Editorial

3 pages, 179 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Traditional Herbal Medicine as a Tool to Explore New Frontiers in Pharmacology

by Riccardo Motti

Horticulturae 2022, 8(8), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8080684 - 28 Jul 2022

Viewed by 1064

The aim of this Special Issue, entitled “Botany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology in Traditional Herbal Medicine”, was to expand our knowledge about natural products of plant origin that are largely used in traditional phytotherapy [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology in Traditional Herbal Medicine)

Research

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12 pages, 2340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Essential Oils and Xanthohumol Derived from Extraction Process Using Solvents of Different Polarity

by Katja Bizaj, Mojca Škerget, Iztok Jože Košir and Željko Knez

Horticulturae 2022, 8(5), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8050368 - 22 Apr 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2878

Abstract

This study evaluates the content of essential oils (EOs) and prenylated flavonoid Xanthohumol (XN) in extracts of Slovenian hops, cultivar Aurora, obtained by using fluids of different polarity. It is a continuation of our previous work, investigating the extraction of bitter acids from [...] Read more.

This study evaluates the content of essential oils (EOs) and prenylated flavonoid Xanthohumol (XN) in extracts of Slovenian hops, cultivar Aurora, obtained by using fluids of different polarity. It is a continuation of our previous work, investigating the extraction of bitter acids from hops. Extraction was conducted semi-continuously, using sub- and supercritical fluids of different polarity, i.e., carbon dioxide (CO₂) and propane as non-polar and dimethyl ether (DME) as the polar solvent. The experiments explored a temperature range between 20 °C and 80 °C and pressures ranging from 50 bar to 150 bar. The content of XN in extracts was analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography and experiments demonstrated the largest concentration of XN was obtained using DME. In order to analyse the EO components in extracts, connected with a distinct odour, the steam distillation of extracts was performed and GC analysis was employed. Hop oil derived from CO₂ extracts at specific conditions, had the highest relative concentration of linalool, β-caryophyllene and α-humulene, and oil derived from propane extracts had the highest content of all other five selected components (myrcene, geraniol, farnesene, α-selinene and δ-cadinene). The relative content of the investigated EO components in DME extracts was similar to that in propane extracts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology in Traditional Herbal Medicine)

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20 pages, 5053 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

VIS-NIR Modeling of Hydrangenol and Phyllodulcin Contents in Tea-Hortensia (Hydrangea macrophylla subsp. serrata)

by Marcel Dieter Moll, Liane Kahlert, Egon Gross, Esther-Corinna Schwarze, Maria Blings, Silke Hillebrand, Jakob Ley, Thorsten Kraska and Ralf Pude

Horticulturae 2022, 8(3), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8030264 - 18 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2280

Abstract

Hyperspectral data are commonly used for the fast and inexpensive quantification of plant constituent estimation and quality control as well as in research and development applications. Based on chemical analysis, different models for dihydroisocoumarins (DHCs), namely hydrangenol (HG) and phyllodulcin (PD), were built [...] Read more.

Hyperspectral data are commonly used for the fast and inexpensive quantification of plant constituent estimation and quality control as well as in research and development applications. Based on chemical analysis, different models for dihydroisocoumarins (DHCs), namely hydrangenol (HG) and phyllodulcin (PD), were built using a partial least squares regression (PLSR). While HG is common in Hydrangea macrophylla, PD only occurs in cultivars of Hydrangea macrophylla subsp. serrata, also known as ‘tea-hortensia’. PD content varies significantly over the course of the growing period. For maximizing yield, a targeted estimation of PD content is needed. Nowadays, DHC contents are determined via UPLC, a time-consuming and a destructive method. In this research article we investigated PLSR-based models for HG and PD using three different spectrometers. Two separate trials were conducted to test for model quality. Measurement conditions, namely fresh or dried leaves and black or white background, did not influence model quality. While highly accurate modeling of HG and PD for single plants was not possible, the determination of the mean content on a larger scale was successful. The results of this study show that hyperspectral modeling as a decision support for farmers is feasible and provides accurate results on a field scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology in Traditional Herbal Medicine)

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16 pages, 17053 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Investigation of the Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Potential of Tabernaemontana ventricosa Hochst. ex A. DC. Leaf, Stem, and Latex Extracts

by Clarissa Marcelle Naidoo, Yougasphree Naidoo, Yaser Hassan Dewir, Moganavelli Singh, Aliscia Nicole Daniels and Hassan El-Ramady

Horticulturae 2022, 8(2), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8020091 - 20 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2622

Abstract

Tabernaemontana ventricosa (Apocynaceae) a latex-bearing plant is used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic benefits in reducing fever and hypertension and wound healing. Due to limited information on the plant’s pharmacological activities, this study aimed to investigate the antioxidant potential of the leaf, [...] Read more.

Tabernaemontana ventricosa (Apocynaceae) a latex-bearing plant is used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic benefits in reducing fever and hypertension and wound healing. Due to limited information on the plant’s pharmacological activities, this study aimed to investigate the antioxidant potential of the leaf, stem, and latex extracts of T. ventricosa, using the Folin-Ciocalteu (total phenolics), aluminum chloride colorimetric (total flavonoids), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The cytotoxic activity was evaluated in the human HEK293 (embryonic kidney), HeLa (cervical carcinoma), and MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma) cell lines using the MTT assay. The latex extracts possessed the highest total phenolic content (115.36 ± 2.89 mg GAE/g), followed by the stem hexane extracts (21.33 ± 0.42 mg GAE/g), the chloroform leaf (7.89 ± 0.87 mg GAE/g), and the chloroform stem (4.69 ± 0.21 mg GAE/g) extracts. The flavonoid content was substantially high ranging from 946.92 ± 6.29 mg QE/g in the stem hexane, 768.96 ± 5.43 mg QE/g in the latex, 693.24 ± 4.12 mg QE/g in the stem chloroform, and 662.20 ± 1.00 mg QE/g in the leaf hexane extracts. The DPPH assays showed the highest percentage of inhibition at 240 µg/mL, for the stem hexane (70.10%), stem methanol (65.24%), and stem chloroform (60.26%) extracts, with their respective IC₅₀ values of 19.26 µg/mL (stem hexane), 6.19 µg/mL (stem methanol), and 22.56 µg/mL (stem chloroform). The FRAP assays displayed minimal inhibition ranging from 4.73% to 14.40%, except for the latex extracts which displayed moderate inhibition at 15 µg/mL (21.82%) and substantial inhibition at 240 µg/mL (98.48%). The HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines were the most sensitive to the extracts, with the hexane, chloroform, and methanol leaf and stem, and latex extracts significantly affecting the percentage cell survival. Overall, the various parts of T. ventricosa exhibited strong antioxidant activity correlating to its cytotoxicity. Further studies should focus on the isolation of specific antioxidant compounds that could be investigated for their anticancer potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology in Traditional Herbal Medicine)

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13 pages, 2378 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Volatile Compounds of Nepeta nuda L. from Rtanj Mountain (Serbia)

by Milica Aćimović, Biljana Lončar, Milada Pezo, Jovana Stanković Jeremić, Mirjana Cvetković, Milica Rat and Lato Pezo

Horticulturae 2022, 8(2), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8020085 - 18 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2245

Abstract

Unlike other studies that only determined the chemical composition of essential oils depending on their geographic origin, this research investigated the effect of weather conditions (temperature, precipitation, and insolation) on the chemical composition of Nepeta nuda L. essential oil. The collection of wild-growing [...] Read more.

Unlike other studies that only determined the chemical composition of essential oils depending on their geographic origin, this research investigated the effect of weather conditions (temperature, precipitation, and insolation) on the chemical composition of Nepeta nuda L. essential oil. The collection of wild-growing N. nuda was carried out during three successive years, 2019, 2020, and 2021 at Rtanj Mountain (Serbia) on the same date (July 7th). Essential oil extraction from the plant was performed by hydro-distillation. After gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis, a total of 102 volatile compounds were separated from N. nuda, during the observed period, 28 were unidentified, compromising between 5.0% and 8.7%, depending on the year. A multiple linear regression model was created, and statistical analyses were performed to provide knowledge about the prediction, feature profile, and the similarity in contents of active compounds of the N. nuda essential oil. The influence of temperature on the accumulation of the most abundant component, 1,8-cineole, was positive, while the impact of precipitation and insolation was negative. According to the cluster tree, there are four chemotypes of N. nuda essential oil: with nepetalactone, 1,8-cineole, mixed (nepetalactone+1,8-cineole+germacrene D), and nonspecific chemotypes. Bearing in mind that the biological activity of a raw material depends on the chemotype and environmental factors, this is a topic that deserves a more detailed approach. The N. nuda and its essential oil are promising materials with high biological potential, and these deserve further detailed investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology in Traditional Herbal Medicine)

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15 pages, 3252 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Anticancer Activity of Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori.: A Native Plant in Traditional Herbal Medicine of the United Arab Emirates

by Salama Khamis Sultan Al Kaabi, Annadurai Senthilkumar, Jaleel Kizhakkayil, Mohammed Abdul Muhsen Alyafei, Shyam Sreedhara Kurup, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri and Abdul Jaleel

Horticulturae 2022, 8(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8010037 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2318

Abstract

Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori. is a native desert tree growing in United Arab Emirates (UAE). The plant is being cultivated in many parts of UAE, owing to its uses in traditional medicinal and food systems. In the present study bioactivities of cultivated M. [...] Read more.

Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori. is a native desert tree growing in United Arab Emirates (UAE). The plant is being cultivated in many parts of UAE, owing to its uses in traditional medicinal and food systems. In the present study bioactivities of cultivated M. peregrina species samples are evaluated with cytotoxic studies in the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2). Different extracts with hexane, chloroform, acetone and methanol were prepared from tubers, leaves and stem of M. peregrina for estimating their antioxidant contents and anticancer activities. The study was performed at different concentrations and all the extracts showed dose-depended response on both the cell lines. Among the extracts tested, the chloroform extract of stem showed remarkable anti-proliferative/cell death activity (IC₅₀ = 45.53 µg/mL of 48 h incubation and 33.32 µg/mL of 72 h incubation) on MCF-7 cell lines. Whereas the same extract showed comparatively less activity (IC₅₀ = 93.75 µg/mL of 48 h incubation and 87.76 µg/mL of 72 h incubation) on Caco-2 cell lines. The anti-proliferative effect of leaf extract with chloroform showed a drastic change in cell viability from 48 to 72 h incubation, in MCF-7 cells 220 to 87.5 µg/mL and in Caco-2 cells 500.9 to 72.9 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, less than 200 µg/mL of IC₅₀ values reported in hexane extracts of tubers (188.6 µg/mL for 48 h and 164.3 µg/mL for 72 h), acetone extracts of tubers (167.4 µg/mL for 72 h) and acetone extracts of stem (171.5 µg/mL for 48 h and 101.7 µg/mL for 72 h) on MCF-7 cells. PARP (Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase) cleavage assay and DNA fragmentation assay performed to understand the cause of cell death. Treatment of extract on the normal fibroblast cell line required more concentration for cytotoxicity compared to the treatment on the cancer cells. This ability of the extract proved the anti-cancer property of the M. peregrina extract from the stem, tuber and leaves. The information provided in the present study enables further studies on the isolation and characterization of an anticancer molecule from the tubers of M. peregrina. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology in Traditional Herbal Medicine)

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9 pages, 1921 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Variability of Polyphenolic Compounds and Biological Activities among Perilla frutescens var. crispa Genotypes

by Hyun Ju Ju, Kyeoung Cheol Kim, Heekyu Kim, Ju-Sung Kim and Tae Kyung Hyun

Horticulturae 2021, 7(10), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7100404 - 15 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2149

Abstract

Perilla frutescens var. crispa (Pfc) of the family Lamiaceae is used as a medicinal plant due to its pharmacological properties. Although Pfc is an important resource for the medical nutrition industry, the variability in phytonutrients and biological activities among genotypes of Pfc is [...] Read more.

Perilla frutescens var. crispa (Pfc) of the family Lamiaceae is used as a medicinal plant due to its pharmacological properties. Although Pfc is an important resource for the medical nutrition industry, the variability in phytonutrients and biological activities among genotypes of Pfc is not well understood. The effects of genotype on the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activities, antimelanogenic principles, and anti-inflammatory effects of Pfc were determined using eight Pfc genotypes. Using HPLC analysis, we identified 30 polyphenolic compounds from Pfc, although variation was observed in the polyphenolic composition of Pfc genotypes. Pfc 5 exhibited antimelanogenic activity in B16F10 melanoma cells via inhibition of tyrosinase activity. In addition, Pfc 2 strongly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production through translational downregulation of inducible NOS in RAW264 murine macrophages. Taken together, the results of our study reveal the significant impacts of genotype on phytonutrients and biological activities. This finding will assist in the breeding and genetic engineering of Pfc in order to meet future phytonutrition and health challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology in Traditional Herbal Medicine)

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13 pages, 3271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

HPLC Characterization of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Potential of Alnus nitida (Spach) Endl.

by Javed Khan, Abdul Majid, Nausheen Nazir, Mohammad Nisar, Atif Ali Khan Khalil, Muhammad Zahoor, Mohammad Ihsan, Riaz Ullah, Ahmed Bari and Abdul Bari Shah

Horticulturae 2021, 7(8), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7080232 - 08 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3365

Abstract

Antioxidants isolated from plants have attracted the interest of clinicians and common people to be used for systemic uses rather than synthetic antioxidants because of their active role in maintaining human health with minimal side effects. Alnus nitida (Spach) Endl. is an important [...] Read more.

Antioxidants isolated from plants have attracted the interest of clinicians and common people to be used for systemic uses rather than synthetic antioxidants because of their active role in maintaining human health with minimal side effects. Alnus nitida (Spach) Endl. is an important medicinal plant native to western Himalaya and is widely distributed throughout Pakistan. The present study evaluates the phytochemical composition of this plant using HPLC along with the total content of phenolics and flavonoids. The antioxidant activities were determined following the Brand William assay. The methanolic extract (Met. Ext) of leaves, stem bark, seeds, and roots of A. nitida were used to scavenge synthetic free radicals such as DPPH and ABTS. From HPLC fingerprinting of the A. nitida selected portion, six possible phytochemicals were confirmed. Among the identified phytochemicals, there are six compounds (malic acid, chlorogenic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, ellagic acid and pyrogallol) in the leaves of A. nitida, three (epigallocatechin gallate, ellagic acid, and pyrogallol) in the stem bark, six in the seeds (malic acid, vitamin C, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, ellagic acid, and pyrogallol), and five (malic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, and ellagic acid) in root. Comparatively, the highest antioxidant potentials were recorded for the leaves extract (IC₅₀ of 340 and 645 µg/mL against DPPH and ABTS, respectively). The percentages of inhibition were compared with the positive control ascorbic acid, which produced an IC₅₀ value of 60 μg/mL each against the free radicals DPPH and ABTS. The highest phenolics (43.81 mg GAE/g sample) were found in the roots, while the highest flavonoid contents (53.25 mg QE/g sample) were in the leaves. It was assumed that observed antioxidant potentials of the tested plant might be due to their phytochemicals confirmed through HPLC, and thus, this plant may be a valuable candidate in treating oxidative stress and related disorders. However, further investigations are needed to isolate responsible components in pure from. Furthermore, toxicological effects in in vivo animal models are also needed to confirm the results observed in this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology in Traditional Herbal Medicine)

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Review

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18 pages, 1621 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Sanitary Registries and Popular Medicinal Plants Used in Medicines and Herbal Remedies in Mexico (2001–2020): A Review and Potential Perspectives

by Aida Araceli Rodríguez-Hernández, Fernanda Guadalupe Flores-Soria, Omar Patiño-Rodríguez and Abraham Escobedo-Moratilla

Horticulturae 2022, 8(5), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8050377 - 26 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2979

Abstract

Mexico, a megadiverse country, hosts approximately 10–12% of the world’s biodiversity and at least 21,989–23,424 vascular plants, 3350 of which are traditional medicinal flora. The Mexican Regulation categorizes herbal medicinal products into two groups: herbal medicines products and herbal remedies products. To date, [...] Read more.

Mexico, a megadiverse country, hosts approximately 10–12% of the world’s biodiversity and at least 21,989–23,424 vascular plants, 3350 of which are traditional medicinal flora. The Mexican Regulation categorizes herbal medicinal products into two groups: herbal medicines products and herbal remedies products. To date, there is no available information that describes and includes analyzed data about these two types of herbal medicinal products registered in Mexico. The purpose of the study was to analyze national sanitary registries of herbal products from 2001 to 2020 and identify native Mexican plants that are most used in herbal products. Further, the study aims to highlight the impact and relevance of this large number of medicinal plants, which represent a great source of information, genetic resources, bioactive compounds, and potential use in subsequent therapies based on scientific evidence. The future of medicines and herbal remedies is underestimated; thus, the significance of evaluating the great potential in studying plants for medicinal use must be taken into account. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology in Traditional Herbal Medicine)

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20 pages, 1657 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ethnobotanical Uses, Nutritional Composition, Phytochemicals, Biological Activities, and Propagation of the Genus Brachystelma (Apocynaceae)

by Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu, Nqobile P. Hlophe, Johannes Van Staden and Jeffrey F. Finnie

Horticulturae 2022, 8(2), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8020122 - 29 Jan 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2553

Abstract

The Brachystelma genus (family: Apocynaceae) consists of geophytes that are traditionally utilised among rural communities, especially in East Africa, southern Africa, West Africa, and northern and western India. Apart from being used as a food source, they are indicated as treatment for ailments [...] Read more.

The Brachystelma genus (family: Apocynaceae) consists of geophytes that are traditionally utilised among rural communities, especially in East Africa, southern Africa, West Africa, and northern and western India. Apart from being used as a food source, they are indicated as treatment for ailments such as colds, chest pains, and wounds. This review provides a critical appraisal on the ethnobotanical uses, nutritional value, phytochemical profiles, and biological activities of Brachystelma species. In addition, we assessed the potential of micropropagation as a means of ensuring the sustainability of Brachystelma species. An inventory of 34 Brachystelma species was reported as a source of wild food and traditional medicine (e.g., respiratory-related conditions, pains, and inflammation) across 13 countries, predominantly in Africa and Asia. Brachystelma circinnatum and Brachystelma foetidum were the most popular plants based on the high number of citations. Limited data for the nutritional content was only available for Brachystelma edulis and Brachystelma naorojii, as well as phytochemical profiles (based on qualitative and quantitative techniques) for five Brachystelma species. Likewise, a few Brachystelma species have evidence of biological activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effects. Extensive studies on Brachystelma togoense have resulted in the isolation of four compounds with therapeutic potential for managing different health conditions. As a means of contributing to the sustainability of Brachystelma species, micropropagation protocols have been devised for Brachystelma glabrum, Brachystelma pygmaeum, Brachystelma ngomense, and Brachystelma pulchellum. Nevertheless, continuous optimisation is required to enhance the efficiency of the micropropagation protocols for these aforementioned Brachystelma species. Despite the large number of Brachystelma with anecdotal evidence as food and medicine, a significant number currently lack empirical data on their nutritional and phytochemical profiles, as well as their biological activities. The need for new propagation protocols to mitigate the declining wild populations and ensure their sustainability remains pertinent. This is important should the potential of Brachystelma species as novel food and medicinal products be achieved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology in Traditional Herbal Medicine)

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9 pages, 754 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress on Illicium difengpi (Illiciaceae): A Review

by Chao Wu, Huiling Liang, Beibei Qi, Baoyu Liu, Manlian Wang, Hui Tang, Dianpeng Li and Shah Fahad

Horticulturae 2022, 8(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8010019 - 24 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3785

Abstract

Illicium difengpi K.I.B. et K.I.M. is a member of the Illiciaceae family with a yet not fully explored utilization value. To provide references for the systematic understanding of I. difengpi (Illiciaceae), the morphological and structural characteristics, wild resource distribution, chemical compounds, pharmacological effects, [...] Read more.

Illicium difengpi K.I.B. et K.I.M. is a member of the Illiciaceae family with a yet not fully explored utilization value. To provide references for the systematic understanding of I. difengpi (Illiciaceae), the morphological and structural characteristics, wild resource distribution, chemical compounds, pharmacological effects, utilization, and protective measures of this species are reviewed. We conclude that (i) I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) is an endemic and indigenous medicinal species that has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and traumatic injury in China; (ii) I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) can endure various abiotic stresses, especially extreme drought, and thus has scientific value for exploring adaptive mechanisms of tolerance to extreme drought and in the ecological restoration of karst rocky desertification areas; and (iii) the beautiful tree shapes of I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) give it potential ornamental value. However, the wild resources of I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) have rapidly decreased, and there is an urgent need to protect this endangered species to maintain its diversity. Protection measures include the protection of wild germplasm resources, the establishment of an I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) germplasm resource bank, and the development of large-scale ecological planting techniques. In further research, the medicinal and scientific value of I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) should be systematically explored to clarify the plant’s effective pharmaceutical value, clinical applications, mechanisms of drought adaptation, and genetic diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology in Traditional Herbal Medicine)

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32 pages, 3535 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Traditional Herbal Remedies Used for Managing Anxiety and Insomnia in Italy: An Ethnopharmacological Overview

by Riccardo Motti and Bruna de Falco

Horticulturae 2021, 7(12), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7120523 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 10286

Abstract

Anxiety and insomnia are among the most common mental health disorders and are a major cause of disability around the world. Traditional herbal medicines are receiving significant attention in global health debates. Several Italian regions maintain rural traditions and are among the most [...] Read more.

Anxiety and insomnia are among the most common mental health disorders and are a major cause of disability around the world. Traditional herbal medicines are receiving significant attention in global health debates. Several Italian regions maintain rural traditions and are among the most extensively studied areas of Europe regarding medicinal plant uses. The present overview aims to highlight the use of wild and cultivated plants, specifically as sedatives and for insomnia treatment in Italy, and to collect, analyze, and summarize the available literature about their pharmacological activity as well as clinical and pre-clinical studies concerning the most cited plants. In total, 106 wild taxa are used in Italy for sedative purposes. The plant species belong to 76 genera and 32 families, of which the most cited are Asteraceae (24.2%) and Lamiaceae (21.1%). Leaves (29%) and flowers (27%) are the plant parts mostly used as infusion (70%) and decoction (25%). Out of 106 taxa documented, only the most cited are analyzed in this overview (A. arvensis L., C. nepeta L., C. monogyna Jacq., H. lupulus L., L. nobilis L., L. angustifolia Mill., M. sylvestris L., M. chamomilla L., M. officinalis L., O. basilicum L., P. rhoeas L., P. somniferum L., R. officinalis L., T. platyphyllus Scop., and V. officinalis L.). Among the fifteen species selected, only seven have been studied for their pharmacological activity as hypnotic-sedatives. Future pre-clinical and clinical studies are needed to better clarify the mechanism of action of bioactive compounds and confirm the potential of these alternative therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology in Traditional Herbal Medicine)

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25 pages, 850 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Moringa oleifera Lam.: A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Overview

by Attilio Anzano, Mohammad Ammar, Marina Papaianni, Laura Grauso, Mohammed Sabbah, Rosanna Capparelli and Virginia Lanzotti

Horticulturae 2021, 7(10), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7100409 - 16 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 11266

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a fast-growing and drought-resistant tree of the Moringaceae family. The tree is known with some common names: miracle, ben oil, drumstick, horseradish or simply moringa. The plant grows in a variety of environments including harsh conditions. The plant has [...] Read more.

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a fast-growing and drought-resistant tree of the Moringaceae family. The tree is known with some common names: miracle, ben oil, drumstick, horseradish or simply moringa. The plant grows in a variety of environments including harsh conditions. The plant has a high content of phytonutrients, being used as natural integrators to cure malnutrition. Phytochemical studies of plant organs showed the plant as a rich source of primary and secondary metabolites belonging to different classes of organic compounds. Pharmacological studies confirmed the use of the plant to cure several diseases and to possess nutraceutical properties. This review is aimed to contribute to the knowledge of M. oleifera by providing its plant description, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology in Traditional Herbal Medicine)

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