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Biological Activities of Plant Extracts II

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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2023) | Viewed by 28749

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Prof. Dr. Rodica-Mihaela Dinicǎ

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Department of Chemistry, Physics and Environment, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800201 Galati, Romania
Interests: organic compounds; plant extracts; bioactive compounds; polyphenols; essential oils; antioxidants; antimicrobials; cytotoxicity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Bianca Furdui

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Guest Editor

Department of Chemistry, Physics and Environment, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800201 Galati, Romania
Interests: natural compounds; antimicrobials; heterocycles chemistry; organic synthesis; chromatography; spectroscopy; toxicology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

From time immemorial, plant extracts and essential oils from plants have been used for therapeutic purposes. A number of phytochemicals—secondary metabolites such as polyphenols, carotenoids, polysaccharides, or volatile oils—are responsible for their medicinal properties. These bioactive phytochemicals from plants can limit or regulate the imbalance generated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lead to inflammatory, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, immune, and metabolic dysfunctions, or even to the appearance of tumors.

In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of certain plant extracts are exploited to fight pathogens, bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which is of particular importance as it is known that an important problem in human health today is represented by resistance to conventional drugs.

Herbal extracts are an important source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, and are always an interesting area of research; currently, many studies are being conducted in order to identify their mechanism of action.

You are welcome to participate in this Special Issue with original research papers and reviews on the biologic activity of plant extracts, covering the following topics: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiaging, antitumor, antiviral, antiallergic, or antimicrobial properties of plant extracts, as well as the mechanisms involved in these therapeutic actions.

Prof. Dr. Rodica-Mihaela Dinicǎ
Dr. Bianca Furdui
Guest Editors

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Keywords

plants bioactive compounds
oxidative stress
antioxidants
antimicrobials
antidiabetics
anti-inflammatory
antitumoral
antiviral

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 9283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Medicago orbicularis Antioxidant, Antihemolytic, and Anti-Cancerous Activities and Its Augmentation of Cisplatin-Induced Cytotoxicity in A549 Lung Cancer Cells

by Abdullah A. Shaito, Islam Omairi, Najlaa Al-Thani, Fatiha Seglab, Esraa Ad-Darwish, Firas Kobeissy and Salam Nasreddine

Plants 2024, 13(3), 442; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13030442 - 2 Feb 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1688

Abstract

The anti-lung cancer properties of the plant Medicago orbicularis have not been explored yet. Therefore, we identified its phytochemical composition and investigated the antioxidant, anti-hemolytic, and anti-cancerous properties of extracts of this plant in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. The results show that all parts of M. orbicularis (stems, leaves, and fruits) exhibit remarkable hemolytic activities and modest antioxidant capacity. In addition, all extracts showed a dose-dependent anti-cancerous cytotoxic activity against A549 cells, with fruit extracts being the most potent. This cytotoxic effect could be related, at least partly, to the induction of apoptosis, where M. orbicularis fruit extracts reduced the ratio of anti-apoptotic BCL-2/pro-apoptotic BAX, thereby promoting cellular death. Furthermore, the use of M. orbicularis, in combination with a conventional chemotherapeutic agent, cisplatin, was assessed. Indeed, the combination of cisplatin and M. orbicularis fruit extracts was more cytotoxic and induced more aggregation of A549 cells than either treatment alone. GC-MS analysis and total polyphenol and flavonoid content determination indicated that M. orbicularis is rich in compounds that have anti-cancerous effects. We propose M. orbicularis as a potential source of anti-cancerous agents to manage the progression of lung cancer and its resistance to therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts II)

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22 pages, 1621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Chemical Composition and In Vitro Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Anticholinesterase and Microbial Virulence-Quenching Effects of Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor L.) Harvested from Algeria

by Chahrazed Haouam, Sameh Boudiba, Alfred Ngenge Tamfu, Selcuk Kucukaydin, Karima Hanini, Haouaouchi Fatma Zohra, Soraya Hioun, Andreea Dediu Botezatu, Özgür Ceylan, Louiza Boudiba, Mehmet Emin Duru and Rodica Mihaela Dinica

Plants 2023, 12(24), 4134; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12244134 - 11 Dec 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1609

Abstract

Sanguisorba minor is a medicinal vegetable used in seasoning desserts, juices, and beverages. An evaluation of the total flavonoid, phenolic, tannin and anthocyanin contents indicated that these classes of compounds are distributed variably in the different fractions. In summary, the HPLC-DAD analyses enabled the identification and quantification of thirteen phenolic compounds in an ethyl acetate extract (EAE), nine in a dichloromethane extract (DCME), seven in an aqueous extract (AQE) and four in a butanol extract (BE). Rutin was the most abundant phenolic compound in the BE (278.4 ± 1.20 µg/g) and AQE (32.87 ± 0.23 µg/g) fractions, while apigenin was the most abundant in the DCME (84.75 ± 0.60 µg/g) and EAE (156.8 ± 0.95 µg/g) fractions. The presence of phenolic compounds in the fractions conferred good antioxidant capacity, especially the EAE and DCME fractions, which both exhibited higher antioxidant effects than BHA and α-tocopherol in DPPH^• and CUPRAC assays. Additionally, in the ABTS^•+ assay, EAE (IC₅₀ = 9.27 ± 0.33 µg/mL) was more active than α-tocopherol (IC₅₀ = 35.50 ± 0.55 µg/mL), and BHA (IC₅₀ = 12.70 ± 0.10 µg/mL). At 200 µg/mL, the fractions inhibited acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase as well as α-amylase and α-glucosidase, indicating that they can slow neurodegeneration and hyperglycemia. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 0.312 mg/mL to 1.25 mg/mL, and fractions showed good biofilm inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The extracts exhibited good violacein inhibition in Chromobacterium violaceum CV12472 and Chromobacterium violaceum CV026, despite the supply of external acyl-homoserine lactone to CV026. The antioxidant, quorum-sensing, antibiofilm and enzyme inhibition attributes indicate the potential for the application of S. minor as a food preservative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts II)

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11 pages, 3095 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of the Anti-Sickle Cell Activity of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Two Medicinal Plants from Niger: Flueggea virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) Royle and Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth

by Harouna Dieté Souleymane, Alfa Keita Djibo, Sabo Haoua Seyni, Ousseini Zakaria, Andreea Veronica Botezatu, Rodica Mihaela Dinica, Adamou Ibrahim Maman Laouali and N’goran David Vincent Kouakou

Plants 2023, 12(20), 3522; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12203522 - 10 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1621

Abstract

Sickle cell anaemia is a hereditary blood disorder that attacks the red blood cells and deforms them, giving them a sickle shape. Sickle cell anaemia is a serious health problem in the West African country of Niger. Moreover, the cost associated with medical care is very high. The main objective of this study is to contribute to the valorisation of Flueggea virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) Royle (aerial part), Kigelia africana (lam), and Benth (leaves) from Niger were used to treat sickle cell disease using aqueous and ethanolic extracts of phytochemical compounds. To achieve this objective, the evaluation of anti-sickle cell activity was carried out in vitro using the Emmel technique through the normalisation rate. The analyses showed that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts contained various classes of bioactive substances known for their valuable biological activities. The chemical composition rich in bioactive compounds led to very good results in biological assays. Thus, from a dose of 0.05 mg/mL, the ethanolic extracts of the two plants normalised up to 75% of the sickle cells. As the rate of normalisation was shown to be dose-dependent, at a dose of 10 mg/mL, the ethanolic extracts showed the best rates of sickle cell normalisation, with 95% for F. virosa and 93% for K. africana. Phytochemical screening was used to correlate the secondary metabolite and anti-sickle cell activities of the extracts from the two plants. These results may justify the use of these two species in traditional medicine for the treatment of sickle cell disease in Niger. The inclusion of these plants in phytomedicines could provide significant relief to people suffering from sickle cell disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts II)

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21 pages, 3192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Abelmoschus eculentus Seed Extract Exhibits In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Alzheimer’s Potential Supported by Metabolomic and Computational Investigation

by Hussain T. Bakhsh, Fatma A. Mokhtar, Abeer H. Elmaidomy, Hanan F. Aly, Eman A. Younis, Mubarak A. Alzubaidi, Faisal H. Altemani, Naseh A. Algehainy, Mohammed Ali A. Majrashi, Faisal Alsenani, Gerhard Bringmann, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen and Omnia Hesham Abdelhafez

Plants 2023, 12(12), 2382; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12122382 - 20 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1871

Abstract

Abelmoschus esculentus Linn. (okra, F. Malvaceae) is a fruit widely consumed all over the world. In our study, the anti-Alzheimer’s potential of A. esculentus was evaluated. An in vitro DPPH free radical assay on A. esculentus seed’s total extract and AChE inhibition potential screening indicated a significant anti-Alzheimer’s activity of the extract, which was confirmed through an in vivo study in an aluminum-intoxicated rat model. Additionally, in vivo results demonstrated significant improvement in Alzheimer’s rats, which was confirmed by improving T-maze, beam balance tests, lower serum levels of AChE, norepinephrine, glycated end products, IL-6, and MDA. The levels of dopamine, BDNF, GSH, and TAC returned to normal values during the study. Moreover, histological investigations of brain tissue revealed that the destruction in collagen fiber nearly returns back to the normal pattern. Metabolomic analysis of the ethanolic extract of A. esculentus seeds via LC–HR-ESI-MS dereplicated ten compounds. A network pharmacology study displayed the relation between identified compounds and 136 genes, among which 84 genes related to Alzheimer’s disorders, and focused on AChE, APP, BACE1, MAPT and TNF genes with interactions to all Alzheimer’s disorders. Consequently, the results revealed in our study grant potential dietary elements for the management of Alzheimer’s disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts II)

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18 pages, 1453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ethnopharmacological Value and Biological Activities via Antioxidant and Anti-Protein Denaturation Activity of Morinda lucida Benth and Momordica charantia L. Leaves Extracts from Benin

by Durand Dah-Nouvlessounon, Michaelle Chokki, Agossou Damien Pacôme Noumavo, Geta Cârâc, Bianca Furdui, Haziz Sina, Cheikna Zongo, Aly Savadogo, Lamine Baba-Moussa, Rodica-Mihaela Dinica and Farid Baba-Moussa

Plants 2023, 12(6), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12061228 - 8 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2137

Abstract

Momordica charantia Linn. (Cucurbitaceae), the wild variety of bitter melon, and Morinda lucida Benth (Rubiaceae) were commonly used as a popular folk medicine in Benin. This study aimed to appreciate the ethnopharmacological knowledge and evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of M. charantia and M. lucida leaves extracts. Semi-structured surveys supported by individual interviews were conducted with herbalists and traditional healers in southern Benin. The antioxidant activities were evaluated by a micro-dilution technique using ABTS and FRAP methods. These activities were supported by cyclic voltammetry analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the albumin denaturation method. The volatile compounds were analysed by GC-MS analysis. All the respondents involved in this study have good knowledge of the two plants. We identify 21 diseases grouped into five categories of condition. The two plants’ extracts possess variable antioxidant capacity. Indeed, all the active extracts of M. charantia presented an IC₅₀ < 0.078 mg/mL, while the extracts of M. lucida had an IC₅₀ up to 0.21 ± 0.02 mg/mL. For anti-inflammatory activity, a dose-response activity (p < 0.001) was observed in the protein denaturation inhibition rate of the extracts. It should be noted that the highest inhibition rate (98.34 ± 0.12) of the albumin denaturation was observed with M. lucida dichloromethane extract. A total of 59 volatile compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis in the extracts of the two plants. The M. charantia ethyl acetate extract shows the presence of 30 different compounds with a relative abundance of 98.83%, while that of M. lucida shows 24 compounds with a relative abundance of 98.30%. These plants are potential candidates to discover new compounds with therapeutic properties that could be used to solve public health problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts II)

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17 pages, 2940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antiallergic Effects of Callerya atropurpurea Extract In Vitro and in an In Vivo Atopic Dermatitis Model

by Wooram Choi, Hwa Pyoung Lee, Philaxay Manilack, Veosavanh Saysavanh, Byoung-Hee Lee, Sarah Lee, Eunji Kim and Jae Youl Cho

Plants 2023, 12(4), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12040860 - 14 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2773

Abstract

(1) Background: Callerya atropurpurea is found in Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Although the anti-inflammatory action of C. atropurpurea has been investigated, the functions of this plant in allergic responses are not understood. Here, we explored the antiallergic mechanism of C. atropurpurea ethanol extract (Ca-EE) using in vitro assays and an in vivo atopic model. (2) Methods: The constituents of Ca-EE were analyzed using GC/MS. Inhibition of lipoxygenase and β-hexosaminidase activity was examined, and the expression of inflammatory genes was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. The regulatory roles of Ca-EE in IgE/FcεRI signaling were examined by Western blotting. The DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis mouse model was performed with histological analysis. (3) Results: Ca-EE comprised cis-raphasatin, lupeol, some sugars, and fatty acids. In RBL-2H3 cells, treatment with Ca-EE significantly reduced the activities of lipoxygenase and β-hexosaminidase, as well as cytokine gene expression. IgE-mediated signaling was downregulated by blocking Lyn kinases. Moreover, Ca-EE effectively inhibited allergic symptoms in the DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis model without toxicity. (4) Conclusions: Ca-EE displayed antiallergic activities through regulating IgE/Lyn signaling in RBL-2H3 cells and a contact dermatitis model. These results indicate that Ca-EE could be effective for allergic disease treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts II)

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11 pages, 2132 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant, Whitening, Antiwrinkle, and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ajuga spectabilis Nakai Extract

by Min Sung Lee, Yu Jin Oh, Jae Woo Kim, Kyung Min Han, Da Som Kim, Ji Won Park, Hyeok Mo Kim, Dae Wook Kim and Yeong-Su Kim

Plants 2023, 12(1), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010079 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2527

Abstract

Since ancient times, plants have been a good source of natural antioxidants. Plants remove active oxygen through antioxidants and contain various active ingredients. These active ingredients of plants are used to alleviate skin aging and chronic diseases. Ajuga spectabilis Nakai (AS) is a perennial plant, is endemic to Korea, and has the characteristics of alpine plants. The aim of this study was to assure the possibility of using AS as a functional natural and cosmetic material. For this, we carried out biologically activated material characteristic evaluations about antioxidant, wrinkle reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects using AS extract. To carry out this experiment, we extracted AS extract from AS water extract (AS-W) and AS 70% ethanol extract (AS-E). AS-E showed the highest DPPH activity and tyrosinase inhibitory activity. After, the measurement of metalloprotease (MMP)-1 inhibition effect showed the AS-W and AS-E activation at the concentration of 100 µg/mL. In addition, at the same concentration, from the result of the measurement of the biosynthesis quantity of pro-collagen type-1 we knew that its excellent effect appeared in AS-E (CCD-986sk). The inhibition of NO production in AS-W and AS-E was confirmed in LPS-induced mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. On cell viability, it was judged that AS-E had no toxicity because it showed a high cell viability at a high concentration, and it was used for the anti-inflammatory activity. Inhibition of NO production worked only in AS-E; inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and IL-6 were suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner in AS-E. AS is believed to be used as a natural cosmetic material because it has been proven to have antioxidant, whitening, wrinkle-improving, and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the results indicate that AS extract can play an important role as a functional natural material and a cosmetic material for whitening, wrinkle reduction, and anti-inflammatory effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts II)

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17 pages, 2686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant and Anti-Skin Aging Potential of Selected Thai Plants: In Vitro Evaluation and In Silico Target Prediction

by Kamonwan Chaikhong, Sawarin Chumpolphant, Panthakarn Rangsinth, Chanin Sillapachaiyaporn, Siriporn Chuchawankul, Tewin Tencomnao and Anchalee Prasansuklab

Plants 2023, 12(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010065 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4435

Abstract

The skin is the largest organ that performs a variety of the body’s essential functions. Impairment of skin structure and functions during the aging process might severely impact our health and well-being. Extensive evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species play a fundamental role in skin aging through the activation of the related degradative enzymes. Here, the 16 Thai medicinal plant species were screened for their potential anti-skin aging properties. All extracts were investigated for total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant, anti-elastase, and anti-tyrosinase activities, as well as the binding ability of compounds with target enzymes by molecular docking. Among all the plants screened, the leaves of A. occidentale and G. zeylanicum exhibited strong antioxidants and inhibition against elastase and tyrosinase. Other potential plants include S. alata leaf and A. catechu fruit, with relatively high anti-elastase and anti-tyrosinase activities, respectively. These results are also consistent with docking studies of compounds derived from these plants. The inhibitory actions were found to be more highly positively correlated with phenolics than flavonoids. Taken together, our findings reveal some Thai plants, along with candidate compounds as natural sources of antioxidants and potent inhibitors of elastase and tyrosinase, could be developed as promising and effective agents for skin aging therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts II)

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14 pages, 4717 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. Extract Induces Apoptosis-like Programmed Cell Death in Acanthamoeba castellanii Trophozoites

by Hương-Giang Lê, Ji-Su Choi, Buyng-Su Hwang, Yong-Tae Jeong, Jung-Mi Kang, Tuấn-Cường Võ, Pyo-Yun Cho, Young-Kyung Lee, Won-Gi Yoo, Yeonchul Hong, Young-Taek Oh and Byoung-Kuk Na

Plants 2022, 11(24), 3459; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11243459 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1737

Abstract

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is an infectious ocular disease which is difficult to diagnose correctly and cure. Development of an effective and safe therapeutic drug for AK is needed. Our preliminary screening of more than 200 extracts from wild plants collected in Korea suggested the potential amoebicidal activity of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. extract (PAE) against Acanthamoeba species. Here, we aimed to analyze the amoebicidal activity of PAE on Acanthamoeba and its underlying amoebicidal mechanism. PAE induced amoebicidal activity against both A. castellanii and A. polyphaga trophozoites, while it showed low cytotoxicity in human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-2) and human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19). Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed subcellular morphological changes, such as increased granules, abnormal mitochondria, and atypical cyst wall formation, in the PAE-treated A. castellanii. Fluorometric apoptosis assay and TUNEL assay revealed apoptosis-like programmed cell death (PCD) in the PAE-treated A. castellanii. The PAE treatment increased reactive oxygen species production and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential in the amoeba. The enhanced expression of autophagy-associated genes was also detected. These results suggested that PAE exerted a promising amoebicidal effect on A. castellanii trophozoites via the PCD pathway. PAE could be a potential candidate for developing a therapeutic drug for AK. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts II)

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22 pages, 4439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibitory Effects of Grewia tomentosa Juss. on IgE-Mediated Allergic Reaction and DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis

by Hwa Pyoung Lee, Wooram Choi, Ki Woong Kwon, Long You, Laily Rahmawati, Van Dung Luong, Wonhee Kim, Byoung-Hee Lee, Sarah Lee, Ji Hye Kim and Jae Youl Cho

Plants 2022, 11(19), 2540; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192540 - 27 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2770

Abstract

Grewia tomentosa Juss. is a deciduous shrub that mainly grows in Asia. Despite studies of other Grewia species for treatment of various diseases, Grewia tomentosa Juss. has not been studied as a medicinal herb. This study evaluates the anti-allergic and anti-topic dermatitis activity of Grewia tomentosa Juss. ethanol extract (Gt-EE). The results show that Gt-EE suppressed IgE–antigen-induced β-hexosaminidase release. The mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-α, MCP-1, and TSLP, which are involved in allergic responses, was inhibited by Gt-EE in IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. In addition, the phosphorylation of Syk, PLCγ1, PKCδ, PI3K, AKT, NF-κB p65, NF-κB p50, p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 was decreased by Gt-EE in these cells. Gt-EE also showed anti-inflammatory effects in in vivo mouse models. In passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), a commonly used mouse model, Gt-EE decreased the allergic response, infiltration of mast cells, and mRNA level of IL-4. Furthermore, Gt-EE ameliorated symptoms of DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis (AD). In DNCB-induced AD, Gt-EE suppressed the increase in mast cells, serum IgE level, expression of allergic mediators (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, TNF-α), and phosphorylation of proteins (IκBα, NF-κB p65, NF-κB p50, p38, JNK, and ERK1/2) implicated in allergic reactions Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts II)

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16 pages, 1629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Apoptotic Activities of Hylocereus undatus Peel and Pulp Extracts in MCF-7 and Caco-2 Cancer Cell Lines

by Hanin S. Salam, Mohamed M. Tawfik, Mohamed R. Elnagar, Hamdoon A. Mohammed, Mohamed A. Zarka and Nabil S. Awad

Plants 2022, 11(17), 2192; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11172192 - 24 Aug 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4049

Abstract

There is a huge demand for novel anticancer agents with fewer side effects compared to current therapies. Pitaya, or dragon fruit, is a reservoir of potent anticancer compounds. This research aimed to analyze the phytochemical components of Hylocereus undatus pulp and peel extracts using LC-MS and GC-MS, and to investigate the in vitro effects of both extracts against cancer (breast, MCF-7, and colon, Caco-2) and normal (lung; WI-38 and breast; MCF-10A) cell proliferation using the MTT assay. The apoptosis potential of the anticancer effects was also evaluated using flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and Western blot. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the peel extract were significantly higher than those in the pulp extract. Compared to the flavonoid and phenolic acid standards, the LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of nine compounds, which were represented as 84.32 and 5.29 µg/g of the flavonoids and 686.11 and 148.72 µg/g of the phenolic acids in the peel and pulp extracts, respectively. Among the identified compounds, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin were found at the highest concentration in both plant extracts. Both extracts displayed cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and Caco-2 cancer cells after 48 h of treatment at IC₅₀ values ranging from 14 to 53 μg/mL with high selective indices against normal WI-38 and MCF-10A cell lines. The increase in apoptosis was revealed by the overexpression of p53, BAX, and caspase-9 and the downregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expressions. The results indicate that H. undatus extracts can be a plant source for cancer therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts II)

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