Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone: A Natural Blessing for Periodontal Therapy

Thymoquinone (TQ), the chief active constituent of Nigella sativa (NS), shows very valuable biomedical properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, antiparasitic and anti-asthmatic effects. Several studies have examined the pharmacological actions of TQ in the treatment of oral diseases but its potential role in periodontal therapy and regeneration is not yet fully defined. The present investigation has been designed to review the scientific studies about the effects of TQ as an adjunct to periodontal treatment to promote healing and periodontal regeneration. Along with clinical experiments, in vitro studies exhibit the beneficial effects of TQ during periodontal therapy. Nevertheless, additional comprehensive clinical and preclinical studies at cellular and molecular levels are essential to examine the particular action mechanisms of Nigella sativa and its elements, particularly TQ, during periodontal treatment or regeneration.

Download Full-text

Salvadora persica: Nature’s Gift for Periodontal Health

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10050712 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 712

Author(s):

Mohamed Mekhemar ◽

Mathias Geib ◽

Manoj Kumar ◽

Radha ◽

Yasmine Hassan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Periodontal Therapy ◽

Periodontal Treatment ◽

Oral Disease ◽

Salvadora Persica ◽

Periodontal Health ◽

Clinical Investigations ◽

Therapeutic Mechanisms ◽

Pharmacologic Actions

Salvadora persica (SP) extract, displays very valuable biotherapeutic capacities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory effects. Numerous investigations have studied the pharmacologic actions of SP in oral disease therapies but its promising outcomes in periodontal health and treatment are not yet entirely described. The current study has been planned to analyze the reported effects of SP as a support to periodontal therapy to indorse regeneration and healing. In consort with clinical trials, in vitro investigations show the advantageous outcomes of SP adjunctive to periodontal treatment. Yet, comprehensive supplementary preclinical and clinical investigations at molecular and cellular levels are indispensable to reveal the exact therapeutic mechanisms of SP and its elements for periodontal health and therapy.

Download Full-text

Contribution of Statins towards Periodontal Treatment: A Review

Mediators of Inflammation ◽

10.1155/2019/6367402 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-33 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Catherine Petit ◽

Fareeha Batool ◽

Isaac Maximiliano Bugueno ◽

Pascale Schwinté ◽

Nadia Benkirane-Jessel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Host Response ◽

Periodontal Therapy ◽

Periodontal Treatment ◽

Bacterial Clearance ◽

Systemic Delivery ◽

Periodontal Inflammation ◽

Immune Mediated ◽

Periodontal Healing

The pleiotropic effects of statins have been evaluated to assess their potential benefit in the treatment of various inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases including periodontitis. Herein, the adjunctive use of statins in periodontal therapy in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials was reviewed. Statins act through several pathways to modulate inflammation, immune response, bone metabolism, and bacterial clearance. They control periodontal inflammation through inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and promotion of anti-inflammatory and/or proresolution molecule release, mainly, through the ERK, MAPK, PI3-Akt, and NF-κB pathways. Moreover, they are able to modulate the host response activated by bacterial challenge, to prevent inflammation-mediated bone resorption and to promote bone formation. Furthermore, they reduce bacterial growth, disrupt bacterial membrane stability, and increase bacterial clearance, thus averting the exacerbation of infection. Local statin delivery as adjunct to both nonsurgical and surgical periodontal therapies results in better periodontal treatment outcomes compared to systemic delivery. Moreover, combination of statin therapy with other regenerative agents improves periodontal healing response. Therefore, statins could be proposed as a potential adjuvant to periodontal therapy. However, optimization of the combination of their dose, type, and carrier could be instrumental in achieving the best treatment response.

Download Full-text

Propolis, Bee Honey, and Their Components Protect against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Review of In Silico, In Vitro, and Clinical Studies

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26051232 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (5) ◽

pp. 1232

Author(s):

Amira Mohammed Ali ◽

Hiroshi Kunugi

Keyword(s):

Antioxidant Activities ◽

Nigella Sativa ◽

Antiviral Treatment ◽

Antiviral Drug ◽

Ethanolic Extract ◽

Host Cells ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Natural Agents ◽

Brazilian Propolis

Despite the virulence and high fatality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), no specific antiviral treatment exists until the current moment. Natural agents with immune-promoting potentials such as bee products are being explored as possible treatments. Bee honey and propolis are rich in bioactive compounds that express strong antimicrobial, bactericidal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activities. This review examined the literature for the anti-COVID-19 effects of bee honey and propolis, with the aim of optimizing the use of these handy products as prophylactic or adjuvant treatments for people infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Molecular simulations show that flavonoids in propolis and honey (e.g., rutin, naringin, caffeic acid phenyl ester, luteolin, and artepillin C) may inhibit viral spike fusion in host cells, viral-host interactions that trigger the cytokine storm, and viral replication. Similar to the potent antiviral drug remdesivir, rutin, propolis ethanolic extract, and propolis liposomes inhibited non-structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, and these compounds along with naringin inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection in Vero E6 cells. Propolis extracts delivered by nanocarriers exhibit better antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 than ethanolic extracts. In line, hospitalized COVID-19 patients receiving green Brazilian propolis or a combination of honey and Nigella sativa exhibited earlier viral clearance, symptom recovery, discharge from the hospital as well as less mortality than counterparts receiving standard care alone. Thus, the use of bee products as an adjuvant treatment for COVID-19 may produce beneficial effects. Implications for treatment outcomes and issues to be considered in future studies are discussed.

Download Full-text

STUDY OF ENHANCED ANTI-INFLAMMATORY POTENTIAL OF NIGELLA SATIVA IN TOPICAL NANOFORMULATION

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽

10.22159/ijpps.2018v10i7.22966 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 41 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Faisal Obaid Alotaibi ◽

Gulam Mustafa ◽

Alka Ahuja

Keyword(s):

Zeta Potential ◽

Size Distribution ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Nigella Sativa ◽

In Vitro Release ◽

Spherical Shape ◽

Active Constituent ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Objective: Formulate a nanocarrier for enhancing the anti-inflammatory activity of thymoquinone (Tq), a major active constituent of Nigella sativa.Methods: Nanoformulation of Tq was developed by low energy emulsification techniques. NanoTqs were pre-screened by different thermodynamic stability tests, followed by in vitro release, zeta potential, viscosity, the transmittance (%), globule size distribution and ex vivo studies. The morphology of the optimized NanoTq was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) which revealed fairly spherical shape and good correlation with particle size distribution study. The formulation used for assessment of the anti-inflammatory potential and permeability enhancement contained mixture of essential oil of Nigella sativa: Capryol 90 (3:7, 10%, v/v), Tween 80 (21.75%, v/v), PEG 400 (7.25%, v/v) and double distilled water (61%, v/v).Results: The in vitro permeation of Tq from optimized formulations was found extremely significant (p<0.001) in comparison to apiTq. The steady state flux (Jss), the permeability coefficient (Kp) and enhancement ratio (Er) of NanoTq gel was determined and compared with apiTq. The comparative anti-inflammatory effects of the optimized formulations NanoTq, apiTq and DicloGel was assessed on the edema in the carrageenan-induced paw model in Wistar rats. Therapeutic potential of NanoTq was found statistically extremely significant (P<0.0001) compared to apiTq and insignificant comparable with standard DicloGel. Storage stability of NanoTq showed insignificant changes in the zeta potential, droplet size and was free from any physical instability.Conclusion: The optimized nano formulation with a lower dose of Tq showed better anti-inflammatory effects, indicating greater absorption capability through the stratum corneum.

Download Full-text

A Systematic Review of the Potential Effects of Nigella sativa on Rheumatoid Arthritis

Planta Medica ◽

10.1055/a-1143-8521 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 86 (07) ◽

pp. 457-469

Author(s):

Alireza Khabbazi ◽

Zeinab Javadivala ◽

Neda Seyedsadjadi ◽

Aida Malek Mahdavi

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Nigella Sativa ◽

Mechanisms Of Action ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Publication Date ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Isi Web Of Science ◽

Oxidative Biomarkers

AbstractConsidering the different untoward effects of the drugs prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), there has been an increasing interest in adjuvant therapies devoid of such unfavorable reactions. Although the beneficial effects of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) on RA have been established, it seems that its mechanisms of action have not still been reviewed. The present review is designed to evaluate the effects of N. sativa on RA systematically. We searched these electronic databases until April 2019: PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid, ProQuest, and Google scholar. No restriction was conducted based on language or publication date. We selected all of the related clinical, animal, and in vitro studies. Review papers, abstracts in conferences, book chapters, and papers regarding the effects of N. sativa combined with other herbs, as well as articles regarding the effects of N. sativa on other diseases, were excluded. Each article was assessed critically for the possible risk of bias. Nineteen articles were reviewed. Animal and in vitro investigations supported the favorable effects of N. sativa on clinical, inflammatory, oxidative, and immunologic parameters on RA, whereas results of limited clinical studies did not illustrate any change or improvement of inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in RA. N. sativa could control RA via multiple ways such as decreasing inflammation, inhibiting oxidative stress, and modulating the immune system. This paper provides persuasive clues to defend the efficacy of N. sativa in RA and justifies the significance of subsequent clinical trials.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of Prophylactic and Anticoccidial Effects of Black Seed and Garlic Extracts in Rabbits

World s Veterinary Journal ◽

10.54203/scil.2021.wvj18 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 124-137

Author(s):

Huda Mohammed Mohammed Kuraa ◽

Basem Refat Nageib ◽

Abeer Hashem Mostafa El-Hendy ◽

Ahmed Abdel-Fattah Ahmed Hassanin

Keyword(s):

Histopathological Examination ◽

Nigella Sativa ◽

Seed Extract ◽

Feed Additive ◽

Economic Losses ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Black Seed ◽

Significant Efficacy

The present study was carried out to discover the protective and curative effects of alcoholic extracts of garlic (Allium sativum) and black seeds (Nigella sativa) in rabbits experimentally infected by Eimeria magna using in vivo, in vitro, and histopathological examination. Overall oocysts number per gram was significantly lower in the garlic treatment and pretreatment groups, compared to the control positive, sulfadimidine treatment, and black seed treatment groups. At the end of the experiment, the oocyst disappeared in garlic pretreatment, garlic treatment, and black seed pretreatment groups. While oocyst counts of control positive and sulfadimidine groups were increasing oocysts similarly at the end of the experiment with repeated cycles. In vitro sporulation inhibition of garlic extract showed significant efficacy on E. magna oocysts in comparison with black seed extract and high significant efficacy of sporulation inhibition, compared to sulfadimidine. While black seed extract showed high significant efficacy of sporulation inhibition, compared to sulfadimidine. Body weight gain increased in control negative, garlic pretreatment, and garlic treatment groups in comparison with other groups. The results showed that there were no significant differences in erythrocytes counts in all experimental groups while leukocyte counts showed a significant decrease in control positive and sulfadimidine groups, compared to the other groups. Similarly, the histopathological examinations on days 14 and 28 post-infection revealed pathological changes in intestinal villi of the control positive group that appeared thickened and deformed with hypertrophied enterocytes containing numerous developmental stages of E. magna. Both garlic and black seed extract had beneficial effects on improving the lesions grossly and microscopically. The results obtained in the present study proved that garlic pretreatment had a better effect on a prophylaxis and treatment for coccidiosis than garlic treatment and both had more beneficial effects, compared to black seed extract. Therefore, it is recommended to use garlic as a natural feed additive in rabbit feeding as a prophylaxis and treatment for coccidiosis to minimize the economic losses caused by this parasite.

Download Full-text

Investigating Therapeutic Potential ofTrigonella foenum-graecumL. as Our Defense Mechanism against Several Human Diseases

Journal of Toxicology ◽

10.1155/2016/1250387 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Shivangi Goyal ◽

Nidhi Gupta ◽

Sreemoyee Chatterjee

Keyword(s):

Defense Mechanism ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Chemical Constituents ◽

Industrial Applications ◽

Steroidal Saponin ◽

Active Constituent ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Major Chemical

Current lifestyle, stress, and pollution have dramatically enhanced the progression of several diseases in human. Globally, scientists are looking for therapeutic agents that can either cure or delay the onset of diseases. Medicinal plants from time immemorial have been used frequently in therapeutics. Of many such plants, fenugreek is one of the oldest herbs which have been identified as an important medicinal plant by the researchers around the world. It is potentially beneficial in a number of diseases such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and inflammation and probably in several kinds of cancers. It has industrial applications such as synthesis of steroidal hormones. Its medicinal properties and their role in clinical domain can be attributed to its chemical constituents. The 3 major chemical constituents which have been identified as responsible for principle health effects are galactomannan, 4-OH isoleucine, and steroidal saponin. Numerous experiments have been carried outin vivoandin vitrofor beneficial effects of both the crude chemical and of its active constituent. Due to its role in health care, the functional food industry has referred to it as a potential nutraceutical. This paper is about various medicinal benefits of fenugreek and its potential application as therapeutic agent against several diseases.

Download Full-text

Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Nigella sativa Oil Produced in Central Italy: A Comparison of the Nutrigenomic Effects of Two Mediterranean Oils in a Low-Grade Inflammation Model

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox9010020 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 20 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Laura Bordoni ◽

Donatella Fedeli ◽

Dennis Fiorini ◽

Rosita Gabbianelli

Keyword(s):

Nigella Sativa ◽

Central Italy ◽

Virgin Olive Oil ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Extra Virgin Olive Oil ◽

Low Grade ◽

High Quality ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Low Grade Inflammation

Extra virgin olive (EVO) oil and Nigella sativa (NG) oil are two well-known Mediterranean foods whose consumption has been associated with beneficial effects on human health. This study investigates the nutrigenomic properties of two high quality EVO and NG oils in an in vitro model of low-grade inflammation of human macrophages (THP-1 cells). The aim was to assess whether these healthy foods could modulate inflammation through antioxidant and epigenetic mechanisms. When THP-1 cells were co-exposed to both lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammation and oils, both EVO and NG oils displayed anti-inflammatory activity. Both oils were able to restore normal expression levels of DNMT3A and HDAC1 (but not DNMT3B), which were altered under inflammatory conditions. Moreover, EVO oil was able to prevent the increase in TET2 expression and reduce global DNA methylation that were measured in inflamed cells. Due to its antioxidant properties, EVO oil was particularly efficient in restoring normal levels of membrane fluidity, which, on the contrary, were reduced in the presence of inflammation. In conclusion, these data support the hypothesis that these Mediterranean oils could play a major role in the modulation of low-grade inflammation and metabolic syndrome prevention. However, NS oil seems to be more efficient in the control of proinflammatory cytokines, whereas EVO oil better helps to counteract redox imbalance. Further studies that elucidate the nutrigenomic properties of local produce might help to promote regional the production and consumption of high-quality food, which could also help the population to maintain and promote health.

Download Full-text

Effects of periodontal therapy with topical antibiotics in the glycemic control of diabetic patients: systematic review.

Revista Estomatología ◽

10.25100/re.v27i1.8735 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 31-42

Author(s):

Gloria Cristina Aranzazu-Moya

Keyword(s):

Periodontal Disease ◽

Periodontal Therapy ◽

Periodontal Treatment ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Topical Antibiotics ◽

Bias Risk ◽

Black Scale ◽

Glycated Hemoglobin A ◽

Modest Reduction

Background: Periodontal disease is considered as a diabetes complication and has been suggested that periodontal treatment plus antibiotics should reduce glycated hemoglobin A, by reducing local production of pro inflammatory substances. Objective: To evaluate diabetic patients with periodontal disease under periodontal treatment plus topical antibiotics and reduction of HbA1c, compared to diabetic patients under periodontal treatment without antibiotics. Materials and Methods: Using PUBMED, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, EMBASE and Google Scholar data bases, were screened documents from 2008 to 2018. The documents included were the clinical studies, which included non-surgical periodontal treatment plus topical antibiotics, whose outcomes included the HbA1c report. Two independent researchers evaluate title; abstract and bias risk with Downs Black scale and Cochrane tool. Documents with a score higher than 15 on average by the two evaluators were included. Results: Five articles, which find inclusion criteria, were identified. Two documents failed to demonstrate statistically significant effect when compared to non-surgical periodontal therapy alone. Conclusion: In general a modest reduction of HbA1c was identified when using antibiotic therapy.

Download Full-text