Cnidium monnieri: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemical and Ethnopharmacological Properties

Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss., an annual plant of the Umbelliferae species is one of the most widely used traditional herbal medicines and its fruits have been used to treat a variety of diseases in China, Vietnam, and Japan. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive analysis of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and contraindication of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss. and to provide future directions of research on this plant. To date, 350 compounds have been isolated and identified from Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss., including the main active constituent, coumarins. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that osthole and other coumarin compounds possess wide range of pharmacological properties for the treatment of female genitals, male impotence, frigidity, skin-related diseases, and exhibit strong antipruritic, anti-allergic, antidermatophytic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-osteoporotic effects. Although coumarins have been identified as the main active constituents responsible for the observed pharmacological effects, the molecular mechanisms of their actions are still unknown. Therefore, further studies are still required to reveal the structure–activity relationship of these active constituents. In addition, toxicological and clinical studies are also required to provide further data for pharmaceutical use.

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Pleiotropic Biological Effects of Dietary Phenolic Compounds and their Metabolites on Energy Metabolism, Inflammation and Aging

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25030596 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 596 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

María del Carmen Villegas-Aguilar ◽

Álvaro Fernández-Ochoa ◽

María de la Luz Cádiz-Gurrea ◽

Sandra Pimentel-Moral ◽

Jesús Lozano-Sánchez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Energy Metabolism ◽

Phenolic Compounds ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Biological Effects ◽

Biological Properties ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Wide Range ◽

High Prevalence

Dietary phenolic compounds are considered as bioactive compounds that have effects in different chronic disorders related to oxidative stress, inflammation process, or aging. These compounds, coming from a wide range of natural sources, have shown a pleiotropic behavior on key proteins that act as regulators. In this sense, this review aims to compile information on the effect exerted by the phenolic compounds and their metabolites on the main metabolic pathways involved in energy metabolism, inflammatory response, aging and their relationship with the biological properties reported in high prevalence chronic diseases. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated their pleiotropic molecular mechanisms of action and these findings raise the possibility that phenolic compounds have a wide variety of roles in different targets.

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Bioactive Peptides as Potential Nutraceuticals for Diabetes Therapy: A Comprehensive Review

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22169059 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (16) ◽

pp. 9059

Author(s):

Priya Antony ◽

Ranjit Vijayan

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Bioactive Peptides ◽

Nutritional Intervention ◽

Food Sources ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Health Concern ◽

Antidiabetic Activity ◽

Wide Range

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health concern associated with high mortality and reduced life expectancy. The alarming rise in the prevalence of diabetes is linked to several factors including sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet. Nutritional intervention and increased physical activity could significantly contribute to bringing this under control. Food-derived bioactive peptides and protein hydrolysates have been associated with a number health benefits. Several peptides with antidiabetic potential have been identified that could decrease blood glucose level, improve insulin uptake and inhibit key enzymes involved in the development and progression of diabetes. Dietary proteins, from a wide range of food, are rich sources of antidiabetic peptides. Thus, there are a number of benefits in studying peptides obtained from food sources to develop nutraceuticals. A deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of these peptides will assist in the development of new peptide-based therapeutics. Despite this, a comprehensive analysis of the antidiabetic properties of bioactive peptides derived from various food sources is still lacking. Here, we review the recent literature on food-derived bioactive peptides possessing antidiabetic activity. The focus is on the effectiveness of these peptides as evidenced by in vitro and in vivo studies. Finally, we discuss future prospects of peptide-based drugs for the treatment of diabetes.

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The Antitumor Activity of Sodium Selenite Alone and in Combination with Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Cancer: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13133169 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (13) ◽

pp. 3169

Author(s):

Kevin Doello ◽

Cristina Mesas ◽

Francisco Quiñonero ◽

Gloria Perazzoli ◽

Laura Cabeza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Sodium Selenite ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Combined Therapy ◽

Significant Inhibition ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

C57bl Mice ◽

Migration Capacity

Sodium selenite acts by depleting enzymes that protect against cellular oxidative stress. To determine its effect alone or in combination with gemcitabine (GMZ) in pancreatic cancer, we used PANC-1 and Pan02 cell lines and C57BL mice bearing a Pan02-generated tumor. Our results demonstrated a significant inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell viability with the use of sodium selenite alone and a synergistic effect when associated with GMZ. The molecular mechanisms of the antitumor effect of sodium selenite alone involved apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and the expression of phospho-p38 in the combined therapy. In addition, sodium selenite alone and in association with GMZ significantly decreased the migration capacity and colony-forming ability, reduced tumor activity in multicellular tumor spheroids (MTS) and decreased sphere formation of cancer stem cells. In vivo studies demonstrated that combined therapy not only inhibited tumor growth (65%) compared to the untreated group but also relative to sodium selenite or GMZ used as monotherapy (up to 40%), increasing mice survival. These results were supported by the analysis of C57BL/6 albino mice bearing a Pan02-generated tumor, using the IVIS system. In conclusion, our results showed that sodium selenite is a potential agent for the improvement in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and should be considered for future human clinical trials.

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Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of the Genus Pedicularis Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine ◽

10.1142/s0192415x14500670 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 42 (05) ◽

pp. 1071-1098 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Mao-Xing Li ◽

Xi-Rui He ◽

Rui Tao ◽

Xinyuan Cao

Keyword(s):

Chinese Medicine ◽

Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽

Chemical Constituents ◽

Iridoid Glycosides ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Chemical Components ◽

Wide Range ◽

Phenylpropanoid Glycosides

In the present review, the literature data on the chemical constituents and biological investigations of the genus Pedicularis are summarized. Some species of Pedicularis have been widely applied in traditional Chinese medicine. A wide range of chemical components including iridoid glycosides, phenylpropanoid glycosides (PhGs), lignans glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids and other compounds have been isolated and identified from the genus Pedicularis. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated some monomer compounds and extracts from the genus Pedicularis have been found to possess antitumor, hepatoprotective, anti-oxidative, antihaemolysis, antibacterial activity, fatigue relief of skeletal muscle, nootropic effect and other activities.

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Development of an LDL Receptor-Targeted Peptide Susceptible to Facilitate the Brain Access of Diagnostic or Therapeutic Agents

Biology ◽

10.3390/biology9070161 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 161

Author(s):

Séverine André ◽

Lionel Larbanoix ◽

Sébastien Verteneuil ◽

Dimitri Stanicki ◽

Denis Nonclercq ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ldl Receptor ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Therapeutic Agents ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Phage Display Technology ◽

Brain Penetration ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Brain

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) crossing and brain penetration are really challenging for the delivery of therapeutic agents and imaging probes. The development of new crossing strategies is needed, and a wide range of approaches (invasive or not) have been proposed so far. The receptor-mediated transcytosis is an attractive mechanism, allowing the non-invasive penetration of the BBB. Among available targets, the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) shows favorable characteristics mainly because of the lysosome-bypassed pathway of LDL delivery to the brain, allowing an intact discharge of the carried ligand to the brain targets. The phage display technology was employed to identify a dodecapeptide targeted to the extracellular domain of LDLR (ED-LDLR). This peptide was able to bind the ED-LDLR in the presence of natural ligands and dissociated at acidic pH and in the absence of calcium, in a similar manner as the LDL. In vitro, our peptide was endocytosed by endothelial cells through the caveolae-dependent pathway, proper to the LDLR route in BBB, suggesting the prevention of its lysosomal degradation. The in vivo studies performed by magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescent lifetime imaging suggested the brain penetration of this ED-LDLR-targeted peptide.

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An Update on the Role of Dietary Phytochemicals in Human Skin Cancer: New Insights into Molecular Mechanisms

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox9100916 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 916 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Salman Ul Islam ◽

Muhammad Bilal Ahmed ◽

Haseeb Ahsan ◽

Mazharul Islam ◽

Adeeb Shehzad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Skin Cancer ◽

Human Skin ◽

Cancer Progression ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Skin Malignancy ◽

Dietary Phytochemicals

Human skin is continuously subjected to environmental stresses, as well as extrinsic and intrinsic noxious agents. Although skin adopts various molecular mechanisms to maintain homeostasis, excessive and repeated stresses can overwhelm these systems, leading to serious cutaneous damage, including both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Phytochemicals present in the diet possess the desirable effects of protecting the skin from damaging free radicals as well as other benefits. Dietary phytochemicals appear to be effective in preventing skin cancer and are inexpensive, widely available, and well tolerated. Multiple in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-angiogenic characteristics of dietary phytochemicals against skin malignancy. Moreover, dietary phytochemicals affect multiple important cellular processes including cell cycle, angiogenesis, and metastasis to control skin cancer progression. Herein, we discuss the advantages of key dietary phytochemicals in whole fruits and vegetables, their bioavailability, and underlying molecular mechanisms for preventing skin cancer. Current challenges and future prospects for research are also reviewed. To date, most of the chemoprevention investigations have been conducted preclinically, and additional clinical trials are required to conform and validate the preclinical results in humans.

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Nutraceutical Activity in Osteoarthritis Biology: A Focus on the Nutrigenomic Role

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells9051232 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 1232

Author(s):

Stefania D’Adamo ◽

Silvia Cetrullo ◽

Veronica Panichi ◽

Erminia Mariani ◽

Flavio Flamigni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Signaling Pathways ◽

Antioxidant Activities ◽

Synergistic Effects ◽

National Health System ◽

Bioactive Molecules ◽

Joint Disease ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Wide Range

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease associated to age or conditions that precipitate aging of articular cartilage, a post-mitotic tissue that remains functional until the failure of major homeostatic mechanisms. OA severely impacts the national health system costs and patients’ quality of life because of pain and disability. It is a whole-joint disease sustained by inflammatory and oxidative signaling pathways and marked epigenetic changes responsible for catabolism of the cartilage extracellular matrix. OA usually progresses until its severity requires joint arthroplasty. To delay this progression and to improve symptoms, a wide range of naturally derived compounds have been proposed and are summarized in this review. Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies have provided proof of principle that many of these nutraceuticals are able to exert pleiotropic and synergistic effects and effectively counteract OA pathogenesis by exerting both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and by tuning major OA-related signaling pathways. The latter are the basis for the nutrigenomic role played by some of these compounds, given the marked changes in the transcriptome, miRNome, and methylome. Ongoing and future clinical trials will hopefully confirm the disease-modifying ability of these bioactive molecules in OA patients.

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The Anticancer Effects of Paeoniflorin and Its Underlying Mechanisms

Natural Product Communications ◽

10.1177/1934578x19876409 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (9) ◽

pp. 1934578X1987640

Author(s):

Li-Juan Deng ◽

Yu-He Lei ◽

Tsz-Fung Chiu ◽

Ming Qi ◽

Hua Gan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Recent Progress ◽

Antitumor Effect ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Future Prospects ◽

Anticancer Effects ◽

Wide Range ◽

Underlying Mechanisms

Paeoniflorin (PF) is an important pharmacological component of some Chinese traditional herbal formulas, such as Bai Shao, Chi Shao, and Dan Pi, which have been clinically used for centuries. Although many experimental studies have explored a wide range of pharmacological properties of PF, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunoregulatory, and prevention of insulin resistance, there is no review to describe these reported effects systematically, especially the antitumor effect and the underlying mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the recent progress on the anticancer profiles both in vitro and in vivo of PF. Moreover, we highlight the integrated molecular mechanisms of PF and contemplate its future prospects as a potential anticancer drug.

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Yeast as a Model to Understand Actin-Mediated Cellular Functions in Mammals—Illustrated with Four Actin Cytoskeleton Proteins

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells9030672 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 672 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zain Akram ◽

Ishtiaq Ahmed ◽

Heike Mack ◽

Ramandeep Kaur ◽

Richard C. Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Actin Cytoskeleton ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Budding Yeast ◽

Animal Cell ◽

Molecular Genetic ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽

Higher Eukaryotes

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has an actin cytoskeleton that comprises a set of protein components analogous to those found in the actin cytoskeletons of higher eukaryotes. Furthermore, the actin cytoskeletons of S. cerevisiae and of higher eukaryotes have some similar physiological roles. The genetic tractability of budding yeast and the availability of a stable haploid cell type facilitates the application of molecular genetic approaches to assign functions to the various actin cytoskeleton components. This has provided information that is in general complementary to that provided by studies of the equivalent proteins of higher eukaryotes and hence has enabled a more complete view of the role of these proteins. Several human functional homologues of yeast actin effectors are implicated in diseases. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the functions of these proteins is critical to develop improved therapeutic strategies. In this article we chose as examples four evolutionarily conserved proteins that associate with the actin cytoskeleton: (1) yeast Hof1p/mammalian PSTPIP1, (2) yeast Rvs167p/mammalian BIN1, (3) yeast eEF1A/eEF1A1 and eEF1A2 and (4) yeast Yih1p/mammalian IMPACT. We compare the knowledge on the functions of these actin cytoskeleton-associated proteins that has arisen from studies of their homologues in yeast with information that has been obtained from in vivo studies using live animals or in vitro studies using cultured animal cell lines.

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Nutraceuticals for the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11040771 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 771 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Maria Grazia Rossino ◽

Giovanni Casini

Keyword(s):

Diabetic Retinopathy ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Vitreoretinal Surgery ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Early Diabetes ◽

Advanced Stages ◽

Endothelial Growth Factor

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus and is characterized by degeneration of retinal neurons and neoangiogenesis, causing a severe threat to vision. Nowadays, the principal treatment options for DR are laser photocoagulation, vitreoretinal surgery, or intravitreal injection of drugs targeting vascular endothelial growth factor. However, these treatments only act at advanced stages of DR, have short term efficacy, and cause side effects. Treatment with nutraceuticals (foods providing medical or health benefits) at early stages of DR may represent a reasonable alternative to act upstream of the disease, preventing its progression. In particular, in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed that a variety of nutraceuticals have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may inhibit the early diabetes-driven molecular mechanisms that induce DR, reducing both the neural and vascular damage typical of DR. Although most studies are limited to animal models and there is the problem of low bioavailability for many nutraceuticals, the use of these compounds may represent a natural alternative method to standard DR treatments.

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