Antiviral Effects of Asian Natural Products Targeting SARS, MERS, and COVID-19.

Coronaviruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 02 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jafrin Jobayer Sonju ◽  
Md Rafi Anwar ◽  
Md. Abul Kalam Azad ◽  
Umme Habiba Sultana ◽  
Kumar Kulldeep Niloy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Plant Extract ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Complex Situation ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Antiviral Effects ◽  
Recent Emergence

: Viral diseases initiated by Coronavirus (CoV) has become the major public health problems worldwide in the last two decades. The recent emergence of the deadly COVID-19 due to SARS-CoV-2 has created unprecedented pandemic situations around the globe making the need for antiviral molecules to treat it. Encountering the health conditions of the patients with synthetic molecules has shown some unpredictable results including side effects. To face this complex situation, natural products can be a good source of enormous treatment options with fewer side effects. Wide diversity, easy availability, and a good number of scientific researches on Asian origin natural products can be a great tool to meet this critical situation. This paper reviews the currently available Asian natural products with potential antiviral effects on CoV. It includes the potential natural products of whole plant extract, partial plant extract, isolated pure compounds, and isolated pure set of compounds. Besides, the available information of in vitro and in silico from very recent papers are also summarized for the ease of future research. As a rapid search of a potential anti-CoV therapy is going on, Asian natural products will provide promising results but still, there are many challenges in front of us, including the robust in vitro assay to confirm the antiviral property, toxicity analysis, and fulfillment of regulatory needs. The use of appropriate natural products with potential for a safe and more effective anti-CoV property requires multidisciplinary research with preclinical and clinical researchers, which will improve their clinical applications.

scholarly journals Therapeutic Effects of Polyphenols on the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer by Regulating Wnt β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Mehran Pashirzad ◽  
Thomas P. Johnston ◽  
Amirhossein Sahebkar
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Natural Products ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Incidence And Mortality

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide in terms of both its rates of incidence and mortality. Due to serious side effects associated with conventional chemotherapeutic treatments, many natural products with fewer adverse side effects have been considered as potential treatment options. In fact, many natural products have widely been used in various phases of clinical trials for CRC, as well as in in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies. Curcumin (CUR) and resveratrol (RES) are classified as natural polyphenolic compounds that have been demonstrated to have anticancer activity against CRC and are associated with minimal side effects. By regulating select target genes involved in several key signaling pathways in CRC, in particular, the Wnt β-catenin signaling cascade, the course of CRC may be positively altered. In the current review, we focused on the therapeutic effects of CUR and RES in CRC as they pertain to modulation of the Wnt β-catenin signaling pathway.

scholarly journals Evaluation of spermicidal activity of saponosides from Saponaria officinalis / Caryophyllaceae, Glycyrrhizia glabra / Fabaceae and Herniaria glabra / Caryophyllaceae

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Réda Sefrioui ◽  
Ibrahim Sbai El Othmani ◽  
Halima Filali ◽  
Sanae Derfoufi ◽  
Soufiane Derraji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Dependent Effect ◽  
Time Dependent Effect ◽  
Sperm Mobility ◽  
In Vitro Effects ◽  
Saponaria Officinalis

Background and objective. Chemical spermicides currently marketed and widely used are known to have many side effects. Thereby, and in order to look for more tolerated natural spermicidal agents, the aim of this work was to evaluate the spermicidal potential of saponin extracts from the roots of Saponaria officinalis / Caryophyllaceae, Glycyrrhizia glabra / Fabaceae, and Herniaria glabra / Caryophyllaceae by studying their in vitro effects on sperm mobility and vitality. Methods. Methanolic saponin extracts from the plants roots were performed. Sperm suspensions were prepared by centrifugation on a PureSperm® density gradient (70 and 45%) and incubated with various concentrations of saponin extracts (50, 250, 500 and 750 mg/mL) at 37°C. The spermicidal activity was evaluated by studying the mobility and vitality of spermatozoa at different time intervals ranging from 10 to 240 minutes. Results. A dose and time dependent effect on sperm mobility and vitality was observed for our extracts. Extracts from Saponaria officinalis roots induced an irreversible immobilization and a total non-viability of sperm within 10 minutes at a concentration of 750 mg/mL. A similar effect was observed within 30 minutes at 750 mg/mL for Herniaria glabra extract and within 90 minutes at 500 mg/ml for Glycyrrhizia glabra extract. Conclusion. The results of our study showed that the saponin extracts of our plants roots possess potent in vitro dose and time dependant spermicidal effect. These natural products could therefore represent a safer and better tolerated alternative to chemical spermicides.

scholarly journals Current Status, Distribution, and Future Directions of Natural Products against Colorectal Cancer in Indonesia: A Systematic Review

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (16) ◽  
pp. 4984
Author(s):  
Didi Nurhadi Illian ◽  
Ihsanul Hafiz ◽  
Okpri Meila ◽  
Ahmad Rusdan Handoyo Utomo ◽  
Arif Nuryawan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Natural Products ◽  
Cytotoxic Activity ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Cells

In 2020, an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million cancer deaths have occurred worldwide, with colorectal cancer ranking as the third most frequently diagnosed (10.0%). Several attempts have been conducted against cancer, including surgery, radiation, monoclonal antibodies, and chemotherapy. Many people choose natural products as alternatives against cancer. These products will not only help in human life preservation but also work as a source of up-to-date information, leading people away from incorrect information. We discuss the current status, distribution, and future implications of protecting populations with natural products as an alternative against colorectal cancer in Indonesia. Thirty-eight studies were included in this review for data extraction. The distribution of natural products in Indonesia that have potential activity against colorectal cancer cells was predominated by terpenoids, followed by phytosterols, phenolics, alkaloids, and polyisoprenoids. The type of cell line utilized in the cytotoxic activity analysis of natural products was the WiDr cell line, followed by HT-29 cells and HCT-116 cells. This review showed that MTT in vitro assay is a general method used to analyze the cytotoxic activity of a natural product against colorectal cancer cells, followed by other in vitro and in vivo methods. The systematic review provided predictions for several secondary metabolites to be utilized as an alternative treatment against colorectal cancer in Indonesia. It also might be a candidate for a future co-chemotherapy agent in safety, quality, and standardization. In addition, computational methods are being developed to predict the drug-likeness of compounds, thus, drug discovery is already on the road towards electronic research and development.

Unintended Side Effects of Electronic Cigarettes in Otolaryngology: A Scoping Review

2022 ◽  
pp. 019459982110695
Author(s):  
Ameen Amanian ◽  
Jobanjit Phulka ◽  
Amanda C. Hu
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Senior Author ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Recent Emergence ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Meta Analyses

Objective Electronic cigarettes (E-cigs) are nicotine delivery systems with increasing popularity. The US Food and Drug Administration defines side effects as unwanted or unexpected events or reactions. Our objective was to examine the unintended otolaryngology-related side effects associated with E-cigs. Data Sources Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases. Review Methods Study selection was independently performed by 2 authors in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews); discrepancies were resolved by the senior author. English studies from database inception to May 1, 2020, with a sample size >5 were included. In vitro, animal, and lower respiratory tract studies were excluded. The main outcome was defined as otolaryngology-related side effects following E-cig use. Levels of evidence per the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine were used to determine study quality. Results From 1788 articles, 32 studies were included. The most common unintended side effects were throat irritation (n = 16), cough (n = 16), mouth irritation (n = 11), and oral mucosal lesions (n = 8). A large proportion of participants also reported conventional tobacco use in addition to E-cigs. Eight studies investigated the effectiveness of vaping on smoking cessation. The quality of the literature was level 2 to 4. Given the significant heterogeneity in the studies, meta-analysis was not performed. Conclusion The most reported side effects were throat and mouth irritation, followed by cough. The long-term impact of E-cigs is not known given the recent emergence of this technology. Future studies are warranted.

scholarly journals Endometriosis Associated Infertility: A Critical Review and Analysis on Etiopathogenesis and Therapeutic Approaches

Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (9) ◽  
pp. 460
Author(s):  
Lidia Filip ◽  
Florentina Duică ◽  
Alina Prădatu ◽  
Dragoș Crețoiu ◽  
Nicolae Suciu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intrauterine Insemination ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Genetic Profile ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Emerging Therapies ◽  
Treatment Alternatives

Endometriosis represents a frequently diagnosed gynecological affliction in the reproductive timespan of women, defined by symptoms ranging from pelvic pain to infertility. A complex interplay between the genetic profile, hormonal activity, menstrual cyclicity, inflammation status, and immunological factors define the phenotypic presentation of endometriosis. To date, imaging techniques represent the gold standard in diagnosing endometriosis, of which transvaginal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging bring the most value to the diagnostic step. Current medical treatment options for endometriosis-associated infertility focus on either stimulating the follicular development and ovulation or on inhibiting the growth and development of endometriotic lesions. Techniques of assisted reproduction consisting of superovulation with in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination represent effective treatment alternatives that improve fertility in patients suffering from endometriosis. Emerging therapies such as the usage of antioxidant molecules and stem cells still need future research to prove the therapeutic efficacy in this pathology.

scholarly journals Ranking Self-reported Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Pharmacotherapy in Sarcoidosis

Lung ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 198 (2) ◽  
pp. 395-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Drent ◽  
V. L. J. Proesmans ◽  
M. D. P. Elfferich ◽  
N. T. Jessurun ◽  
S. M. G. de Jong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Side Effect ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dietary Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Abstract Background Clinical manifestations of sarcoidosis vary widely, depending on the intensity of the inflammation and the organ systems affected. So far, no curative treatment exists; the disease can only be suppressed. All treatment options cause side effects affecting quality of life. The aim of this study was to establish and rank the prevalence of self-reported gastrointestinal side effects of drugs used in the treatment of sarcoidosis. Methods A cross-sectional web-based anonymous survey about complaints and side effects was conducted among sarcoidosis patients in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States of America. Results Of the participants, 70% were being treated with one or more drugs. The most important reported side effect was weight gain, associated with increased appetite among prednisone users (as monotherapy as well as in combination with other drugs). Methotrexate (MTX) users especially experienced nausea, with monotherapy as well as combination therapy. Vomiting and weight loss were most prominent among azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) users, whereas diarrhoea was frequently mentioned by MMF and MTX users. The reported side effects of hydroxychloroquine were generally rather mild. Conclusion The current study ranked the gastrointestinal side effects associated with pharmacotherapy in sarcoidosis patients. Pharmacotherapy does have multiple gastrointestinal side effects. The strongest association between a reported side effect and drug use was that of weight gain associated with increased appetite among prednisone users. It would therefore be useful for future research to look further into dietary interventions to counter these side effects and reduce their burden.

scholarly journals Based on Principles and Insights of COVID-19 Epidemiology, Genome Sequencing, and Pathogenesis: Retrospective Analysis of Sinigrin and ProlixinRX (Fluphenazine) Provides Off-Label Drug Candidates

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (10) ◽  
pp. 1123-1140
Author(s):  
Jilan Nazeam ◽  
Esraa Z. Mohammed ◽  
Mariam Raafat ◽  
Mariam Houssein ◽  
Asmaa Elkafoury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Drug Repurposing ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Nitrogenous Compounds ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Starting Point

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative pathogen of pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). So far, no approved therapy has been developed to halt the spread of the pathogen, and unfortunately, the strategies for developing a new therapy will require a long time and very extensive resources. Therefore, drug repurposing has emerged as an ideal strategy toward a smart, versatile, quick way to confine the lethal disease. In this endeavor, natural products have been an untapped source for new drugs. This review represents the confederated experience of multidisciplinary researchers of 99 articles using several databases: Google Scholar, Science Direct, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. To establish the hypothesis, a Bayesian perspective of a systematic review was used to outline evidence synthesis. Our docking documentation of 69 compounds and future research agenda assumptions were directed toward finding an effective and economic anti-COVID-19 treatment from natural products. Glucosinolate, flavones, and sulfated nitrogenous compounds demonstrate direct anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity through inhibition protease enzymes and may be considered potential candidates against coronavirus. These findings could be a starting point to initiate an integrative study that may encompass interested scientists and research institutes to test the hypothesis in vitro, in vivo, and in clinics after satisfying all ethical requirements.

scholarly journals Primum non nocere – Are chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine safe prophylactic/treatment options for SARS-CoV-2 (covid-19)?

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Biguetti ◽  
Mauro Toledo Marrelli ◽  
Marco Brotto
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Prophylactic Treatment ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Drug Effectiveness ◽  
Risk Balance

ABSTRACT Chloroquine (CQ) and its analog hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) were recently included in several clinical trials as potential prophylactic and therapeutic options for SARS-CoV-2 infection/covid-19. However, drug effectiveness in preventing, treating, or slowing the progression of the disease is still unknown. Despite some initial promising in vitro results, rigorous pre-clinical animal studies and randomized clinical trials have not been performed yet. On the other hand, while the potential effectiveness of CQ/HCQ is, at best, hypothetical, their side effects are factual and most worrisome, particularly when considering vulnerable groups of patients being treated with these drugs. In this comment, we briefly explain the possible mechanisms of action of CQ/HCQ for treating other diseases, possible actions against covid-19, and their potent side effects, in order to reinforce the necessity of evaluating the benefit-risk balance when widely prescribing these drugs for SARS-CoV-2 infection/covid-19. We conclude by strongly recommending against their indiscriminate use. DESCRIPTORS: Coronavirus Infections. Chloroquine, toxicity. Hydroxychloroquine, toxicity. Contraindications, Drug.

scholarly journals Use of Natural Products in Asthma Treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Amaral-Machado ◽  
Wógenes N. Oliveira ◽  
Susiane S. Moreira-Oliveira ◽  
Daniel T. Pereira ◽  
Éverton N. Alencar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Treatment Compliance ◽  
Inflammatory Disorder ◽  
Asthma Treatment ◽  
Complementary Treatment ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Disorder

Asthma, a disease classified as a chronic inflammatory disorder induced by airway inflammation, is triggered by a genetic predisposition or antigen sensitization. Drugs currently used as therapies present disadvantages such as high cost and side effects, which compromise the treatment compliance. Alternatively, traditional medicine has reported the use of natural products as alternative or complementary treatment. The aim of this review was to summarize the knowledge reported in the literature about the use of natural products for asthma treatment. The search strategy included scientific studies published between January 2006 and December 2017, using the keywords “asthma,” “treatment,” and “natural products.” The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) studies that aimed at elucidating the antiasthmatic activity of natural-based compounds or extracts using laboratory experiments (in vitro and/or in vivo); and (ii) studies that suggested the use of natural products in asthma treatment by elucidation of its chemical composition. Studies that (i) did not report experimental data and (ii) manuscripts in languages other than English were excluded. Based on the findings from the literature search, aspects related to asthma physiopathology, epidemiology, and conventional treatment were discussed. Then, several studies reporting the effectiveness of natural products in the asthma treatment were presented, highlighting plants as the main source. Moreover, natural products from animals and microorganisms were also discussed and their high potential in the antiasthmatic therapy was emphasized. This review highlighted the importance of natural products as an alternative and/or complementary treatment source for asthma treatment, since they present reduced side effects and comparable effectiveness as the drugs currently used on treatment protocols.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document