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Natural Products and Derivatives in Human Disorders

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 January 2019) | Viewed by 25905

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Special Issue Editors

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain
Interests: anticancer bioactivities of natural products; functional proteomics; gene regulation by microRNAs; molecular characterization during inflammation and oxidative stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Avenida Fuentenueva 1, 18071 Granada, Spain
Interests: study of the anticancer potential of natural and derivatives products derived from the olive grove; molecular pathways involved in anticancer processes; glucose metabolism and its regulation; enzimology and kinetics; biochemical characterization of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties; proteomics and metabolomics associated with cancer; cell growth processes: protein synthesis and degradation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recently, we accepted an invitation to serve as Guest Editors for this Special Issue, " Natural Products and Derivatives in Human Disorders” of the journal Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049 https://0-www-mdpi-com.brum.beds.ac.uk/journal/molecules) with an impact factor 3.098 (2017) in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Chemistry, multidisciplinary areas. In this regard, we would be pleased if you would agree to contribute an original research paper, a short communication, or a focus review to this issue. Provided below is some information that you may find useful in your consideration of this invitation.

This Special Issue aims to collect and disseminate some of the most significant and recent contributions in the use of natural compounds and derivatives to reduce the risk of developing inflammatory and oxidant diseases such as cancer and others human disorders. Articles regarding the anticancer activity of natural compounds and derivatives are particularly encouraged.

Natural products are bioactive compounds synthesized by terrestrial and marine plants, microorganisms and animals. Traditionally, they have been used in the prevention and treatment of various human diseases in different cultures. In parallel, chemical derivatives of these natural compounds have been used in order to enhance their bioactivities. During the last ten years, most of them have been reported to have a variety of interesting and significant biological properties, such as analgesic, anti-allodynic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-parasitic, antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-tumor, growth-stimulating activities, as well as cardio and neuro-protective activities. However, special attention has been focused on the study of their anti-tumor capacity, through the potential modulation of cancer initiation and growth, cellular differentiation, apoptosis and autophagy, angiogenesis, and metastatic dissemination. Moreover, a considerable number of studies reported the relation of the anticancer effect with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Besides these capacities, the use of natural compounds and derivatives represent one of the most promising strategies to treat metabolic disorders (oxidative stress, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and so on). The biological activity of natural extracts without a proper chemical characterization will not be considered.

Topics:

  • New natural compounds and derivatives as anticancer agents
  • Use of natural compounds and derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents in human disorders
  • Natural products and derivatives in oxidative stress associated with human diseases
  • Molecular mechanism implicated of natural products and derivatives
  • Effects of natural products and derivatives on nutrition and diet on human diseases
  • Type of natural product and derivatives with potential bioactive, extraction and synthesis

Prof. José Antonio Lupiáñez
Prof. Eva E. Rufino-Palomares
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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

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

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

Keywords

  • anti-inflamation
  • cancer
  • chemical derivatives
  • chemoprevention
  • human disorders
  • molecular mechanism
  • natural products
  • oxidative stress

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

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8 pages, 263 KiB  
Editorial
Phytochemicals: “A Small Defensive Advantage for Plants and Fungi; a Great Remedy for the Health of Mankind”
by José A. Lupiáñez and Eva E. Rufino-Palomares
Molecules 2021, 26(20), 6159; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26206159 - 12 Oct 2021
Viewed by 1161
Abstract
In the chronology of Biochemistry, as a new science that emerged in the mid-nineteenth century after its separation from Organic Chemistry and Physiology, its beginnings were characterized by an intense search and subsequent isolation and characterization of different organic compounds that were part [...] Read more.
In the chronology of Biochemistry, as a new science that emerged in the mid-nineteenth century after its separation from Organic Chemistry and Physiology, its beginnings were characterized by an intense search and subsequent isolation and characterization of different organic compounds that were part of the chemical composition of living organisms [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Derivatives in Human Disorders)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

14 pages, 1543 KiB  
Article
Untargeted Metabolomics Study of the In Vitro Anti-Hepatoma Effect of Saikosaponin d in Combination with NRP-1 Knockdown
by Yingtong Lv, Xiaoying Hou, Qianqian Zhang, Ruiting Li, Lei Xu, Yadong Chen, Yuan Tian, Rong Sun, Zunjian Zhang and Fengguo Xu
Molecules 2019, 24(7), 1423; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules24071423 - 11 Apr 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3332
Abstract
Saikosaponin d (SSd) is one of the main active ingredients in Radix Bupleuri. In our study, network pharmacology databases and metabolomics were used in combination to explore the new targets and reveal the in-depth mechanism of SSd. A total of 35 potential targets [...] Read more.
Saikosaponin d (SSd) is one of the main active ingredients in Radix Bupleuri. In our study, network pharmacology databases and metabolomics were used in combination to explore the new targets and reveal the in-depth mechanism of SSd. A total of 35 potential targets were chosen through database searching (HIT and TCMID), literature mining, or chemical similarity predicting (Pubchem). Out of these obtained targets, Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) was selected for further research based on the degree of molecular docking scores and novelty. Cell viability and wound healing assays demonstrated that SSd combined with NRP-1 knockdown could significantly enhance the damage of HepG2. Metabolomics analysis was then performed to explore the underlying mechanism. The overall difference between groups was quantitatively evaluated by the metabolite deregulation score (MDS). Results showed that NRP-1 knockdown exhibited the lowest MDS, which demonstrated that the metabolic profile experienced the slightest interference. However, SSd alone, or NRP-1 knockdown in combination with SSd, were both significantly influenced. Differential metabolites mainly involved short- or long-chain carnitines and phospholipids. Further metabolic pathway analysis revealed that disturbed lipid transportation and phospholipid metabolism probably contributed to the enhanced anti-hepatoma effect by NRP-1 knockdown in combination with SSd. Taken together, in this study, we provided possible interaction mechanisms between SSd and its predicted target NRP-1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Derivatives in Human Disorders)
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15 pages, 2662 KiB  
Article
Reduction of Preneoplastic Lesions Induced by 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine in Rat Colon by Maslinic Acid, a Pentacyclic Triterpene from Olea europaea L.
by M. Emília Juan, Glòria Lozano-Mena, Marta Sánchez-González and Joana M. Planas
Molecules 2019, 24(7), 1266; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules24071266 - 01 Apr 2019
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2531
Abstract
Maslinic acid triggers compelling antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in different human cancer cell lines. Hence, the chemopreventive activity was investigated on early stages of carcinogenesis induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) which is a model that mimics human sporadic colorectal cancer. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were [...] Read more.
Maslinic acid triggers compelling antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in different human cancer cell lines. Hence, the chemopreventive activity was investigated on early stages of carcinogenesis induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) which is a model that mimics human sporadic colorectal cancer. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered either maslinic acid at 5, 10 or 25 mg/kg dissolved in (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin 20% (w/v) or the solvent for 49 days. After one week of treatment, animals received three weekly intraperitoneal injections of DMH at the dose of 20 mg/kg. Maslinic acid reduced the preneoplastic biomarkers, aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and mucin-depleted foci (MDF), already at 5 mg/kg in a 15% and 27%, respectively. The decline was significant at 25 mg/kg with decreases of 33% and 51%, respectively. Correlation analysis showed a significant association between the concentrations of maslinic acid found in the colon and the reduction of ACF (r = 0.999, p = 0.019) and MDF (r = 0.997, p = 0.049). The present findings demonstrate that maslinic acid induced an inhibition of the initiation stages of carcinogenesis. The assessment of this pentacyclic triterpene at the colon sheds light for designing diets with foods rich in maslinic acid to exert a chemopreventive activity in colorectal cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Derivatives in Human Disorders)
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21 pages, 11944 KiB  
Article
Identification and Characterization of the Caspase-Mediated Apoptotic Activity of Teucrium mascatense and an Isolated Compound in Human Cancer Cells
by Neena Gopinathan Panicker, Sameera Omar Mohammed Saeed Balhamar, Shaima Akhlaq, Mohammed Mansour Qureshi, Tania Shamim Rizvi, Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Javid Hussain and Farah Mustafa
Molecules 2019, 24(5), 977; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules24050977 - 11 Mar 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3688
Abstract
Plants of the genus Teucrium (Lamiaceae or Labiatae family) are known historically for their medicinal value. Here, we identify and characterize the anticancer potential of T. mascatense and its active compound, IM60, in human cancer cells. The anti-proliferative effect of a T. mascatense [...] Read more.
Plants of the genus Teucrium (Lamiaceae or Labiatae family) are known historically for their medicinal value. Here, we identify and characterize the anticancer potential of T. mascatense and its active compound, IM60, in human cancer cells. The anti-proliferative effect of a T. mascatense methanol extract and its various fractions were analyzed in MCF-7 and HeLa cells in a dose- and time dependent manner. The dichloromethane fraction (TMDF) was observed to be the most effective with cytotoxicity against a more expanded series of cell lines, including MDA-MB-231. A time and dose-dependent toxicity profile was also observed for IM60; it could induce rapid cell death (within 3 h) in MCF-7 cells. Activation of caspases and PARP, hallmarks of apoptotic cell death pathways, following treatment with TMDF was demonstrated using western blot analysis. Inversion of the phosphatidylserine phospholipid from the inner to the outer membrane was confirmed by annexin V staining that was inhibited by the classical apoptosis inhibitor, Z-VAK-FMK. Changes in cell rounding, shrinkage, and detachment from other cells following treatment with TMDF and IM60 also supported these findings. Finally, the potential of TMDF and IM60 to induce enzymatic activity of caspases was also demonstrated in MCF-7 cells. This study, thus, not only characterizes the anticancer potential of T. mascatense, but also identifies a lead terpenoid, IM60, with the potential to activate anticancer cell death pathways in human cancer cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Derivatives in Human Disorders)
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16 pages, 3853 KiB  
Article
Triterpene-Based Carboxamides Act as Good Inhibitors of Butyrylcholinesterase
by Anne Loesche, Michael Kahnt, Immo Serbian, Wolfgang Brandt and René Csuk
Molecules 2019, 24(5), 948; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules24050948 - 07 Mar 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2855
Abstract
A set of overall 40 carboxamides was prepared from five different natural occurring triterpenoids including oleanolic, ursolic, maslinic, betulinic, and platanic acid. All of which were derived from ethylene diamine holding an additional substituent connected to the ethylene diamine group. These derivatives were [...] Read more.
A set of overall 40 carboxamides was prepared from five different natural occurring triterpenoids including oleanolic, ursolic, maslinic, betulinic, and platanic acid. All of which were derived from ethylene diamine holding an additional substituent connected to the ethylene diamine group. These derivatives were evaluated regarding their inhibitory activity of the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) employing Ellman’s assay. We further determined the type of inhibition and inhibition constants. Carboxamides derived from platanic acid have been shown to be potent and selective BChE inhibitors. Especially the mixed-type inhibitor (3β)-N-(2-pyrrolidin-1-ylethyl)-3-acetyloxy-20-oxo-30-norlupan-28-amide (35) showed a remarkably low Ki of 0.07 ± 0.01 µM (Ki′ = 2.38 ± 0.48 µM) for the inhibition of BChE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Derivatives in Human Disorders)
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13 pages, 2153 KiB  
Article
Inhibitory Effects of Roseoside and Icariside E4 Isolated from a Natural Product Mixture (No-ap) on the Expression of Angiotensin II Receptor 1 and Oxidative Stress in Angiotensin II-Stimulated H9C2 Cells
by Eun Young Hong, Tae Yang Kim, Gwan Ui Hong, Hanna Kang, Jung-Yun Lee, Jae Yeo Park, Se-Chan Kim, Young Ho Kim, Myung-Hee Chung, Young-In Kwon and Jai Youl Ro
Molecules 2019, 24(3), 414; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules24030414 - 23 Jan 2019
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4239
Abstract
Hypertension is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to elucidate whether the natural product mixture No-ap (NA) containing Pine densiflora, Annona muricate, and Monordica charantia, or its single components have inhibitory effects on [...] Read more.
Hypertension is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to elucidate whether the natural product mixture No-ap (NA) containing Pine densiflora, Annona muricate, and Monordica charantia, or its single components have inhibitory effects on hypertension-related molecules in Angiotensin II (Ang II)-stimulated H9C2 cells. Individual functional components were isolated and purified from NA using various columns and solvents, and then their structures were analyzed using ESI–MS, 1H-NMR, and 13H-NMR spectra. H9C2 cells were stimulated with 300 nM Ang II for 7 h. NA, telmisartan, ginsenoside, roseoside (Roseo), icariside E4 (IE4), or a combination of two components (Roseo and IE4) were administered to the cells 1 h before Ang II stimulation. The expression and activity of hypertension-related molecules or oxidative molecules were determined using RT-PCR, western blot, and ELISA. Ang II stimulation increased the expression of Ang II receptor 1 (AT1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β) mRNA, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity and the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (•O2) and reduced anti-oxidant enzyme activity. NA significantly improved the expression or activities of all hypertension-related molecules altered in Ang II-stimulated cells. Roseo or IE4 pretreatment either decreased or increased the expression or activities of all hypertension-related molecules similar to NA, but to a lesser extent. The pretreatment with a combination of Roseo and IE4 (1:1) either decreased or increased the expression of all hypertension-related molecules, compared to each single component, revealing a synergistic action of the two compounds. Thus, the combination of single components could exert promising anti-hypertensive effects similar to NA, which should be examined in future animal and clinical studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Derivatives in Human Disorders)
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11 pages, 1618 KiB  
Article
Inhibition of Osteoarthritis-Related Molecules by Isomucronulatol 7-O-β-d-glucoside and Ecliptasaponin A in IL-1β-Stimulated Chondrosarcoma Cell Model
by Gwan Ui Hong, Jung-Yun Lee, Hanna Kang, Tae Yang Kim, Jae Yeo Park, Eun Young Hong, Youn Ho Shin, Sung Hoon Jung, Hung-Bae Chang, Young Ho Kim, Young-In Kwon and Jai Youl Ro
Molecules 2018, 23(11), 2807; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules23112807 - 29 Oct 2018
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3592
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the common form of arthritis and is characterized by disability and cartilage degradation. Although natural product extracts have been reported to have anti-osteoarthritic effects, the potential bioactivity of Ryupunghwan (RPH), a traditional Korean medicinal botanical formula that contains Astragalus membranaceus [...] Read more.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the common form of arthritis and is characterized by disability and cartilage degradation. Although natural product extracts have been reported to have anti-osteoarthritic effects, the potential bioactivity of Ryupunghwan (RPH), a traditional Korean medicinal botanical formula that contains Astragalus membranaceus, Turnera diffusa, Achyranthes bidentata, Angelica gigas, Eclipta prostrata, Eucommia ulmoides, and Ilex paraguariensis, is not known well. Therefore, the inhibitory effects of single compounds isolated from RPH on the OA-related molecules were investigated using IL-1β-stimulated chondrosarcoma SW1353 (SW1353) cell model. Two bioactive compounds, isomucronulatol 7-O-β-d-glucoside (IMG) and ecliptasaponin A (ES) were isolated and purified from RPH using column chromatography, and then the structures were analyzed using ESI-MS, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectrum. The expression or amount of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), COX1/2, TNF-α, IL-1β or p65 was determined by RT-PCR, Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RPH pretreatment reduced the expression and amounts of MMP13, and the expression of collagen II, COX1/2, TNF-α, IL-1β or p65, which were increased in IL-1β-stimulated SW1353 cells. IMG reduced the expression of all OA-related molecules, but the observed inhibitory effect was less than that of RPH extract. The other single compound ES showed the reduced expression of all OA-related molecules, and the effect was stronger than that in IMG (approximately 100 fold). Combination pretreatment of both single components remarkably reduced the expression of MMP13, compared to each single component. These synergic effects may provide potential molecular modes of action for the anti-osteoarthritic effects of RPH observed in clinical and animal studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Derivatives in Human Disorders)
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10 pages, 1858 KiB  
Article
Aucuba japonica Extract and Aucubin Prevent Desiccating Stress-Induced Corneal Epithelial Cell Injury and Improve Tear Secretion in a Mouse Model of Dry Eye Disease
by Wan Seok Kang, Eunsoo Jung and Junghyun Kim
Molecules 2018, 23(10), 2599; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules23102599 - 11 Oct 2018
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3754
Abstract
Dry eye disease is affected by a broad range of causes such as age, lifestyle, environment, medication and autoimmune diseases. These causes induce tear instability that activates immune cells and promotes expression of inflammatory molecules. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects [...] Read more.
Dry eye disease is affected by a broad range of causes such as age, lifestyle, environment, medication and autoimmune diseases. These causes induce tear instability that activates immune cells and promotes expression of inflammatory molecules. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of an ethanolic extract of Aucuba japonica (AJE) and its bioactive compound, aucubin, on dry eye disease. The human corneal cells were exposed to desiccation stress induced by exposing cells to air, so that viability was decreased. On the other hand, pre-treatment of AJE and aucubin restored cell survival rate depending on the dose under the dry condition. This result was confirmed again by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The mRNA expression of inflammatory molecules was reduced by the pretreatment of AJE and aucubin under the dry state. The therapeutic effects of AJE and aucubin were examined in the animal model for dry eye induced by unilateral excision of the exorbital lacrimal gland. Declined tear volumes and corneal irregularity in the dry eye group were fully recovered by the administration of AJE and aucubin. The apoptotic cells on the cornea were also decreased by AJE and aucubin. Therefore, this study suggests that administration of AJE can be a novel therapeutic for dry eye disease and that the pharmacological activities of AJE may be in part due to its bioactive compound, aucubin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Derivatives in Human Disorders)
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