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Phytotherapy: Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Healthcare

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2022) | Viewed by 86915

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Michał Tomczyk

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Guest Editor

Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2a, 15-230 Białystok, Poland
Interests: pharmacognosy; phytochemistry; phytotherapy; natural compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Without doubt, the interest of the scientific community in the medicinal plants and the medicinal properties thereof originated in ethnic medicine. In many cases, ethnopharmacology proved to be an invaluable source of information on the probable medicinal properties of these plants, setting out directions for further research. In many cases, current studies conducted in various pharmacological models (in vitro, in vivo, clinical trials) confirm the plausibility of herbal preparations being used as potential medicinal agents. Experimental pharmaceutical data obtained to date in biological/pharmacological studies on medicinal plants confirm the traditional uses for most species while being insufficient for full confirmation of plausibility of their use in the light of rational phytotherapy. Despite the numerous phytochemical and pharmacological studies conducted to date, chemism and also the mechanisms of action of a series of natural compounds remain unstudied and continue to be the focus of interest for many phytotherapists. In the following issue, the use of modern phytochemical techniques of herbal medicinal products or dietary supplements and their pharmacological and clinical evidence for safety and efficacy phytotherapy will be discussed. I hope that this Special Issue will increase the understanding of the value and possible use of herbal medicinal products, and I would like to thank the authors for their valuable contributions, which support the scientific progress of modern phytotherapy.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Michal Tomczyk
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Phytotherapy
Phytomedicine
Medicinal plants
Biological and pharmacological activity
Phytochemistry
Natural product chemistry
Isolation and identification of biomolecules
Hyphenated techniques

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cannabidiol Improves Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in the Lungs of Rats with Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension

by Anna Krzyżewska, Marta Baranowska-Kuczko, Anna Jastrząb, Irena Kasacka and Hanna Kozłowska

Molecules 2022, 27(10), 3327; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules27103327 - 22 May 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3688

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a plant-derived compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is still an incurable disease. CBD has been suggested to ameliorate monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PH, including reduction in right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), a vasorelaxant effect on pulmonary arteries and a decrease in the white blood cell count. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of chronic administration of CBD (10 mg/kg daily for 21 days) on the parameters of oxidative stress and inflammation in the lungs of rats with MCT-induced PH. In MCT-induced PH, we found a decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione level (GSH), an increase in inflammatory parameters, e.g., tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), and the overexpression of cannabinoid receptors type 1 and 2 (CB₁-Rs, CB₂-Rs). Administration of CBD increased TAC and GSH concentrations, glutathione reductase (GSR) activity, and decreased CB₁-Rs expression and levels of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL -1β, NF-κB, MCP-1 and CD68. In conclusion, CBD has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in MCT-induced PH. CBD may act as an adjuvant therapy for PH, but further detailed preclinical and clinical studies are recommended to confirm our promising results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytotherapy: Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Healthcare)

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16 pages, 5858 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Flavonoids in Selected Scleranthus Species and Their Anti-Collagenase and Antioxidant Potential

by Katarzyna Jakimiuk, Jakub W. Strawa, Sebastian Granica, Marcello Locatelli, Angela Tartaglia and Michał Tomczyk

Molecules 2022, 27(6), 2015; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules27062015 - 21 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1996

Abstract

A new 5,7-dihydroxy-3′-methoxy-4′-acetoxyflavone-8-C-β-d-arabinopyranoside-2″-O-(4‴-acetoxy)-glucoside (6) and three known flavone C-glycosides—5,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxyflavone-6-C-xyloside-8-C-β-d-glucoside (lucenin-1) (7), 5,7,3′-trihydroxyflavone-6-C-glucoside-8-C-β-d-glucoside (vicenin-2) (8), and 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3′-methoxyflavone-6-C-β-d-glucopyranoside-8-C-α-arabinopyranoside (chrysoeriol-6-C-β-d-glucopyranoside-8-C-α-arabinopyranoside) (9)—were isolated from aerial parts of Scleranthus perennis L. (Caryophyllaceae). Their structures were determined through the use of comprehensive spectroscopic and spectrometric methods, and a method for the quantification of the major constituents of S. perennis and S. annuus L. was developed. Furthermore, the anti-collagenase and antioxidant activities of all isolated compounds obtained from extracts and fractions from both Scleranthus species were evaluated. The highest percentage of collagenase inhibition (at 400 µg/mL) was distinguished for methanolic extracts (22.06%, 32.04%) and ethyl acetate fractions (16.59%, 14.40%) from S. annuus and S. perennis. Compounds 6–9 displayed moderate inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 39.59–73.86 µM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytotherapy: Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Healthcare)

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9 pages, 2050 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Prebiotic Potential of Oligosaccharides Obtained by Acid Hydrolysis of α-(1→3)-Glucan from Laetiporus sulphureus: A Pilot Study

by Adrian Wiater, Adam Waśko, Paulina Adamczyk, Klaudia Gustaw, Małgorzata Pleszczyńska, Kamila Wlizło, Marcin Skowronek, Michał Tomczyk and Janusz Szczodrak

Molecules 2020, 25(23), 5542; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25235542 - 26 Nov 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2749

Abstract

Increasing knowledge of the role of the intestinal microbiome in human health and well-being has resulted in increased interest in prebiotics, mainly oligosaccharides of various origins. To date, there are no reports in the literature on the prebiotic properties of oligosaccharides produced by the hydrolysis of pure fungal α-(1→3)-glucan. The aim of this study was to prepare α-(1→3)-glucooligosaccharides (α-(1→3)-GOS) and to perform initial evaluation of their prebiotic potential. The oligosaccharides were obtained by acid hydrolysis of α-(1→3)-glucan isolated from the fruiting bodies of Laetiporus sulphureus and then, characterized by HPLC. Fermentation of α-(1→3)-GOS and reference prebiotics was compared in in vitro pure cultures of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and enteric bacterial strains. A mixture of α-(1→3)-GOS, notably with a degree of polymerization of 2 to 9, was obtained. The hydrolysate was utilized for growth by most of the Lactobacillus strains tested and showed a strong bifidogenic effect, but did not promote the growth of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. α-(1→3)-GOS proved to be effective in the selective stimulation of beneficial bacteria and can be further tested to determine their prebiotic functionality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytotherapy: Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Healthcare)

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20 pages, 4180 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Obesity Attributes; UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS-Based Metabolite Profiling and Molecular Docking Insights of Taraxacum officinale

by Zain Ul Aabideen, Muhammad Waseem Mumtaz, Muhammad Tayyab Akhtar, Hamid Mukhtar, Syed Ali Raza, Tooba Touqeer and Nazamid Saari

Molecules 2020, 25(21), 4935; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25214935 - 26 Oct 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5395

Abstract

The naturopathic treatment of obesity is a matter of keen interest to develop efficient natural pharmacological routes for disease management with low or negligible toxicity and side effects. For this purpose, optimized ultrasonicated hydroethanolic extracts of Taraxacum officinale were evaluated for antiobesity attributes. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method was adopted to evaluate antioxidant potential. Porcine pancreatic lipase inhibitory assay was conducted to assess the in vitro antiobesity property. Ultra-high performance chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometer was utilized to profile the secondary metabolites in the most potent extract. The 60% ethanolic extract exhibited highest extract yield (25.05 ± 0.07%), total phenolic contents (123.42 ± 0.007 mg GAE/g DE), total flavonoid contents (55.81 ± 0.004 RE/g DE), DPPH-radical-scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 81.05 ± 0.96 µg/mL) and pancreatic lipase inhibitory properties (IC₅₀ = 146.49 ± 4.24 µg/mL). The targeted metabolite fingerprinting highlighted the presence of high-value secondary metabolites. Molecular-binding energies computed by docking tool revealed the possible contribution towards pancreatic lipase inhibitory properties of secondary metabolites including myricetin, isomangiferin, icariside B4, kaempferol and luteolin derivatives when compared to the standard drug orlistat. In vivo investigations revealed a positive impact on the lipid profile and obesity biomarkers of obese mice. The study presents Taraxacum officinale as a potent source of functional bioactive ingredients to impart new insights into the existing pool of knowledge of naturopathic approaches towards obesity management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytotherapy: Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Healthcare)

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18 pages, 4644 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tri-Herbal Medicine Divya Sarva-Kalp-Kwath (Livogrit) Regulates Fatty Acid-Induced Steatosis in Human HepG2 Cells through Inhibition of Intracellular Triglycerides and Extracellular Glycerol Levels

by Acharya Balkrishna, Vivek Gohel, Rani Singh, Monali Joshi, Yash Varshney, Jyotish Srivastava, Kunal Bhattacharya and Anurag Varshney

Molecules 2020, 25(20), 4849; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25204849 - 21 Oct 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4674

Abstract

Steatosis is characterized by excessive triglycerides accumulation in liver cells. Recently, application of herbal formulations has gained importance in treating complex diseases. Therefore, this study explores the efficacy of tri-herbal medicine Divya Sarva-Kalp-Kwath (SKK; brand name, Livogrit) in treating free fatty acid (FFA)-induced steatosis in human liver (HepG2) cells and rat primary hepatocytes. Previously, we demonstrated that cytosafe SKK ameliorated CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity. In this study, we evaluated the role of SKK in reducing FFA-induced cell-death, and steatosis in HepG2 through analysis of cell viability, intracellular lipid and triglyceride accumulation, extracellular free glycerol levels, and mRNA expression changes. Plant metabolic components fingerprinting in SKK was performed via High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). Treatment with SKK significantly reduced the loss of cell viability induced by 2 mM-FFA in a dose-dependent manner. SKK also reduced intracellular lipid, triglyceride accumulation, secreted AST levels, and increased extracellular free glycerol presence in the FFA-exposed cells. SKK normalized the FFA-stimulated overexpression of SREBP1c, FAS, C/EBPα, and CPT1A genes associated with the induction of steatosis. In addition, treatment of rat primary hepatocytes with FFA and SKK concurrently, reduced intracellular lipid accumulation. Thus, SKK showed efficacy in reducing intracellular triglyceride accumulation and increasing extracellular glycerol release, along with downregulation of related key genetic factors for FFA-associated steatosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytotherapy: Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Healthcare)

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14 pages, 3320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silver Fir (Abies alba L.) Polyphenolic Extract Shows Beneficial Influence on Chondrogenesis In Vitro under Normal and Inflammatory Conditions

by Mateja Sirše, Samo K. Fokter, Borut Štrukelj and Janja Zupan

Molecules 2020, 25(20), 4616; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25204616 - 11 Oct 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2882

Abstract

Several plant polyphenols have been shown to reduce osteoarthritis symptoms due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. We investigated the effects of two different polyphenolic extracts (Belinal, Pycnogenol) and two different polyphenols (resveratrol, quercetin) on the chondrogenic potential of bone-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) from healthy donors and patients with osteoarthritis. Our main aim was to determine whether Belinal, a commercially available polyphenolic extract from silver fir (Abies alba L.) branches, has comparable chondrogenic potential with the other tested extract and the polyphenols under inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions. In our study, Belinal promoted significantly greater chondrogenesis compared to the untreated (p = 0.0289) and resveratrol-treated (p = 0.0468) MSCs from patients with hip osteoarthritis under non-inflammatory conditions. Under inflammatory conditions, chondrogenesis was significantly enhanced for MSCs treated with Belinal compared to the control (p = 0.0483). The other extract and the polyphenols did not show any significant effects on chondrogenesis under non-inflammatory or inflammatory conditions. None of the tested extracts and polyphenols showed significant effects on chondrogenesis in healthy donors, under either non-inflammatory or inflammatory conditions. Our data show that Belinal can boost the chondrogenesis of MSCs derived from patients with osteoarthritis, under both non-inflammatory and inflammatory conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytotherapy: Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Healthcare)

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24 pages, 3510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Ukrainian Iris Species: A Fresh Look on Their Antioxidant Content and Biological Activities

by Olha Mykhailenko, Michal Korinek, Liudas Ivanauskas, Ivan Bezruk, Artem Myhal, Vilma Petrikaitė, Mohamed El-Shazly, Guan-Hua Lin, Chia-Yi Lin, Chia-Hung Yen, Bing-Hung Chen, Victoriya Georgiyants and Tsong-Long Hwang

Molecules 2020, 25(19), 4588; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25194588 - 08 Oct 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3951

Abstract

The major groups of antioxidant compounds (isoflavonoids, xanthones, hydroxycinnamic acids) in the rhizome methanol extracts of four Ukrainian Iris sp. (Iris pallida, Iris hungarica, Iris sibirica, and Iris variegata) were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using HPLC-DAD and UPLC-MS/MS. Gallic acid, caffeic acid, mangiferin, tectoridin, irigenin, iristectorigenin B, irisolidone, 5,6-dihydroxy-7,8,3′,5′-tetramethoxyisoflavone, irisolidone-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, germanaism B, and nigricin were recognized by comparing their UV/MS spectra, chromatographic retention time (tR) with those of standard reference compounds. I. hungarica and I. variegata showed the highest total amount of phenolic compounds. Germanaism B was the most abundant component in the rhizomes of I. variegata (7.089 ± 0.032 mg/g) and I. hungarica (6.285 ± 0.030 mg/g). The compound analyses showed good calibration curve linearity (r² > 0.999) and low detection and quantifications limit. These results validated the method for its use in the simultaneous quantitative evaluation of phenolic compounds in the studied Iris sp. I. hungarica and I. variegata rhizomes exhibited antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by the HPLC-ABTS system and NRF2 expression assay and anti-inflammatory activity on respiratory burst in human neutrophils. Moreover, the extracts showed anti-allergic and cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. Anti-coronavirus 229E and lipid formation activities were also evaluated. In summary, potent antioxidant marker compounds were identified in the examined Iris sp. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytotherapy: Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Healthcare)

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19 pages, 3417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Apigenin and Hesperidin Downregulate DNA Repair Genes in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells and Augment Doxorubicin Toxicity

by Agnieszka Korga-Plewko, Monika Michalczyk, Grzegorz Adamczuk, Ewelina Humeniuk, Marta Ostrowska-Lesko, Aleksandra Jozefczyk, Magdalena Iwan, Marta Wojcik and Jaroslaw Dudka

Molecules 2020, 25(19), 4421; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25194421 - 26 Sep 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3458

Abstract

A number of studies have confirmed anti-tumor activity of flavonoids and their ability to enhance the effectiveness of classical anticancer drugs. The mechanism of this phenomenon is difficult to explain because of the ambivalent nature of these compounds. Many therapeutic properties of these compounds are attributed to their antioxidant activity; however, it is known that they can act as oxidants. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of apigenin and hesperidin on MCF-7 breast cancer cells with doxorubicin. The cytotoxic effect was determined using an MTT test and cell cycle analysis. To evaluate the possible interaction mechanism, reduced glutathione levels, as well as the DNA oxidative damage and the double strand breaks, were evaluated. Additionally, mRNA expression of genes related to DNA repair was assessed. It was demonstrated that flavonoids intensified the cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin despite flavonoids reduced oxidative damage caused by the drug. At the same time, the number of double strand breaks significantly increased and expression of tested genes was downregulated. In conclusion, both apigenin and hesperidin enhance the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin on breast cancer cells, and this phenomenon occurs regardless of oxidative stress but is accompanied by disorders of DNA damage response mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytotherapy: Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Healthcare)

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Review

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17 pages, 313 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effectiveness of Rhodiola rosea L. Preparations in Alleviating Various Aspects of Life-Stress Symptoms and Stress-Induced Conditions—Encouraging Clinical Evidence

by Emilija Ivanova Stojcheva and José Carlos Quintela

Molecules 2022, 27(12), 3902; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules27123902 - 17 Jun 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 9872

Abstract

Rhodiola rosea L. has a long history of use in traditional medicine to stimulate the nervous system, treat stress-induced fatigue and depression, enhance physical performance and work productivity and treat gastrointestinal ailments and impotence. Apart from its well-established traditional use, a significant number of publications on the clinical efficacy of various R. rosea preparations can be found in the literature. The majority of these studies are related to the efficacy of R. rosea in terms of cognitive functions and mental performance, including various symptoms of life-stress, fatigue and burnout. The beneficial effects of this medicinal plant on enhancing physical performance have also been evaluated in professional athletes and non-trained individuals. Moreover, even though most evidence originates from pre-clinical trials, several clinical studies have additionally demonstrated the remediating effects of R. rosea on cardiovascular and reproductive health by addressing non-specific stress damage and reversing or healing the disrupted physiologies and disfunctions. Overall, in accordance with its aim, the results presented in this review provide an encouraging basis for the clinical efficacy of R. rosea preparations in managing various aspects of stress-induced conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytotherapy: Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Healthcare)

35 pages, 588 KiB

Open AccessReview

Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders—Plants and Potential Mechanisms of Action of Their Constituents

by Szilvia Czigle, Silvia Bittner Fialová, Jaroslav Tóth, Pavel Mučaji, Milan Nagy and on behalf of the OEMONOM

Molecules 2022, 27(9), 2881; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules27092881 - 30 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4786

Abstract

The worldwide prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases is about 40%, with standard pharmacotherapy being long-lasting and economically challenging. Of the dozens of diseases listed by the Rome IV Foundation criteria, for five of them (heartburn, dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting disorder, constipation, and diarrhoea), treatment with herbals is an official alternative, legislatively supported by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). However, for most plants, the Directive does not require a description of the mechanisms of action, which should be related to the therapeutic effect of the European plant in question. This review article, therefore, summarizes the basic pharmacological knowledge of synthetic drugs used in selected functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and correlates them with the constituents of medicinal plants. Therefore, the information presented here is intended as a starting point to support the claim that both empirical folk medicine and current and decades-old treatments with official herbal remedies have a rational basis in modern pharmacology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytotherapy: Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Healthcare)

32 pages, 562 KiB

Open AccessReview

Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Natural Drugs

by Eszter Csikós, Adrienn Horváth, Kamilla Ács, Nóra Papp, Viktória Lilla Balázs, Marija Sollner Dolenc, Maša Kenda, Nina Kočevar Glavač, Milan Nagy, Michele Protti, Laura Mercolini, Györgyi Horváth, Ágnes Farkas and on behalf of the OEMONOM

Molecules 2021, 26(23), 7141; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26237141 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 24537

Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common urinary diseases affecting men, generally after the age of 50. The prevalence of this multifactorial disease increases with age. With aging, the plasma level of testosterone decreases, as well as the testosterone/estrogen ratio, resulting in increased estrogen activity, which may facilitate the hyperplasia of the prostate cells. Another theory focuses on dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the activity of the enzyme 5α-reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT. In older men, the activity of this enzyme increases, leading to a decreased testosterone/DHT ratio. DHT may promote prostate cell growth, resulting in hyperplasia. Some medicinal plants and their compounds act by modulating this enzyme, and have the above-mentioned targets. This review focuses on herbal drugs that are most widely used in the treatment of BPH, including pumpkin seed, willow herb, tomato, maritime pine bark, Pygeum africanum bark, rye pollen, saw palmetto fruit, and nettle root, highlighting the latest results of preclinical and clinical studies, as well as safety issues. In addition, the pharmaceutical care and other therapeutic options of BPH, including pharmacotherapy and surgical options, are discussed, summarizing and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytotherapy: Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Healthcare)

35 pages, 30454 KiB

Open AccessReview

Progress in the Medicinal Value, Bioactive Compounds, and Pharmacological Activities of Gynostemma pentaphyllum

by Chao Su, Nan Li, Ruru Ren, Yingli Wang, Xiaojuan Su, Fangfang Lu, Rong Zong, Lingling Yang and Xueqin Ma

Molecules 2021, 26(20), 6249; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26206249 - 15 Oct 2021

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6681

Abstract

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (GP), also named Jiaogulan in Chinese, was known to people for its function in both health care and disease treatment. Initially and traditionally, GP was a kind of tea consumed by people for its pleasant taste and weight loss efficacy. With the passing of the centuries, GP became well known as more than just a tea. Until now, numbers of bioactive compounds, including saponins (also named gypenosides, GPS), polysaccharides (GPP), flavonoids, and phytosterols were isolated and identified in GP, which implied the great medicinal worth of this unusual tea. Both in vivo and in vitro tests, ranging from different cell lines to animals, indicated that GP possessed various biological activities including anti-cancer, anti-atherogenic, anti-dementia, and anti-Parkinson’s diseases, and it also had lipid-regulating effects as well as neuroprotection, hepatoprotective, and hypoglycemic properties. With the further development and utilization of GP, the research on the chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of GP were deepening day by day and had made great progress. In this review, the recent research progress in the bioactive compounds, especially gypenosides, and the pharmacological activities of GP were summarized, which will be quite useful for practical applications of GP in the treatment of human diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytotherapy: Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Healthcare)

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20 pages, 890 KiB

Open AccessReview

Artemisia abrotanum L. (Southern Wormwood)—History, Current Knowledge on the Chemistry, Biological Activity, Traditional Use and Possible New Pharmaceutical and Cosmetological Applications

by Halina Ekiert, Ewa Knut, Joanna Świątkowska, Paweł Klin, Agnieszka Rzepiela, Michał Tomczyk and Agnieszka Szopa

Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2503; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26092503 - 25 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5922

Abstract

Artemisia abrotanum L. (southern wormwood) is a plant species with an important position in the history of European and Asian medicine. It is a species famous as a medicinal plant in Central Asia, Asia Minor, and in South-East and Central Europe. The raw materials obtained from this species are Abrotani herba and Abrotani folium. In the traditional European medicine, they have been used successfully most of all in liver and biliary tract diseases, in parasitic diseases in children and as antipyretic medication. In the official European medicine, this plant species is recommended by the French Pharmacopoeia for use in homeopathy. In many European countries, it is used traditionally in allopathy. The latest studies on the biological activity of extracts from the aboveground parts of the plant and/or the leaves, and/or the essential oil have provided evidence of other possible applications related to their antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer, and antiallergic properties. The latest studies have also focused on the repellent activity of the essential oil of this species and the possibility to use it in the prevention of diseases in which insects are the vectors. The main substances obtained from the plant that are responsible for this activity are: the essential oil, coumarins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Some of the latest investigations emphasize the large differences in the composition of the essential oil, determined by the geographical (climatic) origin of the plant. A. abrotanum is recommended by the European Cosmetic Ingredients Database (CosIng) as a source of valuable cosmetic ingredients. Additionally, the leaves of this species possess a well-established position in the food industry. This plant species is also the object of biotechnological studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytotherapy: Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Healthcare)

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16 pages, 7697 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phytotherapy Perspectives for Treating Fungal Infections, Migraine, Sebhorreic Dermatitis and Hyperpigmentations with the Plants of the Centaureinae Subtribe (Asteraceae)

by Joanna Nawrot, Justyna Gornowicz-Porowska and Gerard Nowak

Molecules 2020, 25(22), 5329; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25225329 - 15 Nov 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3304

Abstract

Sesquiterpene lactones, coumarins, phytoecdysones and phenolic compounds are characteristic of the species from the subtribe Centaureinae (Asteraceae). Many of the compounds isolated from plants of the Centaureinae subtribe have strong pharmacological properties. It may be suggested that these compounds’ chemical structure might be an indicator of these pharmacological properties. The aim of the study was to describe recent studies in the field of phytotherapy, focusing on compounds isolated from chosen plants of Centaureinae and the possibilities of using them to treat antifungal infections, inhibit serotonin and ease symptoms of seborrhea dermatitis and hyperpigmentation. The results of these biological studies have shown that in the future, extracts from the above-mentioned plant material may be used as active substances in new safe and effective drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytotherapy: Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in Healthcare)

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