Loranthus Parasiticus Research Articles

The therapeutic effect of Loranthus parasiticus lignan derivatives on collagen-induced arthritis in rats through the SHBG/NFκB pathway.

Lignan-rich beans, nuts, and various seeds are the main foods with antioxidative and hormone-modulating activities. Although the role of lignans in mediating hormone-dependent cancers and cardiovascular diseases is well characterized, the function of lignans in anti-arthritic activity and its underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Three new lignan derivatives, (-)-nortrachelogenin, trachelogenin, and matairesinol, were extracted from Loranthus parasiticus. After establishing the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model by intradermal injection of collagen, rats were treated with three new lignan derivatives ((-)-nortrachelogenin: 37%; trachelogenin: 27%; matairesinol: 25.7%) at a concentration of 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg, or methotrexate at 0.3mg/kg. Mixed lignan derivatives significantly attenuated the immune responses in the joints of CIA rats, leading to lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and higher levels of free androgen in the serum compared to the CIA model. The results of molecular docking using AutoDock Vina showed that the lignan derivative (-)-nortrachelogenin was the most effective compound for binding to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), thus inhibiting the activity of NFκB in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In this study, (-)-nortrachelogenin was identified as a novel natural lignan derivative with previously unrecognized anti-inflammatory activity. Its molecular mechanism appears related to the regulation of the NFκB/SHBG pathway. Our findings suggest that further application of sex hormone-like compounds in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and the potential clinical applications of (-)-nortrachelogenin are promising.

Antibacterial activity of five Indonesian medicinal plants and the isolation of compounds from Plectranthus scutellarioides

The purpose of this study is to investigate the antibacterial properties of five Indonesian medicinal plant extracts, namely Physalis angulata, Loranthus parasiticus, Plectranthus scutellarioides, Cyperus rotundus, and Terminalia catappa. The isolation of compounds from P. scutellarioides against pathogenic bacteria was also investigated. The assessment of the antibacterial activity of the extracts was conducted using the microdilution-3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). The plant extract with the highest antibacterial activity was further purified using various chromatographic assays to isolate bioactive compounds. High Resolution-Electron Ionization Mass Spectroscopy/Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectroscopy (HR-ESIMS/EIMS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers were used to elucidate the structure of isolated compounds. Among all the plants tested, P. scutellarioides showed the strongest antibacterial activity against S. aureus [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC 100 μg/ml)] and B. subtilis (MIC 200 μg/ml). Three compounds were isolated from P. scutellarioides including an abietane diterpene, 2,16-diacetoxy-6,11,12,14,17-pentahydroxy-abieta-5,8,11,13- tetraene-7-one (1), 5,6,7,3′,4′,5′-hexamethoxy flavone (2), and 5,6,7,8,3′,4′,5′-heptamethoxy flavone (3). Compounds 2 and 3 were recognized to be first isolated from this plant. Compound 1 exerted antibacterial activity against S. aureus with a MIC value of 60 μM, but was inactive against B. subtilis and E. coli (MIC > 200 μM). Compounds 2 and 3 were inactive against S. aureus, B. subtilis, and E. coli (MIC > 200 μM).

Isolation of secondary metabolite compounds of Coffee Benalu leaves (Loranthus parasiticus (L.) Merr.) and its antibacterial activity test

Coffee parasite leaves (Loranthus parasiticus (L.) Merr) is one of the plants that can be used as a medicinal material commonly obtained in various subtropical regions or tropical regions. This study aims to isolation of secondary metabolite compounds from methanol extract of coffee leaves and antibacterial activity by of disc diffusion and microdilution methods against S. aureus bacteria, S. mutans, and S. viridians. The result of antibacterial activity against S. aureus bacteria, S. mutans, and S. viridians respectively is 7.5 mm; 7.9 mm; and 8 mm which indicates that the ability to inhibit the growth of methanol extract bacteria 1% coffee leaves belongs to the medium category. The results of the microdilution method in determining the value of KHM against bacteria S. Aureus, S. Mutans, and S. Viridians are equal to the KHM value of 5000 μg/mL. Meanwhile, the MBC value for S. aureus was >5000 g/Ml, for S. mutans was >5000 g/mL and for S. viridians it was 5000 g/mL, indicating that the methanol extract of the coffee parasite leaves was only an inhibitor. Isolation of secondary metabolite compounds is carried out by fractionation using Liquid Vacuum Chromatography and Gravitational Column Chromatography which are further characterized using the GC-MS instrument. The results of the isolation of secondary metabolites from the methanol extract of the leaves of the coffee parasite (Loranthus parasiticus (L.) Merr.) showed that the leaves of the coffee parasite contained any 9 compounds.

Seasonal Variation Imparts the Shift in Endophytic Bacterial Community Between Mango and its Hemiparasites.

The study of community composition and community structure is important to know the ecological behaviour and community dynamics of the participating species and to understand the molecular interplay that lies between them. The community diversity greatly lies in the physiological status of the host and the environmental factors. The present study aims to explore the endophytic bacterial communities and their dynamics in the pre-flowering and post-flowering seasons in the horticulturally important Mango (Mangifera indica L.) and its hemiparasites: Loranthus parasiticus (L.) Marr.and Macrosolen colchinchinensis (Lour.) Tiegh.through a metagenomic approach using the sequence of V3 region of 16S rRNA gene. The genera Bacillus, Acinetobacter and Corynebacterium, under the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, respectively, were found to be the most abundant genera present in mango and its hemiparasites. It was found that during the post-flowering season, the twigs and leaves of mango had lesser endophytes than in other seasons while the alpha-diversity indices of the representative genera were the highest in L. parasiticus during the same seasons. However, in M. colchinchinensis, the alpha diversity was also higher in the post-flowering season similar to another hemiparasite plant L. parasiticus. The ecological, taxonomic and complex correlation studies unravelled that the hemiparasites act as the potent reservoirs of endophytic communities throughout the year and during favourable conditions, these bacterial communities disseminate to the mango plant.

Research on the quality standard of Baoyun pill

Objective To improve the quality standard of Baoyun pill. Methods The natures of Psoralea corylifolia, Radix Dipsaci and Loranthus parasiticus were detected by thin layer chromatography (TLC); the content of Hesperidine were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The operating conditions by HPLC were InertSustain C18 (4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm ), the mixture of methanol-acetic acid-water (35:4:61) as mobile phase, 1.0 ml/min as flow speed and wavelength 283 nm. Results The results showed that the TLC spots of Psoralea corylifolia, Radix Dipsaci and Loranthus parasiticus were fairly clear, and the according blank test showed no interference. Hesperidine showed a good linear relationship within the range of 0.820-4.920 μg (r=1.000 0) with an average recovery of 99.85% (RSD=0.21%). Conclusions The TLC and HPLC are handy, safe and accurate for Baoyun pills to determine the quality. Key words: Chromatography, thin layer; Chromatography, high pressure liquid; Quality control; Hesperidine

Antirheumatic substance and meridian tropism of Loranthus parasiticus based on "syndrome-efficacy-analysis of biological samples"

To study the antirheumatic substance of Loranthus parasiticus and observe the relationship between its in vivo distribution and meridian tropism in rats by establishing adjuvant arthritis models corresponding to effectiveness. All rats except the negative control group were injected with 0.1 mL Freund's complete adjuvant on the left foot. After 8 days, the rats in negative control group and model group were given with normal saline while the rats in positive control group were given with tripterygium glycosides suspension 10 mg•kg-1, and the rats in L. parasiticus treatment groups were given with high(10 g•kg ⁻¹), medium(5 g•kg ⁻¹) and low(2.5 g•kg ⁻¹) dose decoction for 21 days. The left rear ankle joint diameter of rats were measured every 7 days from the 9th day of modeling. On the 22nd day, eyeball blood of part rats in L. parasiticus high-dose group was taken at different time points, and then they were sacrificed to take heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, stomach, large intestine, small intestine and brain tissues. For the remaining rats, eyeball blood was taken 30 min after drug treatment, and their left rear ankle joints were taken to detect interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in serum by ELISA method; rutin, avicularin and quercitrin levels in the tissues of high-dose group were detected by HPLC; pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed by using DAS 2.0. Our results showed that L. parasiticus decoction could significantly improve the paw edema situation of adjuvant arthritis model rats, and reduce IL-1β and TNF-α levels in rat serum. The in vivo efficacy substance analysis in rats showed that rutin was only present in the stomach with a small amount. AUC0-t of avicularin was stomach > small intestine > kidney, and the duration time in vivo was kidney=stomach > small intestine > lung > heart. AUC0-t of quercitrin was stomach > kidney > liver > heart > lung > spleen > small intestine > brain > large intestine > serum, and the duration time in vivo was kidney=liver=small intestine=brain=lung=spleen=heart=stomach > large intestine > serum. The research indicated that L. parasiticus decoction was effective in treating rats with adjuvant arthritis. Avicularin and quercitrin are important ingredients of L. parasiticus in antirheumatism therapy. The distribution of avicularin and quercitrin in rats were consistent with traditional understanding that L. parasiticus could attribute to the kidney and liver meridians.

Phytochemistry and Biology of Loranthus parasiticus Merr, a Commonly Used Herbal Medicine

Loranthus parasiticus Merr (L. parasiticus) is a member of Loranthaceae family and is an important medicinal plant with a long history of Chinese traditional use. L. parasiticus, also known as Sang Ji Sheng (in Chinese), benalu teh (in Malay) and baso-kisei (in Japanese), is a semiparasitic plant, which is mostly distributed in the southern and southwestern regions of China. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry and pharmacological activity of L. parasiticus and to highlight the needs for further investigation and greater global development of the plant's medicinal properties. To date, pharmacological studies have demonstrated significant biological activities, which support the traditional use of the plant as a neuroprotective, tranquilizing, anticancer, immunomodulatory, antiviral, diuretic and hypotensive agent. In addition, studies have identified antioxidative, antimutagenic, antiviral, antihepatotoxic and antinephrotoxic activity. The key bioactive constituents in L. parasiticus include coriaria lactone comprised of sesquiterpene lactones: coriamyrtin, tutin, corianin, and coriatin. In addition, two proanthocyanidins, namely, AC trimer and (+)-catechin, have been recently discovered as novel to L. parasiticus. L. parasiticus usefulness as a medicinal plant with current widespread traditional use warrants further research, clinical trials and product development to fully exploit its medicinal value.

Neuroprotective properties of Loranthus parasiticus aqueous fraction against oxidative stress-induced damage in NG108-15 cells

Loranthus parasiticus, a Chinese folk medicine, has been widely used for the treatment of brain diseases, particularly in southwest China. Hence, the present neuroprotection model was designed to investigate its neuroprotective properties against H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress in NG108-15 cells. L. parasiticus aqueous fraction (LPAF), which was selected in the present study, had proved to be the most active fraction among the other tested extracts and fractions in our previous screening. The restoration of depleted intracellular glutathione (GSH), a major endogenous antioxidant, by LPAF was observed after H(2)O(2) insult. Pretreatment with LPAF substantially reduced the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species generated from H(2)O(2). Apoptotic features such as externalization of phosphatidylserine and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential were significantly attenuated by LPAF. In addition, cell cycle analysis revealed a prominent decrease in the H(2)O(2)-induced sub-G(1) population by LPAF. Moreover, apoptotic morphological analysis by DAPI nuclear staining demonstrated that NG108-15 cells treated with H(2)O(2) exhibited apoptotic features, while such changes were greatly reduced in cells pretreated with LPAF. Taken together, these findings confirmed that LPAF exerts marked neuroprotective activity, which raises the possibility of potential therapeutic application of LPAF for managing oxidative stress-related neurological disorders and supports the traditional use of L. parasiticus in treating brain-related diseases.

Antioxidative and neuroprotective effects of Loranthus parasiticus (L.) Merr (Loranthaceae) against oxidative stress in NG108-15 cells

The antioxidative and neuroprotective effects of Loranthus parasiticus (L.) Merr(Loranthaceae) were investigated for the first time. L. parasiticus ethanol extract (LPEE), L. parasiticus ethyl acetate fraction (LPEAF), and L. parasiticus aqueous fraction (LPAF) were evaluated and exhibited antioxidative activity in a dose-dependent manner. LPAF exhibited the lowest IC50 values of 16.82 ± 0.27 μg/ml and 1.05 ± 0.04 mg/ml in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation activities, respectively. Moreover, LPAF possessed the strongest reducing power activity and the highest total phenolic content. The neuroprotective activity was investigated in NG108-15 hybridoma cells against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell viability assay. Both LPEE and LPAF exhibited neuroprotective activity on NG108-15 cells in a dose-dependent manner with the highest cell viability (78.00 ± 1.85%) observed with LPAF at the highest treatment concentration of 100 μg/ml. A close correlation was evident between antioxidative and neuroprotective activities with the total phenolic content in LPAF. These results suggested that LPAF may be used as a potent antioxidant and neuroprotectant in treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases where oxidative stress is implicated. Key words: Loranthus parasiticus, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), lipid peroxidation, reducing power, total phenolic content, antioxidant, neuroprotectant.

Bioassay-guided isolation of neuroprotective compounds from Loranthus parasiticus against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in NG108-15 cells

Ethnopharmacological relevanceA parasite plant, Loranthus parasiticus (Loranthaceae), which is generally known as benalu teh (in Malay), Sang Ji Sheng (in Chinese), and baso-kisei (in Japan) distributed in south and southwest part of China, has been used as a folk medicine for the treatment of schizophrenia in southwest China. Loranthus parasiticus has various uses in folk and traditional medicines for bone, brain, kidney, liver, expels wind-damp, and prevents miscarriage. Aim of the studyThe current study was designed to evaluate the neuroprotective activity of Loranthus parasiticus against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage in NG108-15 hybridoma cells, so as to present evidence for the traditional use of this parasite plant in the treatment of oxidative stress related neurodegenerative diseases. Materials and methodsDried and ground leaves of Loranthus parasiticus were extracted and fractionated into Loranthus parasiticus ethanol extract (LPEE), Loranthus parasiticus ethyl acetate fraction (LPEAF), and Loranthus parasiticus aqueous fraction (LPAF), which were subjected to neuroprotective activity assessment by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell viability assay. Bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation was performed subsequently to identify the most neuroactive compound. Mechanism studies underlying the present neuroprotection model of the isolated neuroactive compound was evaluated by employing 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) for intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement, annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) for translocation of membrane phosphatidyleserine to identify cells undergo apoptosis, 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′ tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) for mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) detection, and PI for cell cycle events analysis. ResultsAmong those tested extract and fractions (LPEE, LPEAF, and LPAF) in our previous screening, LPAF significantly (P<0.01) yielded the highest neuroprotective activity with 78.00±1.85% cell viability in a dose dependent manner, supporting a neuroprotective role for LPAF in vitro. AC trimer and (+)-catechin have been isolated from LPAF successfully through bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation approach and (+)-catechin exhibited stronger neuroprotective activity as compared with AC trimer. (+)-Catechin increased cell viability and decreased the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a dose-dependent manner against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in NG108-15 cells. Moreover, (+)-catechin reduced total annexin V positive cells (early and late apoptotic cells), attenuated the collapsed of MMP, and inhibited cell cycle arrested at sub-G1 population following H2O2 insult. ConclusionCollectively, the use of Loranthus parasiticus as folk medicine in the treatment of mental disorder was attributed to the presence of proanthocyanidins in this parasite plant. These findings support the traditional use of Loranthus parasiticus which is capable in managing neurological disorder where oxidative stress is implicated.

Screening of Natural Antioxidants from Traditional Chinese Medicinal Plants Associated with Treatment of Rheumatic Disease

In order to find new sources of natural antioxidants, the antioxidant capacities of 50 medicinal plants associated with treatment of rheumatic diseases were systemically evaluated using the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays, and their total phenolic contents were measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Their antioxidant activities of some of these plants were analyzed for the first time. The FRAP and TEAC assay results suggested that the antioxidant compounds in these plants possessed free radicals scavenging activity and oxidant reducing power. A positive linear correlation between antioxidant capacities and total phenolic contents implied that phenolic compounds in these plants could be the main components contributing to the observed activities. The results showed that Geranium wilfordii, Loranthus parasiticus, Polygonum aviculare, Pyrrosia sheaeri, Sinomenium acutum and Tripterygium wilfordii possessed the highest antioxidant capacities and total phenolic content among 50 plants tested, and could be rich potential sources of natural antioxidants.

Screening of herbal medicines for the recovery of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

The goal of this study was to quantitatively determine the recovery effects of herbal medicines (HM) on the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. In the present study, the recovery effects of 239 HM on HEK 293 cells that had been damaged by cisplatin were evaluated by a mitochondrial activity MTS assay. After the first round of screening, candidate HM were selected based on a recovery rate of greater than 20%. The efficacy of the selected herbs was then determined by dose response kinetic analysis. Of the extracts evaluated, 7 HM ( Paeonia suffruticosa (PS), Curcuma longa (CL), Centipeda minima (CM), Loranthus parasiticus (LP), Pulsatilla dahurica (PD), Sinapis alba (SA), and Scutellaria barbata (SB)) had a strong recovery effect on cisplatin-induced damage in HEK 293 cells. An LDH assay showed that LP, CM, SB, CL, SA, and PS had the best recovery effect, whereas a comet assay indicated that PS, SB, SA, PD, and CL had the best recovery effect. Taken together, these results suggest that SB, CL, PS, and SA are the best candidate HM for the recovery of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Therefore, additional studies should be conducted to determine if these HM possess novel therapeutic agents that can be used for the prevention or treatment of renal disorders.

Fabrication and evaluation of a new composite composed of tricalcium phosphate, gelatin, and Chinese medicine as a bone substitute

This study investigates the biological effects of traditional Chinese medicines on the activities of bone cells using rat bone cells. Then, a mixture of a GGT composite, that is, a novel biodegradable composite containing genipin crosslinked gelatin and tricalcium phosphate, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was prepared as a GGT-TCM composite. A cultured neonatal rat calvarias organ was used to measure the potential of GGT-TCM composite for use in promoting the regeneration of defective bone tissue. The mitochondria activity of the bone cells following exposure to various concentrations of crude extracts of five herbal Chinese medicines was measured by colorimetric assay. Biochemical markers, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) titers were analyzed to evaluate the activities of bone cells. Finally, we examined the organ culture units, which were maintained in cultured medium for 5 weeks. Morphology of tissue was observed, and the quantitative evaluation of the regenerated bone was determined. In a bone cells culture experiment, adding Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (TCM-5) to the bone cells culture clearly promoted the proliferation and differentiation of the osteoblasts from their precursor cells; but the reduced amount of TRAP indicated that the medicine significantly inhibited the osteoclasts activities. Opposite bone cell responses were observed when Loranthus parasiticus Merr. (TCM-3) and Achyranthes bidentata Bl. (TCM-4) were added to the bone cells culture. Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (TCM-1) and Dipsacus asper Wall. (TCM-2) potentially influence the proliferation and differentiation of the osteoblasts from their precursor cells, but they did not affect the osteoclasts activities. The finding from the organ culture indicated that Chinese medicine effectively increased the rate of tissue regeneration of damaged bones.

Screening of Indonesian plant extracts for anti‐human immunodeficiency virus—type 1 (HIV‐1) activity

AbstractOf 30 Indonesian plant extracts tested for their human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV‐1) inhibitory activities, six were shown to be effective by assays using HIV‐1‐infected MT‐4 cells: a methanol extract of mahoni (bark of Swietenia mahagoni) and water extracts of benalu teh (stems and branches of Loranthus parasiticus), kiules (fruit of Helicteres isora), supratul (fruits of Sindora sumatrana), sambiloto (leaves of Andrographis paniculata) and temu ireng (rhizoma of Curcuma aeruginosa). Their ED50 values ranged from 4.2 to 175 μg/mL. The samples also suppressed the formation of syncytia in co‐cultures of MOLT‐4 and MOLT‐4/HIV‐1 cells. The most potent inhibitor was a methanol extract of mahoni, which also showed a significant inhibition of HIV‐1 protease.

Inhibitory effects of indonesian plant extracts on reverse transcriptase of an RNA Tumour Virus (I)

AbstractMethanol and water extracts of 30 Indonesian medicinal plants were tested for inhibitory activity on avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV)‐reverse transcriptase (RT). The most potent inhibition was shown by extracts of Loranthus parasiticus (whole plant), Helicteres isora (fruit), Terminalia belerica (fruit peel), Strobilanthes crispus (leaves) and Woodfordia floribunda (flower and leaves). Two kinds of template‐primers, (rA)n‐(dT)12–18 and (rC)n‐(dG)12–18 were examined for polymerization reaction but the inhibitory activity was stronger in the (rC)n‐(dG)12–18 directed reaction in most of the samples. These extracts showed no appreciable cytotoxicity at concentrations where over 90% of RT activity was inhibited.

Antihepatotoxic actions of formosan plant drugs

One hundred twenty-nine samples of Formosan plants were screened for antihepatotoxic activity in primary cultured hepatocytes to reveal that 19 and 26 plants exhibited more than 50% inhibition against cytotoxicity produced by carbon tetrachloride and D-galactosamine, respectively. Plants which disclosed significant antihepatotoxic activity in both assay methods are: Wedelia chinense, Mallotus repandus, Phyllantus urinaria, Loranthus parasiticus, Ludwigia octovalvis, Onychium japonicum, Tamarix chinensis and Ampelopsis brevipedunculata.

Corianin from Coriaria japonica A. Gray, and sesquiterpene lactones from Loranthus parasiticus Merr. used for treatment of schizophrenia.

Pseudotutin previously isolated from Coriaria japonica A. GRAY was revealed to be a molecular compound consisting of equimolar tutin (2) and a new related sesquiterpene lactone, corianin (3). Corianin was also isolated together with coriamyrtin (1), tutin (2) and coriatin (4), from Loranthus parasiticus MERR., a parasitic plant that grows on the twigs of Coriaria sinica MAXIM. The structure of corianin was elucidated on the basis of nuclear magnetic resonance and chemical evidence. The previously proposed structure (4) for coriatin was also substantiated.