Natural Coumarins: Exploring the Pharmacological Complexity and Underlying Molecular Mechanisms

Coumarins belong to the benzopyrone family commonly found in many medicinal plants. Natural coumarins demonstrated a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, anticancer, antibacterial, antimalarial, casein kinase-2 (CK2) inhibitory, antifungal, antiviral, Alzheimer’s disease inhibition, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, phytoalexins, ulcerogenic, and antihypertensive. There are very few studies on the bioavailability of coumarins; therefore, further investigations are necessitated to study the bioavailability of different coumarins which already showed good biological activities in previous studies. On the evidence of varied pharmacological properties, the present work presents an overall review of the derivation, availability, and biological capacities of coumarins with further consideration of the essential mode of their therapeutic actions. In conclusion, a wide variety of coumarins are available, and their pharmacological activities are of current interest thanks to their synthetic accessibility and riches in medicinal plants. Coumarins perform the valuable function as therapeutic agents in a range of medical fields.

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Vascular Epiphytic Medicinal Plants as Sources of Therapeutic Agents: Their Ethnopharmacological Uses, Chemical Composition, and Biological Activities

Biomolecules ◽

10.3390/biom10020181 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 181 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ari Satia Nugraha ◽

Bawon Triatmoko ◽

Phurpa Wangchuk ◽

Paul A. Keller

Keyword(s):

Medicinal Plants ◽

Anticancer Agents ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Therapeutic Agents ◽

Pharmacological Properties ◽

Extensive Review ◽

Pharmacological Activities ◽

Medicinal Uses ◽

Lead Compounds ◽

Drug Lead

This is an extensive review on epiphytic plants that have been used traditionally as medicines. It provides information on 185 epiphytes and their traditional medicinal uses, regions where Indigenous people use the plants, parts of the plants used as medicines and their preparation, and their reported phytochemical properties and pharmacological properties aligned with their traditional uses. These epiphytic medicinal plants are able to produce a range of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, and a total of 842 phytochemicals have been identified to date. As many as 71 epiphytic medicinal plants were studied for their biological activities, showing promising pharmacological activities, including as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents. There are several species that were not investigated for their activities and are worthy of exploration. These epipythes have the potential to furnish drug lead compounds, especially for treating cancers, and thus warrant indepth investigations.

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A Review on Preparation of Betulinic Acid and Its Biological Activities

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26185583 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (18) ◽

pp. 5583

Author(s):

Hanghang Lou ◽

Hao Li ◽

Shengliang Zhang ◽

Hongyun Lu ◽

Qihe Chen

Keyword(s):

Betulinic Acid ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Wide Spectrum ◽

Pharmacological Properties ◽

Biosynthetic Pathways ◽

Antitumor Effects ◽

Pharmacological Activities ◽

Pentacyclic Triterpene ◽

Plane Trees ◽

Anti Hiv

Betulinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene, is distributed in a variety of plants, such as birch, eucalyptus and plane trees. It shows a wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, antimalarial, anti-HIV and antitumor effects. Among them, the antitumor activity of betulinic acid has been extensively studied. However, obtaining betulinic acid from natural resources can no longer meet the needs of medicine and nutrition, so methods such as chemical synthesis and microbial biotransformation have also been used to prepare betulinic acid. At the same time, with the development of synthetic biology and genetic engineering, and the elucidation of the biosynthetic pathways of terpenoid, the biosynthesis of betulinic acid has also been extensively researched. This article reviews the preparation of betulinic acid and its pharmacological activities, in order to provide a reference for the research and utilization of betulinic acid.

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Tamarix articulata (T. articulata) - An Important Halophytic Medicinal Plant with Potential Pharmacological Properties

Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology ◽

10.2174/1389201020666190318120103 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 285-292 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Abdullah M. Alnuqaydan ◽

Bilal Rah

Keyword(s):

Medicinal Plant ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Wide Spectrum ◽

Biological Properties ◽

In Vivo Model ◽

Drug Candidate ◽

Phytochemical Analysis ◽

Pharmacological Properties

Background:Tamarix Articulata (T. articulata), commonly known as Tamarisk or Athal in Arabic region, belongs to the Tamaricaece species. It is an important halophytic medicinal plant and a good source of polyphenolic phytochemical(s). In traditional medicines, T. articulata extract is commonly used, either singly or in combination with other plant extracts against different ailments since ancient times.Methods:Electronic database survey via Pubmed, Google Scholar, Researchgate, Scopus and Science Direct were used to review the scientific inputs until October 2018, by searching appropriate keywords. Literature related to pharmacological activities of T. articulata, Tamarix species, phytochemical analysis of T. articulata, biological activities of T. articulata extracts. All of these terms were used to search the scientific literature associated with T. articulata; the dosage of extract, route of administration, extract type, and in-vitro and in-vivo model.Results:Numerous reports revealed that T. articulata contains a wide spectrum of phytochemical(s), which enables it to have a wide window of biological properties. Owing to the presence of high content of phytochemical compounds like polyphenolics and flavonoids, T. articulata is a potential source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. In view of these pharmacological properties, T. articulata could be a potential drug candidate to treat various clinical conditions including cancer in the near future.Conclusion:In this review, the spectrum of phytochemical(s) has been summarized for their pharmacological properties and the mechanisms of action, and the possible potential therapeutic applications of this plant against various diseases discussed.

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A Comprehensive Review on Pharmacology and Toxicology of Bioactive Compounds of Lagerstroemia Speciosa (L.) Pers.

Current Traditional Medicine ◽

10.2174/2215083806999201211213931 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 06 ◽

Author(s):

Surya Kant Tripathi ◽

Sunayna Behera ◽

Munmun Panda ◽

Gokhan Zengin ◽

Bijesh K. Biswal

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Health Benefit ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Pharmacological Properties ◽

Lagerstroemia Speciosa ◽

Novel Drugs ◽

Corosolic Acid ◽

Current Article ◽

Preclinical And Clinical Studies

Background: Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers is one of the most valuable plants due to its ornamental and pharmacological relevance. It is known for its anti-diabetic activity with proved potent blood sugar-lowering activity. The anti-diabetic activity is due to presence of its biologically active component corosolic acid. Moreover, L. speciosa and its novel purified compounds are also well-known for its several biological activities with beneficial health benefit on the human being. Objectives: This review provides a summary of pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and pharmacological properties of L. speciosa and its purified phytochemicals which may help researchers for building up new researches in near future. Methods: The current article is prepared by collecting through various online and offline databases. Preliminary source of study and data collection for outlining the review was research articles and reviews that have been already published by many reputed publishers, including Springer, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis imprints, BMC, Willy, The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, Environmental health prospective (EHP), and PLOS One. Result: The available studies results suggested that the L. speciosa and its phytochemicals showed antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-obesity, and cardio-protective activities. Pharmacokinetic stud-ies suggested the low bioavailability of its purified compounds. However, nano-encapsulation can improve the bioavaila-bility related issue and effectively potentiate the medicinal properties of its constituents. Conclusion: Considering the worthy pharmacological properties, L. speciosa is considered as a potent source of several novel drugs. Though, still preclinical and clinical studies are needed to reveal the targets, molecular mechanisms, bioavail-ability, and toxicity of its constituents.

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Pharmacology and Phytochemistry of Ecuadorian Medicinal Plants: An Update and Perspectives

Pharmaceuticals ◽

10.3390/ph14111145 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (11) ◽

pp. 1145

Author(s):

Chabaco Armijos ◽

Jorge Ramírez ◽

Melissa Salinas ◽

Giovanni Vidari ◽

Alírica I. Suárez

Keyword(s):

Chemical Composition ◽

Medicinal Plants ◽

Secondary Metabolites ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Volatile Compounds ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Indigenous Communities ◽

Therapeutic Agents ◽

Practical Applications ◽

Pharmacological Studies

The use of plants as therapeutic agents is part of the traditional medicine that is practiced by many indigenous communities in Ecuador. The aim of this study was to update a review published in 2016 by including the studies that were carried out in the period 2016–July 2021 on about 120 Ecuadorian medicinal plants. Relevant data on raw extracts and isolated secondary metabolites were retrieved from different databases, resulting in 104 references. They included phytochemical and pharmacological studies on several non-volatile compounds, as well as the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs). The tested biological activities are also reported. The potential of Ecuadorian plants as sources of products for practical applications in different fields, as well the perspectives of future investigations, are discussed in the last part of the review.

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Natural Products, Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Activities of the Genus Biebersteinia (Biebersteiniaceae)

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants9050595 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 595 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Benyin Zhang ◽

Xiaona Jin ◽

Hengxia Yin ◽

Dejun Zhang ◽

Huakun Zhou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Natural Products ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Pharmacological Properties ◽

Pharmacological Activities ◽

Drug Discovery And Development ◽

Chemical Structures ◽

Traditional Uses ◽

Novel Drugs ◽

Major Chemical

Medicinal plants have been known as a rich source of natural products (NPs). Due to their diverse chemical structures and remarkable pharmacological activities, NPs are regarded as important repertoires for drug discovery and development. Biebersteinia plant species belong to the Biebersteiniaceae family, and have been used in folk medicines in China and Iran for ages. However, the chemical properties, bioactivities and modes of action of the NPs produced by medicinal Biebersteinia species are poorly understood despite the fact that there are only four known Biebersteinia species worldwide. Here, we reviewed the chemical classifications and diversity of the various NPs found in the four known Biebersteinia species. We found that the major chemical categories in these plants include flavonoids, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, essential oils and fatty acids. We also discussed the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antihypertensive and hypoglycemic effects of the four Biebersteinia species. We believe that the present review will facilitate the exploration of traditional uses and pharmacological properties of Biebersteinia species, extraction of the NPs and elucidation of their molecular mechanisms, as well as the development of novel drugs based on the reported properties and mode-of-action.

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Natural Sesquiterpene Lactones as Potential Trypanocidal Therapeutic Agents: A Review

Natural Product Communications ◽

10.1177/1934578x1601101036 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 1934578X1601101 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Liliana V. Muschietti ◽

Jerónimo L. Ulloa

Keyword(s):

Natural Products ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Wide Spectrum ◽

Sesquiterpene Lactones ◽

Large Body ◽

Therapeutic Agents ◽

New Drugs ◽

Parasitic Diseases ◽

Marginalized Communities ◽

Allergic Contact

Chagas’ disease and Human African Trypanosomiasis are parasitic diseases that remain major health problems, mainly among the poorest and the most marginalized communities from Latin America and Africa. The scarcity of effective chemotherapy, due to the low investment in the research and development (R&D) of new drugs, together with a high incidence of side effects, and the emergence of drug resistance phenomena emphasize the urgent need for new prophylactic and therapeutic agents. Over the ages, humans have employed natural products to treat a wide spectrum of diseases. Recently, the pharmaceutical industry has focused on plant research and a large body of evidence has been collected to demonstrate the immense potential of medicinal plants as a source of bioactive compounds and lead molecules. In the field of parasitic diseases, drug development from plants has been successful for the sesquiterpene lactone (STL) artemisinin, which is employed as an antimalarial agent. STLs are a large group of naturally occurring terpenoids derived from plants that mostly belong to the Asteraceae family which exhibit a variety of skeletal arrangements and are the largest and most diverse category of natural products with an α-methylene-λ-lactone motif. STLs display a broad spectrum of biological activities such as antitumor, cytotoxic, antibacterial, anthelmintic, uterus contracting, antimalarial, neurotoxic, antiprotozoal and allergic (contact dermatitis) activities. In this context, the purpose of the present review is to provide an overview of the trypanocidal activity reported for STLs against Trypanosoma cruzi and T. brucei rhodesiense over the period 1993–2015.

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A REVIEW ON MARINE ALGAE AND ITS APPLICATIONS

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research ◽

10.22159/ajpcr.2020.v13i3.36130 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 21-27

Author(s):

CHANDRA VELUCHAMY ◽

RADHA PALANISWAMY

Keyword(s):

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Marine Algae ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Therapeutic Agents ◽

The Novel ◽

Marine Microbes ◽

Pharmacological Activities ◽

Nutritional Values ◽

Other Substances ◽

Living Organisms

The ocean is the major essential source of structurally unique natural products that are mainly present in living organisms. The essential products extracted from marine microbes and marine algae are highly analyzed areas in instinctive product research. Marine algae are the novel food with potential nutritional values used for multiple purposes in industry and medicine. They show pharmacological activities which are helpful for the invention of bioactive compounds. Furthermore, marine algae have shown to provide an abundant source of natural bioactive compounds with antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, anti-hypercholesterolemia, antibacterial, and antineoplastic properties. They produce new secondary metabolites that possess biological activities and have the potential to be developed as therapeutic agents. Macroalgal lectins, fucoidans, kainoids, and other substances have been routinely used in the research of biomedical and also have biological activities. The potential pharmaceutical, medicinal, and research applications of these compounds are discussed.

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Clinical Applications of Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs): Where do we Stand Now?

Protein and Peptide Letters ◽

10.2174/0929866526666190925152957 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 120-134 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Mithoor Divyashree ◽

Madhu K. Mani ◽

Dhanasekhar Reddy ◽

Ranjith Kumavath ◽

Preetam Ghosh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Peptides ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Metabolic Diseases ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Wide Spectrum ◽

Noncommunicable Diseases ◽

Multi Drug Resistance ◽

Food Preservatives ◽

Pharmaceutical Industries

: In this era of multi-drug resistance (MDR), antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are one of the most promising classes of potential drug candidates to combat communicable as well as noncommunicable diseases such as cancers and diabetes. AMPs show a wide spectrum of biological activities which include antiviral, antifungal, anti-mitogenic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Apart from these prospective therapeutic potentials, the AMPs can act as food preservatives and immune modulators. Therefore, AMPs have the potential to replace conventional drugs and may gain a significant global drug market share. Although several AMPs have shown therapeutic potential in vitro or in vivo, in most cases they have failed the clinical trial owing to various issues. In this review, we discuss in brief (i) molecular mechanisms of AMPs in various diseases, (ii) importance of AMPs in pharmaceutical industries, (iii) the challenges in using AMPs as therapeutics and how to overcome, (iv) available AMP therapeutics in market, and (v) AMPs under clinical trials. Here, we specifically focus on the therapeutic AMPs in the areas of dermatology, surgery, oncology and metabolic diseases.

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γ-Hydroxybutenolide Containing Marine Natural Products and Their Synthesis: A Review

Current Organic Chemistry ◽

10.2174/1385272823666191021122810 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 23 (22) ◽

pp. 2436-2468

Author(s):

Supriya Tilvi ◽

Safia Khan ◽

Mahesh S. Majik

Keyword(s):

Natural Products ◽

Phospholipase A2 ◽

Marine Natural Products ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Therapeutic Agents ◽

Marine Sponges ◽

Molecular Structures ◽

Pharmacological Properties ◽

Secretory Phospholipase A2 ◽

Biological Studies

: γ-Hydroxybutenolides (γ-HB) is an important structural core found in many bioactive marine natural products (MNPS). The γ-HB core containing NPS served as an inspiration to medicinal chemists to undertake designing of the new synthetic strategies to construct γ-HB core. Subsequently, it further results in the development of novel physiological and therapeutic agents. The most notable example includes manoalides, cacospongionolides, petrosaspongioide M and dysidiolide from marine sponges possessing anti-inflammatory properties. γ-HB containing MNPS were known to possess various pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial (acantholide B), cytotoxic (acantholide A-E, spongianolide A), inhibitors of secretory phospholipase A2 (cladocorans A and B), BACE inhibitors (ianthellidone G), etc. Moreover, the γ-HB moiety was explored as antifouling agents as well. Owing to their numerous biological activities and attractive molecular structures, there are lots of advances in the synthetic methodology of these compounds. This review gives the account on isolation and biological studies of MNPS with γ-HB skeleton as a core unit. Furthermore, the synthesis of selective γ-HB containing bioactive MNPS like manoalide, secomanoalide, cacospongionolides, luffarielloide and dysidiolide were highlighted in the article.

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