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Daru : Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy,... May 2015Saffron (Crocus sativus) is an extensively used food additive for its color and taste. Since ancient times this plant has been introduced as a marvelous medicine... (Review)
Review
Saffron (Crocus sativus) is an extensively used food additive for its color and taste. Since ancient times this plant has been introduced as a marvelous medicine throughout the world. The wide spectrum of saffron pharmacological activities is related to its major constituents including crocin, crocetin and safranal. Based on several studies, saffron and its active ingredients have been used as an antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antinociceptive, antidepressant, antitussive, anticonvulsant, memory enhancer, hypotensive and anticancer. According to the literatures, saffron has remarkable therapeutic effects. The protective effects of saffron and its main constituents in different tissues including brain, heart, liver, kidney and lung have been reported against some toxic materials either natural or chemical toxins in animal studies.In this review article, we have summarized different in vitro and animal studies in scientific databases which investigate the antidotal and protective effects of saffron and its major components against natural toxins and chemical-induced toxicities. Due to the lake of human studies, further investigations are required to ascertain the efficacy of saffron as an antidote or a protective agent in human intoxication.
Topics: Animals; Antidotes; Crocus; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Plant Extracts; Protective Agents
PubMed: 25928729
DOI: 10.1186/s40199-015-0112-y -
Toxins Jan 2018Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), among other aflatoxins of the aflatoxin family, is the most carcinogenic and hazardous mycotoxin to animals and human beings with very high potency... (Review)
Review
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), among other aflatoxins of the aflatoxin family, is the most carcinogenic and hazardous mycotoxin to animals and human beings with very high potency leading to aflatoxicosis. Selenium is an essential trace mineral possessing powerful antioxidant functions. Selenium is widely reported as an effective antioxidant against aflatoxicosis. By preventing oxidative liver damage, suppressing pro-apoptotic proteins and improving immune status in AFB1 affected animals; selenium confers specific protection against AFB1 toxicity. Meticulous supplementation of animal feed by elemental selenium in the organic and inorganic forms has proven to be effective to ameliorate AFB1 toxicity. Curcumin is another dietary agent of importance in tackling aflatoxicosis. Curcumin is one of the major active ingredients in the tubers of a spice L., a widely reported antioxidant, anticarcinogenic agent with reported protective potential against aflatoxin-mediated liver damage. Curcumin restricts the aflatoxigenic potential of Curcumin inhibits cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, particularly CYP2A6 isoform; thereby reducing the formation of AFB1-8, 9-epoxide and other toxic metabolites causing aflatoxicosis. In this review, we have briefly reviewed important aflatoxicosis symptoms among animals. With the main focus on curcumin and selenium, we have reviewed their underlying protective mechanisms in different animals along with their extraction and production methods for feed applications.
Topics: Aflatoxin B1; Animals; Curcumin; Diet; Livestock; Protective Agents; Selenium
PubMed: 29301315
DOI: 10.3390/toxins10010025 -
Current Medicinal Chemistry 2023The reproductive system is extremely vulnerable to chemotherapy drugs, ionizing radiation, toxic heavy metals, chemicals, and so on. These harmful stimuli are able to... (Review)
Review
The reproductive system is extremely vulnerable to chemotherapy drugs, ionizing radiation, toxic heavy metals, chemicals, and so on. These harmful stimuli are able to induce oxidative damage, apoptosis, inflammation, and other mechanisms in the reproductive organs, leading to different adverse reproductive effects. It was shown that using medicinal plants (medicinal herbs) can be an effective medication for the prevention and treatment of multiple health conditions. Silymarin is a medicinal herb extract, obtained from the seeds of Silybum marianum. This herbal agent is a nontoxic agent even at relatively high physiological dose values, which suggests that it is safe for use in the treatment of different diseases. The hepato-, neuro-, cardio- and nephro-protective effects of silymarin have been assessed previously. The protective activities of silymarin can point to anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, immunomodulatory, and membrane-stabilizing properties. In this review, we aim to summarize current studies on the protective potentials of silymarin against reproductive toxicity. The molecular mechanisms of silymarin protection against cellular toxicity are also studied. Moreover, the findings obtained from improved formulations and delivery systems of silymarin have been addressed.
Topics: Humans; Silymarin; Cross-Sectional Studies; Multimorbidity; Antioxidants; Oxidative Stress; Plants, Medicinal; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 36717999
DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230130115332 -
Current Opinion in Pharmacology Apr 2017Both morbidity and mortality as a result of cardiovascular disease remain significant worldwide and account for approximately 31% of annual deaths in the US. Current... (Review)
Review
Both morbidity and mortality as a result of cardiovascular disease remain significant worldwide and account for approximately 31% of annual deaths in the US. Current research is focused on novel therapeutic strategies to protect the heart during and after ischemic events and from subsequent adverse myocardial remodeling. After cardiac insult, the immune system is activated and plays an essential role in the beginning, development, and resolution of the healing cascade. Uncontrolled inflammatory responses can cause chronic disease and exacerbate progression to heart failure and therefore, constitute a major area of focus of cardiac therapies. In the present overview, we share novel insights and promising therapeutic cardioprotective strategies that target the immune response.
Topics: Animals; Cardiotonic Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Immune System; Protective Agents
PubMed: 28388508
DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2017.03.002 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2019is a popular medicinal mushroom that is widely used in China, Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries. . linteus comprises various bioactive components, such as... (Review)
Review
is a popular medicinal mushroom that is widely used in China, Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries. . linteus comprises various bioactive components, such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and furans, and has proven to be an effective therapeutic agent in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment and the prevention of various diseases. A number of studies have reported that . linteus possesses many biological activities useful for pharmacological applications, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidative, and antifungal activities, as well as antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects. This review article briefly presents the recent progress made in understanding the bioactive components, biological activities, pharmacological applications, safety, and prospects of . linteus, and provides helpful references and promising directions for further studies of . linteus.
Topics: Agaricales; Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antineoplastic Agents; Antioxidants; Basidiomycota; Biological Products; Fungal Polysaccharides; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Molecular Structure; Propanols; Protective Agents; Terpenes
PubMed: 31100959
DOI: 10.3390/molecules24101888 -
Chemical Research in Toxicology May 2021Carnitine is an essential metabolite that is absorbed from the diet and synthesized in the kidney, liver, and brain. It ferries fatty acids across the mitochondrial... (Review)
Review
Carnitine is an essential metabolite that is absorbed from the diet and synthesized in the kidney, liver, and brain. It ferries fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane to undergo β-oxidation. Carnitine has been studied as a therapy or protective agent for many neurological diseases and neurotoxicity (e.g., prolonged anesthetic exposure-induced developmental neurotoxicity in preclinical models). Preclinical and clinical data support the notion that carnitine or acetyl carnitine may improve a patient's quality of life through increased mitochondrial respiration, release of neurotransmitters, and global gene expression changes, showing the potential of carnitine beyond its approved use to treat primary and secondary carnitine deficiency. In this review, we summarize the beneficial effects of carnitine or acetyl carnitine on the central nervous system, highlighting protective effects against neurotoxicity-induced damage caused by various chemicals and encouraging a thorough evaluation of carnitine use as a therapy for patients suffering from neurotoxicant exposure.
Topics: Animals; Carnitine; Central Nervous System; Humans; Molecular Structure; Neuroprotective Agents; Neurotoxicity Syndromes
PubMed: 33570912
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00479 -
Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2019Cisplatin is a widely used antineoplastic agent for the treatment of metastatic tumors, advanced bladder cancer and many other solid tumors. However, at higher doses,... (Review)
Review
Cisplatin is a widely used antineoplastic agent for the treatment of metastatic tumors, advanced bladder cancer and many other solid tumors. However, at higher doses, toxicities such as nephrotoxicity may appear. Cisplatin leads to DNA damage and subsequently renal cell death. Besides that, oxidative stress is also implicated as one of the main causes of nephrotoxicity. Several studies showed that numerous natural products: ginseng, curcumin, licorice, honey and pomegranate were able to reduce the oxidative stress by restoring the levels of antioxidant enzymes and also at the same time act as an anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, pre-treatment with vitamin supplementation, such as vitamin C, E and riboflavin markedly decreased serum urea and increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes in the kidney even after cisplatin induction in cancer patients. These natural products possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory medicinal properties, and they can be safely used as a supplementary regime or combination therapy against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The present review focused on the protective role of a few natural products which is widely used in folk medicines in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antineoplastic Agents; Biological Products; Cisplatin; DNA Damage; Humans; Kidney; Neoplasms; Oxidative Stress; Protective Agents
PubMed: 30894108
DOI: 10.2174/1389557519666190320124438 -
Food & Function Mar 2022C-phycocyanin from has pharmacological effects such as anti-oxidation, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerosis activities as well as liver and kidney...
C-phycocyanin from has pharmacological effects such as anti-oxidation, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerosis activities as well as liver and kidney protection. However, there is little research on C-phycocyanin applied in the field of reproductive medicine, and it is therefore the focus of the current study. In this study, a GC-1 spg cell model and male mouse reproductive injury model were constructed by TNF α + Smac mimetic + zVAD-fmk (TSZ) and cyclophosphamide (Cy), respectively. It has been proved that C-phycocyanin can increase cell viability and reduce cell death in GC-1 spg cells induced by TSZ. C-phycocyanin could protect the reproductive system of male mice from cyclophosphamide, improve spermatogenesis, sperm quality and fertility, increase the release of testosterone, stabilize the feedback regulation mechanism, and ensure the spermatogenic ability of mice. It could also improve the ability of anti-oxidation. In addition, C-phycocyanin could play a protective role by down-regulating RIPK1, RIPK3, and p-MLKL to inhibit the necroptotic signaling pathway. These results suggest that C-phycocyanin could protect GC-1 spg cells and the reproductive system of male mice from TSZ and cyclophosphamide, and the protective mechanism may be achieved by inhibiting the signal pathway of necroptosis. Therefore, C-phycocyanin could serve as a promising reproductive system protective agent. C-phycocyanin may enter public life as a health product in the future.
Topics: Animals; Cell Line; Female; Genitalia; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Models, Animal; Phycocyanin; Protective Agents; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 35167640
DOI: 10.1039/d1fo03741b -
Journal of Cellular Physiology Apr 2017Metformin, a well-known anti-diabetic agent, is very effective in lowering blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes with minimal side-effects. Metformin is also... (Review)
Review
Metformin, a well-known anti-diabetic agent, is very effective in lowering blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes with minimal side-effects. Metformin is also being recommended in the treatment of obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome. Metformin elicits its therapeutic effects mainly via activation of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) pathway. Renal cells under hyperglycemic or proteinuric conditions exhibit inactivation of cell defense mechanisms such as AMPK and autophagy, and activation of pathologic pathways such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), oxidative stress, and hypoxia. As these pathologic pathways are intertwined with AMPK signaling, the potential benefits of metformin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes would extend beyond its anti-hyperglycemic effects. However, since metformin is eliminated unchanged through the kidneys and some studies have shown the incidence of lactic acidosis with its use during severe renal dysfunction, the use of metformin was contraindicated in patients with renal disease until recently. With more studies indicating the relatively low incidence of lactic acidosis and revealing the additional benefits with metformin therapy, the US FDA has now approved metformin to be administered in patients with established renal disease based on their renal function. The purpose of this review is to highlight the various mechanisms by which metformin protects renal cells that have lost its functionality in a diabetic or non-diabetic setting and to enlighten the advantages and therapeutic potential of metformin as a nephroprotectant for patients with diabetic nephropathy and other non-diabetic forms of chronic kidney disease. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 731-742, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topics: Animals; Diabetic Nephropathies; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Humans; Metformin; Oxidative Stress; Protective Agents; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 27627216
DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25598 -
Central Nervous System Agents in... 2019Berberine (a protoberberine isoquinoline alkaloid) has shown promising pharmacological activities, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic,... (Review)
Review
Berberine (a protoberberine isoquinoline alkaloid) has shown promising pharmacological activities, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, cardioprotective, memory enhancement, antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-nociceptive, antimicrobial, anti- HIV and cholesterol-lowering effects. It is used in the treatment of the neurodegenerative disorder. It has strong evidence to serve as a potent phytoconstituent in the treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders such as AD. It limits the extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. It has also lipid-glucose lowering ability, hence can be used as a protective agent in atherosclerosis and AD. However, more detailed investigations along with safety assessment of berberine are warranted to clarify its role in limiting various risk factors and AD-related pathologies. This review highlights the pharmacological basis to control oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and protective effect of berberine in AD, which will benefit to the biological scientists in understanding and exploring the new vistas of berberine in combating Alzheimer's disease.
Topics: Alkaloids; Alzheimer Disease; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Animals; Antioxidants; Berberine; Humans; Neuroprotective Agents; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 31429696
DOI: 10.2174/1871524919666190820160053