Phytochemical Composition, Anti-Inflammatory and ER Stress-Reducing Potential of Sambucus ebulus L. Fruit Extract

Sambucus ebulus L. (SE) fruits are used for their immunostimulation, hematopoietic and antiviral potential. Recently, we focused on analyzing the mechanism underlying SE fruit aqueous extract’s (FAE) immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory activities, with attention to its endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-reducing potential. J774A.1 macrophages were treated with SE FAE alone or in conditions of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation. Using GC–MS and LC–MS/MS, its phytochemical composition was analyzed. To measure transcription and protein levels, we used qPCR and Western blot, respectively. The prevailing phytochemicals in SE FAE were hydroxycinnamic acids, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins. The content of some amino acids, organic acids, alcohols, fatty acids and esters were newly reported. Extracts exerted an immunostimulation potential by stimulating IL-6, TNFα, Ccl2, COX2 and iNOS transcription, without inducing ER stress. SE FAE suppressed the LPS-induced transcription of inflammation related genes (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, Ccl2, Icam-1, Fabp4, COX2, iNOS, Noxo1, IL-1ra, Sirt-1) and reduced the protein levels of iNOS, peIF2α, ATF6α and CHOP. The effects were comparable to that of salicylic acid. SE suppresses LPS-stimulated inflammatory markers on the transcription and translation levels. Targeting ER stress is possibly another mechanism underlying its anti-inflammatory potential. These findings reveal the potential of SE fruits as a beneficial therapeutic of inflammation and ER stress-related pathological conditions.

Preliminary in vitro study of anti-oxidant activity and anti-diabetic potential of plant extracts from 4 herbal substances not traditionally used for treatment of diabetes mellitus

The focus of the presented study is the in vitro anti-oxidant activity and anti-diabetic potential of water extracts from the following four herbal substances, not traditionally used for treatment of diabetes mellitus – leaves of Sambucus ebulus L. and Prunus mahaleb L., and flowering stems of Cichorium intybus L. and Satureja kitaibelii Wierzb. ex Heuff. The water extracts are obtained through ultrasonication. The extract of S. kitaibelii stands out due to its highest values in all studied indicators – total phenolic content, scavenging potential (DPPH, ABTS) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity which was six times higher than acarbose. The extract of C. intybus also showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity compared to acarbose. The flowering stems of both species are promising sources of biologically active substances for blood sugar control in diabetes mellitus.

In Vitro Antifungal Activities of Sambucus ebulus Against Candida Species Using the Standard Protocol CLSI-M27-S3

Background: The most prevalent fungal infection in the mouth is Candidiasis, which causes various problems for patients. Chemical treatments such as nystatin are the most common methods that are locally used for the mouth that tastes bitter. The repeated use of this method 4 times a day and its preparation during the total consumption lead to patients’ dissatisfaction. Herbal treatments due to less medicinal side effects while having equal effects can be a suitable alternative to chemical treatments. Accordingly, this research focused on evaluating the effect of the herbal extract of the antifungal palm on the types of Candida and then comparing it with Nystatin. Methods: To this end, the effect of the herbal extract of antifungal palm on 4 types of Candida (i.e., albicans, glabrata, tropicalis, and parapsilosis) was investigated, and then the results were compared with that of nystatin, which is diagnosed by the broth microdilution method. The result of the study is descriptive, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the blue palm herbal extract was studied in comparison with nystatin for 20 isolated Candida. Results: Based on the result, MIC in the palm herbal extract was (mL/mg) 0.25-0.5 while the inhibitory effect of nystatin growth in this type was 0.125-0.5 (mg/L), and the MIC of the remaining types of Candida, including tropicalis, glabrata, and parapsilosis was 1-0.5 (mg/mL), 0.5-2, and 0.5-1. Finally, the inhibitory effect of growth (MIC) in nystatin drugs in the mentioned types was 0.5-0.25 (mg/L), 0.5-1, and 0.5-0.25. Conclusion: Overall, the activity of the antifungal palm herbal extract is suitable against the examined types of Candida, and this extract may be used as a drug or mouthwash for candidiasis patients.

Effects of Sambucus Ebulus Extract on Cell Proliferation and Viability of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15% of all breast cancer (BC) cases and is a severe type of BC. Since medicinal herbs containing biocompatible substances that are accepted by patient more than chemical therapeutics, they can be considered a safe option for treating BC. Objective: This study evaluated the effect of Sambucus Ebulus (S. ebulus) extract on a model of TNBC. Methods: S. ebulus extract was prepared using petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The petroleum ether extract was fractionated and analyzed using vacuum liquid chromatography and GC-MS, respectively. MDA-MB-231 and MCF-10A were used as TNBC and normal breast cells, respectively. Flowcytometry and MTT assays were performed to evaluate cell cycle, apoptosis, and viability of the cells. Gene expression analysis was performed using RT-qPCR. Nude mouse allograft tumor models were used, and pathological sections were evaluated. Results: The findings indicated that S. ebulus extract remarkably decreased cell proliferation and viability. The extract had no toxicity to the normal breast cells but efficiently killed the cancer cells. Cell cycle- and apoptosis-related gene expression showed that fraction 4 of S. ebulus extract significantly increased the expression of Bax, Bak, P53, and c-MYC. Conclusion: This study showed satisfactory results of the effect of S. ebulus extract on clearing BC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, S. ebulus extract may be a safe herbal compound for eliminating BC cells without toxicity to host cells.