Crude Latex Research Articles

In vitro leishmanicidal activity of Hancornia speciosa latex against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis

BackgroundLeishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease whose available treatment has limitations. Hancornia speciosa Gomes, a tree native to Brazil, has been studied for its medicinal properties, including antimicrobial and healing properties. However, its effect on parasites of the Leishmania genus still needs to be elucidated. PurposeTo evaluate the leishmanicidal activity for potential therapeutic use of H. speciosa latex and its fractions on Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes, as well as to analyze its cytotoxic effects on RAW264.7 cells and murine peritoneal macrophages. MethodsThe anti-promastigote activity of latex and its fractions was evaluated by cell viability assays via MTT in L. (L.) amazonensis and monitoring the parasite's growth kinetics by counting under light microscopy. To evaluate anti-amastigote activity, RAW264.7 cells and murine peritoneal macrophages infected with amastigotes were analyzed using microscopy, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry assays. The cytotoxicity of latex and its fractions was evaluated in these cells via MTT assay. ResultsThe H. speciosa latex and its fractions showed anti-promastigote activities in L. (L.) amazonensis, reducing its proliferation and viability and altering its morphology. These did not interfere with the viability of RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. Crude latex and F < 10 kDa at 5 % reduced the infection of intracellular amastigotes in peritoneal macrophages to 32 % and 18 % after 24 h of treatment, respectively. Under the same conditions, the F > 10 kDa fraction showed 82 % of infected cells. The evaluation of the latex composition showed that the F > 10 kDa fraction has the highest concentration of carbohydrates, followed by phenolic compounds and proteins. In contrast, the F < 10k Da fraction presented fewer phenolic compounds and carbohydrates. ConclusionsThese results indicate that H. speciosa crude latex and F < 10 kDa have intense leishmanicidal activity against L. (L.) amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes internalized by macrophages. Additionally, the lack of cytotoxicity indicates that H. speciosa latex is a strong candidate for new alternative treatments for leishmaniasis.

Pharmacological potential of Euphorbia tirucalliL. latex in gastric adenocarcinoma: from an ethnopharmacological perspective into new products

Products derived from the latex of Euphorbia tirucalli were obtained through hydrolysis and column chromatography, resulting in products rich in triterpenes, ingenol 3-esters (I3E), and other derivatives from hydrolysed latex. These products underwent evaluation for their cytotoxic activity against gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS). Triterpene derivatives were synthesised, and the selectivity of each product was assessed. The results were compared with the previously described crude latex. Triterpenes and I3E were analysed in silico for their affinity with the active site of PKCδC1b. The hydrolysed latex (free of I3E) exhibited high cytotoxicity, albeit with reduced selectivity. Triterpenes and acetylated triterpenes were more cytotoxic than I3E, although the latter showed greater selectivity. Euphol benzoates and cinnamates showed no cytotoxicity. I3E demonstrated high affinity for the PKCδC1b. In summary, triterpenes exhibited higher cytotoxicity against AGS cells, while I3E displayed greater selectivity. Hydrolysed latex shows promise as a potential candidate for future gastric cancer treatment.

Phytochemical profile, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of crude latex (Pergularia tomentosa L.) in Algerian Saharan

This study aimed to evaluate the dry crude latex extract from P. tomentosa, endemic to the Sahara, by determining the total content of polyphenols and flavonoids, and detecting the plant compounds by HPLC chromatography. Also, Antioxidant activity was measured through three tests: (BCB) beta-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assay, (DPPH) radical scavenging and (FRAP) ferric reducing ability assay. In addition, anti-inflammatory activity. The results showed that the dry crude latex extract of P. tomentosa showed moderate content of polyphenols and flavonoids in the dry crude latex extract of P. tomentosa. Besides, qualitative HPLC analysis led to the detection of a group of phenolic compounds of this extract that have therapeutic properties. Also, the studied extract had strong activity in the beta-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching test and the values obtained were very close to the reference gallic acid. The results also indicated significant antioxidant activities in the DPPH and FRAP assay compared to ascorbic acid. In addition, the strong effect of dry crude latex extract from P. tomentosa in inhibiting protein denaturation induced by albumin hyperthermia, compared to ASPEGIC®, which is used as a reference drug in infections. In conclusion, the results indicate that the dry crude latex extract of P. tomentosa has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, which confirms the use of this extract in folk medicine, which could be a first step in introducing it into therapeutic applications.

Antibacterial, Antioxidant Activities, GC-Mass Characterization, and Cyto/Genotoxicity Effect of Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Latex of Cynanchum acutum L

Green synthesis of nanoparticles is receiving more attention these days since it is simple to use and prepare, uses fewer harsh chemicals and chemical reactions, and is environmentally benign. A novel strategy aims to recycle poisonous plant chemicals and use them as natural stabilizing capping agents for nanoparticles. In this investigation, silver nanoparticles loaded with latex from Cynanchum acutum L. (Cy-AgNPs) were examined using a transmission electron microscope, FT-IR spectroscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy. Additionally, using Vicia faba as a model test plant, the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects of crude latex and various concentrations of Cy-AgNPs were studied. The majority of the particles were spherical in shape. The highest antioxidant activity using DPPH was illustrated for CAgNPs (25 mg/L) (70.26 ± 1.32%) and decreased with increased concentrations of Cy-AGNPs. Antibacterial activity for all treatments was determined showing that the highest antibacterial activity was for Cy-AgNPs (50 mg/L) with inhibition zone 24 ± 0.014 mm against Bacillus subtilis, 19 ± 0.12 mm against Escherichia coli, and 23 ± 0.015 against Staphylococcus aureus. For phytochemical analysis, the highest levels of secondary metabolites from phenolic content, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, were found in Cy-AgNPs (25 mg/L). Vicia faba treated with Cy-AgNPs- (25 mg/L) displayed the highest mitotic index (MI%) value of 9.08% compared to other Cy-AgNP concentrations (50-100 mg/L) and C. acutum crude latex concentrations (3%). To detect cytotoxicity, a variety of chromosomal abnormalities were used, including micronuclei at interphase, disturbed at metaphase and anaphase, chromosomal stickiness, bridges, and laggards. The concentration of Cy-AgNPs (25 mg/L) had the lowest level of chromosomal aberrations, with a value of 23.41% versus 20.81% for the control. Proteins from seeds treated with V. faba produced sixteen bands on SDS-PAGE, comprising ten monomorphic bands and six polymorphic bands, for a total percentage of polymorphism of 37.5%. Eight ISSR primers were employed to generate a total of 79 bands, 56 of which were polymorphic and 23 of which were common. Primer ISSR 14 has the highest level of polymorphism (92.86%), according to the data. Using biochemical SDS-PAGE and ISSR molecular markers, Cy-AgNPs (25 mg/L) showed the highest percentage of genomic template stability (GTS%), with values of 80% and 51.28%, respectively. The findings of this work suggest employing CyAgNPs (25 mg/L) in pharmaceutical purposes due to its highest content of bioactive compounds and lowest concentration of chromosomal abnormalities.

Tap the sap - investigation of latex-bearing plants in the search of potential anticancer biopharmaceuticals.

Latex-bearing plants have been in the research spotlight for the past couple of decades. Since ancient times their extracts have been used in folk medicine to treat various illnesses. Currently they serve as promising candidates for cancer treatment. Up to date there have been several in vitro and in vivo studies related to the topic of cytotoxicity and anticancer activity of extracts from latex-bearing plants towards various cell types. The number of clinical studies still remains scarce, however, over the years the number is systematically increasing. To the best of our knowledge, the scientific community is still lacking in a recent review summarizing the research on the topic of cytotoxicity and anticancer activity of latex-bearing plant extracts. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to review the current knowledge on in vitro and in vivo studies, which focus on the cytotoxicity and anticancer activities of latex-bearing plants. The vast majority of the studies are in vitro, however, the interest in this topic has resulted in the substantial growth of the number of in vivo studies, leading to a promising number of plant species whose latex can potentially be tested in clinical trials. The paper is divided into sections, each of them focuses on specific latex-bearing plant family representatives and their potential anticancer activity, which in some instances is comparable to that induced by commonly used therapeutics currently available on the market. The cytotoxic effect of the plant's crude latex, its fractions or isolated compounds, is analyzed, along with a study of cell apoptosis, chromatin condensation, DNA damage, changes in gene regulation and morphology changes, which can be observed in cell post plant extract addition. The in vivo studies go beyond the molecular level by showing significant reduction of the tumor growth and volume in animal models. Additionally, we present data regarding plant-mediated biosynthesis of nanoparticles, which is regarded as a new branch in plant latex research. It is solely based on the green-synthesis approach, which presents an interesting alternative to chemical-based nanoparticle synthesis. We have analyzed the cytotoxic effect of these particles on cells. Data regarding the cytotoxicity of such particles raises their potential to be involved in the design of novel cancer therapies, which further underlines the significance of latex-bearing plants in biotechnology. Throughout the course of this review, we concluded that plant latex is a rich source of many compounds, which can be further investigated and applied in the design of anticancer pharmaceuticals. The molecules, to which this cytotoxic effect can be attributed, include alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, proteases, nucleases and many novel compounds, which still remain to be characterized. They have been studied extensively in both in vitro and in vivo studies, which provide an excellent starting point for their rapid transfer to clinical studies in the near future. The comprehensive study of molecules from latex-bearing plants can result in finding a promising alternative to several pharmaceuticals on the market and help unravel the molecular mode of action of latex-based preparations.

PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE OF THE LATEX EXTRACTS OF CALOTROPIS PROCERA (AITON) DRYAND

Calotropis procera (Aiton) Dryand. is a medicinal plant whose pharmacological properties are associated with its latex. In present study, aqueous and methanolic extracts of the latex were evaluated in an attempt to trace the presence of phytochemicals. The crude latex was diluted in the ratio of 1:10. The results revealed that some phytochemicals exhibited their presence in the aqueous solvent whereas some displayed their presence in the methanol. These findings provide an explanation for the use of different solvents in the experiments of phytochemical screenings.

The Activity of Chelidonium majus L. Latex and Its Components on HPV Reveal Insights into the Antiviral Molecular Mechanism.

Yellow-orange latex of Chelidonium majus L. has been used in folk medicine as a therapeutic agent against warts and other visible symptoms of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections for centuries. The observed antiviral and antitumor properties of C. majus latex are often attributed to alkaloids contained therein, but recent studies indicate that latex proteins may also play an important role in its pharmacological activities. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the crude C. majus latex and its protein and alkaloid-rich fractions on different stages of the HPV replication cycle. The results showed that the latex components, such as alkaloids and proteins, decrease HPV infectivity and inhibit the expression of viral oncogenes (E6, E7) on mRNA and protein levels. However, the crude latex and its fractions do not affect the stability of structural proteins in HPV pseudovirions and they do not inhibit the virus from attaching to the cell surface. In addition, the protein fraction causes increased TNFα secretion, which may indicate the induction of an inflammatory response. These findings indicate that the antiviral properties of C. majus latex arise both from alkaloids and proteins contained therein, acting on different stages of the viral replication cycle.

Antibacterial activity of crude extract of Tabernaemontana catharinensis latex (A. DC) against Alicyclobacillus spp.

Alicyclobacillus spp. is composed of Gram-positive, aerobic, thermoacidophilic, endospore-forming bacteria that cause food and beverage spoilage. The presence of Alicyclobacillus spp. may result in the production of guaiacol, which leads to sensory changes in the odour and taste of citrus juices and acidic foods. Tabernaemontana catharinensis (A. DC) is a plant belonging to the family Apocynaceae that produces milky latex with several biological activities described as antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, trypanocidal and anti-leishmanicidal. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the crude latex of T. catharinensis (A. DC) against microorganisms of the genus Alicyclobacillus spp. The minimum inhibitory concentration of latex was 7.81 μg/ml for the five Alicyclobacillus species analysed. The minimum bactericidal concentration for the species Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris 0244T, A. hesperidum 0298T, A. acidiphilus 0247T and A. cycloheptanicus 0297T was 250 μg/ml. Cytotoxicity analysis demonstrated that latex was toxic to Vero cells at concentrations greater than 84.67 μg/ml. Scanning electron microscopy revealed changes in the cell wall of A. acidoterrestris 0244T present in orange juice when treated with crude latex. The results obtained suggest that the crude latex of T. catharinensis (A. DC) displays an antimicrobial effect against Alicyclobacillus, with potential for application in the food industry.

Phorbol Esters from the Latex of Euphorbia umbellata: Bioguided Isolation of Highly Potent HIV-1 Latency Interrupters in Virus Reservoir Cells.

Three known compounds, 20-deoxyphorbol-5β-hydroxy-12-tiglate-13-isobutyrate (1), 20-deoxyphorbol-5β-hydroxy-12-tiglate-13-phenylacetate (2), and 4-deoxy-4β-phorbol-12-tiglate-13-phenylacetate (3), were reisolated from the latex of Euphorbia umbellata through a bioguided fractionation process to target HIV-1 latency reactivation. The in vitro bioassay using infected T-cell lymphoblasts (J-Lat 10.6), complemented with surface CD4 receptor downregulation assessment, led to isolation of the compounds as a highly active ternary mixture. Effective purification of the individual compounds was achieved by first subjecting a phorbol-enriched fraction (previously prepared from crude latex) to MPLC, followed by semipreparative HPLC and characterization by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and (+)-HRESIMS. Compared with a positive control, the isolated compounds were effective in reactivating 68-75% of the virus latency in the range of 9.7-0.097 μM for compound 1, 8.85-0.088 μM for compound 2, and 9.1-0.091 μM for compound 3, with the latter maintaining steady effectiveness down to a 10-5 dilution. Accordingly, compound 3 may serve as a promising lead compound for the development of anti-HIV drugs based on latency reactivation therapy.

Green synthesis of bimetallic Ag@Au nanoparticles with aqueous fruit latex extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus and their synergistic medicinal efficacies

The green approach for the synthesis of Ag@Au nanoparticles by solar energy heating is a versatile method in nano–phyto-technology, owing to the incredible factors like reliability, stability, green energy usage, economical, quick process and eco-friendly. The present study has a firm intention to prepare Ag@Au NPs using Artocarpus heterophyllus fruit latex (AHL). The crude extract of AHL showed the random presence of bioactive constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, anthraquinones, tannins and proteins in phytochemical screening. These bioagents act as capping and self-reducing agents in the formation and stabilization of nanoparticles. The synthesized bimetallic nanoparticles are analyzed using UV–Visible, FT-IR and FESEM. Morphological analysis reveals spherical Ag@Au NPs of size 15 nm mean particle size. Significant antioxidant activity (73%) is noticed for Ag@Au NPs for a lower dosage of 0.025 mg/mL as compared to crude extract, which has the same efficiency at a higher concentration. This is due to the synergistic effect of latex bioactive components and the noble metal ions in bimetallic nanoparticles on dilution. The Ag@Au NPs shows higher antibacterial activity against G -ive strain K.pneumonia and negligible efficiency on all G + ive strains. An amazingly total absence of antibacterial efficiency is found for the crude latex extract. The lower LC50 value and the higher percentage mortality ascertain the cytotoxicity of Ag@Au NPs than fruit latex extract. This study quantitatively proves the superior collective effect of bimetallic nanoparticles and latex bio-constituents.

Purification, characterization and fibrino(geno)lytic activity of cysteine protease from Tabernaemontana divaricata latex.

Protease was isolated and purified from Tabernaemontana divaricata latex and its hemostatic potential was analyzed. Crude latex enzyme was purified through ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Purified protease was characterized and its thrombin-like (coagulant assay, fibrinogen polymerizing, and fibrinogenolytic activity) and plasmin-like (blood and plasma clot lysis) activities were assessed accordingly. The homogeneous nature of protease was confirmed with the identification of a single band approximately at 25-kDa molecular weight position. The purified enzyme showed an enhancement of 77.32% in clot inducing ability and 89.86% improvement in blood clot lysis in comparison to that by the crude enzyme. All three subunits (Aα, Bβ and γ chains) of human fibrinogen were hydrolyzed by the purified enzyme. PAGE results of the fibrinolytic activity and blood clot lytic effect by the purified enzyme indicated the plasmin-like activity. The study lays a foundation for the development of enzyme-based approaches for pharmaceutical innovations, in which plant latex proteases can be utilized as a potential natural agent for wound healing applications.

Nickel Ferrite Nanoparticles as an Adsorbent for Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography of Proteins

A simple method of preparing amorphous nickel ferrite nanoparticles of about 5nm diameter is described. These particles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The nanoparticles were evaluated for their use as a magnetic material for immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC). The ferrite nanoparticles bound to bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the binding fitted Langmuir isotherm model. A high capacity of 916mg BSA/g dried nanoparticle was observed. Six proteins (Soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), papain, catalase, β-galactosidase and casein) were used and all were found to bind at >90% level (except papain which showed 84% binding). All the proteins except LDH and β-galactosidase could be eluted with 1M imidazole and with % activity recovery of >80%. Papain could be purified from its dried crude latex by 5-fold and purified papain showed a single band on SDS-PAGE. These nanoparticles constitute a high capacity and are magnetic material useful for IMAC and do not require any pre-functionalization.

Green Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Natural Product Coated Magnetite Nanoparticles for Wastewater Treatment.

Adsorption of organic pollutants, toxic metal ions, and removal of harmful bacteria can give us clean and pure drinkable water from wastewater resources. Respective magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized using a cheaper and greener way in an open-air environment with the use of crude latex of Jatropha curcas (JC) and leaf extract of Cinnamomum tamala (CT). Characterization of MNPs had been performed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, powdered X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The size ranges of the synthesized MNPs were observed in between 20–42 nm for JC-Fe3O4 and within 26–35 nm for CT-Fe3O4 by FE-SEM images. The effect of synthesized magnetic nanoparticles in wastewater treatment (bacterial portion), dye adsorption, toxic metal removal as well as antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities were studied. This purification will lead to an increase in the resources of pure drinking water in the future.

Effect of season on quantity and quality of latex of rakta snuhi (Euphorbia caducifolia Haines): An analytical study

Introduction: Ayurveda recommends standardization of different useful parts of herbal drug, either organized or unorganized, starting from its collection. The latex of snuhi is said to be collected at the end of Shishira ritu. This article highlights the result of scientific study on effect of season on collection of latex of Euphorbia caducifolia Haines. (EC), one of the botanicl source of Snuhi. Materials and Methods: The fresh crude latex of EC was collected in clean glass vials in all the six ritu, i.e. Hemanta-S1 (November–December), Shishira-S2 (January–February), Vasanta-S3 (March–April), Grishma-S4 (May–June), Varsha-S5 (July–August), and Sharada-S6 (September–October). The collection was done for 4 days in each ritu and 3 times in a day, i.e. before sunrise, 3 h after sunrise, and 6 h after sunrise (6AS), by incision of branch, incision of main stem, and Plucking of branch. The observations regarding volume, girth of plant parts, pH, viscosity, and specific gravity along with preliminary phytochemical analysis of latex were carried out in samples of crude latex collected in six seasons. The seasonal similarity and diversity was assessed by applying principal component analysis using Unscrambler software 9.7 version. Results and Conclusion: Rakta Snuhi latex collected during Hemanta ritu (November–December) was well differentiated from other ritu, with regard to volume and girth. Highest volume of latex was collected by plucking of branch. Data shows that the latex is having highest pH (5.29) in Varsha ritu (July–August), specific gravity (1.034) in Vasanta ritu (March–April), and the relative viscosity (2.444) in Shishira ritu (January–February)

Sublethal Effects of the Milky Latex of Sodom Apple, Calotropis procera (Alton) on the Growth, development, and some Physiological Aspects of the Greater Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The lethal, sublethal and some physiological effects of crude latex of Sodom apple, Calotropis procera 9Alton) were assessed using the third instar larvae of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L.) as a model insect species. Latex showed LC50 of 37 μl latex/g diet after 48 hours of feeding on latex incorporated artificial diet. Larvae were continuously fed, until pupation, with artificial diet containing LC20 of latex. Feeding inhibition and accumulated larval mortality of 53 .0 ± 15% and 73 ±2.6%, respectively, were observed before pupation for the LC20 fed larvae. The incorporation of C. procera latex into the diet significantly prolonged the larval stage duration and decreased larval and pupal weight than untreated larvae. Furthermore, latex significantly reduced relative consumption rate (RCR), relative growth rate (RGR) and efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI). While there were no significant effects of latex on activities of both invertase, and esterases (α and β Esterases) it showed a strong and significant inhibitory effect on α–amylase. However, latex induced an obvious and significant increase in alkaline phosphatase activity. It is suggested that the antifeedant effect of C. procera latex could be due to the digestion inhibition through the inhibition of α–amylase activity, while a significant portion of the digested food were used by C. procera latex fed larvae for synthesis alkaline phosphatase. These results provide more evidences regarding the mode of action of the lethal and sublethal effects of C. procera latex on G. mellonella.as a model insect species.

Analytical methods to access the chemical composition of an Euphorbia tirucalli anticancer latex from traditional Brazilian medicine

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEuphorbia tirucalli L. is widely used by Brazilian folk medicine, mainly for its anticancer activity. However, its commercialization was banned by The Brazilian National Sanitary Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) due to the presence of some compounds considered toxic, such as the diterpene esters.Aim of the study: Chemical and biological analyses were performed with the Brazilian Euphorbia tirucalli latex to support its wide traditional use in Brazil. Material and methodsLatex was collected by using two procedures, in a solution of dichloromethane: methanol (3:1, 100 mL) and in 100 mL of distilled water. The first procedure was concentrated as a crude extract and the second one was partitioned with hexane and dichloromethane. The partitions and crude extract were subjected to phytochemical analyses using three different methods: Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) with electrospray ionization sources in negative mode (ESI(−)) as well as in tandem mass spectrometry ESI(−) MS/MS and Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization in positive mode (APCI(+)), Gas Chromatography coupled Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) (1H-NMR and 13C-NMR). The cytotoxic potential was evaluated using the crude extract in macrophages RAW 264.7 and Gastric Adenocarcinoma (AGS) cancer cells. The evaluation of immunomodulatory activity was made through the detection of Nitric Oxide (NO) and cytokines as Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). ResultsGC-MS showed the presence of some esters of fatty acids, for instance myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acid and, mainly, triterpenes such as euphol and tirucallol. With NMR, most of the signals were related to triterpenoids euphol and tirucallol. However, when the latex was analyzed with ESI(−) FT-ICR MS, a wide variety of molecules from different classes of natural products (fatty acids, diterpenes, triterpenes, steroids) were found. On the other hand, when APCI(+)FT-ICR MS was used, the ion M+. At ratio mass-charge (m/z) 426.38567, related to triterpenes euphol and tirucallol masses, presented the most intense peak, with a mass error of −0.11, indicating high accuracy. Diterpene esters from 4-deoxyphorbol and ingenol were identified only by ESI(−)FT-ICR MS and ESI(−)FT-ICR MS/MS. When evaluated biologically, the crude latex showed immunomodulatory activity, as it reduced the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and NO, and the effect on NO reduction was more significant, obtaining in a similar result to the N(ω)-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) standards, as well as significant cytotoxic activity with half inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 69.43 ± 1.29 μg/mL against AGS without damaging healthy ones. ConclusionIt was verified that the Brazilian Euphorbia tirucalli latex consists mainly of the triterpenes euphol and tirucallol, which may be the main cause of the anticancer activity attributed to the plant, but many other minor compounds could have been determined by the FT-ICR MS method, such as the diterpene esters. It has antitumor potential because it acts selectively against cancer cells and it also prevents the progression of tumors, because it carries an important immunomodulatory effect.

Antiangiogenic potential of Jatropha curcas latex in the chick chorioallantoic membrane model

AIMS: To perform a physicochemical and phytochemical characterization of Jatropha curcas latex and to investigate its antiangiogenic potential. METHODS: We performed an initial physicochemical characterization of J. curcas latex using thermal gravimetric analyses and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. After that, phenols, tannins and flavonoids were quantified. Finally, the potential of J. curcas latex to inhibit angiogenesis was evaluated using the chick chorioallantoic membrane model. Five groups of 20 fertilized chicken eggs each had the chorioallantoic membrane exposed to the following solutions: (1) water, negative control; (2) dexamethasone, angiogenesis inhibitor; (3) Regederm®, positive control; (4) 25% J. curcas latex diluted in water; (5) 50% J. curcas latex diluted in water; and (6) J. curcas crude latex. Analysis of the newly-formed vascular net was made through captured images and quantification of the number of pixels. Histological analyses were performed to evaluate the inflammation, neovascularization, and hyperemia parameters. The results were statically analyzed with a significance level set at p ˂0.05.RESULTS: Physicochemical characterization showed that J. curcas latex presented a low amount of cis-1.4-polyisoprene, which reduced its elasticity and thermal stability. Phytochemical analyses of J. curcas latex identified a substantial amount of phenols, tannins, and flavonoids (51.9%, 11.8%, and 0.07% respectively). Using a chick chorioallantoic membrane assay, we demonstrated the antiangiogenic potential of J. curcas latex. The latex induced a decrease in the vascularization of the membranes when compared with neutral and positive controls (water and Regederm®). However, when compared with the negative control (dexamethasone), higher J. curcas latex concentrations showed no significant differences.CONCLUSIONS: J. curcas latex showed low thermal stability, and consisted of phenols, tannins, and flavonoids, but little or no rubber. Moreover, this latex demonstrated a significant antiangiogenic activity on a chick chorioallantoic membrane model. The combination of antimutagenic, cytotoxic, antioxidant and antiangiogenic properties makes J. curcas latex a potential target for the development of new drugs.

Vallaris solanacea: A rich source for biopharmaceuticals

Plant based medications had served from the earliest period of the human civilization as the most important therapeutic weapon available to man to fight various human and animal diseases. Vallaris solanacea (Roth) Kuntze (Family: Apocyanacea) locally named as Agarmoni, bread flower is a tall climbing shrub. It is distributed throughout India and cultivated as an ornamental plant for its white fragrant flowers traditionally used against ring worms and skin infections. The plant extract contains reducing sugars, tannins, saponins, gums, steroids, alkaloids and glycosides and is medicinally important with its cytotoxic, antioxidant, antinociceptive, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antidiarrhoel activities. As an accumulators of pollutants it has an an important role in phytoremediation. Fascinated by the fact that this plant is a natural source of pharmaceuticals, in the present study a proteolytic enzyme has been extracted from the latex of the plant Vallaris solanacea. Preliminary investigations were carried out on this protease which included the effect of time, enzyme concentration, pH, temperature, activators and inhibitors on the caseinolytic activity of crude protease. Stability towards temperature and pH were also checked. Further a cysteine protease was purified from crude latex of Vallaris solanacea by fractionation with ammonium sulphate, ion exchange and gel chromatography. The enzyme was purified to a state of near homogeneity as checked by polyacylamide gel electrophoresis at pH 8.3. The proteolytic enzyme present in the latex of Vallaris solanacea is referred to as solanain. Its antimicrobial properties were studied. Thus this information emphasizes that Vallaris can be explored for new drugs.

Effect of Aloshar (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Calotropic percera&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Extract on House Flies (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Musca domestica&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Under Situation of Zalingei

In the present study, the use of environmentally friendly and biodegradable natural insecticides of plant origin has received a great attention as agents for disease vector control. The main objective of this work is encouraging the use of natural product pesticide friendly to environment. The ethanolic extract of leaves flowers from the Sudanese plant <i>Calotropis procera</i> (Asclepiadaceae) were tested against house fly. The obtained results indicated that the crude latex extracted by ethanol, butane and distilled water from both leaves and flowers were more efficient than leaves or flower only. Ethanol and butane have a significant effect on house fly mortality.

Isolation and characterization of a galactose-specific lectin (EantH) with antimicrobial activity from Euphorbia antiquorum L. latex

A homodimeric 75 kDa lectin with hemagglutination activity (HA) was purified from the crude latex of Euphorbia antiquorum L. by two types of chromatography, on cation exchange (HiTrap SP FF) and hydrophobic HiTrap Phenyl FF (high sub) columns. The purified protein was designated EantH, and is classified as a galactose-specific thermostable lectin. The HA of EantH was stable at pH values of 5–9 and temperature 5–65 °C. The lectin had bacteriostatic action on the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2000 μg/ml and on a Gram-negative bacterium Samonella typhimurium, with a MIC of 1000 μg/ml. EantH inhibited the growth of Propionibacterium acnes and Streptococcus agalactiae with MIC of 125 μg/ml and 250 μg/ml, respectively. EantH killed P. acnes and S. agalactiae with a minimum microbicidal concentration (MMC) of 1000 μg/ml and 2000 μg/ml, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that binding of EantH to the carbohydrates in the cell walls of P. acnes and S. typhimurium drastically altered the bacterial cells, and led to inhibition of growth and/or cell death. The antimicrobial activity of EantH could be neutralized by d‑galactose, indicating that its bactericidal action involves binding to galactose in the cell wall.