Review of the Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Effects, Pharmacokinetics, and Quality Control of Boswellia carterii

Objective. This review aimed to systematically summarize studies that investigated the bioactivities of compounds and extracts from Boswellia. Methods. A literature review on the pharmacological properties and phytochemicals of B. carterii was performed. The information was retrieved from secondary databases such as PubMed, Chemical Abstracts Services (SciFinder), Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Results. The various Boswellia extracts and compounds demonstrated pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antitumour, and antioxidant activities. B. carterii exhibited a positive effect on the treatment and prevention of many ageing diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusion. Here, we highlight the pharmacological properties and phytochemicals of B. carterii and propose further evidence-based research on plant-derived remedies and compounds.

Prospects of Curcumin Nanoformulations in Cancer Management

There is increasing interest in the use of natural compounds with beneficial pharmacological effects for managing diseases. Curcumin (CUR) is a phytochemical that is reportedly effective against some cancers through its ability to regulate signaling pathways and protein expression in cancer development and progression. Unfortunately, its use is limited due to its hydrophobicity, low bioavailability, chemical instability, photodegradation, and fast metabolism. Nanoparticles (NPs) are drug delivery systems that can increase the bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs and improve drug targeting to cancer cells via different mechanisms and formulation techniques. In this review, we have discussed various CUR-NPs that have been evaluated for their potential use in treating cancers. Formulations reviewed include lipid, gold, zinc oxide, magnetic, polymeric, and silica NPs, as well as micelles, dendrimers, nanogels, cyclodextrin complexes, and liposomes, with an emphasis on their formulation and characteristics. CUR incorporation into the NPs enhanced its pharmaceutical and therapeutic significance with respect to solubility, absorption, bioavailability, stability, plasma half-life, targeted delivery, and anticancer effect. Our review shows that several CUR-NPs have promising anticancer activity; however, clinical reports on them are limited. We believe that clinical trials must be conducted on CUR-NPs to ensure their effective translation into clinical applications.

Nigella sativa L. Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities: A Review (2019–2021)

Medicinal and aromatic plants are mainly characterized by the presence of different bioactive compounds which exhibit various therapeutic activities. In order to investigate the different pharmacological properties of different Nigella sativa extracts, a multitude of research articles published in the period between 2019 and 2021 were obtained from different databases (Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and Web of Science), and then explored and analyzed. The analysis of the collected articles allows us to classify the phytochemicals and the pharmacological activities through their underlying molecular mechanisms, as well as to explore the pharmacological activities exhibited by several identified compounds in Nigella sativa which allow a better understanding, and better elucidation, of the bioactive compounds responsible for the pharmacological effects. Also shown are the existence of other bioactive compounds that are still unexplored and could be of great interest. This review could be taken as a guide for future studies in the field.

Borneol: A Plant Sourced Terpene with a Variety of Promising Pharmacological Effects

Background: Borneol, a bicyclic monoterpene belonging to the class of camphene is sourced from Blumea balsamifera, Cinnamonum camphora (L.) Presl, Dryobalanops aromatica Gaertner, and the volatile oils extracted from various other plant sources. Chinese Traditional Medicine system documents almost 1000 years of clinical use of borneol as an adjuvant as well as an active in treating various diseases and disorders; mainly pertaining to the central nervous system. Objective: The review aims to provide the insights into the array of pharmacological activities elicited by borneol along with their underlying mechanisms. Methods: Apart from the promising permeation enhancing activity, the scientific database has established strong evidence of a variety of pharmacological effects for borneol. The current work involved critical evaluation of the published and patented literature revealing various pharmacodynamic activities of borneol alone and in combination with other actives. The mechanisms responsible for the same were also investigated. Results: A plethora of studies has revealed a promising antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and antimicrobial adhesion activity of borneol. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective, and antiepileptic actions of borneol have been elucidated via a number of preclinical studies. Anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, antihypertensive, and anticancer effects have also been explored for borneol. Conclusion: The array of pharmacological activities evaluated for borneol alone or in combination with other actives could be attributed to its specific molecular structure, excellent brain permeability, strong antioxidant property, and ability to modulate various inflammatory pathways and precursors. However, more extensive preclinical and mainly clinical studies are warranted before this bicyclic monoterpene can establish as an active pharmaceutical agent.