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Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences
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Sterols and flavonoids in strawberry calyx with free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and molecular dynamic study

Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences volume 12, Article number: 108 (2023) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

The phytochemical constitution and biological capabilities of Fragaria ananassa's calyx have not been extensively investigated before. Consequently, the research study pointed for characterization, isolation, and identification of the sterols and flavonoids as the major active constituents in the calyx of F. ananassa and evaluation for their impacts as free radicals scavenger and anti-inflammatory agent.

Results

GC/MS investigation for the lipoidal constitutions of F. ananassa's calyx was performed to identify twenty-six compounds signifying 83.08%, as well as isolation of campesterol, stigmast-4-en-3-one, and β-sitosterol-d-glucoside by column chromatography technique. Additionally, quantification and identification of the flavonoids in the ethyl acetate extract was carried out by HPLC/DAD technique beside to isolation and structure elucidation of 5-hydroxy-7, 4′-dimethoxy flavone and Chrysin. The free radicals scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities of both non-polar and polar extracts have been tested against (DPPH and ABTS radicals) and (COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX enzymes), correspondingly. The results illustrated significant effects of the polar extract of F. ananassa calyx greater than non-polar one. The dynamic natures, binding interactions, and protein–ligand stabilities have also been investigated using the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation research. The MD simulation revealed that Chrysin's chromen ring was extended to catalytic position of COX-1 receptor, producing Pi-Pi T-shaped contact with Tyr 354 and Trp 356. In addition, Chrysin's chromen ring has formed a Pi-alkyl bond with Val 318 and Leu 321. However, due to the huge size of ꞵ-sitosterol-d-glucoside, the glycoside ring can form a hydrogen bond with Tyr 317. The cyclopentyl phenanthrene ring also possesses Pi-alkyl interactions with Ile 58, Leu 62, Val 85, Val 318, Tyr 324, Leu 326, Ala 496, and Leu 500.

Conclusions

The findings of our study are crucial in establishing the molecular bases for Chrysin and ꞵ-sitosterol-d-glucoside action against anti-inflammatory targets and for developing more effective selective inhibitors. The discovery of the binding location for ATP can pave the door for development unique, structure-based approach for natural anti-inflammatory medications.

1 Background

Strawberry with Latin name Fragaria ananassa Duch., Rosaceae family, is popular and well-known fruit [1] that is have a large demand worldwide, not only for their flavoured taste but also for their health-related characteristics, as the fruits are acknowledged as a vital source of minerals, vitamins especially vitamin C and many phenolic compounds [2]. Many research studies reported the major active constituents in fruits, leaves, and roots of F. ananassa as phenolics, tannins [3], flavonoids [4], beside to steroids, and triterpenoids [5]. The nutritious studies conducted that the long consumption of the strawberry fruits has a remarkable protecting effects against various chronic ailments such as Alzheimer, cancer [5], diabetes [6], and some cardiovascular diseases [7], beside to other health-promoting activities as free radical scavenging [3], anti-inflammatory [8], anti-obesity, and antiplatelet aggregation agent [9].

Around 60% of strawberry consumption was intended as fresh fruits, with the remaining 40% going primarily to frozen processing [10]. As a result, the processed fruits produce enormous amounts of calyx by-products. According to Villamil-Galindo et al. [11], strawberry by-products contain high concentration of phenolic compounds, producing industrial opportunities for getting raw materials at low cost with an intriguing additional value, perhaps lowering the cost of their eventual disposal.

Although F. ananassa fruit has been the subject of numerous studies, the calyx has received much less attention. For that reason, the current research study pointed to characterize, isolate, and identify the sterols and flavonoids as the principal active constituents presented in F. ananassa calyx, and evaluate their biological activities as free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory agents.

2 Methods

2.1 Fruit collection and identification

Strawberry fruits have been gathered in June 2023 from private strawberry farm in El-Slaheya Elgdeda, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Taxonomical identity of the fruits was kindly confirmed by Prof. Dr. Gamal Farag, at the Ministry of Agriculture's Horticulture Research Centre. A specimen was deposited in the National Research Centre herbarium with Voucher number M183. Calyxes have been collected, cleaned, and dried by air before being powdered.

2.2 Extraction

Dried F. ananassa calyx powders (500 g) were defatted by extraction with petroleum ether (3L X 4 times) for lipoidal constituent extraction and after that the defatted powders were consequentially extracted with ethyl acetate (3L X 6 times) as polar solvent for flavonoids extraction, using cold maceration method. The lipoidal (yield 17%) and flavonoidal (yield 32%) portions have been concentrated at 45 °C by the rotavapour (Heidolph, Germany) and kept in refrigerator for chemical and biological investigation.

2.3 GC/MS investigation of the lipoidal constitutions

The lipoidal constitutions of F. ananassa calyx were investigated using GC/MS technique (Shimadzu GC/MS–QP5050A) using capillary column of fused silica, 30 m length, 0.53 mm ID and 1.5 µm thickness, and stationary phase DB-1 with mass detector. Temperature programming was adjusted to 50–150 °C at a rate of 10°C/min-250 °C(5 min), at 5 °C/min-270 (5 min), at 3.5°C/min, with ionization voltage 70 eV, and helium at 1 ml/min as carrier gas. Characterization was achieved through comparing the obtained fragments with that of the accessible recorded archives and reported literatures. Quantitative determination was performed according to peak area integration.

2.4 Isolation and structural elucidation of the major sterols

The major sterols presented in petroleum ether extract were isolated by using column chromatography technique, where five grams has been loaded on 175 g silica gel G60 for chromatographical adsorption analysis (BDH, England) in the column (140 × 3 cm). Eluting with petroleum ether and increasing the polarity with chloroform, each collected fraction (50 ml) was separately concentrated and detected for sterols existence through applying Liebermann–Burchard test. The fractions that responded positively have been purified by readymade chromatographic plates (20 × 20 cm) coated with silica gel (F-254, Fluka), with toluene:ethyl acetate (8:2 v/v). Visualization was performed at 365- and 254-nm UV wavelengths. After that, spraying was made by p-anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid and heated for 5 min at 105 °C; the same responded portions were mixed and concentrated. Structural elucidations of the pure isolated compounds were performed by melting points measurement and by different spectroscopic analyses (mass spectrometry, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR).

2.5 Quantitative estimation of flavones and flavonols

Quantification of flavones and flavonols has been done according to Bahloul et al. [12]. In brief, 1 mL from ethyl acetate extract has been added to 1 mL of 2% AlCl3-ethanol solution. At 420 nm, absorbance was measured after a reaction had placed for 1 h at room temperature. To create the calibration curves, rutin (Fluka Biochemika, Sigma-Aldrich) has been chosen as reference. The results were calculated as mg rutin equivalent/100 g extract as mean ± S.D.

2.6 Quantitative estimation of flavanones and dihydroflavonols

The content of flavanones and dihydroflavonols has been assessed in accordance with Bahloul et al. [12]. In a nutshell, 1 mL of the ethyl acetate extract was mixed with 1 mL from a solution containing 1 g of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine in 2 mL conc. sulphuric acid, and dilution by methanol to 100 mL, then heating was carried out for 1 h at 45 °C, then the mixture has been diluted by 10% alcoholic KOH to reach 10 mL. One millilitre from the obtained mixture has been added to 10 mL of methanol to make a 50-mL final volume. At 486 nm, absorbance was measured and data were displayed as mg naringenin equivalent in 100 g extract as mean ± S.D.

2.7 Identification of the flavonoids by HPLC/DAD technique

Identification of the flavonoids was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using Agilent Technologies 1100 series liquid chromatograph coupled with an autosampler and a diode-array detector [13].

2.8 Isolation and structure elucidation of flavonoids

Ethyl acetate extract of F. ananassa calyx (2 g) was applied on preparative TLC (20 × 20cm, Merck) using a developing system with dichloromethane:ethyl acetate (5:1) ratio. The bands that turned yellow when treated with ammonia and the AlCl3 spray reagent [14] were marked, scratched off, and then collected after inspection via UV-254 and 365 nm. Several spectroscopic studies were used to identify the isolated flavonoids, along with comparisons to published data.

2.9 Free radicals scavenging effect

The free radicals scavenging effect of lipoidal and flavonoidal extracts of F. ananassa calyx at different concentrations of 0.01, 0.05, 0.1 mg was evaluated against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) (Aldrich Chemie, Germany) and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) (Fluka Biochemika, Sigma-Aldrich) radicals using the techniques reported by Rahman et al. [15] and Arnao et al. [16], respectively. The method was carried out in comparison with vitamin C as a standard antioxidant (Sigma, USA). Values are represented by mean ± SD of three replicates.

2.10 In vitro anti‑inflammatory evaluation

In vitro anti‑inflammatory evaluation of the lipoidal and flavonoidal extracts of F. ananassa calyx was performed through inhibition of two isoenzymes cyclooxygenase COX-1 and COX-2 (ovine/human), along with 5-LOX enzyme (human recombinant).

COX‑1 and COX‑2 inhibition assay has been performed by means of COX-1 and COX-2 kit (Cayman, No.: 560131) [17], where different known concentrations of the tested extracts were added separately to a mixture of 10 μL of COX-1 or COX-2 and 0.1 M HCl buffer, left for incubation at room temperature for 10 min. After that, 10μL of arachidonic acid, fifty μL HCl and Ellman’s reagent have been added. The absorbance has been determined at UV-410 nm alongside blank; IC50 has been determined via linear regression.

5‑Lipoxygenase inhibition assay was carried out by 5-LOX kit (No. 437996, Sigma-Aldrich) [18], where different concentrations of the tested extracts were added to 90 μL from 5-LOX, 100 μL of de chromogen, then 10 μL from arachidonic acid was added and shaken for 10 min, the absorbance has been determined at UV-490 nm compared to blank. IC50 has been calculated through linear regression.

2.11 Statistics

Statistical valuations of the tested parameters were performed using SPSS 9.05 (USA). The significant variances were examined using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) following by Co-state computer program.

2.12 System preparation: molecular docking

Cyclooxygenase-1 which was solved at resolution 2.70 Å has been produced through protein data bank having code 2OYU [19] and then was prepared using UCSF Chimera [20]. pH has been adjusted to 7.5 by PROPKA [21]. ChemBioDraw Ultra 12.1 has been performed to make 2D structure [22] that was optimized aiming to energy reduction by Avogadro software [23] using steepest descent technique as well as MMFF94 force field. Hydrogen atoms were eliminated using UCSF Chimaera [20] to get ready for docking.

Using AutoDock Vina [24], docking computations were carried out; Gasteiger partial charge [25] was assigned. AutoDock graphical user interface from MGL tools has been applied for describing atom kinds [26]. Grid box has been calculated using the grid parameters x = − 20.6819, y = 50.7675, and z = 11.1067 for the dimension and x = 10.00, y = 10.00, and z = 10.00 for the centre grid, with exhaustiveness = 8. The Lamarckian genetic technique [27] has been performed for producing docked conformation with decreasing directive of the docking energy.

2.13 Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations

Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations have been used for studying the biological systems; it is possible to investigate atomic and molecular motions that are not readily accessible using conventional techniques [28]. Conducting this model has offered an extensive understanding for biological system changes as conformation shifts as well as molecular interactions [28]. All systems' MD simulations have been carried out by AMBER 18 package's PMEMD engine's GPU version [29, 30].

2.14 Post-MD analysis

The trajectories that produced from MD simulations have been assessed by AMBER18 suite's CPPTRAJ [31] model. All graphs and visualisations were made using Chimaera [20] and the Origin data analysis programme [32].

2.15 Thermodynamic calculations

For estimating ligand-binding affinities, the Poisson-Boltzmann or generalised Born and surface area continuum solvation (MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA) technique was reported as effective method [33,34,35]. The protein–ligand complex molecular simulations compute rigorous statistical–mechanical binding free energy within a defined force field [29, 30].

3 Results

3.1 GC/MS investigation of the lipoidal constitutions

GC/MS analysis was performed to pinpoint the lipoidal constituents in the non-polar extract of F. ananassa calyx. The identified compounds are illustrated in Table 1. Twenty-six compounds were identified signifying 83.08%, and constituting of 8 hydrocarbons (27.45%), 7 fatty alcohols (31.51%), 1 ketone (1.57%), 3 fatty acids (14.77%), 3 fatty acid esters (4.97%), and 4 sterols (2.81%). Interestingly, 9,12,15-octadecatrien-1-ol in addition to n-hexadecanoic acid was detected as major identified constituents amounting 11.59% and 9.42%, respectively. Campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol beside to β-sitosterol acetate have been identified with concentration of 0.49%, 0.61%, 1.03%, and 0.68%, respectively. GC/MS chromatogram of the petroleum ether extract of F. ananassa calyx was illustrated in Additional file 1: Fig. S1.

Table 1 GC/MS investigation of the lipoidal constitutions in F. ananassa calyx
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3.2 Isolation and structural elucidation of the major sterols

Silica gel column chromatographic technique was performed for isolation of the sterols in the non-polar extract of F. ananassa calyx that produce purplish colour after spraying with p-anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid. Structure of isolated sterols has been established through melting points and by mass fragmentation pattern, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR analyses as well as referring to previous findings.

Campesterol was isolated from the column by using petroleum ether: chloroform (95:5) as eluent and showed Rf 0.75 in silica gel TLC (F-254, Fluka) with toluene:ethyl acetate (8:2 v/v). The whitish crystal had m.p. 157 °C that was matching with Choi et al. [36]. EI-MS m/z (relative intensity) displayed molecular weight 400 (18%) for molecular formula C28H48O, base peak with m/z 129 (100%), besides m/z 43 (67%), 55 (49%), 69 (34), 81 (43), 119 (25), 145 (29), 161 (30), 213 (35), 231 (28), 255 (34), 289 (25), 315 (37), 367 (41), 382 (19). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO, δ ppm): 5.23 (1 olefinic H, m, H-6), 3.41 (1H, dd, H-3), 2.19 (1H, d, H-4), 1.12 (3H, s, H-19), 0.94 (1H, d, H-21), 0.82 (3H, d, H-27), 0.79 (3H, d, H-26), 0.75 (3H, d, H-28), and 0.64 (3H, s, H-18). 13C-NMR (125 MHz, DMSO, δ ppm): 38.2 (C-1), 29.0 (C-2), 72.4 (C-3), 40.5 (C-4), 141.3 (C-5), 122.4 (C-6), 32.1 (C-7), 29.7 (C-8), 51.3 (C-9), 37.1 (C-10), 19.8 (C-11), 39.5 (C-12), 40.1 (C-13), 57.2 (C-14), 22.3 (C-15), 27.5 (C-16), 55.6 (C-17), 20.4 (C-18), 15.3 (C-19), 31.8 (C-20), 19.2 (C21), 34.6 (C-22), 22.6 (C-23), 41.6 (C-24), 36.5 (C-25), 17.6 (C-26), 18.4 (C-27), 23.7 (C-28). The data spectral values for campesterol agreed with those reported in the literature [37, 38].

Stigmast-4-en-3-one was isolated by using petroleum ether: chloroform (85:15) as white needles, Rf 0.78, m.p. 154 °C which in agreement with [39], EI-MS m/z (relative intensity) displays molecular weight 412 (18%) for molecular formula C29H48O. Distinctive fragments were 43 (46%), 55 (38%), 71 (35%), 95 (31%), 124 (100%), 178 (22%), 213 (26%), 229 (32%), 255 (27%), 329 (19%), 381 (36%), 396 (46%). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO, δ ppm): 5.51 (1 olefinic H, m, H-4), 3.6 (2H, d,H-22), 3.7 (2H, d,H-23), 1.7 (3H, s, H-19), 0.95 (3H, s, H-29), 7.3 (1H,d, H-24), 11.0 (1H,d, H-25). 13C-NMR (125 MHz, DMSO, δ ppm): 36.4 (C-1), 34.2 (C-2), 170.1 (C-3), 122.6 (C-4), 197.1 (C-5), 32.8 (C-6), 32.0 (C-7), 36.0 (C-8), 52.8 (C-9), 38.9 (C-10), 19.9 (C-11), 40.1 (C-12), 41.6 (C-13), 56.4 (C-14), 23.5 (C-15), 27.7 (C-16), 56.2 (C-17), 11.8 (C-18), 16.8 (C-19), 35.6 (C-20), 18.0 (C21), 32.7 (C-22), 24.5 (C-23), 44.6 (C-24), 23.1 (C-25), 19.5 (C-26), 18.2 (C-27), 22.9 (C-28), 11.38 (C-29), which is accordant with Udobre et al. [40].

β-Sitosterol-d-glucoside was isolated by using petroleum ether: chloroform (80:20) and by further purification on preparative silica gel TLC using toluene: ethyl acetate (9:1) as a developing solvent giving blue band with Rf 0.70 which converted to purple colour by vanillin-sulphuric acid treating. The isolated compound was purified as white crystals, m.p. 280 °C which in harmony with that reported by Aboulthana et al. [41]. EI-MS m/z (relative intensity) illustrated molecular weight 576 (24%) for molecular formula C35H60O6, base peak for 57, beside to 414 (65%) assigned to β-sitosterol moiety, 396 (35%), 381 (28%), 329 (19%), 303 (25%), and 275 (27%). 13CNMR: δ ppm 10.9 (C-18), 10.3 (C-29), 19.8 (C-21), 19.2 (C-27), 18.7 (C-19), 18.4 (C-26), 19.6 (C-11), 22.1 (C-28), 24.7 (C-15), 25.8 (C-23), 28.3 (C-16), 27.6 (C-2), 28.8 (C-25), 29.9 (C-7/8), 34.2 (C-22), 36.6 (C-20), 35.9 (C-10), 35.4 (C-1), 38.2 (C-4), 40.1 (C-12), 43.2 (C-13), 45.4 (C-24), 48.6 (C-9), 54.7 (C-17), 55.1 (C-14), 60.2 (C-6′), 72.3 (C-4′), 74.2 (C-2′), 77.8 (C-3), 78.1 (C-3′/5′), 99.3 (C-1′), 120.7 (C-6), 139.2 (C-5). The obtained results were in consistence with Horník et al. [42].

3.3 Quantitative estimation of the flavonoids

The contents of flavones and flavonols were determined in the ethyl acetate extract of F. ananassa calyx as 3157.6 ± 0.16 mg rutin equivalent /100 g extract. However, flavanones and dihydroflavonols were provided at significantly lower concentration as 281.4 ± 0.09 mg naringenin equivalent/100 g extract.

3.4 Identification of the flavonoids by HPLC/DAD technique

HPLC/DAD technique was applied to quantitatively and qualitatively investigate the flavonoids composition in the ethyl acetate extract of F. ananassa calyx, as indicated in Table 2. Nineteen flavonoids were identified using the HPLC/DAD study. The three main detected flavonoids were revealed to be quercetin (2491.36 mg/100 g), apigenin (1638.48 mg/100 g), as well as kaempferol (1467.29 mg/100 g). HPLC chromatogram of the ethyl acetate extract of F. ananassa calyx was provided in Additional file 1: Fig. S2.

Table 2 HPLC investigation of the flavonoids in the polar extract of F. ananassa calyx
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3.5 Isolation and structure elucidation of the principal flavonoids

5-Hydroxy-7, 4′-dimethoxy flavone was isolated as yellowish crystals, m.p.255 °C. It produced a yellow colour under short UV light, but after being exposed to ammonia and AlCl3 spray reagent with Rf of 0.65, it fluoresced intensely yellow. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO, δ ppm): 5.60 (1H, s, H-3), 6.52 (1H, d, H-6), 6.43 (1H, d, H-8), 7.86 (2H, dd, H-2′, H-6′), 7.88 (2H, dd, H-3′, H-5′), 3.86 (3H, s, OCH3). 13C-NMR (125 MHz, DMSO, δ ppm): 129.3 (C-2), 99.4 (C-3), 183.5 (C-4), 161.0 (C-5), 100.3 (C-6), 163.8 (C-7), 91.4 (C-8), 160.5 (C-9), 103.1 (C-10), 119.6 (C-1′), 128.1 (C-2′), 135.6 (C-3′), 146.1 (C-4′), 135.8 (C-5′), 128.3 (C-6′), 54.7 (OCH3). The obtained spectral data harmonized to the previously reported literature [43].

Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxy flavone) was isolated as yellow crystals, m.p.285 °C, produced yellowish colour with short UV light converted to intense yellowish fluorescence after exposure to ammonia and AlCl3 spray reagent with Rf 0.78, 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO, δ ppm): 6.25 (1H, d, H-6), 6.43 (1H, d, H-8), 6.98 (1H, s, H-3), 7.49 (1H, m, H-4′), 7.93 (2H, dd, H-2′, H-6′), 8.04 (2H, dd, H-3′, H-5′). 13C-NMR (125 MHz, DMSO, δ ppm): 163. 6 (C-2), 102.3 (C-3), 180.2 (C-4), 160.8 (C-5), 98.7 (C-6), 163.9 (C-7), 93.7 (C-8), 158.4 (C-9), 103.9 (C-10), 129.5 (C-1′), 127.4 (C-2′), 128.5 (C-3′), 138.4 (C-4′), 128.6 (C-5′),127.5 (C-6′). The spectroscopic results matched to that stated by Shrestha et al. [44].

3.6 Free radicals scavenging effect

By scavenging harmful free radicals, the antioxidants have been proposed to be important agents to protect cells from damage. It is noteworthy that continuous consumption of various antioxidant-rich vegetables is linked to a lower risk for developing many chronic diseases [12].

The free radicals scavenging capabilities of the non-polar and polar extracts of F. ananassa calyx against DPPH and ABTS radicals were determined in serial concentrations (0.01, 0.05, 0.1 mg), and it was observed that the lipoidal constitutions scavenged the DPPH free radicals by 53%, 68%, and 84% and ABTS by 29%, 59%, 83% at concentrations of 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mg, correspondingly. However, the flavonoidal constitutions recorded DPPH inhibition by 57%, 73%, 89% and ABTS inhibition by 36%, 61%, 84% at 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mg, respectively, as illustrated in Table 3. The obtained results revealed concentration-dependent radicals scavenging effects of both non-polar and polar extracts of F. ananassa calyx; these findings were supported by the identification of numerous active constituents (sterols and flavonoids, respectively) that have the antioxidant capacity.

Table 3 Free radicals scavenging effects of non-polar and polar extracts of F. ananassa calyx against DPPH and ABTS
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3.7 In vitro anti‑inflammatory effect

Cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) beside to lipoxygenase (5-LOX) are well-known pro-inflammatory enzymes, and they are essential enzymes for arachidonic acid synthesis [45]. Therefore, these enzymes are frequently employed for screening and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory agents. Additionally, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) promotes the second major metabolic path to release eicosanoids. Leukotriene B4 is the last product of the 5-LOX pathway and is a mediator for a number of inflammations and sensitized diseases. Therefore, lowering leukotriene levels through 5-LOX inhibition could help in minimizing the risk of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems [46]. Because of the various side effects and limited activities of the synthetic drugs, search for natural anti-inflammatory agents is essential since they could be safer and more effective than the synthetic medicines [47].

The efficacy of non-polar and polar extracts of F. ananassa calyx to prohibit COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX enzymes was used for evaluation of their anti-inflammatory activities. According to Table 4, the ethyl acetate extract significantly inhibited COX-1 and COX-2 by IC50 = 0.428 ± 0.08 ug/mL and IC50 = 0.695 ± 0.14 ug/mL, respectively. In comparison with indomethacin standard (IC50 = 0.361 ± 0.13 ug/mL and 0.628 ± 0.11 ug/mL), as well as significantly prohibited the 5-LOX enzyme by IC50 = 0.501 ± 0.10 ug/mL compared with Zileuton (IC50 = 0.425 ± 0.09 ug/mL), while the petroleum ether extract showed less notable inhibition to COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX enzymes (IC50 = 0.613 ± 0.19, 1.062 ± 0.20 &0.731 ± 0.08) ug/mL, respectively (Fig. 1). Sterols and flavonoids present in the polar and non-polar extracts have several advantageous biological functions [48,49,50]. Flavonoids’ capabilities are influenced by number of OH groups, conjugations, and resonances [51, 52], while sterols’ impacts depend on saturation degree as well as side-chain length in their structure [53].

Table 4 IC50 values of non-polar and polar extracts of F. ananassa calyx against COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX
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Fig. 1
figure 1

IC50 values of non-polar and polar extracts of F. ananassa calyx against COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX

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3.8 Molecular dynamic and system stability

The molecular dynamic simulation has been conducted for forecasting how the isolated compound could behave when it bound with the protein's site as well as its interacting and stabilization [29, 30]. System's stability has been assessed via root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) in simulations of 20 ns. The determined RMSD data for the frames of apo-protein, Chrysin-complex, and β-sitosterol-d-glucoside-complex system were 1.86 ± 0.33 Å, 1.74 ± 0.20 Å, and 1.66 ± 0.34 Å, respectively (Fig. 2A). These findings demonstrated that β-sitosterol-d-glucoside binded to the protein complex system in considerably higher firm configuration compared to the other compounds under study.

Fig. 2
figure 2

A RMSD of Cα atoms of the protein backbone atoms. B RMSF of each residue of the protein backbone Cα atoms of protein residues C ROG of Cα atoms of protein residues; D solvent-accessible surface area (SASA) of the C α of the backbone atoms relative (black) to the starting minimized over 20 ns for the catalytic binding site with Chrysin-complex system (red),and β-sitosterol-d-glucoside (blue)

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Through MD simulation, assessment of the flexibility of the protein structure after ligand interaction is important in examination of the behavioural characters of the residue and its connection with the ligand [54]. Using the root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF) technique, protein residue variations have been determined for defining the influence of inhibitor binding to the relevant target through 20-ns simulations. The calculated RMSF data 1.1182 ± 0.59 Å, 1.085 ± 0.52 Å, and 1.066 ± 0.55 Å for systems apo-protein, Chrysin-complex, and β-sitosterol-d-glucoside complex systems, respectively. Figure 2B depicts the overall residue fluctuations of the compounds. These findings demonstrated that β-sitosterol-d-glucoside bonded to protein complex system with less residual fluctuations compared to other tested compounds.

ROG was considered for estimating the whole system's compaction and stabilization after ligand bounding through MD simulations [55, 56]. The Rog data for apo-protein, Chrysin-complex, and β-sitosterol-d-glucoside -complex systems were 24.32 ± 0.07 Å, 24.32 ± 0.099 Å, and 24.22 ± 0.084 Å, correspondingly (Fig. 2C). According to the noticed characteristics, β-sitosterol-d-glucoside-bounded complex has an extremely strong structure against the catalytic-bounding position in COX-1 receptor.

Protein's solvent-accessible surface area (SASA) was determined to assess the compact for protein's hydrophobic core. This has been accomplished via measuring protein's solvent-visible surface area, that is crucial in long-term biomolecules stabilization [57]. The SASA findings for apo-protein, Chrysin-complex, and β-sitosterol-d-glucoside-complex systems were 24,630 Å, 24,004.66 Å, and 23,743 Å, respectively (Fig. 2D). After reviewing the SASA results with RMSD, RMSF, and ROG computation data, it was established that β-sitosterol-d-glucoside complex system persists intact inside the COX1 receptor's catalytic binding position.

3.9 Binding interaction mechanism based on binding free energy calculation

The molecular mechanics energy approach (MM/GBSA) has been performed for figuring out the free bounding energies of tiny molecules to biological macromolecules that combines the generalized Born and surface area continuum solvation, and it could be extra accurate than docking scores [58]. The binding free energies have been assessed by MM/GBSA programme in AMBER18 by taking snapshot for systems' trajectories. As presented in Table 5, the whole determined energy components (with the exception of ΔGsolv) showed great negative results signifying promising interactions. The findings signposted that binding affinity of the Chrysin-complex and β-sitosterol-d-glucoside-complex were − 31.81 kcal/mol and − 40.80 kcal/mol, respectively.

Table 5 Calculated energy binding for the compound against the catalytic binding site receptor of COX-1 receptor
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The interaction of the ligand compound to COX-1 protein residue was regulated via greater positively van der Waals energy components, which demonstrated through comprehensive investigation for an individual energy contribution, resulting in described binding free energy. Significant binding free energy level was detected in the gas phase for all the inhibition process reaching values up to − 149.81kcal/mol (Table 5).

3.10 Identification of the critical residues responsible for ligands binding

From Fig. 3, Chrysin compound makes its greatest contribution to the COX-1 receptor's catalytic binding site which primarily detected from residues Tyr 317 (− 0.802 kcal/mol), Val 318 (− 1.06 kcal/mol), Leu321 (− 2.014 kcal/mol), Ser322 (− 1.083 kcal/mol), Tyr324 (− 0.331 kcal/mol), Phe350 (− 0.409 kcal/mol), Leu 353 (− 2.747 kcal/mol), Tyr 354 (− 1.177 kcal/mol), Trp356 (− 0.438 kcal/mol), Phe 487 (− 1.001 kcal/mol), Met491 (− 0.581 kcal/mol), Ile492 (− 1.814 kcal/mol), Met494 (− 0.366 kcal/mol), Gly495 (− 1.689 kcal/mol), Ala496 (− 1.89 kcal/mol), Ser 499 (− 1.486 kcal/mol), and Leu500 (− 0.216 kcal/mol).

Fig. 3
figure 3

Per-residue decomposition plots showing the energy contributions to the binding and stabilization of Chrysin (A) and β-sitosterol-d-glucoside (B) into catalytic binding site of COX-1 receptor, corresponding inter-molecular interactions are shown (a, b), while catalytic interaction residues are indicated in black arrow

Full size image

However, the significant positive contribution of β-sitosterol-d-glucoside compound to the catalytic binding site of COX-1 receptor is primarily shown from residues Phe 57 (− 0.278 kcal/mol), Ile58 (− 1.92 kcal/mol), Leu61 (− 1.109 kcal/mol), Leu 62 (− 1.757 kcal/mol), Leu81 (− 0.923 kcal/mol), Met82 (− 0.749 kcal/mol), Leu 84 (− 1.986 kcal/mol) Val 85 (− 1.424 kcal/mol), Val 88 (− 1.496 kcal/mol), Arg89 (− 1.488 kcal/mol), Tyr317 (− 1.505 kcal/mol), Val 318 (− 2.444 kcal/mol), Leu321 (− 2.116 kcal/mol), Ser322 (− 1.072 kcal/mol), Tyr324 (− 0.474 kcal/mol), Leu326 (− 1.129 kcal/mol), Leu 328 (− 1.321 kcal/mol), Tyr 354 (− 0.911 kcal/mol), Trp356 (− 0.329kcal/mol), Phe 487 (− 0.653kcal/mol), Met491 (− 2.174 kcal/mol), Ile492 (− 2.26 kcal/mol), Glu 493 (− 0.261 kcal/mol), Gly495 (− 0.94 kcal/mol), Ala496 (− 1.67 kcal/mol), Ser 499 (− 1.546 kcal/mol), and Leu500 (− 1.492 kcal/mol). (Fig. 3). Validation of the docking performance and accuracy was illustrated in Additional file 1: Fig. S3. Autodocking vina docking results for Extracted compounds docked into the catalytic domain binding site in comparison to the co-crystallized IMS ligand was provided in Additional file 1: Table S1.

3.11 Ligand–residue interaction network profiles

The principal objective of drug design is making structure adjustment for the tested compounds in order to boost bioavailability, lower toxicity, and enhance pharmacokinetics [59]. COX-1 enzyme is found in the kidney, stomach, and platelets of humans [60] and stimulates the formation of thromboxanes, platelet aggregation, and vasoconstriction via promoting the eicosanoids generation [61, 62]. It should be highlighted that natural products have the potential to be both safer and more effective than manufactured drugs. Therefore, it is vitally necessary to develop novel natural products with the ability to inhibit the COX-1 enzyme. In this investigation, it was discovered that the structural interactions of both compounds in the catalytic binding site of the COX-1 receptor were hydrophobic and electrostatic.

Figure 4 illustrates Chrysin's chromen ring being extended into the catalytic active site and producing Pi-Pi T-shaped contact with Tyr 354 and Trp 356, respectively. Additionally, Chrysin's chromen ring has formed a Pi-alkyl connection with Val 318 and Leu 321. Nevertheless, because of the massive size of β-sitosterol-d-glucoside, the glycoside ring can form a hydrogen bonding connection with Tyr 317. Moreover, the cyclopentyl phenanthrene ring has established Pi-alkyl interactions with Ile 58, Leu 62, Val 85, Val 318, Tyr 324, Leu 326, Ala 496, and Leu 500.

Fig. 4
figure 4

The interaction residue of Chrysin (A) and β-sitosterol-d-glucoside (B) into the catalytic binding site of COX-1 receptor

Full size image

4 Discussion

A lot of effort has gone into researching natural antioxidants of plant origins [49, 50]. Due to a variety of steroidal and flavonoidal constituents in F. ananassa calyx, steroidal (non-polar) and flavonoidal (polar) extracts demonstrated considerable free radicals scavenging and anti-inflammatory impacts. The biological capabilities of flavonoids depend on their structure, whereas the flavonoids have fifteen carbons in the flavone skeleton (C6–C3–C6), comprising of double benzene rings (A and B) connected through pyran ring (C) [51]. It is worthily to mention that antioxidant effect of flavonoids is correlated to their chemical structures with numbers and locations of the OH groups, besides the conjugations and resonances [52].

As well as the structure of sterols affects their pharmacological actions, where their structures consist of a steroid skeleton with saturated connection of C-5 and C-6. Their biological activities are influenced by the hydroxyl group associated to the C-3 atom and the aliphatic side chain (saturation level and side-chain length) coupled to the C-17 atom in their chemical structures [53].

The molecular dynamic simulation has been conducted for forecasting how the isolated compound could behave when it bound with the protein's site as well as its interaction and stabilization [29, 30]; the results showed that chrysin and β-sitosterol-d-glucoside binded to the protein complex system in considerably higher firm configuration and less residual fluctuation compared to the other compounds under study. Furthermore, after reviewing the SASA results with RMSD, RMSF, and ROG calculated data, it was found that the β-sitosterol-d-glucoside complex system exists in its entirety inside the COX1 receptor's catalytic binding site.

Additionally, MD simulation revealed that Chrysin's chromen ring was extended into the catalytic active site of COX-1 receptor, producing a Pi-Pi T-shaped contact with Tyr 354 and Trp 356. In addition, Chrysin's chromen ring has formed a Pi-alkyl bond with Val 318 and Leu 321. However, due to the huge size of ꞵ-sitosterol-d-glucoside, the glycoside ring can form a hydrogen bond with Tyr 317. The cyclopentyl phenanthrene ring also possesses Pi-alkyl interactions with Ile 58, Leu 62, Val 85, Val 318, Tyr 324, Leu 326, Ala 496, and Leu 500. In this investigation, it was discovered that the structural interactions of both compounds in the catalytic binding site of the COX-1 receptor were hydrophobic and electrostatic.

The binding affinity of the Chrysin-complex and ꞵ-sitosterol-d-glucoside-complex towards the COX-1 receptor was − 31.81 kcal/mol and − 40.80 kcal/mol, respectively. According to the binding free energy component analysis, the van der Waals energy component is the primary energy component driving this synergistic impact. The breakdown of total energies into cox-1 receptor active site residue contributions revealed that amino acid residues Tyr 317, Val 318, Leu321, Ser322, Tyr324, Phe350,Leu 353, Tyr 354,Trp356, Phe 487, Met491, Ile492,Met494, Gly495,Ala496, Ser 499,Leu500 are important in COX-1 receptor.

5 Conclusion

Petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts of F. ananassa calyx proved significant free radicals scavenging and anti-inflammatory impacts due to variety of steroidal and flavonoidal compounds having a number of pharmacological functions. After that, the interaction's stabilization has been evaluated utilizing the standard atomistic 20 ns dynamic simulation research. Various parameters from MD simulation trajectories have been estimated and confirmed for the protein–ligand complex's stabilization in dynamic settings. The selectivity mechanism of Chrysin and ꞵ-sitosterol-d-glucoside against COX-1 receptor has been examined by means of comparative MD simulation and binding free energy analysis. The findings of our study are crucial in establishing the molecular bases for Chrysin and ꞵ-sitosterol-d-glucoside action against anti-inflammatory targets and for developing more effective selective inhibitors.

Availability of data and materials

The study's supported data have been included in the manuscript as Additional file 1.

Abbreviations

F. ananassa :

Fragaria ananassa

GC/MS:

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

1H-NMR:

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance

13C-NMR:

Carbon nuclear magnetic resonance

HPLC/DAD:

High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array

TLC:

Thin-layer chromatography

UV:

Ultraviolet

DPPH:

1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl

ABTS:

2,2′-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)

COX:

Cyclooxygenase

5-LOX :

5‑Lipoxygenase

HCl:

Hydrochloric acid

IC50:

Half maximal inhibitory concentration

MD:

Molecular dynamic

PBSA :

Poisson–Boltzmann and surface area continuum solvation

GBSA:

Generalised Born and surface area continuum solvation

EI-MS :

Electron ionization mass spectrometry

m.p.:

Melting point

RMSD:

Root-mean-square deviation

RMSF :

Root-mean-square fluctuation

SASA:

Solvent-accessible surface area

ROG:

Radius of gyration

MM/GBSA :

Molecular mechanics generalised Born and surface area

MM/PBSA:

Molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann and surface area

Phe:

Phenylalanine

Ile:

Isoleucine

Leu:

Leucine

Met:

Methionine

Val:

Valine

Arg:

Arginine

Ser:

Serine

Tyr:

Tyrosine

Gly:

Glycine

Ala:

Alanine

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Acknowledgements

The scientific investigation has been achieved in the research laboratory in National Research Centre, Egypt.

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  1. Pharmacognosy Department, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth St. (Former El Tahrir St.), Dokki, P.O. 12622, Giza, Egypt

    Amal M. El‑Feky

  2. Natural and Microbial Products Department, National Research Center, 33 El Bohouth St. (Former El Tahrir St.), Dokki, P.O. 12622, Giza, Egypt

    Ahmed A. El-Rashedy

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AME‑F helped in planning for the research subject, literature collection, conceptualization, phytochemical characterization, examination, revising the data, interpretation of the results, reviewing the work, writing the manuscript. AAE-R was involved in molecular dynamic study, calculation and computation, interpretation of the results, data analysis, writing.

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El‑Feky, A.M., El-Rashedy, A.A. Sterols and flavonoids in strawberry calyx with free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and molecular dynamic study. Beni-Suef Univ J Basic Appl Sci 12, 108 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43088-023-00445-x

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