scholarly journals Medicinal Plants in the Records of Latvian Folk Medicine and Analysis of Their Practical Applications. Summary of the Doctoral Thesis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Inga Sīle ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
European Medicines Agency ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Medicinal plant knowledge in Europe is rooted in a long history of health traditions. Numerous ethnobotanical studies across Europe have addressed the increasing importance of the traditional use of medicinal plants. Latvia is a country with old folk medicine traditions and an extensive folk knowledge archive. The aim of this thesis was to collect and analyse knowledge about the use of the medicinal plants found in the records of Latvian folk medicine and to search for new ideas regarding the practical applications of these plants. This thesis reveals, for the first time to the international scientific community, the important ethnobotanical information contained in the records of Latvian folk medicine that had not yet been translated into English and are therefore less visible to researchers from all over the world. This thesis provides a list of the used plant species and plant parts, the dosage forms of herbal medicines, the routes of administration, and the disorders treated with medicinal plants mentioned in the records of Latvian folk medicine and used by indigenous people of Latvia in the end of 19th and the beginning of 20th centuries. In total, the thesis includes information on 211 plant taxa, most of which were utilized for the treatment of digestive and respiratory system disorders. To understand whether the information mentioned in the folklore material is relevant today, it was compared with evidence-based information regarding the uses of the listed plant, including official herbal monographs. During this study, it was concluded that only 59 plant taxa mentioned in the studied records of Latvian folk medicine are included in the official monographs of the European Medicines Agency, and most of the plant indications mentioned in the records have not been described in evidence-based monographs. After the systematic analysis of folklore materials, additional information on the molecular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory activities of Pelargonium sidoides DC. and Prunus padus L. were investigated to confirm their traditional use for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. The obtained results provide evidence that both plant extracts exhibit pronounced in vitro and ex vivo anti-inflammatory activities, supporting their use in Latvian ethnomedicine as effective anti-inflammatory agents. The obtained results are important as they provide ideas for further research related to possibilities regarding the use of plants growing in the territory of Latvia and allow new perspectives to be gained for both national and international ethnobotanical research.

scholarly journals Medicinal Plants in the Records of Latvian Folk Medicine and Analysis of Their Practical Applications. Doctoral Thesis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Inga Sīle ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
European Medicines Agency ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Medicinal plant knowledge in Europe is rooted in a long history of health traditions. Numerous ethnobotanical studies across Europe have addressed the increasing importance of the traditional use of medicinal plants. Latvia is a country with old folk medicine traditions and an extensive folk knowledge archive. The aim of this thesis was to collect and analyse knowledge about the use of the medicinal plants found in the records of Latvian folk medicine and to search for new ideas regarding the practical applications of these plants. This thesis reveals, for the first time to the international scientific community, the important ethnobotanical information contained in the records of Latvian folk medicine that had not yet been translated into English and are therefore less visible to researchers from all over the world. This thesis provides a list of the used plant species and plant parts, the dosage forms of herbal medicines, the routes of administration, and the disorders treated with medicinal plants mentioned in the records of Latvian folk medicine and used by indigenous people of Latvia in the end of 19th and the beginning of 20th centuries. In total, the thesis includes information on 211 plant taxa, most of which were utilized for the treatment of digestive and respiratory system disorders. To understand whether the information mentioned in the folklore material is relevant today, it was compared with evidence-based information regarding the uses of the listed plant, including official herbal monographs. During this study, it was concluded that only 59 plant taxa mentioned in the studied records of Latvian folk medicine are included in the official monographs of the European Medicines Agency, and most of the plant indications mentioned in the records have not been described in evidence-based monographs. After the systematic analysis of folklore materials, additional information on the molecular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory activities of Pelargonium sidoides DC. and Prunus padus L. were investigated to confirm their traditional use for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. The obtained results provide evidence that both plant extracts exhibit pronounced in vitro and ex vivo anti-inflammatory activities, supporting their use in Latvian ethnomedicine as effective anti-inflammatory agents. The obtained results are important as they provide ideas for further research related to possibilities regarding the use of plants growing in the territory of Latvia and allow new perspectives to be gained for both national and international ethnobotanical research.

scholarly journals Suppression of LPS-Induced Inflammation by Chalcone Flavokawain A through Activation of Nrf2/ARE-Mediated Antioxidant Genes and Inhibition of ROS/NFκB Signaling Pathways in Primary Splenocytes

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsin-Ling Yang ◽  
Ting-Yu Yang ◽  
Yugandhar Vudhya Gowrisankar ◽  
Chun-Huei Liao ◽  
Jiunn-Wang Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Proinflammatory Cytokine ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Root Extract ◽  
Piper Methysticum ◽  
Serum Lipase ◽  
Antioxidant Genes ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Oxidative stress is an important contributing factor for inflammation. Piper methysticum, also known as Kava-kava, is a shrub whose root extract has been consumed as a drink by the pacific islanders for a long time. Flavokawain A (FKA) is a novel chalcone derived from the kava plant that is known to have medicinal properties. This study was aimed at demonstrating the antioxidant molecular mechanisms mediated by FKA on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced inflammation in BALB/c mouse-derived primary splenocytes. In vitro data show that the nontoxic concentrations of FKA (2-30 μM) significantly suppressed the proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) release but induced the secretion of interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine. It was also shown that FKA pretreatment significantly downregulated the LPS-induced ROS production and blocked the activation of the NFκB (p65) pathway leading to the significant suppression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-1β protein expressions. Notably, FKA favored the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 leading to the downstream expression of antioxidant proteins HO-1, NQO-1, and γ-GCLC via the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway signifying the FKA’s potent antioxidant mechanism in these cells. Supporting the in vitro data, the ex vivo data obtained from primary splenocytes derived from the FKA-preadministered BALB/c mice (orally) show that FKA significantly suppressed the proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) secretion in control-, LPS-, or Concanavalin A- (Con A-) stimulated cells. A significant decrease in the ratios of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6/IL-10; TNF-α/IL-10) showed that FKA possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, BALB/c mice induced with experimental pancreatitis using cholecystokinin- (CCK-) 8 showed decreased serum lipase levels due to FKA pretreatment. We conclude that with its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, chalcone flavokawain A could be a novel therapeutic agent in the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases.

scholarly journals In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Potential of Thymus Sipyleus Boiss. Subsp. Rosulans (Borbas) Jalas

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (18) ◽  
pp. 3353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oya Ustuner ◽  
Ceren Anlas ◽  
Tulay Bakirel ◽  
Fulya Ustun-Alkan ◽  
Belgi Diren Sigirci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Fibroblast Migration ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Treatment Of Wounds

Thymus sipyleus Boiss. subsp. rosulans (Borbas) Jalas (TS) is a commonly used plant in the treatment of various complaints, including skin wounds in Turkish folk medicine. Despite the widespread traditional use of TS, there is not any scientific report confirming the effectiveness of this plant on the healing process. This research aimed to investigate the effects of different extracts obtained from TS on biological events during wound healing, on a cellular basis. In this context, proliferative activities of the extracts, as well as the effects on wound closure and hydroxyproline synthesis, were determined. In addition to wound healing properties, the antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were evaluated. Decoction (D) and infusion (I) extracts contained the highest amount of phenolic content and showed the most potent activity against DPPH radical. All extracts exhibited complete protection against the damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by increasing cell viability compared to only H2O2-treated groups, both in co-treatment and pre-treatment protocols. None of the extracts exhibited cytotoxic activity, and most of the extracts from the TS stimulated fibroblast proliferation and migration. All TS extracts exert anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the overproduction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO). The most pronounced activity on hydroxyproline synthesis was observed in D extract. In summary, it was observed that TS extracts can promote the healing process by enhancing fibroblast migration, proliferation and collagen synthesis as well as suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines. The obtained data in this work support the traditional use of TS as a valuable plant-based compound for the treatment of wounds.

scholarly journals Antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory acyl glucosyl flavones from the leaves of Bursera copallifera

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
María Crystal Columba-Palomares ◽  
María Luisa Villarreal ◽  
Silvia Marquina ◽  
Antonio Romero-Estrada ◽  
Verónica Rodríguez-López ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Cancer ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Cancer Cell Line ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Ic50 Value ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Phytochemical Components ◽  
Cox 1 ◽  
Mcf 7

Bursera copallifera(DC) Bullock (Burseraceae) is a plant species used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation (bronchitis, cough). The dichloromethane-methanol extract (DML) of B. copallifera leaves was found to possess important antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory activities. In order to further correlate these activities with the phytochemical components, the bioactivity-guided fractionation of the DML extract allowed the isolation of an active fraction which was constituted of five compounds characterized as as luteolin-3'-O-(3''-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1), luteolin-3'-O-(2''-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), a-amyrin (3), 3-epilupeol (4) and stigmasterol (5). Among the five isolated constituents, the triterpenes 3 and 4, and the sterol 5 have been already well known by their anti-inflammatory properties. Flavone 2 (Luteolin-3'-O-(2''-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside)was responsible for the antiproliferative activity, showing in vitro cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 human cancer cell line with IC50 value of 13.9 µM. By the other hand flavone (1) exhibited COX-1 inhibition (IC50 = 93 mM). Flavone 1, together with the triterpenes 3 and 4 were the responsible for inhibiting TPA-induced inflammation by inhibit COX-1 enzyme. Therefore, these results support the traditional use of the infusion made with the leaves of B. copallifera as an anti-inflammatory agent.

scholarly journals Anti-Inflammatory Potential Evaluation (In-Vitro and In-Vivo) of Arthrophytum scoparium Aerial Part

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 213-218
Author(s):  
Sabrina Manel Kaddour ◽  
Lekhmici Arrar ◽  
Abderrahmane Baghiani
Keyword(s):  
Protein Denaturation ◽  
Radical Scavenging Activity ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Radical Scavenging ◽  
Inflammatory Activity ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Rat Paw Edema ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Arthrophytum scoparium is plant commonly used in folk medicine in Algeria to treat numerous human diseases especially infectious, Rheumatism, diabetes and cancer. However, its anti-inflammatory activity and the underlying mechanisms have not been studied systematically. The present study aims to assess both the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory potential and antioxidant activity of the plant. Results showed that A. scoparium chloroform extract (ChE) contains the largest amount of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. In-vitro bioassay consisted of investigating the effect of the plant extracts against protein denaturation (BSA and egg albumin). In-vivo anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring the percentage inhibition of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema after oral administration of the extracts. Results showed that inhibition of protein denaturation was maximum in case of A. scoparium crude extract (CrE) with dose dependant manner. Similarly in the in-vivo study, carrageenan induced inflammation was significantly antagonized by CrE with inhibition of 87.02% at 400 mg/kg. CrE extracts showed the highest scavenger effect against hydroxyl and hydrogen peroxide. The CrE showed potent anti-inflammatory activity in both the conditions in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion different A. scoparium extracts scavenged reactive oxygen species efficiently; it may be due to the presence of its flavonoids and polyphenols. These results support the traditional use of this plant. Keywords: Arthrophytum scoparium, polyphenols, anti-inflammatory activity, radical scavenging activity.

Natural products from the traditional Moroccan pharmacopoeia: A potential lead for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1278-1285
Author(s):  
Mohamed Yafout ◽  
Amine Ousaid ◽  
Ibrahim Sbai El Otmani ◽  
Youssef Khayati ◽  
Amal Ait Haj Said
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Plant Extracts ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
World Health ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Promising Source

The new SARS-CoV-2 belonging to the coronaviruses family has caused a pandemic affecting millions of people around the world. This pandemic has been declared by the World Health Organization as an international public health emergency. Although several clinical trials involving a large number of drugs are currently underway, no treatment protocol for COVID-19 has been officially approved so far. Here we demonstrate through a search in the scientific literature that the traditional Moroccan pharmacopoeia, which includes more than 500 medicinal plants, is a fascinating and promising source for the research of natural molecules active against SARS-CoV-2. Multiple in-silico and in-vitro studies showed that some of the medicinal plants used by Moroccans for centuries possess inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2. These inhibitory activities are achieved through the different molecular mechanisms of virus penetration and replication, or indirectly through stimulation of immunity. Thus, the potential of plants, plant extracts and molecules derived from plants that are traditionally used in Morocco and have activity against SARS-CoV-2, could be explored in the search for a preventive or curative treatment against COVID-19. Furthermore, safe plants or plant extracts that are proven to stimulate immunity could be officially recommended by governments as nutritional supplements.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Novel Standardized Platelet Rich Plasma Releasates on Knee Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes and Cartilage in vitro

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 920-933 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucía Gato-Calvo ◽  
Tamara Hermida-Gómez ◽  
Cristina R. Romero ◽  
Elena F. Burguera ◽  
Francisco J. Blanco
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Cartilage Explants ◽  
Ex Vivo Model ◽  
Chondrocyte Viability ◽  
Platelet Concentration ◽  
The Absolute ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Background: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has recently emerged as a potential treatment for osteoarthritis (OA), but composition heterogeneity hampers comparison among studies, with the result that definite conclusions on its efficacy have not been reached. Objective: 1) To develop a novel methodology to prepare a series of standardized PRP releasates (PRP-Rs) with known absolute platelet concentrations, and 2) To evaluate the influence of this standardization parameter on the anti-inflammatory properties of these PRP-Rs in an in vitro and an ex vivo model of OA. Methods: A series of PRPs was prepared using the absolute platelet concentration as the standardization parameter. Doses of platelets ranged from 0% (platelet poor plasma, PPP) to 1.5·105 platelets/µl. PRPs were then activated with CaCl2 to obtain releasates (PRP-R). Chondrocytes were stimulated with 10% of each PRP-R in serum-free culture medium for 72 h to assess proliferation and viability. Cells were co-stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1β (5 ng/ml) and 10% of each PRP-R for 48 h to determine the effects on gene expression, secretion and intra-cellular content of common markers associated with inflammation, catabolism and oxidative stress in OA. OA cartilage explants were co-stimulated with IL-1β (5 ng/ml) and 10% of either PRP-R with 0.75·105 platelets/µl or PRP-R with 1.5·105 platelets/µl for 21 days to assess matrix inflammatory degradation. Results: Chondrocyte viability was not affected, and proliferation was dose-dependently increased. The gene expression of all pro-inflammatory mediators was significantly and dose-independently reduced, except for that of IL-1β and IL-8. Immunoblotting corroborated this effect for inducible NO synthase (NOS2). Secreted matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) was reduced to almost basal levels by the PRP-R from PPP. Increasing platelet dosage led to progressive loss to this anti-catabolic ability. Safranin O and toluidine blue stains supported the beneficial effect of low platelet dosage on cartilage matrix preservation. Conclusion: We have developed a methodology to prepare PRP releasates using the absolute platelet concentration as the standardization parameter. Using this approach, the composition of the resulting PRP derived product is independent of the donor initial basal platelet count, thereby allowing the evaluation of its effects objectively and reproducibly. In our OA models, PRP-Rs showed antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-catabolic properties. Platelet enrichment could favor chondrocyte proliferation but is not necessary for the above effects and could even be counter-productive.

scholarly journals Cell–cell coupling and DNA methylation abnormal phenotypes in the after-hours mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Tinarelli ◽  
Elena Ivanova ◽  
Ilaria Colombi ◽  
Erica Barini ◽  
Edoardo Balzani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Neuronal Networks ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Neuronal Cultures ◽  
Functional Impairments ◽  
After Hours ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background DNA methylation has emerged as an important epigenetic regulator of brain processes, including circadian rhythms. However, how DNA methylation intervenes between environmental signals, such as light entrainment, and the transcriptional and translational molecular mechanisms of the cellular clock is currently unknown. Here, we studied the after-hours mice, which have a point mutation in the Fbxl3 gene and a lengthened circadian period. Methods In this study, we used a combination of in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro approaches. We measured retinal responses in Afh animals and we have run reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS), pyrosequencing and gene expression analysis in a variety of brain tissues ex vivo. In vitro, we used primary neuronal cultures combined to micro electrode array (MEA) technology and gene expression. Results We observed functional impairments in mutant neuronal networks, and a reduction in the retinal responses to light-dependent stimuli. We detected abnormalities in the expression of photoreceptive melanopsin (OPN4). Furthermore, we identified alterations in the DNA methylation pathways throughout the retinohypothalamic tract terminals and links between the transcription factor Rev-Erbα and Fbxl3. Conclusions The results of this study, primarily represent a contribution towards an understanding of electrophysiological and molecular phenotypic responses to external stimuli in the Afh model. Moreover, as DNA methylation has recently emerged as a new regulator of neuronal networks with important consequences for circadian behaviour, we discuss the impact of the Afh mutation on the epigenetic landscape of circadian biology.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Posidonia oceanica Extract against Inflammatory Pain: In Vivo Studies in Mice

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 48
Author(s):  
Laura Micheli ◽  
Marzia Vasarri ◽  
Emanuela Barletta ◽  
Elena Lucarini ◽  
Carla Ghelardini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Pain ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Posidonia Oceanica ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Myeloperoxidase Activity ◽  
Intraplantar Injection ◽  
Hot Plate Test ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile is traditionally used for its beneficial properties. Recently, promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biological properties emerged through studying the in vitro activity of the ethanolic leaves extract (POE). The present study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic role of POE in mice. Inflammatory pain was modeled in CD-1 mice by the intraplantar injection of carrageenan, interleukin IL-1β and formalin. Pain threshold was measured by von Frey and paw pressure tests. Nociceptive pain was studied by the hot-plate test. POE (10–100 mg kg−1) was administered per os. The paw soft tissue of carrageenan-treated animals was analyzed to measure anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. POE exerted a dose-dependent, acute anti-inflammatory effect able to counteract carrageenan-induced pain and paw oedema. Similar anti-hyperalgesic and anti-allodynic results were obtained when inflammation was induced by IL-1β. In the formalin test, the pre-treatment with POE significantly reduced the nocifensive behavior. Moreover, POE was able to evoke an analgesic effect in naïve animals. Ex vivo, POE reduced the myeloperoxidase activity as well as TNF-α and IL-1β levels; further antioxidant properties were highlighted as a reduction in NO concentration. POE is the candidate for a new valid strategy against inflammation and pain.

scholarly journals Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Calyces from Physalis peruviana

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1400901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reina M. Toro ◽  
Diana M. Aragón ◽  
Luis F. Ospina ◽  
Freddy A. Ramos ◽  
Leonardo Castellanos
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activities ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Ethanolic Extract ◽  
Inflammatory Activity ◽  
Phytochemical Analysis ◽  
Physalis Peruviana ◽  
Edema Model ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Bio Assay

Physalis peruviana calyces are used extensively in folk medicine. The crude ethanolic extract and some fractions of calyces were evaluated in order to explore antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the TPA-induced ear edema model. The antioxidant in vitro activity was measured by means of the superoxide and nitric oxide scavenging activity of the extracts and fractions. The butanolic fraction was found to be promising due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Therefore, a bio-assay guided approach was employed to isolate and identify rutin (1) and nicotoflorin (2) from their NMR spectroscopic and MS data. The identification of rutin in calyces of P. peruviana supports the possible use of this waste material for phytotherapeutic, nutraceutical and cosmetic preparations.

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