Medicinal Plants Research Articles

Substantiable <i>Eruca sativa</i> biomass: from mass spectrometry to insights for biopharmacotherapy

The use of medicinal plants to treat human ailments has received more attention recently. Eruca sativa (E. sativa; jarjeer) is a very popular edible plant of the Brassicaceae family with remarkable nutritional and therapeutic properties. In this frame, bioactive metabolites derived from E. sativa biomass have captured more attention in pharmacotherapy and biomedicine. This review focuses on recent advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), which have made the characterization of Eruca metabolites, such as glucosinolates and their derivatives, more feasible. Moreover, bio-pharmacological impact, viz. antiulcer, anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial, anti-obesity and hypoglycemic activities, cardiovascular benefits, and neuroprotective effects are discussed. This review concentrates all important research findings on these topics, and stresses upon the activities of chemistry and pharmacological areas. By stressing upon additional investigations, this paper emphasizes and appeals researchers and industrials to attempt a comprehensive knowledge of the pharmacological implications of Eruca species and improve their application in modern medicine.

Nine New Glycosylated Compounds from the Leaves of the Medicinal Plant Malus hupehensis

Nine New Glycosylated Compounds from the Leaves of the Medicinal Plant Malus hupehensis

Integrated approach to predicting habitat suitability and evaluating quality variations of Notopterygium franchetii under climate change.

The impact of climate change on medicinal plants has significantly altered their suitable environments, thereby affecting the quality of herbal medicines. Notopterygium franchetii (N. franchetii), a medicinal plant intricately linked to its natural habitat, exhibits substantial quality variations influenced by the ecological conditions of its native region. In this study, comprehensive field surveys were conducted to gather occurrence records and samples of N. franchetii. The Maxent model and ArcGIS software were employed to predict the suitable habitats of N. franchetii during different time periods. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to establish the chemical fingerprints of 21 sample batches. Fourteen common peaks were subjected to cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis. The findings revealed quality variations correlated with their geographic origins, identifying peaks 10, 1, 14, 3, and 4 as crucial for quality differentiation. The study indicates that precipitation, temperature, and altitude significantly influence the distribution of N. franchetii. Under current climate conditions, the suitable habitat area for N. franchetii is estimated to be approximately 94,637.33 km2. However, projections under three future climate scenarios suggest a declining trend in suitable habitat areas. A quality zoning map of N. franchetii was developed, integrating a correlation model between chemical composition and environmental variables with the spatial analysis and visualization capabilities of ArcGIS. The high-quality regions for N. franchetii are predominantly located in the Gannan, Linxia, Dingxi, Longnan, and Wuwei districts. These research outcomes offer a valuable reference for identifying suitable cultivation areas and assessing the quality of N. franchetii in Gansu Province.

Mapping of Indigenous Knowledge Research in India: A Review of Growth, Emerging Topics and Future Research Directions based on Scientometric Tools

The study of indigenous knowledge in India has evolved over the years and gained significant importance as a vital area of research. This study aimed to explore the evolution of the research landscape on indigenous knowledge in India over the last twenty years (2003-2022), focusing on growth trends and knowledge mapping through Scientometric tools. The study collected 1,980 data from the Scopus database, indexed between 2003 and 2022. Initially, the analysis focused on measuring the research growth and performance of the key players. Then, the study performed scientific knowledge mapping, visualizing the relationships between different concepts and topics within the field. The findings reveal a significant growth in indigenous knowledge research in India. The study also identified key research themes, including traditional medicine, agriculture, biodiversity conservation, etc. In the early two decades, research was conducted on natural resource management, ethnoveterinary practices, ethnomedicine, biodiversity, tribal communities, and traditional healers, etc. The most recent research topics were COVID-19, sustainability, livelihood, ethnopharmacology, climate change, herbal drugs, etc. Research on medicinal plants and ethnobotany was the most influential in the last two decades. Furthermore, the study revealed a highly interconnected network of authors and institutions, with a few key players dominating the field. The study concludes by highlighting the need for further research on indigenous knowledge in India, particularly in areas such as intellectual property rights, geographical identification, preservation, and the role of indigenous knowledge in sustainable development.

Artificial neural network in optimization of bioactive compound extraction: recent trends and performance comparison with response surface methodology.

Plant products and its by-products are rich source of bioactive compounds like antioxidants, flavonoids, phenolics, pigments and phytochemicals. Bioactive compound's health-promoting properties are well studied. However, optimal extraction of bioactive compounds is a complex, labour- and time-intensive process. It is also highly sensitive to experimental variables. Predicting output variables can reduce the experimental work and has positive environmental impact. Various tools such as Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Mathematical modelling have been commonly used for optimization and predictive modelling of the extraction process. Although mathematical modelling and RSM are efficient, recent studies have used Artificial Neural Network (ANN) which is more efficient and accurate and can perform extensive predictions with high accuracy. The manuscript focuses on current trends of ANN application in optimizing the extraction of bioactive compounds. In this study, ANN and RSM have been compared in terms of their performances in optimizing and modelling the extraction of bioactive compounds from herbs, medicinal plants, fruit, vegetables, and their by-products. The findings from the literature indicate that efficiency of ANN was superior to RSM. Future researches can focus on use of ANN in industrial optimization experiments.

Awareness And Current Knowledge Of Medicinal Plants

Abstract Objectives This research attempts to investigate the historical applications of plants for therapeutic reasons, follow the development of these applications, and comprehend the influence of artificial methods on the use of medicinal plants. Methods The study involves the examination of antique writings from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and the Islamic world, as well as a 5,000-year-old Sumerian clay tablet discovered in Nagpur. The study examined historical reports of a number of therapeutic plants, including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cupressus sempervirens, Commiphora myrrha, Cedrus duham, and Papaver somniferum. It also looked at how improved methods of separating active plant components were developed in the early 19th century, as opposed to more crude treatments like tinctures and powders. Key Findings Historical evidence reveals that ancient cultures used a wide variety of plants for medicinal reasons, preparing them in different ways. The development of synthetic methods in the 19th century completely changed the manufacture of pharmaceuticals by making it possible to replicate active ingredients precisely and in large quantities. With more than 250,000 plant species recognized, nature's wide diversity of plant metabolites highlights the importance of plants in both traditional and contemporary medicine. Conclusions The development of contemporary synthetic approaches from traditional plant-based medicines serves as an example of how far medicine has come. While modern techniques have increased the effectiveness and scalability of medicinal manufacturing, the historical usage of plants demonstrates a profound grasp of their curative potential. The vast diversity of plant metabolites continues to be important for health and medicine despite advancements in synthetic approaches, highlighting the ongoing importance of natural resources in pharmaceutical research.

Characterization of Chemical Information and Content Prediction of Dendrobium officinale Based on ATR‐FTIR

ABSTRACTDendrobium officinale is a medicinal and food plant with high commercial and medicinal value. Yunnan is known as China's “plant kingdom,” and although the climatic conditions are favorable, the large vertical climatic differences have led to a large difference in the quality of dendrobium from different origins. The analysis of quality differences between several origins with large ecological advantages has not been reported yet. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare these regions in terms of both morphology and chemical composition and to analyze the variation of their chemical composition in spectral information. The PLS‐DA, SVM, and PLSR models were developed to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate Dendrobium from different production areas. The results show that the Menghai production area was superior to other production areas in terms of phenotypic morphology, quality, and yield. Within the appropriate range, the higher the specific absorbance, the higher the quercetin content.

Dynamic changes of endogenous phytohormones and carbohydrates during spontaneous morphogenesis of Centaurium erythraea Rafn

Common centaury (Centaurium eryhtraea Rafn) is a medicinal plant species with vigorous morphogenic potential in vitro. The process of spontaneous shoot regeneration in a solid root culture is characteristic for this plant species. In this context, the aim of this work was to investigate the dynamic changes of endogenous phytohormones and carbohydrates content in root explants at different time points (0, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 60 days) during spontaneous centaury morphogenesis in vitro. Detailed analysis of cytokinins (CKs) showed that trans-zeatin (tZ) was the major bioactive CK at all time points. The corresponding riboside, tZ9R, was also determined in the majority of the identified transport forms, at all time-points. Further analysis of endogenous auxin revealed a significant increase in endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) after 21 days, when a huge jump in the ratio of IAA/bioactive CKs was also observed. The maximum total soluble sugar content was measured after 14 days, while a significant decrease was determined after 21 days, when the first regenerated adventitious shoots appeared. This undoubtedly indicates an increased energy requirement prior to the actual regeneration of the shoots. The obtained results indicate that the period from day 14 to day 21 involves the most dramatic disturbances in endogenous bioactive CKs, IAA and carbohydrate balance, which are very important and valuable factors for the onset of shoot regeneration.

Phytochemical composition of selected endangered medicinal plants used in traditional Amchi system of medicine in Ladakh region of the western Himalayas: A comprehensive review

Abstract Plants secrete secondary metabolites for purposes like defense, protection from herbivores, tolerance towards stress conditions, etc. These metabolites have been reported to be in high concentration in plants growing in stress conditions. Ladakh, (34 ° 12’ 34.2540” N and 77 ° 36’ 54.4032” E) a union territory in India in the Western Himalayas, experiences a extreme cold and dry climate and harbors an unique biota in the form of medicinal plants. These plants were used by the locals in traditional medicine since ages in what largely known as the Tibetan system of medicine, locally called the Amchi system. Recent studies have shown that these plants have a promising content of secondary metabolites and antioxidants. The plants or natural source could be a good source for alternative medicine as they have low side effects. Till date few of these plants were scientifically studied in relation to their phytochemical constituents. It has been found that these plants are rich in phytochemicals like flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, tannins, terpenes, etc. These phytochemicals were then reported to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer activities, etc. Therefore these plants could be exploited for the treatment of various ailments ranging from gastric, liver, microbial infection and even cancer. Further, in the long run more plants which are yet to be studied need to be reported extensively in the scientific arena in order to make these natural products more beneficial for mankind. The current review focuses only on selected medicinal plants that occur in Ladakh and whose phytochemical constituents were reported in depth. The study tries to have a correlation between traditional Amchi and the plant chemical constituents that reinforces Amchi system as alternative medicine.

Non-native plants invasions public parks, friends or foe?

AbstractNon-native plants (NNPs) are known as alien species, which are brought outside of their natural habitats due to human activity and have an impact on the biodiversity of native plants (NPs). Because parks serve as havens for NNPs, they may pose a threat to them. The present study documented the NNPs conserved in the parks distributed in Cairo and the new settlements surrounding it. Thirty field visits were conducted from spring 2022 to Spring 2023 in 19 parks distributed in the study area. In each park NNPs were recorded. Native range, natural habitats and national geographical distribution, ethnobotanical uses, threats, and human risks were determined for NNPs. The results indicated that 37 wild NNPs belonged to 18 families were recorded in the surveyed gardens. Six species belonged to Tropical America, and other six species belonged to Mediterranean region. All recorded species were distributed in the Nile region. Thirty-six species used as medicinal plants and 31 species for human food. All recorded NNPs were exposed to one or several types of threats in their natural habitats, while 10 species were found to have a toxic effect on humans. Our results showed that the Egyptian botanic and public gardens could play an important role in the future as a source of NNPs that could be used for their contributions to ecosystem functioning and services. Also provides evidence for the essential role of public gardens in the Egyptian Nile Region for plant diversity conservation, as helps conserve wild species from other geographical regions.

Glycosparvine A, a new indole alkaloid from the leaves of Glycosmis parviflora

In the course of our ongoing search for biologically active compounds from medicinal plant, the ethyl acetate extract from the leaves of Glycosmis parviflora (Rutaceae) was investigated. Six compounds including a new indole alkaloid, glycosparvine A (1), and five previously known metabolites (2–6) were identified. The structure of the new compound (1) was unambiguously elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, including 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy and HRESIMS. The absolute configuration of 1 was assigned by comparing its experimental ECD spectra with those reported for similar compound in the literature. Compounds 3 and 6 exhibited moderate inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with IC50 values of 35.1 and 2.8 mM, respectively.

Core-periphery structure of a medicinal botanical system in Uruguay

BackgroundHuman evolution has granted upon an individual’s cognitive mechanisms necessary for remembering experiences, vital for both survival and reproduction. These experiences manifest into cultural traits, influencing human culture, particularly in healthcare and maintenance. Studies regarding medicinal plants and treatments are integral to the study of the medical botanical system. Pharmacopeias highlight the prevalence of specific species widely used, aligning with the “consensus within diversity theory” in evolutionary ethnobiology. Within the framework of this theory, we reflect on the results we’ve achieved in a priority area recognized by UNESCO for its biocultural significance, both locally and regionally.MethodsThis study integrated network analysis and qualitative methods to examine the botanical medical system of “Parque Regional Quebradas del Norte” in Rivera, Uruguay.ResultsStudy results demonstrate a core-periphery structure, with a strongly interconnected core resistant to fragmentation, ensuring structural stability. Additionally, the presence of peripheral nodes throughout the system was identified, enhancing the resilience of the botanical medicinal system against potential disturbances.ConclusionThe core species renowned for their versatility and multiple medicinal uses, treating less severe ailments effectively. Additionally, core plants serve as prototypes for innovations. Their extinction poses a threat to the system’s resilience. Conversely, peripheral plants, though vulnerable, offer possibilities for therapeutic innovations. In the face of environmental change, conservation efforts should prioritize species that are vulnerable to extinction, particularly within the core. Simultaneously, preserving knowledge associated with peripheral plants presents a bicultural conservation strategy, ensuring the botanical system’s robustness among evolving ecological conditions.

Quantitative determination of tannins by titrimetry and spectrophotometry in raw materials of some representatives of the genus Rumex of three growing seasons

Introduction. Study of the chemical composition of medicinal plant raw materials and comparative analysis of the dynamics of accumulation of biologically active substances in related medicinal plants is necessary for the creation of highly effective and safe drugs. Similar metabolome to the officinal representative of the genus Rumex (hereinafter referred to as R.) – R. confertus – the metabolome of species widely distributed in Russia: R. crispus, R. obtusifolius, R. aquaticus, which determines the perspectivity of studying these species. Scientific and practical interest is represented by the study of the group of biologically active substances possessing antibacterial activity – tannins at different phenological stages of plant development.Aim. Quantitative determination of tannins by permanganatometry and spectrophotometry methods in underground organs of R. confertus, R. crispus, R. obtusifolius, R. aquaticus, harvested in different phases of vegetation: regrowth, flowering and withering periods.Materials and methods. Aqueous extracts from underground organs of the studied Rumex species were analyzed. Extractions and solutions obtained during the study were analyzed by permanganatometry, spectrophotometry and HPLC. The compounds from the group of tannins were identified by the wavelength of absorption maximum.Results and discussion. The quantitative content of tannins was evaluated by permanganatometry, spectrophotometry and HPLC.Conclusion. Tannins were detected and quantified in extracts from underground organs of R. confertus, R. crispus, R. obtusifolius, R. aquaticus and the dependence between their quantitative content and vegetation phase was analyzed.

Identification of New Compounds from the Roots of Rubia tibetica Hook. f.

Rubia tibetica Hook. f is a traditional Tibetan medicinal plant, with its roots serving as the primary medicinal part. Two new compounds, Rubiaxylm C and E (1 and 3), and one new natural compound, Rubiaxylm D (2) were isolated from R. tibetica, along with five known compounds (4-8). The structures of the previously undescribed compounds were elucidated by HR-ESIMS, 1D/2D NMR spectroscopic data and electronic circular dichroism calculations. Compound 1 is a rare anthrone substituted with a carbonyl group at position 1. Furthermore, all isolated compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell lines.

A comprehensive analysis of phytochemicals, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and phytoestrogenic properties of different parts of Tribulus terrestris.

Tribulus terrestris L., a medicinal plant rich in secondary metabolites, was studied for optimising bioactive compound extraction from various parts of the plant using ethanol-water (50:50), ethanol, and methanol solvents. Analysis of extracts for key phytochemicals like polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids was performed using HPTLC, HPLC and gas chromatography. The ethanol-water mixture proved best for extracting saponins and polyphenols, ethanol for flavonoids, and methanol for alkaloids. The fruit yielded the highest saponin content (59.34% ± 3.87), while leaves were richest in polyphenols (18.94% ± 1.39), flavonoids (5.15% ± 1.01), and alkaloids (26.46% ± 1.71). Leaf extracts showed the highest antibacterial activity against B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa, and stem extracts were effective against E. coli. Root, stem, and leaf extracts exhibited antifungal activity with leaf extract also demonstrating strong phytoestrogenic activity. These findings highlight the varied phytochemical profiles and biological activities of T. terrestris, suggesting their potential therapeutic uses.

Bioactive Properties of Campomanesia lineatifolia: Correlation Between Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity, Antioxidant Potential and Chemical Composition

Helicobacter pylori is found in the stomach of patients with chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers, infecting approximately half of the world’s population. Current treatment for H. pylori infection involves a multi-drug therapeutic regime with various adverse effects, which leads to treatment abandonment and contributes to the emergence of resistant strains of H. pylori. Previously, we demonstrated that the essential oil of Campomanesia lineatifolia leaves exhibited an anti-H. pylori activity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the phenolic content of the phenolic-rich ethanol extract (PEE) from C. lineatifolia and its anti-H. pylori and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the anti-H. pylori activity was assessed in polar and non-polar fractions from PEE, isolated myricitrin (MYR) and a mixture of myricitrin and quercitrin (MYR/QUER) from polar fractions, and aqueous extract (tea) to correlate the responsible fractions or compounds with the observed activity. Broth microdilution assays were performed to assess the anti-H. pylori activity using type cultures (ATCC 49503, NCTC 11638, both clarithromycin-sensitive) and clinical isolate strains (SSR359, clarithromycin-sensitive, and SSR366, clarithromycin-resistant). The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay. The total tannin and flavonoid contents were determined using the hide-powder method, the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, and the aluminium chloride colourimetric assay, respectively. The tea (MIC 1:100), PEE, polar and non-polar fractions, MYR, and MYR/QUER inhibited the growth of H. pylori strains tested (MIC values ranging from 0.49 to 250 μg/mL). The antioxidant assays revealed that PEE exhibited a higher antioxidant activity (EC50 = 18.47 μg/mL), which correlated to the high phenolic content (tannin and flavonoid, 22.31 and 0.15% w/w, respectively). These findings support the traditional use of C. lineatifolia as a multitarget medicinal plant for treating gastric ulcers and reinforce the potential use of the species as a coadjuvant in therapeutic regimes involving patients with resistant H. pylori infection.

Ethnobotanical study of woody medicinal plants used in the traditional pharmacopoeia in the three sub-division of the Mayo-Tsanaga department (Far North, Cameroon)

Ethnobotanical study of woody medicinal plants used in the traditional pharmacopoeia in the three sub-division of the Mayo-Tsanaga department (Far North, Cameroon)

Composition and Biological Activity of Flavonoid-containing Fractions of an Extract from Gratiola officinalis L.

Gratiola officinalis L. (hedge hyssop), a medicinal plant of the Scrophulariaceae family, has diuretic, purgative, and vermifuge properties. It is used as a herbal tea to treat chronic gastroenteritis, renal colic, jaundice, and intestinal worms. Previously, we have found that an extract from G. officinalis is nontoxic and has antitumor, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, anticachexic, and other properties. Our aims in this study were to separate the G. officinalis extract into individual fractions, to identify the most biologically active fractions, and to examine the chemical composition of these fractions and their biological activity toward A498 renal carcinoma cells. The G. officinalis extract was fractionated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and each fraction was tested for antitumor activity. The active fractions were characterized by UV-visible electron spectral analysis, circular dichroism analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Two antitumor-active fractions of a flavonoid nature were isolated and chromatographically purified. On the basis of the nuclear magnetic resonance data, the aglycone fragment of the main component of one fraction was found to be structured as 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-7-hydroxychroman-4-one, or 3',4'-dimethoxy-7- hydroxyflavanone. The antitumor effect of the most active fraction containing 7-O-glucoside of apigenin, glycoside 7,3'-di-O-luteolin and trace amounts of eupatilin against renal carcinoma A498 cells was manifested in its cytotoxic, cytostatic, apoptotic and autophagosomal activities. In addition, we found 3-(1-2)-glucoside of soyaspogenol B, which is a pentacyclic triterpenoid in the structure.

3-Oxo-11αH-germacra-1(10) E,4Z-dien-12,6α-olide, a sesquiterpene from Artemisia sieversiana, attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation via NF-κB/MAPK pathways and oxidative stress via ROS pathway in RAW264.7 cells.

Inflammation is a vital and normalphysiological response; however, excessive inflammation can contribute to the development of various diseases. Artemisia sieversiana, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, contains a variety of chemical compounds. One such compound, 3-oxo-11αH-germacra-1(10)E,4Z-dien-12,6α-olide, a germacranolide sesquiterpenoid (germacranolide, GMO), has not been thoroughly investigated regarding its potential anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of GMO were investigated for the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells. It was demonstrated that GMO effectively suppressed the production of inflammatory mediators, decreased the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, GMO exhibited the capacity to mitigate oxidative damage induced by LPS, as indicated by assessments of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential. In summary, GMO possesses significant anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the NF-κB/MAPK pathway and antioxidant effects by regulating ROS production.

Herbal medicine use in patients seeking treatment in emergency departments

To ascertain the extent of toxicological profiles around their medical use, herbal medicine use problems need to be consistently traced for consumer safety. Medical information regarding botanical use in various diseases or disorders, as well as adverse/toxicological effects of the botanicals, was sourced from scientific databases. Patients who request medical care at hospitals may be using at least one formulation of botanicals at the time of the visit, and some of the used medicinal plant products possess the potential to be the cause of toxicity as well as herb–conventional drug interactions. Emergency healthcare providers must be aware of some potential adverse events that may be seen in admitted emergency department patients when the herbal medicine is used alone or concomitantly with conventional medicine. Moreover, emergency healthcare providers must be knowledgeable of herbal medicine practices to ensure that optimal treatments will be selected for these patients.