Bioactive Chemical Constituents Research Articles

Validation of classical pharmacology of Sida cordifolia Linn. (Bala) through reverse pharmacology

Bala (Sida cordifolia Linn.) belonging to the Malvaceae family is one of the most frequently used herbs in Ayurveda therapeutics. It has been included in Agraya Prakarana (best among their class drugs) which signifies its role in various diseases. In Charaka Samhita, Bala has also been categorized under Balya, Brimhaniya and Prajasthapana Mahakashaya. It is used in several diseases like Vatavyadhi, Vatarakta and acts as a Rasayana. Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, sterculic acid, malvalic acid are its main bioactive chemical constituents. It has been demonstrated to possess various pharmacological activities like CNS depressant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antidiabetic activities and the plant is reported to be used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease also. In classical texts, five varieties of Bala have been mentioned and all are said to possess similar properties and actions. All the varieties are abundantly available across the country. Thus, Bala becomes one of the most potent medicinal plants of present era. Present paper is an attempt towards exploration of therapeutic potential of the drug through reverse pharmacology.

Bioactive chemical constituents from the marine-derived fungus Cladosporium sp. DLT-5

Bioactive chemical constituents from the marine-derived fungus Cladosporium sp. DLT-5

Identification of the main flavonoids of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) medik and their metabolites in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Introduction: Huangkui capsule (HKC) is made from the ethanol extract of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik [Malvaceae; abelmoschi corolla] and received approval from the China Food and Drug Administration (Z19990040) in 1999. Currently, HKC is used for treatment of the patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) in China. The bioactive chemical constituents in HKC are total flavonoids of A. manihot (L.) Medik (TFA). The present study aims to identify the primary flavonoid metabolites in HKC and TFA and their metabolism fates in db/db mice, the animal model for the study of type 2 diabetes and DN. Methods: HKC (0.84g/kg/d) and TFA (0.076g/kg/d) or vehicle were respectively administered daily via oral gavage in db/db mice for 4 weeks. The metabolism fate of the main metabolites of HKC in serum, liver, kidney, heart, jejunum, colon, jejunal contents, colonic contents, and urine of db/db mice were analyzed with a comprehensive metabolite identification strategy. Results and Discussion: In db/db mice administered with HKC and TFA, 7 flavonoid prototypes and 38 metabolites were identified. The related metabolic pathways at Phases I and II reactions included dehydroxylation, deglycosylation, hydrogenation, methylation, glucuronidation, sulphation, and corresponding recombined reactions. Quercetin, isorhamnetin, quercetin sulphate, quercetin monoglucuronide, and isorhamnetin monoglucuronide presented a high exposure in the serum and kidney of db/db mice. Thereby, the present study provides a pharmacodynamic substance basis for better understanding the mechanism of A. manihot (L.) Medik for medication of DN.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of hypericum sampsonii

Hypericum sampsonii or Sampson’s St John’s Wort is a species of flowering plant in the Hypericaceae family. Our previous study revealed the diverse and bioactive chemical constituents of the plant. This study investigates the antioxidant activity and potential hepatoprotective of Hypericum sampsonii extract (BLD1 extract) in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro experiment was carried out with DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay to assess the antioxidant properties of BLD1 extract. In the in vivo experiment, the hepatoprotective activity of BLD1 extract was evaluated on an acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity mouse model. The in vitro assay demonstrated that the extract exhibited antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. In the in vivo experiments, BLD1 extract at both doses (3.6 g/kg b.w day and 10.8 g/kg b.w day) reflected the decrease in serum ALT, AST and MDA level. Hepatic histology was also investigated post-mortem to assess the degree of liver injury. The overall findings of this study demonstrate the potential hepatoprotective effect of Hypericum sampsonii in acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress and liver toxicity in mice. This study has established the efficacy of Hypericum sampsonii, which should warrant further clinical trials and applications.

GC-MS and HPLC Supported Phytochemical Analysis of Tridax

Background: Tridax procumbens (T. procumbens) Linn. is a daisy family commonly known as “Ghamra” or “Coat Buttons”, the native of this plant is tropical America, Asia, Australia and throughout India, it is also distributed in roadside, waste grounds, riverbanks mainly during rainy season. It has medicinal properties due to presence of some bioactive chemical constituents. Objectives: Phytochemical analysis of Tridax procumbens (T. procumbens) Linn leaves were carried out in different extraction. Methods: Qualitative, Quantitative, HPLC, GC- MS & UV-FTIR. Results: The phytochemical qualitative analysis of Tridax procumbens (T. procumbens) Linn was performed with various extraction. The hydro-ethanolic extract contains a high concentration of phytochemical constituents than ethanol, hexane, petroleum ether & aqueous extracts. The phytochemical constituents found were tannin, saponin, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, anthraquinone, polyphenol, glycoside, coumarins and emodin. The wide range of bioactive compounds were found to have antitoxicity, anticancer, antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, antitumor, antimicrobial, antifouling, nematicide, antiarthritic, hepatoprotective, hypocholesterolemic, 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, antihistaminic, anticoronary insectifuge, antieczemic, antiacne, anti-androgenic flavour, pesticide, lubricant, haemolytic 5-alphareductase inhibitor, antipsychotic, potent antibacterial agent, antimalarial activites. Conclusion: Hydro-ethanolic extract showed several phytochemical constituents and bioactive compounds which can be used for therapeutic purposes.

Deciphering the enigma between low bioavailability and high anti-hepatic fibrosis efficacy of Yinchen Wuling powder based on drug metabolism and network pharmacology

Ethnopharmacological relevanceYinchen Wuling powder (YCWLP) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula with the effect of "removing jaundice and eliminating dampness", which has the potential to prevent and treat hepatic fibrosis (HF). However, the mechanism of the active ingredients of YCWLP in treating HF remains to be clarified. Aim of the studyThis study aims to investigate the in vivo metabolic profile of YCWLP and the mechanism of its gut microbiota-mediated therapeutic effect on HF via network pharmacology. Materials and methodsIn this comprehensive study, the UHPLC-FT-ICR-MS platform was used for the systematic characterization of the in vivo metabolic profile of YCWLP, and the mediating effect of gut microbiota was elucidated by comparing the differences of metabolites between the normal rats and pseudo germ-free rats administrated with YCWLP. Then, the identified active ingredients of YCWLP metabolized by gut microbiota and their targets associated with HF were used for further network pharmacological analysis, including the construction of PPI network, GO and KEGG enrichment and compound-target-pathway-disease network. ResultsOverall, 41 prototype compounds and 138 metabolites were identified in the biosamples after YCWLP administration. Among them, 15 drug prototypes are clearly metabolized by gut microbiota, and 91 metabolites showed significant differences between the N-YCWLP group and the PGF-YCWLP group, which might be attributed to the mediation of gut microbiota. Network pharmacology studies on the aforementioned 15 prototype components indicated crucial roles of arginine biosynthesis and complement and coagulation cascades-related genes such as PLG, NOS3, GC and F2 in the treatment of HF by YCWLP mediated by gut microbiota. ConclusionsThe therapeutic effects of multiple active ingredients in YCWLP on HF depend on the metabolism of gut microbiota. This study offers novel insights into the relationship between bioactive chemical constituents and the action mechanism of YCWLP against HF.

Synthetic polyploidy in spice crops: A review

AbstractSpice crops comprise diverse, economically valuable crops with numerous applications ranging from culinary to pharmaceutical industries. Spices are an integral part of cuisines worldwide, imparting characteristic flavor, aroma, and pungency to food. Breeding and crop improvement efforts in spices have focused on enhancing yield and quality parameters (essential oil, oleoresin, fiber, etc.) along with bioactive chemical constituents. The prominent breeding strategies followed are selection, hybridization, mutation, in vitro approaches, and transgenics. Polyploidy is one of the drivers of speciation and evolution, increasing the biological diversity in many crops, including spices. Polyploidy, either through natural means or artificial induction, broadens the scope of crop improvement. The artificial induction of polyploidy is usually done via antimitotic chemicals, duplicating the complete chromosomal set and allowing for genetic alterations and rearrangements that result in phenotypic changes across the board. As a result, increasing ploidy in crops often results in improved yield, biomass, vigor, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, and secondary metabolite production, all of which can contribute to the economic success of these crops. This review provides an overview of research on artificial polyploidization in spice crops, including the polyploidy induction system, polyploidy generation, and screening methods to select the polyploids of interest. Thus, we have summarized the significant applications of artificial polyploidy in crop improvement that can serve as a potent reference for future research works in the same direction in the under‐explored spice crops.

Polyphenol Contents, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Antibacterial Activity of Methanol Extract and Fractions of Sonneratia Caseolaris Fruits from Ben Tre Province in Vietnam.

Plants contain a large number of phytochemical components, many of which are known as bioactive compounds and responsible for the expression of various pharmacological activities. The extract of Sonneratia caseolaris fruit collected in Vietnam was investigated for its total phenolic and total flavonoid contents using methanol solvent and different fractions of S. caseolaris fruits (hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous). GC-MS analysis was conducted to identify the bioactive chemical constituents occurring in the active extract. Further, the antibacterial activity was tested in vitro on bacterial isolates, namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis, using the disc diffusion method on tryptic soya agar (TSA) medium. The methanol extract showed high total flavonoid (82.3 ± 0.41 mg QE/g extract) and phenolic (41.0 ± 0.34 mg GAE/g extract) content. GC-MS of the methanol extract and different fractions of S. caseolaris fruits detected 20 compounds, principally fatty alcohols, fatty acids, phenols, lipids, terpenes derivatives, and carboxylic acids derivatives. A 50 mg/ml concentration of methanol extract had the strongest antibacterial activity on E. coli, S. aureus, and B. subtilis. Furthermore, ethyl acetate, aqueous, and n-butanol fractions inhibited S. aureus and B. subtilis the most. The results of the present study suggested that the fruits of S. caseolaris are rich sources of phenolic compounds that can contribute to safe and cost-effective treatments.

A Review on Ayurvedic and Pharmacological Properties of Saireyaka (Barleria prionitis Linn.)

Background: Saireyaka (Barleria prionitis Linn.) of is one of the most useful plant in Ayurveda. Many pharmacological studies have been conducted to investigate the properties of Saireyaka (Barleria prionitis Linn.) in an attempt to authenticate its use as a multi-purpose medicinal agent. The objective of this paper is to review the literature regarding Saireyaka (Barleria prionitis Linn.) Specifically, the literature was reviewed for articles pertaining to chemical properties and therapeutic benefits. This review is in a narrative format and consists of all publications relevant to Saireyaka (Barleria prionitis Linn.) that were identified by the authors through a Google scholar search and books from Central library and library of Dravyaguna Vigyan department of Sai Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre Sasure-Vairag-Solapur. Result shows that Saireyaka (Barleria prionitis Linn.) possesses antimicrobial, antiviral, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic and diuretic properties. The mechanisms of action for these properties are not fully understood. Preliminary studies have found various constituents of Saireyaka (Barleria prionitis Linn.) exhibiting a variety of therapeutic effects. These results are very encouraging and indicate this herb should be studied more extensively to confirm these results and reveal other potential therapeutic effects. Saireyaka (Barleria prionitis Linn.)is an Ayurvedic medicinal plant which is mentioned in Ayurvedic classical books.it is one of the plant which According to Ayurveda this plant is having Ras-Katu, Veerya-Ushna, Vipaka-Katu, Vaatahar and Kaphahar and Sheet . Many pharmacological studies have been conducted to investigate the properties of Saireyaka (Barleria prionitis Linn.) in an attempt to authenticate its use as a multi-purpose medicinal agent. The main aim of this article is to collect and analyze the scientific information related to traditional uses, bioactive chemical constituents and pharmacological activities. Methods: Scientific information on Saireyaka (Barleria prionitis Linn.) was retrieved from the online bibliographic databases (e.g. MEDLINE/PubMed, SciFinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Scopus) and books from central library as well as library of Dravyaguna department of Sai Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre Sasure-Vairag-Solapur. Results: Different plant parts of Saireyaka (Barleria prionitis Linn.) were reported to be used for the treatment of natural hair color, cough, skin diseases, and antidote in various poisonous bites such as rat bite. Various extracts were evaluated for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hypolipidimic, antioxidant, thrombolytic property, hepatoprotective activity . Conclusion: The mechanisms of action Saireyaka (Barleria prionitis Linn.) for these properties are not fully understood. Preliminary studies have found various constituents of exhibiting a variety of therapeutic effects. These results are very encouraging and indicate this herb should be studied more extensively to confirm these results and reveal other potential therapeutic effects.

Bioactive Chemical Constituents from the Peels of Punica granatum

Bioactive Chemical Constituents from the Peels of Punica granatum

REVIEW SENYAWA BIOAKTIF DAN KONSTITUEN KIMIA DARI TANAMAN COLEUS SEBAGAI KANDIDAT OBAT (REVIEW OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS FROM COLEUS PLANTS AS DRUG CANDIDATES)

Miana plants (Coleus) are plants with compound interest types. Miana leaves have various bioactive compounds and are widely used to treat various diseases such as fever, colds, coughs, headaches, asthma, constipation, and skin diseases. There are several types of miana plants, such as Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth., Coleus aromaticus Benth., Coleus atropurpureus (L.) Benth. and Coleus blumei benth. This review aims to review the content of bioactive compounds and chemical constituents of the plant and its potential as a drug candidate. The method applied to the review articles is in the form of literature studies from national and international journals. Based on the data used, the n-hexane extract of miana leaves found 11 chemical compounds. Then based on the phytochemical screening of miana plants, several bioactive compounds were produced such as sterols, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, amino acids, glycosides, lactones, catechols, and tannins. The function of the Coleus aromaticus plant is as an antioxidant, antiepileptic, antiurolytic, anticancer, antidiabetic, anthelmintic, antiviral, antiprotozoal activity, the inhibitory activity of microorganisms, against digestive diseases, respiratory disorders, and against cardiovascular disorders

Caryocar coriaceum fruits as a potential alternative to combat fungal and bacterial infections: In vitro evaluation of methanolic extracts

Caryocar coriaceum, commonly known as ‘pequi’, is a medicinal species used traditionally for the herbal treatment of infectious and parasitic diseases in the Brazilian Northeast region. In this study, we investigated whether the fruits of C. coriaceum have bioactive chemical constituents against etiological agents of infectious diseases. The methanolic extract of the internal mesocarp of the fruits of C. coriaceum (MECC) was chemically analyzed and evaluated for its antimicrobial and drug-enhancing activity against multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus), and Candida spp. strains. The extract had flavones, flavonols, xanthones, catechins, and flavanones as major classes. A total of 11.26 mg GAE/g of phenolics, and 5.98 mg QE/g of flavonoids were found. No intrinsic antibacterial activity was observed; however, the extract was able to intensify the action of gentamicin and erythromycin against multi-resistant strains. The anti-Candida effect observed in this study was mainly due to the formation of reactive oxygen species. The extract was capable of causing damage to the plasmatic membrane of Candida tropicalis through pores formation. Our findings partially support the ethnopharmacological uses of the fruit pulp of C. coriaceum against infectious and parasitic diseases.

Preliminary Phytochemical Screening, Quantification of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Potential of Achyranthes aspera L. Leaf Powder

Plant extracts have been used since ages for the treatment of various ailments in India and their market is growing globally as well. Achyranthes aspera is one such promising plant with known medicinal properties. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening is necessary to evaluate the therapeutic and antioxidant properties of the medicinal plants. In the present study, we evaluated the bioactive chemical constituents and their in vitro antioxidant potential of A. aspera leaf extract in different solvents. The soxhlets of A. aspera leaf powder in different solvents – methanol, ethanol, aqueous and chloroform on phytochemical screening showed positive results for carbohydrates, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and steroids. Alkaloids and terpenoids are present in all the extracts except in chloroform extract. Total contents phenols (22.282 gm/100 gm) were found higher as compared to total contents of flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids. Moreover, all antioxidant assays confirmed the antioxidant potential of leaves of A. aspera. Thus, A. aspera is rich in phytochemicals that are needed for its antioxidant potential against various disorders.

Antimalarial potential, LC–MS secondary metabolite profiling and computational studies of Zingiber officinale

Malaria is among the top-ranked parasitic diseases that pose a threat to the existence of the human race. This study evaluated the antimalarial effect of the rhizome of Zingiber officinale in infected mice, performed secondary metabolite profiling and detailed computational antimalarial evaluation through molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and density functional theory methods. The antimalarial potential of Z. officinale was performed using the in vivo chemosuppressive model; secondary metabolite profiling was carried out using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Molecular docking was performed with Autodock Vina while the MD simulation was performed with Schrodinger desmond suite for 100 ns and DFT calculations with B3LYP (6-31G) basis set. The extract showed 64% parasitaemia suppression, with a dose-dependent increase in activity up to 200 mg/kg. The chemical profiling of the extract tentatively identified eight phytochemicals. The molecular docking studies with plasmepsin II and Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (PfDHFR-TS) identified gingerenone A as the hit molecule, and MMGBSA values corroborate the binding energies obtained. The electronic parameters of gingerenone A revealed its significant antimalarial potential. The antimalarial activity elicited by the extract of Z. officinale and the bioactive chemical constituent supports its usage in ethnomedicine. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

The Role of Aquatic Plants in Natural Products and Drug Discovery

Background: Phytochemicals and their derivatives/analogues represent over 50% of the current medicines worldwide in clinical use. Despite a significant contribution to the total bioactive natural plant products, aquatic plants are underestimated, and several species are extinct and in the endangered list. Objective: The aim of this review article is to draw the attention of common people and scientists toward a few important contributions of the aquatic plants to natural product chemistry and drug discovery by highlighting the chemical and pharmaceutical aspects of the same. Methods: The presented data were collected and selected from the literature obtained by an online search for the ethnomedicinal properties, biological activities and bioactive chemical constituents of aquatic plants using Google Scholar, PubMed and Scifinder chemical abstract service. Results: The selected literature data revealed that the extract and compounds isolated from several aquatic plants possess significant biological/pharmaceutical properties. For example, the α-asarone (24) and asiatic acid (33) isolated from Acorus calamus and Centella asiatica, respectively, exhibited significant neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo. The cripowellin A (59), cripowellin C (60), cripowellin B (61) and cripowellin D (62), isolated from Crinum erubescens, exhibited potent antiplasmodial and antiproliferative activities with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) in nanomolar range (11-260 nM). Several other alkaloids from different Crinum species have also shown anticancer properties against different cancer cell lines with IC50 value <5 μM. Alkaloids and resin glycosides, isolated from different Ipomoea species, have displayed significant psychotropic, psychotomimetic, anticancer, and antibacterial activities with IC50 value <5 μM. Conclusion: The aquatic plants play a significant role in the discovery of bioactive natural products. Although several biological activities and bioactive compounds have been reported from these plants, further assessment and scientific validation of most of their traditional usages still need to be done. There are several other similar species that are underestimated and not much explored. Many aquatic plants, such as Ipomoea carnea Jacq., Juncus lomatophyllus Spreng., Commelina benghalensis Linn, Gunnera perpensa L., Scirpus maritimus L. and Mentha longifolia (L.) L., may be considered for further evaluation. In addition to these, one should not undermine the potential of Crinum macowanii for COVID-19 pathogenesis, as its chemical constituent lycorine has shown significant SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory potential (EC50, 0.3 μM; SI >129). Furthermore, most rural communities are still using the wetland resources for their cultural, medicinal, economic, domestic, and agricultural needs. Hence, the conservation of aquatic plants and wetlands is an issue of great concern.

Phytochemical analysis, In-vitro antioxidant, anticancer and enzyme hydrolysis activity of Abrus precatorius seeds

Abrus precatorius is commonly known as Indian liquorice. It is an effective medicinal herb that comes under the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) - pea family. The objective of the current study was to determine whether the methanol extract of Abrus precatorius seeds and its separated components have antioxidant, anticancer, and enzyme hydrolysis activities. The crude extract of the seed was obtained by maceration with methanol for 7 days. Column chromatography was used to isolate the components from the crude extract using Silica gel with a 60–120 mesh as an adsorbent and methanol as solvent. The phytochemical investigation of the methanol extract of the seeds was achieved. The methanol extracts of the seeds contain many bioactive chemical constituents like Alkaloids, Glycosides, Flavonoids, Steroids, Saponins, Phytosterols, Terpenoids, Tannins, and Phenols. Using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical species assays, the antioxidant activity was measured. Superoxide-free radical scavenging activity was determined by the alkaline DMSO method. The result indicates strong antioxidant activity. The anticancer activity for breast cancer and colon cancer was determined by MTT cell viability assay. The enzyme hydrolysis activity was determined for the papain, alpha-chymotrypsin by the gelatin well plate method.

Bioactive Chemical Constituents of Matthiola longipetala Extract Showed Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Cytotoxic Potency

The exploration of bioactive compounds from natural resources attracts the attention of researchers and scientists worldwide. M. longipetala is an annual aromatic herb that emits a pleasant odor during the night. Regarding the chemical composition and biological characteristics, M. longipetala extracts are poorly studied. The current study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of M. longipetala methanol extract using GC-MS and determine its biological potencies, including its capacity for cytotoxicity and antioxidant and antibacterial activities. In this approach, 37 components were identified, representing 99.98% of the total mass. The major chemical components can be classified as oxygenated hydrocarbons (19.15%), carbohydrates (10.21%), amines (4.85%), terpenoids (12.71%), fatty acids and lipids (50.8%), and steroids (2.26%). The major identified compounds were ascaridole epoxide (monoterpene, 12.71%) and methyl (E)-octadec-11-enoate (ester of fatty acid, 12.21%). The extract of M. longipetala showed substantial antioxidant activity. Based on the DPPH and ABTS scavenging, the antioxidant activity of the extracted components of M. longipetala revealed that leaf extract is the most effective with IC50 values of 31.47 and 28.94 mg/L, respectively. On the other hand, the extracted plant showed low antibacterial activities against diverse bacterial species, viz., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, and S. aureus. The most potent antibacterial results were documented for leaf and flower extracts against E. coli and S. aureus. Additionally, the extract’s effectiveness against HepG2 cells was evaluated in vitro using the measures of MTT, DNA fragmentation, and cell proliferation cycle, where it showed considerable activity. Therefore, we can conclude that M. longipetala extract displayed improvement in cytocompatibility and cell migration properties. In conclusion, M. longipetala could be considered a potential candidate for various bioactive compounds with promising biological activities. However, further characterization of the identified compounds, particularly the major compounds, is recommended to evaluate their efficacy, modes of action, and safety.

Analyzing Biomarkers in an Enhanced Polyherbal Formula with Antidiabetic Attributes through High-performance Thin-layer Chromatography and Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry/ Mass Spectrometry

ABSTRACT Context: In this research, we subjected a polyherbal formulation (PHF) prepared in-house, previously evaluated for its antidiabetic effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, to further analytical characterization using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Aim: The aim of this research was to measure the active components within a newly developed in-house PHF with antidiabetic properties, prepared using dried leaves of Tinospora cordifolia, dried bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, dried seeds of Trigonella foenum, and dried seeds of Nigella sativa, employing HPTLC and LC-MS/MS techniques. Materials and Methods: Magnoflorine (MAG), cinnamaldehyde (CIN), trigonelline (TRI), and thymoquinone (THY) were identified as the active components of the ethanolic extract of the PHF. We utilized HPTLC and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the characterization of these constituents. The gradient mobile phase consisted of water, acetonitrile, and 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid. Chromatographic separation was achieved using an XBridge C18, 250 × 4.6, 3 mm analytical column with a flow rate set at 1.0 mL/min, maintained at ambient temperature employing a gradient system that spanned 30 min. Mass scanning was conducted in positive mode, with a scan speed ranging from 100 to 2000 amu/s, covering a mass range from 20 to 1974 Da. Electron spray ionization mode was utilized, with a source temperature maintained at 150°C and a desolvation temperature at 350°C. For HPTLC separation, precoated silica gel 60 GF254 plates were employed, employing a mobile phase consisting of toluene/chloroform/ethyl acetate/methanol/formic acid in a ratio of 2.5:2.5:2.5:2.0:0.5 (v/v). The plates were developed at room temperature, extending to a distance of 9.0 cm. Each individual component (MAG, CIN, TRI, and THY) was scanned and quantified at its respective maximum absorption wavelength (237 nm, 259 nm, 305 nm, and 338 nm). Results: Experimental parameters such as band size, chamber saturation duration, solvent front migration, slit width, and others were carefully examined to determine the optimized chromatographic conditions. LC-MS analysis of the alcoholic extract of the PHF successfully identified the presence of all five bioactive chemical constituents, namely, MAG, CIN, TRI, and THY. In addition, the drug samples exhibited satisfactory resolution with retention factor values of 0.27 ± 0.01, 0.64 ± 0.01, 0.55 ± 0.01, and 0.92 ± 0.01 for CIN, MAG, TRI, and THY respectively, using HPTLC. Conclusion: The integration of Ayurvedic formulations with contemporary high-throughput screening techniques holds great promise in discovering more potent and biocompatible drug leads. The results of this study offer compelling scientific evidence that strengthens the case for the therapeutic utility of the PHF, further underscoring its significance in the field of health care.

Bioactive Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Ponciri Fructus.

Ponciri Fructus is a crude drug obtained from the dried immature fruits of Poncirus trifoliata (L). Raf. (Syn. Citrus trifoliata L.). This study aims to compile and analyze the ethnomedicinal uses, bioactive constituents, and pharmacological activities of Ponciri Fructus. Various online bibliographic databases namely, SciFinder, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were used for collecting information on traditional uses, biological activities, and bioactive constituents. Concerning ethnomedicinal uses, Ponciri Fructus is extensively used in traditional Korean, Chinese, and Kampo medicines to mitigate allergic reactions, inflammation, edema, digestive complications, respiratory problems, spleen-related problems, liver complications, neuronal pain, hyperlipidemia, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular problems, hernia, sinusitis, and insomnia. Several studies have shown that Ponciri Fructus is a major source of diverse classes of bioactive compounds namely flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins, phytosterols, and alkaloids. Several in vivo and in vitro pharmacological activity evaluations such as antidiabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antimelanogenic, gastroprotective, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects have been conducted from Ponciri Fructus. However, scientific investigations focusing on bioassay-guided isolation and identification of specific bioactive constituents are limited. Therefore, an in-depth scientific investigation of Ponciri Fructus focusing on bioassay-guided isolation, mechanism based pharmacological studies, pharmacokinetic studies, and evaluation of possible toxicities is necessary in the future.

Trewia nudiflora: A potential source of new drugs

Medicinal plants have long history of being using as traditional medicines in almost every corner of the earth. Various chemical constituents of the plant are responsible for the activities. The plant Trewia nudiflora, belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is found abundantly in South Asia and Eastern Australia. Almost all parts of the plant such as root, stem bark, leaf, fruit and seed possess bioactive chemical constituents. The major chemical constituents are taraxerone, betasitosterol, nudiflorine, trewiasine, dehydrotrewiasine and maytanbutine. Although various parts of the plant have potential activity against cancer, tuberculosis, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and antimicrobial activities, but many activities like diabetes, arthritis, analgesic, anticoagulant has not yet been studied. So, this plant could be a potential source for the future research.