Hypericum Perforatum Research Articles

A study on the effect of Hypericum perforatum L. extract on vanadium toxicity in Allium cepa L.

A study on the effect of Hypericum perforatum L. extract on vanadium toxicity in Allium cepa L.

A Machine Learning‐Based Approach for the Prediction of Anticoagulant Activity of Hypericum perforatum L. and Evaluation of Compound Activity

ABSTRACTIntroductionHypericum perforatum L. (HPL) is extensively researched domestically and internationally as a medicinal plant. However, no reports of studies related to the anticoagulant activity of HPL have been retrieved. The specific bioactive components are unknown.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop a machine learning (ML) method for rapid prediction of anticoagulant activity in HPL and evaluation of compound activity. Materials and methods.First, an in vitro anticoagulant activity assay was developed for the determination of the bioactivity of various medicinal parts of HPL. Then, the peak areas of compounds in HPL were integrated using UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS analysis. Subsequently, nine independent ML methods and two ensemble learning methods have been established to predict the anticoagulant activity of HPL and to evaluate the contribution of compounds. Feature importance scores were used for models visualization.ResultsA total of 24 compounds were shown to exhibited superior anticoagulant activity. Molecular docking experiments likewise confirmed this result. The results show that the branches of HPL have excellent anticoagulant activity, which has been previously overlooked. The established ML model demonstrated good performance in the prediction of the activity of HPL.ConclusionThe results were accurate and reliable, which significantly improved the efficiency of active compounds screening, and further exploration in this area is warranted.

Phytochemical Interventions for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome : (PCOS) Systematic Review

Worldwide, 2.2-26% Many women who are fertile experience PCOS, a complicated the Endocrine, metabolic, and genetic condition. Pale menstruation, infertility, hirsutism, acne, and insulin resistance are some of the symptoms of PCOS, which is typified by polycystic ovaries, persistent anovulation, and hyperandrogenism. While they come with risks and adverse effects, conventional treatments frequently target specific ailments. Herbal remedies, on the other hand, present a viable, low-risk substitute. The effectiveness of several botanicals, such as Ashoka, Shatavari, Lodhra, Guduchi and Haritki in reducing PCOS symptoms is highlighted in this review. These herbs improve ovarian morphology and lower hyperandrogenism; they also have hypoglycemic, anti-obesity, and hormone-regulating qualities. Other herbs that are useful for hormone imbalance, reproductive dysfunction, depression, menstruation include The plants Phyllanthus emblica and Bauhinia variegata. Bellirica terminalia. Hypericum perforatum with Tribulus terrestris. anomalies. Notably, there have been no documented adverse effects and these phytotherapeutic approaches are well tolerated. The goal of this review is to compile the body of research regarding the use of natural plants to treat PCOS, with a focus on the possibility of herbal formulations as a safe, effective, supplemental management strategy for condition.

Hypericum Perforatum Callus Extract-Loaded Composite Hydrogel with Diverse Bioactivities for Enhanced Wound Healing and Fibrosis Prevention.

Plant Callus are a valuable source of pluripotent stem cells and bioactive phytochemicals. Meanwhile, the Hypericum perforatum callus extract (HPCE) is particularly rich in compounds such as hyperforin, hypericin, quercetin, and other phenolic and flavonoid derivatives. These phytochemicals exhibit strong antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties, making them promising for wound healing. One of the most critical challenges following wound healing is the formation of fibrosis, which can compromise the complex structural integrity of skin. To address this issue, a poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan/alginate (PCA) wound dressing loaded with HPCE is developed. This hydrogel dressing features a porous structure with suitable mechanical properties and a high swelling capacity, potentially enhancing its effectiveness in promoting tissue regeneration and wound healing. In vitro studies have confirmed its biocompatibility, cell proliferation, and cell adhesion properties. Additionally, the dressing has demonstrated the ability to inhibit the proliferation of certain antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The in vivo studies revealed the anti-inflammatory properties, promotion of angiogenesis, facilitation of re-epithelialization, and stimulation of collagen deposition of the dressing under investigation. Moreover, the immunohistochemistry analysis of the two key markers, p16 and p53, has shown that the application of the dressing helps prevent fibrosis after wound healing.

Platelet antiaggregant activity of Hypericum perforatum extracts

BackgroundIn addition to its potential use as an antidepressant, different studies have shown that Hypericum perforatum (HP) can have antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Despite this potential, most of the therapeutic bioactivities attributed to HP need further scientific support. In a previous study we found an inhibitory effect of HP in platelet activation markers. So, in the present work we investigate the effect of HP in another aspect of platelet function, platelet aggregation. MethodsFirst, the effect of different concentrations of the total alcoholic extract of HP on platelet aggregation was studied in 9 healthy donors by aggregometry methods using collagen as agonist. After that, to obtain dose-effect curves, 3 experiments were carried out independently in a single individual using collagen, adenosine diphosphate and epinephrine as agonists. ResultsOur results reveal a marked inter-individual variability and a significant dose-dependent decrease of aggregation responses induced by collagen in the presence of HP extracts (mean of minimum inhibition: 8% at a dose of 0.068 mg es/ml and mean of maximum inhibition: 43% at a dose of 0.456 mg es/ml). With the results obtained it was possible to obtained a IC50 value of 0.34 mg es/ml. ConclusionsWe can conclude that HP has a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on platelet function (activation and aggregation responses), therefore, our results suggest that HP may be recognized as an herbal medicine with anti-platelet properties.

Patients with systemic sclerosis frequently use phytopharmaceuticals: a cross-sectional survey.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased. Phytotherapy, also known as herbal medicine, is one of the CAM therapies that involves using medicinal plants and plant-derived substances. This study aims to evaluate the use of phytopharmaceuticals and the factors associated with their use in patients with Systemic sclerosis (SSc). Our study is designed as a survey and consists of two parts with 32 questions. The first part gathers demographic data with 14 questions, and the second part assesses participants' knowledge about phytotherapy with 18 questions. The questionnaire was administered face-to-face to patients with SSc who consented to participate. One hundred participants completed the survey. Fifty-two (52%) participants had diffuse sclerosis. Raynaud's phenomenon affected 97 (97%) participants; 53 (53%) participants suffered from lung involvement, and 64 (64%) had musculoskeletal system involvement. A total of 55 (55%) participants had used phytopharmaceuticals after SSc diagnosis. Phytotherapy users and non-users had similar demographic and clinical characteristics in terms of age, gender, disease duration, type of SSc, organ involvement, and education level. Participants mostly used the following phytopharmaceuticals: 23 participants used Camellia sinensis (green tea), 16 used Hypericum perforatum, and 12 used Curcuma longa (curcumin). The most improved symptoms with phytopharmaceuticals were musculoskeletal system findings and skin thickness, as stated by participants. A significant portion of SSc patients used phytopharmaceuticals in their disease duration. Although patients stated that they benefited from phytopharmaceuticals, studies on the effectiveness of these treatments are insufficient.

The perils of St. John's wort in cancer care: Nursing considerations.

Approximately one-third of Americans use healthcare approaches including herbs and botanicals, such as St. John's wort (SJW), to improve overall well-being, gain control over their health, and manage the adverse reactions of conventional therapies. This article examines the use of SJW in cancer care, discussing its pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and potential interactions with cancer treatments while emphasizing the importance of patient education and collaboration between oncology nurses and pharmacists to ensure safe and effective care.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Hypericum Species-H. hirsutum, H. barbatum, H. rochelii.

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum, Hypericaceae) is the most well-known species in the genus Hypericum, which comprises several hundred species. This study investigates the biological and phytochemical potential of the under-researched Hypericum species, H. hirsutum, H. barbatum, and H. rochelii. A high level of similarity between the chemical profiles of H. hirsutum and H. barbatum and the official source of the herbal drug (H. perforatum) was shown, but a higher content of quercetin and rutin was also found in all three evaluated species (116-230 µg/g dry herb). The highest amount of phenolics (195 mg GAE/g) was recorded in H. hirsutum extract, while the highest amount of flavonoids (47 mg QE/g) was recorded in H. barbatum extract. The evaluated species were excellent scavengers of DPPH, OH, and NO radicals, as well as strong ferric ion reducers in the FRAP test. Prominent monoamine oxidase A and α-glucosidase inhibition was observed, compared to modest inhibition of monoamine oxidase B, α-amylase, and acetylcholinesterase. High activity against Gram-positive MRSA S. aureus was demonstrated for the tested species, with MIC/MBC values recorded at 12.5 µg/mL. Antifungal activity against Candida strains was not observed. The obtained results emphasize the need for further investigation of species of the genus Hypericum to discover potentially new sources of biologically active compounds.

Determination of natural populations to be included in breeding program in St. John's wort species (Hypericum perforatum L.).

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is a medicinal and aromatic plant of rapidly increasing importance. The cultural production of this species, which is of economic importance due to its medicinal properties, is limited. One of the main ways to increase production is to develop cultivars. Thus, the homogeneous raw material required for a standard product will be provided. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of natural populations to obtain productive cultivars with high hypericin and hyperforin that can meet market demands. In addition to yield and quality values, other characteristic features of the plant such as flower diameter, petal length and petal width, which directly affect productivity, were revealed in the study. The study was conducted under field conditions for two years with three replications. Fresh flower weight among the populations varied between 30.15 and 240.28 g/plant, while the hypericin ratio varied between 51.32 and 105.31 (mg/100 g). The study determined a wide variation among the populations, and the populations with superior characteristics were included in the breeding program.

Expression of Genes Related to Meat Productivity, Metabolic and Morphological Significance of Broiler Chickens with the Use of Nutritional Phytochemicals.

The study aimed to analyze gene expression linked to skeletal muscle growth and lipid metabolism in broiler chickens fed with plant extracts. Five groups of chickens were formed: four experimental groups and one control group. The diets of the experimental groups were supplemented with different plant extracts: chicory, St. John's wort, maral root, and creeping thyme, whereas the control group received feed without phytobiotic compounds. Weekly weighings were conducted (n = 36). The chickens were slaughtered at day 26 for tissue sampling of four birds from each group. Gene expression (MYOG, MSTN, FASN) related to muscle growth and fatty acid synthesis was analyzed using the β-actin ACTB gene as a reference. Blood samples were taken at day 35 for biochemical analysis and anatomical dissection was performed. The study revealed that using plant extracts from chicory, thyme, and maral root increased MYOG gene activity by 4.21, 7.45, and 8.93 times, respectively. T. serpyllum extract boosted the MSTN gene by 10.93 times, impacting muscle growth regulation. FASN gene expression for fatty acid synthesis increased significantly by 18.22-184.12 times with plant extracts. The best results regarding meat productivity of chickens were obtained when using R. carthamoides extract. The results of the study will serve as a basis for further development of a phytocomposition designed to increase the meat productivity of broiler chickens in the production of environmentally safe poultry products.

In vitro cytotoxic evaluation of Hypericum perforatum and molecular docking and dynamic analysis of PINK-1 inhibitors on model organism Tribolium castaneum and Homo sapiens

Hypericum species are especially known for their pharmacological characteristic. One of the major component of the plant is hypericin that can be used in tumor inhibition with its potent cytotoxic effects. In this study, the anticancer effect of H. perforatum essential oil on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line was examined, and the binding potential of the compounds of Hypericum perforatum L., hypericin, hyperoside and hyperforin, to the PINK1 protein of both human and model organism, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) was investigated in silico. Recently, many insect species have been proposed as model organisms, including T. castaneum, that the first species with whole genome sequenced. Worlwide distribution of insects, their environmental importance and realtively inexpensive cultivation have increased the interest in them Therefore, in in silico studies, T. castaneum was used as a model to compare binding similarities with humans and model organisms. In the study, the IC50 concentration of H. perforatum L. on MCF-7 cells was determined to be 98.765 μg/ml. Based on in silico findings, the most favorable binding affinity of -12.5 kcal/mol was observed between the Hypericin molecule and the insect PINK1 protein. The fact that these plant components bind with high energy to the PINK1 protein, which is believed to guard cells from mitochondrial dysfunction triggered by stress, is promising for the development of plant-based medical drugs and biopesticides.

Identification of molecular targets of Hypericumperforatum in blood for major depressive disorder: a machine-learning pharmacological study

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders worldwide. Hypericumperforatum (HP) is a traditional herb that has been shown to have antidepressant effects, but its mechanism is unclear. This study aims to identify the molecular targets of HP for the treatment of MDD.MethodsWe performed differential analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) with blood mRNA expression cohort of MDD and healthy control to identify DEGs and significant module genes (gene list 1). Three databases, CTD, DisGeNET, and GeneCards, were used to retrieve MDD-related gene intersections to obtain MDD-predicted targets (gene list 2). The validated targets were retrieved from the TCMSP database (gene list 3). Based on these three gene lists, 13 key pathways were identified. The PPI network was constructed by extracting the intersection of genes and HP-validated targets on all key pathways. Key therapeutic targets were obtained using MCODE and machine learning (LASSO, SVM-RFE). Clinical diagnostic assessments (Nomogram, Correlation, Intergroup expression), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed for the key targets. In addition, immune cell analysis was performed on the blood mRNA expression cohort of MDD to explore the association between the key targets and immune cells. Finally, molecular docking prediction was performed for the targets of HP active ingredients on MDD.ResultsDifferential expression analysis and WGCNA module analysis yielded 933 potential targets for MDD. Three disease databases were intersected with 982 MDD-predicted targets. The TCMSP retrieved 275 valid targets for HP. Separate enrichment analysis intersected 13 key pathways. Five key targets (AKT1, MAPK1, MYC, EGF, HSP90AA1) were finally screened based on all enriched genes and HP valid targets. Combined with the signaling pathway and immune cell analysis suggested the effect of peripheral immunity on MDD and the important role of neutrophils in immune inflammation. Finally, the binding of HP active ingredients (quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin) and all 5 key targets were predicted based on molecular docking.ConclusionsThe active constituents of Hypericumperforatum can act on MDD and key targets and pathways of this action were identified.

The Antifungal Effects of Hypericum perforatum Nanoemulsion against Candida albicans

Background Oral stomatitis is one of the common infections related to dentures (complete or partial), which is seen in the form of diffuse inflammation, mainly with Candida albicans. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antifungal effects of Hypericum perforatum nanoemulsion against Candida albicans. Materials and Methods The microdilution technique has been used in order to determine the antifungal effects of Hypericum perforatum nanoemulsion. The study has involved four groups: Hypericum perforatum oil, Hypericum perforatum nanoemulsion, distilled water as a negative control, and nystatin as a positive control. The first concentration of nanoemulsion in which no clear fungal growth was observed in the culture medium has been considered as the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the first concentration in which the fungal growth was completely stopped and no fungal growth was observed in the culture medium has been considered as the Minimum Fungicide Concentration (MFC). One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) has been employed to compare the results between the groups. Tukey's post-hoc test has been used to make comparisons between the groups. The significance level has been considered at less than 0.05. Results Both Hypericum perforatum oil and Hypericum perforatum nanoemulsion have been found to exhibit good antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The MIC and the MFC of the nanoemulsion form have been found to be lower than the non-nanoemulsion form (P<0.05). Among the studied groups, the nystatin group had been found to have the best effect (P<0.05). Conclusion Considering the different antifungal mechanisms and also the different resistance mechanisms of nystatin and Hypericum perforatum nanoemulsion, the prepared nanoemulsion can be used to treat and reduce the population of nystatin-resistant Candida albicans strain. However, the efficiency of these materials needs to be confirmed in larger studies on resistant strains.

Exploring the Potential Molecular Mechanism of the Shugan Jieyu Capsule in the Treatment of Depression through Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

Shugan Jieyu Capsule (SJC) is a pure Chinese medicine compound prepared with Hypericum perforatum and Acanthopanacis senticosi. SJC has been approved for the clinical treatment of depression, but the mechanism of action is still unclear. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) were applied in the present study to explore the potential mechanism of SJC in the treatment of depression. TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, and HERB databases were used, and related literature was reviewed to screen the effective active ingredients of Hypericum perforatum and Acanthopanacis senticosi. TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, HERB, and STITCH databases were used to predict the potential targets of effective active ingredients. GeneCards database, DisGeNET database, and GEO data set were used to obtain depression targets and clarify the intersection targets of SJC and depression. STRING database and Cytoscape software were used to build a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of intersection targets and screen the core targets. The enrichment analysis on the intersection targets was conducted. Then the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to verify the core targets. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of core active ingredients were predicted by SwissADME and pkCSM. Molecular docking was performed to verify the docking activity of the core active ingredients and core targets, and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate the accuracy of the docking complex. We obtained 15 active ingredients and 308 potential drug targets with quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and hyperforin as the core active ingredients. We obtained 3598 targets of depression and 193 intersection targets of SJC and depression. A total of 9 core targets (AKT1, TNF, IL6, IL1B, VEGFA, JUN, CASP3, MAPK3, PTGS2) were screened with Cytoscape 3.8.2 software. A total of 442 GO entries and 165 KEGG pathways (p <0.01) were obtained from the enrichment analysis of the intersection targets, mainly enriched in IL-17, TNF, and MAPK signaling pathways. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of the 4 core active ingredients indicated that they could play a role in SJC antidepressants with fewer side effects. Molecular docking showed that the 4 core active components could effectively bind to the 8 core targets (AKT1, TNF, IL6, IL1B, VEGFA, JUN, CASP3, MAPK3, PTGS2), which were related to depression by the ROC curve. MDS showed that the docking complex was stable. SJC may treat depression by using active ingredients such as quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and hyperforin to regulate targets such as PTGS2 and CASP3 and signaling pathways such as IL-17, TNF, and MAPK, and participate in immune inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, neurogenesis, etc.

Thermal analysis of St. John's Wort wastes and biochars: A study of combustion characteristics and kinetics

St. John's wort, extensively utilized in industries such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, generates substantial biomass waste. Utilizing these wastes is crucial to reducing environmental harm and making an economic contribution. This study aimed to determine the potential of St. John's wort wastes and biochar forms produced from these wastes to be used as solid fuel. In this context, the combustion behavior of the biomass and biochar were determined by thermogravimetric analysis method. Additionally, the Kissenger-Akahira-Sunosa and Flynn-Wall-Ozawa techniques were used to compute the combustion activation energies of these samples. According to the analysis, biomass combustion commenced at approximately 250°C and occurred in two stages, whereas biochar combustion initiated at around 400°C and proceeded in a single stage. Furthermore, over 90% of the mass from both samples was observed to decompose during combustion, with average combustion activation energies ranging between 70.08 and 203.86 kJ/mol for biomass and biochar, respectively. These findings suggest that biomass exhibits more readily combustible characteristics compared to biochar but is less energy efficient. In conclusion, optimizing the biochar production process could enhance its energy efficiency and potentially narrow the performance gap between biomass and biochar. Additionally, further research into alternative methods or additives to improve the energy efficiency of biomass combustion is warranted.

Handshake of deep eutectic solvent and ionic liquid: Two liquid-liquid microextraction procedures for plant analysis

Plants are subjects of interest due to the secondary metabolites in their extracts which are promising as new pharmaceuticals. Phytochemistry do not have united system of sample preparation or analysis still due to different structure of plant cells, wide broad range of chemical properties and concentrations of bioactive compounds. Such challenges can be addressed in a green chemistry manner using new approaches through smart materials in routine monitoring and researches. Liquid smart materials, such as ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are attractive due to flexible properties, lots of extraction approaches, recycle potential, and direct compatibility with powerful analytical methods.In this study DES-based microextraction procedure with pH-switching was developed. Four choline chloride DESs were suggested as selective extraction phases for polar compounds from acetonitrile extracts. Method was successfully tested on four plants (Iris sibirica L., Hypericum perforatum L., Scutellaria baicalensis G, Citrus reticulata B.). Developed procedure was optimized and validated for the choline chloride – urea (1:2 mol/mol) DES that demonstrated better results in extraction. LOD for rutin was found as 0.05 mg ml−1. For low-polar compound, imidazolium ionic liquid-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction procedure was developed. 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium salts have demonstrated desired selectivity. The main factors influencing the extraction efficiency have been identified and optimized by design of experiment on two model plants (Iris sibirica L. and Scutellaria baicalensis G.). Validation procedures were done for thymol. LOD for thymol was found as 0.021 mg ml−1.The methods were compared with each other and traditional methanol extraction. The selectivity of the smart materials supports each other, usage of such extraction phases provides same or better results as obtained with methanol.

Active packaging coating based on Ocimum basilicum seed mucilage and Hypericum perforatum extract: Preparation, characterization, application and modeling the preservation of ostrich meat

Fresh meat is prone to spoilage, resulting in health risks and financial losses. Research has explored various edible coatings infused with antioxidants and antibacterial agents to preserve meat freshness. The purpose of this research was therefore to create an innovative edible coating for ostrich meat slices using Ocimum basilicum seed mucilage (OBSM) infused with Hypericum perforatum extract (HPE). The phenolic profile, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of HPE were investigated. The HPE contained significant levels of phenolic (34.48 mg gallic acid/g) and flavonoids (15.44 mg quercetin/g) compounds, which included hyperforin, protopseudohypericin, and hypericin as the primary extract compounds. The HPE also demonstrated potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The HPE (0, 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 %) was combined with OBSM to coat the ostrich meat slices and stabilize their physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties during storage (4 °C, 9 days). The samples coated with OBSM+2.5 %HPE showed lower counts of total viable count (6.20 vs. 7.46 log colony forming unit (CFU)/g), psychrotrophic (4.09 vs. 5.37 log CFU/g), coliform (3.08 vs. 3.62 log CFU/g), and fungi (2.33 vs. 3.36 log CFU/g). Additionally, the coated samples exhibited a lower total color difference and higher moisture content, hardness, and overall acceptance during storage. The comparative analysis revealed that Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) outperformed the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) in terms of precision, demonstrating a superior ability to estimate the experimental data with minimal deviation. The findings of this study indicate that the OBSM+HPE-based edible coating was highly effective in improving the shelf-life of ostrich meat.

Clock protein LHY targets SNAT1 and negatively regulates the biosynthesis of melatonin in Hypericum perforatum.

Hypericum perforatum, also known as "natural fluoxetine," is a commonly used herbal remedy for treating depression. It is unclear whether melatonin in plants regulated by the endogenous circadian clock system is like in vertebrates. In this work, we found that the melatonin signal and melatonin biosynthesis gene, serotonin N-acetyltransferase HpSNAT1, oscillates in a 24-hour cycle in H. perforatum. First, we constructed a yeast complementary DNA library of H. perforatum and found a clock protein HpLHY that can directly bind to the HpSNAT1 promoter. Second, it was confirmed that HpLHY inhibits the expression of HpSNAT1 by targeting the Evening Element. Last, it indicated that HpLHY-overexpressing plants had reduced levels of melatonin in 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle photoperiod, while loss-of-function mutants exhibited high levels, but this rhythm seems to disappear as well. The results revealed the regulatory role of LHY in melatonin biosynthesis, which may make an important contribution to the field of melatonin synthesis regulation.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions between Food or Herbal Products and Oral Anticoagulants: Evidence Review, Practical Recommendations, and Knowledge Gaps.

Interactions between food and oral anticoagulants (OACs), particularly vitamin K antagonists such as warfarin, are widely recognized and may also be clinically relevant for direct OACs. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions with food or herbs can lead to anticoagulation potentiation, increased risk of bleeding, or reduced drug efficacy, all compromising patient safety. We conducted a systematic search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on PubMed for assessments of interactions between OACs and various ingestants. Since the RCT evidence was slim, we also reviewed prospective longitudinal studies, case series, and case reports to identify possible associations between foods and anticoagulation therapy. We referred to basic or translational studies that shared putative explanations for such interactions, but we failed to identify high-quality evidence in most cases. The limited evidence, small sample size of the studies, conflicting results, and possible heterogeneity in the contents of herbal products prevent a conclusive assessment of these interactions. Existing evidence suggests that (1) cranberry juice consumption (up to 240 mL/d and probably even more) with warfarin is safe; (2) use of green leafy vegetables with a high daily content (more than 250 µg) of vitamin K should be cautioned for patients receiving warfarin, because it may decrease warfarin efficacy. It is also advisable for patients to maintain highly constant intake of green leafy vegetables to ensure stable warfarin effectiveness; (3) ginger, even in small quantities (excluding commercial ginger-flavored beverages, which contain only negligible amounts of ginger), and mango (more than one fruit) can both potentiate warfarin effects; (4) patients taking OACs should avoid St. John's wort due to diminished anticoagulant effect; and (5) consumption of less than 240 mL of grapefruit juice daily is unlikely to interact with OACs. Future longitudinal observational cohort studies and RCTs with larger sample sizes are needed to study specific interactions between food or herbal products and OACs.

Enhancment of zebrafish (Danio rerio) immune and antioxidant systems using medicinal plant extracts encapsulated in alginate-chitosan nanocapsules with slow sustained release.

This study aimed to screen 10 medicinal plant extracts on zebrafish (Danio rerio), evaluating their impact on the complement system, immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels, lysozyme, and peroxidase activity, while also enhancing their efficacy through the gradual release using alginate-chitosan nanocapsules. The prepared methanolic extracts were combined with fish feed. The fish were divided into 12 groups, including 10 treatment groups, a positive and a negative control group. Results showed varying impacts of the extracts on the immune and antioxidant systems, with Cinnamon (Cinnamon cassia) and Hypericum (Hypericum perforatum) extracts demonstrating the most significant effects. Subsequently, Cinnamon and Hypericum extract were encapsulated in alginate-chitosan nanocapsules to assess their impact on zebrafish immune parameters, separately and synergistically. Gradual release of the extracts from the nanocapsules was observed, with slower release at pH 2 compared to pH 7. Overall, Cinnamon and Hypericum extracts exhibited substantial immune system enhancement, and their encapsulation in nanocapsules improved their effects on zebrafish immune parameters. These findings suggest using these encapsulated extracts to enhance immune responses in aquatic organisms.