Research

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19 pages, 4079 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polyalthic Acid from Copaifera lucens Demonstrates Anticariogenic and Antiparasitic Properties for Safe Use

by Mariana B. Santiago, Vinicius Cristian O. dos Santos, Samuel C. Teixeira, Nagela B. S. Silva, Pollyanna F. de Oliveira, Saulo D. Ozelin, Ricardo A. Furtado, Denise C. Tavares, Sergio Ricardo Ambrósio, Rodrigo Cassio S. Veneziani, Eloisa Amália V. Ferro, Jairo K. Bastos and Carlos Henrique G. Martins

Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(10), 1357; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16101357 - 26 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 783

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the potential of Copaifera lucens, specifically its oleoresin (CLO), extract (CECL), and the compound ent-polyalthic acid (PA), in combating caries and toxoplasmosis, while also assessing its toxicity. The study involved multiple assessments, including determining the minimum [...] Read more.

This study aimed at evaluating the potential of Copaifera lucens, specifically its oleoresin (CLO), extract (CECL), and the compound ent-polyalthic acid (PA), in combating caries and toxoplasmosis, while also assessing its toxicity. The study involved multiple assessments, including determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against cariogenic bacteria. CLO and PA exhibited MIC and MBC values ranging from 25 to 50 μg/mL, whereas CECL showed values equal to or exceeding 400 μg/mL. PA also displayed antibiofilm activity with minimum inhibitory concentration of biofilm (MICB₅₀) values spanning from 62.5 to 1000 μg/mL. Moreover, PA effectively hindered the intracellular proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii at 64 μg/mL, even after 24 h without treatment. Toxicological evaluations included in vitro tests on V79 cells, where concentrations ranged from 78.1 to 1250 μg/mL of PA reduced colony formation. Additionally, using the Caenorhabditis elegans model, the lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of PA was determined as 1000 μg/mL after 48 h of incubation. Notably, no significant differences in micronucleus induction and the NDI were observed in cultures treated with 10, 20, or 40 μg/mL of CLO. These findings underscore the safety profile of CLO and PA, highlighting their potential as alternative treatments for caries and toxoplasmosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discovery, Metabolism and Potential Bio-Activities of Natural Products in Traditional Medicine)

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20 pages, 7463 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Potential of Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. Roots against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Pulmonary Injury in Rats and Its In Vitro Antiviral Effect

by Nashwah G. M. Attallah, Amal Kabbash, Walaa A. Negm, Engy Elekhnawy, Reem Binsuwaidan, Omnia Momtaz Al-Fakhrany, Moataz A. Shaldam, Ehssan Moglad, Marwa Tarek, Nehal Samir and Heba M. Fawzy

Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(2), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16020318 - 18 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1900

Abstract

Diseases and infections of the respiratory tract are common global causes of morbidity and mortality. Our study attempts to elucidate a novel remedy for respiratory ailments, in addition to identifying and quantifying the metabolites of Saussurea costus root extract (SCRE) using HPLC. Then, [...] Read more.

Diseases and infections of the respiratory tract are common global causes of morbidity and mortality. Our study attempts to elucidate a novel remedy for respiratory ailments, in addition to identifying and quantifying the metabolites of Saussurea costus root extract (SCRE) using HPLC. Then, in vitro antiviral and in vivo lung protective effects were elucidated. The in vitro antiviral potential of SCRE was analyzed via plaque assay against the low pathogenic human coronavirus (HCoV-229E) and human influenza virus (H1N1). The value of the half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) of SCRE against HCoV-229E and H1N1 influenza virus were 23.21 ± 1.1 and 47.6 ± 2.3 µg/mL, respectively. SCRE showed a histological improvement, namely a decrease in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and caspase-3 immunoexpression in in vivo cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Moreover, there was a considerable decline in microRNA-let-7a gene expression and a significant rise in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene expression, with a marked decrease in the malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Molecular docking studies revealed that the major constituents of SCRE have a good affinity for caspase-3, HO-1, and iNOS proteins. In conclusion, a traditional plant SCRE could be a promising source of novel therapeutic agents for treating and protecting respiratory tract diseases. More future investigations should be carried out to reveal its efficacy clinically. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discovery, Metabolism and Potential Bio-Activities of Natural Products in Traditional Medicine)

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17 pages, 3490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oral Wound Healing Potential of Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix Decoction—In Vitro Study

by Jakub Hadzik, Anna Choromańska, Bożena Karolewicz, Adam Matkowski, Marzena Dominiak, Adrianna Złocińska and Izabela Nawrot-Hadzik

Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(2), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16020267 - 10 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1526

Abstract

Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix (syn. rhizomes of Reynoutria japonica Houtt.) is a pharmacopoeial raw material in Europe and China. In traditional medicine, one of the applications for Reynoutria japonica rhizomes is wound healing. In a recent in vitro study, we demonstrated [...] Read more.

Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix (syn. rhizomes of Reynoutria japonica Houtt.) is a pharmacopoeial raw material in Europe and China. In traditional medicine, one of the applications for Reynoutria japonica rhizomes is wound healing. In a recent in vitro study, we demonstrated that ethanol and acetone extracts from this herbal drug have the potential to heal oral gum wounds. However, considering that a majority of herbal medicines have been traditionally administered as water decoctions, in the present study, a decoction of Reynoutria japonica rhizomes was prepared and detailed tests to determine its in vitro gingival wound healing activity were conducted. We used the primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) incubated with a decoction to determine cell viability (MTT assay), cell proliferation (the confocal laser scanning microscope—CLSM), and cell migration (wound healing assay). Moreover, the collagen type III expression was examined using immunocytochemical staining. The studied decoction was qualitatively and quantitatively characterized using the validated HPLC/DAD/ESI-HR-QTOF-MS method. The Folin–Ciocalteu assay was used to determine the total phenols and tannins content. Additionally, HPLC-RI analysis of decoction and the previously obtained ethanol and acetone extracts was used to determine the composition of saccharides. Low concentration (from 50 to 1000 µg/mL) of decoction after 24 h incubation caused a significant increase in HGF cell viability. No cytotoxic effect was observed at any tested concentration (up to 2000 µg/mL). The lowest active concentration of decoction (50 µg/mL) was selected for further experiments. It significantly stimulated human gingival fibroblasts to proliferate, migrate, and increase the synthesis of collagen III. Phytochemical analysis showed significantly fewer polyphenols in the decoction than in the ethanol and acetone extracts tested earlier. In contrast, high levels of polysaccharides were observed. In our opinion, they may have a significant effect on the oral wound healing parameters analyzed in vitro. The results obtained encourage the use of this raw material in its traditional, safe form—decoction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discovery, Metabolism and Potential Bio-Activities of Natural Products in Traditional Medicine)

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11 pages, 1719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Six Unprecedented Cytochalasin Derivatives from the Potato Endophytic Fungus Xylaria curta E10 and Their Cytotoxicity

by Xian Zhang, Yinzhong Fan, Ke Ye, Xiaoyan Pan, Xujun Ma, Honglian Ai, Baobao Shi and Jikai Liu

Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(2), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16020193 - 28 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1521

Abstract

Six previously undescribed cytochalasins, Curtachalasins X1–X6 (1–6), together with six known compounds (7–12) were isolated from the endophytic fungus Xylaria curta E10 harbored in the plant Solanum tuberosum. The structures were elucidated by the [...] Read more.

Six previously undescribed cytochalasins, Curtachalasins X1–X6 (1–6), together with six known compounds (7–12) were isolated from the endophytic fungus Xylaria curta E10 harbored in the plant Solanum tuberosum. The structures were elucidated by the interpretation of HRESIMS, UV, and NMR data. The absolute configurations of Curtachalasins X1–X6 were determined by comparison of their experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. In bioassays, Curtachalasin X1 (1) and X5 (5) showed cytotoxic activity against the MCF-7 cell line with IC₅₀ values of 2.03 μM and 0.85 μM, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discovery, Metabolism and Potential Bio-Activities of Natural Products in Traditional Medicine)

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20 pages, 4328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Characterization and Anti-Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Effect of High-Sulfated Ulva pertusa Polysaccharide

by Yuzhou Wan, Lin Liu, Bo Zhang, Shaopeng Wang, Xiaoqian Wang, Kexu Chen, Yuxi Li, Tingting Zhao and Huimin Qi

Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16010062 - 31 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1601

Abstract

The high-sulfated derivative of Ulva pertusa polysaccharide (HU), with unclear structure, has better anti-hyperlipidmia activity than U pertusa polysaccharide ulvan (U). In this study, we explore the main structure of HU and its therapeutic effect against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The main [...] Read more.

The high-sulfated derivative of Ulva pertusa polysaccharide (HU), with unclear structure, has better anti-hyperlipidmia activity than U pertusa polysaccharide ulvan (U). In this study, we explore the main structure of HU and its therapeutic effect against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The main structure of HU was elucidated using FT-IR and NMR (13C, 1H, COSY, HSQC, HMBC). The anti-NAFLD activity of HU was explored using the high-fat diet mouse model to detect indicators of blood lipid and liver function and observe the pathologic changes in epididymal fat and the liver. Results showed that HU had these main structural fragments: →4)-β-D-Glcp(1→4)-α-L-Rhap2,3S(1→; →4)-α-L-Rhap3S(1→4)-β-D-Xylp2,3S(1→; →4)-α-L-Rhap3S(1→4)-β-D-Xylp(1→; →4)-α-L-IdopA3S(1→4)-α-L-Rhap3S(1→; →4)-β-D-GlcpA(1→3)-α-L-Rhap(1→; →4)-α-L-IdopA3S(1→4)-β-D-Glcp3Me(1→; →4)-β-D-Xylp2,3S(1→4)-α-L-IdopA3S(1→; and →4)-β-D-Xylp(1→4)-α-L-IdopA3S(1→. Treatment results indicated that HU markedly decreased levels of TC, LDL-C, TG, and AST. Furthermore, lipid droplets in the liver were reduced, and the abnormal enlargement of epididymal fat cells was suppressed. Thus, HU appears to have a protective effect on the development of NAFLD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discovery, Metabolism and Potential Bio-Activities of Natural Products in Traditional Medicine)

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12 pages, 4378 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sodium Danshensu Cream Promotes the Healing of Pressure Ulcers in Mice through the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB Pathways

by Fei Yang and Cuizhen Shen

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(12), 1548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15121548 - 13 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1526

Abstract

On the basis of the mice pressure ulcers (PU) model, the protective effect and potential mechanism of sodium Danshensu (SDSS) cream against PU were investigated. The mice were randomly divided into three groups: the negative control group (cream without 0.5 g SDSS), the [...] Read more.

On the basis of the mice pressure ulcers (PU) model, the protective effect and potential mechanism of sodium Danshensu (SDSS) cream against PU were investigated. The mice were randomly divided into three groups: the negative control group (cream without 0.5 g SDSS), the SDSS group (cream containing 0.5 g SDSS), and the positive group (0.5 g Hirudoid^®). After 7 and 14 days of ointment application, the wound-healing rate of the SDSS and positive groups was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). The results of hematoxylin–eosin staining also indicated that SDSS has the potential to promote the healing of PU. In addition, the serum IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MDA levels decreased significantly (p < 0.01) after 14 days of SDSS treatment, while the SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities increased significantly (p < 0.01). In addition, SDSS cream was able to significantly increase the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, GCLM, NQO1, NF-κB p65, NF-κB p50, IKKα, and IKKβ while decreasing the expression of Keap1 and IκBαin the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways. Our research will provide a foundation for the future clinical prevention and treatment of PU with SDSS cream. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discovery, Metabolism and Potential Bio-Activities of Natural Products in Traditional Medicine)

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10 pages, 2110 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ganoaustralins A and B, Unusual Aromatic Triterpenes from the Mushroom Ganoderma australe

by Lin Zhou, He-Ping Chen, Xinyang Li and Ji-Kai Liu

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(12), 1520; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15121520 - 06 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1515

Abstract

Two triterpenes, ganoaustralins A (1) and B (2), featuring unprecedented 6/6/6/5/6 scaffolds were isolated from the fruiting bodies of the mushroom Ganoderma australe. The structures were determined by extensive NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration of [...] Read more.

Two triterpenes, ganoaustralins A (1) and B (2), featuring unprecedented 6/6/6/5/6 scaffolds were isolated from the fruiting bodies of the mushroom Ganoderma australe. The structures were determined by extensive NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration of the C-25 in ganoaustralin A was assigned by the phenylglycine methyl ester (PGME) method. The relative and absolute configurations of the polycyclic backbones were determined by NMR and ECD calculations, respectively. The plausible biosynthetic pathways of ganoaustralins A and B were proposed. Ganoaustralin B showed weak inhibition against β-secretase 1. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discovery, Metabolism and Potential Bio-Activities of Natural Products in Traditional Medicine)

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19 pages, 3585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

2-Butoxytetrahydrofuran and Palmitic Acid from Holothuria scabra Enhance C. elegans Lifespan and Healthspan via DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/NRF2 Signaling Pathways

by Prapaporn Jattujan, Sirin Srisirirung, Warisra Watcharaporn, Kawita Chumphoochai, Pichnaree Kraokaew, Tanatcha Sanguanphun, Prachayaporn Prasertsuksri, Salinthip Thongdechsri, Prasert Sobhon and Krai Meemon

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(11), 1374; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15111374 - 09 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2194

Abstract

Extracts from a sea cucumber, Holothuria scabra, have been shown to exhibit various pharmacological properties including anti-oxidation, anti-aging, anti-cancer, and anti-neurodegeneration. Furthermore, certain purified compounds from H. scabra displayed neuroprotective effects against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Therefore, in the present study, we [...] Read more.

Extracts from a sea cucumber, Holothuria scabra, have been shown to exhibit various pharmacological properties including anti-oxidation, anti-aging, anti-cancer, and anti-neurodegeneration. Furthermore, certain purified compounds from H. scabra displayed neuroprotective effects against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Therefore, in the present study, we further examined the anti-aging activity of purified H. scabra compounds in a Caenorhabditis elegans model. Five compounds were isolated from ethyl acetate and butanol fractions of the body wall of H. scabra and characterized as diterpene glycosides (holothuria A and B), palmitic acid, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and 2-butoxytetrahydrofuran (2-BTHF). Longevity assays revealed that 2-BTHF and palmitic acid could significantly extend lifespan of wild type C. elegans. Moreover, 2-BTHF and palmitic acid were able to enhance resistance to paraquat-induced oxidative stress and thermal stress. By testing the compounds’ effects on longevity pathways, it was shown that 2-BTHF and palmitic acid could not extend lifespans of daf-16, age-1, sir-2.1, jnk-1, and skn-1 mutant worms, indicating that these compounds exerted their actions through these genes in extending the lifespan of C. elegans. These compounds induced DAF-16::GFP nuclear translocation and upregulated the expressions of daf-16, hsp-16.2, sod-3 mRNA and SOD-3::GFP. Moreover, they also elevated protein and mRNA expressions of GST-4, which is a downstream target of the SKN-1 transcription factor. Taken together, the study demonstrated the anti-aging activities of 2-BTHF and palmitic acid from H. scabra were mediated via DAF-16/FOXO insulin/IGF and SKN-1/NRF2 signaling pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discovery, Metabolism and Potential Bio-Activities of Natural Products in Traditional Medicine)

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Review

Jump to: Research

26 pages, 1326 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring the Potent Anticancer Activity of Essential Oils and Their Bioactive Compounds: Mechanisms and Prospects for Future Cancer Therapy

by Fatouma Mohamed Abdoul-Latif, Ayoub Ainane, Ibrahim Houmed Aboubaker, Jalludin Mohamed and Tarik Ainane

Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(8), 1086; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16081086 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3127

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. Fortunately, the last decades have been marked by considerable advances in the field of cancer therapy. Researchers have discovered many natural substances, some of which are isolated [...] Read more.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. Fortunately, the last decades have been marked by considerable advances in the field of cancer therapy. Researchers have discovered many natural substances, some of which are isolated from plants that have promising anti-tumor activity. Among these, essential oils (EOs) and their constituents have been widely studied and shown potent anticancer activities, both in vitro and in vivo. However, despite the promising results, the precise mechanisms of action of EOs and their bioactive compounds are still poorly understood. Further research is needed to better understand these mechanisms, as well as their effectiveness and safety in use. Furthermore, the use of EOs as anticancer drugs is complex, as it requires absolute pharmacodynamic specificity and selectivity, as well as an appropriate formulation for effective administration. In this study, we present a synthesis of recent work on the mechanisms of anticancer action of EOs and their bioactive compounds, examining the results of various in vitro and in vivo studies. We also review future research prospects in this exciting field, as well as potential implications for the development of new cancer drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discovery, Metabolism and Potential Bio-Activities of Natural Products in Traditional Medicine)

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24 pages, 18868 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chemical Constituents and Their Biological Activities from Genus Styrax

by Ding-Ding Xia, Xin-Yu Han, Yu Zhang and Na Zhang

Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(7), 1043; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16071043 - 22 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1485

Abstract

Plants from the genus Styrax have been extensively used in folk medicines to treat diseases such as skin diseases and peptic ulcers and as an antiseptic and analgesic. Most Styrax species, especially Styrax tonkinensis, which is used as an expectorant, antiseptic, and [...] Read more.

Plants from the genus Styrax have been extensively used in folk medicines to treat diseases such as skin diseases and peptic ulcers and as an antiseptic and analgesic. Most Styrax species, especially Styrax tonkinensis, which is used as an expectorant, antiseptic, and analgesic in Chinese traditional medicine, could screen resin after external injury. Styrax is also used in folk medicines in Korea to treat sore throat, bronchitis, cough, expectoration, paralysis, laryngitis, and inflammation. Different parts of various Styrax species can be widely employed for ethnopharmacological applications. Moreover, for ethnopharmacological use, these parts of Styrax species can be applied in combination with other folk medicines. Styrax species consist of versatile natural compounds, with some of them exhibiting particularly excellent pharmacological activities, such as cytotoxic, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, antioxidant, and antifungal activities. Altogether, these exciting results indicate that a comprehensive review of plants belonging to this genus is essential for helping researchers to continuously conduct an in-depth investigation. In this review, the traditional uses, phytochemistry, corresponding pharmacological activities, and structure–activity relationships of different Styrax species are clarified and critically discussed. More insights into potential opportunities for future research are carefully assessed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discovery, Metabolism and Potential Bio-Activities of Natural Products in Traditional Medicine)

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20 pages, 1135 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Anti-Diabetic Cognitive Dysfunction Effect of Erigeron Breviscapus (Vaniot) Hand-Mazz

by Shanye Gu, Ziyi Zhou, Shijie Zhang and Yefeng Cai

Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16010050 - 29 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1512

Abstract

Diabetic cognitive dysfunction (DCD) is the decline in memory, learning, and executive function caused by diabetes. Although its pathogenesis is unclear, molecular biologists have proposed various hypotheses, including insulin resistance, amyloid β hypothesis, tau protein hyperphosphorylation hypothesis, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. DCD patients [...] Read more.

Diabetic cognitive dysfunction (DCD) is the decline in memory, learning, and executive function caused by diabetes. Although its pathogenesis is unclear, molecular biologists have proposed various hypotheses, including insulin resistance, amyloid β hypothesis, tau protein hyperphosphorylation hypothesis, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. DCD patients have no particular treatment options and current pharmacological regimens are suboptimal. In recent years, Chinese medicine research has shown that herbs with multi-component, multi-pathway and multi-target synergistic activities can prevent and treat DCD. Yunnan is home to the medicinal herb Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand-Mazz. (EBHM). Studies have shown that EBHM and its active components have a wide range of pharmacological effects and applications in cognitive disorders. EBHM’s anti-DCD properties have been seldom reviewed. Through a literature study, we were able to evaluate the likely pathophysiology of DCD, prescribe anti-DCD medication and better grasp EBHM’s therapeutic potential. EBHM’s pharmacological mechanism and active components for DCD treatment were also summarized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discovery, Metabolism and Potential Bio-Activities of Natural Products in Traditional Medicine)

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26 pages, 1402 KiB

Open AccessReview

Therapeutic Potential of Honey and Propolis on Ocular Disease

by Norhashima Abd Rashid, Siti Nur Farhana Mohammed, Syarifah Aisyah Syed Abd Halim, Norzana Abd Ghafar and Nahdia Afiifah Abdul Jalil

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(11), 1419; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15111419 - 17 Nov 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4016

Abstract

Honey and propolis have recently become the key target of attention for treating certain diseases and promoting overall health and well-being. A high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids found in both honey and propolis contributes to the antioxidant properties to scavenge free [...] Read more.

Honey and propolis have recently become the key target of attention for treating certain diseases and promoting overall health and well-being. A high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids found in both honey and propolis contributes to the antioxidant properties to scavenge free radicals. Honey and propolis also exhibited antibacterial effects where they act in two ways, namely the production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and gluconic acids following the enzymatic activities of glucose oxidase, which exerts oxidative damage on the bacteria. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects of honey and propolis are mainly by reducing proinflammatory factors such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Their effects on pain were discovered through modulation at a peripheral nociceptive neuron or binding to an opioid receptor in the higher center. The aforementioned properties of honey have been reported to possess potential therapeutic topical application on the exterior parts of the eyes, particularly in treating conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, and corneal injury. In contrast, most of the medicinal values of propolis are beneficial in the internal ocular area, such as the retina, optic nerve, and uvea. This review aims to update the current discoveries of honey and propolis in treating various ocular diseases, including their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-nociceptive properties. In conclusion, research has shown that propolis and honey have considerable therapeutic promise for treating various eye illnesses, although the present study designs are primarily animal and in vitro studies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to translate this finding into a clinical setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discovery, Metabolism and Potential Bio-Activities of Natural Products in Traditional Medicine)

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22 pages, 3983 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pimarane Diterpenes from Fungi

by Ke Ye and Hong-lian Ai

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(10), 1291; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15101291 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1987

Abstract

Pimarane diterpenes are a kind of tricyclic diterpene, generally isolated from plant and fungi. In nature, fungi distribute widely and there are nearly two to three million species. They provide many secondary metabolites, including pimarane diterpenes, with novel skeletons and bioactivities. These natural [...] Read more.

Pimarane diterpenes are a kind of tricyclic diterpene, generally isolated from plant and fungi. In nature, fungi distribute widely and there are nearly two to three million species. They provide many secondary metabolites, including pimarane diterpenes, with novel skeletons and bioactivities. These natural products from fungi have the potential to be developed into clinical medicines. Herein, the structures and bioactivities of 197 pimarane diterpenes are summarized and the biosynthesis and pharmacological researches of pimarane diterpenes are introduced. This review may be useful improving the understanding of pimarane diterpenes from fungi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discovery, Metabolism and Potential Bio-Activities of Natural Products in Traditional Medicine)

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18 pages, 1322 KiB

Open AccessReview

Genus Lepisanthes: Unravelling Its Botany, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Properties

by Nadia Mohamed Tarmizi, Syarifah Aisyah Syed Abd Halim, Zubaidah Hasain, Elvy Suhana Mohd Ramli and Mohd Amir Kamaruzzaman

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(10), 1261; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15101261 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1787

Abstract

Extensive knowledge related to medicinal characteristics of plants by living in forest or semi-forest habitats and close observations of indigenous communities have led to the discoveries of the genus Lepisanthes and its traditional uses. The genus Lepisanthes is a member of the Sapindaceae [...] Read more.

Extensive knowledge related to medicinal characteristics of plants by living in forest or semi-forest habitats and close observations of indigenous communities have led to the discoveries of the genus Lepisanthes and its traditional uses. The genus Lepisanthes is a member of the Sapindaceae family and is found in various regions of the world. Six species of Lepisanthes such as L. alata, L. amoena, L. fruticosa, L. senegalensis, L. rubiginosa, and L. tetraphylla are widely utilized in traditional and folk medicinal systems. They have been used for centuries for the treatment of ailments or symptoms such as pain, dizziness, high fever, frequent passing of watery stool (diarrhea), abscess, and healing of cuts and wounds. Various methodological approaches, mainly in vitro studies, have been employed to further explore the roles of the genus Lepisanthes. The studies identified that the genus Lepisanthes exerts beneficial effects such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic, antimalarial, analgesic, and antidiarrheal. However, the summary of the available literature remains inconclusive. This review aims to comprehensively address the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, methods, and pharmacological properties of the six commonly used Lepisanthes species. Hence, our review provides a scientific consensus that may be essential in translating the pharmacological properties of the genus Lepisanthes into future novel cost-effective medicines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discovery, Metabolism and Potential Bio-Activities of Natural Products in Traditional Medicine)

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21 pages, 2767 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Antiviral Activities of Triterpenoids

by Yue Liu, Liangyu Yang, Hong Wang and Yongai Xiong

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(10), 1169; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15101169 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2882

Abstract

Triterpenoids, important secondary plant metabolites made up of six isoprene units, are found widely in higher plants and are studied for their structural variety and wide range of bioactivities, including antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Numerous studies have demonstrated that different triterpenoids [...] Read more.

Triterpenoids, important secondary plant metabolites made up of six isoprene units, are found widely in higher plants and are studied for their structural variety and wide range of bioactivities, including antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Numerous studies have demonstrated that different triterpenoids have the potential to behave as potential antiviral agents. The antiviral activities of triterpenoids and their derivatives are summarized in this review, with examples of oleanane, ursane, lupane, dammarane, lanostane, and cycloartane triterpenoids. We concentrated on the tetracyclic and pentacyclic triterpenoids in particular. Furthermore, the particular viral types and possible methods, such as anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), anti-influenza virus, and anti-hepatitis virus, are presented in this article. This review gives an overview and a discussion of triterpenoids as potential antiviral agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Discovery, Metabolism and Potential Bio-Activities of Natural Products in Traditional Medicine)

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