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Introduction:  Yemen has a unique low-income population with several sociopolitical challenges and the association between weight disorders and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors is not clearly understood., Aim:  The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of obesity, overweight and underweight among Yemeni adults, and to identify their associated factors., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 11 January to 25 March 2020, including 561 subjects of Yemen's adult population aged 18 and above, from four Yemeni governorates, who answered a questionnaire including demographic, socio-economic, and physical activity items after getting their signed consent. Height and weight were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was computed. The association between obesity or overweight (BMI ≥ 25.0kg/m 2 ) or underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2 ) and the other variables was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression., Results: A total of 561 subjects aged ≥ 18 years have participated in this survey. The overall prevalence of obesity and overweight was 10.3%, 95% CI [7.7%; 12.8%] and 20.3%, 95% CI [17%; 23.5%] respectively, while the one for underweight was 21.2%, 95% CI [17.8%; 24.5%]. The risk of overweight-obesity increased with age (OR=1.02, 95% CI (1.01-1.03)), living in urban areas (OR= 1.680, 95% CI (1.105-2.552)) and average-high socioeconomic status (SES) (OR= 1.729, 95% CI (1.156-2.587)) while the risk of underweight decreased with the age (OR= 0.981, 95% CI (0.964-0.998))., Conclusion: These findings provide a special case of high prevalence of obesity, overweight, and underweight in Yemen. Therefore, implementing awareness and prevention programs is highly recommended there., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Ibrahim Mssode Ibrahim et al.)

Depsidones are a class of polyphenolic polyketides that have been proposed to be biosynthesized from oxidative coupling of esters of two polyketidic benzoic acid derivatives. They are principally encountered in fungi and lichens. In addition to their diversified structural features, they revealed varied bioactivities such as antimicrobial, antimalarial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anti- Helicobacter pylori , antimycobacterial, antihypertensive, anti-diarrheal, antidiabetic, phytotoxic, anti-HIV, anti-osteoclastogenic, and butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition. The current work was targeted to provide an overview on the naturally reported depsidones from various sources in the period from 2018 to the end of 2022 including their structures, biosynthesis, sources, and bioactivities, as well as the reported structure-activity relationship and semisynthetic derivatives. A total of 172 metabolites with 87 references were reviewed. The reported findings unambiguously demonstrated that these derivatives could be promising leads for therapeutic agents. However, further in-vivo evaluation of their potential biological properties and mechanistic investigations are needed., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2023 Khayat et al.)

Objective: Kidney stones are a common complication of hyperoxaluria. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective and preventive effects of Ulva lactuca aqueous extract, ulvan polysaccharides and atorvastatin on ethylene glycol-induced hyperoxaluria., Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats between 110 and 145 g in weight were used in the study, Ulva lactuca aqueous extract and polysaccharides were prepared. The male albino rats were supplemented with 0.75 percent ethylene glycol (v/v) in their drinking water for six weeks to induce hyperoxaluria. Ulvan infusions (100 mg/kg body weight), ulvan polysaccharides (100 mg/kg body weight), and atorvastatin (two milligrams/kg body weight) to treat hyperoxaluric rats for four weeks (every other day) were used. Weight loss, serum creatinine, serum urea, serum uric acid, serum oxalate, kidney oxalate, kidney lipid peroxidation, and kidney DNA fragmentation and kidney histopathological studies were done., Results: Weight loss, rise of serum creatinine, serum urea, serum uric acid, serum oxalate, kidney oxalate, kidney lipid peroxidation, and kidney DNA fragmentation were all shown to be prevented by the addition of atorvastatin, polysaccharides, or aqueous extract, respectively. Catalase (CAT) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity, and histopathological perturbations were all significantly reduced by the medicines that were studied., Conclusions: Hyperoxaluria caused by ethylene glycol may be prevented by a combination of Ulva lactuca aqueous extract, ulvan polysaccharides, and atorvastatin. A reduction in renal oxidative stress and an improvement of the antioxidant defense system may be responsible for these protective benefits. However, Ulva lactuca infusion and ulvan polysaccharides need to be studied further in humans, in order to determine their efficacy and safety.

Background: Treatment of acromegaly is still an unresolved problem. Overall postoperative remission rate ranges from 34 to 85%. These values are better for microadenomas (75-90%) and worse for macroadenomas (45-70%). Identification of predictors of acromegaly remission after surgical treatment is an urgent objective to improve the quality of medical care for these patients., Objective: To analyze postoperative freedom from acromegaly and predictors of remission., Material and Methods: A retrospective single-center study included 227 patients with acromegaly who underwent resection of pituitary adenoma between August 2018 and August 2021., Results: Remission (normalization of serum IGF-1) was achieved in 65 (55%) patients. Growth hormone and IGF-1 index decreased after surgery in all patients. Mean preoperative serum growth hormone was 12.45 [6.88, 29.85] ng/ml, early postoperative concentration - 1.54 [0.80, 3.38] ng/ml, in delayed period - 1.15 [0.57, 3.80] ng/ml. Mean IGF-1 index was 2.18 [1.69, 2.71], 1.47 [0.99, 1.90] and 0.99 [0.74, 1.43], respectively., Conclusion: Significant predictors of acromegaly remission after neurosurgical treatment were age, preoperative level of growth hormone, tumor size and location, growth hormone and IGF-1 index in early postoperative period and residual tumor after surgery. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association of acromegaly remission with small tumor size, low postoperative level of growth hormone and no residual tumor within 3-6 month after surgery.

At different parts of the world, Red Seaweeds are one component of human diets especially at Southeast Asia. Red Seaweeds structurally contain bioactive molecules so; we studied the effect of Chondrus crispus on increasing the male albino rat fertility. Twelve male albino rats are used in this study as two group pre-treated group and post- treated one each with 6 animals. The pretreated group was dissected before the post-treated group injection. Each post treated rat injected intramuscular with 1 mg of Chondrus crispus with dose 0.1 ml/ twice per week for 48 day (Mukhtar et al., 2013). The results showed that increasing on the total testosterone levels insignificantly, sperm motility significantly, and decreasing in both FSH and DPPH levels insignificantly and significantly for the MDA levels in the post-treated group. The morphological appearance and histological examination for the sperm, testis and liver were normal as the pretreated group. The molecular studies showed absence of any DNA fragmentation for the testis of both group. The Red Seaweed has an enhanced effect in the testicular function of the animal which might increase their fertility and sexual activities., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2021 The Author(s).)

Objective In this study, we aimed to determine the correlation between costs/charges related to admissions for pediatric tonsillectomy in New York State (NYS) and variables including discharge year, All Patient Refined (APR) severity of illness, length of hospital stay, payment typology, location, race, and institutional factors during 2009-2017. Methods Data were extracted from the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) Hospital Inpatient Discharges database developed by the NYS Department of Health. Statistical analysis was employed to determine multiple linear regression coefficients with the costs and charges set as the dependent variable. Results Costs increased by an estimated $230.73 (p<.001) each year, and charges increased by an estimated $1,231.41 (p<.001) annually. For each categorical increase in severity of illness, costs increased by $1,019.21 (p<.001), and charges increased by $3,088.41 (p<.001). For each day spent in the hospital, costs increased by $3,539.23 (p<.001), and charges increased by $8,908.01 (p<.001). Unspecified managed care had the highest mean costs and charges (p<.001). Bronx County had the highest costs, and Queens County had the highest charges. Queens County demonstrated the largest gap between costs and charges. Conclusion This study revealed that the costs and charges related to admissions for elective tonsillectomy had risen from 2009 to 2017, and these changes were not accounted for by inflation alone. We found that the costs and charges for inpatient pediatric tonsillectomy were significantly correlated with discharge year, APR severity of illness, length of hospital stay, location of the hospital, and primary payer., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2021, Saeed et al.)

Purpose The purpose of the study was to assess the bacterial resistance and annual antibiotic consumption at a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia over a two-year period. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017. Results The results showed that there was no significant difference between 2016 and 2017 data regarding patient characteristics like bed occupancy rate, the average length of stay, and the number of admissions; the same was true for bacterial characteristics like the number of bacteria, percentage of isolates in the group, and multidrug resistance (MDR) percentage (p: >0.05). Between 2016 and 2017, there was a slight reduction in the sensitivity of Escherichia ​​​  coli  ( E. coli ) carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) (97%, 86%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae  ( K. pneumoniae ) CRE (80%, 76%) towards colistin. There was also a decrease in the sensitivity of Acinetobacter baumannii ( A. baumannii ) multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) from 42% to 29% against tigecycline, but an increase in the sensitivity of K. pneumoniae CRE (33%, 50%) and E. coli CRE (76%, 82%). The percentage of MDR strains in gram-positive bacteria showed that more than half of Staphylococcus aureus  ( S. aureus ) were methicillin-resistant (61%, 59%) in 2016 and 2017 respectively. There was a reduction in the percentage of MDR strains in some gram-negative bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa ) MDRO (24%, 19%), E. coli  extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) (56%, 50%), E. coli CRE (4%, 1%), K. pneumoniae CRE (49%, 33%), A. baumannii CRE (90%, 76%), and Proteus mirabilis​​​​ ​​​ ( P. mirabilis) ESBL (54%, 50%). Conclusion MDRO bacteria are very common in the hospital where the study was conducted. Immediate action is required to tackle this problem., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2020, Aldawsari et al.)

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is an invaluable tool for identifying sites of obstruction for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). During DISE, the patient is in a state of drug-induced sleep, and a flexible laryngoscope is passed through the nose into the upper airway. Sites of obstruction are visualized and scored to guide surgical management. Currently, there is no universally accepted method of DISE analysis and scoring. This limitation in comparability impedes large-scale analysis between clinicians, institutions, and studies. In this report, we propose a standardized method of scoring and performing DISE in children with OSA. Our DISE scoring system is internally developed, consistent through the study, and addresses all levels of potential upper airway obstruction., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2020, Williamson et al.)

In an effort to optimize the results during inguinal hernia repair, surgeons need to consider the role of different mesh fixation techniques. The use of tissue adhesives is proposed for mesh fixation, which demonstrate similar or improved outcomes in the realm of postoperative pain, hernia recurrence, cost, and formation of a hematoma or seroma. In this review, mesh fixation using fibrin glue and cyanoacrylate glue is compared to standard suture or tack techniques. The results of this investigation warrant consideration by surgeons seeking to improve patient outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2020, Ibrahim et al.)

Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal toxicant, causing several adverse reactions to animals and humans including reproductive dysfunction. The potential protective role of Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extract (ZSCLE) against testicular impairments associated with mercury chloride (HgCl 2 ) exposure in rats was investigated in the current study. Four experimental groups were employed as follows (n = 7): group I served as control, group II was gavaged with ZSCLE (300 mg/kg), group III was administered with HgCl 2 (0.4 mg/kg), and group IV was preadministered with ZSCLE 1 h before HgCl 2 . All groups were treated daily for 28 days. The exposure to HgCl 2 caused a marked increase in Hg concentration in the testicular tissue, which was accompanied with a decrease in testis index. A reproductive impairment was recorded following HgCl 2 exposure as verified through the decrease in levels of testosterone, luteinizing, and follicle-stimulating hormones. HgCl 2 was found to enhance the development of oxidative damage in the testicular tissue as presented by the imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidant molecules. In addition, excessive release of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β was recorded in response to HgCl 2 intoxication. Furthermore, a disturbance in the apoptotic proteins in favor of the pro-apoptotic proteins was also observed following HgCl 2 intoxication. However, ZSCLE administration along with HgCl 2 abolished significantly the molecular, biochemical, and histopathological alterations induced by HgCl 2 intoxication. Our findings suggest that ZSCLE could be used to mitigate reproductive dysfunction associated with HgCl 2 exposure.

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants which leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cells. Reactive oxygen species contains oxygen radicals that easily react with other molecules in the biological system. For decades, lead acetate (Pb(C 2 H 3 O2) 2 ) is used as an additive for many widely used chemical products such as insecticides, hair dyes, and cosmetics; however, contact with lead acetate may irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.In the present study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of using ferulic acid to inhibit lead acetate-induced toxicity in rats is investigated. Lead acetate was orally given at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight for 10 days, either alone or with ferulic acid at dose 25 mg/kg. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were measured. Also, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and catalase (CAT) activities were determined. In addition, histopathological changes of testes and kidney were examined. Results showed that administration of lead acetate induced oxidative stress through attenuation of luteinizing hormone, total testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in serum. Moreover, the kidney and testes of lead acetate-treated animals exhibited elevation of ROS level, lipid peroxide levels, as well as lysosomal enzyme activity such acid phosphatase and N-acetyl-β-glucosminidase. DNA fragmentation and histological changes were also observed in lead acetate-treated group. In contrast, ferulic acid treatment reduced the deleterious effects induced by lead acetate in both testes and kidney tissues. These results illustrated that ferulic acid has a protective action against toxicity caused by lead acetate in rats. In conclusions, ferulic acid may have future therapeutic relevance in the prevention of lead acetate-induced testicular and renal toxicity in rats.

[Purpose] To identify the risk factors and the stroke types in recurrent stroke patients of Madinah Al-Munawarah city. [Participants and Methods] A prospective research hospital based study was conducted through the year of 2014. The patients were entered in the study when they had recurrent cerebrovascular accident led to hospital admission. All details of patients were obtained include history, demographic data, risk factors and stroke types. [Results] Ninety-four (83.9%) ischaemic strokes, 12 (10.7%) intercerebral hemorrhage strokes and 6 (5.4%) undefined out of 112 patients had recurrent stroke found in this study. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factors (90.2%) followed by diabetes mellitus (62.5%) and ischaemic heart disease (51.8%). [Conclusion] Hypertension, diabetes, and ischaemic heart disease in particular were exhibited to be crucial risk factors for stroke recurrence in this study. Future studies are needed for secondary prevention planning., Competing Interests: No conflict of interest to report., (2019©by the Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.)

[Purpose] To explore the relationship between functional outcome measurements of spinal mobility, static balance and functional performance. [Participants and Methods] Fifty two healthy participants aged between 18-36 years participated. Spinal mobility included forward bending and side bending. Balance was tested via maintaining single-leg stance position with eyes open and with eyes closed. Functional testing included five times squat to stand, walking on heels and walking on tiptoes. [Results] Two-way mixed intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) consistency model average measure (ICC 3,K ) for single-leg standing with the eyes are open and closed was excellent (0.85) and very good (0.79) respectively. Mean forward spinal mobility score of the recreationally active group ( M = 3.3 ± 5.7) was significantly lower ( M = 9.5 ± 10.5) than inactive group. Regarding five times squat to stand, the mean score of the recreationally active group (10.4 ± 4.3) was not significantly different from the mean of the recreationally inactive group (9.5 ± 2.6). [Conclusion] Walking on heels significantly took more time and perceived with more exertion than tiptoes walking. Also, standing on one leg was harder when eyes are closed. Recreationally active had shown significant forward mobility but no difference between sidebending mobility. The relationships between different outcome measures need to be furtherly explored., Competing Interests: No conflict of interest to report., (2019©by the Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.)

This study was aimed at investigating the possible protective mechanism of royal jelly (RJ) against hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl 2 ). The study included four groups: the control group received saline (0.9% sodium chloride), CdCl 2 group received 6.5 mg/kg CdCl 2 for seven days, RJ group received 85 mg/kg standardized RJ containing 6% 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid equivalent to 250 mg crude RJ, and finally, the fourth group received RJ 2 h before CdCl 2 injection daily for 7 days. Oxidant/antioxidant markers of liver function estimation and histopathology were determined. The results revealed that RJ significantly ameliorated the hepatotoxic side effects of Cd. Furthermore, RJ inhibited oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatic tissue injury; normalized enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant molecules; and enhanced nuclear-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) expression. Our results provide new insights into the hepatoprotective property of RJ and revealed that RJ prevented hepatic injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation by upregulating Nrf2 and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Hence, RJ can be used as a hepatoprotective agent against the toxic effects of CdCl 2 ., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Ellagic acid (EA) is a polyphenolic compound, naturally occurring in various fruits. It has antioxidant, anticancer and antimutagenic properties. Its low aqueous solubility and permeability in GIT, permanent binding to DNA and proteins of cells and first pass metabolism are considered as the reasons for its low oral bioavailability and consequently its low therapeutic potential. Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (NS) have been utilized to improve the solubilization efficiency of Ellagic acid and to control its release. The scope of the work was to prepare EA nanosponges (EA-NS) using cyclodextrin (β-CD) and cross-linked by dimethyl carbonate (DMC). It was found that the particle size of the prepared EA-NS was 423.2 nm with low polydispersity index (0.409) and high zeta potential (-34 mV) which manifests the construction of a stabilized colloidal nanoformulation. Moreover, high solubilization efficiency of the loaded EA-NS (49.79μg/ml) compared with the free EA (9.73μg/ml) was spotted. The prepared EA-NS was characterized by XRD, FTIR, and DSC studies and it elucidated a definite interaction of EA with NS. EA-NS successively improved its solubility and provided a controlled in vitro release for 24 hours. EA-NS produced about 69.17% drug content which indicates a good drug loading of the prepared nanosponges. Dissolution of EA-NS was higher than the drug alone. Animal study displayed an improvement in the oral bioavailability of EA indicated by an increase in AUC (1345.49 ng.hr.ml -1 ) of the EA -NS compared with (598.94 ng.hr.ml -1 ) for EA.

Phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extract of Cyperus rotundus L. (Cyperaceae) rhizomes afforded a new norterpenoid with an unprecedented carbon skeleton, namely cyperalin A (1) and sugetriol triacetate (2). Their structures were identified by using advanced spectroscopic technique such as UV, IR, 1D (1H and 13C), 2D (1H-1HCOSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) NMR, and HRESIMS as well as comparison with literature data. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity. Compound 1 displayed the highest inhibitory activity of PGE2, COX-2, and LOX-5 with IC50s 0.22, 1.03, and 1.37 µM, respectively compared to indomethacin (IC 50s 0.15, 0.69, and 0.81 μM, respectively). Moreover, 2 demonstrated significant activity with IC 50s 0.57 (PGE2), 1.74 (COX-2) and 2.03 (LOX-5) μM.

A new β-carboline alkaloid ingenine E (4), along with three known metabolites annomontine (1), acanthomine A (2), and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronorharman-1-one (3) were isolated from the Indonesian marine sponge Acanthostrongylophora ingens. Their structure characterization was unequivocally carried out using one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, as well as high-resolution mass spectrometry. The cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated toward MCF7, A549, HCT116, PC12, and Hela cancer cell lines. Ingenine E (4) exhibited cytotoxic activity against MCF7, HCT116, and A549 cell lines with IC 50 values of 3.5, 0.67, and 2.15 μg/ml.

Phytochemical investigation of the n-hexane fraction of the methanolic extract of Tagetes minuta L. (Asteraceae) aerial parts afforded a new thiophene derivative: thiotagetin A (3), together with β-sitosterol (1) and stigmasterol (2). The structure of the new thiophene was identified by UV, IR, 1D ( 1 H and 13 C), 2D ( 1 H- 1 H COSY, HSQC and HMBC) NMR and HRESIMS spectral data. Compound 3 displayed cytotoxic activity against KB and MCF7 cancer cell lines with ED 50 values of 2.03 and 3.88 μg/mL, respectively, compared to adriamycin (0.26 and 0.07 μg/mL, respectively).

Iris species are well recognized as wealthy sources of isoflavonoids. In the present study, phytochemical investigation of the rhizomes of Iris germanica (Iridaceae) procure the isolation of two new isoflavonoids namely, 8-hydroxyirilone 5-methyl ether (2) and 8-hydroxyirilone (3), along with eight known isoflavonoids: irilone 4'-methyl ether (1), irilone (4), irisolidone (5), irigenin S (6), irigenin (7), irilone 4'-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (8), iridin S (9), and iridin (10). The isolated flavonoids were structurally characterized with the assist of comprehensive spectroscopic analyses (UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and HRMS) and comparing with the published data. They were estimated for their antioxidant and antidaibetic capacities using DPPH and α-amylase inhibition assays, respectively. Compounds 2, 3, and 4 exhibited prominent antioxidant activities with IC 50 values of 12.92, 9.23, and 10.46μM, respectively compared to propyl gallate (IC 50 7.11μM). Moreover, 2-5 possessed highest α-amylase inhibitory activity with % inhibition 66.1, 78.3, 67.3, and 70.1, respectively in comparison to acarbose (reference α-amylase inhibitor). Additionally, their structure-activity relationship has been discussed., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Stroke is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. A number of studies were conducted in Saudi Arabia. However, there were no studies conducted in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah city., Objective: The aim of this study was to ascertain the incidence rate of first time stroke and the age-specific incidence in both genders in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah city., Methods: A prospective hospital based study was conducted over a 1-year period (2014). The cases were included in the study when they were admitted with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident., Results: A total 164 patients (91 men and 73 women) who had first time stroke were found in this study with no significant difference between them (p = 0.565). The crude incidence rate of stroke was 13.89 per 100,000 persons. The age-specific incidence rate increased with age in the current study, where the peak was in the age group of more than 75 years old for men and women., Conclusions: Total crude and the age-specific rates for first time stroke patients revealed in this study were markedly lower than the range reported from the developed countries. However, they were within the range that showed previously in Saudi Arabia and Arabian Peninsula countries., (© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Schistosomiasis is a prevalent parasitic disease found predominantly in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the developing world, with the second highest socioeconomic and public health burden despite strenuous control efforts. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of Ceratonia siliqua pod extract (CPE) on liver fibrosis and oxidative stress in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni., Methods: The schistosomal hepatopathologic mouse model was established by tail immersion with schistosomal cercaria. The extract was given daily for 10 days beginning 42 days post-infection. Liver samples were obtained from mice sacrificed 9 weeks after infection. Liver histopathological changes were observed with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome staining., Results: Typical schistosomal hepatopathologic changes were induced in the untreated mice. However, the oral administration of CPE was effective in reducing worm number and the egg load in the liver. This treatment also decreased granuloma size and collagen deposition by inhibiting tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) expression. Schistosomal infection induced oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitrite/nitrate (nitric oxide; NO) production along with concomitant decreases in glutathione (GSH) and various antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. However, treatment of mice with CPE at 300 or 600 mg/kg inhibited LPO and NO production, increased GSH content, and restored the activities of the antioxidant enzymes compared with untreated infected mice. Furthermore, treatment with CPE inhibited apoptosis, as indicated by the reduced Bax expression in hepatic tissue., Conclusion: These data indicated that extracts from Ceratonia siliqua pods may play an important role in combating schistosomal hepatopathology and may inhibit granuloma formation and liver fibrosis through down-regulation of TIMP-2 expression.

[Purpose] To investigate possible cross effects of proprioception training on proprioception repositioning accuracy of the knee joint and on balance in healthy subjects. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty healthy college students and faculty members from faculty of physical therapy, Cairo University were recruited to participate. Participants were randomly assigned to training group (n=30) and control group (n=30). The training group received proprioceptive training program only for the dominant leg while the control group did not receive any kind of training. Outcome measures were twofold: (1) proprioception repositioning accuracy quantified through the active repositioning test for the non-dominant knee; and (2) balance stability indices determined through using Biodex balance system. Measurements were recorded before and after 8 weeks of proprioception training. [Results] There were significant decrease in the error of repositioning accuracy and the stability indices including anterposterior stability index, mediolateral stability index, and overall stability index of training group, measured post training, compared with control group. [Conclusion] Proprioception training has significant cross training effects on proprioception repositioning accuracy of the knee joint and on balance among healthy subjects.

Phytochemical investigation of the semi-parasitic plant, Plicosepalus curviflorus (Loranthaceae) growing in Saudi Arabia resulted in the isolation of a new catechin-gallic acid derivative of inositol, plicosepalin A (1) [(+) catechin-4'-O-(1″-O-galloyl-5″-O-methyl)-myo-inositol], along with seven known compounds: methyl gallate (2), catechin (3), quercetin (4), gallic acid (5), lupeol (6), β-sitosterol (7), and ursolic acid (8). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, including HRESIMS, ESIMS, 1H and 13C NMR, HSQC, and HMBC, as well as comparison with reported data. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of 1 were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the disc diffusion assay, respectively. Compound 1 exhibited potent free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 9.0 ± 0.27 μM. Moreover, significant activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis were recorded.

Lead (Pb) is one of the most common environmental toxicants, exposure to which can cause significant neurotoxicity and an associated decline in brain function. This study investigated the possible neuroprotective role of Indigofera oblongifolia leaf methanolic extract (IOLME) against lead-induced neurotoxicity. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with lead acetate, with or without IOLME (intragastric administration for 5 days), and the neuroprotective effect of IOLME was assessed by measuring the lead concentration, redox status (lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide and glutathione), enzymatic antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reductase), PCR assays of apoptosis markers (Bax and Bcl-2) and histopathology of the brain. The increases in the lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, and apoptosis, the decreases in the glutathione level and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and the altered histology of the brain induced by lead acetate were mitigated in the brain of rats pre-treated with IOLME. These findings indicate that IOLME has beneficial effects and it mitigates lead acetate-induced neurotoxicity via its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Three new tetracyclic triterpenoids namely, integracides H (1), I (4), and J (5), along with integracides B (3) and F (2) have been isolated from the endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. isolated from the roots of Mentha longifolia L. (Labiatae) growing in Saudi Arabia. The structure elucidation of the isolated compounds was achieved by spectroscopic analysis including UV, IR, 1D ((1)H and (13)C) and 2D ((1)H(1)H COSY, TOCSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) NMR as well as HRESIMS and comparison with literature data. Integracides H (1) and J (5) showed significant anti-leishmanial activity towards Leishmania donovani with IC50 values of 4.75 and 3.29μM, respectively compared to pentamidine (IC50 6.35μM). Moreover, they displayed potent cytotoxic activity towards BT-549, SKOV-3, and KB cell lines with IC50 values of 1.82, 1.32, and 0.18μM and 2.46, 3.01, and 2.54μM, respectively., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Phytochemical investigation of Ficus pandurata Hance (Moraceae) fruits has led to the isolation of two new triterpenoids, ficupanduratin A [1β-hydroxy-3β-acetoxy-11α-methoxy-urs-12-ene] (11) and ficupanduratin B [21α-hydroxy-3β-acetoxy-11α-methoxy-urs-12-ene] (17), along with 20 known compounds: α-amyrin acetate (1), α-amyrin (2), 3β-acetoxy-20-taraxasten-22-one (3), 3β-acetoxy-11α-methoxy-olean-12-ene (4), 3β-acetoxy-11α-methoxy-12-ursene (5), 11-oxo-α-amyrin acetate (6), 11-oxo-β-amyrin acetate (7), palmitic acid (8), stigmast-4,22-diene-3,6-dione (9), stigmast-4-ene-3,6-dione (10), stigmasterol (12), β-sitosterol (13), stigmast-22-ene-3,6-dione (14), stigmastane-3,6-dione (15), 3β,21β-dihydroxy-11α-methoxy-olean-12-ene (16), 3β-hydroxy-11α-methoxyurs-12-ene (18), 6-hydroxystigmast-4,22-diene-3-one (19), 6-hydroxystigmast-4-ene-3-one (20), 11α,21α-dihydroxy-3β-acetoxy-urs-12-ene (21), and β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (22). Compound 21 is reported for the first time from a natural source. The structures of the 20 compounds were elucidated on the basis of IR, 1D ((1)H and (13)C), 2D ((1)H-(1)H COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY) NMR and MS spectroscopic data, in addition to comparison with literature data. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-microbial, anti-malarial, anti-leishmanial, and cytotoxic activities. In addition, their radioligand displacement affinity on opioid and cannabinoid receptors was assessed. Compounds 4, 11, and 15 exhibited good affinity towards the CB2 receptor, with displacement values of 69.7, 62.5 and 86.5 %, respectively. Furthermore, the binding mode of the active compounds in the active site of the CB2 cannabinoid receptors was investigated through molecular modelling.

In the course of our ongoing efforts to identify marine-derived bioactive compounds, the marine cyanobacterium Moorea producens was investigated. The organic extract of the Red Sea cyanobacterium afforded one new cerebroside, mooreaside A (1), two new nucleoside derivatives, 3-acetyl-2'-deoxyuridine (2) and 3-phenylethyl-2'-deoxyuridine (3), along with the previously reported compounds thymidine (4) and 2,3-dihydroxypropyl heptacosanoate (5). The structures of the compounds were determined by different spectroscopic studies (UV, IR, 1D, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS), as well as comparison with the literature data. Compounds 1-5 showed variable cytotoxic activity against three cancer cell lines.

Pyridoacridines are a class of strictly marine-derived alkaloids that constitute one of the largest chemical families of marine alkaloids. During the last few years, both natural pyridoacridines and their analogues have constituted excellent targets for synthetic works. They have been the subject of intense study due to their significant biological activities; cytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, insecticidal, anti-HIV, and anti-parasitic activities. In the present review, 95 pyridoacridine alkaloids isolated from marine organisms are discussed in term of their occurrence, biosynthesis, biological activities, and structural assignment., (Copyright © 2016 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich.)

Terrenolide S, a new butenolide derivative (6), together with six known compounds: (22E,24R)-stigmasta-5,7,22-trien-3-β-ol (1), stigmast-4-ene-3-one (2), stigmasta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one (3), terretonin A (4), terretonin (5) and butyrolactone VI (7) have been isolated from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus terreus isolated from the roots of Carthamus lanatus (Asteraceae). Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic analyses (1D, 2D NMR and HRESIMS), as well as optical rotation measurement and comparison with literature data. Compound 1 displayed a potent activity towards methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Cryptococcus neoformans with IC50 values of 2.29 and 10.68 µM, respectively. Moreover, 1, 2 and 6 exhibited antileishmanial activity towards Leishmania donovani with IC50 values of 11.24, 15.32 and 27.27 µM, respectively and IC90 values of 14.68, 40.56 and 167.03 µM, respectively.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Costus speciosus (Koen ex. Retz.) Sm. (crepe ginger, family Costaceae) is an ornamental plant used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation, rheumatism, bronchitis, fever, headache, asthma, flatulence, constipation, helminthiasis, leprosy, skin diseases, hiccough, anemia, as well as burning sensation on urination., Aim of the Study: The present study is designed to isolate and identify the active compounds from C. speciosus rhizomes and measure their anti-inflammatory activities., Materials and Methods: The n-hexane-CHCl3 soluble fraction of the MeOH extract of C. speciosus rhizomes has been subjected to a repeated column chromatography, including normal silica gel and RP-18 column to give eight compounds. The structures of these compounds were established by UV, IR, 1D ((1)H and (13)C), and 2D ((1)H-(1)H COSY, NOESY, HSQC, and HMBC) NMR experiments and HRESIMS data. In addition, the anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 1-8 was evaluated by measuring the levels IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, COX-2, lipoxgenase-5, and PGE2 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay., Results: The n-hexane-CHCl3 soluble fraction afforded a new eudesmane acid, specioic acid (8), along with seven known compounds, 22,23-dihydrospinasterone (1), dehydrodihydrocostus lactone (mokko lactone) (2), dehydrocostus lactone (3), stigmasterol (4), arbusculin A (5), santamarine (douglanin) (6), and reynosin (7). Compounds 1, 4, and 5-7 were isolated for the first time C. speciosus. Compounds 1-4 displayed potent anti-inflammatory activity, while 7 and 8 showed moderate activity. Compounds 1-8 exhibited a concentration-related decrease in the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, PGE2, lipoxgenase-5, and COX-2. Compounds 5 and 6 did not significantly decrease levels of different cytokines, PGE2, lipoxgenase-5, and COX-2 from PHA treatment at 1 µM. However, all tested compounds significantly decreased cytokines, PGE2, lipoxgenase-5, and COX-2 levels at concentration 100 µM. It is noteworthy that compounds 1-4 had the highest activity, where it lowered levels of cytokines, PGE2, lipoxgenase-5, and COX-2 to the extent that was no statistical difference from the control group. Thus, they decreased proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) with decreased level of the target enzymes (COX-2 and lipoxgenase-5) and subsequent reduction of its inflammatory product (PGE2)., Conclusion: Good anti-inflammatory activities exhibited of the isolated compounds from C. speciosus corroborate the usefulness of this plant in the traditional treatment of inflammation and related symptoms., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Litchi chinensis Sonn. (Sapindaceae) has been widely used in many cultures for the treatment of cough, flatulence, stomach ulcers, diabetes, obesity, testicular swelling, hernia-like conditions, and epigastric and neuralgic pains. The ethnopharmacologial history of L. chinensis indicated that it possesses hypoglycemic, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-platelet, anti-tussive, analgesic, antipyretic, hemostatic, diuretic, and antiviral activities., Aim of the Review: The aim of this review is to provide up-to-date information on the botanical characterization, distribution, traditional uses, and chemical constituents, as well as the pharmacological activities and toxicity of L. chinensis. Moreover, the focus of this review is the possible exploitation of this plant to treat different diseases and to suggest future investigations., Materials and Methods: To provide an overview of the ethnopharmacology, chemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of litchi, and to reveal their therapeutic potentials and being an evidence base for further research works, information on litchi was gathered from scientific journals, books, and worldwide accepted scientific databases via a library and electronic search (PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Springer, Scopus, Web of Science, Wiley online library, and pubs.acs.org/journal/jacsat). All abstracts and full-text articles were examined. The most relevant articles were selected for screening and inclusion in this review., Results: A comprehensive analysis of the literature obtained through the above-mentioned sources confirmed that ethno-medical uses of L. chinensis have been recorded in China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Philippines. Phytochemical investigation revealed that the major chemical constituents of litchi are flavonoids, sterols, triterpenens, phenolics, and other bioactive compounds. Crude extracts and pure compounds isolated from L. chinensis exhibited significant antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, hepato-protective, and immunomodulatory activities. From the toxicological perspective, litchi fruit juice and extracts have been proven to be safe at a dose 1 g/kg., Conclusions: Phytochemical investigations indicated that phenolics were the major bioactive components of L. chinensis with potential pharmacological activities. The ethnopharmacological relevance of L. chinensis is fully justified by the most recent findings indicating it is a useful medicinal and nutritional agent for treating a wide range of human disorders and aliments. Further investigations are needed to fully understand the mode of action of the active constituents and to fully exploit its preventive and therapeutic potentials., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Naphthylisoquinolines are a group of structurally diverse secondary metabolites, consisting of naphthalene and isoquinoline moieties. Naturally occurring naphthylisoquinolines have so far been found only in the small palaeotropic families Dioncophyllaceae and Ancistrocladaceae. They have been shown to exhibit a diverse array of biological activities. Herein, we review the research on the occurrence, isolation, identification, biological activities, and biosynthesis of this class of compounds published from 1995 till now. Moreover, their chemotaxonomic relevance and molecular targets of action have been discussed. More than 125 metabolites are described and 99 references are cited., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A new stigmasterol ester: stigmasterol tetracosanoate (3), along with 7 compounds: β-sitosterol (1), stigmasterol (2), (2S,3S,4R)-2[(2'R)-2'-(hydroxyeicosanoyl amino) octadecane-1,3,4-triol (4), apigenin (5), β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), stigmasterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranose (7), and apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8) were isolated from Blepharis ciliaris aerial parts. Compounds 1, 2, and 5-7 are reported here for the first time from the plant and 4 for the first time from the family. GCMS analysis revealed the presence of 45 fatty acids, 53 hydrocarbons, and 24 sterols. The different fractions exhibited mild cytotoxic in brine shrimp assay and anti-hyperglycaemic activities. The EtOAc fraction and TME (total MeOH extract) showed weak anti-malarial activity against P. falciparum. The CHCl3 fraction gave potent -anti-inflammatory activity compared with indomethacin., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

As a continuation of the work on EtOAc fraction of the Indonesian sponge Acanthostrongylophora ingens, 2 new alkaloids: one pyrimidine-β-carboline alkaloid named ingenine A (2) and one pyrimidine-γ-carboline alkaloid named ingenine B (3), along with annomontine (1) were isolated. Their structures were unambiguously established on the basis of NMR spectroscopy ((1) H, (13)C, (1) H-(1) H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) and mass spectral data. This is the first report of isolation pyrimidine-γ-carboline alkaloid from natural source. Compounds 1 and 3 showed pronounced cytotoxicity against the murine lymphoma L5178Y cancer cell line with ED50 7.8 and 9.1 μg/mL respectively, while compound 2 showed weak activity., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

As a part of our continuing interest in identifying anticancer drug leads from natural sources, we have investigated the n-BuOH fraction of the root bark of Calotropis procera (Ait) R. Br. Seven new oxypregnane oligoglycosides: calotroposides H-N (1-7) were isolated and identified. Their structures were established on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR studies, HRMS, and GCMS spectral data. The in vitro growth inhibitory activity of the n-BuOH fraction and compounds 1-7 was evaluated against A549 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), U373 glioblastoma (GBM), and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines. Compounds 4 and 6 showed subnanomolar growth inhibition activity with IC50 ranging from 0.5 to 0.7μM against U373 glioblastoma (GBM) and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines. These results provide further insight into the chemical diversity and biological activities of this class of compounds., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Chemical investigation of the organic extract of a Red Sea strain of the cyanobacterium Moorea producens has afforded 2,3-seco-2,3-dioxo-lyngbyatoxin A (1). Five known compounds including lyngbyatoxin A (2), majusculamides A and B (3 and 4), aplysiatoxin (5) and debromoaplysiatoxin (6) were also isolated. Their structures were elucidated by using HR-FAB-MS, 1D and 2D NMR analyses. The compounds were evaluated for antiproliferative activity against HeLa cancer cells. Lyngbyatoxin A (2) showed potent activity, with an IC50 of 9.2 nM, while 5 and 6 displayed modest activity with IC50 values of 13.3 and 3.03 μM, respectively. In contrast, compounds 1, 3 and 4 were inactive, with IC50 values greater than 50 μM. The lack of cytotoxicity for 2,3-seco-2,3-dioxo-lyngbyatoxin A (1) demonstrates that the indole moiety in lyngbyatoxin (2) is essential for its cytotoxicity, and suggests that detoxification of 2 may be carried out by biological oxidation of the indole moiety to yield 1.

2-(2-Phenylethyl) chromone (PEC), an uncommon class of chromones, possesses a phenylethyl substituent at the C2 position. They have been isolated from a few plant species. They have promising biological activities such as neuro-protective, cytotoxic, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. This review focuses on the naturally occurring PEC derivatives, their sources, physical and spectral data, as well as biological activities.

Two new xanthones: mangostanaxanthones I (3) and II (5) were isolated from the pericarp of Garcinia mangostana, along with four known xanthones: 9-hydroxycalabaxanthone (1), parvifolixanthone C (2), α-mangostin (4), and rubraxanthone (6). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of IR, UV, 1D, 2D NMR, and MS spectroscopic data, in addition to comparison with literature data. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and quorum-sensing inhibitory activities. Compounds 3 and 5 displayed promising antioxidant activity with IC50 12.07 and 14.12 μM, respectively using DPPH assay. Compounds 4-6 had weak to moderate activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, while demonstrated promising action against Bacillus cereus with MICs 0.25, 1.0, and 1.0mg/mL, respectively. The tested compounds were inactive against Candida albicans. However, they showed selective antifungal potential toward Aspergillus fumigatus. Compounds 3 and 4 possessed quorum-sensing inhibitory activity against Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In continuation of our ongoing efforts to identify bioactive compounds from Red Sea marine organisms, a new collection of the ascidian Didemnum species was investigated. Chromatographic fractionation and HPLC purification of the CH2Cl2 fraction of an organic extract of the ascidian resulted in the identification of two new spiroketals, didemnaketals F (1) and G (2). The structure determination of the compounds was completed by extensive study of 1D (1H, 13C, and DEPT) and 2D (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) NMR experiments in addition to high-resolution mass spectral data. Didemnaketal F (1) and G (2) differ from the previously reported compounds of this class by the lack the terminal methyl ester at C-1 and the methyl functionality at C-2. Instead, 1 and 2 possess a methyl ketone moiety instead of the terminal ester. Furthermore, didemnaketal F possesses a disubstituted double bond between C-2 and C-3, while the double bond was replaced by a secondary alcohol at C-3 in didemnaketal G. In addition, they possess the unique spiroketal/hemiketal functionality which was previously reported in didemnaketal E. Didemnaketals F (1) and G (2) displayed moderate activity against HeLa cells with of IC50s of 49.9 and 14.0 µM, respectively. In addition, didemnaketal F (1) displayed potent antimicrobial activity against E. coli and C. albicans. These findings provide further insight into the biosynthetic capabilities of this ascidian and the chemical diversity as well as the biological activity of this class of compounds.

Re-investigation of the methanolic extract of Anisotes trisulcus (Forssk.) Nees aerial parts led to the isolation of two new tricyclic quinazoline alkaloids, 8-amino-7,8,9,11-tetrahydro-6H-pyrido[2,1-b]-quinazoline-2,6-diol (4) and 8-amino-3,6-dihydroxy-7,8,9-trihydro-6H-pyrido[2,1-b]quinazoline-11-one (5), and two quaternary ammonium compounds, (dimethylamino)-N-(hydroxymethyl)-N,N-dimethyl methanaminium chloride (6) and N-[(carboxyamino)methyl]-N,N-dimethyl ethanaminium chloride (7), together with three known compounds, peganine (1), vasicinone (2), and anisotine (3). The structures of these compounds were established on the basis of physical, chemical, and spectral data (UV, IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR), as well as by comparison with authentic samples. GC-MS analysis of the fatty acid methyl esters and unsaponifiable matter revealed the presence of 46 fatty acids, 53 hydrocarbons, and 18 sterols. The different extracts were evaluated for their antihyperglycaemic activities. The MeOH, n-hexane, and EtOAc extracts exhibited a significant hypoglycaemic effect.

Three new flavonoids; kaempferol-4'-phenoxy-3,3',5'-trimethylether (3), rhamnocitrin-4'-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy)phenoxy-3-methyl ether (4), and rhamnocitrin-3-O-neohesperoside-4'-O-rhamnoside (6), along with three known compounds; 4-methoxy-benzyldehyde (1), kaempferol-3-methylether (2), and stachydrine (5) were isolated from the aerial parts of Cadaba glandulosa Forssk. Their chemical structures were established by physical, chemical, and spectral methods, as well as comparison with literature data. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were determined. Compounds 2-4, and 6 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity comparable with indomethacin and moderate antioxidant activity.

In our search for bioactive metabolites from marine organisms, we have investigated the polar fraction of the organic extract of the Red Sea sponge Theonella swinhoei. Successive chromatographic separations and final HPLC purification of the potent antifungal fraction afforded a new bicyclic glycopeptide, theonellamide G. The structure of the peptide was determined using extensive 1D and 2D NMR and high-resolution mass spectral determinations. The absolute configuration of theonellamide G was determined by chemical degradation and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Theonellamide G showed potent antifungal activity towards wild and amphotericin B-resistant strains of Candida albicans with IC₅₀ of 4.49 and 2.0 μM, respectively. Additionally, it displayed cytotoxic activity against the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (HCT-16) with IC₅₀ of 6.0 μM. These findings provide further insight into the chemical diversity and biological activities of this class of compounds.

Phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extract of Tagetes minuta L. (Asteraceae) leaves resulted in the isolation and identification of two new compounds: 5-methyl-2,2',5',2'',5'',2''',5''',2''''-quinquethiophene (1) and quercetagetin-6-O-(6-O-caffeoyl-β-D-glucopyranoside) (9), in addition to seven known compounds: quercetin-3,6-dimethyl ether (2), quercetin-3-methyl ether (3), quercetin (4), axillarin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), quercetagetin-3,7-dimethoxy-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), quercetagetin-7-methoxy-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), and quercetagetin-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8). The compounds were identified by UV, IR, 1D, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS spectral data. They showed significant antioxidant activity, comparable with that of propyl gallate. Compounds 8 and 3 showed weak to moderate antileishmanial and antimalarial activities, with IC₅₀ values of 31.0 μg/mL and 4.37 μg/mL, respectively.

Phytochemical investigation of the cytotoxic fractions of fresh bulbs of Pancratium maritimum L. led to the isolation and structure identification of two new compounds, pancricin (1) and pancrichromone (4), together with four known compounds, including 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-3-methyl acetophenone (2), 5-formylfurfuryl acetate (3), 7-beta-D-glucosyloxy-5-hydroxy-2-methylchromone (5), and ethyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6). Their structures were established on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, COSY, HSQC, and HMBC), as well as HR mass spectral analyses. The compounds were evaluated for their antimigratory and antiproliferative activities against the highly metastatic human prostate cancer cell line (PC-3M). Compound 5 was the most active compound displaying good activity in the proliferation assay comparable to that of the positive control 4-hydroxyphenylmethylene hydantoin, while it displayed only weak antimigratory activity compared to the positive control 4-ethylmercaptophenylmethylene hydantoin.

Re-investigation of the MeOH extract of the seeds of Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus (Cucurbitaceae) led to the isolation of a new chromone derivative (5,7- dihydroxy-2-[2-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]chromone (5) and a triglyceride (1,3-di-(6Z,9Z)-docosa-6,9-dienoyl-2-(6Z) hexacos-6-enoylglycerol (1), together with three known compounds; alpha-spinasterol (2), stigmasta-7,22,25-trien-3-ol (3), and D:B-friedoolean-5-ene-3-beta-ol (4), are reported from this species for the first time. Their structures were determined by extensive 1D (1H, 13C, and DEPT) and 2D (1H-1H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) NMR and mass spectral measurements. Compound 5 displayed significant cytotoxic activity against L5178Y cells, with an ED50 of 5 microM. The MeOH extract and 5 showed antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay.