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Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022Cancers are a potential cause of death worldwide and represent a massive burden for healthcare systems. Treating cancers requires substantial resources, including...
Cancers are a potential cause of death worldwide and represent a massive burden for healthcare systems. Treating cancers requires substantial resources, including skilled personnel, medications, instruments, and funds. Thus, developing cancer prevention and treatment measures is necessary for healthcare personnel and patients alike. (Polygonaceae family) is a plant used as a culinary ingredient. It exhibits several pharmacological activities, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. Several classes of phytochemical constituents of have been reported. The important ones might be polyphenol and flavonoid derivatives. In this systematic review, the activities of against cancerous cells were determined and summarized. Data were obtained through a systematic search of electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, Thai Thesis Database, Science Direct and Clinical Key). Eight studies met the eligibility criteria. The cancerous cell lines used in the studies were lymphoma, leukemia, oral, lung, breast, colon, and liver cancer cells. Based on this review, extracts significantly affected Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome-carrying human lymphoblastoid (Raji), mouse lymphocytic leukemia (P388), human acute lymphocytic leukemia (Jurkat), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29), human T lymphoblast (MOLT-4), human promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60), human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (SAS, SCC-9, HSC-3) through induction of cell apoptosis, arrest of the cell cycle, inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and colonization. The molecular mechanism of against cancers was reported to involve suppressing essential proteins required for cell proliferation, colonization, migration, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. They were survivin, cyclin-D, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). The extract of was also involved in the protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway by inhibiting the expression of Akt, phosphorylated Akt, mTOR, and phosphorylated mTOR. From the key results of this review, is a promising chemotherapy and chemopreventive agent. Further investigation of its pharmacological activity and mechanism of action should be conducted using standardized extracts. experiments and clinical trials are required to confirm the anticancer activity.
PubMed: 35571080
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.875016 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2021Viruses cause various human diseases, some of which become pandemic outbreaks. This study synthesized evidence on antiviral medicinal plants in Africa which could... (Review)
Review
Viruses cause various human diseases, some of which become pandemic outbreaks. This study synthesized evidence on antiviral medicinal plants in Africa which could potentially be further studied for viral infections including Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment. PUBMED, CINAHIL, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Google databases were searched through keywords; antiviral, plant, herb, and Africa were combined using "AND" and "OR". studies, studies, or clinical trials on botanical medicine used for the treatment of viruses in Africa were included. Thirty-six studies were included in the evidence synthesis. Three hundred and twenty-eight plants were screened for antiviral activities of which 127 showed noteworthy activities against 25 viral species. These, were Poliovirus (42 plants), HSV (34 plants), Coxsackievirus (16 plants), Rhinovirus (14plants), Influenza (12 plants), Astrovirus (11 plants), SARS-CoV-2 (10 plants), HIV (10 plants), Echovirus (8 plants), Parvovirus (6 plants), Semiliki forest virus (5 plants), Measles virus (5 plants), Hepatitis virus (3 plants), Canine distemper virus (3 plants), Zika virus (2 plants), Vesicular stomatitis virus T2 (2 plants). Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), Enterovirus, Dengue virus, Ebola virus, Chikungunya virus, Yellow fever virus, Respiratory syncytial virus, Rift Valley fever virus, Human cytomegalovirus each showed sensitivities to one plant. The current study provided a list of African medicinal plants which demonstrated antiviral activities and could potentially be candidates for COVID-19 treatment. However, all studies were preliminary and screening. Further are required for plant-based management of viral diseases.
PubMed: 35002686
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.682794 -
Environmental Science & Technology Nov 2021Enveloped viruses are characterized by a lipid-containing envelope that encapsulates the virion, and they have been the cause of major outbreaks and pandemics. Some... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Enveloped viruses are characterized by a lipid-containing envelope that encapsulates the virion, and they have been the cause of major outbreaks and pandemics. Some enveloped viruses are excreted in feces and other bodily fluids of infected people and animals, raising the question of their fate in the aquatic environment. Consequently, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the decay rate constants () of enveloped viruses from 12 families (i.e., , (specifically Phi6), , , , , , , , , , ) in environmental waters and wastewater to evaluate their decay kinetics and identify the environmental and virus characteristics that influence . A total of 812 that met inclusion criteria were identified in the literature, with the number of for each family ranging from 0 to 560, and the virus family averaged values of ranging from 0.11 d and 1.85 d. Virus type (i.e., genus, species, subspecies, or subtype), method of virus enumeration (i.e., culture-based or (RT-)QPCR), and experimental water matrix type, temperature and sterility were found to have significant effects on . Additionally, enveloped viruses were found to have statistically significantly greater than nonenveloped viruses. Multiple linear regression models that allow prediction of log as a function of virus type, enumeration method, water temperature, and water type are provided for six virus families that had sufficient data available for model fitting (i.e., , Phi6, , , , ). Compiled log and multiple regression models can be used to inform management of human and animal waste, operation of water and wastewater facilities, and exposure risks to treatment plant workers and communities living in regions that lack treatment facilities. Given limited data available for some enveloped virus families with a potential water-related transmission route, there is need for additional data collection to aid academic researchers, public health agencies, and water and wastewater professionals involved in outbreak response.
Topics: Animals; Disease Outbreaks; Disinfectants; Humans; Pandemics; Viruses; Wastewater
PubMed: 34665598
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03977 -
Archives of Public Health = Archives... Sep 2021The epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the general population in east Africa is not well documented. In this meta-analysis, we examined 37 full published...
Prevalence and predictors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in east Africa: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies published from 2005 to 2020.
BACKGROUND
The epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the general population in east Africa is not well documented. In this meta-analysis, we examined 37 full published research articles to synthesise up-to-date data on the prevalence and predictors of the HBV burden for the effective prevention and management of the virus in our region.
METHODS
We examined 37 full published research articles found using PubMed, Scopus, African Journal Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar between May and October 2020. Dichotomous data on HBV prevalence and predictors of infection were extracted from the individual studies. The HBV prevalence, test of proportion, relative risk, and I statistics for heterogeneity were calculated using MedCalc software version 19.1.3. Begg's tests was used to test for publication bias. Sources of heterogeneity were analysed through sensitivity analysis, meta-regression, and sub-group analysis at 95% CI. P < 0.05 was considered significant for all analyses.
RESULTS
The prevalence of HBV was generally high (6.025%), with publications from Kenya (8.54%), Uganda (8.454%) and those from between 2011 and 2015 (8.759%) reporting the highest prevalence (P < 0.05). Blood transfusion, scarification, promiscuity, HIV seropositivity, and being male were independent predictors significantly associated with HBV infection (P < 0.05), with the male sex being the most strongly associated predictor of HBV infection. Meta-regressions for the pooled HBV prevalence and sample size, as well as the year of publication, lacked statistical significance (P > 0.05). Omitting the study with the largest sample size slightly increased pooled HBV prevalence to 6.149%, suggesting that the studies are robust. Begg's test showed no evidence of publication bias for overall meta-analysis (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The burden of HBV is still high, with the male sex, blood transfusion, body scarification, and HIV seropositivity being potential predictors of infection. Thus, it is important to scale up control and prevention measures targeting persons at high risk.
PubMed: 34537079
DOI: 10.1186/s13690-021-00686-1 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2021Influenza is one of the most serious respiratory viral infections worldwide. Although several studies have reported that green tea catechins (GTCs) might prevent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Influenza is one of the most serious respiratory viral infections worldwide. Although several studies have reported that green tea catechins (GTCs) might prevent influenza virus infection, this remains controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight studies with 5,048 participants that examined the effect of GTC administration on influenza prevention. In a random-effects meta-analysis of five RCTs, 884 participants treated with GTCs showed statistically significant effects on the prevention of influenza infection compared to the control group (risk ratio (RR) 0.67, 95%CIs 0.51-0.89, = 0.005) without evidence of heterogeneity (= 0%, = 0.629). Similarly, in three cohort studies with 2,223 participants treated with GTCs, there were also statistically significant effects (RR 0.52, 95%CIs 0.35-0.77, = 0.001) with very low evidence of heterogeneity ( = 3%, = 0.358). Additionally, the overall effect in the subgroup analysis of gargling and orally ingested items (taking capsules and drinking) showed a pooled RR of 0.62 (95% CIs 0.49-0.77, = 0.003) without heterogeneity (= 0%, = 0.554). There were no obvious publication biases (Egger's test ( = 0.138) and Begg's test ( = 0.103)). Our analysis suggests that green tea consumption is effective in the prophylaxis of influenza infections. To confirm the findings before implementation, longitudinal clinical trials with specific doses of green tea consumption are warranted.
Topics: Antiviral Agents; Catechin; Clinical Trials as Topic; Humans; Influenza, Human; Plant Extracts; Tea
PubMed: 34209247
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26134014 -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR Aug 2021Traditional Indian medical practices (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and homeopathy) are a vast reservoir of knowledge about medicinal plants. The promising pharmacological...
Traditional Indian medical practices (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and homeopathy) are a vast reservoir of knowledge about medicinal plants. The promising pharmacological properties of these plants have paved the way for developing therapy against novel Coronavirus (CoV) infection. The current review will summarize published works of literature on the effects of traditional Indian medicinal plants against acute respiratory infection (COVID-19, SARS, Influenza, and Respiratory syncytial virus infection) and registered clinical trials of traditional Indian herbal medicines in COVID-19. The current study aims to comprehensively evaluate the data of traditional Indian medicinal plants to warrant their use in COVID-19 management. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched along with different clinical trial databases. A total of 22 relevant traditional Indian medicinal plants (35 relevant studies) were included in the current study having potential antiviral properties against virus-induced respiratory illness along with promising immunomodulatory and thrombolytic properties. Further, 36 randomized and nonrandomized registered clinical trials were also included that were aimed at evaluating the efficacy of herbal plants or their formulations in COVID-19 management. The antiviral, immunomodulatory, and thrombolytic activities of the traditional Indian medicinal plants laid down a strong rationale for their use in developing therapies against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study identified some important potential traditional Indian medicinal herbs such as Ocimum tenuiflorum, Tinospora cordifolia, Achyranthes bidentata, Cinnamomum cassia, Cydonia oblonga, Embelin ribes, Justicia adhatoda, Momordica charantia, Withania somnifera, Zingiber officinale, Camphor, and Kabusura kudineer, which could be used in therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Topics: Humans; India; Medicine, Ayurvedic; Plant Preparations; Plants, Medicinal; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 34132429
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7150 -
Phytochemistry Reviews : Proceedings of... 2022Medicinal plants are one of the most important sources of antiviral agents and lead compounds. Lignans are a large class of natural compounds comprising two phenyl... (Review)
Review
Medicinal plants are one of the most important sources of antiviral agents and lead compounds. Lignans are a large class of natural compounds comprising two phenyl propane units. Many of them have demonstrated biological activities, and some of them have even been developed as therapeutic drugs. In this review, 630 lignans, including those obtained from medicinal plants and their chemical derivatives, were systematically reviewed for their antiviral activity and mechanism of action. The compounds discussed herein were published in articles between 1998 and 2020. The articles were identified using both database searches (e.g., Web of Science, Pub Med and Scifinder) using key words such as: antiviral activity, antiviral effects, lignans, HBV, HCV, HIV, HPV, HSV, JEV, SARS-CoV, RSV and influenza A virus, and directed searches of scholarly publisher's websites including ACS, Elsevier, Springer, Thieme, and Wiley. The compounds were classified on their structural characteristics as 1) arylnaphthalene lignans, 2) aryltetralin lignans, 3) dibenzylbutyrolactone lignans, 4) dibenzylbutane lignans, 5) tetrahydrofuranoid and tetrahydrofurofuranoid lignans, 6) benzofuran lignans, 7) neolignans, 8) dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans and homolignans, and 9) norlignans and other lignoids. Details on isolation and antiviral activities of the most active compounds within each class of lignan are discussed in detail, as are studies of synthetic lignans that provide structure-activity relationship information.
PubMed: 34093097
DOI: 10.1007/s11101-021-09758-0 -
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN Jun 2021Respiratory Viruses infections (RVI) such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, influenza virus, and adenovirus affect the respiratory and the immune systems. The role of...
Respiratory Viruses infections (RVI) such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, influenza virus, and adenovirus affect the respiratory and the immune systems. The role of nutrition in the respiratory and immune systems has been studied in some studies, and its importance is undeniable. In addition, one of the key findings in this disease is high inflammation that affects almost all patients. This systematic narrative review aims to answer the question, "Can an anti-inflammatory diet be effective in preventing or treating viral respiratory diseases?" A systematic review search was used for the articles extraction. All studies published in English from 1999 to 2020 investigating dietary inflammatory conditions and RVI were included. Food items with anti-inflammatory properties were selected based on the definition of the dietary inflammatory index (DII). We used Google Scholar, Pub Med, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer, Science Direct, Directory of Open Access Journals, Elsevier, Taylor and Francis, ProQuest, EBSCO, MEDLINE, and SciELO databases for extracting articles. Keywords were restricted by DII. Based on DII, food items/nutrients are involved in inflammation, some of which have anti-inflammatory and some inflammatory properties. Some foods/nutrients, in addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, have antioxidant, antiviral, and immune-enhancing properties. Considering the immune system's involvement, increased inflammation, and involvement of the pulmonary system in RVI and the remarkable role of the anti-inflammatory foods for counteracting them, it is recommended to use a predominantly anti-inflammatory diet along with prevention/control and treatment protocols. An anti-inflammatory diet (based on DII) includes turmeric, ginger, garlic, onions, saffron, dietary vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 are recommended to reduce infection symptoms and duration.
Topics: Adenoviridae; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Coronavirus; Coronavirus Infections; Crocus; Diet; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans; Inflammation; Micronutrients; Nutrients; Nutritional Status; Orthomyxoviridae; Plant Extracts; Respiratory Tract Infections; Rhinovirus; Virus Diseases; Viruses; Vitamins; Zinc; Zingiberaceae
PubMed: 34024569
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.04.009 -
Viruses Mar 2021Plant viral diseases are the foremost threat to sustainable agriculture, leading to several billion dollars in losses every year. Many viruses infecting several crops... (Review)
Review
Plant viral diseases are the foremost threat to sustainable agriculture, leading to several billion dollars in losses every year. Many viruses infecting several crops have been described in the literature; however, new infectious viruses are emerging frequently through outbreaks. For the effective treatment and prevention of viral diseases, there is great demand for new techniques that can provide accurate identification on the causative agents. With the advancements in biochemical and molecular biology techniques, several diagnostic methods with improved sensitivity and specificity for the detection of prevalent and/or unknown plant viruses are being continuously developed. Currently, serological and nucleic acid methods are the most widely used for plant viral diagnosis. Nucleic acid-based techniques that amplify target DNA/RNA have been evolved with many variants. However, there is growing interest in developing techniques that can be based in real-time and thus facilitate in-field diagnosis. Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based innovative methods have shown great potential to detect multiple viruses simultaneously; however, such techniques are in the preliminary stages in plant viral disease diagnostics. This review discusses the recent progress in the use of NGS-based techniques for the detection, diagnosis, and identification of plant viral diseases. New portable devices and technologies that could provide real-time analyses in a relatively short period of time are prime important for in-field diagnostics. Current development and application of such tools and techniques along with their potential limitations in plant virology are likewise discussed in detail.
Topics: Crops, Agricultural; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Plant Diseases; Plant Viruses; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 33807625
DOI: 10.3390/v13030412 -
Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology May 2021The COVID-19 global pandemic is a public health emergency due to its high virulence and mortality. Many vaccine development studies at clinical trials are currently...
INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 global pandemic is a public health emergency due to its high virulence and mortality. Many vaccine development studies at clinical trials are currently conducted to combat SARS-CoV-2. Plants are a rich source of phytochemicals with different biological activities, including antiviral activities, which are the focus of many studies.
AREAS COVERED
This review shows compounds of traditional plants listed on RENISUS list have therapeutic properties against SARS-CoV-2 targets.
EXPERT OPINION
The rise of new variants, more pathogenic and virulent, impacts in the increase of mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection, and thus, the control of the outbreaks of disease remains a global challenge. Other's drug and vaccines development is an essential element in controlling SARS-COV-2. Therefore, it is imperative that approach to tackle this pandemic has to be solidly evidence-informed. It should be noticed that the immune system does play critical roles in fighting viruses. Studies show that T cells levels decreased continuously as the disease progressed. T cell-mediated cellular immune response, probably by immunological memory, is essential for direct virus eradication after infection whilst B cells functions in producing antibodies that neutralize virus.But, have distinct patterns of T cell response exist in different patients, suggesting the possibility of distinct clinical approaches. Efforts are concentrated to elucidate the underlying immunological mechanisms in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and progression for better design of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive strategies. We seek to identify biomolecules with the potential to act in biomarkers that predict how severe the disease can get. But it is important to warn that the plants that produce the compounds mentioned here should not be used without a physician prescription. Finally, we speculate that these compounds may eventually attract the attention of physicians and researchers to perform tests in specific contexts of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and if they show positive results, be tested in Clinical trials.
Topics: Antiviral Agents; Biological Products; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Plants; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 33706626
DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1903317