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Phytotherapy Research : PTR Jun 2023Sepsis is a host's dysregulated immune response to an infection associated with systemic inflammation and excessive oxidative stress, which can cause multiple organ... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Sepsis is a host's dysregulated immune response to an infection associated with systemic inflammation and excessive oxidative stress, which can cause multiple organ failure and death. The literature suggests that flavonoids, a broad class of secondary plant metabolites, have numerous biological activities which can be valuable in the treatment of sepsis. This study aimed to review the effects of flavonoids on experimental sepsis, focusing mainly on survival rate, and also summarizing information on its mechanisms of action. We searched in the main databases up to November 2022 using relevant keywords, and data were extracted and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Thirty-two articles met the study criteria for review and 29 for meta-analysis. Overall, 30 different flavonoids were used in the studies. The flavonoids were able to strongly inhibit inflammatory response by reducing the levels of important pro-inflammatory mediators, for example, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1β, oxidative stress, and showed antibacterial and anti-apoptotic actions. The meta-analysis found an increase of 50% in survival rate of the animals treated with flavonoids. They appear to act as multi-target drugs and may be an excellent therapeutic alternative to reduce a number of the complications caused by sepsis, and consequently, to improve survival rate.
Topics: Animals; Flavonoids; Inflammation; Oxidative Stress; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Sepsis
PubMed: 37115723
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7846 -
Medicine Apr 2023The occurrence and development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are closely related to the immune status of the tumor-host. The immunosuppression caused by tumor... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The effect of ginsenoside Rg3 combined with chemotherapy on immune function in non-small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
The occurrence and development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are closely related to the immune status of the tumor-host. The immunosuppression caused by tumor cells and toxic side effects produced by chemotherapeutic drugs results in a decrease in immune function, ultimately leading to the failure of clinical chemotherapy treatment. Ginsenoside Rg3 has been clinically reported to have positive effects in enhancing immune function in patients. Thus, we screened and evaluated the quality of the evidence regarding the benefits of ginsenoside Rg3 and conducted a meta-analysis to assess the impact on improving immune function in NSCLC.
METHODS
The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Weipu (VIP), and Wanfang databases were searched in this study, all from the time of library construction to January 2023.
RESULTS
In total,12 trials with a sample size of 1008 cases were included based on the eligible criteria. The results showed that compared with first-line chemotherapy alone, the combination of ginsenoside Rg3 and first-line chemotherapy could better improve level of the CD3+ T lymphocytes [mean difference (MD) = 4.72; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 3.92, 5.53; P < .00001], CD4+ T lymphocytes (MD = 4.93; 95% CI: 4.61, 5.26; P < .00001), CD8+ T lymphocytes (MD = 2.67; 95% CI: 0.93, 4.37; P = .003), CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes (MD = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.32; P = .0006), increase the activity of nature killer cells (MD = 2.11; 95% CI: 0.58, 3.63; P = .007), recover the decline of the white blood cell count induced by chemotherapy, and improve the clinical efficacy for patients.
CONCLUSION
This study confirmed that ginsenoside Rg3 has some efficacy advantages for improving immune function in patients with NSCLC.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Immunity
PubMed: 37026927
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033463 -
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 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology May 2023Arctium lappa L., is a biennial plant that grows around the Eurasia. Many parts of Arctium lappa L. (roots, leaves and fruits, etc.) are medically used in different... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Arctium lappa L., is a biennial plant that grows around the Eurasia. Many parts of Arctium lappa L. (roots, leaves and fruits, etc.) are medically used in different countries. Arctium lappa L. fruit, also called Arctii Fructus, is traditionally applied to dispel wind-heat, ventilate lung to promote eruption, remove toxicity substance and relieve sore throat.
THE AIM OF THE REVIEW
The review aims to integrate the botany, ethnopharmacology, quality control, phytochemistry, pharmacology, derivatives and toxicity information of Arctii Fructus, so as to facilitate future research and explore the potential of Arctii Fructus as an agent for treating diseases.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Related knowledge about Arctii Fructus were acquired from Science Direct, GeenMedical, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science, Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, Doctoral and Master's thesis, ancient books, etc. RESULTS: Arctii Fructus as an herb used for medicine and food was pervasively distributed and applicated around the world. It was traditionally used to treat anemopyretic cold, dyspnea and cough, sore throat, etc. To date, more than 200 compounds have been isolated and identified from Arctii Fructus. It contained lignans, phenolic acids and fatty acids, terpenoids, volatile oils and others. Lignans, especially arctigenin and arctiin, had the extensive pharmacological effects such as anti-cancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory activities. The ester derivatives of arctigenin had the anti-cancer, anti-Alzheimer's disease and immunity enhancing effects. Although Arctii Fructus extract had no toxicity, arctigenin was toxic at a certain dose. The alleviating effects of Arctii Fructus on chronic inflammation and ageing have been demonstrated by clinical studies.
CONCLUSION
Arctii Fructus is regarded as a worthy herb with many chemical components and various pharmacological effects. Several traditional applications have been supported by modern pharmacological research. However, their action mechanisms need to be further studied. Although many chemical components were isolated from Arctii Fructus, the current research mainly focused on lignans, especially arctiin and arctigenin. Therefore, it is very important to deeply clarify the pharmacological activities and action mechanism of the compounds and make full medicinal use of the resources of Arctii Fructus.
Topics: Humans; Ethnopharmacology; Fruit; Arctium; Lignans; Botany; Quality Control; Pharyngitis; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 36781057
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116223 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Apr 2023Pueraria Flos (PF), a traditional herbal medicine, is botanically from the dried flowers of Pueraria lobate (Willd.) Ohwi. (Chinese: ) or Pueraria thomsonii Benth.... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Pueraria Flos (PF), a traditional herbal medicine, is botanically from the dried flowers of Pueraria lobate (Willd.) Ohwi. (Chinese: ) or Pueraria thomsonii Benth. (Chinese: ). It has a long history of thousands of years in China for awakening the spleen, clearing the lungs, relieving alcohol.
AIM OF THE REVIEW
This review aims to report the up-to-date research progress in ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology, metabolism and therapeutic application of PF, so as to provide a strong basis for future clinical treatment and scientific research.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Relevant information on PF was collected from scientific literature databases including PubMed, CNKI and other literature sources (Ph.D. and M.Sc. dissertations and Chinese herbal classic books) by using the keyword "Puerariae".
RESULTS
Briefly, phytochemical research report has isolated 39 flavonoids, 19 saponins and 25 volatile oils from PF. Flavonoids and saponins are the most important bioactive compounds, and most of the quality control studies focus on these two types of compounds. Modern pharmacological studies have revealed their significant biological activities in relieving alcoholism, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidation, which provides theoretical support for the traditional use.
CONCLUSIONS
Comprehensive analysis showed that pharmacological activity of most purified compounds from PF had not been reported. Kakkalide, tectoridin and their deglycosylated metabolites (irisolidone and tectorigenin) has been focused on excessively due to their higher content and better activities. This leads to low development and resources waste. Interestingly, PF made a breakthrough in the field of food. Many kinds of fat-lowering foods such as PILLBOX Onaka have been popular in Japan market, which received extensive attention. Therefore, we suggest that future research can be paid attention on the development of the plant's function in the field of food and medicine, as well as the transformation from experimental to clinical.
Topics: Pueraria; Ethnopharmacology; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Flavonoids; Flowers; Saponins; Phytochemicals; Medicine, Chinese Traditional
PubMed: 36621660
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116089 -
International Journal of Biological... Jan 2023Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (lotus) is a widely distributed plant with a long history of cultivation and consumption. Almost all parts of the lotus can be used as foodstuff... (Review)
Review
Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (lotus) is a widely distributed plant with a long history of cultivation and consumption. Almost all parts of the lotus can be used as foodstuff and nourishment, or as an herb. It is noteworthy that the polysaccharides obtained from lotus exhibit surprisingly and satisfying biological activities, which explains the various benefits of lotus to human health, including anti-diabetes, anti-osteoporosis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, etc. Here, we systematically review the recent major studies on extraction and purification methods of polysaccharides from different parts (rhizome, seed, leaf, plumule, receptacle and stamen) of lotus, as well as the characterization of their chemical structure, biological activity and structure-activity relationship, and the applications of lotus polysaccharides in different fields. This article will give an updated and deeper understanding of lotus polysaccharides and provide theoretical basis for their further research and application in human health and manufacture development.
Topics: Humans; Nelumbo; Lotus; Polysaccharides; Plant Extracts; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 36521698
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.072 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2022Thymoquinone (TQ), a plant-based bioactive constituent derived from the volatile oil of , has been shown to possess some anti-neoplastic activities. The present study...
Thymoquinone (TQ), a plant-based bioactive constituent derived from the volatile oil of , has been shown to possess some anti-neoplastic activities. The present study aimed to investigate the mitochondria and apoptosis observed when TQ is applied against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and cholangiocarcinoma (HuCCT1) cells, two of the most common primary tumors of the liver. All cell lines were treated with increasing concentrations of TQ for varying durations. The anti-proliferative effect of TQ was measured using the methoxyphenyl-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay and resulted in dose- and time-dependent growth inhibition in both cell lines. Cell cycle, apoptosis, and assessment of mitochondria viability by morphology assessment and evaluation of the mitochondrial membrane potential were investigated. The present study confirms that TQ caused cell cycle arrest at different phases and induced apoptosis in both cell lines. A systematic review of rodent animal models was also carried out. Overall, our data seem to represent the most robust results, suggesting that TQ possesses promising therapeutic potential as an anti-tumor agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.
Topics: Animals; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Liver Neoplasms; Benzoquinones; Apoptosis; Cholangiocarcinoma; Mitochondria; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; Bile Duct Neoplasms
PubMed: 36498999
DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314669 -
Integrative Cancer Therapies 2022Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and therefore there has been interest in discovering the phytoconstituents of medicinal plants exhibiting... (Review)
Review
Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and therefore there has been interest in discovering the phytoconstituents of medicinal plants exhibiting anticancer activities. L., commonly known as Noni, has shown anticancer properties in in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical studies. A systematic review was conducted to collate scientific evidence on the anticancer properties of using pre-determined keywords on 5 electronic databases: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, LILACS, Web of Science, and EBSCOHost. A total of 51 clinical and preclinical studies comprising 41 efficacy and 10 safety studies were included in this review. Our findings showed that demonstrated various anticancer properties in different cancer models, via multiple mechanisms including antitumor, antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, antiangiogenesis, antimigratory, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. is deemed to be a potentially valuable medicinal plant in the treatment of cancer through its many intrinsic pathways. More well-designed and reported preclinical efficacy and safety studies are needed to allow for better translation into future clinical studies which could further substantiate the role of in cancer treatment.
Topics: Humans; Morinda; Antineoplastic Agents; Immunotherapy; Immunomodulation
PubMed: 36448674
DOI: 10.1177/15347354221132848 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022Many energy metabolism pathways exist in cancer, including glycolysis, amino acid metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial respiration. Tumor cells mainly...
Many energy metabolism pathways exist in cancer, including glycolysis, amino acid metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial respiration. Tumor cells mainly generate energy through glycolysis to maintain growth and biosynthesis of tumor cells under aerobic conditions. Natural products regulate many steps in glycolysis and targeting glycolysis using natural products is a promising approach to cancer treatment. In this review, we exemplify the relationship between glycolysis and tumors, demonstrate the natural products that have been discovered to target glycolysis for cancer treatment and clarify the mechanisms involved in their actions. Natural products, such as resveratrol mostly found in red grape skin, licochalcone A derived from root of Glycyrrhiza inflate, and brusatol found in Brucea javanica and Brucea mollis, largely derived from plant or animal material, can affect glycolysis pathways in cancer by targeting glycolytic enzymes and related proteins, oncogenes, and numerous glycolytic signal proteins. Knowledge of how natural products regulate aerobic glycolysis will help illuminate the mechanisms by which these products can be used as therapeutics to inhibit cancer cell growth and regulate cellular metabolism. : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/, https://clinicaltrials.gov/, http://lib.zzu.edu.cn/.
PubMed: 36386122
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1036502 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2022The emergence of resistance to pancreatic cancer (PC) current treatment requires the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this context, bioactive molecules from... (Review)
Review
The emergence of resistance to pancreatic cancer (PC) current treatment requires the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this context, bioactive molecules from plant extracts have shown excellent properties to improve classical therapy against this type of tumor. This systematic review aims to collect all the in vitro studies related to the antiproliferative activity of isolated plant molecules that support their applicability in PC. A total of 620 articles published in the last 10 years were identified, although only 28 were finally included to meet the inclusion criteria. Our results reflect the most important biomolecules from natural compounds that induce cell death in PC and their essential mechanism of cell death, including apoptosis, pathways activated by the KRAS mutation and cycle cell arrest, among others. These in vitro studies provide an excellent molecule guide showing applications against PC and that should be tested in vivo and in clinical trials to determine their usefulness to reduce PC incidence and to improve the prognosis of these patients. However, natural compounds are isolated in small amounts, which prevents comprehensive drug screening, being necessary the role of organic synthesis for the total synthesis of natural compounds or for the synthesis of their simplified and bioactive analogs.
PubMed: 36362920
DOI: 10.3390/life12111765