangrove ecosystems are vital in mitigating heavy metal pollution; however, their resilience is compromised in environments with excessive heavy metal contamination. The diversity of true mangrove species and their associates in San Vicente River, Candelaria, Zambales, Philippines was determined. With respect to the physico-chemical composition of the water and sediments. Twenty species of true mangroves were recorded belonging to 11 different families indicating moderate diversity, and 11 mangrove-associated species observed from 10 families. Acanthus ebracteatus was the most abundant species, while Osbornia octodonta was the rarest, found only in Station 1 with only 2 individuals. Sediment samples showed heavy metal concentrations exceeding limits for chromium, iron, nickel and copper. The study highlights the impact of heavy metal contamination on mangrove diversity and soil health, disseminating conservation and remediation efforts for mangrove ecosystem in polluted environments.

DIVERSITY OF MANGROVES AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS IN MANDANGISIAO ESTUARY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL, PHILIPPINES

The study aimed to assess the diversity status of mangroves and associates. Four transect lines were established perpendicular to the shoreline, ranging from 20 to 100 meters based on mangrove stand size. Along these transects, three 10 m × 10 m quadrat plots were set up to evaluate mangrove trees, and within each quadrat, a 2 m × 2 m regeneration plot was established. The study calculated the di-versity indices, such as relative frequency, relative density, and relative dominance to determine the species im-portance value. A total of four mangrove species and two associated plants were identified, representing three mangrove families and three genera, as well as three plant families and three genera for associated plants. The record-ed species included Avicennia marina, Nypa fruticans, Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia caseolaris, Acanthus ebrac-teatus, and Acrostichum speciosum. The overall diversity value of the mangroves and associated plants was 0.87, indi-cating relatively low species richness. The true mangroves, Rhizophora mucronata exhibited the highest values for relative density (68.07%), while Nypa fruticans is the highest in terms of relative dominance (42.20%). Both have the same highest value in relative frequency (32.43%). All in all, the highest species importance value for true mangroves is Rhizophora mucronata with 126.23%. In associated plants, highest value of relative density and relative frequency belongs to Acanthus ebracteatus with 58% and 60%, respectively. Subsequently, the highest species importance value for associated plants is 118% for Acanthus ebracteatus. The study concluded that the Mandangisiao Estuary in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental has a limited species diversity, contrary to the initial hypothesis. Furthermore, the mangrove forest in the estuary faces potential threats from garbage dumping, tree cutting, boat mooring, and human encroachment, despite all the recorded species having a Least Concern conservation status.

Exploring Synergistic Inhibition of Inflammatory and Antioxidant Potential: Integrated In Silico and In Vitro Analyses of Garcinia mangostana, Curcuma comosa, and Acanthus ebracteatus.

Compared with the use of a single herb alone, herb combinations can significantly increase their effectiveness in treating various diseases. The objective of this research was to determine the appropriate proportions of Garcinia mangostana (GM), Curcuma comosa (CC), and Acanthus ebracteatus (AE) to enhance their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The study employed computer modeling (in silico) and laboratory testing (in vitro). The optimal levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds were achieved with a ratio of 15 parts GM, 5 parts CC, and 10 parts AE. In contrast, the 10 : 15 : 5 ratio resulted in the highest antioxidant activity, reducing DPPH radicals by 80.33% and ABTS radicals by 92.20%. The ratio had a synergistic effect and was within the safe range, ranging from 82.97 to 147.04 µg/mL. The ratio of 5 : 10 : 15 had the greatest anti-inflammatory effects, with an exceptional activity level of 98.86%. It effectively suppressed 23 genes or proteins, including the prominent NFE2L2 gene, and had a synergistic effect. This combination effectively inhibits inflammation (IC50: 12.05 µg/mL) and is safe for macrophages at concentrations up to 50 µg/mL. These findings emphasize the potential of these herbal mixtures for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory applications.

Development of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for selective extraction of Benzoxazolinone-type alkaloids from acanthus plants

Benzoxazolinone-type alkaloids found in Acanthus ebracteatus and Acanthus ilicifolius Linnaeus possess various beneficial properties, such as antileishmanial, antipyretic, analgesic, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. In this study, we employed a surface imprinting technique on nanomaterials. We utilized functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2NH2 as a scaffold, with 2-benzoxazolinone and 2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one serving as dual templates, methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinker, and 2,2-azodiisobutyric nitrile (AIBN) as the initiator. Prior to polymerization, we screened functional monomers using ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. The resulting magnetic surface molecular imprinting polymer (Fe3O4@SiO2@MIP) was thoroughly characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We also conducted assessments of its adsorption isotherms, dynamics, and selective binding capabilities. Our findings indicate that the MIPs exhibited exceptional selective recognition performance. Through meticulous screening and optimization of extraction and separation conditions, we established an LC‒MS/MS method based on magnetic solid-phase extraction technology. The method exhibited a recovery range of 78.80–106.99 % (RSD, 0.46–3.31 %) for 2-benzoxazolinone, with a limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2.85 and 9.00 μg L−1, respectively. For 2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one, the method yielded a recovery range of 84.75–103.53 % (RSD, 0.07–5.96 %), with an LOD and LOQ of 3.60 and 12.60 μg L−1, respectively, in real samples. The resulting Fe3O4@SiO2@MIP demonstrated a high capacity for class-specific adsorption.

Transcriptomic analysis of glutamate-induced HT22 neurotoxicity as a model for screening anti-Alzheimer’s drugs

Glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in the HT22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line has been recognized as a valuable cell model for the study of neurotoxicity associated with neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the relevance of this cell model for AD pathogenesis and preclinical drug screening remains to be more elucidated. While there is increasing use of this cell model in a number of studies, relatively little is known about its underlying molecular signatures in relation to AD. Here, our RNA sequencing study provides the first transcriptomic and network analyses of HT22 cells following glutamate exposure. Several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their relationships specific to AD were identified. Additionally, the usefulness of this cell model as a drug screening system was assessed by determining the expression of those AD-associated DEGs in response to two medicinal plant extracts, Acanthus ebracteatus and Streblus asper, that have been previously shown to be protective in this cell model. In summary, the present study reports newly identified AD-specific molecular signatures in glutamate-injured HT22 cells, suggesting that this cell can be a valuable model system for the screening and evaluation of new anti-AD agents, particularly from natural products.

Anti-aging of phenolic-rich Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. extracts

BackgroundSea holly has long been used in traditional Thai medicine for longevity, skin inflammation, skin dullness and as a treatment for itchy skin. The white flower cultivar Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. has been documented to perform better remedies than the purple flower A. ilicifolius. Nonetheless, preparation of the phenolic-rich extract of A. ebracteatus, including safety and cellular assessments relevant for inflammation and aging treatment is sparingly presented. In this study, the extracts of A. ebracteatus were prepared and comparatively quantified on total phenolic contents. In vitro activities by means of ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory assays were undertaken. The extracts were UPLC analyzed and examined on cellular safety and activities.ResultsThe phenolic-rich extracts of A. ebracteatus were prepared and standardized in verbascoside. The extracts were noted to have in vitro antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities. Cellular activities, co-cultures and ex vivo human skin appointed for cutaneous aging treatment, i.e., photoaging, are promising including antioxidant, anti-melanogenesis, anti-inflammatory (IL-6 and IL-8), anti-MMP and collagen production stimulating as well as anti-senescence activities.ConclusionsSea holly is highlighted as a potential source for beneficial cutaneous phenolics, especially verbascoside. The extracts were proven to be safe and efficient for cutaneous aging treatment indicated by their antioxidant, anti-melanogenesis, collagen stimulating, anti-inflame and anti-senescence activities. The plant extracts are therefore appointed for use as innovative agents for anti-aging purposes.Graphical

Introduction pages, NBHA-CN 51(1), 2023

The papers published in Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, Issue 1, Volume 51, 2023 represent new exciting research in different topics of life science, respectively in plant science, horticulture, agronomy, and crop science. Among the interesting articles we invite you to find news about: Climate change, its impact on crop production, challenges, and possible solutions; The use of phytotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma – a systematic review; Anticancer effects of Rhinacanthus nasutus and Acanthus ebracteatus extracts against human cervical cancer cells; Iodine application in Vitis vinifera L. cv. ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ improve bioactive compounds and enzymatic activity in berries; Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi promote photosynthesis in Antirrhinum majus L. under low-temperature and weak-light conditions; Biocontrol of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita with Purporeocillum lilacinum and liquid bio-formulates in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum); Impacts of heat shock on productivity and quality of Triticum aestivum L. at different growth stages.

Phytochemical Constituents from the Aerial Parts of Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. and Their Cytotoxic Activity

Objective Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. (family Acanthaceae) is distributed in the mangrove areas of northern Vietnam. The whole plant has the effect of dissolving blood stasis, reducing swelling, relieving pain, dissolving phlegm, and is often used to treat back pain, numbness, cough, and asthma. In our screening program for seeking cytotoxic active compounds, the methanol extract of this plant significantly showed activity and was selected for further study. In this paper we report the chemical constituents of A. ebracteatus and their cytotoxic activity towards two cancer cell lines, HepG2 and SK-LU1 in vitro. Methods The dried and powdered aerial parts of A. ebracteatus were ultrasonically extracted with methanol. This extract was suspended in water and successively partitioned with n-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate to give n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and water-soluble extracts. These extracts were fractionated and purified by column and HPLC chromatographic methods. The chemical structures of the isolates were determined by analysis of HRESIMS, and 1D and 2D NMR, and CD spectra. The isolates were screened for their in vitro cytotoxic activity by SRB assay. Results One new flavone glycoside (1) and ten known compounds (2-11), including five flavones (2-6), three alkaloids (7-9), and two phenolic glycosides (10 and 11), were isolated from the aerial parts of A. ebracteatus. Compounds 7–9 showed moderate cytotoxic activity against HepG2 and SK-LU1 cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 28.2 to 31.1 µM. Compounds 2–6, 8, 9, and 11 are reported herein from A. ebracteatus for the first time. Conclusion One new (1) and five known flavonoids (2-6), together with three alkaloids (7-9) and two phenolic glycosides (10 and 11) were recorded from A. ebracteatus. Our results preliminarily revealed that alkaloids may be cytotoxic ingredients of A. ebracteatus.

Anticancer effects of Rhinacanthus nasutus and Acanthus ebracteatus extracts against human cervical cancer cells

Cervical cancer is second only to breast cancer in terms of incidence; however, it is the most lethal form of cancer among Thai women due to the asymptomatic nature of its early stages. This work aimed to examine cytotoxic and antiproliferative capacities of Rhinacanthus nasutus (RN) and Acanthus ebracteatus (AE) extracts against human cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Plant leaves were used for ethyl acetate extraction. The antioxidant assays, HPLC analysis, a cytotoxic MTT assay, a clonogenic assay and real-time PCR were conducted. Both RN and AE displayed similar DPPH scavenging activity (3.97 and 4.05 mg TE/g DW) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (4.79 and 4.35 mg Fe2+/g DW). However, AE was richer in total phenolic content than RN (13.30 and 10.84 mg GAE/g DW, respectively). Rutin, catechin, chlorogenic acid, and cinnamic acid were found in AE, whilst only cinnamic acid with much higher content was found in RN. Higher cytotoxicity of 91.73% against HeLa cells was found in RN (IC50 value of 62.06 µg/mL). RN showed higher antiproliferative effect (IC50 of 25.24 µg/mL) than AE (34.35 µg/mL). Genes (Bcl-2, Bax, MMP-2, MMP-9, caspase-3, p21, and cyclin D1) and proteins (cytochrome c, caspase-3 and p21) linked to apoptosis and migration were substantially more affected by RN. To conclude, both RN and AE hold promise as anticancer herbal plants against human cervical cancer; however, RN was more cytotoxic and antiproliferative in HeLa cells. RN offers a better alternative herbal medicine or complementary remedy to the standard drug for human cervical cancer treatment.

Effect of Thai medicinal plants Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. Carthamus tinctorius L. and Streblus asper Lour. on neurite outgrowth activity in Neuro-2A cells

Background: Neurite outgrowth is an important process in neural reorganization and repair after neuronal injury. Neurite outgrowth is one of the important mechanisms to maintain normal physiological neuronal function. Neurite stimulation may help to prevent or rehabilitate brain regions in neurodegenerative disease. Objectives: The aim of this study was to screen selected ethnopharmacological herbs for stimulatory effects on neurite outgrowth and to test for any cytotoxicity and phytochemical properties. Materials and methods: The herbal extracts derived from Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. leaves, Carthamus tinctorius L. flower, and Streblus asper Lour. bark was tested for neurite outgrowth stimulation/potentiation and cytotoxic and phytochemical properties. Results: The extract of Carthamus tinctorius L. flowers at concentrations of 50 and 500 µg/mL could significantly stimulate potentiation of neurite outgrowth in Neuro-2a cells whereas other extracts could not. We found that treatment of the cells with a concentration up to 500 µg/mL of the Carthamus tinctorius L. extract showed no cytotoxicity. Conclusion: The neurite potentiation effect might be due to other chemical constituents rather than phytochemical properties, especially total flavonoid, and phenolic contents, and antioxidant activity of the Carthamus tinctorius L. extract. The result showed that Carthamus tinctorius L. flowers extract could be a good candidate for use as a drug protecting against neuronal damage and neurodegenerative disease since it provides low cytotoxicity and neurogenic enhancement.

Species Composition and Hydrolase Enzyme (EC.3) Activity of Fungi Isolated from Thasala Mangroves, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Southern Thailand

In the present study, we aimed to investigate diversity of manglicolous and endobiotic fungi associated with mangrove plants from Thasala mangroves, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, southern Thailand. Extracellular hydrolase enzymes (EC.3) including amylase, cellulase, lipase, protease, and pectinase from isolated fungi were evaluated. A total of 31 obligate marine fungal species was recorded from various Thasala mangroves sites. These included 24 ascomycetes (77.4 %), 1 mucoromycete (3.2 %), 3 basidiomycetes (9.7 %), 4 asexual morphs (12.9 %), and tentatively identified fungi (9.7 %). The average percentage occurrence of the fungi recorded from each site ranged from 0.4 to 16%. At all sites, the common filamentous marine fungi were Cumulospora sp., Halorosellinia oceanica, Kallichroma tethys, Leptosphaeria sp., Rimora mangrovei, Lulworthia sp., Phoma sp., Halenospora varia, Halocyphina villosa, Nia vibrissa, and Sclerococcum haliotrephum. Also, the most frequent marine fungi include Eutypella naqsii, Sammeyersia grandispora, Marinosphaera mangrovei, Nemania maritima, and Verruculina enalia. Seven mangrove plants were selected for endophytic fungal isolation including Acanthus ebracteatus, Acrostichum aureum, Avicennia alba, Bruguiera cylindrica, Rhizophora apiculata, R. mucronata, and Sonneratia alba. The isolation rate (IR) and colonization rate (CR) of fungal endobiota varied for all plant studied. The isolation rate ranged from 24 - 53.3 %, while colonization rate varied from 29.3 - 61.3 %. The fungal isolates were screened for the production of hydrolase enzymes (EC.3), of which 37.2 % exhibited enzyme activities. The 16 out of 28 obligate marine fungi (57.1 %) and 13 out of 50 fungal endophytes (26 %) had enzyme production efficiency toward specific substrates or an enzymatic index (EI) higher than 1.4. None of the fungal isolates depicted lipase activity. Additionally, the environmental stressors (temperature, pH, salinity) affecting enzyme production were evaluated in order to discover potential candidates for industrial application.
 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 Diversity of obligate marine fungal species was estimated from Thasala mangroves
 The obligate marine fungi and fungal endophytes had hydrolase enzyme (EC.3) production efficiency toward specific substrates or an enzymatic index (EI) higher than 1.4
 The temperature, pH, and salinity affecting enzyme production were evaluated in order to discover potential candidates for industrial application
 
 GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Effects of some medicinal plant extracts on dermal papilla cells.

Miniaturization of the hair follicles is evident on the balding scalp. Approved medications, topical minoxidil, and oral finasteride for the treatment of alopecia sometimes come with undesirable adverse effects. The study was to examine the bioactivity of medicinal plants for finding the promising source of anti-hair loss application. Ten ethanolic extracts were prepared from Acacia concina (Willd.) DC., Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl, Bridelia ovata Decne, Cleome viscosa L., Cocos nucifera L., Hibiscus subdariffla L., Oryza sativa L., Terminalia chebula Retz., Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. & Thomson and cytotoxic tested on dermal papilla cells using MTT assay. The effect of the extracts on cell cycle was also determined using flow cytometry technique. Anti-inflammatory activity was examined by determining IL-1β inhibition in RAW 257.4 cells. In vitro study of androgenic and 5α-reductase inhibitory activities were also determined using MTT assay and enzymatic reaction couple with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), respectively. Our results revealed that only A. ebracteatus promoted dermal papilla cell proliferation and the S and G2/M phases in cell cycle. A. ebracteatus also showed inhibitory activity against 5α-reductase and testosterone in reducing cell viability of the dermal papilla. Moreover, A. ebracteatus extract strongly inhibited LPS-stimulating IL-1β production in RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Our finding indicated that the ethanolic extract of A. ebracteatus is a promising candidate for anti-hair loss treatment.

Floristic diversity, structure, and carbon stock of mangroves in a tropical lagoon ecosystem at Setiu, Malaysia

Abstract. Islam MA, Idris MH, Bhuiyan MKA, Ali MS, Abdullah MT, Kamal AHM. 2022. Floristic diversity, structure, and carbon stock of mangroves in a tropical lagoon ecosystem at Setiu, Malaysia. Biodiversitas 23: 3685-3697. Mangroves in lagoon habitats play an important role in ecosystem functions. Many studies on mangrove habitats are available in coastal habitats, however, the information on the lagoon ecosystems in tropical climates is scanty, especially regarding its vegetation and carbon storage. This study was carried out to assess the status of species diversity, composition, zonal structure and carbon storage of mangrove vegetation in Setiu lagoon, Malaysia. We used the transect line plots method in representative landward and small fringe island areas. The results showed that the floristic diversity of mangroves comprised 18 true mangroves and 11 associates, of which Avicennia rumphiana and Ceriops decandra were listed as threatened by IUCN. The stem density and basal area ranged from 1533 to 3800 individuals. ha-1 and 18.98-37.97 m2 ha-1, respectively. The mean tree diameter was 9.80 ± 2.85 cm, with a tree height of 10.35 ± 2.14 m. The mangrove species with the highest importance value index (IVI) was Rhizophora mucronata with 134.86, while the lowest was Acanthus ebracteatus with 13.23. The study revealed that small fringe islands in the lagoon were more diverse with biodiversity index values always higher than the landward zone. Total biomass from the dominant mangrove species was estimated at 522.9 t ha-1 with estimated carbon storage of 261.45 t ha-1 and sequestration potential of 959.54 t CO2 ha-1. Compared to the other mangrove ecosystems elsewhere, this study recommends that the Setiu lagoon is considered to be a healthy and newly generated mangrove forest. Therefore, proper monitoring is needed to ensure mangrove ecosystem health and functions.

New Insights on Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl: UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS Profile, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities.

This study investigated the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and phytochemical profiling of extracts from the leaves and stem/root of Acanthus ebracteatus (AE). The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity, 2, 2′-azino-Bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical-scavenging activity, metal chelating activities (MCA), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) were used for antioxidant assessment. The ethanolic extracts of the leaves (AEL-nor) and stem/root (AEWP-nor) without chlorophyll removal and those with chlorophyll removal, using sedimentation process (AEL-sed and AEWP-sed), were prepared. Generally, AEL-sed showed the highest antioxidant activity (FRAP: 1113.2 µmol TE/g; ORAC: 11.52 µmol TE/g; MCA: 47.83 µmol EDTA/g; ABTS 67.73 µmol TE/g; DPPH 498.8 µmol TE/g; TPC: 140.50 mg/GAE g and TFC: 110.40 mg/CE g) compared with other extracts. Likewise, AEL-sed also showed the highest bacteriostatic (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) effects, as well as the highest anticancer and antiproliferative activity against oral squamous carcinoma (CLS-354/WT) cells. UPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS analysis of AEL-sed and AEWP-sed tentatively identified several bioactive compounds in the extracts, including flavonoids, phenols, iridoids, and nucleosides. Our results provide a potentially valuable application for A. ebracteatus, especially in further exploration of the plant in oxidative stress-related disorders, as well as the application of the plant as potential nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals.

Effects of Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. extract and verbascoside on human dermal papilla and murine macrophage

Androgenic alopecia is a common type of hair loss, usually caused by testosterone metabolism generating dihydrotestosterone and hair follicular micro-inflammation. These processes induce dermal papilla cells to undergo apoptosis. Currently approved effective medications for alopecia are Finasteride, an oral 5α-reductase inhibitor, Minoxidil, a topical hair growth promoter, and Diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory agent, all of which, however, have several adverse side effects. In our study, we showed the bioactivity of Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. (AE) extract performed by 95% ethanol, and verbascoside (VB), a biomarker of AE extract. Both AE extract and VB were studied for their effects on dermal papilla cell viability and the cell cycle by using MTT assay and flow cytometry. The effect of an anti-inflammatory activity of AE extract and VB on IL-1β, NO, and TNF-α, released from LPS induced RAW 264.7 cells, and IL-1α and IL-6 released from irradiated dermal papilla cells were detected using ELISA technique. The preventive effect on dermal papilla cell apoptosis induced by testosterone was determined by MTT assay. In controlled in vitro assays it was found that AE extract and VB at various concentrations induced dermal papilla cell proliferation which was indicated by an increase in the number of cells in the S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle. AE extract at 250 µg/mL concentration or VB at 62.50 µg/mL concentration prevented cell apoptosis induced by testosterone at a statistically significant level. In addition, both AE extract and VB greatly inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from RAW 264.7 and dermal papilla cells. The release of IL-1β, TNF-α, and NO from RAW 264.7 cells, as well as IL-1α and IL-6 from dermal papilla cells, was also diminished by AE extract 250 µg/mL and VB 125 µg/mL. Our results indicate that AE extract and VB are promising ingredients for anti-hair loss applications. However, further clinical study is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of AE extract and VB as treatment for actual hair loss.

The Development of Innovative Clay Mask Product Mixed with Theacanthus ebracteatus Vahl Extract

This research is a study on the development of innovative clay mask mixed with the Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl extract product. The purposes of this research are as follows. Firstly, the research is to develop a clay mask product mixed with natural extracts from the Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. Secondly, it is aimed to study on the antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effect, antimicrobial effect and total Phenolic contents of the Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl extracts. Thirdly, it is tostudy stability of the product. Finally, the research is to study on the calculation of suitable product formulations for clay products mixed with Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl extracts. By starting from the selection of raw materials, the extracts are prepared to determine the total phenolic content. Later, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) Assay method is conducted for antioxidant activity test, followed by anti-inflammatory effect test (Nitric oxide production inhibitory activity test, inhibition of LPS-induced TNF-α secretion test and Anti-inflammatory activity test (COX-2). Afterwards, a suitable formulation is developed. The test for the safety and physical properties of the product is then carried out followed by the skin irritation test in a group of 10 volunteers in order to ensure that the clay mask product containing Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl extracts is effective and safe. From the results of the product stability study, the findings indicated that the clay mask product containing Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl extracts did not show any phase separation. The irritation test in 10 volunteers after 12 hours of using the product showed no sign of allergic reaction, itching or irritation. Toxicity test results found no cytotoxicity. The anti-inflammatory effect test was found to have potent anti-inflammatory properties, when tested in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell. This study is only for the development of an innovative product of skin clay mask mixed with the Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl extracts.

LED and methyl jasmonate enhance a strong antioxidant compound, verbascoside, production in Clerodendrum indicum and Acanthus ebracteatus

Verbascoside is an antioxidant compound that can be used in cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical products. It is found in various plants of order Lamiales. Clerodendrum indicum and Acanthus ebracteatus are Thai medicinal plants that accumulate verbascoside. There is no report on practical use of these two plants as the source of verbascoside production to date. Here we reported the sustainable and efficient verbascoside production from in vitro cultures of both plants by culturing under white, blue, and red LEDs. Furthermore, the optimum exposure time and concentration of methyl jasmonate were evaluated. Culturing both plants under blue LEDs for 6 weeks significantly enhanced verbascosides in C. indicum for 1.6-fold and A. ebracteatus for 1.8-fold. Elicitation with methyl jasmonate enhanced the production to 31.41 ± 3.10 mg/g DW (4.2-fold) in C. indicum and 51.44 ± 0.10 mg/g DW in A. ebracteatus (3.2-fold). The appropriate conditions for elicitation were 100 µM methyl jasmonate and 8 days exposure time. In addition, this is the first report of in vitro verbascoside production from these two plants. In vitro culture accumulated verbacoside up to 44.8-fold higher than intact plants. Thus, they can be the efficient and sustainable alternatives for production of verbascoside.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Acanthus Ebracteatus, Barleria Lupulina and Clinacanthus Nutans: a systematic review.

This appraisal is comprised of the inflammatory studies that have been conducted on Clinacanthus nutans, Acanthus ebracteatus, and Barleria lupulina. The review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the supporting and contradictory evidence on each plants' anti-inflammatory properties, whilst addressing the gaps in the current literature. The databases used to obtain relevant studies were Google Scholar, ResearchGate, PubMed and Nusearch (University of Nottingham). A total of 13 articles were selected for this review. A. ebracteatus was found to suppress neutrophil migration and weakly inhibits chronic inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, B. lupulina and C. nutans were shown to possess very similar anti-inflammatory properties. The studies on C. nutans indicated that its anti-inflammatory effect is strongly related to the inhibition of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Moreover, several phytoconstituents isolated from B. lupulina were shown to activate the anti-inflammatory Nrf2 pathway. Overall, all the studies have provided evidence to support the use of these plants as anti-inflammatory herbal remedies. However, their exact mechanism of action and the responsible phytoconstituents are yet to be established.