scholarly journals Pharmacological properties of fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.) and bioavailability of ellagitannins. A review

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-64
Author(s):  
Mariola Dreger ◽  
Artur Adamczak ◽  
Katarzyna Seidler-Łożykowska ◽  
Karolina Wielgus
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cancer Chemoprevention ◽  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Pharmacological Properties ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Epilobium Angustifolium ◽  
The Individual

SummaryFireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.) is a well-known medicinal plant traditionally used in the treatment of urogenital diseases, stomach and liver disorders, skin problems, etc. E. angustifolium extracts show anti-androgenic, antiproliferative, cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial activities. The unique combination of biological properties demonstrated by the results of some studies indicates that fireweed has a positive effect in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and potentially in the prostate cancer chemoprevention. However, the efficacy of E. angustifolium phytotherapy is still poorly tested in clinical trials, while numerous beneficial effects of extracts have been documented in the in vitro and in vivo tests. Fireweed is rich in polyphenolic compounds, particularly ellagitannins. Currently, polyphenols are considered to be modulators of beneficial gut microbiota. The literature data support the use of ellagitannins in the prostate cancer chemoprevention, but caution is advised due to the highly variable production of urolithins by the individual microbiota. A better understanding of the microbiota’s role and the mechanisms of its action are crucial for an optimal therapeutic effect. This paper aims to summarize and discuss experimental data concerning pharmacological properties of E. angustifolium and bioavailability of ellagitannins – important bioactive compounds of this plant.

scholarly journals Pharmacological Properties of Protocatechuic Acid and Its Potential Roles as Complementary Medicine

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoswaris Semaming ◽  
Patchareewan Pannengpetch ◽  
Siriporn C. Chattipakorn ◽  
Nipon Chattipakorn
Keyword(s):  
Protocatechuic Acid ◽  
Chemical Carcinogenesis ◽  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Food Plants ◽  
Pharmacological Properties ◽  
Antiproliferative Effects ◽  
Rats And Mice

This paper reviews the reported pharmacological properties of protocatechuic acid (PCA, 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid), a type of phenolic acid found in many food plants such as olives and white grapes. PCA is a major metabolite of anthocyanin. The pharmacological actions of PCA have been shown to include strongin vitroandin vivoantioxidant activity. Inin vivoexperiments using rats and mice, PCA has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory as well as antihyperglycemic and antiapoptotic activities. Furthermore, PCA has been shown to inhibit chemical carcinogenesis and exert proapoptotic and antiproliferative effects in different cancerous tissues. Moreover,in vitrostudies have shown PCA to have antimicrobial activities and also to exert synergistic interaction with some antibiotics against resistant pathogens. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the pharmacological properties of PCA reported to date with an emphasis on its biological properties and mechanisms of action which could be therapeutically useful in a clinical setting.

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

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 285-292 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Biological activity from indigenous medicinal plants of Mauritius

2005 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Gurib-Fakim ◽  
H. Subratty ◽  
F. Narod ◽  
J. Govinden-Soulange ◽  
F. Mahomoodally
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Plant Extracts ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Pharmacological Properties ◽  
Plant Materials ◽  
In Vivo Screening ◽  
Medicinal Plant Extracts ◽  
Minor Ailments

The Mauritian population has a long tradition in the use of ethno-medicine, and the practice is still strong, especially in the treatment of minor ailments. Such interest stems from an existing culture, and many “tisanes” are still prepared from plant materials and sold in several markets around the island.This paper will focus on the various chemical/biological screening techniques currently being used to evaluate the biological properties of medicinal plant extracts. Particular emphasis will be put on extraction and various screening for biological/pharmacological properties. Due consideration will be given to the pharmacological approaches that utilize different animal models for the in vitro and in vivo screening of medicinal plant extracts.

scholarly journals The therapeutic effects of Agrimonia eupatoria L.

2020 ◽  
pp. S555-S571
Author(s):  
Z Paluch ◽  
L Biriczová ◽  
G Pallag ◽  
E Carvalheiro Marques ◽  
N Vargová ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Wounds ◽  
Molecular Level ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Volatile Oils ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Rosaceae Family

Agrimonia eupatoria L. is an herb of the Rosaceae family, widely used in traditional (folk) medicine for its beneficial effects. Its water extracts (infusions and decoctions) are used in the treatment of airway and urinary system diseases, digestive tract diseases, and chronic wounds. Phytochemical analyses of Agrimonia eupatoria L. identified a variety of bioactive compounds including tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids and volatile oils possessing antioxidant, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial activities. The authors review the available literature sources examining and discussing the therapeutic and pharmacological effects of Agrimonia eupatoria L. at the molecular level in vitro and in vivo.

scholarly journals Antioxidant Effects of Protocatechuic Acid and Protocatechuic Aldehyde: Old Wine in a New Bottle

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Shijun Zhang ◽  
Zhibo Gai ◽  
Ting Gui ◽  
Juanli Chen ◽  
Qingfa Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Protocatechuic Acid ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Antioxidant Property ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Structural Variations ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Protocatechuic Aldehyde

Phenolic compounds are naturally present as secondary metabolites in plant-based sources such as fruits, vegetables, and spices. They have received considerable attention for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties for protection against many chronic disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. They are categorized into various groups based on their chemical structure and include phenolic acids, flavonoids, curcumins, tannins, and quinolones. Their structural variations contribute to their specific beneficial effects on human health. The antioxidant property of phenolic compounds protects against oxidative stress by up-regulation of endogenous antioxidants, scavenging free radicals, and anti-apoptotic activity. Protocatechuic acid (PCA; 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid) and protocatechuic aldehyde (PAL; 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde) are naturally occurring polyphenols found in vegetables, fruits, and herbs. PCA and PAL are the primary metabolites of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, which have been shown to possess pharmacological actions including antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo. This review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of PCA and PAL by comprehensively summarizing their pharmacological properties reported to date, with an emphasis on their mechanisms of action and biological properties.

scholarly journals Beneficial Effects of Organosulfur Compounds from Allium cepa on Gut Health: A Systematic Review

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1680
Author(s):  
Enrique Guillamón ◽  
Pedro Andreo-Martínez ◽  
Nuria Mut-Salud ◽  
Juristo Fonollá ◽  
Alberto Baños
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Allium Cepa ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Organosulfur Compounds ◽  
Gut Health ◽  
Intestinal Health ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Dietary changes affect the composition and structure of gut microbiota (GM) in animals and humans. One of the beneficial effects of consuming products derived from plants is the positive influence on immunity and gastrointestinal health. Species belonging to the genus Allium contain many organosulfur compounds (OSCs) that have been widely studied showing their biological properties and beneficial effects on intestinal health and GM. This is the first systematic review of OSCs from Allium performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and it is based on the evidence that we found in literature about the benefits on the GM and intestinal health demonstrated by OSCs from Allium, and specifically from onion. OSCs from Allium cepa have shown a significant antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, the intake of OSCs from onion was able to modulate the composition of GM, increasing the beneficial bacterial populations in animal models. Moreover, the beneficial effects observed in murine models of colitis suggest that these compounds could be suitable candidates for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or reverse the dysbiosis caused by a high-fat diet (HFD). Despite the evidence found both in vitro and in vivo, we have not found any article that tested OSCs different from allicin in clinical trials or dietary intervention studies in humans. In this sense, it would be interesting to conduct new research that tests the benefits of these compounds in human GM.

scholarly journals Quercetin and Its Nano-Scale Delivery Systems in Prostate Cancer Therapy: Paving the Way for Cancer Elimination and Reversing Chemoresistance

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1602
Author(s):  
Yaseen Hussain ◽  
Sepideh Mirzaei ◽  
Milad Ashrafizadeh ◽  
Ali Zarrabi ◽  
Kiavash Hushmandi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Prostate Gland ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Synthetic Drugs ◽  
Cancer Agent ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Prostate cancer is the second most leading and prevalent malignancy around the world, following lung cancer. Prostate cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate gland. Prostate cancer morbidity and mortality have grown drastically, and intensive prostate cancer care is unlikely to produce adequate outcomes. The synthetic drugs for the treatment of prostate cancer in clinical practice face several challenges. Quercetin is a natural flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables. Apart from its beneficial effects, its plays a key role as an anti-cancer agent. Quercetin has shown anticancer potential, both alone and in combination. Therefore, the current study was designed to collect information from the literature regarding its therapeutic significance in the treatment of prostate cancer. Studies performed both in vitro and in vivo have confirmed that quercetin effectively prevents prostate cancer through different underlying mechanisms. Promising findings have also been achieved in clinical trials regarding the pharmacokinetics and human applications of quercetin. In the meantime, epidemiological studies have shown a negative correlation between the consumption of quercetin and the incidence of prostate cancer, and have indicated a chemopreventive effect of quercetin on prostate cancer in animal models. The major issues associated with quercetin are its low bioavailability and rapid metabolism, and these require priority attention. Chemoresistance is another main negative feature concerning prostate cancer treatment. This review highlights the chemotherapeutic effect, chemo preventive effect, and chemoresistance elimination potential of quercetin in prostate cancer. The underlying mechanisms for elimination of prostate cancer and eradication of resistance, either alone or in combination with other agents, are also discussed. In addition, the nanoscale delivery of quercetin is underpinned along with possible directions for future study.

scholarly journals Citrus Flavones: An Update on Sources, Biological Functions, and Health Promoting Properties

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Barreca ◽  
Giuseppina Mandalari ◽  
Antonella Calderaro ◽  
Antonella Smeriglio ◽  
Domenico Trombetta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Properties ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Modulate Signal ◽  
Citrus Spp

Citrus spp. are among the most widespread plants cultivated worldwide and every year millions of tons of fruit, juices, or processed compounds are produced and consumed, representing one of the main sources of nutrients in human diet. Among these, the flavonoids play a key role in providing a wide range of health beneficial effects. Apigenin, diosmetin, luteolin, acacetin, chrysoeriol, and their respective glycosides, that occur in concentrations up to 60 mg/L, are the most common flavones found in Citrus fruits and juices. The unique characteristics of their basic skeleton and the nature and position of the substituents have attracted and stimulated vigorous investigations as a consequence of an enormous biological potential, that manifests itself as (among other properties) antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. This review analyzes the biochemical, pharmacological, and biological properties of Citrus flavones, emphasizing their occurrence in Citrus spp. fruits and juices, on their bioavailability, and their ability to modulate signal cascades and key metabolic enzymes both in vitro and in vivo. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciFinder were used to investigate recent published articles on Citrus spp. in terms of components and bioactivity potentials.

scholarly journals Osthole: A Review on Its Bioactivities, Pharmacological Properties, and Potential as Alternative Medicine

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhong-Rong Zhang ◽  
Wing Nang Leung ◽  
Ho Yee Cheung ◽  
Chun Wai Chan
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
Cgmp Level ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Studies ◽  
Pharmacological Properties ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

This paper reviews the latest understanding of biological and pharmacological properties of osthole (7-methoxy-8-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one), a natural product found in several medicinal plants such asCnidium monnieriandAngelica pubescens.In vitroandin vivoexperimental results have revealed that osthole demonstrates multiple pharmacological actions including neuroprotective, osteogenic, immunomodulatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular protective, and antimicrobial activities. In addition, pharmacokinetic studies showed osthole uptake and utilization are fast and efficient in body. Moreover, the mechanisms of multiple pharmacological activities of osthole are very likely related to the modulatory effect on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cGMP) level, though some mechanisms remain unclear. This review aims to summarize the pharmacological properties of osthole and give an overview of the underlying mechanisms, which showcase its potential as a multitarget alternative medicine.

scholarly journals Withaferin A: From Ancient Remedy to Potential Drug Candidate

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (24) ◽  
pp. 7696
Author(s):  
Tahira Sultana ◽  
Mohammad K. Okla ◽  
Madiha Ahmed ◽  
Nosheen Akhtar ◽  
Abdulrahman Al-Hashimi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Cancer Chemoprevention ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Withaferin A ◽  
Drug Candidate ◽  
Modern Drug ◽  
Effective Remedy

Withaferin A (WA) is a pivotal withanolide that has conquered a conspicuous place in research, owning to its multidimensional biological properties. It is an abundant constituent in Withania somnifera Dunal. (Ashwagandha, WS) that is one of the prehistoric pivotal remedies in Ayurveda. This article reviews the literature about the pharmacological profile of WA with special emphasis on its anticancer aspect. We reviewed research publications concerning WA through four databases and provided a descriptive analysis of literature without statistical or qualitative analysis. WA has been found as an effective remedy with multifaceted mechanisms and a broad spectrum of pharmacological profiles. It has anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiherpetic, antifibrotic, antiplatelet, profibrinolytic, immunosuppressive, antipigmentation, antileishmanial, and healing potentials. Evidence for wide pharmacological actions of WA has been established by both in vivo and in vitro studies. Further, the scientific literature accentuates the role of WA harboring a variable therapeutic spectrum for integrative cancer chemoprevention and cure. WA is a modern drug from traditional medicine that is necessary to be advanced to clinical trials for advocating its utility as a commercial drug.

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