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Journal of Ethnopharmacology May 2023Arctium lappa L., is a biennial plant that grows around the Eurasia. Many parts of Arctium lappa L. (roots, leaves and fruits, etc.) are medically used in different... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Arctium lappa L., is a biennial plant that grows around the Eurasia. Many parts of Arctium lappa L. (roots, leaves and fruits, etc.) are medically used in different countries. Arctium lappa L. fruit, also called Arctii Fructus, is traditionally applied to dispel wind-heat, ventilate lung to promote eruption, remove toxicity substance and relieve sore throat.
THE AIM OF THE REVIEW
The review aims to integrate the botany, ethnopharmacology, quality control, phytochemistry, pharmacology, derivatives and toxicity information of Arctii Fructus, so as to facilitate future research and explore the potential of Arctii Fructus as an agent for treating diseases.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Related knowledge about Arctii Fructus were acquired from Science Direct, GeenMedical, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science, Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, Doctoral and Master's thesis, ancient books, etc. RESULTS: Arctii Fructus as an herb used for medicine and food was pervasively distributed and applicated around the world. It was traditionally used to treat anemopyretic cold, dyspnea and cough, sore throat, etc. To date, more than 200 compounds have been isolated and identified from Arctii Fructus. It contained lignans, phenolic acids and fatty acids, terpenoids, volatile oils and others. Lignans, especially arctigenin and arctiin, had the extensive pharmacological effects such as anti-cancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory activities. The ester derivatives of arctigenin had the anti-cancer, anti-Alzheimer's disease and immunity enhancing effects. Although Arctii Fructus extract had no toxicity, arctigenin was toxic at a certain dose. The alleviating effects of Arctii Fructus on chronic inflammation and ageing have been demonstrated by clinical studies.
CONCLUSION
Arctii Fructus is regarded as a worthy herb with many chemical components and various pharmacological effects. Several traditional applications have been supported by modern pharmacological research. However, their action mechanisms need to be further studied. Although many chemical components were isolated from Arctii Fructus, the current research mainly focused on lignans, especially arctiin and arctigenin. Therefore, it is very important to deeply clarify the pharmacological activities and action mechanism of the compounds and make full medicinal use of the resources of Arctii Fructus.
Topics: Humans; Ethnopharmacology; Fruit; Arctium; Lignans; Botany; Quality Control; Pharyngitis; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 36781057
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116223 -
Current Diabetes Reviews 2022In the present scenario, diabetes is a growing health challenge, and its occurrence is growing across the globe. Diabetes, with its complications like diabetic wounds,...
BACKGROUND
In the present scenario, diabetes is a growing health challenge, and its occurrence is growing across the globe. Diabetes, with its complications like diabetic wounds, vasculopathy, neuropathy, wound infections, and oxidative stress, is a serious cause of mortality worldwide.
INTRODUCTION
Among the various complications, treatment of diabetic foot and ulcers is one of the major concerns in patients who are suffering from diabetes. The causative factors for this condition include increased oxidative stress, high blood glucose levels, vascular insufficiency, and microbial infections, and many a time, if left untreated, it may even lead to amputations of the lower extremities. The present therapy for the treatment of diabetic wounds mainly involves the use of synthetic moieties and other biotechnology-derived biomolecules, including growth factors. Few plant products are also useful in the treatment of wounds.
METHODS
Essential oils derived from various herbs are reported to possess significant wound healing potential and promote blood clotting, help to fight infections, and accelerate the wound healing process. Hence, the present review is a systematic analysis of all the available data on the use of the natural oils with their biological source, active phytochemical constituents present, and the probable mechanism of action for the treatment of chronic and diabetic wounds in suitable animal models. A methodical collection of data was performed, and information was searched up to April 2020 in entirety. Key phrases used for the data search include the pathophysiology of wounds, diabetic foot wound and its complications, natural oils for chronic and diabetic wound treatment.
RESULTS
This review summarizes the natural oils which are reported in the literature to be beneficial in the treatment of chronic wounds, while some oils have been specifically also studied against wounds in diabetic rats. Essential oils are said to interact with the body pharmacologically, physiologically and psychologically and help in rapid wound healing. However, the majority of the literature studies have demonstrated wound healing activity only in animal models (preclinical data), and further clinical studies are necessary.
CONCLUSION
This review provides a platform for further studies on the effective utilization of natural oils in the treatment of chronic and diabetic wounds, especially if oils are to receive credibility in the management of chronic wounds.
Topics: Amputation, Surgical; Animals; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetic Foot; Humans; Oils, Volatile; Rats; Wound Healing
PubMed: 34225631
DOI: 10.2174/1573399817666210322151700 -
Evidence-based Complementary and... 2021Phytochemical medicines containing tanshinol and ligustrazine are commonly used in the treatment of stable angina in China, but their clinical effectiveness and risk...
BACKGROUND
Phytochemical medicines containing tanshinol and ligustrazine are commonly used in the treatment of stable angina in China, but their clinical effectiveness and risk have not been adequately assessed. In this paper, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical efficacy.
METHODS
Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of phytochemical medicines containing tanshinol and ligustrazine in the treatment of stable angina were searched in electronic databases. The search date was up to March 31, 2020, and the languages of the RCTs were limited to English and Chinese.
RESULTS
A total of 28 studies, including 2518 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. It was shown that the adjunctive therapy of phytochemical medicines containing tanshinol and ligustrazine was better than the conventional therapies in the improvement of stable angina according to the clinical efficacy in symptoms ( = 2518, RR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.29, < 0.01) and clinical efficacy in electrocardiography ( = 1766, RR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.19 to 1.40, < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
The meta-analysis supported the use of phytochemical medicines containing tanshinol and ligustrazine in the treatment of stable angina. However, quality of the evidence for this finding was low due to a high risk of bias in the included studies. Therefore, well-designed RCTs are still needed to further evaluate the efficacy.
PubMed: 33623530
DOI: 10.1155/2021/8616413 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2019Dietary polyphenols, including flavonoids, have been the focus of major recent attentions due to their wide content in a variety of foods commonly consumed and the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Dietary polyphenols, including flavonoids, have been the focus of major recent attentions due to their wide content in a variety of foods commonly consumed and the findings from numerous studies showing evidence of an association with positive outcomes on human health.
METHODS
A systematic search using electronic databases PubMed and EMBASE was performed to retrieve English language studies published from the earliest indexing year of each database to April 2019, reporting on the association between dietary flavonoids intake and hypertension.
RESULTS
The search strategy resulted in the final selection of 20 studies including 15 cross-sectional investigations and 7 prospective cohorts (1 study reported on 3 prospective cohorts). 5 prospective cohorts, comprising 200,256 individuals and 45,732 cases of hypertension were included in the quantitative analysis. Analysis by extreme quantiles of intake of flavonoid showed a non-significant association with decreased risk of hypertension (RR (risk ratio): 0.96, 95% CI (confidence interval): 0.89, 1.03). Taking into consideration individual flavonoid subclasses, dietary anthocyanins intake was associated with 8% reduction in risk of hypertension, when comparing highest vs. lowest exposure (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88, 0.97).
CONCLUSIONS
Further studies are needed to strengthen the retrieved association between anthocyanins consumption and decreased risk of hypertension and clarify whether total flavonoids or rather individual subclasses may exert beneficial effects on blood pressure.
PubMed: 31159186
DOI: 10.3390/antiox8060152 -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR Dec 2022Various studies have proven that phytosterols and phytostanols (PS) are lipid-lowering agents. These compounds play a role in regulating high-density lipoprotein... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The effects of phytosterol and phytostanol supplementation on the lipid profile in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Various studies have proven that phytosterols and phytostanols (PS) are lipid-lowering agents. These compounds play a role in regulating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) metabolism. Although various drugs are available and are currently used to treat dyslipidemia, the management of lipid abnormalities during the postmenopausal period remains a challenge. Thus, scientists are trying to develop new strategies to reduce serum lipids concentrations using natural products. However, the impact of PS administration on serum lipids in postmenopausal women remains unclear. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of PS supplementation on the lipid profile in postmenopausal women based on a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to identify suitable papers published until January 18, 2022. We combined the effect sizes with the DerSimonian and Laird method using a random effects model. PS supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in TC (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -16.73 mg/dl) and LDL-C (WMD: -10.06 mg/dl) levels. No effect of PS supplementation on TG (WMD: -1.14 mg/dl) or HDL-C (WMD: -0.29 mg/dl) concentrations was detected. In the stratified analysis, there was a notable reduction in TC and LDL-C levels when the PS dose was ≥2 g/day (TC: -22.22 mg/dl and LDL-C: -10.14 mg/dl) and when PS were administered to participants with a body mass index ≥25 kg/m (TC: -20.22 mg/dl and LDL-C: -14.85 mg/dl). PS administration can decrease TC and LDL-C, particularly if the dose of administration is ≥2 g/day and if the participants are overweight or obese. Further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of PS usage in postmenopausal females.
Topics: Humans; Female; Phytosterols; Cholesterol, LDL; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36180973
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7646 -
Drug and Chemical Toxicology Nov 2023Phytoestrogens are xenoestrogens found in plants with a myriad of health benefits. However, various studies reported the genotoxic effects of these substances. Thus, we...
Phytoestrogens are xenoestrogens found in plants with a myriad of health benefits. However, various studies reported the genotoxic effects of these substances. Thus, we reviewed and studies published in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to evaluate the genotoxic and the genoprotective potential of phytoestrogens. Only studies written in English and intended to study commercially available phytoestrogens were included. The screening was performed manually. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of action of phytoestrogens was described. Around half of those studies (43%) reported genoprotective results. However, several studies revealed positive results for genotoxicity with specific model organisms and with dose/concentration dependence. The assessment of the selected articles showed substantial differences in the used concentrations and a biphasic response was recorded in some phytoestrogens. As far as we know, this is the first study to assess the genotoxic and genoprotective effects of phytoestrogens systematically.
Topics: Phytoestrogens; DNA Damage
PubMed: 36606318
DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2022.2146134 -
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines Jul 2021The tubers and roots of Aconitum (Ranunculaceae) are widely used as heart medicine or analgesic agents for the treatment of coronary heart disease, chronic heart... (Review)
Review
The tubers and roots of Aconitum (Ranunculaceae) are widely used as heart medicine or analgesic agents for the treatment of coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis and neuropathic pain since ancient times. As a type of natural products mainly extracted from Aconitum plants, Aconitum alkaloids have complex chemical structures and exert remarkable biological activity, which are mainly responsible for significant effects of Aconitum plants. The present review is to summarize the progress of the pharmacological, toxicological, and pharmacokinetic studies of Aconitum alkaloids, so as to provide evidence for better clinical application. Research data concerning pharmacological, toxicological and pharmacokinetic studies of Aconitum alkaloids were collected from different scientific databases (PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, and Web of Science) using the phrase Aconitum alkaloids, as well as generic synonyms. Aconitum alkaloids are both bioactive compounds and toxic ingredients in Aconitum plants. They produce a wide range of pharmacological activities, including protecting the cardiovascular system, nervous system, and immune system and anti-cancer effects. Notably, Aconitum alkaloids also exert strong cardiac toxicity, neurotoxicity and liver toxicity, which are supported by clinical studies. Finally, pharmacokinetic studies indicated that cytochrome P450 proteins (CYPs) and efflux transporters (ETs) are closely related to the low bioavailability of Aconitum alkaloids and play an important role in their metabolism and detoxification in vivo.
Topics: Aconitum; Alkaloids; Biological Availability; Phytochemicals; Plant Roots
PubMed: 34247774
DOI: 10.1016/S1875-5364(21)60050-X -
International Journal For Vitamin and... Oct 2022This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of selected root plants (curcumin, ginseng, ginger and garlic) on markers of muscle damage and muscular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of selected root plants (curcumin, ginseng, ginger and garlic) on markers of muscle damage and muscular performance measures following muscle-damaging protocols. We included 25 studies (parallel and crossover design) with 353 participants and used the PEDro scale to appraise each study. Forest plots were generated to report on standardised mean differences (SMD) and p-values at 24 and 48 hours following the muscle-damaging protocols. The meta-analysis showed that the supplemental (SUPP) condition showed significantly lower levels of indirect muscle damage markers (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and myoglobin) and muscle soreness at 24 hours and 48 hours (p < 0.01) than the placebo (PLA) condition. The inflammatory markers were significantly lower for the SUPP condition than the PLA condition at 24 hours (p = 0.02), although no differences were identified at 48 hours (p = 0.40). There were no significant differences in muscular performance measures between the SUPP and PLA conditions at 24 hours and 48 hours (p > 0.05) post-exercise. According to our qualitative data, a number of studies reported a reduction in oxidative stress (e.g., malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase) with a concomitant upregulation of anti-oxidant status, although other studies showed no effects. Accordingly, selected root plants minimised the level of several biomarkers of muscle damage, inflammation and muscle soreness during periods of exercise-induced muscle damage. However, the benefits of these supplements in ameliorating oxidative stress, increasing anti-oxidant status and accelerating recovery of muscular performance appears equivocal, warranting further research in these outcome measures.
Topics: Antioxidants; Biomarkers; Creatine Kinase; Curcumin; Dietary Supplements; Exercise; Humans; Lactate Dehydrogenases; Malondialdehyde; Muscle, Skeletal; Myalgia; Myoglobin; Superoxide Dismutase
PubMed: 33196371
DOI: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000689 -
World Journal of Clinical Oncology Jun 2021Personalized nutrition and protective diets and lifestyles represent a key cancer research priority. The association between consumption of specific dietary components...
BACKGROUND
Personalized nutrition and protective diets and lifestyles represent a key cancer research priority. The association between consumption of specific dietary components and colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence has been evaluated by a number of population-based studies, which have identified certain food items as having protective potential, though the findings have been inconsistent. Herein we present a systematic review and meta-analysis on the potential protective role of five common phytochemically rich dietary components (nuts, cruciferous vegetables, citrus fruits, garlic and tomatoes) in reducing CRC risk.
AIM
To investigate the independent impact of increased intake of specific dietary constituents on CRC risk in the general population.
METHODS
Medline and Embase were systematically searched, from time of database inception to January 31, 2020, for observational studies reporting CRC incidence relative to intake of one or more of nuts, cruciferous vegetables, citrus fruits, garlic and/or tomatoes in the general population. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers and analyzed in accordance with the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) reporting guidelines and according to predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Effect sizes of studies were pooled using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Forty-six studies were identified. CRC risk was significantly reduced in patients with higher lower consumption of cruciferous vegetables [odds ratio (OR) = 0.90; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85-0.95; < 0.005], citrus fruits (OR = 0.90; 95%CI: 0.84-0.96; < 0.005), garlic (OR = 0.83; 95%CI: 0.76-0.91; < 0.005) and tomatoes (OR = 0.89; 95%CI: 0.84-0.95; < 0.005). Subgroup analysis showed that this association sustained when looking at case-control studies alone, for all of these four food items, but no significant difference was found in analysis of cohort studies alone. Nut consumption exhibited a similar trend, but overall results were not significant (OR = 0.72; 95%CI: 0.50-1.03; < 0.07; = 90.70%). Putative anticarcinogenic mechanisms are proposed using gene-set enrichment analysis of gene/protein perturbations caused by active compounds within each food item.
CONCLUSION
Increased cruciferous vegetable, garlic, citrus fruit and tomato consumption are all inversely associated with CRC risk. These findings highlight the potential for developing precision nutrition strategies for CRC prevention.
PubMed: 34189071
DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v12.i6.482 -
Phytochemistry Oct 2021The present article is a systematic and constructive review of the traditional medicinal uses, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and formulation aspects of Glycosmis... (Review)
Review
The present article is a systematic and constructive review of the traditional medicinal uses, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and formulation aspects of Glycosmis species. The genus Glycosmis comprise 51 accepted species broadly distributed in Australia, China, India, and South-East Asia. Traditionally, Glycosmis species are used in folk medicines to treat cancer, anaemia, rheumatism, fever, cough, liver-related problems, skin ailments, intestinal worm infections, wounds, and facial inflammation. This review aims to provide readers with the latest information highlighting chemical constituents isolated from the Glycosmis species, plant parts utilized for their isolation and their pharmacological activities. So far, 307 chemical constituents have been isolated and characterized from different species of the genus Glycosmis; among these constituents, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, and sulphur-containing amides are the major bioactive compounds. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that the crude extracts and compounds isolated from this genus exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities like anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, larvicidal, insecticidal, hepatoprotective, wound healing, antiviral, antidiarrheal, and anxiolytic. The carbazole and acridone alkaloids from this genus have shown potential anticancer activity in various in vitro and in vivo studies. Rare scaffolds like dimeric carbazoles, dimeric acridone alkaloids, flavanocoumarins and sulphur-containing amides from this genus need further exploration for their potential bioactivity. This article also briefs about the toxicological screening and discusses various polyherbal and nano formulation aspects of Glycosmis species. Most of the pharmacological studies reported from this genus were carried out in vitro. An in-depth in vivo and toxicology evaluation of the crude extracts and isolated specialized compounds is required to explore the full therapeutic potential of this genus.
Topics: Ethnopharmacology; Medicine, Traditional; Phytochemicals; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Rutaceae
PubMed: 34314905
DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.112865