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Biology Oct 2023(L.) Willk., known as "prickled broom", is a Leguminosae (Fabaceae) species native to the Iberian Peninsula, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. It is used in folk medicine... (Review)
Review
(L.) Willk., known as "prickled broom", is a Leguminosae (Fabaceae) species native to the Iberian Peninsula, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. It is used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, for gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders, rheumatism, and headaches, to lower blood pressure, against hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia. This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the bioactivities and phytochemical profile of to understand its pharmacological potential. For this, four electronic databases (PubMed, GoogleScholar, Repositórios Cientificos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCCAP), and ScienceDirect) were searched from inception up to 31 December 2022. From a total of 264 potentially eligible studies considered for screening, 34 papers were considered eligible for this systematic review. The sampling included 71 extracts, collected mainly in Portugal. extracts present a high level of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The flowers and aerial parts of the plant were the most studied, and aqueous extracts were the most used. The results predict a high potential for the application of as a new source of natural antioxidants and preservatives for the food industry with subsequent health benefits, such as the production of nutraceuticals. Moreover, the results indicate that the plant can be collected at all seasons of the year, which represents a benefit for the industry.
PubMed: 37997986
DOI: 10.3390/biology12111387 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Feb 2024The genus Alchemilla L. (lady's mantle) comprises 1000 species, of which more than 300 have been characterized from Europe. Notably, as folk medicines, Alchemilla... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
The genus Alchemilla L. (lady's mantle) comprises 1000 species, of which more than 300 have been characterized from Europe. Notably, as folk medicines, Alchemilla species have long been prescribed for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, pruritus vulvae, menopausal complaints, and related diseases in women. This review summarizes the traditional uses, highlights promising plant species, and focuses on phytochemical and biological studies to highlight future areas of research.
AIM OF THE REVIEW
This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Alchemilla species, covering their botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological and pharmacological activities, and to summarize the current research status to better understand the application value of Alchemilla plants in modern phytotherapy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The search strategy utilized the major thematic platforms Reaxys, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, the USDA Plant Database and Kew Science (Royal Botanic Gardens) and was performed with the term Alchemilla. These platforms were systematically searched for articles published from 1960 to 2023.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Alchemilla species, as members of the Rosaceae family, produce tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, coumarins, triterpenes and violet compounds. Effort has been made with this comprehensive review of Alchemilla plants to highlight the recent developments and milestones achieved in modern phytochemistry and phytotherapy, underlaying a broad spectrum of the activities of these plants, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antiobesity, cardiovascular, anticancer, and wound healing effects.
CONCLUSIONS
An increasing number of studies on the plants in the Alchemilla genus have provided data about the main constituents and their importance in modern medicine. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that Alchemilla plants possess an extensive spectrum of biological activities. Regardless of the remarkable medical potential of Alchemilla extracts, clinical studies are limited and need to be performed to produce safer and less expensive plant-based drugs.
Topics: Female; Humans; Ethnopharmacology; Plants, Medicinal; Alchemilla; Rosaceae; Anthocyanins; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 37981119
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117439 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Mar 2024Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJF) and Lonicerae flos (LF) belong to different genera of Caprifoliaceae with analogous appearances and functions. Historically, they have... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJF) and Lonicerae flos (LF) belong to different genera of Caprifoliaceae with analogous appearances and functions. Historically, they have been used as herbal medicines to treat various diseases with confirmed wind-heat evacuation, heat-clearing, and detoxification effects. However, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2005 Edition) lists LJF and LF under different categories.
AIM OF THE STUDY
Few studies have systematically compared the similarities and dissimilarities of LJF and LF concerning their research achievements. This systematic review and comparison of the traditional use, identification, and phytochemical and pharmacological properties of LJF and LF provides valuable insights for their further application and clinical safety.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Related document information was collected from databases that included Web of Science, X-MOL, Science Direct, PubMed, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure.
RESULTS
The chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of LJF and LF were similar. A total of 337 and 242 chemical constituents were isolated and identified in LJF and LF, respectively. These included volatile oils, cyclic ether terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids, and their saponins. Additionally, LJF plants contain more iridoids and flavonoids than LF plants. The latter have a variety of triterpenoid saponins and significantly higher chlorogenic acid content than LJF plants. Pharmacological studies have shown that LJF and LF have various anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-endotoxic, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-platelet, myocardial protective, and hepatoprotective effects.
CONCLUSIONS
This review was undertaken to explore whether LJF and LF should be listed separately in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia in terms of their disease prevention and treatment strategies. Although LJF and LF showed promising effects, their action mechanisms remains unclear. Specifically, their impact on gut microbiota, gastrointestinal tract, and blood parameters requires further investigation. These studies will provide the foundation for scientific utilization and clinical/non-clinical applications of LJF and LF, and the maximum benefits from their mutual use.
Topics: Botany; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Flavonoids; Lonicera; Plant Extracts; Saponins
PubMed: 37972908
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117278 -
The British Journal of Nutrition Mar 2024Phytosterols/phytostanols are bioactive compounds found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds and added to a range of commercial food products. Consumption of... (Review)
Review
Phytosterols/phytostanols are bioactive compounds found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds and added to a range of commercial food products. Consumption of phytosterols/phytostanols reduces levels of circulating LDL-cholesterol, a causative biomarker of CVD, and is linked to a reduced risk of some cancers. Individuals who consume phytosterols/phytostanols in their diet may do so for many years as part of a non-pharmacological route to lower cholesterol or as part of a healthy diet. However, the impact of long term or high intakes of dietary phytosterols/phytostanols has not been on whole-body epigenetic changes before. The aim of this systematic review was to identify all publications that have evaluated changes to epigenetic mechanisms (post-translation modification of histones, DNA methylation and miRNA expression) in response to phytosterols/phytostanols. A systematic search was performed that returned 226 records, of which eleven were eligible for full-text analysis. Multiple phytosterols were found to inhibit expression of histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes and were also predicted to directly bind and impair HDAC activity. Phytosterols were found to inhibit the expression and activity of DNA methyl transferase enzyme 1 and reverse cancer-associated gene silencing. Finally, phytosterols have been shown to regulate over 200 miRNA, although only five of these were reported in multiple publications. Five tissue types (breast, prostate, macrophage, aortic epithelia and lung) were represented across the studies, and although phytosterols/phytostanols alter the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance in these mammalian cells, studies exploring meiotic or transgenerational inheritance were not found.
Topics: Male; Animals; Humans; Phytosterols; Noncommunicable Diseases; Cholesterol; Epigenesis, Genetic; Neoplasms; MicroRNAs; Mammals
PubMed: 37955052
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114523002532 -
Heliyon Nov 2023Designing and manufacturing functional bioactive ingredients and pharmaceuticals have grown worldwide. Consumers demand for safe ingredients and concerns over harmful...
Designing and manufacturing functional bioactive ingredients and pharmaceuticals have grown worldwide. Consumers demand for safe ingredients and concerns over harmful synthetic additives have prompted food manufacturers to seek safer and sustainable alternative solutions. In recent years the preference by consumers to natural bioactive agents over synthetic compounds increased exponentially, and consequently, naturally derived phytochemicals and bioactive compounds, with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, becoming essential in food packaging field. In response to societal needs, packaging needs to be developed based on sustainable manufacturing practices, marketing strategies, consumer behaviour, environmental concerns, and the emergence of new technologies, particularly bio- and nanotechnology. This critical systematic review assessed the role of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds from natural resources in food packaging and consumer behaviour patterns in relation to phytochemical and biologically active substances used in the development of food packaging. The use of phytochemicals and bioactive compounds inside packaging materials used in food industry could generate unpleasant odours derived from the diffusion of the most volatile compounds from the packaging material to the food and food environment. These consumer concerns must be addressed to understand minimum concentrations that will not affect consumer sensory and aroma negative perceptions. The research articles were carefully chosen and selected by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines.
PubMed: 37954257
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21196 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Oct 2023In the past 10 years, significant progress has been made in understanding the pathogenic chain of events that causes Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to the most...
BACKGROUND
In the past 10 years, significant progress has been made in understanding the pathogenic chain of events that causes Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to the most widely accepted concept, the production and aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides play a critical role in AD. As a result, therapeutic intervention with these processes is the focus of intense research. The Aβ peptide is cleaved by the α-secretase, β-secretase, and γ-secretase enzymes in a region near the pathogenic amyloid precursor protein (APP) and mutations occurring site.
METHODS
In the current review, a complete picture of the risk factors behind AD has been investigated. Mutations involved in AD progression have also been screened in various studies.
RESULTS
Most of the mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) can lead to the accumulation of APP oligomers in the brain, leading to AD. Several point mutations in APP can cause familial AD (FAD), including the Swedish mutation (K>M670/671N>L) and the A673>V mutation. The pathogenic A673>V mutation and Swedish mutation (M670>K/N671>L) are present in the same region of amyloid precursor protein (). However, the A673>T mutation has been shown to confer protection against AD.
CONCLUSION
More investigations are needed from geographically distinct regions on mutations associated with AD development and applications of nanomedicines for better management of the disease burden in the future. Nanotechnology-produced metal nanoparticles (NPs) have gotten much attention because of their wide range of uses in the medicinal and agricultural industries. Nanomedicine containing potential phytochemicals, including GX-50 and curcumin conjugated with NPs, maybe a potential candidate for treating AD.
Topics: Humans; Alzheimer Disease; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Mutation; Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases
PubMed: 37919079
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2810258 -
Journal of Evidence-based Integrative... 2023Cassava ( Crantz) is considered one of the essential tuber crops, serving as a dietary staple food for various populations. This systematic review provides a... (Review)
Review
Cassava ( Crantz) is considered one of the essential tuber crops, serving as a dietary staple food for various populations. This systematic review provides a comprehensive summary of the nutritional and therapeutic properties of cassava, which is an important dietary staple and traditional medicine. The review aims to evaluate and summarize the phytochemical components of cassava and their association with pharmacological activities, traditional uses, and nutritional importance in global food crises. To collect all relevant information, electronic databases; Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Preprint Platforms were searched for studies on cassava from inception until October 2022. A total of 1582 studies were screened, while only 34 were included in this review. The results of the review indicate that cassava has diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic effects, and wound healing properties. However, more studies that aim to isolate the phytochemicals in cassava extracts and evaluate their pharmacological property are necessary to further validate their medical and nutritional values.
Topics: Manihot; Vegetables; Crops, Agricultural; Plant Tubers; Nutritive Value
PubMed: 37822215
DOI: 10.1177/2515690X231206227 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science Nov 2023Mastitis is a disease of economic importance in dairy production systems. The common management regime for mastitis is the use of synthetic antibiotics, giving a new... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Mastitis is a disease of economic importance in dairy production systems. The common management regime for mastitis is the use of synthetic antibiotics, giving a new problem of antibiotic resistance. There is, therefore, a need to prospect for alternatives to conventional antibiotics from herbal plants.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review evaluates the use of plants as alternatives for the control of mastitis in dairy cattle, focussing on the effectiveness of studied plants and plant-based products and possible implications on the use of these products in livestock health.
METHODOLOGY
The PRISMA model was implemented with searches done in five electronic databases: Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Ovid and Research4Life. Data were extracted from 45 studies with 112 plant species from plant species belonging to 42 different families. The specific keywords were 'mastitis', 'dairy cows' and 'medicinal plants'.
RESULTS
The most cited plant species included Allium sativum L., Azadirachta indica and Eucalyptus globulus Labill with the latter further exploring its components. Microbial species causing mastitis mainly were Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The extraction methods used included maceration approach using ethanol, methanol and water as solvents for phytochemicals and chromatographic techniques for essential oils. A few studies explored the mode of action, and toxicities of the herbal extracts as well as evaluating their efficacy in clinical trials using animal models.
CONCLUSION
Plants with defined levels of phytochemicals were essential sources of antibacterials. Standardisation of analytical methods is required.
Topics: Humans; Female; Cattle; Animals; Plants, Medicinal; Milk; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Staphylococcus aureus; Escherichia coli; Mastitis; Cattle Diseases
PubMed: 37725398
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1268 -
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine 2023This study was performed to provide an updated systematic review of herbal medicines and phytochemicals used for treatment of the pediatric patients with attention-... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to provide an updated systematic review of herbal medicines and phytochemicals used for treatment of the pediatric patients with attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
International electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were investigated from 1st January 2000 to late October 2021. Interventional studies published in English language, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or open-label clinical studies, which evaluated the effect of herbal medicines and phytochemicals on pediatric ADHD were included in this review.
RESULTS
Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Several pieces of evidence support the efficacy of L. and Pycnogenol; mainly inconclusive evidence could be found for L L., and ginseng. The results showed that while L. was ineffective for ADHD, L L, and (Mill.) D.A.Webb had similar efficacy compared to methylphenidate (MPH).
CONCLUSION
A number of herbal medicines appear to be relatively safe and provide potential efficacy in amelioration of ADHD. However, due to lack of adequate reports of RCTs, no definitely specific recommendations could been made so far.
PubMed: 37663386
DOI: 10.22038/AJP.2022.21115 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2023Bone metabolism is a complex process which is influenced by the activity of bone cells (e.g., osteocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts); the effect of some specific... (Review)
Review
Bone metabolism is a complex process which is influenced by the activity of bone cells (e.g., osteocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts); the effect of some specific biomarkers (e.g., parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteopontin, osteoprotegerin, osterix, RANKL, Runx2); and the characteristic signaling pathways (e.g., RANKL/RANK, Wnt/β, Notch, BMP, SMAD). Some phytochemical compounds-such as flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, anthocyanins, terpenoids, polysaccharides, alkaloids and others-presented a beneficial and stimulating effect in the bone regeneration process due to the pro-estrogenic activity, the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory effect and modulation of bone signaling pathways. Lately, nanomedicine has emerged as an innovative concept for new treatments in bone-related pathologies envisaged through the incorporation of medicinal substances in nanometric systems for oral or local administration, as well as in nanostructured scaffolds with huge potential in bone tissue engineering.
PubMed: 37653972
DOI: 10.3390/plants12102055