Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Pierre Lutgen
Scientist, IFBV-BELHERB, Luxembourg
Keynote: Artemisia : from therapy to prophylaxis
Time : 10:00-10:35 AM
Biography:
Pierre Lutgen Studied at the University of Louvain in Belgium and obtained diplomas in Chemistry, Social Sciences and Philosophy. He worked during 25 years for the DuPont CY in research and during 8 years in Steel Industry, mainly in the environmental field. Since his retirement he worked as a consultant for health and environment as invited professor at the University in Medellin and for the European Communities in several countries. Over the last ten year he has organized the association of IFBV-BELHERB studying and fighting tropical diseases with some 30 academic and medical partners in Africa, South America and Europe. Numerous peer reviewed papers have been published by this team, mainly on herbal medicines.
Abstract:
Since 9 years, the association IFBV-BELHERB from Luxembourg has established a working relationship with African and South American universities, in close cooperation with other European research institutions. Several of these partners have run clinical trials with Artemisia annua tea. In all these trials a therapeutical effect of 95 % or higher was confirmed by the use over 7 days of whole leaf infusion, capsules or tablets. One of the surprising effects noticed in these trials was that that the artemisinin content had very little impact on the results. This lead us to make an analysis as complete as possible of all the constituents, organic and inorganic, in a large series of A. annua samples from different origins. A. annua from Luxembourg which had shown very promising antimalarial results, excellent bactericidal properties and a strong anti-inflammatory effect contained very little artemisinin but higher concentrations of certain essential oils. The effect of water soluble polysaccharides, amino acids, phytosterols and saponins has been neglected in the past because most of the A. annua extracts had been obtained with organic solvents. Several papers have shown that A. annua ingested as powdered leaves or in conjunction with fatty food significantly increases the artemisinin concentration in the blood. It is well documented in the literature that A. afra or sieberi which contain little or no artemisinin are extensively used as antimalarials. They contain at least 5 molecules of the same antimalarial efficacy as artemisinin. Recent double blind randomized clinical trials with 1000 patients in RD Congo show that Artemisia afra is equivalent to A. annua and has a higher efficiency than ACTs. More recent research from the Al Quds University has shown that aqueous infusions of several Artemisia species strongly inhibit beta-hematin, like chloroquine did. But the most important finding in several of the clinical trials, especially in Kenya and Uganda, was that people who drink one or two cups of A. annua tea per week become immune against malaria. Similar strong prophylactic results have been obtained with ARTAVOL, a mixture of herbs developed by the Ministry of Health in Uganda, mixture containing Artemisia without artemisinin. Resistance in this case is not related to the killing power of one single molecule like artemisinin but to the polytherapy of the whole plant which not only eliminates the parasites but boosts the immune system, avoiding thus infection, reinfection or recrudescence.
Keynote Forum
Rosine Chougouo Kengne
Université des Montagnes, Cameroon
Keynote: Breaking news from clinical trials with Artemisia plants
Time : 10:35-11:10 AM
Biography:
Chougouo Kengne R.D has completed her PhD; She is a Pharmacist Officer and Researcher (CER) at the University Mountain Cameroon. She has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
A team of medical doctors in RD Congo, Jerome Munyangi and Michel Idumbo, have run randomized clinical trials on a large scale in the Maniema province with the participation of some 1000 malaria infected patients. The trials were run in conformity with the WHO procedures and compared Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra with ACTs (Coartem and ASAQ). For all the parameters tested herbal treatment was significantly better than ACTs: faster clearance for fever and parasitemia, absence of parasites on day 28 for 99.5% of the Artemisia treatments and 79.5% only for the ACT treatments. A total absence of side effects was evident for the treatments with the plants, but for the 498 patients treated with ACTs, 210 suffered from diarrhea, and/or nausea, pruritus, hypoglycemia etc. The efficiency was equivalent for Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra. More important even is the observation for the total absence of gametocytes after 7 days treatment with the herb. A tremendous hope for malaria eradication. The results have been communicated to the local health authorities, and to the Ministries of Health and Research in the RD Congo who were supportive of these trials
Keynote Forum
Alberto Alcibiades Salazar Granara
Universidad de San Martin de Porres (USMP), Peru
Keynote: Peruvian medicinal plants-uses and biological effects from Maytenus macrocarpa (Chuchuhuasi) and Jatropha curcas (Piñón blanco)
Time : 11:30-12:05 PM
Biography:
Alberto Alcibiades Salazar Granara is a Physician and has completed his PhD in Medicine and MSc in Pharmacology in the USMP. He also did Post-doctoral study in the Universidade de Sao Paulo School of Medicine, and the Universidade Federal de Rio Grande do Sul and Hospital Clinicas de Porto Alegre. He is the Director of Center of Traditional Medicine and Pharmacology (USMP). He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals, his interests are about Peruvian medicinal plants, and also, in discovery off-label effect from the common drugs, likewise, the pharmacogenetic and pharmacokinetic highlight markers in Peruvian population.rnrn
Abstract:
Peru has the fifth highest biodiversity of any country worldwide. It also has one of top number of species of plants with medicinal properties commonly used by the population. Maytenus macrocarpa (Ruiz & Pav.) Briq, also known as “Chuchuhuasi”, and Jatropha curcas Linn, also known “Piñon Blanco” are medicinal plant from the Amazonian of Peru. These plants are recognized by the Peruvian traditional medicine for this reason, empirically, these plant are commonly used to relieve symptoms related to gastrointestinal system, colds and rheumatic complains and others. This presentation is a review of the studies of the biological effects from these Peruvian medicinal plants, focused in the toxicity, efficacy, and pharmacology interaction. To explore toxicity, it is explored lethal doses 50 and neurobehavioral patterns; also, it is shown damage in organs and systems. This study aims to explore efficacy, focused in the evaluation on the nociception, analgesic activity, anti-inflammatory effect, anti-psychotic, anti-depressant, neurobehavioral profile, cardiac effect, and gastrointestinal motility. Finally, it is shown the pharmacological interaction between common drugs like the analgesics, prokinetics, antidiarrheals, anti-depressives and anti-psychotics with these medicinal plants.rnrn
- Sessions: Natural Products & Natural Products of Medicinal Interest | Industrial Pharmacognosy & Ethnopharmacology | Plant Biotechnology and Tissue Culture | Plant Physiology & Plant Biochemistry | Plant Extraction Methods & Applied Plant Sciences
Location: Hotel Grand Mercure Sao Paulo Ibirapuera
Session Introduction
Rachel Oliveira Castilho
Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Title: Gastroprotective activity of Campomanesia lineatifolia Ruiz & Pav.
Time : 12:05-12:30 PM
Biography:
Rachel Castilho has completed his PhD from São Paulo University (USP, Brazil). She is the Professor of Pharmaceutical Products Department of Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. She has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals
Abstract:
Campomanesia lineatifolia Ruiz and Pav. (Myrtaceae) is a native edible species found in the Amazon Rainforest, commonly known as gabiroba. In Brazil, Campomanesia species are frequently used in traditional medicine for gastrointestinal disorders as dysentery, stomach problems, and diarrhea. Studies have proved few species of the same genus attenuated gastric mucosal lesions. Phytochemical investigations and specific studies on in vivo biological assessments or the safety of C. lineatifolia are rather limited. The present work describes the antioxidant, gastroprotective activities and acute toxicity data of the ethanolic extract (CEE) and ethyl acetate fraction (AEFC) of C. lineatifolia. By using the DPPH method, the radical scavenging activity of EEC and AEFC were investigated. Quercetin was used as control positive. Gastroprotective activity was investigated at different doses in two experimental models in rats-gastric lesion induced by ethanol and gastric lesion induced by indomethacin. Cimetidine and sucralfate were used as positive control. The area of gastric lesion underwent macroscopic and histomorphometric evaluation. The mucus content was estimated by using periodic acid-Schiff stain. Oral acute toxicity was also available. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of flavonoids and tannins. Catechin and quercetin were isolated by bioguided chromatographic fractionation of EAFC. EEC and EAFC presented in vitro antioxidant activity. Oral administration of EEC and EAFC doses at 100-400 mg/kg (ethanol-model) and at doses of 400-1200 mg/kg (indomethacin-model) proved to be effective in preventing gastric ulcerations in rats. Pretreatment with EAFC (400 mg/kg, orally) significantly increased the gastric mucus content in the ethanol model. No animals died during the oral acute toxicology test. Results confirm the Brazilian ethnopharmacological use of C. lineatifolia as a gastroprotective agent and anti-ulcer effect is most likely mediated by scavenging free radicals due to the polyphenol content and, at least in part, by increasing the mucus secretion and the mucosal defense. In addition, EEC and EAFC are found to be safe when applied in the 2000 mg/kg single oral dose.
Rosine Chougouo Kengne
Université des Montagnes, Cameroon
Title: Development of antimalaria capsules of Artemisia annua L: A plant grown in Cameroon
Time : 12:30-12:55 PM
Biography:
Chougouo Kengne R.D has completed her PhD; She is a Pharmacist Officer and Researcher (CER) at the University Mountain Cameroon. She has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals
Abstract:
For several decades, the tea from Artemisia annua has been used as an antimalarial drug. Previous studies indicate that its activity is associated with the presence of a large number of active chemical substances including artemisinin, flavonoids, and essential oils. The use of the tea is effective in clinical trials, although it is inconvenient for patients because of its bitter taste, chemical instability and the large volume required to be taken. This study aims at addressing organoleptic problems of herbal tea to enhance compliance, acceptability and stability of antimalarial drug. First, the ways of producing encapsulated forms from the plant were found out. Many tests were performed on the dry powder of leaves and stems. These included studying organoleptic characteristics, residual moist, ability to hydrate and to compact, the fluidity and the granulometric profile. The artemisinin was determined by a thin layer chromatography / densitometry. Total flavonoids were assessed through a spectrophometer. The capsules were produced in alignment with user acceptability. Other additional control tests were performed on the final product. The powder from these plant parts is grey-green with a characteristic of attractive odor, bitter taste, homogenous, fine and hygroscopic. The residual moist (5.07%); the artemisinin contents (0.5% (m/m)) and the flavonoids (0.43 mg) equivalent of quercetin/g of dry matter. The resulting capsules (250 mg of active principle and 7.5 mg of magnesium stearate as the lubricant) shines and has white-blue color. The average weight (253.7 ± 2.53 g) and the decomposition time < 5 minutes. The water and artemisinin contents kept intact for 30 days after manufacture. The Artemisia annua-based antimalarial capsule developed meet the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia. The dosage form solves the organoleptic problems of herbal tea, thus improving compliance, acceptability and stability of artemisinin.
Partha Roy
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India
Title: Biological activity of a novel pterostilbene derivative targeting pathways and capable of inhibiting multiple complications related to breast and prostate cancer
Time : 13:40-14:05 PM
Biography:
Partha Roy has completed his PhD from Visva-Bharati University and Post-doctoral studies from Institute of Reproductive & Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, UK. Currently, he is a Professor in the Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Rookree. He has published more than 70 research papers in reputed journals and having high number of citations. He is serving various scientific and academic bodies in India as panel members. He has visited various universities/institutes across the world as Visiting Faculty
Abstract:
Discovery of novel therapeutic agents for advanced invasive cancers is at the forefront of preclinical and clinical research. A wide range of small molecules belonging to both synthetic and naturally derived molecules targeting various cancer related pathways are under development. Natural Products occurring pterostilbene (PTER) and isothiocyanate (ITC) attract great attention due to their wide range of biological properties, including anti-cancer, anti-leukemic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. The study reported that biological activity of a novel class of hybrid compound (PTER-ITC) synthesized by appending an ITC moiety to the PTER backbone, to induce cancer cell death by targeting multiple kinases. Biological studies of the synthesized compounds showed promising antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities both in vitro and in vivo. The novel hybrid molecule showed significant in vitro anti-cancer activity both in MCF-7 cells as well as AR positive (LNCaP) and negative (PC-3) cells. The reduced proliferation of both breast and prostate cancer cells by PTER-ITC was correlated with accumulation of cells in G2/M phase and induction of caspase dependent apoptosis. Both PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways played an important role in PTER-ITC induced apoptosis in cancerous cells/tissues. Moreover, the PTER-ITC also inhibited tumor growth in Ehrlich ascitic cell induced tumor bearing mice as observed by reduction in tumor volume. Further investigation suggested that non-toxic doses of PTER-ITC could also inhibit inflammatory responses against LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and carrageenan induced rat paw edema. Collectively, our results suggest that PTER-ITC can be used as a useful therapeutic agent for treatment of both cancer and inflammation.
SE Mazibuko-Mbeje
Medical Research Council of South Africa, South Africa
Title: Beneficial effect of Aspalathus linearis on hepatic insulin resistance
Time : 14:05-14:30 PM
Biography:
SE Mazibuko-Mbeje has completed her graduation and PhD from the University of Zululand in 2014. She is a Senior Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council and is currently a Post-doctoral Research Fellow at the Helmholtz Zentrum in Munich, Germany. She has published two first author papers and co-authored four scientific peer-reviewed papers.
Abstract:
Recent studies have reported that plant extracts such as Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), well-known for its use as herbal tea, could play a potential role in the prevention and treatment of metabolic disease. This study aimed to establish whether aqueous and organic solvent-based polyphenol-enriched extracts prepared from “fermented” (oxidised) (FRE) or “unfermented” (unoxidised, green) (GRE) rooibos (10 µg/mL), respectively, can ameliorate palmitate-induced insulin-resistance in C3A liver cells and the liver of obese insulin-resistant (OB/IR) rats. The major polyhenol in GRE was the flavonoid, aspalathin, a dihydrochalcone unique to Rooibos. Palmitate (0.75 mM) was used to induce insulin resitance in C3A cells. Thereafter, cells (with or without palmitate) were treated with FRE or GRE for 3 h and insulin (1 µM for 15 min). Glucose uptake, palmitate uptake and ATP content were determined. OB/IR rats were subsequently treated at various doses (32, 97 and 195 mg/kg BW) of GRE for 12 weeks to confirm in vitro findings. Body weights and blood glucose concentrations were monitored weekly and fasting insulin concentrations were assessed after 12 weeks treatment. Protein and gene expression relevant to insulin-signalling, AMPK and lipid metabolism were investigated by Western blot in C3A cells and RT-PCR in liver tissue. Insulin resistance in C3A cells was confirmed by a reduction in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. FRE and GRE reversed the inhibitory effects of palmitate on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and ATP concentrations. In the OB/IR rat, GRE lowered elevated insulin concentrations and improved insulin sensitivity. Mechanistically, GRE improved expression of genes and proteins that affected glucose and lipid metabolism in vivo and in vitro. This study provides evidence that both FRE and GRE could play role in the amelioration of insulin resistance, in spite of qualitataive and quantitative differences in phenolic compoistion.
Mona H Hetta
Fayoum University, Egypt
Title: The amoebicidal potential of Arachis hypogaea L. pericarp on cysts of Acanthamoeba astronyxis T7 genotype
Time : 14:30-14:55 PM
Biography:
Mona H Hetta started her career in Natural Product Department of National Research Centre, Egypt. She was awarded a scholarship by DAAD, 1996. She completed her Doctorate in Pharmacognosy, 2001, from Helwan University, Egypt. She held a number of managerial positions since 2008: The Head of Pharmacognosy Department (2008-2014), Coordinator of Clinical Pharmacy Program (2008-2011), Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy, 2014. She was awarded from Beni-Suef University, Scientific Excellence Award, 2011. She joined faculty of post-graduate studies and advanced materials, Beni-Suef University, Egypt as Vice Dean of the Faculty, 2012. She was promoted to Professor Degree in 2013. She supervised and still supervising "20" Master and PhD thesis. She has 53 scientific published papers and "10" under publications. Currently, she is the Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy, Fayoum University.
Abstract:
Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen causing keratitis and fatal encephalitis. Early diagnosis, followed by aggressive treatment using a combination of drugs is a prerequisite for successful treatment. Many natural compounds have demonstrated lethal effects, yet the search for novel natural amebicidal agents is still of current interest. The study investigated the in vitro amoebicidal effect of A. hypogaea L. (peanuts) pericarp (as waste product); resveratrol, total methanol extract and its fractions (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and ethanol) on cysts of A. astronyxis T7 genotype from patients suffering keratitis. Acanthamoebae were isolated, cultivated on 1.5% non-nutrient agar and incubated with different concentrations of the plant extractives. The total methanol extract showed the highest mean of non-viable (cysts 99%), followed by the ethanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, n-hexane extractives and finally resveratrol regarding accumulative effect on second day. The study highlighted a guide for the best concentration of each extractive to be used and the duration and effect it will give along accumulation. All the used samples proved in vitro amoebicidal activity and could be considered new promising natural agents with special regards to the synergetic effect of different constituents in total methanol extract which added to its potency.
Debabrata Sircar
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India
Title: Functional genomic analysis of inducible defense responses to Venturia inaquelis infection in scab-resistant apple genotypes
Time : 14:55-15:20 PM
Biography:
Debabrata Sircar, completed his PhD in Plant Natural Product Biology from Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India. He has completed his Post-doctoral research from Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology (IPB), Technical University Braunschweig (TU-BS), Germany, in the area of Roraceous Plant Metabolomics. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institite of Technology Rookree. He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as a number of scientific bodies in India
Abstract:
Apple is the main deciduous fruit crop in the India and worldwide, consumed for its delicious test and health-protective constituents. However, dramatic losses in fruits and trees are caused by the apple scab fungus Venturia inaquelis. To combat this disease, apple forms antifungal metabolites, so-called phytoalexins. Although apple has high economic value, metabolism of these pathogen-inducible defence compounds is poorly understood. This deficit prevents biotechnological exploitation of phytoalexin metabolism for enhancement of disease resistance. The present study reports the differetial accumulation of two special class of phytoalexins (biphenyl and dibenzofurans) in the scab-resistant apple cultivar. GC-MS based targated metabolomics analyses revealed the accumulation six major phytoalexins upon scab infection. Using a subtracted complementary DNA (cDNA) library and sequence information from Genome Database of Rosaceae, a cDNA encoding the o-methyltransferase (MdOMT1) enzymes was isolated from scab-infected apple plants. MdOMT1 utilyzed 3,5-dihydroxybiphenyl as a preffered substrate, converting it to 3-hydroxy-5-methoxybiphenyl, the precursor of noraucuparin biosynthesis. Methylation of 3,5-dihydroxybiphenyl proceeds only on one hydroxyl group. Expression of SaOMT1 was transiently induced in apple plants upon scab-infection. High expression level of MdOMT1 precedes the accumulation of noraucuparin. SaOMT1 was N- and C-terminally fused with the modified yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) and the fluorescent reporter fusions products were localized to the cytoplasm of the leaf epidermis cells of Nicotiana benthamiana. Collectively, our results demonstrated that phytoalexin biosynthesis plays crucial role in detrmining inducible defense responses to Venturia inaquelis infection in scab-resistant apple cultivars.
Hesham R El-Seedi
Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden
Title: The traditional and prophetic medicines, role of secondary metabolism, and the un-expected results!
Time : 15:20-15:45 PM
Biography:
Will update soon
Abstract:
Firstly, the talk will cover our characterization of un-expecting bioactive naturally occurring compounds from traditional medicinal plants. The first topic reflects our discovery of mescaline (1) from peyote. The compound displayed psychotropic properties and peyote samples appear to be the oldest plant drug ever to yield a major bioactive compound i.e. as long as 5700 years ago.1 Then the recent change of chemosystematic significance will be introduced demonstrating the isolation of new unusual cyclopeptide alkaloid (2) in addition to integer-rine (3) from Heisteria nitida.2 It was discovered in the family Olacaceae for first time.3 Beside discussion of the possible applications including anti-microbial, anti-schistosomiasis, anti-inflammatory antigenotoxic and antioxidant activities. For instance, unexpected new aryl coumarin glucoside (4) and its aglycon (5) from Asphodelus microcarpus, showed potent anti-microbial activity.4 In addition to luteolin-7-O-glucoside (6) from Mongolian medicinal plant Leptopyrum fumarioides L that was evaluated as antigenotoxic and antioxidant. In in vitro study, it was found to inhibit the DNA damage induced by catechol.5 As well as proscillaridin A (7) from Urginea maritima, one of the Sinai palnts show cytotoxic activity against human lymphoma U-937 GTB cell line. Finally the talk will be highlighting the action of isolated peptides from medicinal plants such as cystine knot peptide from Cactaceae family; Ep-AMP1 (8) from Echinopsis pachanoi L., sequencing, chemical synthesis, three-dimensional solution structure and bioactivity of this compound was determined as antimicrobial.6 Morever, Peptide RCB‑1 (9) from Ricinus communis L. RCB-1 compound was proved positive as antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic compound, and was remarkably stable.7 On the other hand, the importance of Prophetic medicine as one of the oldest traditional plants prescriptions developed in the Golden Age of the Islamic civilization, which extended from Spain in the west to Central Asia and India in the east. Where the medicine was a central part and in temporal terms it covered a period of roughly nine centuries.8 There are many and various secondary metabolisms isolated from medicinal plants mentioned in Holy Qura`n and Ahadith such as (Allium cepa L; Basal, A. sativum L; Foom) and (Brassica spp.; Khardel). These secondary metabolisms include Hydrocinnamic acids (Feurlic (10) and sinapic acids (11)). According to its biological activity, feurlic and sinapic acids in clinical practices used as anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, neuroprotective, radioprotective, pulmonary protective, anti-atherogenic effect and to treat breast cancer.
Thumplasseril John
International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF), USA
Title: Taste and flavor considering the fact that plant based foods and taste solutions are increasingly becoming important
Biography:
Will update soon.
Abstract:
Will update soon.
Abdulfatai Temitope Ajiboye
Kwara State University, Nigeria
Title: The role of plant natural products in diabetes drug discovery and development: A report with focus on nigerian biodiversity
Biography:
Abdulfatai Temitope Ajiboye has completed his M.Sc. at the age of 30 years from University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria and pursuing his Ph.D. studies at University of Lagos, Nigera. He is a lecturer at the Chemistry Unit of Department of Chemical, Geological and Physical Sciences, Kwara state University, Malete, Nigeria. He has published more than 5 papers in reputed journal
Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder resulting from a defect in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Insulin deficiency in turn leads to chronic hyperglycaemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Diabetes mellitus affects most of the people in both developed and developing countries. The treatment of diabetes with conventional drugs is very expensive and chances of side effects are high. Plant natural products have a proven global history of treating diseases and ailments. These medicinal plants have been used since ancient times in various parts of the world where access to modern medicine is limited. Medicinal plants play important role in the management of diabetes mellitus especially in developing countries where resources are meagre. The specific objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive report on on-going global efforts to discover and develop more efficacious anti-diabetic drugs with no side effect from various medicinal plants found within Nigerian’s rich flora, which have been shown to display potent hypoglycaemic activity. Different researchers in different fields (chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology) have employed technological developments in separation methods, hyphenated technique and high throughput assays to drive the drug discovery processes. Natural products identified from medicinal plants give an exciting opportunity for the development of new therapeutic agents for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Most prevalent among natural products are flavonoids, terpenoids cardiac glycoside, alkaloids and steroids. Despite considerable progress in the development of synthetic drugs, the discovery of phytomedicine as an alternative therapy is progressing
Biography:
Palanisamy Chella Perumal is a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Bioinformatics, karpagam university, Coimbatore-641021, TN, INDIA. He has completed his PhD at the age of 29 years from Karpagam University. He has received the award of Senior Research Fellow from Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, INDIA and received the award of Type C2 partial PhD studies (at the Department of Medical Biology, University of Szeged, Hungary) from Hungairan Scholarship Board, Budapest, Hungary. He has filed 3 Indian patents and published more than 26 papers in reputed journals
Abstract:
Ovarian cancer is the sixth most frequent cause of cancer related death. HER2 and CXCR4 overexpression is implicated in the initiation and progression of ovarian cancer. Compounds from natural sources are preferred to conventional treatment methods, because of lesser side effects and improved treatment outcome. Cayratia trifolia (L.) has been reported to possess anticancer activities. To date, the bioactive compounds have not been isolated from this plant and tested against ovarian cancer. Therefore the present study was attempted to isolate the bioactive compounds to treat the ovarian cancer. Initially, chromatographic and spectroscopic methods were used to isolate and characterize the bioactive compounds from this plant extract. The computational methods and in vitro assay were used to examine the anti-ovarian cancer activity. The chromatographic and spectroscopic methods identified and confirmed the presence of Polyprenol and 12-(10-carboxydecanoyloxy) -12-oxododecanoic acid. This is the first study to report the presence of these compounds in Cayratia trifolia (L.). 12-(10-carboxydecanoyloxy)-12-oxododecanoic acid and Polyprenol have good inhibitory activity against HER2 and CXCR4 (Ovarian cancer target proteins) when compared with cyclophosphamide (FDA approved drug for cancer). The ADME properties prediction of these compounds was under acceptable range. In addition these compounds have admirable cell growth inhibitory activity at low concentrations as evidenced by the MTT assay in vitro (using A2780 cell line). These results conclude that, the 12-(10-carboxydecanoyloxy)-12-oxododecanoic acid and Polyprenol inhibits the cell survival through modulating HER2 and CXCR4. However further studies are warranted to substantiate the current findings
Aderogba M A
Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
Title: Antimycobacterial compounds from Terminalia phanerophlebia Engl. & Diels leaf extracts
Biography:
Mutalib Aderogba is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, where he obtained his PhD, in Natural Products Chemistry in 2003. He had his Postdoctoral studies at the University of Pretoria, South Africa (2005- 2006) and University of Botswana, Gaborone (2008). His research interest is on chemistry and biological activities of plants and marine algae that are used in traditional medicine. He received National Prize for Young Scientists in Chemical Sciences in 2014 from Nigerian Young Academy. He has published over fifty articles in reputable journals and supervised a number of postgraduate students.
Abstract:
Tuberculosis is currently one of the most serious bacteria infectious diseases worldwide. There is need for development of new therapy due to emergence of resistant tuberculosis strains, to first line antibiotics known as single-drug resistant, Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) and Extensive-Drug Resistant (XDR). Several reports have documented antimycobacterial properties of many Terminalia species but only a few species have been explored for their antimycobacterial constituents. This paper presents activity directed fractionation of a 80% methanol crude extracts of Terminalia phanerophlebia leaves leading to the isolation of compounds responsible for its antimicrobial activities. T. phanerophlebia crude extracts was in turned extracted with solvents of varying polarities: hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n-butanol. The solvent and column fractions obtained along with the isolated compounds were tested for antibacterial activities against Mycobacterium aurum A+, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Of all the solvent fractions tested, EtOAc fraction exhibited highest antimicrobial activities and its bioguided fractionation afforded methyl gallate (1) and a phenylpropanoid glucoside, 1,6-di-O-coumaroyl glucopyranoside (2). Isolated compounds(1) and (2) are reported from T. phanerophlebia for the first time, and they demonstrated good antimicrobial activity against all bacterial strains tested with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 63 to 250 µg/mL. In this study, 1,6-di-O-coumaroyl glucopyranoside (2) significantly inhibited Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MIC = 63 µg/mL) a leading cause of tuberculosis worldwide. Antimicrobial activities exhibited by the extracts and isolated compounds from Terminalia phanerophlebia confirm the traditional use of this plant in treating tuberculosis and its related symptoms.
Baojun Xu
Beijing Normal University, China
Title: Daphnetin protects INS-1 pancreatic β-cells from streptozotocin-induced apoptosis
Biography:
Dr. Xu is a professor in Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC), Associate Director of UIC Key Lab -Laboratory for Health Promotion Mechanism of Medicinal Food and Folk Remedy, author of over 90 peer-reviewed papers. Dr. Xu received Ph.D in Chungnam National University, South Korea. He conducted postdoctoral research work in North Dakota State University, Purdue University, and Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation during 2005-2009. Dr. Xu is serving as Associate Editor-in-Chief of Food Science and Human Wellness, an Editorial Board member of several international journals.
Abstract:
Excessive loss of pancreatic β-cell, mainly due to apoptosis is major causes in the development of diabetes hyperglycemia in both type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. Pancreatic β-cell apoptosis is initiated by stimuli such as inflammation and hyperglycemia. Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated that excessive human consumption of diet rich phytochemicals attenuates effect of diabetes. Daphnetin (7,8-dihydrocoumarin), a naturally present such as fruits, Daphne koreane Nakai and Daphne odora var. marginata, has shown significant biological effects of antioxidant and antiflammatrory activities. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the mechanism behind its antidiabetic property in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic in INS-1 cell line. The INS-1 rat insulinoma cell line was cultured. INS-1 cells were pretreated with daphetin (1, 10, 20 and 40 µM) for 24 h, cells were exposed to STZ (3 mM) for 12h. STZ induced cell damage was estimated by MTT assay, glucose stimulated insulin secretion assay, lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and lipid hydroperoxide), antioxidant status (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST), apoptosis stainings (DAPI, Hoechst33342, AO/EB, ROS) by fluorescence microscopy and annexin V and propidium iodide double staining by flow cytometry. The exposure to STZ for 12h significantly reduced the viability of INS-1 cells, compared to control cells in culture media, while pretreated with daphnetin for 24h resulted in a significant improve of cell viability as determined by MTT. Daphnetin was tested for its effects on insulin secretion by INS-1 cells cultured in low and high glucose medium; we found that daphnetin pretreatment improved glucose stimulated insulin secretion. STZ cause increased levels of lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant status of diabetic in INS-1 cells. Daphnetin pretreatment significantly reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation markers and improved antioxidant status in STZ induced INS-1 cells. STZ-induced cells showed less live cells and highly condensed chromatin in nuclei. However, daphnetin obviously decreased the apoptotic ratio in comparison with STZ-induced diabetic in INS-1 cells. The results suggest that daphnetin may be used in treating diabetes mellitus by considering its insulin stimulating property and subsequent regulation of apoptotic pathway.
Uche-Okereafor
University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Title: Phytochemical screening and antibacterial properties of crude Rhoicissus tomentosa rhizome extract
Biography:
Uche-Okereafor Nkemdinma Chinezurum a 26 year is a Nigerian citizen. She holds a BTech degree in Industrial Microbiology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria. She is currently studying towards an award of a Master's degree (MSc) in Biotechnology at the Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg (UJ), South Africa. She actively participated in the 2015 University of Johannesburg Cross Faculty symposium via a poster presentation of some of her findings from her ongoing studies and at the 2015 Howard University America/Department of Science and Technology, South Africa Women in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Conference held at Sandton, Johannesburg via a podium presentation. She has submitted a journal article to the South African Journal of Botany. Aside from that, Nkem is happily married and her focus is to strive well and reach the highest academic ladder where she will be able to to pursue her career in academics and research with special emphasis in drug discovery and development from medicinal plants.
Abstract:
Many medicinal plants have been the source of various pharmacologically active compounds that are now used in medicine. The use of plants as source of remedies for the treatment of many diseases dates back to history. The advancement of science into the search for antibiotics largely depends on some of these plants as raw materials. Rhoicissus tomentosa is a medicinal plant from the Vitaceae family and is widely distributed in southern Africa. Its is used in traditional medicine to treat ailments mainly related to fertility and reproduction and pains. Phytochemical screening of the rhizomes of R. tomentosa was investigated to ascertain their possible pharmaceutical potential and the results showed that the rhizomes of the plant contain alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, reducing sugars and tannins which are known bioactive compounds. Methanol:chloroform (50/50, v/v) and ethyl acetate (100%) extracts of the rhizomes were tested against 14 bacterial strains using the agar disc diffusion and microdilution minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay methods. The study revealed that both extracts showed moderate to high inhibitory activity against most of the test organisms. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the extracts ranged from below 0.5mg/mL to 16mg/mL. The last couple of years have seen an increase in antimicrobial resistance which threatens effective prevention and treatment of infections caused by medically important bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi. According to the World Health Organization in 2014, antimicrobial resistance had reached alarming levels in many parts of the world and has become a public health problem. There have been calls for the development of new and efficacious antimicrobials. A huge requirement for these antimicrobials is that they must be not generally cytotoxic, they must be cost-effective and most importantly, active at minimal concentrations. As such, R. tomentosa shows potential as a possible source for drug leads for the treatment of diseases caused by bacterial pathogens.
Waseem Hassan
University of Peshawar, Pakistan
Title: Phytochemical characterization, nutritional evaluation and antimicrobial potential of carum copticum
Biography:
Waseem Hassan has completed his PhD from Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil. Presently he is working as Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. He has published more than 40 articles and has been serving as a reviewer for several reputed journals
Abstract:
The use and search for nutritional supplements and medicine derived from plants have increased in recent years. The present study was designed to analyze the preliminary phytochemical constituents, nutrient content, antimicrobial activity and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GCMS) characterization of Carum copticum. Approximate analysis was performed for the quantitative estimation of carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber, ash and moisture content. The phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of steroids, terpeniods, glycoside, flavonoid, reducing sugar and alkaloid. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used for the quantitative assessments of Mn, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, Cu, Ca and Mg. Carum copticum ash content indicated highest Ca (191.67mg/l) concentration followed by Mg (52.275mg/l), Fe (1.610mg/l) and Mn (0.941mg/l). Essential oil was analyzed by GCMS. p-Cyme-3-ol (38.00%), o-Cymene (37.44%), gamma-Terpines (21.07%) and beta-Pinene (1.42%) were identified as major constituents. Crude extracts and essential oil were verified against six gram negative bacteria, three gram positive bacteria and one fungal strain. Essentials oil was more effective as compared to the crude extracts and showed highest activity against Bacillus Atrophaeus (43mm). Our data revealed the high nutritive value and antimicrobial potential of Carum copticum which can be considered for the development of broad spectrum antimicrobial formulation and as a food preservative.