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Tropical Biomedicine Dec 2019The use of plants as therapy is not alien to man. Among plants that could offer novel choice to the limited therapeutic alternatives is Amaranthus caudatus. It is... (Review)
Review
The use of plants as therapy is not alien to man. Among plants that could offer novel choice to the limited therapeutic alternatives is Amaranthus caudatus. It is typically rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, lycopene, polyphenols, unsaturated fatty acids, glucosinolates, proteins, soluble peptides, flavonoids, squalene and betacarotene to say the least. As widely reported in the literature, its various capacities to fight diseases when ingested as food or medicine may not be unconnected to these bioactive compounds available in high concentrations. This current review, therefore, harmonized reports from scientific investigations that validated the use of A. caudatus for the treatment of various ailments such as Diabetes mellitus, cancer, malaria, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, helminthic and bacterial infections, inflammation, hepatic diseases and cardiovascular complications. With this, we hope to put in perspective, the key therapeutic options available in the plant.
Topics: Amaranthus; Humans; Phytochemicals; Phytotherapy
PubMed: 33597473
DOI: No ID Found -
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior Mar 2021Cannabis use has been increasing in recent years, particularly among women, and one of the most common uses of cannabis for medical purposes is pain relief. Pain... (Review)
Review
Cannabis use has been increasing in recent years, particularly among women, and one of the most common uses of cannabis for medical purposes is pain relief. Pain conditions and response to analgesics have been demonstrated to be influenced by sex, and evidence is emerging that this is also true with cannabinoid-mediated analgesia. In this review we evaluate the preclinical evidence supporting sex differences in cannabinoid pharmacology, as well as emerging evidence from human studies, both clinical and observational. Numerous animal studies have reported sex differences in the antinociceptive response to natural and synthetic cannabinoids that may correlate to sex differences in expression, and function, of endocannabinoid system components. Female rodents have generally been found to be more sensitive to the effects of Δ-THC. This finding is likely a function of both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics factors including differences in metabolism, differences in cannabinoid receptor expression, and influence of ovarian hormones including estradiol and progesterone. Preclinical evidence supporting direct interactions between sex hormones and the endocannabinoid system may translate to sex differences in response to cannabis and cannabinoid use in men and women. Further research into the role of sex in endocannabinoid system function is critical as we gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the endocannabinoid system in various disease states, including chronic pain.
Topics: Adult; Analgesia; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Animals; Cannabis; Chronic Pain; Dronabinol; Endocannabinoids; Female; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Male; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Sex Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33444598
DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173107 -
Biomolecules Dec 2023species have a long history in traditional medicine as a basis of treatment for various ailments such as a bloody cough, dysentery, and a high fever. There are about 26... (Review)
Review
species have a long history in traditional medicine as a basis of treatment for various ailments such as a bloody cough, dysentery, and a high fever. There are about 26 accepted species names in this genus distributed worldwide, including , , , , and . This work presents a comprehensive review of the traditional uses of plants of the genus and their chemical constituents and biological activities. A bibliographic search was conducted to identify available information on ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, chemical composition, and biological activities. A total of 98 isolated compounds potentially responsible for most of the traditional medicinal applications have been reported from eight species of and are characterised as flavonoid, spirostane, furostane, and cholestane glycosides. Some of these pure compounds, as well as extracts from some species of , have exhibited noteworthy anti-oxidant, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and hypolipidemic activities. Although many of these species have not yet been investigated phytochemically or pharmacologically, they remain a potential source of new bioactive compounds.
Topics: Ethnobotany; Phytotherapy; Cordyline; Phytochemicals; Ethnopharmacology; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38136652
DOI: 10.3390/biom13121783 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2022is one of the largest genera of the American Meliaceae family, consisting of over 69 species which are widely distributed in Mexico, Argentina, and Africa and are used... (Review)
Review
is one of the largest genera of the American Meliaceae family, consisting of over 69 species which are widely distributed in Mexico, Argentina, and Africa and are used in traditional medicine for several diseases. Previous studies reported that the species produce secondary metabolites such as sesquiterpenoid, diterpenoid, triterpenoid, limonoid, steroid, and aromatic compounds. The preliminary chemical investigation commenced by isolating the limonoid compound, dihydrogedunin, in 1962; then, 240 compounds were obtained from the isolation and hydrodistillation process. Meanwhile, sesquiterpenoid is a significant compound with 52% of species. The extract and compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammation, antimalarial, antiparasitic, antiprotozoal, antiviral, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antioxidant, phosphorylation inhibitor, and cytotoxic biological activities. The genus has also been reported as one of the sources of active compounds for medicinal chemistry. This review summarizes some descriptions regarding the types of species, especially ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology, such as the compounds isolated from the part of this genus, various isolation methods, and their bioactivities. The information can be used in further investigations to obtain more bioactive compounds and their reaction mechanisms.
Topics: Meliaceae; Limonins; Ethnopharmacology; Medicine, Traditional; Ethnobotany; Phytochemicals; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 36557891
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248758 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2023Nonpsychotic mental diseases (NMDs) affect approximately 15% of pregnant women in the US. Herbal preparations are perceived a safe alternative to placenta-crossing...
Nonpsychotic mental diseases (NMDs) affect approximately 15% of pregnant women in the US. Herbal preparations are perceived a safe alternative to placenta-crossing antidepressants or benzodiazepines in the treatment of nonpsychotic mental diseases. But are these drugs really safe for mother and foetus? This question is of great relevance to physicians and patients. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of St. John's wort, valerian, hops, lavender, and California poppy and their compounds hyperforin and hypericin, protopine, valerenic acid, and valtrate, as well as linalool, on immune modulating effects in vitro. For this purpose a variety of methods was applied to assess the effects on viability and function of human primary lymphocytes. Viability was assessed via spectrometric assessment, flow cytometric detection of cell death markers and comet assay for possible genotoxicity. Functional assessment was conducted via flow cytometric assessment of proliferation, cell cycle and immunophenotyping. For California poppy, lavender, hops, and the compounds protopine and linalool, and valerenic acid, no effect was found on the viability, proliferation, and function of primary human lymphocytes. However, St. John's wort and valerian inhibited the proliferation of primary human lymphocytes. Hyperforin, hypericin, and valtrate inhibited viability, induced apoptosis, and inhibited cell division. Calculated maximum concentration of compounds in the body fluid, as well as calculated concentrations based on pharmacokinetic data from the literature, were low and supported that the observed effects in vitro would probably have no relevance on patients. In-silico analyses comparing the structure of studied substances with the structure of relevant control substances and known immunosuppressants revealed structural similarities of hyperforin and valerenic acid to the glucocorticoids. Valtrate showed structural similarities to the T cells signaling modulating drugs.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Plant Extracts; Phytotherapy; Mental Disorders; Lymphocytes
PubMed: 37316493
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35952-5 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a real gynecological problem among women of reproductive age from 15 to 49. A recent analysis showed that 75% of women will have an... (Review)
Review
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a real gynecological problem among women of reproductive age from 15 to 49. A recent analysis showed that 75% of women will have an occurrence at least once per year, while 5% are observed to have recurrent vaginal mycosis-these patients may become unwell four or more times a year. This pathology is caused in 85-90% of cases by fungi of the species. It represents an intractable medical problem for female patients due to pain and pruritus. Due to the observation of an increasing number of strains resistant to standard preparations and an increase in the recurrence of this pathology when using local or oral preferential therapy, such as fluconazole, an analysis was launched to develop alternative methods of treating VVC using herbs such as dill, turmeric, and berberine. An in-depth analysis of databases that include scientific articles from recent years made it possible to draw satisfactory conclusions supporting the validity of herbal therapy for the pathology in question. Although phytotherapy has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it appears to be a promising therapeutic solution for strains that are resistant to existing treatments. There is research currently undergoing aimed at comparing classical pharmacotherapy and herbal therapy in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis for the purpose of increasing medical competence and knowledge for the care of the health and long-term comfort of gynecological patients.
Topics: United States; Humans; Female; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal; Phytotherapy; Candida; Vagina; Berberine
PubMed: 38612606
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073796 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Aug 2024Aromatherapy, a holistic healing practice utilizing the aromatic essences of plant-derived essential oils, has gained significant attention for its therapeutic potential... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Aromatherapy, a holistic healing practice utilizing the aromatic essences of plant-derived essential oils, has gained significant attention for its therapeutic potential in promoting overall well-being. Use of phytoconstituent based essential oil has played a significant role in the evolving therapeutic avenue of aromatherapy as a complementary system of medicine.
AIM OF THE STUDY
This comprehensive review article aims to explore the usage of essential oils for aromatherapy, shedding light on their diverse applications, scientific evidence, and safety considerations. Furthermore, the growing interest in using essential oils as complementary therapies in conjunction with conventional medicine is explored, underscoring the significance of collaborative healthcare approaches.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Literature search was performed from databases like PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Bentham using keywords like Aromatherapy, Aromatic Plants, Essential oils, Phytotherapy, and complementary medicine. The keywords were used to identify literature with therapeutic and mechanistic details of herbal agents with desired action.
RESULTS
The integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific research has led to a renewed interest in essential oils as valuable tools in contemporary healthcare. Various extraction methods used to obtain essential oils are presented, emphasizing their impact on the oil's chemical composition and therapeutic properties. Additionally, the article scrutinizes the factors influencing the quality and purity of essential oils, elucidating the significance of standardization and certification for safe usage. A comprehensive assessment of the therapeutic effects of essential oils is provided, encompassing their potential as antimicrobial, analgesic, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory agents, among others. Clinical trials and preclinical studies are discussed to consolidate the existing evidence on their efficacy in treating diverse health conditions, both physical and psychological. Safety considerations are of paramount importance when employing essential oils, and this review addresses potential adverse effects, contraindications, and best practices to ensure responsible usage.
CONCLUSIONS
This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the exploration of essential oils for aromatherapy, emphasizing their potential as natural and potent remedies for a wide range of ailments. By amalgamating traditional wisdom and modern research, this article aims to encourage further investigation into the therapeutic benefits of essential oils while advocating for their responsible and evidence-based incorporation into healthcare practices.
Topics: Oils, Volatile; Aromatherapy; Humans; Animals
PubMed: 38614262
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118180 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Sep 2023Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses a collection of idiopathic diseases characterized by chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Patients... (Review)
Review
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses a collection of idiopathic diseases characterized by chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Patients diagnosed with IBD often experience necessitate long-term pharmacological interventions. Among the multitude of administration routes available for treating IBD, oral administration has gained significant popularity owing to its convenience and widespread utilization. In recent years, there has been extensive evaluation of the efficacy of orally administered herbal medicinal products and their extracts as a means of treating IBD. Consequently, substantial evidence has emerged, supporting their effectiveness in IBD treatment. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of recent studies evaluating the effects of herbal medicinal products in the treatment of IBD. We delved into the regulatory role of these products in modulating immunity and maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Additionally, we examined their impact on antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory properties, and the modulation of intestinal flora. By exploring these aspects, we aimed to emphasize the significant advantages associated with the use of oral herbal medicinal products in the treatment of IBD. Of particular note, this review introduced the concept of herbal plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PDENs) as the active ingredient in herbal medicinal products for the treatment of IBD. The inclusion of PDENs offers distinct advantages, including enhanced tissue penetration and improved physical and chemical stability. These unique attributes not only demonstrate the potential of PDENs but also pave the way for the modernization of herbal medicinal products in IBD treatment.
Topics: Humans; Phytotherapy; Herbal Medicine; Plants, Medicinal; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
PubMed: 37541177
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115266 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2022The greatest challenge in the analysis of herbal components lies in their variety and complexity. Therefore, efficient analytical tools for the separation and... (Review)
Review
The greatest challenge in the analysis of herbal components lies in their variety and complexity. Therefore, efficient analytical tools for the separation and qualitative and quantitative analysis of multi-components are essential. In recent years, various emerging analytical techniques have offered significant support for complicated component analysis, with breakthroughs in selectivity, sensitivity, and rapid analysis. Among these techniques, supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) has attracted much attention because of its high column efficiency and environmental protection. SFC can be used to analyze a wide range of compounds, including non-polar and polar compounds, making it a prominent analytical platform. The applicability of SFC for the separation and determination of natural products in herbal medicines is overviewed in this article. The range of applications was expanded through the selection and optimization of stationary phases and mobile phases. We also focus on the two-dimensional SFC analysis. This paper provides new insight into SFC method development for herbal medicine analysis.
Topics: Chromatography, Supercritical Fluid; Herbal Medicine; Phytotherapy; Plants, Medicinal
PubMed: 35807405
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134159 -
Biomolecules Jun 2022The pathologies produced by fungi in the oral cavity in recent decades have become a health problem, with factors such as an imbalance of the local microbiota being the... (Review)
Review
The pathologies produced by fungi in the oral cavity in recent decades have become a health problem, with factors such as an imbalance of the local microbiota being the cause for their propagation. Conventional antifungal treatments, instead of being beneficial, have generated alterations that have led to antifungal resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe phytotherapy resources as a possible solution to oral antifungal resistance. A bibliographic search was carried out on platforms such as PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google scholar. A total of 248 scientific articles were obtained, of which 108 met the inclusion criteria. Microorganisms of fungal origin currently show resistance to the different antifungals of conventional use, which is undoubtedly altering the oral health of human beings, but there are new therapeutic possibilities such as the active principles of various natural species.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Drug Resistance, Fungal; Fungi; Humans; Phytotherapy
PubMed: 35740914
DOI: 10.3390/biom12060789