Therapeutic Potential of Medicinal Plant Proteins: Present Status and Future Perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 443-487
Author(s):  
Snober Shabeer Wani ◽  
Parvaiz A. Dar ◽  
Sajad M. Zargar ◽  
Tanveer A. Dar
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Human Diseases ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Mistletoe Lectin ◽  
Plant Proteins ◽  
Drug Candidates

Biologically active molecules obtained from plant sources, mostly including secondary metabolites, have been considered to be of immense value with respect to the treatment of various human diseases. However, some inevitable limitations associated with these secondary metabolites like high cytotoxicity, low bioavailability, poor absorption, low abundance, improper metabolism, etc., have forced the scientific community to explore medicinal plants for alternate biologically active molecules. In this context, therapeutically active proteins/peptides from medicinal plants have been promoted as a promising therapeutic intervention for various human diseases. A large number of proteins isolated from the medicinal plants have been shown to exhibit anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-HIV, anticancerous, ribosome-inactivating and neuro-modulatory activities. Moreover, with advanced technological developments in the medicinal plant research, medicinal plant proteins such as Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor and Mistletoe Lectin-I are presently under clinical trials against prostate cancer, oral carcinomas and malignant melanoma. Despite these developments and proteins being potential drug candidates, to date, not a single systematic review article has documented the therapeutical potential of the available biologically active medicinal plant proteome. The present article was therefore designed to describe the current status of the therapeutically active medicinal plant proteins/peptides vis-à-vis their potential as future protein-based drugs for various human diseases. Future insights in this direction have also been highlighted.

Natural products targeting cancer stem cells: a revisit

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiahua Cui ◽  
Jiajun Qian ◽  
Larry Ming-Cheung Chow ◽  
Jinping Jia
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Natural Products ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Tumor Development ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Cellular Targets ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Enhanced Expression

Background: The proposed central role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in tumor development has been extended to explain the diverse oncologic phenomena such as multidrug resistance, metastasis and tumor recurrence in clinics. Due to the enhanced expression of ATP-binding cassette transporters and anti-apoptotic factors, stagnation on G0 phase and the strong ability of self-renewal, the CSCs were highly resistant to clinical anticancer drugs. Therefore, the discovery of new drug candidates that could effectively eradicate cancer stem cells afforded promising outcomes in cancer therapy. Introduction: Natural products and their synthetic analogues are a rich source of biologically active compounds and several of them have already been recognized as potent CSCs killers. We aim to provide a collection of recently identified natural products that suppressed the survival of the small invasive CSC populations and combated the drug resistance of these cells in chemotherapy. Results and Conclusion: These anti-CSCs natural products included flavonoids, stilbenes, quinones, terpenoids, polyketide antibiotics, steroids and alkaloids. In the present review, we highlighted the therapeutic potential of natural products and their derivatives against the proliferation and drug resistance of CSCs, their working mechanisms and related structure-activity relationships. Meanwhile, in this survey, several natural products with diverse cellular targets such as the naphthoquinone shikonin and the stilbene resveratrol were characterized as promising lead compounds for future development.

scholarly journals Features of the rhiospheric microbiota of medicinal plants

2019 ◽  
pp. 61-65
Author(s):  
H.O. Zhatova ◽  
L.M. Bondarieva ◽  
Y.V. Koplyk
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Plant Residues ◽  
Trophic Groups ◽  
Mentha Longifolia ◽  
Number Of Microorganisms ◽  
Bergenia Crassifolia

Medicinal plants are the source of biologically active compounds that are in constant demand for the pharmacological industry. Active production of plant secondary metabolites is possible only under optimal conditions of plant growth and development. The state of medicinal plants is controlled not only by genotype and environmental conditions but by the qualitative and quantitative composition of their microbiota as well. The study of the structure and function of the rhizospheric communities of medicinal plants is important for obtaining of high quality medicinal raw materials. Microorganisms are the constant companions of higher plants, which can be used as a medicinal raw material. The rhizosphere microbiota is highly specific, even between different varieties of the same plant species. Each plant species has a specific microbiome of the rhizosphere, depending on the existing soil community. The rhizosphere of medicinal plants is marked by a special highly specific microbiome due to the specificity of root exudates.  Active cell secretion of the roots provides nutrient substrates with microorganisms that form strong associations both inside the root tissues and on the root surface as well as in the soil around the roots. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of medicinal plants of different systematic groups on the composition of the microbial communities of the rhizosphere. The experiments were conducted in 2018–2019 at the nursery medicinal plant plot of the Department of ecology and botany of Sumy National Agrarian University. Ecological-trophic groups of microorganisms associated with the roots of medicinal plants in the experiment were represented by ammonifying bacteria, nitrogen-fixing bacteria and bacterias that destroyed of plant residues (cellulose-destroying bacteria). In the analysis of the total number of microorganisms of the rhizosphere revealed differences in the quantitative and qualitative composition of microbiota, due to the specific features of a medicinal plant. Positive influence on the development of microflora in the area of the roots and individual ecological-trophic groups had Mentha longifolia (L)., and a negative effect was observed in plants of Bergenia crassifolia L. It has been established that the number of microorganisms and the diversity of ecological-trophic groups is due to the belonging of a medicinal plant to a particular taxon. The number of microorganisms and their diversity decreased in the direction of: Mentha longifolia – Lysimachia vulgaris – Aristolochia clematitis – Achillea submillefolium – Bergenia crassifolia.

scholarly journals Revealing the Therapeutic Uses of Garlic (Allium sativum) and Its Potential for Drug Discovery

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Azene Tesfaye
Keyword(s):  
Drug Development ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Human Diseases ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Runny Nose ◽  
Medicinal Value ◽  
Therapeutic Uses ◽  
Tract Disease ◽  
Chronic Fever

Background. Garlic is a common bulb vegetable that is used to flavor and flavor food. The plant contains biologically active components that contribute to its pharmacological properties. This paper attempts to examine the therapeutic uses and potential role in the drug development of garlic for various human diseases. Methods. To obtain crucial data and scientific knowledge about the therapeutic uses of garlic, systematic literature searches were conducted using key terms on well-known indexed platforms such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, Embase, and popular search engines. Results. Garlic, which is utilized as a spice and flavoring ingredient, is found to have fundamental nutritional components. Carbohydrates, protein, fat, minerals, water, and vitamins are all found in abundance in this plant. The plant also has a high medicinal value and is used to cure a variety of human diseases. It has anti-inflammatory, rheumatological, ulcer inhibiting, anticholinergic, analgesic, antimicrobial, antistress, antidiabetes, anticancer, liver protection, anthelmintics, antioxidants, antifungal, and wound healing properties, as well as properties that help with asthma, arthritis, chronic fever, tuberculosis, runny nose, malaria, leprosy, skin discoloration, and itching, indigestion, colic, enlarged spleen, hemorrhoids, fistula, bone fracture, gout, urinary tract disease, diabetes, kidney stones, anemia, jaundice, epilepsy, cataract, and night blindness. Conclusions. The nutritional content of the plant is significant, and it has incredible therapeutic potential. The findings of this study are needed to investigate the therapeutic potential, as it may be a promising option for drug development.

scholarly journals MPDB 2.0: A Large Scale and Integrated Medicinal Plant Database of Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazmul Hussain ◽  
Rony Chando ◽  
Ruhshan Ahmed Abir ◽  
Mohsina Akter Mou ◽  
Md. Kamrul Hasan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
East Asian ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Human Diseases ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
The World ◽  
Medicine History ◽  
User Friendly

Medicinal plants are generally defined as rare herbals with potent medicinal activities that can be used as an alternative treatment for diseases. Recent studies exploring novel medicine developments, originating from folk-medicinal practices challenges this notion and suggests that both the circumference of the term medicinal plant and their potential application covers a substantially extensive verse than previously suggested. While medicinal plants are not limited to the borders of any country, Bangladesh and its south-east Asian neighbors do boast a huge collection of potent medicinal plants with considerable folk-medicine history compared to most other countries of the world. MPDB 2.0 is the continuation of MPDB 1.0, it serves as both a data repertoire for medicinal of Bangladesh and a user-friendly interface for researchers, health practitioners, drug developers, and students who wish to study the various medicinal & nutritive plants scattered around Bangladesh and the underlying phytochemicals contributing to their efficacy in folk medicine. While in developing MPDB 2.0 human diseases have been highly focused upon, the information in this database is not limited in its application for human diseases or diseases only, as many of the plants indexed here can serve in developing biofuel or bioremediation technologies or nutritive diets or cosmetics, etc. MPDB 2.0 comprises a collection of more than five hundred medicinal plants from Bangladesh along with a record of their corresponding scientific, family, and local names together with their utilized parts, information regarding ailments, active compounds, and PubMed ID of related publications.

scholarly journals Ethnobotanical Study on Assessment of Indigenous Knowledge on Traditional Plant Medicine Use among People of Wonchi District in Southwest Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
pp. 87-97
Author(s):  
Gadisa Melkamu Bulcha ◽  
Kebebush Zepre
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Preference Ranking ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Ethnobotanical Study ◽  
Medicine Use ◽  
Plant Medicine

Incomplete coverage of the modern medical system, shortage of pharmaceuticals, and unaffordable prices of modern drugs, make the majority of Ethiopians still depend on traditional plant medicine. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess the current status of indigenous knowledge of traditional plant medicine used among communities of Won chi District. Method: A total of 198 informants (27 key and 171 general) were selected purposively based on the availability of key informants and vegetation richness of the District. semi-structured interview, observation, and guided field walk with informants were data collection methods. Ethnobotanical scoring and ranking methods like informant consensus, paired-wise comparison, and preference ranking were used to analyze the collected data. The findings were displayed using tables and figures. Result: A total of 93 medicinal plant species were identified. Out of these,50 species (53.76%)were noted to treat only human ailments, 3(2.23%) species were used to treat livestock ailments and the rest 40 (43.01%) were used to treat both. Nearly two-thirds of the study participants have good knowledge about traditional plant medicine use. most medicinal plants were reported by elders (94.62%) than younger age group, traditional medicinal plant healers almost know all (96.77%), regarding religion waqefata (60.21%) know than other religion. More medicinal plants were reported by males (86.02%)than females, while regarding educational status illiterate (61.29%)know and mention more Medicinal plants than literate. Therefore, all stakeholders should work together in changing the current situation in order to sustainably benefit from traditional plant medicine.

scholarly journals Growing optimization of suspension cultures of medicinal plant cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 291 ◽  
pp. 02022
Author(s):  
Andrey Kolomietc ◽  
Nadezda Nicolaeva ◽  
Victoria Larina ◽  
Nataliya Chupakhina
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Cell Cultures ◽  
Plant Material ◽  
Plant Cells ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Suspension Cell ◽  
Active Metabolites ◽  
Isolated Cells

Suspension cell cultures allow to save plant material when obtaining biologically active compounds of natural origin. As a result of the studies, optimal parameters were selected to increase the formation of biologically active metabolites in suspension cell cultures of such medicinal plants as Maackia amurensis Rupr., Hyssopus officinalis L. and Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk. Medicinal plants are a large group of plants used as raw materials for the production of medicinal and preventive drugs for medical and animal use. The assortment of phytopreparations is constantly expanding due to the increased demand for natural remedies, due to their less aggressive and toxic nature compared to synthetic ones [1]. Cultivation of medicinal plants in the form of isolated cells in vitro is one of the most modern technologies for rapidly obtaining a large biomass of plant material with stable growth features year-round under controlled conditions [2]. It is known that cells in vitro grow faster and have peculiarities of synthesis and accumulation of biologically active substances compared to intact plants [3]. Isolated cells, unlike tissue cells, also have an advantage for their use as a source of active metabolites, since they have the ability to release these compounds into the intercellular space [4]. The goal of this paper was to select parameters for increasing the biosynthetic activity of cultured suspension cultures of medicinal plant cells in vitro by optimizing cultivation conditions and introducing precursors of secondary metabolite biosynthesis into the nutrient media.

scholarly journals FEATURES OF THE STRUCTURE OF NATURAL POPULATIONS HUMULUS LUPULUS L. (REVIEW)

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (337) ◽  
pp. 33-40
Author(s):  
Yedilova A.K. ◽  
Inelova Z.A.
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Humulus Lupulus ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Humulus Lupulus L ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Beer Production

The article provides an overview of the structural features of the natural populations of Humulus lupulus L. in the world and in Kazakhstan. Currently, the use in medicine of natural products, medicines and biologically active substances of plant origin is increasing. Significant parts of the medicinal raw materials are wild plants. The need for medicinal plant raw materials (medicinal plants) is not decreasing; the technology of its procurement and reproduction in natural conditions wants significant perfection. It is known that they have a milder, more complex effect on the human body and are used in the treatment of many chronic diseases. The growing anthropogenic impact on populations of valuable medicinal plants is decreasing their stocks of raw materials. In this regard, the study of biological characteristics and the development of scientifically based agricultural techniques for the cultivation of many medicinal plants are becoming relevant. Humulus lupulus L. (common hop) is a valuable medicinal plant. They are used as painkillers, sedatives, hypnotics for increased nervous irritability, sleep distur-bances, neuralgia, vegetovascular dystonia, mild coronary spasms, tachycardia, and in the early stages of hyper-tension. According to the classification of medicinal plant resources, Humulus lupulus L. is a plant with a wide range, but with a limited supply of raw materials. In places of growth of Humulus lupulus L. does not form large thickets [1]. Recently, a comprehensive approach has been applied in the study of natural plant populations, including ontomorphological and population-ecological studies. This makes it possible to objectively assess the state of the species in the cenosis and predict its future behavior. In this regard, a comprehensive study of the natural populations of Humulus lupulus L. is of great relevance. Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) is an important crop worldwide, known as the main flavor ingredient in beer. A diversified brewing industry requires a variety of flavors, superior technological properties and sustainable agro-nomy, which are the center of advanced molecular breeding efforts in hops. Hop breeders have been limited in their ability to create strains with desirable traits, however, due to unusual and unpredictable inheritance patterns and the associated non-Mendelian segregation of genetic markers [2]. The use of hops has recently been undergoing a new change, driven by a growing international preference for more intensely flavored beer, supported by the craft-brewing sector. This movement led to the introduction of much more hops at various stages of beer production and to an ever-growing search for new flavors. Some hop varieties have thus received particular attention, including several older typical hops mostly used to date, although an intensive search for new varieties dubbed "Green Gold" has also taken place. A large number of new exquisite varieties have been described and are increasingly appreciated in the market. Global hop growing areas have increased over the past 5 years, although total world beer production has declined over the same period, confirming the trend of using more hops per liter of beer. In addition, a wide range of pharmacological properties have been described for hops and its derivatives, namely antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties, which are of great importance for the pharmaceutical industry. The bioactivity of beer can depend on the use of hops, which can become an important tool for brewers aiming to develop functional products. Taken together, the compounds isolated from Humulus lupulus L. have a wide range of biological activity, such as anti-inflammatory action, antimicrobial action, antioxidant action, antiproliferative effects, cytochrome P450 effects, glucose metabolism effects, hormonal effects, lipid effects and sedative / hypnotic effects. Therefore, the purpose of this Chapter is to describe the importance of hops in this new direction of beer production, market overview of hops, varieties, forms and methods of use, composition, value in bioactivity of beer and new discoveries in research hops [3].

Smoke-water and smoke-isolated butenolide (KAR1) induce the biosynthesis of tanshinones in endophytic fungus Trichoderma atroviride D16 isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza

2020 ◽  
Vol 67 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 225-229
Author(s):  
Jie Zhou ◽  
Zi-Xin Xu ◽  
Zhi-Fang Ran ◽  
Lei Fang ◽  
Lan-Ping Guo
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Active Compound ◽  
Salvia Miltiorrhiza ◽  
Tanshinone Iia ◽  
Trichoderma Atroviride ◽  
Smoke Water

Although treatments of smoke-water (SW) have been successfully used for promoting seed germination as well as plant growth, less reports have been documented on the influence of SW on the production of secondary metabolites in endophytes isolated from medicinal plants. The study investigated the effects of SW and its active compound butenolide (KAR1) on the accumulation of lipophilic tanshinones in endophyte Trichoderma atroviride D16 isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza. Results showed that the mycelia of T. atroviride D16 treated with SW and KAR1 displayed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the content of tanshinone I, which was evaluated with 2.26-fold (SW) and 1.86-fold (KAR1) of the control on 20 d after treatment. Comparing with the control, the treatment of SW and KAR1 resulted in a significant increase in the content of tanshinone IIA, and the highest levels were observed to be 31.87% (SW 1:2000, v/v) and 17.77% (KAR1 at 10-9 M) on 20 d after treatment. These findings imply the possibility of using SW and KAR1 for enhancing the biosynthesis of tanshinones in T. atroviride D16, and enrich the application of smoke water in the medicinal plant field.

scholarly journals AN UPDATED PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW ON GYNURA PROCUMBENS

2019 ◽  
pp. 9-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
KAMRAN ASHRAF
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Traditional Medicine ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Therapeutic Uses ◽  
Pharmacological Studies ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Effective Drugs

Nowadays, the use of medicinal plants increased significantly for the aim of producing more effective drugs with fewer side effects. Gynura procumbens (family Asteraceae) is a high value medicinal plant with different properties that are considered less, regardless of having great therapeutic potential in traditional medicine. Many pharmacological studies have established the ability of this plant to exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotection, antigenotoxic, antiplasmodial, cytotoxic, cardioactive, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, etc. The aim of this study was to review the updated phytochemical, pharmacological investigations as well as the traditional and therapeutic uses of G. procumbens. Important and different experimental data have been addressed along with a review of most of the phytochemicals identified in this plant.

scholarly journals Ethnobotanical characterization of medicinal plants used in Kisantu and Mbanza-Ngungu territories, Kongo-Central Province in DR Congo

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kibungu Kembelo Pathy ◽  
Nzuki Bakwaye Flavien ◽  
Belesi Katula Honoré ◽  
Wouter Vanhove ◽  
Patrick Van Damme
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Central Province ◽  
Dr Congo ◽  
Plant Knowledge ◽  
Medicinal Plant Knowledge ◽  
Cultural Similarity

Abstract Background The phytotherapeutic knowledge of the Kongo people in the territories of Kisantu and Mbanza-Ngungu in Kongo-Central Province (DR Congo) is rapidly eroding. To document the remaining knowledge, we conducted an ethnobotanical survey on the most important medicinal plant species and diseases treated with them, as well as plants with therapeutic potential. We also checked for the cultural similarity in medicinal plant knowledge between the two territories and how knowledge about Kongo medicinal plants differs between different social groups. Methods From June 2017 until February 2018 and from February 2019 until April 2019, we conducted a survey with 188 phytotherapists, selected using the snowball method and surveyed using semi-structured interviews. Voucher specimens were taken for identification. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using medicinal use value (UVs), informant agreement ratio (IARs), informant consensus factor (ICF), and species therapeutic potential (STP). Rahman’s similarity index was used for ethno-cultural comparison of medicinal plant knowledge between the two communities. Medicinal knowledge between different social groups was analyzed using non-parametric tests and Poisson regression. Results A total of 231 plants (i.e., 227 botanical species, representing 192 genera and 79 families) were reportedly used to treat 103 diseases. Most abundant taxa were reported for the Fabaceae family (including 11.9% of species and 10.9% of genera). Most reported species (45.0%) were from anthropized areas. Leaves (39.4%), herbs (37.1%), decoction (41.7%), and oral ingestion (72%) were the most frequently cited plant part, botanical form, preparation, and administration method, respectively. Four of all inventoried species showed high UVS (> 0.05), whereas eight had an IAR of one. According to ICF, 31 diseases were mentioned. Highest ICF (≥ 0.4) was observed for hemorrhoids (0.44), amoebiasis (0.43), and itchy rash (0.42). Fifty-four plant species were identified as likely possessing an interesting therapeutic potential. Low ethno-cultural similarity in medicinal knowledge (RSI = 16.6%) was found between the two territories. Analysis of the Kongo medicinal plant knowledge showed that the mean number of reported species and diseases vary considerably depending on gender, type, and residence of therapists (P < 0.05). Conclusion Results prove that the Kongo phytopharmacopeia makes use of interesting medicinal plant species that could be further studied for conservation and pharmacological applications.

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