Modulatory Potential of Citrus sinensis and Moringa oleifera Extracts and Epiphytes on Rat Liver Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore

Abstract

Background: Bioactive agents from medicinal and dietary plants have been reported to modulate the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pores. Objective: This study investigated the in vitro effects of C. sinensis (CSE) and M. oleifera (MOE) methanol leaf extracts and their epiphytes (CEP and MEP) on mitochondria permeability transition pores. Methods: In vitro antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined using standard procedures and quantification of polyphenolic compounds in the extracts was done using HPLC-DAD. Opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pores was assessed as mitochondrial swelling and observed spectrophotometrically as changes in absorbance under succinate-energized conditions. Cytochrome c release was also assessed spectrophotometrically. Results: From the results, CSE, MOE, CEP, and MEP inhibited lipid peroxidation and scavenged nitric oxide and DPPH radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. All extracts exhibited greater ferric reducing antioxidant potential. More so, the results showed that CSE, MOE, CEP, and MEP possess the substantive amount of total flavonoids and total phenolics. CSE and MOE had higher total flavonoids and total phenolic content when compared with the epiphytes. HPLC-DAD results revealed Tangeretin as the most abundant in CSE; Eriocitrin in citrus epiphytes; Moringine in MOE and Flavones in moringa epiphytes. All extracts inhibited calcium-induced opening of the pores in a concentration-dependent manner with C. sinensis leaf extract (CSE) and moringa epiphyte (MEP) being the most potent in this regard with no significant release of cytochrome c at all concentrations. Conclusion: The results suggest that CSE and MEP have bioactive agents which could be useful in the management of diseases where too much apoptosis occurs characterized by excessive tissue wastage such as neurodegenerative conditions.

Moringa oleifera: Recent Insights for Its Biochemical and Medicinal Applications

“…It has been approved that MO supplementation enhanced animal reproduction and elevated the protein contents in their milk [124]. Seed oil extracts regulated and enhanced plasma proteins, and reduced the hepatic and renal as well as infammatory parameters in rats [41]. Polysaccharides isolated from MO also upregulated the expression of enzymes included in protein digestion and absorption in rabbits [118].…”

Isolation, characterization and modulatory potentials of β-stigmasterol, ergosterol and xylopic acid from Anchomanes difformis on mitochondrial permeability transition pore in vitro

“…Inhibition and induction of the MPT pore are well implicated with diseases associated with uncontrolled cell growth (including Alzheimer, motor neuron, spinal muscular atrophy, etc) and cell death ( Srinivasan, 2012 ). Bioactive compounds from medicinal plants have been reported to serve as modulators of the MPT pore and are valuable in the pharmacological targeting of mitochondria ( Adeoye et al, 2022 , Devendra and Leng, 2011 , Fulda, 2010 ).…”