Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Ferula hermonis Boiss. – A Review

Drug Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 67 (08) ◽  
pp. 437-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zohreh Sattar ◽  
Mehrdad Iranshahi
Keyword(s):  
Erectile Dysfunction ◽  
Estrogen Receptors ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Active Constituents ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Clinical Investigations ◽  
Prevention Of Osteoporosis ◽  
Agonistic Activity ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

AbstractFerula hermonis, a well-known species of the genus Ferula found in Lebanon and Syria, has a brilliant history in traditional medicine as it has been used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men and menopausal disturbances in women. Thanks to modern pharmacological and clinical investigations, F. hermonis is a valuable medicinal and condimental plant that may be used for the treatment of impotence and diabetes, the prevention of osteoporosis, and possesses anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Phytochemical investigations have shown that this plant contains daucane aryl esters such as ferutinin, which has exhibited various biological activities including hypoglycemic and estrogenic activities. Ferutinin is one of the strongest natural phytoestrogen which has agonistic activity on estrogen receptors, particularly α receptor. It seems that ferutinin and its derivatives play an important role in F. hermonis biological activities, mainly the beneficial effects of this plant on impotence, diabetes and osteoporosis. The present review discusses the available data on the active constituents and biological activities of F. hermonis and their possible underlying mechanisms of action.

scholarly journals Advances in Studies on the Pharmacological Activities of Fucoxanthin

Marine Drugs ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 634
Author(s):  
Han Xiao ◽  
Jiarui Zhao ◽  
Chang Fang ◽  
Qi Cao ◽  
Maochen Xing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Intestinal Flora ◽  
Small Molecular Weight ◽  
Pharmacological Activities ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cell Components ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Organ Fibrosis ◽  
Active Can

Fucoxanthin is a natural carotenoid derived mostly from many species of marine brown algae. It is characterized by small molecular weight, is chemically active, can be easily oxidized, and has diverse biological activities, thus protecting cell components from ROS. Fucoxanthin inhibits the proliferation of a variety of cancer cells, promotes weight loss, acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, interacts with the intestinal flora to protect intestinal health, prevents organ fibrosis, and exerts a multitude of other beneficial effects. Thus, fucoxanthin has a wide range of applications and broad prospects. This review focuses primarily on the latest progress in research on its pharmacological activity and underlying mechanisms.

scholarly journals Broccoli or Sulforaphane: Is It the Source or Dose That Matters?

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (19) ◽  
pp. 3593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoko Yagishita ◽  
Jed W. Fahey ◽  
Albena T. Dinkova-Kostova ◽  
Thomas W. Kensler
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Disease Models ◽  
Epidemiological Evidence ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Current State ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Global Population ◽  
Selection Of

There is robust epidemiological evidence for the beneficial effects of broccoli consumption on health, many of them clearly mediated by the isothiocyanate sulforaphane. Present in the plant as its precursor, glucoraphanin, sulforaphane is formed through the actions of myrosinase, a β-thioglucosidase present in either the plant tissue or the mammalian microbiome. Since first isolated from broccoli and demonstrated to have cancer chemoprotective properties in rats in the early 1990s, over 3000 publications have described its efficacy in rodent disease models, underlying mechanisms of action or, to date, over 50 clinical trials examining pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and disease mitigation. This review evaluates the current state of knowledge regarding the relationships between formulation (e.g., plants, sprouts, beverages, supplements), bioavailability and efficacy, and the doses of glucoraphanin and/or sulforaphane that have been used in pre-clinical and clinical studies. We pay special attention to the challenges for better integration of animal model and clinical studies, particularly with regard to selection of dose and route of administration. More effort is required to elucidate underlying mechanisms of action and to develop and validate biomarkers of pharmacodynamic action in humans. A sobering lesson is that changes in approach will be required to implement a public health paradigm for dispensing benefit across all spectrums of the global population.

Traditional uses, biological activities, and phytochemicals of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides: a review

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olusesan Ojo ◽  
Derek T. Ndinteh
Keyword(s):  
Skin Infection ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Active Constituents ◽  
Medicinal Tree ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Solid Foundation ◽  
Ethnomedicinal Uses

Abstract Medicinal plants are indispensable source of therapeutic agents, and have proved to be “warehouse” of lead drug candidates. Lecaniodiscus cupanioides Planch. ex Benth is a medicinal tree plant that is extensively distributed in both Asia and Africa. The species has many ethnomedicinal uses in the treatment of fever, cough, typhoid, wound, skin infection, measles, jaundice, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, cancer, bone fracture, and as galactogogues. In the recent decades, the extracts and phytochemicals of L. cupanioides have been investigated to possess antibacterial, anticancer, aphrodisiac, antifungal, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, antiprotozoal, antioxidant, antidiarrhoeal, analgesic and ameliorative properties. However, triterpenoids which have been linked to its anticancer and antifungal actions, are the only isolated active constituents identified from the species despite the results of the phytochemical screenings and reported biological activities. Moreover, the mechanisms of action of the extracts and active components are yet to be fully elucidated. This paper provides a general review on the ethnomedicinal, phytochemicals, and biological activities of L. cupanioides, and lays a solid foundation for future investigations on the plant.

scholarly journals An Update on the Effects of Probiotics on Gastrointestinal Cancers

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirhossein Davoodvandi ◽  
Farzaneh Fallahi ◽  
Omid Reza Tamtaji ◽  
Vida Tajiknia ◽  
Zarrin Banikazemi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Cancer Development ◽  
Fatty Acid Production ◽  
Clinical Investigations ◽  
Probiotic Strains ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Gi Cancers ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Irritable Bowel

Because of their increasing prevalence, gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are regarded as an important global health challenge. Microorganisms residing in the human GI tract, termed gut microbiota, encompass a large number of living organisms. The role of the gut in the regulation of the gut-mediated immune responses, metabolism, absorption of micro- and macro-nutrients and essential vitamins, and short-chain fatty acid production, and resistance to pathogens has been extensively investigated. In the past few decades, it has been shown that microbiota imbalance is associated with the susceptibility to various chronic disorders, such as obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, psychiatric disorders, and various types of cancer. Emerging evidence has shown that oral administration of various strains of probiotics can protect against cancer development. Furthermore, clinical investigations suggest that probiotic administration in cancer patients decreases the incidence of postoperative inflammation. The present review addresses the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of action of probiotics against GI cancers. The safety of the most commercial probiotic strains has been confirmed, and therefore these strains can be used as adjuvant or neo-adjuvant treatments for cancer prevention and improving the efficacy of therapeutic strategies. Nevertheless, well-designed clinical studies are still needed for a better understanding of the properties and mechanisms of action of probiotic strains in mitigating GI cancer development.

scholarly journals Beneficial Effects of Citrus Flavonoids on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman M. Mahmoud ◽  
Rene J. Hernández Bautista ◽  
Mansur A. Sandhu ◽  
Omnia E. Hussein
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Adipocyte Differentiation ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Citrus Flavonoids ◽  
Improve Glucose Tolerance

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing over time. CVD is a comorbidity in diabetes and contributes to premature death. Citrus flavonoids possess several biological activities and have emerged as efficient therapeutics for the treatment of CVD. Citrus flavonoids scavenge free radicals, improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, modulate lipid metabolism and adipocyte differentiation, suppress inflammation and apoptosis, and improve endothelial dysfunction. The intake of citrus flavonoids has been associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes. Although citrus flavonoids exerted multiple beneficial effects, their mechanisms of action are not completely established. In this review, we summarized recent findings and advances in understanding the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of citrus flavonoids against oxidative stress, inflammation, diabetes, dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerosis. Further studies and clinical trials to assess the efficacy and to explore the underlying mechanism(s) of action of citrus flavonoids are recommended.

Extraction, isolation and characterization of Bauhinia variegata flower

2020 ◽  
pp. 9-12
Author(s):  
Akanksha Gupta ◽  
Abhishek K Tripathi ◽  
Pushpraj S Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Molecular Formula ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Compound A ◽  
Active Constituents ◽  
Chromatographic Techniques ◽  
Isolation And Characterization ◽  
Soxhlet Apparatus ◽  
Bauhinia Variegata

Background: Bauhinia variegata Linn. is a native plant of Asia and China. B. variegata is found in tropical regions of the world. It belongs to family Leguminosae. It is used for diarrhea, hemorrhoids, constipation, piles, edema, leprosy, wounds, tumors, etc.  Objective: The objective of the present study was to perform extraction of B. variegata flower and isolation of active constituents from the extract. Materials and Methods: The ethanolic extraction of B. variegata flower was performed using the Soxhlet apparatus. The isolation of active constituents from the extract was performed using chromatographic techniques. In column chromatographic studies, n-hexane- [dichloromethane (DCM)] (2:8) was used as an eluting system and further purified through thin layer chromatography (TLC). Compound A and B were isolated through chromatographic techniques, then the molecular formula and characterization of these compounds were carried out with mass and infrared (IR) spectral analysis. Results and Discussion: The percentage yield of B. variegata ethanolic extract (BVE) was found to be 20.8% w/w. The different fractions were F1 having 12.5 grams with n-hexane, F2 (17.1 grams) with CH2Cl2, F3 (21.2 grams) with EtOAc, and F4 (13.4 grams) with EtOH. Compound A and B were isolated from the solvent fractions of n-hexane-DCM (2:8) and EtOAc-DCM (1:9), respectively. The compound A was characterized as 3-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one. The compound B was characterized as 3-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one. Conclusion: Thus, B. variegata flowers possess active components that need to identify their biological activities.

Autophagy Modulators and Neuroinflammation

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 955-982 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoung Sang Cho ◽  
Jang Ho Lee ◽  
Jeiwon Cho ◽  
Guang-Ho Cha ◽  
Gyun Jee Song
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Scientific Interest ◽  
Therapeutic Tools ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Background: Neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the development and progression of various neurological disorders. Therefore, various studies have focused on the development of neuroinflammation inhibitors as potential therapeutic tools. Recently, the involvement of autophagy in the regulation of neuroinflammation has drawn substantial scientific interest, and a growing number of studies support the role of impaired autophagy in the pathogenesis of common neurodegenerative disorders. Objective: The purpose of this article is to review recent research on the role of autophagy in controlling neuroinflammation. We focus on studies employing both mammalian cells and animal models to evaluate the ability of different autophagic modulators to regulate neuroinflammation. Methods: We have mostly reviewed recent studies reporting anti-neuroinflammatory properties of autophagy. We also briefly discussed a few studies showing that autophagy modulators activate neuroinflammation in certain conditions. Results: Recent studies report neuroprotective as well as anti-neuroinflammatory effects of autophagic modulators. We discuss the possible underlying mechanisms of action of these drugs and their potential limitations as therapeutic agents against neurological disorders. Conclusion: Autophagy activators are promising compounds for the treatment of neurological disorders involving neuroinflammation.

Anthocyanins As Modulators of Cell Redox-Dependent Pathways in Non-Communicable Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (12) ◽  
pp. 1955-1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Speciale ◽  
Antonella Saija ◽  
Romina Bashllari ◽  
Maria Sofia Molonia ◽  
Claudia Muscarà ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Antioxidant Defenses ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Chronic Pulmonary Diseases ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

: Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), mostly represented by cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic pulmonary diseases, cancers, and several chronic pathologies, are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality, and are mainly related to the occurrence of metabolic risk factors. Anthocyanins (ACNs) possess a wide spectrum of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective and chemopreventive properties, which are able to promote human health. Although ACNs present an apparent low bioavailability, their metabolites may play an important role in the in vivo protective effects observed. : This article directly addresses the scientific evidences supporting that ACNs could be useful to protect human population against several NCDs not only acting as antioxidant but through their capability to modulate cell redox-dependent signaling. In particular, ACNs interact with the NF-κB and AP-1 signal transduction pathways, which respond to oxidative signals and mediate a proinflammatory effect, and the Nrf2/ARE pathway and its regulated cytoprotective proteins (GST, NQO, HO-1, etc.), involved in both cellular antioxidant defenses and elimination/inactivation of toxic compounds, so countering the alterations caused by conditions of chemical/oxidative stress. In addition, supposed crosstalks could contribute to explain the protective effects of ACNs in different pathological conditions characterized by an altered balance among these pathways. Thus, this review underlines the importance of specific nutritional molecules for human health and focuses on the molecular targets and the underlying mechanisms of ACNs against various diseases.

Excitotoxicity as a Target Against Neurodegenerative Processes

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 1251-1262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Octavio Binvignat ◽  
Jordi Olloquequi
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Effective Treatment ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Mitochondrial Dysfunctions ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Clinical Investigations ◽  
Turn Over ◽  
Excitotoxic Cell Death ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

: The global burden of neurodegenerative diseases is alarmingly increasing in parallel to the aging of population. Although the molecular mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration are not completely understood, excitotoxicity, defined as the injury and death of neurons due to excessive or prolonged exposure to excitatory amino acids, has been shown to play a pivotal role. The increased release and/or decreased uptake of glutamate results in dysregulation of neuronal calcium homeostasis, leading to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunctions, disturbances in protein turn-over and neuroinflammation. : Despite the anti-excitotoxic drug memantine has shown modest beneficial effects in some patients with dementia, to date, there is no effective treatment capable of halting or curing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson disease, Huntington’s disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This has led to a growing body of research focusing on understanding the mechanisms associated with the excitotoxic insult and on uncovering potential therapeutic strategies targeting these mechanisms. : In the present review, we examine the molecular mechanisms related to excitotoxic cell death. Moreover, we provide a comprehensive and updated state of the art of preclinical and clinical investigations targeting excitotoxic- related mechanisms in order to provide an effective treatment against neurodegeneration.

Thymol Chemistry: A Medicinal Toolbox

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 454-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyoti ◽  
Divya Dheer ◽  
Davinder Singh ◽  
Gulshan Kumar ◽  
Manvika Karnatak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Web Of Science ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trials ◽  
Food Preservative ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Trachyspermum Ammi ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Human Infections ◽  
Potential Use

Background: Thymol is a natural phenolic monoterpenoid widely used in pharmaceutical and food preservative applications. Thymol isomeric with carvacrol, extracted primarily from Thymus species (Trachyspermum ammi) and other plants sources such as Baccharisgrise bachii and Centipeda minima, has ethnopharmacological characteristics. <p></p> Methods: This review was prepared by analyzing articles published on thymol moiety in last decade and selected from Science Direct, Scopus, Pub Med, Web of Science and SciFinder. The selected articles are classified and gives brief introduction about thymol and its isolation, illustrates its natural as well as synthetic sources, and also therapeutic benefits of thymol worldwide <p></p> Results: Thymol has been covering different endeavors such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiarrhoeal, anthelmintic, analgesic, digestive, abortifacient, antihypertensive, spermicidal, depigmenting, antileishmanial, anticholinesterase, insecticidal and many others. This phenolic compound is among the essential scaffolds for medicinal chemists to synthesize more bio-active molecules by further derivatization of the thymol moiety. <p></p> Conclusion: Thymol is an interesting scaffold due to its different activities and derivatization of thymol is proved to enhance its biological activities. However, more robust, randomised, controlled clinical trials would be desirable with well-characterised thymol preparations to corroborate its beneficial effects in diseased patients. Moreover, in view of the potential use of thymol and thymol-rich essential oils in the treatment of human infections, comprehensive studies on chronic and acute toxicity and also teratogenicity are to be recommended.

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