Edible Medicinal Plant Research Articles

Preparation of robust, water-resistant, antibacterial, and antioxidant chitosan-based films by incorporation of cinnamaldehyde-tannin acid-zinc acetate nanoparticles.

Chitosan (CS) films have poor mechanical property, low water-resistance and limited antimicrobial activity, which hinder their application in food preservation industry. Cinnamaldehyde-tannic acid-zinc acetate nanoparticles (CTZA NPs) assembled from edible medicinal plant extracts were successfully incorporated into CS films to solve these issues. The tensile strength and water contact angle of the composite films increased about 5.25-fold and 17.55°. The addition of CTZA NPs reduced the water sensitivity of CS films, which could undergo appreciable stretching in water without breaking. Furthermore, CTZA NPs significantly enhanced the UV adsorption, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of the films, while reduced their water vapor permeability. Moreover, it was possible to print inks onto the films because the presence of the hydrophobic CTZA NPs facilitated the deposition of carbon powder onto their surfaces. The films with great antibacterial and antioxidant activities can be applied for food packaging application.

Phytochemical and Nutritional Constituents of Leaf Extracts of Two Edible Medicinal Plants in Nigeria: A Comparative Appraisal

Phytochemical and Nutritional Constituents of Leaf Extracts of Two Edible Medicinal Plants in Nigeria: A Comparative Appraisal

Anti-depression-like effect of Mogroside V is related to the inhibition of inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways

Siraitia grosvenorii (SG) is an edible medicinal plant found mainly in Guangxi, China, and Mogroside V (MGV) is the main component of SG extract. Previous research has shown that SG and MGV exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and neuroprotective effects. However, it is not clear whether MGV has anti-depression-like effect. In this study, we evaluated the neuroprotective effects and anti-depression-like effect of MGV both in vitro and in vivo. By performing in vitro tests, we evaluated the protective effects of MGV on PC12 cells with corticosterone-induced injury. In vivo tests, we used the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model. Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg/day) and MGV (10 or 30 mg/kg/day) were administered by gavage for 21 days, and the open field test (OFT), novelty suppressed feeding test (NSFT), Tail suspension test (TST), and forced Swimming test (FST) were used to evaluate the depressive-like behaviors. In addition, we investigated the role of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4) in the hippocampal and cortex tissues. The levels of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in hippocampal and cortex tissues were also measured. Pathological changes in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and cortex regions were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blotting was used to measure the protein expression of BDNF, TrkB, TNF-α, and AKT. The results showed that MGV had a protective effect on PC12 cells with corticosterone-induced incurred injury. In addition, MGV treatment relieved the depressive symptoms and significantly reduced inflammatory levels (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). MGV also significantly reduced oxidative stress damage and reduced the levels of apoptosis in hippocampal nerve cells. These results suggested that the anti-depressive effect of MGV may occur through the inhibition of inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways and the BDNF/TrkB/AKT pathway. These findings provide a new concept for the identification of new anti-depressive strategies.

The antiviral properties of edible medicinal plants: potential remedies against coronaviruses

SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is an unparalleled challenge for the international community. Subsequently, an extraordinary effort has been made to contain SARS-CoV-2. However, this has been largely limited to behavioral changes and vaccination. To make the containment strategies effective, behavioral changes and vaccination need to be complemented with alternative prevention methods and curative treatments. This work reports the antiviral properties of some of the commonly known edible medicinal plants that can be used as potential remedies to suppress coronaviruses. A growing body of evidence substantiates that edible medicinal plants with antiviral properties that have been proven effective against sibling coronaviruses likely contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2, and they may also suppress the fatality of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). The secondary metabolites found in herbal medicines do not cause pathogens to develop drug resistance, which is a common problem in conventional medicines. The use of edible medicinal plants is much safer and causes less panic, thereby avoiding the fear associated with the use of herbal medicines. Right dosages and mixtures of edible medicinal plants need to be rigorously investigated to circumvent unanticipated side effects and chronic health risks.

Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics reveal Dendrobium huoshanense polysaccharide effects and potential mechanism of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine -induced damage in GES-1cells.

Dendrobium huoshanense C. Z. Tang et S. J. Cheng is an important edible medicinal plant that thickens the stomach and intestines, and its active ingredient, polysaccharide, can have anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and antitumor effects. However, the gastroprotective effects and potential mechanisms of Dendrobium huoshanense polysaccharides (DHP) remain unclear. An N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) induced human gastric mucosal epithelial cells (GES-1) damage model was used in this research, aiming to investigate whether DHP has a protective effect on MNNG-induced GES-1cell injury and its underlying mechanism based on the combination of multiple methods. DHP was extracted using water extraction and alcohol precipitation methods, and the proteins were removed using the Sevag method. The morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy. A MNNG-induced GES-1cell damage model was developed. Cell viability and proliferation of the experimental cells were investigated using a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). Cell nuclear morphology was detected using the fluorescent dye Hoechst 33342. Cell scratch wounds and migration were detected using a Transwell chamber. The expression levels of apoptosis proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3) in the experimental cells were detected by Western blotting. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) was performed to investigate the potential mechanism of action of DHP. The CCK-8 kit analysis showed that DHP increased GES-1cell viability and ameliorated GES-1cell injury by MNNG. In addition, scratch assay and Transwell chambers results suggested that DHP improved the MNNG-induced motility and migration ability of GES-1cells. Likewise, the results of the apoptotic protein assay indicated that DHP had a protective effect against gastric mucosal epithelial cell injury. To further investigate the potential mechanism of action of DHP, we analyzed the metabolite differences between GES-1cells, GES-1cells with MNNG-induced injury, and DHP+MMNG-treated cells using UHPLC-HRMS. The results indicated that DHP upregulated 1-methylnicotinamide, famotidine, N4-acetylsulfamethoxazole, acetyl-L-carnitine, choline and cer (d18:1/19:0) metabolites and significantly down-regulated 6-O-desmethyldonepezil, valet hamate, L-cystine, propoxur, and oleic acid. DHP may protect against gastric mucosal cell injury through nicotinamide and energy metabolism-related pathways. This research may provide a useful reference for further in-depth studies on the treatment of gastric cancer, precancerous lesions, and other gastric diseases.

Nutritional prospects of some wild edible medicinal plants of District Harnai Balochistan, Pakistan

The aim of this research work was to evaluate the nutritional worth of some wild edible medicinal plants of District Harnai, Balochistan. Five wild edible medicinal plants (WEMPs) viz., Ficus carica L., Morus alba L., M. nigra L., Olea ferruginea Royle and Pistacia khinjuk Stocks were collected from study area. Proximate and mineral composition of leaf and fruit samples were quantified. Proximate composition revealed that leaf samples contained significant amount of dry matter, ash and protein content in O. ferruginea and fat content and Crude fiber in F.carica, Total carbohydrates and Organic matter in P. khinjuk comparatively. Further data highlighted fruit samples as rich source of organic matter, fat content and total carbohydrate (F.carica), Dry matter (P. khinjuk), Ash and protein content (M. alba) and Crude fiber (M. nigra). Similarly, mineral composition revealed a wide variability of macro and micronutrients in leave and fruit samples of selected WEMPs. The overall results obtained in this study have showed that F. carica and M. alba. may serve as good source of many important macro-nutrients viz., N, Ca, K, Mg, S and P. Whereas, M. alba followed by M. nigra may be considered as an excellent source of essential micro nutrients including Al, B, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Sr and Zn. Each selected wild plant manifested variable levels of mineral and proximate compositions representing that all the investigated WEMPs are rich source of nutrients that can fulfil the needs of nutrition while M. alba, M. nigra and F. carica are rich and easily available sources of essential nutrients for human diet.

PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, GC-MS, FTIR ANALYSIS OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS, CORIANDRUM SATIVUM L AND MENTHA SPICATA

Phytochemical and some proximate composition analysis was carried out on three (3) selected edible medicinal plants leaves which were believed to be of medicinal value and have physiological effects as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-pyretic, antioxidant, laxative etc. The significant aim of the research is to identify the phyto-components as well as compounds presents in the ethanolic extract of Mentha spicata L (mints), Rosemarinus officinalis (Rosemary), and Coriandrum sativum (coriander) using two different analytical methods GC-MS along with their functional groups using FTIR. The GC-MS analysis reveals more than thirty (30) compounds identified as major constituents and mostly all the compounds identified was found to possess medicinal properties. The data analysis from FTIR spectrometry representing most of the strong absorptions bands which further indicates major functional groups such as aliphatic amines, alkanes, aromatic (primary and secondary) and carboxylic acids. While the preliminary phytochemical screening conducted indicates the presence of Flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, and saponins from the ethanolic extracts of the plant extracts. Therefore the findings indicate that all the selected plant samples are potential sources of medicinal activities and can be applied in the field of phyto-medicine considering their diverse ethno-pharmacological importance.

A comprehensive review on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of Anagallis arvensis (L).: A wild edible medicinal food plant

Medicinal plants, since times immemorial, have been used in virtually all cultures for therapeutic purposes. Anagallis arvensis (L.) is a well-known medicinal plant traditionally utilized for a varied range of disorders including wound healing, lung problems, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, gout, and rheumatic conditions. This review is an attempt to summarize and comprehend the fragmented information until now published in the literature on the biochemical and toxicological perspective of A. arvensis. The literature was searched electronically from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Science Direct, Ovid MEDLINE and Google Scholar. It was found that ethnomedical uses of A. arvensis plant and parts have been recorded throughout the world, where it has been used against a panoply of diseases. Phytochemical search has led to the identification of flavonoids, terpenoids, triterpenoid glycosides, phytosterols as main classes of secondary metabolites with a few other classes. A wide spectrum of in vivo and in vitro pharmacological activities have been reported from fresh plant material and its crude extracts and/or fractions. However there is currently a dearth of structure-activity studies of the isolated compounds and mechanistic studies from this species. The plant has also been reported for in vivo toxicity. It is clear from this review thatA. arvensis, though traditionally used by various cultures harbour a plethora of bioactive compounds exhibiting multifarious biological effects that could be exploited as biopharmaceuticals. Nonetheless, additional research work and structure-activity studies arekey prerequisite to transmute the empirical claims on the utilization of A. arvenisis in folklore medicines and a food plant into scientific shreds of evidence.

Effects of Alternanthera sessilis Red leaf extracts on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells and identification of phytochemicals using HPLC-QToF-MS/MS

Alternanthera sessilis Red (ASR) is an edible medicinal plant that receives little attention in Asia. This study aimed to investigate the ability of ASR ethanolic (EtOH ASR ) and ethyl acetate (EtAC ASR ) leaf extracts in protecting HepG2 cells against oxidative damage. To determine the effect of both extracts on the cellular antioxidant status and preventive activities against hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )-induced oxidative stress, HepG2 cells were treated with both extracts at concentration ≤ 20 µg/mL as the extracts were shown low toxicity. With increasing concentrations, both extracts improved cellular antioxidant status where cells treated with EtAC ASR showed a higher ferric reducing activity than the EtOH ASR . Both extracts also reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species and inhibited lipid peroxidation in the cells. The highest cytoprotective activity against H 2 O 2 -induced cell damage was exhibited by EtAC ASR at 5 µg/mL. HPLC-QToF-MS/MS analysis tentatively identified the presence of 30 phytochemicals in both extracts with 28 of them comprising of polyphenols, whereas two carotenoids were found only in the EtOH ASR . These may be responsible for the cytoprotective properties of the ASR leaf. The current findings highlight the potential of ASR leaf as a source of natural antioxidants for protecting cells from oxidative damage. Furthermore, newly discovered phytochemical compounds in ASR, particularly polyphenols, which are mostly flavonoids, could be useful for future research into its potential as a functional food or nutraceutical against oxidative stress-related diseases. • EtOH ASR and EtAC ASR significantly protected HepG2 cells against oxidative stress. • EtAC ASR inhibited intracellular ROS more effectively at 5 µg/mL. • EtAC ASR was also better in reducing lipid peroxidation induced by H 2 O 2 at 5 µg/mL. • Two carotenoids and 28 polyphenols were tentatively identified in the extracts.

Effects of Se-enriched Chrysanthemum morifolium on lifespan and antioxidant defense-related gene expression of Drosophila melanogaster model.

Chrysanthemum morifolium is a well-known edible medicinal plant in Asia and some other regions. Content of selenium in Se-enriched C. morifolium (SeCM) is significantly higher than that in traditional C. morifolium (non-Se-enriched C. morifolium, TCM). In order to understand health effects of SeCM, its chemical composition, lifespan-prolonging activities, and impacts on antioxidant defense-related gene expressions of model organism D. melanogaster were systematically studied. A total of eight phenols, including luteolin-7-O-glucoside, linarin, luteolin, apigenin, diosmetin, acacetin, 3-caffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, were identified in SeCM extract. Compared with TCM, SeCM exhibited superior antioxidant properties. Intake of SeCM dramatically reduced malondialdehyde level and increased activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes in fruit flies. SeCM was able to upregulate gene expressions of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase, Mn-superoxide dismutase and hydrogen peroxide catalase, and extend lifespans of fruit flies. Comparatively high antioxidant capacities and lifespan-prolonging activities of SeCM might be attributed to its abundant phenols and selenium, which probably ameliorated accumulation of free radicals and susceptibility to oxidative stress. These findings provide clues on further exploitation and utilization of Se-enriched C. morifolium. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Chrysanthemum morifolium has been used for nutraceutical and curative purposes in China for thousands of years. Se-enriched C. morifolium typically contains more selenium than traditional C. morifolium, and is widely consumed in Asia and some other regions. Selenium is an essential micronutrient for humans, and selenium deficiency may result in several diseases such as myocardial infarction. SeCM is one of important selenium supplements. In this study, SeCM was found to upregulate gene expressions of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase, Mn-superoxide dismutase, and hydrogen peroxide catalase, and extend lifespans of experimental animals. These results provide supporting information for developing SeCM-based functional foods with distinct health benefits.

Vernonia amygdalina Delile Induces Apoptotic Effects of PC3 Cells: Implication in the Prevention of Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the common cancers in males and its incidence keeps increasing globally. Approximately 81% of PCa is diagnosed during the early stage of the disease. The treatment options for prostate care include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, but these treatments often have side effects that may lead to issues such as impotence or decreased bowel function. Our central goal is to test the apoptotic effects of Vernonia amygdalina Delile (an edible medicinal plant that is relatively inexpensive, nontoxic, and virtually without side effects) for the prevention of PCa using human adenocarcinoma (PC-3) cells as a test model. To address our central goal, PC-3 cells were treated with Vernonia amygdalina Delile (VAD). Cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis were evaluated by Flow Cytometry assessment. Nucleosomal DNA fragmentation was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. Flow cytometry data showed that VAD induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 checkpoint and significantly upregulated caspase-3 in treated cells compared to the control cells. Agarose gel electrophoresis resulted in the formation of DNA ladders in VAD-treated cells. These results suggest that inhibition of cancer cell growth, induction of cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis through caspase-3 activation and nucleosomal DNA fragmentation are involved in the therapeutic mechanisms of VAD as a candidate drug towards the prevention and/or treatment of PCa.

Terpenoids from the Seeds of Toona sinensis and Their Ability to Attenuate High Glucose-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rat Glomerular Mesangial Cells.

Toona sinensis (A. Juss.) Roem is an edible medicinal plant that belongs to the genus Toona within the Meliaceae family. It has been confirmed to display a wide variety of biological activities. During our continuous search for active constituents from the seeds of T. sinensis, two new acyclic diterpenoids (1–2), together with five known limonoid-type triterpenoids (3–7), five known apotirucallane-type triterpenoids (8–12), and three known cycloartane-type triterpenoids (13–15), were isolated and characterized. Their structures were identified based on extensive spectroscopic experiments, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectra (HR-ESI-MS), and electronic circular dichroism (ECD), as well as the comparison with those reported in the literature. We compared these findings to those reported in the literature. Compounds 5, 8, and 13–14 were isolated from the genus Toona, and compounds 11 and 15 were obtained from T. sinensis for the first time. The antidiabetic nephropathy effects of isolated compounds against high glucose-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in rat glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) were assessed in vitro. The results showed that new compounds 1 and 2 could significantly increase the levels of Nrf-2/HO-1 and reduce the levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-6 at concentrations of 30 μM. These results suggest that compounds 1 and 2 might prevent the occurrence and development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and facilitate the research and development of new antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs suitable for the prevention and treatment of DN.

The pharmacophylogenetic relationships of two edible medicinal plants in the genus Artemisia.

Artemisia argyi and Artemisia indica are edible medicinal plants belonging to the genus Artemisia in the Asteraceae. There are many similarities in their morphology, traditional curative effect, and modern pharmacological treatment. In this study, we built distribution maps of A. argyi and A. indica in China and a phylogenetic tree of common medicinal plants in Asteraceae. Then, we verified the chemical composition changes of A. argyi and A. indica via their metabolome. Traditional efficacy and modern pharmacological action were verified by network pharmacology and in vitro using RAW264.7 cells. The results showed that A. argyi and A. indica are widely distributed in China, and they shared pharmaphylogeny, which provides theoretical support for the mixed use of A. argyi and A. indica in most regions of China. Furthermore, there were both similarities and differences in volatile oil and flavonoid composition between A. argyi and A. indica. The network pharmacology results showed that A. argyi and A. indica had 23 common active compounds and that both had pharmacological effects on chronic gastritis (CG). Molecular docking analyses showed that quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol have strong binding affinities with the target proteins JUN, TP53, AKT1, MAPK3, TNF, MAPK, and IL6. The cell experiment results further demonstrated that A. argyi and A. indica treat CG via the NOD-like receptor pathway. Based on the theory of pharmaphylogeny, this study explored the pharmaphylogeny between A. argyi and A. indica from various perspectives to provide a basis for the substitution of A. argyi and A. indica.

Green synthesis and characterization of bisphosphonate conjugated gold nanoparticle with cissus quadrangularis extract to enhance orthodontic anchorage

Bisphosphonates are increasingly being used to treat several skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis. Several studies have shown that localized bisphosphonates improve orthodontic anchorage. Adverse reactions of the drug can be further avoided through more targeted drug delivery of this drug. The use of gold nanoparticles in bone tissue regeneration has shown promising results. The combination of bisphosphonate and gold nanoparticles has been shown to produce more targeted action through systemic administration in osteoporosis. The Adverse Effects of the Gold nanoparticle such as toxicity can be reduced through green synthesis. Cissus Quadrangularis is a green edible medicinal plant used in Ayurvedic preparations to treat osteoporosis, general inflammatory conditions, ulcers, menstrual disorders, hemorrhoids, and a variety of other ailments. The purpose of this study was to green synthesize Bisphosphonate conjugated gold nanoparticles with Cissus quadrangularis extract and test their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. Green synthesis of Bisphosphonate conjμgated gold nanoparticles using cissus quadrangularis extract was achieved and is characterised using visual colour change, uv spectrophotometer, TEM analysis. Gold nanoparticles have good antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans (150 ug/ml – 17 mm zone of Inhibition) & Lactobacillus (150 ug/ml – 20 mm zone of Inhibition) and showed 20% lethality at 50 ul concentration.

Antibacterial activity and cytotoxic effect of bisphosphonate conjugated gold nanoparticle synthesized using cissus quadrangularis extract

Nanoparticles are being widely used in the field of medicine called Nanomedicine. Biological membranes in the human body are selectively permeable to Nanoparticles. The nanoparticles can be surface modified to attach a variety of ligands which enable them to be biosensors, molecular-scale fluorescent tags, imaging agents, and targeted drug delivery vehicles. Green synthesis of nanoparticles is a type of bottom-up approach in which reaction occurs with the help of reducing and stabilizing agents. Bisphosphonates are increasingly being used to treat a wide range of skeletal issues, including hereditary skeletal disorders in children, cancer-related bone metastases and osteoporosis. Cissus Quadrangularis is a green edible medicinal plant used in Ayurvedic preparations to treat osteoporosis, general inflammatory conditions, ulcers, menstrual disorders, hemorrhoids, and a variety of other ailments. It has been shown to have a variety of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. Bisphosphonate conjugated with gold nanoparticle have shown to produce more targeted actionThe purpose of this study was to green synthesize Bisphosphonate conjugated gold nanoparticles with Cissus quadrangularis extract and test their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity.

Anti-Aging Effect of Momordica charantia L. on d-Galactose-Induced Subacute Aging in Mice by Activating PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway.

Anti-aging is a challenging and necessary research topic. Momordica charantia L. is a common edible medicinal plant that has various pharmacological activities and is often employed in daily health care. However, its anti-aging effect on mice and the underlying mechanism thereof remain unclear. Our current study mainly focused on the effect of Momordica charantia L. on d-galactose-induced subacute aging in mice and explored the underlying mechanism. UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS was applied to qualitatively analyze the chemical components of Momordica charantia L. ethanol extract (MCE). A subacute aging mice model induced by d-galactose (d-gal) was established to investigate the anti-aging effect and potential mechanism of MCE. The learning and memory ability of aging mice was evaluated using behavioral tests. The biochemical parameters, including antioxidant enzyme activity and the accumulation of lipid peroxides in serum, were measured to explore the effect of MCE on the redox imbalance caused by aging. Pathological changes in the hippocampus were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and the levels of aging-related proteins in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were assessed using Western blotting. The experimental results demonstrated that a total of 14 triterpenoids were simultaneously identified in MCE. The behavioral assessments results showed that MCE can improve the learning and memory ability of subacute mice. The biochemical parameters determination results showed that MCE can improve the activity of antioxidant enzymes and decrease the accumulation of lipid peroxides in aging mice significantly. Furthermore, aging and injury in the hippocampus were ameliorated. Mechanistically, the results showed a significant upregulation in the protein expression of P-PI3K/PI3K and P-AKT/AKT (p < 0.01), as well as a significant reduction in cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3, Bax and P-mTOR/mTOR (p < 0.01). Our results confirm that MCE could restore the antioxidant status and improve cognitive impairment in aging mice, inhibit d-gal-induced apoptosis by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and rescue the impaired autophagy caused by mTOR overexpression, thereby exerting an anti-aging effect.

Research practice and strategy of resource utilization of residues for edible medicinal plants under background of Big Health

In recent years, with the acceleration of population aging in China, the frequent occurrence of chronic diseases, and the increase in the number of sub-health groups, people began to seek ways to maintain health in line with the laws of nature. Healthy China has become a national strategy, and the Big Health industry has ushered in a golden period of development. In this context, the concept of medicine and food homology and edible medicinal substances which have guided Chinese people to pursue health since ancient times have ushered in significant and favorable development opportunities, and the industrial scale has gradually expanded. The development and utilization of edible medicinal plants have also become an important research direction. In the industrialization process of modern health care and edible medicinal products, a large number of drug residues are often abandoned due to ineffective utilization, resulting in a huge waste of resources and increasing the pressure on the ecological environment. Under the guidance of the homology theory of medicine and food, based on the recycling strategy of Chinese medicine resources, this paper analyzed the inherent common characteristics such as physical and chemical properties and biological activity of Chinese medicine residues of edible medicinal plants and put forward some suitable resource utilization strategies and suggestions in combination with the current situation of resource development and utilization of Chinese medicine residues of edible medicinal plants, in order to promote the high-value development and utilization of medicinal and edible resources, and extend the industrial chain of edible medicinal resources, thereby empowering Big Health industry and facilitating Healthy China.

Fatty acid composition, acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of the n-hexane extract from Ranunculus macrophyllus Desf. roots

Ranunculus macrophyllus Desf. is a multipurpose edible medicinal plant, whose roots are used to treat feminine infertility and to increase weight. The aim of this work was to study for the first time the acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of their n-hexane extract. Gas chromatography was used to study the chemical composition of the extract, while xylene induced ear edema was used to assess its anti-inflammatory activity. In silico methods were used to determine the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of action and pharmacokinetic behavior of the major compounds. Gas chromatographic analysis led to identification of 19 fatty acids, including linoleic, α-linolenic and palmitic acids as major compounds. The n-hexane extract did not induce any visible signs of toxicity or mortality to mice at 2000 mg/kg body weight, and successfully inhibited the xylene induced ear inflammation (67% at 200 mg/kg). This activity may be attributed to linoleic and α-linolenic acids that were found to be potent inhibitors of cyclooxygenase 2 and phospholipase A2 in the in silico study. The n-hexane extract exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activity with no acute toxicity, which opens the doors for the use of R. macrophyllus roots and their n-hexane extract in food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Green synthesis and characterization of bisphosphonate conjugated gold nanoparticle with Asparagus racemosus root extract.

Bisphosphonates improve orthodontic anchorage. More targeted action of this drug can be achieved through its conjugation with gold nanoparticles. Asparagus racemosus is a green edible medicinal plant used in Ayurvedic preparations to treat aging, vigor, immunity, longevity, and skeletal issues. Therefore, it is of interest to report the green synthesized Bisphosphonate conjugated gold nanoparticles with Asparagus racemosus extract and to characterize them.

Edible Medicinal Plants on Facilitating Childbirth: A Systematic Review.

Despite advances and the availability of newer drugs to facilitate childbirth, the interest in using natural treatments is on the rise. More than 20 percent of pregnancies require induction of labor, which is associated with side effects and increased risk of cesarean surgery. For this reason, the use of medicinal plants is considered healthier. The present study is a systematic review of the role of oral herbs in facilitating childbirth. This review was conducted via searching the Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and SID databases. The review began systematically and with no time constraints. It lasted until December 29, 2020. Twenty clinical trials investigated the impact of edible plants on increasing cervical readiness, stimulating labor onset, reducing pain intensity, and shortening the duration of labor. Five studies have revealed the positive impact of saffron. Two studies reported the same effect by chamomile. Three studies showed the positive impact of boiled dill seeds, and two studies showed the impact of date and date syrup. Another study reported the impact of Descurainia Sophia, and six studies also showed the positive effect of castor oil on uterine stimulation, strengthening and relieving labor pains, which eventually lead to facilitating labor. One study also showed no improvement in bishop score after consumption of primrose capsules. The positive effect of edible medicinal plants on facilitating childbirth has been shown in the mentioned studies. However, more studies with a larger sample size are needed, and there is also a need for a more detailed study of the possible mechanisms of plant effects.