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12 pages, 1111 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production of Two Isomers of Sphaeralcic Acid in Hairy Roots from Sphaeralcea angustifolia

by Karen Barrera, Manasés González-Cortazar, Rogelio Reyes-Pérez, Dolores Pérez-García, Maribel Herrera-Ruiz, Jesús Arellano-García, Francisco Cruz-Sosa and Pilar Nicasio-Torres

Plants 2023, 12(5), 1090; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12051090 - 01 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1347

Abstract

The Sphaeralcea angustifolia plant is used as an anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal protector in Mexican traditional medicine. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects have been attributed to scopoletin (1), tomentin (2), and sphaeralcic acid (3) isolated from cells in [...] Read more.

The Sphaeralcea angustifolia plant is used as an anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal protector in Mexican traditional medicine. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects have been attributed to scopoletin (1), tomentin (2), and sphaeralcic acid (3) isolated from cells in suspension cultures and identified in the aerial tissues of the wild plant. The hairy roots from S. angustifolia established by infecting internodes with Agrobacterium rhizogenes were explored to produce active compounds based on biosynthetic stability and their capacity to produce new compounds. Chemical analysis was resumed after 3 years in these transformed roots, SaTRN12.2 (line 1) produced scopoletin (0.0022 mg g⁻¹) and sphaeralcic acid (0.22 mg g⁻¹); instead, the SaTRN7.1 (line 2) only produced sphaeralcic acid (3.07 mg g⁻¹). The sphaeralcic acid content was 85-fold higher than that reported for the cells in the suspension cultivated into flakes, and it was similar when the cells in suspension were cultivated in a stirring tank under nitrate restriction. Moreover, both hairy root lines produced stigmasterol (4) and β-sitosterol (5), as well as two new naphthoic derivates: iso-sphaeralcic acid (6) and 8-methyl-iso-sphaeralcic acid (7), which turned out to be isomers of sphaeralcic acid (3) and have not been reported. The dichloromethane–methanol extract from SaTRN7.1 hairy root line had a gastroprotective effect on an ulcer model in mice induced with ethanol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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10 pages, 1197 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation of Phytochemicals Isolated from Chestnut Shells (Castanea crenata)

by SeonJu Park, Nahyun Choi, Le Nu Huyen Trang, Mira Oh, Youngse Oh, Jong-Hyuk Sung and Seung Hyun Kim

Plants 2023, 12(5), 1018; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12051018 - 23 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1269

Abstract

Castanea crenata (Fagaceae) is a species of chestnut tree that is endemic to the Republic of Korea and Japan. While its kernels are consumed, chestnut by-products such as shells and burs, which account for 10–15% of the total weight, are discarded as waste. [...] Read more.

Castanea crenata (Fagaceae) is a species of chestnut tree that is endemic to the Republic of Korea and Japan. While its kernels are consumed, chestnut by-products such as shells and burs, which account for 10–15% of the total weight, are discarded as waste. Phytochemical and biological studies have been carried out to eliminate this waste and develop high-value products from its by-products. In this study, five new compounds (1–2, 6–8) along with seven known compounds were isolated from the shell of C. crenata. This is the first study to report diterpenes from the shell of C. crenata. Comprehensive spectroscopic data including 1D, 2D NMR, and CD spectroscopy were used to determine the compound structures. All isolated compounds were examined for their ability to stimulate dermal papilla cell proliferation using a CCK-8 assay. In particular, 6β,7β,16α,17-Tetrahydroxy-ent-kauranoic acid, isopentyl-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside, and ellagic acid exhibited the most potent proliferation activity of all. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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16 pages, 4177 KiB

Open AccessArticle

3′-Demethoxy-6-O-Demethylisoguaiacin and Norisoguaiacin Nematocidal Lignans from Artemisia cina against Haemonchus contortus Infective Larvae

by Rosa Isabel Higuera-Piedrahita, Mariana Dolores-Hernández, Héctor Alejandro de la Cruz-Cruz, Raquel López-Arellano, Pedro Mendoza-de Gives, Agustín Olmedo-Juárez, Jorge Alfredo Cuéllar-Ordaz, Manasés González-Cortazar, Ever A. Ble-González, María Eugenia López-Arellano and Alejandro Zamilpa

Plants 2023, 12(4), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12040820 - 12 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1356

Abstract

Artemisia cina is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for parasitic diseases. This study describes the isolation and chemical characterization of anthelmintic compounds of A. cina against Haemonchus contortus infective larvae (L₃) through lethal testing. Previously, three [...] Read more.

Artemisia cina is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for parasitic diseases. This study describes the isolation and chemical characterization of anthelmintic compounds of A. cina against Haemonchus contortus infective larvae (L₃) through lethal testing. Previously, three extracts—n-hexane (HexAc), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOAc)—were evaluated at concentrations of 4 to 0.5 mg/mL, resulting in the HexAc extract with the greatest effect of 76.6% mortality of the larvae at 4 mg/mL. Then, this was chemically fractioned by polarity, obtaining seven fractions (C1F1–C1F7), and, when evaluated at concentrations from 2 to 0.25 mg/mL, the 2 mg/mL C1F5 fraction produced an effect against the nematode H. contortus of 100% mortality of the larvae. Thus, this fraction was fractionated again by column chromatography, obtaining twelve subfractions (C2F1–C2F12) which were evaluated from 1 to 0.125 mg/mL, with the C2F5 subfraction causing a nematicidal effect of 100% mortality. NMR analysis of one (¹H, ¹³C and DEPT) and two dimensions (COSY, HSQC and HMBC) and mass spectrometry of this fraction allowed us to identify the mixture of 3′-demethoxy-6-O-demethylisoguaiacin and norisoguaiacin. Therefore, it can be assumed that the mixture of these compounds is responsible for the anthelmintic effect. These results indicate that A. cina containing anthelmintic compounds and might be used as an antiparasitic drug against H. contortus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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25 pages, 2635 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Evaluation of Sustainable Recycled Products to Increase the Production of Nutraceutical and Antibacterial Molecules in Basil Plants by a Combined Metabolomic Approach

by Mariavittoria Verrillo, Gunda Koellensperger, Marlene Puehringer, Vincenza Cozzolino, Riccardo Spaccini and Evelyn Rampler

Plants 2023, 12(3), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030513 - 23 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1449

Abstract

Background: An important goal of modern medicine is the development of products deriving from natural sources to improve environmental sustainability. In this study, humic substances (HS) and compost teas (CTs) extracted from artichoke (ART) and coffee grounds (COF) as recycled biomasses were employed [...] Read more.

Background: An important goal of modern medicine is the development of products deriving from natural sources to improve environmental sustainability. In this study, humic substances (HS) and compost teas (CTs) extracted from artichoke (ART) and coffee grounds (COF) as recycled biomasses were employed on Ocimum basilicum plants to optimize the yield of specific metabolites with nutraceutical and antibacterial features by applying sustainable strategies. Methods: The molecular characteristics of compost derivates were elucidated by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy to investigate the structure–activity relationship between organic extracts and their bioactive potential. Additionally, combined untargeted and targeted metabolomics workflows were applied to plants treated with different concentrations of compost extracts. Results: The substances HS-ART and CT-COF improved both antioxidant activity (TEAC values between 39 and 55 μmol g⁻¹) and the antimicrobial efficacy (MIC value between 3.7 and 1.3 μg mL⁻¹) of basil metabolites. The metabolomic approach identified about 149 metabolites related to the applied treatments. Targeted metabolite quantification further highlighted the eliciting effect of HS-ART and CT-COF on the synthesis of aromatic amino acids and phenolic compounds for nutraceutical application. Conclusions: The combination of molecular characterization, biological assays, and an advanced metabolomic approach, provided innovative insight into the valorization of recycled biomass to increase the availability of natural compounds employed in the medical field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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20 pages, 3477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Chromones from Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav.) Schltdl with Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Activity

by Yury Maritza Zapata Lopera, Enrique Jiménez-Ferrer, Maribel Herrera-Ruiz, Alejandro Zamilpa, Manasés González-Cortazar, Gabriela Rosas-Salgado, Mayra Alejandra Santillán-Urquiza, Gabriela Trejo-Tapia and Antonio Ruperto Jiménez-Aparicio

Plants 2023, 12(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010001 - 20 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1484

Abstract

The extract, fractions, and compounds of the Bouvardia ternifolia root were evaluated as an antiarthritic using a complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) model in mice and NF-κB inhibition in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Four active compounds, including two new compounds, ternifoliol and ternifolial, were isolated [...] Read more.

The extract, fractions, and compounds of the Bouvardia ternifolia root were evaluated as an antiarthritic using a complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) model in mice and NF-κB inhibition in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Four active compounds, including two new compounds, ternifoliol and ternifolial, were isolated by open column chromatography and identified by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques, resulting in benzochromone-like structures with aromatic rings and hydroxyl groups, which could be responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity and inhibitory NF-κB. Changes in the joint cytokine profile monitored the antiarthritic effect. A decrement was observed in the local concentration of the following cytokines with different treatments: IL-17 by 64% and 70.3% with the aqueous extract (BtAq), ethyl acetate extract (BtAcOEt), and M3 fraction; interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) by 10.2% and 15.7% with BtAq and the M4 fraction, respectively; IL-6 with M1, M2, M3, and M4 between 42% and 64%; necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by 60.9% with M4. Conversely, the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) increased between 94% and 99% with M1, M2, M3, and M4. Kidney IL-6 decreased with BtAq, M1, M2, M3, and M4 between 68.9% and 85.8%. TNF-α decreased with BtAcOEt, BtAq, M1, M2, and M4 between 34% and 80.2%. The NF-κB pathway was inhibited with BtAcOEt (90.1%), M1 (85%), M2 (93.5%), M3 (84.5%), M4 (90.3%), ternifoliol (75.6%), bouvardin (20.4%), and scopoletin (89%). We conclude that B. ternifolia modulated the inflammatory response at the joint and kidney levels and the NF-κB pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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19 pages, 3013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nephroprotective Activity of Papaloquelite (Porophyllum ruderale) in Thioacetamide-Induced Injury Model

by María José Vázquez-Atanacio, Mirandeli Bautista, Manasés González-Cortazar, Antonio Romero-Estrada, Minarda De la O-Arciniega, Araceli Castañeda-Ovando, Carolina G. Sosa-Gutiérrez and Deyanira Ojeda-Ramírez

Plants 2022, 11(24), 3460; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11243460 - 10 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1382

Abstract

Acute kidney injury and impaired kidney function is associated with reduced survival and increased morbidity. Porophyllum ruderale is an edible plant endemic to Mexico used in Mexican traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of a hydroalcoholic [...] Read more.

Acute kidney injury and impaired kidney function is associated with reduced survival and increased morbidity. Porophyllum ruderale is an edible plant endemic to Mexico used in Mexican traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of a hydroalcoholic extract (MeOH:water 70:30, v/v) from the aerial parts of P. ruderale (HEPr). Firstly, in vitro the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of HEPr was determined; after the in vivo nephroprotective activity of HEPr was evaluated using a thioacetamide-induced injury model in rats. HEPr showed a slight effect on LPS-NO production in macrophages (15% INO at 40 µg/mL) and high antioxidant activity in the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test, followed by the activity on DPPH and ABTS radicals test (69.04, 63.06 and 32.96% of inhibition, respectively). In addition, values of kidney injury biomarkers in urine (urobilinogen, hemoglobin, bilirubin, ketones, glucose, protein, pH, nitrites, leukocytes, specific gravity, and the microalbumin/creatinine) and serum (creatinine, urea, and urea nitrogen) of rats treated with HEPr were maintained in normal ranges. Finally, 5-O-caffeoylquinic, 4-O-caffeoylquinic and ferulic acids; as well as 3-O-quercetin glucoside and 3-O-kaempferol glucoside were identified by HPLC as major components of HEPr. In conclusion, Porophyllum ruderale constitutes a source of compounds for the treatment of acute kidney injury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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17 pages, 3371 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antidiabetic and Toxicological Effects of the Tea Infusion of Summer Collection from Annona cherimola Miller Leaves

by Jesús Martínez-Solís, Fernando Calzada, Elizabeth Barbosa and Juan Manuel Gutiérrez-Meza

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3224; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233224 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1298

Abstract

Annona cherimola Miller (Ac) is a plant used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. In this work, the tea infusion extracts obtained from 1.5 g of leaf powder from Ac collected in May (AcMa), June (AcJun), July (AcJul), [...] Read more.

Annona cherimola Miller (Ac) is a plant used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. In this work, the tea infusion extracts obtained from 1.5 g of leaf powder from Ac collected in May (AcMa), June (AcJun), July (AcJul), and August (AcAu) were evaluated on streptozocin-induced diabetic (STID) mice and for subchronic toxicity in STID and non-diabetic (ND) mice. In addition, extracts were subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). Results showed that the tea infusion extract of the sample collected in August (AcAu) exhibited the most significant antihyperglycemic activity during all acute assays. The analysis of the extracts (AcMa, AcJu, AcJul, and AcAu) by HPLC-DAD revealed that flavonoid glycosides, rutin, narcissin, and nicotiflorin were the major components. In addition, the sample AcAu contained the best concentration of flavonoids. In the case of subchronic oral toxicity, the AcAu sample did not cause mortality in STID mice, and histopathological analysis revealed significant improvement in the changes associated with diabetes in the liver and kidneys. These findings suggest that the Ac leaves collected in August may be a source of flavonoids such as rutin, with antidiabetic potential. In addition, these findings support the use of Ac to treat diabetes in traditional medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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19 pages, 1921 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Mixture of Kaempferol-3-O-sambubioside and Kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside from Malvaviscus arboreus Prevents Ethanol-Induced Gastric Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Histologic Changes

by Yrvinn Campos-Vidal, Alejandro Zamilpa, Enrique Jiménez-Ferrer, Antonio Ruperto Jiménez-Aparicio, Brenda Hildeliza Camacho-Díaz, Gabriela Trejo-Tapia, Daniel Tapia-Maruri, Nayeli Monterrosas-Brisson and Maribel Herrera-Ruiz

Plants 2022, 11(21), 2951; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11212951 - 01 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1219

Abstract

Malvaviscus arboreus is used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, a mixture of Kaempferol-O-sambubioside and Kaempferol-O-sophoroside (MaSS) isolated from flowers of this species was tested as a preventive treatment on gastric lesions induced with ethanol in [...] Read more.

Malvaviscus arboreus is used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, a mixture of Kaempferol-O-sambubioside and Kaempferol-O-sophoroside (MaSS) isolated from flowers of this species was tested as a preventive treatment on gastric lesions induced with ethanol in rats. MaSS was obtained by chromatographic methods and administered by oral pathway to male Sprague Dawley rats with ethanol-induced gastric lesions. Pretreatment with MaSS at doses of 30, 90, 120, and 180 mg/kg significantly prevents gastric lesions, inhibits the increment in relative stomach weight (%) in gastric IL-6, and also provokes an increment of IL-10 concentration and catalase activity. Finally, MaSS prevented edema in the mucosa and submucosa and diminished microscopic gastric lesions provoked by ethanol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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15 pages, 2434 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of Coumarins from Tagetes lucida in an LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation Model

by Anislada Santibáñez, Maribel Herrera-Ruiz, Manasés González-Cortazar, Pilar Nicasio-Torres, Ashutosh Sharma and Enrique Jiménez-Ferrer

Plants 2022, 11(21), 2805; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11212805 - 22 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1544

Abstract

Tagetes lucida has been widely used as a folk remedy in illnesses associated with the central nervous system and inflammatory ailments. Among the chemical compounds that stand out in the plant against these conditions are coumarins, such as 7-O-prenylscopoletin (PE), scoparone [...] Read more.

Tagetes lucida has been widely used as a folk remedy in illnesses associated with the central nervous system and inflammatory ailments. Among the chemical compounds that stand out in the plant against these conditions are coumarins, such as 7-O-prenylscopoletin (PE), scoparone (SC), dimethylfraxetin (DF), herniarin (HR), and 7-O-prenylumbelliferone (PU), considered potential anti-neuroinflammatory compounds. Therefore, the relationship between the therapeutic effect and the dose can be evaluated through pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK–PD) studies under a model of neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Nonetheless, accomplishing those studies requires an accurate and robust analytical method for the detection of these compounds in different biological matrices of interest. Due to the above, in the present study, a bioanalytical method was established by HPLC–DAD-UV for the simultaneous quantification of the coumarins present in the hexane extract of T. lucida, which was able to determine the temporal concentration profiles of each of the coumarins in the plasma, brain, kidney, and spleen samples of healthy and damaged mice. Coumarins showed an increase in plasma concentrations of up to three times in the neuroinflammation model, compared to healthy mice, so it was possible to quantify the therapeutic agents in the main target organ, the brain. The ability of compounds to cross the blood–brain barrier is an advantage in the treatment of diseases associated with neuroinflammation processes that can be studied in future PK–PD evaluations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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17 pages, 1646 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Herniarin, Dimethylfraxetin and Extracts from Tagetes lucida, in Psychosis Secondary to Ketamine and Its Interaction with Haloperidol

by Sandra Liliana Porras-Dávila, Enrique Jiménez-Ferrer, Rubén Román Ramos, Manasés González-Cortazar, Julio César Almanza-Pérez and Maribel Herrera-Ruiz

Plants 2022, 11(20), 2789; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11202789 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1706

Abstract

Tagetes lucida Cav., is a medicinal plant used in Mexico to alleviate different disorders related to alterations of the central nervous system, such as behaviors associated with psychosis. The present work evaluated the effect of different extracts separated from this plant, TlHex, TlEA, [...] Read more.

Tagetes lucida Cav., is a medicinal plant used in Mexico to alleviate different disorders related to alterations of the central nervous system, such as behaviors associated with psychosis. The present work evaluated the effect of different extracts separated from this plant, TlHex, TlEA, TlMet, and TlAq, and of two isolated coumarins, herniarin (HN) and dimethylfraxetin (DF), on haloperidol-induced catalepsy (HAL), and psychotic behaviors provoked with a glutamatergic antagonist, ketamine (KET) on ICR mice. The extracts TlEA, TlAq, and the isolated compounds HN and DF, induced an increment of the cataleptic effect of HAL. Schizophrenia-like symptoms caused by KET were analyzed through the behavior of the animals in the open field (OFT), forced swimming (FST), passive avoidance test (PAT), and social interaction test (SIT). Treatments derived from T. lucida could interact with this substance in all tests except for FST, in which only TlMet blocks its activity. Mainly, TlEA, TlAq, HN, and DF, blocked the effects of KET on stereotyped behavior, hyperlocomotion, cognitive impairment, and detriment in the social interaction of rodents. T. lucida interacted with dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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16 pages, 4453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Constituents and Their Production in Mexican Oaks (Q. Rugosa, Q. Glabrescens and Q. Obtusata)

by Elgar Castillo-Mendoza, Alejandro Zamilpa, Manasés González-Cortazar, Ever A. Ble-González and Efraín Tovar-Sánchez

Plants 2022, 11(19), 2610; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192610 - 04 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1168

Abstract

Mexico is considered one of the main regions of diversification of the genus Quercus (oaks). Oak species are one of the most important tree groups, particularly in temperate forests, due to its diversity and abundance. Some studies have shown that oak contains specialized [...] Read more.

Mexico is considered one of the main regions of diversification of the genus Quercus (oaks). Oak species are one of the most important tree groups, particularly in temperate forests, due to its diversity and abundance. Some studies have shown that oak contains specialized metabolites with medicinal importance. In this work, the acetonic extract from leaves of three Mexican oaks (Quercus rugosa, Q. glabrescens, and Q. obtusata) was separated using thin-layer chromatography and column chromatography. Chemical identification of the major compounds was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance. Nineteen compounds were identified, three belonging to the terpenoid family (ursolic acid, β−amyrin, and β−sitosterol) and 16 from the phenolic family. Of the isolated compounds, seven are new reports for oak species (scopoletin, ursolic acid, β-amyrin, luteolin−7−O−glucoside, kaempferol−3−O−sophoroside, kaempferol−3−O−glucoside, and kaempferol−3−O−sambubioside). More compounds were identified in Q. rugosa followed by Q. glabrescens and then Q. obtusata. The characterization of specialized metabolites in oak species is relevant, from both phytocentric and anthropocentric perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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13 pages, 68827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

6-Paradol Alleviates Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats by Inhibiting AKT/mTOR Axis

by Lenah S. Binmahfouz, Haifa Almukadi, Abdulmohsin J. Alamoudi, Ali M. El-Halawany, Hossam M. Abdallah, Mardi M. Algandaby, Gamal A. Mohamed, Sabrin R. M. Ibrahim, Faraj A. Alghamdi, Majed Al-Shaeri and Ashraf B. Abdel-Naim

Plants 2022, 11(19), 2602; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192602 - 03 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1486

Abstract

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease among elderly men. Its pharmacological treatment is still unsatisfactory. 6-Paradol (6-PD) is an active metabolite found in many members of the Zingiberaceae family. It was reported to possess anti-proliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The [...] Read more.

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease among elderly men. Its pharmacological treatment is still unsatisfactory. 6-Paradol (6-PD) is an active metabolite found in many members of the Zingiberaceae family. It was reported to possess anti-proliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study aimed at exploring the potential of 6-PD to inhibit testosterone-induced BPH in rats as well as the probable underlying mechanism. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups and treated as follows: Group 1 (control group) received vehicles only, Group 2 testosterone only, Groups 3 and 4 received 6-PD (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg; respectively) and testosterone, and Group 6 received finasteride and testosterone. Results: Daily treatment of animals with 6-PD at the two dose levels of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg significantly ameliorated a testosterone-induced rise in prostate index and weight. This was confirmed by histological examinations of prostatic tissues that indicated a reduction in the pathological changes as well as inhibition of the rise in glandular epithelial height in 6-PD treated rats. Immunohistochemical investigations showed that 6-PD prevented the up-regulation of cyclin D1 induced by testosterone injections. Further, 6-PD significantly modulated mRNA expression of both Bcl2 and Bax in prostate tissues of testosterone-treated rats in favor of anti-proliferation. It also showed antioxidant activities as evidenced by inhibition of accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and exhaustion of catalase (CAT) activity. In addition, 6-PD displayed significant anti-inflammatory activities as it prevented up-regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Immunoblotting analysis revealed that 6-PD significantly inhibited testosterone-induced activation of AKT and mTOR in prostate tissues. Conclusions: 6-PD protects against testosterone-induced BPH in rats. This can be attributed, at least partly, to its antiproliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to inhibit activation of the AKT/mTOR axis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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13 pages, 974 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenolic Acids and Flavonoids from Pithecellobium dulce (Robx.) Benth Leaves Exhibit Ovicidal Activity against Haemonchus contortus

by Agustín Olmedo-Juárez, Ana Laura Jimenez-Chino, Alejandro Bugarin, Alejandro Zamilpa, Pedro Mendoza-de Gives, Abel Villa-Mancera, María Eugenia López-Arellano, Jaime Olivares-Pérez, Edgar Jesús Delgado-Núñez and Manases González-Cortazar

Plants 2022, 11(19), 2555; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192555 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1607

Abstract

Pithecellobium dulce (Robx.) Benth is an arboreal legume used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several ailments, including a number of intestinal disorders, and as a natural deworming. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ovicidal activity of a hydroalcoholic [...] Read more.

Pithecellobium dulce (Robx.) Benth is an arboreal legume used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several ailments, including a number of intestinal disorders, and as a natural deworming. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ovicidal activity of a hydroalcoholic extract (HA-E) and its fractions (aqueous, Aq-F and organic, EtOAc-F) from P. dulce leaves, as well as subfractions (C1F1–C17) obtained from EtOAc-F against Haemonchus contortus eggs. The HA-E, Aq-F, and EtOAc-F were assessed at 0.03–5.00 mg/mL and subfractions (C1F1–C17) were assessed at 0.06–1.00 mg/mL. The HA-E and Aq-F showed an ovicidal activity close to 100% at 2.5 mg/mL, and EtOAc-F displayed the highest anthelmintic effect (100% at 0.25 mg/mL). Meanwhile, the sub-fractions with the highest ovicidal effect were C1F6, C1F9, C1F10, C1F11, and CIF13. The main compounds identified in the most active fractions (C1F9, C1F11, and C1F13) were kaempferol (1), quercetin (2), coumaric acid (3), ferulic acid (4), luteolin 7-O-rhamnoside (5), quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside (6), and a caffeoyl derivate (NI). The results indicate that P. dulce leaves exhibit a potent anthelmintic activity and contain bioactive compounds able to inhibit egg hatching in H. contortus. Therefore, this plant could be used for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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16 pages, 6696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alpha-Mangostin as a New Therapeutic Candidate for Concanavalin A-Induced Autoimmune Hepatitis: Impact on the SIRT1/Nrf2 and NF-κB Crosstalk

by Ahmed M. Shehata, Hossein M. Elbadawy, Sabrin R. M. Ibrahim, Gamal A. Mohamed, Wael M. Elsaed, Aisha A. Alhaddad, Nishat Ahmed, Hany Abo-Haded and Dina S. El-Agamy

Plants 2022, 11(18), 2441; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11182441 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2032

Abstract

Alpha-mangostin (α-MN) is a xanthone obtained from Garcinia mangostana that has diverse anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory potentials. However, its pharmacological activity against autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has not been investigated before. Concanavalin A (Con A) was injected into mice to induce AIH and two doses [...] Read more.

Alpha-mangostin (α-MN) is a xanthone obtained from Garcinia mangostana that has diverse anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory potentials. However, its pharmacological activity against autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has not been investigated before. Concanavalin A (Con A) was injected into mice to induce AIH and two doses of α-MN were tested for their protective effects against Con A-induced AIH. The results demonstrated the potent hepatoprotective activity of α-MN evidenced by a remarkable decrease of serum indices of the hepatic injury and amendment of the histological lesions. α-MN significantly attenuated the level and immuno-expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO) indicating a decrease in the neutrophil infiltration into the liver. Additionally, the recruitment of the CD4+ T cell was suppressed in the α-MN pre-treated animals. α-MN showed a potent ability to repress the Con A-induced oxidative stress evident by the reduced levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and protein carbonyl (PC), as well as the enhanced levels of antioxidants as the reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The ELISA, RT-PCR, and IHC analyses revealed that α-MN enhanced the sirtuin1/nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor-2 (SIRT1/Nrf2) signaling and its downstream cascade genes concurrently with the inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and the inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukine-6) signaling. Taken together, these results inferred that the hepatoprotective activity of α-MN could prevent Con A-induced AIH through the modulation of the SIRT1/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling. Hence, α-MN may be considered as a promising candidate for AIH therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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7 pages, 452 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Antigiardial Activity of Foeniculum vulgare Hexane Extract and Some of Its Constituents

by Irma G. Domínguez-Vigil, Benito D. Mata-Cárdenas, Patricia C. Esquivel-Ferriño, Francisco G. Avalos-Alanís, Javier Vargas-Villarreal and María del Rayo Camacho-Corona

Plants 2022, 11(17), 2212; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11172212 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1160

Abstract

Foeniculum vulgare is used for the treatment of diarrhea in Mexican traditional medicine. Hexane extract showed 94 % inhibition of Giardia duodenalis trophozoites at 300 μg/mL. Therefore, 20 constituents of hexane extract were evaluated to determine their antigiardial activity. Interestingly, six compounds showed [...] Read more.

Foeniculum vulgare is used for the treatment of diarrhea in Mexican traditional medicine. Hexane extract showed 94 % inhibition of Giardia duodenalis trophozoites at 300 μg/mL. Therefore, 20 constituents of hexane extract were evaluated to determine their antigiardial activity. Interestingly, six compounds showed good activity toward the parasite. These compounds were (1R,4S) (+)-Camphene (61%), (R)(−)-Carvone (66%), estragole (49%), p-anisaldehyde (67%), 1,3-benzenediol (56%), and trans, trans-2,4-undecadienal (97%). The aldehyde trans, trans-2,4-undecadienal was the most active compound with an IC₅₀ value of 72.11 µg/mL against G. duodenalis trophozoites. This aldehyde was less toxic (IC₅₀ 588.8 µg/mL) than positive control metronidazole (IC₅₀ 83.5 µg/mL) against Vero cells. The above results could support the use of F. vulgare in Mexican traditional medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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20 pages, 5621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bio-Guided Isolation of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors from Medicinal Plants: In Vitro Assay and Molecular Dynamics

by Hossam M. Abdallah, Ali M. El-Halawany, Khaled M. Darwish, Mardi M. Algandaby, Gamal A. Mohamed, Sabrin R. M. Ibrahim, Abdulrahman E. Koshak, Sameh S. Elhady, Sana A. Fadil, Ali A. Alqarni, Ashraf B. Abdel-Naim and Mahmoud A. Elfaky

Plants 2022, 11(15), 1914; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11151914 - 24 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2251

Abstract

Since the emergence of the pandemic of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the discovery of antiviral phytoconstituents from medicinal plants against SARS-CoV-2 has been comprehensively researched. In this study, thirty-three plants belonging to seventeen different [...] Read more.

Since the emergence of the pandemic of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the discovery of antiviral phytoconstituents from medicinal plants against SARS-CoV-2 has been comprehensively researched. In this study, thirty-three plants belonging to seventeen different families used traditionally in Saudi Arabia were tested in vitro for their ability to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M^PRO). Major constituents of the bio-active extracts were isolated and tested for their inhibition potential against this enzyme; in addition, their antiviral activity against the SARS-CoV-2 Egyptian strain was assessed. Further, the thermodynamic stability of the best active compounds was studied through focused comparative insights for the active metabolites regarding ligand–target binding characteristics at the molecular level. Additionally, the obtained computational findings provided useful directions for future drug optimization and development. The results revealed that Psiadia punctulata, Aframomum melegueta, and Nigella sativa extracts showed a high percentage of inhibition of 66.4, 58.7, and 31.5%, against SARS-CoV-2 M^PRO, respectively. The major isolated constituents of these plants were identified as gardenins A and B (from P. punctulata), 6-gingerol and 6-paradol (from A. melegueta), and thymoquinone (from N. sativa). These compounds are the first to be tested invitro against SARS-CoV-2 M^PRO. Among the isolated compounds, only thymoquinone (THY), gardenin A (GDA), 6-gingerol (GNG), and 6-paradol (PAD) inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 M^PRO enzyme with inhibition percentages of 63.21, 73.80, 65.2, and 71.8%, respectively. In vitro assessment of SARS-CoV-2 (hCoV-19/Egypt/NRC-03/2020 (accession number on GSAID: EPI_ISL_430820) revealed a strong-to-low antiviral activity of the isolated compounds. THY showed relatively high cytotoxicity and was anti-SARS-CoV-2, while PAD demonstrated a cytotoxic effect on the tested VERO cells with a selectivity index of CC₅₀/IC₅₀ = 1.33 and CC₅₀/IC₅₀ = 0.6, respectively. Moreover, GNG had moderate activity at non-cytotoxic concentrations in vitro with a selectivity index of CC₅₀/IC₅₀ = 101.3/43.45 = 2.3. Meanwhile, GDA showed weak activity with a selectivity index of CC₅₀/IC₅₀ = 246.5/83.77 = 2.9. The thermodynamic stability of top-active compounds revealed preferential stability and SARS-CoV-2 M^PRO binding affinity for PAD through molecular-docking-coupled molecular dynamics simulation. The obtained results suggest the treating potential of these plants and/or their active metabolites for COVID-19. However, further in-vivo and clinical investigations are required to establish the potential preventive and treatment effectiveness of these plants and/or their bio-active compounds in COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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11 pages, 1246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth in a Murine Model of Metabolic Syndrome

by Dulce Lourdes Morales-Ferra, Miguel Ángel Zavala-Sánchez, Enrique Jiménez-Ferrer, Manasés González-Cortazar and Alejandro Zamilpa

Plants 2022, 11(14), 1794; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11141794 - 07 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1528

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of abnormalities related to insulin resistance with an unfortunately high prevalence worldwide. Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. Ex Kunth. is a well-known medicinal plant that has been studied in several biological models related to diabetes mellitus. The aim of [...] Read more.

Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of abnormalities related to insulin resistance with an unfortunately high prevalence worldwide. Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. Ex Kunth. is a well-known medicinal plant that has been studied in several biological models related to diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of T. stans on a hypercaloric diet-induced metabolic syndrome model. An organic fraction obtained using liquid–liquid separation from the hydroalcoholic extract of T. stans and four subfractions of this organic fraction were administered for ten weeks to C57BL6J male mice previously fed with a hypercaloric diet. The hypercaloric diet caused changes in glucose levels (from 65.3 to 221.5 mg/dL), body weight (31.3 to 42.2 g), triglycerides (91.4 to 177.7 mg/dL), systolic (89.9 to 110.3 mmHg) and diastolic (61.6 to 73.7 mg/dL) blood pressure, and insulin resistance (4.47 to 5.16). Treatment with T. stans resulted in improvements in triglycerides (83.4–125.0 mg/dL), systolic blood pressure (75.1–91.8 mmHg), and insulin resistance (4.72–4.93). However, the organic fraction and hydroalcoholic extract produced a better response in diastolic blood pressure (52.8–56.4 mmHg). Luteolin, apigenin, and chrysoeriol were the major constituents in the most active subfractions. Treatment with T. stans, particularly a luteolin-rich organic fraction, achieved an improvement in metabolic syndrome alterations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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11 pages, 643 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Eupatorin and Salviandulin-A, with Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects from Salvia lavanduloides Kunth Leaves

by Manasés González-Cortazar, David Osvaldo Salinas-Sánchez, Maribel Herrera-Ruiz, Dionisio Celerino Román-Ramos, Alejandro Zamilpa, Enrique Jiménez-Ferrer, Ever A. Ble-González, Patricia Álvarez-Fitz, Ricardo Castrejón-Salgado and Ma. Dolores Pérez-García

Plants 2022, 11(13), 1739; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131739 - 30 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1505

Abstract

This study describes the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects from extracts obtained from the leaves of Salvia lavanduloides. The plant material was macerated with three solvents of ascending polarity (n-hexane (Sl-Hex), ethyl acetate (Sl-AcOEt), and dichloromethane (Sl-D)). The extracts, fractions (SlD-2 [...] Read more.

This study describes the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects from extracts obtained from the leaves of Salvia lavanduloides. The plant material was macerated with three solvents of ascending polarity (n-hexane (Sl-Hex), ethyl acetate (Sl-AcOEt), and dichloromethane (Sl-D)). The extracts, fractions (SlD-2 and SlD-3), and isolated compounds (15,16-epoxy-10-β-hydroxy-neo-cleroda-3,7,13(16),14-tetraene-17,12R:18,19-diolide (1), salviandulin A (2), and eupatorin (3)) were evaluated as antimicrobials against Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria and the fungus Candida albicans (Ca) using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the anti-inflammatory activity induced by 13-acetate of 12-O-tetradecanoylforbol (TPA). Sl-D and Sl-AcOEt extracts, SlD-2 and SlD-3 fractions showed the highest antimicrobial activity. The isolated compounds showed good activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a MIC < 2 μg/mL, while the anti-inflammatory activity, the Sl-Hex, Sl-D extracts, and SlD-3 fraction presented an inhibition of 62, 45 and 61%, respectively, while (2) 70% and (3) 72%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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Review

Jump to: Research

43 pages, 3229 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Comprehensive Review on Cannabis sativa Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Molecular Docking and Biological Activities

by Sohaib Hourfane, Hicham Mechqoq, Abdellah Yassine Bekkali, João Miguel Rocha and Noureddine El Aouad

Plants 2023, 12(6), 1245; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12061245 - 09 Mar 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7941

Abstract

For more than a century, Cannabis was considered a narcotic and has been banned by lawmakers all over the world. In recent years, interest in this plant has increased due to its therapeutic potential, in addition to a very interesting chemical composition, characterized [...] Read more.

For more than a century, Cannabis was considered a narcotic and has been banned by lawmakers all over the world. In recent years, interest in this plant has increased due to its therapeutic potential, in addition to a very interesting chemical composition, characterized by the presence of an atypical family of molecules known as phytocannabinoids. With this emerging interest, it is very important to take stock of what research has been conducted so far on the chemistry and biology of Cannabis sativa. The aim of this review is to describe the traditional uses, chemical composition and biological activities of different parts of this plant, as well as the molecular docking studies. Information was collected from electronic databases, namely SciFinder, ScienceDirect, PubMed and Web of Science. Cannabis is mainly popular for its recreational use, but it is also traditionally used as remedy for the treatment of several diseases, including diabetes, digestive, circulatory, genital, nervous, urinary, skin and respiratory diseases. These biological proprieties are mainly due to the presence of bioactive metabolites represented by more than 550 different molecules. Molecular docking simulations proved the presence of affinities between Cannabis compounds and several enzymes responsible for anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiepileptic and anticancer activities. Several biological activities have been evaluated on the metabolites of Cannabis sativa, and these works have shown the presence of antioxidant, antibacterial, anticoagulant, antifungal, anti-aflatoxigenic, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective and dermocosmetic activities. This paper presents the up-to-date reported investigations and opens many reflections and further research perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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13 pages, 4783 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Journey of a Medicinal Plant throughout Science: Sphaeralcea angustifolia (Cav.) G. Don (Malvaceae)

by Mariana Meckes-Fischer and Pilar Nicasio-Torres

Plants 2023, 12(2), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020321 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1644

Abstract

Using herbal medicine is an ancestral cultural practice among Mexicans. A broad sector of society turns to plants to treat priority health problems, a reality that leads scientists to explore the healing value attributed to them. Advances in the experimental research of Sphaeralcea [...] Read more.

Using herbal medicine is an ancestral cultural practice among Mexicans. A broad sector of society turns to plants to treat priority health problems, a reality that leads scientists to explore the healing value attributed to them. Advances in the experimental research of Sphaeralcea angustifolia confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of the species; therefore, an analysis of the scope of these studies is now warranted. As such, this paper is a compendium of the advances published in the scientific literature (from 2004 to 2021) on the anti-inflammatory properties of this plant. The promise offered by the species as a potential therapeutic agent is also considered, without dismissing aspects necessary for the preservation of this resource and its cultural and physical environment. The chemical–pharmacological aspects of the wild plant and its in vitro culture are highlighted. The plant’s anti-inflammatory properties support its clinical application as an anti-inflammatory phytopharmaceutical to treat arthritic conditions. The sustained therapeutic potential of S. angustifolia is reinforced by the biotechnological processes designed to conserve the resource, thus contributing to the protection of biodiversity and cultural diversity, aspects distinctive of a megadiverse country such as Mexico. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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21 pages, 424 KiB

Open AccessReview

Punica granatum as Anticandidal and Anti-HIV Agent: An HIV Oral Cavity Potential Drug

by Maira Huerta-Reyes, Luis A. Gaitán-Cepeda and Luis O. Sánchez-Vargas

Plants 2022, 11(19), 2622; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192622 - 05 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2105

Abstract

The oral cavity is crucial from diagnosis to adherence to HAART therapy in the HIV/AIDS population; consequently, drugs that can maintain healthy conditions in the oral cavity are necessary for patients with HIV/AIDS. Punica granatum (pomegranate) is a tree that has been employed [...] Read more.

The oral cavity is crucial from diagnosis to adherence to HAART therapy in the HIV/AIDS population; consequently, drugs that can maintain healthy conditions in the oral cavity are necessary for patients with HIV/AIDS. Punica granatum (pomegranate) is a tree that has been employed extensively for centuries in the traditional medicine of ancient cultures for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including oral and dental diseases. In recent decades, its potent anticandidal properties have been shown, especially on Candida albicans, the cause of the most common clinical manifestation in HIV patients. The present work contributes to the review of the anti-HIV and anticandidal properties of the plant species P. granatum as involved with the oral cavity. The literature reviewed revealed that crude extracts of pomegranate and its main isolated compounds possess inhibitory activity on different HIV targets, including binding viral proteins and the three replicative HIV enzymes. In addition, in the literature reviewed, pomegranate exhibited anticandidal effects on 10 different species. Thus, pomegranate appears to be an excellent candidate to explore and incorporate into the treatment of the oral cavity of HIV/AIDS patients, in that, in addition to its pharmacological effects such as antiviral and anticandidal, pomegranate represents an easily available, inexpensive, and safe natural source. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

24 pages, 3346 KiB

Open AccessReview

Potential Use of Agave Genus in Neuroinflammation Management

by Maribel Herrera-Ruiz, Enrique Jiménez-Ferrer, Manasés González-Cortazar, Alejandro Zamilpa, Alexandre Cardoso-Taketa, Martha Lucía Arenas-Ocampo, Antonio Ruperto Jiménez-Aparicio and Nayeli Monterrosas-Brisson

Plants 2022, 11(17), 2208; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11172208 - 25 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2022

Abstract

Agavaceae contains about 480 species, commonly used in the production of alcoholic beverages such as tequila and mezcal, making it a resource of economic and cultural importance. Uses of this plant rely mainly on the stem; other components such as the leaves are [...] Read more.

Agavaceae contains about 480 species, commonly used in the production of alcoholic beverages such as tequila and mezcal, making it a resource of economic and cultural importance. Uses of this plant rely mainly on the stem; other components such as the leaves are discarded, generating agro-industrial waste, despite being a source of bioactive and nutraceutical products. Reports show anti-inflammatory and anti-neuroinflammatory effects of these species, with flavonoids and saponins being mainly responsible. Neuroinflammation is a brain process that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders and its effects contribute greatly to mortality and morbidity worldwide. This can be triggered by mechanisms such as glial reactions that lead to the release of inflammatory and oxidative molecules, causing damage to the CNS. Treatments do not cure chronic disease associated with inflammation; they only slow its progression, producing side effects that affect quality of life. Plant-based therapy is promising for treating these diseases. Pharmacological activities have been described for the Agavaceae family; however, their role in neuroinflammation has not been fully investigated, and represents an important target for study. This review synthesizes the existing literature on the biologically active compounds of Agave species that are related in some way to inflammation, which will allow us to propose a line of research with this genus on the forefront to orient experimental designs for treating neuroinflammation and associated diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Chemical Activity of Metabolites of Medicinal Plants)

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