Tinctoria Extract Research Articles

Extraction, pharmacological prediction and experimental verification of Coreopsis tinctoria flowers

Coreopsis tinctoria (C. tinctoria) is a traditional plant with high medicinal value and edible value. It has the effect of invigorating spleen and stomach and has the potential to develop into flower tea. Therefore, the extraction process of C. tinctoria extract (CTA) was optimised by analytic hierarchy process (AHP) combined with orthogonal test, and its activity was predicted by network pharmacology and verified by experiments. The optimal extraction conditions: temperature of 80 °C, extraction period of 10 min, solid-liquid ratio of 1:70 and times 2. CTA had no gastrointestinal irritation and can significantly increase the faecal water content of mice, inhibit amylase activity, increase protease, xylanase and cellulase activity, increase the number of intestinal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, reduce the number of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus. In summary, CTA can effectively improve the intestinal digestive enzyme activity and the number of probiotics and has the potential to treat gastrointestinal diseases.

Optimizing Coreopsis tinctoria Flower Extraction and Inhibiting CML Activity: Box-Behnken Design.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is an uncommon type of cancer of the bone marrow associated with high mortality. Although several effective therapies have been developed to reduce symptoms in patients with CML, many of these methods are associated with side effects. Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. (C. tinctoria) is a natural medicinal material that possesses antioxidant and anticancer activities. Yet, its effect in treating leukemia has still not been fully explored. To optimize the C. tinctoria flower extraction process and investigate whether these extracts can impair CML cell survival. The extraction process of C. tinctoria was optimized by the Box-Behnken design response surface method. K562 cells were treated with different volumes (0, 10, 25, 50, and 100 μL) of C. tinctoria flower extracts. The effect of C. tinctoria extract on cell morphology and cell apoptosis was assessed by light microscopy, laser confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry. We established the following optimized C. tinctoria flower extraction conditions: temperature of 84.4°C, extraction period of 10 mins, solid-liquid ratio of 1:65, and times 4. These conditions were applied for C. tinctoria flower extraction. Pre-incubation of extracts prepared under the aforementioned optimal conditions with K562 cells induced cell cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis. C. tinctoria flower extracts exert obvious anti-leukemia effects in vitro and may be a potential drug candidate for leukemia treatment.

Co-Delivery of Dragon's Blood and Alkanna tinctoria Extracts Using Electrospun Nanofibers: In Vitro and In Vivo Wound Healing Evaluation in Diabetic Rat Model.

The increasing prevalence of diabetic wounds presents a significant challenge due to the difficulty of natural healing and various obstacles. Dragon's blood (DB) and Alkanna tinctoria (AT) are well recognized for their potent healing abilities, which include potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, electrospun nanofibers (NFs) based on polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) were co-loaded with both DB and AT, aiming to magnify their efficacy as wound-dressing applications for diabetic wound healing. The evaluation of these NFs as wound dressings was conducted using a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Electrospun NFs were prepared using the electrospinning of the PVP polymer, resulting in nanofibers with consistent, smooth surfaces. The loading capacity (LC) of AT and DB into NFs was 64.1 and 70.4 µg/mg, respectively, while in the co-loaded NFs, LC was 49.6 for AT and 57.2 µg/mg for DB. In addition, X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that DB and AT were amorphously dispersed within the NFs. The loaded NFs showed a dissolution time of 30 s in PBS (pH 7.4), which facilitated the release of AT and DB (25-38% after 10 min), followed by a complete release achieved after 180 min. The antibacterial evaluation demonstrated that the DB-AT mixture had potent activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Along with that, the DB-AT NFs showed effective growth inhibition for both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus compared to the control NFs. Moreover, wound healing was evaluated in vivo in diabetic Wistar rats over 14 days. The results revealed that the DB-AT NFs improved wound healing within 14 days significantly compared to the other groups. These results highlight the potential application of the developed DB-AT NFs in wound healing management, particularly in diabetic wounds.

A Catalytic Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol Utilizing Bimetallic CuO-Co3O4 Nanoparticles Synthesized via Wrightia tinctoria Extract: A Green Approach

In this investigation, copper oxide (CuO), cobalt oxide (Co3O4) and bimetallic copper oxide-cobalt oxide (CuO-Co3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized using an aqueous extract of Wrightia tinctoria leaves and characterized through UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, TEM and zeta potential analyses. The FT-IR analysis identified that specific phytoconstituents are responsible for the reduction and capping agents in nanoparticle synthesis. TEM analysis determined size and shape and zeta potential analysis assessed stability. The CuO and Co3O4 NPs, synthesized through an eco-friendly approach, were employed for 4-nitrophenol reduction with sodium borohydride. The reaction rate, was computed at 1 × 10-4 s-1, which indicated the pseudo-first-order kinetics. The synthesis of 4-aminophenol was also successfully acheived demonstrated that the excellent catalytic activity of CuO, Co3O4 and CuO-Co3O4 nanoparticles as catalysts.

Evaluation of in vitro anti-cancer potential and apoptotic profile of ethanolic plant extract of Wrightia tinctoria against oral cancer cell line.

For decades, Wrightia tinctoria (W. tinctoria) has been important in the field of traditional medicine. The identification and isolation of numerous chemically potent and pharmaceutically advantageous phytochemicals isolated from this plant extract has contributed to its resurrection into evidence-based modern medicine. This plant is inexpensive and indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. An in vitro study was carried out using KB (KERATIN-forming tumour cell line HeLa) oral cancer cell line. The control drug doxorubicin along with the test drug W. tinctoria was tested for anti-cancer potential by using MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and for apoptotic activity by using DNA fragmentation assay and western blotting assay. The study was conducted using MTT assay to determine the cytotoxicity of plant extract against oral cancer cell line by determining the IC50 values at the end of 24 hours by the MTT calorimetric assay. The IC50 value of 48.89 and 9.62 was arrived for the W. tinctoria extract and doxorubicin, respectively, by using MTT calorimetric assay. DNA fragmentation assay showed a ladder pattern when treated with 59 μg/mL extract of W. tinctoria, and western blot analysis revealed the presence of cleaved caspase 3, confirming the apoptotic potential of the extract. The current study demonstrated that the plant extract has effective anti-cancer and apoptotic potential and can be used as a natural source for the production of new anti-cancer and cytotoxic agents against oral cancer.

Investigation of Therapeutic Potential of Biosynthesized Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Using Extract of Wrightia tinctoria

Background:: In Indian traditional medicine, the seeds and bark of Wrightia tinctoria are utilized as remedies for antidiarrheal and antidysenteric purposes, as well as for other medicinal uses. Aim:: The primary aim of the study was to explore the green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles by employing an extract obtained from the Wrightia tinctoria plant and to explore their potential medicinal properties. Objective:: This study involved the characterization of the nanoparticles in terms of their properties and quality, as well as an investigation of their potential anti-bacterial, anticancer, and antiinflammatory properties. Methods: Various characterization techniques, including UV spectroscopy, XRD spectra, FTIR, SEM, particle size and zeta potential analysis, were used in this study for the synthesized nanoparticles. Our study investigated the impact of concentration, pH, and incubation time on nanoparticle synthesis, providing a comprehensive description of the synthesis procedure for both silver and gold nanoparticles. Result:: Experimental findings confirmed that silver and gold nanoparticles derived from Wrightia tinctoria exhibited irregular shape, with an average diameter ranging from approximately 0.08 to 0.34 μm and 0.09 to 0.30 μm, respectively. Appreciably, the biologically synthesized WTAgNPs and WTAuNPs demonstrated promising antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties without any signs of toxicity. The enhanced biological activity of WTAgNPs and WTAuNPs can be attributed to their distinctive properties at the nanoscale, as both exhibit lower polydispersity and average particle size, contributing to increased reactivity and interactions with biological systems. Conclusion:: The nanoparticles synthesized through the biogenic approach using Wrightia tinctoria extract have immense potential for a wide range of pharmaceutical applications.

Dyeing of silk with extract from Coreopsis tinctoria

Purpose This study aims to dye silk with natural pigments extract of Coreopsis tinctoria, by treating the fabrics with appropriate mordant under suitable dyeing conditions, to achieve good dyeing depth, fastness and ultraviolet (UV) protection. Design/methodology/approach Firstly, single factor experiments were used to determine the basic dyeing conditions of Coreopsis tinctoria. The optimal process conditions for direct dyeing were determined through orthogonal experiments. After that, the dyeing with mordant was used. Based on the previously determined optimal process conditions, silk fabrics were dyed with different mordanting methods, with different mordants and mordant dosages. The dyeing results were compared, in terms of the K/S values of the dyed fabrics, to determine the most appropriate dyeing conditions with mordant. Findings The extract of Coreopsis tinctoria can dye silk fabrics satisfactorily. Good dyeing depth and fastness can be obtained by using suitable dyeing methods and dyeing conditions, especially when using the natural mordant pomegranate rind and the rare earth mordant neodymium oxide. The silk fabrics dyed with Coreopsis tinctoria have good UV resistance, which allows a desirable finishing effect to be achieved while dyeing, using a safe and environmentally friendly method. Research limitations/implications The composition of Coreopsis tinctoria is complex, and the specific composition of colouring the silk fibre has not been determined. There are many factors that affect the dyeing experiment, which have an impact on the experimental results. Practical implications The results of this study may help expand the application of Coreopsis tinctoria beyond medicine. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first report on dyeing silk with the extract of Coreopsis tinctoria achieving good dyeing results. Its depth of staining and staining fastness were satisfactory. Optimum dyeing method and dyeing conditions have been identified. The fabric dyed with Coreopsis tinctoria has good UV protection effect, which is conducive to improving the application value of the dyeing fabric. The findings help offer a new direction for the application of medicinal plants in the eco-friendly dyeing of silk.

Novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of oral cancer with compounds identified in Wrightia tinctoria: An in silico docking study with oncogenic pathways

Introduction: Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. According to scientific data on oral cancer, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) are two important causative pathways responsible for cellular proliferation in oral cancer. In the current research, two chemical compounds, 3-O-methyl-d-glucose and squalene, identified in Wrightia tinctoria extract, were used to study their action on the EGFR and MAPK pathways using molecular docking to prevent oral cancer progression. Materials and Methods: A molecular docking analysis was carried out based on the chemical makeup and similarities of chemicals derived from the plant with the target oncogenic proteins EGFR and MAPK. Following protein synthesis by Biovia Discovery Studio Visualizer, ligands were imported for virtual screening using PyRx, a program for computational drug discovery for the virtual screening of libraries of compounds against therapeutic targets. Results: The molecular docking investigation between 3-O-methyl-d-glucose, squalene, and the oncogenic pathways EGFR and MAPK was conducted using the Biovia Discovery Studio Client 2021 and AutoDock Vina software. In contrast to squalene, which exhibited an inhibitory constant of 44.99 µM and a ligand efficacy of 0.20, 3-O-methyl-d-glucose had an effective inhibitory constant (10.5 mM) on EGFR and MAPK. Both substances hindered the LSY721 binding site, which in turn suppressed the activity of oncogenic progression. Conclusion: 3-O-methyl-d-glucose and squalene found in W. tinctoria can inhibit the progressive activity of cancer-causing proteins (EGFR, MAPK) in oral cancer. 3-O-methyl-d-glucose was found to inhibit the oncogenic proteins more efficiently than squalene.

Scoparia dulcis and Indigofera tinctoria as potential herbal remedies against 7-ketocholesterol-induced pro-inflammatory mediators of macrophage polarization

IntroductionHerbs with medicinal properties contribute to atheroprotective effects through their preventive and therapeutic interactions with macrophages. Scoparia dulcis and Indigofera tinctoria are examples of such medicinal owing to their antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiatherogenic potential of hot- and cold-water extracts of Scoparia dulcis (HwSd and CwSd) and Indigofera tinctoria (HwIt and CwIt). MethodsS. dulcis and I. tinctoria extracts were primarily analyzed for phytochemical constituents. In vitro model of atherosclerosis was established using IC-21 M2 phenotypic macrophages, which were stimulated using 7-ketocholesterol (7KCh) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition, their antiinflammatory and antioxidant potential against 7KCh and LPS-induced macrophage polarization mediators like intracellular ROS/ RNS and gene expression of pro-inflammatory mediators were studied. ResultsHwSd, CwSd, HwIt and CwIt contained alkaloids, amino acids, flavonoids, glycosides, reducing sugar, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. In addition, they improved oxidative stress caused by nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, as well as exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, they modulated gene expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (iNOS, IL-1β, COX-2, TLR-4, MMP-9 and IL-6). ConclusionsBased on these results, we concluded that Scoparia dulcis and Indigofera tinctoria possess antiatherogenic potential and can be beneficial in treating several illnesses associated with chronic inflammation.

Application of encapsulated Indigofera tinctoria extract as anatural antioxidant and colorant in ice cream.

In this study, Indigofera tinctoria extract (ITLE) along with maltodextrin in different concentrations was encapsulated using a freeze dryer, and some physicochemical properties were measured. Powder containing 30% maltodextrin was selected as the optimal powder for use in ice-cream production in four levels (0%-1.8%), and some quality parameters were examined. The results showed that with increasing the carrier concentration, moisture content, aw, solubility, a*, and b* of the powders decreased; bulk density, tapped density, and L* did not change significantly; total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of powders also increased significantly (p < .05). Addition of encapsulated ITLE to the ice cream caused a significant decrease in L*, b*, and melting rate, a significant increase in a*, overrun, and hardness of the samples and no change in the viscosity of the ice-cream mix (p < .05). Ice cream containing 1.2% encapsulated ITLE had higher sensory acceptance than other levels following control ice cream. The results of this study showed that ITLE can be used as a desirable additive in the production as a natural antioxidant and color agent.

Environmental friendly bio-dyeing of silk using Alkanna tinctoria based Alkannin natural dye

Application of bio-dyes, especially plant-based, is becoming increasingly popular in many industries such as textiles, food and pharmaceuticals. This trend could be explained by the ecological and durable nature of these compounds. The current paper aimed to investigate the microwave-assisted isolation of Alkannin dye from Alkanna tinctoria followed by the dyeing of bio-mordanted silk. For the purpose, acid solubilized, water solubilized, and acid-methanol solubilized extracts were obtained. Both respective extracts and silk fabrics were microwave irradiated for 2, 4 and 6 min. To ensure a green and clean dyeing process, bio-mordants were used. It is observed that acid solubilized extract applied at 55 °C for 55 min having 7 g/100 mL of NaCl salt as the exhausting agent has given extraordinary higher color strength (K/S) onto Microwave treatment (MW) treated silk fabric. Colorfastness tests using ISO-recommended requirements found that bio-mordants outperformed chemical mordants in terms of color depth and fastness. According to this study, it was proven that MW improved the dyeing performance of Alkannin in an acid-solubilized medium, where as in addition to the application of bio-mordants in comparison with sustainable chemical mordants have improved color characteristics of silk fabric dyed with Alkanna tinctoria extract.

In Vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Isatis tinctoria Extracts against Ewes' Gastrointestinal Nematodes (GINs), a Possible Application for Animal Welfare.

Sheep gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infestation represents a limiting factor for sheep farming and milk production in Italy. The development of anthelmintic resistance to conventionally used drugs suggests the path towards the use of natural remedies as a possible alternative. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of the hydroalcoholic extracts of basal leaves (It-BL), cauline leaves (It-CL) and flowers (It-F) of Isatis tinctoria (Brassicaceae), a spontaneous Sicilian species renowned as an important source of bioactive compounds. The dry extracts of the different parts of the plant were tested using the egg hatch test (EHT) in vitro to verify the efficacy against ovine GIN at different concentrations (1.00, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 mg/mL). Thiabendazole and deionized water were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The results obtained from EHT indicated that all the I. tinctoria extracts were highly effective (p < 0.0001) in inhibiting egg hatching within 48 h of exposure. The in vitro inhibitory effect was never less than 84% in all doses tested, and it was only slightly lower than the standard drug thiabendazole (95.6%). The current study documents the anthelmintic activity of I. tinctoria against sheep’s GIN, suggesting its application as alternative natural method to limit the use of antiparasitic drugs.

Applicability of alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria) extract for the histological staining of liver tissue

Staining of tissue is a significant process in histotechnology and staining techniques are used in the examination and diagnosis of diseases. The increase of international awareness for the environment, ecology, and health directed people to reduce toxic effluents and stop usage of dangerous chemical dyes. The present trend throughout the world is shifting towards to use of natural products over their synthetic alternatives. Therefore, in this study, the dyeing ability of alkanet plant on the cells of unstained sections taken from Wistar rat liver was investigated. The extract of Alkanna tinctoria contain naphthaquinone group of dyestuff. Chemical characterization of A. tinctoria extract was performed with HPLC-TOF/MS and UV spectra analysis, respectively. Different metal salts were used in the staining processes in order to obtain different colors. In the staining of without adding mordant (metal salt) to the extract, pale brown staining was obtained in the cytoplasm. Light pink color was obtained with the addition of CuSO4 mordant. Dark pink-red color was achieved by adding alum, and also NiSO4 was added for light purple staining. The staining of cytoplasm of different cells in liver tissue was achieved successfully with the extract of A. tinctoria and different colors were obtained using various mordants.

Kinetics and in vitro release studies of drug loaded silver nanoparticles from Indigofera tinctoria extract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP’s) have been successfully fabricated via bio-reduction of Indigofera tinctoria plant extract as the reducing and capping agent. The effects of pH and temperature on the formation of the AgNP’s have been studied. The synthesized AgNP’s have been characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Zeta potential analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Antimicrobial activities of the synthesized AgNP’s have been tested against both bacterial and fungal strains by agar well diffusion method. The biomass-capped AgNP’s imparted antimicrobial activity by inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum. The antioxidant activities of the synthesized AgNP’s exhibit low IC50 value of ~55.72 μg/mL. Studies on drug loading and kinetics of drug release reveal that I. tinctoria AgNP’s follow the zero-order kinetics at pH 4.6 and pH 7.4. The gradient value of 0.568 (pH 4.6) and 0.6 (pH 7.4) falls between 0.42 &lt; n &lt; 0.85 when fitted into Peppa’s plot indicating that the drug release follow an anomalous transport or non-Fickian diffusion transport, indicating that the diffusion is time dependent.

Evaluation of Anti Ulcerogenic Potential of Plant Extract of Morinda tinctoria

M. tinctoria plant has many therapeutic uses in traditional Indian medicine. M. tinctoria has Antibacterial, Antifungal, Hepatoprotective, Antioxidant, Wound Healing, Dye Yielding and Larvicidal properties. The study is employ to the anti- ulcerogenic potential of M. tinctoria extract. The plant extraction was done with 50% ethanol and 50% water (hydro-alcoholic). OECD guidelines were used for acute- toxicity (14 days) and Sub-acute toxicity (28 days). The study was carried by ligation (pylorus) and drug-induced ulcer models in Wistar rats. The anti-ulcer activity of M. tinctoria was compared with the standard drugs to perceive the anti-ulcerogenic potential. The Pharmacognostic analysis was performed according to the Indian pharmacopoeia. A preliminary Phytochemical test of the aerial part of M.tinctoria was performed which showed the presence of carbohydrates, amino acid, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids in the hydro-alcoholic extract. Acute-oral toxicity (14 days) and Sub-acute oral toxicity (28 days) were performed and doesn’t show any effect on body weight as well as organ weight and was non-toxic. M. tinctoria extract (MTE) effectively prevents the gastric mucosa from the threat of ulcers caused by pylorus ligation and aspirin-induced ulcers. MTE demonstrated a substantial reduction in the ulcer index developed by all 2 experimental models comparable to the standard drug Omeprazole. Current evidence shows that aerial parts of MTE have substantial antiulcer action.

Rapid prediction method of α-Glycosidase inhibitory activity of Coreopsis tinctoria extract from different habitats by near infrared spectroscopy

α-Glucosidase is one of the main enzymes causing elevated blood glucose, and Coreopsis tinctoria extract can be used as a natural inhibitor of α-Glucosidase. Therefore, a new method was proposed for predicting the inhibitory activity on α-Glucosidase of Coreopsis tinctoria extract based on near infrared spectroscopy. The absorbance of the inhibitory system was measured by ultraviolet spectroscopy, which was used to study the inhibitory activity on a-glucosidase of Coreopsis tinctoria extract. The near infrared spectra of the solid samples were collected. By selecting spectral preprocessing and optimizing spectral bands, a rapid prediction model of the inhibitory activity was established by partial least squares regression. The root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV), correlation coefficient (R) value and the ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) value were used as indicators of the evaluation model. The near infrared spectrum model was established by combining the best spectral preprocessing of the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and the best spectral band. The root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) of this model was 0.815%, the correlation coefficient (R) value was 0.942, and the ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) was 3.0. The root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of the model by prediction set was 0.819%, the correlation coefficient (R) value was 0.950, and the RPD was 3.2. The model shows that the fitting relationship between the predicted inhibition value and the reference inhibition value of the near infrared spectral model is good. The results showed that there was a good correlation between near infrared spectroscopy and the inhibitory activity of Coreopsis tinctoria extract. Thus, the established model was robust and effective and could be used for rapid quantification of α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity. The prediction method is simple and rapid, and can be extended to study the inhibition of other medicinal plants.

Maclura tinctoria Extracts: In Vitro Antibacterial Activity against Aeromonas hydrophila and Sedative Effect in Rhamdia quelen

Maclura tinctoria is a tree species native from Brazil and rich in phenolic compounds. Since plant antibacterial activity is highly associated with phenolic compound concentration, we aim to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of different extracts against fish pathogenic bacteria. In addition, some phenolic compounds have central depressant effects and can be useful in aquaculture due to possible sedative and/or anesthetic effects. Four M. tinctoria extracts were extracted separately with ethanol; leaves (LE), bark (BE), heartwood (HE), and the sapwood (SE). In vitro antimicrobial activity was tested against Aeromonas strains at concentrations of 6400 to 3.125 μg/mL. The sedative effect was evaluated for 24 h with 30 and 100 mg/L concentrations. Chemical composition was analyzed by HPLC-DAD-MS. The HE extract had the best MIC (400 µg/mL) and MBC (800 µg/mL) compared to the LE, BE, and SE extracts. LE extract induced deep sedation and the BE, SE, and HE extracts induced light sedation. Additionally, BE, SE, and HE induced a normal behavior without side effects. Polyphenolic compounds with antimicrobial activity and sedative effects were identified mainly in HE. Thus, HE extract is safe and can be used as a sedative for silver catfish.

Restorative effects of Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng and Persicaria tinctoria extract on oxazolone-induced ulcerative colitis in mice

BackgroundUlcerative colitis (UC) is the large intestine disease that results in chronic inflammation and ulcers in the colon. Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng extract (Rg3-RGE) is known for its pharmacological activities. Persicaria tinctoria (PT) is also used in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the attenuating effects of Rg3-RGE with PT on oxazolone (OXA)-induced UC in mice. MethodsA total of six groups of mice including control group, OXA (as model group, 1.5%) group, sulfasalazine (75 mg/kg) group, Rg3-RGE (20 mg/kg) group, PT (300 mg/kg) group, and Rg3-RGE (10 mg/kg) with PT (150 mg/kg) group. Data on the colon length, body weight, disease activity index (DAI), histological changes, nitric oxide (NO) assay, Real-time PCR of inflammatory factors, ELISA of inflammatory factors, Western blot, and flow cytometry analysis were obtained. ResultsOverall, the combination treatment of Rg3-RGE and PT significantly improved the colon length and body weight and decreased the DAI in mice compared with the treatment with OXA. Additionally, the histological injury was also reduced by the combination treatment. Moreover, the NO production level and inflammatory mediators and cytokines were significantly downregulated in the Rg3-RGE with the PT group compared with the model group. Also, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were suppressed in the combination treatment group compared with the OXA group. Furthermore, the number of immune cell subtypes of CD4+ T-helper cells, CD19+ B-cells, and CD4+ and CD25+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) was improved in the Rg3-RGE with the PT group compared with the OXA group. ConclusionOverall, the mixture of Rg3-RGE and PT is an effective therapeutic treatment for UC.

Chilean Rhubarb, Gunnera tinctoria (Molina) Mirb. (Gunneraceae): UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-MS Profiling of Aqueous Extract and its Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity.

The full UHPLC-MS metabolome fingerprinting and anti-Helicobacter pylori effect of Gunnera tinctoria (Molina) Mirb. (Nalca) total extract (GTE) and fractions prepared from its edible fresh petioles were evaluated. The activity of G. tinctoria against H. pylori strains ATCC 45504 and J99 was assessed in vitro by means of agar diffusion assay, Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC), and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), while killing curve and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) were conducted in order to determine the effect of the plant extract on bacterial growth and ultrastructure. Additionally, the inhibitory effect upon urease was evaluated using both the Jack Bean and H. pylori enzymes. To determine which molecules could be responsible for the antibacterial effects, tentative identification was done by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap®-HR-MS). Furthermore, the total G. tinctoria extract was fractionated using centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC), giving four active fractions (1–4). It was determined that the crude extract and centrifugal partition chromatography fractions of G. tinctoria have a bactericidal effect being the lowest MIC and MBC = 32 μg/ml. In the killing curves, fraction one acts faster than control amoxicillin. In the urease assay, F3 exhibited the lowest IC50 value of 13.5 μg/ml. Transmission electronic microscopy showed that crude G. tinctoria extract promotes disruption and separation of the cellular wall and outer membrane detachment on H. pylori causing bacterial cell death.

Improvement of endothelial function by Gunnera tinctoria extract with antioxidant properties

BackgroundGunnera tinctoria has been collected by Mapuche-Pewenche people for food and medicinal purposes. The high polyphenol content of methanolic extract from G. tinctoria leaves with chemical constituents such as ellagic acid and quercetin derivatives suggests its application to prevent endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to provide evidence of the protective effect of this extract on endothelial function by reducing oxidative stress induced by high d-glucose and H2O2, as well as by stimulating nitric oxide (NO) levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).ResultsA methanolic extract with a high content of polyphenols (520 ± 30 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry extract) was obtained from G. tinctoria leaves. Its main constituent was ellagic acid. The results of Ferric reducing antioxidant power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assays of the extract confirmed its antioxidant activity by inhibition pathway of radical species. The incubation of HUVECs with the extract decreased the apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis induced by high extracellular concentration of d-glucose or hydrogen peroxide. The extract increased endothelial NO levels and reduced vasoconstriction in human placental vessels.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence about the antioxidant and endothelial protective properties of methanolic G. tinctoria leaf extract. The extract improves the availability of NO in HUVECs, inhibiting the production of ROS and vasoconstriction.