Medicinal Remedies Research Articles

Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) and Natural Remedies for Treatment of the Common Cold and Flu.

Traditional Iranian medicine is usually used for both prevention and relief of cold and flu symptoms in China, Iran, and many other Asian countries all over the world. There are 4 kinds of influenza viruses. Unlike type B, which may cause seasonal epidemics, type A viruses can cause pandemics, and influenza C may lead to mild human infection with little public health effects. A literature review was done by using multiple databases such as ISI Web of knowledge, PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. The most notable antiviral medicinal plants for flu and cold are honeysuckle flowers, thyme leaf, green chiretta, andrographis, peppermint oil and leaf and calendula. The most important expectorant medicinal plants for cold and flu are snake root, tulsi, licorice root, slippery elm, clove, and sage leaf. Recommended immunostimulant medicinal plants for cold and flu are eucalyptus, Echinacea root, ginseng, garlic, slippery elm, marshmallow, Usnea lichen, Isatis root, ginger root, and myrrh resin. Iranian traditional medicine, which is one of the oldest schools of traditional medicine, is one of the main concepts of disease and health, and it can be considered as an important complementary and alternative medicine, as in some cases, modern medicine has many side effects, low efficiency, and high costs. Medicinal plants and herbs, which are included in many traditional systems, have significant and promising bioactive components in organic life.

Anabasis articulata (Forssk.) Moq. food aqueous extract triggers oxidative stress-induced senescence and reduces metastatic power in MDA-MB-231 cells

Ancient ethnobotanical practices handed down through traditional knowledge are still commonly employed to treat various pathologies, although the scientific reasons underlying their biological effects have not been clarified yet. In this contribution, the potential antitumoral activity of the aqueous extract from A. articulata (AAE) was investigated to validate the hypothesis of the Algerian folk medicine which would suggest this plant derivative as a functional food for treating breast cancer. A. articulata phytocomplex, isolated by maceration following exactly the African recipe, has been already characterized by our research group in previous works. Thus, the antiproliferative function of AAE against MDA-MB-231, a highly aggressive human breast adenocarcinoma cell line, was evaluated. Slowing down of cell growth, absence of cytotoxicity and DNA fragmentation, and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase were observed after treatment with AAE at different doses (0.3–6 mg of dried plant material equivalent per mL of culture medium) for 24 and 48 h. Wound and transwell assays proved that AAE possessed both antimigration and antiinvasive capacities, evidence also supported by molecular analyses focused on Metalloproteases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), Vimentin and ανβ3-Integrin. These results, together with the demonstration of the activation of p53/p21WAF1/Cip1/p27Kip1 pathway and the increase of oxygen reactive species levels, suggested that AAE triggered a senescence process. The final confirmation was obtained by a specific kit staining senescent cells. All our data would explain the efficacy of the Algerian medicinal remedy based on the intake of the investigated functional plant food and would highlight the basics for developing novel natural pharmacological products based on AAE and showing preventive and therapeutic antineoplastic potentialities against highly aggressive breast cancers.

Development and characterisation of buccal dispersible film, syrup and effervescent granules of extemporaneous antigout remedy

Homemade medicinal remedies used to treat both acute and chronic ailments for centuries need to be transformed into modern evidence-based dosage forms. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop buccal dispersible film, syrup and effervescent granules of an extemporaneous antigout homemade remedy. The dosage forms were prepared using holistic remedy (HR) as an active entity and excipients masking disagreeable features. The dosage forms and HR were subjected to physicochemical evaluation, and standardised by a reversed-phase HPLC method using chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, vanillin, and ferulic acid as analytical standards. The standardised dosage forms were investigated for antigout activity using an appropriate model. The dosage forms were found to be physically elegant and phytochemically aligned with HR. The developed dosage forms contained the selected markers and possessed antigout activity. Hence, these standardised and evidence-based dosage forms may have wider acceptance in the market compared to HR.

Detection of isoflavones and phytoestrogen-rich plant extracts binding to estrogen receptor β using a yeast-based fluorescent assay

Alchemilla vulgaris L., Trifolium pratense L. and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. are important remedies in traditional medicine, known for many usages, including treating gynecological diseases. Despite folkloric use of the plant materials, there is a lack of scientific data to support their therapeutic application. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the relative binding affinities (RBAs) of plant-derived phytoestrogens for estrogen receptor β (ERβ) using fluorescent biosensor in yeast and to apply this assay for the assessment of the potential of plant materials towards ERs and treatment of estrogen-related disorders. Ligand-binding domain of ERβ fused with yellow fluorescent protein (ERβ LBD-YFP) was expressed in S. cerevisiae and fluorescence was detected by fluorimetry and fluorescence microscopy. Structural basis for experimental results was explored by molecular docking. Yeast-based fluorescent assay was successfully optimized and applied for identification of natural phenolic compounds and phytoestrogen-rich plant extracts that interact with ERβ-LBD, making this biosensor a valuable tool for screening estrogenic potential of a variety of plant extracts. This assay can be used for preliminary testing of plant-derived or fungal extracts, but also other sources of environmental substances with ER-modulating activity in order to assess their possible effects on the female reproductive system.

Protective activities of silver nanoparticles containing Panax japonicus on apoptotic, inflammatory, and oxidative alterations in isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity

Abstract Panax japonicus has long been utilized as an herbal remedy in Chinese traditional medicine for treating various diseases. In this investigation, we present the environmentally friendly silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis by the aqueous extract of P. japonicas to follow its cardioprotective effects. Through various analytical methods, we identified the nanoparticles (NPs). Our XRD findings revealed the formation of Ag@P. japonicus, while FE-SEM imagery indicated a spherical shape, with NPs measuring less than 40 nm. The UV–Vis and FT-IR spectroscopy confirm the green synthesis of Ag@P. japonicus. In the medicinal section, 45 Wistar rats were utilized. These groups consisted of a normal group, a group that was solely treated with isoproterenol for inducing myocardial infarction, and two groups that were pretreated with AgNPs at different doses for 14 days. These pretreated groups were then challenged with isoproterenol. The expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and other downstream inflammatory and apoptotic mediators were followed. Additionally, the expression of Keap1, Nrf2, ECG, cardiac markers, and other downstream antioxidant enzymes were assessed. Treatment with AgNPs ameliorated the apoptosis, inflammation, and myocardial autophagy, regulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, increased the antioxidant enzyme efficacies, and activated the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. The findings suggest that AgNPs may have a cardioprotective efficacy on myocardial infarction by mitigating the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, GST, GPx, GSH, SOD, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, Bax, Bcl2, caspase-9, caspase-3, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Furthermore, the treatment decreased the infarct region size, attenuated the cardiac indicators levels, and mitigated immune cell infiltration and myocardial necrosis.

Documentation on traditional medicine used for Menstrual Disorders among The Poumai-Naga Women in Senapati District, Manipur

Menstruation is a natural and biological phenomenon in women of reproductive age. It is often associated with certain disorders. Millions of women across the globe are challenged with social stigmas and taboos related to menstruation. This paper aims to assess and compare the menstrual health information between rural and urban areas and explore the herbal medicine used by the Poumai-Naga community to combat menstrual disorders. Respondents included 5 traditional medicine practitioners and 230 women. An interview and survey questionnaire were employed to meet the objectives. After cross checking from literature published in menstrual disorders from different states of India and abroad, nine medicinal plants were noted to be extensively used by the people. Rhododendron arboreum Sm. was not found to be reported in any of the literature to treat menstrual disorders. Results also showed that women heavily rely on and prefer traditional medicine and home remedies over modern medicine. Though Traditional Herbal Medicine is used globally, it may come with undocumented risks. And therefore, it is recommended to test and validate every potential herb passing through the proper channel for proper and safe use.

Macleaya cordata Extract Inhibits LPS-Induced IPEC-J2 Inflammation Through TLR4-Mediated NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways

Objectives: The Macleaya cordata has long been utilized as a traditional medicinal remedy for treating inflammation in certain countries, and it is also being considered as a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in livestock breeding. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory characteristics have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we assessed the anti-inflammatory effects of the Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) and elucidated the molecular mechanism in the porcine intestinal epithelial cell line J2 (IPEC-J2) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: The IPEC-J2 cells were pretreated with various concentrations of MCE (50 ng/mL, 100 ng/mL, and 150 ng/mL) prior to stimulation with LPS to induce of inflammation. Subsequently, the secretion levels and mRNA expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10 were assessed. The impact of MCE on the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways was investigated. Results: The results demonstrated that MCE significantly suppressed the production and mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-induced IPEC-J2 cells, while promoting the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, it down-regulated the phosphorylation of NF-κB (p65) and attenuated the expression of phosphorylated JNK, ERK, and p38 MAPKs in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, MCE downregulated the expression of TLR4 and MyD88, which serve as crucial upstream signaling molecules. The findings of this study suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of MCE is attributed to its ability to regulate inflammatory cytokines and mediators by inhibiting the TLR4-mediated NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Conclusions: Therefore, MCE holds promise as a potential therapeutic and preventive agent for managing inflammatory reactions and diseases in livestock and poultry breeding, warranting further investigation.

Antidiabetic Effect Test of Ethanol Extract of Cep Cepan Leaf (Saurauia cauliflora Dc.) in Male Mouse (Mus musculus) Streptozotocin Induced

<div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"><tbody><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><p><em>Cep-cepan leaves (Saurauia cauliflora DC.) have an antidiabetic effect due to the flavonoid compounds contained in them. As an antidiabetic so that it can be an alternative treatment for diabetes that is beneficial to improve quality of life, control diabetes and efficiency of medical costs. The approach employed in addressing antidiabetes involves the exploration of novel antidiabetic chemicals derived from medicinal plants. The Karo people in Medan, North Sumatra frequently utilize the cep-cepan plant (Saurauia Cauliflora DC.), a member of the Fagaceae family, as a medicinal remedy. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact and optimal dosage of cep cepan leaves produced by Saurauia cauliflora DC. The present study employs an experimental design utilizing a one-group pretest-posttest design. The study was carried out in Langkat Regency between May and December 2023. The population in this study was cep cepan as much as 5kg. The research sample was 3kg of cep cepan leaves taken by purposive sampling which had been dried. The dried cep cepan leaves were then blended to obtain a fine powder. Rats used in this study were rats that had blood glucose levels >200 mg/dl. Data analysis with the post hoc test used was the Mann-Whitney U Test, processing research data using SPSS software version 23. The results showed that the administration of Cep Cepan (Saurauia cauliflora DC.) leaf extract to mice (Mus musculus) at a dose of 200 mg/kg Body Weight/day for 12 days can reduce blood glucose levels in Balb/C male mice (Mus musculus) which is equivalent to glibenclamide.</em></p><p><em> </em></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><strong><em>Keywords: Diabetes Mellittus, Mus Musculus ,Saurauia cauliflora Dc, Streptozotocin</em></strong>

Oxidative Stress in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 and Its Attenuation by Herbal Remedies in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Systematic Review.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that gives rise to motor incoordination and progressive functional disabilities. Although pharmacological interventions have revealed promising prospects in the management of SCA3, adverse effects may become unbearable. The use of herbal remedies in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may serve as potential alternative medicines to delay the progression of the disease. This systematic review is intended to identify, appraise, and summarize the findings of studies pertaining to the therapeutic roles of herbal remedies in TCM targeting oxidative stress in the management of SCA3. A literature search for relevant articles published from 1 January 2013 to 30 June 2023 in three databases, namely PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, was carried out according to the procedures of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A total of ten preclinical studies met the inclusion criteria of the systematic review. We recognized the therapeutic potential of Brassica napus, Codonopsis pilosula, Curcuma sp., Gardenia jasminoides, Gastrodia elata, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza inflata, Hericium erinaceus, Hyptis sp., Paeonia lactiflora, Panax ginseng, Poria cocos, Pueraria lobata, Rehmannia glutinosa, and Scrophularia ningpoensis. We identified the types of preclinical models expressing polyglutamine (polyQ) expanded mutant protein (mATXN3), inducers of oxidative stress that mimic the SCA3 pathogenesis, and effective doses of the herbal remedies. The modes of action contributing to the attenuation of oxidative stress are activation of antioxidant pathways, ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy, regulation of apoptosis, proinflammatory signaling pathway and chaperones, regulation of mitochondrial function and biogenesis, and restoration of neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. In conclusion, herbal remedies in TCM may possibly delay the progression of SCA3, therefore providing justification for clinical trials.

Lychee (Lychee chinensis Sonn.), composition and possible applications

Objective: to mention the importance of the bioactive compounds and fatty acids (FA) present in lychee, in addition to their possible applications Lychee is a fruit originally from Asia, which has sweet pulp and juice, presents an attractive appearance and pleasant flavor, in addition to high nutritional value, so that it is quite accepted by consumers. Lychee is a great source of bioactive compounds such as tannins and vitamin B1. Because of its functionality, it has various uses as in the preparation of teas and medicinal remedies. Because of the functionality it has, it is important to research this fruit in detail and to find possible applications. Therefore, the objective of this study.

Закономерности в распределении химических элементов в листьях березы

Биологическая активность лекарственного растительного сырья и фитопрепаратов обусловлена комплексом биологически активных веществ и химических элементов. Исследование влияния условий призрастания на состав, содержание химических элементов в лекарственных растениях, лекарственном растительном сырье является актуальным. Особый интерес вызывает исследование закономерностей в распределении химических элементов в лекарственных растениях, лекарственном растительном сырье и возможность использования выявленных закономерностей для установления подлинности и чистоты сырья. Объект нашего исследования — листья березы, собранные в экологически чистой зоне и в зонах с различной степенью антропогенной нагрузки. Состав и содержание элементов анализировали методом ИСП–МС (масс-спектрометр ELAN DRC-е ICP-MS, оптико-эмиссионный спектрометр Agilent 715 ICP–OES). Статистическая обработка результатов химического анализа проведена в программе Microsoft ® Excel 2010. Сопоставление концентраций 60 элементов проводили с применением метода наименьших квадратов. Сравнительный анализ логарифмов концентраций в листьях березы, собранных из мест произрастания, различающихся по степени антропогенной нагрузки, показал сильную корреляционную связь между ними (r=0,99; R2=0,9). Диаграмма, отражающая периодическую зависимость логарифма концентраций химических элементов, представляет собой элементный профиль листьев березы и может быть использована для установления их подлинности и чистоты.

Medicinal herbal remedies in neurodegenerative diseases: an update on antioxidant potential.

It has been widely documented that medicinal herbal remedies are effective, have fewer side effects than conventional medicine, and have a synergistic effect on health collaborations in the fight against complicated diseases. Traditional treatments for neurological problems in ancient times sometimes involved the use of herbal remedies and conventional methods from East Asian countries including India, Japan, China, and Korea. We collected and reviewed studies on plant-derived neuroprotective drugs and tested them in neurotoxic models. Basic research, preclinical and clinical transgene research can benefit from in silico, in vitro, and in vivo investigations. Research, summaries of the extracts, fractions, and herbal ingredients were compiled from popular scientific databases, which were then examined according to origin and bioactivity. Given the complex and varied causes of neurodegeneration, it may be beneficial to focus on multiple mechanisms of action and a neuroprotection approach. This approach aims to prevent cell death and restore function to damaged neurons, offering promising strategies for preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative illnesses can potentially be treated with natural compounds that have been identified as neuroprotective agents. To gain deeper insights into the neuropharmacological mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective and therapeutic properties of naturally occurring antioxidant phytochemical compounds in diverse neurodegenerative diseases, this study aims to comprehensively review such compounds, focusing on their modulation of apoptotic markers such as caspase, Bax, Bcl-2, and proinflammatory markers. In addition, we delve into a range of efficacies of antioxidant phytochemical compounds as neuroprotective agents in animal models. They reduce the oxidative stress of the brain and have been shown to have anti-apoptotic effects. Many researches have demonstrated that plant extracts or bioactive compounds can fight neurodegenerative disorders. Herbal medications may offer neurodegenerative disease patients' new treatments. This may be a cheaper and more culturally appropriate alternative to standard drugs for millions of people with age-related NDDs.

Utilization of Complementary Medicine among Patients with Cardiovascular Disease in Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) has been widely used globally, but limited data are available on the use of CAM in Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). The present study aimed to evaluate CAM use in CVD patients. The present cross-sectional study was performed in Shiraz, Iran, during the summer of 2021. Cardiovascular patients aged ≥ 18 years were included in the study. Demographic information on left ventricular ejection fraction and satisfaction with CAM utilization was collected using validated questionnaires. A total of 304 patients (194 males and 110 females) were recruited for this study. The frequency of patients identified as CAM users was 56.9% (n = 173). Patients with implanted pacemakers were less likely to use CAM than others (OR = 0.50, p = 0.031). Meanwhile, the likelihood of CAM utilization was approximately 2 and 4 times higher in the patients categorized in class I of the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification compared to those in the second and third classes, respectively. Most CAM users used herbs, dietary supplements, and praying to prevent diseases, while Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) remedies and acupuncture were more commonly used to treat acute and chronic illnesses, respectively. Praying for health, herbal therapy, and dietary supplementation were the most popular CAM types utilized by Iranian CVD patients. However, future investigations seem to be required to determine the exact physiological impacts, probable adverse effects, and long-term benefits of CAM therapies in this population.

Ethno-Medico-Botanical Studies of Plant Resources of Beed District, Maharashtra, India: Retrospect and Prospects

The Beed district of Maharashtra, India, harbors a rich repository of ethnobotanical knowledge regarding medicinal plants. This review delves into the traditional wisdom of local communities, documenting the therapeutic applications of 191 plant species belonging to 61 families. The study reveals a diverse array of medicinal remedies derived from various plant parts, with leaves being the most commonly utilized. Skin diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory infections, and fever emerged as the primary ailments treated with these plant-based remedies. This comprehensive review underscores the urgent need for further ethnobotanical exploration within the district to meticulously document the traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants and rigorously validate their efficacy through scientific investigation. Delving into the secrets of these medicinal plants might unveil a wealth of novel herbal remedies, all while protecting these invaluable natural treasures.

An ethnoveterinary study on medicinal plants used by the Bai people in Yunlong County northwest Yunnan, China

BackgroundThe Bai people in Yunlong County, northwest Yunnan, China, have used medicinal plants and traditional remedies for ethnoveterinary practices. The Bai have mastered ethnoveterinary therapeutic methods in livestock breeding since ancient times. The Bai’s traditional ethnoveterinary knowledge is now facing extinction, and their unique ethnoveterinary practices have rarely been recorded. This study documented animal diseases, EMPs, and related traditional knowledge in Yunlong County, China.MethodsEthnobotanical fieldwork was conducted in six villages and townships of Yunlong County between 2021 and 2022. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews, participatory observations, and keyperson interviews. A total of 68 informants were interviewed, and the informant consensus factor and use reports (URs) were used to evaluate the current ethnoveterinary practices among the local communities. Information on livestock diseases, medicinal plants, and traditional ethnoveterinary medicine knowledge were also obtained.ResultsA total of 90 plant species belong to 51 families, 84 genera were recorded as being used as EMPs by the Bai people, and Asteraceae plants are most frequently used. A total of 68 informants were interviewed, including 58 men (85.3%) and 10 women (14.7%). The most commonly used EMPs parts included the roots, whole plants, leaves, and stems, and the common livestock diseases identified in this field investigation included trauma and fracture, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, parasitic diseases, miscellaneous, venomous snake bites, reproductive diseases, infectious diseases, skin disease, and urinary diseases. Most of the EMPs are herbs (77.78%). Courtyard is one of the habitats of medicinal plants in Yunlong County.ConclusionTraditional knowledge of ethnoveterinary medicine is related to the local sociocultural characteristics of the Bai. Plants are used in cultural traditions, which, in turn, nourish the plant culture. Cultural diversity and biodiversity are interdependent. This traditional knowledge is at risk of disappearance because of the increasing extension of Western veterinary medicine, lifestyle changes, and mainstream cultural influences. Therefore, it is important to continue research on ethnoveterinary practices.

Anti-Tumor Activities/Alternative Therapy of Some Selected Nigerian Medicinal Plants

Cancer is a high mortality disease of public concern. Effectiveness of chemotherapy is often limited by toxicity to untargeted tissues among other serious side’s effects. Alternative therapy such as herbal remedies for cancer, which may have the potential to offer more efficacy and less side effects have, however, not been rigorously studied or tested. The Aim of this present study therefore was to validate the anti-cancer properties (using tumor cells) of some selected Nigerian medicinal herbal remedies used by the population in Watsilla, Michika LGA. Phytochemical analysis, Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the selected medicinal plants were carried out as preliminary studies. The selected herbal extracts revealed the presence of alkaloid, essential oil, phenol, glycosides, flavonoid, tanin, terpenoid, proteins and saponins. The medicinal plants demonstrated good antioxidant activity with IC50 ranging from 0.42-0.54 which is lower than IC50 of Ascorbic acid (IC50 0.60 and 0.66) in both DPPH and H2O2 free radical scavenging activity model used in this study.The brine shrimp toxicity results, a preliminary anti-cancer studies, indicated that 100% of the plant extracts tested had LC50 values lower than 1000 μg/mL; Heamatostaphisbarteri (LC50 23.31μg/mL),Cyanoglossum officinal’(LC50 50.32μg/mL), Ximenia americana (LC5086.57μg/mL) and Anchus officinalis(LC50 54.37μg/mL), are excellently none toxic and surely have no obvious danger of outright toxicity during acute exposure. Thus, from the analysis it was concluded that, thesemedicinal plants demonstrated good phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activities and notoxicity on brine shrimp, with a potential to reducing the risk of tumor causing diseases, thereby confirming folkloric information of the usage of the plant as a remedy for common maladies like tumors that lead to various cancers.From the results it was found that the antimicrobial, antioxidant and antitumor activities showed better results than the standard. Bergenin has been found to have some antimicrobial, antioxidants and anti-tumor activities. Key words: Medicinal plants, pyhtochemistry, anti-tumor, antioxidant activity, chemotherapy.

Frankincense preparation promotes formation of inflammation-resolving lipid mediators by manipulating lipoxygenases in human innate immune cells.

Introduction: Frankincense preparations are frequently used as traditional anti-inflammatory remedies in folk medicine with increasing popularity. Boswellic acids (BAs), especially 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-βBA (AKBA), are unique anti-inflammatory principles of frankincense, with multiple pharmacological actions and target proteins. We recently showed that AKBA favorably impacts lipid mediator (LM) networks in innate immune cells, by modulation of lipoxygenase (LOX) activities. Thus, AKBA binds to allosteric sites in 5-LOX, shifting the regiospecificity to a 12/15-lipoxygnating enzyme, and to an analogous site in 15-LOX-1, leading to enzyme activation, which favors specialized pro-resolving mediator (SPM) formation at the expense of leukotriene production. Methods: Here, we investigated Boswellin super® (BSR), a commercially available frankincense extract with ≥30% AKBA, used as remedy that approved efficacy in osteoarthritis trials, for its ability to modulate LM pathways in human monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) phenotypes, neutrophils, and neutrophil/platelet co-incubations. LM profiling was performed by using targeted ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-MS). Results: BSR concentration-dependently (10-100μg/ml) suppressed formation of pro-inflammatory 5-LOX products including LTB4 in exotoxin-stimulated M1-MDM and neutrophils, and strongly elevated 12/15-LOX products and SPM in activated M2-MDM and neutrophil/platelet cocultures, starting at 10μg/mL. Also, BSR (≥10μg/mL) induced robust 12/15-LOX product and SPM generation in resting M2-MDM, which was further markedly elevated when exogenous docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosahexaenoic acid (EPA) were supplied, and induced translocation of 15-LOX from a soluble to a particulate locale in M2 MDM. Discussion: We conclude that BSR especially when co-added with DHA and EPA, promotes the LM class switch in innate immune cells from pro-inflammatory to pro-resolving mediators, which might be a plausible mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory actions of BSR.

Chemical Composition, Anti-bacterial Activity and Molecular Docking Studies of Essential Oil Isolated from Sa Sam Nam (Launaea sarmentosa).

Launaea sarmentosa, also known as Sa Sam Nam, is a widely used remedy in Vietnamese traditional medicine and cuisine. However, the chemical composition and bioactivity of its essential oil have not been elucidated yet. In this study, we identified 40 compounds (98.6% of total peak area) in the essential oil via GC-MS analysis at the first time. Among them, five main compounds including Thymohydroquinone dimethyl ether (52.4%), (E)-α-Atlantone (9.0%), Neryl isovalerate (6.6%), Davanol D2 (isomer 2) (3.9%), and trans-Sesquisabinene hydrate (3.9%) have accounted for 75.8% of total peak area. The anti-bacterial activity of the essential oil against 4 microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa has also investigated via agar well diffusion assay. The results showed that the essential oil exhibited a strong antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis with the inhibition zones ranging from 8.2 to 18.7 mm. To elucidate the anti-bacterial effect mechanism of the essential oil, docking study of five main compounds of the essential oil (Thymohydroquinone dimethyl ether, (E)-α-Atlantone, Neryl isovalerate, Davanol D2 (isomer 2), and trans-Sesquisabinene hydrate) against some key proteins for bacterial growth such as DNA gyrase B, penicillin binding protein 2A, tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase, and dihydrofolate reductase were performed. The results showed that the main constituents of essential oil were highly bound with penicillin binding protein 2A with the free energies ranging -27.7 to -44.8 kcal/mol, which suggests the relationship between the antibacterial effect of essential oil and the affinity of main compounds with penicillin binding protein. In addition, the free energies of main compounds of the essential oil with human cyclooxygenase 1, cyclooxygenase 2, and phospholipase A2, the crucial proteins related with inflammatory response were less than diclofenac, a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug. These findings propose the essential oil as a novel and promising anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory medicine or cosmetic products.

The Ethno-pharmaceuticals Fighting UTI-Resistant Bacteria: Synergistic Potential Exploration

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a pressing global health concern, exacerbated by the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Bioprospecting, involving the exploration of natural resources for therapeutic potential, offers a promising approach to tackling this challenge. Ethnopharmaceuticals, traditional medicinal practices and remedies from indigenous communities, present a valuable source for discovering novel bioactive compounds. This review comprehensively evaluates the bioprospecting of ethnopharmaceuticals and their synergistic potential against antibiotic-resistant UTIs. Drawing from existing literature, we analyze a diverse range of ethnopharmaceuticals, elucidating their mechanisms of action and experimental evidence supporting synergistic interactions. Ethno-pharmaceuticals encompass various plant-based extracts, traditional herbal remedies, and indigenous healing practices utilized across generations to manage infections. We examine the scientific evidence supporting their efficacy in treating UTIs, clarifying their bioactive components and modes of action. Integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific methodologies is crucial to addressing contemporary health challenges. By harnessing the synergistic potential of ethno-pharmaceuticals, we can develop alternative therapies for UTIs, offering hope for improved treatment outcomes amidst antibiotic resistance.

Editor's Summaries of the Articles Published in This Issue of Phytopharmacological Communications

In this issue, Hussain and colleagues investigated the chemical composition, antioxidant and anticancer potential of Anchusa arvensis, Shah and colleagues performed the in vitro and in silico evaluation of the antileishmanial potential of isolated compounds from Ifloga spicata, Nida Saleem and Yu-Cheng Chen compiled and reviewed the medicinal remedies for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Sultan and colleagues investigated the antibacterial properties of turmeric extract and different antibiotics against Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria while Sana Robab and Nida Saleem reviewed and discussed their search for the natural remedies for the treatment of dry cough.