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Chinese Medicine Sep 2023Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is one of the main illnesses afflicting the aged population and has a significant negative impact on society, economy, and health.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is one of the main illnesses afflicting the aged population and has a significant negative impact on society, economy, and health. However, there is presently no appropriate therapeutic treatment of ARHL due to the absence of comprehensive trials.
OBJECTIVES
The goal of this review is to systematically evaluate and analyze recent statistics on the pathologic classifications, risk factors, treatment strategies, and drug candidates of ARHL, including that from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), to provide potential new approaches for preventing and treating ARHL.
METHODS
Literature related to ARHL was conducted in databases such as PubMed, WOS, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang from the establishment of the database to Jan, 2023. The pathology, causal factor, pathophysiological mechanism, treatment strategy, and the drug candidate of ARHL were extracted and pooled for synthesis.
RESULTS
Many hypotheses about the etiology of ARHL are based on genetic and environmental elements. Most of the current research on the pathology of ARHL focuses on oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, cochlear blood flow, ion homeostasis, etc. In TCM, herbs belonging to the kidney, lung, and liver meridians exhibit good hearing protection. Seven herbs belonging to the kidney meridian, 9 belonging to the lung meridian, and 4 belonging to the liver meridian were ultimately retrieved in this review, such as Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., Panax ginseng C.A. Mey, and Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi. Their active compounds, 2,3,4',5-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-D-glucoside, ginsenoside Rb1, and puerarin, may act as the molecular substance for their anti-ARHL efficacy, and show anti-oxidative, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, or mitochondrial protective effects.
CONCLUSION
Anti-oxidants, modulators of mitochondrial function, anti-inflammation agents, vasodilators, K channel openers, Ca channel blockers, JNK inhibitors, and nerve growth factors/neurotrophic factors all contribute to hearing protection, and herbs are an important source of potential anti-ARHL drugs.
PubMed: 37730634
DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00825-6 -
Journal of Ginseng Research Sep 2023Ginsenosides are bioactive components of Panax ginseng with many functions such as anti-aging, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, and anti-tumor.... (Review)
Review
Ginsenosides are bioactive components of Panax ginseng with many functions such as anti-aging, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, and anti-tumor. Ginsenosides are categorized into dammarane, oleanene, and ocotillol type tricyclic triterpenoids based on the aglycon structure. Based on the sugar moiety linked to C-3, C-20, and C-6, C-20, dammarane type was divided into protopanaxadiol (PPD) and protopanaxatriol (PPT). The effects of ginsenosides on skin disorders are noteworthy. They play anti-aging roles by enhancing immune function, resisting melanin formation, inhibiting oxidation, and elevating the concentration of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Thus, ginsenosides have previously been widely used to resist skin diseases and aging. This review details the role of ginsenosides in the anti-skin aging process from mechanisms and experimental research.
PubMed: 37720567
DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2023.04.005 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jan 2024Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability. The only FDA-approved therapy for treating stroke is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), exhibiting a short...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability. The only FDA-approved therapy for treating stroke is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), exhibiting a short therapeutic window. Due to this reason, only a small number of patients can be benefitted in this critical period. In addition, the use of endovascular interventions may reverse vessel occlusion more effectively and thus help further improve outcomes in experimental stroke. During recovery of blood flow after ischemia, patients experience cognitive, behavioral, affective, emotional, and electrophysiological changes. Therefore, it became the need for an hour to discover a novel strategy for managing stroke. The drug discovery process has focused on developing herbal medicines with neuroprotective effects via modulating neuroplasticity.
AIM OF THE STUDY
We gather and highlight the most essential traditional understanding of therapeutic plants and their efficacy in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. In addition, we provide a concise summary and explanation of herbal drugs and their role in improving neuroplasticity. We review the pharmacological activity of polyherbal formulations produced from some of the most frequently referenced botanicals for the treatment of cerebral ischemia damage.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic literature review of bentham, scopus, pubmed, medline, and embase (elsevier) databases was carried out with the help of the keywords like neuroplasticity, herbal drugs, neural progenitor cells, neuroprotection, stem cells. The review was conducted using the above keywords to understand the therapeutic and mechanistic role of herbal neuroprotective agents on neuroplasticity in cerebral ischemic-reperfusion injury.
RESULTS
Neuroplasticity emerged as an alternative to improve recovery and management after cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury. Neuroplasticity is a physiological process throughout one's life in response to any stimuli and environment. Traditional herbal medicines have been established as an adjuvant to stroke therapy since they were used from ancient times and provided promising effects as an adjuvant to experimental stroke. The plants and phytochemicals such as Curcuma longa L., Moringa oliefera Lam, Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC., etc., have shown promising effects in improving neuroplasticity after experimental stroke. Such effects occur by modulation of various molecular signalling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, BDNF/CREB, JAK/STAT, HIF-1α/VEGF, etc. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we gave a perspective on plant species that have shown neuroprotective effects and can show promising results in promoting neuroplasticity with specific targets after cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury. In this review, we provide the complete detail of studies conducted on the role of herbal drugs in improving neuroplasticity and the signaling pathway involved in the recovery and management of experimental stroke.
Topics: Humans; Neuroprotective Agents; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Plant Extracts; Reperfusion Injury; Stroke; Tissue Plasminogen Activator
PubMed: 37717842
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117153 -
Nutrients Aug 2023The use of nutraceutical products to enhance male sexual performance has a long history, especially with regard to the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The use of nutraceutical products to enhance male sexual performance has a long history, especially with regard to the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Alternative treatments for ED are becoming increasingly popular, with growing interest from consumers, as well as increased revenue for manufacturers. Dietary supplements (DSs), which are a mixture of active ingredients, are mainly sold online. In randomized controlled trials, the molecules contained in DSs have demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness, or even have no evidence to support their use. However, none of the studies carried out provided sufficient evidence to consider these products a first-line therapy. Therefore, the combination of the various active ingredients, especially in relation to the daily dose, leaves doubts about the real effectiveness. In order to evaluate the potential efficacy of DS formulations, we analyzed the products marketed in Italy using a scoring approach. A systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate the effect of DS and to detect the active ingredients able to improve erectile function-called effective ingredients (EIs)-and their minimal effective daily dose (mED). A metanalysis identified some nutraceuticals, such as Panax ginseng, Tribulus terrestris and L-arginine, that are able to improve male sexual function. Based on the scoring system, 2 (8%) supplements matched with the cluster of higher expected efficacy, 3 (12%) with the lower efficacy cluster and 20 (80%) matched with the criterion of no expected efficacy. DSs marketed in Italy are usually blends of many substances that are frequently employed at a negligible dose or without any evidence.
Topics: Humans; Male; Arginine; Dietary Supplements; Emotions; Erectile Dysfunction; Italy
PubMed: 37686709
DOI: 10.3390/nu15173677 -
Phytomedicine : International Journal... Oct 2023Microbiomes and their host plants are closely linked with each other; for example, the microbiome affects plant growth, fitness, nutrient uptake, stress tolerance and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Microbiomes and their host plants are closely linked with each other; for example, the microbiome affects plant growth, fitness, nutrient uptake, stress tolerance and pathogen resistance, whereas the host plant supports the photosynthetically carbon-rich nutrition of the microbiome. The importance of the microbiome in plant‒soil ecosystems is unquestioned and has expanded to influence the medicinal application of some herbal plants via the gut microbiota.
PURPOSE
Herbal plant-microbiome interactions may provide novel knowledge to enhance the robustness of herbal plant crop performance and medicinal applications, which requires a systematic review and preceding discussion.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
The interactions between Panax notoginseng and microorganisms (from soil to host) were reviewed from the literature. The terms "Panax notoginseng" and "microbiota" were used in combination with the keywords "microbiota/microbes", "bacteria/bacterium" or "fungi/fungus" or "endophyte", as well as our targeted bioactive phytochemicals, including saponins and ginsenosides.
RESULT
Our study focuses on the famous medicinal herb Panax notoginseng F. H. Chen and proposes that the microbiota is a crucial participant not only in the cultivation of this herbal plant but also in its medicinal application. We also summarize and discuss how these plant‒microbe co-associations shape the assembly of plant-related microbiomes and produce bioactive phytochemicals, as well as influence beneficial herbal traits, such as herbal plant health and pharmacology. In addition, we also highlight future directions.
CONCLUSION
The rhizosphere and endophytic microbiome of Panax notoginseng are indirectly or directly involved in plant health, biomass production, and the synthesis/biotransformation of plant secondary metabolites. Harnessing the microbiome to improve the quality of traditional Chinese medicine and improve the value of medicinal plants for human health is highly promising.
Topics: Humans; Panax notoginseng; Ecosystem; Saponins; Plants, Medicinal; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Phytochemicals; Panax
PubMed: 37549538
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154978 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jan 2024In traditional Chinese medicine, Shen Nong, BenCao Jing, and Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu), Panax ginseng, and its prescriptions have been used for the... (Review)
Review
Ginsenoside Rg1, lights up the way for the potential prevention of Alzheimer's disease due to its therapeutic effects on the drug-controllable risk factors of Alzheimer's disease.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
In traditional Chinese medicine, Shen Nong, BenCao Jing, and Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu), Panax ginseng, and its prescriptions have been used for the treatment of dementia, depression, weight loss, Xiaoke disease (similar to diabetes), and vertigo. All these diseases are associated with the drug-controllable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD), including depression, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Ginsenoside Rg1, one of the main active ingredients of P. ginseng and its congener Panax notoginseng, possesses therapeutic potentials against AD and associated diseases. This suggests that ginsenoside Rg1 might have the potential for AD prevention and treatment. Although the anti-AD effects of ginsenoside Rg1 have received more attention, a systematic review of its effects on depression, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension is not available.
AIM OF THE REVIEW
This systematic literature review comprehensively summarized existing literature on the therapeutic potentials of ginsenoside Rg1 in AD prevention for the propose of providing a foundation of future research aimed at enabling the use of such drugs in clinical practice.
METHODS
Information on ginsenoside Rg1 was collected from relevant published articles identified through a literature search in electronic scientific databases (PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar). The keywords used were "Ginsenoside Rg1," "Panax ginseng," "Source," "Alzheimer's disease," "Brain disorders," "Depression," "Obesity," "Diabetes," and "Hypertension."
RESULTS
The monomer ginsenoside Rg1 can be relatively easily obtained and has therapeutic potentials against AD. In vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated the therapeutic potentials of ginsenoside Rg1 against the drug-controllable risk factors of AD including depression, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Thus, ginsenoside Rg1 alleviates diseases resulting from AD risk factors by regulating multiple targets and pathways.
CONCLUSIONS
Ginsenoside Rg1 has the potentials to prevent AD by alleviating depression, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
Topics: Humans; Alzheimer Disease; Ginsenosides; Panax notoginseng; Risk Factors; Obesity
PubMed: 37536646
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116955 -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR Aug 2023Oxidative stress (OS) is a key factor involved in the initiation and development of chronic diseases. Despite its widespread acceptance as an antioxidant, the effects of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Oxidative stress (OS) is a key factor involved in the initiation and development of chronic diseases. Despite its widespread acceptance as an antioxidant, the effects of ginseng on OS in human clinical trials have not been comprehensively analyzed. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize the results of previous randomized clinical trials (RCTs) examining the impact of ginseng consumption on OS indicators. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for articles on the effects of ginseng consumption on oxidative stress markers up to March 20, 2023. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess effect sizes. Twelve RCTs with 15 effect sizes revealed that the effects of ginseng lowered serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI: -0.87, -0.08; p = 0.03) and significantly increased the serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (SMD = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.45; p = 0.04), oxidative dismutase (SOD) (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.57; p < 0.0001), glutathione (GSH) (SMD = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.61; p = 0.005), and glutathione reductase (GR) (SMD = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.81; p < 0.0001) levels compared to the effects of placebo. However, the effects on serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were not significant. Moreover, subgroup analysis based on intervention duration showed that ginseng consumption increased GPx (SMD = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.05, 1.78; p = 0.039) and CAT (SMD = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.27, 1.21; p = 0.002) levels after more than 4 weeks of intervention. According to the results of this meta-analysis, ginseng supplementation dramatically reduced MDA levels and increased TAC, SOD, GSH, and GR levels. Our results open up a new line of defense against oxidative stress-induced diseases.
Topics: Humans; Antioxidants; Dietary Supplements; Panax; Oxidative Stress; Biomarkers; Glutathione Peroxidase; Superoxide Dismutase
PubMed: 37216939
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7893 -
Medicinal Research Reviews Sep 2023Among 17 Panax species identified across the world, Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng), Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng), and Panax notoginseng (Chinese ginseng) are...
Among 17 Panax species identified across the world, Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng), Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng), and Panax notoginseng (Chinese ginseng) are highly recognized for the presence of bioactive compound, ginsenosides and their pharmacological effects. P. ginseng is widely used for synthesis of different types of nanoparticles compared to P. quinquefolius and P. notoginseng. The use of nano-ginseng could increase the oral bioavailability, membrane permeability, and thus provide effective delivery of ginsenosides to the target sites through transport system. In this review, we explore the synthesis of ginseng nanoparticles using plant extracts from various organs, microbes, and polymers, as well as their biomedical applications. Furthermore, we highlight transporters involved in transport of ginsenoside nanoparticles to the target sites. Size, zeta potential, temperature, and pH are also discussed as the critical parameters affecting the quality of ginseng nanoparticles synthesis.
Topics: Humans; Ginsenosides; Panax; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 36939049
DOI: 10.1002/med.21953 -
Journal of Integrative and... Aug 2023Ginseng has been widely used in fatigue management. However, its efficacy on fatigue remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of ginseng and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Ginseng has been widely used in fatigue management. However, its efficacy on fatigue remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of ginseng and ginseng herbal formulas for fatigue in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The authors searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED) databases from inception to July 6, 2022. Outcomes included fatigue severity, quality of life (QoL), and adverse events (AEs). Quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. They pooled all included data and performed subgroup analysis by fatigue type, assessment instrument, and ginseng type. The authors included 19 RCTs. Pooled analyses found no significant reduction in fatigue severity with ginseng versus controls (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.82 to 0.11, = 0.13). In subgroup analysis, there was significant fatigue reduction with the ginseng herbal formula (SMD: -0.39, 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.13, = 0.004) and chronic fatigue (CF) (SMD: -0.30, 95% CI: -0.56 to -0.03, = 0.03) compared to controls. Ginseng produced significant reductions in general (i.e., non-disease-specific) fatigue compared to controls (SMD: -0.48, 95% CI: -0.71 to -0.25, < 0.0001). Ginseng was associated with a trend toward QoL improvement ( = 0.05) and did not increase AEs compared with controls. Effect sizes were small. Ginseng herbal formulas improved fatigue severity compared to controls, especially among patients with CF, but with a small effect size. Rigorous RCTs as well as guidelines for standard ginseng usage are needed to further evaluate the effects of ginseng for fatigue and ensure proper use.
Topics: Humans; Panax; Quality of Life; Complementary Therapies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36730693
DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0532 -
Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology Aug 2023Panax ginseng is a common natural product, which is well-known to have a wide range of pharmacological activities in cancer. Its metabolite, compound K (CK), has been... (Review)
Review
Panax ginseng is a common natural product, which is well-known to have a wide range of pharmacological activities in cancer. Its metabolite, compound K (CK), has been reported to have anticancer activity. We aimed to systematically review the literature for evidence of anticancer effects of CK. We conducted a systematic search in eight databases. We included all in vitro and in vivo studies investigating the anticancer effects of CK with no restrictions. Quality assessment was applied by ToxRTool. Fifty-four articles were included in our study. The purity of CK in our included studies was at least 95%. The in vitro studies reported that CK had a potential anticancer activity on several cell lines including human lung cancer cell lines (A549, PC-9), nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line (Hk-1), liver cancer cell line (BEL 7402), and pediatric acute myeloid leukemia cell lines (Kasumi-1, MV4-11). The in vivo studies reported a significant decrease in tumor volume in mice treated with CK. CK is a potential supplementary treatment in cancer chemotherapies. The safety and further clinical trials of CK should be explored for future drug development.
Topics: Child; Humans; Animals; Mice; Cell Line; Ginsenosides
PubMed: 36691721
DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12874