scholarly journals The Effects of Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Natural Compounds on Homocysteine

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 3081
Author(s):  
Mohammad Amin Atazadegan ◽  
Mohammad Bagherniya ◽  
Gholamreza Askari ◽  
Aida Tasbandi ◽  
Amirhossein Sahebkar
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Vascular Endothelium ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Natural Compounds ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Serum Homocysteine ◽  
Prevention And Treatment

Background: Among non-communicable diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in global communities. By 2030, CVD-related deaths are projected to reach a global rise of 25 million. Obesity, smoking, alcohol, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hyperhomocysteinemia are several known risk factors for CVDs. Elevated homocysteine is tightly related to CVDs through multiple mechanisms, including inflammation of the vascular endothelium. The strategies for appropriate management of CVDs are constantly evolving; medicinal plants have received remarkable attention in recent researches, since these natural products have promising effects on the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases. The effects of nutraceuticals and herbal products on CVD/dyslipidemia have been previously studied. However, to our knowledge, the association between herbal bioactive compounds and homocysteine has not been reviewed in details. Thus, the main objective of this study is to review the efficacy of bioactive natural compounds on homocysteine levels according to clinical trials and animal studies. Results: Based on animal studies, black and green tea, cinnamon, resveratrol, curcumin, garlic extract, ginger, and soy significantly reduced the homocysteine levels. According to the clinical trials, curcumin and resveratrol showed favorable effects on serum homocysteine. In conclusion, this review highlighted the beneficial effects of medicinal plants as natural, inexpensive, and accessible agents on homocysteine levels based on animal studies. Nevertheless, the results of the clinical trials were not uniform, suggesting that more well-designed trials are warranted.

scholarly journals Type 1 Diabetic Neuropathy and C-peptide

2004 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anders A. F. Sima ◽  
Weixian Zhang ◽  
George Grunberger
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Diabetic Complication ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
C Peptide ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Regulatory Effects

The most common microvascular diabetic complication, diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy (DPN), affects type 1 diabetic patients more often and more severely. In recent decades, it has become increasingly clear that perpetuating pathogenetic mechanisms, molecular, functional, and structural changes and ultimately the clinical expression of DPN differ between the two major types of diabetes. Impaired insulin/C-peptide action has emerged as a crucial factor to account for the disproportionate burden affecting type 1 patients. C-peptide was long believed to be biologically inactive. However, it has now been shown to have a number of insulin-like glucoseindependent effects. Preclinical studies have demonstrated dose-dependent effects onNa+,K+-ATPase activity, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and endoneurial blood flow. Furthermore, it has regulatory effects on neurotrophic factors and molecules pivotal to the integrity of the nodal and paranodal apparatus and modulatory effects on apoptotic phenomena affecting the diabetic nervous system. In animal studies, C-peptide improves nerve conduction abnormalities, prevents nodal degenerative changes, characteristic of type 1 DPN, promotes nerve fiber regeneration, and prevents apoptosis of central and peripheral nerve cell constituents. Limited clinical trials have confirmed the beneficial effects of C-peptide on autonomic and somatic nerve function in patients with type 1 DPN. Therefore, evidence accumulates that replacement of C-peptide in type 1 diabetes prevents and even improves DPN. Large-scale food and drug administration (FDA)-approved clinical trials are necessary to make this natural substance available to the globally increasing type 1 diabetic population.

scholarly journals The Universal Prescription for Parkinson’s Disease: Exercise

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (s1) ◽  
pp. S21-S27
Author(s):  
Jay L. Alberts ◽  
Anson B. Rosenfeldt
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Over the past two decades, aerobic exercise has emerged as a mainstream recommendation to aid in treating Parkinson’s disease (PD). Despite the acknowledgement of the benefits of exercise for people with PD (PwPD), frequently, exercise recommendations lack specificity in terms of frequency, intensity and duration. Additionally, conflating physical activity with exercise has contributed to providing vague exercise recommendations to PwPD. Therefore, the beneficial effects of exercise may not be fully realized in PwPD. Data provided by animal studies and select human trials indicate aerobic exercise may facilitate structural and functional changes in the brain. Recently, several large human clinical trials have been completed and collectively support the use of aerobic exercise, specifically high-intensity aerobic exercise, in improving PD motor symptoms. Data from these and other studies provide the basis to include aerobic exercise as an integral component in treating PD. Based on positive clinical findings and trials, it is advised that PwPD perform aerobic exercise in the following dose: 3x/week, 30–40-minute main exercise set, 60–80% of heart rate reserve or 70–85% of heart rate max. In lieu of heart rate, individuals can achieve an intensity of 14–17 on a 20-point RPE scale. Ongoing clinical trials, SPARX3 and CYCLE-II, have potential to further develop patient-specific exercise recommendations through prognostic modeling.

scholarly journals Oxidative Stress and Diabetic Retinopathy

2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renu A. Kowluru ◽  
Pooi-See Chan
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Antioxidant Defense System ◽  
Oxygen Metabolism ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Causal Link ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Metabolic Abnormalities ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Oxygen metabolism is essential for sustaining aerobic life, and normal cellular homeostasis works on a fine balance between the formation and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress, a cytopathic consequence of excessive production of ROS and the suppression of ROS removal by antioxidant defense system, is implicated in the development of many diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes and its complications. Retinopathy, a debilitating microvascular complication of diabetes, is the leading cause of acquired blindness in developed countries. Many diabetes-induced metabolic abnormalities are implicated in its development, and appear to be influenced by elevated oxidative stress; however the exact mechanism of its development remains elusive. Increased superoxide concentration is considered as a causal link between elevated glucose and the other metabolic abnormalities important in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Animal studies have shown that antioxidants have beneficial effects on the development of retinopathy, but the results from very limited clinical trials are somewhat ambiguous. Although antioxidants are being used for other chronic diseases, controlled clinical trials are warranted to investigate potential beneficial effects of antioxidants in the development of retinopathy in diabetic patients.

SGLT2 inhibition for cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease and NAFLD

Endocrinology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moein Ala
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Renal Diseases ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Abstract Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are the latest class of anti-diabetic medications. They prevent glucose reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule to decrease blood sugar. Several animal studies revealed that SGLT-2 is profoundly involved in the inflammatory response, fibrogenesis and regulation of numerous intracellular signaling pathways. Likewise, SGLT-2 inhibitors markedly attenuated inflammation and fibrogenesis and improved the function of damaged organ in animal studies, observational studies and clinical trials. SGLT-2 inhibitors can decrease blood pressure and ameliorate hypertriglyceridemia and obesity. Likewise, they improve the outcome of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, arrhythmias and ischemic heart disease. SGLT-2 inhibitors are associated with lower cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, as well. Meanwhile, they protect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), and improve micro- and macroalbuminuria. SGLT-2 inhibitors can reprogram numerous signaling pathways to improve NAFLD, cardiovascular diseases and renal diseases. For instance, they enhance lipolysis, ketogenesis, mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagy while they attenuate renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), lipogenesis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, oxidative stress, apoptosis and fibrogenesis. This review explains the beneficial effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors on NAFLD, cardiovascular and renal diseases and dissects the underlying molecular mechanisms in detail. This narrative review explains the beneficial effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors on NAFLD, cardiovascular and renal diseases using the results of latest observational studies, clinical trials and meta-analyses. Thereafter, it dissects the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the clinical effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors on these diseases.

scholarly journals Nutraceutical and Medicinal Potential of the Morus Species in Metabolic Dysfunctions

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisana Rodrigues ◽  
Gabriela Marcelino ◽  
Gabriela Silva ◽  
Priscila Figueiredo ◽  
Walmir Garcez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Morus Alba ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Phytochemical Compounds ◽  
White Mulberry ◽  
Metabolic Dysfunctions

Many populations use medicinal plants as a therapeutic treatment, due to their lower cost and greater access. Among the plant species used for medicinal purposes are those of the genus Morus. The most known species are Morus alba, rubra, and nigra. This review aims to collect data from the literature, predominantly from cell and animal studies, which presents a possible nutraceutical and medicinal potential of the species Morus for use in metabolic dysfunctions. The fruits and leaves of mulberry are used for therapeutic purposes. For scientific confirmation of these effects, they were studied for laxative properties, antibacterial activity, anti-atherogenic activity, and hepatoprotective function. Furthermore, the genus Morus is recognized for the treatment and prevention of diabetes mellitus, through its hypoglycemic action. It may also provide health benefits through immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nociceptive effects. It has been found that the Morus species have phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins that act as important antioxidants and promote beneficial effects on human health. These phytochemical compounds differ among species. Blackberry (Morus nigra) are rich in flavonoids, while the white mulberry (Morus alba) has low concentrations of flavonoids and anthocyanins. In addition, another important factor is to ensure a complete exemption of toxic risks in the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases. Studies have shown no toxic effects by the administration of extracts of Morus species. Thus, the mulberry tree presents nutraceutical potential. It is therefore a promising alternative for medicinal products based on medicinal plants.

scholarly journals Homocysteine and vitamin therapy in stroke prevention and treatment: a review.

2010 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bogdan N Manolescu ◽  
Eliza Oprea ◽  
Ileana C Farcasanu ◽  
Mihai Berteanu ◽  
Cornelia Cercasov
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Folic Acid ◽  
Vascular Endothelium ◽  
Independent Risk Factor ◽  
Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Vitamin Therapy ◽  
Methionine Synthesis ◽  
Reduced Risk

Homocysteine (Hcy), a sulfur amino acid, is the only direct precursor for L-methionine synthesis through a reaction that requires vitamin B₁₂, representing a connection with "one-carbon" units metabolism. Hcy catabolism requires vitamin B₆ and as a consequence, alteration in folic acid and B vitamins status impairs Hcy biotransformation. Numerous studies have indicated that Hcy is an independent risk factor for cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases. In the last decade, several clinical trials have investigated the possible correlation between the use of folic acid and vitamins B₆ and B₁₂ for lowering Hcy plasma concentration and the reduced risk of stroke or its recurrence. This review is aimed to present some aspects of Hcy biochemistry, as well as the mechanisms through which it exerts the toxic effects on the vascular endothelium. We also discuss the results of some of the clinical trials developed to investigate the beneficial effects of vitamin therapy in the prevention and management of stroke.

scholarly journals Statins in Asthma: Potential Beneficial Effects and Limitations

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dipanjan Bhattacharjee ◽  
Bharti Chogtu ◽  
Rahul Magazine
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Past ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Scientific World ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Asthma’s sustenance as a global pandemic, across centuries, can be attributed to the lack of an understanding of its workings and the inability of the existing treatment modalities to provide a long lasting cure without major adverse effects. The discovery of statins boosted by a better comprehension of the pathophysiology of asthma in the past few decades has opened up a potentially alternative line of treatment that promises to be a big boon for the asthmatics globally. However, the initial excellent results from the preclinical and animal studies have not borne the results in clinical trials that the scientific world was hoping for. In light of this, this review analyzes the ways by which statins could benefit in asthma via their pleiotropic anti-inflammatory properties and explain some of the queries raised in the previous studies and provide recommendations for future studies in this field.

Skuteczność i bezpieczeństwo stosowania korzenia Symphytum officinale L. – przegląd danych literaturowych

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Kimel ◽  
Mirosława Krauze-Baranowska
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Plant Raw Materials ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
History Of ◽  
Ancient Times ◽  
History Of Use

Comfrey root – Symphyti radix has been present in medicine since ancient times. Nowadays, European Medicine Agency (EMA) restricts its only for external use, in short therapies not exceeding 10 days. The last decade has been characterized by the progress in research on the chemical composition and metabolism of biologically active compounds present in the root and leaves. The result is the presence of herbal medicinal products containing comfrey root extracts with reduced content or free of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids on the European market of herbal products. Moreover, the medicinal properties of leaves from another Symphytum species, namely Russian comfrey, are also in the use. The results of clinical trials indicate the beneficial effects of plant raw materials obtained from comfreys in musculoskeletal system disorders – comfrey root and skin inflammations – leaves of Russian comfrey. The paper presents the history of use, chemical composition, therapeutic effect and toxicity of comfrey, as well as characterizes clinical trials on products containing comfrey extracts from root and leaves.

scholarly journals Polyphenols in Colorectal Cancer: Current State of Knowledge including Clinical Trials and Molecular Mechanism of Action

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Nur Alam ◽  
Muhammad Almoyad ◽  
Fazlul Huq
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Current State ◽  
Molecular Mechanism Of Action

Polyphenols have been reported to have wide spectrum of biological activities including major impact on initiation, promotion, and progression of cancer by modulating different signalling pathways. Colorectal cancer is the second most major cause of mortality and morbidity among females and the third among males. The objective of this review is to describe the activity of a variety of polyphenols in colorectal cancer in clinical trials, preclinical studies, and primary research. The molecular mechanisms of major polyphenols related to their beneficial effects on colorectal cancer are also addressed. Synthetic modifications and other future directions towards exploiting of natural polyphenols against colorectal cancer are discussed in the last section.

scholarly journals Oxidation of Marine Omega-3 Supplements and Human Health

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin B. Albert ◽  
David Cameron-Smith ◽  
Paul L. Hofman ◽  
Wayne S. Cutfield
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Lipid Peroxides ◽  
Oxidation Products ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease

Marine omega-3 rich oils are used by more than a third of American adults for a wide range of purported benefits including prevention of cardiovascular disease. These oils are highly prone to oxidation to lipid peroxides and other secondary oxidation products. Oxidized oils may have altered biological activity making them ineffective or harmful, though there is also evidence that some beneficial effects of marine oils could be mediated through lipid peroxides. To date, human clinical trials have not reported the oxidative status of the trial oil. This makes it impossible to understand the importance of oxidation to efficacy or harm. However, animal studies show that oxidized lipid products can cause harm. Oxidation of trial oils may be responsible for the conflicting omega-3 trial literature, including the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The oxidative state of an oil can be simply determined by the peroxide value and anisidine value assays. We recommend that all clinical trials investigating omega-3 harms or benefits report the results of these assays; this will enable better understanding of the benefits and harms of omega-3 and the clinical importance of oxidized supplements.

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