Strategies to Improve Resveratrol Systemic and Topical Bioavailability: An Update

In recent years, a great deal of attention has been paid to natural compounds due to their many biological effects. Polyphenols are a class of plant derivatives that have been widely investigated for preventing and treating many oxidative stress-related pathological conditions, such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus and inflammation. Among these polyphenols, resveratrol (RSV) has attracted considerable interest owing to its high antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. However, the poor water solubility and rapid metabolism of RSV lead to low bioavailability, thus limiting its clinical efficacy. After discussing the main biochemical mechanisms involved in RSV biological activities, this review will focus on the strategies attempted to improve RSV effectiveness, both for systemic and for topical administration. In particular, technological approaches involving RSV incorporation into different delivery systems such as liposomes, polymeric and lipid nanoparticles, microemulsions and cyclodextrins will be illustrated, highlighting their potential clinical applications. In addition, chemical modifications of this antioxidant aimed at improving its physicochemical properties will be described along with the results of in vitro and in vivo studies.

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Therapeutic potentials of n-hexane extracts of the three medicinal mushrooms regarding their anti-colon cancer, antioxidant, and hypocholesterolemic capabilities

Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity ◽

10.13057/biodiv/d210615 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (6) ◽

Author(s):

Ghoson Daba ◽

Waill Elkhateeb ◽

Asmaa Negm ELDien ◽

Eman Fadl ◽

Ali Elhagrasi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Colon Cancer ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Radical Scavenging ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Cholesterol Concentration ◽

Human Colon Cancer ◽

Medicinal Mushrooms ◽

Hexane Extracts

Abstract. Daba GM, Elkhateeb WA, El-Dien AN, Ahmed EF, El Hagrassi AM Fayad W, Wen TC. 2020. Therapeutic potentials of n-hexane extracts of the three medicinal mushrooms regarding their anti-colon cancer, antioxidant, and hypocholesterolemic capabilities. Biodiversitas 21: 2437-2445. Evaluating in vitro biological activities of the medicinal mushrooms Hericium erinaceus, Metacordyceps neogunnii, and Dictyophora indusiata n-hexane extracts revealed their capabilities as promising therapeutic sources. By assessing their DPPH radical scavenging activities, D. indusiata extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (87.8±1.2%) followed by H. erinaceus, then M. neogunnii 84.9±1.6%, and 77.3±1.3%, respectively. On the other hand, M. neogunnii extract exerted promising anti-colon cancer (68.6±3.6% cytotoxicity) against HCT116 human colon cancer cell lines at concentration 100 μg/mL, whereas H. erinaceus and D. indusiata extracts exhibited weaker cytotoxic effects (18.3±1.7%, and 19.3±3.2%, respectively) using the same concentration. Investigating cholesterol reduction activities (CRA%) of the extracts revealed that activity depends on both extract concentration and incubation period. After 96 h of incubation at room temperature, all extracts exerted potent in vitro hypocholesterolemic activities (100±0% reduction in cholesterol concentration). Performing GC-Ms analyses on the extracts revealed presence of 22 compounds in D. indusiata extract, while 29 compounds were detected in M. neogunnii extract, and 33 in H. erinaceus extract. Most of compounds were esters of fatty acids. Results in this study encourage using these mushrooms as functional foods, and highlight the need for conducting further in vivo studies to support their use in pharmaceutical industry.

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Natural-Based Biomaterial for Skin Wound Healing (Gelatin vs. Collagen): Expert Review

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13142319 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (14) ◽

pp. 2319

Author(s):

Ruth Naomi ◽

Hasnah Bahari ◽

Pauzi Muhd Ridzuan ◽

Fezah Othman

Keyword(s):

Wound Healing ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Biological Effects ◽

Skin Wound ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Skin Wound Healing ◽

Vast Number ◽

Expert Review

Collagen (Col) and gelatin are most extensively used in various fields, particularly in pharmaceuticals and therapeutics. Numerous researchers have proven that they are highly biocompatible to human tissues, exhibit low antigenicity and are easy to degrade. Despite their different sources both Col and gelatin have almost the same effects when it comes to wound healing mechanisms. Considering this, the bioactivity and biological effects of both Col and gelatin have been, and are being, constantly investigated through in vitro and in vivo assays to obtain maximum outcomes in the future. With regard to their proven nutritional values as sources of protein, Col and gelatin products exert various possible biological activities on cells in the extracellular matrix (ECM). In addition, a vast number of novel Col and gelatin applications have been discovered. This review compared Col and gelatin in terms of their structures, sources of derivatives, physicochemical properties, results of in vitro and in vivo studies, their roles in wound healing and the current challenges in wound healing. Thus, this review provides the current insights and the latest discoveries on both Col and gelatin in their wound healing mechanisms.

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Metabolomics of Healthy Berry Fruits

Current Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/0929867323666161206100006 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (37) ◽

pp. 4888-4902 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Gilda D'Urso ◽

Sonia Piacente ◽

Cosimo Pizza ◽

Paola Montoro

Keyword(s):

Biological Activities ◽

Biologically Active ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Bioactive Metabolites ◽

Active Metabolites ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Cell Functions ◽

Berry Fruits

The consumption of berry-type fruits has become very popular in recent years because of their positive effects on human health. Berries are in fact widely known for their health-promoting benefits, including prevention of chronic disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Berries are a rich source of bioactive metabolites, such as vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds, mainly anthocyanins. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies recognized the health effects of berries and their function as bioactive modulators of various cell functions associated with oxidative stress. Plants have one of the largest metabolome databases, with over 1200 papers on plant metabolomics published only in the last decade. Mass spectrometry (MS) and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) are the most important analytical technologies on which the emerging ''omics'' approaches are based. They may provide detection and quantization of thousands of biologically active metabolites from a tissue, working in a ''global'' or ''targeted'' manner, down to ultra-trace levels. In the present review, we highlighted the use of MS and NMR-based strategies and Multivariate Data Analysis for the valorization of berries known for their biological activities, important as food and often used in the preparation of nutraceutical formulations.

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Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plants Belonging to the Cephalaria (Caprifoliaceae) Genus

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants10050952 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 952

Author(s):

Małgorzata Chrząszcz ◽

Barbara Krzemińska ◽

Rafał Celiński ◽

Katarzyna Szewczyk

Keyword(s):

Antioxidant Activity ◽

Lung Diseases ◽

Antioxidative Activity ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Natural Antioxidants ◽

Antioxidant Effect ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Phenolic Composition

The genus Cephalaria, belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family, is a rich source of interesting secondary metabolites, including mainly saponins which display a variety of biological activities, such as immunomodulatory, antimicrobial and hemolytic effects. Besides these compounds, flavonoids and phenolic acids were identified in Cephalaria species. Cephalaria is employed in traditional medicine e.g., to cure cardiac and lung diseases, rheumatism, and regulate menstruation. In this review we focus on the phenolic compound composition and antioxidative activity of Cephalaria species. The antioxidant effect can be explained by flavonoids present in all parts of these plants. However, future efforts should concentrate more on in vitro and in vivo studies and also on clinical trials in order to confirm the possibility of using these plants as natural antioxidants for the pharmacology, food or cosmetic industries.

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Three-Dimensional Zirconia-Based Scaffolds for Load-Bearing Bone-Regeneration Applications: Prospects and Challenges

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14123207 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (12) ◽

pp. 3207

Author(s):

Kumaresan Sakthiabirami ◽

Vaiyapuri Soundharrajan ◽

Jin-Ho Kang ◽

Yunzhi Peter Yang ◽

Sang-Won Park

Keyword(s):

Bone Regeneration ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

High Mechanical Strength ◽

Real World Applications ◽

3D Fabrication ◽

Dental Applications

The design of zirconia-based scaffolds using conventional techniques for bone-regeneration applications has been studied extensively. Similar to dental applications, the use of three-dimensional (3D) zirconia-based ceramics for bone tissue engineering (BTE) has recently attracted considerable attention because of their high mechanical strength and biocompatibility. However, techniques to fabricate zirconia-based scaffolds for bone regeneration are in a stage of infancy. Hence, the biological activities of zirconia-based ceramics for bone-regeneration applications have not been fully investigated, in contrast to the well-established calcium phosphate-based ceramics for bone-regeneration applications. This paper outlines recent research developments and challenges concerning numerous three-dimensional (3D) zirconia-based scaffolds and reviews the associated fundamental fabrication techniques, key 3D fabrication developments and practical encounters to identify the optimal 3D fabrication technique for obtaining 3D zirconia-based scaffolds suitable for real-world applications. This review mainly summarized the articles that focused on in vitro and in vivo studies along with the fundamental mechanical characterizations on the 3D zirconia-based scaffolds.

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Characterization of Weissella viridescens UCO-SMC3 as a Potential Probiotic for the Skin: Its Beneficial Role in the Pathogenesis of Acne Vulgaris

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9071486 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 1486

Author(s):

Marcela Espinoza-Monje ◽

Jorge Campos ◽

Eduardo Alvarez Villamil ◽

Alonso Jerez ◽

Stefania Dentice Maidana ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Oral Treatment ◽

Acne Vulgaris ◽

Topical Administration ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Mice Model ◽

Cutibacterium Acnes ◽

Snail Helix Aspersa

Previously, we isolated lactic acid bacteria from the slime of the garden snail Helix aspersa Müller and selected Weissella viridescens UCO-SMC3 because of its ability to inhibit in vitro the growth of the skin-associated pathogen Cutibacterium acnes. The present study aimed to characterize the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties of W. viridescens UCO-SMC3 and to demonstrate its beneficial effect in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Our in vitro studies showed that the UCO-SMC3 strain resists adverse gastrointestinal conditions, inhibits the growth of clinical isolates of C. acnes, and reduces the adhesion of the pathogen to keratinocytes. Furthermore, in vivo studies in a mice model of C. acnes infection demonstrated that W. viridescens UCO-SMC3 beneficially modulates the immune response against the skin pathogen. Both the oral and topical administration of the UCO-SCM3 strain was capable of reducing the replication of C. acnes in skin lesions and beneficially modulating the inflammatory response. Of note, orally administered W. viridescens UCO-SMC3 induced more remarkable changes in the immune response to C. acnes than the topical treatment. However, the topical administration of W. viridescens UCO-SMC3 was more efficient than the oral treatment to reduce pathogen bacterial loads in the skin, and effects probably related to its ability to inhibit and antagonize the adhesion of C. acnes. Furthermore, a pilot study in acne volunteers demonstrated the capacity of a facial cream containing the UCO-SMC3 strain to reduce acne lesions. The results presented here encourage further mechanistic and clinical investigations to characterize W. viridescens UCO-SMC3 as a probiotic for acne vulgaris treatment.

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The Occurrence and Biological Activity of Tormentic Acid—A Review

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26133797 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (13) ◽

pp. 3797

Author(s):

Marta Olech ◽

Wojciech Ziemichód ◽

Natalia Nowacka-Jechalke

Keyword(s):

Biological Activity ◽

Plant Species ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Natural Sources ◽

Anti Cancer ◽

Biochemical Mechanisms ◽

Tormentic Acid

This review focuses on the natural sources and pharmacological activity of tormentic acid (TA; 2α,3β,19α-trihydroxyurs-2-en-28-oic acid). The current knowledge of its occurrence in various plant species and families is summarized. Biological activity (e.g., anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-osteoarthritic, antinociceptive, antioxidative, anti-melanogenic, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic) confirmed in in vitro and in vivo studies is compiled and described. Biochemical mechanisms affected by TA are indicated. Moreover, issues related to the biotechnological methods of production, effective eluents, and TA derivatives are presented.

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Nanostructured Ethosomal Gel Loaded with Arctostaphylos uva-ursi extract; In-vitro/In-vivo Evaluation as a Cosmeceutical Product

Current Drug Delivery ◽

10.2174/1567201818666210729111026 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 ◽

Author(s):

Nayla Javed ◽

Shakeel Ijaz ◽

Naveed Akhtar ◽

Haji Muhammad Shoaib Khan

Keyword(s):

Zeta Potential ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Skin Permeation ◽

Radical Scavenging ◽

Reducing Power ◽

Potential Candidate ◽

Skin Rejuvenation ◽

In Vivo Evaluation

Background: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (AUU) being rich in polyphenols and arbutin is known to have promising biological activities and can be a potential candidate as a cosmaceutical. Ethosomes encourage the formation of lamellar-shaped vesicles with improved solubility and entrapment of many drugs including plant extracts. Objective: The objective of this work was to develop an optimized nanostructured ethosomal gel formulation loaded with AUU extract and evaluated for skin rejuvenation and depigmentation. Methods: AUU extract was tested for phenolic and flavonoid content, radical scavenging potential, reducing power activity, and in-vitro SPF (sun protection factor) estimation. AUU loaded 12 formulations were prepared and characterized by SEM (scanning electron microscopy), vesicular size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency (%EE). The optimized formulation was subjected to non-invasive in-vivo investigations after incorporating it into the gel system and ensuring its stability and skin permeation. Results: Ethosomal vesicles were spherical in shape and Zeta size, zeta potential, PDI (polydispersity index), % EE and in-vitro skin permeation of optimized formulation (F3) were found to be 114.7nm, -18.9mV, 0.492, 97.51±0.023%, and 79.88±0.013% respectively. AUU loaded ethosomal gel formulation was stable physicochemically and exhibited non-Newtonian behavior rheologically. Moreover, it significantly reduced skin erythema, melanin as well as sebum level and improved skin hydration and elasticity. Conclusion: A stable AUU based ethosomal gel formulation could be a better vehicle for phytoextracts than conventional formulations for cosmeceutical applications such as for skin rejuvenation and depigmentation etc.

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Determination of in Vivo Biological Activities of Dodonaea Viscosa Flowers Against CCL4 Toxicity in Albino Mice With Bioactive Compound Detection

10.21203/rs.3.rs-275991/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hina Gul ◽

Muhammad Awais ◽

Salina Saddick ◽

Falak Sher Khan ◽

Muhammad Gulfraz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Protective Effect ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Hematological Parameters ◽

Octadecenoic Acid ◽

Radical Scavenging ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Bioactive Compound ◽

Dodonaea Viscosa

Abstract Dodonaea viscosa L. Jacq. is an evergreen shrub and native to Asia, Africa and Australia. It has been used as traditional medicine in different countries. The foremost objective of the current study was to discover protective potential of D. Viscosa flowers Methanol (DVM) and Chloroform (DVC) extracts against CCL4 induced toxicity in mice. This study was intended to identify phytochemicals through HPLC, GCMS and FT-IR as well as in vitro antioxidant and in vitro antituberculosis activity. Our comprehensive findings indicate that Dodonaea viscosa is valuable and widespread herbal medicines through therapeutic potentials for curing various ailments. Dodonaea viscosa flowers are found to have protective effect against oxidative stress produced by CCL4 in liver, kidney and spleen. The level of hepatic enzymes (ALP, AST ALT and Direct bilirubin), hematological parameters (RBCs, WBCs and Platelets), total protein and liver antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx and CAT) were restored by the intake of DV extracts after decline in levels by CCL4. Histopathological results discovered the defensive effect of 300mg/kg of DVM extract against CCL4 induced damage, thus having improved protective effect as compared to DVC and control. As a result of analysis total flavonoids and total phenolics were also revealed. Phytochemical investigation by HPLC identified gallic acid, epicatechin, cumeric acid, flavonoids while Oleic acid (Octadecenoic acid) (C18H34O2), Stearic acid (C18H36O2), Ricinoleic acid (C18H34O3) and Cedrol (C15H26O) was estimated by GCMS. DVM extract exhibited resistance against in vitro Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. This study proposed that protective effect of DV against oxidative damage induced in Liver, Kidney and Spleen can possibly be correlated to their antioxidant as well as free radical scavenging property.

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Contribution to the biological interest of Valeriana officinalis: an update

Mediterranean Botany ◽

10.5209/mbot.70280 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 ◽

pp. e67649

Author(s):

Marta Sánchez ◽

Elena González-Burgos ◽

Irene Iglesias ◽

M. Pilar Gómez-Serranillos Cuadrado

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Nervous System ◽

Biological Activities ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Neuroprotective Activity ◽

Future Research ◽

Valeriana Officinalis ◽

Valerenic Acid

Valeriana officinalis L. (Caprifoliaceae family) has been traditionally used to treat mild nervous tension and sleep problems. The basis of these activities are mainly attributed to valerenic acid through the modulation of the GABA receptor. Moreover, V. officinalis is claimed to have other biological activities such as cardiovascular benefits, anticancer, antimicrobial and spasmolytic. The current review aims to update the biological and pharmacological studies (in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials) of V. officinalis and its major secondary metabolites in order to guide future research. Databases PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus were used for literature search including original papers written in English and published between 2014 and 2020. There have been identified 33 articles which met inclusion criteria. Most of these works were performed with V. officinalis extracts and only a few papers (in vitro and in vivo studies) evaluated the activity of isolated compounds (valerenic acid and volvalerenal acid K). In vitro studies focused on studying antioxidant and neuroprotective activity. In vivo studies and clinical trials mainly investigated activities on the nervous system (anticonvulsant activity, antidepressant, cognitive problems, anxiety and sleep disorders). Just few studies were focused on other different activities, highlight effects on symptoms of premenstrual and postmenopausal syndromes. Valeriana officinalis continues to be one of the medicinal plants most used by today's society for its therapeutic properties and whose biological and pharmacological activities continue to arouse great scientific interest as evidenced in recent publications. This review shows scientific evidence on traditional uses of V. officinalis on nervous system.

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