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Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jun 2022Aconitum carmichaelii, belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, is a widely used traditional herbal plant in Asian countries, especially in China. The lateral ("Fuzi") and... (Review)
Review
Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux: A systematic review on traditional use, and the chemical structures and pharmacological properties of polysaccharides and phenolic compounds in the roots.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Aconitum carmichaelii, belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, is a widely used traditional herbal plant in Asian countries, especially in China. The lateral ("Fuzi") and mother ("Chuanwu") roots are the two main plant parts used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where they are used in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, and as analgesics.
AIM OF THE STUDY
In order to further guide the research direction and application of A. carmichaelii, this study aims to give a systematic and in-depth overview on the phytochemical and pharmacological studies of non-alkaloid natural products with focus on polysaccharides and phenolic compounds.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A comprehensive search in the literature was conducted based on the databases Google Scholar, SciFinder (American Chemical Society), Springer Link, PubMed Science, Science Direct and China National Knowledge Internet, Wanfang Data, in addition to books, doctoral and master's dissertations, and official website. The main keywords were: "Aconitum carmichaelii", "Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata", "Fuzi", "Chuanwu", "Aconiti Radix", "monkshood" and "Bushi".
RESULTS
A. carmichaelii is known for the use of its different root parts, including "Fuzi" and "Chuanwu". Different types of polysaccharides, both neutral and acidic, and 39 phenolic compounds like flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, lignans, neolignans, and benzoic acid derivatives have been isolated and identified from the roots. Pharmacological studies of the isolated polysaccharides have demonstrated various biological effects such as hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, cardiovascular, immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, and neuropharmacological activities. Studies on pharmacological effects of the phenolic compounds isolated from the roots are however limited.
CONCLUSIONS
This review shows that polysaccharides could be one of the active components in the roots of A. carmichaelii, and they are promising for future applications due to their pharmacological properties. In addition, polysaccharides are generally non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable. This review also sheds light on new research directions for A. carmichaelii. A more detailed structural characterization of polysaccharides from different root parts of A. carmichaelii, and their structure-activity relationships are required. Additionally, their pharmacological properties as immunomodulators in the intestinal system should be investigated. Further, more knowledge about the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of the phenolic compounds that have been identified are needed.
Topics: Aconitum; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Phenols; Phytochemicals; Plant Roots; Polysaccharides
PubMed: 35240238
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115148 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science Nov 2022The existing drug treatments for trypanosomiases are limited and suffer from shortcomings due to their toxicity and the emergence of resistant parasites. Developing... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The existing drug treatments for trypanosomiases are limited and suffer from shortcomings due to their toxicity and the emergence of resistant parasites. Developing anti-trypanosomal compounds based on natural products is a promising way of fighting trypanosomiases.
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to identify through scientific review a large variety of medicinal plants (anti-trypanosomal) used worldwide and scientifically shown to display anti-trypanosomal effects.
METHODS
To collect data, the anti-trypanosomal activities of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South America, North America, Europe and Oceania medicinal plants have been checked by considering the published paper.
RESULTS
Based on collected data, 77 natural molecules were reported in the literature. Of which 59 were from the African region, 11 from Asia, 3 from Europe and 4 from Latin America. These active components belong to alkaloids, triterpenoids, lactone, quinoids, flavonoids, iridoids, lignans, steroids, lipids, oxygenated heterocycles, benzenoids, proteins, coumarins, phenylpropanoids and peptides. We also specified the prosperous plants with unique anti-trypanosomal activities.
CONCLUSIONS
However, there is a need for further studies on the ability of the isolated compounds to ameliorate the trypanosome-induced pathological alterations and also the elucidation of their modes of actions and activities against other trypanosome species.
Topics: Animals; Plants, Medicinal; Trypanosoma; Africa; Asia; Data Collection
PubMed: 36037401
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.912 -
Nutrients Apr 2017Epidemiologic studies have suggested an inverse association between flavonoids and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the results might have been influenced by the... (Review)
Review
Epidemiologic studies have suggested an inverse association between flavonoids and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the results might have been influenced by the use of dietary assessment methods, which are error prone. The aim of this paper was to systematically review and analyse the literature for evidence of associations between polyphenol biomarkers and CVD and mortality risk in observational studies. Eligible studies were identified through PubMed, Web of Science, and reference lists. Multivariable adjusted associations were extracted. Data were log-transformed and pooled using the random effects model. In total, eight studies were included, investigating 16 different polyphenol biomarkers in association with CVD and mortality. Blood and urine were used as biospecimens, and enterolactone, a lignan metabolite, was most often investigated. Three meta-analyses were conducted investigating the association between enterolactone, and all-cause and CVD mortality, and non-fatal myocardial infarction. A 30% and 45% reduced all-cause and CVD mortality risk were revealed at higher enterolactone concentrations. Furthermore, inverse associations were observed between polyphenol biomarkers and all-cause mortality, kaempferol, and acute coronary syndrome. There is evidence to suggest that enterolactone is associated with a lower CVD mortality risk. This emphasises the importance of the role of the microbiota in disease prevention. To strengthen the evidence, more studies are warranted.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Food Analysis; Humans; Polyphenols
PubMed: 28441720
DOI: 10.3390/nu9040415 -
Nutrition & Metabolism Oct 2021Flaxseed is widely used as a functional food for its rich sources of linolenic acid, lignans and dietary fibers in the world. This systematic review and dose-response... (Review)
Review
Comparisons of the effects of different flaxseed products consumption on lipid profiles, inflammatory cytokines and anthropometric indices in patients with dyslipidemia related diseases: systematic review and a dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Flaxseed is widely used as a functional food for its rich sources of linolenic acid, lignans and dietary fibers in the world. This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is first to evaluate effects of different flaxseed products (whole flaxseed, oil and lignans) on lipid profiles, inflammatory and anthropometric parameters in patients with dyslipidemia related diseases.
METHODS
Literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central, Scopus, and Web of Science from the inception dates to January, 2020. Weighted mean differences with the 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled using fix or random-effects models.
RESULTS
Thirty-one RCTs involving 1,698 participants were included. The present meta-analysis revealed that flaxseed consumption had an overall beneficial effect on serum TC, LDL-C, TG, apo B and IL-6 in patients with dyslipidemia related diseases, but not on apo A, HDL-C, hs-CRP, CRP and anthropometric indices. However, different flaxseed products showed obviously different effects. Whole flaxseed supplementation significantly reduced TC (- 11.85 mg/dl, 95% CI - 20.12 to - 3.57, P = 0.005), LDL-C (- 10.51 mg/dl, 95% CI - 14.96 to - 6.06, P < 0.001), TG (- 19.77 mg/dl, 95% CI - 33.61 to - 5.94, P = 0.005), apolipoprotein B (- 5.73 mg/dl, 95% CI - 7.53 to - 3.93, P < 0.001), TC/HDL-C (- 0.10, 95% CI - 0.19 to - 0.003, P = 0.044) and weight (- 0.40 kg, 95% CI - 0.76 to - 0.05, P = 0.027); Lignans supplementation significantly reduced TC (- 17.86 mg/dl, P = 0.004), LDL-C (- 15.47 mg/dl, P < 0.001) and TC/HDL-C (- 0.45, P = 0.04). Although flaxseed oil supplementation had no such lowering-effect on lipid, meta-analysis revealed its lowering-effect on IL-6 (- 0.35 pg/ml, P = 0.033) and hs-CRP (- 1.54 mg/l, P = 0.004). Subgroup analysis revealed that whole flaxseed decreased TC, LDL-C and TG levels irrespective of country and the intervention time prescribed, but was more pronounced when the dose of whole flaxseed was ≤ 30 g/day (TC: WMD - 13.61 mg/mL; LDL-C: WMD - 10.52 mg/mL; TG: WMD - 23.52 mg/mL), rather not a dose > 30 g/day. Moreover, a linear relationship between dose of whole flaxseed and absolute changes in C-reactive protein (P = 0.036) and a nonlinear relationship between with IL-6 (P < 0.001) were detected.
CONCLUSIONS
Flaxseed intervention suggested the positive effects on lipid profiles, inflammatory cytokines and anthropometric indices in patients with dyslipidemia related diseases. Of these, whole flaxseed and lignans play an important role in reducing blood lipid, while flaxseed oil mainly plays in anti-inflammatory. Lipid- and weight-lowering was significant when whole flaxseed was consumed at doses < 30 mg/d, for lipid status with mixed dyslipidemia and patients with BMI > 25.
PubMed: 34635132
DOI: 10.1186/s12986-021-00619-3 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2017The genus is widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine and functional food. Many of the chemical constituents of the genus were reported previously. In this... (Review)
Review
The genus is widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine and functional food. Many of the chemical constituents of the genus were reported previously. In this review, in addition to the polysaccharides, we have enumerated 355 chemical constituents and nutrients, including 22 glycerogalactolipids, 29 phenylpropanoids, 10 coumarins, 13 lignans, 32 flavonoids, 37 amides, 72 alkaloids, four anthraquinones, 32 organic acids, 39 terpenoids, 57 sterols, steroids, and their derivatives, five peptides and three other constituents. This comprehensive study could lay the foundation for further research on the genus.
Topics: Lycium; Molecular Structure; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 28629116
DOI: 10.3390/molecules22060911 -
Nutrients Jul 2021The aim of this systematic review was to provide comprehensive and available data on the possible role of phytoestrogens (PE) for the treatment of endometriosis. We...
The aim of this systematic review was to provide comprehensive and available data on the possible role of phytoestrogens (PE) for the treatment of endometriosis. We conducted an advanced, systematic search of online medical databases PubMed and Medline. Only full-length manuscripts written in English up to September 2020 were considered. A total of 60 studies were included in the systematic review. According to in vitro findings, 19 out of 22 studies reported the ability of PE in inducing anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and proapoptotic effects on cultured cells. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain this in vitro action including the alteration of cell cycle proteins, the activation/inactivation of regulatory pathways, and modification of radical oxidative species levels. Thirty-eight articles on the effects of phytoestrogens on the development of endometriotic lesions in in vivo experimental animal models of endometriosis have been included. In line with in vitro findings, results also derived from animal models of endometriosis generally supported a beneficial effect of the compounds in reducing lesion growth and development. Finally, only seven studies investigated the effects of phytoestrogens intake on endometriosis in humans. The huge amount of in vitro and in vivo animal findings did not correspond to a consistent literature in the women affected. Therefore, whether the experimental findings can be translated in women is currently unknown.
Topics: Animals; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Phytoestrogens
PubMed: 34444692
DOI: 10.3390/nu13082532 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 201430% of people with anogenital warts (AGW) have spontaneous regression of lesions but there is no way to determine whether a specific lesion will remain. There are a wide... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
30% of people with anogenital warts (AGW) have spontaneous regression of lesions but there is no way to determine whether a specific lesion will remain. There are a wide range of options available for treating people with AGW and selection is based on clinician's experience, patient preferences and adverse effects. The imiquimod could offer the advantages of patient-applied therapies without incurring the limitations of provider-administered treatments.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of imiquimod for the treatment of AGW in non-immunocompromised adults.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Sexually Transmitted Infections Group Specialized Register (15 April 2014), CENTRAL (1991 to 15 April 2014), MEDLINE (1946 to 15 April 2014), EMBASE (1947 to 15 April 2014), LILACS (1982 to 15 April 2014), World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry (ICTRP) (15 April 2014), ClinicalTrials.gov (15 April 2014), Web of Science (2001 to 15 April 2014) and OpenGrey (15 April 2014). We also handsearched conference proceedings, contacted trial authors and reviewed the reference lists of retrieved studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of imiquimod with placebo, any other patient-applied or any other provider-administered treatment (excluding interferon and 5-fluorouracil which are assessed in other Cochrane Reviews) for the treatment of AGW in non-immunocompromised adults.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Three review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We resolved any disagreements through consensus. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
Ten RCTs (1734 participants) met our inclusion criteria of which six were funded by industry. We judged the risk of bias of the included trials as high. Six trials (1294 participants) compared the use of imiquimod versus placebo. There was very low quality evidence that imiquimod was superior to placebo in achieving complete and partial regression (RR 4.03, 95% CI 2.03 to 7.99; RR 2.56, 95% CI 2.05 to 3.20, respectively). When compared with placebo, the effects of imiquimod on recurrence (RR 2.76, 95% CI 0.70 to 10.91), appearance of new warts (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.00) and frequency of systemic adverse reactions (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.32) were imprecise. We downgraded the quality of evidence to low or very low. There was low quality evidence that imiquimod led to more local adverse reactions (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.53) and pain (RR 11.84, 95% CI 3.36 to 41.63).Two trials (105 participants) compared the use of imiquimod versus any other patient-applied treatment (podophyllotoxin and podophyllin). The estimated effects of imiquimod on complete regression (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.48), partial regression (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.47), recurrence (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.11) or the presence of local adverse reactions (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.54) were imprecise (very low quality evidence). There was low quality evidence that systemic adverse reactions were less frequent with imiquimod (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.98).Finally, two trials (335 participants) compared imiquimod with any other provider-administered treatment (ablative methods and cryotherapy). There was very low quality of evidence that imiquimod did not have a lower frequency of complete regression (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.28). There was very low quality evidence that imiquimod led to a lower rate of recurrence during six-month follow-up (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.56) but this did not translate in to a lower recurrence from six to 12 months (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.25; very low quality evidence). There was very low quality evidence that imiquimod was associated with less pain (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.54) and fewer local reactions (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.74).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The benefits and harms of imiquimod compared with placebo should be regarded with caution due to the risk of bias, imprecision and inconsistency for many of the outcomes we assessed in this Cochrane Review. The evidence for many of the outcomes that show imiquimod and patient-applied treatment (podophyllotoxin or podophyllin) confer similar benefits but fewer systematic reactions with the Imiquimod, is of low or very low quality. The quality of evidence for the outcomes assessing imiquimod and other provider-administered treatment were of very low quality.
Topics: Adult; Aminoquinolines; Anus Diseases; Female; Genital Diseases, Female; Genital Diseases, Male; Humans; Imiquimod; Immunocompetence; Interferon Inducers; Keratolytic Agents; Male; Podophyllin; Podophyllotoxin; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recurrence; Self Administration; Warts
PubMed: 25362229
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010389.pub2 -
BMJ Open Oct 2019To generate estimates of comparative clinical effectiveness for interventions used in the treatment of anogenital warts (AGWs) through the systematic review, appraisal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To generate estimates of comparative clinical effectiveness for interventions used in the treatment of anogenital warts (AGWs) through the systematic review, appraisal and synthesis of data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
DESIGN
Systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs. Search strategies were developed for MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library and the Web of Science. For electronic databases, searches were run from inception to March 2018. The systematic review was carried out following the general principles recommended in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.
PARTICIPANTS
People aged ≥16 years with clinically diagnosed AGWs (irrespective of biopsy confirmation).
INTERVENTIONS
Topical and ablative treatments recommended by the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV for the treatment of AGWs, either as monotherapy or in combination versus each other.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Complete clearance of AGWs at the end of treatment and at other scheduled visits, and rate of recurrence.
RESULTS
Thirty-seven RCTs met inclusion criteria. Twenty studies were assessed as being at unclear risk of bias, with the remaining studies categorised as high risk of bias. Network meta-analysis indicates that, of the treatment options compared, carbon dioxide laser therapy is the most effective treatment for achieving complete clearance of AGWs at the end of treatment. Of patient-applied topical treatments, podophyllotoxin 0.5% solution was found to be the most effective at achieving complete clearance, and was associated with a statistically significant difference compared with imiquimod 5% cream and polyphenon E 10% ointment (p<0.05). Few data were available on recurrence of AGWs after complete clearance. Of the interventions evaluated, surgical excision was the most effective at minimising risk of recurrence.
CONCLUSION
Of the studies assessed, as a collective, the quality of the evidence is low. Few studies are available that evaluate treatment options versus each other.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42013005457.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Antineoplastic Agents; Anus Diseases; Catechin; Caustics; Condylomata Acuminata; Cryosurgery; Electrosurgery; Female; Genital Diseases, Female; Genital Diseases, Male; Humans; Imiquimod; Laser Therapy; Male; Network Meta-Analysis; Papillomaviridae; Podophyllotoxin; Treatment Outcome; Trichloroacetic Acid
PubMed: 31676644
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027765 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Oct 2023Adverse reactions to traditional Chinese medicine have hindered the healthy development and internationalization process of the traditional Chinese medicine industry....
Adverse reactions to traditional Chinese medicine have hindered the healthy development and internationalization process of the traditional Chinese medicine industry. The critical issue that needs to be solved urgently is to evaluate the safety of traditional Chinese medicine systematically and effectively. Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is a highly active compound extracted from plants of the genus Podophyllum such as Dysosma versipellis (DV). However, its high toxicity and toxicity to multiple target organs affect the clinical application, such as the liver and kidney. Based on the concurrent effects of PPT's medicinal activity and toxicity, it would be a good example to conduct a systematic review of its safety. Therefore, this study revolves around the Toxicological Evidence Chain (TEC) concept. Based on PPT as the main toxic constituent in DV, observe the objective toxicity impairment phenotype of animals. Evaluate the serum biochemical indicators and pathological tissue sections for substantial toxic damage results. Using metabolomics, lipidomics, and network toxicology to evaluate the nephrotoxicity of PPT from multiple perspectives systematically. The results showed that PPT-induced nephrotoxicity manifested as renal tubular damage, mainly affecting metabolic pathways such as glycerophospholipid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism. PPT inhibits the autophagy process of kidney cells through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Nrf2/HO1 pathways and induces the activation of oxidative stress in the body, thereby causing nephrotoxic injury. This study fully verified the feasibility of the TEC concept for the safety and toxicity evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine. Provide a research template for systematically evaluating the safety of traditional Chinese medicine.
Topics: Animals; Rats; Kidney; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Podophyllotoxin; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Podophyllum; Drugs, Chinese Herbal
PubMed: 37651795
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115392 -
The Journal of Nutrition Apr 2015High blood pressure is a major health burden positively associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Flaxseed is a rich dietary source... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
High blood pressure is a major health burden positively associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Flaxseed is a rich dietary source of α-linolenic acid, lignans, and fiber, with a number of positive health benefits on blood pressure.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of flaxseed consumption on blood pressure. Further, the influence of baseline blood pressure, type of flaxseed supplementation, and duration of flaxseed supplementation on blood pressure was explored.
METHOD
PubMed (MEDLINE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Cochrane Library (Central) were searched through July 2014 for studies in which humans supplemented their habitual diet with flaxseed or its extracts (i.e., oil, lignans, fiber) for ≥2 wk.
RESULTS
A total of 11 studies (14 trials) were included in the analysis. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for the mean difference in blood pressure. Results indicated that flaxseed supplementation reduced systolic blood pressure (-1.77 mm Hg; 95% CI: -3.45, -0.09 mm Hg; P = 0.04) and diastolic blood pressure (-1.58 mm Hg; 95% CI: -2.64, -0.52 mm Hg; P = 0.003). These results were not influenced by categorization of participants into higher baseline blood pressure (≥130 mm Hg). An improvement in diastolic blood pressure was observed in subgroup analysis for consuming whole flaxseed (-1.93 mm Hg; 95% CI: -3.65, -0.21 mm Hg; P < 0.05) and duration of consumption ≥12 wk (-2.17 mm Hg; 95% CI: -3.44, -0.89 mm Hg; P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The present meta-analysis suggests that consumption of flaxseed may lower blood pressure slightly. The beneficial potential of flaxseed to reduce blood pressure (especially diastolic blood pressure) may be greater when it is consumed as a whole seed and for a duration of >12 wk.
Topics: Blood Pressure; Databases, Factual; Diet; Flax; Humans; Hypertension; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Seeds; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 25740909
DOI: 10.3945/jn.114.205302