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Medicine Feb 2024Pediatric functional constipation (PFC) is a prevalent and persistent gastrointestinal disorder, that requires various treatments, including alternative approaches. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Pediatric functional constipation (PFC) is a prevalent and persistent gastrointestinal disorder, that requires various treatments, including alternative approaches. This review assessed the synergistic efficacy of herbal medicine (HM) and probiotics for PFC.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search of 11 databases, including English, Chinese, and Korean databases, until June 29, 2023. The inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the intervention of HM with probiotics to that of the same probiotics. Statistical analyses included calculation of the mean difference (MD), standardized MD, risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), and assessment of risk of bias using Review Manager Version 5.4 software. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation rating system was used to evaluate evidence quality. Potential publication bias was assessed using funnel plots, Egger test, the fail-safe N test, and Duval and Tweedie trim and fill method.
RESULTS
A total of 22 RCTs involving 2228 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The HM and probiotics group exhibited superior outcomes compared to the probiotics alone group in various parameters: total effective rate (RR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.19-1.29, P < .001), Bristol fecal Score (MD: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.71-0.89, P < .001), gastrointestinal peptide hormone (motilin) (MD: 35.37, 95% CI: 24.64-64.10, P < .001), inflammation indicator (nitrous oxide) (MD: -12.45, 95% CI: -15.12 to -9.77, P < .001), minimal sensitive volume of the rectum (MD: -8.7, 95% CI: -10.91 to -6.49, P < .001), and recurrence rate (RR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.21-0.43, P < .001).
CONCLUSION
The combination of HM and probiotics may exhibit a synergistic effect on PFC. Nevertheless, it is imperative to undertake rigorously planned RCTs to comprehensively evaluate the synergistic efficacy of HM and probiotics.
Topics: Child; Humans; Constipation; Probiotics; Gastrointestinal Tract; Plants, Medicinal; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38363914
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036899 -
Food & Function Mar 2024American ginseng () has gained recognition as a medicinal and functional food homologous product with several pharmaceutical, nutritional, and industrial applications.... (Review)
Review
American ginseng () has gained recognition as a medicinal and functional food homologous product with several pharmaceutical, nutritional, and industrial applications. However, the key regulators involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis, the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of ginsenosides, and factors influencing ginsenosides are largely unknown, which make it challenging to enhance the quality and chemical extraction processes of the cultivated American ginseng. This review presents an overview of the pharmacological effects, biosynthesis and spatiotemporal distribution of ginsenosides, with emphasis on the impacts of biotic and abiotic factors on ginsenosides in American ginseng. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that American ginseng has neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antitumor, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity effects. Additionally, most genes involved in the upregulation of ginsenoside biosynthesis have been identified, while downstream regulators (OSCs, CYP450, and UGTs) require further investigation. Futhermore, limited knowledge exists regarding the molecular mechanisms of the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on ginsenosides. Notably, the nonmedicinal parts of American ginseng, particularly its flowers, fibrous roots, and leaves, exhibit higher ginsenoside content than its main roots and account for a considerable amount of weight in the whole plant, representing promising resources for ginsenosides. Herein, the prospects of molecular breeding and metabolic engineering based on multi-omics to improve the unstable quality of cultivated American ginseng and the shortage of ginsenosides are proposed. This review highlights the gaps in the current research on American ginseng and proposes solutions to address these limitations, providing a guide for future investigations into American ginseng ginsenosides.
Topics: Ginsenosides; Flowers; Plant Leaves; Panax; Plant Roots
PubMed: 38323507
DOI: 10.1039/d3fo03434h -
Systematic Review On Major Antiviral Phytocompounds from Common Medicinal Plants Against SARS-CoV-2.Medicinal Chemistry (Shariqah (United... Jan 2024Viral infections are rising around the globe and with evolving virus types and increasing varieties of viral invasions; the human body is developing antimicrobial...
UNLABELLED
Viral infections are rising around the globe and with evolving virus types and increasing varieties of viral invasions; the human body is developing antimicrobial resistance continuously. This is making the fight of mankind against viruses weak and unsecured. On the other hand, changing lifestyle, globalization and human activities adversely affecting the environment are opening up risks for new viral predominance on human race. In this context the world has witnessed the pandemic of the human Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) recently. The disease is caused by the Coronavirus namely Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV- 2).
METHOD AND MATERIAL
Developing potential and effective vaccine is also time consuming and challenging. The huge resource of plants around us has rich source of potent antiviral compounds. Some of these molecules may serve as tremendously potent lead molecules whose slight structural modifications may give us highly bioactive antiviral derivatives of phytocompounds. Every geographical region is rich in unique plant biodiversity and hence every corner of the world with rich plant biodiversity can serve as abode for potential magical phytocompounds most of which have not been extensively explored for development of antiviral drug formulations against various viruses like HIV, HPV etc., and the Coronavirus, also known as SARS-CoV-2 which causes the disease COVID-19.
RESULT
Several phytocompounds from various medicinal plants have already been screened using in silico tools and some of them have yielded promising results establishing themselves as potent lead molecules for development of drugs against the highly mutating SARS-CoV-2 virus and thus these phytocompounds may be beneficial in treating COVID-19 and help human to win the life threatening battle against the deadly virus.
CONCLUSION
The best advantage is that these phytocompounds being derived from nature in most of the cases, come with minimum or no side effects compared to that of chemically synthesized conventional bioactive compounds and are indigenously available hence are the source of cost effective drug formulations with strong therapeutic potentials.
PubMed: 38317467
DOI: 10.2174/0115734064262843231120051452 -
Phytomedicine : International Journal... Mar 2024In China, Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (GJE) has a longstanding history of application. The Ministry of Health has listed it as one of the first pharmaceutical or food... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
In China, Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (GJE) has a longstanding history of application. The Ministry of Health has listed it as one of the first pharmaceutical or food resources. In ethnic, traditional, and folk medicine, GJE has been used to treat fever and cold and relieve nervous anxiety. Recent studies have confirmed the significant efficacy of GJE for treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and major depressive disorder; however, GJE has not been systematically evaluated.
PURPOSE
This research systematically summarizes global studies on the use of GJE for treating CNS disorders and explores the potential applications and underlying mechanisms via intestinal flora analysis and network pharmacology, aiming to establish a scientific basis for innovative CNS disorder treatment with GJE.
METHODS
The PRISMA guidelines were used, and electronic databases such as the Web of Science, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched using the following search terms: "Gardenia jasminoides Ellis" with "central nervous system disease," "neuroprotection," "Alzheimer's disease," "Parkinson's disease," "ischemic stroke," "Epilepsy," and "major depressive disorder." The published literature up to September 2023 was searched to obtain relevant information on the application of GJE for treating CNS disorders.
RESULTS
There has been an increase in research on the material formulation and mechanisms of action of GJE for treating CNS disorders, with marked effects on CNS disorder treatment in different countries and regions. We summarized the research results related to the role of GJE in vitro and in vivo via multitargeted interventions in response to the complex mechanisms of action of CNS disorders.
CONCLUSION
We systematically reviewed the research progress on traditional treatment for GJE and preclinical mechanisms of CNS disorders and explored the potential of optimizing network pharmacology strategies and intestinal flora analysis to elucidate the mechanisms of action of GJE. The remarkable therapeutic efficacy of GJE, an important resource in traditional medicine, has been well documented in the literature, highlighting its significant medicinal potential.
Topics: Humans; Gardenia; Depressive Disorder, Major; Alzheimer Disease; Parkinson Disease; Neuroprotection
PubMed: 38301302
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155374 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2023The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components have markedly increased worldwide. Among lifestyle factors introduced to lower the risk of MetS, healthy...
AIM/INTRODUCTION
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components have markedly increased worldwide. Among lifestyle factors introduced to lower the risk of MetS, healthy dietary patterns have gained considerable attention. This study aimed to assess the association between adherence to plant-based diet indices including O-PDI (overall plant-based diet index), H-PDI (healthy plant-based diet index), U-PDI (unhealthy plant-based diet index), and risk of MetS development.
METHODS
To find related observational studies which assessed the association between Plant-based Diet indices and risk of MetS development, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from January 2016 to November 2023. A random effects model was used to estimate pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). To assess the heterogeneity of included studies, the index was used.
RESULTS
Nine studies including 34,953 participants from the initial 288 studies were recognized to include in this meta-analysis study. According to pooled analysis, there was a significant relationship between the adherence to H-PDI and the lower risk of MetS (ES: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.97; = 77.2%, < 0.001), while greater adherence to U-PDI was associated with 27% increases in the risk of MetS (ES: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.54; = 76.8%, < 0.001). According to our analysis of the association between adherence to PDIs and the risk of MetS components, greater adherence to O-PDI and H-PDI was significantly associated with a higher risk of elevated FBS and obesity, respectively. As well, greater adherence to U-PDI was significantly associated with a higher risk of obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-C, and elevated FBS.
CONCLUSION
Our results highlighted the importance of food choices in the context of a plant-based dietary pattern, indicating that adherence to unhealthy plant-based dietary patterns rich in less healthful carbohydrates may induce the risk of MetS development.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42023428981.
PubMed: 38260063
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1305755 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Jan 2024Detecting pathogens in pediatric central nervous system infection (CNSI) is still a major challenge in medicine. In addition to conventional diagnostic patterns,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Diagnostic performance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for the detection of pathogens in cerebrospinal fluid in pediatric patients with central nervous system infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Detecting pathogens in pediatric central nervous system infection (CNSI) is still a major challenge in medicine. In addition to conventional diagnostic patterns, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) shows great potential in pathogen detection. Therefore, we systematically evaluated the diagnostic performance of mNGS in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in pediatric patients with CNSI.
METHODS
Related literature was searched in the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. We screened the literature and extracted the data according to the selection criteria. The quality of included studies was assessed by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool and the certainty of the evidence was measured by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) score system. Then, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odd's ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (sROC) were estimated in Stata Software and MetaDisc. Subgroup analyses were performed to investigate the potential factors that influence the diagnostic performance.
RESULTS
A total of 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The combined sensitivity was 0.68 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59 to 0.76, I = 66.77%, p < 0.001), and the combined specificity was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.80 to 0.95, I = 83.37%, p < 0.001). The AUC of sROC was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.81 to 0.87). The quality level of evidence elevated by the GRADE score system was low.
CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence shows that mNGS presents a good diagnostic performance in pediatric CNSI. Due to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.
Topics: Humans; Child; ROC Curve; Central Nervous System Infections; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
PubMed: 38238719
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09010-y -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jan 2024Fasciolosis is an emerging public health threat in a number of regions worldwide. To date, we lack an overview of both its occurrence and distribution in Southeast Asia...
BACKGROUND
Fasciolosis is an emerging public health threat in a number of regions worldwide. To date, we lack an overview of both its occurrence and distribution in Southeast Asia across all actors involved in the life cycle, which impedes the development of disease control measures. Therefore, our objective was to collect recent information on the distribution and the prevalence of Fasciola spp. and the associated risk factors for infection in humans, animals, snails and plant carriers in Southeast Asia.
METHODOLOGY
Bibliographic and grey literature databases as well as reference lists of important review articles were searched for relevant records published between January 1st, 2000, and June 30th, 2022. The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for reporting systematic reviews. A total of 3,887 records were retrieved, of which 100 were included in the final analysis.
PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
The studies focused mainly on one host species (96.0%), with Fasciola spp. infection in animals being the most studied (72.0%), followed by humans (21.0%). Based on the used inclusion and exclusion criteria, reports were retrieved describing the presence of Fasciola spp. infection in seven out of 11 countries in Southeast Asia. Depending on the diagnostic tool applied, the prevalence of Fasciola spp. infection ranged between 0.3% and 66.7% in humans, between 0% and 97.8% in animals, and between 0% and 66.2% in snails. There were no studies reporting the presence of metacercariae on plant carriers.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
Our study reconfirms that Fasciola spp. infections are widespread and highly prevalent in Southeast Asia, but it remains difficult to accurately assess the true occurrence of Fasciola spp. in absence of well-designed surveys covering all hosts. As next steps we propose to assess the occurrence of the infection across all actors involved in the transmission, to identify associated risk factors and to estimate the burden of the disease to support national and international decision makers.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Fasciola; Fascioliasis; Snails; Databases, Factual; Asia, Southeastern
PubMed: 38232120
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011904 -
Daru : Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy,... Jun 2024Chronic diseases often hinder the natural healing process, making wound infections a prevalent clinical concern. In severe cases, complications can arise, potentially... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Chronic diseases often hinder the natural healing process, making wound infections a prevalent clinical concern. In severe cases, complications can arise, potentially leading to fatal outcomes. While allopathic treatments offer numerous options for wound repair and management, the enduring popularity of herbal medications may be attributed to their perceived minimal side effects. Hence, this review aims to investigate the potential of herbal remedies in efficiently treating wounds, presenting a promising alternative for consideration.
METHODS
A literature search was done including research, reviews, systematic literature review, meta-analysis, and clinical trials considered. Search engines such as Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were used while retrieving data. Keywords like Wound healing 'Wound healing and herbal combinations', 'Herbal wound dressing', Nanotechnology and Wound dressing were used.
RESULT
This review provides valuable insights into the role of natural products and technology-based formulations in the treatment of wound infections. It evaluates the use of herbal remedies as an effective approach. Various active principles from herbs, categorized as flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and phenolic compounds, have shown effectiveness in promoting wound closure. A multitude of herbal remedies have demonstrated significant efficacy in wound management, offering an additional avenue for care. The review encompasses a total of 72 studies, involving 127 distinct herbs (excluding any common herbs shared between studies), primarily belonging to the families Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Apiaceae. In research, rat models were predominantly utilized to assess wound healing activities. Furthermore, advancements in herbal-based formulations using nanotechnology-based wound dressing materials, such as nanofibers, nanoemulsions, nanofiber mats, polymeric fibers, and hydrogel-based microneedles, are underway. These innovations aim to enhance targeted drug delivery and expedite recovery. Several clinical-based experimental studies have already been documented, evaluating the efficacy of various natural products for wound care and management. This signifies a promising direction in the field of wound treatment.
CONCLUSION
In recent years, scientists have increasingly utilized evidence-based medicine and advanced scientific techniques to validate the efficacy of herbal medicines and delve into the underlying mechanisms of their actions. However, there remains a critical need for further research to thoroughly understand how isolated chemicals extracted from herbs contribute to the healing process of intricate wounds, which may have life-threatening consequences. This ongoing research endeavor holds great promise in not only advancing our understanding but also in the development of innovative formulations that expedite the recovery process.
Topics: Wound Healing; Humans; Plants, Medicinal; Animals; Phytotherapy; Bandages; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38225520
DOI: 10.1007/s40199-023-00502-x -
International Journal of Biological... Feb 2024Armillaria mellea (Vahl) P. Kumm. is a well-known homoeopathic plant with medicinal and culinary uses. Modern phytochemical researchers have successfully extracted and... (Review)
Review
Armillaria mellea (Vahl) P. Kumm. is a well-known homoeopathic plant with medicinal and culinary uses. Modern phytochemical researchers have successfully extracted and purified over 40 types of A. mellea polysaccharides (AMPs) from the fruiting bodies, hyphae and fermentation broth of A. mellea, and some of them have been analyzed and identified by their chemical structures. The impressive biological activity of these polysaccharides has been recognized by scientists worldwide. Many studies show that AMPs have remarkable antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, hypolipidemic, thrombectomy, anti-aging, pulmonary protective, hepatic protective, anti-Alzheimer's properties, etc. However, the current understanding of the relationships between their chemical structure and biological activity, toxicological effects and pharmacokinetics remains limited. This article provides a systematic review of the research conducted over the past decades on the extraction and purification methods, structural characteristics, biological activity and mechanism of action of AMPs. The aim is to provide a research base that will benefit the future application of AMPs as therapeutic drugs and functional foods, and also provide insights for the further development of AMPs.
Topics: Polysaccharides; Armillaria; Antioxidants; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 38181916
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.129175 -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... Dec 2023NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3), a member of the nucleotide-binding domain (NOD) and leucine-rich repeat sequence (LRR) protein (NLR) family,... (Review)
Review
NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3), a member of the nucleotide-binding domain (NOD) and leucine-rich repeat sequence (LRR) protein (NLR) family, plays an essential role in the inflammation initiation and inflammatory mediator secretion, and thus is also associated with many disease progressions. Food-derived bioactive peptides (FDBP) exhibit excellent anti-inflammatory activity in both and models. They are encrypted in plant, meat, and milk proteins and can be released under enzymatic hydrolysis or fermentation conditions, thereby hindering the progression of hyperuricemia, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic liver disease, neurological disorders, lung injury and periodontitis by inactivating the NLRP3. However, there is a lack of systematic review around FDBP, NLRP3, and NLRP3-related diseases. Therefore, this review summarized FDBP that exert inhibiting effects on NLRP3 inflammasome from different protein sources and detailed their preparation and purification methods. Additionally, this paper also compiled the possible inhibitory mechanisms of FDBP on NLRP3 inflammasomes and its regulatory role in NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases. Finally, the progress of cutting-edge technologies, including nanoparticle, computer-aided screening strategy and recombinant DNA technology, in the acquisition or encapsulation of NLRP3 inhibitory FDBP was discussed. This review provides a scientific basis for understanding the anti-inflammatory mechanism of FDBP through the regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and also provides guidance for the development of therapeutic adjuvants or functional foods enriched with these FDBP.
PubMed: 38153262
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2294164