Amira Kamal El Motayam

Background: The increasing resistance and adverse effects associated with conventional chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin have prompted the investigation of natural compounds that act synergistically with chemotherapy to combat cancer. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of an aqueous extract of Artemisia vulgaris L. in conjunction with cisplatin on A549 human lung cancer cells. The research analyzes the phytochemical composition of the extract and its potential mechanisms of action by assessing apoptosis and autophagy. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated a synergistic interaction between A. vulgaris and cisplatin. We utilized molecular docking to examine the interactions of the extract components with critical proteins involved in these processes. Methods: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was employed to characterize the phytochemicals in A. vulgaris . A549 cells were subjected to various concentrations of A. vulgaris L. aqueous extract, cisplatin, and their combination. We utilized the SRB assay to assess cell viability and the combination index (CI) analysis to evaluate the synergistic interaction between the two compounds. Molecular docking was performed for selected compounds against apoptotic and autophagic target proteins. Results: The combination treatment showed a greater cytotoxic effect than either treatment alone, suggesting a synergistic improvement of anticancer action through the induction of both apoptosis and autophagy. This was manifested by a significant decrease in the IC ₅₀ values of A. vulgaris and cisplatin to 13.32 ± 1.66 μg/mL and 0.44 ± 0.02 μM, respectively, with a combination index (CI) of 0.7. LC–MS/MS profiling showed a wide array of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins, and phenolic acids many of which have been found to possess anticancer effects. Conclusion: The results indicated that A. vulgaris L. may potentiate the anticancer effect of cisplatin, potentially allowing dose reduction and minimizing side effects.

This study aimed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) via a green sustainable approach using Raphanus sativus (L.) root extract and evaluate their gastroprotective effect against ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats. ZnO-NPs were characterized through UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, TEM, zeta potential analysis, and XRD. LC- MS-coupled metabolic profiling was employed to identify different phytochemical compounds in the plant. Oxidative stress biomarkers (GSSG, GPX, and CAT), gastric secretions (gastrin and histamine), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and NF-κB), and molecular markers (MMP-10 and pERK1/2) were evaluated. Treatment with ZnO-NPs and plant extract restored antioxidant enzyme activity in a dose-dependent manner and decreased oxidative and inflammatory markers. Histopathological and histochemical analyses confirmed the protection of the gastric mucosa. The ZnO-NPs at (200 mg/kg), showed superior efficacy over the extract and, in some cases, displayed equivalent or enhanced effects relative to the reference drug omeprazole. In silico findings support the gastroprotective potential of the plant by demonstrating strong binding associations for major phytochemicals. This paper highlights that green-synthesized ZnO-NPs exhibit a significant gastroprotective effect through the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, indicating their promise as a safe and effective alternative treatment for gastric ulcers.

Iphiona mucronata (Family Asteraceae) is widely distributed in the Eastern desert of Egypt. It is a promising plant material for phytochemical analysis and pharmacologic studies, and so far, its specific metabolites and biological activity have not yet been thoroughly investigated. Herein, we report on the detailed phytochemical study using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS approach. This analysis allowed the putative annotation of 48 metabolites belonging to various phytochemical classes, including mostly sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Further, zebrafish embryotoxicity has been carried out, where 100 µg/mL extract incubated for 72 h resulted in a slow touch response of the 10 examined larvae, which might be taken as a sign of a disturbed peripheral nervous system. Results of in vitro testing indicate moderate cytotoxicity towards VERO, FaDu, and HeLa cells with CC₅₀ values between 91.6 and 101.7 µg/mL. However, selective antineoplastic activity in RKO cells with CC₅₀ of 54.5 µg/mL was observed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive profile of I. mucronata secondary metabolites that provides chemical-based evidence for its biological effects. A further investigation should be carried out to precisely define the underlying mechanisms of toxicity.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the phytochemical composition of tiger nut (TN) (Cyperus esculentus L.) and its neuroprotective potential in scopolamine (Scop)-induced cognitive impairment in rats. The UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis enabled the putative annotation of 88 metabolites, such as saccharides, amino acids, organic acids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Treatment with TN extract restored Scop-induced learning and memory impairments. In parallel, TN extract succeeded in lowering amyloid beta, β-secretase protein expression and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity in the hippocampus of rats. TN extract decreased malondialdehyde levels, restored antioxidant levels and reduced proinflammatory cytokines as well as the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Histopathological analysis demonstrated marked neuroprotection in TN-treated groups. In conclusion, the present study reveals that TN extract attenuates Scop-induced memory impairments by diminishing amyloid beta aggregates, as well as its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-AChE activities.

Lantana camara L. (Family Verbenaceae) is an ornamental herb found in tropical and sub-tropical countries. It has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various illnesses. L. camara contains a large number of phytochemical compounds. Polyphenol metabolites of L. camara L. are the major bioactive constituents. Recently scientifically proven therapeutic activities of L.camara include antibacterial, antioxidant, antipyretic, insecticidal, antimicrobial, wound healing, and anti-urolithiatic activities. Limited information is available regarding the phytoconstituents and other health value of Lantana flowers. The fragmentation behavior of phenolic acid derivatives and other acids was investigated using HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS in negative mode where even minor components were detected due to the high sensitivity of mass spectrometer detector. The given acids profile led to discovery of many unreported metabolites including hydrogen-bonded dimers of acids and acids bound to sugars. The anti-coagulant activity measured by estimation of prothrombin time (PT) using normal citrated human plasma and heparin as positive control revealed that Lantana flowers and roots extracts increased the clot time relative to the control. This activity may be attributed to the high-phenolic content of the flowers as many studies have reported.