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Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021
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Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021

A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 52862

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Sabesan Yoganathan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John's University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439, USA
Interests: natural products chemistry; bioactive secondary metabolites; organic synthesis; medicinal chemistry; anticancer agents; antibacterial agents; peptide natural products; bioactive heterocycles; siderophores; polyphenols
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is entitled “Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021”.

Historically, phytochemicals and their structural derivatives have played a major role in treating many illnesses. Many plant-derived nutraceuticals exhibit health benefits and are available for human consumption without a medical prescription. Due to the increased consumption of nutraceuticals, one of the lingering questions relates to the identity and quantity of active components in available preparations. Modern scientific techniques have enabled scientists to quantify the active components found in herbal remedies. Moreover, analytical techniques enable scientists to isolate and characterize these low molecular weight phytochemicals with health benefits as well. Phytochemicals are structurally fascinating, and scientists show great interest in better understanding their medicinal properties. Once the bioactive components in plant materials have been identified, these natural compounds and their structural analogs can be further developed into therapeutically promising leads. Chemical and biological research enable scientists to investigate their chemical diversity and medicinal properties. Additionally, medicinal chemists utilize various approaches, including chemical synthesis, molecular modeling, and structure-based drug design to improve the physiochemical properties, desired bioactivity, and metabolic degradation of drug leads. Medicinal chemistry research also provides new knowledge about the mode of action of drug leads. This Special Issue aims to highlight the consumption and safety of botanicals, and scientific approaches available to uncover botanicals and their analogs with therapeutic potential. For this Special Issue, we are inviting research articles on the following topics: (a) benefits and safety of nutraceuticals, (b) isolation of new structural classes of botanicals, (c) chemical synthesis of botanicals and derivatives, and (d) medicinal chemistry and biological evaluation of botanicals. We are also extending the invitation to experts from the abovementioned areas of research to contribute review articles to this Special Issue.

Dr. Sabesan Yoganathan
Guest Editor

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. Pharmaceuticals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Isolation/characterization of plant metabolites
  • Nutraceuticals and herbal preparations
  • Biosynthesis of botanicals
  • Chemical synthesis of botanicals
  • Biological activity screening of botanicals
  • Medicinal chemistry evaluation of botanicals
  • Herbal/traditional medicine
  • Adverse effects/drug interactions of herbal medicines

Published Papers (15 papers)

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17 pages, 1776 KiB  
Article
A Plant Worthy of Further Study—Volatile and Non-Volatile Compounds of Portenschlagiella ramosissima (Port.) Tutin and Its Biological Activity
by Elma Vuko, Sanja Radman, Igor Jerković, Juraj Kamenjarin, Irena Vrkić and Željana Fredotović
Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(12), 1454; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph15121454 - 23 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1608
Abstract
New and detailed data are presented on the phytochemical composition of the volatile and non-volatile organic compounds of the Mediterranean endemic species Portenschlagiella ramosissima (Port.) Tutin. Both the essential oil and hydrosol were obtained from the air-dried plant by hydrodistillation and analyzed by [...] Read more.
New and detailed data are presented on the phytochemical composition of the volatile and non-volatile organic compounds of the Mediterranean endemic species Portenschlagiella ramosissima (Port.) Tutin. Both the essential oil and hydrosol were obtained from the air-dried plant by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The volatile compounds from the fresh and air-dried plants and from the hydrosol were isolated for the first time by headspace solid-phase microextraction using two fibres of different polarity. The benzene derivative group was the predominant group in all samples, with myristicin being the most abundant component of all. The non-volatile compounds of the methanol extract were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry with electrospray ionisation, and three flavonoid glycosides, one anthocyanidin glycoside, and lipid derivatives were detected. Both the chemical composition and biological activities of this plant have been described in a very limited number of publications, making it an interesting source for further study. The antiphytoviral activity of the essential oil and hydrosol showed that both extracts significantly reduced the number of lesions on the leaves of local host plants infected with tobacco mosaic virus. Moderate antiproliferative activity of the methanol extract was detected in three cancer cell lines, cervical cancer cell line, human colon cancer cell line and human osteosarcoma cell line, using the MTS-based cell proliferation assay. Based on the results, we highlight this plant as a new source of bioactive compounds and natural phytotherapeutic agent that deserves further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021)
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20 pages, 1739 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Characterization of Inhibitors for Lung A549 and Leukemia K562 Cell Lines from Fungal Transformation of Arecoline Supported by In Silico Docking to M3-mAChR and ADME Prediction
by Amany E. Ragab, Ebtisam T. Badawy, Shaimaa M. Aboukhatwa, Amal Kabbash and Kamilia A. Abo El-Seoud
Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(10), 1171; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph15101171 - 21 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1678
Abstract
The search for anticancer drugs is of continuous interest. Arecoline is an alkaloid with anticancer activity. Herein, the metabolism of arecoline through fungal transformation was investigated for the discovery of potential anticancer drugs with higher activity and selectivity. Compounds 1–5 were [...] Read more.
The search for anticancer drugs is of continuous interest. Arecoline is an alkaloid with anticancer activity. Herein, the metabolism of arecoline through fungal transformation was investigated for the discovery of potential anticancer drugs with higher activity and selectivity. Compounds 1–5 were isolated, and their structures were fully elucidated using various spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR, ESIMS, and HRESIMS. This is the first report for the isolation of compounds 1 and 2. An MTT assay was performed to determine the cytotoxic activity of arecoline and its metabolites in vitro using non-small-cell lung cancer A549 and leukemia K562 cell lines compared to staurosporine and doxorubicin as positive controls. For the non-small-cell lung A549 cell line, arecoline hydrobromide, staurosporine, and doxorubicin resulted in IC50 values of 11.73 ± 0.71 µM, 10.47 ± 0.64 µM, and 5.05 ± 0.13 µM, respectively, while compounds 1, 3, and 5 exhibited IC50 values of 3.08 ± 0.19 µM, 7.33 ± 0.45 µM, and 3.29 ± 0.20 µM, respectively. For the leukemia K562 cell line, the IC50 values of arecoline hydrobromide, staurosporine, and doxorubicin were 15.3 ± 1.08 µM, 5.07 ± 0.36 µM, and 6.94 ± 0.21 µM, respectively, while the IC50 values of compounds 1, 3 and 5 were 1.56 ± 0.11 µM, 3.33 ± 0.24 µM, and 2.15 ± 0.15 µM, respectively. The selectivity index value of these compounds was higher than 3. These results indicated that compounds 1, 3, and 5 are very strong cytotoxic agents with higher activity than the positive controls and good selectivity toward the tested cancer cell lines. Cell cycle arrest was then studied by flow cytometry to investigate the apoptotic mechanism. Docking simulation revealed that most compounds possessed good binding poses and favorable protein-ligand interactions with muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3-mAChR protein. In silico study of pharmacokinetics using SwissADME predicted compounds 1–5 to be drug-like with a high probability of good oral bioavailability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021)
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17 pages, 2698 KiB  
Article
Naturally Occurring 8ß,13ß-kaur-15-en-17-al and Anti-Malarial Activity from Podocarpus polystachyus Leaves
by Mira Syahfriena Amir Rawa, Mohammad G. Al-Thiabat, Toshihiko Nogawa, Yushi Futamura, Akiko Okano and Habibah A. Wahab
Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(7), 902; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph15070902 - 21 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1858
Abstract
Despite much interest and studies toward the genus Podocarpus, the anti-malarial evaluation of Podocarpus polystachyus’s phytoconstituents remains lacking. Herein, the phytoconstituents of P. polystachyus leaves and their anti-malarial effect against Plasmodium falciparum were investigated for the first time. One new natural [...] Read more.
Despite much interest and studies toward the genus Podocarpus, the anti-malarial evaluation of Podocarpus polystachyus’s phytoconstituents remains lacking. Herein, the phytoconstituents of P. polystachyus leaves and their anti-malarial effect against Plasmodium falciparum were investigated for the first time. One new natural product, 8ß,13ß-kaur-15-en-17-al (1), along with three known compounds, 8ß,13ß-kaur-15-en-17-ol (2) and 13ß-kaur-16-ene (3), and α-tocopherol hydroquinone (4) were isolated via HR-ESI-MS and NMR analyses. Compounds 1 and 2 inhibited P. falciparum growth at 12 and 52 µM of IC50, respectively. Their anti-malarial activity was associated with the in silico P. falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH) inhibition. Molecular docking of ligands 1 and 2 with the putative target PfLDH revealed ~−2 kcal/mol of binding energies more negative than the control. Molecular dynamic simulations (100 ns) showed equal or smaller deviation values (RMSD, RMSF, Rg) and stronger interactions of PfLDH-1 and PfLDH-2 complexes via at least one consistent H-bond than the control. Additionally, a slightly increased PfLDH H-bond profile in their interactions improved the PfLDH dynamic and structural stabilities. Overall, this study supports the relevance of 1 and 2 as plasmodial growth inhibitors with their putative anti-PfLDH activity, which could be a potential scaffold for developing anti-malarial drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021)
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26 pages, 6434 KiB  
Article
Mechanistic Insights on the In Vitro Antibacterial Activity and In Vivo Hepatoprotective Effects of Salvinia auriculata Aubl against Methotrexate-Induced Liver Injury
by Nashwah G. M. Attallah, Fatma Alzahraa Mokhtar, Engy Elekhnawy, Selim Z. Heneidy, Eman Ahmed, Sameh Magdeldin, Walaa A. Negm and Aya H. El-Kadem
Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(5), 549; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph15050549 - 29 Apr 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2188
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used in the treatment of numerous malignancies; however, its use is associated with marked hepatotoxicity. Herein, we assessed the possible hepatoprotective effects of Salvinia auriculata methanol extract (SAME) against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity and elucidated the possible fundamental mechanisms that mediated [...] Read more.
Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used in the treatment of numerous malignancies; however, its use is associated with marked hepatotoxicity. Herein, we assessed the possible hepatoprotective effects of Salvinia auriculata methanol extract (SAME) against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity and elucidated the possible fundamental mechanisms that mediated such protective effects for the first time. Forty mice were randomly allocated into five groups (eight/group). Control saline, MTX, and MTX groups were pre-treated with SAME 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg. The results revealed that MTX caused a considerable increase in blood transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase levels, oxidative stress, significant activation of the Nod-like receptor-3 (NLPR3)/caspase-1 inflammasome axis, and its downstream inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). MTX also down-regulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression. Additionally, it increased the immunostaining of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and downstream inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, the hepatic cellular apoptosis was dramatically up-regulated in the MTX group. On the contrary, prior treatment with SAME significantly improved biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical alterations caused by MTX in a dose-dependent manner. The antibacterial activity of SAME has also been investigated against Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates. LC-ESI-MS/MS contributed to the authentication of the studied plant and identified 24 active constituents that can be accountable for the SAME-exhibited effects. Thus, our findings reveal new evidence of the hepatoprotective and antibacterial properties of SAME that need further future investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021)
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15 pages, 4117 KiB  
Article
Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract Promotes Healing of Infected Wounds in Diabetic Rats: Evidence of Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Proliferative Properties
by Abdullah A. Al-Ghanayem, Mohammed Sanad Alhussaini, Mohammed Asad and Babu Joseph
Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(5), 528; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph15050528 - 25 Apr 2022
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3714
Abstract
Moringa oleifera is known to possess wound healing activity. The present study evaluated the healing properties of methanolic extract of M. oleifera leaves in excision wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or P. aeruginosa in diabetic rats. An in vitro study was [...] Read more.
Moringa oleifera is known to possess wound healing activity. The present study evaluated the healing properties of methanolic extract of M. oleifera leaves in excision wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or P. aeruginosa in diabetic rats. An in vitro study was also carried out to determine the gene expression of VEGF and TGF-β1. Preliminary phytochemical and GC-MS analyses were carried out to determine different chemical constituents present in the extract. M. oleifera was applied locally as an ointment at two different concentrations. Wound contraction, period of epithelization, antioxidant enzyme activities and histological changes were determined. For the gene expression study, HaCaT cell lines were used. The formulation of M. oleifera extract improved wound contraction and decreased the period of epithelization, which was associated with an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities, epithelization, capillary density and collagen formation in MRSA-infected diabetic rats. However, this effect was reduced in diabetic animals infected with P. aeruginosa. An increase in the expression of VEGF and TGF-β1 was observed in HaCaT cell lines. M. oleifera extract promotes the healing of infected wounds in MRSA-infected diabetic rats but is less effective in the healing of wounds infected with P. aeruginosa in diabetic rats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021)
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17 pages, 3623 KiB  
Article
The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Humulus lupulus Extract In Vivo Depends on the Galenic System of the Topical Formulation
by Zita Hurth, Marie-Luise Faber, Fabian Gendrisch, Martin Holzer, Birgit Haarhaus, Anja Cawelius, Kay Schwabe, Christoph Mathis Schempp and Ute Wölfle
Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(3), 350; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph15030350 - 14 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2777
Abstract
We demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of Humulus lupulus (HL) extract on solar simulator-irradiated primary human keratinocytes (PHKs) by analyzing ERK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation and production of IL-6 and IL-8. The anti-inflammatory effect of topically applied HL was further tested in [...] Read more.
We demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of Humulus lupulus (HL) extract on solar simulator-irradiated primary human keratinocytes (PHKs) by analyzing ERK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation and production of IL-6 and IL-8. The anti-inflammatory effect of topically applied HL was further tested in vivo on human skin. To this end, we developed an oil-in-water (O/W) and a water-in-oil (W/O) cream with a lipid content of 40%. The anti-inflammatory effect of 1% HL extract incorporated in these two vehicles was assessed in a randomized, prospective, placebo controlled, double-blind UVB erythema study with 40 healthy volunteers. Hydrocortisone acetate (HCA) in the corresponding vehicle served as positive control. Surprisingly, both HL and HCA were only effective in the O/W system but not in the W/O formulation. Release studies using vertical diffusion cells (Franz cells) revealed that HCA was released in much higher amounts from the O/W cream compared to the W/O formulation. In summary, we have shown that 1% HL extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects comparable to 1% HCA, but only when incorporated in our O/W cream. Our findings confirm the critical role of the vehicle in topical anti-inflammatory systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021)
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14 pages, 2556 KiB  
Article
Effects of Salicornia-Based Skin Cream Application on Healthy Humans’ Experimental Model of Pain and Itching
by Rocco Giordano, Giulia Erica Aliotta, Anja Stokholm Johannesen, Dina Voetmann-Jensen, Frederikke Hillebrand Laustsen, Lasse Allermann Andersen, Aman Rezai, Malthe Fredsgaard, Silvia Lo Vecchio, Lars Arendt-Nielsen, Mette Hedegaard Thomsen and Allan Stensballe
Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(2), 150; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph15020150 - 26 Jan 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3309
Abstract
Halophyte plants are salt-tolerant and are acclimated for growth in saline soils such as along coastal areas. Among the halophytes, the Salicornia species have been used as both folk medicine and functional food for many years due to their high levels of bioactive [...] Read more.
Halophyte plants are salt-tolerant and are acclimated for growth in saline soils such as along coastal areas. Among the halophytes, the Salicornia species have been used as both folk medicine and functional food for many years due to their high levels of bioactive compounds with supposed anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. However, the properties of Salicornia bioactive extracts on pain and itching still remain unclear. In this study, 30 healthy volunteers were randomized to treatments with 10% Salicornia-based cream or placebo cream for 24 or 48 h. On day 0, and 24 or 48 h post cream application, cold/heat detection and pain thresholds, mechanical pain thresholds and sensitivity, trans-epidermal water loss, histamine- and cowhage-evoked itch, and micro-vascular reactivity (neurogenic inflammation) were assessed to evaluate the analgesic, anti-pruritogenic and vasomotor effects. Skin permeability was reduced in the Salicornia-treated area for 48 h compared with 24 h application (p-value < 0.05). After 48 h of application, a decrease in mechanical-evoked itching (hyperkinesis) compared with 24 h treatment (p-value < 0.05) and increased warm detection and heat pain thresholds (p-value < 0.05) was found. Histamine-induced neurogenic inflammation showed a significant reduction in the cream-treated areas after 48 h compared with 24 h (p-value < 0.05). The results of this study indicate the overall inhibitory effect of Salicornia on hyperkinesis (mechanically evoked itch), the analgesic effect on thermal sensation, and modulation of the skin barrier architecture. Further studies are needed for the assessment of the long-term effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021)
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16 pages, 2325 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant–Anti-Inflammatory Evaluation of a Polyherbal Formula
by Alice Grigore, Virginia Vulturescu, Georgeta Neagu, Paul Ungureanu, Minerva Panteli and Iuksel Rasit
Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(2), 114; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph15020114 - 18 Jan 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2546
Abstract
Most disease—both acute and chronic—results from inflammation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered some of the strongest stimuli of inflammation. Many studies reported the traditional use of herbal species for treating inflammation, especially when ROS are involved. The present study aims to [...] Read more.
Most disease—both acute and chronic—results from inflammation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered some of the strongest stimuli of inflammation. Many studies reported the traditional use of herbal species for treating inflammation, especially when ROS are involved. The present study aims to demonstrate the antioxidant–anti-inflammatory effects of a patented preparation based on Populus nigra and Rosmarinus officinalis extracts and to highlight its applicative potential; the formula was characterized by HPTLC and HPLC and in-vitro studies were conducted on TNF-α-stimulated HUVECs. The antioxidant activity of the formula was determined by DPPH assay and the phosphomolybdenum method; to assess in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity, a rat paw edema model was used; the formula contains high amounts of polyphenols. It exhibited scavenging activity of 50–85% at 1–10 mg/mL, it inhibited nitrite production and ICAM-1 expression in TNF-α-stimulated endothelial cell cultures dose-dependently, at a maximum of 58.7% at the maximum dose administered and exerted an obvious anti-inflammatory effect in vivo, settling early and decreasing at 180 min; a new herbal bioactive product was presented with promising therapeutic potential that can be an adjunct to conventional therapies for diseases based on oxidative stress and inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021)
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22 pages, 5433 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Compounds in Aegopodium podagraria Leaf Extracts and Their Effects against Fluoride-Modulated Oxidative Stress in the THP-1 Cell Line
by Karolina Jakubczyk, Agnieszka Łukomska, Sylwester Czaplicki, Anna Wajs-Bonikowska, Izabela Gutowska, Norbert Czapla, Małgorzata Tańska and Katarzyna Janda-Milczarek
Pharmaceuticals 2021, 14(12), 1334; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph14121334 - 20 Dec 2021
Viewed by 2975
Abstract
Aegopodium podagraria L. (goutweed), a member of the Apiaceae family, is a common perennial plant found all around the world that has been used in folk medicine since antiquity. Goutweed leaves contain polyacetylenes, essential oils, mono- and sesquiterpenes, vitamins, macro- and microelements, and [...] Read more.
Aegopodium podagraria L. (goutweed), a member of the Apiaceae family, is a common perennial plant found all around the world that has been used in folk medicine since antiquity. Goutweed leaves contain polyacetylenes, essential oils, mono- and sesquiterpenes, vitamins, macro- and microelements, and phenolic compounds. In spite of its many health-promoting properties, including antioxidant effects, the plant has not been thoroughly studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant properties of different goutweed leaf extracts and their effects on the THP-1 cell line, and also to describe the chemical characteristics of goutweed. Falcarinol and falcarindiol and essential oil were determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Spectrophotometry was used to measure the total content of polyphenols and antioxidant activity–by DPPH and FRAP methods. Oxidative stress in THP-1 cells was induced via sodium fluoride. Then, goutweed leaf extracts were added to evaluate their influence on antioxidant potential (ABTS) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Confocal microscopy was used to visualise the production of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and for in vitro imaging of apoptosis. The ethanol extracts have a high total content of polyphenols, polyacetylenes, and essential oil, as well as high antioxidant potential. The main volatiles represented diverse chemical groups, which are both oxygenated derivatives of sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes. We also demonstrated positive effects of the high antioxidant potential and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes on cell cultures under severe fluoride-induced oxidative stress. Extraction at 80 ℃ and the use of ethanol as a solvent increased the antioxidant capacity of the extract. The leaves of Aegopodium podagraria may serve as a valuable source of antioxidants in the daily diet and assist in the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress-mediated conditions, e.g., inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and even obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021)
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17 pages, 4058 KiB  
Article
HPLC/ESI-MS and NMR Analysis of Chemical Constitutes in Bioactive Extract from the Root Nodule of Vaccinium emarginatum
by Hsiang-Ming Huang, Chien-Yi Ho, Geng-Ruei Chang, Wei-Yau Shia, Cheng-Hung Lai, Chih-Hao Chao and Chao-Min Wang
Pharmaceuticals 2021, 14(11), 1098; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph14111098 - 28 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2657
Abstract
Vaccinium emarginatum Hayata is a medicinal plant that has been historically used in ethnopharmacy to treat diseases in Taiwan. The objective of this study is to evaluate the anti-cancer and anti-bacterial constitutes from the root nodule extract of V. emarginatum. The chemical [...] Read more.
Vaccinium emarginatum Hayata is a medicinal plant that has been historically used in ethnopharmacy to treat diseases in Taiwan. The objective of this study is to evaluate the anti-cancer and anti-bacterial constitutes from the root nodule extract of V. emarginatum. The chemical composition of V. emarginatum fractions was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) and the chemical constitutes were isolated and structurally identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Bioassay-guided chromatography showed that the ethyl acetate (EA) fraction was bioactive on the hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2). By LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis, twenty peaks of EA fraction were partially identified and the phytochemical investigation of the fractions led to the isolation and identification of protocatuchuic acid (1), epicatechin (2), catechin (3), procyanidin B3 (4), procyanidin A1 (5), hyperin (6), isoquercetin (7), quercetin (8), lupeol (9), beta-amyrin (10), and alpha-amyrin (11). Both procyanidin B3 and A1 exhibited anti-proliferative activity against HepG2 and gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells at IC50 values between 38.4 and 41.1 μM and 79.4 and 83.8 μM, respectively. In addition, isoquercetin displayed the strongest anti-proliferative activity against the HepG2, lung carcinoma (A549), and AGS cell at 18.7, 24.6 and 68.5 μM, respectively. Among the triterpenoids, only lupeol showed the inhibitory activity against all tested tumor cell lines at IC50 values between 72.9 and 146.8 μM. Furthermore, procyanidins B3, A1 and isoquercetin displayed moderate anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, this study provides background information on the exploitation of V. emarginatum as a potential natural anti-cancer and anti-bacterial agent in pharmaceutical research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021)
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29 pages, 4849 KiB  
Article
GC-MS- and NMR-Based Metabolomics and Molecular Docking Reveal the Potential Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors from Psychotria malayana Jack Leaves
by Tanzina Sharmin Nipun, Alfi Khatib, Zalikha Ibrahim, Qamar Uddin Ahmed, Irna Elina Redzwan, Riesta Primaharinastiti, Mohd Zuwairi Saiman, Raudah Fairuza, Tri Dewanti Widyaningsih, Mohamed F. AlAjmi, Shaden A. M. Khalifa and Hesham R. El-Seedi
Pharmaceuticals 2021, 14(10), 978; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph14100978 - 26 Sep 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3455
Abstract
Psychotria malayana Jack leaf, known in Indonesia as “daun salung”, is traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes and other diseases. Despite its potential, the phytochemical study related to its anti-diabetic activity is still lacking. Thus, this study aimed to identify putative inhibitors [...] Read more.
Psychotria malayana Jack leaf, known in Indonesia as “daun salung”, is traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes and other diseases. Despite its potential, the phytochemical study related to its anti-diabetic activity is still lacking. Thus, this study aimed to identify putative inhibitors of α-glucosidase, a prominent enzyme contributing to diabetes type 2 in P. malayana leaf extract using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)- and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics, and to investigate the molecular interaction between those inhibitors and the enzyme through in silico approach. Twenty samples were extracted with different solvent ratios of methanol–water (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% v/v). All extracts were tested on the alpha-glucosidase inhibition (AGI) assay and analyzed using GC-MS and NMR. Multivariate data analysis through a partial least square (PLS) and orthogonal partial square (OPLS) models were developed in order to correlate the metabolite profile and the bioactivity leading to the annotation of the putative bioactive compounds in the plant extracts. A total of ten putative bioactive compounds were identified and some of them reported in this plant for the first time, namely 1,3,5-benzenetriol (1); palmitic acid (2); cholesta-7,9(11)-diene-3-ol (3); 1-monopalmitin (4); β-tocopherol (5); α-tocopherol (6); 24-epicampesterol (7); stigmast-5-ene (8); 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid (10); and glutamine (11). For the evaluation of the potential binding modes between the inhibitors and protein, the in silico study via molecular docking was performed where the crystal structure of Saccharomyces cerevisiae isomaltase (PDB code: 3A4A) was used. Ten amino acid residues, namely ASP352, HIE351, GLN182, ARG442, ASH215, SER311, ARG213, GLH277, GLN279, and PRO312 established hydrogen bond in the docked complex, as well as hydrophobic interaction of other amino acid residues with the putative compounds. The α-glucosidase inhibitors showed moderate to high binding affinities (−5.5 to −9.4 kcal/mol) towards the active site of the enzymatic protein, where compounds 3, 5, and 8 showed higher binding affinity compared to both quercetin and control ligand. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021)
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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

32 pages, 27264 KiB  
Review
Resveratrol from Dietary Supplement to a Drug Candidate: An Assessment of Potential
by Shivani Khattar, Sauban Ahmed Khan, Syed Amir Azam Zaidi, Mahdi Darvishikolour, Uzma Farooq, Punnoth Poonkuzhi Naseef, Mohamed Saheer Kurunian, Mohammed Zaafar Khan, Athar Shamim, Mohd Masih Uzzaman Khan, Zeenat Iqbal and Mohd. Aamir Mirza
Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(8), 957; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph15080957 - 01 Aug 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4957
Abstract
Resveratrol (RVT) is a well known phyto-chemical and is widely used in dietary supplements and botanical products. It shows a wide range of pharmacological/beneficial effects. Therefore, it can be a potential candidate to be developed as phyto-pharmaceutical. Multiple diseases are reported to be [...] Read more.
Resveratrol (RVT) is a well known phyto-chemical and is widely used in dietary supplements and botanical products. It shows a wide range of pharmacological/beneficial effects. Therefore, it can be a potential candidate to be developed as phyto-pharmaceutical. Multiple diseases are reported to be treated by the therapeutic effect of RVT since it has antioxidant, anti-cancer activity and anti-inflammatory activities. It also has a major role in diabetes, arthritis, cardiac disorder and platelet aggregation etc. The major requirements are establishments regarding safety, efficacy profile and physicochemical characterization. As it is already being consumed in variable maximum daily dose, there should not be a major safety concern but the dose needs to be established for different indications. Clinical trials are also being reported in different parts of the world. Physicochemical properties of the moiety are also well reported. Moreover, due to its beneficial effect on health it leads to the development of some intellectual property in the form of patents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021)
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30 pages, 4110 KiB  
Review
Benefits of Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) for Women Health: An Up-Close and In-Depth Review
by Sradhanjali Mohapatra, Ashif Iqubal, Mohammad Javed Ansari, Bisma Jan, Sultan Zahiruddin, Mohd Aamir Mirza, Sayeed Ahmad and Zeenat Iqbal
Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(3), 278; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph15030278 - 23 Feb 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 10366
Abstract
Women’s health is an imminent concern worldwide, but it remains an ignored segment of research in most developing countries, and is yet to take the center stage in even developed nations. Some exclusive female health concerns revolve around both pathological and physiological aspects. [...] Read more.
Women’s health is an imminent concern worldwide, but it remains an ignored segment of research in most developing countries, and is yet to take the center stage in even developed nations. Some exclusive female health concerns revolve around both pathological and physiological aspects. These gender-specific maladies include breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers, and physiological concerns such as menopause and osteoporosis, which are often coexistent. Recently, women’s health issues, including postmenopausal syndrome, have attracted the attention of researchers and practitioners alike, opening newer pharmaceutical research and clinical avenues. Although not counted as a disease, postmenopausal syndrome (PMS) is a female health phenomenon underpinned by hormonal depletion. Enhanced life expectancy in women has added to their suffering, and pharmacological interventions are needed. Amongst the available treatment modalities, the use of numerous botanicals has emerged as an efficient health management tool for women. Cimicifuga racemosa (CR or Black Cohosh) is a plant/herb which has been traditionally exploited and extensively used by women. This review is an attempt to compile and provide a summary of the importance of CR in complementary and alternative therapies for the improvement of various disorders related to women, such as menopausal syndrome, mammary cancer, and osteoporosis. It aims to systematically highlight the bioactive constituents, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic potentials, quality control processes, chromatographic techniques, and possible mechanisms of action of clinically effective phytomedicine for women’s health. Various clinical trials and patents relating to CR and women’s health have been collated. Furthermore, the plant and its related products have been considered from a regulatory perspective to reveal its commercial feasibility. The present review summarizes the existing data on CR focusing on women’s health, which can help to introduce this traditional phytomedicine to the world and provide some reference for future drug development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021)
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28 pages, 6442 KiB  
Review
Autophagy as a Therapeutic Target of Natural Products Enhancing Embryo Implantation
by Hyerin Park, Minkyoung Cho, Yoonju Do, Jang-Kyung Park, Sung-Jin Bae, Jongkil Joo and Ki-Tae Ha
Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(1), 53; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph15010053 - 31 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3156
Abstract
Infertility is an emerging health issue worldwide, and female infertility is intimately associated with embryo implantation failure. Embryo implantation is an essential process during the initiation of prenatal development. Recent studies have strongly suggested that autophagy in the endometrium is the most important [...] Read more.
Infertility is an emerging health issue worldwide, and female infertility is intimately associated with embryo implantation failure. Embryo implantation is an essential process during the initiation of prenatal development. Recent studies have strongly suggested that autophagy in the endometrium is the most important factor for successful embryo implantation. In addition, several studies have reported the effects of various natural products on infertility improvement via the regulation of embryo implantation, embryo quality, and endometrial receptivity. However, it is unclear whether natural products can improve embryo implantation ability by regulating endometrial autophagy. Therefore, we performed a literature review of studies on endometrial autophagy, embryo implantation, natural products, and female infertility. Based on the information from these studies, this review suggests a new treatment strategy for female infertility by proposing natural products that have been proven to be safe and effective as endometrial autophagy regulators; additionally, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the regulation of endometrial autophagy by natural products and female infertility, with an emphasis on embryo implantation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021)
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Other

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50 pages, 11489 KiB  
Systematic Review
Oral Administration of East Asian Herbal Medicine for Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Association Rule Analysis to Identify Core Herb Combinations
by Hee-Geun Jo and Donghun Lee
Pharmaceuticals 2021, 14(11), 1202; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph14111202 - 22 Nov 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2990
Abstract
This review aimed to comprehensively assess the efficacy and safety of oral East Asian herbal medicine (EAHM) for overall peripheral neuropathy (PN). In addition, an Apriori algorithm-based association rule analysis was performed to identify the core herb combination, thereby further generating useful hypotheses [...] Read more.
This review aimed to comprehensively assess the efficacy and safety of oral East Asian herbal medicine (EAHM) for overall peripheral neuropathy (PN). In addition, an Apriori algorithm-based association rule analysis was performed to identify the core herb combination, thereby further generating useful hypotheses for subsequent drug discovery. A total of 10 databases were searched electronically from inception to July 2021. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing EAHM with conventional analgesic medication or usual care for managing PN were included. The RCT quality was appraised using RoB 2.0, and the random effects model was used to calculate the effect sizes of the included RCTs. The overall quality of evidence was evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. By analyzing the constituent herb data, the potential association rules of core herb combinations were explored. A total of 67 RCTs involving 5753 patients were included in this systematic review. In a meta-analysis, EAHM monotherapy and combined EAHM and western medicine therapy demonstrated substantially improved sensory nerve conduction velocity, motor nerve conduction velocity, and response rate. Moreover, EAHM significantly improved the incidence rate, pain intensity, Toronto clinical scoring system, and Michigan diabetic neuropathy score. The evidence grade was moderate to low due to the substantial heterogeneity among the studies. Nine association rules were identified by performing the association rule analysis on the extraction data of 156 EAHM herbs. Therefore, the constituents of the herb combinations with consistent association rules were Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, and Spatholobi Calulis. This meta-analysis supports the hypothesis that EAHM monotherapy and combined therapy may be beneficial for PN patients, and follow-up research should be conducted to confirm the precise action target of the core herb. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Botanicals: Bioactive Molecules and Therapeutic Properties for Human Health 2021)
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