Presence Of Iridoids Research Articles

Linnaea borealis L. var. borealis-In Vitro Cultures and Phytochemical Screening as a Dual Strategy for Its Ex Situ Conservation and a Source of Bioactive Compounds of the Rare Species.

Linnaea borealis L. (Twinflower)—a dwarf shrub in the Linnaeeae tribe of Caprifoliaceae family—is distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. By means of this study, a reliable protocol for efficient micropropagation of uniform L. borealis L. var. borealis plantlets has been provided for the first time; callus culture was also established. Different initial explants, types of cultures, media systems, and plant growth regulators in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media were tested. Agitated shoot cultures in the liquid media turned out to be the best system for the production of sustainable plant biomass. After stabilization of the callus lines, the highest growth index (c.a. 526%) was gained for callus maintained on MS enriched with picloram. TLC and UHPLC-HESI-HRMS analysis confirmed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids, and for the first time, the presence of iridoids and triterpenoid saponins in this species. Multiplication of L. borealis shoot culture provides renewable raw material, allowing for the assessment of the phytochemical profile, and, in the future, for the quantitative analyses and the studies of the biological activity of extracts, fractions, or isolated compounds. This is the first report on in vitro cultures of traditionally used L. borealis rare taxon and its biosynthetic potential.

Iridoids, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Capacity of Cornus mas, C. officinalis, and C. mas × C. officinalis Fruits.

The fruits of Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis have been known and appreciated in folk medicine for years and have a high biological value, which is mainly connected with their polyphenols and iridoids content. However, hybrids of C. mas × C. officinalis have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the iridoids, anthocyanins, and flavonols content, and antioxidant capacity of Cornus mas, Cornus officinalis, and C. mas × C. officinalis. Iridoids and flavonoids were quantified by the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. Antioxidant capacity (AC) was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests. Total phenolic content (TPC) was evaluated using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. Among the C. mas cultivars and C. officinalis genotypes, there was considerable variation in the content of iridoids, flavonoids, and AC. Interspecific hybrids C. mas × C. officinalis contained more iridoids than C. mas and more anthocyanins than C. officinalis and additionally had higher AC and TPC than C. officinalis and most C. mas. AC, TPC, and the presence of iridoids, anthocyanins, and flavonols in hybrids C. mas × C. officinalis are reported for the first time. The Cornus species deserve special attention due to their highly biologically active substances, as well as useful medicinal properties.

Anti-Inflammation and Antimicrobial Constituents from the Roots and Their Production in Callus Cultures of Valeriana jatamansi Jones

Background: Valeriana jatamansi Jones (Syn. V. wallichii DC.; Fam. – Valerianaceae) is a medicinal plant species, endemic to the Himalayan regions of India and rich in presence of iridoids. This plant species possessed antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: The shade-dried roots were powdered, percolated with 95% ethanol for 36 h at room temperature (3-times) and filtrate used for isolation of iridoids. The isolated compounds identified based on physical and spectral data analysis. For the enhancement of production of iridoids, the callus cultures established on Murashige and Skoog (MS) culture medium with variable concentrations of growth hormones. The isolated iridoids estimated by using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLCSPD- M10A photodiode array detector) and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity of iridoids assessed by using carrageenan and Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA-induced adjuvant) models in experimental rats. The total eight bacterial and five fungal strains used for determination of antimicrobial activity. The activity assessed by using microdilution method. Results: Total seven iridoids were isolated from ethyl acetate fraction and their production estimated in cell cultures. The maximum accumulation (69.39±0.45 mg/g) of jatamanvaltrate S was observed in 2, 4- D (4.0 mg/l) and kinetin (1.0 mg/l) supplemented MS culture medium. Maximum anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated by jatamanvaltrate R (46.8%) at the dose of 20 mg/kg body weight (bw) at 8 h after carrageenan injection. Similarly, the jatamanvaltrate R also displayed maximum inhibitory activity (49.9%) to CFA-induced adjuvant arthritis in rats on day 8. The strongest antibacterial activity was exhibited by jatamanvaltrate S (21 μg/ml) against Staphylococcus aureus while maximum antifungal efficacy displayed by jatamanin B (30 μg/ml) against Penicillium chrysogenum. Conclusion: In this study, all the isolated iridoids found as bioactive molecules and exhibited promising anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.

Modulation of the 5-HT3A receptor current by desacylbaldrinal

The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) type 3 receptor is an important target in the control of digestive dysfunction such as anorexia and bulimia, and 5-HT3 receptor antagonists are effective against eating disorder and the early-phase chemotherapy and radiotherapy evoked vomiting. Our previous research of Valeriana jatamansi revealed the presence of iridoids, which showed potent antitumor activities. Here, we explored the effects of 10π aromatic iridoid desacylbaldrinal isolated from V. jatamansi on the 5-HT3 receptor current. We performed whole cell recordings of 5-HT3A receptor currents in the presence of the compound. The result indicated that desacylbaldrinal inhibited the 5-HT-mediated 5-HT3A receptor current.

Iridoids content in aboveground plant organs of berry crops

A study of iridoid content in fruits, leaves and sprouts of untraditional berry plants — Actinidia polygama, Actinidia macrosperma, Viburnum opulus and Lonicera caerulea is presented. The highest content of iridoids is observed in the fruits, buds and leaves of V. opulus. It was determined, that their content in the bark and the leaves of the plants during vegetation almost do not change and reach 2–3%. Meanwhile the content of iridoids in the fruits varies in more broad bounds and depends on the phase of growth of the plants. So, it reaches 6.85% at the end of July, but it was equals to 3.75% at the end of September. The highest content of iridoids was found in unripe fruits of Viburnum. The fruit, bark and leaves of bitter-fruited form V. opulus have the higher content of iridoids compared to sweet-fruited. There were not any iridoids in roots of both forms of V. opulus. The presence of iridoids in the fruit and leaves of A. polygama and A. macrosperma in the introduction of conditions in the forest-steppe of Ukraine was found. Given this, the leaves of these species, especially A. macrosperma, can be used as a medicinal plant. It was found, that A. polygama leaves, which change its color to silver, have higher contents of iridoids compared to green ones (silver leaves — 0.22%, green leaves — 0.18%). In fruits of honeysuckle, which do not have a bitter taste, iridoids are not found, while, forms and varieties of L. caerulea with bitter fruits accumulate the largest quantity of iridoids. So, when using fruits V. opulus and L. caerulea as medicinal plants, bitter-fruited forms should be preferred.

Noni Fruit Juice May Increase Oxygen Uptake in Athletes During Exercise

A double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized human study was conducted to evaluate the effect of <em>Morinda citrifolia</em> (noni) fruit juice on aerobic fitness of cyclists. Twenty volunteers drank 120 mL of noni juice, or a placebo, for 14 days. Another 10 volunteers comprised a reference group. Modest increases in oxygen uptake at 50 Watt workload (p = 0.005) and VO₂ max (p = 0.009) occurred in the noni juice group, but a longer study is needed. However, the results suggest that fitness benefits previously observed in a three week clinical trial may begin to appear in some individuals within 2 weeks of noni juice supplementation. Phytochemicals present in noni juice, but not in the placebo, were scopoletin (17.07±0.64 μg/mL), asperulosidic acid (36.00±11.27 μg/mL) and deacetylasperulosidic acid (435.67±46.48 μg/mL). The noni juice evaluated in this trial did not contain any anabolic androgenic steroids or stimulants. Therefore, the fitness promoting properties of noni juice may be associated predominantly with presence of iridoids.

Noni juice reduces lipid peroxidation-derived DNA adducts in heavy smokers.

Food plants provide important phytochemicals which help improve or maintain health through various biological activities, including antioxidant effects. Cigarette smoke–induced oxidative stress leads to the formation of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs) and their decomposition product malondialdehyde (MDA), both of which cause oxidative damage to DNA. Two hundred forty-five heavy cigarette smokers completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to investigate the effect of noni juice on LOOH- and MDA-DNA adducts in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Volunteers drank noni juice or a fruit juice placebo every day for 1 month. DNA adducts were measured by 32P postlabeling analysis. Drinking 29.5–118 mL of noni juice significantly reduced adducts by 44.6–57.4%. The placebo, which was devoid of iridoid glycosides, did not significantly influence LOOH- and MDA-DNA adduct levels in current smokers. Noni juice was able to mitigate oxidative damage of DNA in current heavy smokers, an activity associated with the presence of iridoids.

Antioxidant, toxicity, and iridoid tests of processed Cornelian cherry fruits

SummaryThe antioxidant activity, potential toxicity, and iridoid content of processed Cornelian cherry products were assessed. Cornus officinalis L. juice and Cornus mas L. fruit puree possessed antioxidant activity in the 2,2‐diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, reducing power and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assays. Both products were non‐genotoxic in reverse mutation tests in Salmonella typhimurium. Both C. officinalis juice and C. mas puree were non‐toxic in acute oral toxicity tests, with respective LD50 values &gt;5100 mg kg−1 body weight (b.w.) and &gt;5200 mg kg−1 b.w. The major iridoid identified in C. mas puree was loganic acid, while the major iridoid in C. officinalis juice was found to be morroniside. The presence of iridoids in C. mas is reported for the first time.

Noni Juice Improves Serum Lipid Profiles and Other Risk Markers in Cigarette Smokers

Cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress leads to dyslipidemia and systemic inflammation. Morinda citrifolia (noni) fruit juice has been found previously to have a significant antioxidant activity. One hundred thirty-two adult heavy smokers completed a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to investigate the effect of noni juice on serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and homocysteine. Volunteers drank noni juice or a fruit juice placebo daily for one month. Drinking 29.5 mL to 188 mL of noni juice per day significantly reduced cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and hs-CRP. Decreases in LDL and homocysteine, as well increases in HDL, were also observed among noni juice drinkers. The placebo, which was devoid of iridoid glycosides, did not significantly influence blood lipid profiles or hs-CRP. Noni juice was able to mitigate cigarette smoke-induced dyslipidemia, an activity associated with the presence of iridoids.

Phytochemistry and acute toxicity from the roots of Lippia alba

Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown (Verbenaceae), also known as Lippia geminata HBK or Lantana alba (Mill.), is a shrub about 3 m tall. In Brazilian traditional medicine, it is commonly known as Erva-Cidreira, Chá do Tabuleiro, and Salsa Limão. The present work was conducted in order to compare the phytochemistry of the roots and leaves and to determine the acute toxicity of the aqueous extracts from the roots of L. alba. The main components in the leaf extract were citral, β-citral, carvone, hemimelitene, germacrene D, and d-limonene. The main components in the root extract were durene, carvone, patchoulane and hemimellitene. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a phytochemical analysis of the root extract from Lippia alba. The LD50 for the aqueous root extract was calculated to be 1156.25 mgkg−1. The animals presented stimulant and depressive behaviors, showing moderate toxicity, most likely due to the presence of iridoids and phenylpropanoids.

Phylogenetic Relationships in Cornus Based on Chloroplast DNA Restriction Sites: Implications for Biogeography and Character Evolution

Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) restriction site analysis was used to elucidate phylogenetic relationships within the taxonomically controversial genus, Cornus. Twenty-nine species representing all major morphological subgroups of the genus were analyzed with 21 restriction endonucleases. Major lineages within Cornus identified by the cpDNA restriction site data are highly concordant with those suggested by both rbcL sequences and morphology. Relationships among these lineages are well-resolved by the restriction site data. The genus diverged early into two major clades: the blue-fruited group bearing blue or white fruits and the red-fruited group bearing red fruits. The blue-fruited clade further comprises two lineages: the alternate-leaved group and the opposite-leaved group. The red-fruited clade is composed of three lineages: the cornelian cherries, the dwarf dogwoods, and the big-bracted dogwoods, with the latter two as sister- groups. The cpDNA restriction site data also correlate closely with the evolution of chromosome number, morphology, and phytochemistry. Most notably, the chromosome number of n = 10 evolved twice in Cornuis, and the small, non-petaloid bracts in C. disciflora apparently represent a reversal to the non-showy state. Furthermore, the presence of iridoids in the red-fruited dogwoods apparently is a retention of the plesiomor- phic condition.