Two Triterpenoids, ARM-2 and RA-5, From Exhibit the Potential to Modulate Lipolysis and Lipogenesis in Cultured 3T3-L1 Adipocytes.

Triterpenoids have been identified as potential novel lipid-lowering drugs for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. This study investigated the potential antilipogenic and/or antilipolytic effects of two triterpenoids (ARM-2 and RA-5) isolated from the stem bark of (Benrh.) Engl.

In Vitro Antioxidant and In Silico Evaluation of the Anti-β-Lactamase Potential of the Extracts of NR125682 and NR117881.

Cyanobacteria in recent times have been touted to be a suitable source for the discovery of novel compounds, including antioxidants and antibiotics, due to their large arsenal of metabolites. This study presents the in vitro antioxidant and in silico evaluation of NR125682 and NR117881, isolated from freshwater ponds around the campus of the University of Zululand, South Africa. The isolates were confirmed using 16S rRNA.

Triterpenoids from Exhibit Hypocholesterolemic Potential via Regulation of Cholesterol Biosynthesis and Stimulation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Uptake in HepG2 Cells.

The increasing incidence of hypercholesterolemia-related diseases even in the presence of the currently available cholesterol-lowering drugs indicates a need to discover new therapeutic drugs. This study aimed to investigate the hypocholesterolemic potential of two triterpenoids isolated from stem bark. techniques and enzyme assays were used to evaluate the potential inhibition of cholesterol esterase and HMG-CoA reductase by the triterpenoids (ARM-2 and RA-5).

Isolation and Characterization of Potential Lignin Peroxidase-Producing Bacteria from Compost Samples at Richards Bay (South Africa).

Lignin recalcitrance is a key issue in producing value-added products from lignocellulose biomass. biodegradable lignin-modifying enzymes-producing bacteria are considered a suitable solution to lignin biodegradation problems, but exploitation of ligninolytic bacteria is still limited to date. Hence, this study aimed to isolate and characterize potential lignin peroxidase ligninolytic bacteria from decomposing soil, sawdust, and cow dung at Richard Bay, South Africa.

In vitro and in vivo hepatotoxicity study of Afriplex™ GRT through an inflammatory response.

Background: The focus on traditional and complementary medicine for supplementation and treatment of diseases is high. Aspalathus linearis commonly known as Rooibos showed several beneficial effects, this led to the standardized production of a pharmaceutical grade green rooibos extract (Afriplex TM GRT) with enhanced polyphenolic content. The aim of this study was to assess toxicity of Afriplex TM GRT in HepG2/C3A cells and Sprague Dawley rats.

Phytochemical Profiling and Isolation of Bioactive Compounds from (Rosaceae).

In the study, ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry analysis of leaf and stem extracts led to the identification of various classes of compounds. Further chromatographic purifications resulted in the isolation of 22 compounds that consisted of a new triterpenoid named leucosidic acid A (), an acetophenone derivative , a phloroglucinol derivative , three chromones , seven pentacyclic triterpenoids , a phytosterol glucoside , a flavonoid , and seven flavonoid glycosides . Nineteen of these compounds including the previously undescribed triterpenoid are isolated for the first time from .

The triterpene, methyl-3β-hydroxylanosta-9,24-dien-21-oate (RA3), attenuates high glucose-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis by improving energy metabolism.

Background: Hyperglycemia-induced cardiovascular dysfunction has been linked to oxidative stress and accelerated apoptosis in the diabetic myocardium. While there is currently no treatment for diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), studies suggest that the combinational use of anti-hyperglycemic agents and triterpenes could be effective in alleviating DCM.

Hypothesis: To investigate the therapeutic effect of methyl-3β-hydroxylanosta-9,24-dien-21-oate (RA3), in the absence or presence of the anti-diabetic drug, metformin (MET), against hyperglycemia-induced cardiac injury using an in vitro H9c2 cell model.

A Lanosteryl Triterpene (RA-3) Exhibits Antihyperuricemic and Nephroprotective Effects in Rats.

Considering the global health threat posed by kidney disease burden, a search for new nephroprotective drugs from our local flora could prove a powerful strategy to respond to this health threat. In this study we investigated the antihyperuricemic and nephroprotective potential of RA-3, a plant-derived lanosteryl triterpene. The antihyperuricemic and nephroprotective effect of RA-3 was investigated using the adenine and gentamicin induced hyperuricemic and nephrotoxicity rat model.

An In Vitro Study on the Combination Effect of Metformin and N-Acetyl Cysteine against Hyperglycaemia-Induced Cardiac Damage.

Chronic hyperglycaemia is a major risk factor for diabetes-induced cardiovascular dysfunction. In a hyperglycaemic state, excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), coupled with decreased levels of glutathione, contribute to increased lipid peroxidation and subsequent myocardial apoptosis. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a thiol-containing antioxidant known to protect against hyperglycaemic-induced oxidative stress by promoting the production of glutathione.

Molecular basis of the anti-hyperglycemic activity of RA-3 in hyperlipidemic and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes in rats.

Background: Insulin resistance is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the underlying cause of various metabolic changes observed in type 2 diabetic patients. This study investigated the molecular basis of the anti-hyperglycemic activity of the lanosteryl triterpene (RA-3), from stem bark, in hyperlipidemic and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T2DM in rats.

Methods: The high-fat diet fed (HFD) and STZ-induced T2DM in rat model was used to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic activity of RA-3.

Protective effect of triterpenes against diabetes-induced β-cell damage: An overview of in vitro and in vivo studies.

Accumulative evidence shows that chronic hyperglycaemia is a major factor implicated in the development of pancreatic β-cell dysfunction in diabetic patients. Furthermore, most of these patients display impaired insulin signalling that is responsible for accelerated pancreatic β-cell damage. Indeed, prominent pathways involved in glucose metabolism such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3-K/AKT) and 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) are impaired in an insulin resistant state.

A Lanosteryl triterpene from Protorhus longifolia augments insulin signaling in type 1 diabetic rats.

Background: A substantial literature supports antidiabetic properties of the lanosteryl triterpene (methyl-3β-hydroxylanosta-9,24-dien-21-oate, RA-3) isolated from Protorhus longifolia stem bark. However, the molecular mechanism(s) associated with the antihyperglycemic properties of the triterpene remained to be explored. The current study aimed at investigating the molecular mechanism(s) through which RA-3 improves insulin signaling in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic rats.

Lanosteryl triterpenes from Protorhus longifolia as a cardioprotective agent: a mini review.

The epidemic of cardiovascular diseases is a global phenomenon that is exaggerated by the growing prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Coronary artery disease and diabetic cardiomyopathy are the major cardiovascular complications responsible for exacerbated myocardial infarction in diabetic individuals. Increasing research has identified hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia as key factors driving the augmentation of oxidative stress and a pro-inflammatory response that usually results in increased fibrosis and reduced cardiac efficiency.

Comparative analyses and structural insights of the novel cytochrome P450 fusion protein family CYP5619 in Oomycetes.

Phylogenetic and structural analysis of P450 proteins fused to peroxidase/dioxygenase has not been reported yet. We present phylogenetic and in silico structural analysis of the novel P450 fusion family CYP5619 from the deadliest fish pathogenic oomycete, Saprolegnia diclina. Data-mining and annotation of CYP5619 members revealed their unique presence in oomycetes.

Testicular Dysfunction Ameliorative Effect of the Methanolic Roots Extracts of and .

The traditional use of medicinal plants in the management of sexual dysfunctions has a long history. This study investigated testicular dysfunction ameliorative effect of the methanolic roots extracts of and in a butanol-induced testicular dysfunction rat model. The rats in respective experimental groups were orally administered with the extract at 50 and 250 mg/kg bw, daily for 28 days.

A Lanosteryl Triterpene from Protorhus longifolia Improves Glucose Tolerance and Pancreatic Beta Cell Ultrastructure in Type 2 Diabetic Rats.

Type 2 diabetes remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Persistent hyperglycemia within a diabetic state is implicated in the generation of oxidative stress and aggravated inflammation that is responsible for accelerated modification of pancreatic beta cell structure. Here we investigated whether a lanosteryl triterpene, methyl-3β-hydroxylanosta-9,24-dien-21-oate (RA-3), isolated from can improve glucose tolerance and pancreatic beta cell ultrastructure by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in high fat diet and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes in rats.

Cardioprotective potential of a lanosteryl triterpene from Protorhus longifolia.

Context: The current rapid increase in the incidence of cardiovascular events indicates a need for the discovery of more effective cardioprotective agents.

Objective: This study evaluated the cardioprotective potential of a lanosteryl triterpene from Protorhus longifolia (Benrh.) Engl.

In vivo antihyperglycemic activity of a lanosteryl triterpene from Protorhus longifolia.

Control of postprandial hyperglycemia is crucial in the management of diabetes mellitus. Despite the use of the current hypoglycemic drugs, incidence of diabetes and related diseases continue to increase. This study aimed at evaluating the in vivo antihyperglycemic activity of methyl-3β-hydroxylanosta-9,24-dien-21-oate (RA-3), a lanosteryl triterpene isolated, and characterized from Protorhus longifolia stem bark.

In vitro antihyperlipidemic potential of triterpenes from stem bark of Protorhus longifolia.

Two lanostane triterpenes, 3β-hydroxylanosta-9,24-dien-21-oic acid (1) and methyl-3β-hydroxylanosta-9,24-dien-21-oate (2), were isolated from the stem bark of Protorhus longifolia. Their structures were deduced on the basis of spectroscopic analysis (NMR, HRMS, IR). This study investigated the in vitro anti-adipogenic activity of the two triterpenes.

In vivo anti-hyperlipidemic activity of the triterpene from the stem bark of Protorhus longifolia (Benrh) Engl.

Background: Hyperlipidemia, a metabolic disorder of lipids, is a well known risk factor of cardiovascular events and metabolic syndrome. In this study, the in vivo lipid-lowering activity of the triterpene (Methyl-3β-hydroxylanosta-9,24-dien-21-oate), isolated from the stem bark of Protorhus longifolia, in high fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic rats was investigated.

Methods: Structure of the isolated compound was established and confirmed based on spectral (NMR, HRMS, IR) data analysis.

Evaluation of the anti-Listeria potentials of some plant-derived triterpenes.

Background: Listeriosis is a fatal disease caused by pathogenic Listeria bacteria and it is most prevalent in immune-compromised individuals. The increase in numbers of immune-compromised individuals against a background of Listeria antibiotic resistance, limits listeriosis treatment options. This therefore calls for research into substitute treatments, of which, medicinal plants derived compounds offer a viable alternative.