scholarly journals Biosynthesis and Biological Activities of Newly Discovered Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (21) ◽  
pp. 4901
Author(s):  
Seydou Ka ◽  
Manoj Koirala ◽  
Natacha Mérindol ◽  
Isabel Desgagné-Penix

Alkaloids are an important group of specialized nitrogen metabolites with a wide range of biochemical and pharmacological effects. Since the first publication on lycorine in 1877, more than 650 alkaloids have been extracted from Amaryllidaceae bulbous plants and clustered together as the Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) family. AAs are specifically remarkable for their diverse pharmaceutical properties, as exemplified by the success of galantamine used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. This review addresses the isolation, biological, and structure activity of AAs discovered from January 2015 to August 2020, supporting their therapeutic interest.

Biomedicines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pitchayakarn Takomthong ◽  
Pornthip Waiwut ◽  
Chavi Yenjai ◽  
Bungon Sripanidkulchai ◽  
Prasert Reubroycharoen ◽  
...  

Coumarins, naturally occurring phytochemicals, display a wide spectrum of biological activities by acting on multiple targets. Herein, nine coumarins from the root of Toddalia asiatica were evaluated for activities related to pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). They were examined for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and AChE- or self-induced amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation inhibitory activities, as well as neuroprotection against H2O2- and Aβ1–42-induced human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell damage. Moreover, in order to understand the mechanism, the binding interactions between coumarins and their targets: (i) AChE and (ii) Aβ1–42 peptide were investigated in silico. All coumarins exhibited mild to moderate AChE and self-induced Aβ aggregation inhibitory actions. In addition, the coumarins substituted with the long alkyl chain at position 6 or 8 illustrated ability to inhibit AChE-induced Aβ aggregation, resulting from their dual binding site at catalytic anionic site and peripheral active site in AChE. Moreover, the most potent multifunctional coumarin, phellopterin, could attenuate neuronal cell damage induced by H2O2 and Aβ1–42 toxicity. Conclusively, seven out of nine coumarins were identified as multifunctional agents inhibiting the pathogenesis of AD. The structure–activity relationship information obtained might be applied for further optimization of coumarins into a useful drug which may combat AD.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 6922-6931
Author(s):  
Magesh M ◽  
Gandhimathi R

The derivatives of acridine can be served as a lead molecule of an antibacterial, anti-viral antiprotozoal, anti-viral, antitubercular, anti-fungal, anti-malarial and anti-cancer agents. Even though the usage of acridine becomes limited due to its side effects, so many potent and safe compounds can be derived through molecular modification in the acridine ring. Since the resistance of pathogens and tumour cells has become more common nowadays, it necessitates the search of new drug candidates. Since the treatment and management of Alzheimer's disease is such a complicated and proper drug regimen is not designed so far, The cholinesterase activity of acridines can be used to derive novel compounds from treating Alzheimer's disease. The mosquito larvicidal activity of acridines is considered as an advantage as vector control to reduce the spreading rate of malaria. Unfortunately, the versatility of the acridine molecule is not entirely explored still. If new approaches may overcome the drawbacks of the acridines such as resistance of pathogens and tumour cells in synthesis and formulation acridine analogues will become a useful drug candidate for the treatment of diseases mentioned above. So this article aims to seek the attention of researchers in the acridine to utilise it’s a wide range of biological activities in the development of novel drug molecules for the various diseases in the future.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 473-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ligia S. da Silveira Pinto ◽  
Thatyana R. Alves Vasconcelos ◽  
Claudia Regina B. Gomes ◽  
Marcus Vinícius N. de Souza

Azetidin-2-ones (β-lactams) and its derivatives are an important group of heterocyclic compounds that exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties such as antibacterial, anticancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant. Efforts have been made over the years to develop novel congeners with superior biological activities and minimal potential for undesirable side effects. The present review aimed to highlight some recent discoveries (2013-2019) on the development of novel azetidin-2-one-based compounds as potential anticancer agents.


Author(s):  
Georgiana Uță ◽  
Denisa Ștefania Manolescu ◽  
Speranța Avram

Background.: Currently, the pharmacological management in Alzheimer's disease is based on several chemical structures, represented by acetylcholinesterase and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor ligands, with still unclear molecular mechanisms, but severe side effects. For this reason, a challenge for Alzheimer's disease treatment remains to identify new drugs with reduced side effects. Recently, the natural compounds, in particular certain chemical compounds identified in the essential oil of peppermint, sage, grapes, sea buckthorn, have increased interest as possible therapeutics. Objectives.: In this paper, we have summarized data from the recent literature, on several chemical compounds extracted from Salvia officinalis L., with therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease. Methods.: In addition to the wide range of experimental methods performed in vivo and in vitro, also we presented some in silico studies of medicinal compounds. Results. Through this mini-review, we present the latest information regarding the therapeutic characteristics of natural compounds isolated from Salvia officinalis L. in Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion.: Thus, based on the information presented, we can say that phytotherapy is a reliable therapeutic method in a neurodegenerative disease.


Author(s):  
Dnyaneshwar Baswar ◽  
Abha Sharma ◽  
Awanish Mishra

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), an irreversible complex neurodegenerative disorder, is most common type of dementia, with progressive loss of cholinergic neurons. Based on the multi- factorial etiology of Alzheimer’s disease, novel ligands strategy appears as up-coming approach for the development of newer molecules against AD. This study is envisaged to investigate anti-Alzheimer’s potential of 10 synthesized compounds. The screening of compounds (1-10) was carried out using in silico techniques. Methods: For in silico screening of physicochemical properties of compounds molinspiration property engine v.2018.03, Swiss ADME online web-server and pkCSM ADME were used. For pharmacodynamic prediction PASS software while toxicity profile of compounds were analyzed through ProTox-II online software. Simultaneously, molecular docking analysis was performed on mouse AChE enzyme (PDB ID:2JGE, obtained from RSCB PDB) using Auto Dock Tools 1.5.6. Results: Based on in silico studies, compound 9 and 10 have been found to have better drug likeness, LD50 value, and better anti-Alzheimer’s, nootropic activities. However, these compounds had poor blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Compound 4 and 9 were predicted with better docking score for AChE enzyme. Conclusion: The outcome of in silico studies have suggested, out of various substitutions at different positions of pyridoxine-carbamate, compound 9 have shown promising drug likeness, with better safety and efficacy profile for anti-Alzheimer’s activity. However, BBB permeability appears as one the major limitation of all these compounds. Further studies are required to confirm its biological activities.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Mariana Van Zeller ◽  
Diogo M. Dias ◽  
Ana M. Sebastião ◽  
Cláudia A. Valente

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease commonly diagnosed among the elderly population. AD is characterized by the loss of synaptic connections, neuronal death, and progressive cognitive impairment, attributed to the extracellular accumulation of senile plaques, composed by insoluble aggregates of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, and to the intraneuronal formation of neurofibrillary tangles shaped by hyperphosphorylated filaments of the microtubule-associated protein tau. However, evidence showed that chronic inflammatory responses, with long-lasting exacerbated release of proinflammatory cytokines by reactive glial cells, contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3), a cytosolic multiprotein complex sensor of a wide range of stimuli, was implicated in multiple neurological diseases, including AD. Herein, we review the most recent findings regarding the involvement of NLRP3 in the pathogenesis of AD. We address the mechanisms of NLRP3 priming and activation in glial cells by Aβ species and the potential role of neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular vesicles in disease progression. Neuronal death by NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis, driven by the interneuronal tau propagation, is also discussed. We present considerable evidence to claim that NLRP3 inhibition, is undoubtfully a potential therapeutic strategy for AD.


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 1059 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khadija El Hazzam ◽  
Jawhar Hafsa ◽  
Mansour Sobeh ◽  
Manal Mhada ◽  
Moha Taourirte ◽  
...  

Saponins are an important group found in Chenopodium quinoa. They represent an obstacle for the use of quinoa as food for humans and animal feeds because of their bitter taste and toxic effects, which necessitates their elimination. Several saponins elimination methods have been examined to leach the saponins from the quinoa seeds; the wet technique remains the most used at both laboratory and industrial levels. Dry methods (heat treatment, extrusion, roasting, or mechanical abrasion) and genetic methods have also been evaluated. The extraction of quinoa saponins can be carried out by several methods; conventional technologies such as maceration and Soxhlet are the most utilized methods. However, recent research has focused on technologies to improve the efficiency of extraction. At least 40 saponin structures from quinoa have been isolated in the past 30 years, the derived molecular entities essentially being phytolaccagenic, oleanolic and serjanic acids, hederagenin, 3β,23,30 trihydroxy olean-12-en-28-oic acid, 3β-hydroxy-27-oxo-olean-12en-28-oic acid, and 3β,23,30 trihydroxy olean-12-en-28-oic acid. These metabolites exhibit a wide range of biological activities, such as molluscicidal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, hemolytic, and cytotoxic properties.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 332-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina A. Wojtunik-Kulesza ◽  
Katarzyna Targowska-Duda ◽  
Katarzyna Klimek ◽  
Grażyna Ginalska ◽  
Krzysztof Jóźwiak ◽  
...  

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is by far the most prevalent of all known forms of dementia. Despite wide-spread research, the main causes of emergence and development of AD have not been fully recognized. Natural, low-molecular, lipophilic terpenoids constitute an interesting group of secondary plant metabolites, that exert biological activities of possible use in the prevention and treatment of AD. In order to identify secondary metabolites possessing both antioxidant activity and the potential to increase the level of acetylcholine, selected terpenoids have been screened for possible acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity by use of two methods, namely Marston (chromatographic assay) and Ellman (spectrophotometric assay). In order to describe the interaction between terpenes and AChE active gorge, molecular docking simulations were performed. Additionally, all analyzed terpenes were also evaluated for their cytotoxic properties against two normal cell lines using MTT assay. The obtained results show that: carvone (6), pulegone (8) and γ-terpinene (7) possess desirable AChE inhibitory activity. MTT assay revealed low or lack of cytotoxicity of these metabolites. Thus, among the investigated terpenes, carvone (6), pulegone (8) and y-terpinene (7) can be recognized as compounds with most promising activities in the development of multi-target directed ligands.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Mahdiabadi ◽  
Sara Momtazmanesh ◽  
George Perry ◽  
Nima Rezaei

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is characterized by progressive cognitive and memory impairment ensued from neuronal dysfunction and eventual death. Intraneuronal deposition of tau proteins and extracellular senile amyloid-β plaques have ruled as the supreme postulations of AD for a relatively long time, and accordingly, a wide range of therapeutics, especially immunotherapies have been implemented. However, none of them resulted in significant positive cognitive outcomes. Especially, the repetitive failure of anti-amyloid therapies proves the inefficiency of the amyloid cascade hypothesis, suggesting that it is time to reconsider this hypothesis. Thus, for the time being, the focus is being shifted to neuroinflammation as a third core pathology in AD. Neuroinflammation was previously considered a result of the two aforementioned phenomena, but new studies suggest that it might play a causal role in the pathogenesis of AD. Neuroinflammation can act as a double-edged sword in the pathogenesis of AD, and the activation of glial cells is indispensable for mediating such attenuating or detrimental effects. The association of immune-related genes polymorphisms with the clinical phenotype of AD as well as the protective effect of anti-inflammatory drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs supports the possible causal role of neuroinflammation in AD. Here, we comprehensively review immune-based therapeutic approaches toward AD, including monoclonal antibodies and vaccines. We also discuss their efficacy and underlying reasons for shortcomings. Lastly, we highlight the capacity of modulating the neuroimmune interactions and targeting neuroinflammation as a promising opportunity for finding optimal treatments for AD.


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