Isatis tinctoria L. (Woad): A Review of Its Botany, Ethnobotanical Uses, Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, and Biotechnological Studies

Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae), which is commonly known as woad, is a species with an ancient and well-documented history as an indigo dye and medicinal plant. Currently, I. tinctoria is utilized more often as medicinal remedy and also as a cosmetic ingredient. In 2011, I. tinctoria root was accepted in the official European phytotherapy by introducing its monograph in the European Pharmacopoeia. The biological properties of raw material have been known from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Over recent decades, I. tinctoria has been investigated both from a phytochemical and a biological point of view. The modern in vitro and in vivo scientific studies proved anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antimicrobial, antiviral, analgesic, and antioxidant activities. The phytochemical composition of I. tinctoria has been thoroughly investigated and the plant was proven to contain many valuable biologically active compounds, including several alkaloids, among which tryptanthrin, indirubin, indolinone, phenolic compounds, and polysaccharides as well as glucosinolates, carotenoids, volatile constituents, and fatty acids. This article provides a general botanical and ethnobotanical overview that summarizes the up-to-date knowledge on the phytochemistry and biological properties of this valuable plant in order to support its therapeutic potential. Moreover, the biotechnological studies on I. tinctoria, which mainly focused on hairy root cultures for the enhanced production of flavonoids and alkaloids as well as on the establishment of shoot cultures and micropropagation protocols, were reviewed. They provide input for future research prospects.

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Multi-Therapeutic Potential of Naringenin (4′,5,7-Trihydroxyflavonone): Experimental Evidence and Mechanisms

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants9121784 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 1784

Author(s):

Azher Arafah ◽

Muneeb U. Rehman ◽

Tahir Maqbool Mir ◽

Adil Farooq Wali ◽

Rayeesa Ali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Antioxidant Activities ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Biological Effects ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Primary Role ◽

Citrus Fruits ◽

Pharmacological Activities ◽

Medicinal Properties

Extensive research has been carried out during the last few decades, providing a detailed account of thousands of discovered phytochemicals and their biological activities that have the potential to be exploited for a wide variety of medicinal purposes. These phytochemicals, which are pharmacologically important for clinical use, primarily consist of polyphenols, followed by terpenoids and alkaloids. There are numerous published reports indicating the primary role of phytochemicals proven to possess therapeutic potential against several diseases. However, not all phytochemicals possess significant medicinal properties, and only some of them exhibit viable biological effects. Naringenin, a flavanone found in citrus fruits, is known to improve immunity, repair DNA damage, and scavenge free radicals. Despite the very low bioavailability of naringenin, it is known to exhibit various promising biological properties of medicinal importance, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This review focuses on the various aspects related to naringenin, particularly its physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic properties. Furthermore, various pharmacological activities of naringenin, such as anticancer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, nephroprotective, and gastroprotective effects, have been discussed along with their mechanisms of action.

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The Molecular Diversity Scope of Urazole in the Synthesis of Organic Compounds

Current Organic Synthesis ◽

10.2174/1570179416666190925162215 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (7) ◽

pp. 953-967 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ghodsi M. Ziarani ◽

Fatemeh Mohajer ◽

Razieh Moradi ◽

Parisa Mofatehnia

Keyword(s):

Biological Activities ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Microtubule Assembly ◽

Heterocyclic Molecules ◽

Biological Perspective ◽

Highly Active ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

High Yields ◽

Short Time

Background: As a matter of fact, nitrogen as a hetero atom among other atoms has had an important role in active biological compounds. Since heterocyclic molecules with nitrogen are highly demanded due to biological properties, 4-phenylurazole as a compound containing nitrogen might be important in the multicomponent reaction used in agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Considering the case of fused derivatives “pyrazolourazoles” which are highly applicable because of their application for analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities as HSP-72 induction inhibitors (I and III) and novel microtubule assembly inhibitors. It should be mentioned that spiro-pyrazole also has biological activities like cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardiotonic activities. Objective: Urazole has been used in many heterocyclic compounds which are valuable in organic syntheses. This review disclosed the advances in the use of urazole as the starting material in the synthesis of various biologically active molecules from 2006 to 2019. Conclusion: Compounds of urazole (1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-dione) are the most important molecules which are highly active from the biological perspective in the pharmaceuticals as well as polymers. In summary, many protocols for preparations of the urazole derivatives from various substrates in multi-component reactions have been reported from different aromatic and aliphatic groups which have had carbonyl groups in their structures. It is noted that several catalysts have been synthesized to afford applicable molecules with urazole scaffolds. In some papers, being environmentally friendly, short time reactions and high yields are highlighted in the protocols. There is a room to synthesize new catalysts and perform new reactions by manipulating urazole to produce biologically active compounds, even producing chiral urazole component as many groups of chiral urazole compounds are important from biological perspective.

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

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22052712 ◽

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.

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Chemical Composition of Aegle marmelos: A Review

Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Science ◽

10.52711/2231-5659.2021.00044 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 280-290

Author(s):

Yogita Chowdhary

Keyword(s):

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Chemical Constituents ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Fixed Dose ◽

Root Bark ◽

Preclinical Studies ◽

Aegle Marmelos ◽

Crude Extracts ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Aegle marmelos (Bilva) is being used in Ayurveda for the treatment of several inflammatory disorders. The plant is a member of a fixed dose combination of Dashamoola in Ayurveda. However, the usage of roots/root bark or stems is associated with sustainability concerns. Bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.) is an important medicinal plant of India. Leaves, fruits, stem and roots of A. marmelos have been used in ethno medicine to exploit its' medicinal properties including astringent, antidiarrheal antidysenteric, demulcent, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds purified from bael have been proven to be biologically active against several major diseases including cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Preclinical studies indicate the therapeutic potential of crude extracts of A. marmelos in the treatment of many microbial diseases, diabetes and gastric ulcer. This review covers the biological activities of some isolated chemical constituents of A. marmelos and preclinical studies on some crude extracts and pure compounds to explore novel bioactive compounds for therapeutic application. Aegle marmelos (L.) is a seasonal fruit that contains significant amounts of bioactives like, phenolic acids (gallic acids, 2,3-dihydroxy benzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid), flavonoid (rutin), organic acids (oxalic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, propionic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid), vitamin C, vitamin B group (thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, biotin, cobalamins, riboflavin), tocopherols (α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol), carotenes (α-carotene, β-carotene, γ-carotene, δ-carotene) and also rich in essential minerals (potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, copper, manganese). Hence the use of aegle plays important role as anti-inflammatory.

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A Review of the Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of the Genus Santolina

Planta Medica ◽

10.1055/a-0585-6153 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 84 (09/10) ◽

pp. 627-637 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Rosa Tundis ◽

Monica Loizzo

Keyword(s):

Biological Activities ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Future Research ◽

Chemical Profile ◽

Bioactive Constituents ◽

Mediterranean Flora ◽

Traditional Uses ◽

Ancient Times ◽

Analgesic Activities ◽

First Time

AbstractThe genus Santolina is a taxonomically complex group of plant species widely distributed in the Mediterranean flora and used in traditional medicine since ancient times for their biological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, digestive, and analgesic activities. Phytochemical investigations of Santolina species have revealed the presence of terpenoids as the main bioactive constituents of the genus. Coumarins and flavonoids were also identified. This review deals, for the first time, with information on the traditional uses, chemical profile, and biological properties of plants of the genus Santolina in order to provide input for future research prospects.

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MECHANOCHEMICAL ACTIVATION OF PHARMACEUTICAL SUBSTANCES AS A FACTOR FOR MODIFICATION OF THEIR PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics ◽

10.22159/ijap.2019v11i3.32413 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 118-123 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

A.V. SYROESHKIN ◽

E.V. USPENSKAYA ◽

T.V. PLETENEVA ◽

M.A. MOROZOVA ◽

T.V. MAKSIMOVA ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Activity ◽

Chemical Elements ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Raw Material ◽

Native Form ◽

Preparation Methods ◽

Pharmaceutical Substances ◽

Before And After

Objective: Study the influence of the mechanical preparation methods (grinding, fluidization) of solid pharmaceutical substances (PS) and herbal raw material on their physicochemical properties and biological activities. Methods: Test substances and solvents-Lactose monohydrate (DFE Pharma, Germany). Sodium chloride, bendazol hydrochloride (all Sigma-Aldrich, USA) and herbal raw material (Callisia fragrans). The dispersity and native structure of pharmaceutical substances were analyzed by several methods: optical microscopy–Altami BIO 2 microscope (Russia); low angle laser light scattering (LALLS) method (Malvern Instruments, UK); Spirotox method–Quasichemical kinetic of cell transition of cellular biosensor Spirostomum ambiguum; Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy–the analysis in the middle IR region was carried out using an IR Cary 630 Fourier spectrometer (Agilent Technologies, USA). The analysis of dried leaves of C. fragrans before and after mechanical activation was performed using Shimadzu EDX-7000 X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometer without mineralization (Shimadzu, Japan). Results: It was established that the mechanical change, such as dispersion and drying, alters the biological activity of PS and herbal raw materials. The observed increase in the influence of the dispersed substance on the biosensor S. ambiguum is quantitatively estimated from the values of the activation energy (obsEa), which turns to be valued 1,5 (P≤0,05) times more than for the native form substance. In the study of the dependence of the availability of chemical elements K, Ca, Zn on the degree of dispersion of herbal raw materials was established a quantitative 4-fold (P≤0,05) increase in the concentration of elements in mechano-activated raw materials. Conclusion: By the example of the biological model of Spirotox (single-celled biosensor S. ambiguum) and herbal raw materials obtained from C. fragrans, the increase of biological activity of PS at the dispersion of initial preparations was proved.

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Cornus mas L. Stones: A Valuable by-Product as an Ellagitannin Source with High Antioxidant Potential

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25204646 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (20) ◽

pp. 4646

Author(s):

Dominika Przybylska ◽

Alicja Z. Kucharska ◽

Iwona Cybulska ◽

Tomasz Sozański ◽

Narcyz Piórecki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Activities ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Raw Material ◽

Hydrolyzable Tannins ◽

Cornus Mas ◽

Fruit Processing ◽

High Antioxidant Activity ◽

Total Polyphenolic Content ◽

First Time

The stone of Cornus mas L. remains the least known morphological part of this plant, whereas the fruit is appreciated for both consumption purposes and biological activity. The stone is considered to be a byproduct of fruit processing and very little is known about its phytochemical composition and biological properties. In this study, the complete qualitative determination of hydrolyzable tannins, their quantitative analysis, total polyphenolic content, and antioxidant properties of the stone of C. mas are presented for the first time. The 37 identified compounds included the following: various gallotannins (11), monomeric ellagitannins (7), dimeric ellagitannins (10), and trimeric ellagitannins (7). The presence of free gallic acid and ellagic acid was also reported. Our results demonstrate that C. mas stone is a source of various bioactive hydrolyzable tannins and shows high antioxidant activity which could allow potential utilization of this raw material for recovery of valuable pharmaceutical or nutraceutical substances. The principal novelty of our findings is that hydrolyzable tannins, unlike other polyphenols, have been earlier omitted in the evaluation of the biological activities of C. mas. Additionally, the potential recovery of these bioactive chemicals from the byproduct is in line with the ideas of green chemistry and sustainable production.

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Lonicera caerulea L. as a Source of Biologically Active Compounds for the Enrichment of Fermented Milk Product

Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Section B. Natural, Exact, and Applied Sciences. ◽

10.2478/prolas-2021-0067 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 75 (6) ◽

pp. 449-456

Author(s):

Dalija Segliņa ◽

Inta Krasnova ◽

Sanita Alsiņa

Keyword(s):

Raw Materials ◽

Fermented Milk ◽

Biologically Active Compounds ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Raw Material ◽

Future Research ◽

Milk Product ◽

Lonicera Caerulea ◽

Active Compounds ◽

Promising Source

Abstract Lonicera caerulea L., also known as honeysuckle berries, are rich in biologically active compounds, which makes them a valuable raw material for the development of functional foods. The objects of the research were three honeysuckle cultivars (‘Zoluška’, ‘Siņaja Ptica’, ‘Goluboje Vereteno’), four genotypes (No 2A; No 3; No 5; No 8) and kefir, enriched with various amounts (3–10%) of fruit puree. Physical and chemical analyses to determine the qualitative indicators of raw materials and products were performed. The degree of liking of kefir was assessed using sensory analysis: hedonic and line scales. The results obtained showed that among the cultivars the highest content of anthocyanins (1103.5 mg·100 g−1), total phenols (693.3 mg·100 g−1), flavonoids (753.9 mg·100 g−1), and tannins (1.6 mg·100 g−1), were found in ‘Siņaja Ptica’ berries, while among the genotypes, berries of No 8 had the highest concentration of the aforesaid compounds. Both samples also showed the highest antiradical activity: ABTS+• on average by 71.7% and DPPH− by 43.7%. According to the sensory evaluation, kefir with 10% honeysuckle puree was rated the highest. Honeysuckle berries could be used as a promising source of natural anti-oxidants in future research aimed at developing different new products that could meet consumer expectations.

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VALIDATION OF TRIBAL CLAIMS ON MORINGA OLEIFERA LAM. USING PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS

PLANT ARCHIVES ◽

10.51470/plantarchives.2021.v21.no1.252 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Getsial Sabatini Wallace J ◽

S. Naveen Kumar ◽

V. Negasta Smila ◽

T. Nivitha ◽

Stalin Nithaniyal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Moringa Oleifera ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Future Research ◽

Phytochemical Analysis ◽

Traditional Use ◽

Phytochemical Study ◽

Medicinal Uses ◽

Pharmacological Significance ◽

History Of

Moringa is a medicinally important genus that has long history of traditional use as a remedy to cure wounds and various ailments such as colds, diabetes, digestive problems etc. In addition, the species is consumed as a source of nutritive food and used as vegetables worldwide. The genus consists of 13 species that have been cultivated throughout Asia and Africa for their multiple purpose use value. The current study is aimed to validate the traditional medicinal uses of Moringa oleifera, provide scientific insights on the phytochemistry, biological activities and thereby correlating its therapeutic potential for future prospects. Analysis of phytochemical profile showed the presence of the major important bioactive compounds (saponin, tannin, flavonoids, phenolics, and reducing sugar) that were assessed in aqueous, methanolic aqueous and acetone-aqueous extracts following standard procedures. This study provides the foundation to explore the tribal medicinal use complemented with the scientific evaluation. Our study reinforce further phytochemical study with advanced technologies for future research opportunities of this species as it is an interesting plant containing commercially important active compounds that enable to determine pharmacological significance, and socio-economic potential.

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A REVIEW ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF THE GENUS PICRORHIZA (SCROPHULARIACE)

International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Research ◽

10.22159/ijcpr.2021v13i5.1901 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 18-27

Author(s):

ANJU BHATNAGAR

Keyword(s):

Antioxidant Activities ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Chemical Constituents ◽

Iridoid Glycosides ◽

Perennial Herb ◽

Future Research ◽

Scientific Databases ◽

Plant Parts ◽

Anti Cancer ◽

Major Chemical

Picrorhiza (family Scrophulariace), commonly known as ‘kukti’ is a small perennial herb found in the Himalayan regions of China, Pakistan, India, Bhutan and Nepal at an altitude of 3000-5200 m. Different plant parts and its extract have traditionally been used as a remedy of various ailments such as fever, asthma, jaundice, anemia, abdominal pain, dysentery, cold, stomach problems. Picrorihza has been investigated for its chemical composition and biological activities by various researchers. The major chemical constituents found in this plant were iridoid glycosides, cucurbitacins (triterpenoids) glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides and phenolics. The Picrorihza has various pharmacological properties, including hepto-protective, antimicrobial, anti-mutagenic, cardio-protective, anti-malarial, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and neuroprotective and antioxidant activities. A thorough bibliographic investigation was carried out by analyzing worldwide scientific databases including Pub Med, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Wiley online as well as offline sources. The Present review is aimed to provide an updated overview of traditional uses, chemical constituents and biological activities of Picrorihza to explore its therapeutic potentials and to provide bases for future research.

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