Records of Natural Products

This study determined the enzyme inhibition potential of three species (Calendula officinalis, Matricaria chamomilla, and Anthemis pseudocotula) from the Asteraceae family through in silico, followed by in vitro studies. Quinic acid, fumaric acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, quercetin, apigenin, and isorhamnetin were determined by LC-MS/MS in all of the species.  Metabolic enzymes are essential catalysts regulating biochemical reactions within living organisms, facilitating energy production, detoxification, and biosynthesis. These enzymes play a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and are tightly regulated to ensure optimal metabolic function. High docking scores were also obtained for butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-glycosidase, α-amylase, and human carbonic anhydrase I and II enzymes (hCA I and hCA II). Among the extracts, Anthemis pseudocotula was concluded to be the best inhibitor for the enzymes, which was further determined by in vitro enzyme inhibition tests. Besides, it was concluded that all extracts showed anti-cholinergic, anti-diabetic, and anti-glaucoma properties. This is the first study determining the enzyme inhibition property of Anthemis pseudocotula and the three species' hCA I and hCA II inhibition activities.

MMatricaria recutita L. and Achillea millefolium L. (Astereacea) aetherolea are among the herbal drug preparations used due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of M. recutita and A. millefolium oils individually combined with tetracycline. Followed by safety/toxicity evaluation using an in vivo animal alternative experimental model, namely Caenorhabditis elegans. Chemical verification of Pharmacopoeia quality essential oils was performed both by GC-FID and GC-MS systems, simultaneously. β-Caryophyllene (17%), β-pinene (13.2%), camphor (10%), and sabinene (9.7%) were identified as major components for A. millefolium essential oil; whereas, bisabolol oxide A (41.6%), α-bisabolol (19.4%), (E)-β-farnesene (17%), α-bisabolol oxide B (5.2%), α-bisabolon oxide A (5%), chamazulene (1.6%), and germacrene D (1.2%) were determined as major components for M. recutita essential oil, respectively, in line with the international standards. Antibacterial activities of essential oils and tetracycline were evaluated by microdilution methods against the standard pathogenic strains Bacillus cereus NRRL B3711, Corynebacterium striatum ATCC BAA-1293, Streptococcus sanguinis ATCC 10556, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 700699. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined followed by the checkerboard combination studies. A. millefolium and M. recutita essential oils showed in vitro inhibitory activity against all tested microorganisms (MIC= 48.7-6250 μg/mL). The oil combinations with tetracycline showed varying inhibitory antibacterial activity, where M. recutita essential oil with tetracycline resulted in synergism against S.aureus. In vivo toxicity tests on C. elegans nematodes resulted in a non-acute toxicity, indicating the relatively safe use of the tetracycline combinations.

A previously undescribed polyketide (1) and four known compounds (2-5) isolated from the endophytic fungus Fusarium tricinctum from Fritillaria monantha. Compound 1 showed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting NO production with an IC50 value of 17.6±0.46 µM.

Obesity is a widespread public health problem worldwide and is associated with numerous health risks, requiring effective prevention and treatment strategies. Although synthetic anti-obesity drugs are available, they often cause adverse side effects, thus generating interest in natural products as safer and more effective alternatives. Malaysian shrub plants thrive in the country’s tropical climate and offer a rich source of biological active compounds with potential anti-obesity effects. Several studies, including in vivo and clinical trials, have reported promising anti-obesity effects of these plants. Research on local plants not only aligns with public health priorities but also provides affordable interventions for the local population. This review systematically summarizes findings from 193 articles across electronic databases using relevant keywords, covering Malaysian herbaceous and shrub species with anti-obesity potential, their isolated compounds, proposed mechanisms of action, and supporting in vitro, animal model, and clinical evidence. In addition, toxicological data are discussed to provide a comprehensive perspective of the therapeutic potential of these plants. This review highlights the gaps in current knowledge and proposes future directions for leveraging Malaysian plants to combat obesity.