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Neuromolecular Medicine Dec 2022Frankincense is a hard gelatinous resin exuded by Boswellia serrata. It contains a complex array of components, of which acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), a... (Review)
Review
Frankincense is a hard gelatinous resin exuded by Boswellia serrata. It contains a complex array of components, of which acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid of the resin class, is the main active component. AKBA has a variety of physiological actions, including anti-infection, anti-tumor, and antioxidant effects. The use of AKBA for the treatment of mental diseases has been documented as early as ancient Greece. Recent studies have found that AKBA has anti-aging and other neurological effects, suggesting its potential for the treatment of neurological diseases. This review focuses on nervous system-related diseases, summarizes the functions and mechanisms of AKBA in promoting nerve repair and regeneration after injury, protecting against ischemic brain injury and aging, inhibiting neuroinflammation, ameliorating memory deficits, and alleviating neurotoxicity, as well as having anti-glioma effects and relieving brain edema. The mechanisms by which AKBA functions in different diseases and the relationships between dosage and biological effects are discussed in depth with the aim of increasing understanding of AKBA and guiding its use for the treatment of nervous system diseases.
Topics: Humans; Plant Extracts; Boswellia; Triterpenes; Resins, Plant; Nervous System Diseases
PubMed: 35303275
DOI: 10.1007/s12017-022-08707-0 -
Anais Da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias 2019The volume of global gross banana exports reached a record of 117.9 million tonnes in 2015 (FAO 2017), which agro-industrial wastes derived as the pseudo-stem, rachis...
The volume of global gross banana exports reached a record of 117.9 million tonnes in 2015 (FAO 2017), which agro-industrial wastes derived as the pseudo-stem, rachis and leaves do not have an industrial application instead they are discarded. This research study applies full factorial design and response surface methodology to determine the effect of pressing temperature and resin content on density (D), moisture (M), water absorption (WA), water swelling (WS), module of rupture (MOR), module of elasticity (MOE) and formaldehyde content (FC) of particle board made of banana pseudo-stem. A 22 factorial design was performed, factors considered were resin and temperature. The low level of resin was 15% in the coarse fiber (CF) and 35% in fine fiber (FF); high level as 25% CF and 45% FF. Temperature levels were 150ºC and 170ºC respectively. The boards met all quality parameters except ones with low resin content that didn't meet WS parameter. Furthermore, resin affected positively on WA, FC and MOE, and decreased D, WS and MOR values. Meanwhile, temperature affected negatively on D, WS, and increased FC, WA, MOE, MOR properties; none of the factors affected M response. Process conditions were optimized to 162.61°C and 43.15% FF, 23.97% CF.
Topics: Elasticity; Industrial Waste; Materials Testing; Musa; Plant Stems; Refuse Disposal; Resins, Plant; Temperature; Tensile Strength
PubMed: 31800694
DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201920180302 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2019() produces a white, sticky, latex-like resin with antimicrobial properties. The aims of this research were to evaluate the effects of this resin ( resin) on bacterial...
() produces a white, sticky, latex-like resin with antimicrobial properties. The aims of this research were to evaluate the effects of this resin ( resin) on bacterial populations and to determine the impact of its primary volatile components on bioactivity. The impact of sample treatment on chemical composition of resin was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) coupled with principal component analysis. The presence and concentration of volatiles in lyophilized resin were determined using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Changes in bacterial population counts due to treatment with resin or its primary volatile components were monitored. Autoclaving of the samples did not affect the FTIR spectra of Sv resin; however, lyophilization altered spectra, mainly in the CH and C=O regions. Three primary bioactive compounds that constituted >90% of volatiles (1R-α-pinene, tricyclene, and β-pinene) were identified in resin. Autoclaved resin impacted bacterial growth. The resin was stimulatory for some plant and foodborne pathogens (, , and ) and antimicrobial for others (, , , and ). Treatment with either 1R-α-pinene or β-pinene reduced population growth less than did autoclaved resin. The complex resin likely contains additional antimicrobial compounds that act synergistically to inhibit bacterial growth.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Bacteria; Drug Synergism; Food Microbiology; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Plant Pathology; Principal Component Analysis; Resins, Plant; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Tracheophyta; Volatile Organic Compounds
PubMed: 31635046
DOI: 10.3390/molecules24203767 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) is the preferred strategy for synthesizing most peptides for research purposes and on a multi-kilogram scale. One key to the success... (Review)
Review
Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) is the preferred strategy for synthesizing most peptides for research purposes and on a multi-kilogram scale. One key to the success of SPPS is the continual evolution and improvement of the original method proposed by Merrifield. Over the years, this approach has been enhanced with the introduction of new solid supports, protecting groups for amino acids, coupling reagents, and other tools. One of these improvements is the use of the so-called "safety-catch" linkers/resins. The linker is understood as the moiety that links the peptide to the solid support and protects the C-terminal carboxylic group. The "safety-catch" concept relies on linkers that are totally stable under the conditions needed for both α-amino and side-chain deprotection that, at the end of synthesis, can be made labile to one of those conditions by a simple chemical reaction (e.g., an alkylation). This unique characteristic enables the simultaneous use of two primary protecting strategies: tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) and fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc). Ultimately, at the end of synthesis, either acids (which are incompatible with Boc) or bases (which are incompatible with Fmoc) can be employed to cleave the peptide from the resin. This review focuses on the most significant "safety-catch" linkers.
Topics: Solid-Phase Synthesis Techniques; Alkylation; Amino Acids; Antifibrinolytic Agents; Resins, Plant; Peptides
PubMed: 38611709
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071429 -
PloS One 2020Past claims have been made for fossil DNA recovery from various organisms (bacteria, plants, insects and mammals, including humans) dating back in time from thousands to...
Past claims have been made for fossil DNA recovery from various organisms (bacteria, plants, insects and mammals, including humans) dating back in time from thousands to several million years BP. However, many of these recoveries, especially those described from million-year-old amber (fossil resin), have faced criticism as being the result of modern environmental contamination and for lack of reproducibility. Using modern genomic techniques, DNA can be obtained with confidence from a variety of substrates (e.g. bones, teeth, gum, museum specimens and fossil insects) of different ages, albeit always less than one million years BP, and results can also be obtained from much older materials using palaeoproteomics. Nevertheless, new attempts to determine if ancient DNA (aDNA) is present in insects preserved in 40 000-year old sub-fossilised resin, the precursor of amber, have been unsuccessful or not well documented. Resin-embedded specimens are therefore regarded as unsuitable for genetic studies. However, we demonstrate here, for the first time, that although a labile molecule, DNA is still present in platypodine beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) embedded in six-year-old and two-year-old resin pieces from Hymenaea verrucosa (Angiospermae: Fabaceae) collected in Madagascar. We describe an optimised method which meets all the requirements and precautions for aDNA experiments for our purpose: to explore the DNA preservation limits in resin. Our objective is far from starting an uncontrolled search for aDNA in amber as it was in the past, but to start resolving basic aspects from the DNA preservation in resin and search from the most modern samples to the ancient ones, step by step. We conclude that it is therefore possible to study genomics from resin-embedded organisms, although the time limits remain to be determined.
Topics: Amber; Animals; Coleoptera; DNA, Ancient; Fossils; Hymenaea; Insecta; Madagascar; Reproducibility of Results; Resins, Plant
PubMed: 32986737
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239521 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2022Propolis has gained wide popularity over the last decades in several parts of the world. In parallel, the literature about propolis composition and biological properties... (Review)
Review
Propolis has gained wide popularity over the last decades in several parts of the world. In parallel, the literature about propolis composition and biological properties increased markedly. A great number of papers have demonstrated that propolis from different parts of the world is composed mainly of phenolic substances, frequently flavonoids, derived from plant resins. Propolis has a relevant role in increasing the social immunity of bee hives. Experimental evidence indicates that propolis and its components have activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Mechanisms of action on bacteria, fungi, and viruses are known for several propolis components. Experiments have shown that propolis may act synergistically with antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirus drugs, permitting the administration of lower doses of drugs and higher antimicrobial effects. The current trend of growing resistance of microbial pathogens to the available drugs has encouraged the introduction of propolis in therapy against infectious diseases. Because propolis composition is widely variable, standardized propolis extracts have been produced. Successful clinical trials have included propolis extracts as medicine in dentistry and as an adjuvant in the treatment of patients against COVID-19. Present world health conditions encourage initiatives toward the spread of the niche of propolis, not only as traditional and alternative medicine but also as a relevant protagonist in anti-infectious therapy. Production of propolis and other apiary products is environmentally friendly and may contribute to alleviating the current crisis of the decline of bee populations. Propolis production has had social-economic relevance in Brazil, providing benefits to underprivileged people.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Ascomycota; Bacteria; Communicable Diseases; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Propolis; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 35889466
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144594 -
BMJ Case Reports Mar 2014A 61-year-old man complained of cough and dyspnoea after exposure to colophony-containing solder fumes at work. A histamine challenge test confirmed airway...
A 61-year-old man complained of cough and dyspnoea after exposure to colophony-containing solder fumes at work. A histamine challenge test confirmed airway hyper-responsiveness, and colophony-challenge demonstrated a 16.7% drop in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), supporting a diagnosis of colophony-induced occupational asthma. At review, the patient presented with cough, dyspnoea and wheeze that occurred acutely when exposed to the fumes from burning incense during Easter Saturday services, necessitating his departure from the church. Inhalation challenge tests using two blends of incense used at his church (Greek and Vatican) led to identical symptoms and a significant reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 s 15 min after exposure and PEFRs up to 48 h after exposure, indicating an early and late phase asthmatic reaction. This is the first report of coexistent colophony and incense-induced asthma. The similarities in chemical structures between abietic acid in colophony and boswellic acid in incense suggest a common mechanism.
Topics: Air Pollutants, Occupational; Asthma, Occupational; Bronchial Provocation Tests; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Resins, Plant
PubMed: 24626388
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2014-203861 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2022To determine the penetration depth and enamel microhardness (EMH) of an infiltrant resin and two fissure sealants in primary teeth with early enamel lesions. We randomly...
To determine the penetration depth and enamel microhardness (EMH) of an infiltrant resin and two fissure sealants in primary teeth with early enamel lesions. We randomly divided 174 sound teeth into six groups (n = 29): (1) phosphoric acid (PA) + Clinpro, (2) PA + Aegis, (3) Icon, (4) hydrochloric acid (HCl) + Clinpro, (5) HCl + Aegis, and (6) control. Percentage penetration (%PP) was analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (n = 15). EMH was measured (n = 12), and the percentage of EMH recovery (%REMH) was calculated. Twelve samples were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). All data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and one-way ANOVA tests (p < 0.05). Groups 3 and 4 showed the highest %PP (all, p < 0.05). Icon application led to significantly higher %REMH compared to the others (p < 0.05). Groups 2 and 5 showed the lowest reduction in %REMH after pH-cycling. Application of Icon and Clinpro with HCl pretreatment showed the greatest %PP. pH-cycling led to a decrease in %REMH for all of the materials, although this effect was lower in teeth treated with Aegis.
Topics: Composite Resins; Dental Enamel; Hydrochloric Acid; Pit and Fissure Sealants; Resins, Plant; Resins, Synthetic; Surface Properties; Tooth, Deciduous
PubMed: 35301422
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08725-9 -
Microbiology Spectrum Dec 2021Chemical methods of virus inactivation are used routinely to prevent viral transmission in both a personal hygiene capacity but also in at-risk environments like...
Chemical methods of virus inactivation are used routinely to prevent viral transmission in both a personal hygiene capacity but also in at-risk environments like hospitals. Several virucidal products exist, including hand soaps, gels, and surface disinfectants. Resin acids, which can be derived from tall oil, produced from trees, have been shown to exhibit antibacterial activity. However, whether these products or their derivatives have virucidal activity is unknown. Here, we assessed the capacity of rosin soap to inactivate a panel of pathogenic mammalian viruses . We show that rosin soap can inactivate human enveloped viruses: influenza A virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). For IAV, rosin soap could provide a 100,000-fold reduction in infectivity. However, rosin soap failed to affect the nonenveloped encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). The inhibitory effect of rosin soap against IAV infectivity was dependent on its concentration but not on the incubation time or temperature. In all, we demonstrate a novel chemical inactivation method against enveloped viruses, which could be of use for preventing virus infections in certain settings. Viruses remain a significant cause of human disease and death, most notably illustrated through the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Control of virus infection continues to pose a significant global health challenge to the human population. Viruses can spread through multiple routes, including via environmental and surface contamination, where viruses can remain infectious for days. Methods for inactivating viruses on such surfaces may help mitigate infection. Here, we present evidence identifying a novel virucidal product, rosin soap, which is produced from tall oil from coniferous trees. Rosin soap was able to rapidly and potently inactivate influenza virus and other enveloped viruses.
Topics: Antiviral Agents; Influenza A virus; Plant Oils; Resins, Plant; SARS-CoV-2; Soaps; Virus Inactivation
PubMed: 34935417
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01091-21 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2021Natural rubber is an essential material, especially for plane and truck tyres but also for medical gloves. Asia ranks first in the production of natural rubber, of which... (Review)
Review
Natural rubber is an essential material, especially for plane and truck tyres but also for medical gloves. Asia ranks first in the production of natural rubber, of which the tree is currently the sole source. However, it is anticipated that this source alone will not be able to fulfill the growing demand. Guayule, a shrub native to northern Mexico and southern United States, may also contribute. This plant not only contains polyisoprene, but also resin, a mixture of lipids and terpenoids. This review summarizes various aspects of this plant, from the usage history, botanical description, geographical distribution and cultivation practices, down to polyisoprene and resin biosynthesis including their distribution within the plant and molecular composition. Finally, the main processes yielding dry rubber or latex are depicted, as well as the properties of the various extracts along with economic considerations. The aim is to provide a wide picture of current knowledge available about this promising crop, a good feedstock candidate for a multiple-product biorefinery.
Topics: Animals; Asia; Asteraceae; Humans; Latex; Mexico; Resins, Plant; Rubber; United States
PubMed: 33513965
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26030664