Biologically Active Orbitides from the Euphorbiaceae Family

Abstract

A comprehensive overview of natural orbitides isolated from Euphorbiaceae species and their most relevant biological activities are presented. Euphorbiaceae is a large and diverse family, which comprises about 300 genera, and is known as an important source of medicines and toxins. Several classes of secondary metabolites have been described for this taxon, however, orbitides have been broadly reported in and genera. Additionally, the latex is documented as the main source of orbitides in this family. Based on their structural and functional diversity, orbitides present a large variety of biological activities described as cytotoxicity, antimalarial, antibacterial, antifungal, enzymatic inhibition, and immunosuppressive, although the mechanism of action still needs to be further investigated. In recent years, the discovery of bioactive cyclic peptides from different sources has grown exponentially, making them promising molecules in the search for new drug leads. This review also highlights the attempts made by many researchers to organize the orbitides nomenclature and amino acid numbering, as well the important progress recently achieved in the biosynthetic study area.

Regulated Cell Death as a Therapeutic Target for Novel Antifungal Peptides and Biologics

“…Likewise, cyclic orbitide peptides from Euphorbiaceae spp. and novel cyclodepsipeptides of fungal organisms represent intriguing antifungal templates [ 187 , 188 ]. Indeed, naturally occurring peptide-based molecules have illustrated success in this regard and are approved for clinical use as antifungals.…”

Screening of Euphorbiaceae Plant Extracts for Anti-5α-reductase

“…[4][5][6] In addition, Euphorbiaceae plants have been said to be effective for burns to the skin since ancient times, which indicates cell proliferation activity. Thus, if a plant material extract has both cell proliferating and anti-5α-reductase activities, it may be a suitable agent for hair growth.…”

“…After 1 week of acclimatization, the dorsal hairs of 10 male mice (7 weeks of age) for each administration group were shaved. After 30 min from the topical application of the testosterone solution (0.07% in 50% ethanol) to the shaved skin area, sample solutions of 100 µL in 80% ethanol were applied daily for 30 d. On days 6,8,10,12,14,16,18,20,22,24,26,28, and 30 after starting application, a hair growth score was given to each mouse as referred to in the picture depicted in Fig. 2.…”

Linear Peptide Analogues from Jatropha’s Orbitides Promote Migration of Human Neonatal Foreskin Fibroblasts in vitro and Collagen Deposition

“…They have been documented in families including Annonaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae, Linaceae, Phytolaccaceae, Rutaceae, Schizandraceae and Verbenaceae. [2][3][4][5] In recent decades, the Jatropha genus (Euphorbiaceae family) has emerged as a rich source of bioactive orbitides. 5,6 Plants from this genus are endemic in the Brazilian semi-arid region (Caatinga biome) 7 and represent a popularly known source of toxins and medicines.…”

“…[2][3][4][5] In recent decades, the Jatropha genus (Euphorbiaceae family) has emerged as a rich source of bioactive orbitides. 5,6 Plants from this genus are endemic in the Brazilian semi-arid region (Caatinga biome) 7 and represent a popularly known source of toxins and medicines. Furthermore, the pharmacological activities of orbitides have been described as antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antimalarial, immunomodulators and inhibitors of aspartyl proteases.…”