Phytochemical, pharmacological and clinical studies of petasites hybridus (l.) P. Gaertn., B. Mey. & Scherb. A review /

Abstract Preparations from rhizomes of Petasites hybridus (L.) Gaertn., B. Mey. & Scherb. (common butterbur) have a long history of use in folk medicine in treatment of several diseases as anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic drugs. Extracts from this species are of interest to researchers in the field of phytopharmacology due to their biologically active compounds, particularly two eremophilane sesquiterpenes (petasin and isopetasin), which are contained not only in rhizomes and roots, but also in leaves. Moreover, P. hybridusa contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which showed hepatotoxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Hence, special extracts devoid of alkaloids obtained by sub- and super-critic carbon dioxide extraction were used in the preclinical, clinical studies and phytotherapy. Our review aims to provide a literature survey of pharmacological as well as clinical trials of P. hybridus, carried out in 2000-2013. Also several studies of other species used in non-European countries have been included. Besides, the botanical description of Petasites genus and phytochemical characteristic of P. hybridus and toxicological studies of pyrrolizidine alkaloids as well as chemical profile of patented commercial extracts from rhizomes, roots and leaves of this species used in European phytotherapy have been performed. In this review, attention has also been paid to the promising and potential application of special extracts of P. hybridus not only in the prevention of migraine, treatment of allergic rhinitis symptoms, asthma and hypertension, but also in prevention and slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases developing with the inflammatory process in the CNS as a new therapeutic strategy. In fact, there is already an evidence of promising properties of P. hybridus extracts and sesquiterpens - decrease in the prostaglandins and leukotrienes release, inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 activity, as well as antagonism of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. In order to explain the new mechanisms of action of P. hybridus extracts in the CNS and their future application in phytotherapy of diseases with neuroinflammatory process, further studies should be performed.

Download Full-text

The Botanical, Chemical and Ethnobotanical Diversity of Southern African Lamiaceae

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26123712 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (12) ◽

pp. 3712

Author(s):

Ryan D. Rattray ◽

Ben-Erik Van Wyk

Keyword(s):

Southern Africa ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

Taxonomic Diversity ◽

Volatile Oils ◽

Edible Plant ◽

Flora Of Southern Africa ◽

Traditional Uses ◽

History Of ◽

Pharmaceutical Industries ◽

History Of Use

The Lamiaceae is undoubtedly an important plant family, having a rich history of use that spans the globe with many species being used in folk medicine and modern industries alike. Their ability to produce aromatic volatile oils has made them valuable sources of materials in the cosmetic, culinary, and pharmaceutical industries. A thorough account of the taxonomic diversity, chemistry and ethnobotany is lacking for southern African Lamiaceae, which feature some of the region’s most notable medicinal and edible plant species. We provide a comprehensive insight into the Lamiaceae flora of southern Africa, comprising 297 species in 42 genera, 105 of which are endemic to the subcontinent. We further explore the medicinal and traditional uses, where all genera with documented uses are covered for the region. A broad review of the chemistry of southern African Lamiaceae is presented, noting that only 101 species (34%) have been investigated chemically (either their volatile oils or phytochemical characterization of secondary metabolites), thus presenting many and varied opportunities for further studies. The main aim of our study was therefore to present an up-to-date account of the botany, chemistry and traditional uses of the family in southern Africa, and to identify obvious knowledge gaps.

Download Full-text

Aquaculture Production of the Brown Seaweeds Laminaria digitata and Macrocystis pyrifera: Applications in Food and Pharmaceuticals

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26051306 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (5) ◽

pp. 1306

Author(s):

Diane Purcell-Meyerink ◽

Michael A. Packer ◽

Thomas T. Wheeler ◽

Maria Hayes

Keyword(s):

Dietary Supplements ◽

Functional Foods ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

Macrocystis Pyrifera ◽

Fish Feed ◽

Laminaria Digitata ◽

Brown Seaweeds ◽

Commercial Potential ◽

History Of ◽

History Of Use

Seaweeds have a long history of use as food, as flavouring agents, and find use in traditional folk medicine. Seaweed products range from food, feed, and dietary supplements to pharmaceuticals, and from bioenergy intermediates to materials. At present, 98% of the seaweed required by the seaweed industry is provided by five genera and only ten species. The two brown kelp seaweeds Laminaria digitata, a native Irish species, and Macrocystis pyrifera, a native New Zealand species, are not included in these eleven species, although they have been used as dietary supplements and as animal and fish feed. The properties associated with the polysaccharides and proteins from these two species have resulted in increased interest in them, enabling their use as functional foods. Improvements and optimisations in aquaculture methods and bioproduct extractions are essential to realise the commercial potential of these seaweeds. Recent advances in optimising these processes are outlined in this review, as well as potential future applications of L. digitata and, to a greater extent, M. pyrifera which, to date, has been predominately only wild-harvested. These include bio-refinery processing to produce ingredients for nutricosmetics, functional foods, cosmeceuticals, and bioplastics. Areas that currently limit the commercial potential of these two species are highlighted.

Download Full-text

Glycemia Lowering Effect of an Aqueous Extract of Hedychium coronarium Leaves in Diabetic Rodent Models

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11030629 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 629 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ling-Shan Tse ◽

Po-Lin Liao ◽

Chi-Hao Tsai ◽

Ching-Hao Li ◽

Jiunn-Wang Liao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Animal Models ◽

Aqueous Extract ◽

Low Density Lipoprotein ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Insulin Level ◽

Diabetic Animal ◽

Hedychium Coronarium ◽

History Of ◽

History Of Use

Hedychium coronarium has a long history of use worldwide as a food and in folk medicine. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of an aqueous extract of H. coronarium leaves (HC) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Two types of animal models were used in this study: Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T2DM (Wistar rats; N = 8) and C57BKSdb/db mice (N = 5). After treatment with HC for 28 days, glucose tolerance improved in both of the diabetic animal models. As significant effects were shown after 14 days of treatment in the STZ-induced T2DM model, we carried out the experiments with it. After 28 days of treatment with HC, the levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein were significantly improved in the STZ-induced T2DM model. The lesions degree of islet β-cells was decreased after the HC treatment. Although the insulin level increased moderately, the aldosterone level was significantly decreased in the HC-treated groups, suggesting that aldosterone might play an important role in this effect. In summary, HC is a natural product and it is worth exploring its effect on T2DM.

Download Full-text

Health Functionality of Blueberries

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.7.3.216 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 216-221 ◽

Cited By ~ 46

Author(s):

Willy Kalt ◽

Dominique Dufour

Keyword(s):

Food Industry ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

Food Supplement ◽

Blue Color ◽

Health Market ◽

Health Products ◽

History Of ◽

History Of Use ◽

Europe Today ◽

Tract Infections

Blueberries (Vaccinium sp.) have a long history of use in native and folk medicine in North America and Europe. Today the European blueberry (bilberry) is used in a variety of pharmaceutical and food supplement products that are recommended for treating blood vessel disorders and ophthalmological conditions. Anthocyanins, the pigments that impart the blue color to blueberries, are considered the active ingredient in bilberry health products, although other related flavonoids are biomedically useful. Vaccinium flavonoids are antioxidants and are also recognized for their anticarcinogenic properties and usefulness in treating urinary tract infections. The most immediate, and perhaps greatest, opportunity for a health market for North American blueberries may be in promoting blueberries as a healthy food. As researchers continue to explore the biomedical usefulness of blueberries, the blueberry food industry should strive to retain the healthful phytochemical in their products.

Download Full-text

Plant-Derived Chemicals: A Source of Inspiration for New Drugs

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants9111562 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 1562

Author(s):

Veronique Seidel

Keyword(s):

Biologically Active ◽

New Drugs ◽

Plant Biodiversity ◽

Ethnobotanical Knowledge ◽

Special Issue ◽

Traditional Remedies ◽

Future Drug ◽

History Of ◽

History Of Use ◽

Plant Sources

Plants have a long history of use as traditional remedies to treat a range of diseases and the diverse chemicals that they produce have provided great inspiration for the design of new drugs to date. Many plants have yet to be investigated for the presence of biologically-active products. This Special Issue presents a collection of scientific studies which report on the medicinal potential of plants. It also highlights the importance of preserving ethnobotanical knowledge and plant biodiversity worldwide to sustain future drug discovery from plant sources.

Download Full-text

Chemical profile and antimicrobial activity of extractable compounds of Betula litwinowii (Betulaceae) buds

Open Chemistry ◽

10.1515/chem-2015-0019 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Valery A. Isidorov ◽

Róża Bagan ◽

Lech Szczepaniak ◽

Izabela Swiecicka

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Chemical Profile ◽

Active Components ◽

Volatile Elements ◽

Gram Positive Bacteria ◽

History Of ◽

Extractable Compounds

AbstractIn spite of the long history of therapeutic use of buds from different birch species in folk medicine the existing information on their chemical composition is insufficient. The main goal was to develop a method for GC-MS determination of the chemical profile of birch buds as well as their antimicrobial activity. 150 substances of different classes were identified in Betula litwinowii buds. The volatile elements of the buds were mainly represented by sesquiterpene compounds. Ether extracts also contained other biologically active components such as flavonoids and triterpenoids. However, a particular feature of this fraction was the high content of sesquiterpene phenylpropenoids, including esters of ferulic and caffeic acids with caryophyllene-type alcohols that had not been previously found in any biological samples. Apart from carbohydrates, a series of free amino acids were detected in methanol extracts. The antimicrobial activity of the ether extracts of the buds was observed against all of the microorganisms tested, with MIC values from 0.04 to 0.08 mg mL-1 for Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. However, their inhibitory activities against tested Gram-negative bacteria were rather occasional.

Download Full-text

Horseradish: A Neglected and Underutilized Plant Species for Improving Human Health

Horticulturae ◽

10.3390/horticulturae7070167 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (7) ◽

pp. 167

Author(s):

Stuart Alan Walters

Keyword(s):

Human Health ◽

Plant Species ◽

Food Systems ◽

Antibacterial Properties ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Food Aid ◽

History Of ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Potential Benefits ◽

History Of Use

Horseradish is a flavorful pungent herb that has been used for centuries to enhance the flavor of food, aid in digestion, and improve human health. Horseradish is a neglected and underutilized plant species (NUS), especially concerning the potential benefits to improve human health. The roots of this plant have been known for centuries to provide effective treatments for various human health disorders and has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Horseradish is a source of many biologically active compounds and its richness in phytochemicals has encouraged its recent use as a functional food. The medicinal benefits of horseradish are numerous, and this plant should be promoted more as being beneficial for human health. Glucosinolates or their breakdown products, isothiocyanates, are responsible for most of the claimed medicinal effects. Recent studies have suggested that glucosinolates provide prevention and inhibitory influences on different types of cancer, and horseradish contains high amounts of these compounds. Other medicinal benefits of horseradish include its well-known antibacterial properties that are also attributed to isothiocyanates, and its high content of other antioxidants that benefit human health. Additionally, horseradish contains enzymes that stimulate digestion, regulate bowel movement, and reduce constipation. Horseradish is a species that is vastly underexploited for its abilities as a medicinal plant species for improving human health. The health promoting effects of horseradish are numerous and should be used in an extensive marketing campaign to improve consumption habits. Consumers need to be made more aware of the tremendous health benefits of this plant, which would most likely increase consumption of this valuable NUS. Although horseradish is a highly versatile plant species and holds great potential for improving human health, this plant can also be used to enhance biodiversity in landscapes and food systems, which will also be briefly discussed.

Download Full-text

Clinical Progress on Management of Pneumonia Due to COVID-19 With Chinese Traditional Patent Medicines

Frontiers in Pharmacology ◽

10.3389/fphar.2021.655063 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Ying Wu ◽

Ping Zhong

Keyword(s):

Clinical Studies ◽

Oral Solution ◽

Clinical Use ◽

The Public ◽

Patent Medicines ◽

History Of ◽

Chinese Patent ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

History Of Use ◽

Chinese And English

Background: The outbreak of new coronavirus has tremendously threatened the public health system worldwide, including China. Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) have greatly contributed to the prevention and treatment of this viral infection, as well as the recovery of patients with COVID-19 infection. Therefore, numerous experts and guidelines recommend to take CPMs to treat pneumonia due to COVID-19.Aim of the Study: The present study reviewed CPMs recommended by the < Guidelines for diagnosis and management of COVID-19 (8th edition)> regarding evidence of their efficacy from clinical studies and the underlying mechanisms, which will lay the foundation for clinical use of these CPMs for COVID-19.Methods: The composition, efficacy, indications, history of use, and relevant clinical research on 14 recommended CPMs, including Huoxiangzhengqi capsules (pills, liquid, oral solution), Jinhuaqinggan granules, Lianhuaqingwen capsules (granules), Shufengjiedu capsules, Xiyanping injections, Xuebijing injections, Reduning injections, Tanreqing injections, Xingnaojing injections, Shenfu injections, Shengmai injections, Angongniuhuang pills, Suhexiang pills, were searched in both Chinese and English databases based on differences in stages of the disease and manifestations of such patients. Advantages of these CPMs over conventional treatments and their underlying mechanisms were explored by analyzing results from published articles and undergoing clinical trials.Results: Findings from clinical studies and Chinese experience in using these CPMs showed that CPMs, when used in combination with conventional treatments, were effective in managing COVID-19 with few side effects.Conclusion: CPMs have excellent efficacy in managing COVID-19 with a great potential for clinical use.

Download Full-text

Skuteczność i bezpieczeństwo stosowania korzenia Symphytum officinale L. – przegląd danych literaturowych

Postępy Fitoterapii ◽

10.25121/pf.2021.22.1.23 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Katarzyna Kimel ◽

Mirosława Krauze-Baranowska

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Chemical Composition ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Herbal Products ◽

Plant Raw Materials ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

History Of ◽

Ancient Times ◽

History Of Use

Comfrey root – Symphyti radix has been present in medicine since ancient times. Nowadays, European Medicine Agency (EMA) restricts its only for external use, in short therapies not exceeding 10 days. The last decade has been characterized by the progress in research on the chemical composition and metabolism of biologically active compounds present in the root and leaves. The result is the presence of herbal medicinal products containing comfrey root extracts with reduced content or free of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids on the European market of herbal products. Moreover, the medicinal properties of leaves from another Symphytum species, namely Russian comfrey, are also in the use. The results of clinical trials indicate the beneficial effects of plant raw materials obtained from comfreys in musculoskeletal system disorders – comfrey root and skin inflammations – leaves of Russian comfrey. The paper presents the history of use, chemical composition, therapeutic effect and toxicity of comfrey, as well as characterizes clinical trials on products containing comfrey extracts from root and leaves.

Download Full-text

Phytochemical ingredients and pharmacological potential of Calendula officinalis Linn.

Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Research ◽

10.18502/pbr.v4i2.214 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Pawan Kumar Verma ◽

Rajinder Raina ◽

Sanjay Agarwal ◽

Harpreet Kour

Keyword(s):

Economic Value ◽

Pharmaceutical Preparations ◽

Modern Medicine ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Calendula Officinalis ◽

Scientific Database ◽

Traditional Medicines ◽

Botanical Description ◽

History Of ◽

Pharmacological Potential

Calendula officinalis Linn. commonly known as marigold has long history of usage by the folklore system. It has a high economic value as herbal medicine and is widely used in cosmetics, perfumes, dyes, pharmaceutical preparations and food products for centuries. The plant has been approved for food use and appears in the food and drug administration (FDA) list of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances. The literature available for the comprehensive review study were taken from the different worldwide accepted scientific database, journals, books for botanical description, pharmacological properties and ethno-botanical uses of C. officinalis Linn. Natural products containing calendula either as extract or oil are complex mixtures containing hundreds of biologically active constituents such as carotenoids, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, phenolic acids, lipids, amino acids, carbohydrates, etc. These phytoconstituents have wide applicability in food and cosmetic industries besides their therapeutic applications viz. as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-proliferative, antiparasitic, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and wound healing potential in experimental and clinical trials. Being useful therapeutic agents in their own right, an understanding of these traditional medicines has provided new plant derived drug leads to modern medicine for therapeutic application.

Download Full-text