Triterpenes
Antimutagenic activity of extracts of natural substances in the Salmonella/microsome assay. (1/30)
Scientific information regarding plants used in folk medicine in the form of teas and their effect on human health or on genetic material has been the subject of many different types of investigation. The antimutagenic activity of two plants Maytenus ilicifolia and Peltastes peltatus, both rich in compounds of the flavonoid and tannin groups and frequently employed in folk medicine, was studied. Antimutagenicity was determined against known mutagenic substances (4-oxide-1-nitroquinoline, sodium azide, 2-nitrofluorene, aflatoxin B(1), 2-aminofluorene and 2-aminoanthracene), using the Salmonella/microsome assay. Infusions of P.peltatus showed high cytotoxicity and a co-mutagenic effect for induction of base pair substitution mutations with 4-oxide-1-nitroquinoline (-S9 mix). Infusions of M.ilicifolia produced similar effects for frameshift and base pair substitution mutations. With the mutagens 2-nitrofluorene (TA98) and sodium azide (TA100) no significant enhancement effects (co-mutagenic effects) were observed and inhibition of mutagenic activity and cytotoxicity were also diminished. In assays evaluating antimutagenic activity in the presence of metabolic activation utilizing S9 mix, high and significant inhibition of aflatoxin B(1)-, 2-aminofluorene- and 2-aminoanthracene-induced mutagenicity was observed in the presence of the infusions using both TA98 and TA100 and employing doses ranging from 25 to 500 mg/plate. Seventy-five percent of the doses tested exhibited a significant or suggestive decrease in induced mutagenicity with the infusion of M.ilicifolia. With the infusion of P.peltatus significant or suggestive antimutagenic responses were observed with 50% of the doses evaluated. Complexity was clearly noted in the responses observed in the interaction of aqueous extracts of M.ilicifolia and P.peltastes with the genetic material and metabolites generated by the S9 mix played an important role in the protection of DNA. (+info)Nine regioisomeric and stereoisomeric triterpene dimers from Maytenus chuchuhuasca. (2/30)
Nine regioisomeric and stereoisomeric triterpene dimers, namely xuxuarine Falpha (1), isoxuxuarine Falpha (2; cangorosin B), 7,8-dihydroisoxuxuarine Falpha (3), isoxuxuarine Gbeta (4), 7,8-dihydroisoxuxuarine Galpha (5), isoxuxuarine Ebeta (6), 7alpha-hydroxyisoxuxuarine Ealpha (7), 7',8'-dihydroxuxuarine Aalpha (8), and 7',8'-dihydroxuxuarine Dbeta (9), were isolated from the Brazilian medicinal plant "xuxua" (Maytenus chuchuhuasca). Their structures have been elucidated based on several spectroscopic analyses including 2D-NMR experiments, MS spectra and CD spectral studies. (+info)Two cangorosin A type triterpene dimers from Maytenus chuchuhuasca. (3/30)
Two new cangorosin A type triterpene dimers, which composed of two triterpene units jointed by two ether linkages between the A and B rings, were isolated from the Brazilian medicinal plant "xuxua" (Maytenus chuchuhuasca). Structures of new isolates, xuxuasins A (1) and B (2), were established based on several spectroscopic evidences. (+info)Neuroleptic-like properties of the chloroform extract of Maytenus obtusifolia MART. roots. (4/30)
The effects of the chloroform extract of Maytenus obtufisolia MART. roots on locomotor activity, catalepsy test, amphetamine-induced toxicity and active-avoidance test were studied. The results revealed that the extract caused a decrease in spontaneous activity and induced catalepsy in mice up to 240 min. The extract significantly protected the mice against amphetamine-induced toxicity and decreased the conditioned response in rats, in a dose-related manner. The results suggest that the chloroform extract of Maytenus obtusifolia MART. possesses neuroleptic-like properties. (+info)Dry granulation and compression of spray-dried plant extracts. (5/30)
The purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of dry granulation parameters on granule and tablet properties of spray-dried extract (SDE) from Maytenus ilicifolia, which is widely used in Brazil in the treatment of gastric disorders. The compressional behavior of the SDE and granules of the SDE was characterized by Heckel plots. The tablet properties of powders, granules, and formulations containing a high extract dose were compared. The SDE was blended with 2% magnesium stearate and 1% colloidal silicon dioxide and compacted to produce granules after slugging or roll compaction. The influences of the granulation process and the roll compaction force on the technological properties of the granules were studied. The flowability and density of spray-dried particles were improved after granulation. Tablets produced by direct compression of granules showed lower crushing strength than the ones obtained from nongranulated material. The compressional analysis by Heckel plots revealed that the SDE undergoes plastic deformation with a very low tendency to rearrangement at an early stage of compression. On the other hand, the granules showed an intensive rearrangement as a consequence of fragmentation and rebounding. However, when the compaction pressure was increased, the granules showed plastic deformation. The mean yield pressure values showed that both granulation techniques and the roll compaction force were able to reduce the material's ability to undergo plastic deformation. Finally, the tablet containing a high dose of granules showed a close dependence between crushing strength and the densification degree of the granules (ie, roll compaction force). (+info)New dammarane triterpenes from Maytenus macrocarpa. (6/30)
Two new dammarane triterpenes have been isolated from the stem bark exudates of Maytenus macrocarpa. Their structures were determined by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic studies as 24(Z)-3-oxodammara-20(21),24-dien-27-oic acid (1) and octa-nor-13-hydroxydammara-1-en-3,17-dione (2). These compounds were tested for antitumoral activity. (+info)Folate receptor-specific antitumor activity of EC131, a folate-maytansinoid conjugate. (7/30)
EC131, a new folate receptor (FR)-targeted drug conjugate, was prepared by covalently attaching the vitamin folic acid (FA) to a potent microtubule-inhibiting agent, maytansinoid DM1, via an intramolecular disulfide bond. When tested on cells in culture, EC131 was found to retain high affinity for FR-positive cells and to provide FR-specific cytotoxicity with an IC(50) in the low nanomolar range. The activity of EC131 was completely blocked in the presence of an excess of free FA, and no activity was detected against FR-negative cells. When evaluated against s.c. FR-positive M109 tumors in BALB/c mice, EC131 showed marked antitumor efficacy. Furthermore, this therapeutic effect occurred in the apparent absence of weight loss or noticeable organ tissue degeneration. In contrast, no significant antitumor activity was observed in EC131-treated animals that were codosed with an excess of FA, thus demonstrating the targeted specificity of the in vivo activity. EC131 also showed marked antitumor activity against FR-positive human KB tumors, but not against FR-negative A549 tumors, in nude mice with no evidence of systemic toxicity during or after the therapy. In contrast, therapy with the free maytansinoid drug (in the form of DM1-S-Me) proved not to be effective against the KB model when administered at its maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Taken together, these results indicate that EC131 is a highly potent agent capable of producing therapeutic benefit in murine tumor models at sub-MTD levels. (+info)Intra and inter populational genetic variability in Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reiss. 1861, through RAPD markers. (8/30)
Maytenus ilicifolia is a medicinal plant largely used in the South Brazilian folk medicine. The aim of this study was to quantify the intra and inter populational genetic variability in three populations of M. ilicifolia, focusing on the genetic conservation of this species, which has been threatened by anthropic action. RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers were used to analyze 30 plants of each of the three populations collected in the Alto Uruguai Gaucho region. Fourteen selected primers generated a total of 158 bands, 71.5% of which were polymorphic. The comparison of Jaccards distances showed that the intra populational variation was higher than the inter populational variability, and cluster analysis allowed the separation of the three populations. Just 7.6% of the bands were specific of at least two populations. Data indicate that the analyzed M. ilicifolia populations represent a single genetic pool, and therefore any of the population thoroughly can represent the overall genetic variability of the species in the sampled region. (+info)"Maytenus" is a genus of flowering plants in the family Celastraceae. It includes several species that have been used in traditional medicine, particularly in South America and Asia. However, it's important to note that while some compounds derived from these plants have shown potential medicinal properties in laboratory studies, there is currently no widely accepted or established medical definition for "Maytenus" as a whole.
The use of any plant or herbal remedy should be discussed with a healthcare provider beforehand, as they can interact with other medications and may have side effects. Additionally, the quality and safety of herbal supplements can vary greatly depending on the source and manufacturing process.
Celastraceae is a family of flowering plants, also known as the staff tree or bittersweet family. It includes trees, shrubs, and woody climbers that are found in tropical and temperate regions around the world. The plants in this family have simple, opposite leaves and small, usually greenish-white flowers. Many species in Celastraceae produce brightly colored fruits, such as berries or capsules, which contain seeds that are dispersed by birds and other animals. Some well-known members of this family include the bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), staff tree (Celastrus articulatus), and crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica).
Triterpenes are a type of natural compound that are composed of six isoprene units and have the molecular formula C30H48. They are synthesized through the mevalonate pathway in plants, fungi, and some insects, and can be found in a wide variety of natural sources, including fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants.
Triterpenes have diverse structures and biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cytotoxic effects. Some triterpenes are also used in traditional medicine, such as glycyrrhizin from licorice root and betulinic acid from the bark of birch trees.
Triterpenes can be further classified into various subgroups based on their carbon skeletons, including squalene, lanostane, dammarane, and ursane derivatives. Some triterpenes are also modified through various biochemical reactions to form saponins, steroids, and other compounds with important biological activities.
A plant extract is a preparation containing chemical constituents that have been extracted from a plant using a solvent. The resulting extract may contain a single compound or a mixture of several compounds, depending on the extraction process and the specific plant material used. These extracts are often used in various industries including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and food and beverage, due to their potential therapeutic or beneficial properties. The composition of plant extracts can vary widely, and it is important to ensure their quality, safety, and efficacy before use in any application.