Stem Bark Research Articles

Identification of bioactive compounds in Amphipterygium adstringens branch bark

Background: Cuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens) is one of Mexico’s most commercialised medicinal plants, and its natural populations are mainly found in this country. The high demand for stem bark (SB) has risked its survival, making it necessary to develop sustainable strategies.Aim: This study aimed to identify bioactive compounds in branch bark (BB) and evaluate their antipathogenic and antivirulence capacities.Setting: The study was conducted in the low deciduous forest (LDF) of the State of Puebla, Mexico.Methods: Bioactive metabolites in BB were profiled by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The chemical composition of aqueous bark extracts was scrutinised by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-EM-SQ-TOF system) and molecular network analysis. The folk method’s antipathogenic capacity was determined in a burn model in mice infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Finally, the antivirulence properties of bark organic extracts were determined.Results: The BB contained masticadienoic, 3α-hydroxymasticadienoic and anacardic acids, also present in SB. The aqueous extracts showed the presence of flavonoids, catechins and saponins in both barks. The folk method using BB extracts significantly reduced mouse mortality and prevented sepsis development. This might be related to the capability of extracts to block the production of bacteria virulence factors.Conclusion: The similarity in bioactive metabolites and biological activity between SB and BB of cuachalalate suggests that using BB as a medicinal agent could be a practical and sustainable strategy. This approach could potentially prevent the overexploitation of cuachalalate’s SB, contributing to its conservation.Contribution: This study proposes a sustainable strategy for using cuachalalate as a medicinal agent using BB, a renewable source.

Aktivitas Antirayap Kulit Batang dan Akar Tumbuhan Kokosan (Lansium domesticum cv Kokossan) Terhadap Rayap Tanah (Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren)

Kokosan (Lansium domesticum cv Kokossan) is one of the Meliaceae family plants known to produce various compounds with various activities. The Meliaceae family is known to have fruit seeds with a bitter taste that can be utilized as an antifeedant in insects. However, research on the bioactivity and content of secondary metabolites in the roots and bark of kokosan as termiticides against subterranean termites has never been reported. This study aims to determine the content of secondary metabolite compounds and test the anti-termite activity of extracts and fractions of kokosan root and stem bark against Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren termites. Root and stem bark powder were macerated separately using methanol solvent and then fractionated to obtain n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol fractions (residue). Each extract and fraction was fed to termites through cellulose paper at a concentration of 5% for 3 days. Based on the results of phytochemical tests on extracts and fractions from the roots and bark of kokosan, it is known to contain alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoid, and phenolic compound groups. The results of the anti-termite activity test are based on the percentage mortality value obtained by the methanol extract of the most active root with a value of 97.2% and paper weight loss of only 6.92%. In the ethyl acetate fraction of the roots, mortality was 84.4% and paper weight loss was 2.38%, and the n-hexane fraction of the stem bark showed mortality of 87.6% and paper weight loss of 2.20%. The kokosan root obtained has the most active activity against Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren.

Introduction pages, Notulae Scientia Biologicae 16(3), 2024

Notulae Scientia Biologicae (http://www.notulaebiologicae.ro), Issue 3, Volume 16, 2024: The papers published in this issue represent interesting novelties in different topics of life science. Among the exciting research or reviews, we invite readers to find news about: Exogenous nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide as biotechnological tools for enhancing plant adaptation to cold; Optimization of the production of a new milk clotting enzyme by Aspergillus flavus thermophile on agro-industrial residues medium and characterization of the enzyme; Chemical composition and potential pharmacological applications of Centaurea acaulis L.; Evaluation of antimalarial compounds in Prosopis africana stem bark fractions against Plasmodium berghei; Bioactive potential of Algerian Citrullus colocynthis resin: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; Analysis of chemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant activities of pomegranate fruit thick and green tea leaf extracts; In silico analysis of Cucumis pubescens Willd. fruit extract phytocompounds and its activity against anti-diabetic targets; In vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of different bacterial isolates against Botrytis gray mold of tomato; Integrated characterization and in vitro biocontrol of Fusarium sp. using Trichoderma asperellum; Morpho-physiological and biochemical responses of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) under cadmium stress; Delineating drought-induced antioxidative traits as potential mechanisms for climate resilience in Argania spinosa.

Phytochemistry and Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Virola elongata (Benth.) Warb. Stem Bark.

Previous studies of the hydroethanolic extract of Virola elongata inner stem bark (HEVe) have demonstrated its antioxidant, gastroprotective, and antiulcer properties, but have not evaluated its anti-inflammatory potential. HEVe was obtained by maceration and phytochemically analyzed. Its systemic anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by its effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritonitis in mice. HEVe gel (HEgVe) was employed to evaluate topical anti-inflammatory activity by measuring the ear edema resulting from croton-oil-induced dermatitis in mice. A cell viability assay was conducted to determine the non-cytotoxic concentrations of the HEVe. RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated by LPS to determinate cytokine and nitric oxide production. A phytochemical analysis of the HEVe revealed the presence of phenolic acids, neolignans, flavonoids, and monomeric catechins. The oral treatment of acute peritonitis with HEVe reduced the total leukocytes, neutrophils, TNF-α, and IL-1β and elevated IL-10 levels. The application of the HEgVe reduced local edema. The HEVe on the RAW 264.7 cells exhibited no cytotoxicity, and the cells with HEVe displayed reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and NO levels and increased IL-13 levels. HEVe demonstrated systemic and topical multitarget anti-inflammatory activity, likely due to the combined effects of secondary metabolites. HEVe emerges as a promising herbal remedy for inflammation with minimal cytotoxicity, emphasizing its potential therapeutic significance.

Chloroplast mini-barcodes combined with high resolution melting analysis to identify herbal medicine Difengpi (Illicium difengpi)

Difengpi, derived from the air-dried stem bark of Illicium difengpi and enlisted in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia for its therapeutic effect against common ailments, confronts challenges due to dwindling wild resources and intentional substitution with potentially harmful botanical relatives. The imperative need to authenticate this herbal remedy has led to the development of robust methods. Here, we integrated chloroplast mini-barcoding and high resolution melting (HRM) analysis to distinguish Difengpi from the reported adulterants. We assembled the complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of I. difengpi and substituted close relatives I. jiadifengpi and I. majus, and conducted an in-depth comparative analysis to screen divergent regions for exploiting as DNA mini-barcodes. Despite the conservativeness characterizing the whole cp genomes among these Illicium species, we identified some highly variable regions with promising potential as molecular markers for species identification. Subsequently, we designed DNA mini-barcodes and subjected them to HRM analysis to assess their efficacy in species discrimination. Melting profiles unveiled that mini-barcodes designed from four divergence regions trnL–trnF, trnF–ndhJ, ycf1–ndhF and rpl32–trnL exhibited substantial discriminatory power, distinctly differentiated I. difengpi from I. jiadifengpi, I. majus and I. verum. We tested ten commercially available Difengpi products from online stores and local traditional markets using these four mini-barcodes. All ten samples clustered closely with the reference I. difengpi with genotype confidence higher than 93 %, indicating the presence of the claimed species in these samples, sans any reported toxic adulterants. Consequently, we simulated Difengpi mimic samples utilizing I. jiadifengpi, I. majus and I. verum and subjected them to evaluate the practicability of these mini-barcodes. The outcomes confirmed the precision of the four mini-barcodes in accurately discerning the mimic samples. In conclusion, integrating taxon-specific DNA mini-barcodes with HRM analysis is an efficient strategy for the authentication of species identity within commercial herbal products.

Evaluation of antimalarial compounds in Prosopis africana stem bark fractions against Plasmodium berghei

Prosopis africana, a traditional medicinal plant for malaria treatment, requires further scientific evidence. This study aimed to assess the antimalarial potential of Prosopis africana stem bark fractions in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice and identify the responsible compounds. The aqueous extract underwent partitioning with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, followed by antimalarial evaluation. F5 was the most potent fraction based on its antimalarial potential. The study pooled 36 chromatographic separation sub-fractions into five using TLC analysis Rf values. In Plasmodium berghei-infected mice, fraction F5 at 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg body weight (bw) was tested for antimalarial activity. Compound analysis of F5 utilized ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupolar mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis employed Analysis of Variance and Duncan's multiple range tests (p < 0.05). The methanol, n-hexane, and ethylacetate extracts displayed suppression of P. berghei by 90%, 72.2%, and 73.6%, respectively. Methanol, n-hexane, and ethylacetate extracts suppressed P. berghei by 90%, 72.2%, and 73.6% respectively. F5 showed significantly higher chemo-suppression (67.21%) than F1 (63.94%), F2 (6.99%), F3 (2.81%), and F4 (37.3%). At 12.5 mg/kg bw, F5 suppressed P. berghei by 91.09%, surpassing chloroquine (87.79%), and restored altered hematological indices and CD4+ counts. Compounds identified in F5 included caffeate, linalool, terpinene-4-ol, quinovic acid, quercetin, prosopinine, catechin, and apigeninin. In conclusion, the fraction F5 of P. africana stem bark exhibited higher antimalarial activity than chloroquine and the identified compound might likely contribute to its activity.

Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activity of The Extracts from Garcinia lateriflora Blume var. Javanica Boerl, Garcinia fruticosa Lauterb, and Garcinia xanthochymus

Tyrosinase overexpression in humans increases melanin production in the skin, which may have hyperpigmentation-causing effects. In this study, various extracts from the Garcinia lateriflora Blume var. Javanica Boerl, Garcinia fruticosa Lauterb, and Garcinia xanthochymus plants were tested for their ability to inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme. The results showed that the G. fruticosa Lauterb stem bark hexane extract had the highest activity followed succesively by the G. lateriflora Blume var javanica Boerl leaf methanol extract, G xanthochymus mesocarp hexane extract, G. xanthochymus mesocarp methanol extract. The results show that the G. fruticosa Lauterb stem bark hexane extract has the highest tyrosinase inhibitory activity (45.61 ± 1.58%) among the four extracts and the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of kojic acid (65.07 0.86%).

Pharmacognostic and Pharmacological Study of "Azadirachta Indica" Bark Extracts

Azadiracta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae) commonly known as Neem,is found throughout India and is known to have many wonderous properties from ancient times.These A.indica shows different medicinal properties like antiulcerogenic, hypoglycemic, insecticidal, spermicidal actions. The stem bark was studied for morphological as well as microscopical characteristics. The present work was carried out on bark of Azadirachta indica belonging to family Meliaceae. The study was done on pharmacognostic, phytochemical and pharmacological studies on stems bark of Azadirachta indica collected from Sangamner of Ahmednagar district. Preliminary phytochemical screening of extract was done.Some part of extract was then used to study pharmacological screening of anti-anxiety activity.From the study of phytochemical and pharmacological investigation of Azadirachta indica bark it was found that different chemicals are present as glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, fats, steroids, proteins, etc. Azadirachta indica stem bark supports the elimination of related anxiety associated materials. Therefore, drawing conclusions from this research suggests that Azadirachta indica hydroethanolice etract were found to be with good antianxiety like activity in elevated plus maze model. Furthermore, this current study confirms the conventional utilisation of Azadirachta indica bark as a pain reliever by showing that its hydroethanolic determine has noteworthy analgesic properties for various dose amounts, with the greatest analgesic movement observed at a 60-minute time interval. More research is required, nevertheless, to determine how precisely it exerts its analgesic effects.

Trace Elements and Proximate Analysis of <i>Boswellia dalzielii</i> Stem Bark

Boswellia dalzielii (B. dalzielii) Hutch is a tree plant of the Burseraceae family found in Savannah woodlands. The decoction of stem bark has been reported to be useful in treating gastrointestinal diseases, rheumatism, septic sores, and sexual ailments. Additionally, it has demonstrated antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The research was undertaken to evaluate the trace element contents and nutritional contents of the stem bark of B. dalzielii using standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The elemental analysis showed the presence of: Zn (5.82±0.021 mg/kg), Cu (4.22±0.017 mg/kg), Mn (31.24±0.114 mg/kg), and Fe (9.12±0.318 mg/kg), Se (3.13m±0.223 g/kg) Cr (0.0026±0.211 mg/kg), Co (0.00 mg/kg), Mo (0.0016±0.001 mg/kg), Cd (0.0037±0.117 mg/kg), Ni (0.0016±0.324 mg/kg), and I (4.15±0.214 mg/kg). While the proximate analysis revealed the presence of the following: ash content (5.97±0.315%), moisture (6.22±0.115%), protein (18.52±0.018%), fiber 16.2±0.215%), crude fat (6.02±0.002%), and carbohydrate (31.73±0.224%). Trace elements have well-characterized physiological functions within the body. They regulate biological processes, thereby stabilizing the structures of cells when they are supplied at the normal level, but their deficiency leads to different kinds of diseases. The study suggests that the trace elements present in the bark sample of B. dalzielii may be of value and may have prognostic significance in the early diagnosis and therapy evaluation of some diseases, especially various types of cancer, as well as in anti-diabetic agents. The results of the proximate analysis depict the potentiality of the plant as a good source of nutraceuticals.

Antifungal activity of fractions and compounds from <i>Pterocarpus erinaceus</i> poir.1804, (Fabaceae) on selected wood fungi

Extract fractions and compounds from the heartwood and stem bark of Pterocarpus erinaceus were evaluated for antifungal properties. Extraction of the dry and pulverized plant materials was carried out with hexane, ethyl acetate and then methanol. The extracts were fractionated and purified using column chromatography over silica gel to yield p-ethoxylphenylpropanoic acid, angolensin, mixture of sitosterol, stigmasterol and cycloeucalenol from heartwood while friedelane-3-one and lupeol were obtained from the stem bark. The fractions and compounds were active against the test fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus, Coniophora puteana, Fibroporia vaillantii, Fomitopsis pinicoca, Gloeophyllum sepiarium Phaeolus schweinitzii, Rhizopus sp., Serpula lacrymans and Sclerotium rolfsii) at zone of inhibition ranging from 17 – 24 mm. Fibroporia vaillantii showed resistance to the control antibiotic (Ketoconazole and Fluonazole) but was sensitive to five of the fractions. The minimum inhibitory concentration observed was 50 μg/mL against 9 test fungi while the minimum fungicidal concentration was 200 μg/mL.

Characterization of the phytochemical constituents of methanol extract of <i>Spondias mombin</i> stem bark using high performance-liquid chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectroscopy

Spondias mombin is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. This study was aimed to analyze the bioactive components of the methanol extract of S. mombin stem by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). Quantitative analysis of the extract showed that it had appreciable quantities of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, and proanthocyanidins. The HPLC fingerprints of the extract also revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, other phenols, and steroids. The most prevalent flavonoids were the flavones, and the alkaloids present in high concentrations were ribalinidine and linamarin. Some other phenolics, such as resveratrol, ellagic acid, chlorogenic and pyrogallic, were in high concentration. The GC-MS data detected bioactive compounds; notably among them were 9,12 -octadecadienoic acid (linoleic acid), n-hexadecanoic acid, and 9-oxo nonanoic acid. This study has established the presence of bioactive chemicals in the methanol extract of S. mombin stem bark, and these phytochemicals could be responsible for the plant’s medicinal properties.

Antinociceptive in vivo activity and chemical profiling by UHPLC-MS/MS of stem bark and leaves extracts of Ficus maxima Mill. (Moraceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFicus maxima is a medicinal plant extensively used in traditional medicine by Indigenous peoples across Central and South America. It is a member of the family Moraceae, subgenus Pharmacosycea, employed in treating various conditions, including intestinal parasites, gingivitis, internal inflammations, and snake bites. Despite its significant pharmacological potential, the species remains underrepresented in scientific literature. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to evaluate the in vivo antinociceptive properties of leaf (ELFM) and stem bark (EBFM) extracts from Ficus maxima. Additionally, the chemical composition of these extracts was determined using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Materials and methodsPlant material was collected in Abaetetuba, Pará, Brazil, in October 2013 and subjected to static maceration to obtain crude ELFM and EBFM. Bio-guided fractionation was performed by sequential liquid-liquid partitioning with hexane (Hex), dichloromethane (DCM), and ethyl acetate (EtOAc), yielding the following fractions: ELFM-Hex and EBFM-Hex, ELFM-DCM and EBFM-DCM, and ELFM-EtOAc and EBFM-EtOAc. The biological activity of EBFM, ELFM, and their respective fractions were evaluated using the formalin-induced pain test and the hot plate test, followed by an assessment of their mechanisms of action. The UHPLC-MS/MS analysis was conducted using electrospray ionization (ESI) in both positive and negative modes. Metabolite annotation was facilitated by MS/MS libraries and molecular networks constructed on the GNPS platform. ResultsThe reactivity time to formalin in the neurogenic phase was reduced from 84.7 ± 7.6 s (100%) to 37.3 ± 4.7 s (44%), 33.1 ± 6.3 s (39%), 40.7 ± 7.4 s (48%), 57.2 ± 2.6 s (77%), 49.7 ± 4.1 s (58%), 46.8 ± 8.1 s (55%), and 52.4 ± 5.3 s (61%) after treatment with ASA, morphine, EBFM, ELFM, ELFM-Hex, ELFM-DCM, and ELFM-EtOAc at doses of 30 mg/kg, respectively. In the inflammatory phase, the reactivity time to formalin was reduced from 124.3 ± 25.9 s (100%) to 49.7 ± 4.7 s (40%), 9.8 ± 4.3 s (8%), 32.5 ± 8.5 s (26%), 59.8 ± 16.8 s (48%), and 54.4 ± 7.3 s (44%) after treatment with ASA, morphine, EBFM, ELFM, and ELFM-Hex at doses of 30 mg/kg, respectively. A reversal of the antinociceptive action of EBFM and ELFM was observed in the inflammatory phase after treatment with atropine, a muscarinic antagonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist, respectively. In the hot plate test, EBFM showed Antinociceptive Activity (AA) of 62.6 ± 9.2% after 90 min; however, there was a reversal of AA to 8.6 ± 2.8% when naloxone was used. The UHPLC-MS/MS metabolite analysis revealed the presence of loliolide (3), luteolin (13), lupeol (14), gallic acid (15), chlorogenic acid (16), pygenic acid A (17), and other metabolites from the alkaloids and fatty acids classes.

New insights into the identification of biochemical traits linked to rooting percentage in fig (Ficus carica L.) cuttings

BACKGROUND: The fig (Ficus carica L.) tree known for its tasty and nutritious fruits, is typically propagated by cutting. While previous studies have focused on the effects of different treatments and environmental conditions on fig cutting propagation, little attention has been paid to the specific role and association of biochemical properties in leaves, stem bark and fruit on the rooting process. OBJECTIVE: This research explores the complex relationship between 40 biochemical traits and the rooting ability of fig cuttings. To achieve this objective, various machine learning techniques were employed, such as a random forest model, feature importance analysis, linear regression, and principal component analysis (PCA). RESULTS: The random forest model showed significant predictive ability with a classification accuracy of 100%, supported by a high kappa statistic. Feature importance analysis identified a* (a colorimetric parameter in fruit), fruit trans-ferulic acid and leaf total flavonoids as the most influential traits in determining the rooting ability of cuttings. The robustness of these findings is supported by the high R-squared value (0.9002) and low error metrics (MAE 0.7554 and MSE 0.6980) of the linear regression model built on these important traits. In parallel, PCA indicated that a*, leaf total flavonoids and fruit trans-ferulic acid were the dominant traits in samples with lower rooting percentage. CONCLUSIONS: These identified biomarkers can be effectively used by fig breeders and growers to select and introduce fig cultivars with improved rooting ability.

Bark Thickness of Forest-forming Species: Modeling and Comparative Analysis

The need to assess the carbon-depositing capacity of a stand, an individual tree and its components is constantly emphasized in the world literature, since mitigation of the effects of climate change has become the highest priority. Since the carbon concentration differs in different tree species and in different components of the tree, including in the stem wood and bark, it is necessary to develop species-specific mathematical models for estimating the proportion of bark in trunks to improve the accuracy of knowledge about the carbon balance of forests. The relationship of bark thickness with both age and diameter of the tree trunk is known, but with respect to its regional variability, the data are contradictory. According to the actual data from 1100 model trees of five forest-forming species, allometric models of a mixed type have been developed. They include as independent variables the age and diameter of the trunk, as well as a binary variable characterising the influence of the growing area itself on the bark thickness of Scots pine, silver birch and Siberian larch, as well as the difference in the thickness of the bark between Siberian spruce and Siberian fir in case of joint growth in mature stands of the taiga zone. At a statistically significant level, it was found that the bark thickness of Scots pine and silver birch trees in the steppe zone is significantly greater compared to the taiga zone, and the bark thickness of Siberian larch trees in the forest-tundra is significantly greater compared to the steppe zone. The bark thickness of Siberian spruce trees is significantly less than that of Siberian fir trees. The ranking of species by bark thickness is included in the paper.

Comprehensive analysis of nutritional activity in Garcinia kola stem bark (Clusiaceae), Stone Breaker (Phyllanthus niruri) leaves and their blends: Implications for therapeutic applications

This study investigates the nutritional and mineral composition of Garcinia kola Stem Bark (Clusiaceae) and Stone Breaker (Phyllanthus niruri) leaves, processed through fermentation, blanching, and drying, to evaluate their potential health benefits. The samples were divided into three groups: Garcinia kola Stem Bark, Stone Breaker, and a 50 %:50 % mixture of both. The proximate analysis revealed significant variations. Moisture content ranged from 6.03 % to 7.38 %, with blanched Stone Breaker having the lowest and blanched Garcinia kola the highest, indicating differences in storage stability. Fermented samples showed higher ash content (up to 8.66 %), suggesting increased mineral availability due to microbial activity. Protein content was highest in fermented Stone Breaker (19.73 %), highlighting the benefits of fermentation in enhancing protein levels. Mineral analysis showed that blanched Stone Breaker had the highest potassium content (1872.8 mg/100 g), beneficial for cardiovascular health, while fermented samples had notable levels of calcium (402.2 mg/100 g) and magnesium (426.8 mg/100 g), supporting bone health and energy metabolism. Fermented Stone Breaker also emerged as the best overall sample due to its high protein content, higher ash content, and balanced moisture and fat levels, making it nutritionally rich and stable for storage. These findings emphasize the impact of processing methods on the nutritional and mineral profiles of herbal blends. Fermented Stone Breaker, in particular, offers a promising balance of essential nutrients for dietary enhancement and therapeutic health promotion.

In silico Investigation of Caged Xanthone Compounds Isolated from Cratoxylum sumatranum Stem Bark against Entamoeba histolytica Enzymes

Background: Amoebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a pathogenic species living on human colon tissues. Metronidazole is currently used for the treatment of amoebiasis, but resistance of E. histolytica to the use of such treatment has been reported. Therefore, the development of new anti-amoebic drugs is still very much needed for clinical treatment. Preliminary research on extract and fractions from Cratoxylum sumatranum stem bark has shown their anti-amoebic activity. Two compounds from the cage xanthone groups, cochinchinoxanthone and cochinchinone D, have been isolated from the active fraction of C. sumatranum stem bark. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the anti-amoebic activity of the two known compounds against E. histolytica. Methods: The in silico method used was molecular docking with several receptors, including thioredoxin reductase, triose phosphate isomerase, pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase, Giardia fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase, serine acetyltransferase, and phosphoserine phosphatase. The prediction of ADMET properties was also carried out for both the compounds. Results: The results showed cochinchinone D to have a higher binding affinity to thioredoxin reductase, pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase, and Giardia fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase receptors than cochinchinoxanthone. In contrast, cochinchinoxanthone bound better to the triose phosphate isomerase and phosphoserine phosphatase receptors, while both exhibited the same affinity for serine acetyltransferase. In general, the two compounds were also found to have similar ADMET profiles. Conclusion: In conclusion, caged xanthone compounds from C. sumatranum have the potential to be developed as anti-amoebic agents against E. histolytica through the mechanism of inhibition of these enzymes.

Quercetin activates autophagy in the distal ischemic area of random skin flaps through Beclin1 to enhance the adaptability to energy deficiency

Random flaps are frequently employed in treating substantial skin abnormalities and in surgical tissue-rebuilding interventions. The random flap technique provides flaps of specific dimensions and contours to fit the surgical incision. However, blood supply deficiency and subsequent ischemia-reperfusion injury can cause severe oxidative stress and apoptosis, eventually leading to distal necrosis, which limits the clinical application of the flap. Quercetin (QUE) is primarily found in the glycoside form in many plant parts, such as stem bark, flowers, leaves, buds, seeds, and fruits. Cellular, animal, and clinical studies have demonstrated the antioxidant, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammatory, and activation of autophagy properties of QUE. In previous studies, high doses of QUE effectively suppressed the survival of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated by hydrogen peroxide. However, different concentration gradients of QUE on HUVECs revealed a significant protective effect at a concentration of 10 mM. The protective impact of QUE on HUVECs was evaluated using scratch tests, CCK-8 assays, and EDU assays. Simultaneously, a mouse model of random skin flap was created, and the impact of QUE on skin flap survival was examined by intragastric injection. The QUE group showed a significantly larger survival area of the random flap and higher blood flow intensity compared to the control group. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of QUE were reversed by the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA. Therefore, autophagy plays a significant role in the therapeutic benefits of QUE on flap survival.

Chemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Various Parts of Securidaca longipedunculata From South Africa

Objective The objective of our study was to investigate the chemical composition and the biological activities of different parts of Securidaca longipedunculata from South Africa. Methodologies The chemical analysis methods, including chromatography and spectroscopy, were employed to identify the diverse array of compounds present in the roots, leaves, and stems of S longipedunculata. Results The proximate analysis revealed that the leaf extracts had higher ( P < .05) crude protein, gross energy, and ether extract contents when compared to the stem bark and the root bark. A similar trend was observed with the mineral analysis where copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc were in abundance in the leaves. Concurrently, bioassays reveal significant biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, associated with these plant parts. The extracts demonstrated high lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity at the concentration of 250 μg/mL, with the highest percentage inhibition of 94% recorded in the dark leaf extract, followed by 92% and 73% at the concentrations of 125 and 62.5 μg/mL, respectively. The antimicrobial analysis revealed that the root bark extract was active against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis with the average minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.67 mg/mL (dark type) and 0.63 mg/mL (light type). Conclusion Our findings emphasize the medicinal potential of S longipedunculata and underscore the importance of understanding its chemical makeup in explaining its therapeutic effects. This research provides valuable insights into the pharmacological properties of S longipedunculata, offering a foundation for further exploration in drug development and natural product discovery.

Therapeutic potential of Zanha africana (Radlk.) Exell: antimycobacterial activity and safety evaluation

BackgroundZanha africana (Radlk.) Exell extracts are commonly utilized in Tanzania and other countries for treating conditions associated with HIV and AIDS, including tuberculosis (TB). In Tanzania, it is listed among the most frequently traded plant species for medicinal use in different marketplaces. However, limited literature exists regarding its antimycobacterial properties and safety profile. ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate Z. africana ethanolic extract for safety and antimycobacterial activity. MethodsThe antimycobacterial activity of the crude extracts was assessed using the broth microdilution method against various non-pathogenic mycobacteria strains including Mycobacterium aurum (MA), Mycobacterium madagascariense (MM), and Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP). Bioassay-guided fractionation was employed to isolate the active compounds. The safety profile of the crude extract was investigated through cytotoxicity assay on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the brine shrimp lethality test. ResultsThe 80% ethanolic extracts of Z. africana demonstrated activity against all tested non-pathogenic mycobacteria. The antimycobacterial activity of ethanolic extract of the stem bark was 625 µg/mL, 313 µg/mL and 125 µg/mL against MA, MM, and MIP, respectively. The most potent fraction was the ethyl acetate fraction, from which two active compounds were isolated: proanthocyanidin A2; Compound (1) and its monomer epicatechin, Compound (2). Compound (1) exhibited higher antimycobacterial activity compared to compound (2) with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 19.50 µg/mL and 12.98 µg/mL against MM and MIP respectively. The ethanolic extract did not demonstrate toxicity on PBMCs and brine shrimps. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that Z. africana extracts and the isolated compounds possess antimycobacterial activity. This provides evidence supporting the traditional use of Z. africana extracts for TB management. Further research is recommended to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of the plant constituents using different models.

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activity of <i>Annona Senegalensis</i> Extracts (Leaves and Stem Bark) Collected from Three Regions of Senegal

The main objective of the present study is to focus on evaluation of the secondary metabolites composition and antioxidant activity of hydro – ethanolic extracts of <i>Annona senegalensis</i> leaves and stem bark which used in traditional medicine against several kind of diseases. The yields of hydro-ethanolic extracts of organs (leaves and Stem bark) were determined, followed by phytochemical screening and amount of secondary metabolites, by using conventional analytical methods. Anti-radical activity was carried out by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl) reduction tests. The best extraction rates, whatever the plant organ or origin, were obtained with leaves (15.5% on average). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins. The highest levels of total polyphenols were obtained with leaves extracts [83.931 ± 0.018 g EGA/100 g Dry Matter (DM)] compared with stem bark (77.886 ± 1.001 g EGA/100 g DM). The highest tannin and flavonoid contents are 1.093 ± 0.006 g EC/100 g DM and 0.195 ± 0.004 g EC/100 g DM, respectively. Moreover, the extracts have a high antioxidant capacity with high inhibition percentages of 95.06 ± 0.10% for the leaves and 92.87 ± 0.10% for the bark. These results highlight the presence of bioactive compounds and potential antioxidant activity that have been shown to be efficient in the treatment of certain diseases, in accordance with ethno - botanical survey.