-
Environmental Research Oct 2020Exposure to Plant Protection Products, PPPs, (fungicides, herbicides and insecticides) is a significant stressor for bees and other pollinators, and has recently been...
Exposure to Plant Protection Products, PPPs, (fungicides, herbicides and insecticides) is a significant stressor for bees and other pollinators, and has recently been the focus of intensive debate and research. Specifically, exposure through contaminated pollen and nectar is considered pivotal, as it presents the highest risk of PPP exposure across all bee species. However, the actual risk that multiple PPP residues might pose to non-target species is difficult to assess due to the lack of clear evidence of their actual concentrations. To consolidate the existing knowledge of field-realistic residues detected in pollen and nectar directly collected from plants, we performed a systematic literature review of studies over the past 50 years (1968-2018). We found that pollen was the matrix most frequently evaluated and, of the compounds investigated, the majority were detected in pollen samples. Although the overall most studied category of PPPs were the neonicotinoid insecticides, the compounds with the highest median concentrations of residues in pollen were: the broad spectrum carbamate carbofuran (1400 ng/g), the fungicide and nematicide iprodione (524 ng/g), and the organophosphate insecticide dimethoate (500 ng/g). In nectar, the highest median concentration of PPP residues detected were dimethoate (1595 ng/g), chlorothalonil (76 ng/g), and the insecticide phorate (53.5 ng/g). Strong positive correlation was observed between neonicotinoid residues in pollen and nectar of cultivated plant species. The maximum concentrations of several compounds detected in nectar and pollen were estimated to exceed the LD for honey bees, bumble bees and four solitary bee species, by several orders of magnitude. However, there is a paucity of information for the biggest part of the world and there is an urgent need to expand the range of compounds evaluated in PPP studies.
Topics: Animals; Bees; Insecticides; Neonicotinoids; Pesticide Residues; Plant Nectar; Pollen; Pollination
PubMed: 32795671
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109873 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Sep 2022Lavender is considered as one of the medicinal plants to manage stress. Although many preliminary studies evaluated the effect of lavender on individuals' stress level,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Lavender is considered as one of the medicinal plants to manage stress. Although many preliminary studies evaluated the effect of lavender on individuals' stress level, to the best of our knowledge, we did not find a study that summarizes the results. Therefore, the present study aimed to estimate the Pooled effect of lavender on the stress level of individuals using systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHOD
A systematic literature review based on PRISMA 2020 was performed on the SID, MagIran, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS) databases, and Google Scholar motor engine using related MeSH/Emtree and Free Text words, including "Lavender*", "Lavandula*", "Stress*", "Stress Disorders, Traumatic", and "Stress, Psychological" with no time limitation until August 2021: We also searched two Iranain free local resourses including MagIran https://www.magiran.com and Scientific Information Database (SID) https://www.sid.ir. The quality assessment of studies was performed using JBI checklist. Heterogeneity among studies was quantified using I index and Random Effects model was used to combine the data and perform the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
In the initial search, 1520 articles were found. After excluding the irrelevant studies, finally, 21 articles with a sample size of 791 in the intervention group and 804 in the control group were included in the meta-analysis. As a result of combining the studies, stress score after using lavender in the intervention group showed a significant decrease of 0.63 ± 0.13 (95% CI) more than that in the control group (P < 0.001). The results of subgroup analysis demonstrated that the highest standardized mean difference (SMD) before and after the intervention in the intervention group compared to the control group was related to L. angustifolia species with 0.73 ± 0.22, student groups with 2.27 ± 1.34, and diagnostic tool of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) with 0.82 ± 0.42, indicating that the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The pooled estimation of this systematic reiew and meta-analysis revealed that lavender significantly reduces individuals' stress. Therefore, it seems that the use of lavender can be considered as a part of a stress management programs, especially in student groups.
Topics: Humans; Lavandula; Plants, Medicinal; Psychotherapy
PubMed: 35429599
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102832 -
Pharmaceutical Biology Dec 2024Tanzania has rich medicinal plant (MP) resources, and most rural inhabitants rely on traditional healing practices for their primary healthcare needs. However, available... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Tanzania has rich medicinal plant (MP) resources, and most rural inhabitants rely on traditional healing practices for their primary healthcare needs. However, available research evidence on antimalarial MPs is highly fragmented in the country.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review compiles ethnomedicinal research evidence on MPs used by Tanzanians as antimalarials.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic web search was conducted using various electronic databases and grey materials to gather relevant information on antimalarial MPs utilized by Tanzanians. The review was per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The data were collected from 25 articles, and MS Excel software was used to analyse relevant ethnobotanical information using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS
A total of 227 MPs belonging to 67 botanical families and 180 genera were identified. Fabaceae (15.9%) is the most frequently utilized family. The ethnobotanical recipes analysis indicated leaves (40%) and trees (44%) are the preferred MPs part and life form, respectively. Decoctions (67%) are the dominant preparation method of remedies. Of the recorded MPs, 25.9% have been scientifically investigated for antimalarial activities with positive results. However, 74.1% of MPs have no scientific records on antimalarial activities, but they could be potential sources of remedies.
CONCLUSIONS
The study discloses a wealth of antimalarial MPs possessed by Tanzanians and suggests a need for research to authenticate the healing potential of antimalarial compounds from the unstudied MPs. Additionally, it indicates that some of the presented MPs are potential sources for developing safe, effective and affordable antimalarial drugs.
Topics: Humans; Plants, Medicinal; Antimalarials; Ethnobotany; Medicine, Traditional; East African People
PubMed: 38270178
DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2024.2305453 -
Journal of the American Heart... Oct 2020Background Public health policies reflect concerns that certain fruit sources may not have the intended benefits and that vegetables should be preferred to fruit. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Background Public health policies reflect concerns that certain fruit sources may not have the intended benefits and that vegetables should be preferred to fruit. We assessed the relation of fruit and vegetable sources with cardiovascular outcomes using a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Methods and Results MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched through June 3, 2019. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed study quality (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale). Data were pooled (fixed effects), and heterogeneity (Cochrane-Q and I) and certainty of the evidence (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) were assessed. Eighty-one cohorts involving 4 031 896 individuals and 125 112 cardiovascular events were included. Total fruit and vegetables, fruit, and vegetables were associated with decreased cardiovascular disease (risk ratio, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.89-0.96]; 0.91 [0.88-0.95]; and 0.94 [0.90-0.97], respectively), coronary heart disease (0.88 [0.83-0.92]; 0.88 [0.84-0.92]; and 0.92 [0.87-0.96], respectively), and stroke (0.82 [0.77-0.88], 0.82 [0.79-0.85]; and 0.88 [0.83-0.93], respectively) incidence. Total fruit and vegetables, fruit, and vegetables were associated with decreased cardiovascular disease (0.89 [0.85-0.93]; 0.88 [0.86-0.91]; and 0.87 [0.85-0.90], respectively), coronary heart disease (0.81 [0.72-0.92]; 0.86 [0.82-0.90]; and 0.86 [0.83-0.89], respectively), and stroke (0.73 [0.65-0.81]; 0.87 [0.84-0.91]; and 0.94 [0.90-0.99], respectively) mortality. There were greater benefits for citrus, 100% fruit juice, and pommes among fruit sources and allium, carrots, cruciferous, and green leafy among vegetable sources. No sources showed an adverse association. The certainty of the evidence was "very low" to "moderate," with the highest for total fruit and/or vegetables, pommes fruit, and green leafy vegetables. Conclusions Fruits and vegetables are associated with cardiovascular benefit, with some sources associated with greater benefit and none showing an adverse association. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03394339.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Feeding Behavior; Fruit; Humans; Incidence; Nutritive Value; Vegetables
PubMed: 33000670
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.120.017728 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Nov 2022Grayanoids are natural diterpenoids that are mostly found in the Ericaceae family, such as Rhododendron molle (Blume) G. Don (Relevant herb: nao yang hua), Rhododendron... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Grayanoids are natural diterpenoids that are mostly found in the Ericaceae family, such as Rhododendron molle (Blume) G. Don (Relevant herb: nao yang hua), Rhododendron micranthum Turcz (also known as: zhao shan bai), which have traditionally been used to treat abdominal pain, cephalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis.
AIMS OF THE REVIEW
The review investigated advancements in notable anti-nociception, toxicity, and probable mechanisms of grayanoids. Meanwhile some binding sites of these compounds on voltage-gated sodium channels (VSGCs) were also analyzed and evaluated.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The substantial grayanoids literature published before 2022, in SCI Finder, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, Scopus, Wiley Online Library, J-Stage, and other literature databases had been exhaustively consulted and thoroughly screened.
RESULTS
More than 50 compounds in grayanoids exhibited exceptionally significant anti-nociception (intraperitoneal injection, less than 1 mg/kg), and the alteration of several substituents that were closely associated to the change in activity were investigated. Multiple possible mechanisms of analgesic action and toxicity had been proposed, with VSGCs playing a key part in both. As a result, the binding locations of these compounds on VGSCs (mostly grayanotoxin I and III) had been summarized.
CONCLUSIONS
The considerable anti-nociception, toxicity, and probable mechanisms of grayanoids, as well as the investigation of the binding sites on VSGCs, were discussed in this review. Furthermore, the homology of toxicity and anti-nociception of these substances was considered, as well as the possibility of grayanoids being developed as analgesics.
Topics: Analgesics; Ericaceae; Plant Extracts; Rhododendron
PubMed: 35948141
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115581 -
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational... 2021Vitiligo is disfiguring and devastating condition that can humans feel stigmatic and devalued. Melasma is a general condition of hyperpigmentation particularly involving... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Vitiligo is disfiguring and devastating condition that can humans feel stigmatic and devalued. Melasma is a general condition of hyperpigmentation particularly involving the face. The pigmentation disorders of vitiligo (hypopigmentation or de-pigmentation) and melasma (Hypermelanosis) are common among the world's population (around 1% for vitiligo).
OBJECTIVE
The identification of medicinal plants used in the treatment of vitiligo and hypermelanosis. A systematic literature review on harms associated with the medicinal plants used in the treatment of vitiligo and hypermelanosis. To review and summarize information on reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with these medicinal plants contained in (where access is available) national and global individual case safety report databases.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature with special reference to all types of clinical trial and case reports using biomedical databases including Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts and so forth to identify medicinal plants alone or as an adjuvant with other treatments and their safety/tolerability in the treatment of vitiligo and Hypermelanosis. Other sources of this search were medicinal plants text books, pharmacopoeias and authentic websites discussing possible treatments for vitiligo/hypermelanosis. It also included databases such as VigiAccess containing data from spontaneous reporting schemes for ADRs.
RESULTS
A total of 55 articles (47 clinical trials and 8 case reports) met the inclusion criteria. Some trials did not reported safety information, some did report, but not very well. Reports of blistering, erythema, acute hepatitis and mutagenesis with . Adverse effects of erythema (mild to severe), phototoxic reactions, mild raise in liver transaminases, gastrointestinal disturbances, burns, itching, scaling, depigmented macules, pruritis, and giddiness with the use of psoralens. Khellin-related erythema, perilesional hyperpigmentation, gastrointestinal disturbances, mild raise in liver transaminases and orthostatic complaints. Infrequent side effects with Ginkgo biloba. Lower grade of erythema and edema reported with the use of
CONCLUSION
Primarily the retrieved clinical studies were efficacy oriented and safety parameters were secondary in priority whilst the general protocol of clinical trials requires the screening of drugs/medicinal plants on the basis of safety studies before testing the clinical aspects of efficacy. Thereby it is recommended that efficacy studies may be followed once the safety has been established for a particular medicinal plant in treating vitiligo and hypermelanosis.
PubMed: 33790609
DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S298342 -
Heliyon Jan 2023Fungi are morphologically and ecologically diverse kingdom but less explored in the global perspective. This systematic review of mainly higher fungi (mushrooms) and... (Review)
Review
Fungi are morphologically and ecologically diverse kingdom but less explored in the global perspective. This systematic review of mainly higher fungi (mushrooms) and lichenized fungi (lichens) was aimed to convey comprehensive knowledge on these understudied taxa, especially considering diversity, research trends, taxonomic/geographic knowledge gaps, and their contribution to ecosystem services. We investigated literature from the Far Eastern Himalayas and adjacent areas. We followed the PRISM (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework for the evidence synthesis and reporting. Search strings were used to explore literature both in English and Chinese databases. Publications were validated examining the title, locality, abstract and full text. We included 75 eligible studies after screening 12,872 publications. The result on species diversity extrapolated from literature was consolidated as a species checklist and published on the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) portal. This review demonstrates a significant shortage of research work on fungi, and a lack of quantitative data on diversity, ecology, and ecosystem services. Mycological inventories with multidisciplinary perspectives are urgent in the Landscape to better understand the importance of fungi in conservation and sustainable development science. This review is especially useful when global environmental and climate concerns are focused on the use of nature-based solutions, and fungi as integral part of all ecological processes, could play important role in enhancing ecosystem services and therefore benefits coming to people as natural solutions.
PubMed: 36685357
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12756 -
Appetite Apr 2021Consumers' dietary patterns have a significant impact on planetary and personal health. To address health and environmental challenges one of the many possible solutions... (Review)
Review
Consumers' dietary patterns have a significant impact on planetary and personal health. To address health and environmental challenges one of the many possible solutions is to substitute meat consumption with alternative protein sources. This systematic review identifies 91 articles with a focus on the drivers of consumer acceptance of five alternative proteins: pulses, algae, insects, plant-based alternative proteins, and cultured meat. This review demonstrates that acceptance of the alternative proteins included here is relatively low (compared to that of meat); acceptance of insects is lowest, followed by acceptance of cultured meat. Pulses and plant-based alternative proteins have the highest acceptance level. In general, the following drivers of acceptance consistently show to be relevant for the acceptance of various alternative proteins: motives of taste and health, familiarity, attitudes, food neophobia, disgust, and social norms. However, there are also differences in relevance between individuals and between alternative proteins. For example, for insects and other novel alternative proteins the drivers of familiarity and affective processes of food neophobia and disgust seem more relevant. As part of gaining full insight in relevant drivers of acceptance, the review also shows an overview of the intervention studies that were included in the 91 articles of the review, providing implications on how consumer acceptance can be increased. The focal areas of the intervention studies included here do not fully correspond with the current knowledge of drivers. To date, intervention studies have mainly focussed on conscious deliberations, whereas familiarity and affective factors have also been shown to be key drivers. The comprehensive overview of the most relevant factors for consumer acceptance of various categories of alternative proteins thus shows large consistencies across bodies of research. Variations can be found in the nuances showing different priorities of drivers for different proteins and different segments, showing the relevance of being context and person specific for future research.
Topics: Animals; Consumer Behavior; Food Preferences; Humans; Insecta; Meat; Taste
PubMed: 33276014
DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2020.105058 -
Heliyon Oct 2023This article, the second in a two-part series, continues the discussion on the nature of the relationship between the level of sweet taste suppression and eating...
This article, the second in a two-part series, continues the discussion on the nature of the relationship between the level of sweet taste suppression and eating behaviour, but in animal rather human subjects. In particular, the aim was to review the scientific literature on the impact that bioactive compounds that decrease oral sweet sensations have on intake, preference and physiological status in preclinical studies. This review was registered in the and conducted according to the (PRISMA) and the and covered original papers included in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Food Science Source and Food Science and technology abstracts. We identified 28 peer-reviewed English-language studies that fit the topic and met the inclusion criteria. We identified three plant species, , , and , that possess acute sweetness-inhibitory properties. When administered orally, these plants reduced neural responses to sweet stimuli and decreased consumption. However, studies on the longer-term effects of antisweet activity remain to be conducted. Translating the valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the relationship between sweet taste impairment and eating behaviour into practical clinical applications are discussed.
PubMed: 37860570
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20511 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2021The objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review of the substances isolated from the African medicinal plant focusing on compounds harboring activities... (Review)
Review
The objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review of the substances isolated from the African medicinal plant focusing on compounds harboring activities against cancer models detailed in depth herein at both in vitro and in vivo preclinical levels. The review was conducted through Pubmed and Google Scholar. Nineteen out of the forty-two secondary metabolites isolated to date from displayed interesting in vitro and/or in vivo antitumor activities. They belonged to alkaloid (Erysodine), triterpenes (Erythrodiol, maniladiol, oleanolic acid), prenylated isoflavonoids (senegalensin, erysenegalensein E, erysenegalensein M, alpinumisoflavone, derrone, warangalone), flavonoids (erythrisenegalone, senegalensein, lupinifolin, carpachromene) and pterocarpans (erybraedine A, erybraedine C, phaseollin). Among the isoflavonoids called "erysenegalensein", only erysenealenseins E and M have been tested for their anticancerous properties and turned out to be cytotoxic. Although the stem bark is the most frequently used part of the plant, all pterocarpans were isolated from roots and all alkaloids from seeds. The mechanisms of action of its metabolites include apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy and mitophagy via the modulation of cytoplasmic proteins, miRNA and enzymes involved in critical pathways deregulated in cancer. Alpinumisoflavone and oleanolic acid were studied in a broad spectrum of cancer models both in vitro and in preclinical models in vivo with promising results. Other metabolites, including carpachromen, phaseollin, erybraedin A, erysenegalensein M and maniladiol need to be further investigated, as they display potent in vitro effects.
PubMed: 35009024
DOI: 10.3390/plants11010019