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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 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2023Over the years, ethnopharmacological and phytochemical investigations have been conducted to understand the potential effects of the genus on several diseases. It has... (Review)
Review
Over the years, ethnopharmacological and phytochemical investigations have been conducted to understand the potential effects of the genus on several diseases. It has been revealed that these terpenoid-rich species traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, heal wounds, and relieve pain have a wide range of therapeutic effects; however, those used to treat diabetes, as well as their action mechanisms, have not been reviewed so far. Therefore, the main objective of this review was to compile all species that have shown pharmacological effects against diabetes and describe their action mechanisms. Through a search of the literature, 17 species with hypoglycemic, antihyperglycemic, antilipidemic, antihypertensive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects were found. Among the mechanisms by which they exerted these effects were the inhibition of α-glucosidases, the promotion of insulin secretion, and the increase in glucose uptake. Interestingly, it was found that some of them may have antihyperglycemic properties, although there were no ethnopharmacological reports that support their traditional use. Moreover, others only presented studies on their hypoglycemic effect in fasting, so further works are encouraged to describe the mechanisms involved in lowering fasting blood glucose levels, such as hepatic glucose production, especially for , , var. , , and . It is expected that this review contributes to the plant science knowledge of the genus, and it can be used in future references on the identification and development of new molecules/phytomedicines that help in the treatment of diabetes.
PubMed: 37653931
DOI: 10.3390/plants12102014 -
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 2023Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and Biosphere Reserve (DSNPBR), Assam, India, is a part of biodiversity hotspots and a store house of many orchid species. This systematic...
BACKGROUND
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and Biosphere Reserve (DSNPBR), Assam, India, is a part of biodiversity hotspots and a store house of many orchid species. This systematic review was conducted to document the medicinal importante of orchids available in DSNPBR and to analyse their importance in drug discovery.
METHODS
This systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Scientific databases were used to search relevant literature to document ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological activity and phytochemistry of orchid species available in DSNPBR.
RESULTS
We have analysed 84 articles to document relevant information on 52 orchid species available in DSNPBR. (n = 13) is the top genus. Different orchid species available in DSNPBR were used traditionally in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and China to cure gastrointestinal disorders, disease-associated pain and inflammation, skin diseases, wound, arthritis, menstrual pain, tuberculosis . The pre-clinical investigations confirmed that extract/fraction/isolated compounds of orchids possess antirheumatic, anticancer, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, nephroprotective and neuroprotective activities through different mechanisms. Biomolecules isolated from orchid species like alkaloids, polysaccharides have shown a potential to be developed as future drug molecules. Many phytochemicals isolated have demonstrated anticancer activities. The lack of clinical data in support of the therapeutic effectiveness of orchids is a major limitation.
CONCLUSION
Orchids found in DSNPBR hold great significance in traditional culture for their medicinal properties and have been effectively studied for their bioactivities. Nevertheless, to confirm their effectiveness as therapeutics, conducting methodical research, examining their molecular mechanisms, and performing toxicity tests are necessary.
PubMed: 37649298
DOI: 10.2174/1568026623666230830125205 -
Nutrition Research (New York, N.Y.) Oct 2023Tea is abundant in phytochemicals (such as polyphenols and theaflavins), which have a hypoglycemic effect. Previous studies investigating the relationship between tea... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Tea is abundant in phytochemicals (such as polyphenols and theaflavins), which have a hypoglycemic effect. Previous studies investigating the relationship between tea consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have yielded inconsistent results. We hypothesized that tea consumption would be associated with a reduced risk of T2DM. This cohort study used data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey, involving a total of 5199 participants initially recruited in 1997 and subsequently followed until 2009. Consumption of any variety of tea was tracked using structured questionnaires, and T2DM was diagnosed according to the American Diabetes Association's criteria. We also performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE for publications through September 2021, including 19 cohort studies comprising 1,076,311 participants. In our cohort study, the logistic regression model showed a relative risk (RR) of T2DM among tea drinkers of 1.02 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82-1.28) compared with non-tea drinkers. Although our updated meta-analysis showed no significant association between tea consumption and T2DM on the whole (pooled RR of 0.96 [0.91-1.00]), compared with the non-tea-drinking group, participants consuming 4 or more cups of tea per day had a 17% reduced risk of T2DM, with an RR of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.76-0.90). These data support our hypothesis that tea consumption at higher doses (e.g., ≥4 cups/day) is associated with a reduced risk of T2DM.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Cohort Studies; Tea; Risk; Polyphenols; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37647847
DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2023.08.002 -
Brain Research Dec 2023Anxiety is a mental disorder characterized by excessive concern about possible future threats that, if prolonged, becomes a pathology that must be controlled through... (Review)
Review
Anxiety is a mental disorder characterized by excessive concern about possible future threats that, if prolonged, becomes a pathology that must be controlled through psychotherapy and medication. Currently, the pharmacological treatment for anxiety involves the use of antidepressants and benzodiazepines; however, these treatments often come with adverse effects. Thus, there is a need to seek natural compounds that can help alleviate anxiety and reduce these side effects. On the other hand, pomegranate (PG) fruit is known to have important health benefits, which have been compiled in several reviews. However, its anxiolytic effect has not been thoroughly studied, and clinical research on this topic is lacking. The aim of this work was to conduct a systematic review of studies exploring the anxiolytic-like effect of PG and its phytochemicals. Databases such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Springer link, Google scholar, Worldwide science, and Web of science were searched for articles using predetermined terms. Inclusion criteria were established, and original articles that met these criteria were selected. The data collected included information on PG part and variety, species, sample size, anxiety model, dose, route and time of administration, reference drug, main results, and the mechanisms of action. Fifty-nine studies were found that reported the anxiolytic-like effect of PG and its phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, tannins, organic acids, and xanthonoids. The literature suggests that the mechanisms of action behind this effect involved the inhibition of the GABAergic receptor, NMDA, CaMKII/CREB pathway; the reduction of oxidative stress, inhibiting TLR4 and nNOS; modulation of cytokines and the expression of NFkB, GAD67, and iNOS, as well as the activation of Nrf2 and AMPK. PG and some of its phytochemicals could be considered as a novel alternative for the treatment of pathological anxiety. This review is the first to document the anxiolytic-like effect of PG.
Topics: Humans; Pomegranate; Fruit; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Lythraceae; Anthocyanins; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 37640097
DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148554 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Fruits and vegetables are used not only for nutritional purposes but also as therapeutics to treat various diseases and ailments. These food items are prominent sources... (Review)
Review
Fruits and vegetables are used not only for nutritional purposes but also as therapeutics to treat various diseases and ailments. These food items are prominent sources of phytochemicals that exhibit chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against several diseases. Hirsutine (HSN) is a naturally occurring indole alkaloid found in various Uncaria species and has a multitude of therapeutic benefits. It is found in foodstuffs such as fish, seafood, meat, poultry, dairy, and some grain products among other things. In addition, it is present in fruits and vegetables including corn, cauliflower, mushrooms, potatoes, bamboo shoots, bananas, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits. The primary emphasis of this study is to summarize the pharmacological activities and the underlying mechanisms of HSN against different diseases, as well as the biopharmaceutical features. For this, data were collected (up to date as of 1 July 2023) from various reliable and authentic literature by searching different academic search engines, including PubMed, Springer Link, Scopus, Wiley Online, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Findings indicated that HSN exerts several effects in various preclinical and pharmacological experimental systems. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant activities with beneficial effects in neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Our findings also indicate that HSN exerts promising anticancer potentials via several molecular mechanisms, including apoptotic cell death, induction of oxidative stress, cytotoxic effect, anti-proliferative effect, genotoxic effect, and inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion against various cancers such as lung, breast, and antitumor effects in human T-cell leukemia. Taken all together, findings from this study show that HSN can be a promising therapeutic agent to treat various diseases including cancer.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Biological Products; Alkaloids; Vegetables; Agaricales
PubMed: 37630393
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166141 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Nov 2023Accumulation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage diminishes cellular health, increases risk of developmental and degenerative diseases, and accelerates aging.... (Review)
Review
Protective Effects of Micronutrient Supplements, Phytochemicals and Phytochemical-Rich Beverages and Foods Against DNA Damage in Humans: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Prospective Studies.
Accumulation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage diminishes cellular health, increases risk of developmental and degenerative diseases, and accelerates aging. Optimizing nutrient intake can minimize accrual of DNA damage. The objectives of this review are to: 1) assemble and systematically analyze high-level evidence for the effect of supplementation with micronutrients and phytochemicals on baseline levels of DNA damage in humans, and 2) use this knowledge to identify which of these essential micronutrients or nonessential phytochemicals promote DNA integrity in vivo in humans. We conducted systematic literature searches of the PubMed database to identify interventional, prospective, cross-sectional, or in vitro studies that explored the association between nutrients and established biomarkers of DNA damage associated with developmental and degenerative disease risk. Biomarkers included lymphocyte chromosome aberrations, lymphocyte and buccal cell micronuclei, DNA methylation, lymphocyte/leukocyte DNA strand breaks, DNA oxidation, telomere length, telomerase activity, and mitochondrial DNA mutations. Only randomized, controlled interventions and uncontrolled longitudinal intervention studies conducted in humans were selected for evaluation and data extraction. These studies were ranked for the quality of their study design. In all, 96 of the 124 articles identified reported studies that achieved a quality assessment score ≥ 5 (from a maximum score of 7) and were included in the final review. Based on these studies, nutrients associated with protective effects included vitamin A and its precursor β-carotene, vitamins C, E, B1, B12, folate, minerals selenium and zinc, and phytochemicals such as curcumin (with piperine), lycopene, and proanthocyanidins. These findings highlight the importance of nutrients involved in (i) DNA metabolism and repair (folate, vitamin B, and zinc) and (ii) prevention of oxidative stress and inflammation (vitamins A, C, E, lycopene, curcumin, proanthocyanidins, selenium, and zinc). Supplementation with certain micronutrients and their combinations may reduce DNA damage and promote cellular health by improving the maintenance of genome integrity.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Selenium; Lycopene; Cross-Sectional Studies; Curcumin; Proanthocyanidins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vitamins; Vitamin A; Micronutrients; Folic Acid; Zinc; Beverages; Phytochemicals; DNA; DNA Damage; Biomarkers; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 37573943
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.08.004 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023The use of medicinal plants to treat inflammatory conditions and painful processes has attracted the attention of scientists and health professionals due to the evidence... (Review)
Review
The use of medicinal plants to treat inflammatory conditions and painful processes has attracted the attention of scientists and health professionals due to the evidence that natural products can promote significant therapeutic benefits associated with fewer adverse effects compared to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. The genus is composed of various plants with pharmacological potential, which are used to treat various diseases in traditional communities worldwide. The present study systematically reviewed species with anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential. To this end, a systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The search was conducted on the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciVerse Scopus, and Web of Science. Different combinations of search terms were used to ensure more excellent article coverage. After the selection, a total of 45 articles were included in this review. This study identified twelve species indicated for the treatment of different inflammatory conditions, such as wounds, fever, bronchitis, abscess, asthma, hepatitis, labyrinthitis, tonsillitis, and uterine inflammation. The indications for pain conditions included headache, sore throat, heartburn, menstrual cramp, colic, toothache, stomachache, migraine, chest pain, abdominal pain, local pain, labor pain, and recurring pain. Among the listed species, ten plants were found to be used according to traditional knowledge, although only four of them have been experimentally studied. When assessing the methodological quality of preclinical in vivo assays, most items presented a risk of bias. The SR results revealed the existence of different species used to treat inflammation and pain. The results of this systematic review indicate that species have the potential to be used in the treatment of diseases with an inflammatory component, as well as in the management of pain. However, given the risk of biases, the experimental analysis of these species through preclinical testing is crucial for their safe and effective use.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Ethnopharmacology; Phytotherapy; Plectranthus; Abdominal Pain; Analgesics; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Inflammation; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 37570622
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155653 -
Fitoterapia Oct 2023Oliveria decumbens Vent., an annual herb resistant to harsh environmental conditions, is an aromatic medicinal plant of the Apiaceae family. O. decumbens has numerous... (Review)
Review
Oliveria decumbens Vent., an annual herb resistant to harsh environmental conditions, is an aromatic medicinal plant of the Apiaceae family. O. decumbens has numerous pharmacological, food and feed, and cosmetic applications. This species is endemic to Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. Published literature, available until 30 November 2022 on the morphology, phytochemistry, and bioactivity of O. decumbens, has been reviewed, and appraised for the potential therapeutic potential of this species, utilizing the databases, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Dictionary of Natural Products. The search term used was O. decumbens. Some manuscripts were issued on the chemical components of O. decumbens essential oil (EO) and various extracts. The EO of O. decumbens was evaluated for its chemical composition and medicinal potential against various diseases. Thymol and carvacrol constituted the primary oxygenated monoterpenes detected in substantial amounts within the EO. Additionally, diverse metabolites of O. decumbens were examined for their bactericidal, antioxidant, larvicidal, and immunomodulatory effects. This review article discusses morphology, phenology, and geographical distribution of O. decumbens and presents a critical appraisal of its phytochemistry and therapeutic potential as documented in the published literature.
Topics: Apiaceae; Molecular Structure; Oils, Volatile; Thymol; Plants, Medicinal; Plant Extracts; Phytochemicals; Ethnopharmacology
PubMed: 37562490
DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105647 -
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