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The unfolded protein response (UPR) controls protein homeostasis through transcriptional and translational regulation. However, dysregulated UPR signaling has been associated with the pathogenesis of many human diseases. Therefore, the compounds modulating UPR may provide molecular insights for these pathologies in the context of UPR. Here, we screened small-molecule compounds that suppress UPR, using a library of Myanmar wild plant extracts. The screening system to track X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) splicing activity revealed that the ethanol extract of the Periploca calophylla stem inhibited the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1)-XBP1 pathway. We isolated and identified periplocin as a potent inhibitor of the IRE1-XBP1 axis. Periplocin also suppressed other UPR axes, protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). Examining the structure–activity relationship of periplocin revealed that cardiac glycosides also inhibited UPR. Moreover, periplocin suppressed the constitutive activation of XBP1 and exerted cytotoxic effects in the human multiple myeloma cell lines, AMO1 and RPMI8226. These results reveal a novel suppressive effect of periplocin or the other cardiac glycosides on UPR regulation, suggesting that these compounds will contribute to our understanding of the pathological or physiological importance of UPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the impact of the ethanoic fractions of Periploca forrestii Schltr. (P. forrestii) in ameliorating the liver injury caused by fluoride ingestion and to explore the potential mechanisms. Initially, an in vitro fluorosis cell model was constructed using the human normal liver cell line (L-02) induced by fluoride. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay kit. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay kit was utilized to measure LDH content in the cell supernatant, while the malonic dialdehyde (MDA) assay kit was employed to determine MDA levels within the cells. Subsequently, a fluorosis rat model was established, and LDH content in the cell supernatant was measured using the LDH assay kit. Various parameters, including MDA, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content within the cells, were detected using appropriate assay kits. Additionally, cell apoptosis rate was determined using the Annexin V-FITC/PI cell apoptosis assay kit. The protein expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), Caspase-3, Cleaved Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Cleaved Caspase-9 were analyzed through Western blotting. Compared to the model group, the ethanolic fraction D of P.forrestii (Fr.D) increased cell viability (P < 0.01) and decreased LDH and MDA levels (P < 0.01). In the high-dose Fr.D treatment group of fluoride-poisoned rats, serum ALT, AST, LDH and MDA levels significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Results from rat primary cells exhibited that the Fr.D administration group exhibited significantly higher cell survival rates than the fluoride group (P < 0.01). Similarly, primary rat cells treated with Fr.D showed enhanced cell viability (P < 0.05) and reduced apoptosis rate, LDH, MDA, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, and ROS levels (P < 0.05) compared to the model group. Western blot analysis indicated that the Fr.D treatment group elevated the Bcl-2/Bax protein expression ratio and reduced Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 activation levels (P < 0.01) compared to the model group. The results suggest that components within the Fr.D from Periploca forrestii may alleviate fluoride-induced liver injury by potentially counteracting oxidative stress and cell apoptosis., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Abstract The nano-encapsulation of Periploca angustifolia phenolic extract using the macrocyclic carbohydrate polymers (β‑cyclodextrins) is a most approach compared with other encapsulation methods. In this work, the β‑Cyclodextrins-PAE complex stability has been evaluated by advanced analytical methods and techniques including HPLC, FTIR and XRD. The results showed that CdCl 2 treatment caused a significant decrease in cell viability. The CdCl 2 -induced damage in the HepG2 cells were significantly ameliorated (p < 0.001) by treatment of the PAE and β‑Cyclodextrins-PAE complex. Thus, pretreatment with 100 μg mL−1 of β‑Cyclodextrins-PAE complex significantly protect HepG2 cells against cytotoxicity induced by cadmium exposure more effectively than PAE only. However, Cd-intoxication significantly (p < 0.001) increased these enzymes activity. Additionally, reactive oxygen species generation was significantly decreased when cells were treated with nano-encapsulation PAE. The levels of supernatant antioxidant parameters including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and GSH were significantly (p < 0.001) decreased in Cd-treated cells with concomitant enhancement of lipid peroxidation. In addition, β‑Cyclodextrins-PAE pretreatment significantly (p < 0.01) inhibited Cd-exposure activated the apoptotic pathway caspace-3 and caspace-9. This effect may be due to the ability of β‑Cyclodextrins molecules to enhance stability and permeability properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A new polysaccharide named PLP1 was extracted and purified from root barks of Periploca laevigata. • Structure of PLP1 was characterized by FT-IR, GC–MS and NMR techniques. • PLP1 possessed strong antioxidant activities on DPPH, ABTS, reducing power and DNA protection. • PLP1 had strong antibacterial activity against Gram+ and Gram− strains. Abstract A novel water-soluble polysaccharide named PLP1 was successfully isolated from root barks of Periploca laevigata by hot water extraction and further purified by DEAE-sepharose chromatography. PLP1 has a relative molar mass of 5.57 105 g/mol determined by Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). The PLP1 structure was investigated by chemical and instrumental analysis including gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS), methylation analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic spectroscopy (1H NMR and 13C NMR). Results showed that PLP1 was mainly composed of glucose, galactose, mannose and glucuronic acid in a molar percent of 62.9, 19.4, 11.8 and 5.9, respectively. The backbone of PLP1 was composed of 1,3-β- d -Glc p , 1,3,4-α- d -Glc p , 1,4-α- d -Man p , 1,6-α- d -Man p , 1,3-α- d -Gal p and 1,6-β- d -Gal p. The thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used and showed that PLP1 has good thermal stability under 229 °C. Moreover, the purified polysaccharide demonstrated an appreciable in vitro antioxidant potential and high antibacterial activity against several Gram (+) and Gram (−) strains. These finding suggested that PLP1 might be suitable for use as functional foods and as potential therapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the metabolic action patterns of P. forrestii against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using metabolomics, and to obtain its potential effective substances for treating RA. First, the therapeutic effects of P. forrestii against RA were confirmed; second, the chemical composition of P. forrestii was analyzed, and 17 prototypes were absorbed into blood; subsequently, plasma metabolomics studies using UPLC-Triple-TOF-MS/MS and GC-MS were performed to disclose the metabolomics alterations in groups, which revealed 38 altered metabolites after drug intervention. These metabolites were all associated with the arthritis pathophysiology process (-log( p ) > 1.6). Among them, sorted by variable important in projection (VIP), the metabolites affected (VIP ≥ 1.72) belonged to lipid metabolites. Finally, Pearson's analysis between endogenous metabolites and exogenous compounds was conducted to obtain potential pharmacological substances for the P. forrestii treatment of RA, which showed a high correlation between five blood-absorbed components and P. forrestii -regulated metabolites. This information provides a basis for the selection of metabolic action modes for P. forrestii clinical application dosage, and potential pharmacological substances that exerted anti-RA effects of P. forrestii were discovered. The study provided an experimental basis for further research on pharmacoequivalence, molecular mechanism validation, and even the development of new dosage forms in the future.

In the present study the antioxidant capacity of Periploca hydaspidis was assessed through various in vitro assays and by the hepatoprotective potential on CCl 4 induced toxicity in rat. Phytochemical analysis of different extracts of P. hydaspidis indicated existence of various phytochemical classes. HPLC-DAD analysis of methanol extract indicated the existence of rutin, gallic acid and caffeic acid. Total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) exhibited significant ( p < 0.05) correlation with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide, hydroxyl ion, inhibition of β-carotene oxidation, iron chelation, reducing power and total antioxidant capacity. In hepatic sample of rat, CCl 4 administration increased ( p < 0.05) the level of nitrite, hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) whereas a decline was recorded in antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and in reduced glutathione (GSH). Concentration of alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST) and globulin increased ( p < 0.05) whereas level of total protein and albumin decreased in serum of CCl 4 treated rats. Level of pro-inflammatory cytokines; tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), tumor growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and resistin was increased ( p < 0.05) in serum whereby anti-inflammatory markers; interleukin-10 (IL-10), adiponectin and nuclear factor erythroid 2- related factor 2 (Nrf-2) decreased ( p < 0.05) in hepatic tissues of CCl 4 treated rats. DNA damages and histopathological alterations were induced with administration of CCl 4 to rat. The altered levels of various parameters provoked by CCl 4 toxicity restored towards the control level by the methanol extract of P. hydaspidis in a dose dependent manner. These results suggested the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phyto-constituents in methanol extract of P. hydaspidis . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of five components (Catechin, Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid, Rosmarinic acid, and Amentoflavone) were identified in Periploca angustifolia leaf methanolic extract. This extract did not cause any cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cell line within the range of concentrations tested (0-400 µg mL−1). Thus, pre-treatment with 100 µg mL−1 of P. angustifolia leaf methanolic extract (PAE) significantly (p < .05) protective HepG2 cells against cytotoxicity induced by cadmium exposure. However, Cd-intoxication significantly (p < .05) increased alanine and aspartate amino transferases serum activities (ALT and AST) and bilirubin content by 1.85-, 1.13-, and 3.55-fold, respectively. The levels of hepatic antioxidant parameters including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly (p < .05) decreased in Cd-intoxicated rats with concomitant enhancement of lipid peroxidation. Our results showed that P. angustifolia leaf methanolic extract can induce antioxidant effects and also exerts beneficial effects for the treatment of Cd-induced hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction of Periploca polysaccharides (PAPS) was optimized using the response surface methodology. The influence of solvent, liquid-solid ratio and extraction time on polysaccharide yield was evaluated using a full factorial design (2 3 ). Also, PAPS extract did not induce a cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cells within the range of tested concentrations (0–250 μg mL −1 ). Herein, the pre-treatment with PAPS extract (100 μg mL −1 ) reduced cell mortality. Furthermore, the in vivo antioxidant activity of PAPS extract was investigated in rats. The oral administration of 250 mg kg −1 body weight of PAPS extract administered above a period of 10 weeks to cadmium chloride (CdCl 2 ) induced toxicity in male Wistar rats, markedly decreased the content of MDA and protein damage in liver tissue, and enhanced liver function parameters (ALAT, ASAT and bilirubin), as well as the activities of hepatic antioxidant status (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH). Finally, the examination of liver histopathology confirmed that PAPS ameliorate the alteration of liver tissue caused by exposition to cadmium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation of the root barks of Periploca chrysantha D. S. Yao, X. C. Chen et J. W. Ren (Asclepiadaceae) led to the elucidation of four new spiroorthoester group-containing pregnane glycosides ( 1 – 4 ), named periplosides W-Y and 3- O -formyl-periploside F. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. The four new pregnane glycosides ( 1 – 4 ) were found to exhibit significantly inhibitory activities against the proliferation of B and T lymphocytes and favorable selective index comparable to those of cyclosporin A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periploca angustifolia (Labill.) is a multipurpose xerophytic shrub widely distributed in arid zones. It is used in rehabilitation programs; its exploitation and utilization require the understanding of its behavior under stress conditions such as drought. To evaluate drought response and at what level it becomes irreversible, a new analysis of physiological and biochemical performances of this threatened shrub was conducted to assess possible mechanisms of drought tolerance and how these relate to its ecological success. Eleven-month-old plants, grown under semi-controlled conditions, were subjected to a well-watered control treatment or progressive drought by withholding water for 7, 14 and 21 d with subsequent recovery for 7-d. After 7 days of drought, followed by rewatering period, no significant effect on all studied parameters was recorded for P. angustifolia . However, from 14 until 21 days of withholding irrigation, drought becomes irreversible causing plant damages, may be rewatering has no effect to reduce these damages. A water deficit of 21 days RWC (33%), chlorophyll a content (0.083 mg·g − 1 DW), transpiration 14.7%, as well as water and osmotic potential (− 3.40 and − 3.78 MPa) decreased significantly compared with control. While, proline content (0.25 μmol·g − 1 FW), soluble sugars (80.52 mmol·g − 1 DW) and vitamins C, E (1.9 mM·g − 1 FW) increased significantly that could indicate ability of osmotic adjustment in this species. Also the increases in RWC, water and osmotic potentials values after rewatering period indicate the good recovery of this plant. Based on these experiments, responses of P. angustifolia to water stress were typical of those of xerophytic plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhus tripartitum (Ucria) and Periploca laevigata Aiton subsp. angustifolia (Labill.) are two medicinal plants containing several compounds with important pharmacological activities. The obtained results showed that under water deficit, the secondary metabolite levels in root bark were increased significantly for both species and decreased after rehydration for R. tripartitum but for P. laevigata , the amount of secondary metabolite increased. In addition, the quantification of phenolics and flavonoids compounds by HPLC was found to be in accordance with these results. The main compounds were catechin, cinnamic acid, epicatechin, apigenin and rutin. They also suggest that water deficit and rehydration treatments may regulate the production of phenolic compounds in Rhus and Periploca root bark. Moreover, the extracts of the root bark from Rhus and Periploca were able to scavenge DPPH and FRAP free radicals with the low IC50 and EC50 recorded for stressed plants extracts (75.66 μg/ml, 111.66 μg/ml and 118.66 μg/ml, 144.66 μg/ml, respectively for R. tripartitum and P. laevigata ) and have an inhibitory effect by decreasing NO and ROS release in J774A.1 macrophages. The high antioxidant activity was detected with R. tripartitum , while anti-inflammatory activity was important with P. laevigata . The increase of these biological activities was directly proportional to the content of secondary metabolite in root bark. In general, water deficit revealed positive effects on secondary metabolites contents, hence the biological potential of R. tripartitum and P. laevigata . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants constitute a potential reservoir of several effective antioxidant and antimicrobial agents especially in developing countries were resources are lacking. Compounds of natural origin are more effective, safer and have less side effects. For continuing research on biological properties of Moroccan medicinal plants and identification of new natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents, the present study was conducted to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial effect of the association between some conventional antibiotics and Periploca laevigata essential oil obtained by hydro-distillation. The chemical composition was analyzed by a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) system and a total of 22 compounds were identified. n -hexadecanoic acid (14.6%) and 4,4,7a-Trimethyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-4H-benzofuran-2-one (11.8%) were found to be the main constituents. A moderate antioxidant activity was found as evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical method, reducing power and ß -carotene-linoleic acid assays with IC 50 values ranging from 0.69 to 2.86 mg/ml. The antimicrobial investigation showed an inhibitory effect against seven and four respectively tested bacterial and fungal species. In general, Gram positive bacteria ( S. aureus , M. luteus , B. cereus and B. subtilis ) were found to be more sensitive than Gram-negative ones. The antifungal activities showed that C. albicans was the most susceptible. The association between conventional antibiotics (cefexime, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and fluconazole) and the essential oil showed a high synergistic effect. Combination with gentamicin exhibited interesting synergistic effect against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with lowest FIC index values (0.28-0.50), followed by essential oil-ciprofloxacin which is especially active against Gram-positive bacteria (FICi = 0.31-0.38).Whereas, the association essential oil-fluconazole showed a total synergistic effect (FICi = 0.25-0.37) for yeasts except C. albicans. The results showed that the essential oil possesses compounds with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and a good synergistic effect in association with antibiotics. The present study suggests that the essential oil can be considered as new and potential source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Periploca forrestii Schltr has been used as a Chinese folk medicine for the treatment of rheumatism, arthralgia and fractures. However, the anti-arthritic activity of Periploca forrestii saponin (PFS) and the active compound has still not been revealed. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of PFS on collagen type II (CII) collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. We sought to investigate whether PFS and Periplocin could regulate osteoclastogenesis, and if so, further investigation on its mechanism of action. Methods: Arthritis was induced in female BALB/c mice by CIA method. PFS was administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight once daily for five weeks. The effects of treatment in mice were assessed by histological and biochemical evaluation in sera and paws. Anti-osteoclastogenic action of PFS and Periplocin was identified using an osteoclast formation model induced by RANKL. Results: PFS ameliorated paw erythema and swelling, inhibited bone erosion in ankle joint histopathological examination. PFS treatment resulted in decreased IgG2a, and increased IgG1 levels in the serum of CIA mice. Decreased TNF-α, and increased interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-22 levels were also found in PFS-treated mice. PFS inhibited the I-κBα phosphorylation, blocked nuclear factor (NF)-κB/p65 phosphorylation and abrogated AP-1/c-Fos activity. PFS downregulated toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, STAT3 and MMP-9 expression in CIA mice and RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. PFS and Periplocin inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation in a dose dependent manner within nongrowth inhibitory concentration, and PFS decreased osteoclastogenesis-related marker expression, including cathepsin K and MMP-9. Conclusion: This study revealed that the protective mechanism of PFS on CIA was associated with regulatory effects on proinflammatory factors and further on the crosstalk between NF-κB and c-Fos/AP-1 in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, PFS is a promising therapeutic alternative for the treatment of RA, evidencing the need to conduct further studies that can identify their active components in treating and preventing RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periploca forrestii Schltr. has been used as a Chinese folk medicine due to its versatile pharmacological effects such as promoting wounds and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the antiarthritic activity of Periploca forrestii saponin (PFS) and its active compound Periplocin has still not been demonstrated. Here, we evaluated the antiarthritic effects of PFS in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats by intragastric administration at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory activities of Periplocin were also examined in LPS-induced AIA splenocytes and synoviocytes. PFS significantly ameliorated joint swelling; inhibited bone erosion in joints; lowered levels of IL-6 and TGF-β1 in AIA rat splenocyte; and reduced joint protein expression levels of phospho-STAT3 and IKKα. Using LPS-induced AIA splenocytes, we demonstrate that Periplocin suppressed the key proinflammatory cytokines levels of IL-6, IFN-γ, TGF-β1, and IL-13 and IL-22 and transcription factor levels of T-bet, GATA3, and C-Jun genes. Periplocin also suppressed LPS-induced cytokine secretion from synoviocytes. Our study highlights the antiarthritic activity of PFS and its derived Periplocin and the underlying mechanisms. These results provide a strong rationale for further testing and validation of the use of Periploca forrestii Schltr. as an alternative modality for the treatment of RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periplocoside T (PST) from Periploca sepium has insecticidal activity against some lepidopterans, which can significantly inhibit the activity of vacuolar-type H + -ATPases (V-ATPase). V-ATPase is involved in the release of neurotransmitters in vesicles during nerve signal transduction. However, there are actions of PST on behavior and sensory-central nervous system (CNS)-motor neural circuit which are commonly overlooked. After exposure to 500 mg/L PST for 48 h, the difference of the proportion of larvae responding to stimuli in the four Drosophila strains was not significant as compared to controls, but larval mouth hook movement and body wall motion were significantly decreased as compared to controls, and the decrease was more obvious in para ts1 ; DSC1 -/- and DSC1 -/- strains, especially in para ts1 ; DSC1 -/- strain. Compared with control (DMSO), the excitatory junction potential (EJP) frequencies of sensory-CNS-motor circuits in the four Drosophila strains after PST or bafiloymcin A1 (BA1, a V-ATPase specific inhibitor) treatment gradually decreased with time, and the decreasing amplitude of BA1 treatment was greater than that of PST treatment, but both were higher than that of the control. The decay amplitude of EJP frequency in two strains with DSC1 channel knockout was lower than that of w 1118 and para ts1 strains without DSC1 channel knockout. Thus, the results indicated that PST, similar to BA1, could inhibit the transmission of sensory-CNS-motor circuit excitability of Drosophila larvae by inhibiting the activity of V-ATPase, and DSC1 channel play a role of in regulating the stability of nervous system., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

[Objective] To determine absorbed component in rat plasma in Periploca forrestti Schltr. [Methods] Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis technology was used. And L9 (34) orthogonal test and chlorogenic acid content determination method was applied. Range analysis and ANOVA analysis were carried out. [Results] Periploca forrestti Schltr. was an active component which could be absorbed into the rat blood. Through the range analysis and ANOVA analysis, the optimal extract conditions were obtained. Then, Periploca forrestti Schltr. was analyzed and chlorogenic acid was successfully separated by C18 reversed phase column (4.6 mm X 250 mm, 5 µm) at wavelength of 327 nm and temperature of 30°C. With the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile (A) and water (0.5% formic acid, B) in the volume ratio of 9: 91 (v/v) and flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, peaks showed good shape and separation. The linear equation of chlorogenic acid was y - 223. 8900 x - 0. 225 8, R² - 0.999 7 in the range of 8 µg/mL to 192 µg/m and the average recovery was 98. 569% which indicated the method was fine. [Conclusion] The discovery and the established analysis method of chlorogenic acid in Periploca forrestti Schltr. are expected to control the quality of this medicine better [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight high resolution mass spectrometer(UPLC-Q-TOF-HRMS) was used to investigate the effects of the active ingredients in Periploca forrestii compound on spleen metabolism in rats with collagen-induced arthritis(CIA), and its potential anti-inflammatory mechanism was analyzed by network pharmacology. After the model of CIA was successfully established, the spleen tissues of rats were taken 28 days after administration. UPLC-Q-TOF-HRMS chromatograms were collected and analyzed by principal component analysis(PCA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), and MetPA. The results showed that as compared with the blank control group, 22 biomarkers in the spleen tissues such as inosine, citicoline, hypoxanthine, and taurine in the model group increased, while 9 biomarkers such as CDP-ethanolamine and phosphorylcholine decreased. As compared with the model group, 21 biomarkers such as inosine, citicoline, CDP-ethanolamine, and phosphorylcholine were reregulated by the active ingredients in P. forrestii. Seventeen metabolic pathways were significantly enriched, including purine metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism. Network pharmacology analysis found that purine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism played important roles in the pathological process of rheumatoid arthritis. This study suggests that active ingredients in P. forrestii compound can delay the occurrence and development of inflammatory reaction by improving the spleen metabolic disorder of rats with CIA. The P. forrestii compound has multi-target and multi-pathway anti-inflammatory mechanism. This study is expected to provide a new explanation for the mechanism of active ingredients in P. forrestii compound against rheumatoid arthritis.

Periploca angustifolia (Apocynaceae) is a multipurpose shrub widely distributed in arid and semi-arid Tunisian regions. Local people often use this laticiferous shrub us a fodder for their livestock and consume the dried latex as a pleasant taste chewing. This study aims to identify laticifers distribution in vegetative and reproductive organs of Periploca angustifolia and investigate latex composition in order to valorize this constituent for later use. The histological study conducted on this species has confirmed the presence of laticifers in leaf (spongy and palisade mesophyll), stem (cortical parenchyma), root (periderm), floral bud (petal–carpel) and follicle (pericarp). Laticifers in the studied species are non-articulated. The purified rubber fraction from latex was subjected to different chemical analyses, proving that the rubber of P. angustifolia is composed of cis -1,4-polyisoprene as the main constituent. When the molecular weight distribution of rubber components in the exudate was measured using SEC analysis, the number-average molecular weight (Mn), the weight-average molecular weight (Mw), and polydispersity (Mw/Mn) were estimated to be Mn = 2.3 × 10 5 , Mw = 4.1 × 10 5 and Mw/Mn = 1.78, respectively. Thus, the obtained results show that the latex of P. angustifolia contains a natural rubber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates antimicrobial and anti-oxidant potential of different solvent extracted samples from Periploca hydaspidis through disc diffusion assay. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli were sensitive to crude extracts and all fractions measuring varying degree of growth inhibition. Similarly, the growth of Citrobacter freundii was not inhibited by crude methanolic extracts, n-hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracted samples. Maximum growth inhibition was measured against Klebsiella pneumoniae exposed to aqueous fraction followed by n-hexane fraction. Our results also suggested that among various fungi, Candida albicans was sensitive to crude methanolic extracts, n-hexane and aqueous fractions compared with other fractions. The rest of the fungi under test were resistant to crude and all fractions showing no zone of inhibition. All the extracted samples of the stems and roots showed antioxidant activity, however, crude methanolic extract of stem tissues exhibited better antioxidant activity than the other extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study comprises an investigation into the floral function in relation to the floral structure of Periploca aphylla and P. angustifolia, using light and scanning electron microscopy. Both species display the following floral structures: style-head bearing pollen translators, shelf-like nectaries, staminal feet, nectar-collecting troughs, trisegmented corolline corona lobes and corolla lobes, and anthers and nectaries covered by unicellular hairs. Lateral segments of adjacent corona lobes are fused with half of the adaxial base of the adjacent corolla lobes, creating openings through which pollinators can reach the nectar-collecting troughs in the corolla base. Flowers are rotate with spreading corolla lobes and exposed gynostegium, thus sorting in the open-access fly pollination system. The following features are useful to distinguish the flowers of the two species: corolla color, presence or absence of long unicellular hairs and white spots size on the adaxial surface of corolla lobes, translator length, pollen tetrads color, and presence or absence of linear tetrads. It seems that the floral modifications of the two Periploca species serve to optimize pollination efficiency by attracting a wide number of pollinators, thus enhancing the pollination success of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floral scent in sapromyiophilous plants often consists of complex blends with not only fetid ( e.g., sulfides) but also sweet ( e.g., terpenoids) volatile organic compounds, and a recent study suggests that both groups of compounds are involved in pollinator attraction. However, little is known about the number and identity of compounds involved in pollinator attraction in these deceptive plants that mimic breeding sites of fly pollinators. In the present paper, we studied flower volatiles of sapromyiophilous Periploca laevigata and their capability to elicit biological responses in one of the pollinator species, Musca domestica. Floral volatiles were collected by dynamic headspace and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and electrophysiological (GC/EAD) and behavioral assays (two choice olfactometer) were conducted. In the floral scent of P. laevigata, we detected 44 compounds, of which indole, β-caryophyllene, and germacrene D, as well as dimethyl trisulfide, which was present in trace amounts, were electrophysiologically active in the antennae of M. domestica. However, when we evaluated in behavioral experiments the attractiveness of the electrophysiologically active compounds (complete mixture against partial mixtures or against single compounds), we found that indole was the only attractive compound for the flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study established a UPLC-MS/MS method for the content determination of Periploca forrestii microdialysis samples and investigated the pharmacokinetics of three index components of P. forrestii in rats. The effects of flow rate and concentration of perfusate on the recovery rate were investigated by the concentration difference method(increment method and decrement method). The microdialysis samples at different time points were collected, and the concentrations of three index components were determined by UPLC-MS/MS. The actual drug concentrations were corrected with the in vivo recovery rate, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by WinNonlin 8.2. In the in vitro recovery test, the recovery rate measured by the increment method and the decrement method was inversely proportional to the flow rate and independent of the concentration. The pharmacokinetic parameter AUC&#95;(0-t) values of 3-O-caffeoyl quinic acid, 4-O-caffeoyl quinic acid, and 5-O-caffeoyl quinic acid were(23 911.23±5 679.67),(16 688.43±3 448.45), and(9 677.02±1 606.74) min·μg·L~(-1), respectively. C&#95;(max) values were(170.66±58.02),(121.61±48.14), and(69.69±18.23) μg·L~(-1), respectively. The UPLC-MS/MS method has the advantages of specificity, rapidity, high sensitivity, and accurate quantification. It can simultaneously determine the concentration of 3-O-caffeoyl quinic acid and other two index components in microdialysis samples and is suitable for the pharmacokinetics study of the three index components of P. forrestii in normal rats.

Ecological studies have shown that island taxa often display novel phenotypic ranges relative to mainland congeners (i.e. character shift), but most examples come from behavioural and morphological traits in animals. In this study, I hypothesize that high levels of habitat diversity on oceanic islands would also provide opportunities for character shift in plant taxa with strong colonization ability. Habitat differentiation and phenotypic variation in two resource-use traits (leaf size and specific leaf area) were analysed in taxa showing widespread distributions in the Canary Islands and across mainland Mediterranean areas: Lavandula, Olea, Periploca and Cistus. Preliminary analysis of bioclimatic data indicated that islands show subtropical conditions that are not found among the mainland habitats occupied by these taxa, which could have favoured phenotypic differentiation between these two regions. Strong evidence of character shift, however, was only found in two cases. Phenotypic data in Lavandula suggested that evolution of growth form in the island setting was associated with the expression of novel leaf traits. Evidence of character shift was also related to ecological release, most notably in Periploca, when island populations occupy a range of ecological zones distant from typical mainland conditions (e.g. zones influenced by the humid, north-east trade winds). This study shows that widespread island taxa display convergent phenotypic responses to habitat shift, which strongly suggest an adaptive pattern and stress the deterministic nature of phenotypic variation. I further discuss how the identification of these patterns provides a promising framework for the testing of hypotheses on the evolutionary mechanisms involved in phenotypic adaptation. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 174, 399-411. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The structures of a series of peroxy function containing pregnane glycosides isolated from Periploca sepium and Periploca forrestii were revised to be orthoester group bearing ones using 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques, as well as chemical transformations and X-ray crystallographic diffraction analysis. The orthoester function appears to be an essential structural feature for immunosuppressive activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article presents results of a field survey of pollinators of two Apocynaceae, Periploca laevigata subsp. angustifolia (Labill.) Markgraf (Periplocoideae) and Caralluma europaea (Guss.) N.E.Br. (Asclepiadoideae) co-occurring on Lampedusa Island, Mediterranean sea. Fifteen species within nine families of Diptera have been identified as pollinators of the two plants. The families involved are Tephritidae, Milichiidae, Trixoscelididae, Scathophagidae, Anthomyiidae, Muscidae, Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Rhinophoridae. Families of Muscidae and Sarcophagidae are the more represented, respectively with four and three species. P. laevigata subsp. angustifolia seems to have a broader spectrum of pollinators, with 12 species of Diptera involved, while C. europaea has 8 species of Diptera as pollinators. Five species of Diptera are shared between the two plant species. The presented data are the first records of pollinators for P. laevigata subsp. angustifolia and C. europaea and confirm that both taxa are fly pollinated, though they do not conform exactly to the sapromyiophilous syndrome. The number of pollinators identified indicated that the morphological and functional floral specialization of the two taxa cover a wide number of pollinators with a similar biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study describes the chemical composition, and antimicrobial, antioxidant and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities of essential oil from Periploca laevigata root barks (PLRB), an aromatic plant widely distributed in Tunisia and used as a traditional medicinal plant. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to determine the composition of the PLRB oil. Forty-three components were identified in the essential oil and the main compounds were benzaldehyde (56%), methyl 4-methoxysalicylate (6.55%) and carvacrol (4.75%). The PLRB essential oil exhibited a dose-dependent manner of inhibitory activity toward ACE. The highest ACE inhibitory activity (54%) was observed at a concentration of 30μg/ml. The PLRB oil was also found to possess antioxidant activities, as evaluated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical method, β-carotene bleaching and reducing power assays. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was also investigated on several microorganisms. The inhibition zones and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of bacterial strains were in the range of 12–46mm and 50–300μg/ml, respectively. The inhibitory activity of the PLRB essential oil against Gram-positive bacteria was significantly higher than against Gram-negative. It also exhibited remarkable activity against several fungal strains. Our findings demonstrate that the essential oil from P. laevigata might be a good candidate for further investigations of new bioactive substances. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]