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Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... May 2021Astaxanthin (ATX) is a red pigment carotenoid present in shrimp, salmon, crab, and asteroidean. Several studies have corroborated the anti-oxidant efficacy of ATX. In... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin (ATX) is a red pigment carotenoid present in shrimp, salmon, crab, and asteroidean. Several studies have corroborated the anti-oxidant efficacy of ATX. In addition, ATX has anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-proliferative properties. In the present review, we discuss the role of Nrf2 in mediating the anti-cancer, anti-aging, neuroprotective, lung-protective, skin-protective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic and muscloprotective effects of ATX.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Antioxidants; Humans; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Oxidative Stress; Protective Agents; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 33761600
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111374 -
Postepy Higieny I Medycyny... Jan 2014Pectin, a heteropolysaccharide commercially derived from the cell wall of higher plants, is mainly used in food as a gelling agent in jams and jellies as well as a... (Review)
Review
Pectin, a heteropolysaccharide commercially derived from the cell wall of higher plants, is mainly used in food as a gelling agent in jams and jellies as well as a stabilizer in fruit juice and milk drinks. It has also received great interest as a source of dietary fiber. Furthermore, pectin is proved to have diverse biological activities including lipid and cholesterol level lowering effects, serum glucose and insulin content lowering effects, gastric emptying delay, and anti-cancer activities. Pectin and pectic oligosaccharides have been shown to induce apoptosis in human colonic adenocarcinoma cells and to have anti-metastatic properties. Dietary pectin can bind metal ions, particularly lead ions, thus reducing their retention in the body and diminishing their toxic effects. On the other hand, pectin enhances intestinal solubility and absorption of ferric iron. Pectin with a low degree of esterification or having a large volume of linear oligogalacturonide segments shows significant mucoadhesion capacity in the gastrointestinal tract. In this way pectin forms a physical barrier protecting epithelium against opportunistic microbial invasion during stress.
Topics: Anticholesteremic Agents; Antineoplastic Agents; Dietary Fiber; Esterification; Gastric Emptying; Gels; Humans; Hypolipidemic Agents; Intestinal Mucosa; Iron; Pectins; Protective Agents
PubMed: 24864109
DOI: 10.5604/17322693.1102342 -
Medicinal Research Reviews May 2018Quinoline and quinazoline alkaloids, two important classes of N-based heterocyclic compounds, have attracted tremendous attention from researchers worldwide since the... (Review)
Review
Quinoline and quinazoline alkaloids, two important classes of N-based heterocyclic compounds, have attracted tremendous attention from researchers worldwide since the 19th century. Over the past 200 years, many compounds from these two classes were isolated from natural sources, and most of them and their modified analogs possess significant bioactivities. Quinine and camptothecin are two of the most famous and important quinoline alkaloids, and their discoveries opened new areas in antimalarial and anticancer drug development, respectively. In this review, we survey the literature on bioactive alkaloids from these two classes and highlight research achievements prior to the year 2008 (Part I). Over 200 molecules with a broad range of bioactivities, including antitumor, antimalarial, antibacterial and antifungal, antiparasitic and insecticidal, antiviral, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, herbicidal, antioxidant and other activities, were reviewed. This survey should provide new clues or possibilities for the discovery of new and better drugs from the original naturally occurring quinoline and quinazoline alkaloids.
Topics: Alkaloids; Animals; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Protective Agents; Quinazolines; Quinolines
PubMed: 28902434
DOI: 10.1002/med.21466 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2019When exposed to hostile environments such as radiation, physical injuries, chemicals, pollution, and microorganisms, the skin requires protective chemical molecules and... (Review)
Review
When exposed to hostile environments such as radiation, physical injuries, chemicals, pollution, and microorganisms, the skin requires protective chemical molecules and pathways. Melatonin, a highly conserved ancient molecule, plays a crucial role in the maintenance of skin. As human skin has functional melatonin receptors and also acts as a complete system that is capable of producing and regulating melatonin synthesis, melatonin is a promising candidate for its maintenance and protection. Below, we review the studies of new metabolic pathways involved in the protective functions of melatonin in dermal cells. We also discuss the advantages of the topical use of melatonin for therapeutic purposes and skin protection. In our view, endogenous intracutaneous melatonin production, together with topically-applied exogenous melatonin and its metabolites, represent two of the most potent defense systems against external damage to the skin.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Antioxidants; Humans; Melatonin; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Oxidative Stress; Protective Agents; Skin
PubMed: 31597233
DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194948 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2018Wine consumption has been popular worldwide for many centuries. Based on in vitro and in vivo studies, a certain amount of everyday wine consumption may prevent various... (Review)
Review
Wine consumption has been popular worldwide for many centuries. Based on in vitro and in vivo studies, a certain amount of everyday wine consumption may prevent various chronic diseases. This is due, in part, to the presence and amount of important antioxidants in red wine, and, therefore, research has focused on them. Wine polyphenols, especially resveratrol, anthocyanins, and catechins, are the most effective wine antioxidants. Resveratrol is active in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases by neutralizing free oxygen radicals and reactive nitrogenous radicals; it penetrates the blood-brain barrier and, thus, protects the brain and nerve cells. It also reduces platelet aggregation and so counteracts the formation of blood clots or thrombi. The main aim of this review is to summarize the current findings about the positive influence of wine consumption on human organ function, chronic diseases, and the reduction of damage to the cardiovascular system.
Topics: Alcohol Drinking; Antioxidants; Health; Humans; Protective Agents; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Wine
PubMed: 29997312
DOI: 10.3390/molecules23071684 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2021Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a chronic disease, including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. It should be noted that the occurrence of... (Review)
Review
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a chronic disease, including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. It should be noted that the occurrence of MetS is closely related to oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, ectopic fat accumulation, and the impairment of the antioxidant system, which in turn further aggravates the intracellular oxidative imbalance and inflammatory response. As enriched anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components in plants, natural polyphenols exhibit beneficial effects, including improving liver fat accumulation and dyslipidemia, reducing blood pressure. Hence, they are expected to be useful in the prevention and management of MetS. At present, epidemiological studies indicate a negative correlation between polyphenol intake and MetS incidence. In this review, we summarized and discussed the most promising natural polyphenols (including flavonoid and non-flavonoid drugs) in the precaution and treatment of MetS, including their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as their regulatory functions involved in glycolipid homeostasis.
Topics: Animals; Clinical Trials as Topic; Disease Progression; Humans; Metabolic Syndrome; Polyphenols; Protective Agents; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 34204038
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116110 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2020is a plant with high bioactive potential. It contains marrubiin, a labdane diterpene that is characteristic for this genus, as well as a complex mixture of phenolic... (Review)
Review
is a plant with high bioactive potential. It contains marrubiin, a labdane diterpene that is characteristic for this genus, as well as a complex mixture of phenolic compounds. According to numerous studies, acts as a good antioxidant agent, and due to this, it could potentially be useful in treatments of cancer, diabetes mellitus, and liver diseases. In addition, its anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and sedative potential are discussed. Apart from that, its antimicrobial activity, especially against Gram+ bacteria, fungi, herpes simplex virus, and parasites such as , , and was recorded. Additionally, it could be used as a chicken lice repellent, herbicide, and natural insecticide against mosquito larvae and natural molluscicide. In veterinary medicine, can be used as an anthelmintic against the eggs and larvae of bovine strongyles parasites, and as an antibiotic against bovine mastitis caused by resistant bacterial strains. Due to the mentioned benefits, there is a tendency for the cultivation of in order to ensure high-quality raw material, but more firm scientific evidence and well-designed clinical trials are necessary for the well-established use of herb and its preparations.
Topics: Animals; Anthelmintics; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Antioxidants; Biological Control Agents; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Marrubium; Phytochemicals; Plants, Medicinal; Protective Agents; Wound Healing
PubMed: 32599693
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25122898 -
Journal of Cellular and Molecular... Nov 2019The liver is composed of hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, Kupffer cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and dendritic cells; all these... (Review)
Review
The liver is composed of hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, Kupffer cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and dendritic cells; all these functional and interstitial cells contribute to the synthesis and secretion functions of liver tissue. However, various hepatotoxic factors including infection, chemicals, high-fat diet consumption, surgical procedures and genetic mutations, as well as biliary tract diseases such as sclerosing cholangitis and bile duct ligation, ultimately progress into liver cirrhosis after activation of fibrogenesis. Melatonin (MT), a special hormone isolated from the pineal gland, participates in regulating multiple physiological functions including sleep promotion, circadian rhythms and neuroendocrine processes. Current evidence shows that MT protects against liver injury by inhibiting oxidation, inflammation, HSC proliferation and hepatocyte apoptosis, thereby inhibiting the progression of liver cirrhosis. In this review, we summarize the circadian rhythm of liver cirrhosis and its potential mechanisms as well as the therapeutic effects of MT on liver cirrhosis and earlier-stage liver diseases including liver steatosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis. Given that MT is an antioxidative and anti-inflammatory agent that is effective in eliminating liver injury, it is a potential agent with which to reverse liver cirrhosis in its early stage.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Melatonin; Protective Agents
PubMed: 31475778
DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14634 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2020Quercetin is a flavonoid abundantly found in fruits and vegetables. It possesses a wide spectrum of biological activities, thus suggesting a role in disease prevention... (Review)
Review
Quercetin is a flavonoid abundantly found in fruits and vegetables. It possesses a wide spectrum of biological activities, thus suggesting a role in disease prevention and health promotion. The present review aimed to uncover the bone-sparing effects of quercetin and its mechanism of action. Animal studies have found that the action of quercetin on bone is largely protective, with a small number of studies reporting negative outcomes. Quercetin was shown to inhibit RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis, osteoblast apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory response while promoting osteogenesis, angiogenesis, antioxidant expression, adipocyte apoptosis and osteoclast apoptosis. The possible underlying mechanisms involved are regulation of Wnt, NF-κB, Nrf2, SMAD-dependent, and intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. On the other hand, quercetin was shown to exert complex and competing actions on the MAPK signalling pathway to orchestrate bone metabolism, resulting in both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on bone in parallel. The overall interaction is believed to result in a positive effect on bone. Considering the important contributions of quercetin in regulating bone homeostasis, it may be considered an economical and promising agent for improving bone health. The documented preclinical findings await further validation from human clinical trials.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Bone Resorption; Bone and Bones; Humans; Protective Agents; Quercetin
PubMed: 32899435
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176448 -
Daru : Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy,... May 2015Saffron (Crocus sativus) is an extensively used food additive for its color and taste. Since ancient times this plant has been introduced as a marvelous medicine... (Review)
Review
Saffron (Crocus sativus) is an extensively used food additive for its color and taste. Since ancient times this plant has been introduced as a marvelous medicine throughout the world. The wide spectrum of saffron pharmacological activities is related to its major constituents including crocin, crocetin and safranal. Based on several studies, saffron and its active ingredients have been used as an antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antinociceptive, antidepressant, antitussive, anticonvulsant, memory enhancer, hypotensive and anticancer. According to the literatures, saffron has remarkable therapeutic effects. The protective effects of saffron and its main constituents in different tissues including brain, heart, liver, kidney and lung have been reported against some toxic materials either natural or chemical toxins in animal studies.In this review article, we have summarized different in vitro and animal studies in scientific databases which investigate the antidotal and protective effects of saffron and its major components against natural toxins and chemical-induced toxicities. Due to the lake of human studies, further investigations are required to ascertain the efficacy of saffron as an antidote or a protective agent in human intoxication.
Topics: Animals; Antidotes; Crocus; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Plant Extracts; Protective Agents
PubMed: 25928729
DOI: 10.1186/s40199-015-0112-y