A taxonomical study of the subtribe leontodontinae based on the distribution of phenolic compounds

Abstract Evaluation of the phenolic constituents of five species belonging to the subtribe Leontodontinae (family Asteraceae) allowed the identification of ten flavonoid and eight phenolic acids by means of HPLC and other standard methods. The role of these compounds in relation to the morphological characteristics in the systematics of the subtribe is discussed.

On the anti-inflammatory and anti-phospholipase A2 activity of extracts from lanostane-rich species

Abstract We have studied extracts from three species rich in lanostane triterpenes for their activity against different in vivo models of inflammation induced by TPA, EPP and PLA2. The inhibitory effect against PLA2 in vitro was also studied. When the Poria cocos extract was tested against PLA2-induced mouse paw edema, it was active by the oral and parenteral routes. Its effect was greater in both magnitude and duration than that of Pistacia terebinthus and Ganoderma lucidum extracts. P. terebinthus was effective against chronic and acute inflammation, and according to a preliminary chromatographic analysis, its seems to be a good source of lanostane anti-inflammatory agents. G. lucidum was…

Anti-Inflammatory Triterpenes from Pistacia terebinthus Galls

From the galls of Pistacia terebinthus we obtained an extract that proved to be effective against chronic and acute inflammation. Now we report on the isolation and identification of three triterpenes: two tirucallane-type lanostanoids and one oleanane, which we have identified as masticadienonic acid (1), masticadienolic acid (2), and morolic acid (3), respectively. All of them showed effectiveness on the mouse ear inflammation induced by repeated applications of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate and on the phospholipase A2-induced foot paw edema. The pharmacological activity of the compounds was ratified by a histological study of the ear samples. In addition, they inhibited leukotrien…

Phenolic Substances from Phagnalon rupestre Protect against 2,4,6-Trinitrochlorobenzene-Induced Contact Hypersensitivity

2-isoprenylhydroquinone-1-glucoside (1), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (2), and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester (3), isolated from Phagnalon rupestre, improved the contact hypersensitivity response to 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene in mice. These phenolics reduced ear swelling and IL-1β content by 50% 24 h after challenge; in addition, 2 inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α by 53%. All three compounds also reduced interleukin-2 content by 50% 72 h after challenge. Both 2 and 3 inhibited metalloproteinase-9 levels in the skin lesions by 66% and 41%, respectively, and lowered cyclooxygenase-2 expression by 44% and 49%, respectively, at 24 h. Moreover, 2 was effective against atopic dermatitis in…

Phenolic glycosides from Phagnalon rupestre.

Analysis of the butanol-soluble fraction from the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Phagnalon rupestre (Asteraceae) has led to the isolation of seven phenolic compounds. Three have been identified on the basis of their NMR spectra as new natural compounds: the lignan 7,7'-bis-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-8,8'-dihydroxymethyl-tetrahydrofuran-4-O-beta-glucopyranoside (1), the prenylhydroquinone glycoside 1-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-1,4-dihydroxy-2-(3'-hydroxy-3'-methylbutyl) benzene (2) and the acetophenone glycoside 12-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-9beta,12-dihydroxytremetone (3). The known flavonoids apigenin-7-O-beta-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-beta-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-beta-glucuronide and …

A Pharmacological Update of Ellagic Acid.

Este artículo se encuentra disponible en la página web de la revista en la siguiente URL: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/pdf/10.1055/a-0633-9492.pdf This is a pre-print of an article published in Ríos, JL., Giner, RM., Marín, M. and Recio, MC. (2018). A pharmacological update of ellagic acid. Planta Medica, vol. 84, n. 15, pp. 1068-1093. The final authenticated version is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0633-9492 Este es el pre-print del siguiente artículo Ríos, JL., Giner, RM., Marín, M. and Recio, MC. (2018). A pharmacological update of ellagic acid. Planta Medica, vol. 84, n. 15, pp. 1068-1093 que se ha publicado de forma definitiva en https://doi.org/10…

A new dual inhibitor of arachidonate metabolism isolated from Helichrysum italicum.

Six acetophenones (1-6) and one gamma-pyrone (7), previously isolated from Helichrysum italicum, were tested for their ability to inhibit enzymatic and non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation, the stable 1,1-diphenyl-2-pycryl-hydrazyl free radical, superoxide scavenging and arachidonic acid metabolism. In addition, they were studied in different experimental models such as the chronic inflammation induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), the phospholipase A(2)-induced mouse paw oedema test, the carrageenan-induced mouse paw oedema test, and the writhing induced by acetic acid in the mouse. Of the assayed compounds, only 1 inhibited enzymatic lipid peroxidation but had no effect on no…

On the activity of trifluoperazine and palmitoylcarnitine in mice: Delayed hypersensitivity models

Abstract The effect of pre- and post-challenge treatments with trifluoperazine and palmitoylcarnitine, two protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors characterised by their interaction with the phospholipid enzyme cofactor, on the inflammation caused by delayed hypersensitivity (DTH) to dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and sheep red blood cells (SRBC) in mice is reported. The activity of dexamethasone and two immunosupressors, azathioprine and methotrexate, is also evaluated. The effectiveness of pre-treatment with each of the test drugs diminished when the DNFB challenge dose increased, whereas trifluoperazine and azathioprine were more active when administered after the challenge at the high DNFB dose.…

A chematoxonomic review of the subtribe crepidinase based on its phenol constituents

Abstract The chemotaxonomical significance of flavonoids, phenolic acids and coumarins from 20 species, belonging to eight genera of the subtribe Crepidinae (family Compositae), is discussed. The content in phenolic compounds of three species of Lactuca (L. tenerrima, L. virosa and L. muralis ) is reported for the first time.

Protein Tyrosine Nitration Induced by Heme/Hydrogen Peroxide: Inhibitory Effect of Hydroxycinnamoyl Conjugates

The present study was designed to optimize the experimental conditions that govern the heme-catalyzed nitration of protein tyrosine residues by nitrite, and, within this framework, to study the effects of 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and its methyl ester, both of which have been previously reported to be antioxidants and inhibitors of leukocyte functions. Although the presence of hydrogen peroxide is essential in cell-free systems, an excess of this compound was found to be detrimental, so much so that an increase in hemin concentration actually resulted in an inverse effect on the reaction, depending on the levels of fixed hydrogen peroxide. Unlike previous reports on nitrite-induced albumin …

Chemopreventive effect of oleuropein in colitis-associated colorectal cancer in c57bl/6 mice

Scope The main phenolic secoiridoid oleuropein and active constituent from olive tree (Olea europaea, Oleaceae), has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in intestinal inflammation and anti-tumoral effects in different cancer cells. In this study, we evaluated the chemoprevention of oleuropein in a model of azoxymethane (AOM)/Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colorectal cancer (CRC) in C57BL/6 mice and the modulatory effect on the Th17 response in DSS acute colitis. Methods and results Oleuropein protected from AOM/DSS-induced CRC by improving clinical symptoms, disease activity index score as well as suppressed the growth and multiplicity of colonic tumors. Treatment with oleuropei…

In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of saponins from Bupleurum rotundifolium

Seven oleanane-type triterpene saponins were isolated from the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Bupleurum rotundifolium. They were identified on the basis of their spectral data as 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1--2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1--2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1--2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] echinocystic acid (saponin 1), 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1--2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1--2)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl] 11-methoxy-primulagenin A (saponin 2), rotundioside E (saponin 3), rotundioside F (saponin 4), 3beta-sulfate, 28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1--6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1--2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1--2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester of primulagen…

New insight into the inhibition of the inflammatory response to experimental delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions in mice by scropolioside A.

Scropolioside A, an iridoid isolated from Scrophularia auriculata ssp. pseudoauriculata, showed anti-inflammatory properties against different experimental models of delayed-type hypersensitivity. This iridoid reduced the oedema induced by oxazolone by 79% (72 h) at 0.5 mg/ear while reducing that induced by sheep red blood cells by 47% (18 h), 45% (24 h) and 36% (48 h) at 10 mg/kg. In vivo it reduced both oedema formation and cell infiltration whereas in vitro it reduced the proliferation of activated T-lymphocytes (IC50 of 67.74 microM). Treatment with scropolioside A (100 microM) 18 and 24 h after phytohemagglutinin stimulation increased the number of cells arrested in the subG(0) phase w…

Dihydrocucurbitacin B Inhibits Delayed Type Hypersensitivity Reactions by Suppressing Lymphocyte Proliferation

We have studied the effects of dihydrocucurbitacin B, a triterpene isolated from Cayaponia tayuya roots, on different models of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) in mice, as well as on T-lymphocyte proliferation and the mediators involved. In experiments with mice, dihydrocucurbitacin B inhibited the inflammatory reactions induced by oxazolone, dinitrofluorobenzene, and sheep red blood cells, reducing both the edema and cell infiltration. Moreover, the analysis of inflamed tissues showed that dihydrocucurbitacin B reduced the presence of the most relevant cytokines implicated in these processes, including interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-4, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Dihydrocucurbita…

Effects of naturally occurring dihydroflavonols from Inula viscosa on inflammation and enzymes involved in the arachidonic acid metabolism

Abstract The anti-inflammatory properties of three flavanones isolated from Inula viscosa , sakuranetin, 7- O -methylaromadendrin, and 3-acetyl-7- O -methylaromadendrin, have been tested both in vitro and in vivo. Acute inflammation in vivo was induced by means of topical application of 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) to mouse ears or by subcutaneous injection of phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ) into mouse paws. The test compounds were evaluated in vitro for their effect on both the metabolism of arachidonic acid and on the release and/or activity of enzymes involved in the inflammatory response such as elastase, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and protein kinase C (PKC). The most active comp…

Assessment of the anti-inflammatory activity and free radical scavenger activity of tiliroside

Three flavonoids, gnaphaliin, pinocembrin and tiliroside, isolated from Helichrysum italicum, were studied in vitro for their antioxidant and/or scavenger properties and in vivo in different models of inflammation. In vitro tests included lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes, superoxide radical generation in the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system and the reduction of the stable radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-pycryl-hydrazyl (DPPH). Acute inflammation was induced by application of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) to the mouse ear or by subcutaneous injection of phospholipase A(2) or serotonin in the mouse paw. Eczema provoked on the mouse ear by repeated administration of TPA was selec…

Phenylpropanoid and phenylisoprenoid metabolites from Asteraceae species as inhibitors of protein carbonylation.

Abstract Three phenolic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds: 7-methylaromadendrin, isoprenylhydroquinone glucoside, and 3.5-dicaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester, all isolated from Western Mediterranean Asteraceae species, have been studied for their inhibitory activity against protein carbonylation, a harmful post-translational modification of peptide chains associated with degenerative diseases. All compounds have proven to be effective, with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) values in the micromolar range, against bovine serum albumin carbonylation caused by hypochlorite, peroxynitrite, and phorbol ester-induced leukocyte oxidative burst.

Cucurbitacin R Reduces the Inflammation and Bone Damage Associated with Adjuvant Arthritis in Lewis Rats by Suppression of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in T Lymphocytes and Macrophages

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cucurbitacin R on an experimental model of adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. The treatment of arthritic rats with cucurbitacin R (1 mg/kg p.o. daily) modified the evolution of the clinical symptoms, whereas the histopathology of paws demonstrated a reduction in the signs of arthritis. Compared with the control group, radiography of the tibiotarsal joints of cucurbitacin R-treated rats showed a decrease in joint damage and soft tissue swelling of the footpad. The in vivo study of the expression of proinflammatory enzymes (nitric-oxide synthase-2 and cyclooxygenase-2) with the aid of the Western blot technique, and that of tumor necros…

Phenolics of Reichardia and their taxonomic implications

Abstract Fifteen compounds have been detected in Reichardia tingitana and R. picroides (nine flavonoids, four cinnamic derivatives and two unidentified non-phenolic compounds). The present study examines the taxonomic implications of these compounds in relation to the morphological and karyological characteristics.

Anti-inflammatory activity of erycristagallin, a pterocarpene from Erythrina mildbraedii.

Erycristagallin, a pterocarpene isolated from Erythrina mildbraedii, was tested in vitro for its antioxidant properties on the stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and on the arachidonic acid metabolism. In addition, erycristagallin was tested on different experimental models of inflammation, such as the acute and chronic inflammation induced by the application of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) on mice and the phospholipase A(2)-induced mouse paw oedema test. In the carrageenan-induced mouse paw oedema test, the ethyl acetate extract obtained from E. mildbraedii showed anti-inflammatory activity, and erycristagallin was isolated as the active principle. In v…

Oleanonic acid, a 3-oxotriterpene from Pistacia, inhibits leukotriene synthesis and has anti-inflammatory activity.

One of the best known bioactive triterpenoids is oleanolic acid, a widespread 3-hydroxy-17-carboxy oleanane-type compound. In order to determine whether further oxidation of carbon 3 affects anti-inflammatory activity in mice, different tests were carried out on oleanolic acid and its 3-oxo-analogue oleanonic acid, which was obtained from Pistacia terebinthus galls. The last one showed activity on the ear oedema induced by 12-deoxyphorbol-13-phenylacetate (DPP), the dermatitis induced by multiple applications of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-acetate (TPA) and the paw oedemas induced by bradykinin and phospholipase A2. The production of leukotriene B4 from rat peritoneal leukocytes was reduced by ol…

Interaction of dicaffeoylquinic derivatives with peroxynitrite and other reactive nitrogen species.

Plant phenolic antioxidants, among them catechins and hydroxycinnamoyl conjugates, constitute a well defined class of inhibitors of reactive nitrogen species (RNS). To gain deeper insight in this field, we examined the effects of 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (DCA), its methyl ester (DCE) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in nitrative and oxidative processes. These compounds were found to be strong inhibitors of the nitration of tyrosine residues induced by ONOO- in bovine seroalbumin, with their IC50 values (10-40 microM) notably decreasing in the presence of bicarbonate. When studied on the intracellular protein tyrosine nitration induced by ONOO- in cultured murine fibroblasts as well a…

Isolation of two triterpenoids and a biflavanone with anti-Inflammatory activity from Schinus molle fruits.

Three compounds with anti-inflammatory activity were isolated from Schinus molle fruits. Two of the compounds were identified as 3- epi-isomasticadienolalic acid ( 1), isomasticadienonalic acid ( 2) and chamaejasmin ( 3). Triterpenes 1 and 2, and biflavanone 3 were tested on two models of mice paw inflammation: one of acute inflammation, induced by subcutaneous injection of either phospholipase A (2) (PLA (2)) or carrageenan in the paws of mice, and one of chronic inflammation in the form of eczema, provoked by repeated administration of TPA to the ears of mice. On the PLA (2)-induced mouse paw oedema, only 2 was active (30 mg/kg, 66 % inhibition at 60 min), whereas all compounds reduced th…

Natural Products as Modulators of Apoptosis and their Role in Inflammation

ABSTRACT: Modifications in apoptosis, a programmed form of cell death that participates in a wide variety of physiological processes, can contribute to many diseases, principally those associated with cell accumulation, such as inflammation. One hallmark of inflammation is the infiltration of leukocytes, which are programmed to undergo apoptosis at inflamed tissues. Resolution of inflammation thus involves the elimination of excess inflammatory cells by physiological cell death and the subsequent removal of apoptotic cells by phagocytes. Controlling this process may therefore be useful in the treatment of pathologies, which include an inflammatory component. Interestingly, while in some cas…

Anti-phospholipase A2 and anti-inflammatory activity of Santolina chamaecyparissus

The activity of the Santolina chamaecyparissus methanol extract was tested against the phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-induced mouse paw edema and in vitro inhibition of PLA2 activity. After fractionation, only the dichloromethane extract was active against the PLA2 in vitro test. In addition, it reduced the edema induced by arachidonic acid, and by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in a multidose test. After chromatography on silicagel and gel filtration on Sephadex, and using an in vitro anti-PLA2 assay-guided process, we have isolated and identified from the dichloromethane extract the flavone nepetin and four sesquiterpenes.

Biological Aspects of Aporphinoid Alkaloids

Oleuropein ameliorates acute colitis in mice.

Oleuropein, the major secoiridoid in olive tree leaves, possesses a wide range of health promoting properties. It has recently been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. We have evaluated the effect of oleuropein on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis in mice in order to provide insight into its mechanisms of action. Oral administration of oleuropein notably attenuated the extent and severity of acute colitis while reducing neutrophil infiltration; production of NO, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α; expression of iNOS, COX-2, and MMP-9; and the translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit to the nucleus in colon tissue. In LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages, the oleuropein m…

Activated kRas protects colon cancer cells from cucurbitacin-induced apoptosis: The role of p53 and p21

Cucurbitacins have been shown to inhibit proliferation in a variety of cancer cell lines. The aim of this study was to determine their biological activity in colon cancer cell lines that do not harbor activated STAT3, the key target of cucurbitacin. In order to establish the role of activated kRas in the responsiveness of cells to cucurbitacins, we performed experiments in isogenic colon cancer cell lines, HCT116 and Hke-3, which differ only by the presence of an activated kRas allele. We compared the activity of 23, 24-dihydrocucurbitacin B (DHCB) and cucurbitacin R (CCR), two cucurbitacins that we recently isolated, with cucurbitacin I (CCI), a cucurbitacin with established antitumorigeni…

Anti-inflammatory activity of two cucurbitacins isolated from Cayaponia tayuya roots.

Fractionation of an anti-inflammatory extract from Cayaponia tayuya roots yielded two active compounds, identified as 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin B (1) and cucurbitacin R (2). Both were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity on several experimental models of pain and inflammation. In addition, their cytotoxicity and effects on leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4 ) formation were evaluated in rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Both compounds showed activity in the following models: carrageenan-induced mouse paw oedema (1, 4 mg/kg p.o., 46% inhibition at 3 h), phospholipase A 2 -induced mouse paw oedema (2, 3 mg/kg i.p., 61% inhibition at 60 min), serotonin-induced mouse paw oedema (1 and 2, 0.5 mg/k…

Inhibition of the pro-inflammatory mediators' production and anti-inflammatory effect of the iridoid scrovalentinoside.

We have studied scrovalentinoside, an iridoid with anti-inflammatory properties isolated from Scrophularia auriculata ssp. pseudoauriculata, as an anti-inflammatory agent in different experimental models of delayed-type hypersensitivity. We found that scrovalentinoside reduced the edema induced by oxazolone at 0.5 mg/ear and sheep red blood cells at 10 mg/kg. The observed effect occurred during the last phase or inflammatory response; during the earlier phase or induction of the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, no significant activity was noted. Thus, scrovalentinoside reduced both the edema and cell infiltration in vivo and reduced lymphocyte proliferation in vitro, affecting the cy…

Anti-inflammatory activity of 5-O-demethylnobiletin, a polymethoxyflavone isolated from Sideritis tragoriganum.

We have studied the effect of 5- O-demethylnobiletin ( 1) on both the inflammation of mouse ears induced by repeated application of 12- O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) and the acute mouse paw oedemas induced by carrageenan and phospholipase A (2) (PLA (2)), and determined its activity on 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and elastase release/activity. Compound 1 reduced the oedema formation, cell infiltration, and tissue damage in the inflammation induced by TPA in mouse ears, along with the acute oedema induced by carrageenan in mouse paws and the acute PLA (2)-induced oedema in mouse paws. The flavone inhibited leukotriene B (4) formation in rat neutrophils and elastase release in human neut…

ChemInform Abstract: Phenolic Glycosides from Phagnalon rupestre

Analysis of the butanol-soluble fraction from the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Phagnalon rupestre (Asteraceae) has led to the isolation of seven phenolic compounds. Three have been identified on the basis of their NMR spectra as new natural compounds: the lignan 7,7'-bis-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-8,8'-dihydroxymethyl-tetrahydrofuran-4-O-beta-glucopyranoside (1), the prenylhydroquinone glycoside 1-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-1,4-dihydroxy-2-(3'-hydroxy-3'-methylbutyl) benzene (2) and the acetophenone glycoside 12-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-9beta,12-dihydroxytremetone (3). The known flavonoids apigenin-7-O-beta-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-beta-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-beta-glucuronide and …

New insights into the bioactivity of cucurbitacins

The cucurbitacins are a group of tetracyclic triterpenoids derived from the cucurbitane skeleton and found primarily in the Cucurbitaceae family. These triterpenoids, present in free or glycosidic form, are generally responsible for the bitter taste of the plants that contain them and are probably the principal cause of the antifeedant effects observed for such plants. Several plants used in traditional medicine to treat both inflammatory diseases as well as various types of tumors are rich in cucurbitacins, a fact which has given rise to several studies concerning their potential use as anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents. Nevertheless, since many cucurbitacins are extremely toxic, rel…

Griffonianone D, an isoflavone with anti-inflammatory activity from the root bark of Millettia griffoniana.

A new isoflavone, griffonianone D (1), and the previously known compounds durmillone and odorantin were isolated from a chloroform extract of the root bark of Millettia griffoniana. The structure of 1 was established as (7E)-(6",7"-dihydroxy-3",7"-dimethyloct-2"-enyl)oxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone on the basis of its spectral data. The chloroform extract of the root bark of M. griffoniana and compound 1 showed anti-inflammatory effects in different experimental models of inflammation.