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Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts
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Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 25557

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Magdalena Wójciak

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
Interests: secondary plant metabolites; plant extracts; biological activity of natural compounds; polyphenols; chromatography
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Marcin Feldo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 11 St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland
Interests: flavonoids; diosmin; biologicl activity of plant metabolites chronic venous insufficiency; cardiovascular diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleague,

In recent years, the importance of plants and plant derived compounds  is still constantly increasing due to their broad range of activity including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunostimulating, protective,  antimicrobial and antifungial properties. They have also health promoting effects and protect against development of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. However, their potential for applications in pharmacy, medicine and cosmetology is still unexplored and the special Issue aims to present new achievement in this fields.

The study on the isolation, structure elucidation and biological activity of  natural constituents from plants, fungus and algae as well as on the activity and utility of well characterized plant extracts are appreciated. However, it should be mentioned that paper describing activity of extracts  without phytochemical characterization of main components will not be considered.

Original papers or review articles are well welcome.

Prof. Dr. Magdalena Wójciak
Prof. Dr. Marcin Feldo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • secondary plant metabolites
  • plant extracts
  • biological activity
  • polyphenols
  • alkaloids
  • in vitro, in vivo and clinical study
  • cosmetology
  • ethnopharmacology
  • isolation and structure elucidation of plant metabolites

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 4582 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Evidence of Selective Pro-Apoptotic Action of the Pure Cannabidiol and Cannabidiol-Rich Extract
by Paweł Śledziński, Agnieszka Nowak-Terpiłowska, Piotr Rzymski, Ryszard Słomski and Joanna Zeyland
Molecules 2023, 28(23), 7887; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28237887 - 01 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 957
Abstract
Plant cannabinoids, secondary metabolites of species belonging to the Cannabis genus, can mimic the endocannabinoids’ action and exert biological effects. Considering the contribution of the endocannabinoid system in cell cycle and apoptotic regulation, there is an interest in exploring the potential anti-cancer activities [...] Read more.
Plant cannabinoids, secondary metabolites of species belonging to the Cannabis genus, can mimic the endocannabinoids’ action and exert biological effects. Considering the contribution of the endocannabinoid system in cell cycle and apoptotic regulation, there is an interest in exploring the potential anti-cancer activities of natural and synthetic cannabinoids. Cannabidiol (CBD), an abundant plant cannabinoid, reveals a low affinity to cannabinoid receptors and, contrary to various cannabinoids, lacks psychoactive action. Here, we present the in vitro assessment of the pro-apoptototic potential of CBD-rich extracts of Cannabis sativa L. (eCBD) compared to purified CBD (pCBD). As demonstrated, both eCBD and pCBD decreased the viability of breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and human prostate cancer cell line PC-3 in a concentration-dependent fashion. Endoplasmic reticulum stress-related apoptosis and morphological changes were induced only in low-serum conditions. Moreover, the effects of eCDB and pCDB were also assessed in non-malignant cell lines (MCF-10A and PNT2) with no alterations of viability noted, ultimately suggesting a selective action of CBD in tumor cells. The results suggest the possible involvement of reactive oxygen species in the response mechanism to eCBD and pCBD, but no clear pattern was observed. We also demonstrated significant changes in gene expression involved in apoptosis and cell cycle control upon extract treatment. Altogether, our study shows the potential of eCBD and pCBD as novel pro-apoptototic agents that can be considered promising in future preclinical and clinical testing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts)
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18 pages, 5193 KiB  
Article
Ethanol Extract of Rosa rugosa Ameliorates Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury via Upregulating Sirt1 and Subsequent Potentiation of LKB1/AMPK/Nrf2 Cascade in Hepatocytes
by Yecheng Lei, Xiao Lei, Anqi Zhu, Shijie Xie, Tiantian Zhang, Chuo Wang, Anning Song, Xiaoming Wang, Guangwen Shu and Xukun Deng
Molecules 2023, 28(21), 7307; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28217307 - 28 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1339
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury is a common hepatic disease resulting from drug abuse. Few targeted treatments are available clinically nowadays. The flower bud of Rosa rugosa has a wide range of biological activities. However, it is unclear whether it alleviates liver injury caused [...] Read more.
Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury is a common hepatic disease resulting from drug abuse. Few targeted treatments are available clinically nowadays. The flower bud of Rosa rugosa has a wide range of biological activities. However, it is unclear whether it alleviates liver injury caused by APAP. Here, we prepared an ethanol extract of Rosa rugosa (ERS) and analyzed its chemical profile. Furthermore, we revealed that ERS significantly ameliorated APAP-induced apoptosis and ferroptosis in AML-12 hepatocytes and dampened APAP-mediated cytotoxicity. In AML-12 cells, ERS elevated Sirt1 expression, boosted the LKB1/AMPK/Nrf2 axis, and thereby crippled APAP-induced intracellular oxidative stress. Both EX527 and NAM, which are chemically unrelated inhibitors of Sirt1, blocked ERS-induced activation of LKB1/AMPK/Nrf2 signaling. The protection of ERS against APAP-triggered toxicity in AML-12 cells was subsequently abolished. As expression of LKB1 was knocked down, ERS still upregulated Sirt1 but failed to activate AMPK/Nrf2 cascade or suppress cytotoxicity provoked by APAP. Results of in vivo experiments showed that ERS attenuated APAP-caused hepatocyte apoptosis and ferroptosis and improved liver injury and inflammation. Consistently, ERS boosted Sirt1 expression, increased phosphorylations of LKB1 and AMPK, and promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation in the livers of APAP-intoxicated mice. Hepatic transcriptions of HO-1 and GCLC, which are downstream antioxidant genes of Nrf2, were also significantly increased in response to ERS. Our results collectively indicated that ERS effectively attenuates APAP-induced liver injury by activating LKB1/AMPK/Nrf2 cascade. Upregulated expression of Sirt1 plays a crucial role in ERS-mediated activation of LKB1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts)
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21 pages, 5366 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Underlying Mechanisms of Ardisia japonica Extract’s Anti-Blood-Stasis Effect via Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology
by Cuiwei He, Erwei Hao, Chengzhi Du, Wei Wei, Xiaodong Wang, Tongxiang Liu and Jiagang Deng
Molecules 2023, 28(21), 7301; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28217301 - 27 Oct 2023
Viewed by 956
Abstract
Objective: Our study aims to assess Ardisia japonica (AJ)’s anti-blood-stasis effect and its underlying action mechanisms. Methods: The primary components of AJ were determined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The blood stasis model was used to investigate the anti-blood-stasis effect of AJ extract. [...] Read more.
Objective: Our study aims to assess Ardisia japonica (AJ)’s anti-blood-stasis effect and its underlying action mechanisms. Methods: The primary components of AJ were determined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The blood stasis model was used to investigate the anti-blood-stasis effect of AJ extract. The underlying mechanisms of AJ against blood stasis were investigated via network pharmacology, molecular docking, and plasma non-targeted metabolomics. Results: In total, 94 compounds were identified from an aqueous extract of AJ, including terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, and fatty acyl compounds. In rats with blood stasis, AJ reduced the area of stasis, decreased the inflammatory reaction in the liver and lungs of rats, lowered the plasma viscosity, increased the index of erythrocyte deformability, and decreased the index of erythrocyte aggregation, suggesting that AJ has an anti-blood-stasis effect. Different metabolites were identified via plasma untargeted metabolomics, and it was found that AJ exerts its anti-blood-stasis effect by reducing inflammatory responses through the cysteine and methionine metabolism, linolenic acid metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism. For the effect of AJ on blood stasis syndrome, the main active ingredients predicted via network pharmacology include sinensetin, galanin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, wogonin, quercetin, and bergenin, and their targets were TP53, HSP90AA1, VEGFA, AKT1, EGFR, and PIK3CA that were mainly enriched in the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways, which modulate the inflammatory response. Molecular docking was also performed, and the binding energies of these seven compounds to six proteins were less than −5, indicating that the chemical components bind to the target proteins. Conclusions: This study suggests AJ effectively prevents blood stasis by reducing inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts)
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15 pages, 2133 KiB  
Article
Effects of Icariin and Its Metabolites on GPCR Regulation and MK-801-Induced Schizophrenia-Like Behaviors in Mice
by Su Hui Seong, Seo Hyun Kim, Jong Hoon Ryu, Jin-Woo Jeong, Hyun Ah Jung and Jae Sue Choi
Molecules 2023, 28(21), 7300; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28217300 - 27 Oct 2023
Viewed by 801
Abstract
Icariin, a major bioactive compound found in the Epimedium genus, has been reported to exert protective effects against neurodegenerative disorders. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of icariin and its active metabolites (icariside II and icaritin) against prime [...] Read more.
Icariin, a major bioactive compound found in the Epimedium genus, has been reported to exert protective effects against neurodegenerative disorders. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of icariin and its active metabolites (icariside II and icaritin) against prime G-protein-coupled receptor targets, considering their association with neuronal disorders. Icariside II exhibited selective agonist activity towards the dopamine D3 receptor (D3R), with half-maximal effective concentrations of 13.29 μM. Additionally, they effectively inhibited the specific binding of radioligands to D3R. Molecular docking analysis revealed that icariside II potentially exerts its agonistic effect through hydrogen-bonding interaction with Asp110 of the D3R, accompanied by negative binding energy. Conversely, icaritin demonstrated selective antagonist effects on the muscarinic acetylcholine M2 receptor (M2R). Radioligand binding assay and molecular docking analysis identified icaritin as an orthosteric ligand for M2R. Furthermore, all three compounds, icariin and its two metabolites, successfully mitigated MK-801-induced schizophrenia-like symptoms, including deficits in prepulse inhibition and social interaction, in mice. In summary, these findings highlight the potential of icariin and its metabolites as promising lead structures for the discovery of new drugs targeting cognitive and neurodegenerative disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts)
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26 pages, 5977 KiB  
Article
Screening the Extract of Laportea bulbifera (Sieb. et Zucc.) Wedd. Based on Active Component Content, Its Antioxidant Capacity and Exploration of Hepatoprotective Activity in Rats
by Jiaxin Feng, Yue Sun, Zhongbao Wei, Hui Sun, Li Li, Junyi Zhu, Guangqing Xia and Hao Zang
Molecules 2023, 28(17), 6256; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28176256 - 25 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 924
Abstract
Laportea bulbifera (Sieb. et Zucc.) Wedd., a plant with a long history of medicinal use, possesses uncertainly defined medicament portions while its antioxidant capacity remains largely unexplored. To gain a better understanding of its medicinal value, this study focused on investigating the Laportea [...] Read more.
Laportea bulbifera (Sieb. et Zucc.) Wedd., a plant with a long history of medicinal use, possesses uncertainly defined medicament portions while its antioxidant capacity remains largely unexplored. To gain a better understanding of its medicinal value, this study focused on investigating the Laportea bulbifera aboveground part (LBAP) and the Laportea bulbifera root (LBR). Through an assessment of the bioactive compound content, a significant finding emerged: the LBR exhibited notably higher levels of these bioactive phytochemicals compared to the LBAP. This observation was further reinforced by the antioxidant assays, which demonstrated the superiority of the LBR’s antioxidant capacity. The experimental results unequivocally indicate that the root is the optimal medicament portion for Laportea bulbifera. Furthermore, it was discovered that the presence of alcohol in the extraction solvent significantly enhanced the extraction of active ingredients, with the methanol extract of LBR performing the best among the extracts tested. Consequently, this extract was selected for further research. Leveraging cutting-edge UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS technology, the methanol extract of LBR was meticulously analyzed, revealing the presence of 41 compounds, primarily belonging to the phenolics and fatty acids. Remarkably, stability experiments demonstrated that the phenolics in the methanol extract maintained their stability across various pH values and during in vitro simulations of the human digestive system, albeit showing gradual degradation under high temperatures. Furthermore, the oxidative stability tests conducted on oils revealed the potential of the methanol extract as a stabilizer for olive oil and sunflower oil. Moreover, oral acute toxicity studies confirmed the low toxicity of the methanol extract, further supporting its safe use for medicinal purposes. Of particular note, histopathological examination and biochemical analysis affirmed the remarkable protective effects of the methanol extract against d-galactosamine-induced liver damage. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of the methanol extract from the LBR in the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative imbalance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts)
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33 pages, 11104 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activities In Vitro and In Vivo, and Theoretical Calculation of Different Extracts of Euphorbia fischeriana
by Yue Sun, Jia-Xin Feng, Zhong-Bao Wei, Hui Sun, Li Li, Jun-Yi Zhu, Guang-Qing Xia and Hao Zang
Molecules 2023, 28(13), 5172; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135172 - 02 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1658
Abstract
Euphorbia fischeriana has a long-standing history of use in traditional medicine for the treatment of tuberculosis diseases. However, the plant’s therapeutic potential extends beyond this specific ailment. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant properties of Euphorbia fischeriana and lay the groundwork [...] Read more.
Euphorbia fischeriana has a long-standing history of use in traditional medicine for the treatment of tuberculosis diseases. However, the plant’s therapeutic potential extends beyond this specific ailment. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant properties of Euphorbia fischeriana and lay the groundwork for further research on its potential therapeutic applications. Phytochemical tests were performed on the plant, and 11 types of phytochemicals were identified. Ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry was used to evaluate the active components and antioxidant properties of eight different solvent extracts, ultimately selecting acetone extract for further research. UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS identified 43 compounds in the acetone extract, and chemical calculations were used to isolate those with high content and antioxidant activity. Three stability experiments confirmed the extract’s stability, while cell viability and oral acute toxicity studies demonstrated its relatively low toxicity. In rats, the acetone extract showed significant protective effects against D-galactosamine-induced liver damage through histopathological examination and biochemical analysis. These results suggest that Euphorbia fischeriana’s acetone extract has potential in treating diseases related to oxidative imbalances. Therefore, this study highlights the plant’s potential therapeutic applications while providing insight into its antioxidant properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts)
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15 pages, 9704 KiB  
Article
Nobiletin with AIEE Characteristics for Targeting Mitochondria and Real-Time Dynamic Tracking in Zebrafish
by Tingting Jin, Na Li, Yi Wu, Ying He, Depo Yang and Feng He
Molecules 2023, 28(12), 4592; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28124592 - 06 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1099
Abstract
Nobiletin is a natural product with multiple physiological activities and is the main ingredient of Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae. We successfully discovered that nobiletin exhibits aggregation induced emission enhancement (AIEE) properties and it has significant advantages such as a large Stokes shift, good [...] Read more.
Nobiletin is a natural product with multiple physiological activities and is the main ingredient of Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae. We successfully discovered that nobiletin exhibits aggregation induced emission enhancement (AIEE) properties and it has significant advantages such as a large Stokes shift, good stability and excellent biocompatibility. The increase in methoxy groups endows nobiletin a greater fat-solubility, bioavailability and transport rate than the corresponding unmethoxylated flavones. Ulteriorly, cells and zebrafish were used to explore the application of nobiletin in biological imaging. It emits fluorescence in cells and is specifically targeted at mitochondria. Moreover, it has a noteworthy affinity for the digestive system and liver of zebrafish. Due to the unique AIEE phenomenon and stable optical properties of nobiletin, it paves the way for discovering, modifying and synthesizing more molecules with AIEE characteristics. Furthermore, it has a great prospect with regard to imaging cells and cellular substructures, such as mitochondria, which play crucial roles in cell metabolism and death. Indeed, three-dimensional real-time imaging in zebrafish provides a dynamic and visual tool for studying the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs. In this article, more directions and inspiration can be presented for the exploration of non-invasive pharmacokinetic research and intuitive drug pathways or mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts)
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16 pages, 3557 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Extraction and Separation Process of Notoginsenoside Fc from Panax notoginseng Leaves
by Zhenghong Guo, Zhonghua Luo, Shao Wu, Chunhong Yang, Ting Xiao and Yuqing Zhao
Molecules 2023, 28(9), 3915; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28093915 - 05 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1229
Abstract
Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optimal conditions for ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of Notoginsenoside Fc (Fc) from panax notoginseng leaves. The experiment utilized a Box–Behnken design (BBD) and separation conditions were optimized. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: extraction [...] Read more.
Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optimal conditions for ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of Notoginsenoside Fc (Fc) from panax notoginseng leaves. The experiment utilized a Box–Behnken design (BBD) and separation conditions were optimized. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: extraction time = 1.5 h, ethanol concentration = 86%, liquid-to-solid ratio = 19:1. The experimentally obtained values were in accordance with the values predicted by the RSM model. We determined that the RSM model was able to successfully simulate the optimal extraction of Fc from the leaves. Further, Fc was enriched from Panax notoginseng through nine macroporous resins, and HPD-100 macroporous resins were selected for preliminary enrichment of Fc due to its economic costs and benefits. Subsequently, octadecyl silane (ODS) column chromatography was used to improve the purity of Fc to over 90% after separation by ODS column chromatography. Fc with a purity greater than 95% can be obtained by recrystallization. This is the first study that has focused on the extraction and enrichment of Fc from Panax notoginseng leaves using macroporous resin combined with ODS column chromatography, which provides the possibility for further application of Fc. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts)
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Review

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50 pages, 5298 KiB  
Review
Actinidia arguta (Sieb. et Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq.: A Review of Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
by Haifeng Zhang, Kun Teng and Hao Zang
Molecules 2023, 28(23), 7820; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28237820 - 28 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1214
Abstract
Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch ex Miq. (A. arguta) is a highly valued vine plant belonging to the Actinidia lindl genus. It is extensively utilized for its edible and medicinal properties. The various parts of A. arguta serve diverse purposes. [...] Read more.
Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch ex Miq. (A. arguta) is a highly valued vine plant belonging to the Actinidia lindl genus. It is extensively utilized for its edible and medicinal properties. The various parts of A. arguta serve diverse purposes. The fruit is rich in vitamins, amino acids, and vitamin C, making it a nutritious and flavorful raw material for producing jam, canned food, and wine. The flowers yield volatile oils suitable for essential oil extraction. The leaves contain phenolic compounds and can be used for tea production. Additionally, the roots, stems, and leaves of A. arguta possess significant medicinal value, as they contain a wide array of active ingredients that exert multiple pharmacological and therapeutic effects. These effects include quenching thirst, relieving heat, stopping bleeding, promoting blood circulation, reducing swelling, dispelling wind, and alleviating dampness. Comprehensive information on A. arguta was collected from scientific databases covering the period from 1970 to 2023. The databases used for this review included Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, and CNKI. The objective of this review was to provide a detailed explanation of A. arguta from multiple perspectives, such as phytochemistry and pharmacological effects. By doing so, it aimed to establish a solid foundation and propose new research ideas for further exploration of the plant’s potential applications and industrial development. To date, a total of 539 compounds have been isolated and identified from A. arguta. These compounds include terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, phenylpropanoids, lignin, organic acids, volatile components, alkanes, coumarins, anthraquinones, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and inorganic elements. Flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, and polysaccharides are the key bioactive constituents of A. arguta. Moreover, phenolics and flavonoids in A. arguta exhibit remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. Additionally, they show promising potential in improving glucose metabolism, combating aging, reducing fatigue, and regulating the immune system. While some fundamental studies on A. arguta have been conducted, further research is necessary to enhance our understanding of its mechanism of action, quality evaluation, and compatibility mechanisms. A more comprehensive investigation is highly warranted to explore the mechanism of action and expand the range of drug resources associated with A. arguta. This will contribute to the current hot topics of anti-aging and anti-tumor drug research and development, thereby promoting its further development and utilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts)
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15 pages, 1426 KiB  
Review
China Medicinal Plants of the Ampelopsis grossedentata—A Review of Their Botanical Characteristics, Use, Phytochemistry, Active Pharmacological Components, and Toxicology
by Rong-Rong Wu, Xiang Li, Yu-Hang Cao, Xiong Peng, Gao-Feng Liu, Zi-Kui Liu, Zi Yang, Zhao-Ying Liu and Yong Wu
Molecules 2023, 28(20), 7145; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28207145 - 18 Oct 2023
Viewed by 963
Abstract
Ampelopsis grossedentata (AG) is mainly distributed in Chinese provinces and areas south of the Yangtze River Basin. It is mostly concentrated or scattered in mountainous bushes or woods with high humidity. Approximately 57 chemical components of AG have been identified, including flavonoids, phenols, [...] Read more.
Ampelopsis grossedentata (AG) is mainly distributed in Chinese provinces and areas south of the Yangtze River Basin. It is mostly concentrated or scattered in mountainous bushes or woods with high humidity. Approximately 57 chemical components of AG have been identified, including flavonoids, phenols, steroids and terpenoids, volatile components, and other chemical components. In vitro studies have shown that the flavone of AG has therapeutic properties such as anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, enhancing immunity, regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, being hepatoprotective, and being anti-tumor with no toxicity. Through searching and combing the related literature, this paper comprehensively and systematically summarizes the research progress of AG, including morphology, traditional and modern uses, chemical composition and structure, and pharmacological and toxicological effects, with a view to providing references for AG-related research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts)
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44 pages, 8649 KiB  
Review
Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (Rupr. & Maxim.) S.Y.Hu: A Review
by Hui Sun, Jiaxin Feng, Yue Sun, Shuang Sun, Li Li, Junyi Zhu and Hao Zang
Molecules 2023, 28(18), 6564; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28186564 - 11 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1566
Abstract
Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (Rupr. & Maxim.) S.Y.Hu (E. sessiliflorus), a member of the Araliaceae family, is a valuable plant widely used for medicinal and dietary purposes. The tender shoots of E. sessiliflorus are commonly consumed as a staple wild vegetable. The fruits [...] Read more.
Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (Rupr. & Maxim.) S.Y.Hu (E. sessiliflorus), a member of the Araliaceae family, is a valuable plant widely used for medicinal and dietary purposes. The tender shoots of E. sessiliflorus are commonly consumed as a staple wild vegetable. The fruits of E. sessiliflorus, known for their rich flavor, play a crucial role in the production of beverages and fruit wines. The root barks of E. sessiliflorus are renowned for their therapeutic effects, including dispelling wind and dampness, strengthening tendons and bones, promoting blood circulation, and removing stasis. To compile a comprehensive collection of information on E. sessiliflorus, extensive searches were conducted in databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, and CNKI. This review aims to provide a detailed exposition of E. sessiliflorus from various perspectives, including phytochemistry and pharmacological effects, to lay a solid foundation for further investigations into its potential uses. Moreover, this review aims to introduce innovative ideas for the rational utilization of E. sessiliflorus resources and the efficient development of related products. To date, a total of 314 compounds have been isolated and identified from E. sessiliflorus, encompassing terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, volatile oils, organic acids and their esters, nitrogenous compounds, quinones, phenolics, and carbohydrates. Among these, triterpenoids and phenylpropanoids are the primary bioactive components, with E. sessiliflorus containing unique 3,4-seco-lupane triterpenoids. These compounds have demonstrated promising properties such as anti-oxidative stress, anti-aging, antiplatelet aggregation, and antitumor effects. Additionally, they show potential in improving glucose metabolism, cardiovascular systems, and immune systems. Despite some existing basic research on E. sessiliflorus, further investigations are required to enhance our understanding of its mechanisms of action, quality assessment, and formulation studies. A more comprehensive investigation into E. sessiliflorus is warranted to delve deeper into its mechanisms of action and potentially expand its pharmaceutical resources, thus facilitating its development and utilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts)
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28 pages, 708 KiB  
Review
Molecular Mechanism Pathways of Natural Compounds for the Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
by Xiaolei Fang, Jiayu Song, Kaixuan Zhou, Xue Zi, Bin Sun, Huiwei Bao and Lijing Li
Molecules 2023, 28(15), 5645; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28155645 - 25 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1839
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world, and its incidence continues to increase each year. Yet, there is still no definitive drug that can stop its development. This review focuses mainly on lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, [...] Read more.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world, and its incidence continues to increase each year. Yet, there is still no definitive drug that can stop its development. This review focuses mainly on lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal flora dysbiosis to understand NAFLD’s pathogenesis. In this review, we used NCBI’s PubMed database for retrieval, integrating in vivo and in vitro experiments to reveal the therapeutic effects of natural compounds on NAFLD. We also reviewed the mechanisms by which the results of these experiments suggest that these compounds can protect the liver from damage by modulating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, decreasing insulin resistance and lipid accumulation in the liver, and interacting with the intestinal microflora. The natural compounds discussed in these papers target a variety of pathways, such as the AMPK pathway and the TGF-β pathway, and have significant therapeutic effects. This review aims to provide new possible therapeutic lead compounds and references for the development of novel medications and the clinical treatment of NAFLD. It offers fresh perspectives on the development of natural compounds in preventing and treating NAFLD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts)
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19 pages, 1719 KiB  
Review
Cellular, Molecular, Pharmacological, and Nano-Formulation Aspects of Thymoquinone—A Potent Natural Antiviral Agent
by Ambreen Shoaib, Shamama Javed, Shadma Wahab, Lubna Azmi, Mohammad Tabish, Muhammad H. Sultan, Karim Abdelsalam, Saad S. Alqahtani and Md Faruque Ahmad
Molecules 2023, 28(14), 5435; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145435 - 16 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1689
Abstract
The goal of an antiviral agent research is to find an antiviral drug that reduces viral growth without harming healthy cells. Transformations of the virus, new viral strain developments, the resistance of viral pathogens, and side effects are the current challenges in terms [...] Read more.
The goal of an antiviral agent research is to find an antiviral drug that reduces viral growth without harming healthy cells. Transformations of the virus, new viral strain developments, the resistance of viral pathogens, and side effects are the current challenges in terms of discovering antiviral drugs. The time has come and it is now essential to discover a natural antiviral agent that has the potential to destroy viruses without causing resistance or other unintended side effects. The pharmacological potency of thymoquinone (TQ) against different communicable and non-communicable diseases has been proven by various studies, and TQ is considered to be a safe antiviral substitute. Adjunctive immunomodulatory effects in addition to the antiviral potency of TQ makes it a major compound against viral infection through modulating the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, decreasing the cytokine storm, and inhibiting endothelial dysfunction. Nevertheless, TQ’s low oral bioavailability, short half-life, poor water solubility, and conventional formulation are barriers to achieving its optimal pharmacologic benefits. Nano-formulation proposes numerous ways to overcome these obstacles through a small particle size, a big surface area, and a variety of surface modifications. Nano-based pharmaceutical innovations to combat viral infections using TQ are a promising approach to treating surmounting viral infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts)
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28 pages, 4753 KiB  
Review
Acorus tatarinowii Schott: A Review of Its Botany, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology
by Meng Wang, Hai-Peng Tang, Shuang Wang, Wen-Jing Hu, Jia-Yan Li, Ai-Qi Yu, Qian-Xiang Bai, Bing-You Yang and Hai-Xue Kuang
Molecules 2023, 28(11), 4525; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28114525 - 02 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1880
Abstract
Acorus tatarinowii Schott (A. tatarinowii) is a natural medicinal plant. It plays an indispensable role in the treatment of diseases by the empirical medicine system and has achieved remarkable curative effects. A. tatarinowii is often used to treat various diseases, such [...] Read more.
Acorus tatarinowii Schott (A. tatarinowii) is a natural medicinal plant. It plays an indispensable role in the treatment of diseases by the empirical medicine system and has achieved remarkable curative effects. A. tatarinowii is often used to treat various diseases, such as depression, epilepsy, fever, dizziness, heartache, stomachache, etc. More than 160 compounds of different structural types have been identified in A. tatarinowii, including phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, lignans, flavonoids, alkaloids, amides, and organic acids. These bioactive ingredients make A. tatarinowii remarkable for its pharmacological effects, including antidepressant, antiepileptic, anticonvulsant, antianxiety, neuroprotective, antifatigue, and antifungal effects, improving Alzheimer’s disease, and so on. It is noteworthy that A. tatarinowii has been widely used in the treatment of brain diseases and nervous system diseases and has achieved satisfactory therapeutic effects. This review focused on the research publications of A. tatarinowii and aimed to summarize the advances in the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology, which will provide a reference for further studies and applications of A. tatarinowii. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts)
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26 pages, 5073 KiB  
Review
Combating Antimicrobial Resistance in the Post-Genomic Era: Rapid Antibiotic Discovery
by Yuehan Yang, Mara Grace C. Kessler, Maria Raquel Marchán-Rivadeneira and Yong Han
Molecules 2023, 28(10), 4183; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28104183 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2275
Abstract
Constantly evolving drug-resistant “superbugs” have caused an urgent demand for novel antimicrobial agents. Natural products and their analogs have been a prolific source of antimicrobial agents, even though a high rediscovery rate and less targeted research has made the field challenging in the [...] Read more.
Constantly evolving drug-resistant “superbugs” have caused an urgent demand for novel antimicrobial agents. Natural products and their analogs have been a prolific source of antimicrobial agents, even though a high rediscovery rate and less targeted research has made the field challenging in the pre-genomic era. With recent advancements in technology, natural product research is gaining new life. Genome mining has allowed for more targeted excavation of biosynthetic potential from natural sources that was previously overlooked. Researchers use bioinformatic algorithms to rapidly identify and predict antimicrobial candidates by studying the genome before even entering the lab. In addition, synthetic biology and advanced analytical instruments enable the accelerated identification of novel antibiotics with distinct structures. Here, we reviewed the literature for noteworthy examples of novel antimicrobial agents discovered through various methodologies, highlighting the candidates with potent effectiveness against antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts)
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30 pages, 2203 KiB  
Review
Biological Potential of Carnivorous Plants from Nepenthales
by Magdalena Wójciak, Marcin Feldo, Piotr Stolarczyk and Bartosz J. Płachno
Molecules 2023, 28(8), 3639; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28083639 - 21 Apr 2023
Viewed by 3773
Abstract
Since Charles Darwin and his book carnivorous plants have aroused interest and heated debate. In addition, there is growing interest in this group of plants as a source of secondary metabolites and in the application of their biological activity. The aim of this [...] Read more.
Since Charles Darwin and his book carnivorous plants have aroused interest and heated debate. In addition, there is growing interest in this group of plants as a source of secondary metabolites and in the application of their biological activity. The aim of this study was to trace the recent literature in search of the application of extracts obtained from families Droseraceae, Nepenthaceae, and Drosophyllaceae to show their biological potential. The data collected in the review clearly indicate that the studied Nepenthales species have great biological potential in terms of antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer use. We proposed that further investigations should include: (i) bioactivity-guided investigations of crude plant extract to connect a particular type of action with a specific compound or a group of metabolites; (ii) a search for new bioactive properties of carnivorous plants; (iii) establishment of molecular mechanisms associated with specific activity. Furthermore, further research should be extended to include less explored species, i.e., Drosophyllum lusitanicum and especially Aldrovanda vesiculosa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Value of Natural Bioactive Compounds and Plant Extracts)
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