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International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2022A systematic review was performed to identify all the related publications describing PCSK9 and atherogenesis biomarkers attenuation associated with a natural product... (Review)
Review
A Systematic Review on Attenuation of PCSK9 in Relation to Atherogenesis Biomarkers Associated with Natural Products or Plant Bioactive Compounds in In Vitro Studies: A Critique on the Quality and Imprecision of Studies.
A systematic review was performed to identify all the related publications describing PCSK9 and atherogenesis biomarkers attenuation associated with a natural product and plant bioactive compounds in in vitro studies. This review emphasized the imprecision and quality of the included research rather than the detailed reporting of the results. Literature searches were conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct from 2003 until 2021, following the Cochrane handbook. The screening of titles, abstracts, and full papers was performed by two independent reviewers, followed by data extraction and validity. Study quality and validity were assessed using the Imprecision Tool, Model, and Marker Validity Assessment that has been developed for basic science studies. A total of 403 articles were identified and 31 of those that met the inclusion criteria were selected. 13 different atherogenesis biomarkers in relation to PCSK9 were found, and the most studied biomarkers are LDLR, SREBP, and HNF1α. In terms of quality, our review suggests that the basic science study in investigating atherogenesis biomarkers is deficient in terms of imprecision and validity.
Topics: Atherosclerosis; Biological Products; Biomarkers; Humans; Phytochemicals; Proprotein Convertase 9; Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1
PubMed: 36232177
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912878 -
Pharmaceutical Biology Dec 2022Snake envenomation is one of the neglected health problems in Tanzania. Since most people, especially in rural areas, suffer from its burden, their cases are not...
CONTEXT
Snake envenomation is one of the neglected health problems in Tanzania. Since most people, especially in rural areas, suffer from its burden, their cases are not documented due to reliance on medicinal plants. Despite the pivotal role of medicinal plants in treating snakebites, there is a paucity of information.
OBJECTIVE
This review documents medicinal plants used to treat snakebites in Tanzania.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic search using electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct and grey literature was conducted to retrieve relevant information on medicinal plants used to treat snakebites in Tanzania. The review was conducted as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The obtained information from 19 published articles was organized and analysed based on citation frequency.
RESULTS
A total of 109 plant species belonging to 49 families are used as snakebite antivenom in Tanzania. Fabaceae had the highest number of medicinal plants (19.3%). The dominant plant growth forms were trees (35%) and shrubs (33%). Roots were the most frequently used plant part (54%), followed by leaves (26%) and bark (11%). Pers. (Annonaceae), (L.) (Fabaceae), Baill. (Euphorbiaceae), E.Mey. ex Tul. (Phyllanthaceae), L. (Menispermaceae) and Guill. & Perr. (Fabaceae) were the most cited medicinal plants.
CONCLUSIONS
Tanzania has diverse plants used for snakebite treatment; a few have been analysed for their bioactive components. Further study of the phytochemicals may provide scientific information to develop snakebite drugs.
Topics: Antivenins; Ethnobotany; Medicine, Traditional; Phytotherapy; Plants, Medicinal; Snake Bites; Tanzania
PubMed: 36205572
DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2123942 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2022Oxidative stress is a condition occurs when there is the imbalance between prooxidants and free radicals. It involves in cellular metabolism, aging, and immune response....
Oxidative stress is a condition occurs when there is the imbalance between prooxidants and free radicals. It involves in cellular metabolism, aging, and immune response. Recently oxidative stress has been proved about its beneficial roles in human body. However, long term oxidative stress and high concentration of free radicals can lead to negative effects on organs, systems, and physiological conditions. Prooxidant or antioxidant, therefore, is one of the most important choices for the prevention of these anomaly. is a medicinal plant that has been reported as a source of antioxidants. The plants' leaves possess antioxidant effects according to many studies. However, these results have not yet been systematically summarized. The present systematic review summarizes and discusses about the antioxidant capacities of leaves. The plants' description and morphology, elements and phytochemical constituents, total phenolic and flavonoids contents and toxicity are also summarized and discussed here.
PubMed: 36204366
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.977015 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most prevalent and difficult-to-treat symptoms in cancer patients. For this reason, the explore for... (Review)
Review
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most prevalent and difficult-to-treat symptoms in cancer patients. For this reason, the explore for unused helpful choices able of filling these impediments is essential. Natural products from plants stand out as a valuable source of therapeutic agents, being options for the treatment of this growing public health problem. Therefore, the objective of this study was to report the effects of natural products from plants and the mechanisms of action involved in the reduction of neuropathy caused by chemotherapy. The search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science in March/2021. Two reviewers independently selected the articles and extracted data on characteristics, methods, study results and methodological quality (SYRCLE). Twenty-two studies were selected, describing the potential effect of 22 different phytochemicals in the treatment of CIPN, with emphasis on terpenes, flavonoids and alkaloids. The effect of these compounds was demonstrated in different experimental protocols, with several action targets being proposed, such as modulation of inflammatory mediators and reduction of oxidative stress. The studies demonstrated a predominance of the risk of uncertain bias for randomization, baseline characteristics and concealment of the experimental groups. Our findings suggest a potential antinociceptive effect of natural products from plants on CIPN, probably acting in several places of action, being strategic for the development of new therapeutic options for this multifactorial condition.
PubMed: 36199686
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1001276 -
Biomolecules Sep 2022Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death for men worldwide. The development of resistance, toxicity, and side effects of conventional therapies have made... (Review)
Review
Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death for men worldwide. The development of resistance, toxicity, and side effects of conventional therapies have made prostate cancer treatment become more intensive and aggressive. Many phytochemicals isolated from plants have shown to be tumor cytotoxic. In vitro laboratory studies have revealed that natural compounds can affect cancer cell proliferation by modulating many crucial cellular signaling pathways frequently dysregulated in prostate cancer. A multitude of natural compounds have been found to induce cell cycle arrest, promote apoptosis, inhibit cancer cell growth, and suppress angiogenesis. In addition, combinatorial use of natural compounds with hormone and/or chemotherapeutic drugs seems to be a promising strategy to enhance the therapeutic effect in a less toxic manner, as suggested by pre-clinical studies. In this context, we systematically reviewed the currently available literature of naturally occurring compounds isolated from vegetables, fruits, teas, and herbs, with their relevant mechanisms of action in prostate cancer. As there is increasing data on how phytochemicals interfere with diverse molecular pathways in prostate cancer, this review discusses and emphasizes the implicated molecular pathways of cell proliferation, cell cycle control, apoptosis, and autophagy as important processes that control tumor angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. In conclusion, the elucidation of the natural compounds' chemical structure-based anti-cancer mechanisms will facilitate drug development and the optimization of drug combinations. Phytochemicals, as anti-cancer agents in the treatment of prostate cancer, can have significant health benefits for humans.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Hormones; Humans; Male; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Phytochemicals; Prostatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 36139145
DOI: 10.3390/biom12091306 -
Nutrients Aug 2022Phenolic compounds are natural phytochemicals that have recently reported numerous health benefits. Resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin have recently received the most...
Phenolic compounds are natural phytochemicals that have recently reported numerous health benefits. Resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin have recently received the most attention among these molecules due to their documented antioxidant effects. The review aims to investigate the effects of these molecules on bone metabolism and their role in several diseases such as osteopenia and osteoporosis, bone tumours, and periodontitis. The PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase electronic databases were searched for papers in line with the study topic. According to an English language restriction, the screening period was from January 2012 to 3 July 2022, with the following Boolean keywords: ("resveratrol" AND "bone"); ("curcumin" AND "bone"); ("quercetin" AND "bone"). A total of 36 papers were identified as relevant to the purpose of our investigation. The studies reported the positive effects of the investigated phenolic compounds on bone metabolism and their potential application as adjuvant treatments for osteoporosis, bone tumours, and periodontitis. Furthermore, their use on the titanium surfaces of orthopaedic prostheses could represent a possible application to improve the osteogenic processes and osseointegration. According to the study findings, resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin are reported to have a wide variety of beneficial effects as supplement therapies. The investigated phenolic compounds seem to positively mediate bone metabolism and osteoclast-related pathologies.
Topics: Curcumin; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Osteoporosis; Periodontitis; Quercetin; Resveratrol
PubMed: 36079777
DOI: 10.3390/nu14173519 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Dec 2022Tart cherries are rich in bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins and other phytochemicals known to have antioxidant properties and exert cardiovascular protective... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Tart cherries are rich in bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins and other phytochemicals known to have antioxidant properties and exert cardiovascular protective effects. However, there is no definitive consensus on this context. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of tart cherry juice consumption on cardio-metabolic risk factors.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted on electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception up to December 2021 to identify eligible RCT studies. A random-effect model was utilized to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence (95% CI).
RESULTS
Ten RCTs were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed that tart cherry juice consumption led to a significant reduction in the fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels (WMD = -0.51 mg/dl [95% CI: -0.98, -0.06]). This lowering effect of FBS was robust in subgroups with cross-over studies, participants with age range ≥ 40, duration of follow-up ≤ 4 weeks, and baseline BMI ≥ 30. In contrast, tart cherry juice had no effect on total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), insulin, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, in the subgroup analysis, some significant effects were observed for insulin, TG, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C.
CONCLUSION
In summary, this meta-analysis showed that tart cherry juice mostly had a favorable effect on FBG levels. However, further RCTs with long-term intervention with different doses of administration are needed.
Topics: Humans; Infant; Cholesterol, LDL; Anthocyanins; Fruit and Vegetable Juices; Cholesterol, HDL; Triglycerides; Insulin; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36038032
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102883 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Sep 2022Development and identification of molecular compounds capable of killing or inhibiting transformed cells promoting carcinogenesis without inducing toxic effects to the... (Review)
Review
Development and identification of molecular compounds capable of killing or inhibiting transformed cells promoting carcinogenesis without inducing toxic effects to the normal cells are of utmost significance. A systematic review was conducted in screening for important literature was extensively performed by searching the Web of Science, Ovid, BMC Springer, Elsevier, Embase, and MEDLINE databases for optimum selectivity. Google Scholar was also used to supplement information. Pharmacotherapeutic biomolecules active against colon cancer carcinogenesis in Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana (bananas), Punica granatum L (pomegranate), Glycine max (Soybean), Brassica oleracea L var. italica Plenck (Broccoli), and Hibiscus rosa-sinesis and Hibiscus sabdariffa (hibiscus) were evaluated. Signaling pathways like phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase B (AKT), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) correlate the mediation of COX-2 expression. Increased levels of COX-2 are correlated with the occurrence and progression of colon cancer. Natural antioxidants in herbal plants including polyphenols and carotenoids inhibit the oxidation of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and thereby preventing the initiation of oxidizing chain reactions. These bioactive compounds should be considered an important dietary supplement.
Topics: Carcinogenesis; Colonic Neoplasms; Cyclooxygenase 2; Hibiscus; Humans; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Plants, Medicinal
PubMed: 35820316
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113383 -
Evidence-based Complementary and... 2022Over the past few decades, interest in medicinal plants and phytochemicals for the treatment of skin disorders, including acne vulgaris, has progressively increased.... (Review)
Review
Over the past few decades, interest in medicinal plants and phytochemicals for the treatment of skin disorders, including acne vulgaris, has progressively increased. Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, which mainly occurs in adolescents and young adults. The treatment focuses on the four main factors involved in its pathogenesis: increased sebum production, hyperkeratinization, overgrowth of , and inflammation. The treatment includes topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, and oral isotretinoin. In this regard, the use of herbal medicine as a complementary and alternative medicine is a promising strategy. The main objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of medicinal plants and phytochemicals in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Three scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched from inception to January 2021. Clinical trials comparing herbal therapies with placebo or other medicines for the treatment of acne vulgaris were included and analyzed. Outcome measures of interest comprised acne lesions (inflammatory and noninflammatory), sebum production, acne severity, and quality of life. The risk of bias in the included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. A total of 34 clinical trials involving 1753 participants met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Most trials showed that herbal medicine significantly reduces inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions and has a relevant effect on acne severity. Some medicinal plants revealed equal or higher efficacy to standard treatments. No significant difference between groups in sebum production and quality of life was observed and no severe adverse events were reported. This systematic review provides evidence that medicinal plants and phytochemicals are promising treatments for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. However, more quality of evidence and standardized methodologies are needed to support their effectiveness and safety claims.
PubMed: 35754694
DOI: 10.1155/2022/2011945 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022Botanical drug products consist of complex phytochemical constituents that vary based on various factors that substantially produce different pharmacological activities...
Botanical drug products consist of complex phytochemical constituents that vary based on various factors that substantially produce different pharmacological activities and possible side effects. (Blume) Kuntze (Primulaceae) is one of the most popular Malay traditional botanical drugs and widely recognized for its medicinal use. Many studies have been conducted focusing on the identification of bioactive substances, pharmacological and toxicological activities in its specific varieties but less comprehensive study on authentication. Lack of quality control (QC) measurement assessment may cause different quality issues on containing products like adulteration by pharmaceutical substances, substitution, contamination, misidentification with toxic plant species, which may be detrimental to consumers' health and safety. This systematic literature review aims to provide an overview of the current scenario on the quality control of botanical drug products as determined by pharmacopoeia requirements specifically for authentication or identification. A systematic search for peer-reviewed publications to document literature search for authentication was performed using four electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect for related studies from January 2010 to December 2021. The research studies published in English and related articles for identification or authentication of were the main inclusion criteria in this review. A total 122 articles were identified, whereby 33 articles met the inclusion criteria. Macroscopy, microscopy, chemical fingerprinting techniques using chromatography, spectroscopy and hyphenated techniques, and genetic-based fingerprinting using DNA barcoding method have been used to identify and to distinguish between different varieties and plant parts. The study concluded that a combination of approaches is necessary for authenticating botanical drug substances and products containing to assure the quality, safety, and efficacy of marketed botanical drug products, particularly those with therapeutic claims.
PubMed: 35754509
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.855384