scholarly journals In vitro and in vivo biological activities of azulene derivatives with potential applications in medicine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paweł Bakun ◽  
Beata Czarczynska-Goslinska ◽  
Tomasz Goslinski ◽  
Sebastian Lijewski
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Peptic Ulcers ◽  
Artemisia Absinthium ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Unique Chemical

AbstractAzulene is an aromatic hydrocarbon that possesses a unique chemical structure and interesting biological properties. Azulene derivatives, including guaiazulene or chamazulene, occur in nature as components of many plants and mushrooms, such as Matricaria chamomilla, Artemisia absinthium, Achillea millefolium, and Lactarius indigo. Due to physicochemical properties, azulene and its derivatives have found many potential applications in technology, especially in optoelectronic devices. In medicine, the ingredients of these plants have been widely used for hundreds of years in antiallergic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory therapies. Herein, the applications of azulene, its derivatives and their conjugates with biologically active compounds are presented. The potential use of these compounds concerns various areas of medicine, including anti-inflammatory with peptic ulcers, antineoplastic with leukemia, antidiabetes, antiretroviral with HIV-1, antimicrobial, including antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, and antifungal.

Anti-Inflammatory Steroids, Lysosomal Stabilization and Parachor

1975 ◽  
Vol 53 (10) ◽  
pp. 1047-1053 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parvez Ahmad ◽  
Colin A. Fyfe ◽  
Alan Mellors
Keyword(s):  
Partition Coefficients ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Structure Activity ◽  
Assay Methods ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Direct Proportionality ◽  
In Vivo Administration

Parachor is an additive constitutive property of a molecule and is related to the molar volume and the surface tension. The parachor of a steroid can be calculated from its constituent atoms and bonds. The parachor of a biologically active molecule is related to the ability of that molecule to permeate hydrophobic regions of cells, especially cellular membranes. An examination of the parachor values of a large number of steroids shows that these values are correlated with a number of different biological activities, from independent sources. The ability of steroids to release lysosomal enzymes from isolated lysosomes in vitro is inversely related to the parachor of the steroid. A similar relationship holds for the release of lysosomal β-glucuronidase (EC 3.2.1.31) from isolated lysosomes of rat preputial gland following in vivo administration of steroids. The relative anti-inflammatory potencies of steroids by several assay methods are directly proportional to their parachors. The relative ability of corticosteroids to uncouple oxidative phosphorylation and to swell isolated mitochondria in vitro show a direct proportionality with the steroidal parachor. The percutaneous absorptions of steroids show good correlation with parachors, stratum corneum – water partition coefficients and amylcaproate–water partition coefficients; but not with hexadecane–water partition coefficients. The application of parachor as a structure–activity correlation parameter in drug design is likely to yield useful information. The advantages and limitations of the calculated parachor method are discussed.

A comprehensive review on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, ‎pharmacology, and toxicology of the Mandragora genus; from folk ‎medicine to the modern

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taha Monadi ◽  
Mohammad Azadbakht ◽  
Amirhossein Ahmadi ◽  
Aroona Chabra
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Toxicological Studies ◽  
Persian Medicine

The Mandragora genus (Solanaceae) is well known for its association with myths and has been used in herbal medicine since ancient times. This extensive literature review synthesizes the information currently available on the ethnobotany, Persian medicine (PM), traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity profile of Mandragora spp. The electronic search engines Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were searched using keywords such as Mandragora, mandrake, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, Persian medicine, ethnobotany, and toxicity. Pertinent information was also extracted from books on PM, ethnomedicine, and dissertations. Mandragora species are found throughout the Mediterranean basin, Europe, Northern Africa, and the Himalayan regions. Traditionally, the species have been used to treat insomnia, dysuria, hemorrhoids, rheumatic pain, toothache, melancholia, and depression, among many others. In vitro studies have confirmed the biological properties of Mandragora spp. crude extracts, such as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and enzyme-inhibiting effects. Various phytochemicals, such as alkaloids (e.g., atropine and scopolamine), coumarins (e.g., umbelliferone and scopoletin), withanolides (e.g., salpichrolide C), and lipid-like compounds (e.g., beta-sitosterol), have been isolated from Mandragora spp. Some of the pure compounds composing this plant are highlighted for their biologically active effects, including anticholinergic, antidepressant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Modern identifications of biological activities of the compounds isolated from Mandragora, especially alkaloids, support its traditional uses (e.g., for their narcotic effects). More in vivo studies are required to further understanding and most effectively utilize this genus, and extensive toxicological studies are required to validate its safety in clinical use.

scholarly journals Unravelling the Biological Activities of the Byttneria pilosa Leaves Using Experimental and Computational Approaches

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (20) ◽  
pp. 4737
Author(s):  
Mifta Ahmed Jyoti ◽  
Niloy Barua ◽  
Mohammad Shafaet Hossain ◽  
Muminul Hoque ◽  
Tahmina Akter Bristy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Denaturation ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Dependent Inhibition ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Isolated Compound ◽  
Dose Dependent

Byttneria pilosa is locally known as Harijora, and used by the native hill-tract people of Bangladesh for the treatment of rheumatalgia, snake bite, syphilis, fractured bones, elephantiasis and an antidote for poisoning. The present study was carried out to determine the possible anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuropharmacological and anti-diarrhoeal activity of the methanol extract of B. pilosa leaves (MEBPL) through in vitro, in vivo and in silico approaches. In the anti-inflammatory study, evaluated by membrane stabilizing and protein denaturation methods, MEBPL showed a significant and dose dependent inhibition. The analgesic effect of MEBPL tested by inducing acetic acid and formalin revealed significant inhibition of pain in both tests. During the anxiolytic evaluation, the extract exhibited a significant and dose-dependent reduction of anxiety-like behaviour in mice. Similarly, mice treated with MEBPL demonstrated dose-dependent reduction in locomotion effect in the open field test and increased sedative effect in the thiopental sodium induced sleeping test. MEBPL also showed good anti-diarrheal activity in both castor oil induced diarrheal and intestinal motility tests. Besides, a previously isolated compound (beta-sitosterol) exhibited good binding affinity in docking and drug-likeliness properties in ADME/T studies. Overall, B. pilosa is a biologically active plant and could be a potential source of drug leads, which warrants further advanced study.

Metabolomics of Healthy Berry Fruits

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (37) ◽  
pp. 4888-4902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilda D'Urso ◽  
Sonia Piacente ◽  
Cosimo Pizza ◽  
Paola Montoro
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Bioactive Metabolites ◽  
Active Metabolites ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Berry Fruits

The consumption of berry-type fruits has become very popular in recent years because of their positive effects on human health. Berries are in fact widely known for their health-promoting benefits, including prevention of chronic disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Berries are a rich source of bioactive metabolites, such as vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds, mainly anthocyanins. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies recognized the health effects of berries and their function as bioactive modulators of various cell functions associated with oxidative stress. Plants have one of the largest metabolome databases, with over 1200 papers on plant metabolomics published only in the last decade. Mass spectrometry (MS) and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) are the most important analytical technologies on which the emerging ''omics'' approaches are based. They may provide detection and quantization of thousands of biologically active metabolites from a tissue, working in a ''global'' or ''targeted'' manner, down to ultra-trace levels. In the present review, we highlighted the use of MS and NMR-based strategies and Multivariate Data Analysis for the valorization of berries known for their biological activities, important as food and often used in the preparation of nutraceutical formulations.

Tamarix articulata (T. articulata) - An Important Halophytic Medicinal Plant with Potential Pharmacological Properties

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 285-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah M. Alnuqaydan ◽  
Bilal Rah
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
In Vivo Model ◽  
Drug Candidate ◽  
Phytochemical Analysis ◽  
Pharmacological Properties

Background:Tamarix Articulata (T. articulata), commonly known as Tamarisk or Athal in Arabic region, belongs to the Tamaricaece species. It is an important halophytic medicinal plant and a good source of polyphenolic phytochemical(s). In traditional medicines, T. articulata extract is commonly used, either singly or in combination with other plant extracts against different ailments since ancient times.Methods:Electronic database survey via Pubmed, Google Scholar, Researchgate, Scopus and Science Direct were used to review the scientific inputs until October 2018, by searching appropriate keywords. Literature related to pharmacological activities of T. articulata, Tamarix species, phytochemical analysis of T. articulata, biological activities of T. articulata extracts. All of these terms were used to search the scientific literature associated with T. articulata; the dosage of extract, route of administration, extract type, and in-vitro and in-vivo model.Results:Numerous reports revealed that T. articulata contains a wide spectrum of phytochemical(s), which enables it to have a wide window of biological properties. Owing to the presence of high content of phytochemical compounds like polyphenolics and flavonoids, T. articulata is a potential source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. In view of these pharmacological properties, T. articulata could be a potential drug candidate to treat various clinical conditions including cancer in the near future.Conclusion:In this review, the spectrum of phytochemical(s) has been summarized for their pharmacological properties and the mechanisms of action, and the possible potential therapeutic applications of this plant against various diseases discussed.

The Molecular Diversity Scope of Urazole in the Synthesis of Organic Compounds

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 953-967 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghodsi M. Ziarani ◽  
Fatemeh Mohajer ◽  
Razieh Moradi ◽  
Parisa Mofatehnia
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Microtubule Assembly ◽  
Heterocyclic Molecules ◽  
Biological Perspective ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
High Yields ◽  
Short Time

Background: As a matter of fact, nitrogen as a hetero atom among other atoms has had an important role in active biological compounds. Since heterocyclic molecules with nitrogen are highly demanded due to biological properties, 4-phenylurazole as a compound containing nitrogen might be important in the multicomponent reaction used in agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Considering the case of fused derivatives “pyrazolourazoles” which are highly applicable because of their application for analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities as HSP-72 induction inhibitors (I and III) and novel microtubule assembly inhibitors. It should be mentioned that spiro-pyrazole also has biological activities like cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardiotonic activities. Objective: Urazole has been used in many heterocyclic compounds which are valuable in organic syntheses. This review disclosed the advances in the use of urazole as the starting material in the synthesis of various biologically active molecules from 2006 to 2019. Conclusion: Compounds of urazole (1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-dione) are the most important molecules which are highly active from the biological perspective in the pharmaceuticals as well as polymers. In summary, many protocols for preparations of the urazole derivatives from various substrates in multi-component reactions have been reported from different aromatic and aliphatic groups which have had carbonyl groups in their structures. It is noted that several catalysts have been synthesized to afford applicable molecules with urazole scaffolds. In some papers, being environmentally friendly, short time reactions and high yields are highlighted in the protocols. There is a room to synthesize new catalysts and perform new reactions by manipulating urazole to produce biologically active compounds, even producing chiral urazole component as many groups of chiral urazole compounds are important from biological perspective.

scholarly journals Sesquiterpene Lactones: Promising Natural Compounds to Fight Inflammation

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 991
Author(s):  
Melanie S. Matos ◽  
José D. Anastácio ◽  
Cláudia Nunes dos Santos
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Sesquiterpene Lactones ◽  
Physiological State ◽  
Plant Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Inflammatory Pathways ◽  
Inflammatory State ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Inflammatory Molecules

Inflammation is a crucial and complex process that reestablishes the physiological state after a noxious stimulus. In pathological conditions the inflammatory state may persist, leading to chronic inflammation and causing tissue damage. Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are composed of a large and diverse group of highly bioactive plant secondary metabolites, characterized by a 15-carbon backbone structure. In recent years, the interest in SLs has risen due to their vast array of biological activities beneficial for human health. The anti-inflammatory potential of these compounds results from their ability to target and inhibit various key pro-inflammatory molecules enrolled in diverse inflammatory pathways, and prevent or reduce the inflammatory damage on tissues. Research on the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of SLs has thrived over the last years, and numerous compounds from diverse plants have been studied, using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo assays. Besides their anti-inflammatory potential, their cytotoxicity, structure–activity relationships, and pharmacokinetics have been investigated. This review aims to gather the most relevant results and insights concerning the anti-inflammatory potential of SL-rich extracts and pure SLs, focusing on their effects in different inflammatory pathways and on different molecular players.

scholarly journals Constitutive and Regulated Shedding of Soluble FGF Receptors Releases Biologically Active Inhibitors of FGF-2

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2712
Author(s):  
Anne Hanneken ◽  
Maluz Mercado ◽  
Pamela Maher
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Cellular Proliferation ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteases ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Ectodomain Shedding ◽  
High Affinity

The identification of soluble fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors in blood and the extracellular matrix has led to the prediction that these proteins modulate the diverse biological activities of the FGF family of ligands in vivo. A recent structural characterization of the soluble FGF receptors revealed that they are primarily generated by proteolytic cleavage of the FGFR-1 ectodomain. Efforts to examine their biological properties are now focused on understanding the functional consequences of FGFR-1 ectodomain shedding and how the shedding event is regulated. We have purified an FGFR-1 ectodomain that is constitutively cleaved from the full-length FGFR-1(IIIc) receptor and released into conditioned media. This shed receptor binds FGF-2; inhibits FGF-2-induced cellular proliferation; and competes with high affinity, cell surface FGF receptors for ligand binding. FGFR-1 ectodomain shedding downregulates the number of high affinity receptors from the cell surface. The shedding mechanism is regulated by ligand binding and by activators of PKC, and the two signaling pathways appear to be independent of each other. Deletions and substitutions at the proposed cleavage site of FGFR-1 do not prevent ectodomain shedding. Broad spectrum inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases decrease FGFR-1 ectodomain shedding, suggesting that the enzyme responsible for constitutive, ligand-activated, and protein kinase C-activated shedding is a matrix metalloprotease. In summary, shedding of the FGFR-1 ectodomain is a highly regulated event, sharing many features with a common system that governs the release of diverse membrane proteins from the cell surface. Most importantly, the FGFR ectodomains are biologically active after shedding and are capable of functioning as inhibitors of FGF-2.

scholarly journals Effects of prostaglandin lipid mediators on agonist-induced lung endothelial permeability and inflammation

2017 ◽  
Vol 313 (4) ◽  
pp. L710-L721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunbo Ke ◽  
Olga V. Oskolkova ◽  
Nicolene Sarich ◽  
Yufeng Tian ◽  
Albert Sitikov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protective Effect ◽  
Vascular Endothelial Cells ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Cell Monolayer ◽  
Endothelial Permeability ◽  
In Vivo Model ◽  
Barrier Dysfunction ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Prostaglandins (PG), the products of cyclooxygenase-mediated conversion of arachidonic acid, become upregulated in many situations including allergic response, inflammation, and injury, and exhibit a variety of biological activities. Previous studies described barrier-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects of PGE2 and PGI2 on vascular endothelial cells (EC). Yet, the effects of other PG members on EC barrier and inflammatory activation have not been systematically analyzed. This study compared effects of PGE2, PGI2, PGF2α, PGA2, PGJ2, and PGD2 on human pulmonary EC. EC permeability was assessed by measurements of transendothelial electrical resistance and cell monolayer permeability for FITC-labeled tracer. Anti-inflammatory effects of PGs were evaluated by analysis of expression of adhesion molecule ICAM1 and secretion of soluble ICAM1 and cytokines by EC. PGE2, PGI2, and PGA2 exhibited the most potent barrier-enhancing effects and most efficient attenuation of thrombin-induced EC permeability and contractile response, whereas PGI2 effectively suppressed thrombin-induced permeability but was less efficient in the attenuation of prolonged EC hyperpermeability caused by interleukin-6 or bacterial wall lipopolysaccharide, LPS. PGD2 showed a modest protective effect on the EC inflammatory response, whereas PGF2α and PGJ2 were without effect on agonist-induced EC barrier dysfunction. In vivo, PGE2, PGI2, and PGA2 attenuated LPS-induced lung inflammation, whereas PGF2α and PGJ2 were without effect. Interestingly, PGD2 exhibited a protective effect in the in vivo model of LPS-induced lung injury. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of barrier-protective and anti-inflammatory effects of different prostaglandins on lung EC in vitro and in vivo and identifies PGE2, PGI2, and PGA2 as prostaglandins with the most potent protective properties.

scholarly journals A review on the bio-functional roles of phospholipids from marine resources

Food Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
M. Haq ◽  
S. Suraiya
Keyword(s):  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Functional Activities ◽  
Marine Phospholipids ◽  
Liver Functions ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Unique Chemical

Marine phospholipids (PLs) rich in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) have drawn keen interest recently among researchers and consumers and could be assumed as a “miracle drug”. Substantial amount of EPA and DHA, amazing and unique chemical properties and super bio-functional activities of marine PLs make it superior compared to terrestrial PLs, which lack long chain ω-3 PUFAs. Many comparative studies revealed that marine PLs showed higher health beneficial activities compared to PLs obtained from land sources. Marine PLs are not only beneficial in containing a high amount of ω-3 PUFAs but also in absorbing and assimilating ω-3 PUFAs in different tissues. Synergistic effects of PL compounds and ω-3 PUFAs in marine PLs showed super bio-functional performances like anti-atherosis and cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immunological, and liver functions. A number of in vivo and in vitro studies on the administration of marine PLs extracted from fishes, mollusks, crustaceans, echinoderms reduced triacylglycerol (TAG) level and enhanced cardioprotective functions, demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, reduced cell proliferation and tumor, increased cognitive functions and memory, and prevented hepatic damages. Therefore, this review paper provides detailed accounts on the present research status of critical biological and nutritional functions of marine ω-3 PUFAs rich phospholipids focusing on the origin, animal models, treatment, and roles.

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