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Placenta Jul 2024Citral is a low-toxicity monoterpene that has a vasodilator effect on various smooth muscles, and The present study aimed to evaluate its vasorelaxant effect on...
INTRODUCTION
Citral is a low-toxicity monoterpene that has a vasodilator effect on various smooth muscles, and The present study aimed to evaluate its vasorelaxant effect on umbilical vessels of normotensive parturients (NTP) and with preeclampsia parturients (PEP).
METHOD
Segments of human umbilical artery (HUA) and vein (HUV) of NTP or PEP were mounted in a bath to record the force of contraction, under tension of 3.0 gf and contracted with the contracting agents: K (60 mM), 5 -HT (10 μM) and Ba (1-30 mM). Next, the effect of citral (1-3000 μM) on these contractions and on basal tone was evaluated.
RESULTS
In HUA and HUV, citral (1-1000 μM), in NTP condition, inhibited contractions evoked by K (IC of 413.5 and 271.3, respectively) and by 5-HT (IC of 164.8 and 574.3). In the PEP condition, in HUA and HUV, citral also inhibited the contractions evoked by K (IC of 363.3 and 218.3, respectively) and 5-HT (IC of 432.1 and 520.4). At a concentration of 1000 μM, citral completely or almost completely (>90 %) inhibited all contractions. At a concentration of 100-1000 μM, citral, in general, was already able to reduce the contraction induced by 1-3 mM Ba in both AUH and VUH, under NTP and PEP conditions.
DISCUSSION
Citral has been shown to be an effective HUA and HUV vasodilator in NTP and PEP. As its toxicity is low, it suggests that this substance can be considered a potential therapeutic agent.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Pre-Eclampsia; Acyclic Monoterpenes; Monoterpenes; Umbilical Arteries; Adult; Vasodilator Agents; Umbilical Veins; Vasodilation
PubMed: 38810530
DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.05.130 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023Liverworts contain a large number of biologically active compounds that are synthesised and stored in their oil bodies. However, knowledge about the chemical composition...
Liverworts contain a large number of biologically active compounds that are synthesised and stored in their oil bodies. However, knowledge about the chemical composition of individual species is still incomplete. The subject of the study was , a species representing leafy liverworts. Plant material for chemotaxonomic studies was collected from various locations in Poland. The chemical composition was determined in 74 samples collected from the natural environment in 2021 and 2022 in three growing seasons: spring, summer and autumn, and for comparison with samples originating from in vitro culture. The plants were classified as on the basis of morphological characteristics, oil bodies, and DNA markers. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the biological material were extracted by headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME). The samples were then analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 79 compounds were detected, of which 44 compounds were identified. The remaining compounds were described using the MS fragmentation spectrum. Cyclical changes in the composition of compounds associated with the growing season of were observed. Moreover, samples from in vitro culture and samples taken from the natural environment were shown to differ in the composition of chemical compounds. In terms of quantity, among the volatile compounds, compounds belonging to the sesquiterpene group (46.54-71.19%) and sesqiuterpenoid (8.12-22.11%) dominate. A smaller number of compounds belong to aromatic compounds (2.30-10.96%), monoterpenes (0.01-0.07%), monoterpenoids (0.02-0.33%), and aliphatic hydrocarbons (1.11-6.12%). The dominant compounds in the analysed liverworts were: anastreptene (15.27-31.14%); bicyclogermacrene (6.99-18.09%), 4,5,9,10-dehydro-isolongifolene (2.00-8.72%), palustrol (4.95-9.94%), spathulenol (0.44-5.11%).
Topics: Seasons; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Hepatophyta; Monoterpenes; Volatile Organic Compounds; Solid Phase Microextraction
PubMed: 37959695
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217276 -
Ui Sahak Apr 2024Borneol(yongnoe) was a fragrance and medicinal ingredient with unique efficacy. However, it could be produced only in tropical Southeast Asia and obtained only through...
Borneol(yongnoe) was a fragrance and medicinal ingredient with unique efficacy. However, it could be produced only in tropical Southeast Asia and obtained only through international trade. In addition, camphor(jangnoe) with similar material properties was developed and distributed as an inexpensive replacement for borneol, although the processing method is different from that of borneol. Even in Joseon Korea, borneol and camphor were recognized as separate medicines, and efforts were made to obtain a high-quality borneol. Borneol and camphor have a unique effect of relieving inflammation, pain and heavy feeling, so it could be widely applied to symptoms in various diseases. During the Joseon period, borneol was a rare item that could only be obtained through foreign trade, and it was also used for perfumes and insect repellents, but most widely used as medicine. There are many records of actually prescribing borneol to the royal family, and many medicines containing borneol and its effective symptoms were also recorded in the medical books. Borneol was able to spread widely in Joseon society thanks to the practice of distributing 'nabyak' to court officials every year in the twelfth month of the lunar calendar. Since nabyak was used as a household medicine that was stored and used when necessary, pills containing borneol that could be applied to various symptoms were suitable for this purpose. Despite considerable medical demand, borneol was one of the important 'dangyakjae', the Chinese medicines imported to Joseon. During the Joseon period, borneol was imported through China and Japan, but genuine borneol was difficult to obtain, so it was often presented to Joseon as gifts of envoy trade. It is thought that camphor was also imported, but it is not well mentioned in official records or medical books reflecting national demand. Perhaps this is thought to be because the government prioritized securing better quality borneol rather than campher. In the early 17th century, due to the instability of the envoy's route to the Ming Dynasty, Joseon had to import borneol only through the sea. As a result, there were problems with the supply and quality of borneol, and national interest in Japanese borneol temporarily increased. However, as the relationship with the Qing Dynasty stabilized, a system was established to import national borneol demand through the annual envoy trade. Naeuiwon, the medical center for the royal family is in charge of securing and prescribing Chinese medicines, but the cost was covered by the silver paid by Hojo, the ministry of finance of Joseon Dynasty. Since the amount of Chinese medicines used in the preparation of nabyak was not small, the financial burden of importing enough medicines including borneol increased. The purveyors for government played a role in supplying Chinese medicines to the government. Their appearance shows that private merchants were actively involved in the trade of Chinese medicines including borneol. The formation of the medicinal market by private merchants' activities greatly contributed to the widespread expansion of the applications and distribution of borneol.
Topics: Camphanes; Humans; Camphor; Insect Repellents
PubMed: 38768990
DOI: 10.13081/kjmh.2024.33.1 -
Planta Mar 2024Monoterpenes and phenolics play distinct roles in defending white spruce trees from insect defoliators. Monoterpenes contribute to the toxicity of the foliage, deterring...
Monoterpenes and phenolics play distinct roles in defending white spruce trees from insect defoliators. Monoterpenes contribute to the toxicity of the foliage, deterring herbivory, whereas phenolics impede budworm growth. This study demonstrates the complex interplay between monoterpenes and phenolics and their collective influence on the defense strategy of white spruce trees against a common insect defoliator. Long-lived coniferous trees display considerable variations in their defensive chemistry. The impact of these defense phenotype variations on insect herbivores of the same species remains to be thoroughly studied, mainly due to challenges in replicating the comprehensive defense profiles of trees under controlled conditions. This study methodically examined the defensive properties of foliar monoterpenes and phenolics across 80 distinct white spruce families. These families were subsequently grouped into two chemotypes based on their foliar monoterpene concentrations. To understand the separate and combined effects of these classes on tree defenses to the eastern spruce budworm, we conducted feeding experiments using actual defense profiles from representative families. Specifically, we assessed budworm response when exposed to substrates amended with phenolics alone or monoterpenes. Our findings indicate that the ratios and amounts of monoterpenes and phenolics present in the white spruce foliage influence the survival of spruce budworms. Phenotypes associated with complete larval mortality exhibited elevated ratios (ranging from 0.4 to 0.6) and concentrations (ranging from 1143 to 1796 ng mg) of monoterpenes. Conversely, families characterized by higher phenolic ratios (ranging from 0.62 to 0.77) and lower monoterpene concentrations (ranging from 419 to 985 ng mg) were less lethal to the spruce budworm. Both classes of defense compounds contribute significantly to the overall defensive capabilities of white spruce trees. Monoterpenes appear critical in determining the general toxicity of foliage, while phenolics play a role in slowing budworm development, thereby underscoring their collective importance in white spruce defenses.
Topics: Animals; Picea; Moths; Larva; Monoterpenes; Trees; Phenols
PubMed: 38551685
DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04383-5 -
European Journal of Pharmacology Dec 2023Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) offers a practical approach to mitigating atherosclerosis. Paeoniflorin, a monoterpenoid glycoside found in plants of the Paeoniaceae...
Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) offers a practical approach to mitigating atherosclerosis. Paeoniflorin, a monoterpenoid glycoside found in plants of the Paeoniaceae family, has shown various effects on cardiovascular and liver diseases. Nevertheless, its impact on atherosclerosis in vivo remains poorly understood. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of paeoniflorin on atherosclerosis using apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE) mice and explore the underlying mechanisms, with a specific focus on its modulation of RCT. ApoE mice were continuously administered paeoniflorin by gavage for three months. We assessed lipid parameters in serum and examined pathological changes and gene expressions related to RCT pathways in the aorta, liver, and intestine. In an in vitro study, we utilized RAW264.7 macrophages to investigate the inhibitory effect of paeoniflorin on foam cell formation and its potential to promote RCT. The results revealed that paeoniflorin reduced atherosclerosis, alleviated hyperlipidemia, and mitigated hepatic steatosis. Paeoniflorin may promote RCT by stimulating cholesterol efflux from macrophages via the liver X receptor alpha pathway, enhancing serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I levels, and regulating key genes in hepatic and intestinal RCT. Additionally, treatment ApoE mice with paeoniflorin suppressed the expression of inflammation-related genes, including CD68, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and mitigated oxidative stress in both the aorta and liver. Our results indicated that paeoniflorin has the potential to be a more effective and safer treatment for atherosclerosis, thanks to its promotion of RCT and its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Cholesterol; Atherosclerosis; Monoterpenes; Apolipoproteins E; Mice, Inbred C57BL
PubMed: 37939989
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176137 -
Veterinary Parasitology Oct 2023Cochliomyia hominivorax, from the family Calliphoridae, is responsible for causing most myiases in domesticated animals in Brazil. As alternatives to conventional...
Cochliomyia hominivorax, from the family Calliphoridae, is responsible for causing most myiases in domesticated animals in Brazil. As alternatives to conventional treatments, essential oils (EOs) could possibly be used as natural control of ectoparasites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of EOs from Salvia sclarea L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lavandula hybrida Reverchon, Citrus bergamia Risso, Citrus paradisi L., Juniperus virginiana L., Copaifera reticulata Ducke, Illicium verum Hook f., Pelargonium roseum, Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt, Cymbopogon flexuosus Steud, Eugenia caryophyllus Spreng, Cinnamomum cassia Presl, Thymus vulgaris L. and Origanum vulgare L. against third-instar larvae of C. hominivorax. To evaluate the mortality rate, filter paper tests were performed at different concentrations and verified after 24 h and 48 h. Essential oils of T. vulgaris, O. vulgare and I. verum induced 100% mortality in the screening test, and their main active components (thymol, carvacrol and anethol, respectively) were also tested alone. In this new test, lethal concentrations (LC) after 24 h and 48 h, respectively, were 407.1 and 314.2 µg.cm² for T. vulgaris, 540.9 and 253.8 µg.cm² for O. vulgare, 314.2 µg.cm² (after 48 h) for I. verum, 255.6 and 102.3 µg.cm² for thymol, 970.5 and 931.1 µg.cm for carvacrol and 559.4 µg.cm (after 48 h) for anethol. These results showed the potential of these EOs and their main components for development of ectoparasiticides for veterinary use, especially T. vulgaris EO and thymol.
Topics: Animals; Oils, Volatile; Thymol; Calliphoridae; Cymenes; Plant Oils
PubMed: 37683367
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110020 -
Parasitology Research Dec 2023The tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus is one of the main ectoparasites that affects dogs, causing direct and indirect damage to parasitized animals. Currently, infestation...
The tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus is one of the main ectoparasites that affects dogs, causing direct and indirect damage to parasitized animals. Currently, infestation control is mainly carried out by using synthetic acaricidal drugs. However, a decrease in efficacy and an increase in resistance to the main therapeutic protocols against tick infestations have been increasingly reported and confirmed, a factor that has driven research into the potential acaricide activity of natural compounds, including in association with synthetic molecules. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether the combinations of fipronil (FIP) and eugenol (EUG), FIP and carvacrol (CAR), and EUG and CAR would have synergistic effects against immature and unfed adult stages of R. sanguineus through in vitro bioassays. Bioassays were carried out using the larval packet test (FAO 2004) adapted for nymphs and adults. The synergistic activity was explored by combining each solution, based on the estimated LC, in a 1:1 ratio (FIP: EUG, FIP: CAR and EUG: CAR). CompuSyn software was used to evaluate the various pairwise combinations of FIP, EUG and CAR, checking if there was synergism or antagonism between them. FIP and EUG and FIP and CAR showed combination index (CIn) values above 1.45, indicating antagonism. The synergistic activity between EUG and CAR was verified against all unfed phases of R. sanguineus, since the CIn was below 0.70, a value that indicates synergism. The combination of fipronil with either eugenol or carvacrol presented antagonistic effects against R. sanguineus larvae. On the other hand, carvacrol and eugenol had excellent pharmacological synergism against all tick stages with mortality values in the range of 80 to 100%, including the adult stage, which is less susceptible than immature stages.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Acaricides; Cymenes; Eugenol; Larva; Rhipicephalus sanguineus; Tick Infestations; Drug Synergism; Drug Therapy, Combination
PubMed: 38095726
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08037-5 -
Natural Product Research Apr 2024Two new monoterpene esters, illigerates H and I ( and ), and six known compounds actinodaphine (), bulbocupnine (), stephanine (), hypserpanine B (), betulinic acid ()...
Two new monoterpene esters, illigerates H and I ( and ), and six known compounds actinodaphine (), bulbocupnine (), stephanine (), hypserpanine B (), betulinic acid () and gallic acid () were obtained from the root of Dunn. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Anti-inflammatory and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of some isolated compounds were assessed. Two monoterpenes and exhibited weak anti-inflammatory activity (IC 64.5 ± 5.3 and 79.2 ± 7.5 μM) while compounds showed inhibition of α-glucosidase with IC values ranged from 87.17 to 118.74 μM.
Topics: alpha-Glucosidases; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Esters; Molecular Structure; Monoterpenes
PubMed: 36287603
DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2022.2137802 -
Phytochemistry Aug 2023Eight previously undescribed iridoid glycosides together with 20 known congeners were isolated from the aerial parts of Paederia scandens (Lour.) Merrill (Rubiaceae)....
Eight previously undescribed iridoid glycosides together with 20 known congeners were isolated from the aerial parts of Paederia scandens (Lour.) Merrill (Rubiaceae). Their structures incorporating absolute configurations were elucidated based on the comprehensive analyses of NMR data, HR-ESI-MS spectrometry, and ECD data. The potential anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated iridoids were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Compound 6 significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide with an IC value of 15.30 μM. The results of immunoblotting, qPCR, and immunofluorescence staining assays revealed that compound 6 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing nuclear translocation of NF-κB and reducing the expression of COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β, and IL-6. These results provide a basis for further development and utilization of P. scandens as a natural source of potential anti-inflammatory agents.
Topics: Iridoid Glycosides; Iridoids; Plant Extracts; NF-kappa B; Rubiaceae; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Lipopolysaccharides; Nitric Oxide
PubMed: 37172671
DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113705 -
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal... Dec 2023The interplay between ambient temperature and nutrition in wild herbivores is frequently overlooked, despite the fundamental importance of food. We tested whether...
The interplay between ambient temperature and nutrition in wild herbivores is frequently overlooked, despite the fundamental importance of food. We tested whether different ambient temperatures (10°C, 18°C and 26°C) influenced the intake of protein by a marsupial herbivore, the common brushtail possum (). At each temperature, possums were offered a choice of two foods containing different amounts of protein (57% versus 8%) for one week. Animals mixed a diet with a lower proportion of protein to non-protein (P : NP, 0.20) when held at 26°C compared to that at both 10°C and 18°C (0.22). Since detoxification of plant secondary metabolites imposes a protein cost on animals, we then studied whether addition of the monoterpene 1,8-cineole to the food changed the effect of ambient temperature (10°C and 26°C) on food choice. Cineole reduced food intake but also removed the effect of temperature on P : NP ratio and instead animals opted for a diet with higher P : NP (0.19 with cineole versus 0.15 without cineole). These experiments show the proportion of P : NP chosen by animals is influenced by ambient temperature and by plant secondary metabolites. Protein is critical for reproductive success in this species and reduced protein intake caused by high ambient temperatures may limit the viability of some populations in the future. This article is part of the theme issue 'Food processing and nutritional assimilation in animals'.
Topics: Animals; Eucalyptol; Feeding Behavior; Temperature; Monoterpenes; Diet; Plants; Mammals
PubMed: 37839444
DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0543