Leaf extracts of eight selected southern African medicinal plants modulate pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

This study investigates the anti-inflammatory properties of extracts prepared from the leaves of eight southern African medicinal plants used traditionally to treat inflammation and pain. The inhibitory effect of aqueous and ethanol extracts on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines was determined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated and unstimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells.

Identification of a New α-Synuclein Aggregation Inhibitor via Mass Spectrometry Based Screening.

The aggregation of disordered α-synuclein protein is pathogenically connected with Parkinson's disease. Therefore, discovering molecules that can inhibit the misfolding and aggregation of α-synuclein is an active research area in PD drug development. A key property of such required therapeutic agents is specific binding to the target protein.

Epicocconone-Hemicyanine Hybrids: Near Infrared Fluorophores for Protein Staining and Cell Imaging.

The development of new near infrared (NIR) dyes is crucial for diverse applications and especially bioimaging, as they absorb and emit light in the "therapeutic window" (650-950 nm). We report here a new family of NIR fluorophores that has been obtained by hybridising hemicyanines with epicocconone. Emission wavelengths of these hybrid dyes is in the range 715-795 nm and is combined with large Stokes' shifts (75-95 nm).

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and chemical characterisation of Erythrina stricta Roxb. (Fabaceae).

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The bark of Erythrina stricta Roxb. (Fabaceae) has been used in Indian indigenous systems as a remedy for rheumatism, stomach-ache, asthma, dysentery, contact dermatitis, eczema and skin infections. However, there have been limited phytochemical or biological studies on the bark of E.

A one-pot synthesis and biological activity of ageladine A and analogues.

A one-pot synthesis of ageladine A and analogues is reported. The key Pictet-Spengler reaction between 2-aminohistamine and aryl aldehydes has been successfully utilized for the synthesis of the natural product and 14 analogues. These compounds were screened for their matrix metalloprotease (MMP) and kinase inhibition to develop the first structure-activity relationship of ageladine A analogues.