Elephantopus Scaber Research Articles

Deoxyelephantopin induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in GL261 glioblastoma cells.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant central nervous system tumor with a poor prognosis. Developing new therapeutic drugs is crucial. This study evaluates deoxyelephantopin (DET), a major component of *Elephantopus scaber* L., for its potential anti-GBM effects. The effects of DET on GBM cell lines were investigated using the MTT assay and Annexin-V kit to assess cell death and apoptosis. Western blot analysis examined apoptosis and cell cycle-related proteins. ELISA kits measured VEGF and TGF-β levels. In vivo, NOD SCID mice were injected with GL-261 cells and treated with DET to evaluate tumor growth and survival. DET inhibited GBM cell growth in a time- and dose-dependent manner. MTT and Annexin-V assays confirmed cell death and apoptosis. Western blot analysis showed DET downregulated Bcl-2 and increased caspase-3, Bax, and cytochrome c levels. ELISA results indicated that DET suppressed VEGF and TGF-β expression. DET treatment also decreased phosphorylation of AKT and STAT-3, CDK4, cyclin D2, MMP2, and MMP9 levels. In vivo, DET significantly inhibited tumor growth and improved survival rates in mice. DET exhibits significant in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects, making it a promising candidate for further research and potential clinical application against GBM.

Elephantopus scaber Linn. Leaf Extract Sensitizes Doxorubicin in Inducing Apoptosis in HSC-3 Tongue Cancer Cells through Inhibiting Survivin Activity at Thr34

BACKGROUND: Previous research has demonstrated the effect of Elephantopus scaber Linn. leaf extract (ESLE) on various cancer cell lines. However, research on the effects of ESLE on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), especially tongue cancer, is still lacking. Moreover, the apoptotic mechanisms induced by ESLE are not well understood and require further exploration. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of ESLE on cell viability and apoptosis in human squamous cell carcinoma (HSC)-3 tongue cancer cells.METHODS: HSC-3 cells were treated with varying concentrations of ESLE, doxorubicin, and a combination of both. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using MTT and Sub-G1 assays. The expression levels of survivin and its phosphorylated form at threonine (Thr)34 were evaluated using Western blot analysis.RESULTS: ESLE exhibited a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect on HSC-3 cells in decreasing cell viability (Kruskal Wallis, p=0.001) and increasing apoptotic cells (ANOVA, p=0.001) significantly. When combined with doxorubicin, ESLE further enhanced the induction of apoptosis compared with doxorubicin alone. The combined treatment resulted in a decrease in the levels of phosphorylated survivin (p-Surv) Thr34, indicating the inhibition of survivin's anti-apoptotic function.CONCLUSION: ESLE significantly enhances the efficacy of doxorubicin, thereby sensitizing its ability to induce apoptosis in HSC-3 tongue cancer cells. This sensitization occurs through the inhibition of survivin activity, particularly at the Thr34 phosphorylation site. These findings suggest that ESLE could serve as a potential adjuvant to improve the effectiveness of doxorubicin in inducing apoptosis in tongue cancer cells.KEYWORDS: Elephantopus scaber, doxorubicin, tongue cancer, HSC-3 cells, apoptosis, Survivin, Thr34 phosphorylation

Antibacterial activity of Balinese Traditional Herbs Elephantopus Scaber Linn and Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb against Burkholderia pseudomallei, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhimurium

Background: Herbal medicinal plants are considered one of the sources for new types of antibiotics due to their secondary metabolite that may have antibacterial effects. Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber linn) and Temu Ireng (Curcuma aeruginosa roxb) are two medicinal plants that have potential as antibacterial agents due to their secondary metabolite contents. This study aimed to investigate the secondary metabolite contents of tapak liman and temu ireng grown locally in Bali and their antibacterial activity against Burkholderia pseudomallei, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhimurium. Methods: This post-test experimental research was conducted from June to December 2021 at the Universitas Warmadewa Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Research Laboratory. Tapak liman leaves and temu ireng rhizomes, sourced from a local garden in Denpasar, Bali, were used. Ethanolic extracts of these plants were tested for secondary metabolites and their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Burkholderia pseudomallei. Results: A phytochemical analysis of tapak liman from Denpasar shows that it contains alkaloids and phenols, while temuireng contains flavonoids, tannins, and phenols. Antibacterial tests revealed that both plants have a weak effect against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus but negligible effect against gram-negative Burkholderia pseudomallei and Salmonella typhimurium. Conclusion: Both tapak liman and temu ireng ethanolic extract have weak antibacterial properties against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and negligible/no antibacterial properties against gram-negative Burkholderia pseudomallei and Salmonella typhimurium.

ESL attenuates BLM-induced IPF in mice: Dual mediation of the TLR4/NF-κB and TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a pathways

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a persistent and advanced pulmonary ailment. The roles of innate immunity and adaptive immunity are pivotal in the evolution of IPF. An ill-adjusted interaction between epithelial cells and immune cells is responsible for initiating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and sustaining chronic inflammation, thereby fostering fibrosis progression. The intricacy of IPF pathogenesis has hindered the availability of efficacious agents. Elephantopus scaber Linn. (ESL) is a canonical Chinese medicine with significant immunoregulatory effects, and its aqueous extract has been proven to attenuate IPF symptoms in bleomycin (BLM)-induced mice. However, the underlying mechanism through which ESL relieves IPF remains unclear. To validate whether ESL reverses IPF by mediating the immune response and EMT. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) and UPLC were used to identify the components and determine the concentrations of the specific compounds in the ESL. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were applied to predict the potential mechanism underlying the anti-IPF effect of ESL. BLM-induced IPF mice were used to validate the anti-IPF effect of ESL, and lung tissue was collected to test putative pathways involved in inflammation and EMT via immunohistochemistry (ICH), real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. Sixty-one compounds were identified, and thirteen main ingredients were quantified in the ESL. In silico experiments predicted that the IPF-mediated reversal of adverse effects by ESL would be related to interruption of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-k-gene binding (NF-ĸB) inflammatory pathway and the transforming growth factor-beta l (TGF-β1)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/forkhead box O3 (FOXO3a) fibrosis pathway. In vivo experiments showed that ESL alleviates BLM-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis by reducing neutrophil aggregation and fibroblast foci, similar to the effects of the positive control drug pirfenidone (PFD). ESL markedly inhibited the transcription of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, which are downstream genes of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, the protein levels of TLR4 and p-NF-κB were correspondingly inhibited in response to ESL treatment. Additionally, ESL reverses BLM-induced changes in the expression of EMT-related biological characteristic indicators (collagen I [COLIA1], E-cadherin, and alpha smooth muscle actin [α-SMA]) at the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) level and markedly inhibits the expression of EMT-related upstream proteins (TGF-β1, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-FOXO3a). Our research suggested that ESL attenuates BLM-induced IPF through mediating the EMT process via the TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway and inhibiting inflammation through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, highlighting that ESL can serve as an immunoregulator for relieving the abnormal immune response and reversing the EMT in IPF.

Synergistic modulation of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages: The therapeutic potential of Elephantopus scaber and Sauropus androgynus ethanol extract

Background and Aim: Elephantopus scaber (ES) and Sauropus androgynus (SA) have broad biological effects and have long been used in traditional medicine. However, the anti-inflammatory properties of the combination of ES and SA have not yet been fully explored. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of the combination of ES and SA ethanol extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines by inhibiting proinflammatory mediators and cytokines. Materials and Methods: Nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells was assessed using the Griess protocol. The effects of the combination of ES and SA ethanol extract on RAW 264.7 cell viability were determined using WST-1 (4-[3-(4-Iodophenyl)-2-(4-nitro-phenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio]-1,3-benzene sulfonate) assay. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-β), as well as the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), were assessed using flow cytometry. Results: This study demonstrated that ES and SA have excellent NO, iNOS, and proinflammatory inhibitory activities on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. The formula ratio of 2ES:1SA showed the best NO inhibitory activity without any cytotoxicity, whereas the higher dose of SA (1ES:2SA) showed the best suppression of iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. Conclusion: The combination of ES and SA ethanol extract could be an alternative agent for reducing excessive inflammation in inflammatory diseases. Keywords: Elephantopus scaber, inflammation, macrophage, nitric oxide, proinflammatory cytokines, Sauropus androgynous.

Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber L.) Leaves Ethanol Extract Improves the Production of IL-6 and IL-17 Cytokines in Mice with Bleomycin-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis

Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber L.) Leaves Ethanol Extract Improves the Production of IL-6 and IL-17 Cytokines in Mice with Bleomycin-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis

The Effect of Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber L.) Extract on Xa4 Gene Expression in Rice IR64 Infected by Bacterial Leaf Blight (Xanthomonas oryzae)

Bacterial leaf blight, caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), represents a significant threat to rice (Oryza sativa) production. Induce plant resistance has emerged as a promising control strategy. The extract of Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber) has been considered a promising agent due to its antimicrobial properties, with several of its compounds showing its potential as inducers of plant resistance. This study aimed at elucidating the impact of Tapak Liman extract on the expression of resistance Xa4 gene in rice that plays a crucial role in the synthesis mechanism leading to cell wall thickening. To explore this effect, we analyzed Xa4 gene expression using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique, followed by a semi-quantitative descriptive analysis. Our results demonstrate that the application of Tapak Liman extracts at a concentration of 10 mg/ml significantly upregulates Xa4 gene expression in the IR64 compared with other concentrations, 1 mg/ml or 5 mg/ml. Furthermore, the observed higher expression of the Xa4 gene persists until 5 days after pathogen inoculation, which is also implicated with a less developed lesion on rice leaves by 76% compared with the control.

Identifikasi Tumbuhan Berkhasiat Obat Tradisional Berbasis Pengetahuan Lokal Di Desa Hepang Kecamatan Lela Kabupaten Sikka

This study aims to explore the potential of plant species used in traditional medicine, the organ parts used and the processing of medicinal plants. This research was conducted for 2 weeks from March 14 to March 27, 2023 in Hepang Village. This study uses a type of science research with identification and exploration survey methods. The population of this study amounted to 15 people consisting of Battra (Traditional Medicine) 3 people, 6 patients and 6 people in general. Based on the results of the study found 22 types of medicinal plants namely Peperomia pellucida, Euphorbia thymifolia, Piper batle, Euphorbia hirta, Momodirca charantia, Curcuma domestica, Choromolaena odorata, Orthosiphon stamineus, Morinda citrifolia, Paederia foetida, Kaemferia galanga, Morus alba, Sonchus arvensis, Anomianthus dulcis, Gynura procumbens, Centella asiatica, Phyllanthus niruri, Androrapis paniculata Ness, Pluchea indica, Alstonia scholaris, Physalis angulata, Elephantopus scaber, which consists of 14 families, the most widely used Asteraceae. The most widely used organ parts are leaves 53%, roots 26%, rhizomes 7%, while the least used organs are stems, fruits and sap 3%. The processing is very traditional, namely by boiling, pounding, squeezing, squeezing, chewing, soaking, grinding and cutting.

Elephantopus scaber L. Polysaccharides Alleviate Heat Stress-Induced Systemic Inflammation in Mice via Modulation of Characteristic Gut Microbiota and Metabolites.

Elephantopus scaber L. (ESL) is a Chinese herb that is used both as a food and medicine, often being added to soups in summer in south China to relieve heat stress (HS), but its exact mechanism of action is unknown. In this study, heat-stressed mice were gavaged with ESL polysaccharides (ESLP) at 0, 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg/d-1 (n = 5) for seven days. The gut microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), seven neurotransmitters in faeces, expression of intestinal epithelial tight junction (TJ) proteins (Claudin-1, Occludin), and serum inflammatory cytokines were measured. The low dose of ESLP (ESLL) improved the adverse physiological conditions; significantly reduced the cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels (p < 0.05); upregulated the expression of Claudin-1; restored the gut microbiota composition including Achromobacter and Oscillospira, which were at similar levels to those in the normal control group; significantly increased beneficial SCFAs like butyric acid and 5-HT levels in the faeces of heat-stressed mice; and significantly decreased the valeric acid and glutamic acid level. The level of inflammatory markers significantly correlated with the above-mentioned indicators (p < 0.05). Thus, ESLL reduced the HS-induced systemic inflammation by optimizing gut microbiota (Achromobacter, Oscillospira) abundance, increasing gut beneficial SCFAs like butyric acid and 5-HT levels, and reducing gut valeric and glutamic acid levels.

Assessing the therapeutic potential of Elephantopus scaber extract in hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway

Elephantopus scaber, globally acknowledged for its edible and medicinal uses, remains underexplored despite the identification of active compounds. This research explores Elephantopus scaber extract's therapeutic capabilities in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Initial in vitro screenings using the MTT assay revealed that ethanol extract (EEES) inhibited HCC cell proliferation while exhibiting low toxicity to normal cells. Further explorations showed EEES induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and inhibited cell metastasis. A bioinformatics analysis using a network pharmacology approach identified the PI3K/Akt pathway as a key modulation for EEES's anti-HCC activities, validated through western blot analysis. In animal studies, EEES demonstrated the ability to inhibit HCC tumor growth in vivo with a high level of safety. In summary, our research positions Elephantopus scaber as a potent herb with anti-HCC activities and remarkable safety, offering promising prospects for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases, including HCC.

Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber) crude extract induces polyploidy in shallot root (Allium cepa war ascalonium (L))

This study investigates the impact of induction time and concentration of Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber) crude extract on the effectiveness of polyploidy in shallot root (Allium cepa var ascalonium (L). Several parameters were observed, including the mitotic index of cells, the type of polyploidy, percentages of polyploidy cells, and the morphological changes in the polyploid shallot root (Allium cepa var ascalonium (L)) cell. Variations in the concentration of Elephantopus scaber extract were used namely 0% (control), 10%, 20%, and 30% in 100 ml of distilled water. The response variable was the percentages mitotic index formed. Control variables were the type of onion, the size of the onion, the extracted E. scaber variety, the extract volume, and the environmental conditions of the experiment. All parts of Tapak Liman as extracted using the water crude extraction method on all aspects of Tapak Liman. Red onion cell root preparations were squashed and dyed using hematoxylin dyes. The data obtained were mitotic index, % of polyploidy cell counts, polyploidy types, and morphological changes in the polyploid cell onion roots. Data are presented in tabular and graphical form and interpreted using quantitative descriptive and qualitative descriptive methods. From the research results, the best concentration to induce polyploidy in shallot root was 30% of Tapak Liman extract with a polyploid cell percentage of 58.65%. The best polyploid was 45 hours, with the percentage of polyploid-induced cells being 37.1%. The best combination of concentration and length of induction of crude extract of Tapak Liman was a concentration of 30% 45 hours induction time resulting in 87,35% polyploid cells.

Production Optimization of Chlorophyll Herbs Spice Powder from Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber) Leaves with Response Surface Method

Jamu is a herbal drink obtained from the processing of plant parts which are non-toxic and do not have side effects. One way to extend the shelf life of herbal medicine is by changing the form of herbal medicine into powder. The method that can be used is foam mat drying which involves an emulsifying agent in the form of maltodextrin and a foam agent in the form of tween 80. Generally, herbal medicine is made from raw materials such as ginger. Ginger contains gingerols and shogaols as phenolic antioxidant components. Improving the quality, characteristics, attractiveness of herbal spice powders can be done by adding green coloring from chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a photosynthetic pigment in plants that can absorb blue, red and purple light and reflects green in plants. Tapak liman leave (Elephantopus scaber) is one of the weeds that has a deep green color and can be used as medicine. The characteristics of herbal spice powders with chlorophyll are influenced by factors in each process, such as the mixing and drying processes. Optimizing the final result requires process engineering with one of the methods, namely the Response Surface Methodology. This study used the Behnken Box Design with 3 factors in the form of mixing time, drying time and power with a design that produced 15 treatments. Optimization response parameters used consist of response to chlorophyll content and response to water content. Optimum treatment conditions were obtained in the treatment with 26 minutes of stirring time, 10 minutes of drying time at 400 Watt power. The chlorophyll response is 14.138 ppm and the water content response is 2.5%. Analysis of herbal powder containing chlorophyll supporting optimum treatment conditions can be carried out by measuring color, pH and TDS. The L* value owned by is 73.7 which tends to be brightness. Meanwhile, the a* value is -2.5 and the b* value is 6.5. The degree of acidity or pH at is 6.03 with a total dissolved solids value of 7.75 °Brix.

Synthesis and Characterization of Ethanol Extract Nanoherb of Tapak Liman Leaves (Elephantopus scaber Linn.) by Ionic Gelation Method

Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber) is a plant that has been used by Indonesian people as a traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, fever, malaria, and coughs. Tapak Liman leaves contain compounds of flavonoids, phenols, and saponins. However, these phytochemical compounds exhibit low bioavailability properties. Therefore, a technology that can improve their bioavailability is needed. One approach is through the synthesis of Tapak Liman nanoparticles via the ionic gelation method using alginate and CaCl2. This study aims to determine the content of Tapak Liman leaves, synthesize nanoherb from its ethanol extract using alginate and CaCl2, and determine the nanoherb’s particle size and zeta potential. Nanoherbs were synthesized through the ionic gelation method using alginate and CaCl2 with concentrations of sodium alginate at 0.15% w/v; 0.10% w/v; and 0.05% w/v; while the concentration of CaCl2 was at 0.01% w/v. Particle size characterization was performed on all three formulations to identify the optimal one for further zeta potential characterization. The results showed that Tapak Liman leaves contain saponins, triterpenoids, tannins, and phenolics. The optimal formulation for synthesizing ethanol extract nanoherb of Tapak Liman leaves is sodium alginate 0.05% w/v and CaCl2 0.01% w/v, resulting in a nanoherb with a particle size of 184.7 nm, a volume percentage of 51.1%, a polydispersity index of 0.370, and a zeta potential of 19.2 mV. This indicates the potential of Tapak Liman leaf ethanol extract nanoherbs in drug delivery systems, contingent upon stability enhancement.

Study the influence of Mutagenic Treatment on Cell Suspension Culture of Elephantopus scaber L. for the Quantitative enhancement of Bioactive constituents and their Antioxidant potentials

In the present study, the impact of the chemical mutagen, Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) was evaluated on the quantitative enhancement of sesquiterpene, flavonoids (Quercetin and Rutin) and Stigmasterol compound Elephantopus scaber. The leaves of E. scaber L. were used for the callus induction. MS basal medium supplemented with different hormone combinations of 2,4-D and BAP (1:1 ratio) was used. The cell suspension culture was treated with three concentrations of EMS (0.1%, 0.2% and 0.5%) and treatment durations (1h, 2h and 3h). Mutagenesis is an important strategy to improve production of secondary metabolites using cell suspension culture. The results obtained revealed that the concentrations and treatment durations of EMS were most effective in enhancement in the content of studied metabolites. EMS treatment of 0.1% concentration was effective. The analysis was done using HPTLC technique. The highest content of Deoxyelephantopin recorded in 1h EMS treatment and 0.1% concentration compared to control sample. Quercetin, Rutin content was also high in 1h EMS treatment and 0.1% concentration compared to control sample. The Stigmasterol content was more in 2h EMS treatment and 0.1% concentration compared to control sample. The EMS treated samples showed potential scavenging activity compared to control samples IC50 value. The method was simple, precise, eco-friendly.

Comparative Study of Antibacterial Activity of Elephantopus scaber Linn. and Elephantopus mollis Kunth. Extract

Elephantopus scaber Linn. and E. mollis Kunth. are medicinal plant that are traditionally used in Indonesia. This research aimed to determine and compare the antibacterial activity of leaf, stem, and root extracts of the two Elephantopus species against various pathogen bacteria strains. The leaves, stem, and roots of E. scaber Linn. and E. mollis Kunth. were extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus. The disk diffusion method for screening antibacterial activity was conducted with a concentration of 50 mg/mL. The activities of the extracts were determined by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay using broth microdilution method at a concentration range of 2500 to 1.2 µg/mL against nine human pathogenic bacteria. The results showed that all tested extracts demonstrated antibacterial activitied at varying degrees on all pathogen bacteria strains used in this study. The n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts from both plants were potent antibacterials with MIC values of 19-156 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25 175, Vibrio cholerae Inaba, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. The present study also revealed that among the bacteria tested, S. mutans ATCC 25175 was the most susceptible to antibacterial properties of E. scaber Linn. and E. mollis Kunth., especially in ethyl acetate fractions (MIC 19 and 39 µg/mL, respectively). The findings suggested that the leaves of both plants hold promise as sustainable bioresources for the development of antibacterial agents. Additionally, ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts were found to be particularly effective for obtaining natural antibacterial agents from these plants. However, further optimization of the extraction process is needed.

Ethyl caffeate combined with fluconazole exhibits efficacy against azole-resistant oropharyngeal candidiasis via the EFGR/JNK/c-JUN signaling pathway.

Ethyl caffeate (EC) is a phenylpropanoid compound derived from Elephantopus scaber. In our previous work, EC was investigated to have a strong synergistic antifungal effect against azole-resistant strains of Candida albicans when combined with fluconazole (FLU). However, the protective effect and mechanism of EC+FLU on oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) caused by drug-resistant strains of C. albicans has not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of EC combined with FLU against C. albicans-resistant strains that lead to OPC. An OPC mouse model revealed that EC+FLU treatment reduced fungal load and massive hyphal invasion of tongue tissues, and ameliorated the integrity of the tongue mucosa. PAS staining results showed more structural integrity of the tongue tissues and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration after EC+FLU treatment. Phosphorylation of EGFR and other proteins in the EFGR/JNK/c-JUN signaling pathway was significantly downregulated by EC+FLU. EGFR and S100A9 mRNA expression was also reduced. The above results were verified in FaDu cells. ELISA results showed that the concentration of inflammatory factors in the cell supernatant was significantly reduced after EC combined with FLU treatment. Molecular docking revealed that EC exhibited high binding energy to EGFR. In conclusion, EC enhances the susceptibility of azole-resistant C. albicans to FLU, and the underlying mechanism is related to the inhibition of the EGFR/JNK/c-JUN signaling pathway. This result suggests that EC has potential to be developed as an antifungal sensitizer to treat OPC caused by azole-resistant C. albicans.

Structurally diverse terpenoids from Elephantopus scaber L. and their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities

Three undescribed compounds elephantopuscabers A-C, along with one previously reported compound spirowallichiione, were isolated from Elephantopus scaber L. Their structures were determined via extensive NMR spectroscopic analysis, quantum chemical calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction crystallography. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for spirowallichiione was proposed. All the isolated compounds were tested for their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Among them, elephantopuscaber B and C displayed promising inhibitory activities against AChE, and the binding sites were predicted by molecular docking.

Preliminary Assessment of Phytochemicals and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Different Plants Collected from the Western Region of Nepal

Medicinal plants produce vital secondary metabolites in curing various diseases and pathological conditions. There are multiple tribes and communities where people are using plants from the medicinal aspect to cure different diseases. The aim of the present study was qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening, determination of total phenol and total flavonoid content, and free radical scavenging activity of different parts of ethnomedicinally used plants collected from the western region of Nepal. The phytochemical screening of most of the extract showed the presence of phenols, carbohydrates, flavonoids, and glycosides. The ethanolic flower extract of Callicarpa macrophylla showed a higher phenolic content with a value of 195 ± 7.33 µg GAE/mg. Ethyl acetate extract of Elephantopus scaber root revealed the highest amount of flavonoid content with the value of 1692.31 ± 34.79 µg QE/mg of extract, followed by ethanolic flower extract of Callicarpa macrophylla. Ethanolic flower extract of Callicarpa macrophylla showed potent DPPH free radical scavenging activity with a half inhibitory concentration of 7.28 µg/ml. In contrast, Elephantopus scaber ethyl acetate root extract revealed the maximum free extreme scavenging properties among all the ethyl acetate extracts. From the experiment, the free radical scavenging potential of ethanolic flower extract of the Callicarpa macrophylla was comparable with ascorbic acid. This comparable activity may be attributed to higher phenols and flavonoid content in ethanolic extract. The result signifies that the ethanolic extract of Callicarpa macrophylla acts as an antioxidant and may contain a potent bioactive compound which, with further investigation, may lead to a novel compound.

Prediction and analysis of Q-markers of Elephantopus scaber based on its UPLC fingerprint, content determination of components, and in vitro a nti-tumor activity

This study aimed to provide scientific evidence for predicting quality markers(Q-markers) of Elephantopus scaber by establishing UPLC fingerprint of E. scaber from different geographical origins and determining the content of 13 major components, as well as conducting in vitro anti-cancer activity investigation of the main components. The chromatographic column used was Waters CORTECS UPLC C_(18)(2.1 mm×150 mm, 1.6 μm), and the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid solution(gradient elution). The column temperature was set at 30 ℃, and the flow rate was 0.2 mL·min~(-1). The injection volume was 1 μL, and the detection wavelength was 240 nm. The UPLC fingerprint of E. scaber was fitted using the Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine(2012 edition) to determine common peaks, evaluate similarity, identify and determine the content of major components. The CCK-8 assay was used to explore the inhibitory effect of the main components on the proliferation of lung cancer cells. The results showed that in the established UPLC fingerprint of E. scaber, 35 common peaks were identified. Thirteen major components, including neochlorogenic acid(peak 1), chlorogenic acid(peak 2), cryptochlorogenic acid(peak 3), caffeic acid(peak 4), schaftoside(peak 6), galuteolin(peak 9), isochlorogenic acid B(peak 10), isochlorogenic acid A(peak 12), isochlorogenic acid C(peak 18), deoxyelephantopin(peak 28), isodeoxyelephantopin(peak 29), isoscabertopin(peak 31), and scabertopin(peak 32) were identified and quantified, and a quantitative analysis method was established. The results of the in vitro anti-cancer activity study showed that deoxyelephantopin, isodeoxyelephantopin, isoscabertopin, and scabertopin in E. scaber exhibited inhibition rates of lung cancer cell proliferation exceeding 80% at a concentration of 10 μmol·L~(-1), higher than the positive drug paclitaxel. These results indicate that the fingerprint of E. scaber is highly characteristic, and the quantitative analysis method is accurate and stable, providing references for the research on quality standards of E. scaber. Four sesquiterpene lactones in E. scaber show significant anti-cancer activity and can serve as Q-markers for E. scaber.

The medicinal plant used in the Guangxi Fangcheng Golden Camellias national nature reserve, a coastal region in southern China

BackgroundsGuangxi Fangcheng Golden Camellias national nature reserve, situated in Fangcheng City, Guangxi Province, China, is a coastal region renowned for its exceptional natural environment. Over time, the residents of this area have acquired extensive knowledge regarding medicinal plants, owing to their close association with the abundant flora. Our study aims to document the medicinal plants used by the local community near the Guangxi Fangcheng Golden Camellias national nature reserve. We seek to investigate the unique regional properties, cultural significance, and potential connections between medicinal plants used in surrounding villages and those sold in markets.MethodsDuring 2019–2021, 96 informants, including 36 key informants, were interviewed in the study area. The snowball sampling method was used to select respondents from medicinal markets and villages. Local therapists were defaulted as key informants. A panel discussion was held on the protection and threat of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge. In this study, two quantitative indicators, relative frequency citation (RFC) and informant consensus factor (ICF), were used to analyze the traditional medicinal plants in the study area.ResultsAccording to the investigation, a total of 396 species of medicinal plants belonging to 295 genera and 116 families were recorded. From the perspective of Lifeform, herbs accounted for 38.9%, followed by shrubs. Most of the medicinal parts are whole plant (120 species, 25.59%), branches and leaves (116 species, 24.73%), and roots (101 species, 21.54%). Medicinal bath is the most commonly used therapeutic method. Among the 13 therapeutic targets recorded, rheumatic drugs accounted for the highest proportion, followed by muscular system diseases and skin-related diseases, which are closely related to local climate and livelihood. ICF shows that the use of local medicinal plants and related knowledge is very diverse, so local people have more options for treating diseases. Melicope pteleifolia, Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum, Lygodium flexuosum, Elephantopus scaber, Artemisia argyi, Plantago asiatica, Centella asiatica, Grangea maderaspatana, and Liquidambar formosana have high RFC, which are closely connected to local people's daily lives and are potentially vital to them. The wild vegetation, mostly around the nature reserve, is the primary source of medicinal materials sold in the urban medicinal market. Urban areas have fewer varieties of medicinal plants compared to villages near protected areas. However, there is consistency in their usage and application.ConclusionThe medicinal plants used in the villages near the Golden Camellia Nature Reserve are diverse, and the relevant traditional knowledge is relatively well preserved. The collection of medicinal materials by local people is sustainable. This study suggests that the local government should also protect relevant traditional knowledge in the decision-making process.