An Insight into Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Nutritional Properties of Arbutus unedo L. from Morocco

Arbutus unedo L. (Ericaceae) is an evergreen shrub widely distributed in the Mediterranean region, particularly through the Moroccan forests. It is an important medicinal plant of great scientific interest due to its nutritional, pharmacological, and chemical properties. The objective of this review is to provide insights into traditional medicinal uses and phytochemical and pharmacological properties of A. unedo from Morocco. In Morocco, the plant has been used as a traditional medicine to treat several pathological conditions. Many phytochemical compounds have been reported in the plant, of which vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and their derivatives are the most prevalent. Leaves and fruits of A. unedo contain the most significant number of phytochemicals among the species. Furthermore, researchers have demonstrated that A. unedo exhibited antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiaggregant, and antihypertensive activities due to the presence of many biochemical compounds with health-promoting properties. According to different toxicity tests, the use of A. unedo is devoid of any significant side effects and/or toxicity. Despite its nutraceutical and health-promoting properties, Moroccan A. unedo remains underexploited mainly, and most of its traditional uses have not yet undergone scientific evidence-based research; therefore, improved knowledge about the potential value of the plant would allow understanding of its biological activity based on its phytochemical compounds that may contribute to the species preservation and valorization.

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HETEROMORPHA ARBORESCENS: A REVIEW OF ITS BOTANY, MEDICINAL USES, AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research ◽

10.22159/ajpcr.2018.v11i11.29108 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. 75 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Alfred Maroyi

Keyword(s):

Journal Articles ◽

Medicinal Uses ◽

Respiratory Problems ◽

Scientific Databases ◽

Plant Parts ◽

Phytochemical Compounds ◽

Intestinal Worms ◽

The University ◽

Conference Papers ◽

Important Medicinal Plant

Heteromorpha arborescens is an important medicinal plant species throughout its distributional range in tropical Africa. This study evaluated the botany, medicinal uses, and pharmacological activities of H. arborescens. Literature focusing on the botany, phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties of H. arborescens were obtained from scientific databases such as SCOPUS, Science Direct, PubMed, SciFinder, Medline, and Google Scholar. Pre-electronic literature sources such as book chapters, books, journal articles, conference papers, and other scientific documents were obtained from the University library. Literature search revealed that H. arborescens is used as an aphrodisiac, as herbal medicine for shortness of breath, intestinal worms, inflammation, pain, respiratory problems, skin infections, headache, fever, and malaria. Pharmacological studies of compounds and H. arborescens extracts revealed anthelmintic, antiarthritic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimycobacterial, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antipeptic ulcer, anti-scabies, antispasmodic, antiviral, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and uterotonic activities. More detailed research is needed aimed at assessing phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties of different plant parts and phytochemical compounds isolated from the species.

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Review of Chemical Properties and Ethnomedicinal uses of Acanthosicyos horridus Welw. ex Hook. f.: An Indigenous Melon Species of South-West Coast of Africa -

Journal of Pharmacy and Nutrition Sciences ◽

10.29169/1927-5951.2020.10.05.13 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 274-279

Author(s):

Alfred Maroyi

Keyword(s):

Traditional Medicine ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Scientific Publications ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Online Databases ◽

Perennial Shrub ◽

South West Coast ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Phytochemical Compounds ◽

Ethnomedicinal Uses

Acanthosicyos horridus Welw. ex Hook. f. is a perennial shrub collected from the wild for its edible fruits and is also used as a traditional medicine. This study is aimed at evaluating the chemical properties and ethnomedicinal uses of A. horridus. Results of the current study are based on data derived from several online databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as scientific publications, books, dissertations, book chapters and journal articles. This study revealed that the fruit and root infusions and/or decoctions of A. horridus are used as traditional medicine for arteriosclerosis, chest pains, gastro-intestinal disorders, kidney problems, nausea and sexually transmitted infections. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include cucurbitacins, fatty acids and sterols. Some of the compounds identified from the species have applications in food industry and health promoting products.

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Evaluation of Chemical Properties, Biological Activities and Ethnomedicinal uses of Cladostemon kirkii -

Journal of Pharmacy and Nutrition Sciences ◽

10.29169/1927-5951.2020.10.05.3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 190-195

Author(s):

Alfred Maroyi

Keyword(s):

Biological Activities ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Journal Articles ◽

Scientific Publications ◽

Medicinal Uses ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Traditional Medicines ◽

Online Databases ◽

Phytochemical Compounds ◽

Ethnomedicinal Uses

Cladostemon kirkii (Oliv.) Pax & Gilg is a shrub or a small tree widely used as traditional medicine in tropical Africa. This study is aimed at evaluating the chemical properties, biological activities and ethnomedicinal uses of C. kirkii. Results of the current study are based on data derived from several online databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as scientific publications, books, dissertations, book chapters and journal articles. The articles published between 1960 and 2019 were used in this study. This study revealed that the bark, leaf, root and stem infusion and/or decoction of C. kirkii are mainly used as traditional medicines for boils, colds, gastro-intestinal problems, hypertension, ophthalmia, rheumatism, sexual dysfunction, abdominal pains, sexually transmitted infections, sores and wounds. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include mearnsitrin, myricitrin, kaempferol-5-rhamnoside, kaempferin, kaempferol 3-gluco-7-rhamnoside, quercetin 3,7-dirhamnoside, quercetin 3-gluco-7-rhamnoside, choline, 3-hydroxyprolinebetaine and tetramethylammonium. Cladostemon kirkii should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological evaluations aimed at correlating its medicinal uses with its phytochemistry and pharmacological properties.

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Molecules Produced by Probiotics and Intestinal Microorganisms with Immunomodulatory Activity

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12020391 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 391 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Susana Delgado ◽

Borja Sánchez ◽

Abelardo Margolles ◽

Patricia Ruas-Madiedo ◽

Lorena Ruiz

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Health Benefit ◽

Intestinal Bacteria ◽

Molecular Techniques ◽

Immunomodulatory Activity ◽

Long Time ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Insight Into

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. The probiotic microorganisms most commonly used in the food and pharmacy industry belong to Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and several strains of these genera have demonstrated beneficial attributes. In addition, some other intestinal bacteria inhabiting the human microbiota, such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Akkermansia muciniphila, have recently been discovered and are able to display health-promoting effects in animal and human trials. The beneficial properties of probiotics have been known for a long time, although little is known about the molecular mechanisms and the molecules responsible for their effects. However, in recent years, advances in microbiome studies, and the use of novel analytical and molecular techniques have allowed a deeper insight into their effects at the molecular level. This review summarizes the current knowledge of some of the molecules of probiotics and other intestinal commensal bacteria responsible for their immunomodulatory effect, focusing on those with more solid scientific evidence.

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Genus Viburnum: Therapeutic Potentialities and Agro-Food-Pharma Applications

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity ◽

10.1155/2021/3095514 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-26

Author(s):

Javad Sharifi-Rad ◽

Cristina Quispe ◽

Cristian Valdés Vergara ◽

Dusanka Kitic ◽

Milica Kostic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Activities ◽

Wide Distribution ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Chemical Components ◽

Anticancer Activities ◽

Biochemical Compounds ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Phytochemical Compounds ◽

Deciduous Shrubs ◽

Phytochemical Components

The genus Viburnum (Adoxaceae, Dipsacales) is of scientific interest due to the chemical components and diverse biological activities found across species of the genus, which includes more than 230 species of evergreen, semievergreen, or deciduous shrubs and small trees. Although frequently used as an ornament, the Viburnum species show biological properties with health-promoting effects. Fruits, flowers, and barks of certain species are used for pharmaceutical purposes or as cooking ingredients, hence containing biochemical compounds with health-promoting activity such are carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. However, its taxonomical determination is difficult, due to its wide distribution and frequent hybridizations; therefore, an objective classification would allow us to understand its biological activity based on its phytochemical components. More than sixty phytochemical compounds have been reported, where vibsanin-type diterpenes and their derivatives are the most prevalent. Leaves and twigs of V. dilatatum contain the largest number of phytochemicals among the genus. Through preclinical evidence, this study provides insight regarding antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and anticancer activities of genus Viburnum.

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A Review of Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies of Inula Species

Current Bioactive Compounds ◽

10.2174/1573407215666190207093538 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (5) ◽

pp. 557-567

Author(s):

Aparoop Das ◽

Anshul Shakya ◽

Surajit Kumar Ghosh ◽

Udaya P. Singh ◽

Hans R. Bhat

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Infections ◽

Chemical Constituents ◽

Valuable Insight ◽

Important Ingredient ◽

Pharmacological Activities ◽

Medicinal Uses ◽

The Family ◽

Pharmacological Studies ◽

Perennial Herbs ◽

Insight Into

Background: Plants of the genus Inula are perennial herbs of the family Asteraceae. This genus includes more than 100 species, widely distributed throughout Europe, Africa and Asia including India. Many of them are indicated in traditional medicine, e.g., in Ayurveda. This review explores chemical constituents, medicinal uses and pharmacological actions of Inula species. Methods: Major databases and research and review articles retrieved through Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline were consulted to obtain information on the pharmacological activities of the genus Inula published from 1994 to 2017. Results: Inula species are used either alone or as an important ingredient of various formulations to cure dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, urinary system, central nervous system and digestive system, and for the treatment of asthma, diabetes, cancers, skin disorders, hepatic disease, fungal and bacterial infections. A range of phytochemicals including alkaloids, essential and volatile oils, flavonoids, terpenes, and lactones has been isolated from herbs of the genus Inula, which might possibly explain traditional uses of these plants. Conclusion: The present review is focused on chemical constituents, medicinal uses and pharmacological actions of Inula species and provides valuable insight into its medicinal potential.

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Lignans of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): A Comprehensive Review

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26040883 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 883

Author(s):

Mebeaselassie Andargie ◽

Maria Vinas ◽

Anna Rathgeb ◽

Evelyn Möller ◽

Petr Karlovsky

Keyword(s):

Biological Activities ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Transformation Products ◽

Extensive Literature ◽

Controversial Issues ◽

Sesame Seeds ◽

Historical Texts ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Processed Products

Major lignans of sesame sesamin and sesamolin are benzodioxol--substituted furofurans. Sesamol, sesaminol, its epimers, and episesamin are transformation products found in processed products. Synthetic routes to all lignans are known but only sesamol is synthesized industrially. Biosynthesis of furofuran lignans begins with the dimerization of coniferyl alcohol, followed by the formation of dioxoles, oxidation, and glycosylation. Most genes of the lignan pathway in sesame have been identified but the inheritance of lignan content is poorly understood. Health-promoting properties make lignans attractive components of functional food. Lignans enhance the efficiency of insecticides and possess antifeedant activity, but their biological function in plants remains hypothetical. In this work, extensive literature including historical texts is reviewed, controversial issues are critically examined, and errors perpetuated in literature are corrected. The following aspects are covered: chemical properties and transformations of lignans; analysis, purification, and total synthesis; occurrence in Seseamum indicum and related plants; biosynthesis and genetics; biological activities; health-promoting properties; and biological functions. Finally, the improvement of lignan content in sesame seeds by breeding and biotechnology and the potential of hairy roots for manufacturing lignans in vitro are outlined.

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Ethnobotanical Research and Compilation of the Medicinal Uses in Spain and the Active Principles of Chiliadenus glutinosus (L.) Fourr. for the Scientific Validation of Its Therapeutic Properties

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants10030584 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 584

Author(s):

Nadia Las Heras Las Heras Etayo ◽

Félix Llamas ◽

Carmen Acedo

Keyword(s):

Scientific Evidence ◽

Medicinal Species ◽

Medicinal Uses ◽

Organic Systems ◽

Therapeutic Uses ◽

Therapeutic Properties ◽

Botanical Diversity ◽

Bioactive Phytochemicals ◽

Effective Drugs ◽

Scientific Validation

The species Chiliadenus glutinosus (L.) Fourr. has a large number of therapeutic uses reported in the traditional Spanish medicine. The growing interest in preserving the ethnopharmacological knowledge related to the botanical diversity existing in Spain and the interest in achieving scientific validation of the therapeutic properties of medicinal species has led to the development of this study. To do it, all the known medicinal uses of Ch. glutinosus in Spain were compiled, then an exhaustive bibliographic research on its chemical composition was carried out, and finally, an in silico validation of the bioactive phytochemicals present in a higher proportion in the essential oil of Ch. glutinosus: camphor, borneol, lucinone, glutinone, quercetin, kutdtriol, and kaempferol; in an attempt to justify the reported traditional uses of the species. It was found that much of the traditional medicinal uses of Ch. glutinosus, along with the biological activity of its phytochemicals, are supported by scientific evidence. The results place this species in a prominent position to initiate possible lines of research to develop new, more effective drugs and improve therapies to treat conditions and diseases that affect the different organic systems of the human being.

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Understanding Students’ Experiences of Well-Being in Learning Environments

Higher Education Studies ◽

10.5539/hes.v6n3p90 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 90 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Alisa Stanton ◽

David Zandvliet ◽

Rosie Dhaliwal ◽

Tara Black

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Learning Environments ◽

Learning Experiences ◽

Well Being ◽

Institutions Of Higher Education ◽

Interview Protocol ◽

Post Secondary ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Qualitative Exploration ◽

Insight Into

<p>With the recent release of a new international charter on health promoting universities and institutions of higher education, universities and colleges are increasingly interested in providing learning experiences that enhance and support student well-being. Despite the recognition of learning environments as a potential setting for creating and enhancing well-being, limited research has explored students’ own perceptions of well-being in learning environments. This article provides a qualitative exploration of students’ lived experiences of well-being in learning environments within a Canadian post-secondary context. A semi-structured focus group and interview protocol was used to explore students’ own definitions and experiences of well-being in learning environments. The findings illuminate several pathways through which learning experiences contribute to student well-being, and offer insight into how courses may be designed and delivered in ways that enhance student well-being, learning and engagement. The findings also explore the interconnected nature of well-being, satisfaction and deep learning. The relevance for the design and delivery of higher education learning experiences are discussed, and the significance of the findings for university advancement decisions are considered.</p>

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Solvent selection for fatty acid residue analysis of archeologicial artifacts

Sample Preparation ◽

10.1515/sampre-2017-0001 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Jeffrey J. Rosentreter ◽

John Malamakal ◽

Kelli Barnes ◽

Matt Alexander

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Extraction Efficiency ◽

Lipid Analysis ◽

Residue Analysis ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Fatty Acid Residue ◽

Quantitative Extraction ◽

Selection For ◽

Carbonized Wood ◽

Insight Into

AbstractResidue analysis has rapidly become one of the most useful techniques for determining an artifact function and revealing insight into paleodiets. The success of analytical residue analysis often lies with the first preparatory step, where the residue is extracted from the object. Detection of a residue requires effective solvation of the material, and there is a large range of potential solvents. One purpose of this study is to determine the efficiency of various solvents for the extraction of fatty acids from charcoal, a material that is ubiquitous, easily identified, remarkably stable in the archaeological record but, most importantly for this research, retains fats extremely well. This investigation examines the removal efficiency of model fatty acids from carbonized wood samples. The strong affinity of lipids to charcoal makes carbonized wood ideal for retaining them, but also makes their extraction extremely challenging and thus an ideal benchmark for solvent extraction characterization. Several solvents (benzene, chloroform, hexane, methanol and water) are used to determine the quantitative extraction efficiency of tripalmitin. While benzene and chloroform perform best for some wood types, neither solvent is better for all carbonized wood. Correlations between the chemical properties of the solvents and the effectiveness of the extraction provide guidance for solvents. Findings indicate solvent characteristics including dipole moment, dielectric constant, hydrogen bonding, and molecular weight all play an important role in extraction of fat from a charcoal matrix. Results presented should provide guidelines to allow for more effective residue extration and more accurate lipid analysis.

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