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Advances in Natural Products and Their Derivatives for Metabolic and...
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Advances in Natural Products and Their Derivatives for Metabolic and Chronic Inflammatory Disease Therapy

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Drug Targeting and Design".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 18228

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ana Teresa Rufino

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Guest Editor
LAQV, REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
Interests: natural products; drug discovery; chronic inflammation; diabetes; obesity; osteoarthritis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Marisa Freitas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
LAQV, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
Interests: medicinal chemistry; inflammation; endocrine-disrupting chemicals; nanoparticles; oxidative stress; diabetes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Eduarda Fernandes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
LAQV, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
Interests: medicinal chemistry; drug discovery; inflammation; oxidative stress; diabetes; obesity; phenolic compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The 21st century has seen a sharp increase in the incidence of metabolic and chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, cancer, and chronic inflammatory-related diseases (e.g., rheumatic diseases). Currently, there are several pharmacological approaches to treat these diseases. However, the available therapeutical options are not totally effective, frequently being associated with several adverse effects.

The pharmacological or biological activities of natural products have been intensively explored over the years, resulting in hundreds of molecules presently being used in clinics. Due to their structural diversity, natural products remain a major source and challenge for the identification of novel lead molecules with the potential to treat diseases, namely, metabolic and chronic diseases.

We are pleased to invite you to participate in this Special Issue on “Advances in Natural Products and Their Derivatives for Metabolic and Chronic Inflammatory Disease Therapy“ by submitting a contribution in the form of an original research paper, short communication, and/or global or specialized critical review, according to your field of expertise.

This Special Issue aims to explore and describe biological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antidiabetic, antiobesogenic, antirheumatic, and anticancer activities of natural products/substances and their derivatives, disclosing their role as possible therapeutic agents for metabolic and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Research in this area has significantly expanded to include the chemical identification of these compounds using advanced analytical techniques, determining their mechanism of action, allowing food fortification and supplement development, and enhancing their bioavailability and bioactivity using, for instance, nanotechnology.

Therefore, the main, but not exclusive, topics to be dealt with in the Special Issue “Advances in Natural Products and Their Derivatives for Metabolic and Chronic Inflammatory Disease Therapy” include the potential treatment of the following diseases, addressing whenever possible, the development of novel methodologies and the establishment of structure–activity relationships:

  • Diabetes;
  • Obesity;
  • Metabolic diseases;
  • Inflammation and oxidative-stress related diseases.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Ana Teresa Rufino
Dr. Marisa Freitas
Prof. Dr. Eduarda Fernandes
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. Pharmaceutics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2900 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

  • natural products
  • metabolic diseases
  • chronic inflammation
  • drug discovery
  • biological activity
  • diabetes
  • obesity
  • rheumatic diseases

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 2242 KiB  
Article
Anti-Arthritic and Immunomodulatory Potential of Methanolic, n-Hexane, and Ethyl Acetate Fractions of Bark of Acacia modesta on Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats
by Kiran Mashaal, Arham Shabbir, Mahtab Ahmad Khan, Huma Hameed, Muhammad Shahzad, Ali Irfan, Gamal A. Shazly, Aisha Mobashar, Tasleem Akhtar, Zaib Ali Shaheryar and Yousef A. Bin Jardan
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(9), 2228; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15092228 - 29 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 986
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and topic of interest for researchers due to its increasing frequency and limited treatment. Acacia modesta Wall is known to treat rheumatic disorders in the traditional system of medicinal plants. Traditional medicines are still required for the [...] Read more.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and topic of interest for researchers due to its increasing frequency and limited treatment. Acacia modesta Wall is known to treat rheumatic disorders in the traditional system of medicinal plants. Traditional medicines are still required for the treatment of this disease due to the large number of side-effects caused by commercial medicines. In the current study, the antiarthritic potential of methanolic extract (AM-metha), n-hexane (AM-hexa) fraction, and ethyl acetate (AM-etha) fraction of the bark of A. modesta against a complete Freund’s adjuvant rat model was evaluated. Evaluation using a digital plethysmometer, macroscopic evaluation, and histopathological evaluation were conducted to determine the paw volume and arthritic scoring. ELISA was performed to assess the PGE2 levels. RT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression levels of MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, NF-κB, IL6, IL1β, TNFα, and VEGF. Biochemical and hematological analyses were also conducted. GC/MS was also carried out to analyze the presence of medicinal compounds. The data revealed a marked reduction in the paw volume, arthritic scoring, and histopathological parameters, indicating the anti-arthritic potential of the plant. Treatment with plant extracts and fractions markedly down-regulated MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, NF-κB, IL6, IL1β, TNFα, and VEGF levels. Similarly, PGE2 levels were also found to be ameliorated in the treatment groups, indicating the immunomodulatory property of plant bark. Plant treatment nearly normalized hematological parameters such as counts of WBCs, RBCs, and platelets, along with Hb content, thereby validating the anti-arthritic activity. GC/MS analysis disclosed the presence of strong anti-inflammatory compounds such as lupeol, oleic acid, and squalene. The study showed that A. modesta possesses anti-arthritic and immunomodulatory potential linked to significant down-regulation of pro-inflammatory and inflammatory biomarkers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural Products and Their Derivatives for Metabolic and Chronic Inflammatory Disease Therapy)
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16 pages, 3451 KiB  
Article
Antinociceptive Action of Thymoquinone-Loaded Liposomes in an In Vivo Model of Tendinopathy
by Laura Micheli, Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli, Elena Mosti, Carla Ghelardini, Anna Rita Bilia and Maria Camilla Bergonzi
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(5), 1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15051516 - 17 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1142
Abstract
Tendinopathies represent about 45% of musculoskeletal lesions and they are a big burden in clinics characterized by activity-related pain, focal tendon tenderness and intra-tendinous imaging changes. Many approaches have been proposed for tendinopathies’ management (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, eccentric exercises, laser therapy), [...] Read more.
Tendinopathies represent about 45% of musculoskeletal lesions and they are a big burden in clinics characterized by activity-related pain, focal tendon tenderness and intra-tendinous imaging changes. Many approaches have been proposed for tendinopathies’ management (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, eccentric exercises, laser therapy), unfortunately with very little support of efficacy or serious side effects, thus making the identification of new treatments fundamental. The aim of the study was to test the protective and pain reliever effect of thymoquinone (TQ)-loaded formulations in a rat model of tendinopathy induced by carrageenan intra-tendon injection (20 µL of carrageenan 0.8% on day 1). Conventional (LP-TQ) and hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated TQ liposomes (HA-LP-TQ) were characterized and subjected to in vitro release and stability studies at 4 °C. Then, TQ and liposomes were peri-tendon injected (20 µL) on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 to evaluate their antinociceptive profile using mechanical noxious and non-noxious stimuli (paw pressure and von Frey tests), spontaneous pain (incapacitance test) and motor alterations (Rota rod test). Liposomes containing 2 mg/mL of TQ and covered with HA (HA-LP-TQ2) reduced the development of spontaneous nociception and hypersensitivity for a long-lasting effect more than the other formulations. The anti-hypersensitivity effect matched with the histopathological evaluation. In conclusion, the use of TQ encapsulated in HA-LP liposomes is suggested as a new treatment for tendinopathies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural Products and Their Derivatives for Metabolic and Chronic Inflammatory Disease Therapy)
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22 pages, 4927 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Biotransformation and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Constituents and Metabolites of Filipendula ulmaria
by Anastasia Van der Auwera, Laura Peeters, Kenn Foubert, Stefano Piazza, Wim Vanden Berghe, Nina Hermans and Luc Pieters
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(4), 1291; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15041291 - 20 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1316
Abstract
(1) Background: Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. (Rosaceae) (meadowsweet) is widely used in phytotherapy against inflammatory diseases. However, its active constituents are not exactly known. Moreover, it contains many constituents, such as flavonoid glycosides, which are not absorbed, but metabolized in the colon by [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. (Rosaceae) (meadowsweet) is widely used in phytotherapy against inflammatory diseases. However, its active constituents are not exactly known. Moreover, it contains many constituents, such as flavonoid glycosides, which are not absorbed, but metabolized in the colon by gut microbiota, producing potentially active metabolites that can be absorbed. The aim of this study was to characterize the active constituents or metabolites. (2) Methods: A F. ulmaria extract was processed in an in vitro gastrointestinal biotransformation model, and the metabolites were characterized using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by testing the inhibition of NF-κB activation, COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibition. (3) Results: The simulation of gastrointestinal biotransformation showed a decrease in the relative abundance of glycosylated flavonoids such as rutin, spiraeoside and isoquercitrin in the colon compartment, and an increase in aglycons such as quercetin, apigenin, naringenin and kaempferol. The genuine as well as the metabolized extract showed a better inhibition of the COX-1 enzyme as compared to COX-2. A mix of aglycons present after biotransformation showed a significant inhibition of COX-1. (4) Conclusions: The anti-inflammatory activity of F. ulmaria may be explained by an additive or synergistic effect of genuine constituents and metabolites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural Products and Their Derivatives for Metabolic and Chronic Inflammatory Disease Therapy)
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13 pages, 2364 KiB  
Article
2-Styrylchromones Prevent IL-1β-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Activation of Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes while Increasing COX-2 Expression
by Ana Teresa Rufino, Mariana Lucas, Artur M. S. Silva, Daniela Ribeiro and Eduarda Fernandes
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(3), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15030780 - 26 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1730
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by systemic immune and chronic inflammatory features, leading to the destruction of the joints. Presently, there are no effective drugs able to control synovitis and catabolism in the process of RA. 2-Styrylchromones (2-SC) are a small group of [...] Read more.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by systemic immune and chronic inflammatory features, leading to the destruction of the joints. Presently, there are no effective drugs able to control synovitis and catabolism in the process of RA. 2-Styrylchromones (2-SC) are a small group of compounds characterized by the attachment of a styryl group to the chromone core that have already been associated to a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study investigated the effect of a set of six 2-SC on the interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced increase of nitric oxide (•NO), inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) expression levels in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS), pointing to the role of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation in the process. From a set of six 2-SC, presenting hydroxy and methoxy substituents, the one presenting two methoxy substituents at C-5 and C-7 of A ring and a catechol group on B ring, significantly reduced •NO production and the expression of its inducible synthase (iNOS). It also significantly reduced the catabolic MMP-3 protein expression. This 2-SC inhibited the NF-κB pathway by reversing the IL-1β - induced levels of cytoplasmatic NF-kB inhibitor alpha (IκBα), and decreasing the p65 nuclear levels, suggesting the involvement of these pathways in the observed effects. The same 2-SC significantly increased the COX-2 expression, which may indicate a negative feedback loop mechanism of action. The properties of 2-SC may be of great value in the development of new therapies with improved efficacy and selectivity towards RA, and thus deserve further exploitation and evaluation to disclose the full potential of 2-SC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural Products and Their Derivatives for Metabolic and Chronic Inflammatory Disease Therapy)
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18 pages, 2620 KiB  
Article
Essential Oils from Côa Valley Lamiaceae Species: Cytotoxicity and Antiproliferative Effect on Glioblastoma Cells
by Mário Pedro Marques, Beatriz Guapo Neves, Carla Varela, Mónica Zuzarte, Ana Cristina Gonçalves, Maria Inês Dias, Joana S. Amaral, Lillian Barros, Mariana Magalhães and Célia Cabral
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(2), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15020341 - 19 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2191
Abstract
Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav., Mentha cervina L. and Thymus mastichina (L.) L. subsp. mastichina are representative species of the Côa Valley’s flora, a Portuguese UNESCO World Heritage Site. L. pedunculata and T. mastichina are traditionally used to preserve olives and to aromatize bonfires [...] Read more.
Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav., Mentha cervina L. and Thymus mastichina (L.) L. subsp. mastichina are representative species of the Côa Valley’s flora, a Portuguese UNESCO World Heritage Site. L. pedunculata and T. mastichina are traditionally used to preserve olives and to aromatize bonfires on Saint John’s Eve, while M. cervina is mainly used as a spice for river fish dishes. Despite their traditional uses, these aromatic plants are still undervalued, and literature regarding their bioactivity, especially anticancer, is scarce. In this work, the morphology of secretory structures was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the composition of essential oils (EOs) was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The study proceeded with cytotoxic evaluation of EOs in tumor and non-tumor cells with the cell death mechanism explored in glioblastoma (GB) cells. L. pedunculata EO presented the most pronounced cytotoxic/antiproliferative activity against tumor cells, with moderate cytotoxicity against non-tumor cells. Whereas, M. cervina EO exhibited a slightly lower cytotoxic effect against tumor cells and did not affect the viability of non-tumor cells. Meanwhile, T. mastichina EO did not induce a strong cytotoxic effect against GB cells. L. pedunculata and M. cervina EOs lead to cell death by inducing apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The present study suggests that L. pedunculata and M. cervina EOs have a strong cytotoxic and antiproliferative potential to be further studied as efficient antitumor agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural Products and Their Derivatives for Metabolic and Chronic Inflammatory Disease Therapy)
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17 pages, 3712 KiB  
Article
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of (R)-(-)-Carvone: Potential Roles of JNK1, Nrf2 and NF-κB
by Cátia Sousa, Bruno Miguel Neves, Alcino Jorge Leitão and Alexandrina Ferreira Mendes
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(1), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15010249 - 11 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1517
Abstract
To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of (R)-(-)-carvone, we evaluated its ability to inhibit the signaling pathways involving the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). (R)-(-)-carvone significantly decreased c-Jun N-terminal [...] Read more.
To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of (R)-(-)-carvone, we evaluated its ability to inhibit the signaling pathways involving the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). (R)-(-)-carvone significantly decreased c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1phosphorylation, but not that of the other MAPKs, induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Although (R)-(-)-carvone significantly inhibited resynthesis of the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB)-α induced by LPS, it did not interfere with the canonical NF-κB activation pathway, suggesting that it may interfere with its transcriptional activity. (R)-(-)-carvone also showed a tendency to decrease the levels of acetylated NF-κB/p65 in the nucleus, without affecting the activity and protein levels of Sirtuin-1, the major NF-κB/p65 deacetylating enzyme. Interestingly, the nuclear protein levels of the transcription factor, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and the expression of its target,, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an antioxidant enzyme, also showed a tendency to increase in the presence of (R)-(-)-carvone. Taken together, these results suggest that the ability of (R)-(-)-carvone to inhibit JNK1 and to activate Nrf2 can underlie its capacity to inhibit the transcriptional activity of NF-κB and the expression of its target genes. This study highlights the diversity of molecular mechanisms that can be involved in the anti-inflammatory activity of monoterpenes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural Products and Their Derivatives for Metabolic and Chronic Inflammatory Disease Therapy)
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24 pages, 4955 KiB  
Article
The Novel Peptide Chm-273s Has Therapeutic Potential for Metabolic Disorders: Evidence from In Vitro Studies and High-Sucrose Diet and High-Fat Diet Rodent Models
by Nikita A. Mitkin, Vsevolod V. Pavshintcev, Iuliia A. Sukhanova, Igor I. Doronin, Gennady A. Babkin, Marianna Sadagurski and Anton V. Malyshev
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(10), 2088; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14102088 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2423
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a novel peptide potentially applicable for the treatment of metabolic conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We identified CHM-273S from the list of peptides from milk hydrolysate obtained by HPLC/MS-MS. In vitro [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to develop a novel peptide potentially applicable for the treatment of metabolic conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We identified CHM-273S from the list of peptides from milk hydrolysate obtained by HPLC/MS-MS. In vitro analysis of primary murine fibroblasts indicated the potential of CHM-273S to upregulate IRS2 mRNA expression. CHM-273S showed a prominent anorexigenic effect in mice with the induction of a key mechanism of leptin signaling via STAT3 in the hypothalamus as a possible effector. In the animal model of metabolic disease, CHM-273S alleviated glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, and induced phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and Thr308 in the hepatocytes of high-sucrose diet-fed rats. In a murine model of T2D, CHM-273S mitigated high-fat diet-induced hyperglycemia and insulin resistance and improved low-grade inflammation by diminishing serum TNFα. Mice treated with chronic CHM-273S had a significant reduction in body weight, with a lower visceral fat pad weight and narrow adipocytes. The effects of the peptide administration were comparable to those of metformin. We show the potential of CHM-273S to alleviate diet-induced metabolic alterations in rodents, substantiating its further development as a therapeutic for obesity, T2D, and other metabolic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural Products and Their Derivatives for Metabolic and Chronic Inflammatory Disease Therapy)
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Review

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42 pages, 9235 KiB  
Review
Natural Bioactive Compounds from Marine Invertebrates That Modulate Key Targets Implicated in the Onset of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Its Complications
by Marcello Casertano, Alessio Vito, Anna Aiello, Concetta Imperatore and Marialuisa Menna
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(9), 2321; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15092321 - 14 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 907
Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an ongoing, risky, and costly health problem that therefore always requires new treatment options. Moreover, although several drugs are available, only 36% of patients achieve glycaemic control, and patient adherence is a major obstacle. With monotherapy, [...] Read more.
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an ongoing, risky, and costly health problem that therefore always requires new treatment options. Moreover, although several drugs are available, only 36% of patients achieve glycaemic control, and patient adherence is a major obstacle. With monotherapy, T2DM and its comorbidities/complications often cannot be managed, and the concurrent administration of several hypoglycaemic drugs is required, which increases the risk of side effects. In fact, despite the efficacy of the drugs currently on the market, they generally come with serious side effects. Therefore, scientific research must always be active in the discovery of new therapeutic agents. Discussion: The present review highlights some of the recent discoveries regarding marine natural products that can modulate the various targets that have been identified as crucial in the establishment of T2DM disease and its complications, with a focus on the compounds isolated from marine invertebrates. The activities of these metabolites are illustrated and discussed. Objectives. The paper aims to capture the relevant evidence of the great chemical diversity of marine natural products as a key tool that can advance understanding in the T2DM research field, as well as in antidiabetic drug discovery. The variety of chemical scaffolds highlighted by the natural hits provides not only a source of chemical probes for the study of specific targets involved in the onset of T2DM, but is also a helpful tool for the development of drugs that are capable of acting via novel mechanisms. Thus, it lays the foundation for the design of multiple ligands that can overcome the drawbacks of polypharmacology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural Products and Their Derivatives for Metabolic and Chronic Inflammatory Disease Therapy)
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23 pages, 32660 KiB  
Review
Anti-Inflammatory Chilean Endemic Plants
by Carolina Otero, Carolina Klagges, Bernardo Morales, Paula Sotomayor, Jorge Escobar, Juan A. Fuentes, Adrian A. Moreno, Felipe M. Llancalahuen, Ramiro Arratia-Perez, Felipe Gordillo-Fuenzalida, Michelle Herrera, Jose L. Martínez and Maité Rodríguez-Díaz
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(3), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15030897 - 10 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3046
Abstract
Medicinal plants have been used since prehistoric times and continue to treat several diseases as a fundamental part of the healing process. Inflammation is a condition characterized by redness, pain, and swelling. This process is a hard response by living tissue to any [...] Read more.
Medicinal plants have been used since prehistoric times and continue to treat several diseases as a fundamental part of the healing process. Inflammation is a condition characterized by redness, pain, and swelling. This process is a hard response by living tissue to any injury. Furthermore, inflammation is produced by various diseases such as rheumatic and immune-mediated conditions, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes. Hence, anti-inflammatory-based treatments could emerge as a novel and exciting approach to treating these diseases. Medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and this review introduces various native Chilean plants whose anti-inflammatory effects have been evaluated in experimental studies. Fragaria chiloensis, Ugni molinae, Buddleja globosa, Aristotelia chilensis, Berberis microphylla, and Quillaja saponaria are some native species analyzed in this review. Since inflammation treatment is not a one-dimensional solution, this review seeks a multidimensional therapeutic approach to inflammation with plant extracts based on scientific and ancestral knowledge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural Products and Their Derivatives for Metabolic and Chronic Inflammatory Disease Therapy)
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30 pages, 1222 KiB  
Review
Relevance of the Extraction Stage on the Anti-Inflammatory Action of Fucoidans
by Noelia Flórez-Fernández, Carlos Vaamonde-García, Maria Dolores Torres, Manuela Buján, Alexandra Muíños, Antonio Muiños, María J. Lamas-Vázquez, Rosa Meijide-Faílde, Francisco J. Blanco and Herminia Domínguez
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(3), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15030808 - 01 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1730
Abstract
The anti-inflammatory action of fucoidans is well known, based on both in vitro and some in vivo studies. The other biological properties of these compounds, their lack of toxicity, and the possibility of obtaining them from a widely distributed and renewable source, makes [...] Read more.
The anti-inflammatory action of fucoidans is well known, based on both in vitro and some in vivo studies. The other biological properties of these compounds, their lack of toxicity, and the possibility of obtaining them from a widely distributed and renewable source, makes them attractive novel bioactives. However, fucoidans’ heterogeneity and variability in composition, structure, and properties depending on seaweed species, biotic and abiotic factors and processing conditions, especially during extraction and purification stages, make it difficult for standardization. A review of the available technologies, including those based on intensification strategies, and their influence on fucoidan composition, structure, and anti-inflammatory potential of crude extracts and fractions is presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural Products and Their Derivatives for Metabolic and Chronic Inflammatory Disease Therapy)
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