scholarly journals Effect of the Modifications on the Physicochemical and Biological Properties of β-Glucan—A Critical Review

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongjie Yuan ◽  
Ping Lan ◽  
Yan He ◽  
Chengliang Li ◽  
Xia Ma
Keyword(s):  
Food Processing ◽  
Triple Helix ◽  
Functional Foods ◽  
Physiological Function ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Enzymatic Modification ◽  
Anti Oxidant

β-Glucan exhibits many biological activities and functions such as stimulation of the immune system and anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-infective, anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-coagulant, cholesterol-lowering, radio protective, and wound healing effects. It has a wide variety of uses in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries as well as in food processing units. However, due to its dense triple helix structure, formed by the interaction of polyhydroxy groups in the β-d-glucan molecule, it features poor solubility, which not only constrains its applications, but also inhibits its physiological function in vivo. One aim is to expand the applications for modified β-glucan with potential to prevent disease, various therapeutic purposes and as health-improving ingredients in functional foods and cosmetics. This review introduces the major modification methods required to understand the bioactivity of β-glucan and critically provides a literature survey on the structural features of this molecule and reported biological activity. We also discuss a new method to create novel opportunities to exploit maximally various properties of β-glucan, namely ultrasound-assisted enzymatic modification.

scholarly journals Linalool – a Review of a Biologically Active Compound of Commercial Importance

2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (7) ◽  
pp. 1934578X0800300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy P. P. Kamatou ◽  
Alvaro M. Viljoen
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oils ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Anti Oxidant ◽  
Domestic Products

Since the earliest times fragrant materials have been used in rituals. Today, a lucrative industry has developed to produce and deliver fragrances and aromatic chemicals with various applications in modern society. Linalool, a much sought after compound in the flavor and fragrance industry is a monoterpene alcohol which occurs naturally in many aromatic plants. Linalool and linalool-rich essential oils are known to exhibit various biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-oxidant properties and several in vivo studies have confirmed various effects of linalool on the central nervous system. The applications of linalool are not confined to simply adding or enhancing a specific scent to domestic products such as soaps, detergents and shampoos. Linalool also plays an import role in nature as a key compound in the complex pollination biology of various plant species to ensure reproduction and survival. Linalool is also a key compound for the industrial production of a variety of fragrance chemicals such as geraniol, nerol, citral and its derivatives, as well as a lead compound in the synthesis of vitamins A and E. The repellent properties of linalool on various crop-destroying insects has been well documented accentuating the application of this molecule in eco-friendly pest management. This review aims to highlight the various biological properties of linalool and to emphasize the value of linalool and linalool-rich essential oils in phytotherapy.

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 Constitutive and Regulated Shedding of Soluble FGF Receptors Releases Biologically Active Inhibitors of FGF-2

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2712
Author(s):  
Anne Hanneken ◽  
Maluz Mercado ◽  
Pamela Maher
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Cellular Proliferation ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteases ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Ectodomain Shedding ◽  
High Affinity

The identification of soluble fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors in blood and the extracellular matrix has led to the prediction that these proteins modulate the diverse biological activities of the FGF family of ligands in vivo. A recent structural characterization of the soluble FGF receptors revealed that they are primarily generated by proteolytic cleavage of the FGFR-1 ectodomain. Efforts to examine their biological properties are now focused on understanding the functional consequences of FGFR-1 ectodomain shedding and how the shedding event is regulated. We have purified an FGFR-1 ectodomain that is constitutively cleaved from the full-length FGFR-1(IIIc) receptor and released into conditioned media. This shed receptor binds FGF-2; inhibits FGF-2-induced cellular proliferation; and competes with high affinity, cell surface FGF receptors for ligand binding. FGFR-1 ectodomain shedding downregulates the number of high affinity receptors from the cell surface. The shedding mechanism is regulated by ligand binding and by activators of PKC, and the two signaling pathways appear to be independent of each other. Deletions and substitutions at the proposed cleavage site of FGFR-1 do not prevent ectodomain shedding. Broad spectrum inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases decrease FGFR-1 ectodomain shedding, suggesting that the enzyme responsible for constitutive, ligand-activated, and protein kinase C-activated shedding is a matrix metalloprotease. In summary, shedding of the FGFR-1 ectodomain is a highly regulated event, sharing many features with a common system that governs the release of diverse membrane proteins from the cell surface. Most importantly, the FGFR ectodomains are biologically active after shedding and are capable of functioning as inhibitors of FGF-2.

scholarly journals Biological Properties of 6-Gingerol: A Brief Review

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1400900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaopeng Wang ◽  
Caihua Zhang ◽  
Guang Yang ◽  
Yanzong Yang
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Zingiber Officinale ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Inhibition Of Angiogenesis ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Pharmacologically Active

Numerous studies have revealed that regular consumption of certain fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of many diseases. The rhizome of Zingiber officinale (ginger) is consumed worldwide as a spice and herbal medicine. It contains pungent phenolic substances collectively known as gingerols. 6-Gingerol is the major pharmacologically-active component of ginger. It is known to exhibit a variety of biological activities including anticancer, anti-inflammation, and anti-oxidation. 6-Gingerol has been found to possess anticancer activities via its effect on a variety of biological pathways involved in apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, cytotoxic activity, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Thus, due to its efficacy and regulation of multiple targets, as well as its safety for human use, 6-gingerol has received considerable interest as a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and/or treatment of various diseases. Taken together, this review summarizes the various in vitro and in vivo pharmacological aspects of 6-gingerol and the underlying mechanisms.

scholarly journals Propolis: A Complex Natural Product with a Plethora of Biological Activities That Can Be Explored for Drug Development

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Silva-Carvalho ◽  
Fátima Baltazar ◽  
Cristina Almeida-Aguiar
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Alternative Source ◽  
Scientific Attention

The health industry has always used natural products as a rich, promising, and alternative source of drugs that are used in the health system. Propolis, a natural resinous product known for centuries, is a complex product obtained by honey bees from substances collected from parts of different plants, buds, and exudates in different geographic areas. Propolis has been attracting scientific attention since it has many biological and pharmacological properties, which are related to its chemical composition. Severalin vitroandin vivostudies have been performed to characterize and understand the diverse bioactivities of propolis and its isolated compounds, as well as to evaluate and validate its potential. Yet, there is a lack of information concerning clinical effectiveness. The goal of this review is to discuss the potential of propolis for the development of new drugs by presenting published data concerning the chemical composition and the biological properties of this natural compound from different geographic origins.

scholarly journals Impact of Seaweed-derived Xanthophyll Carotenoid on Obesity Management: Overview of the Last Decade

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oyindamola Vivian Ojulari ◽  
Seul Gi Lee ◽  
Ju-Ock Nam
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Major Health ◽  
Chemical Treatments ◽  
Anti Oxidant ◽  
Published Research

Present-day lifestyles associated with high calorie-fat intake and accumulation, as well as energy imbalance, has led to the development of obesity and its comorbidities, which have emerged as some of the major health issues globally. To combat the disease, many studies have reported the anti-obesity effects of natural compounds in foods, with some advantages over chemical treatments. Carotenoids, particularly xanthophyll derived from seaweeds, have attracted the attention of researchers due to their notable biological activities, which are associated mainly with their antioxidant properties. Their involvement in oxidative stress modulation, regulation of major transcription factors and enzymes as well as their antagonistic effects on various obesity parameters have been examined in both in-vitro and in-vivo studies. The present review is a collation of published research over the last decade on the anti-oxidant properties of seaweed xanthophyll carotenoids, with a focus on fucoxanthin and astaxanthin and their mechanisms of action in obesity prevention and treatment.

scholarly journals Characterization of Andean Blueberry in Bioactive Compounds, Evaluation of Biological Properties and in vitro Bioaccessibility

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nieves Baenas ◽  
Jenny Ruales ◽  
Diego A. Moreno ◽  
Daniel Alejandro Barrio ◽  
Carla M. Stinco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
In Vitro Digestion ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Zebrafish Embryogenesis

Andean blueberries are wild berries grown and consumed in Ecuador which contain high values of bioactive compounds, mainly anthocyanins, with powerful antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile and contents of (poly)phenols and carotenoids in Andean blueberry by HPLC-DAD-MSn and determine a wide range of its biological activities. The antioxidant capacity of this fruit was evaluated in vitro by three different methods and in vivo using the zebrafish animal model, also the toxicity effect was determined by the zebrafish embryogenesis test. Besides, the antimicrobial activity and the capacity of Andean blueberry to produce hemagglutination in blood cells were evaluated. Finally, the bioaccessibility of (poly)phenols and related antioxidant capacity were determined in the different phases of an in vitro digestion. The global results indicated no toxicity of Andean blueberry, weakly bacteriostatic activity, and high contents of anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity, which were partially bioaccesible in vitro (~ 50 % at the final intestinal step), contributing to the knowledge of its health benefits for consumers and its potential use in the food and pharmaceutical industry as functional ingredient.

scholarly journals An Overview of Bioactive 1,3-Oxazole-Containing Alkaloids from Marine Organisms

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 1274
Author(s):  
Jinyun Chen ◽  
Sunyan Lv ◽  
Jia Liu ◽  
Yanlei Yu ◽  
Hong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Atom ◽  
Chemical Synthesis ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Marine Organisms ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
First Time ◽  
Oxazole Derivatives

1,3-Oxazole chemicals are a unique class of five-membered monocyclic heteroarenes, containing a nitrogen atom and an oxygen. These alkaloids have attracted extensive attention from medicinal chemists and pharmacologists owing to their diverse arrays of chemical structures and biological activities, and a series of 1,3-oxazole derivatives has been developed into therapeutic agents (e.g., almoxatone, befloxatone, cabotegravir, delpazolid, fenpipalone, haloxazolam, inavolisib). A growing amount of evidence indicates that marine organisms are one of important sources of 1,3-oxazole-containing alkaloids. To improve our knowledge regarding these marine-derived substances, as many as 285 compounds are summarized in this review, which, for the first time, highlights their sources, structural features and biological properties, as well as their biosynthesis and chemical synthesis. Perspective for the future discovery of new 1,3-oxazole compounds from marine organisms is also provided.

Chiral Forms of 4-(2',4'-Difluorobiphenyl-4-yl)-2-methyl-4-oxobutanoic Acid (Flobufen) and Its Metabolite.Synthesis and Basic Biological Properties

1997 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 498-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miroslav Kuchař ◽  
Marie Poppová ◽  
Antonín Jandera ◽  
Vladimíra Panajotovová ◽  
Hana Zůnová ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Optical Isomers ◽  
Clinical Testing ◽  
Chemical Parameters ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Oxobutanoic Acid

4-(2',4'-Difluorobiphenyl-4-yl)-2-methyl-4-oxobutanoic acid (1, flobufen) is subjected to clinical testing in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Owing to the occurrence of a centre of chirality, the compound exists in two enantiomers, and its major human metabolite, viz. 4-(2',4'-difluorobiphenyl-4-yl)-4-hydroxy-2-methylbutanoic acid isolated in the lactone form (2), possesses two chiral centres, making possible the existence of four stereoisomers. All of the optical isomers of the substances 1 and 2 were prepared. For flobufen (1), the racemate was separated into the stereoisomers by using the salts 3 with R-(+)- or S-(-)-1-phenylethylamine. The pairs of stereoisomers of 2, obtained by reduction of R-(+)-flobufen or the S-(-)-enantiomer, were separated by column chromatography. The physico-chemical parameters of the optical isomers were determined and some biological activities were evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Advances on Quinazoline Based Congeners for Anticancer Potential

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parul Grover ◽  
Monika Bhardwaj ◽  
Garima Kapoor ◽  
Lovekesh Mehta ◽  
Roma Ghai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Medicinal Chemistry ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Anticancer Compounds ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Appropriate Treatment

: The heterocyclic compounds have a great significance in medicinal chemistry because they have extensive biological activities. Cancer is globally the leading cause of death and it is a challenge to develop an appropriate treatment for the management of cancer. Continuous efforts are being made to find a suitable medicinal agent for cancer therapy. Nitrogen-containing heterocycles have received noteworthy attention due to their wide and distinctive pharmacological activities. One of the most important nitrogen-containing heterocycles in medicinal chemistry is ‘quinazoline’ that possesses a wide spectrum of biological properties. This scaffold is an important pharmacophore and is considered a privileged structure. The various substituted quinazolines displayed anticancer activity against different types of cancer. This review highlights the recent advances in quinazoline based molecules as anticancer agents. Several in-vitro and in-vivo models used along with the results are also included. A subpart briefing natural quinazoline containing anticancer compounds is also incorporated in the review.

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