Search

Pteryxin is a dihydropyranocoumarin derivative found in Apiaceae family. In this study, pteryxin, which was previously isolated from the fruits of Mutellina purpurea , was investigated for its inhibitory potential against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), which are the key enzymes in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The compound was tested in vitro using ELISA microplate reader at 100 μg/ml and found to cause 9.30 ± 1.86% and 91.62 ± 1.53% inhibition against AChE and BChE, respectively. According to our results, pteryxin (IC 50 = 12.96 ± 0.70 μg/ml) was found to be a more active inhibitor of BChE than galanthamine (IC 50 = 22.16 ± 0.91 μg/ml; 81.93± 2.52% of inhibition at 100 μg/ml). Further study on pteryxin using molecular docking experiments revealed different possible binding modes with both polar and hydrophobic interactions inside the binding pocket of BChE. Top docking solution points out to the formation of two hydrogen bonds with the catalytic residues S198 and H438 of BChE as well as a strong π - π stacking with W231. Therefore, pteryxin as a natural coumarin seems to be a strong BChE inhibitor, which could be considered as a lead compound to develop novel BChE inhibitors for AD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:Xeranthemum annuumL. (Asteraceae) (XA) is an ornamental and medicinal species with limited bioactivity and phytochemical data. Objective:Identification of anticholinesterase, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the flower and root–stem (R-S) extracts of XA. Materials and methods:Anticholinesterase (at 100 μg mL−1) and antioxidant (at 1000 μg mL−1) effects of various extracts were evaluated via microtiter assays, while anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the R-S extracts were tested using carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema (100 and 200 mg kg−1) andp-benzoquinone (PBQ) writhing models (200 mg kg−1) in male Swiss albino mice. The R-S ethanol extract of XA was subjected to isolation studies using conventional chromatographic methods. Results:Most of the extracts showed inhibition over 85% against butyrylcholinesterase and no inhibition towards acetylcholinesterase. The flower chloroform and the R-S ethyl acetate extracts were most effective (97.85 ± 0.94% and 96.89 ± 1.09%, respectively). The R-S ethanol extract displayed a remarkable scavenging activity against DPPH (77.33 ± 1.99%) and in FRAP assay, while the hexane extract of the R-S parts possessed the highest metal-chelating capacity (72.79 ± 0.33%). The chloroform extract of the R-S caused a significant analgesic effect (24.4%) in PBQ writhing model. No anti-inflammatory effect was observed. Isolation of zierin and zierin xyloside, which were inactive in anticholinesterase assays, was achieved from the R-S ethanol extract. Discussion and conclusion:This is the first report of anticholinesterase, antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities and isolation of zierin and zierin xyloside from XA. Therefore, XA seems to contain antioxidant and BChE-inhibiting compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extracts from 25 plant species from Salvia , Hypericum , Onosma , Thymus , Origanum , Rosa , and Prunus with eight isolated compounds were screened for their memory-vitalizing potential against the enzymes, i.e., acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tyrosinase (TYR) along with DPPH, DMPD, and NO radicals and iron-chelation capacity using spectrophotometric microtiter assays. The n -hexane:dichloromethane (1:1) extract of Onosma nigricaule roots (63.18 ± 0.56%) and the ethyl acetate extract of the aerial parts of Hypericum capitatum var. capitatum (50.79 ± 3.88%) were the most active toward AChE and BChE, respectively. The highest iron-chelating capacity was found in the n -hexane extract of Thymus sipyleus subsp. sipyleus var. sipyleus , where mostly Labiatae species exhibited better radical scavenging effect. Among the extracts, the roots of O. nigricaule , the aerial parts of Hypericum capitatum var. capitatum and T . sipyleus subsp. sipyleus var. sipyleus could be further evaluated for their memory-vitalizing properties based on different mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance The oil macerates of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John׳s Wort=SJW) have a long history of medicinal use and SJW has been used in traditional medicine both orally and topically for centuries worldwide mainly for wound healing, ulcer and inflammation. Materials and methods We analyzed the fatty acid composition of 10 traditionally (home-made) and 13 commercially (ready-made) prepared SJW oil macerates by GC–MS. The acid, peroxide, iodine, saponification values, and the unsaponifiable matters of the samples were determined according to the European Pharmacopoeia. We also explored potential mechanism of wound healing effect of the samples, i.e. TNFα-induced NF-κB activation. Results The most home-made oil samples contained oleic acid predominantly and complied with the requirements set for olive oil by European Pharmacopoeia. However, majority of the ready-made samples appeared to have adulteration with some other oils. Moderate NF-κB inhibitory effects have been observed with some of the oil samples. Conclusion This study sheds light on the fact that application of the proper traditional method to prepare olive oil macerates from Hypericum perforatum is able to get bioactive constituents in the oil. Besides, inhibition of TNFα-induced NF-κB activation appears to be a potential mechanism for topical wound healing activity of SJW oil macerates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant activity of Centella asiatica was investigated. [•] The extracts showed notable inhibition against butyrylcholinesterase and tyrosinase. [•] Phenolic acids of the extracts from Turkey and India were identified by HPLC. [•] Essential oil composition of the plant from Turkey was established. [•] This is the first study on Centella asiatica cultivated in Turkey [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of the aerial parts of Buxus sempervirens growing naturally in Turkey were investigated against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) as well as tyrosinase (TYRO) enzymes for their inhibitory activity using ELISA microplate reader. Antiprotozoal activity of the extracts was tested against the parasites; Plasmodium falciparum (malaria) and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (human African trypanosomiasis) at 0.81 and 4.85μg/mL concentrations. As antioxidant activity contributes to antimalarial activity, the extracts were also tested for their 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, iron-chelating capacity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Total phenol and flavonoid contents in the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. The alkaloid fraction of the chloroform extract afforded two major alkaloids named (+)-buxabenzamidienine (1) and (+)-buxamidine (2). Our results showed that, except for the petroleum ether extract, the extracts displayed high antimalarial and anti-BChE effects as well as quite high iron-chelation capacity. Therefore, we suggest that the active extracts in the antimalarial tests might be showing their effects through the mechanism of BChE inhibition and additionally iron-chelation ability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from 16 Salvia L. species were screened for their inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase, and tyrosinase; the enzymes linked to neurodegeneration. Their antioxidant activity was also tested using DPPH radical scavenging, metal-chelation, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Total flavonoid content of the extracts was determined by AlCl3 reagent, while HPLC technique was applied for analysis of various phenolic acids in the extracts. The extracts exerted weak cholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition, and remarkable inhibition against lipoxygenase (13.07±2.73–74.21±5.61%) at 100μgml−1. The methanol extracts showed higher antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assays. The extracts were analyzed for their gallic, protocateuchic, p-hydroxy-benzoic, vanillic, caffeic, chlorogenic, syringic, o- and p-coumaric, ferulic, rosmarinic, and tr-cinnamic acid contents and the methanol extract of Salvia ekimiana (153.50mg100g−1) was revealed to be the richest in terms of rosmarinic acid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the current study, the n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, water, and n-butanol fractions obtained from the main ethanol extract of Cistus laurifolius L. were evaluated for their cholinesterase inhibitory effects against acetyl- (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), at 50, 100, and 200μg/ml, using an ELISA microplate reader. The antioxidative effect of the extract and fractions was also determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferrous ion-chelation capacity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test systems. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extract and fractions were calculated using Folin-Ciocalteau and aluminium chloride reagents. Three flavonoid derivatives; 3-O-methylquercetin (1), 3,7-O-dimethylquercetin (2), and 3,7-O-dimethylkaempferol (3) isolated from the CHCl3 fraction were also tested in the same manner. Our experimental findings indicated that the ethanol extract exerted the highest AChE inhibition (80.07±1.06% at 200μg/ml). The ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions displayed the best activity against DPPH and FRAP assays. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the current study, neuroprotective effects of the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of four terebinth coffee brands and the fruits of Pistacia terebinthus L. were investigated through enzyme inhibition tests against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase as well as antioxidant test systems. Antioxidant activity was measured using radical scavenging activity tests and metal-related tests including metal-chelation capacity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and phosphomolybdenum reducing power (PRAP). The fatty oils of the coffee brands and the fruits and the fruit essential oil were examined by GC–MS. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were calculated spectrophotometrically. The extracts had moderate inhibition against butyrylcholinesterase (9.78–45.74% at 200μgmL−1) and potent scavenging activity against DPPH. They exerted strong activity in FRAP and metal-chelation tests and modest activity in PRAP test. Oleic acid was identified as the major fatty acid in the fatty oils, while α-pinene (26.31%) was dominant in the essential oil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Several extracts of the leaves and fruits of Juglans regia L. were assessed for their neuroprotective effects through antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase methods. Anticholinesterase activity was determined against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), the enzymes vital for Alzheimer's disease, at 50, 100 and 200 μg ml− 1. Antioxidant activity was tested using radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), N, N-dimethyl- p-phenylenediamine (DMPD), superoxide (SO), nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) radicals, as well as ferric ion-chelating capacity, ferric- and phosphomolybdenum-reducing antioxidant power at 500, 1000 and 2000 μg ml− 1. Total phenol and flavonoid quantification of the extracts was calculated. The extracts scavenged DPPH radical in varying degrees; however, they did not scavenge DPMD and H2O2. Only the dichloromethane and water extracts were able to quench SO (10.09 ± 1.38%) and NO (24.09 ± 2.19%) radicals, respectively, at low level. The extracts showed either low or no BChE inhibition and no AChE inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory and antioxidant activities of the aqueous and ethanol extracts of the leaves, ripe fruits, and unripe fruits of Juniperus communis ssp. nana, Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus, Juniperus sabina, Juniperus foetidissima, and Juniperus excelsa were investigated in the present study. Cholinesterase inhibition of the extracts was screened using ELISA microplate reader. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was tested by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radical scavenging, ferrous ion-chelating, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. The extracts had low or no inhibition towards AChE, whereas the leaf aqueous extract of J. foetidissima showed the highest BChE inhibition (93.94±0.01%). The leaf extracts usually exerted higher antioxidant activity. We herein describe the first study on anticholinesterase and antioxidant activity by the methods of ferrous ion-chelating, superoxide radical scavenging, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays of the mentioned Juniperus species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the current study, we examined anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and antioxidant activities of the ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts from the bulbs of Turkish Sternbergia Waldst. & Kit. (Amaryllidaceae) species; S. candida, S. clusiana, S. fisheriana, S. lutea subsp. lutea, and S. lutea subsp. sicula. Anti-AChE activity was tested by spectrophotometric method of Ellman using ELISA microplate reader at 50, 100, and 200 µg mL-1 concentrations. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferrous ion-chelating capacity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and beta-carotene bleaching assays at 500, 1000, and 2000 µg mL-1. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined via Folin-Ciocalteau's and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. The ethyl acetate extract of S. fischeriana was the most active in anti-AChE assay (90.94% and 98.02% of inhibitions at 100 and 200 µg mL-1 concentrations, respectively. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was found to be not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, and water extracts prepared from the fruits and leaves of Laurocerasus officinalis Roem. (LO) (Rosaceae) were screened for their cholinesterase inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), the key enzymes in pathogenesis of Alzheimer''s disease (AD), using ELISA microplate reader at 50, 100, and 200μgmL−1. As AD is associated with oxidative stress, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was also tested by radical-forming methods against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylendiamine (DMPD), and superoxide radicals as well as iron-related methods; iron-chelating capacity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Total phenol and flavonoid quantification was achieved using Folin–Ciocalteau and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. The highest AChE (44.01±1.75%) and BChE (19.91±0.37%) inhibition was caused by the LO-leaf-methanol extract 200μgmL−1, while it showed the best radical-scavenging activity against DPPH at 2000μgmL−1. Only, the dichloromethane and water extracts of the fruits and the leaf water extract had an iron-chelating capacity, while the leaf methanol extract displayed the highest FRAP. The leaf methanol extract (113.45±0.71mgg−1 extract) was found to be the richest in total phenols, while the leaf acetone extract (139.90±4.64mgg−1 extract) had the most abundant amount of total flavonoids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The EtOH extracts of the leaves of two new cultivars (Uysal-SFU and Turgut-SFT) of Salvia fruticosa Mill. was tested against acetylcholinesterase (IC50: 30.62 ± 3.27 and 32.97 ± 2.33 µg/mL for SFU and SFT, respectively) and butyrylcholinesterase (IC50: 69.91 ± 1.08 µg/mL and 86.55 ± 1.26 µg/mL), respectively, relevant to Alzheimer's disease. The essential oils showed a stumpy inhibition against AChE and no inhibition against BChE. DPPH radical scavenging activity of the extracts (86.70 ± 0.17% and 86.14 ± 1.13% for SFU and SFT, respectively) was stronger than that of quercetin (85.51 ± 0.17%): Their (1.24 ± 0.05 and 1.04 ± 0.16 for SFU and SFT, respectively) ferric-reducing antioxidant power were close to that of the reference (e.g. quercetin, 1.42 ± 0.14). Molecular docking simulations were performed on their major monoterpenes. Our findings revealed that the leaf EtOH extracts of two cultivars are promising inhibitors of both AChE and BChE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Various herbal coffee varieties are consumed traditionally in Turkey. In the current study, the ethanol extracts of the coffee and seed samples obtained from Gundelia tournefortii (tumble thistle), Nigella sativa (black cumin), Phoenix dactylifera (date), and Ceratonia siliqua (carob) as well as a sample of instant coffee (Nescafe®, green blend) were tested against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tyrosinase, the enzymes connected to neurodegeneration. Since oxidative stress is strongly associated with neurodegeneration, antioxidant activity of the extracts was also determined. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was measured using anti-radical and metal-related methods. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were calculated using Folin–Ciocalteau''s and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. Fatty acid compositions of the seed oils of tumble thistle and black seed were analyzed by GC–MS. Our results showed that the date sample exerted the highest AChE and BChE inhibition at 300μgmL−1 (52.96% and 83.22%, respectively). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Twelve undescribed triterpenoid pentacyclic glycosides, medicagenic acid (3- O -β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-28- O -{[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-4- O -acetyl-β-D-fucopyranosyl-(1→)}-2β,3β-dihydroxyolean-12-ene-23,28-dioic acid, 3- O -β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-28- O -{[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 3)]-4- O -acetyl-β-D-fucopyranosyl-(1→)}-2β,3β-dihydroxyolean-12-ene-23,28-dioic acid, 3- O -β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-28- O -{[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-3,4- O -diacetyl-β-D-fucopyranosyl-(1→)}-2β,3β-dihydroxyolean-12-ene-23,28-dioic acid, 28- O -{[6- O -acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[2- O -acetyl-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→)}-2β,3β-dihydroxyolean-12-ene-23,28-dioic acid, 28- O -{[6- O -acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[3- O -acetyl-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→)}-2β,3β-dihydroxyolean-12-ene-23,28-dioic acid, 28- O -{[6- O -acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[4- O -acetyl-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→)}-2β,3β-dihydroxyolean-12-ene-23,28-dioic acid, 28- O -{[6- O -acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→)}-2β,3β-dihydroxyolean-12-ene-23,28-dioic acid, 28- O- {[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→)}-2β,3β-dihydroxyolean-12-ene-23,28-dioic acid), zanhic acid (3- O -β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-28- O -{[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-4- O -acetyl-β-D-fucopyranosyl-(1→)}2β,3β,16α-trihydroxyolean-12-ene-23,28-dioic acid, 3- O -β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-28- O -{[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-β-D-fucopyranosyl-(1→)}-2β,3β,16α-trihydroxyolean-12-ene-23,28-dioic acid), 29-hydroxy-medicagenic acid (3- O -β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-28- O -{[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-4- O -acetyl-β-D-fucopyranosyl-(1→)}-2β,3β,29β-trihydroxyolean-12-ene-23,28-dioic acid) and herniaric acid (28- O -{[6- O -acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→)}-2β,3β-dihydroxyolean-18-ene-23,28-dioic acid) were isolated from the whole plant extract of Herniaria glabra L. (Caryophyllaceae), wild growing in the Ukraine. In addition, five known triterpenoid saponins; i.e. herniariasaponins 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 were also isolated. Their structures were elucidated by HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, as well as by comparison with the literature data. Twelve herniariasaponins, the purified crude extract, and the saponin fraction were evaluated in vitro for their xanthine oxidase, collagenase, elastase, and tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Moreover, herniariasaponins 4, 5, and 7 were screened for their cholinesterase inhibitory potential. As a result, no or low inhibition towards the mentioned enzymes was observed. Image 1 • Twelve undescribed herniariasaponins were isolated from Herniaria glabra L. • Two undescribed pentacyclic triterpenoid aglycones were discovered. • Tested samples showed no or low enzyme inhibitory activities in vitro. • The target enzymes were xanthine oxidase, collagenase, elastase, tyrosinase, ChE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ethanol (EtOH) extracts of thirty-four taxa from the Amelanchier , Cotoneaster , Pyrus , and Sorbus genera (Rosaceae) have been screened for their inhibitory potential against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) at 200 μg/mL as well as their antioxidant activity using metal-chelating capacity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and N , N -dimethyl- p -phenylenediamine (DMPD) radical scavenging activity at 2000 μg/mL using ELISA microtiter assays. Our results indicated that two extracts of Sorbus umbelleta from different localities had 56.20 ± 5.05% (IC 50 = 182.1 μg/mL) and 58.18 ± 3.77% (IC 50 = 177.8 μg/mL) of inhibition against AChE, while 50.67 ± 0.32% of BChE inhibition (IC 50 = 206.5 μg/mL) was caused by the extract of Cotoneaster meyeri . Among the tested extracts, S. subfusca displayed the highest FRAP value (1.618 ± 0.09) and DMPD radical scavenging activity (31.05 ± 0.01%), while the best metal-chelating capacity (27.13 ± 2.01%) was found to belong to the extract of Sorbus kusnetzovii . The EtOH extracts of the active species ( e.g. Cotoneaster meyeri , two samples of Sorbus umbelleta , and Sorbus subfusca ) in enzyme inhibition assays have also been subjected to HPLC analysis to quantify some selected phenolic acids and flavonoid derivatives. Chlorogenic acid (28.83 ± 0.67–149.10 ± 0.46 mg/100 g) and rutin (46.08 ± 0.63–109.08 ± 0.07 mg/100 g) were quantified in all four extracts. Caffeic acid (0.79 ± 0.18 mg/100 g) was only present in C. meyeri , whereas ferulic acid and apigenin were detected in three extracts in minor amounts. Our findings also pointed out to a marked variation in bioactivity and phytochemistry among the same plant species growing in different places. This is the first anticholinesterase and antioxidant study on most the Rosaceae species studied herein. Among them, Sorbus umbellata appears to be a promising herb due to its noticeable anti-AChE and antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, the aqueous, dichloromethane, and methanol extracts of 12 samples of Viscum album L. collected on different host plants as well as two isolated compounds [syringin (VA-1) and 5,7-dimethoxyflavanone-4′- O -[5′′′- O - trans -cinnamoyl-β- d -apiofuranosyl]-β- d- glucopyranoside (VA-2)] were tested against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tryosinase (TYRO) enzymes at 2000 μg/mL by ELISA microtiter plate assays. Antioxidant activity of the extracts and compounds was evaluated by six in vitro methods [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), N,N -dimethyl- p -phenylendiamine (DMPD), and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays, metal-chelation capacity, ferric-(FRAP), and phosphomolibdenum-reducing antioxidant power (PRAP)]. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined using Folin-Ciocaltaeu's and AlCl 3 reagents, respectively. None of the extracts had any marked inhibition against tyrosinase, while they exerted a low inhibition against AChE and BChE at 200 μg/mL. The aqueous and methanol extracts displayed a strong antioxidant activity in DPPH and DMPD radical quenching tests as well as FRAP and metal-chelation capacity assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Peony species are used for ornamental purpose because of their attractive flowers. [•] Neuroprotective effect of the peony seed extracts was screened for the first time. [•] The extracts displayed potent inhibition against AChE and BChE and TYRO. [•] Fatty acid composition of the seed oils was also determined for the first time by GC–MS. [•] The seed oils were rich in oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and methanol extracts from the leaves, roots, and flowers of the five species of Gentiana ( Gentiana asclepiadea, Gentiana cruciata, Gentiana olivieri, Gentiana septemfida, and Gentiana verna) and Gentianella caucasea were investigated for their inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and antioxidant effect using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, metal-chelation capacity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. The presence of some characteristic compounds found in Gentiana species (gentiopicroside, swertiamarin, isoorientin, isovitexin and vitexin) was analyzed in the extracts by thin layer chromatography. The flower DCM extract of G. verna exerted the highest inhibition against AChE (53.65 ± 1.03%), whereas the root EtOAc extract of G. cruciata was the most effective in BChE inhibition assay (50.72 ± 0.75%) at 100 μg ml− 1. The extracts of G. verna were also found to be more active in the antioxidant tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the current work, the acetone, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts and essential oils of the twigs and needles of five Turkish Pinus species; P. brutia, P. halepensis, P. nigra, P. pinea, and P. sylvestris along with pycnogenol (the bark extract of P. pinaster) were examined for their inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) at 200μgmL−1. Their antioxidant activity was tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylendiamine (DMPD) radical scavenging, metal-chelation, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined by Folin–Ciocalteau and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. GC–MS technique was applied for compositional profile of the essential oils of the tested species. Accordingly, the best AChE and BChE inhibition was caused by the twig essential oil (83.91±3.95%) and the needle ethanol extract (82.47±5.57%) of P. halepensis, respectively. Pycnogenol also caused a remarkable inhibition against AChE (63.33±0.22%) and BChE (83.67±0.22%). The extracts and essential oils usually showed a strong activity in the antioxidant assays. Pycnogenol exhibited a potent antioxidant effect and had the richest total phenol content. In the essential oils, α- and β-pinene were identified the major components. These results reveal that the Pinus species and pycnogenol are the potential sources of active metabolites with cholinesterase and antioxidant properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Galium species have been reported to be used against epilepsy in traditional Turkish folk medicine. Aim of study: The present work was undertaken to evaluate the in vivo anticonvulsant and in vitro neuroprotective effects of Galium spurium L. and to determine the major constituents by UPLC–TOF-MS. Materials and methods: Anticonvulsant activity of the aerial parts of Galium spurium was investigated using pentylenetetrazole, picrotoxin, and maximal electroshock-induced seizure animal models. In order to evaluate the safety, neurotoxicity (Rota rod test) of the ethanol extract was also determined. In vitro neuroprotective effect of the ethanol extract of Galium spurium was assessed by acetylcholinesterase and butrylcholinesterase inhibitions. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer (UPLC–TOF-MS) was used to identify the major compounds in the extract. Results: In pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure, the ethanol extract at doses of 250 and 1000mg/kg prolonged the onset of seizures. Similarly, Galium spurium (250 and 500mg/kg) significantly delayed the onset of picrotoxin-induced seizures in mice and these doses also exhibited 12.5% and 17% protection, respectively, against picrotoxin-induced seizures. Furthermore, Galium spurium extract showed a significant protective effect against maximal electroshock-induced seizures at doses of 250 and 1000mg/kg (50% and 37.5%, respectively) and also all tested doses prolonged the onset of seizures. No motor co-ordination was observed with intraperitoneal injection of Galium spurium extract at doses of 500 and 1000mg/kg. The extract exhibited 16.2% inhibition against butrylcholinesterase at 200μg/mL concentration, whereas it did not inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Phytochemical analysis of the extract based on the MS data by UPLC–TOF-MS, ten major compounds (phenolic and triterpenic acids, flavonoids and iridoids) were determined. Conclusions: The results indicate that Galium spurium may have anticonvulsant activity against picrotoxin and maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice. Phenolic acids, flavonoids and iridoids might be responsible for anticonvulsant activity. The results offer possible beneficial effects by the plant''s aerial parts and may suggest a realistic explanation for its traditonal usage in epilepsy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Salvia L. species are widely used against wounds and skin infections in Turkish folk medicine. Aim of the study: The aim of the present study is to evaluate wound healing activity of the ethanol (EtOH) extracts of Salvia cryptantha and Salvia cyanescens. Materials and methods: For the assessment of wound healing activity linear incision and circular excision wound models were employed on rats and mice. The wound healing effect was comparatively evaluated with the standard skin ointment Madecassol®. Inhibition of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in skin aging, was achieved using ELISA microplate reader. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radical scavenger effect, ferrous ion-chelating ability, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests. Results and Conclusions: The EtOH extract of Salvia cryptantha treated groups of animals showed 56.5% contraction, whereas the reference drug Madecassol® showed 100% contraction. On the other hand, the same extract on linear incision wound model demonstrated a significant increase (33.2%) in wound tensile strength as compared to other groups. The results of histopathological examination maintained the upshot of linear incision and circular excision wound models as well. These findings specify that Salvia cryptantha for wound healing activity can be appealed further phytochemical estimation for spotting its active components. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]