Psychoactive Plant Database - Neuroactive Phytochemical Collection

1. J Biomol Struct Dyn. 2024 Oct 26:1-18. doi: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2419863. 
Online ahead of print.

Unraveling the therapeutic potential of Satureja nabateorum extract: inducing 
apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through p53, Bax/Bcl-2, and caspase-3 pathways 
in human malignant cell lines, with in silico insights.

Huwaimel B(1)(2), Mohammed HA(3), Elkashlan AM(4), Alnajjar R(5)(6), Altamimi 
OA(1), Alorainan MM(1), Altuwayhir MK(1), Algharby SF(1), Almahmoud SA(3), 
Abouzied AS(1)(2)(7).

Author information:
(1)Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of 
Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia.
(2)Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi 
Arabia.
(3)Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, 
Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.
(4)Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, 
Sadat City, Egypt.
(5)CADD Uunit, PharmD, Faculty of Pharmacy, Libyan International Medical 
University, Benghazi, Libya.
(6)Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa.
(7)Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Organization for Drug 
Control and Research (NODCAR), Giza, Egypt.

Satureja nabateorum, known as Nabatean savory is a Lamiaceae plant native to the 
Arabian Peninsula, specifically in the mountainous regions of Saudi Arabia. The 
study aims to investigate the phytochemical components of the S. nabateorum 
leaves (SNL) and stems (SNS) extract and to assess their antioxidant, 
antimicrobial, and antiproliferative properties. Methanol extracts from leaves 
and stems were analyzed for chemical constituents using the GC-MS technique. 
Antioxidant capacities were measured using hydrogen peroxide and ABTS 
radical-scavenging methods, and antimicrobial activity was tested against 
various microorganisms. Cytotoxic activity on four human malignant cell lines 
was assessed using MTT and flow cytometry. Molecular docking and molecular 
dynamics studies were conducted to understand the interactions and binding modes 
of the extracted compounds at a molecular level. GC-MS analysis of SNL extract 
revealed thymol, carvacrol, and p-cymen-8-ol as major constituents. SNS extract 
contained β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, lupeol, and lup-20(29)-ene-3β,28-diol. SNS 
extract exhibited more potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects 
than SNL extract. The extract, SNS, exhibited potential toxicity in A549 cells 
with an IC50 value of 3.62 µg/mL and induced marked apoptotic effects with S 
phase-cell cycle arrest. SNS extract also showed higher levels of Caspase 3, 
Bax, p53, and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio and lower levels of Bcl-2. Molecular docking 
and dynamic simulation supported these findings, targeting the EGFR TK domain. 
The study suggests that the S. nabateorum stem extract holds promise as a potent 
antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer agent. It provides valuable insights 
for considering the extract as a substitute for chemotherapy and/or protective 
agents.

DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2419863
PMID: 39460490


2. Planta. 2024 Sep 13;260(4):95. doi: 10.1007/s00425-024-04531-x.

Cell-type specific localization and biological activity of the volatiles from 
the endemic species Chaerophyllum coloratum L.

Vuko E(1), Radman S(2), Bočina I(1), Kamenjarin J(1), Bezmalinović I(1), 
Fredotović Ž(3).

Author information:
(1)Faculty of Science, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 33, 21000, Split, 
Croatia.
(2)Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, R. Boškovića 33, 
21000, Split, Croatia.
(3)Faculty of Science, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 33, 21000, Split, 
Croatia. zfredotov@pmfst.hr.

New findings are presented for Chaerophyllum coloratum L. on the volatile 
composition of the essential oil, based on data of hydrosol and fresh plant 
material, light and electron microscopy of leaves, and cytotoxic and antiviral 
activity. The widespread Apiaceae family includes many well-known and 
economically important plants that are cultivated as food or spices. Many 
produce essential oils and are generally a source of secondary metabolites and 
compounds that have numerous applications in daily life. In this study, the 
chemical composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ultrastructure and 
biological activity of the Mediterranean endemic species Cheaerophyllum 
coloratum L. are investigated, as literature data for this plant species are 
generally very scarce. The essential oil and hydrosol were extracted from the 
air-dried leaves by hydrodistillation and the chemical composition of both 
extracts was analysed by GC-MS in conjunction with headspace solid-phase 
microextraction (HS-SPME) of VOCs from the hydrosol and the fresh plant 
material. In the composition of the essential oil, the oxygenated sesquiterpenes 
spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide were the most abundant components. In the 
fresh plant material, non-oxygenated sesquiterpenes dominated, with 
β-caryophyllene and germacrene D being the main components. The hydrosol was 
dominated by monoterpenes, with the oxygenated monoterpene p-cymen-8-ol being 
the most abundant. Light and electron micrographs of the leaf of C. coloratum 
show secretory structures, and we hypothesize that glandular leaf trichomes, 
secretory epidermal cells and secretory canals are involved in the production of 
volatiles and their secretion on the leaf surface. Since the biological 
potential of C. coloratum is poorly investigated, we tested its cytotoxic 
activity on cancer and healthy cell lines and its antiviral activity on plants 
infected with tobacco mosiac virus (TMV). Our results dealing with the 
composition, ultrastructure and biological activity show that C. coloratum 
represent a hidden valuable plant species with a potential for future research.

© 2024. The Author(s).

DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04531-x
PMCID: PMC11399170
PMID: 39271529 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest.


3. Plants (Basel). 2024 Jul 26;13(15):2063. doi: 10.3390/plants13152063.

Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity of the Essential Oil from 
Ericameria nauseosa Collected in Southwestern Montana, United States.

Schepetkin IA(1), Özek G(2), Özek T(2), Kirpotina LN(1), Khlebnikov AI(3), 
Ayçiçek K(2), Lavin M(4), Quinn MT(1).

Author information:
(1)Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, 
Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
(2)Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 
Eskisehir 26470, Türkiye.
(3)Kizhner Research Center, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 
Tomsk 634050, Russia.
(4)Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, 
Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.

Ericameria nauseosa (Pall. ex Pursh) G.L. Nesom & G.I. Baird) is used in 
traditional medicine to treat various diseases; however, little is known about 
the immunomodulatory activity of essential oil from this plant. Thus, we 
isolated essential oil from the aerial parts of E. nauseosa and evaluated their 
chemical composition and biological activity. Compositional analysis of E. 
nauseosa essential oil revealed that the main (>2%) components were 
γ-decalactone (13.3%), cryptone (9.4%), terpinen-4-ol (9.3%), (E)-methyl 
cinnamate (6.0%), T-cadinol (4.7%), spathulenol (3.6%), 8Z-2,3-dihydromatricaria 
ester (3.1%), β-phellandrene (3.0%), p-cymen-8-ol (2.2%), 
3-ethoxy-2-cycloocten-1-one (2.2%), and trans-p-menth-2-en-1-ol (2.1%). 
Distinctive features were the lactones (up to 15%) and polyacetylenes (up to 
3.1%), including (2Z,8Z)-matricaria ester and 8Z-2,3-dihydromatricaria ester. A 
comparison with other reported E. nauseosa essential oil samples showed that our 
samples were distinct from those collected in other areas of the country; 
however, they did have the most similarity to one sample collected in North 
Central Utah. Pharmacological studies showed that E. nauseosa essential oil 
activated human neutrophil Ca2+ influx, which desensitized these cells to 
subsequent agonist-induced functional responses. Based on our previously 
reported data that nerolidol, β-pinene, spathulenol, sabinene, and γ-terpinene 
were active in human neutrophils, these compounds are the most likely 
constituents contributing to this immunomodulatory activity. However, the 
relatively high amount of polyacetylenes may also contribute, as these compounds 
have been characterized as potent immunomodulators.

DOI: 10.3390/plants13152063
PMCID: PMC11314070
PMID: 39124181

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.


4. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Nov 15;334:118542. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118542. Epub
 2024 Jul 9.

Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and quality control of Peucedanum 
decursivum (Miq.) Maxim: A critical review.

Tao Y(1), Pu J(2), Wang P(3).

Author information:
(1)College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, 
Hangzhou, 310032, China. Electronic address: taoyi1985@zjut.edu.cn.
(2)College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, 
Hangzhou, 310032, China. Electronic address: 211122070095@zjut.edu.cn.
(3)College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, 
Hangzhou, 310032, China. Electronic address: wangping45@zjut.edu.cn.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dried roots of Peucedanum decursivum, a 
traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has historically respiratory diseases such 
as cough, thick phlegm, headache, fever, and gynecological diseases, rheumatoid 
arthritis, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AIM OF THE STUDY: Made an endeavor to evaluate the research trajectory of P. 
decursivum, comprehensively discern its developmental status, and offer a 
guideline for future investigations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A meticulous search of literatures and books from 1955 to 
2024 via databases like PubMed, Web of Science and CNKI was conducted, including 
topics and keywords of " P. decursivum" "Angelica decursivum" and "Zihua 
Qianhu".
RESULTS: P. decursivum and its prescriptions have traditionally been used for 
treating phlegm-heat cough, wind-heat cough, gastrointestinal diseases, pain 
relief and so on. It contains 234 identified compounds, encompassing coumarins, 
terpenes, volatile oils, phenolic acids, fatty acids and derivatives. It 
exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-asthmatic, 
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, 
anti-Alzheimer, and anti-cancer properties, primarily attributed to coumarins. 
Microscopic identification, HPLC fingerprinting, and bioinformatics 
identification are the primary methods currently used for the quality control.
CONCLUSION: P. decursivum demonstrates anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, and 
antioxidant effects, aligning with its traditional use. However, experimental 
validation of its efficacy against phlegm and viruses is needed. Additionally, 
analgesic effects mentioned in historical texts lack modern pharmacological 
studies. Numerous isolated compounds exhibit highly valuable medicinal 
properties. Future research can delve into exploring these substances further. 
Rigorous of heavy metal contamination, particularly Cd and Pb, is necessary. 
Simultaneously, investigating its pharmacokinetics and toxicity in humans is 
crucial for the safety.

Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118542
PMID: 38992404 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: 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.


5. Molecules. 2023 Oct 4;28(19):6934. doi: 10.3390/molecules28196934.

Chemical Composition and Anti-Candida Activity of Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. 
Essential Oils Obtained by Different Distillation Processes.

Tadić V(1), Božović M(2), Sapienza F(3), Astolfi R(3), Mladenović M(4), Zaka 
MC(5), Del Bove F(5), Borzacchi F(6), Fraschetti C(7), Rossi C(8), Vertuani 
S(8), Baldisserotto A(8), Manfredini S(8), Ragno R(3).

Author information:
(1)Institute of Medicinal Plants Research Dr. Josif Pančić, Tadeuša Koščuška 1, 
11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
(2)Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics, University of Montenegro, Džordža 
Vašingtona bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro.
(3)Rome Center for Molecular Design, Department of Drug Chemistry and 
Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, 
Italy.
(4)Kragujevac Center for Computational Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, 
Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, Radoja Domanovića 12, 34000 
Kragujevac, Serbia.
(5)Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Bachelor Course in Applied 
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 
00185 Rome, Italy.
(6)Garden Center "98.3 Piante Mediterranee", 01016 Tarquinia, Italy.
(7)Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, 
Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
(8)Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. 
Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.

A comparative study on essential oils extracted from Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. 
from Italy is reported. Two extraction procedures were investigated: 
hydrodistillation and steam distillation, carried out as a continuous and 
fractionated procedure. Fresh and dried plant material from two harvests was 
used. The hydrodistillation method yielded a higher amount of essential oil. The 
dried plant was significantly richer in essential oil per kg of starting plant 
material. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of 112 samples showed 
that the essential oils belong to the piperitenone oxide-rich chemotype. In 
addition, piperitenone, p-cymen-8-ol, and limonene were among the most abundant 
compounds in the different samples. A higher amount of piperitenone oxide was 
obtained by hydrodistillation, while steam distillation gave a higher percentage 
of piperitenone and limonene. The essential oils were characterized for their 
anti-Candida albicans activity; higher potency was observed for the samples rich 
in piperitenone oxide, with MIC values ranging from 0.39 to 0.78 mg·mL-1 (0.039% 
and 0.078% p/v). The results of this work provide a deep insight into the 
methodology of essential oil extraction and the associated chemical variability 
of M. suaveolens Ehrh. Some of the essential oils are potent against C. albicans 
and could be considered for potential use in therapy.

DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196934
PMCID: PMC10574099
PMID: 37836777 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The 
funders had no role in the design of the study, in the collection, analysis, or 
interpretation of data, in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to 
publish the results.