Myrsinaceae Research Articles

Parardisia - A New Genus in the Family Myrsinaceae with Two Species

The, paper presents description of a new genus namely Parardisia based on Ardisia involucrata Kurz alonwith another new species from Borneo. Illustration and Key for the two species is also appended here for easy identification.

NMR-guided isolation of undescribed triterpenoid saponins from Lysimachia atropurpurea L

Phytochemical investigation on aerial parts of Lysimachia atropurpurea L. (Myrsinaceae), guided by NMR methods, resulted in the isolation and characterization of three previously undescribed triterpenoid saponins named stralysaponins A-C along with five known compounds. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI-MS. Stralysaponins A-C were categorized into 13β-28-epoxyoleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, reaffirming their prevalent presence of this type in the Myrsinaceae family and the genus Lysimachia. The identified derivatives share a common four-unit branched sugar chain, with rhamnose as the terminal sugar linked at C-3 of the aglycone. The presence of triterpenoid saponins in L. atropurpurea is reported herein for the first time. This study enriched the chemical diversity of triterpenoid saponins of the genus Lysimachia. Additionally, it demonstrates the effectiveness of NMR-profiling in isolating previously undescribed triterpenoid saponins from Lysimachia spp.

A Review on Bioactive Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Aegiceras corniculatum: A Pharmaceutically Important Mangrove Plant

Aegiceras corniculatum, commonly referred to as Khalsi, is a member of the mangrove Myrsinaceae family. The various parts of this plant have been used in traditional medicinal systems for their potential therapeutic effects in conditions such as asthma, microbial infections, diabetes, pain relief, inflammation, cancer, and arthritis. A diverse array of bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids, benzoquinones, triterpenes, polyphenolic acids, stilbenes, tannins, and macrolides have been identified in different parts of this plant. The aim of this review was to summarize the bioactive phytoconstituents reported from this plant that are accountable for the observed different pharmacological effects of the plant and further elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms by which these chemicals exert their actions. The search was conducted on various widely used database platforms, including Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, SciFinder, and PubMed. Articles published until July 2023 were extracted and all the information was sorted based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data revealed that anti-inflammatory compounds from this plant suppress iNOS, myeloperoxidase, COX, LOX, and cytokines (like TNF-alpha, IL-1ß, LTB4, IL-12, and IL-6) to reduce inflammation. 5-O-Butyl-embelin, 2-hydroxy-5-ethoxy-3-nonyl1, 4-benzoquinone, 5-O-methylembelin, 5-O-methyl-rapanone, s-saponin, and 5-O-ethylembelin are some phytochemicals of A. corniculatum with anticancer properties, although their mechanism is unclear. A. corniculatum has antibacterial, parasitic, and antifungal effects, but no antiviral effects were reported. The plant-isolated coumaric acid and fatty acids interact with bacterial DNA/RNA and limit protein formation, making them antibacterial. Gallocatechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate, epigallocatechin, and other tannins, as well as flavonoids like kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin, are some of the compounds in A. corniculatum that may depolarize and change bacterial membranes, showing antibacterial effect. These phenolic chemicals also reduce oxidative stress and help treat cancer and other inflammatory diseases. The extract of this plant activates the κ-opioid receptor, causing central antinociception. Catechol components, such as epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate, protect against CNS illnesses including Parkinson’s disease and amnesia. Despite numerous studies demonstrating various pharmacological advantages of this plant and its constituents, the number of clinical trials conducted on humans remains significantly limited.

Teratogenic Evaluation of 80% Ethanol Extract of Embelia schimperi Vatke Fruits on Rat Embryo and Fetuses.

Introduction Embelia schimperi Vatke (family Myrsinaceae) is a commonly consumed anthelminthic plant in Ethiopia. The plant has significant efficacy in treating intestinal worms. However, there are limited data about the safety/toxicity of the plant. Moreover, the teratogenic effect of the plant is not yet well studied despite significant number of Ethiopian mothers consuming herbal medication during their pregnancy. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the teratogenic effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of E. schimperi fruit on rat embryos and fetuses. Methods Pregnant albino Wistar rats were treated with 80% hydroalcoholic fruit extract of E. schimperi at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg dosage, whilst the controls were pair-fed and ad libitum groups. Maternal food intake, maternal weight gain, number of implantations, number of prior resorptions, fetal viability, fetal weight, fetal and embryonic crown-ramp length, placental weight, placental gross morphology and histopathology of placental tissue, number of somites, embryonic system, gross/visceral morphological malformations, and ossification centers were evaluated as teratogenicity indices. Results The crude extract of E. schimperi did not exhibit a significant difference in most developmental indices including the development of a circulatory system, nervous system, and musculoskeletal systems among treated animals and the controls. However, histopathological evaluation of placentas from the treatment groups showed that inflammatory reactions and calcifications compared to the pair-fed and ad libitum controls. Conclusion Administration of the 80% hydroalcoholic extract of E. schimperi fruit during the period of organogenesis in rats did not show a significant toxic effect on embryonic and fetal developmental indices. However, it might affect the structural integrity of the placenta as it is evidenced by inflammatory reactions and calcifications of decidua basalis of rat placenta.

UHPLC assessment of embelin in specialized mangrove plant Aegiceras corniculatum (L) Blanco

BackgroundEmbelin is one of the biologically charming natural benzoquinones with wide medicament use in therapeutics that is pertained to its unique biochemical structure. Mostly, the plants belonging to Myrsinaceae family especially the fruits of genus Embelia are rich source of embelin. However, the colossal use of these plants as an active ingredient in several drug formulations has led toward their decrease population number increasing the threat status. This major issue requires a well-versed scientific approach to search for suitable alternative substitute that can be used as an active embelin source. On this panorama, Aegiceras corniculatum (L.) Blanco can be used as alternate source of embelin. On this aspect, all the plant parts (root, stem bark, leaf and fruit) are being estimated for embelin content both qualitatively and quantitatively using spectrophotometric and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatographic (UHPLC) methods and also asserted through histochemical analysis. All the aforesaid plant parts are extracted through Soxhlet and water bath methods separately and analyzed for embelin content after isolation through column chromatography and thin layer chromatography.ResultsFrom results, it was evaluated that all plant parts showed the presence of embelin in a range of 0.17–1.95% dry wt. through UHPLC method, while the highest content was found in fruit followed by root, bark and leaves. The retention time for embelin was found to be 2.7 min.ConclusionsFrom the above experimentation, both vegetative and reproductive parts of A. corniculatum have shown the presence of embelin that can be utilized in ample amount so as to reduce the threat status of its primary source.

The ethnomedicinal and functional uses, phytochemical and pharmacology of compounds from Ardisia species: An updated review.

Medicinal plants are considered to be a critical source of novel compounds and pharmacophores. The genus Ardisia, consisting of approximately 500 species, is the largest genus in the Myrsinaceae family. Ardisia species are widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world and have been used for the treatment of cancer, hypertension, irregular menstruation, gonorrhea, diarrhea and postnatal syndromes, among others. Phytochemical studies of Ardisia species have resulted in the isolation and identification of 111 compounds, including triterpenoid saponins, quinones, phenols, coumarins, cyclic depsipepetide and flavonoids. Crude extracts and isolates from Ardisia have been reported to have in vitro and in vivo efficacies, including but not limited to anticancer, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antithrombotic and antidiabetic, antitubercular compounds. This review focuses on the medical and functional uses, phytochemical profile and pharmacological efficacies of Ardisia species over the past 15 years. This review will provide information indicating that Ardisia species represent an invaluable source of potential therapeutic compounds.

Comparative Study to Evaluate Ethanol and Ethyl Acetate Extracts of Different 'Vidanga' Species for Antioxidant Efficacy and Phyto-Constituents Screening

In Ayurveda, ‘Vidanga’ is one such species high in demand for its various uses. All the species of genus Embelia and Maesa belonging to the family Myrsinaceae are reported as ‘Vidanga’. Considering the availability of plant material in the market there is an ambiguity in supplying the authentic species as ‘Vidanga’. In the present study, a comparative analysis was carried out to determine the efficacy of different 'Vidanga’ spp. in terms of their phyto-constituents, antioxidant potential, and free radical scavenging activity. The highest total phenolic contents (TPCs) and total flavonoid contents (TFCs) were found to be in ethanolic and ethyl acetate extract. Quantitative measurements also showed that abundance of phenolic and flavonoid phytoconstituents was significantly (P<0.001) greater in ethanolic extract of all the ‘Vidanga’ fractions (1.773±0.01 to 137.17±0.19 mg/g GAE and 4.84±0.001 to 302.29±0.07 mg/g of quercetin respectively) than in ethyl acetate extract (1.15±0.003 to 15.12±0.01 mg/g GAE and 7.94±0.05 to 25.20±0.001 mg/g of quercetin respectively). Ethanolic extract of Embelia ribes had significant activity in terms of IC50 than ethyl acetate extracts in the case of 2,2-diphenyl,1- picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and anti-lipid peroxidation (ALP) (9.53, 9.73 and 6.21 µg/mL respectively) indicates Embelia ribes found to be most effective species as ‘Vidanga’. Pearson’s correlation (r2) analysis also suggests a significant correlation between different antioxidant parameters and bioactive constituents. This study may helpful to draw attention of researchers to characterize the various bioactive compounds from the Embelia ribes in terms of their antioxidant prospective.

Anti-inflammatory and Anti-arthritic Potentials of Maesa Montana Roots

Maesa Montana is a flowering plant of the Myrsinaceae family, which is locally known as ramjani. The current study aimed to evaluate the in-vitro anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities of the root extract of this plant. The anti-inflammatory performances were measured by the hindrance of egg white denaturation, and anti-arthritic activity was investigated by Bovine serum protein. In the anti-inflammatory activity test, the methanolic root extract of this plant showed 69.29 ± 1.19 % of inhibition at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL and standard drug exhibited 90.11 ± 1.45 % of inhibition at the same concentration. Furthermore, in the anti-arthritic activity test, the extract demonstrated 68.18 ± 1.34 % of inhibition at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL whereas the standard diclofenac drug showed 90.65 ± 1.19 % of inhibition at the same concentration. These results revealed that the root extract of this plant possesses significant anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities based on the inhibition of BSA and protein denaturation. HIGHLIGHTS Methanol soluble compounds extraction from the roots of Maesa Montana Anti-inflammatory activity determination using egg albumin Anti-arthritic activity measurement using bovine serum albumin GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Vaibidang (Embelia ribes): A Potential Herbal Drug in Ayurveda with Anthelmintic Property

Embelia ribes is commonly known as vaibidang or false black pepper is a significant medicinal plant that belongs to the family Myrsinaceae. The ancient Ayurveda physician, Sushruta described that the fruit of E. ribes plant possesses anthelmintic property and is used as a tonic along with the licorice root, which prevents aging and helps in strengthening the body. The fruit of the plant is used in various ayurvedic formulations where it is used as a carminative, anthelmintic, alterative and as stimulant. Due to the overexploitation of the plant, it is considered a threatened medicinal plant. Traditionally, the plant is used as an analgesic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antifertility and anthelmintic agent. Various parts of the plant like roots, berries and leaves of E. ribes plant are used in different herbal formulations. In Ayurveda, it is used to cure skin diseases, abdominal pains, flatulence, worms, mental disorders, tumors, bronchitis, jaundice, cardio disorders and is used as a brain tonic. Embelin is considered as the major chemical constituent isolated from the Embelia ribes plant. In this review, a brief view of the plant is briefly described related to its ayurvedic and folk uses. The reported pharmacological properties of the plant are also defined.

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE AND MEDICINAL STRENGTH OF VIDANGA (EMBELIA RIBES) : AN ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANT OF WESTERN GHATS OF INDIA

Embelia ribes Burm f. a medicinal woody climber belongs to the Myrsinaceae family. It is also commonly known as false black pepper or vidanga. E. ribes is one of the 32 medicinal plant species identified by the Medicinal Board, Govt. of India, New Delhi, as being important for large-scale cultivation because of its commercial use. It is an endangered medicinal plant valued for its digestive, thermogenic, carminative, depurative, anthelmintic and laxative property since time immemorial. It is also used in the treatment of tumours, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, heart related problems, nerval disorders, cancerous tumors and liver disorders. E. ribes contain quinine derivative Embelin which has various pharmacological and medicinal properties. It helps to bring a medicinal plants revolution in our country good health and prosperity to people.

Efficacy of Embelia tsjeriam-cottam (Roem. & Schult.) A. DC. in Calcium Chelation

Embelia tsjeriam-cottam A. DC., commonly known as Vaividang, belongs to the family Myrsinaceae. Embelin, obtained from E. tsjeriam-cottam (an alternative source to Embelia ribes), is having diverse biological activities and used as anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer and antioxidant. The present study aims to investigate the efficacy of Embelia tsjeriam-cottam fruit extract to chelate calcium under in vitro conditions. The findings of the study point to the possibility of using Embelia tsjeriam-cottam fruit extract as herbal calcium chelator, a substitute to EDTA. Embelia tsjeriam-cottam fresh fruits were shade dried and powdered. Fruit extract was prepared in 90 per cent ethanol by cold extraction method. Approximately 0.5 M CaCl2.2H2O solution was combined with 50 ml of an appropriately diluted fruit extract. The mixture was kept undisturbed for 24 hours under ambient temperature. After the incubation period, the mixture was centrifuged at ambient temperature at 4500 rpm for 15 min. The centrifugate was used for estimating leftover calcium ions. Calcium ions present in centrifugates was determined using complexometric titration with standardised EDTA solution as the titrant. Excess EDTA is challenging for the kidneys to eliminate and can even lead to kidney failure in extreme cases. It is evident that Embelia tsjeriam-cottam,has strong Ca2+ chelating properties, can be used as an alternative to EDTA in chelation therapy treatments.

Phytochemical Analysis and Some Bioactivities of Leaves and Fruits of Myrsine africana Linn

Myrsine africana is a medicinal plant which belongs to the family Myrsinaceae and has been used as an appetizer, carminative and anthelmintic. This study was conducted to evaluate the cytotoxic, antitumor, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of fruit and leaf methanolic and chloroform extracts of M. africana as well as the quantitative phytochemical assessment. Leaves and fruits were collected randomly from M. Africana plants growing at Margallah Hills, Islamabad, Pakistan. Samples were shade-dried for further extraction. Methanol extract of both leaf and fruit performed better results than chloroform extract in terms of all activities (i.e., antioxidant, cytotoxic, antitumor and antimicrobial. Fruits extract exhibited cytotoxicity with 100% mortality, while leaves exhibited 33.33% mortality of brine shrimp at 1000 µgmL−1. Similarly, tumor inhibition of potato disk exhibited by methanol extract of fruit and leaves was 82.22% and 53.70%, respectively, at 1000 µgmL−1. Fruit extracts have shown remarkable antibacterial and antifungal activity, with maximum percentage observed against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Klebsiella pneumonia (83.05 and 69.98) at 25 mgmL−1, respectively, while leaves have shown 30.94% and 28.51%, respectively. Maximum antifungal inhibition was observed in methanol extract of both fruit and leaves against Alternaria alternata (83.64%) at 25 mgmL−1. A percentage of 66.48 and 52.47 radical scavenging activity was observed against DPPH assay by methanolic fruit and leave extract, respectively, at 250 µgmL−1. Similarly, an absorbance range of 0.986–0.207 nm and 0.402–0.014 nm was shown by methanolic fruit and leaves extract, respectively, against phosphomolybdate assay. Phytochemicals such as terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, tannins and saponins were present qualitatively in all tested extracts. Fruit and leaf extracts contain total phenolics (0.137 mgg−1 and 0.089 mgg−1), flavonoids (20 mgg−1 and 12.5 mgg−1) and saponins (140 mgg−1 and 66 mgg−1), respectively. Selected phytochemical properties such as flavonoids, phenolic, terpenoids, steroids and saponins are major bioactive components considered vital sources for the treatment of destructive disease. In the view of obtained results, we conclude that fruit extracts of M. Africana have better pharmacological properties than leaf extracts. Further studies are in progress toward identification and characterization of chemical compounds.

Synthesis and Biological Activity of Embelin and its Derivatives: An Overview.

Embelin is a naturally occurring para-benzoquinone isolated from Embelia ribes (Burm. f.) of the Myrsinaceae family, and contains two carbonyl groups, a methine group and two hydroxyl groups. With embelin as the lead compound, more than one hundred derivatives have been reported. Embelin is well known for its ability to antagonize the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) with an IC50 value of 4.1 μM. The potential of embelin and its derivatives in the treatment of various cancers has been extensively studied. In addition, these compounds display a variety of other biological effects: antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and antifertility activity. This paper reviews the recent progress in the synthesis and biological activity of embelin and its derivatives. Their cellular mechanisms of action and prospects in the research and development of new drugs are also discussed.

The complete mitochondrial genome of a mangrove plant: Aegiceras corniculatum and its phylogenetic implications

The complete mitochondrial genome of mangrove plant: Aegiceras corniculatum was analyzed in this paper, which is the first for the genus within the family Myrsinaceae. The mitogenome sequence is 425,282 bp in length containing six ribosomal RNA genes, 25 transfer RNA genes, and 39 protein-coding genes. Gene ccmFc, rps3 and rps10 contain one intron, cox2, nad4, nad5 and nad7 contain two introns. Gene nad1 and nad2 are trans-splicing genes. Phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood method revealed that A. corniculatum clustered with Camellia sinensis.

Design, synthesis and α-glucosidase inhibition study of novel embelin derivatives

Embelin is a naturally occurring para-benzoquinone isolated from Embelia ribes (Burm. f.) of the Myrsinaceae family. It was first discovered to have potent inhibitory activity (IC50 = 4.2 μM) against α-glucosidase in this study. Then, four series of novel embelin derivatives were designed, prepared and evaluated in α-glucosidase inhibition assays. The results show that most of the embelin derivatives synthesised are effective α-glucosidase inhibitors, with IC50 values at the micromolar level, especially 10d, 12d, and 15d, the IC50 values of which are 1.8, 3.3, and 3.6 μM, respectively. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies suggest that hydroxyl groups in the 2/5-position of para-benzoquinone are very important, and long-chain substituents in the 3-position are highly preferred. Moreover, the inhibition mechanism and kinetics studies reveal that all of 10d, 12d, 15d, and embelin are reversible and mixed-type inhibitors. Furthermore, docking experiments were carried out to study the interactions between 10d and 15d with α-glucosidase.

Experimental validation and computational modeling of anti-influenza effects of quercetin-3-O-\u03b1-L-rhamnopyranoside from indigenous south African medicinal plant Rapanea melanophloeos

BackgroundInfluenza A virus (IAV) is still a major health threat. The clinical manifestations of this infection are related to immune dysregulation, which causes morbidity and mortality. The usage of traditional medication with immunomodulatory properties against influenza infection has been increased recently. Our previous study showed antiviral activity of quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (Q3R) isolated from Rapanea melanophloeos (RM) (L.) Mez (family Myrsinaceae) against H1N1 (A/PR/8/34) infection. This study aimed to confirm the wider range of immunomodulatory effect of Q3R on selective pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines against IAV in vitro, to evaluate the effect of Q3R on apoptosis pathway in combination with H1N1, also to assess the physical interaction of Q3R with virus glycoproteins and RhoA protein using computational docking.MethodsMDCK cells were exposed to Q3R and 100CCID50/100 μl of H1N1 in combined treatments (co-, pre- and post-penetration treatments). The treatments were tested for the cytokines evaluation at RNA and protein levels by qPCR and ELISA, respectively. In another set of treatment, apoptosis was examined by detecting RhoA GTPase protein and caspase-3 activity. Molecular docking was used as a tool for evaluation of the potential anti-influenza activity of Q3R.ResultsThe expressions of cytokines in both genome and protein levels were significantly affected by Q3R treatment. It was shown that Q3R was much more effective against influenza when it was applied in co-penetration treatment. Q3R in combination with H1N1 increased caspase-3 activity while decreasing RhoA activation. The molecular docking results showed strong binding ability of Q3R with M2 transmembrane, Neuraminidase of 2009 pandemic H1N1, N1 and H1 of PR/8/1934 and Human RhoA proteins, with docking energy of − 10.81, − 10.47, − 9.52, − 9.24 and − 8.78 Kcal/mol, respectively.ConclusionsQuercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside from RM was significantly effective against influenza infection by immunomodulatory properties, affecting the apoptosis pathway and binding ability to viral receptors M2 transmembrane and Neuraminidase of 2009 pandemic H1N1 and human RhoA cellular protein. Further research will focus on detecting the detailed specific mechanism of Q3R in virus-host interactions.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles from a bioactive precursor

Abstract Silver nanoparticles are well known for their medicinal properties from time immemorial. Improving their potential applications demands a greener approach to synthesise them. Embelin, a bioactive molecule belonging to the Myrsinaceae family has gained considerable research interest over the past few years due to its diverse properties as anti-inflammatory, antitumour, analgesic and antimicrobial agent. Being an antioxidant, embelin is capable of reducing metal to metal nanoparticles. In this report, reduction of silver to silver nanoparticles has been carried out using embelin. The silver nanoparticles thus formed were characterised using absorption spectroscopy as well as TEM measurement. The synergic effect on the activity of the silver-embelin system is compared with pure embelin

Woody Vegetation Composition, Structure, and Community Types of Doshke Forest in Chencha, Gamo Gofa Zone, Ethiopia

This study was conducted on Doshke forest in Chencha wereda, Gamo Gofa zone, South Ethiopia, with the objective of determining woody vegetation composition, structuren, and community types of woody plant species. Systematic sampling method was used to collect vegetation data. A total of 42 quadrats each with 400 m2 (20 m X 20 m) were established along four lines transects for woody species and regenerations. All the collected woody plant species were identified in National Herbarium of Ethiopia. Data used to describe vegetation structure were recorded from the quadrats. Sorensens’s similarity coefficient and Shannon-Wiener diversity index were also used to detect similarities and to compute species diversity and evenness respectively. A total of 44 woody species belonging to 40 genera and 28 families were recorded in the forest. The family Myrsinaceae and Rubiaceae were found to exhibit the highest number of species each with 4 species. The hierarchical cluster analysis using PC-ORD version 5.0 computer programs revealed four community types, of which Maesa lanceolata-Allophylus abyssinicus community type (C2) exhibited the highest species diversity and evenness. The structural analysis of Doshke forest revealed that the density of tree species in Doshke forest decreases with increasing height and DBH classes. The forest is characterized by high density of woody species in the lower class than in the higher. The most dominant tree species recorded were Syzygium guineense, Ilex mitis, and Galiniera saxiferaga. Three layers of woody species were identified from the study of vertical stratification. Studies on the regeneration of the forest indicated that there are species that require urgent conservation measures. Generally, Doshke forest possesses many economically and ecologically important plant species. It can be considered as the biodiversity conservation center in general and the forest genetic resources conservation in particular.

Immunomodulatory properties of quercetin-3-O-\u03b1-L-rhamnopyranoside from Rapanea melanophloeos against influenza a virus

BackgroundInfluenza infection is a major public health threat. The role of influenza A virus-induced inflammatory response in severe cases of this disease is widely recognized. Drug resistance and side effects of chemical treatments have been observed, resulting in increased interest in alternative use of herbal medications for prophylaxis against this infection.The South African medicinal plant, Rapanea melanophloeos (RM) (L.) Mez of the family Myrsinaceae was selected owing to its traditional use for the treatment of several diseases such as respiratory ailments and also previous preliminary studies of anti-influenza activity of its methanolic extract. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of a glycoside flavone isolated from RM against influenza A virus.MethodsThe non-cytotoxic concentration of the quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (Q3R) was determined by MTT assay and tested for activity against influenza A virus (IAV) in simultaneous, pre-penetration and post-penetration combination treatments over 1 h incubation on MDCK cells. The virus titer and viral load targeting NP and M2 viral genes were determined using HA and qPCR, respectively. TNF-α and IL-27 as pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured at RNA and protein levels by qPCR and ELISA, respectively.ResultsQuercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside at 150 μg/ml decreased the viral titer by 6 logs (p < 0.01) in the simultaneous procedure. The NP and M2 genes copy numbers as viral target genes, calculated based on the Ct values and standard formula, significantly decreased in simultaneous treatment (p < 0.01). The expression of cytokines was also considerably affected by the compound treatment.ConclusionsThis is the first report of quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside from RM and its immunomodulatory properties against influenza A virus. Further research will focus on detecting the specific mechanism of virus-host interactions.

EVALUATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTITUMOR, ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES AND PHENOLIC CONSTITUENTS OF FIELD-GROWN AND IN VITRO-GROWN LYSIMACHIA VULGARIS L.

Background:Lysimachia vulgaris L. (Yellow loosestrife) is a medicinal plant in the family Myrsinaceae. It has been used in the treatment of fever, ulcer, diarrhea and wounds in folk medicine. It has also analgesic, expectorant, astringent and anti-inflammatory activities. Two different sources of the plant (field-grown and in vitro-grown) were used to evaluate the biological activities (antibacterial, antitumor and antioxidant) of L. vulgaris. In vitro-grown plant materials were collected from L. vulgaris plants that were previously regenerated in our laboratory.Materials and Methods:Plant materials were extracted with water, ethanol and acetone. For antibacterial test, disc diffusion method and 10 different pathogenic bacteria were used. Antioxidant activity was indicated by using DPPH method. The total phenol amount by using Folin-Ciocaltaeu method and the total flavonoid amount by using aluminum chloride (AlCl3) colorimetric method were determined.Results:Generally, yellow loosestrife extracts demonstrated antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and Streptococcus pyogenes). Strong antitumor activity of yellow loosestrife was observed via potato disc diffusion bioassay. Nine different phenolics were also determined and compared by using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).Conclusion:Future investigations should be focused on fractionation of the extracts to identify active components for biological activity.