-
Food Chemistry Feb 2021Consumption of oat and buckwheat have been associated with various health benefits that may be attributed to their nutritional composition. We performed a systematic...
Consumption of oat and buckwheat have been associated with various health benefits that may be attributed to their nutritional composition. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the profile and quantity of bioactive compounds present in oat and buckwheat. Among 154 studies included in final analysis, 113 and 178 bioactive compounds were reported in oat and buckwheat, respectively. Total phytosterols, tocols, flavonoids and rutin content were generally higher in buckwheat, β-glucans were significantly higher in oat, while avenanthramides and saponins were characteristically present in oat. The majority of studies included in current review were published before 2010s. The heterogeneous methodological procedures used across the studies precluded our possibility to meta-analyse the evidence and raises the need for harmonization of separation and extraction methods in future studies. Our findings should further stimulate the exploration of metabolites related to identified phytochemicals and their roles in human health.
Topics: Avena; Fagopyrum; Humans; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 32950005
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.127982 -
Seminars in Cancer Biology Aug 2021Vegetables of the Allium genus, such as garlic (Allium sativum L.), onions, shallots, leaks, and chives, have been used for many years for food consumption and for...
Vegetables of the Allium genus, such as garlic (Allium sativum L.), onions, shallots, leaks, and chives, have been used for many years for food consumption and for medicinal purposes. Historical medical texts have indicated the therapeutic applications of garlic as an antitumor, laxative, diuretic, antibacterial and antifungal agent. Specifically, garlic's antitumor abilities have been traced back 3500 years as a chemotherapeutic agent used in Egypt. Other beneficial effects of garlic consumption include lowering blood pressure, blood cholesterol, sugar and lipids. The processing and aging of garlic result in the production of non-toxic organosulfur by-products. These sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin, diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, alliin, S-allylcysteine, and S-allylmercaptocysteine, impact various stages of carcinogenesis. The anticancer mechanisms of action of these garlic-derived phytochemicals include altering mitochondrial permeability, inhibiting angiogenesis, enhancing antioxidative and proapoptotic properties, and regulating cell proliferation. All these effects of garlic's sulfur-compounds have been demonstrated in various human cancers. The intent of this literature research is to explore the potential of garlic-derived products and bioactive organosulfur compounds as cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents. This investigation employs criteria for systematic review and critically analyzes published in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. Concerns and limitations that have arisen in past studies regarding standards of measurement, bioavailability, and method of delivery are addressed. Overall, it is hoped that through this systematic and comprehensive review, future researchers can be acquainted with the updated data assembled on anticancer properties of garlic and its phytoconstituents.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Garlic; Humans; Neoplasms; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 33301861
DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.020 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2023In the last few decades, scientific evidence has stressed the importance of plants in the prevention and/or supportive treatment of a plethora of diseases, many of them... (Review)
Review
In the last few decades, scientific evidence has stressed the importance of plants in the prevention and/or supportive treatment of a plethora of diseases, many of them chronic, age-associated disorders. L. is a traditional plant that has been integrated into traditional medicine since ancient times. Due to the presence of biologically active compounds, walnut was used in the treatment of various maladies. Recently, investigations have focused on the walnut by-products and waste products, with research on their valuable constituents and active properties. Among these secondary products, walnut septum was analyzed in several studies, its phytochemical profile described, and some of the biological activities examined. However, compared to other walnut by-products, no comprehensive review to gather all the pertinent scientific knowledge was found in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to critically assess the information furnished by peer-reviewed articles regarding the walnut septum chemical composition and the related biological activities, including antioxidant activities, anti-inflammatory effects, antimicrobial properties, antidiabetic activities, anti-tumor properties, and anti-aging potential. In conclusion, as these preclinical studies showed that walnut septum metabolites were responsible for a wide range of preventive and therapeutic uses, further research should confirm the beneficial outcomes in clinical trials.
PubMed: 36978850
DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030604 -
PloS One 2021The Turnip (Brassica rapa L. ssp. rapa) is a leaf and root vegetable grown and consumed worldwide. The consumption of Turnip has been associated with beneficial effects...
OBJECTIVE
The Turnip (Brassica rapa L. ssp. rapa) is a leaf and root vegetable grown and consumed worldwide. The consumption of Turnip has been associated with beneficial effects on human health due to their phytochemicals that may control a variety of physiological functions, including antioxidant activity, enzyme regulation, and apoptotic control and the cell cycle. The current systematic review of the literature aims to evaluate both the profile and quantity of phytochemicals commonly found in Turnip greens and to provide perspectives for further investigation.
METHODS
This review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Four bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web-of-Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched to identify published studies until April 8th, 2020 (date last searched) without data and language restriction. Studies were included if they used samples of Turnip greens (the leaves), and evaluated its phytochemical content. Two reviewers independently evaluated the titles and abstracts according to the selection criteria. For each potentially eligible study, two reviewers assessed the full-texts and independently extracted the data using a predesigned data extraction form.
RESULTS
Based on the search strategy 5,077 potentially relevant citations were identified and full texts of 37 studies were evaluated, among which 18 studies were eligible to be included in the current review. The majority of included studies were focused on identification of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates (n = 14, 82%), four studies focused on organic acids, and five studies reported phenolic component profile in Turnip greens. Among included studies nine studies (50%) provided information on phytochemical's content. We found 129 phytochemicals (19 glucosinolates, 33 glucosinolate-breakdown products, 10 organic acids and 59 polyphenolic compounds) reported in Turnip greens. Flavonoids were mainly present as quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin derivatives; while aliphatic forms were the predominant glucosinolate (gluconapin was the most common across five studies, followed by glucobrassicanapin). In general, the phytochemical content varied among the leaves, tops and Turnip roots.
CONCLUSIONS
Emerging evidence suggests the Turnip as a substantial source of diverse bioactive compounds. However, detailed investigation on the pure compounds derived from Turnip green, their bioavailability, transport and metabolism after consumption is further needed. Additional studies on their biological activity are crucial to develop dietary recommendations on the effective dosage and dietary recommendation of Turnip greens for nutrition and health.
Topics: Brassica rapa; Flavonoids; Glucosinolates; Phytochemicals; Plant Leaves; Polyphenols; Vegetables
PubMed: 33596258
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247032 -
Nutritional Neuroscience Aug 2022The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a central role in the stress response. Plants, herbs, spices, and plant-based nutrients may influence HPA-axis...
INTRODUCTION
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a central role in the stress response. Plants, herbs, spices, and plant-based nutrients may influence HPA-axis activity.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate randomised controlled, human trials assessing the effects of single plants or phytonutrients on HPA-axis related hormones.
METHODS
A systematic review of PubMed, Cochrane library, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria comprised of human, randomised controlled studies with a control intervention examining the effects of a single herb, spice, plant, or extract on pre- and post-changes in blood, saliva, urine, or hair concentrations of cortisol, cortisone, corticotrophin-releasing hormone, or adrenocorticotropic hormone. Databases were searched from inception until October 2020.
RESULTS
Fifty-two studies were identified examining the effects of ashwagandha, Korean ginseng, St John's Wort, cannabidiol, Rhodiola rosea, curcumin, cherry juice, asparagus, Jiaogulan, Black cohosh, Siberian ginseng, Bacopa monnieri, blueberries, green tea, Caralluma fimbriata, cashew apple juice, melon, American ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, grape juice, grapefruit juice, rosella, hops, mangosteen, holy basil, and pomegranate juice. Due to significant variability in study designs, the effect of phytonutrients on HPA-axis activity in humans was unclear. The most consistent finding was a morning, cortisol-lowering effect from ashwagandha supplementation.
CONCLUSION
For most phytonutrients, the effects of supplementation on HPA-axis activity in humans is unclear. Before more definitive conclusions about the effects of phytonutrients on the HPA-axis can be made, further research is required.
Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Phytochemicals; Pituitary-Adrenal System
PubMed: 33650944
DOI: 10.1080/1028415X.2021.1892253 -
The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Jun 2018Hedychium spicatum Buch. Ham. ex D.Don. (Family Zingiberaceae) is a rhizomatous herb, used in medicines, food, cosmetics and perfumery industries. Traditionally, it is... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Hedychium spicatum Buch. Ham. ex D.Don. (Family Zingiberaceae) is a rhizomatous herb, used in medicines, food, cosmetics and perfumery industries. Traditionally, it is widely used in treating inflammation, pain, asthma, foul breath, vomiting, diarrhoea, bronchitis, hiccough and blood diseases. This study systematically reviewed traditional and folk uses, pharmacological properties, bioactive compounds and market potential of H. spicatum. Research gaps and potential of future research have also been discussed.
KEY FINDINGS
Available literature indicates that research on this species is largely focused on phytochemical and pharmacological studies; however, propagation and modern interventions for high productivity have been contravened. These studies demonstrated that the rhizome of the species exhibited many valuable and medicinally important compounds, such as labdane terpenes, hedychinone and polyphenols. Many of the traditional uses of the species have been validated through the findings of pharmacological studies and biological properties of the extracts and pure compounds. Phytochemical constituents and related pharmacological activities have provided some suggestive scientific evidences for the various ethnomedicinal uses of the species in the treatment, control and management of diseases and for new drug discovery.
SUMMARY
Literature reveals that the species is lacking in exact scientific basis of the beneficial properties. Although, some other distinct biological properties identified in this species also opened new door way for its new applications. Therefore, the mentioned phytochemical constituents such as phenolic and flavonoids compounds; and related pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the species have provided some suggestive scientific evidences for its potential in pharmaceutical, food and aromatic industries.
Topics: Animals; Ethnopharmacology; Humans; Molecular Structure; Phytochemicals; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Zingiberaceae
PubMed: 29484653
DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12890 -
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks,... Sep 2022Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder affecting childbearing-age women, and is associated with reproductive and metabolic disturbances. The present study... (Review)
Review
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder affecting childbearing-age women, and is associated with reproductive and metabolic disturbances. The present study aimed to systematically review current animal studies and randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCT) regarding the effects of resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound, on PCOS features. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar were comprehensively searched until December 2020. All original animal articles and RCTs evaluating the effects of resveratrol on PCOS were eligible for the review. Out of 289 initial records, eight animal studies and three RCTs met our inclusion criteria. Most of the included animal studies reported beneficial effects of resveratrol on the histomorphological features, sex hormones and gonadotropins, glycemic control, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Resveratrol also ameliorated ovarian volume, high-quality oocyte rate, high-quality embryo rate, androgens and gonadotropins concentrations, angiogenic factors levels, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in PCOS patients. Upregulation of sirtuin-1 was an examined mechanism proposed for some observed effects of resveratrol. The current literature is limited to conclude the beneficial effects of resveratrol on the management of PCOS. Although, according to the promising results of the animal studies and limited RCTs, resveratrol might be an effective phytochemical in PCOS control, especially regarding hormonal and reproductive abnormalities. More mechanistic studies and RCTs are warranted to obvious whether resveratrol can be prescribed in the clinical situation.
Topics: Animals; Female; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Gonadotropins; Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Resveratrol
PubMed: 34312768
DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00653-9 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022The genus (Schott) G. Don consists of 113 species distributed across Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia. plants grow in tropical and subtropical forests with humid...
The genus (Schott) G. Don consists of 113 species distributed across Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia. plants grow in tropical and subtropical forests with humid lowlands. Featuring their large green heart-shaped or arrow-shaped ear leaves and occasionally red-orange fruit, they are very popular ornamental plants and are widely used as traditional medicines to treat various diseases such as jaundice, snake bite, boils, and diabetes. This manuscript critically analysed the distribution, traditional uses, and phytochemical contents of 96 species of The numerous biological activities of species were also presented, which include anti-cancer, antidiabetic and antihyperglycaemic, antioxidant, antidiarrhoea, antimicrobial and antifungal, antiparasitic (antiprotozoal and anthelminthic), antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory, brine shrimp lethality, hepatoprotective, anti-hemagglutinin, anti-constipation and diuretic, and radioprotective activities as well as acute toxicity studies. Research articles were acquired by the accessing three scientific databases comprising PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. For this review, specific information was obtained using the general search term "", followed by the "plant species names" and "phytochemical" or "bioactivity" or "pharmacological activity". The accepted authority of the plant species was referred from theplantlist.org. Scientific studies have revealed that the genus is mainly scattered throughout Asia. It has broad traditional benefits, which have been associated with various biological properties such as cytotoxic, antihyperglycaemic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. species exhibit diverse biological activities that are very useful for medical treatment. The genus was reported to be able to produce a strong and high-quality anti-cancer compound, namely alocasgenoside B, although information on this compound is currently limited. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to further explore the relevant use of natural compounds present in the genus , particularly as an anti-cancer agent. With only a few species that have been scientifically studied so far, more attention and effort is required to establish the link between traditional uses, active compounds, and pharmacological activities of various species of this genus.
PubMed: 35685633
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.849704 -
Fitoterapia Jan 2024Black cohosh, also known as Cimicifuga sp., is one of the most widely used ethnomedicine for the treatment of major health issues in women. Some reports show that... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL USES
Black cohosh, also known as Cimicifuga sp., is one of the most widely used ethnomedicine for the treatment of major health issues in women. Some reports show that Cimicifuga sp. exhibit anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-pyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
PURPOSE OF THIS REVIEW
The objective of this comprehensive review is to furnish current and exhaustive knowledge pertaining to the pharmacological, phytochemical, and therapeutic properties of Cimicifuga sp.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this review, all the available information was collected on Cimicifugasp. via computerized search using Google Scholar, PubMed, Research Gate, Sci-Hub, supplementary resources (books, government reports, and Ph.D. theses).
RESULT
The phytochemical investigation on Cimicifuga sp. has shown phytoconstituents such as triterpenoid glycosides, phenylpropanoid, flavonoids, saponin, lignan, nitrogenous compounds, alkaloids, 4α-Methyl steroids and some other component like monoterpene lactones cimicifugolides A-C etc. Cimicifuga conveys a wide scope of research on in-vitro and in-vivo pharmacological potential, like anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, estrogenic, anti-oxidant, anti-neoplastic, anti-depressant, anti-Alzheimer, and anti-climacteric properties.
CONCLUSION
This article discusses the medicinal and traditional histories of various Cimicifuga species. Because quality control and safety assessments of Cimicifuga species are currently lacking, only a limited portion of the plant may be used as medication. The majority of current research focuses on triterpene glycosides. Although there are a variety of additional molecules that may have novel biological functions, systematic investigations of these compounds are lacking. The Cimicifuga plant has to go through a lot of studies before it can be completely used in clinics as a viable medicinal contender.
Topics: Female; Humans; Actaea; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antiviral Agents; Cimicifuga; Ethnopharmacology; Glycosides; Molecular Structure; Phytochemicals; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38052334
DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105767 -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... 2022Phytosterols and phytostanols are natural products present in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds, or added to consumer food products whose intake is inversely associated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Phytosterols and phytostanols are natural products present in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds, or added to consumer food products whose intake is inversely associated with incidence and prognosis of several cancers. Randomized cancer prevention trials in humans are unfeasible due to time and cost yet the cellular processes and signaling cascades that underpin anti-cancer effects of these phytochemicals have been explored extensively in vitro and in preclinical in vivo models. Here we have performed an original systematic review, meta-analysis, and qualitative interpretation of literature published up to June 2020. MEDLINE, Scopus, and hand-searching identified 408 unique records that were screened leading to 32 original articles that had investigated the effects of phytosterols or phytostanols on cancer biology in preclinical models. Data was extracted from 22 publications for meta-analysis. Phytosterols were most commonly studied and found to reduce primary and metastatic tumor burden in all cancer sites evaluated. Expression of pAKT, and markers of metastasis (alkaline phosphatase, matrix metalloproteases, epithelial to mesenchymal transcription factors, lung and brain colonization), angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor, CD31), and proliferation (Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen) were consistently reduced by phytosterol treatment in breast and colorectal cancer. Very high dose treatment (equivalent to 0.2-1 g/kg body weight not easily achievable through diet or supplementation in humans) was associated with adverse events including poor gut health and intestinal adenoma development. Phytosterols and phytostanols are already clinically recommended for cardiovascular disease risk reduction, and represent promising anti-cancer agents that could be delivered in clinic and to the general population at low cost, with a well understood safety profile, and now with a robust understanding of mechanism-of-action.
Topics: Animals; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Neoplasms; Phytosterols
PubMed: 33238719
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1835820