In vitro and in vivo Methods for the Evaluation of Natural Products against Dermatophytes

Dermatomycoses are infections caused by fungi called dermatophytes; these affect 20–25% of the world population and the incidence continues to grow each year. Recently, an alternative for the treatment of these diseases is the use of natural products, thanks to the fact that they possess great chemical diversity and thus biological activity. However, to understand the therapeutic potential of natural products, their microbiological assessment presents certain limitations. Currently, there is no established reference method to determine the antifungal capacity in vitro and in vivo of natural products (i.e., essential oils). This review focuses on describing the various microbiological methods as well as the many adaptations used to evaluate the antifungal activity of natural products both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the antifungal evaluation of natural products formulated in creams, gels, nanoemulsions, nanocapsules and solid lipid nanoparticles is included.

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Natural products with therapeutic potential in melanoma metastasis

Natural Product Reports ◽

10.1039/c4np00130c ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 32 (8) ◽

pp. 1170-1182 ◽

Cited By ~ 41

Author(s):

A. AlQathama ◽

J. M. Prieto

Keyword(s):

Natural Products ◽

Cancer Treatment ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Melanoma Cells ◽

Mechanisms Of Action ◽

Melanoma Metastasis ◽

Pharmacological Effects ◽

Cytotoxic Compounds

Natural products continue to provide lead cytotoxic compounds for cancer treatment but less attention has been given to antimigratory compounds. We here systematically and critically survey more than 30 natural products with direct in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects on migration and/or metastasis of melanoma cells and chart the mechanisms of action for this underexploited property.

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Efficacy of natural formulations in bovine mastitis pathology: alternative solution to antibiotic treatment

Journal of Veterinary Research ◽

10.2478/jvetres-2020-0067 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Claudia Pașca ◽

Liviu Alexandru Mărghitaș ◽

Daniel Severus Dezmirean ◽

Ioana Adriana Matei ◽

Victorița Bonta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Natural Products ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Dairy Product ◽

Bovine Mastitis ◽

Antimicrobial Effect ◽

Economic Losses ◽

Standard Plate ◽

Conventional Antibiotics

AbstractIntroductionBovine mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the udder that causes important economic losses in the animal breeding and dairy product industries. Nowadays, the conventional livestock antibiotic treatments are slowly being replaced by alternative treatments. In this context, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of natural products in alternative treatment of bovine mastitis.Material and MethodsTwo natural formulations with previously suggested in vitro antimicrobial effect were tested in vivo on mastitic cows. Animals with a positive diagnosis for mastitis (n = 20) were divided into three treatment groups: two groups (n = 8) were administered formulations of propolis, alcoholic extracts of Brewers Gold and Perle hops, plum lichen, common mallow, marigold, absinthe wormwood, black poplar buds, lemon balm, and essential oils of oregano, lavender, and rosemary designated R4 and R7 (differing only in the latter being more concentrated) and one group (n = 4) a conventional antibiotic mixture. In vivo efficacy of treatments was evaluated by somatic cell and standard plate counts, the treatment being considered efficacious when both parameters were under the maximum limit.ResultsR7 was effective in the most cases, being therapeutically bactericidal in six out of eight cows, while R4 gave good results in three out of eight cows, and conventional antibiotics cured one out of four.ConclusionThese results suggest the possible therapeutic potential of these natural products in bovine mastitis.

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Trypanocidal Essential Oils: A Review

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25194568 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (19) ◽

pp. 4568 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mayara Castro de Morais ◽

Jucieudo Virgulino de Souza ◽

Carlos da Silva Maia Bezerra Filho ◽

Silvio Santana Dolabella ◽

Damião Pergentino de Sousa

Keyword(s):

Experimental Data ◽

Natural Products ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Chemical Constituents ◽

Mechanisms Of Action ◽

New Drugs ◽

Important Group

Trypanosomiases are diseases caused by parasitic protozoan trypanosomes of the genus Trypanosoma. In humans, this includes Chagas disease and African trypanosomiasis. There are few therapeutic options, and there is low efficacy to clinical treatment. Therefore, the search for new drugs for the trypanosomiasis is urgent. This review describes studies of the trypanocidal properties of essential oils, an important group of natural products widely found in several tropical countries. Seventy-seven plants were selected from literature for the trypanocidal activity of their essential oils. The main chemical constituents and mechanisms of action are also discussed. In vitro and in vivo experimental data show the therapeutic potential of these natural products for the treatment of infections caused by species of Trypanosoma.

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Unraveling Natural Products’ Role in Osteoarthritis Management—An Overview

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox9040348 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 348 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Georgia-Eirini Deligiannidou ◽

Rafail-Efraim Papadopoulos ◽

Christos Kontogiorgis ◽

Anastasia Detsi ◽

Eugenia Bezirtzoglou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Natural Products ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Term Treatment ◽

Naturally Occurring ◽

Long Term Treatment ◽

Living Organisms

The natural process of aging gradually causes changes in living organisms, leading to the deterioration of organs, tissues, and cells. In the case of osteoarthritis (OA), the degradation of cartilage is a result of both mechanical stress and biochemical factors. Natural products have already been evaluated for their potential role in the prevention and treatment of OA, providing a safe and effective adjunctive therapeutic approach. This review aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of natural products and their derivatives in osteoarthritis via a systematic search of literature after 2008, including in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, and animal models, along with clinical trials and meta-analysis. Overall, 170 papers were obtained and screened. Here, we presented findings referring to the preventative and therapeutic potential of 17 natural products and 14 naturally occurring compounds, underlining, when available, the mechanisms implicated. The nature of OA calls to initially focus on the management of symptoms, and, in that context, several naturally occurring compounds have been utilized. Underlying a global need for more sustainable natural sources for treatment, the evidence supporting their chondroprotective potential is still building up. However, arriving at that kind of solution requires more clinical research, targeting the implications of long-term treatment, adverse effects, and epigenetic implications.

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Engineered mutant α-ENaC subunit mRNA delivered by lipid nanoparticles reduces amiloride currents in cystic fibrosis–based cell and mice models

Science Advances ◽

10.1126/sciadv.abc5911 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (47) ◽

pp. eabc5911

Author(s):

Anindit Mukherjee ◽

Kelvin D. MacDonald ◽

Jeonghwan Kim ◽

Michael I. Henderson ◽

Yulia Eygeris ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cystic Fibrosis ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Lipid Nanoparticles ◽

Sodium Absorption ◽

Airway Surface Liquid ◽

Surface Liquid ◽

Cf Transmembrane Conductance Regulator ◽

Airway Cells

Cystic fibrosis (CF) results from mutations in the chloride-conducting CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Airway dehydration and impaired mucociliary clearance in CF is proposed to result in tonic epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) activity, which drives amiloride-sensitive electrogenic sodium absorption. Decreasing sodium absorption by inhibiting ENaC can reverse airway surface liquid dehydration. Here, we inhibit endogenous heterotrimeric ENaC channels by introducing inactivating mutant ENaC α mRNA (αmutENaC). Lipid nanoparticles carrying αmutENaC were transfected in CF-based airway cells in vitro and in vivo. We observed a significant decrease in macroscopic as well as amiloride-sensitive ENaC currents and an increase in airway surface liquid height in CF airway cells. Similarly, intranasal transfection of αmutENaC mRNA decreased amiloride-sensitive nasal potential difference in CFTRKO mice. These data suggest that mRNA-based ENaC inhibition is a powerful strategy for reducing mucus dehydration and has therapeutic potential for treating CF in all patients, independent of genotype.

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A Review of Biologically Active Natural Products from Mediterranean Wild Edible Plants: Benefits in the Treatment of Obesity and Its Related Disorders

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25030649 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 649 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Mariangela Marrelli ◽

Giancarlo Statti ◽

Filomena Conforti

Keyword(s):

Natural Products ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Biological Significance ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Wild Food ◽

Wild Foods ◽

Food And Agriculture ◽

Edible Species

Wild foods constitute an essential component of people’s diets around the world. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), over 100 million people in the EU consume wild foods, while 65 million collect some form of wild food themselves. The Mediterranean basin is a biodiversity hotspot of wild edible species. Nowadays, due to the renewed interest in alimurgic plants and the recent findings on the beneficial role of their phytochemical constituents, these species have been defined as “new functional foods”. Research on natural products has recently regained importance with the growing understanding of their biological significance. Botanical food supplements marketed for weight and fat loss in obese subjects will be one of the most important items in marketed nutraceuticals. The aim of this report was to review the phytochemical compounds of Mediterranean wild edible species and their therapeutic potential against obesity and its related disorders. Results on the in vitro and in vivo activity of the most interesting plant extracts and their bioactive components are presented and discussed. The most interesting discoveries on their mechanisms of action are reported as well. Overall, this contribution highlights the importance and beneficial health roles of wild edible species.

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Exploring the Potential of Traditional Herbs in the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy: An Overview

Drug Research ◽

10.1055/a-1148-3950 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 70 (07) ◽

pp. 298-309

Author(s):

Soumya Singh ◽

Poonam Kushwaha ◽

Sujeet Kumar Gupta

Keyword(s):

Natural Products ◽

Diabetic Retinopathy ◽

Salvia Miltiorrhiza ◽

Chemical Diversity ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Current Review ◽

Prevention And Cure

AbstractDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication in diabetes that affects eyes and is responsible for most visual impairment in diabetic patients. Diabetic retinopathy affects up to 80% of those who have had diabetes for 20 years or more. At least 90% of new cases could be reduced with proper treatment and monitoring of the eyes. The longer a person has diabetes, the higher his or her chances of developing diabetic retinopathy. Hence, it compels need for its prevention and cure. There is an increasing interest in natural products in pharmacotherapy as the chemical diversity of natural products has better matches than the diversity of synthetic compounds. The current review summarises the potential of leading traditional herbs like Azadirachta indica, Ginkgo biloba, Anisodus tanguticus, Pinus pinaster, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Stephania tetrandra and Gymnema sylvestre in the management and potential reversal of DR-related pathogenesis. It also discusses the probable mechanism of actions, which are based on epidemiological, in-vitro and in-vivo studies carried out within past few years. Graphical Abstract.

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Natural Anti-inflammatory compounds as Drug candidates in Alzheimer’s disease

Current Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/0929867327666200730213215 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 ◽

Author(s):

Reyaz Hassan Mir ◽

Abdul Jalil Shah ◽

Roohi Mohi-ud-din ◽

Faheem Hyder Potoo ◽

Mohd. Akbar Dar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Natural Products ◽

Protective Action ◽

New Drugs ◽

Huperzine A ◽

Brain Disorder ◽

Anti Inflammatory

: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative brain disorder characterized by memory impairment, dementia, oxidative stress in elderly people. Currently, only a few drugs are available in the market with various adverse effects. So to develop new drugs with protective action against the disease, research is turning to the identification of plant products as a remedy. Natural compounds with anti-inflammatory activity could be good candidates for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Phytochemicals including Curcumin, Resveratrol, Quercetin, Huperzine-A, Rosmarinic acid, genistein, obovatol, and Oxyresvertarol were reported molecules for the treatment of AD. Several alkaloids such as galantamine, oridonin, glaucocalyxin B, tetrandrine, berberine, anatabine have been shown anti-inflammatory effects in AD models in vitro as well as in-vivo. In conclusion, natural products from plants represent interesting candidates for the treatment of AD. This review highlights the potential of specific compounds from natural products along with their synthetic derivatives to counteract AD in the CNS.

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Phytosomal Curcumin Elicits Anti-tumor Properties Through Suppression of Angiogenesis, Cell Proliferation and Induction of Oxidative Stress in Colorectal Cancer

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612825666190110145151 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (39) ◽

pp. 4626-4638 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Reyhaneh Moradi-Marjaneh ◽

Seyed M. Hassanian ◽

Farzad Rahmani ◽

Seyed H. Aghaee-Bakhtiari ◽

Amir Avan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Vegf Signaling ◽

Anticancer Effects ◽

Inhibition Of Angiogenesis ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

Apoptotic Activity

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-associated mortality in the world. Anti-tumor effect of curcumin has been shown in different cancers; however, the therapeutic potential of novel phytosomal curcumin, as well as the underlying molecular mechanism in CRC, has not yet been explored. Methods: The anti-proliferative, anti-migratory and apoptotic activity of phytosomal curcumin in CT26 cells was assessed by MTT assay, wound healing assay and Flow cytometry, respectively. Phytosomal curcumin was also tested for its in-vivo activity in a xenograft mouse model of CRC. In addition, oxidant/antioxidant activity was examined by DCFH-DA assay in vitro, measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA), Thiol and superoxidedismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity and also evaluation of expression levels of Nrf2 and GCLM by qRT-PCR in tumor tissues. In addition, the effect of phytosomal curcumin on angiogenesis was assessed by the measurement of VEGF-A and VEGFR-1 and VEGF signaling regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) in tumor tissue. Results: Phytosomal curcumin exerts anti-proliferative, anti-migratory and apoptotic activity in-vitro. It also decreases tumor growth and augmented 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) anti-tumor effect in-vivo. In addition, our data showed that induction of oxidative stress and inhibition of angiogenesis through modulation of VEGF signaling regulatory miRNAs might be underlying mechanisms by which phytosomal curcumin exerted its antitumor effect. Conclusion: Our data confirmed this notion that phytosomal curcumin administrates anticancer effects and can be used as a complementary treatment in clinical settings.

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Potential for Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases with Natural Products or Synthetic Compounds that Stabilize Microtubules

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612826666200621171302 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (35) ◽

pp. 4362-4372

Author(s):

John H. Miller ◽

Viswanath Das

Keyword(s):

Natural Products ◽

Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽

In Vivo Models ◽

Synthetic Compounds ◽

Stabilizing Agents ◽

Animal Models Of Disease ◽

Model Studies ◽

Models Of Disease

No effective therapeutics to treat neurodegenerative diseases exist, despite significant attempts to find drugs that can reduce or rescue the debilitating symptoms of tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Pick’s disease. A number of in vitro and in vivo models exist for studying neurodegenerative diseases, including cell models employing induced-pluripotent stem cells, cerebral organoids, and animal models of disease. Recent research has focused on microtubulestabilizing agents, either natural products or synthetic compounds that can prevent the axonal destruction caused by tau protein pathologies. Although promising results have come from animal model studies using brainpenetrant natural product microtubule-stabilizing agents, such as paclitaxel analogs that can access the brain, epothilones B and D, and other synthetic compounds such as davunetide or the triazolopyrimidines, early clinical trials in humans have been disappointing. This review aims to summarize the research that has been carried out in this area and discuss the potential for the future development of an effective microtubule stabilizing drug to treat neurodegenerative disease.

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