Psychoactive Plant Database - Neuroactive Phytochemical Collection

1. Animals (Basel). 2022 Nov 18;12(22):3203. doi: 10.3390/ani12223203.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Piper betle Leaf Extract and Some Topical 
Agents against Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus 
Strains from Canine Pyoderma.

Phensri P(1), Thummasema K(1), Sukatta U(2), Morand S(3)(4), Pruksakorn C(1).

Author information:
(1)Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 
Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan Road, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
(2)Kasetsart Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Product Improvement Institute, 
Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
(3)MIVEGEC, CNRS-IRD-Montpellier University, 911 Avenue Agropolis, 34394 
Montpellier, France.
(4)Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, 
Thailand.

As multidrug-resistant methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) is becoming 
more prevalent in canine pyoderma, the discovery of new therapeutic options is 
required. This study aimed to test the antimicrobial activity of crude Piper 
betle leaf extract and some topical antimicrobial agents against canine 
Staphylococcus clinical strains by determining the minimum inhibitory 
concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The 
results showed that the mean MICs of chlorhexidine, miconazole, crude P. betle 
leaf extract, azelaic acid, and benzoyl peroxide against Staphylococcus strains 
were 1.41, 1.62, 252.78, 963.49, and 1342.70 mg/L, respectively. Therefore, 
betel leaf extract demonstrated a superior efficacy to azelaic acid and benzoyl 
peroxide. Furthermore, the ratio of MBC/MIC of betel leaf extract was 1.75, 
indicating its bactericidal action. When applied to methicillin-resistant S. 
pseudintermedius (MRSP) and methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius (MSSP), 
betel leaf extract was equally efficient towards both groups. S. 
pseudintermedius strains were more susceptible to betel leaf extract than S. 
schleiferi subsp. coagulans. In gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, 
eugenol and hydroxychavicol appeared to be the major components of betel leaf 
extract. Given its efficacy, dogs with pyoderma could benefit from the use of 
betel leaf extract as a topical antimicrobial alternative.

DOI: 10.3390/ani12223203
PMCID: PMC9686986
PMID: 36428430

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


2. Insect Sci. 2022 Dec;29(6):1747-1760. doi: 10.1111/1744-7917.13023. Epub 2022 
Mar 29.

Octopaminergic neurons function in appetitive but not aversive olfactory 
learning and memory in Bactrocera dorsalis.

Yu JX(1), Xiang Q(1), Qu JB(1), Hui YM(1), Lin T(1)(2), Zeng XN(1), Liu JL(1).

Author information:
(1)Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Insect Behavior Regulation, College 
of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 
China.
(2)College of Life Sciences, Department of Biological Science, Shangrao Normal 
University, Shangrao, Jiangxi, China.

The biogenic amine octopamine (OA, invertebrate counterpart of noradrenaline) 
plays critical roles in the regulation of olfactory behavior. Historically, OA 
has been thought to mediate appetitive but not aversive learning in honeybees, 
fruit flies (Drosophila), and crickets. However, this viewpoint has recently 
been challenged because OA activity through a β-adrenergic-like receptor drives 
both appetitive and aversive learning. Here, we explored the roles of OA neurons 
in olfactory learning and memory retrieval in Bactrocera dorsalis. We trained 
flies to associate an orange odor with a sucrose reward or to associate methyl 
eugenol, a male lure, with N,N-diethyl-3-methyl benzoyl amide (DEET) punishment. 
We then treated flies with OA receptor antagonists before appetitive or aversive 
conditioning and a memory retention test. Injection of OA receptor antagonist 
mianserin or epinastine into the abdomen of flies led to impaired of appetitive 
learning and memory retention with a sucrose reward, while aversive learning and 
memory retention with DEET punishment remained intact. Our results suggest that 
the OA signaling participates in appetitive but not aversive learning and memory 
retrieval in B. dorsalis through OA receptors.

© 2022 Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13023
PMID: 35189034 [Indexed for MEDLINE]


3. Molecules. 2021 Nov 30;26(23):7256. doi: 10.3390/molecules26237256.

Headspace Volatiles and Endogenous Extracts of Prunus mume Cultivars with 
Different Aroma Types.

Wang X(1), Wu Y(1), Zhu H(1), Zhang H(1), Xu J(1), Fu Q(1), Bao M(1), Zhang 
J(1).

Author information:
(1)Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), 
College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, 
Wuhan 430070, China.

Prunus mume is a traditional ornamental plant, which owed a unique floral scent. 
However, the diversity of the floral scent in P. mume cultivars with different 
aroma types was not identified. In this study, the floral scent of eight P. mume 
cultivars was studied using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and 
organic solvent extraction (OSE), combined with gas chromatography-mass 
spectrometry (GC-MS). In total, 66 headspace volatiles and 74 endogenous 
extracts were putatively identified, of which phenylpropanoids/benzenoids were 
the main volatile organic compounds categories. As a result of GC-MS analysis, 
benzyl acetate (1.55-61.26%), eugenol (0.87-6.03%), benzaldehyde (5.34-46.46%), 
benzyl alcohol (5.13-57.13%), chavicol (0-5.46%), and cinnamyl alcohol (0-6.49%) 
were considered to be the main components in most varieties. However, the 
volatilization rate of these main components was different. Based on the 
variable importance in projection (VIP) values in the orthogonal partial 
least-squares discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA), differential components of four 
aroma types were identified as biomarkers, and 10 volatile and 12 endogenous 
biomarkers were screened out, respectively. The odor activity value (OAV) 
revealed that several biomarkers, including (Z)-2-hexen-1-ol, pentyl acetate, 
(E)-cinnamaldehyde, methyl salicylate, cinnamyl alcohol, and benzoyl cyanide, 
contributed greatly to the strong-scented, fresh-scented, sweet-scented, and 
light-scented types of P. mume cultivars. This study provided a theoretical 
basis for the floral scent evaluation and breeding of P. mume cultivars.

DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237256
PMCID: PMC8658796
PMID: 34885838 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare there is no conflict of 
interest in this study.


4. In Vivo. 2017 Sep-Oct;31(5):819-831. doi: 10.21873/invivo.11135.

Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2, Nitric Oxide Synthase 2 and Heme Oxygenase-1 
mRNA Induced by Bis-Eugenol in RAW264.7 Cells and their Antioxidant Activity 
Determined Using the Induction Period Method.

Murakami Y(1), Kawata A(2), Fujisawa S(2).

Author information:
(1)Division of Oral Diagnosis and General Dentistry, Department of Diagnostic 
and Therapeutic Sciences, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Sakado, Japan 
ymura@dent.meikai.ac.jp.
(2)Division of Oral Diagnosis and General Dentistry, Department of Diagnostic 
and Therapeutic Sciences, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Sakado, Japan.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To clarify the mechanisms responsible for the 
anti-inflammatory/proinflammatory activities of eugenol-related compounds, we 
investigated the cytotoxicity and up-regulatory/down-refgulatory effects of the 
biphenols curcumin, bis-eugenol, magnolol and honokiol, and the monophenols 
eugenol and isoeugenol, on major regulators of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), nitric 
oxide synthase 2 (Nos2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA in RAW264.7 cells.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: mRNA expression was investigated using real-time reverse 
transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the theoretical parameters 
were calculated using the DFT/B3LYP/6-31* method. Also, the antioxidant activity 
of eugenol-related compounds in combination with 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole 
(MMI, as a model for glutathione (GSH)) was investigated using the induction 
period method for polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by benzoyl 
peroxide (BPO).
RESULTS: The cytotoxicity of eugenol-related compounds showed a linear 
relationship with their softness (σ) and electrophilicity (ω). At a 
concentration of 50 μM, biphenols except for bis-eugenol elicited the expression 
of mRNA for both Cox-2 and Nos2, but monophenols did not. In contrast, 
bis-eugenol elicited Cox-2 gene expression, but down-regulated Nos2 gene 
expression. bis-Eugenol alone induced the expression of HO-1 mRNA, and when 
combined with MMI it showed a potent antagonistic effect on BPO-induced 
antioxidant activity. The ability of methoxyphenols to inhibit LPS-stimulated 
Cox-2 gene expression declined in the order curcumin >> isoeugenol > bis-eugenol 
>> eugenol, and the rank of ability was related to their ω value.
CONCLUSION: Most eugenol-related compounds had proinflammatory activity at high 
concentrations. However, they had also anti-inflammatory activity at lower 
concentrations. Eugenol-related compounds may exert antioxidant and 
anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells possibly by 
inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (Nf-ĸB), whereas bis-eugenol 
requires induction of HO-1 expression. bis-Eugenol as well as curcumin, may have 
anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapeutic applications.

Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. 
Delinasios), All rights reserved.

DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11135
PMCID: PMC5656854
PMID: 28882947 [Indexed for MEDLINE]


5. Bioorg Med Chem. 2014 Nov 1;22(21):6250-5. doi: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.08.020.
Epub  2014 Sep 6.

Thymol and eugenol derivatives as potential antileishmanial agents.

de Morais SM(1), Vila-Nova NS(2), Bevilaqua CM(3), Rondon FC(4), Lobo CH(5), de 
Alencar Araripe Noronha Moura A(5), Sales AD(2), Rodrigues AP(2), de Figuereido 
JR(2), Campello CC(6), Wilson ME(7), de Andrade HF Jr(8).

Author information:
(1)Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do 
Ceará, Avenida Paranjana 1700, Campus do Itaperi, 60740-000 Fortaleza, Ceará, 
Brazil; Curso de Quimica, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Estadual 
do Ceara, Avenida Paranjana 1700, Campus do Itaperi, 60740-000 Fortaleza, Ceará, 
Brazil. Electronic address: selenemaiademorais@gmail.com.
(2)Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do 
Ceará, Avenida Paranjana 1700, Campus do Itaperi, 60740-000 Fortaleza, Ceará, 
Brazil.
(3)Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do 
Ceará, Avenida Paranjana 1700, Campus do Itaperi, 60740-000 Fortaleza, Ceará, 
Brazil; Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, 
Avenida Paranjana 1700, Campus do Itaperi, 60740-000 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
(4)Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Avenida 
Paranjana 1700, Campus do Itaperi, 60740-000 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
(5)Laboratório de Biologia da Reprodução, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. 
Mister Hull s/n, Campus do Pici, 60021-970 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
(6)Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do 
Ceará, Avenida Paranjana 1700, Campus do Itaperi, 60740-000 Fortaleza, Ceará, 
Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária - FAVET, Avenida Paranjana 1700, Campus do 
Itaperi, 60740-000 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
(7)Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa and the VA Medical 
Center, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa 
and the VA Medical Center, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
(8)Laboratório de Protozoologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Eneas de 
Carvalho Aguiar, 470, 05403-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

In Northeastern Brazil visceral leishmaniasis is endemic with lethal cases among 
humans and dogs. Treatment is toxic and 5-10% of humans die despite treatment. 
The aim of this work was to survey natural active compounds to find new 
molecules with high activity and low toxicity against Leishmania infantum 
chagasi. The compounds thymol and eugenol were chosen to be starting compounds 
to synthesize acetyl and benzoyl derivatives and to test their antileishmanial 
activity in vitro and in vivo against L. i. chagasi. A screening assay using 
luciferase-expressing promastigotes was used to measure the growth inhibition of 
promastigotes, and an ELISA in situ was performed to evaluate the growth 
inhibition of amastigote. For the in vivo assay, thymol and eugenol derivatives 
were given IP to BALB/c mice at 100mg/kg/day for 30 days. The thymol derivatives 
demonstrated the greater activity than the eugenol derivatives, and 
benzoyl-thymol was the best inhibitor (8.67 ± 0.28 μg/mL). All compounds 
demonstrated similar activity against amastigotes, and acetyl-thymol was more 
active than thymol and the positive control drug amphotericin B. 
Immunohistochemistry demonstrated the presence of Leishmania amastigote only in 
the spleen but not the liver of mice treated with acetyl-thymol. Thus, these 
synthesized derivatives demonstrated anti-leishmanial activity both in vitro and 
in vivo. These may constitute useful compounds to generate new agents for 
treatment of leishmaniasis.

Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.08.020
PMCID: PMC5106290
PMID: 25281268 [Indexed for MEDLINE]