COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES ON SOME SPECIES OF THE GENUS FUMARIA

in Farmacia (2013), (2),

Identification and structure elucidation of four cannabimimetic compounds in seized products

in Journal of Analytical Toxicology (2013)

Since 2008, herbal mixtures with synthetic cannabinoid compounds have been sold as incense throughout the world. Although these new drugs are labeled as not for human consumption, these products are ... [more ▼]

Since 2008, herbal mixtures with synthetic cannabinoid compounds have been sold as incense throughout the world. Although these new drugs are labeled as not for human consumption, these products are smoked for their cannabis-like effects. This study reports the structural and spectral elucidation of four cannabimimetic compounds seized in Belgium: (4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)methanone (RCS-4), 1-(5-fluoropentyl)-3-(1-naphtoyl)indole (AM-2201), 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-(1-pentylindol-3-yl)ethanone (JWH-203) and 4-ethylnaphthalen-1-yl-(1-pentylindol-3-yl)methanone (JWH-210). Laboratory investigations were conducted by liquid chromatography (LC)–ultraviolet spectroscopy, high-resolution accurate mass detection and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. This combined analytical approach allowed the detection of illicit compounds for which reference materials were not available. To facilitate identification and to complete existing databases, ultraviolet spectra and NMR data of all seized products are presented. Additionally, LC–quadrupole time-of-flight data were recorded to provide absolute identification. [less ▲]

Potential anticancer activity of young Carpinus betulus leaves

in Planta Medica (2012, August), 78(11), 1178

Bisindolomonoterpenic alkaloids from the stem bark of Strychnos nux-vomica exhibiting antiplasmodial activity

in Planta Medica (2012, August), 78(11), 1047

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A LC-UV METHOD FOR THE DOSAGE OF A TRACER IN AN IMPROVED TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

Conference (2012, July)

According to World Health Organisation, 80% of the African populations use Improved Traditional Medicines (ITM) to threat several diseases. Even if some of these ITM are nowadays registered with local ... [more ▼]

According to World Health Organisation, 80% of the African populations use Improved Traditional Medicines (ITM) to threat several diseases. Even if some of these ITM are nowadays registered with local health authorities, the knowledge of their qualitative and quantitative composition still remains a challenge for ensuring health security of populations. In this context, an analytical method using liquid chromatography technique with UV detection was developed to allow the dosage of a tracer (major compound) in an ITM (syrup containing extract plants) registered in D.R. Congo by the “Centre de Recherche en Médecine Traditionnelle Améliorée” and marketed for use against malaria. For that purpose, a simple and rapid experimental plan considering a Plackett-Burman design was applied by testing simultaneously two significant factors, temperature of analytical column (T°) and gradient time (TG) for eluting acetonitrile (ACN) from 5% to 95%, while focusing on the separation of the tracer and an adjacent unknown compound (critical peak pairs). Suitable separation (resolution of 1.5) was obtained between these latter with T° of 15°C and TG of 60 min (20% to 65% of ACN). Prior to routine use, the analytical method was validated following the total error strategy described by the SFSTP guidelines and according to the ISO norm 17025:2005. Specificity/selectivity of the method was demonstrated by the absence of interference at the retention time of the major compound comparing to the syrup matrix. Very interesting results were observed for trueness (relative biases below 0.9%), for precision (RSD mostly below 2.2% for repeatability and time-different intermediate precision), for accuracy (beta tolerance intervals below 10% of the acceptance limits) and linearity. Finally, the method was applied to quantify the major compound in several batches of syrups ITM as well as for stability studies. [less ▲]

Potential anticancer activity of young Carpinus betulus leaves.

in Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology (2012), 19(3/4), 278-284

As part of our continuing research for anticancer compounds from the Walloon Region forest, EtOAc extract from Carpinus betulus leaves was phytochemically studied, leading to the bioguided isolation of ... [more ▼]

As part of our continuing research for anticancer compounds from the Walloon Region forest, EtOAc extract from Carpinus betulus leaves was phytochemically studied, leading to the bioguided isolation of pheophorbide a, which is responsible of anticancer properties of C. betulus young leaves. This compound was identified using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrophotometric data and comparison with a commercial standard. Evaluation of the growth inhibitory activities of pheophorbide a using MTT colorimetric assay and phase-contrast microscopy in various human cancer cell lines confirmed the photoactivable properties of this compound. Our research showed, for the first time, the presence of pheophorbide a, a chlorophyll derived compound, which we quantified in high quantities in young leaves of C. betulus. This is in contrast with the literature which generally describes pheophorbide a as a catabolic product of chlorophyll, then preferentially present in old leaves. [less ▲]

Anti-plasmodial activity of Dicoma tomentosa (Asteraceae) and identification of urospermal A-15- O-acetate as the main active compound.

in Malaria Journal (2012), 11(1), 2891-9

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Natural products could play an important role in the challenge to discover new anti-malarial drugs. In a previous study, Dicoma tomentosa (Asteraceae) was selected for its promising ... [more ▼]

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Natural products could play an important role in the challenge to discover new anti-malarial drugs. In a previous study, Dicoma tomentosa (Asteraceae) was selected for its promising anti-plasmodial activity after a preliminary screening of several plants traditionally used in Burkina Faso to treat malaria. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the antiplasmodial properties of this plant and to isolate the active anti-plasmodial compounds. METHODS: Eight crude extracts obtained from D. tomentosa whole plant were tested in vitro against two Plasmodium falciparum strains (3D7 and W2) using the p-LDH assay (colorimetric method). The Peters' four-days suppressive test model (Plasmodium berghei-infected mice) was used to evaluate the in vivo anti-plasmodial activity. An in vitro bioguided fractionation was undertaken on a dichloromethane extract, using preparative HPLC and TLC techniques. The identity of the pure compound was assessed using UV, MS and NMR spectroscopic analysis. In vitro cytotoxicity against WI38 human fibroblasts (WST-1 assay) and haemolytic activity were also evaluated for extracts and pure compounds in order to check selectivity. RESULTS: The best in vitro anti-plasmodial results were obtained with the dichloromethane, diethylether, ethylacetate and methanol extracts, which exhibited a high activity (IC50 [less than or equal to] 5 mug/ml). Hot water and hydroethanolic extracts also showed a good activity (IC50 [less than or equal to] 15 mug/ml), which confirmed the traditional use and the promising anti-malarial potential of the plant. The activity was also confirmed in vivo for all tested extracts. However, most of the active extracts also exhibited cytotoxic activity, but no extract was found to display any haemolytic activity. The bioguided fractionation process allowed to isolate and identify a sesquiterpene lactone (urospermal A-15-O-acetate) as the major anti-plasmodial compound of the plant (IC50 < 1 mug/ml against both 3D7 and W2 strains). This was also found to be the main cytotoxic compound (SI =3.3). While this melampolide has already been described in the plant, this paper is the first report on the biological properties of this compound. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlighted the very promising anti-plasmodial activity of D. tomentosa and enabled to identify its main active compound, urospermal A-15-O-acetate. The high antiplasmodial activity of this compound merits further study about its anti-plasmodial mechanism of action. The active extracts of D. tomentosa, as well as urospermal A 15-Oacetate, displayed only a moderate selectivity, and further studies are needed to assess the safety of the use of the plant by the local population. [less ▲]

Rotenoid content and in vitro acaricidal activity of Tephrosia vogelii leaf extract on the tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus

in Veterinary Parasitology (2012), 190(1-2), 204-209

UNDERSTANDING THE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN ARTEMISININ AND CYCLODEXTRINS: SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES AND MOLECULAR MODELING

in Journal of Inclusion Phenomena and Molecular Recognition in Chemistry (2012), 74(1), 305-315

Antiparasitic activities of two sesquiterpenic lactones isolated from Acanthospermum hispidum D.C

in Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2012), 141(0), 411-417

Ethnopharmacological relevance : Aerial parts of Acanthospermum hispidum D.C. are often used by traditional healers in Benin for various diseases and especially for malaria Aim of the study : Identify ... [more ▼]

Ethnopharmacological relevance : Aerial parts of Acanthospermum hispidum D.C. are often used by traditional healers in Benin for various diseases and especially for malaria Aim of the study : Identify active compounds from extracts of Acanthospermum hispidum D.CV. leaves previously shown to possess antimalarial properties and analyse in vivo activity and toxicity of crude extracts. Materials and methods : Compounds were isolated from aerial part of A. hispidum D.C. and structurally elucidated using extensive spectroscopic analysis. Antiplasmodial activity was evaluated in vitro against a chloroquinosensitive strain of Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) using the measurement of the plasmodial lactate dehydrogenase activity and in vivo against P. berghei berghei by the 4-days suppressive test. Selectivity of extract and purified compounds on Plasmodium parasites were evaluated by using MTT test on J774 macrophage like murine cells and WI38 human normal fibroblasts and also against two other parasites: Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Leishmania mexicana mexicana. Acute and sub-acute toxicities of a crude extract were evaluated on mice. Results : Two known sesquiterpenic lactones were isolated: 1 (15-acetoxy-8β-[(2-methylbutyryloxy)]-14-oxo-4, 5-cis-acanthospermolide) and 2 (9α-acetoxy-15-hydroxy-8β-(2-methylbutyryloxy) -14-oxo-4, 5-trans-acanthospermolide). 1 and 2 showed in vitro antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquino-sensitive strain (3D7) with IC50 of 2.9 ± 0.5 and 2.23 ± 0.09 μM respectively. Only 2 showed a high selectivity index (SI: 18.4) on Plasmodium compared to cytotoxicity against human fibroblasts cell line (WI38). 1 and 2 also showed interesting antiparasitic activities in vitro against Trypanosoma brucei brucei (IC50 of 2.45 ± 0.49 and 6.36 ± 1.42 μM respectively) and Leishmania mexicana mexicana (IC50 of 0.94 ± 0.05 and 2.54 ± 0.19 μM respectively). Furthermore, crude acidic water extract and fractions containing one of the two isolated compounds displayed a weak in vivo antimalarial activity against P. berghei berghei with a long half-life causing a delayed effect. In vivo acute (2000 mg/kg) and sub-acute (1000 mg/kg) toxicity tests on the crude acidic water extract did not show toxicity. Conclusion : Crude acidic water extract, fractions and pure isolated compounds from A.hispidum showed promising in vitro antiplasmodial activity. Despite our study did not show in vivo acute and subacute toxicities of the crude acidic water extract, its weak in vivo antimalarial activity and the in vitro cytoxicity of pure compounds and enriched extracts containing 1 and 2 indicate that the aerial parts of A. hispidum should be used with caution for malaria treatments. [less ▲]