Edible Medicinal Plant Research Articles

Reveal the pharmacodynamic substances and mechanism of an edible medicinal plant Platycodonis radix inhibits tumor

Accumulating evidence suggests that M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a crucial role in cancer progression, making them a promising target for therapy. This study explored the molecular mechanisms by which Platycodon grandiflorum regulates M2 polarization of TAMs to exert anti-tumor effects. UPLC-MS identified the chemical composition and blood-absorbed components. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot detected TAM infiltration and proliferation pathways, while q-RT-PCR measured M2 macrophage marker expression. Our findings showed that PR reduces melanoma weight, inhibits the mTOR pathway, and suppresses M2-polarized macrophages. PR downregulates JAK2 and p-STAT3, promotes JAK2 degradation, and enhances ubiquitination. Molecular docking indicated strong affinities between Platycodin D components and JAK2/STAT3, highlighting PR’s potential in regulating TAMs and offering new clinical insights.

Traditionally used edible medicinal plants protect against rotenone induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells-a prospect for the development of herbal nutraceuticals

Plants are good sources of pharmacologically active compounds. The present study aimed to examine the neuroprotective potentials of the methanol extracts of Salix tetrasperma Roxb. leaf (STME) and Plantago asiatica L. (PAME), two edibles medicinal plants of Manipur, India against neurotoxicity induced by rotenone in SH-SY5Y cells. Free radical quenching activities were evaluated by ABTS and DPPH assays. The cytotoxicity of rotenone and the neuronal survival were assessed by MTT assay and MAP2 expression analysis. DCF-DA, Rhodamine 123 (Rh-123), and DAPI measured the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and apoptotic nuclei, respectively. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activities were also assessed. LC-QTOF-MS analysis was performed for the identification of the compounds present in STME and PAME. The study showed that both the plant extracts (STME and PAME) showed antioxidant and neuroprotective capabilities in rotenone-induced neurotoxicity by preventing oxidative stress through the reduction of intracellular ROS levels and reversing the activities of GPx, SOD, and CAT caused by rotenone. Further, both plants prevented apoptotic cell death by normalizing the steady state of MMP and protecting nuclear DNA condensation. LC-QTOF-MS analysis shows the presence of known neuroprotective compounds like uridine and gabapentin in STME and PAME respectively. The two plants might be an important source of natural antioxidants and nutraceuticals with neuroprotective abilities. This could be investigated further to formulate herbal nutraceuticals for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease like Parkinson's disease.

Comprehensive Screening and Characterization of α-glucosidase Inhibitory Components in the Edible Medicinal Plant Pholidota cantonensis Rolfe Using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS Analysis and Molecular Docking.

Pholidota cantonensis Rolfe is an edible medicinal plant in the genus Pholidota of the family Orchidaceae. This plant is used to prepare medicated food in China and has been reported to possess anti-α-glucosidase activity. To date, little is known about the active substances responsible for the observed anti-α-glucosidase activity. In the present study, we aimed to screen and characterize the α-glucosidase inhibitory fraction of P. cantonensis using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) analysis and molecular docking. As a result, the 50% ethanol fraction obtained from D101 macroporous adsorption resin column chromatography (D50 fraction) had the highest total phenol content (353.83 ± 6.06mg GAE/g) and the most prominent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 30.01 ± 7.30µg/mL). Forty-five compounds were identified from the D50 fraction by using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. Molecular docking results showed that six main constituents, namely, crepidatin, 2,7-dihydroxy-4-methoxyl-9,10-dihydrophenylene, 4,4',5,6-tetrahydroxystilbene, 4,7-dihydroxy-2-methoxyl-9,10-dihydrophenylene, (-)-lariciresinol, and thunalbene, in the D50 fraction occupied the catalytic sites of α-glucosidase through strong hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and other patterns. The binding energies were between - 29.95 and - 11.41kJ/mol, indicating good binding between the tested compounds and α-glucosidase. The active ingredients responsible for the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity may include phenanthrenes, stilbenes, dibenzyls, and lignans. The D50 fraction has potential value for developing innovative drugs for the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is worthy of in-depth research.

Antibacterial, antidiabetic and antioxidant bioevaluation of Calamus leptospadix Griff. and isolation of a flavan type compound

The plant based natural products have always been a rich source of bioactive molecules for drug discovery. The tender shoots of Calamus leptospadix Griff., an edible medicinal plant was extracted using methanol, water and ethanol as three different solvents to study the effect of the extracting solvents and temperature on their antioxidant, antidiabetic and antibacterial properties and total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The antioxidant properties were determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The α-glucosidase inhibitory assay was carried out to determine the antidiabetic potential. The antibacterial properties of the extracts were determined against four strains of bacterial species viz. Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Citrobacter freundii using Broth macro dilution method.The methanolic extracts of the plant were found to possess the highest total phenolic and total flavonoid contents. In the antioxidant assays, the cold methanolic extract was found to exhibit the highest DDPH radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power. In the antidiabetic assay, the extract exhibited better α-glucosidase inhibitory potential than that of the positive control acarbose. It was also found to be effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative strains in the antibacterial assay. A flavan-type compound 4-(5,7-dimethoxychroman-2-yl)phenol was isolated from the most bioactive cold methanolic extract of the plant and characterised from its XRD, 1H and 13C NMR, HRMS and IR data.

Reveal the pharmacodynamic substances and mechanism of an edible medicinal plant Rhodiola crenulate in DSS-induced colitis through plasma pharmacochemistry and metabolomics

Rhodiola crenulate is the edible medicinal herbal medicine widely used for altitude sickness in China. Interestingly, our previous work has found that R. crenulate extract (RCE) could significantly improve the pathology associated with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. Thus, the current research aims to reveal the pharmacodynamic material basis of RCE, as well as its mechanism against colitis. The chemical characterization of RCE was performed by UHPLC-HR-MS, through which a total of 88 constituents were identified. Meanwhile, our results also found 29 constituents absorbed into blood and 8 metabolized absorbable compounds. The decreased flavonoids prototype and the elevated sulfated products of phenols were observed under pathophysiological conditions of colitis. The metabolomics study revealed that colitis caused the alternation of fatty acid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis and bile acid metabolism. Correspondingly, RCE could prevent colitis by improving fatty acid metabolism and secondary bile acid metabolism.

Anti-Aging Potential of Bioactive Phytoconstituents Found in Edible Medicinal Plants: A Review

Anti-Aging Potential of Bioactive Phytoconstituents Found in Edible Medicinal Plants: A Review

Cilentan Cichorium intybus L. organs: UHPLC-QqTOF-MS/MS analysis for new antioxidant scenario, exploitable locally and beyond

In the framework aimed at evaluating the close link between the chemical composition of poorly explored organs of local edible medicinal plants in the Cilento region (Southern Italy) and their recovery for new health products, Cichorium intybus L. was of interest. Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole-Time-Of-Flight tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-QqTOF-MS/MS) investigation revealed that sesquiterpene lactones characterized roots and stems, while hydroxycinnamic derivatives accumulated in florets, bracts, and leaves. Florets diverged for anthocyanin derivatives, while roots differed by low flavonoid content. Despite shared phytochemical constituents, their ratio was responsible for different antioxidant responses. Notably, extracts, particularly rich in hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives, showed protective effects against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide in SH-SY5Y and HaCaT cell lines. The wound healing assay revealed marked inhibition of SH-SY5Y cell migration, avoiding wound closure. Overall, the research encourages the use of different organs from Cilentan wild chicory to obtain antioxidant safe and consumer-guaranteed products.

Anti-inflammatory naphthoquinone-monoterpene adducts and neolignans from Eugenia caryophyllata

A phytochemical investigation on the buds of edible medicinal plant, Eugenia carvophyllata, led to the discovery of seven new compounds, caryophones A–G (1–7), along with two biogenetically-related known ones, 2-methoxy-7-methyl-1,4-naphthalenedione (8) and eugenol (9). Compounds 1–3 represent the first examples of C-5–C-1′ connected naphthoquinone-monoterpene adducts with a new carbon skeleton. Compounds 4–7 are a class of novel neolignans with unusual linkage patterns, in which the C-9 position of one phenylpropene unit coupled with the aromatic core of another phenylpropene unit. The chemical structures of the new compounds were determined based on extensive spectroscopic analysis, X-ray diffraction crystallography, and quantum-chemical calculation. Among the isolates, compounds (−)-2, 3, 6, and 9 showed significant in vitro inhibitory activities against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells.

Edible Medicinal Guava Fruit (Psidium guajava L.) Are a Source of Anti-Biofilm Compounds against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Psidium guajava is one of the most common edible medicinal plants frequently used in Malagasy traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal infections. In order to evaluate their probable antibacterial activities, three organic extracts (successive extractions by hexane, dichloromethane, and ethanol) of ripe guava fruits were assessed for their bactericidal and anti-virulence properties against P. aeruginosa PAO1. Although these three extracts have shown no direct antibacterial activity (MIC of 1000 µg/mL) and, at the non-bactericidal concentration of 100 µg/mL, no impact on the production of major P. aeruginosa PAO1 virulence factors (pyocyanin and rhamnolipids), the hexane and dichloromethane extracts showed significant anti-biofilm properties and the dichloromethane extract disrupted the P. aeruginosa PAO1 swarming motility. Bioguided fractionation of the dichloromethane extract led to the isolation and identification of lycopene and β-sitosterol-β-D-glucoside as major anti-biofilm compounds. Interestingly, both compounds disrupt P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilm formation and maintenance with IC50 of 1383 µM and 131 µM, respectively. More interestingly, both compounds displayed a synergistic effect with tobramycin with a two-fold increase in its effectiveness in killing biofilm-encapsulated P. aeruginosa PAO1. The present study validates the traditional uses of this edible medicinal plant, indicating the therapeutic effectiveness of guava fruits plausibly through the presence of these tri- and tetraterpenoids, which deserve to be tested against pathogens generally implicated in diarrhea.

Discovery and Development of Luvangetin from Zanthoxylum avicennae as a New Fungicide Candidate for Fusarium verticillioides.

Pathogenic fungi pose a significant threat to crop yields and human healthy, and the subsequent fungicide resistance has greatly aggravated these agricultural and medical challenges. Hence, the development of new fungicides with higher efficiency and greater environmental friendliness is urgently required. In this study, luvangetin, isolated and identified from the root of Zanthoxylum avicennae, exhibited wide-spectrum antifungal activity in vivo and in vitro. Integrated omics and in vitro and in vivo transcriptional analyses revealed that luvangetin inhibited GAL4-like Zn(II)2Cys6 transcriptional factor-mediated transcription, particularly the FvFUM21-mediated FUM cluster gene expression, and decreased the biosynthesis of fumonisins inFusarium verticillioides. Moreover, luvangetin binds to the double-stranded DNA helix in vitro in the groove mode. We isolated and identified luvangetin, a natural metabolite from a traditional Chinese edible medicinal plant and uncovered its multipathogen resistance mechanism. This study is the first to reveal the mechanism underlying the antifungal activity of luvangetin and provides a promising direction for the future use of plant-derived natural products to prevent and control plant and animal pathogenic fungi.

Fluorescence Cell Imaging by Carbon Quantum Dots Derived from the Medicinal Plant Malva Sylvestris

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) derived from biological samples exhibit low cytotoxicity and are often used as fluorescent agents for bioimaging cells or bacteria. In this study, fluorescent CQDs derived from Malva sylvestris, a wild edible medicinal plant (common mallow), were used to visualize the human epithelial cells (PNT1A). CQDs with strong blue photoluminescence were synthesized by microwave irradiation of dried M. sylvestris in water. CQDs' structural, morphological, surface features and photoluminescence properties were evaluated. In vitro, cytotoxicity assays revealed that carbon quantum dots from M. sylvestris have no cytotoxic effects on human epithelial cells. Non-cytotoxic and high photoluminescent CQDs from M. sylvestris can be exploited in bioimaging applications as a fluorophore agent

D-arabinose acts as antidepressant by activating the ACSS2-PPARγ/TFEB axis and CRTC1 transcription

CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1), a pivotal synaptonuclear messenger, regulates synaptic plasticity and transmission to prevent depression. Despite exhaustive investigations into CRTC1 mRNA reductions in the depressed mice, the regulatory mechanisms governing its transcription remain elusive. Consequently, exploring rapid but non-toxic CRTC1 inducers at the transcriptional level is important for resisting depression. Here, we demonstrate the potential of D-arabinose, a unique monosaccharide prevalent in edible-medicinal plants, to rapidly enter the brain and induce CRTC1 expression, thereby eliciting rapid-acting and persistent antidepressant responses in chronic restrain stress (CRS)-induced depressed mice. Mechanistically, D-arabinose induces the expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and transcription factor EB (TFEB), thereby activating CRTC1 transcription. Notably, we elucidate the pivotal role of the acetyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2) as an obligatory mediator for PPARγ and TFEB to potentiate CRTC1 transcription. Furthermore, D-arabinose augments ACSS2-dependent CRTC1 transcription by activating AMPK through lysosomal AXIN-LKB1 pathway. Correspondingly, the hippocampal down-regulations of ACSS2, PPARγ or TFEB alone failed to reverse CRTC1 reductions in CRS-exposure mice, ultimately abolishing the anti-depressant efficacy of D-arabinose. In summary, our study unveils a previously unexplored role of D-arabinose in activating the ACSS2-PPARγ/TFEB-CRTC1 axis, presenting it as a promising avenue for the prevention and treatment of depression.

Research Progress in Modifications, Bioactivities, and Applications of Medicine and Food Homologous Plant Starch.

Starchy foods are an essential part of people's daily diet. Starch is the primary substance used by plants to store carbohydrates, and it is the primary source of energy for humans and animals. In China, a variety of plants, including edible medicinal plants, such as Pueraria root, yam tuber and coix seed, are rich in starch. However, limited by their inherent properties, kudzu starch and other starches are not suitable for the modern food industry. Natural starch is frequently altered by physical, chemical, or biological means to give it superior qualities to natural starch as it frequently cannot satisfy the demands of industrial manufacturing. Therefore, the deep processing market of modified starch and its products has a great potential. This paper reviews the modification methods which can provide excellent functional, rheological, and processing characteristics for these starches that can be used to improve the physical and chemical properties, texture properties, and edible qualities. This will provide a comprehensive reference for the modification and application of starch from medicinal and edible plants.

Alpha-amylase Inhibition of Carpobrotus edulis (L.) Bolus Exposed to Low and High-Temperature Conditions

Carpobrotus edulis is an edible medicinal plant from South Africa and is used for the treatment of different ailments and disorders, including diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is a persistent metabolic condition distinguished by high levels of glucose concentrations in the bloodstream. Due to climate change-related conditions, plants may be subjected to extreme temperature events such as cold fronts and heat waves. Hence the aim of the study was to expose Carpobrotus edulis leaves to temperature conditions and then assesses their antidiabetic activity against alpha-amylase in different solvents. The objective was to keep plants in growth chambers set at either 15/10oC and 45/35oC (day and night), respectively, and harvested at 48-hour intervals (48, 96, and 144). These were compared to plant samples in control conditions (25/15oC). Under control (25/15°C) conditions, the aqueous extract displayed effective inhibition of alpha-amylase (IC50 = 195mg/ml). In contrast to the control extracts, the hexane solvent consistently exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against alpha-amylase under both low (15/10°C) and high (45/35°C) temperature conditions. This trend was observed across all three harvest durations. After 48 hours of high-temperature conditions, the IC50 value was 131mg/ml. While after 96 and 144 hours of low-temperature conditions, the IC50 values were 214mg/ml and 131mg/ml, respectively. The results suggest that Carpobrotus edulis, exposed to low and high temperature conditions, has potential antidiabetic properties against alpha-amylase. This is an interesting aspect of how environmental conditions can impact medicinal properties. The outcome may have significant implications for the use of the plant by indigenous people, who depend on it for the treatment of various ailments, including diabetes. It will also have implications for the antidiabetic research of the plant as well as climate change research.

Standardisation of ready to eat instant powder with an edible medicinal plant (Leucas aspera (Wild.) L.): Sensory, physical, functional, nutritional and antinutritional properties

Standardisation of ready to eat instant powder with an edible medicinal plant (Leucas aspera (Wild.) L.): Sensory, physical, functional, nutritional and antinutritional properties

Antimicrobial effects of Cynara scolymus essential oil: In vitro analysis

By benefits of using silicon and vermicompost based biofertilizers and also induction of drought stress for growing more efficient medicinal plants, we investigated such issues on growing Cynara scolymus (C. scolymus), as one of the most significant edible medicinal plants. In this regard, the antimicrobial effects of grown C. scolymus essential oil was investigated against some foodborne pathogens. Different concentrations of silicon and vermicompost with and without drought stress were considered for growing the plant and the extracted essential oils were extracted to examine their antimicrobial effects against different bacterial agents. Using vermicompost and silicon and 50% moisture discharge yielded significant increase in the mean diameter of growth inhibition zone and significant decrease in the minimum inhibitory concentration of tested bacteria (P < 0.05). The highest diameters of the inhibition zones of S. aureus, S. saprophyticus, P. aeruginosa, S. dysenteriae, and S. typhi were found for C. scolymus essential oil treated with 8 mmol silicon and conventional irrigation (14.92 mm), 4 mmol silicon and 50% moisture discharge (15.28 mm), 50% vermicompost and 50% moisture discharge (15.71 mm), 8 mmol silicon and conventional irrigation (17.34 mm) and 25% vermicompost, and 50% moisture discharge (15.48 mm), respectively. Antimicrobial effects of some treatments of C. scolymus were higher than some kinds of referenced antibiotics such as erythromycin. These findings could be used for the production of antibiotic drugs for specific purposes against certain bacteria.

Antimicrobial effects of Arctium lappa against infectious bacteria: Experimental in vitro analysis

Arctium lappa (A. lappa) is one of the most significant edible medicinal plants with high antibacterial effects, in which it could be supposed to grow with more beneficial effects under administration by salicylic acid and chitosan based biofertilizers. Accordingly, the effects of salicylic acid, chitosan, and 50% moisture discharge were investigated in this work to see the antimicrobial treatments of some foodborne pathogens effects by A. lappa. To this aim, plants were cultivated based on different concentrations of salicylic acid and chitosan with/without drought stress, in which their extracted essential oils were examined for showing the antimicrobial effect against different bacterial agents. The results indicated that the salicylic acid and chitosan administrated A. lappa could work with improved inhibitory functions. Comparing with referenced antibiotics showed even higher antimicrobial effects of A. lappa against the targeted bacterial agents, in which the species with 14 mmol of salicylic acid and 2 g/l of chitosan was a distinguished one for approaching the purpose. Consequently, the achievements of this work could be further investigated for producing novel antibiotic drug agents.

Protective Effects and Mechanism of Polysaccharides from Edible Medicinal Plants in Alcoholic Liver Injury: A Review.

Alcohol use accounts for a large variety of diseases, among which alcoholic liver injury (ALI) poses a serious threat to human health. In order to overcome the limitations of chemotherapeutic agents, some natural constituents, especially polysaccharides from edible medicinal plants (PEMPs), have been applied for the prevention and treatment of ALI. In this review, the protective effects of PEMPs on acute, subacute, subchronic, and chronic ALI are summarized. The pathogenesis of alcoholic liver injury is analyzed. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) and safety of PEMPs are discussed. In addition, the mechanism underlying the hepatoprotective activity of polysaccharides from edible medicinal plants is explored. PEMPs with hepatoprotective activities mainly belong to the families Orchidaceae, Solanaceae, and Liliaceae. The possible mechanisms of PEMPs include activating enzymes related to alcohol metabolism, attenuating damage from oxidative stress, regulating cytokines, inhibiting the apoptosis of hepatocytes, improving mitochondrial function, and regulating the gut microbiota. Strategies for further research into the practical application of PEMPs for ALI are proposed. Future studies on the mechanism of action of PEMPs will need to focus more on the utilization of multi-omics approaches, such as proteomics, epigenomics, and lipidomics.

Edible Medicinal Plants of Mediterranean Region and Consumer Behavior

Edible Medicinal Plants of Mediterranean Region and Consumer Behavior

A review on the application, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Polygonatum odoratum, an edible medicinal plant

A review on the application, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Polygonatum odoratum, an edible medicinal plant