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Toxicon : Official Journal of the... Oct 2022The genus Handroanthus Mattos (Bignoniaceae) is widely used for the treatment of cancer in traditional medicine in Brazil and other South American countries. The... (Review)
Review
The genus Handroanthus Mattos (Bignoniaceae) is widely used for the treatment of cancer in traditional medicine in Brazil and other South American countries. The anticancer potential of species of this genus has been reported in the literature, indicating that their chemical compounds may be effective against different tumor cell lines. In this perspective, the present study aimed to conduct a systematic review of ethnobotanical, pharmacological, phytochemical and toxicological information on Handroanthus species related to cancer treatment. Searches were conducted in the Google Scholar, PubMed®, ScienceDirect® and SciELO databases. A total of 78 articles published in the last thirty-two years (1990-2022) were eligible and included in the review. According to the scientific documents analyzed, five species of Handroanthus are widely used for the treatment of cancer in the traditional medicine of Brazil and other South American countries, including Bolivia and Argentina. The bark (88%) is the main part used in traditional preparations. Extracts and fractions from Handroanthus showed cytotoxicity against the following tumor cell lines: HL-60, MDA-MB-435, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, HT-29, HCT-8, HCT-116, HEp-2, HepG2, CACO-2, SF-295, NCI-H292, NCI-H460, HeLa, and OVCAR-8. β-Lapachone, a naphthoquinone isolated from some species of this genus, is the most investigated compound for anticancer potential and has proved effective against some lung cancer cell lines (CL1-1, CL1-5 and A549). Results related to toxicological studies were not conclusive, considering that some extracts and compounds isolated from plants of this genus may present some degree of toxicity depending on the time of use and the concentration/dose used. Thus, despite the promising effects against various cancer cell lines, caution is needed when making use of these products.
Topics: Bignoniaceae; Brazil; Caco-2 Cells; Ethnopharmacology; Humans; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal
PubMed: 35998713
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.08.007 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Nov 2022Ilex rotunda Thunb. (I. rotunda) is an Ilex species of Aquifoliaceae, widely distributed in East Asia. Its dried bark is commonly used as a medicinal part in the field... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Ilex rotunda Thunb. (I. rotunda) is an Ilex species of Aquifoliaceae, widely distributed in East Asia. Its dried bark is commonly used as a medicinal part in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), named Ilicis Rotundae Cortex. This medicinal plant is commonly used for clearing heat and removing toxin, draining dampness and relieving pain in TCM to treat tonsillitis, acute gastroenteritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer, rheumatism, traumatic injury, and so on. It also has significant development value on lipid-lowering, hepatoprotection and anti-inflammation, but the potential mechanism needs to be further explored.
AIM OF THE REVIEW
More and more medicinal substances are being discovered in I. rotunda with multiple biological activities, which help to advance the ethno-pharmacological research in I. rotunda. However, to date there is a lack of a systematic summary of research progress on I. rotunda. This review aims to provide a critical summary of the current studies on I. rotunda. The progress in research on botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicology, quality control and pharmacokinetics of the plant is discussed. It hopes to provide useful references and guidance for the future directions of research on I. rotunda.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Studies of I. rotunda were collected via Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WANFANG DATA and libraries. Some local books, official websites, PhD or MS's dissertations were also included. The literature cited in this review covered the period from 1956 to January 2022.
RESULTS
Analysis of the literature indicates that I. rotunda is a potentially valuable herbal medicine for the therapeutic of various diseases. To date, 120 compounds were found and identified in I. rotunda, mainly including triterpenoids, phenylpropanoids, etc. Modern pharmacological studies also found that the plant has the activities of protecting the cardiovascular system, lowering lipids and protecting the liver, as well as being an anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and antibacterial.
CONCLUSIONS
This review summarizes the results from current studies of I. rotunda. However, the current explanation seems insufficient and unsatisfactory, in terms of the relationships between the traditional uses and the modern pharmacological activities, the mechanisms and the material basis. Thus, a critical and comprehensive evaluation is necessary to explore its future research prospects and development direction.
Topics: Botany; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Ethnopharmacology; Ilex; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Phytochemicals; Phytotherapy; Plants, Medicinal; Quality Control
PubMed: 35781006
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115419 -
Lipids in Health and Disease Aug 2022Despite having a 92% concentration of saturated fatty acid composition, leading to an apparently unfavorable lipid profile, body weight and glycemic effect, coconut oil... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Despite having a 92% concentration of saturated fatty acid composition, leading to an apparently unfavorable lipid profile, body weight and glycemic effect, coconut oil is consumed worldwide. Thus, we conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to analyze the effect of coconut oil intake on different cardiometabolic outcomes.
METHODS
We searched Medline, Embase, and LILACS for RCTs conducted prior to April 2022. We included RCTs that compared effects of coconut oil intake with other substances on anthropometric and metabolic profiles in adults published in all languages, and excluded non-randomized trials and short follow-up studies. Risk of bias was assessed with the RoB 2 tool and certainty of evidence with GRADE. Where possible, we performed meta-analyses using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
We included seven studies in the meta-analysis (n = 515; 50% females, follow up from 4 weeks to 2 years). The amount of coconut oil consumed varied and is expressed differently among studies: 12 to 30 ml of coconut oil/day (n = 5), as part of the amount of SFAs or total daily consumed fat (n = 1), a variation of 6 to 54.4 g/day (n = 5), or as part of the total caloric energy intake (15 to 21%) (n = 6). Coconut oil intake did not significantly decrease body weight (MD -0.24 kg, 95% CI -0.83 kg to 0.34 kg), waist circumference (MD -0.64 cm, 95% CI -1.69 cm to 0.41 cm), and % body fat (-0.10%, 95% CI -0.56% to 0.36%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (MD -1.67 mg/dL, 95% CI -6.93 to 3.59 mg/dL), and triglyceride (TG) levels (MD -0.24 mg/dL, 95% CI -5.52 to 5.04 mg/dL). However, coconut oil intake was associated with a small increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (MD 3.28 mg/dL, 95% CI 0.66 to 5.90 mg/dL). Overall risk of bias was high, and certainty of evidence was very-low. Study limitations include the heterogeneity of intervention methods, in addition to small samples and short follow-ups, which undermine the effects of dietary intervention in metabolic parameters.
CONCLUSIONS
Coconut oil intake revealed no clinically relevant improvement in lipid profile and body composition compared to other oils/fats. Strategies to advise the public on the consumption of other oils, not coconut oil, due to proven cardiometabolic benefits should be implemented.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42018081461.
Topics: Adult; Body Weight; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol, HDL; Coconut Oil; Dietary Fats; Female; Humans; Male; Plant Oils; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36045407
DOI: 10.1186/s12944-022-01685-z -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2023Migrating grass awns are an important cause of disease in dogs and cats. Plant awns can migrate into several body tissues and cavities because of their fusiform shape... (Review)
Review
Migrating grass awns are an important cause of disease in dogs and cats. Plant awns can migrate into several body tissues and cavities because of their fusiform shape and backward-pointing barbs. Their migration causes inflammatory tissue reaction and clinical signs depend upon their localization. Ultrasound has been described as a useful, noninvasive, and readily available tool to identify and guide vegetal foreign bodies removal in animals. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize current knowledge on the application of ultrasonography in the identification and removal of grass awns from various anatomic locations in dogs and cats. We selected and analyzed 46 papers on the application of ultrasonography in dogs and cats affected by migrating grass awns. The ultrasonographic appearance of grass awns is characteristic, although their size and location can influence the visualization and the attempt of removal. In some cases, migrating grass awns are not directly visualized by ultrasonography, but the lesions caused by their migration can be easily seen. Ultrasonography can be considered a useful diagnostic tool to localize and remove migrating grass awns; however, when the migration occurs in less accessible locations or discrete foreign bodies are present, this diagnostic tool should be considered as a part of a multidisciplinary approach with advanced diagnostic imaging modalities.
PubMed: 37443870
DOI: 10.3390/ani13132071 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2020In Southeast Asia, traditional medicine has a longestablished history and plays an important role in the health care system. Various traditional medicinal plants have... (Review)
Review
In Southeast Asia, traditional medicine has a longestablished history and plays an important role in the health care system. Various traditional medicinal plants have been used to treat diseases since ancient times and much of this traditional knowledge remains preserved today. (beko plant) is one of the medicinal herb plants that is widely distributed throughout Asia. It is a versatile plant and almost every part of the plant is reported to possess a wide range of pharmacological activities. Many of the important bioactivities of this medicinal plant is related to the most abundant bioactive constituent found in this plant-the baicalein. Nonetheless, there is still no systematic review to report and vindicate the biological activities and therapeutic potential of baicalein extracted from to treat human diseases. In this review, we aimed to systematically present in vivo and in vitro studies searched from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Google Scholar database up to 31 March 2020 based on keywords "" and "baicalein". After an initial screening of titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text analysis and validation, 20 articles that fulfilled all the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this systematic review. The searched data comprehensively reported the biological activities and therapeutic potential of baicalein originating from the plant for anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-hyperglycemia, neurogenesis, cardioprotective, anti-adipogenesis, anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects. Nonetheless, we noticed that there was a scarcity of evidence on the efficacy of this natural active compound in human clinical studies. In conclusion, this systematic review article provides new insight into and its active constituent baicalein as a prospective complementary therapy from the perspective of modern and scientific aspect. We indicate the potential of this natural product to be developed into more conscientious and judicious evidencebased medicine in the future. However, we also recommend more clinical research to confirm the efficacy and safety of baicalein as therapeutic medicine for patients.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Antioxidants; Bignoniaceae; Complementary Therapies; Flavanones; Humans; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 33276419
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235677 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Jan 2023Results from observational studies suggest that children and adolescents consuming ready-to-eat cereals (RTECs) have a healthier BMI and lower odds of overweight and... (Review)
Review
The Impact of Ready-to-Eat Cereal Intake on Body Weight and Body Composition in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies and Controlled Trials.
Results from observational studies suggest that children and adolescents consuming ready-to-eat cereals (RTECs) have a healthier BMI and lower odds of overweight and obesity than consumers of other breakfasts or breakfast skippers. However, randomized controlled trials in children and adolescents are few and have been inconsistent in demonstrating a causal relationship between RTEC intake and body weight or body composition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of RTEC intake on body weight and body composition outcomes in children and adolescents. Prospective cohort, cross-sectional and controlled trials in children or adolescents were included. Retrospective studies and studies in subjects with disease, other than obesity, type-2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome, or prediabetes, were excluded. A search in PubMed and CENTRAL databases yielded 25 relevant studies, which were qualitatively analyzed. Fourteen of the 20 observational studies demonstrated that children and adolescents consuming RTEC have a lower BMI, lower prevalence and odds of overweight/obesity and more favorable indicators of abdominal obesity than nonconsumers or less frequent consumers. Controlled trials were few and only one reported a loss of 0.9 kg in overweight/obese children with RTEC consumption when accompanied by nutrition education. The risk of bias was low for most studies, but six had some concerns or high risk. The results were similar with presweetened and nonpresweetened RTEC. No studies reported a positive association of RTEC intake with body weight or body composition. Although controlled trials do not show a direct effect of RTEC consumption on body weight or body composition, the preponderance of observational data supports the inclusion of RTEC as part of a healthy dietary pattern for children and adolescents. Evidence also suggests similar benefits on body weight and body composition regardless of the sugar content. Additional trials are needed to determine the causality between RTEC intake and body weight and body composition outcomes. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42022311805.
Topics: Child; Humans; Adolescent; Overweight; Edible Grain; Energy Intake; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Pediatric Obesity; Body Weight; Body Composition; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36811587
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2022.11.003 -
Nutrients Mar 2022Biofortification is the process of increasing the concentrations and/or bioavailability of micronutrients in staple crops and has the potential to mitigate micronutrient... (Review)
Review
Biofortification is the process of increasing the concentrations and/or bioavailability of micronutrients in staple crops and has the potential to mitigate micronutrient deficiencies globally. Efficacy trials have demonstrated benefits of consuming biofortified crops (BFCs); and in this paper, we report on the results of a systematic review of biofortified crops effectiveness in real-world settings. We synthesized the evidence on biofortified crops consumption through four Impact Pathways: (1) purchased directly; (2) in informal settings; (3) in formal settings; or (4) in farmer households, from their own production. Twenty-five studies, covering Impact Pathway 1 (five studies), Impact Pathway 2 (three), Impact Pathway 3 (three), Impact Pathway 4 (21) were included. The review found evidence of an improvement in micronutrient status via Impact Pathway 4 (mainly in terms of vitamin A from orange sweet potato) in controlled interventions that involved the creation of demand, the extension of agriculture and promotion of marketing. In summary, evidence supports that biofortified crops can be part of food systems interventions to reduce micronutrient deficiencies in farmer households; ongoing and future research will help fully inform their potential along the other three Impact Pathways for scaling up.
Topics: Biofortification; Biological Availability; Crops, Agricultural; Food, Fortified; Micronutrients
PubMed: 35334857
DOI: 10.3390/nu14061200 -
Toxics Feb 2023Nano- and microplastics (NMPs) are a group of contaminants that cause concern due to their abundance in the environment, high persistence, and interaction with other... (Review)
Review
Nano- and microplastics (NMPs) are a group of contaminants that cause concern due to their abundance in the environment, high persistence, and interaction with other contaminants. This review aims to understand the role of NMP in the bioaccumulation of environmental contaminants. For that, a comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify publications that compared the uptake of contaminants in the presence and absence of NMP. In this part I, twenty-eight publications of the terrestrial compartment were analyzed. Two main taxonomic groups were studied, namely, earthworms and terrestrial plants. In earthworms, most studies observed an increase in the bioaccumulation of the contaminants, while in plants, most studies observed a decrease in the bioaccumulation. Changes in bioavailable fractions of contaminants due to NMP presence was the main reason pointed out by the authors for their outcomes. Moreover, biological aspects were also found to be important in defining how NMPs affect bioaccumulation. Dermal damage and changes in contaminant-degrading bacteria in the gut of earthworms caused an increase in bioaccumulation, and root pore blockage was a common reason for the decrease in the bioaccumulation of contaminants in plants. Nevertheless, such effects were mainly observed at high, unrealistic NMP concentrations. Finally, knowledge gaps were identified, and the limitations of this systematic review were presented.
PubMed: 36851029
DOI: 10.3390/toxics11020154 -
International Journal For Vitamin and... Feb 2023: Teas are an essential part of traditional phytotherapy. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the clinical evidence using green tea catechins in cancer care.... (Review)
Review
: Teas are an essential part of traditional phytotherapy. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the clinical evidence using green tea catechins in cancer care. : A systematic search was conducted searching five electronic databases concerning the effectiveness and risks of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on cancer patients. : Seven studies with 371 patients were included. Patients were mainly suffering from breast and prostate cancer. Dosing ranged from 28 mg to 1600 mg EGCG, intervention time from 7 days to 6 months with different applications (topical 2 studies; oral 5 studies). The studies showed heterogeneous methodological quality and results leading not to conduct a meta-analysis. There was a small decrease in prostate-specific-antigen levels in one study (N=60; T0:(mean±SD) 9.6±5.2 ng/ml, T1: 8.4±4.3 ng/ml vs. T0: 9.9±8.5 ng/ml, T1: 10.0±9.0 ng/ml; p=0.04), whereas in a second study only a trend was seen. Topical green tea was as effective as metronidazole powder in reducing the odor of fungating malignant wounds (1 study; N=30) with a consequent increase in quality of life (QoL) (p<0.001), improvement of appetite (p<0.001), malodorous control (p<0.001), social activities (p<0.001). Radiotherapy-induced diarrhea was lower in the green tea intervention group compared to placebo (1 study; N=42; week 4+5: without diarrhea p=0.002). : The studies suggest that EGCG is as effective as a local antibiotic in malodorous control and improvement of QoL of fungating malignant wounds. Green tea could be a possible complementary method for treating acute radiation-induced diarrhea. Due to limitations, further studies with higher methodological quality and larger sample sizes are needed.
Topics: Humans; Male; Antioxidants; Plant Extracts; Prostatic Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Tea
PubMed: 33593083
DOI: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000698 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2021Links between heat exposure and congenital anomalies have not been explored in detail despite animal data and other strands of evidence that indicate such links are... (Review)
Review
Links between heat exposure and congenital anomalies have not been explored in detail despite animal data and other strands of evidence that indicate such links are likely. We reviewed articles on heat and congenital anomalies from PubMed and Web of Science, screening 14,880 titles and abstracts in duplicate for articles on environmental heat exposure during pregnancy and congenital anomalies. Thirteen studies were included. Most studies were in North America (8) or the Middle East (3). Methodological diversity was considerable, including in temperature measurement, gestational windows of exposure, and range of defects studied. Associations were detected between heat exposure and congenital cardiac anomalies in three of six studies, with point estimates highest for atrial septal defects. Two studies with null findings used self-reported temperature exposures. Hypospadias, congenital cataracts, renal agenesis/hypoplasia, spina bifida, and craniofacial defects were also linked with heat exposure. Effects generally increased with duration and intensity of heat exposure. However, some neural tube defects, gastroschisis, anopthalmia/microphthalmia and congenital hypothyroidism were less frequent at higher temperatures. While findings are heterogenous, the evidence raises important concerns about heat exposure and birth defects. Some heterogeneity may be explained by biases in reproductive epidemiology. Pooled analyses of heat impacts using registers of congenital anomalies are a high priority.
Topics: Congenital Abnormalities; Female; Heart Defects, Congenital; Hot Temperature; Humans; Middle East; North America; Pregnancy; Temperature
PubMed: 34063033
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094910