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Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 2022Among conventional treatment methodologies, surgery, hyperthermia, radiation, and chemotherapy have become integral components of treatment for most cancers. Radiation... (Review)
Review
Among conventional treatment methodologies, surgery, hyperthermia, radiation, and chemotherapy have become integral components of treatment for most cancers. Radiation therapy in the treatment of many malignancies is always the better choice over surgery and chemotherapy. Ionizing radiation produced as a consequence of using these radiations has always been a concern in these treatment methods. Synthetic radio-protectors with their inherent limitations are being used to date to reduce the mortality of these radiations; still, it compromises the clinical efficacy of these administrations. Hence, investigations for alternative methods, including natural resources such as plant and fruit extracts, are being explored to treat radiation-mediated ailments. The present review article endeavors to provide a comprehensive, updated, and chronological account of these promising plants and fruit extracts and their bioactive principles as radio-protectors. We present the merits and demerits of radiation therapy and cell stress generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) associated with radiation need and availability of radio-protectors. Finally, we discuss green-based bioactive compounds that have radioprotective properties.
Topics: Radiation-Protective Agents; Reactive Oxygen Species; Biological Products; Plant Extracts; Radiation, Ionizing; Plants
PubMed: 35016594
DOI: 10.2174/1389201023666220110104645 -
Wiadomosci Lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland :... 2021Intensive studies on properties of synthetic compounds are simultaneously conducted with studies on the effectiveness and safety of drugs derived from natural compounds.... (Review)
Review
Intensive studies on properties of synthetic compounds are simultaneously conducted with studies on the effectiveness and safety of drugs derived from natural compounds. These drugs have been effectively used for years in dentistry, in treatment of inflammatory conditions of the oral cavity and in laryngology, in treatment of pharyngeal inflammatory conditions. The subject of this article is a compilation of studies conducted on medicinal products containing composed ethanolic extract as an active substance, and obtained from: chamomile capitulum (Matricaria recutita L.), oak bark (Quercus spp.), sage leaf (Salvia officinalis L.), arnica herb (Arnica spp.), calamus rhizome (Acorus calamus L.), peppermint herb (Mentha piperita L.), thyme herb (Thymus spp.) Preclinical studies confirmed that a particular tested plant extract exhibits antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal) as well as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and astringent properties. Under clinical conditions, it was confirmed that drugs containing the analysed extract used in periodontology, in prevention and complex treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis as well as diseases of oral mucosa (but also the throat) of viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoal aetiology significantly improved the effectiveness of therapy, shortened the treatment and improved the patients' quality of life. The above preparations used in dental surgery contributed to faster tissue regeneration, more quickly relieved pain and swelling after a surgery or difficult dentition. Furthermore, drugs containing the above-mentioned extract can also be successfully used for oral cavity decontamination in the case of various diseases of teeth or the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. The tested composed herbal extract (CHE), applied in the form of a mouthwash and in the form for topical application with benzocaine content (CHEB), is a component of drugs which are great alternatives to widely used synthetic drugs. They are characterised with high effectiveness, comparable to that of synthetic agents, and a higher safety profile. Results of pharmacological and clinical studies justify their use in both prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases of the gums, periodontium, oral cavity and pharynx.
Topics: Gingivitis; Humans; Mucous Membrane; Pharynx; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 34459780
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Pharmaceutics Mar 2023Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have shown antidiabetic activity in multiple studies and can be produced by different plant-mediated ("green") methods. This study...
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have shown antidiabetic activity in multiple studies and can be produced by different plant-mediated ("green") methods. This study aimed to compare ZnONPs prepared via different "green" approaches (heating at high temperatures (400 °C) vs. low temperature (70 °C)). The low temperature method involved addition of suspending agents (Tween 80 or gum arabic) and pH variations followed by lyophilization. The study evaluated the hypoglycemic potential of ZnONPs with the best properties (quantity of capped agents and stability) compared to the plant extract per se. The ZnONP synthesis involved a mixture of zinc nitrate hexahydrate as the zinc precursor and a plant extract with high antioxidant activity as the capping agent supplier. The results of the studies showed that the procedure using high-temperature heating resulted in almost uncapped nanoparticles with phytocompounds (0.01 % of phenolic compounds) and nanoparticle sizes larger than 300 nm. The low-temperature method produced ZnONPs with high retention of capping agents (92.90 % of phenolic compounds) and a size of approximately 200 nm. The use of Tween 80 with pH adjustment between 9 and 10 resulted in more stable nanoparticles than with gum arabic. These nanoparticles prepared with Tween 80, exhibited a pronounced in vivo antihyperglycemic activity at a much lower dose (10 mg ZnO/kg capped by 0.31 mg phenolic compounds per kg) than the extracts alone (400 mg extract/kg) following an oral glucose tolerance test. These results demonstrated that green-synthesized ZnONPs with a high retention rate of phytochemicals can induce antihyperglycemic effects at a low dose.
Topics: Zinc Oxide; Plant Extracts; Hypoglycemic Agents; Gum Arabic; Polysorbates; Nanoparticles; Metal Nanoparticles
PubMed: 36773728
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122715 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Nov 2022Vitiligo is a common depigmentation skin disease that affects the quality of life in many patients.
BACKGROUND
Vitiligo is a common depigmentation skin disease that affects the quality of life in many patients.
AIMS
This study aims to investigate the effect of Medicago sativa methanol extract on the treatment of skin hypopigmentation disorders.
METHODS
Antioxidant activity and phytochemical constituents of the extract were determined using DDPH assay, Folin-Ciocalteu, AlCl and HPLC-MS/MS analysis. Oil in water (o/w) creams were prepared to contain the methanolic extract, and applied to hydroquinone-induced depigmentation in vivo model and further challenged in combination with UVA light exposure. Skin and hair colors were visually scored and evaluated at different time intervals, and histopathological examinations of skin layers and hair follicles were performed.
RESULTS
A total phenolic content of 187.70 mg/g, equivalent to gallic acid, and total flavonoid content of 21.97 mg/g, equivalent to quercetin, were recorded. Extract showed 71% antioxidant activity. Moreover, the HPLC-MS/MS detection revealed the presence of 18 compounds including P-coumaric acid and antioxidants flavonoids, of those are seven compounds not previously detected in this species. The in vivo study showed a remarkable skin and hair pigmentation effect on plant extract-treated groups, compared to the reference, placebo, and control groups. Histopathological examinations showed the growth of colored hair follicles in the dermis and epidermis layers of the extract-treated mice.
CONCLUSION
The study suggests the use of M. sativa extract in enhancing the pigmentation process in hypopigmented skin and hair if combined with UVA light. Therefore, M. sativa extract can be considered a potential treatment for vitiligo.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Antioxidants; Medicago sativa; Vitiligo; Quality of Life; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Plant Extracts; Methanol; Flavonoids
PubMed: 35815838
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15233 -
Parasitology Apr 2022Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the parasite Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. The available anti-parasitic treatment is...
Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the parasite Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. The available anti-parasitic treatment is mostly limited to a continuous administration of albendazole. However, due to its numerous side-effects and efficacy of around 50%, there is a need to find new drugs to improve the treatment for this disease. In the current study, the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of a Stevia multiaristata extract against E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) was demonstrated. Stevia multiaristata extract (100 and 50 μg mL−1) caused a quick viability decrease on protoscoleces which was consistent with the observed tegumental alterations. Loss of turgidity was detected in 95 ± 3.4% of cysts incubated with S. multiaristata extract during 2 days (100 μg mL−1) and the collapse of the germinal layer was observed in 60 ± 9.3% of cysts treated with 100 μg mL−1 of the S. multiaristata extract during 4 days. The half maximal effective concentration value was 69.6 μg mL−1 and the selectivity index for E. granulosus s.s. cysts was 1.9. In this clinical efficacy study, the treatment of infected mice with the S. multiaristata extract (50 mg kg−1) caused a significant decrease in the weight of the cysts compared with the control group. These results coincided with the tissue damage observed in the cysts at the ultrastructural level. In conclusion, we observed high protoscolicidal and cysticidal effects, and significant reduction in the weight of the cysts in experimentally infected mice following treatment with the S. multiaristata extract.
Topics: Animals; Anthelmintics; Echinococcosis; Echinococcus granulosus; Mice; Plant Extracts; Stevia
PubMed: 35331352
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182021002109 -
Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences... Jan 2021<b>Background and Objective:</b> Environment pollution and resistance of many pests to the most frequently used chemical insecticides gave the rationale of...
<b>Background and Objective:</b> Environment pollution and resistance of many pests to the most frequently used chemical insecticides gave the rationale of altering to replace them with natural herbal extracts for pests and vector control. This study investigated the effect of methanolic extract of <i>Annona reticulata</i> on the mortality and development of larvae of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i>. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Methanolic herbal extracts were analyzed using Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) to identify the phytochemical compounds in them. Ten mosquito larvae were used as replicates and exposed to each of the five concentrations of the plant extract (30, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg mL<sup>1</sup>) and ten larvae were exposed to double distilled water and considered as control. <b>Results:</b> Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, steroids, quinones, tannins and saponins. Statistical analysis showed a significant strong correlation and regression between exposure to the different concentrations of the extract and mortality of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> larvae where R<sup>2</sup> = 0.982, the Correlation value is 0.991099 (p<0.05). Results also showed that the extracts affect the development of larvae more than mortality. The effect of the extracts on the early larval stages was significantly high compared to the late stages of larvae. <b>Conclusion:</b> According to our knowledge results of this study has been reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia where <i>Annona reticulata</i> is neglected regionally and no study approved its efficacy as a botanical herbal extract against mosquitoes.
Topics: Animals; Annona; Culex; Larva; Pesticides; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 34842378
DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2021.1077.1083 -
Chemistry & Biodiversity Mar 2023In this study, total phenolic and flavonoid analyses of flower, leaf, and stem aqueous extracts of C. orientalis were performed. Total phenolic contents of C. orientalis...
In this study, total phenolic and flavonoid analyses of flower, leaf, and stem aqueous extracts of C. orientalis were performed. Total phenolic contents of C. orientalis extracts ranged from 12.2±0.06 to 19.0±0.07 mg GAE/g extract. Total flavonoid values range between 2.0±0.11 and 6.6±0.19 mg CE/g extract. Urease, collagenase, tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase inhibition activities were determined in vitro and the relationship between them was examined. IC results for all enzymes were obtained between 0.18 and 3.53 μg/mL. The aqueous extract of the plant C. orientalis showed potent cytotoxic effects against the human colon cancer cell lines DLD-1. As the extract concentration increases, cell death increases. The main fatty acid composition by GC/MS analysis is erucic acid (36.5 %). The potential binding modes of the fatty acids in the plant extract to the enzymes and possible inhibition mechanisms were determined by molecular docking calculation.
Topics: Humans; Molecular Docking Simulation; Turkey; Plant Extracts; Phytochemicals; Flavonoids; Antioxidants
PubMed: 36806590
DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202201142 -
Critical Reviews in Biotechnology Jun 2024Among the many different types of wound dressings, nanofiber-based materials produced through electrospinning are claimed to be ideal because of their advantageous... (Review)
Review
Among the many different types of wound dressings, nanofiber-based materials produced through electrospinning are claimed to be ideal because of their advantageous intrinsic properties and the feasibility of employing several strategies to load bioactive compounds into their structure. Bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties have been incorporated into different wound dressings to promote healing as well as prevent and treat bacterial infections. Among these, natural products, such as medicinal plant extracts and essential oils (EOs), have proven particularly attractive thanks to their nontoxic nature, minor side effects, desirable bioactive properties, and favorable effects on the healing process. To this end, the present review provides an exhaustive and up-to-date revision of the most prominent medicinal plant extracts and EOs with antimicrobial properties that have been incorporated into nanofiber-based wound dressings. The most common methods used for incorporating bioactive compounds into electrospun nanofibers include: pre-electrospinning (blend, encapsulation, coaxial, and emulsion electrospinning), post-electrospinning (physical adsorption, chemical immobilization, and layer-by-layer assembly), and nanoparticle loading. Furthermore, a general overview of the benefits of EOs and medicinal plant extracts is presented, describing their intrinsic properties and biotechniques for their incorporation into wound dressings. Finally, the current challenges and safety issues that need to be adequately clarified and addressed are discussed.
Topics: Oils, Volatile; Bandages; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Plant Extracts; Humans; Nanofibers; Wound Healing; Animals
PubMed: 37156536
DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2023.2193859 -
The AAPS Journal Nov 2017As part of our ongoing research into botanical therapies for anxiety disorders, the neotropical vine Souroubea sympetala was chosen for study as a phytochemical... (Review)
Review
As part of our ongoing research into botanical therapies for anxiety disorders, the neotropical vine Souroubea sympetala was chosen for study as a phytochemical discovery strategy focusing on rare Central American plant families. When orally administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats, the crude plant extract, its ethyl acetate fraction, supercritical carbon dioxide fraction, or its isolated triterpenes reduced anxiety and/or fear-related behavior in standardized behavioral models. Pharmacological studies showed that the extracts acted at the benzodiazepine GABA receptor and reduced corticosterone levels. A preparation containing Souroubea fortified with a second triterpene containing plant, Platanus occidentalis, was shown to be safe in a 28-day feeding trial with beagles at 5 times the intended dose. Subsequent trials with beagles in a thunderstorm model of noise aversion showed that the material reduced anxiety behaviors and cortisol levels in dogs. The formulation has been released for the companion animal market in Canada and the USA under the Trademark "Zentrol." Ongoing research is exploring the use of the material in treatment of anxiety and post-traumatic stress in humans.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Stability; Humans; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, GABA-A
PubMed: 28895076
DOI: 10.1208/s12248-017-0144-y -
BioMed Research International 2021(L.f.) Willd is a profoundly used traditional medicinal plant in Asia. Previous studies conducted in this plant are more confined to extract level. Even though...
(L.f.) Willd is a profoundly used traditional medicinal plant in Asia. Previous studies conducted in this plant are more confined to extract level. Even though bioassay-based studies indicated the true therapeutic potential of this plant, compound annotation was not performed extensively. This research is aimed at assessing the bioactivity of different solvent extracts of the plant followed by annotation of its phytoconstituents. Liquid chromatography equipped with high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) is deployed for the identification of secondary metabolites in various crude extracts. On activity level, its ethanolic extract showed the highest inhibition towards amylase and -glucosidase with an IC of 67.8 ± 1 g/mL and 10.3 ± 0.1 g/mL respectively, inspected through the substrate-based method. On the other hand, the plant extract showed an antioxidant activity of 23.76 ± 1.57 g/mL, measured through radical scavenging activity. Similarly, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of showed significant inhibition against with a zone of inhibition (ZoI) of 13 and 14 mm, respectively. With the LC-HRMS-based dereplication strategy, we have identified 28 secondary metabolites belonging to flavonoid and phenolic categories. Identification of these metabolites from and its biological implication also support the community-based usage of this plant and its medicinal value.
Topics: Acacia; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antioxidants; Asia; Chromatography, Liquid; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Mass Spectrometry; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal
PubMed: 34435049
DOI: 10.1155/2021/7588711