This investigation conducted a comprehensive multivariate analysis on thirty half-sib populations of Nepeta cataria L., derived from natural populations based on oil yield. The study addresses the lack of comprehensive data on genetic, phenotypic, and chemical diversity in Nepeta cataria, which is essential for material selection and for conducting effective breeding programs. A substantial amount of phenotypic diversity was observed for all eleven quantitative traits measured in the present study. The phenotypic diversity was assessed using Euclidean distance-based agglomerative hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) which showed more than 50 % diversity existing among the studied populations. These methods delineated the populations into three primary clusters, where herb yield was a key discriminator. The GC and GC/MS-based chemical profiling of these populations identified eleven major phytochemicals. Though, significant variances in the concentrations of various nepetalactone isomers were noted, correlating with the phenotypic clusters, the major differentiation was observed for cis-trans Nepetalactone (73.45%-93.20 %). Three distinct chemical clusters were defined, each characterized by unique chemical signatures. Molecular diversity was evaluated using 21 Start Codon Targeted Polymorphic (SCoT) and 20 CAAT box-derived DNA Polymorphic (CBDP) markers, revealing high levels of polymorphism. Populations were again grouped into three clusters. A correlative Mantel test performed to determine the association between agro-chemical and genotypic traits revealed minimal correlation between them, indicating a complex interplay between genetic makeup and phenotypic traits across these populations. This study underscores the genetic and chemical diversity within Nepeta cataria half-sib populations, providing insights that could influence future breeding and conservation efforts. The distinct clustering based on agronomic, chemical, and genotypic data highlights the potential for targeted selection and breeding programs within this species. Future research should focus on integrating these findings into breeding strategies for enhancing commercial cultivation.

The Piperaceae family is distributed widely in tropical and subtropical areas. It encompasses around 5 genera and over 3000 species. They are distinguished by the substantial chemical diversity and potential medicinal applications. Amide alkaloids, as the main secondary metabolites in the Piperaceae family, exhibit various biological activities, and the discovery of [2 + 2] and [4 + 2] amide alkaloid dimers has led to a surge in phytochemical research on Piperaceae plants. Although the identification of these dimers has been gradually increasing in recent years, there remains a lack of comprehensive and systematic evaluations of these compounds. This review aims to summarize the latest advancements in the research on natural amide alkaloid dimers, focusing on their structural diversity, biological activities and biosynthetic pathways, and the enzymatic advances of [2 + 2] and [4 + 2] cyclase enzymes. Until October 2024, research has documented 99 amide alkaloid dimers, including 37 dimers possessing [2 + 2] cyclobutanes skeletons and 62 [4 + 2] cyclohexene skeletons derived from the Piperaceae family. These compounds demonstrate a range of in vitro biological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, anti-platelet aggregation, hepatoprotective, antimalarial, antitubercular, anti-diabetic and notable interactions with CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes. A systematic review of these [2 + 2] and [4 + 2] amide alkaloid dimers in Piperaceae family can provide a critical scientific foundation and theoretical support for the discovery and development of novel pharmaceutical agents.

Hymenocallis littoralis, commonly known as Coastal Spider lily, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Amaryllidaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, celebrated for its remarkably beautiful flowers. In this study, five previously undescribed chromones, one new benzopyran, along with five known chromones and fourteen known flavonoids, were identified. Among these, compounds 6, 9, 12, 18, 19, 20, and 22 were natural products isolated from H. littoralis for the first time. Their structures were determined using spectroscopic techniques (NMR and MS). Anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated chromone and benzopyran were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Compound 11 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production with an IC value of 38.24 μM. Further investigations revealed that compound 11 exerted its anti-inflammatory activity by preventing the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and down-regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, including iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, and IL-6, in a concentration-dependent manner. This study provides evidence that benzopyran from H. littoralis may serve as a potential source of an anti-inflammatory agent.

A quantitative analysis method was established using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to simultaneously determine five lignans in the total lignan extract (TLE) from Trachelospermi Caulis at 280 nm, including nortracheloside, tracheloside, nortrachelogenin, trachelogenin, and arctigenin. The method demonstrated good linearity for each lignan within their respective ranges, with precision, stability, and repeatability meeting the criteria for quantitative analysis. Tracheloside, the most abundant compound in the TLE, effectively inhibited the release of inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-17, and suppressed the migration MH7A cells in vitro. Furthermore, tracheloside reduced the production of key inflammatory factors, including COX-2, IL-6, IL-17, MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, JNK, p-JNK, p38, and p-p38 in TNF-α induced MH7A cells, thereby inhibiting the IL-17/MAPK signaling pathway, and thus contributing to its anti-rheumatoid arthritis effects. This study represents the first report on the simultaneous quantification of five major lignans from Trachelospermi Caulis and the anti-inflammatory properties of tracheloside.

Sepsis-induced Acute Lung Injury (ALI) and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) pose life-threatening risks due to an excessive activation of proinflammatory cytokines via the JAK pathway. Currently, no confirmed drug treatment exists for ALI. In this study, we explored JAK1 as a potential therapeutic target to address this issue. This study evaluates lapachol, a bioactive secondary metabolite, for its potential in treating sepsis-induced Acute Lung Injury (ALI). Lapachol was selected based on in-silico analyses such as binding energy, RMSD, RMSF, H-bond graphs, and lig plots supported the hypothesis that Lapachol binds to JAK1 in a manner similar to Tofacitinib JAK1/3 inhibitor (Positive control). Lapachol, derived from the heartwood of Tecomella undulata, was used in this investigation. Swiss albino mice were categorized into control, LPS treated, positive control (Tofacitinib), and experimental groups (Lapachol at 20 and 40 mg/kg doses). Throughout the experiment, mice behaviour was monitored, and euthanasia was performed at 12 and 24-h intervals. Various analyses, including body weight, W/D ratio, lung weight/body weight ratio, flow cytometry of BAL fluid (at 12 and 24 h), histology, myeloperoxidase assays were performed. Results indicated that both Tofacitinib and Lapachol significantly reduced ALI markers, including lung weight/body weight ratio, cell counts, and granulocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Moreover, histopathology and MPO analysis suggested that Lapachol, particularly at 40 mg/kg, exhibited anti-inflammatory effects comparable to Tofacitinib. Conclusively, the findings suggest that Lapachol possesses the potential to inhibit JAK1 kinase domains and mitigate ALI associated with sepsis similar to Tofacitinib.

Five new coumarins, including three phenypropaninized coumarins edgegardnerols A-C (1-3), two bicoumarins edgegardnerols D and E (4 and 5), along with eight known analogues, were isolated and identified from the dried buds of E. gardneri. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of their NMR, IR, UV, HR-ESI-MS, and ECD data. Furthermore, the absolute configurations of the glucose moiety were confirmed by HPLC analysis after acidic hydrolysis and chemical derivatization. The cytotoxic activities of all isolated compounds were evaluated against A549 and SMMC-7721 cell lines. Among the tested isolates, compound 12 showed the most potent cytotoxicity with IC values of 22.65 μM and 25.83 μM in these two cell lines, respectively. Compared with cisplatin (29.78 μM), compound 12 exhibited stronger cytotoxic activity in A549 cell line. The preliminary structure-activity relationship showed that 7-hydroxy group on coumarin skeleton was structurally required for the cytotoxity against the A-549 and SMMC-7721 cell lines.

Huperzia serrata (HS) has been a staple of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, revered for its efficacy in treating various ailments such as pain relief, hemostasis, detoxification, dehumidification, and heat clearing. This review offers an in-depth summary of the botany, traditional utilization, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, phytochemistry, and safety profile of HS and intends to shed light on potential future research directions and applications of this plant. Information on HS was gathered from ScienceDirect, PubMed, Springer, Sci Finder, Baidu Scholar, and Google Scholar. Over 94 compounds have been separated and identified from HS, including alkaloids, terpenoids, volatile oils, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Both crude extracts and purified compounds from HS have shown promise in treating a spectrum of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, pain, cancer, and inflammation. These extracts and compounds exhibit diverse pharmacological properties, including neuroprotective, anti-Alzheimer's, anti-epileptic, analgesic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Pharmacological investigations support the traditional use of HS and may validate the folk medicinal use of HS to treat many chronic diseases. Current literature suggests that the bioactivity of HS is largely attributed to its alkaloids and polysaccharides. However, further exploration is warranted to comprehensively understand the structure-function relationship of these constituents, molecular mechanisms, and their potential synergistic and antagonistic interactions. Moreover, additional modern pharmacological explorations are necessary to validate the traditional use of HS such as promoting hemostasis, treating tuberculosis, hemorrhoids, and diarrhea. Therefore, there is a pressing need for comprehensive investigations to fully assess HS' medicinal properties and therapeutic potential.

The medicinal folk plant Tithonia diversifolia A. Gray has traditionally been used to treat hepatitis and liver cancer. However, the anti-fibrotic effect of this plant extract and its main active substances remain unclear.

Four new iridoids elucidated as jasmigeniposide C (1), jasmigeniposide D (2), jasmigeniposide E (3), and jasmigeniposide F (4), along with six known iridoids (5-10) were isolated from the flowers of Gardenia jasminoides. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses and chemical reactions. The antioxidant activities of these compounds were preliminarily evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging assay. The results revealed that compounds 1-5 exhibited some antioxidant activity. Notably, compound 2 displayed the most potent antioxidant activity among the tested compounds.

The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD) in treating primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and uncover its mechanisms, thereby validating its traditional use. Using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS), 38 compounds in DBD were identified. PD model rats were established via cold stimulation, estradiol benzoate, and oxytocin injections. DBD treatment improved behavioral parameters, reduced writhing response, and alleviated histopathological changes in uterus and ovary. Biochemical markers (PGE2, SOD and MDA, among others) were assessed using ELISA, and Western blot was employed to analyze protein levels in rat uteri. Results showed that DBD modulated these proteins, indicating its protective effects. The study provides scientific evidence for DBD's role in nourishing "qi" or enriching "blood" during PD treatment by affecting the MEK1/2/ERK1/2/NF-κB signaling pathway, thus reducing oxidative stress and proinflammatory factors in PD rats.

A new method for the production and isolation of (+)-palitantin (1) is herein reported, from cultures of the fungal strain Penicillium sp. AMF1a. (+)-Palitantin was isolated in 160 mg/L yield, as an alternative procedure to obtain 1 at a larger scale. The complete spectroscopic characterization, including conformational analysis, is presented for (+)-palitantin (1) and for its derivatives 3-α-palitantol (2), 3-β-palitantol (3), (Z)-palinitrorin (4), (Z)-paliphenin (5), (Z)-palifluorin (6) and (E)-palifluorin (7). The absolute configuration of the palitantin portion was confirmed by X-ray analysis of compound 4. The (4-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)-hydrazone derivatives (6 and 7) displayed moderate biological activities. (Z)-Palifluorin (6) exhibited moderate antiplasmodial activity, while (E)-palifluorin (7) displayed weak antibacterial activity against E. faecalis and S. aureus, while palitantin itself was inactive in the same bioassays, indicating that the semi-synthesis of nitrogenated derivatives of 1 may be of potential interest to generate bioactive palitantin derivatives.

Glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most aggressive brain cancers, presents significant treatment challenges due to its complex biology and resistance to conventional therapies, necessitating the development of new, low-toxicity, and effective treatments. This study explores the antitumor potential of phlorizin, a naturally occurring dihydrochalcone, as a standalone agent and in combination with temozolomide (TMZ), the standard chemotherapeutic for GBM. Phlorizin was found to significantly inhibit cell viability and migration in vitro, with synergistic effects observed when combined with TMZ. Comprehensive analyses, including protein-protein interaction network construction, enrichment analysis, and molecular docking with AKT1, identified the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway as a critical mediator of glioblastoma cell survival and proliferation targeted by phlorizin. Pathway enrichment analysis of 88 intersection targets further highlighted this pathway's role in phlorizin's activity. Western blot validation confirmed that phlorizin inhibits the expression of key proteins within the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, providing a mechanistic basis for its antitumor effects. These findings suggest that phlorizin, particularly in combination with TMZ, holds significant potential as a therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma by targeting molecular pathways critical for cancer cell survival and proliferation.

Lippia origanoides Kunth (LO, Verbenaceae), commonly known in Brazil as salva-de-marajó, is an aromatic plant native to the Americas. Quilombola women from Oriximiná (Pará State, Brazil) use decoctions and decoction vapors of LO aerial parts orally or in sitz baths to alleviate symptoms of dysmenorrhea. This study aimed to evaluate LO decoctions and essential oils through a chemo-qualitative approach. Aerial parts of LO were collected from two individuals, and other two commercial samples were acquired from a public market. Aqueous extract of each sample was obtained by decoction and spray drying. The spray-dried decoctions were chemically characterized using UPLC-APCI(-)-IT-MS and cluster heatmap analysis to discern compositional patterns. Essential oils were obtained through hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS and GC-FID. In total, 12 compounds were tentatively identified from LO decoctions. Their product ion spectra were characteristic of flavonoid aglycones (5) and glycosides (4), and phenylpropanoids, including two stilbene glycosides and one hydroxycinnamic acid glycoside. Variations were noted in the chemical fingerprints of the decoctions, but the flavonoid glycosides orientin, isoorientin, and vitexin emerged as potential markers for the species. The essential oils of the samples contained high amounts of oxygenated monoterpenoids, with a predominance of the p-menthanes carvacrol (up to 61.9 %) and/or thymol (up to 17.0 %), and p-cymene (up to 24.9 %). This study was the first to explore the chemical composition of decoctions derived from LO, highlighting the species as an untapped source of phenolic glycosides, an aspect that has received limited discussion thus far.

Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant bone tumor with poor prognosis and limited treatment options due to resistance and side effects.

Two undescribed diterpenoids (1-2) and three lignans (3a/3b, 4a), together with sixteen known compounds (4b, 5-9, 10a/10b-14a/14b) were obtained from the stems of Tripterygium wilfordii (T. wilfordii). The structures of these new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses, and their absolute configurations were estabished by ECD calculations. Some compounds exhibited moderate inhibitory activities against IL-6 production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in vitro. Compound 5 showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in vitro (IC, 0.77 μM) and inhibited macrophage polarization towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype.

Two novel diketopiperazine dimers (1 and 2) and two new 4-hydroxyphenylacetates (5 and 6), along with two previously known diketopiperazine dimers were isolated from the culture of the endolichenic fungus Aspergillus sp. CPCC 400810. Their structures were determined through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data. The absolute configurations of the new compounds were confirmed using Marfey's method and chemical synthesis.

Ten new limonoids, named xylomolones E-N (1-10), and two new protolimonoids, named xylomolones O (11) and P (12), were isolated from seeds of the Thai mangrove Xylocarpus moluccensis, together with the known compound, hispidone acetonide (13). The structures of these compounds were established by extensive NMR spectroscopic data, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and comparison of experimental ECD spectra. The absolute configurations of xylomolones E (1) and L (8) were unambiguously determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, conducted with Cu Kα radiation. Xylomolones E-L (1-8) are mexicanolide-type limonoids, among which xylomolones J (6) and K (7) contain a C/Cδ-lactone ring, whereas xylomolones M (9) and N (10) are phragmalin-type limonoids. Xylomolones O (11) and P (12) are two new protolimonoids. In addition, the H and C NMR spectroscopic data for hispidone acetonide (13) was first assigned completely. In bioassay, xylomolones F (2), M (9), and P (12) exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against the production of NO in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells with IC values of 31.54 ± 7.27, 62.84 ± 17.62, and 22.7 ± 6.56 μM, respectively.

Three previously undescribed 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones, (5S,6R,7S,8S)-8-chloro-5-ethoxy-6,7-dihydroxy-2-[2-(4'-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrochromone (1), (5R,6S,7R,8R)-8-chloro-5-ethoxy-6,7-dihydroxy-2-(2- phenylethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrochromone (2), (5S,6R,7S,8R)-5,8-dichloro-6,7- dihydroxy-2-[2-(4'-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrochromone (3), and 28 known analogues (4-31) were isolated from the stems of Aquilaria sinensis. Their structures were characterized by the spectroscopic methods, and the absolute configuration was resolved by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Bioactivity evaluation indicated that compounds 3-8 had significant inhibition effect in the production of NO in an inflammatory cell model with relatively lower IC values of 5.54, 11.44, 3.68, 7.15, 10.26 and 13.04 μM, respectively, compared to the positive control indomethacin (IC = 23.03 μM).

Anxiety and depression are mental disorders that have been exponentially increasing over the last decades. Psychopharmacology emerged to try to alleviate the symptoms of these disorders; however, the side effects and the time it takes to achieve the desired effect are factors that decrease the search for and adherence to treatment. To remedy this situation, new compounds capable of improving the performance of these medications and reducing their adverse effects have been sought. The use of medicinal plants has been widely employed for this purpose. Mauritia flexuosa F.L., a palm tree with high incidence in Brazil, has been heavily targeted as all its parts are usable. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of fixed oil from the fruit of the buriti palm in models of depression and anxiety. The phytochemical profile of this oil and its toxicity were also investigated. The experiments conducted included the open field, rotarod, forced swim, and elevated plus maze tests. As a result, it was observed that the fixed oil from buriti palm presented 18 compounds, with elaidic acid being the major one, and showed no signs of toxicity. However, it demonstrated a possible stimulating activity in the open field test and had no effect on the motor system in the rotarod test. Furthermore, it exhibited an antidepressant-like effect in the forced swim test but an anxiety-like effect in the elevated plus maze test. Therefore, buriti oil may potentially be used in new formulations to assist in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

Euodia Fruit is a crude drug used to treat migraine and headaches and is well-known to contain indole alkaloids, which may contribute to the observed pharmacological activities. A methanolic extract of Euodia Fruit exhibited pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity (IC 13.9 mg/mL). Bioassay-guided fractionation of the extract led to the isolation of 14 quinolone alkaloids (1-14), three indole alkaloids: rutaecarpine (15), evodiamine (16), and dehydroevodiamine (17), and a limonoid: rutaevine acetate (18), among which three quinolone alkaloids (12-14) have been previously undescribed. The structures of 12-14 were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including two-dimensional (2D) NMR. Compounds 2, 3, 6-9, 13, and 14 exhibited pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity, with IC values ranging from 1.40 to 7.37 mM. The results revealed that the length of the aliphatic side chain and the presence of an olefinic bond at the C-2 side chain of the quinolone alkaloids could impact lipase inhibitory activity. In soybean oil-loaded mice, orally administered evocarpine (8) reduced serum triglyceride levels in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, 8-14 at 5.0 and 50 μM exhibited peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ ligand-binding activity.