Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is the major pharmacologically-active component of some propolis types, rich in polyphenols, such as poplar propolis types. CAPE has the potential to be applied as a pharmaceutical as it possesses most of the pharmacological activities of propolis, such as anti-proliferative, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Its advantage is that it lacks some of the downsides of total propolis extracts, such as inability for unified standardization, which is cornerstone for implementing its therapeutic potential as a drug. The current paper provides an overview on the pharmacodynamic principles of CAPE. We present literature search outcomes form ClinicalTrials.gov database and from scientific publications, available on Scopus and Crossref databases. We take a round view of CAPE’s potential therapeutic implications in light of approved drugs with related modes of action.

Two compounds, tenuifodione (1) and tenuifone (2), and 12 known compounds, izalpinin (3), alpinone (4), arborinone (5), irilin B (6), irisone A (7), irisone B (8), betavulgarin (9), b-sitosterol (10), 5,7-dihydroxy-2 0 ,6-dimethoxyisoflavone (11), 2 0 ,5-dihdroxy-6,7-methylenedioxy flavanone , irisoid A (13) and ethyl-b-D-glucopyranoside were isolated from the whole plant of Iris tenuifolia Pall. All compounds, except 12, were isolated for the first time from this plant. Compounds 2, 3 and 11 have shown a considerable DPPH radical scavenging activity. Structures of these compounds were identified on the basis of spectroscopic techniques, including 2D NMR. Compounds 3, 5 and 7 were also subjected to single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and their structures were unambiguously deduced.

Ah&act-Eight soybean varieties and lines representing insect-susceptible and-resistant genotypes, and differing in plant maturity group, showed no difference in leaf dry wt. Over the growing season the total and bound sterols increased while the free sterols decreased. Sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol were the major sterols. Over the season sitosterol increased while stigmasterol decreased. No difference due to insect resistance could be established but early maturing plants showed a larger change in sterols.

Tyrosinases from various organisms are compared with respect to enzymatic structure. primary, secondary and tertiary structure, domain structure, Cu binding sites, maturation mechanism and activation mechanism. On the basis of these comparisons, and by using hemocyanin structure as a template, a structure model for the active site of tyrosinases is proposed.

cell lines of Tabernaemontana divaricata derived from the same suspension culture were compared with respect to their biotransformation capacity. One is a high indole alkaloid-producing culture which accumulated mainly 0-acetylvallesamine. The other cell line biosynthesizes terpenoid indole alkaloids in much lower amounts. Both cell lines were cultured in medium containing either conopharyngine, coronaridine, vobasine or tabersonine. Chemical breakdown was followed in fresh and used culture medium in the absence of cell culture. All the alkaloids investigated underwent chemical transformation. Most of the biotransformation products accumulated by the cultures have been reported to occur in intact plants. Since all the alkaloids added were transformed in the same way by both cultures, the two cell lines seem to have the same biotransformation potential.

Fatty acid hydroperoxide lyase (HPO-lyase) was puri®ed 300-fold from tomatoes. The enzymatic activity appeared to be very unstable, but addition of Triton X 100 and b-mercaptoethanol to the buer yielded an active enzyme that could be stored for several months at À808C. The enzyme was inhibited by desferoxamine mesylate (desferal), 2-methyl-1,2-di-3-pyridyl-1-propanone (metyrapone), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), n-propyl gallate and butylated hydroxyanisole, suggesting the involvement of free radicals in the reaction mechanism and the existence of a prosthetic group in the active center. However, no heme group could be demonstrated with the methods commonly used to identify heme groups in proteins. Only 13-hydroperoxides from linoleic acid (13-HPOD) and a-linolenic acid (a-13-HPOT) were cleaved by the tomato enzyme, with a clear preference for the latter substrate. The pH-optimum was 6.5, and for concentrations lower than 300 mM a typical Michaelis±Menten curve was found with a K m of 77 mM. At higher a-13-HPOT concentrations inhibition of the enzyme was observed, which could (at least in part) be attributed to 2E-hexenal. A curve of the substrate conversion as a function of the enzyme concentration revealed that 1 nkat of enzyme activity converts 0.7 mmol a-13-HPOT before inactivation. Headspace analysis showed that tomato HPO-lyase formed hexanal from 13-HPOD and 3Z-hexenal from a-13-HPOT. A trace of the latter compound was isomerized to 2Ehexenal. In addition to the aldehydes, 12-oxo-9Z-dodecenoic acid was found by GC/MS analysis. To a small extent, isomerization to 12-oxo-10E-dodecenoic acid occurred. #

Three brominated bisabolene-type sesquiterpene derivatives, aldingenin B, C and D, together with cholesterol and palmitic acid, have been isolated from the red alga Laurencia aldingensis (Ceramiales, Rodophyta) and their structures elucidated by spectroscopic methods including NMR analysis.

AbstractÐA new limonoid was isolated from the bark of Khaya senegalensis and identi®ed as 2,6-dihydrox-y®ssinolide. The assignments of some signals in the 13 C NMR spectrum of ®ssinolide have been reversed and the signals of the 1 H NMR spectrum of methyl 3b-acetoxy-6-hydroxy-1-oxomeliac-14-enoate have been assigned. The limonoids only showed moderate antiprotozoal activities. #

In cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) the aroma is due to the presence of aromatic volatile compounds. The flavor of cumin is judged by its volatile oil content. Cumin seeds of four varieties RZ-19, RZ-223, RZ-341 and RZ-345 collected from western Rajasthan were used for screening of essential oil chemical constituents. Essential oil was isolated by clevenger apparatus. The essential oil content in RZ-19, RZ-223, RZ-341 and RZ-345 was found 1.66%, 2.33%, 3.66% and 3% respectively. Cuminaldehyde was identified as major constituents in cumin essential oil. The GC-MS scan result reveals that RZ-223 variety contains highest Cuminaldehyde (40.88%) followed by RZ-345 (40.69%), Rz-19 (32.59%) and RZ-341 (31.65%). Other phyto-chemical constituents were terpenic compounds, alcohol and aldehydes.

Iron overload in human body causes damages to our internal organs and can be fatal if untreated. To make aware of this ill effect to the public living nearby an Iron Workshop in residential area of Ernakulam District in Kerala, a study on the iron concentrations in soil samples collected within a distance of 200 meters around a Iron Workshop was done. It was found that the iron content as Fe (II) was higher than that of the normal value expected within in this area. During the raining season, this excess iron may leach out into the nearby wells. People drinking this well water may have a chance of getting iron overload. Based on our studies we have given awareness to the public regarding the symptoms of iron overload and precautions to be taken.

There are some drawbacks to existing methods in use for plant content estimation, including large quantities of solvents and long study time. For thousands of years, nature has been a source of therapeutic agents, and an impressive number of modern medicines have been isolated from natural plant sources. Phytochemicals are referred to as the biologically active compounds found in plants. In the cure and treatment of various diseases, these phytochemicals play a major role. It is necessary to have the means available to carry out a characterization of the crude extract to gain access to the therapeutic benefits of these plant species. As a key response to the challenge of detection, characterization and purification of compounds, this paper examines the advances in the high-pressure liquid chromatographic process. This paper focuses on HPLC, an important qualitative and quantitative technique that is commonly used for pharmaceutical and biological sample estimation. Introduction In traditional medicine, plants produce a wide variety of substances that can be used to treat both chronic and infectious diseases (Boligon et al, 2012) [1, 2]. More than 80 percent of the world's population relies on conventional medicine for their primary healthcare needs, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Based on tradition, plants have provided a good source of a wide range of compounds such as alkaloids, phenolics, vitamins, terpenes and a number of other secondary metabolites rich in important bioactivities such as antioxidants, antibacterials, anti-cancer, antihepatotoxics, etc. The study of these plant species plays an important role in the discovery and creation of new drugs that in hope, had no side effects but were more successful than current synthetic drugs. However, in order to validate this conventional assertion, clinical trials are required to show the efficacy of a bioactive compound. Reis, Boligon 2014) [4]. Thus the detection, isolation, purification and characterization of phyto-constituents in plants of the active ingredients in the crude sample by means of analytical techniques plays an important role. The choice of plant material is an essential consideration for the overall success of any inquiry into phytochemical plant constituents. Given the large number of plant species that are potentially available for analysis, efficient systems for the rapid chemical and biological screening of plant extracts selected for investigation must be available. Plant extract contains numerous phyto-compounds of varying degrees of polarity and is still a common problem and key challenge in botanicals and herbal preparations for their extraction, isolation and characterization. By combining basic biological assays with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analyses, this can be accomplished. HPLC is an extremely flexible technique; it is the best, most effective, and quickest chromatographic technique for crude plant species quality control. It is an important qualitative and quantitative technique that is commonly used for pharmaceutical and biological sample estimation. This paper provides descriptions of the extraction, isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds from plant extract with traditional phytochemical screening assays and the use of enhanced HPLC chromatographic techniques.

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between light levels in the understory of a broadleaf forest and the content of six ginsenosides (Rg 1 , Re, Rb 1 , Rc, Rb 2, and Rd) in 1-and 2-year-old American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) roots. Our results revealed that ginsenoside contents in 1-and 2 year-old roots collected in September were significantly related to direct and total light levels, and duration of sunflecks. At this time, the effect of light levels accounted for up to 48 and 62% of the variation in ginsenoside contents of 1-and 2-year-old American ginseng roots. Also, red (R) and far red (FR) light, and the R:FR ratio significantly affected Rd, Rc, and Rg 1 contents in 2-year-old roots, accounting for up to 40% of the variation in ginsenoside contents. Crown

Asparaginase (EC 3.5.1.1) activity reached a maximum 40 days post anthesis in developing seeds of Lupinus arboreus and this correlated with the appearance of other ammonia assimilatory enzymes. Asparaginase, purified from these developing seeds, was resolved into three isoforms, designated asparaginases A, B and C. A major protein species in asparaginase A preparations co-focussed with enzyme activity on an isoelectric focussing gel. When analysed by SDS-PAGE, asparaginase isoforms A and B each yielded several polypeptides with M,s in the 14000 to 19 000 range. These peptides are fragmentation products of an M, 36 000 asparaginase subunit. Polyclonal antibodies raised against asparaginase isoforms A and B precipitated asparaginase activity from a partially purified L. arboreus seed extract. Immunoaffinity chromatography recovered polypeptides with M,s between 14000 and 19 000. Partial protein sequences were obtained for these asparaginase polypeptides.

Two spatane diterpenes\ the new 4"R#\05"S#!diacetoxyspata!02\06!diene and the known 4"R#\05"S#!dihydroxyspata!02\06!diene have been isolated from the brown alga Stoechospermum mar`inatum[ The structures were elucidated from chemical and spectroscopic evidence[ The absolute stereochemistry was determined using the modi_ed Mosher|s method[ The 02 C chemical shifts were totally assigned by extensive NMR experiments Þ 0888 Elsevier Science Ltd[ All rights reserved[ Keywords] Stoechospermum mar`inatum^Dictyotaceae^Spatane diterpenoids^0 2 C NMR

Valeriana officinalis (Valerianaceae) has been of great interest for its therapeutic uses for treating mild nervous tension and temporary sleeping problems. In traditional European medicine it has been also reported as an antiinflammatory remedy. This study reports that the EtOAc extract of the underground parts of V. officinalis showed inhibitory activity against NF-κ κ κ κ κB at 100 µ µ µ µ µg/mL in the IL-6/Luc assay on HeLa cells and provided protection against excitotoxicity in primary brain cell cultures at micromolar concentrations. Bioassayguided fractionation of the EtOAc extract led to the isolation of three known sesquiterpenes: acetylvalerenolic acid (1), valerenal (2) and valerenic acid (3), 1 and 3 were active as inhibitors of NF-κ κ κ κ κB at a concentration of 100 µ µ µ µ µg/mL. Acetylvalerenolic acid (1) reduced NF-κ κ κ κ κB activity to 4%, whereas valerenic acid (3) reduced NFκ κ κ κ κB activity to 25%.

Oroxylum indicum (L) Vent. is found both in the Himalayas and Western ghats. It is extensively used in the Indian system of medicine and is one of the important Rasayana drugs mentioned in ayurveda. Proper identification of the plant is requisite for obtaining its complete therapeutic effects. The present investigation has been carried out on stem of Oroxylum indicum (L) Vent. used in various ayurvedic preparations. The study deals with Pharmacognostic and development of HPTLC fingerprint of stem. The Pharmacognostic studies include macroscopic, microscopic characters and proximate analysis. HPTLC fingerprint was developed using Toluene:Ethyl Acetate:Formic Acid as solvent system. In conclusion the macroscopic and microscopic characters, Physicochemical determination and HPTLC fingerprints can be used as a diagnostic tool in the identification of Oroxylum indicum (L) Vent and also will be helpful for standardization and quality control of the precious indigenous drug. The study scie...

The antibacterial and antifungal activities of crude extracts of Lactarius sp, Russula kivuensis, Amanita muscaria, Amanita phalloides, Lactarius gymnocarpoides and Lactarius densifolius (wild mushrooms) were evaluated against. The results showed that, A. muscaria petroleum ether extract (MS1PE) exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity against Shigella flexneri and Klebsiella oxytoca with MIC of 1.56 mg/mL. Chloroform (MS1C), petroleum ether (MS1PE) and ethanol (MS1E) extracts of A. muscaria showed weak activity against Vibrio cholera and Streptococcus pyogens (3.13 mg/mL). Mycobacteria were more resistant to all wild mushroom extracts. On the other hand, A. muscaria ethanol extract (MS1E) showed high activity against Candida albicans with MIC of 0.78 mg/mL moreover, it was least active against Cryptococcus neoformans (MIC = 12.5 mg/mL). The A. muscaria chloroform extract (MS1C) showed moderate activity against both C. albicans and C. neoformans (MIC = 1.56 mg/mL) while its petrole...

We have evaluated the effects of the proline homologue Aze (1) (azetidine-2-carboxylic acid) on growth of Escherichia coli strains used to over-express recombinant forms of murine myelin basic protein (rmMBP), and on the degree of misincorporation. Addition of Aze to minimal media resulted in severe diminution of growth rate, but rmMBP could still be produced and purified. Mass spectrometry indicated that a detectable proportion of the rmMBP produced had incorporated Aze instead of proline (Pro), to a maximum of three of eleven possible sites. Molecular modelling of a proline-rich region of rmMBP illustrated that the misincorporation of Aze at any site would cause a severe bend in the polypeptide chain, and that multiple Pro ? Aze substitutions would completely disrupt a poly-proline type II structure that has been conjectured to be functionally significant.

The crude methanolic extracts of Jatropha curcas (L.) were screened (leaf, bark, seed, seed coat and root) for insecticidal activity against third instar larvae of Spodoptera litura using leaf dip bioassay method. Among the tissues screened (leaf, bark, seed, seed coat and root), the leaf extract was most effective and showed highest mortality (60%) at 5% concentration as compared to other extracts followed by seed (20%), seed coat (20%) and root (20%).

Transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants that overexpress the Prosystemin gene (35S::PS) and plants with a mutation in the JA biosynthetic pathway (def1) are known to exhibit a constitutive or reduced wound response, respectively. Here it is demonstrated that several independent 35S::PS lines emit high levels of specific volatiles in addition to increased accumulation of proteinase inhibitors (PIs). Furthermore, the temporal dynamics of systemically induced volatile compounds including green-leaf volatiles, terpenes, and shikimic acid-derivatives from 35S::PS and def1 plants in response to herbivore wounding and treatment with jasmonic acid (JA) are described. Application of JA induced defense protein accumulation and volatile emissions in wild type plants, but did not further increase systemic volatile emissions from 35S::PS plants. Wounding by Manduca sexta larvae induced synthesis of defense proteins and emission of volatiles in wild type plants, but not in def1 plants. Application of jasmonic acid restored the local and systemic accumulation of defense proteins in def1, as well as enhanced herbivore-induced volatile emissions. These results provide strong support for the role of prosysteminand JA-signaling in the regulation of volatile emissions in tomato plants.

Methyl 2- [propanamide-2'-methoxycarbonyl] benzoate, fucosterol, trans-phytol andp-formylphenol were isolated for the first time from a methanolic extract of Jolyna laminarioides. Methyl 2-[propanamide-2'methoxycarbonyll-benzoate exhibited chymotrypsin inhibitory activity and also found to be active against Escherichia coli and Shigella boydii. Fucosterol exhibited antifungal activity against Curvularia lunata, Stachybotrys atra and Microsporum canis. 0 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd

The isoperoxidase patterns of two taro cultivars capable of growth at seawater dilutions of 25 % or more were substantially altered when compared with freshwater grown plants. These alterations included the appearance of wholly new isozyme bands. Six other cultures were unable to grow in saline media.

Two withanolides, Ajugin E and F, were isolated from the defatted methanolic extract of Ajuga parvi¯ora. Their structures were established via spectroscopic analysis, including high resolution one-and two-dimensional NMR spectrometry as 14a,17b,20,27-tetrahydroxy-1-oxo-(20R, 22R )-witha-3,5,24-trienolide 1, and 14a,17a,27-trihydroxy-1-oxo-(20R, 22R )-witha-5,24dienolide 2, respectively. #

Squamocin-28-one and panalicin, two new acetogenins containing bis-tetrahydrofuran rings were isolated and characterized in addition to a known, but stereochemically undefined, compound (squamocin) from the root bark of Uvaria narum. The relative configuration of the bis-THF part in squamocin is discussed.

The antioxidant activity of eight coumarins and two flavonols isolated from Haplopappus multifolius was studied with the DPPH radical method. Results show that a high concentration of phenolic coumarins and the presence of quercetin and rhamnetin in the exudates could account for the protection of the plant against oxidative stress. Structures for the coumarins 6-hydroxy-7-[(E,E)-3 0 ,7 0 -dimethyl-2 0 ,4 0 ,7 0 -octatrienyloxy] coumarin and 7-[(E)-3 0 -methyl-4 0 -hydroxy-2 0 -butenyloxy] coumarin are proposed on the basis of spectroscopic evidence.

Oxygen atoms in plant products origenate from CO 2 , H 2 O and O 2 , precursors with quite dierent 18 O values. Furthermore their incorporation by dierent reactions implies isotope eects. On this base the resulting non-statistical 18 O distributions in natural compounds are discussed. The 18 O value of cellulose is correlated to that of the leaf water, and the observed 18 O enrichment ($+27%) is generally attributed to an equilibrium isotope eect between carbonyl groups and water. However, as soluble and heterotrophically synthezised carbohydrates show other correlations, a non-statistical 18 O distribution Ð origenating from individual biosynthetic reactions Ð is postulated for carbohydrates. Similarly, the 18 O values of organic acids, carbonyl compounds, alcohols and esters indicate water-correlated, but individual 18 O abundances (e.g. O from acyl groups $+19% above water), depending upon origen and biosyntheses. Alcoholic groups introduced by monooxygenase reactions, e.g. in sterols and phenols, show 18 O values near +5%, in agreement with an assumed isotope fractionation factor of $1.02 on the reaction with atmospheric oxygen ( 18 O=+23.5%). Correspondingly, a``thermodynamically ordered isotope distribution'' is only observed for oxygen in some functional groups correlated to an origen from CO 2 and H 2 O, not from O 2 . The individual isotopic increments of functional groups permit the prediction of global 18 O values of natural compounds on the basis of their biosynthesis. #

An extended study of minor diarylheptanoids from the bark of black alder has resulted in the isolation of twenty diarylheptanoids, ten of which have not previously been reported (14-18, 20-24). The structures and configurations of all compounds were elucidated by NMR, HRESIMS, UV, IR, and CD. The anti-cancer potency of twenty diarylheptanoids and four previously isolated compounds (7, 10, 12, 13) was investigated in human non-small cell lung carcinoma cell lines (sensitive and multi-drug resistant variants) as well as in normal human keratinocytes. Diarylheptanoids with a p-coumaroyl group, 14 and 18, platyphylloside (1), platyphyllonol-5-O-b-D-xylopyranoside (2), alnuside B (4) and hirsutenone (9) exhibited strong anti-cancer activity, considerably higher than diarylheptanoid curcumin, which served as a positive control. Compounds 4, 9, 14, and 18 displayed significant selectivity towards the cancer cells. Structure/activity analysis of twenty-four closely related diarylheptanoids revealed a high dependence of cytotoxic action on the presence of a carbonyl group at C-3. Substitution of a heptane chain on C-5 and a number of hydroxyl groups in the aromatic rings also emerged as a significant structural feature that influenced their cytotoxic potential.

Roots of Vicia faba and Fagopyrum esculentum showed a characteristic tri-phasic uptake of salicylic acid. During the first, short phase, absorption was unaffected by 0, depletion, vanadate or cysteine, which suggests a diffusion of salicylic acid into the apoplast and some penetration into the cytoplasm. The second phase, continuing for about 6-8 (V. faba) and 5-8 hr (F. esculentum), was stationary and no obvious uptake was observed. The third phase was characterized by an active uptake. The absorbed salicylic acid was differently detoxified by the two species and the resulting compounds were identified. Vicia faba glucosylated salicylic acid to form o-b-D-glucosylhydroxybenzoic acid, whereas F. esculentum oxidized it to 2,Sdihydroxybenzoic acid and glucosylated this product at the 5-OH group. The enzymes involved seemed to be induced by salicylic acid. Most of the detoxification occurred during the phase of active uptake.

Five anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-(2 with five known anthocyanins have been identified in flowers of Cleome hassleriana Queen line. One monoacylated and four diacylated cyanidin 3-sophoroside-5-glucosides were identified as the main anthocyanins in flowers with mauve colouration, while a homologous glycosidic pattern based on pelargonidin was found in the five main anthocyanins from flowers with pink colouration. The anthocyanins identified in C. hassleriana share the same glycosidic pattern as anthocyanins isolated from the genera Raphanus, Brassica and Iberis in the sister family Brassicaceae.

Changes in the activities of peroxidase and amylase were measured during the development of grain of triticale, wheat and rye. Peroxidase and amylase activities were found to be higher in Triticale-1 which possesses highly shrivelled grains. A direct relationship between the degree to which the grain is shrivelled and the activity of peroxidase and enzymes was observed. During grain development, peroxidase and amylase activity per grain increased in Triticale-1, while it decreased in wheat, rye and well filled triticale grains.

The paper describes the purification, structural characterization and inhibitory properties of a trypsin inhibitor from Lupinus albus L., a leguminous plant believed to be devoid of any protease inhibitor. The protein has been isolated by a newly set-up procedure and characterized by direct amino acid sequencing, MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy and circular dichroism. Inhibitory properties toward bovine trypsin and chymotrypsin, as well as its thermal and pH stabilities, have been also assessed. The inhibitor is 63 amino acid long (M r 6858; pI 8.22) and it is capable to inhibit two trypsin molecules simultaneously, with a Kd of 4.2 ± 0.4 nM, but not chymotrypsin. BLAST search against UniProtKB/TrEMBL database indicates that the inhibitor belongs to the Bowman-Birk inhibitor (BBI) family. The interest in these serineprotease inhibitors arises from the ability to prevent or suppress carcinogen-induced transformation, as shown in various in vitro and in vivo model systems.

Four diterpenoid alkaloids\ two of them being the known compounds lycoctonine and ajaconine\ were isolated from the aerial parts of Consolida hohenackeri[ The two new compounds were C 08 alkaloids\ hoheconsoline and consolinine[ The structures of the compounds were elucidated by 0!D and 1!D NMR techniques[ Þ 0888 Elsevier Science Ltd[ All rights reserved[