A system for the isolation of ethyl-α-D-glucopyranoside from the aerial parts of Otostegia fruticosa ssp. schimperi (Benth.) Sebald

Abstract

A system for the isolation of ethyl-α-D-glucopyranoside from the aerial parts of Otostegia fruticosa ssp. schimperi (Benth.) Sebald, consisting of: a harvesting module configured to collect above-ground parts of Otostegia fruticosa ssp. schimperi from Al Baha, southwest Saudi Arabia; a drying unit suitable for reducing the moisture content of the harvested plant material; an extraction device for extracting compounds from the dried plant material; a separation module configured to isolate ethyl α-D-glucopyranoside from the extract; a purification system for the purification of the isolated ethyl α-D-glucopyranoside.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cosmetic and pharmaceutical sciences, in particular to the isolation and application of ethyl-α-D-glucopyranoside from the aerial parts of Otostegia fruticosa ssp. schimperi (Benth.) Sebald. This compound serves as a potential active ingredient for skin sun protection and related therapeutic applications. Background of the invention

[0002] Otostegiefruticosa ssp. schimperi (Benth.) Sebald, a member of the mint family, is an aromatic shrub native to southwestern Saudi Arabia. Traditionally, various parts of this plant have been used in folk medicine to treat respiratory diseases, eye diseases, and sunstroke. Despite its widespread traditional use, there is little scientific evidence regarding its phytochemical composition and therapeutic efficacy.

[0003] Recent studies have identified ethyl-α-D-glucopyranoside as an important component of the aerial parts of this plant. Initial research suggests that it may improve skin homeostasis, exert moisturizing functions, and exhibit selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Summary of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a system for isolating ethyl-α-D-glucopyranoside from the aerial parts of Otostegia fruticosa ssp. schimperi (Benth.) Sebald. The isolated compound exhibits: • Skin hydration and protection: Improves fibroblast proliferation and collagen production, contributing to improved skin homeostasis and moisture function. • Selective cytotoxicity: Exhibits weak to moderate cytotoxic activity against human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF7), with a selectivity index indicating preferential toxicity to cancer cells over normal cells.

[0005] These properties make ethyl α-D-glucopyranoside a promising candidate for incorporation into cosmetic formulations to protect the skin from sunlight and for potential therapeutic applications. Detailed description of the inventionPlant material collection

[0006] Aerial parts of Otostegia fruticosa ssp. schimperi were collected in April 2021 in the provinces of Al-Mandaq (Wadi Khira) and Baljurashi (Wadi Elkhaitan) in Al Baha, southwest Saudi Arabia. The plant was identified and taxonomically classified by Dr. Haidar A. Mohamed, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Al Baha University, and the specimen was deposited in the university's herbarium. Isolation of ethyl-α-D-glucopyranoside

[0007] The collected aerial parts were dried and subjected to solvent extraction. The extract was analyzed by chromatographic methods, which revealed ethyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (C8H 16 O6, molecular weight 208.09) was identified and isolated. The compound had a peak area of 28.12% and a retention time of 9.943 minutes. Biological activity • Skin hydration and protection: At a concentration of 0.48 µM, ethyl α-D-glucopyranoside significantly increased fibroblast proliferation by 121.0% and collagen I production by 159.6%. Furthermore, it increased the expression of the fibroblast growth factors FGF1 and FGF7, as well as the collagen genes type I and III (COL1A1, COL1A2, and COL3A1). • Cytotoxic activity: The plant extract showed weak to moderate cytotoxic activity against MCF7 cells with an IC 50 -value of 4.45 µg / ml. The extract exhibited a selectivity index of 6.33, indicating preferential toxicity to cancer cells over normal human lung fibroblasts (MRC5). Mechanistic studies showed a significant decrease in survivin expression and an increase in P27 expression, suggesting potential pathways of anticancer activity. Advantages of the invention • Natural source: Uses a locally available plant from Al Baha, reducing the need for synthetic alternatives. • Benefits for the skin: Provides moisturizing and protective effects, making it suitable for cosmetic formulations to promote skin health. • Anticancer potential: Shows selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells, suggesting potential therapeutic applications. • Validation of traditional use: Supports and validates traditional medicinal use with scientific evidence.

Claims

[1] A system for the isolation of ethyl-α-D-glucopyranoside from the aerial parts of Otostegia fruticosa ssp. schimperi (Benth.) Sebald, consisting of: a harvesting module configured to collect above-ground parts of Otostegia fruticosa ssp. schimperi from Al Baha, southwest Saudi Arabia; a drying unit suitable for reducing the moisture content of the harvested plant material; an extraction device for extracting compounds from the dried plant material; a separation module configured to isolate ethyl α-D-glucopyranoside from the extract; a purification system for the purification of the isolated ethyl α-D-glucopyranoside. [2] The system of claim 1, wherein the extraction device uses a solvent extraction method. [3] The system of claim 1, wherein the separation module uses chromatographic techniques to isolate ethyl α-D-glucopyranoside. [4] The system of claim 1, wherein the purification system comprises a recrystallization unit.