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1.
Icariin and its metabolites as potential protective phytochemicals against cardiovascular disease: From effects to molecular mechanisms.
Zeng, Y, Xiong, Y, Yang, T, Wang, Y, Zeng, J, Zhou, S, Luo, Y, Li, L
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie. 2022;:112642
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among all types of diseases in the world, affecting many millions of individuals every year. CVD includes hypertension, atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, coronary heart disease, etc., which are involved in complex etiology, pathogenesis and many risk factors. Modern pharmacological studies have revealed that Epimedium possesses a variety of beneficial effects in regulating cardiovascular inflammation and other biological activities, which provides a therapeutic value for the prevention and treatment of these cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we discuss the cardiovascular protective effects of icariin, an active component from Epimedium, and its metabolites. We summarize a range of studies showing that the modes of action of icariin on CVD relate to its inhibition of myocardial apoptosis and prevention of inflammation on endothelial cell injury, emphasizing the multiple effects of icariin and its metabolites in the repair of common heart failure and myocardial infarction, as well as the formation of neointima. In particular, an emphasis is placed on the discussion of the action mechanism of icariin in combination with new advances in the understanding of the pathology of CVD with potential application of icariin in the treatment of this human disorder.
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2.
Comparison of Phenolic Metabolites in Purified Extracts of Three Wild-Growing Herniaria L. Species and Their Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities In Vitro.
Kozachok, S, Kolodziejczyk-Czepas, J, Marchyshyn, S, Wojtanowski, KK, Zgórka, G, Oleszek, W
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2022;(2)
Abstract
The work is aimed at phytochemical characterization and In Vitro evaluation of antioxidant actions, anti-inflammatory effects, and cytotoxicity of purified extracts from three rupturewort (Herniaria L.) species, i.e., Herniaria glabra (HG), H. polygama (HP), and H. incana herb (HIh). The total phenolic content established in the purified extracts (PEs) of HIh, HP, and HG was 29.6, 24.0, and 13.0%, respectively. Thirty-eight non-saponin metabolites were identified using LC-HR-QTOF-ESI-MS; however, only 9 were common for the studied Herniaria species. The most abundant phenolic compound in HG-PE was narcissin (7.4%), HP-PE shared 3 major constituents, namely cis-2-hydroxy-4-methoxycinnamic acid 2-O-β-glucoside (cis-GMCA, 5.8%), narcissin (5.4%), and rutin (5.3%). Almost half of HIh phenolic content (14.7%) belonged to oxytroflavoside A (7-O-methylkaempferol-3-O-[3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-(1→6)]-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-galactopyranoside). Antioxidant properties of the Herniaria PEs were evaluated employing an experimental model of human blood plasma, exposed to the peroxynitrite-induced oxidative stress. The assays demonstrated significant reduction of oxidative damage to protein and lipid plasma components (estimated by measurements of 3-nitrotyrosine, protein thiol groups, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances), and moderate protection of its non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity. Anti-inflammatory properties of the Herniaria PEs were evaluated In Vitro as inhibitory effects against cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and -2) and concanavalin A-induced inflammatory response of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). None of the studied plants showed inhibitory effects on COXs but all purified extracts partly reduced the release of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) from PBMCs, which suggested their prospective ability to up-regulate inflammatory response of the cells. The purified extract from H. glabra turned out to be the most efficient suppressor of PBMCs' inflammatory response. Additionally, cytotoxicity of purified Herniaria extracts on PBMCs was ruled out based on In Vitro studies.
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3.
Coronavirus enzyme inhibitors-experimentally proven natural compounds from plants.
Park, J, Park, R, Jang, M, Park, YI, Park, Y
Journal of microbiology (Seoul, Korea). 2022;(3):347-354
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Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can cause critical conditions that require efficient therapeutics. Several medicines are derived from plants, and researchers are seeking natural compounds to ameliorate the symptoms of COVID-19. Viral enzymes are popular targets of antiviral medicines; the genome of coronaviruses encodes several enzymes, including RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and viral proteases. Various screening systems have been developed to identify potential inhibitors. In this review, we describe the natural compounds that have been shown to exert inhibitory effects on coronavirus enzymes. Although computer-aided molecular structural studies have predicted several antiviral compound candidates, the current review focuses on experimentally proven natural compounds.
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Characterization of the Phytochemical Composition and Bioactivities of Anacyclus maroccanus Ball. and Anacyclus radiatus Loisel Aerial Parts: Preliminary Evidence for the Possible Development of Moroccan Plants.
Sissi, S, Di Giacomo, S, Ferrante, C, Angelini, P, Macone, A, Giusti, AM, Toniolo, C, Vitalone, A, Abdellah, A, Larhsini, M, et al
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2022;(3)
Abstract
In the present study, the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of A. maroccanus (AM) and A. radiatus (AR), two ecotypes collected in the Demnate road and Essaouira regions, respectively, were studied to highlight a pharmacological interest and to enable possible pharmaceutical development. To this end, methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts were prepared for each ecotype by fractionation; next, their phytochemical composition was evaluated by spectrophotometric and chromatographic analysis. Moreover, in line with the available evidence for Anacyclus spp. and their traditional use, a screening of bioactivities, including antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antiglycative, chelating, and antibacterial activities, was performed. The extracts were characterized by high amounts of polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids, especially in the methanolic extracts; these samples were also enriched in carotenoids despite a lower chlorophyll content. Chlorogenic acid and rutin were the major identified compounds. The extracts also showed interesting hypoglycemic, antiglycative, and antibacterial properties, although with differences in efficacy and potency. Present results provide more scientific basis to the ethnopharmacological uses of Anacyclus spp. and suggest a further interest in AM and AR ecotypes as natural sources of bioactive compounds and/or phytocomplexes for possible pharmaceutical and nutraceutical developments.
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The Biodiversity of the Genus Dictyota: Phytochemical and Pharmacological Natural Products Prospectives.
Rushdi, MI, Abdel-Rahman, IAM, Attia, EZ, Saber, H, Saber, AA, Bringmann, G, Abdelmohsen, UR
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2022;(3)
Abstract
Although a broad variety of classes of bioactive compounds have already been isolated from seaweeds of the genus Dictyota, most different species are still chemically and biologically unexplored. Dictyota species are well-known brown seaweeds belonging to the Dictyotaceae (Phaeophyta). The phytochemical composition within the genus Dictyota has recently received considerable interest, and a vast array of components, including diterpenes, sesquiterepenes, sterols, amino acids, as well as saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been characterized. The contribution of these valued metabolites to the biological potential, which includes anti-proliferative, anti-microbial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperpigmentation activities, of the genus Dictyota has also been explored. Therefore, this is the most comprehensive review, focusing on the published literature relevant to the chemically and pharmacologically diverse biopharmaceuticals isolated from different species of the genus Dictyota during the period from 1976 to now.
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Shaping the gut microbiota by bioactive phytochemicals: An emerging approach for the prevention and treatment of human diseases.
Sudheer, S, Gangwar, P, Usmani, Z, Sharma, M, Sharma, VK, Sana, SS, Almeida, F, Dubey, NK, Singh, DP, Dilbaghi, N, et al
Biochimie. 2022;:38-63
Abstract
The human digestive tract is the cottage to trillions of live microorganisms, which regulate health and illness. A healthy Gut Microbiota (GM) is necessary for preventing microbial growth, body growth, obesity, cancer, diabetes, and enhancing immunity. The equilibrium in GM's composition and the presence/absence of critical species enable specific responses to be essential for the host's better health condition. Research evidences revealed that the dietary plants and their bioactive phytochemicals (BPs) play an extensive and critical role in shaping the GM to get beneficial health effects. BPs are also known to improve gastrointestinal health and reduce the risk of several diseases by modulating GM-mediated cellular and molecular processes. Regular intake of BPs-rich vegetables, fruits, and herbal preparations promotes probiotic bacteria, including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species, while inhibiting unwanted gut residents' development Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium etc. Upon consumption, BPs contact the GM that gets transformed before being absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Biotransformation of BPs by GM is linked with the enhancement of bioactivity/toxicity diminishment of the BPs compared to parental phytochemicals. Therefore, the current review focuses on the role of BPs in shaping GM for the prevention and treatment of human diseases.
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Natural products can be used in therapeutic management of COVID-19: Probable mechanistic insights.
Ali, S, Alam, M, Khatoon, F, Fatima, U, Elasbali, AM, Adnan, M, Islam, A, Hassan, MI, Snoussi, M, De Feo, V
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie. 2022;:112658
Abstract
The unexpected emergence of the new Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has affected more than three hundred million individuals and resulted in more than five million deaths worldwide. The ongoing pandemic has underscored the urgent need for effective preventive and therapeutic measures to develop anti-viral therapy. The natural compounds possess various pharmaceutical properties and are reported as effective anti-virals. The interest to develop an anti-viral drug against the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) from natural compounds has increased globally. Here, we investigated the anti-viral potential of selected promising natural products. Sources of data for this paper are current literature published in the context of therapeutic uses of phytoconstituents and their mechanism of action published in various reputed peer-reviewed journals. An extensive literature survey was done and data were critically analyzed to get deeper insights into the mechanism of action of a few important phytoconstituents. The consumption of natural products such as thymoquinone, quercetin, caffeic acid, ursolic acid, ellagic acid, vanillin, thymol, and rosmarinic acid could improve our immune response and thus possesses excellent therapeutic potential. This review focuses on the anti-viral functions of various phytoconstituent and alkaloids and their potential therapeutic implications against SARS-CoV-2. Our comprehensive analysis provides mechanistic insights into phytoconstituents to restrain viral infection and provide a better solution through natural, therapeutically active agents.
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Phytochemicals targeting JAK/STAT pathway in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: Is there a future?
Kour, G, Choudhary, R, Anjum, S, Bhagat, A, Bajaj, BK, Ahmed, Z
Biochemical pharmacology. 2022;:114929
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder and the treatment involves the use of traditional and biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Recent studies have shown JAK/STAT signaling pathway as potential target for the treatment of RA. Novel JAK/STAT inhibitors viz tofacitinib and baricitinib have been recently approved by FDA for RA treatment and have attained substantial importance. However, the discernible risks of thromboembolism, gastrointestinal (GIT) perforations, hepatotoxicity and serious infections including tuberculosis, herpes zoster associated with their administration cannot be overlooked. Furthermore, these are highly expensive which limits their application for a broader use. These limitations provide the basis of exploring novel JAK/STAT inhibitors of natural origin with increased tolerability, safety and cost-effectiveness. In this review we confer an account of various natural compounds/phytochemicals that have proved to be beneficial in attenuating inflammation in RA via modulation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Some of these natural compounds including resveratrol have clearly indicated biochemical and clinically significant therapeutic effects in ameliorating RA both in vivo and in clinical settings. We further discuss the physicochemical challenges of poor solubility and absorption coupled with the use of natural JAK/STAT inhibitors. We thereafter discuss and summarize various drug delivery systems (DDS) to confront the physicochemical limitations of natural JAK/STAT inhibitors with the aim to enhance the therapeutic efficacy. Overall the review unveils the potential of natural JAK/STAT inhibitors as a cost-effective approach in ameliorating RA without incorporating the risks of adverse repercussions, thus setting the stage for clinical exploration of these compounds that may possibly complement the present RA therapy.
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Therapeutic importance of Cucurbitaceae: A medicinally important family.
Mukherjee, PK, Singha, S, Kar, A, Chanda, J, Banerjee, S, Dasgupta, B, Haldar, PK, Sharma, N
Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2022;:114599
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Medicinal plants of Cucurbitaceae family consist of several edible fruits and vegetables consumed worldwide since ancient times. The plants of this family have played an essential role in the ethnopharmacological as well as traditional medicinal system globally and their evidence is well established in several traditional literatures. Various plant parts have been used to treat several human ailments viz. Pandu (anemia), Pliharoga (splenomegaly), Sopha (inflammation), Gulma (tumor growth), Adhmana (indigestion. acidity), Garavisa (poisoning) etc. AIM OF THE REVIEW This review article aims to systematically document and bridge scientific evidences with the ethnopharmacological, ethnoveterinary and folklore claims along with the therapeutic efficacy with mechanism of action found in different literature, books, and scientific articles belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. MATERIALS AND METHODS To construct the manuscript a comprehensive literature review was done based on the information collected from Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; books, research articles and databases such as ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, SciFinder, Scopus, Springer, Google Scholar, Web of Science, ACS Publications and PubMed. RESULTS The plants of Cucurbitaceae family are rich in phytochemicals like terpenoids, glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroids, etc., responsible for the therapeutic effect. Various parts of these plants such as leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, seeds, roots etc. exhibit a plethora of pharmacological activity viz. hypolipidemic, antihyperglycemic, anticancer, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress and immunomodulatory activities. Also, in-vitro and in-vivo reports suggest strong inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, lipase, carbonic anhydrase enzyme along with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-tumor, antifungal, etc. Furthermore many reports suggest these plants are beneficial for nutritional, economical and ethnoveterinary uses. CONCLUSIONS The current review enlightens the therapeutic potential of the gourd family, comprising of the geographical origins, morphology, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, ethnoveterinary, nutritional importance, therapeutic benefits, safety, efficacy and related aspects. The phytochemical and pharmacological potential indicated will popularize this family as a potential source of novel therapeutic agents and functional foods. This study will help to validate the therapeutic claims of several ethnomedicinal uses of this plant family. Furthermore the Cucurbitaceae family needs to be evaluated based on the combine approaches of chemoprofiling and bioexploration to develop the concept of food as medicine for the development of new generation therapeutics leading to the human wellness.
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Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, chemical ecology and invasion biology of Acanthus mollis L.
Özenver, N, Efferth, M, Efferth, T
Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2022;:114833
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Acanthus mollis L. (Bear's Breeches) is a wide-spread medicinal and ornamental plant and is particularly suited to exemplarily illustrate the diverse aspects of invasion biology by neophytes. Since ancient times, it has been a popular Mediterranean ornamental plant in horticulture and served as model for the decoration of column capitals in architecture. AIM OF THE STUDY In the present review, we aimed to give an overview about ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, chemical ecology, and invasion biology of A. mollis. Thus, the importance of plantation cultivation in the presence of ecologically problematic species and environmental protection were emphasized. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted an extensive literature search via screening PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, in order to compile the data about A. mollis and its role on invasion biology and thereby attracting attention to the prominence of the horticultural and agricultural cultivation of plant species with a special focus on A. mollis as a model. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Phytochemical analyses revealed secondary metabolites from the classes of flavonoids, phenols, phenylpropanoids, anthraquinones arylnaphthalene lignans, phytosterols and others. Extracts of A. mollis and isolated phytochemicals not only exert assorted activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective in murine and human experimental models, but also act against plant parasites (bacteria, insects, mollusks, fungi), protecting the plant from microbial attack and herbivorous predators. A. mollis has been used in traditional medicine to treat dermatological ailments, gastrointestinal diseases, ulcers and even tumors. Nevertheless, the robustness and rapid growth of A. mollis as well as the global horticultural trade facilitated its invasion into fragile ecosystems of Australia, New Zealand, and several other spots around the globe in Northern Europe (Great Britain), Asia (China, India), South Africa, and South America (Argentina). The release of A. mollis from gardens into the wild represents a considerable danger as invasive species are threatening biodiversity and leading to the extinction of domestic plants in the long run. Likewise, the likelihood of other medicinal plants in terms of invasion biology are needed to be fully recognized and discussed.