Natural Herbal Compounds Research Articles

Comparison Study of Aloin-Curcumin Nanoparticles by Taking 2 Different Ratios and Analyses by Using Drug Design Experimental Study.

Numerous chemopreventive drugs like aloin and curcumin have demonstrated potential effects in cancer treatment; however, their efficacy is limited by low bioavailability. Thus, the primary goal of this research was to formulate a unique method by using the herbal drugs synergistically and improve the bioavailability of these anticancer drugs here, using the nanoprecipitation method for two well-active constituents of known natural herbal compounds. Aloin (AL)-curcumin (CUR) were co-loaded into polymeric nanoparticles made of poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) and surfactant-polyvinyl alcohol, with the experiment’s response being evaluated using Stat-Ease software. To create dual-loaded nanoparticles containing aloin and curcumin, using different ratios sand optimizing the best formulation. (60:120). For aloin curcumin, optimize the better formulation with controlled release formulation having less than 100 nm size of particle and drug entrapment was 86.09% while for (60:60) of aloin -curcumin having 99.1 nm particle size of drug and encapsulation efficiency was 72.05%.

In vivo anthelmintic effect of Artemisia annua L. on oxyurid nematodes of laboratory mice

Oxyurids are common intestinal parasites of mammals, and they are the cause of recurrent helminthic infections, especially in children Hence natural herbal compounds are necessary for a repeatable cure. This study aimed to investigate the antinematodal effect of Artemisia annua L. n-hexane extract on oxyurids in vivo. In this study, A. annua L. n-hexane extract was applied to mice naturally infected with Syphacia obvelata and Aspiculuris tetraptera species orally at 300, 600, and 1200 mg/kg doses for seven days and the change occurring in the number of oxyurid eggs was investigated by the fecal flotation method. The nematodes in the necropsy were compared on the 8th day in all groups in terms of number, gender, and species. Albendazole (ABZ) was applied at a 5 mg/kg dose for three days as positive drug control, and corn oil was used as solvent control. The arithmetic mean of oxyurid eggs counted in fecal flotation 43.51% decrease in the drug control ABZ group and showed a 21.12% increase in the A. annua 1200 mg/kg group on the last day of application. When compared with the corn oil group, a 34.08%, 34.76% and 36.91% decrease in ABZ 5 mg/kg, A. annua 300 mg/kg and A. annua 1200 mg/kg group respectively were found in their necropsies in terms of nematode number. Non-polar compounds of A. annua L., very low concentration of ABZ and as a dilution solvent corn oil are probably responsible for this result.

In Silico Prediction of Potential Inhibitors for Targeting RNA CAG Repeats via Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation: A Drug Discovery Approach.

Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a rare neurological illness inherited dominantly that causes severe impairment and premature mortality. While each rare disease may affect individuals infrequently, collectively they pose a significant healthcare challenge. It is mainly carried out due to the expansion of RNA triplet (CAG) repeats, although missense or point mutations can also be induced. Unfortunately, there is no cure; only symptomatic treatments are available. To date, SCA has about 48 subtypes, the most common of these being SCA 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, and 17 having CAG repeats. Using molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, this study seeks to investigate effective natural herbal neuroprotective compounds against CAG repeats, which are therapeutically significant in treating SCA. Initially, virtual screening followed by molecular docking was used to estimate the binding affinity of neuroprotective natural compounds toward CAG repeats. The compound with the highest binding affinity, somniferine, was then chosen for MD simulation. The structural stability, interaction mechanism, and conformational dynamics of CAG repeats and somniferine were investigated via MD simulation. The MD study revealed that during the simulation period, the interaction between CAG repeats and somniferine stabilizes and results in fewer conformational variations. This in silico study suggests that Somniferine can be used as a therapeutic medication against RNA CAG repeats in SCA.

Natural Herbal Compounds Exerting an Antidepressant Effect through Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Regulation.

Depression is a common mental illness that damages the life and health of patients and causes economic burden, and HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis dysfunction is considered to be one of the important factors leading to depression. In this case, it is essential to explore possible treatment methods by using natural compounds with HPA axis regulating and antidepressant effects. However, no one has reviewed it so far. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to systematically sort out the related natural products that play an antidepressant role by regulating the function of the HPA axis. Natural products are divided into flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, saponins, polysaccharides and so on according to their chemical structures, which play a variety of biological activities such as regulating the HPA axis, anti-inflammation and neuroprotection. These effects may provide a useful reference for the potential treatment of depression so as to develop new antidepressants.

An Investigation of the Knowledge and Preferences of Parents About Dental Preventive Practices

Objective: Dental caries poses a significant health concern affecting, 60%-90% of children globally. While fluoride is widely utilized to prevent and eliminate dental caries, recent negative media coverage and concerns about irresponsible fluoride use have prompted a shift in parental perspectives. This study explores parental knowledge, preferences, and attitudes regarding preventive measures, with a focus on fluoride and potential natural or herbal alternatives. Methods: Our research was designed as a survey study. A survey form consisting of 11 questions was delivered to parents of children aged 6–14 years and presented to the Erciyes University Department of Pediatric Dentistry for examination or treatment were included in the study. A total of 300 parents participated in the study. Data was recorded as numbers and percentages. Results: Of the parents, 69% (207) reported that if they were offered natural herbal compounds instead of fluorinated varnish, they would prefer natural alternatives. A statistically significant relationship was found between the responses received from the parents about the effects of fluoride and the educational level of the parents (p<0.05). Only 4 (1.3%) university graduate parents stated that fluoride had harmful effects. We found that 80.95% of the fathers and 68.39% of the mothers stated that they would prefer natural or herbal alternatives for their children instead of fluorinated varnish, and this was a statistically significant result (p<0.05). Conclusion: Parents do not have sufficient knowledge and attitudes about preventive practices in oral dental health, and some parents still avoid the use of fluoride products. Therefore, there is a need to increase fluoride intake and its effects on children's health by educating parents or informing dentists.

Molecular Docking Studies : Activity of Natural Compounds as SAR-CoV-2 Inhibitors in Papain-like protease (PL pro)

SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus often referred to as COVID-19. The challenge of finding SARS-CoV-2 antivirals also attracted many researchers, one of which was by utilizing natural compounds. The purpose of this study was to analyze the potential activity of herbal plants in Indonesia as anti-COVID-19, specifically tasked with inhibiting the target protein, PLpro using the in-silico method. This research is an insilico approach with molecular docking studies. Docking simulation in this study was used to analyze the activity of natural herbal plant compounds against the target protein, namely PLpro. In addition, the docking method is also able to examine the interaction of compounds contained in plants with target receptors seen from a computational-based visual approach. So, the results obtained in this study are that when viewed from the value of the gibbs energy produced, the compound that has the best activity to inhibit the PLpro target protein (SARS CoV-2) is Luteolin. The Gibbs energy generated in the Luteolin docking simulation is -7.3 kcal/mol. The Gibbs energy value produced by the Luteolin ligand is the most negative or the smallest value of the 14 tested ligands. This means that the bond formed between the Papain-like protease (PLpro) protein and the Luteolin ligand is the most stable among the others. In addition to the Luteonin compound, there are also several compounds that have quite good potential when viewed from the amount of gibbs energy owned, namely Mangostin, quercetin compounds and Myricetin compounds with gibbs energy values of -7.1 kcal / mol, -7.0 kcal / mol and -7.0 kcal / mol. Based on these results, it can be concluded that several compounds from typical Indonesian plants such as Luteolin compounds (Compounds found in Celery plants (Apium graveolens)), Mangostin compounds (Compounds found in Mangosteen plants (Garcinia mangostana)), Quercetin compounds (Compounds found in Citrus plants (Citrus aurantium)) and Myricetin compounds (Compounds found in Clove plants (Syzygium aromaticum)) have the potential to be developed as anti-COVID-19.

High‑throughput screening identification of a small‑molecule compound that induces ferroptosis and attenuates the invasion and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting the STAT3/GPX4 axis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal malignancy. Although considerable efforts have been made in recent years regarding treatments, effective therapeutic drugs for HCC remain insufficient. In the present study, polyphyllin VI was identified as a potential therapeutic drug for HCC by screening natural herbal compounds. The therapeutic effects of polyphyllin VI were assessed using Cell Counting Kit‑8, lactate dehydrogenase release and colony formation assays. The occurrence of ferroptosis was determined by assessing lipid peroxidation by reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde levels, intracellular ferrous iron levels, and the mRNA and protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). The migratory and invasive abilities of HCC cells were examined using wound healing and Transwell assays. The results revealed that polyphyllin VI inhibited the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of HCC cells (HCCLM3 and Huh7 cells) by inducing ferroptosis. In addition, through a network pharmacology‑based approach and molecular docking analyses, it was found that polyphyllin VI may target the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). HCC cells were treated with polyphyllin VI or a STAT3 inhibitor (Stattic), both of which exerted similar inhibitory effects on protein expression. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining revealed that polyphyllin VI significantly inhibited the nuclear translocation of p‑STAT3 in HCC cells. Mechanistically, by the overexpression of STAT3, it was confirmed that STAT3 binds to GPX4 and promotes its protein expression and transcription, whereas polyphyllin VI induces ferroptosis by inhibiting the STAT3/GPX4 axis. Subsequently, invivo experiments revealed that polyphyllin VI inhibited the growth of subcutaneously transplanted tumors. On the whole, findings of the present study suggest that polyphyllin VI inhibits STAT3 phosphorylation, which inhibits GPX4 expression and induces the ferroptosis of HCC cells, eventually inhibiting their invasion and metastasis. These data suggest that polyphyllin VI may be a candidate for the prevention and treatment of HCC.

Novel strategies to reverse chemoresistance in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common gastrointestinal malignancy with high morbidity and fatality. Chemotherapy, as traditional therapy for CRC, has exerted well antitumor effect and greatly improved the survival of CRC patients. Nevertheless, chemoresistance is one of the major problems during chemotherapy for CRC and significantly limits the efficacy of the treatment and influences the prognosis of patients. To overcome chemoresistance in CRC, many strategies are being investigated. Here, we review the common and novel measures to combat the resistance, including drug repurposing (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, metformin, dichloroacetate, enalapril, ivermectin, bazedoxifene, melatonin, and S-adenosylmethionine), gene therapy (ribozymes, RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9, epigenetic therapy, antisense oligonucleotides, and noncoding RNAs), protein inhibitor (EFGR inhibitor, S1PR2 inhibitor, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitor), natural herbal compounds (polyphenols, terpenoids, quinones, alkaloids, and sterols), new drug delivery system (nanocarriers, liposomes, exosomes, and hydrogels), and combination therapy. These common or novel strategies for the reversal of chemoresistance promise to improve the treatment of CRC.

Herbal medicine in the management of renal disease: A comprehensive review of its potential for acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, and hypertension

Each year, a considerable number of individuals are diagnosed with potentially life-threatening renal failure, encompassing acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). New natural herbal compounds, whether used in isolation or combined with medical treatments and an appropriate regime, have been suggested for the management of renal failure. The etiology of AKI remains uncertain; nevertheless, several factors have been proposed as potential causative agents that can lead to renal failure, including renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), nephrotoxicity, sepsis, administration of radiocontrast agents, and exposure to heavy metal ions. Several commonly utilized herbs with anti-diabetic and antihypertensive properties, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasorelaxant effects, have been recognized as efficacious therapeutic agents in the management of CKD. The management of renal failure typically involves treating the underlying diseases, such as IRI, sepsis, and diabetes. However, if addressing the root cause is not possible, the focus shifts to managing complications like hypertension and proteinuria.

Natural remedies medicine derived from flaxseed (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, lignans, and α-linolenic acid) improve network targeting efficiency of diabetic heart conditions based on computational chemistry techniques and pharmacophore modeling.

Cytokine storms lead to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Natural herbal compounds are considered the primary source of active agents with the potential to prevent or treat inflammatory-related pathologies such as CVD and diabetes. Flaxseed contains phytochemicals, including secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), α-linolenic acid (ALA), and lignans, termed "SAL." Hence, we evaluated the effect of the SAL on the H9c2 cardiac cells in hyperlipidemic and hyperglycemic conditions. Here, candidate hub genes, TNF-α, IL6, SIRT1, NRF1, NPPA, and FGF7, were selected as effective genes in diabetic cardiovascular pathogenesis based on in-silico analysis and chemoinformatic. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced using H9c2 cardiac cells in hyperlipidemic and hyperglycemic conditions. Real-time qPCR was conducted to assess the expression level of hub genes. This study indicated that SAL compounds bound to the Il-6, SIRT1, and TNF-α active sites as druggable candidate proteins based on the chemoinformatics analysis. This study displayed that the TNF-α, IL6, SIRT1, NRF1, NPPA, and FGF7 network dysfunction in MI models were ameliorated by SAL consumption. Furthermore, SAL compounds improved the function and myogenesis of H9c2 cells in hyperlipidemic and hyperglycemic conditions. Our data suggested that phytochemicals obtained from flaxseed might have proposed potential complementary treatment or preventive strategies for MI. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Phytochemicals obtained from flaxseed (SAL) could reverse diabetic heart dysfunction hallmarks and provide new potential treatment approaches in cardiovascular therapy. SAL could be considered complementary and alternative medicines for treating various disorders/diseases singly or synchronizing with prescription drugs.

Herbal face pack containing Coffea arabica Linn, Myristica Fragrans and Lens Culinaris as an antioxidant and antiseptic activity

The goal of the project is to test and develop an herbal face pack that contains natural herbal compounds that act as antioxidants, antiseptics, and skin brighteners. Natural herbal components including coffee, multani mitti, arjuna powder, rice flour, gram flour, orange peel powder, nutmeg, milk powder, saffron, aloe vera gel. All natural components were sieved through #120 mesh, carefully weighed, and geometrically blended for a homogeneous formulation, and then tested for phytochemical, morphological, physical, stability, and irritancy, microbial as well as physicochemical properties. Herbal face masks or packs are used to revitalize muscles and improve blood circulation while maintaining healthy skin and eliminating pollutants from pores. All face pack formulations were determined to be good in physical criteria and clear of skin irritations, indicating that the face packs have good qualities, according to this report's results. To identify the practical aids of face packs for human consumption as cosmetic items, more optimization research are needed on this study.

Review on molecular docking analysis of herbal compounds and their activity against SARS and JEV using In-silico and In vitro approaches

or computational methods play key role to design and develop new drugs and target proteins in the fields of pharmaceutics and biotechnology. Various methods like Homology modelling, Molecular docking, Monte Carlo simulation etc. are used in drug designing. In this review, we describe the different medicinal compounds which were screened by using computational methods and . Many of the natural herbal compounds have been found to be effective against in SARS CoV infection by inhibiting viral replication and nucleo-capsid protein. Similarly, compounds like Chemdiv-3, kaempferol, etc. have been studied for their action against JEV. In order to screen the thousands of compounds in library the predictions are the best tools to select the compound which has potential affinity to inhibit the JE infection. However, the experimental data also must require determining the activity of compound against specific target and the data obtained in the may not be reliable as compared to in-vitro or in-vivo. Variations are found between Computational and experimental data.

Hypericum perforatum L. extracts exert cytotoxic effects and show different miRNA signatures in PC-3 and DU 145 prostate cancer cells

Phytochemicals and bioactive substances derived from a wide range of plant extracts have been reported to exert various anticancer effects. Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths within the male population. Prostate cancer-specific miRNA signatures were associated with cancer formation and progression, with various subtypes, and response to therapy. MicroRNA levels of expression were shown to change after the treatment of various compounds and substances extracted from natural products. Natural herbal compounds were shown to induce variations in miRNA expression levels in cancer cells. The aims of this study were to investigate the cytotoxic effects of methanol, ethyl-acetate, and hexane extracts obtained from branch-body part and flowers of Hypericum perforatum L. against humane PC-3 and DU 145 and to test potential miRNA-128/133b/155/193a/206/21/335 signature changes and differences between the two prostate cancer cell lines. Cytotoxic activity of H. perforatum extracts, their effects on cell cycle distribution, and miRNA expression levels were examined in humane PC-3 and DU 145 prostate cancer cells by MTT cell survival assay, flow cytometry, and quantitative real-time PCR. Hexane extract of flowers showed the strongest intensity of cytotoxic activity against PC-3 and DU 145 cells. The highest increase in the percentage of PC-3 cells in the subG1 phase was observed in cell samples treated with hexane extract of flowers and branch-body part. Significant differences in miRNA-128/133b/155/193a/206/21/335 levels were observed between PC-3 and DU 145 cell lines, especially in samples treated with flower extracts compared with the branch-body part. Conclusions: Investigated extracts have significant anticancer potential not only from the aspects of cytotoxicity and cell cycle effects but also from the aspect of lowering oncogenic or increasing tumor-suppressive miRNAs. The best effect might be the increase of tumor-suppressive miR-128 (accompanied by miR-193a) induced by the hexane extract of the flowers, which also exerted the highest cytotoxic activity. Hexane extract of flowers may be the candidate for further investigation for improving the efficiency of standard therapies for PCa. A miRNA signature might be cell-type specific after the treatment with H. perforatum extracts.

Co-delivery of metformin and silibinin in dual-drug loaded nanoparticles synergistically improves chemotherapy in human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells

Combination of nanoparticle (NP)-based therapeutic methods with chemotherapy has suggested a potent strategy to increase the intracellular concentrations of drugs and enhance synergistic effects in several malignancies including lung cancer therapy. Here, Metformin (Met) and Silibinin (Sil) as two well-known natural herbal compounds were co-loaded into polymeric nanoparticles composed of poly (D, l -lactide-co-glycolide)-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG) and studied the synergistic inhibitory effect of these compounds against A549 human lung cancer cells. The size and morphology were determined using SEM and DLS. Characterization of NPs were performed using FTIR, entrapment efficiency and drug release. In addition, MTT assay, DAPI staining, and qRT-PCR were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of both individual and combined form of drugs in A549 lung cancer cells. Uniformity in size and shape of NPs with a mean diameter of approximately 60 nm confirmed by SEM. The IC 50 of Met-NPs, Sil-NPs and dual-drug loaded NPs were 36.11, 9.75, and 0.85 μM, respectively, which was much lower than that of pure forms. MTT assay revealed that dual-drug loaded NPs had a significant synergistic cytotoxicity against A549 lung carcinoma cells in comparison with other groups. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that dual-drug loaded NPs could induce apoptosis in A549 cancer cell by upregulation of caspase-3, caspase-7 and Bax (2-fold, 2-fold, 2.1-fold and 2.2-fold, respectively), along with Bcl-2, hTERT and Cyclin D1 down regulation (0.25-fold, 1.4-fold and). Ultimately, this study revealed that the combination of dual-drug loaded NPs with current cancer therapies holds promise for the potential of lung cancer treatment. • The NPs prolonged the Met and Sil release and improved extensively of its bioavailability. • The dual-drug loaded NPs manifested a significant dose-dependent inhibitory effect against A549 cells. • Using dual-drug loaded NPs may be an efficient strategy for the effective treatment of lung cancer.

Natural Plant Extracts and Compounds for Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy.

Natural plant extracts and compounds (NPECs), which originate from herbs or plants, have been used in the clinical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for many years. Over the years, many scientists have carried out a series of studies on the treatment of RA by NPEC. They found a high quantity of active NPECs with broad application prospects. In view of various complex functions of these NPECs, exploring their potential as medicines for RA treatment will be beneficial for RA patients. Thus, to help advance the development of high-quality NPECs for RA, we herein aimed to review the research progress of NPECs in the treatment of RA in recent years. Our findings showed that, from the pharmacological perspective, natural plant extracts or mixed herbal compounds effectively regulate the immune system to alleviate RA by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further, individualized medication can be applied according to each patient’s physical condition. However, the pathogenesis of RA and its immune mechanism has not been fully understood and requires further studies.

Issue Highlights

BioFactorsVolume 47, Issue 1 p. 5-5 ISSUE HIGHLIGHTSFree Access Issue Highlights First published: 10 February 2021 https://doi.org/10.1002/biof.1642AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat 6 Specialized proresolving mediators in infection and lung injury Shayna Sandhaus and Andrew G. Swick Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) are endogenous lipid metabolites of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are involved in promoting the resolution of inflammation. Many disease conditions characterized by excessive inflammation have impaired or altered SPM biosynthesis, which may lead to chronic, unresolved inflammation. Exogenous administration of SPMs in infectious conditions has been shown to be effective at improving infection clearance and survival in preclinical models. SPMs have also shown tremendous promise in the context of inflammatory lung conditions, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mostly in preclinical settings. To date, SPMs have not been studied in the context of the novel Coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), however their preclinical efficacy in combatting infections and improving acute respiratory distress suggest they may be a valuable resource in the fight against Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Overall, while the research on SPMs is still evolving, they may offer a novel therapeutic option for inflammatory conditions. 19 The role of phytochemicals in sepsis: A mechanistic and therapeutic perspective Babak Alikiaii, Mohammad Bagherniya, Gholamreza Askari, Thomas P. Johnston and Amirhossein Sahebkar Sepsis and septic shock are still a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in intensive care units worldwide. Sepsis is an uncontrolled and excessive response of the innate immune system toward the invading infectious microbes, characterized by the hyper-production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). In severe sepsis, the overwhelming production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species may compromise organ function and lead to the induction of abnormal apoptosis in different organs, resulting in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and death. Hence, compounds that are able to attenuate inflammatory responses may have therapeutic potential for sepsis treatment. Understanding the pathophysiology and underlying molecular mechanisms of sepsis may provide useful insights in the discovery and development of new effective therapeutics. Therefore, numerous studies have invested much effort into elucidating the mechanisms involved with the onset and development of sepsis. The present review mainly focuses on the molecules and signaling pathways involved in the pathogenicity of sepsis. Additionally, several well-known natural bioactive herbal compounds and phytochemicals, which have shown protective and therapeutic effects with regard to sepsis, as well as their mechanisms of action, are presented. This review suggests that these phytochemicals are able to attenuate the overwhelming inflammatory responses developed during sepsis by modulating different signaling pathways. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective activities of phytochemicals make them potent compounds to be included as complementary therapeutic agents in the diets of patients suffering from sepsis in an effort to alleviate sepsis and its life-threatening complications, such as multi-organ failure. 59 Mangiferin and organ fibrosis: A mini review Lijun Zhang, Cheng Huang and Shengjie Fan Fibrosis is the end stage of many chronic diseases, which results in organ function failure and high mortality. Mangiferin is a major constituent in mango and other 16 plants, and has been shown a variety of pharmacological effects, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammation. The emerging evidence has shown that mangiferin can improve renal interstitial fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, myocardial fibrosis and hepatic fibrosis through the inhibition of inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrogenesis effects, indicating that mangiferin is promising therapeutic choice for organ fibrosis. The aim of this review is to summarize the therapeutic effects of mangiferin on fibrosis of various organs and the underlying mechanisms. REFERENCES 1Shayna Sandhaus and Andrew G. Swick. Specialized proresolving mediators in infection and lung injury. BioFactors. 2021; 47: 6– 18. 2Babak Alikiaii, Mohammad Bagherniya, Gholamreza Askari, Thomas P. Johnston and Amirhossein Sahebkar. The role of phytochemicals in sepsis: A mechanistic and therapeutic perspective. BioFactors. 2021; 47: 19– 40. 3Lijun Zhang, Cheng Huang and Shengjie Fan. Mangiferin and organ fibrosis: A mini review. BioFactors. 2021; 47: 59– 68. Volume47, Issue1January/February 2021Pages 5-5 ReferencesRelatedInformation

The role of phytochemicals in sepsis: A mechanistic and therapeutic perspective.

Sepsis and septic shock are still a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in intensive care units worldwide. Sepsis is an uncontrolled and excessive response of the innate immune system toward the invading infectious microbes, characterized by the hyper-production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). In severe sepsis, the overwhelming production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species may compromise organ function and lead to the induction of abnormal apoptosis in different organs, resulting in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and death. Hence, compounds that are able to attenuate inflammatory responses may have therapeutic potential for sepsis treatment. Understanding the pathophysiology and underlying molecular mechanisms of sepsis may provide useful insights in the discovery and development of new effective therapeutics. Therefore, numerous studies have invested much effort into elucidating the mechanisms involved with the onset and development of sepsis. The present review mainly focuses on the molecules and signaling pathways involved in the pathogenicity of sepsis. Additionally, several well-known natural bioactive herbal compounds and phytochemicals, which have shown protective and therapeutic effects with regard to sepsis, as well as their mechanisms of action, are presented. This review suggests that these phytochemicals are able to attenuate the overwhelming inflammatory responses developed during sepsis by modulating different signaling pathways. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective activities of phytochemicals make them potent compounds to be included as complementary therapeutic agents in the diets of patients suffering from sepsis in an effort to alleviate sepsis and its life-threatening complications, such as multi-organ failure.

BRM270 targets cancer stem cells and augments chemo-sensitivity in cancer.

Over the past decade, a number of studies have demonstrated the resistance of cancer cells to conventional drugs and have recognized this as a major challenge in cancer therapy. While attempting to understand the underlying mechanisms of chemoresistance, several studies have suggested that the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in tumors is one of the major pathways contributing toward resistance. Chemoresistance leads to cancer treatment failure and worsens the prognosis of patients. Natural herbal compounds are gaining attention as an alternative treatment strategy for cancer. These compounds may be effective against chemoresistant cells either alone or synergistically alongside conventional drugs, sensitizing cancer cells and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy. BRM270 is a natural compound made from seven herbal plant (Saururus chinensis, Citrus unshiu Markovich, Aloe vera, Arnebia euchroma, Portulaca oleracea, Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina and Scutellaria bacicalensis) extracts used in Asian traditional medicine and has the potential to target CSCs. Several studies have demonstrated the positive effects of BRM270 against chemoresistant cancer and its synergy alongside existing cancer drugs, including paclitaxel and gefitinib. These effects have been observed against various cancer types, including resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), glioblastoma, multi-drug resistant osteosarcoma, cervical cancer, pancreatic cancer and hepatocarcinoma. The present review discusses the effects of BRM270 treatment against CSC-associated chemoresistance in common types of cancer.

Natural and herbal compounds targeting breast cancer, a review based on cancer stem cells.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are known as the major reason for therapy resistance. Recently, natural herbal compounds are suggested to have a significant role in inhibiting the breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). The aim of this study was to explore the effective natural herbal compounds against BCSCs.This review article was designed based on the BCSCs, mechanisms of therapy resistance and natural herbal compounds effective to inhibit their activity. Therefore, Science direct, PubMed and Scopus databases were explored and related original articles were investigated from 2010 to 2019. BCSCs use different mechanisms including special membrane transporters, anti-apoptotic, pro-survival, and self-renewal- related signaling pathways. Natural herbal compounds could disturb these mechanisms, therefore may inhibit or eradicate the BCSCs. Studies show that a broad range of plants, either as a food or medicine, contain anti-cancer agents that phenolic components and their different derivatives share a large quantity. Natural herbal compounds play a pivotal role in the eradication of BCSCs, through the inhibition of biological activities and induction of apoptosis. Although it is necessary to conduct more clinical investigation.

Natural Compounds Rosmarinic Acid and Carvacrol Counteract Aluminium-Induced Oxidative Stress.

Aluminum accumulation, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as well as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were determined in erythrocytes and brain and liver homogenates of BALB/c mice treated with Al3+ (7.5 mg/kg/day (0.15 LD50) as AlCl3 (37.08 mg/kg/day), whereas HCl (30.41 mg/kg/day) was used as Cl− control, the treatments were performed for 21 days, i.p., in the presence and absence of rosmarinic acid (0.2805 mg/kg/day (0.05 LD50), 21 days, i.g.) or carvacrol (0.0405 mg/kg/day (0.05 LD50), 21 days, i.g.). The treatment with AlCl3 increased GSH concentration in erythrocytes only slightly and had no effect on brain and liver homogenates. Rosmarinic acid and carvacrol strongly increased GSH concentration in erythrocytes but decreased it in brain and liver homogenates. However, AlCl3 treatment led to Al accumulation in mice blood, brain, and liver and induced oxidative stress, assessed based on MDA concentration in the brain and liver. Both rosmarinic acid and carvacrol were able to counteract the negative Al effect by decreasing its accumulation and protecting tissues from lipid peroxidation. AlCl3 treatment increased CAT activity in mice brain and liver homogenates, whereas the administration of either rosmarinic acid or carvacrol alone or in combination with AlCl3 had no significant effect on CAT activity. SOD activity remained unchanged after all the treatments in our study. We propose that natural herbal phenolic compounds rosmarinic acid and carvacrol could be used to protect brain and liver against aluminum induced oxidative stress leading to lipid peroxidation.