Plant Euphorbia Research Articles

Anti-termite Activities of Extracts from Euphorbia tithymaloides and Euphorbia tithymaloide variegatus

The objective of this work was to investigate the anti-termite properties of solvent extracts of two Euphorbia plant species, Euphorbia tithymaloides and Euphorbia tithymaloides “variegatus”. Termiticidal activity of stem barks and leaf extracts were analysed by using anti-termite activity tests. All crude extracts obtained by petroleum ether and ethyl acetate exhibited 100% repellency activities at a concentration of 36 mg mL-1. Average repellency time decreased as the concentration of crude extracts were increased. Contact bioassay tests revealed that crude extracts from stem barks are more potent than extracts from leaves; and non-polar solvents gave crude extracts which are more effective that those extracted by polar solvents. Crude extracts obtained by petroleum ether from stem barks of both E. tithymaloides and E. tithymaloides “variegatus” plants species gave dissimilar peaks in GC-MS chromatograms, except two peaks, which correspond to the compounds: 1-heptadecene and n-hexadecanoic acid. Crude extract from E. tithymaloides gave a prominent peak corresponding to the compound tetracontane as the principal constituent (73.7%) of the extract. Since this peak is absent in crude extracts from E. tithymaloides “variegatus” stem barks, its presence in crude extracts from E. tithymaloides stem barks can be attributed to its high termite lethality assay results. In general, from the results obtained from this work, it could be concluded that the Euphorbia species are potential sources of botanical pesticides against termites.

Euphorbia Graminea Jacq. (Euphorbiaceae): A Comparative Antimicrobial Evaluations of Stem and Root Extracts

Antimicrobial resistance is a global issue. Euphorbia plants are used locally to treat microbial infections. This study examined the antimicrobial potential of Euphorbia graminea stem and root extracts. The stems and roots extracts of E .graminea were extracted using 80% methanol and tested for antimicrobial activity at concentrations between 4.69-300mg/mL against non-clinical isolates (S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, C. albican, A. niger). The active roots extract was fractionated using vacuum liquid chromatographic fractionations (VLC) and the resulting fractions bulked and tested against the organisms at 6.25-100mg/mL. The MIC of extracts and vlc bulked fractions were tested at 0.39-6.25 mg/mL. The root extract recorded higher antimicrobial activities over the stem extract especially against S. aureus and E.coli, hence was fractionated. Among the vlc sub-fractions of the roots extract, fractions A (2) recorded no activity against the test organisms while fractions C (9-10) recorded 7.50 and 3.50 mm against S. aureus and E. coli only at the maximum concentration of 100mg/mL. However, fractions B (3-8) conspicuously gave zones of inhibitions far higher than the other fractions. This study has shown that the roots extract of E. graminea has higher antimicrobial activities more than the stems, further justifying the ethno-botanical potentials of the plant in treating skin infections.

Potential biofuel exploitation from two common Vietnamese Euphorbia plants (Euphorbiaceae)

AbstractIn this work, two common Vietnamese Euphorbia plants, Euphorbia tirucalli Linn. (the milk bush) and Euphorbia tithymaloides Linn. (the milk hedge), have been investigated for potential use as biofuels. Their aerial parts were macerated with different solvents [petroleum ether, ethyl acetate (EA), methanol and water] to obtain extracts. The extracts were put through petrochemical composition analyses, including elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectra recording and fatty acids composition analysis by HPLC. Subsequently, extracts were subjected to thermal gravimetric analysis for determination of some petrochemical contents. In addition, the gross calorific values (GCVs) of all extracts were determined and compared with those of other Euphorbia species and fuels. The obtained results showed the high petrochemical properties of Euphorbia tirucalli and moderately high ones of Euphorbia tithymaloides. Their estimated total rubber content values were then determined and compared with those of strains of other countries. The petroleum ether extract possessed the highest GCV, followed by the EA extract of E. tirucalli, then the EA extract of E. tithymaloides. Their GCVs were higher than those of some of other Euphorbia plants, conventional fuels like anthracite or lignite, and asymptotic to those of present fuels, including diesel and gasoline. Together with the plants’ well‐known tolerance of harsh conditions, such interesting phytochemical and petrochemical results significantly contribute to the potential for biofuel exploitation of Vietnamese E. tirucalli and E. tithymaloides. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Jatrophane Diterpenoids from Euphorbia peplus Linn. as Activators of Autophagy and Inhibitors of Tau Pathology.

Ten jatrophane diterpenoids were isolated from the whole plant Euphorbia peplus Linn. including seven new ones, named euphjatrophanes A-G (labeled compounds 1, 2, 4-8). Their structures were elucidated with a combination of spectroscopic and single-crystal X-ray crystallography, enabling the identification of compounds 3, 9, and 10 as the previously published euphpepluones G, K, and L, respectively. All compounds were evaluated for their bioactivity with flow cytometry in assays of autophagic flux in HM Cherry-GFP-LC3 (human microglia cells stably expressing the tandem monomeric mCherry-GFP-tagged LC3) cells. Euphpepluone K (9) significantly activated autophagic flux, an effect that was verified with confocal analysis. Moreover, cellular assays showed that euphpepluone K (9) induced autophagy and inhibited Tau pathology.

A Preliminary Investigation of Special Types of Honey Marketed in Morocco

Background: This work aimed to perform a comprehensive investigation of organic Moroccan honeys obtained from plants of euphorbia, arbutus, and carob, based on the determination of physico-chemical profiles and volatile fingerprints. Methods: The selected analytical approach involved different techniques, including physico-chemical procedures for determination of humidity, acidity, diastase activity; solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to GC-MS for aromatic fraction exploration; and ICP-MS for multi-element analysis. Results: The results obtained from the physico-chemical analyses were highly comparable to those of other commercial honeys. In 50% of samples investigated, the diastase number was just above the legal limit fixed by Honey Quality Standards. The analysis of the volatile fraction highlighted the presence of numerous compounds from the terpenoid group along with characteristic molecules such as furfural, isophorone, and derivatives. In most cases, VOCs were distinct markers of origin; in others, it was not possible to assess an exclusive source for bees to produce honey. Conclusion: The results contributed to place the three varieties of honey investigated among the commercial products available in the market. Many variables determined returned positive indications about quality and safety of these special honeys.

Phytochemical screening, toxicological studies of aqueous whole plant extract and characterized conjugated silver nanoparticles on liver function biomarkers

Assessment of the safety and possible effects aqueous whole plant extract and characterized conjugated silver nanoparticles derived from Euphorbia heterophylla as related to liver function can produce on the end users make toxicological studies a must. The phytochemical screening and toxicological studies of aqueous extract and characterized conjugated silver nanoparticles (CCAgNPs) were carried out using standard techniques. Phytochemicals such as: saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, steroids and reducing sugars were present in aqueous extract of whole plant Euphorbia heterophylla (AQEWEH). There was a reduction in the body weights of Wistar albino rats except an increment at a dose of 600 mg/kgbw. However, the highest average body weight of 176.50 g was obtained when 10 mg/kgbw of AQEWEH was administered to Wistar albino rats while 600 mg/kgbw of CCAgNPs gave the highest body weight of 152.50 g. Increment in serum asparte aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, reduction in total protein and urea concentration are indicative of hepatocellular dysfunction and cholestatic pattern. The implication of this study is that for both AQEWEH and CCAgNPs to be used as therapeutic agents and administered to man and animals, their safety doses must be determined.

Insights into the therapeutic potential of the medicinal plant Euphorbia hirta

Medicinal plants/herbs have evolved as one of the most essential preventive and therapeutic aid for various diseases. Extracts from medicinal plants have been traditionally used in different parts of the world to replace synthetic drugs, which may have side effects. Naturally occurring plant extracts have gained popularity because of their effectiveness against curing many diseases. The medicinal plant Euphorbia hirta has been widely used in traditional medicine because of its diverse medicinal properties such as antibacterial, anti-diarrheal, anti-allergic, diuretic, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anxiolytic, and sedative activity. In this review, we will delve insights the various medicinal uses of Euphorbia hirta.

IN VITRO ANTILEUKEMIC ACTIVITY OF EUPHORBIA ECHINUS EXTRACT

Aim. Cancer continues to pose a serious threat to human health. Euphorbia plants are rich in phenolics, aromatic esters, steroids and several bioactive compounds. Studies have shown the presence of a large number of bioactive compounds in E. echinus including flavonoids, phenolics, and proanthocyanins. Method. There it was investigated cytotoxic effects of E. echinus methanolic extract on K562, HL60, Ishikawa, Raji and SH-SY5Y cells. Results. The E. echinus extract was found to be highly cytotoxic against HL60 and K562 (79.78 and 76.44% cytotoxicity, respectively). DNA fragmentation was exclusively observed in K562 cells indicating that the reduction of viable cells following treatment with E. echinus extract is due to apoptosis. Conclusions. Our results suggest that E. echinus extract might have a drug potential against leukemic cells.

In-vitro Antidiabetic on leaf extracts of Mimosa pudica and Euphorbia hirta - A Comparative Study

Background: Mimosa pudica commonly known as the “Touch me not” originated from the family “mimosaceae”. Mimosa pudica possesses a lot of medicinal values such as anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic properties etc. Euphorbia hirta is commonly known for curing patients suffering from asthma hence the name “Asthma plant”. It has various medicinal properties such as anti-fungal,anti-bacterial,anti-diabetic etc. Both these plants has anti-diabetic property hence the present was done to compare which medicinal herb is a better replacement for the standard synthetic drug “Metformin”. Materials and Methods: Assessment of in vitro anti-diabetic activity of Mimosa pudica and Euphorbia hirta was performed by alpha-amylase inhibitory activity and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The result was compared to the standard drug metformin. The data were analysed statistically using one way analysis of variance (ONE-WAY ANOVA). Duncan Multiple range test was used to analyze the statistical significance between groups. The levels of significance were considered at the levels of p<0.05. Result: Both the plants showed an increase in percentage on inhibition of alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase in dose dependent manner. Conclusion: In the present study, it was revealed that the medicinal plant Euphorbia hirta showed a better antidiabetic activity than Mimosa pudica.

Effects of saline irrigation on the physiology and ornamental quality of Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow and its relationship with salinity indexes based on the bulk electrical conductivity

• Moderate salinity (<3 dS m −1 ) did not compromise the quality of euphorbia. • High salinity (>5 dS m −1 ) produced plants unsuitable for commercial purposes. • Measuring the bulk EC just after irrigating was an accurate substrate salinity index. • Leaching when this index exceeded 1.9 dS m −1 controlled salt stress effectively. Water scarcity and the global demand for better water management policies are leading to a more intensive use of brackish water in plant production. Irrigating with saline water, farmers seek a certain leaching fraction to prevent salt‐induced damage which will depend on the plant tolerance to salts. In this sense, soil electrical conductivity (EC) and moisture sensors are essential for optimizing the leaching fraction in irrigation systems by automatically monitoring the water content and the bulk EC (EC b ). However, since the EC b depends on both salt and moisture content, indexes are needed to account for this interaction to estimate the actual salinity conditions in the soil solution. This experiment was carried out in a polycarbonate greenhouse in which plants of Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow (Euphorbia) were irrigated at three salinity levels [1.8 (control), 3.3 (EC3), and 4.9 (EC5) dS m −1 )]. The effects of the irrigation treatments on the physiology and morphology of Euphorbia and the reliability of three salinity indexes derived from the EC b were evaluated. The results showed that EC3 plants reduced their growth without being affected in terms of physiological and photochemical performance. The salinity index based on the EC b measured immediately after irrigation (EC bai ) showed the greatest sensitivity to salinity changes. A threshold of 1.9 dS m −1 for this index should not be exceeded when producing Euphorbia plants.

Diterpenoids with anti-inflammatory activity from Euphorbia wallichii

The Euphorbia plants are the focus of natural product drug discovery because of their fascinating structural diversity and broad biological activities. Here we reported the discovery of eight undescribed diterpenoids, including two ent-trachylobanes, five ent-atisanes, and one ent-abietane, together with 15 known ones from the whole plant of Euphorbia wallichii. Their chemical structures were elucidated by detailed spectrometry data analysis and X-ray crystallography. Among them, wallichane G represents a rare ent-atisane type pentacyclic diterpenoid featuring a tetrahydrofuran moiety. Furthermore, bioassays indicated that jolkinolide B exhibited potent inhibitory activities on the production of NO, with an IC50 value of 3.84 ± 0.25 μM. Meanwhile, the mechanistic study revealed that jolkinolide B could obviously downregulate the expression of iNOS, COX-2, NF-κB, and phosphorylated IκBα in a dose-dependent manner and strongly upregulate the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein, thereby suppressing the inflammatory process in macrophage cells induced by LPS.

Triterpenoids, steroids and other constituents from Euphorbia kansui and their anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties

Six undescribed triterpenoids (euphokanols A−F), two undescribed C21-steroidal glycosides (euphokanosides A and B), together with fifty-four known compounds were isolated from the roots of Euphorbia kansui. Their structures were demonstrated by extensive spectroscopic data (1D, 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS), and the absolute configuration of euphokanol A was elucidated based on electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. Among them, euphokanol A was a tetracyclic triterpenoid with a 5,10-epoxy moiety and concurrent rearrangement of Me-19(10 → 9) and Me-30 (14 → 8), while euphokanols B and C were rare 19(10 → 9) abeo-tirucallane-type triterpenoids with Δ5(10) double bonds and 7,8-epoxy moieties. In addition, ten C21-steroidal glycosides were isolated from Euphorbia plants for the first time. Moreover, cynotophylloside B, caudatin, 5α,8α-epidioxy-22E-ergosta-6,22-diene-3β-ol, 6β,7β-epoxy-3β,4β,5β-trihydroxyl-20-deoxyingenol, 13-hydroxyingenol-3-(2,3- dimethylbutanoate)-13-dodecanoate, ingenol, 3-O-benzoyl-13-O-dodecanoateingenol, 3-O-(2′E,4′Z-decadienoyl)-20-O-acetylingenol, 20-O-acetylingenol and 20- deoxyingenol exhibited significant inhibition on NO production with IC50 values of 9.10, 17.38, 1.71, 0.55, 0.57, 12.22, 0.56, 0.30, 11.21 and 2.98 μM, respectively. Furthermore, wilfoside KIN, cynsaccatol L, kanesulone A, and 3β,7β,15β-triacetyloxy-5α-benzoyloxy-2α,8α-dihydroxyjatropha-6(17),11E-diene-9, 14-dione showed cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line, with IC50 values of 12.55, 12.61, 18.24 and 18.26 μM, respectively. 13-Hydroxyingenol-3-(2,3-dimethylbutanoate)-13- dodecanoate exhibited anti-proliferation activity on MCF-7 cell line with an IC50 value of 17.12 μM. Specifically, euphol selectively inhibited the growth of human glioma stem cells (GSC-3# and GSC-12#), with IC50 values of 8.89 and 13.00 μM, respectively.

Evaluation of anti-hyperlipidemic activity of Euphorbia Hirta bark against triton ® WR 1339 induced hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia is the major risk factor causing many cardiovascular disorders like myocardial infarction and stroke, atherosclerosis. The world has complimented many herbal substances of therapeutic importance. There are many reports about the use of herbal medicine for reduction of lipid profile and reducing the cardiovascular risk in clinical subjects and experimental pharmacology. The plant Euphorbia hirta bark was evaluated for anti-hyperlipidemic activity by Triton (Superinone, Triton WR-1339), induced hyperlipidemia in rats. This study was carried out on the action of Euphorbia hirtabarkethanolic extracts, a known anti-hyperlipidemic drug, Simvostatin (10 mg/kg body wt.), was taken as a standard drug. The statistical parameters of mean± S.E were employed for the calculation of one way analysis of variance test (ANOVA) and Dunnet’s test for many comparison’s P &lt; 0.05 were considered as significant. The studies were shown. There was a significant (P&lt;0.01) reduction in serum levels in lipid profile experiments. It has reported a significant lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipopreotein (VLDL) and an increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL).The study confirmed that ethanolic extract of Euphorbia hirta bark having significant anti-hyperlipidemic action proving a potential herbal medicine as an alternative to currenttreatment of hyperlipidemia.

Three new jatrophane diterpenoids from Euphorbia peplus Linn. with activity towards autophagic flux

Three undescribed jatrophane diterpenoids, named euphpepluones P-R (1–3), were isolated from the whole plant Euphorbia peplus. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The absolute configuration of 1 was further assigned by X-ray crystallographic analysis. All compounds were evaluated for bioactivity towards autophagic flux by flow cytometry using HM mCherry-GFP-LC3 cells. Compounds 2 and 6 exhibited significant inhibition of autophagic flux.

Traditional Uses, Pharmacological, and Phytochemical Studies of Euphorbia: A Review.

Plants of the genus Euphorbia have long been used as traditional medicine in China, Europe, America, Turkey, India, Africa, Iran, and Pakistan for their great medicinal value and health benefits. Their stems, leaves, roots, and latex are widely used to treat respiratory infections, body and skin irritations, digestive disorders, inflammatory infections, body pain, snake or scorpion bites, pregnancy, sensory disturbances, microbial and anticancer diseases. This review aims to provide updated information on the genus Euphorbia, including traditional medicinal uses, valuation and exploitation of medicinal plants, phytochemistry, botanical characterization, pharmacological and toxicological research focused on the medicinal properties of several Euphorbias in particular their antibacterial, anti-tumor, and cell manifestations, in addition to the effect of each isolated bioactive molecule from these species and their pharmacological use including preclinical evaluation of new drugs. This work was conducted using scientific databases such as: PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, etc. In addition, ChemDraw software has been used for the drawing of chemical molecules. The correct names of the plants were confirmed from plantlist.org. The results of this review research were interpreted, analyzed and documented based on the bibliographical information obtained. Among all the species of the Euphorbiaceae family, 15 species have been demonstrated to exhibit anticancer activity, 21 species have antibacterial activity, and 10 species have cytotoxic activity. The majority of the chemical constituents of this plant include triterpenoid glycosides, diterpenoids, flavonoids, and the 4α-methyl steroids. Among them, the main bioactive constituents are present in the diterpenoid fraction. The study of more than 33 steroid plants identified more than 104 compounds. Pharmacological research proved that the crude extracts and some pure compounds obtained from Euphorbia had activities for the treatment of different diseases. The objective of the present study was focused on cytotoxic, antibacterial and antitumor diseases. The study of the phytochemistry of the Euphorbia families led to the conclusion that all the plants studied had active compounds, of which 27 plants were characterized by their cytotoxic effects, 7 had antibacterial effects and 10 plants had anti-tumor activities. Therefore, the safety of Euphorbia herbal medicine should be considered a top priority in the early stages of development and clinical trials. Many previous studies have validated many traditional uses of Euphorbia species. The latex of some Euphorbia species seems to be toxic however, studies dealing with the safety and quality of these species are still incomplete. Extensive studies are needed on the Euphorbia plants before they can be fully used in clinics as a potent drug candidate, as researchers are focusing mainly on diterpenoids and triterpenoids, while there are many other types of compounds that may possess new biological activities.

Repurposing of ingenol mebutate for treating human colorectal cancer by targeting S100 calcium-binding protein A4 (S100A4)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the world's second most common cause of cancer-related death. Novel treatments are still urgently needed. S100 calcium-binding protein A4 (S100A4) was demonstrated to be an anticancer therapeutic target. Herein, we found that higher S100A4 expression was associated with a poorer prognosis in publicly available cohorts and a Taiwanese CRC patient cohort. To identify repurposed S100A4 inhibitors, we mined the Connectivity Map (CMap) database for clinical drugs mimicking the S100A4-knockdown gene signature. Ingenol mebutate, derived from the sap of the plant Euphorbia peplus, is approved as a topical treatment for actinic keratosis. The CMap analysis predicted ingenol mebutate as a potent S100A4 inhibitor. Indeed, both messenger RNA and protein levels of S100A4 were attenuated by ingenol mebutate in human CRC cells. In addition, CRC cells with higher S100A4 expressions and/or the wild-type p53 gene were more sensitive to ingenol mebutate, and their migration and invasion were inhibited by ingenol mebutate. Therefore, our results suggest the repurposing of ingenol mebutate for treating CRC by targeting S100A4.

Phytopharmacological review on Euphorbia thymifolia Linn

The main aim of this paper is different pharmacological activity of plant Euphorbia thymifolia L. belongs to family Euphorbiaceae. The herb used as traditional folk medicine and commonly known as laghududhikaor choti‑dudhi. The plant is annual, small branch, pubescent and contains white milky latex. The plant used in various therapeutic activity by using different solvent like ethanol, methanol, water etc. shows antimicrobial, antifungal, antiasthamatic, anticancer, antidiarrheal, laxative, antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic etc. the other pharmacological activity mention in given review article.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Euphorbia wallichii Leaf Extract: Its Antibacterial Action against Citrus Canker Causal Agent and Antioxidant Potential.

Biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles are emerging as attractive alternatives to chemical pesticides due to the ease of their synthesis, safety and antimicrobial activities in lower possible concentrations. In the present study, we have synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous extract of the medicinal plant Euphorbia wallichii and tested them against the plant pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis, the causative agent of citrus canker, via an in vitro experiment. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, the plant species were investigated for phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. The antioxidant potential of the extract was determined against a DPPH radical. The extract was also evaluated for phenolic compounds using the HPLC technique. The results confirmed the synthesis of centered cubic, spherical-shaped and crystalline nanoparticles by employing standard characterization techniques. A qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolics (41.52 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (14.2 mg QE/g) and other metabolites of medicinal importance. Different concentrations (1000 µg/mL to 15.62 µg/mL—2 fold dilutions) of AgNPs and plant extract (PE) alone, and both in combination (AgNPs-PE), exhibited a differential inhibition of X. axanopodis in a high throughput antibacterial assay. Overall, AgNPs-PE was superior in terms of displaying significant antibacterial activity, followed by AgNPs alone. An appreciable antioxidant potential was recorded as well. The observed antibacterial and antioxidant potential may be attributed to eight phenolic compounds identified in the extract. The Euphorbia wallichii leaf-extract-induced synthesized AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against X. axanopodis, which could be exploited as effective alternative preparations against citrus canker in planta in a controlled environment. In addition, as a good source of phenolic compounds, the plant could be further exploited for potent antioxidants.

Integrating metabolomics and transcriptomics to unveil the spatiotemporal distribution of macrocyclic diterpenoids and candidate genes involved in ingenol biosynthesis in the medicinal plant Euphorbia lathyris L.

Macrocyclic diterpenoids, such as ingenol, are the main bioactive ingredients in Euphorbia lathyris L. Ingenol is the precursor for industrial production of ingenol-3-angelate, which was approved for the treatment of actinic keratosis in 2012. However, the distribution and biosynthesis of macrocyclic diterpenoids, especially ingenol, during the growth cycle of E. lathyris L. are largely unknown. To investigate the dynamics of the distribution of macrocyclic diterpenoids in different tissues across the entire life cycle of E. lathyris L. and candidate genes involved in their biosynthesis, combined metabolome-transcriptome analysis was performed. A total of 144 samples collected from different tissues covering the whole life cycle of E. lathyris L. were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). Next, 67 macrocyclic diterpenoids were profiled via MS/MS characteristic ions, and their dynamic distributions were analyzed. The results indicated that macrocyclic diterpenoids mainly accumulated in the roots and seeds of E. lathyris L. To gain insight into ingenol biosynthesis, transcriptome sequencing of different tissues from mature E. lathyris L. was carried out, and a total of 50,177 − 69,999 unigenes were annotated. Subsequently, weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed, candidate genes with high potential of involvement in ingenol biosynthesis were obtained. This study provides a basis for further research and utilization of macrocyclic diterpenoids in E. lathyris L. and benefits the green production of ingenol.

A Network Pharmacology Analysis of Cytotoxic Triterpenes Isolated from Euphorbia abyssinica Latex Supported by Drug-likeness and ADMET Studies.

Euphorbia plants have been identified as potential sources of antitumor lead compounds. The current study aimed to isolate and identify the main active constituents of Euphorbia abyssinica latex followed by a cytotoxic evaluation. A network pharmacology approach was employed to predict the underlying mechanism. Finally, drug-likeness and ADMET studies were conducted for active compounds. The phytochemical investigation of the latex of E. abyssinica resulted in the isolation of two triterpenes, 3-acetyloxy-(3α)-urs-12-en-28-oic methyl ester (1) and lup-20(29)-en-3α,23-diol (2). The dichloromethane extract displayed potent cytotoxic activity against the MCF7 cell line with an IC50 value of 4.27 ± 0.12 μg/mL but weak activity against HepG2 and HeLa cell lines (IC50 = 20.47 ± 1.17 and 26.73 ± 2.99 μg/mL, respectively) compared to doxorubicin. Compound 1 showed an encouraging cytotoxic effect against MCF7 with IC50 = 4.20 ± 0.20 μg/mL, followed by compound 2 (IC50 = 5.8 ± 0.35 μg/mL). The network analysis revealed that the two isolated compounds are linked to 68 targets of human nature, among which 51 genes are linked to breast carcinomas and 5 targets (AR, CYP19A1, EGFR, PGR, and PTGS2) might be the top therapeutic targets of isolated compounds on breast cancer. Furthermore, the gene-enrichment analysis revealed that E. abyssinica could play a role in the treatment of breast cancer by striking 51 potential targets via mainly three signaling pathways: P13K–AKT, Wnt, and VEGF. Therefore, isolated triterpenes could be considered effective antitumor agents for breast cancer by elucidating their candidate target to alleviate breast cancer and related signaling pathways of the targets.