Nguyen Manh Cuong

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Phytochemistry (isolation and structural elucidation of natural compounds), semisynthesis of natural compounds, pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry

Scopus Publications

Leptomonines A and B, two novel rare benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline N-oxides from the aerial parts of Leptopyrum fumarioides as potential COX-2 inhibitors: in vitro and in silico studies
Tserendorj Solongo, Tran Thu Huong, Erdenetsogt Purevdorj, Amgalan Solongo, Battsagaan Bayasgalan, Vu Thanh Loc, Nguyen Xuan Ha, Vu Thi Ha, Nguyen Phi Hung, Do Thi Thao,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC



MDM2 up-regulates the energy metabolism in NSCLC in a p53-independent manner
Elizaveta Fefilova, Yulia Kirdeeva, Sergey Parfenyev, Alexandra Daks, Olga Fedorova, Margarita Sorokina, Nguyen Xuan Ha, Tran Thu Huong, Vu Thanh Loc, Pham The Hai,et al.
Elsevier BV



In vitro and in silico inhibitory activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) and anti-inflammatory effects of natural componds from Rheum officinale roots
Nguyen Manh Cuong, Pham Ngoc Khanh, Tran Thu Huong, Nguyen Xuan Ha, Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh, Vu Thanh Loc, Do Huu Nghi, Do Thi Thao, Trinh Thi Thu Ha, Nguyen Phi Hung,et al.
Publishing House for Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (Publications)
Rhubarb roots (Rheum officinale), a common medicinal plant in folk remedies, and their chemical compositions were investigated for their inhibitory activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme II and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NO production and IL-6 expression. Four natural compounds, including two anthraquinones, chrysophanol (2) and emodin (3), and two stilbenes, rhapontigenin (1) and trans-piceatannol (4), were isolated from the roots of Rhubarb. The results showed that rhapontigenin (1) exhibited an inhibitory effect on the ACE-2 enzyme with an IC50 value of 132 mM. In an in silico study, rhapotigenin (1) had a binding energy value of -9.32 kcal/mol, lower than MLN-4760, on ACE-2. Both rhapontigenin (1) and emodin (3) exhibited inhibitory activity on NO production in primary cultures of macrophages RAW264.7, with IC50 values ranging from 5.65 to 32.3 µg/mL. This is the first study of the anti-ACE-2 and anti-inflammatory activity of Rhubarb root extract and its constituents.


In Vitro and in Silico Study of New Biscoumarin Glycosides from Paramignya trimera against Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) for Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Nguyen Xuan Ha, Tran Thu Huong, Pham Ngoc Khanh, Nguyen Phi Hung, Vu Thanh Loc, Vu Thi Ha, Dang Thu Quynh, Do Huu Nghi, Pham The Hai, Christopher J. Scarlett,et al.
Pharmaceutical Society of Japan
In Vietnam, the stems and roots of the Rutaceous plant Paramignya trimera (Oliv.) Burkill (known locally as "Xáo tam phân") are widely used to treat liver diseases such as viral hepatitis and acute and chronic cirrhosis. In an effort to search for Vietnamese natural compounds capable of inhibiting coronavirus based on molecular docking screening, two new dimeric coumarin glycosides, namely cis-paratrimerin B (1) and cis-paratrimerin A (2), and two previously identified coumarins, the trans-isomers paratrimerin B (3) and paratrimerin A (4), were isolated from the roots of P. trimera and tested for their anti-ACE-2 inhibitory properties in vitro. It was discovered that ACE-2 enzyme was inhibited by cis-paratrimerin B (1), cis-paratrimerin A (2), and trans-paratrimerin B (3), with IC50 values of 28.9, 68, and 77 μM, respectively. Docking simulations revealed that four biscoumarin glycosides had good binding energies (∆G values ranging from -10.6 to -14.7 kcal/mol) and mostly bound to the S1' subsite of the ACE-2 protein. The key interactions of these natural ligands include metal chelation with zinc ions and multiple H-bonds with Ser128, Glu145, His345, Lys363, Thr371, Glu406, and Tyr803. Our findings demonstrated that biscoumarin glycosides from P. trimera roots occur naturally in both cis- and trans- diastereomeric forms. The biscoumarin glycosides Lys363, Thr371, Glu406, and Tyr803. Our findings demonstrated that biscoumarin glycosides from P. trimera roots hold potential for further studies as natural ACE-2 inhibitors for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection.


Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of some flavonoids from the root bark of Pinus krempfii Lecomte: in vitro and in silico study
Nguyen Manh Cuong, Pham Ngoc Khanh, Le Thi Hong Nhung, Nguyen Xuan Ha, Tran Thu Huong, Katarina Bauerova, Young Ho Kim, Do Dinh Tung, Trinh Thi Thuy, and Nguyen Thi Hoang Anh
Informa UK Limited
From the root bark of Pinus krempfii Lecomte, four flavonoids were isolated and evaluated for their inhibitory activities against AChE and BChE enzymes in vitro and in silico. Tectochrysin (1) was found to inhibit AChE with an IC50 value of 33.69 ± 2.80 μM. The docking study results also showed agreement with the in vitro test results. All four compounds also showed the best binding affinity for the AChE enzyme, characterised by binding energy (ΔG) values as low as -8.1 to -9.3 kcal/mol, in which, the compound tectochrysin had the best binding affinity for the AChE protein with a ΔG value of -9.329 kcal/mol. Tectochrysin (1) was also bound to the amino acid Phe295 of AChE with a bond length of 2.8 Å, similar to the control dihydrotanshinone-I. Galangin (2) also showed its in vitro inhibitory activity against BChE with an IC50 value of 82.21 ± 2.70 μM. In silico, it also had the best binding energy value of -9.072 kcal/mol with BChE and formed hydrogen bonds with the His438 (2.85 Å) residues of BChE like the positive control (tacrine). The steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulation results of these two complexes revealed a mechanistic insight that the protein-ligand complexes showed stable trajectories throughout the 20 and 150 ns simulations. Moreover, the drug likeliness suggested that both flavonoids (1 and 2) were expected to be drug-like and have an LD50 toxicity level of 5. This study has contributed new results for drug discovery and the development of substances with neuroprotective effects, especially for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.


Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new glucosamine derivatives




Studies on hepatoprotective effects of Vietnamese medicinal plants




In silico and ADMET study of Morinda longissima phytochemicals against TNF-α for treatment of inflammation-mediated diseases




Anti-Alzheimer's Activity of Polyphenolic Stilbene-Rich Acetone Fraction of the Oil-Removed Seeds of Passiflora edulis: in Vivo and in Silico Studies
Nadjet Mostefa, Noureddine Djebli, Pham Ngoc Khanh, Nguyen Xuan Ha, Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh, Vu Thi Ha, Tran Thu Huong, Dang Viet Anh, and Nguyen Manh Cuong
Wiley
The stilbene-rich acetone fraction in high yield (6.6%, PEAS) of Passiflora edulis Sims was prepared and evaluated for neuroprotective activity in murine Alzheimer's disease model induced by aluminum chloride and D-galactose. The phytochemical and HPLC-DAD-MS analysis of the polyphenolic stilbene-rich acetone fraction showed that it contained different stilbenes including trans-piceatannol, scirpusins A-B and cassigarol E. The total phenolic content (TPC) of PEAS was 413.87 ± 1.71 mg GAE eqv/g. The neuroprotective activity of PEAS is typically presented in the Morris water maze-reference Spatial Memory test, where the Alzheimer's mice treated at 100 mg/kg (Alz-ED1) and 200 mg/kg (Alz-ED2) spent less than 47% and 66% of the time, respectively, than the Azheimer's model mice (Alz). Two simple stilbenes, trans-piceatannol and trans-resveratrol, showed selectively  inhibitory activity in silico against AChE. Two stilbene dimers, cassigarol E and scirpusin A, exhibited low nanomolar inhibitory potential against AChE and BChE, significantly lower than those of the positive control, donepezil and tacrine. These findings suggest that the stilbenes from P. edulis seeds, particularly the stilbene dimers, warrant further investigation as potential neuroprotective candidates in the prevention of cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease.


Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of some novel 2’-hydroxychalcones containing murrayafoline A
Le Duc Anh, Luu Van Chinh, Truong Ngoc Hung, Nguyen Manh Cuong, and Pham Hong Ngoc
Publishing House for Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (Publications)
2’-Hydroxychalcones and murrayafoline A, a natural compounds isolated from Glycomis stenocarpa, have been reported to have the promising anti-cancer activity. In this study, a series of 2'-hydroxychalcones containing murrayafoline A (MuA) 6a-f were achieved by Claisen-Schmidt condensation of the key intermediate 5'-(1-methoxy-3-methyl-carbazolyl)methyl-2'-hydroxyacetophenone 4 with various aldehydes 5a-f with purpose of combining activity of two precusors. Their structures were determined by NMR and MS spectral data. Screening for cytotoxicity of compounds showed that compounds 6a-6d expressed cytotoxic activity, notably compound 6a displayed activity against all tested cell lines LU-1, Hep-G2, MCF-7, P338, and SW480 with the IC50 values ranging from 23.97 to 80.19 μg/mL. Clearly, the substitution at position of N-H group of murrayafoline a led to a decline in the cytotoxicity of the obtained derivatives. This finding suggests the presence of the N-H group might be play a crucial role for the cytotoxicity of the murrayafoline A derivatives.


Taxonomic revision of Bergera J.Koenig ex L. (Rutaceae) based on the molecular phylogeny and morphology
Feng-Juan Mou, Xiu Hu, Bui Thu Ha, and Nguyen Manh Cuong
Museum National D'Histoire Naturelle
Several phylogenetic studies have revealed that Murraya s. lat. is not monophyletic, suggesting that it should be split into two genera, namely Murraya s. str. and Bergera J.Koenig ex L. Here, the genus Bergera is comprehensively revised based on molecular and morphological data. The genus consists of 11 species in total, including all species previously placed in Murraya sect. Bergera and an additional species previously placed in Murraya sect. Murraya. Ten new combinations are proposed, namely Bergera alternifolia (Kurz) F.J.Mou comb. nov., B. crenulata (Turcz.) F.J.Mou comb. nov., B. euchrestifolia (Hayata) F.J.Mou comb. nov., B. glabra (Guillemin) F.J.Mou comb. nov., B. kwangsiensis (C.C.Huang) F.J.Mou comb. nov., B. macrophylla (C.C.Huang) F.J.Mou comb. nov., B. microphylla (Merr. & Chun) F.J.Mou comb. nov., B. siamensis (Craib) F.J.Mou comb. nov., B. stenocarpa (Drake) F.J.Mou comb. nov., and B. tetramera (C.C.Huang) F.J.Mou comb. nov. An identification key of the 11 species and morphological descriptions are provided, as well as illustrations of diagnostic characteristics. Phylogenetic relationships of the species in Bergera are discussed.


IoT solutions for fighting antimicrobial resistance
Dang Ngoc Tung, Nguyen Cuong, and Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai
IOP Publishing



Vietnamese Dalbergia tonkinensis: A Promising Source of Mono- and Bifunctional Vasodilators
Nguyen Manh Cuong, Ninh The Son, Ngu Truong Nhan, Yoshiyasu Fukuyama, Amer Ahmed, Simona Saponara, Alfonso Trezza, Beatrice Gianibbi, Ginevra Vigni, Ottavia Spiga,et al.
MDPI AG
Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. In the search for new molecules capable of targeting KCa1.1 and CaV1.2 channels, the expression of which is altered in hypertension, the in vitro vascular effects of a series of flavonoids extracted from the heartwoods, roots, and leaves of Dalbergia tonkinensis Prain, widely used in traditional medicine, were assessed. Rat aorta rings, tail artery myocytes, and docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to analyse their effect on these channels. Formononetin, orobol, pinocembrin, and biochanin A showed a marked myorelaxant activity, particularly in rings stimulated by moderate rather than high KCl concentrations. Ba2+ currents through CaV1.2 channels (IBa1.2) were blocked in a concentration-dependent manner by sativanone, 3′-O-methylviolanone, pinocembrin, and biochanin A, while it was stimulated by ambocin. Sativanone, dalsissooside, and eriodictyol inhibited, while tectorigenin 7-O-[β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside], ambocin, butin, and biochanin A increased IKCa1.1. In silico analyses showed that biochanin A, sativanone, and pinocembrin bound with high affinity in target-sensing regions of both channels, providing insight into their potential mechanism of action. In conclusion, Dalbergia tonkinensis is a valuable source of mono- and bifunctional, vasoactive scaffolds for the development of novel antihypertensive drugs.


Trace detection of ciprofloxacin antibiotic using surface-enhanced Raman scattering coupled with silver nanostars
Vu Thi Thu, Nguyen Manh Cuong, Dao Tran Cao, Luu Tien Hung, and Luong Truc-Quynh Ngan
Elsevier BV



BIOCONVERSION OF LIGNOCELLULOSIC MATERIALS BY FUNGAL "ENZYME COCKTAIL" WITH THE CONTRIBUTION OF A GLYCOSIDE HYDROLASE FROM XYLARIA POLYMORPHA TO RELEASE CARBOHYDRATES AND BIOMETHANOL
Thuoc Van Doan, Pham Thi Huong, and Tran Huu Phong
Publishing House for Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (Publications)
In the present study, a lactic acid producing bacterium was isolated and screened from fermented mustard green. The selected bacterial strain (V156) was classified into genus Lactobacillus. High lactic acid concentration of 101.6 g/L and productivity of 2.82 g/L/h were efficiently achieved by Lactobacillus sp. V156 after 36 h of cultivation in fed-batch fermentation using ammonium hydroxide as the neutralizing agent. The production of high lactic acid in short cultivation time demonstrates that Lactobacillus sp. V156 is a promising strain for L-lactic acid production


Bergera unifolia (Rutaceae), A New Species from Guangxi (China) Based on Morphological and Molecular Data
Chong-Ling Deng, Chuan-Wu Chen, Xiao-Xiao Wu, Nguyen Manh Cuong, and Feng-Juan Mou
Finnish Zoological and Botanical Publishing Board
A new species, Bergera unifolia C.L. Deng & F.J. Mou (Rutaceae, Aurantioideae, Clauseneae) is described and illustrated from Dahua County, Guangxi Province, China, based on morphological characters as well as on nrDNA (ITS) and cpDNA (trnL-F, atpB-rbcL, rbcL, matK, psbH-petB and psbA-trnH) sequences. It is characterised by unifoliate leaves similar to those of Murraya stenocarpa (Murraya sect. Bergera, or Chalcas sect. Bergera) but differs from it by having smaller and thinner subcoriaceous leaflets with irregularly toothed margins. The leaflets resemble those of M. kwangsiensis (Murraya sect. Bergera) in having hairs under the leaflets, oil glands and similar odour. Based on molecular data, B. unifolia is closely related to M. stenocarpa and M. kwangsiensis and thus it is important for resolving the classification of those species within Murraya sect. Bergera that should be formally transferred to Bergera.


Direct detection of melamine in liquid milk and infant formula using surface-enhanced Raman scattering combined with silver nanodendrites
Nguyen Manh Cuong, Dao Tran Cao, Vu Thi Thu, and Luong Truc-Quynh Ngan
Elsevier BV
Abstract In this report, we present the use of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) in combination with the silver nanodendrites (AgNDs) for direct detection of melamine at low concentrations in liquid milk and infant formula. The fern-like AgNDs were electrochemically deposited onto the surface of silicon. The results showed that the molecular fingerprints of melamine in liquid milk and infant formula could be directly detected with the limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.1 mg/L in liquid milk and 0.02 mg/L in infant formula without the need for the extraction procedure. A good linear relationship between melamine SERS intensity (at 682 cm−1) and concentration of melamine in liquid milk and infant formula was obtained with the correlation coefficient (R2) reaches 0.9914 and 0.9952, respectively. These results suggest that SERS is a promising analytical method for application in food safety and environmental monitoring.


Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from the Leaves, Stems and Roots of Aristolochia petelotii O.C. Schmidt Growing in Vietnam
Nguyen Quoc Binh, Nguyen Thanh Tung, Nguyen Phuong Hanh, Luu Hong Truong, Nguyen Hieu Cuong, Kieu Thi Hoai, Nguyen Viet Than, and Ain Raal
Informa UK Limited



Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors from Docynia indica (Wall.) Decne.
Le Xuan Duy, Vinh Le Ba, Dan Gao, Vu Dinh Hoang, Tran Quoc Toan, Seo Young Yang, Dao Duy Quang, Young Ho Kim, and Nguyen Manh Cuong
Informa UK Limited
Nine bioactive compounds, including one new dihydroisocoumarin glycoside, 3S-thunberginol C 6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1a/1b), were isolated by chromatographic separation from the fruits of the Vietnamese medicinal plant Docynia indica (Wall.) Decne. 3S-thunberginol C 6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside was determined as a mixture of boat-like conformers based on NMR evidence and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The in vitro inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) by the isolated compounds was comparable to that of AUDA (positive control), yielding IC50 values ranging from 10.0 ± 0.6 to 88.4 ± 0.2 µM. Among isolated compounds, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-benzoic acid (7) and 2',6'-dihydroxy 3',4'-dimethoxychalcone (9) were identified as a potent inhibitor of sEH, with IC50 values of 19.3 ± 2.2 and 10.0 ± 0.6 mM, respectively. These results suggest that the fruits of D. indica may be useful as daily supplements for the prevention of cardiovascular and other sEH-related diseases.[Formula: see text].


Cytotoxic constituents from Isotrema tadungense
Luu Hong Truong, Nguyen Hieu Cuong, Tran Huu Dang, Nguyen Thi My Hanh, Vien Le Thi, Hanh Tran Thi Hong, Tran Hong Quang, Hai Dang Nguyen, Cuong Nguyen Xuan, Nam Nguyen Hoai,et al.
Informa UK Limited
Abstract In our search for cytotoxic constituents from Vietnamese plants, the methanolic extract of Isotrema tadungense was found to exhibit significant cytotoxic effect. Subsequent phytochemical investigation of ethyl acetate fractions of this plant led to isolation of 11 compounds including one new arylbenzofuran rhamnoside namely aristolochiaside (1), two aristololactams (2 and 3), three lignanamides (4–6) and five phenolic amides (7–11). Their structures were elucidated by 1 D and 2 D NMR and HR-QTOF-MS experiments. Among the isolated compounds, aristolochiaside (1), aristolactam AIIIa (2) and N-trans-sinapoyltyramine (10) exhibited strong and selective cytotoxicity on the HeLa human cancer cell line with IC50 values of 7.59 ± 1.03, 8.51 ± 1.73 and 9.77 ± 1.25 μM, respectively.


Sulphated flavones and pregnane-type steroids from Helicteres viscida
Luu Hong Truong, Nguyen Hieu Cuong, Tran Huu Dang, Trinh Thi My Dung, Pham Thi Cham, Tran Thi Hong Hanh, Tran Hong Quang, Nguyen Hai Dang, Nguyen Xuan Cuong, Nguyen Hoai Nam,et al.
Informa UK Limited
Abstract In our search for anti-inflammatory constituents from Vietnamese plants, the methanolic extract of Helicteres viscida was found to exhibit inhibitory effect on LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. Phytochemical investigation of this plant led to isolation of four sulphated flavones (1–4), including one new compound 5,3′,4′-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-8-O-sulphate flavone (1), and two pregnane-type steroids (5 and 6), including one new compound 7-epi-heligenin B (5). Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR as well as HR-QTOF-MS experiments. Among isolated compounds, heligenin B (6) exhibited potent inhibitory effect on LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells with IC50 of 1.23 ± 0.05 µM. The activity of 6 was comparable to that of the positive control cardamonin. Graphical Abstract


Design, synthesis, structure, in vitro cytotoxic activity evaluation and docking studies on target enzyme GSK-3β of new indirubin-3ʹ-oxime derivatives
Nguyen Trong Dan, Hoang Duc Quang, Vuong Van Truong, Do Huu Nghi, Nguyen Manh Cuong, To Dao Cuong, Tran Quoc Toan, Long Giang Bach, Nguyen Huu Thuan Anh, Nguyen Thi Mai,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
The addition of chalcone and amine components into indirubin-3′-oxime resulted in 15 new derivatives with high yields. Structures of new derivatives were also elucidated through 1D, 2D-NMR and HR-MS(ESI) spectra and X-ray crystallography. All designed compounds were screened for cytotoxic activity against four human cancer cell lines (HepG2, LU-1, SW480 and HL-60) and one human normal kidney cell line (HEK-293). Compound 6f exhibited the most marked cytotoxicity meanwhile cytotoxicity of compounds 6e , 6h and 6l was more profound toward cancer cell lines than toward normal cell. These new derivatives were further analyzed via molecular docking studies on GSK-3β enzyme. Docking analysis shows that most of the derivatives exhibited potential inhibition activity against GSK-3β with characteristic interacting residues in the binding site. The fast pulling of ligand scheme was then employed to refine the binding affinity and mechanism between ligands and GSK-3β enzyme. The computational results are expected to contribute to predicting enzyme target of the trial inhibitors and their possible interaction, from which the design of new cytotoxic agents could be created in the future.


Vasorelaxing Activity of R -(-)-3′-Hydroxy-2,4,5-trimethoxydalbergiquinol from Dalbergia tonkinensis: Involvement of Smooth Muscle Ca <inf>V</inf> 12 Channels
Nguyen Manh Cuong, Ninh The Son, Ngu Truong Nhan, Pham Ngoc Khanh, Tran Thu Huong, Nguyen Thi Thu Tram, Giampietro Sgaragli, Amer Ahmed, Alfonso Trezza, Ottavia Spiga,et al.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Abstract Dalbergia species heartwood, widely used in traditional medicine to treat various cardiovascular diseases, might represent a rich source of vasoactive agents. In Vietnam, Dalbergia tonkinensis is an endemic tree. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to investigate the vascular activity of R-(−)-3′-hydroxy-2,4,5-trimethoxydalbergiquinol isolated from the heartwood of D. tonkinensis and to provide circular dichroism features of its R absolute configuration. The vascular effects of R-(−)-3′-hydroxy-2,4,5-trimethoxydalbergiquinol were assessed on the in vitro mechanical activity of rat aorta rings, under isometric conditions, and on whole-cell Ba2+ currents through CaV1.2 channels (IBa1.2) recorded in single, rat tail main artery myocytes by means of the patch-clamp technique. R-(−)-3′-Hydroxy-2,4,5-trimethoxydalbergiquinol showed concentration-dependent, vasorelaxant activity on both endothelium-deprived and endothelium intact rings precontracted with the α 1 receptor agonist phenylephrine. Neither the NO (nitric oxide) synthase inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester nor the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin affected its spasmolytic activity. R-(−)-3′-Hydroxy-2,4,5-trimethoxydalbergiquinol-induced vasorelaxation was antagonized by (S)-(−)-Bay K 8644 and unaffected by tetraethylammonium plus glibenclamide. In patch-clamp experiments, R-(−)-3′-hydroxy-2,4,5-trimethoxydalbergiquinol inhibited IBa1.2 in a concentration-dependent manner and significantly decreased the time constant of current inactivation. R-(−)-3′-Hydroxy-2,4,5-trimethoxydalbergiquinol likely stabilized the channel in its closed state, as suggested by molecular modelling and docking simulation to the CaV1.2 channel α 1c subunit. In conclusion, D. tonkinensis species may represent a source of agents potentially useful for the development of novel antihypertensive drugs.


INITIAL STUDY ON SARS-COV-2 MAIN PROTEASE INHIBITION MECHANISM OF SOME POTENTIAL DRUGS USING MOLECULAR DOCKING SIMULATION




Serine protease inhibitors and activators from Dalbergia tonkinensis species
Ninh The Son, Midori Suenaga, Yoiichi Matsunaga, Luu Van Chinh, Miwa Kubo, Kenichi Harada, Nguyen Manh Cuong, and Yoshiyasu Fukuyama
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
The vulnerable plant Dalbergia tonkinensis Prain is a rare species in Vietnam. In the course of our studies on biologically active plants, we performed serine protease enzyme screenings. The results suggest that at concentrations of 25–250 ng/mL, methanol extracts of leaf and root, root ethanol extract and its dichloromethane fraction, and heartwood water decoction extract can serve as useful sources to stimulate trypsin enzyme activity. In addition, water decoction extracts of leaf and stem bark may explain unknown ethno-pharmacology due to the high inhibitory effects in enzyme assays using trypsin, chymotrypsin, and elastase. Among 23 isolated compounds and two semi-synthetic derivatives tested, quercetin (17) inhibits the activities of trypsin and chymotrypsin with IC50 9.7 µM. Flavonoids categorized as flavanone, isoflavanone, flavone, isoflavone, pretocarpan, aurone, and neoflavanone demonstrated variable activities. Several substitutions are closely correlated with protease actions, including hydroxylation at C-3 and C-3′ in flavone and C-5 and C-3′ in isoflavone, hydroxylation at C-3, C-5 and C-3′, carboxylation at C-6 and C-8, and 7-substitution in flavanone; 7-substitution and methoxylation at C-3′ in isoflavanone; and lactone ring opening in neoflavanone. In the assessment of casein cleavage, at a dose of 25 ng/mL, leaf water decoction extract demonstrates an inhibitory effect on casein cleavage by trypsin, whereas ethanol and methanol extracts of the root caused activation.

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

MDM2 up-regulates the energy metabolism in NSCLC in a p53-independent manner
E Fefilova, Y Kirdeeva, S Parfenyev, A Daks, O Fedorova, M Sorokina, ...
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 743, 151169 2025



In silico and in vivo study of anti-inflammatory activity of Morinda longissima (Rubiaceae) extract and phytochemicals for treatment of inflammation-mediated diseases
H Mehallah, N Djebli, PN Khanh, NX Ha, VT Ha, TT Huong, DD Tung, ...
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Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of some flavonoids from the root bark of Pinus krempfii Lecomte: invitro and in silico study
NM Cuong, PN Khanh, LTH Nhung, NX Ha, TT Huong, K Bauerova, ...
Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics 42 (9), 4888-4901 2024



In vitro and in silico inhibitory activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) and anti-inflammatory effects of natural compounds from Rheum officinale roots
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Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activities of Novel Ether Conjugates of Dihydroartemisinin and Zerumbone: Evidenced by Integrating Network Pharmacology and In Vitro Assay
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In vitro and in silico study of new biscoumarin glycosides from Paramignya trimera against Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection
NX Ha, TT Huong, PN Khanh, NP Hung, VT Loc, VT Ha, DT Quynh, ...
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 72 (6), 574-583 2024



Novel conjugates of zerumbone with quinazolin-4 (3H)-ones and quinolines as potent anticancer inhibitors: Synthesis, biological evaluation and docking studies
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Results in Chemistry 7, 101427 2024



Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new glucosamine derivatives
LD Anh, ND Bao, LV Duc, L Van Chinh, NM Cuong, DTT Thuy, TN Hung
Vietnam Journal of Chemistry 61, 124-130 2023



Studies on hepatoprotective effects of Vietnamese medicinal plants
NK Pham, K Bauerova, NM Cuong
Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology 61 (5), 725-750 2023



Synthesis and cytotoxic activity evaluation of novel dihydroartemisinin and zerumbone conjugates with 2-mercapto-1, 3, 4-oxadiazoles as potential EGFR inhibitors
DQ Tran, NH Truong, THA Nguyen, TT Trinh, TC Ba, TTL Nguyen, ...
Journal of Chemical Research 47 (5), 17475198231199428 2023



In vitro and in silico cytotoxic activities of triterpenoids from the leaves of Aralia dasyphylla Miq. and the assessment of their ADMET properties
H Nguyen Thi Thu, D Nguyen Huu Huong, T Nguyen Thi Dieu, ...
Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics 41 (12), 5863-5871 2023



In silico and ADMET study of Morinda longissima phytochemicals against TNF‐α for treatment of inflammation‐mediated diseases
NX Ha, HTN Anh, PN Khanh, VT Ha, NV Ha, TT Huong, NM Cuong
Vietnam Journal of Chemistry 61, 57-63 2023



Anti‐Alzheimer's Activity of Polyphenolic Stilbene‐Rich Acetone Fraction of the Oil‐Removed Seeds of Passiflora edulis: in Vivo and in Silico Studies
N Mostefa, N Djebli, PN Khanh, NX Ha, HTN Anh, VT Ha, TT Huong, ...
Chemistry & Biodiversity 20 (5), e202201051 2023



Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of some novel 2’-hydroxychalcones containing murrayafoline A
L Van Chinh, TN Hung, NM Cuong, PH Ngoc
Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology 61 (2), 174-181 2023



Effects of rubiadin-3-methyl ether on the immune properties of hUC-MSCs
NT Sam, NT Huyen, NT Phuong-Anh, NT Thuy-Ngan, NM Cuong, CH Ha, ...
Vietnam Journal of Biotechnology 21 (1), 15-19 2023



Taxonomic revision of Bergera J. Koenig ex L.(Rutaceae) based on the molecular phylogeny and morphology
FJ Mou, X Hu, BT Ha, NM Cuong
European journal of taxonomy 860, 141-180 2023



Lipid recovery from microalgae biomass using sugaring-out extraction in liquid biphasic flotation system
NS Mat Aron, KW Chew, Z Ma, Y Tao, M Sriariyanun, IS Tan, CN Mạnh, ...
Fermentation 9 (3), 198 2023



Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity Evaluation of Novel AZT and Adenosine‐Derived 1, 2, 3‐Triazoles
DA Le, NH Truong, VD Vu, TH Doan, MT Le, TH Nguyen, MC Nguyen, ...
Journal of Chemistry 2023 (1), 1605316 2023



Vietnamese Dalbergia tonkinensis: A Promising Source of Mono- and Bifunctional Vasodilators
NM Cuong, NT Son, NT Nhan, Y Fukuyama, A Ahmed, S Saponara, ...
Molecules 27 (14), 4505 2022



Antioxidant, lipid peroxidation inhibitory activities, and hepatoprotective effect of extracts of Phyllanthus emblica L. fruits
NM Cuong, PN Khanh, TT Huong, VT Ha, HTN Anh, NT Cuc, TD Cuong
Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology 60 (3), 410-423 2022

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effect of quercetin and its glycosides isolated from mampat (Cratoxylum formosum)
SJ Choi, BH Tai, NM Cuong, YH Kim, HD Jang
Food Science and biotechnology 21, 587-595 2012
Citations: 104



Oleanane-type triterpenoids from Panax stipuleanatus and their anticancer activities
C Liang, Y Ding, NH Tung, JA Kim, HJ Boo, HK Kang, NM Cuong, YH Kim
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 20 (23), 7110-7115 2010
Citations: 86



A new dimeric carbazole alkaloid from Glycosmis stenocarpa roots
NM Cuong, TQ Hung, T Van Sung, WC Taylor
Chemical and pharmaceutical bulletin 52 (10), 1175-1178 2004
Citations: 62



A new phenylpropanoid and an alkylglycoside from Piper retrofractum leaves with their antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity
BTT Luyen, BH Tai, NP Thao, SY Yang, NM Cuong, YI Kwon, HD Jang, ...
Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters 24 (17), 4120-4124 2014
Citations: 58



Total peroxynitrite scavenging capacity of phenylethanoid and flavonoid glycosides from the flowers of Buddleja officinalis
BH Tai, BY Jung, NM Cuong, PT Linh, NH Tung, NX Nhiem, TT Huong, ...
Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 32 (12), 1952-1956 2009
Citations: 52



Murrayafoline A attenuates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by promoting the degradation of intracellular β-catenin proteins
H Choi, J Gwak, M Cho, MJ Ryu, JH Lee, SK Kim, YH Kim, GW Lee, ...
Biochemical and biophysical research communications 391 (1), 915-920 2010
Citations: 48



Mechanism of osthole inhibition of vascular Cav1. 2 current
F Fusi, G Sgaragli, LM Ha, NM Cuong, S Saponara
European journal of pharmacology 680 (1-3), 22-27 2012
Citations: 45



1-O-Substituted derivatives of murrayafoline A and their antifungal properties
NM Cuong, H Wilhelm, A Porzel, N Arnold, L Wessjohann
Natural product research 22 (16), 1428-1432 2008
Citations: 43



Paratrimerins A and B, two new dimeric monoterpene-linked coumarin glycosides from the roots and stems of Paramignya trimera
NM Cuong, TT Huong, PN Khanh, N Van Tai, VT Ha, BH Tai, YH Kim
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 63 (11), 945-949 2015
Citations: 42



Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Total Phenolic and Total Flavonoid Contents from Fruits of Docynia indica (Wall.) Decne. Using Response Surface
XD Le, MC Nguyen, DH Vu, MQ Pham, QL Pham, QT Nguyen, TA Nguyen, ...
Processes 7 (8), 485 2019
Citations: 38



New pyrano-pyrone from Goniothalamus tamirensis enhances the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells
BH Tai, VT Huyen, TT Huong, NX Nhiem, EM Choi, JA Kim, PQ Long, ...
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 58 (4), 521-525 2010
Citations: 37



Chrysoeriol isolated from the leaves of Eurya ciliata stimulates proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells
BH Tai, NM Cuong, TT Huong, EM Choi, JA Kim, YH Kim
Journal of Asian natural products research 11 (9), 817-823 2009
Citations: 37



A new iridoid and effect on the rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation of isolated compounds from Buddleja officinalis
BH Tai, NX Nhiem, TH Quang, NTT Ngan, NH Tung, Y Kim, JJ Lee, ...
Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters 21 (11), 3462-3466 2011
Citations: 35



New Records of Potent In-Vitro Antidiabetic Properties of Dalbergia tonkinensis Heartwood and the Bioactivity-Guided Isolation of Active Compounds
NMC Van Bon Nguyen, San-Lang Wang, Ngu Truong Nhan, Thi Hanh Nguyen, Nguyen ...
Molecules 23, 1589 2018
Citations: 34



Antimicrobial Activity of the Constituents of Dalbergia tonkinensis and Structural-Bioactive Highlights
YF Ninh The Son, Masataka Oda, Naoki Hayashi, Daiki Yamaguchi, Yu Kawagishi ...
Natural Product Communications 13 (2), 157-161 2018
Citations: 34



Chemical constituents of Miliusa balansae leaves and inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells
NP Thao, BTT Luyen, BH Tai, NM Cuong, YC Kim, C Van Minh, YH Kim
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 25 (18), 3859-3863 2015
Citations: 34



Design, synthesis, structure, in vitro cytotoxic activity evaluation and docking studies on target enzyme GSK‑3β of new indirubin‑3ʹ‑oxime derivatives
NT Dan, HD Quang, VV Truong, DH Nghi, NM Cuong, TD Cuong, ...
Scientific Reports 10 (11429) 2020
Citations: 33



The hepatoprotective activity of a new derivative kaempferol glycoside from the leaves of Vietnamese Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels
NCT Tram, NT Son, N Thi Nga, VTT Phuong, N Thi Cuc, D Thi Phuong, ...
Medicinal Chemistry Research 26, 2057-2064 2017
Citations: 28



Alkylphloroglucinol derivatives and triterpenoids with soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitory activity from Callistemon citrinus
PN Khanh, HV Duc, TT Huong, NT Son, VT Ha, DT Van, BH Tai, JE Kim, ...
Fitoterapia 109, 39-44 2015
Citations: 28



Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase activity by compounds isolated from the aerial parts of Glycosmis stenocarpa
JH Kim, AMA Morgan, BH Tai, DT Van, NM Cuong, YH Kim
Journal of enzyme inhibition and medicinal chemistry 31 (4), 640-644 2016
Citations: 27