Plant-based Drugs Research Articles

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Armeniacae semen Amarum: A review.

Armeniacae Semen Amarum (Prunus armeniaca L. var. ansu Maxim., Ku xingren, bitter almond, ASA) is an important medicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is widely used because of its remarkable curative effect in relieving cough and asthma, moistening intestines and defecating. This review aims to enlighten the deeper knowledge about ASA, giving a comprehensive overview of its traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology for future investigation of plant-based drugs and therapeutic applications. The databases used are Web of Science, PubMed, Baidu academic, Google academic, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP . In addition, detailed information on ASA was obtained from relevant monographs such as Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The active components of ASA mainly include amygdalin, bitter almond oil, essential oil, protein, vitamin, trace elements and carbohydrates. The pharmacological studies have shown that ASA has beneficial effects such as antitussive, antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antitumour, cardioprotective, antifibrotic, immune regulatory, bowel relaxation, insecticidal, etc. CONCLUSIONS: Many reports have been published on ASA's various active ingredients and biological uses. However, only a few reviews on its phytoconstituents and pharmacological uses. In addition, the exploration and development of ASA in other fields also deserve more attention in future research.

Therapeutic use of cannabinoids for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders: a potential breakthrough.

Respected Editor, Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a plant-based illicit drug notorious for its recreational purposes. However, in recent years its extracts are being extensively studied for their overall therapeutic effects. Active substances found in marijuana that interact with the endocannabinoid system are known as cannabinoids, the primary examples being 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (9-THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). These cannabinoids ligand to receptors such as CB1 (found in CNS) and CB2 (found in immune system cells) to prevent the release of neurotransmitters and modulate immune cell migration as well as cytokine release, respectively (1). In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in the neuroprotective potential of marijuana; however, investigators could not make firm conclusions about the effectiveness of these treatments. A comprehensive review by Bahji A et al. (2022) found an evident link between cannabidiol-based products and relief from the motor as well as behavioural and psychological symptoms spanning Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), and Parkinson's disease (PD) (2). Here we discuss the effects of marijuana and its derivatives on the treating significant neurodegenerative disorders. Dronabinol (2.5 mg) seemed to lessen the disordered behaviours as assessed by the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory in 12 patients of AD (p=0.05) (3). Sherman et al. (2018) reported the association of cannabis administration with weight and pain management in AD patients. The adverse effects are typically well tolerated at the levels supplied, even though cannabis is linked to an increased risk of euphoria, sleepiness and psychosis (1). On the other hand, for HD, nabilone (1 or 2 mg) had a substantial therapeutic benefit in a different 10-week placebo-controlled crossover experiment as determined by the overall motor and chorea score on the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) (4). Available reviews revealed variable evidence suggesting the clinical benefits of cannabis in treating motor symptoms in patients with PD. A randomized trial found that compared to a placebo, giving a single dosage of 300 mg of CBD successfully decreased tremor amplitude (5). Neurological diseases, including the neurodegenerative diseases, comprise 8.7% of the disease burden in lower- middle- income countries (such as Pakistan) (6). Currently, there is no real cure for neurodegenerative disorders, only symptomatic management, such as dopamine treatment for PD or cholinesterase inhibitors for dementia. Cannabinoids might be the lifeline all neurodegenerative disorder patients have been waiting for. ---Continue

Cytotoxic effect of Rotheca serrata on cancer cell lines MCF-7 and neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y.

Rotheca serrata (Lamiaceae), a highly medicinal plant is used as an antidote for snakebite and the plant possesses medicinal properties like hepatoprotective, antitussive, antioxidant, anticancer, neuro-protective, used in rheumatoid arthritis and is also a α-glucoside inhibitor. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work aimed to study the anticancerous effect of Rotheca serrata (root and leaf) on cancer cell lines MCF-7 (breast cancer cell line) and Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y. This investigation was a preliminary one which supported the retrospective and safe use of plants as described in Ayurveda. Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium with High Glucose (DMEM-HG) for culturing MCF-7- Human Breast cancer cell line and Minimum essential Medium (MEM)+F12 medium for culturing SH-SY5Y- Homo sapiens bone marrow neuroblast were used. MTT assay measured the cell proliferation rate and conversely, when metabolic events lead to apoptosis or necrosis, the reduction in cell viability. The results indicated that the Methanolic extract of Rotheca serrata (root and leaf) showed high anticancer activity. Different concentrations of plant extracts (25, 50, 100, 200, 400 µg/ml) were used to study the anticancerous activity, amongst which the significant results were obtained for 400 µg/ml concentration (both root & leaf). Effective anticancer activity against MCF - 7 breast cancer cells was shown in methanoilc extracts and were expressed as IC 50 values; in root (IC 50 value = 61.8259 ± 7.428 µg/ml) and in leaf (IC 50 value = 78.1497 ± 6.316 µg/ml). The MTT assay in case of neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell lines revealed that 400 µg/ml concentration of leaf methanolic extract showed effective inhibition of cancer cells with IC 50 value 37.8462 ± 2.957 µg/ml as compared to IC 50 value of root methanolic extract which was 57.0895 ± 2.351 µg/ml. R. serrata possess anticancer activity against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and neuroblastoma (SH-SY 5Y) cell lines. This study may to design plant-based drugs without side effects. Dosage compensation for specific type of cancer needs to be monitored in patients with 1st stage.

A narrative review on genotoxic potential of medicinal plants used in Ayurveda

Genotoxic substances are those which are capable to induce a destructive effect on a cell’s genetic material. It can be either carcinogen, mutagen, teratogen or cytotoxic depending upon the dose, duration and mode of usage. Mutations may manifest in many forms as duplication, deletion or insertion. However, all mutagens are genotoxic, not all genotoxins induce mutations. Currently traditional medicines and plant drugs are used across the globe without strict medical supervision. In a country like India, folklore medicines play a pivot role in health sector. Irrational long-term usage of any plant-based drug are capable to induce adverse reactions. Till date there is no single hand information about the genotoxic effects of medicinal plants used in Ayurveda. Many of the drugs reported for toxicity are potent drug candidates in Ayurveda. From the available literature 184 articles reported the genotoxicity of medicinal plants. After shortlisting with the inclusion and exclusion criteria’s 57 articles are found to be on genotoxic potential of medicinal plants. Present review reports genotoxic effect of 32 drugs used either as single or combination. It contains various array of drugs, for example poisonous drugs like Arka, Dhattura, Mandookaparni – which is a medhya rasayana, Guduchi – which is a potent immunomodulator and so on. Among them a few drugs like Palandu, Tanduleeyaka, Misreya, Chandrasoora, Sariba, Manjishta, Dadima, Guduchi etc. need special attention. This article tries to provide an insight on the reported genotoxic effect of plants used in Ayurveda.

Standardization and Evaluation of Herbal Antihypertensive Sarpagandha (Reserpine) Tablet Formulations

The need for herbal medicines is rising day by day tremendously all over the world. Many pharma industries are nowadays directing their studies on herbal material for their probable therapeutic values. In various scientifi c journals, a growing volume of research publications relied upon plant-based drugs and formulations. Hypertension is an important chronic disorder in economically developed as well as developing countries. According to WHO guidelines, it is necessary to standardize the herbal products that reach patients. Hence, standardizing the herbal antihypertensive formulations is necessary to give safe and eff ective medicines to the patients and society. The herbal antihypertensive formulation was standardized according to Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia and WHO guidelines. Various parameters such as botanical, physicochemical, pharmacological and toxicological were studied. A pharmacological study was carried to screen the selected marketed formulations for hemolytic and antihypertensive activity. The study showed that all formulations pass most of the standardization parameters and can be recommended for human beings. The outcome of present study will support the process of regulatory agencies and help in maintaining the quality of herbal medicines.

Medicinal plant-based drug delivery system for inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic recurrent intestinal disease. The incidence rate of IBD is increasing year by year, which seriously endangers human health worldwide. More and more studies have shown that medicinal plants or their main phytochemicals have great potential in the treatment of intestinal diseases. However, the disadvantages of low oral absorption rate, low biological distribution and low systemic bioavailability limit their clinical application to a certain extent. In recent years, the application of nanotechnology has made it possible to treat IBD. Nanoparticles (NPs) drug delivery system has attracted special attention in the treatment of IBD due to its small size, low immunogenicity, surface modification diversity, targeting and other advantages. Synthetic nanoparticles and extracellular vehicles (EVs) can deliver drug components to colon, and play a role in anti-inflammation, regulation of oxidative stress, improvement of intestinal flora, etc. In addition, some medicinal plants can secrete EVs by themselves, and carry biological molecules with therapeutic effects to act on the intestine. Some clinical trials to evaluate the safety, tolerance, toxicity and effectiveness of EVs-loaded drugs in IBD are also progressing steadily. This review introduces that synthetic nanoparticles and medicinal plants derived EVs can play an important role in the treatment of IBD by carrying the effective active phytochemicals of medicinal plants, and discuss the limitations of current research and future research needs, providing a scientific and reliable basis and perspective for further clinical application and promotion.

Substances of Natural Origin in Medicine: Plants vs. Cancer.

Continuous monitoring of the population's health is the main method of learning about disease prevalence. National and international data draw attention to the persistently high rates of cancer incidence. This necessitates the intensification of efforts aimed at developing new, more effective chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive drugs. Plants represent an invaluable source of natural substances with versatile medicinal properties. Multidirectional activities exhibited by natural substances and their ability to modulate key signaling pathways, mainly related to cancer cell death, make these substances an important research direction. This review summarizes the information regarding plant-derived chemotherapeutic drugs, including their mechanisms of action, with a special focus on selected anti-cancer drugs (paclitaxel, irinotecan) approved in clinical practice. It also presents promising plant-based drug candidates currently being tested in clinical and preclinical trials (betulinic acid, resveratrol, and roburic acid).

Medicinal Plants for The Treatment of Obesity

A persistent increase in morbidity indicators has been connected to the global epidemic of obesity; it is regarded as a societal issue & poses significant health dangers. Synthetic medications and surgery are examples of therapeutic approaches; both have high prices and potentially dangerous side effects. Plant-based drugs provide an alternative strategy. Traditional uses of medicinal plants are one of the options for treating obesity, and they help with the development and research of obesity phytotherapy. In this review, we provided information regarding plant species along with their mode of action used for the effective treatment of obesity. It was revealed that the species in the catalogue had anti-obesity properties, including actions to slow down the absorption of fat, reduce enzymatic activity, mediate lipid levels, and boost the effects of lipolysis, which were primarily linked to phenolic compounds. For species with phenolic compounds in their chemical components, more thorough botanical, chemical, pre-clinical, and clinical research are especially required. The safe therapy for obesity may involve taking standardized medicinal plant extracts. The effectiveness of some plant combinations for medical purposes, however, may be reduced, and they may also have unanticipated negative effects.

Study of the suitable climate factors and geographical origins traceability of Panax notoginseng based on correlation analysis and spectral images combined with machine learning.

The cultivation and sale of medicinal plants are some of the main ways to meet the increased market demand for plant-based drugs. Panax notoginseng is a widely used Chinese medicinal material. The growth and accumulation of bioactive constituents mainly depend on a satisfactory growing environment. Additionally, the occurrence of market fraud means that care should be taken when purchasing. In this study, we report the correlation between saponins and climate factors based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and evaluate the influence of climate factors on the quality of P. notoginseng. In addition, the synchronous two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) images of near infrared (NIR) data combined with the deep learning model were applied to traceability of geographic origins of P. notoginseng at two different levels (district and town levels). The results indicated that the contents of saponins in P. notoginseng are negatively related to the annual mean temperature and the temperature annual range. A lower annual mean temperature and temperature annual range are favorable for the content accumulation of saponins. Additionally, high annual precipitation and high humidity are conducive to the content accumulation of Notoginsenoside R1 (NG-R1), Ginsenosides Rg1 (G-Rg1), and Ginsenosides Rb1 (G-Rb1), while Ginsenosides Rd (G-Rd), this is not the case. Regarding geographic origins, classifications at two different levels could be successfully distinguished through synchronous 2D-COS images combined with the residual convolutional neural network (ResNet) model. The model accuracy of the training set, test set, and external validation is achieved at 100%, and the cross-entropy loss function curves are lower. This demonstrated the potential feasibility of the proposed method for P. notoginseng geographic origin traceability, even if the distance between sampling points is small. The findings of this study could improve the quality of P. notoginseng, provide a reference for cultivating P. notoginseng in the future and alleviate the occurrence of market fraud.

Recent advances in the area of plant-based anti-cancer drug discovery using computational approaches.

Phytocompounds are a well-established source of drug discovery due to their unique chemical and functional diversities. In the area of cancer therapeutics, several phytocompounds have been used till date to design and develop new drugs. One of the desired interests of pharmaceutical companies and researchers globally is that new anti-cancer leads are discovered, for which phytocompounds can be considered a valuable source. Simultaneously, in recent years, the growth of computational approaches like virtual screening (VS), molecular dynamics (MD), pharmacophore modelling, Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), Absorption Distribution Metabolism Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET), network biology, and machine learning (ML) has gained importance due to their efficiency, reduced time-consuming nature, and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, the present review amalgamates the information on plant-based molecules identified for cancer lead discovery from in silico approaches. The mandate of this review is to discuss studies published in the last 5-6years that aim to identify the phytomolecules as leads against cancer with the help of traditional computational approaches as well as newer techniques like network pharmacology and ML. This review also lists the databases and webservers available in the public domain for phytocompounds related information that can be harnessed for drug discovery. It is expected that the present review would be useful to pharmacologists, medicinal chemists, molecular biologists, and other researchers involved in the development of natural products (NPs) into clinically effective lead molecules.

Medicinal Plants Used by the Traditional Healers of Thimmarajapuram Village, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, India

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to document the indigenous/traditional knowledge of medicinal flora utilized by the traditional healers of Thimmarajapuram village, Tirunelveli district to establish the relative importance, consensus and scope of all medicinal flora used. Materials and Methods: Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants was executed through a questionnaire with traditional healers who are custodians of the knowledge about herbal medicine. Local floras of the state had been systematically followed to identify the plants. Results: A total of 45 medicinal plant species from 27 families were documented. The leaves were the most commonly used plant part, and herbal remedies were mostly prepared in the form of a juice or paste. Gastrointestinal problems (GIA) are the most common diseases reported by traditional healers in the study area. Conclusion: This documented report indicated that indigenous medicinal plants are a good source of plant-based safe drugs. Moreover, additional pharmacological tests are required to establish the efficacy and potency of the plants as medicine.

Methods to Evaluate the Antiobesity Effects of Medicinal Plants Using Enzyme Assays

Obesity is a chronic disease affecting both adults and children worldwide. One major cause of obesity is high-calorie intake due to overconsumption of foods rich in fat and carbohydrates. Hence, obesity can be controlled by controlling the diet and by other lifestyle changes that increase energy expenditure. However, this is not always possible for individuals who are already overweight and suffering from other diseases. Therefore, certain drugs have been developed to assist with weight reduction. One major avenue for drug development involves the inhibition of enzymes that break down fat and carbohydrates from the diet. This can reduce the bioavailability and absorption of dietary lipids and carbohydrates, allowing for the management of obesity. Although there are synthetic drugs available on the market to inhibit these enzymes, plant-based natural drugs may provide a better alternative to treat obesity due to fewer side effects and a lower cost. In this review, different methods that can be used to screen medicinal plant extracts for inhibitors of those digestive enzymes and certain limitations of those methods are discussed. Currently, there is limited research on the effects of varying conditions on enzyme assays, and this is an area that can be addressed in future research.

Evaluation of analgesic properties of Moringa Oleifera and Tinospora Cordifolia leaf extracts on Albino Wistar rats

Background: Pain is an unpleasant sensation, that has limitations with available drugs in terms of effectiveness and safety. Plant-based drugs have gained great importance due to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic ability, and limited side effects. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of Moringa oleifera (drumstick tree) and Tinospora cordifolia (guduchi) leaf extracts in rats. Materials and methods: This prospective study consists 54 healthy Albino Wistar rats of male sex having weights ranging from 150 to 250 g. Normal saline as control and Tramadol was used as standard. Rats were randomly divided into nine groups (n = 6 in each). Commercially available M. oleifera leaf extracts and T. cordifolia leaf extracts were purchased to check the analgesic effect. Analgesic effect was determined by hot plate method after initial dose and by Tail-immersion method after 15 days of interval. Results: The reaction time of AMO and ATC with doses 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg was 4.28, 4.41, 4.74, and 3.96, 4.12, 4.22 at 90 min, respectively. While, tramadol showed high reaction time at 90 (6.41) and 120 min (7.17). The maximum analgesic effect was found at 90 min by hot plate and tail immersion methods in tramadol group than AMO and AMT. Conclusion: The aqueous leaf extract of M. oleifera and T. cordifolia has similar analgesic properties. The study drugs have not showed any behavioral or lethal adverse effects during the study.

Ethiopian Medicinal Plants Used for Respiratory Tract Disorders: Ethnomedicinal Review.

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) refer to infections in any part of the respiratory tract, which are common, with most of the world's population contracting at least one infection annually. These infections are becoming important causes of death and morbidity due to the rapid development of antimicrobial resistance that has resulted in reduced efficacy of existing drugs. Different local societies residing in Ethiopia have been reported to use traditional medicinal plants to treat RTIs. Nevertheless, up-to-date summarized data on the diversity of plants used in the traditional medicine system to treat RTIs in Ethiopia are lacking. The purpose of this review was to assess plant species used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory tract infections in Ethiopia. It attempts to compile available data required for undertaking further scientific investigations. The data were collected by searching for published scientific articles and other grey literature. Following this, medicinal plant (MP) diversity, growth forms, plant parts used, modes of remedy preparation and application, sources and distributions, and frequently treated respiratory disorders were examined. An Excel spreadsheet and SigmaPlot software were used to summarize and present the data. Two hundred twenty-nine (229) plant species that have been used to treat respiratory disorders in Ethiopia were documented. Lamiaceae was the most cited family (27 species), followed by Asteraceae (23 species), and Fabaceae (18 species), whereas cough was primarily cited as being treated by MPs and scored the highest frequency of citation (FOC = 243), followed by the common cold (FOC = 151) and asthma (FOC = 63). The top-cited plant species used in the treatment of RTIs were Eucalyptus globulus (6.8%), Allium sativum (5.5%), Zingiber officinale (4.2%), Ruta chalepensis (3.8%), and Ocimum lamiifolium (2.8%). Herbs were the dominant plant growth form (46%) used to treat respiratory diseases, and the most commonly used MP parts were leaves (37%). The leading traditional method used for preparation was decoction (25.5%), and the remedies were usually administered orally (64.6%). The MP origin reported was mainly from the wild (59%). High diversity of medicinal plants was reported as being used to treat various RTIs in Ethiopia. Information obtained from this review could be used as a reference for the selection of plants for further pharmacological, phytochemical, and toxicological investigations for their possible therapeutic applications and the development of new plant-based drugs.

Antimicrobial pontential of fungal endophytes obtained from <em>Avicennia Marina</em> and <em>Excoecaria Agallocha</em> in Negombo

Mangroves are halophytic plants that are typically found along the intra-tidal regions. The coastal ecosystem of mangroves in Sri Lanka hold one of the most unique mangrove species that are yet to be studied. These ecosystems provide shelter to various organisms including humans. Fungal endophytes present in these plants have many medicinal properties that can be utilized in the development of drugs. Antibiotic resistance is a major concern in the pharmaceutical industry, hence alternative plant-based drugs with fewer costs and side effects show great potential. In the current investigation, the main objective was to test for antibacterial properties of fungal endophytes isolates from two mangroves: Avicennia marina and Excoecaria agallocha against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). In both mangrove species, three endophytic species were identified based on their morphological characteristics: Aspergillus niger, Penicillium viticola and Aspergillus versicolor. Only P. viticola was obtained from E. agallocha. Based on the results obtained from antibiotic susceptibility tests, A. niger (stem) was the most active and showed the best bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against both S. aureus and E. coli. P. viticola produced viable results (mean zone of inhibition of 21 mm against S. aureus) but were not as productive as A. niger. This study indicated that these endophytic fungi held medicinal properties that can be further evaluated.

The Current Developments in Medicinal Plant Genomics Enabled the Diversification of Secondary Metabolites' Biosynthesis.

Medicinal plants produce important substrates for their adaptation and defenses against environmental factors and, at the same time, are used for traditional medicine and industrial additives. Plants have relatively little in the way of secondary metabolites via biosynthesis. Recently, the whole-genome sequencing of medicinal plants and the identification of secondary metabolite production were revolutionized by the rapid development and cheap cost of sequencing technology. Advances in functional genomics, such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, pave the way for discoveries in secondary metabolites and related key genes. The multi-omics approaches can offer tremendous insight into the variety, distribution, and development of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Although many reviews have reported on the plant and medicinal plant genome, chemistry, and pharmacology, there is no review giving a comprehensive report about the medicinal plant genome and multi-omics approaches to study the biosynthesis pathway of secondary metabolites. Here, we introduce the medicinal plant genome and the application of multi-omics tools for identifying genes related to the biosynthesis pathway of secondary metabolites. Moreover, we explore comparative genomics and polyploidy for gene family analysis in medicinal plants. This study promotes medicinal plant genomics, which contributes to the biosynthesis and screening of plant substrates and plant-based drugs and prompts the research efficiency of traditional medicine.

Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd.: A Review on Bioactive Compounds and Their Health Promoting Functionalities.

With the advent of pandemics and infectious diseases, numerous research activities on natural products have been carried out to combat them. Researchers are investigating natural products for the treatment and/or management of various infectious diseases and/or disorders. Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd. belongs to the family Fabaceae (subfamily Mimosoideae) known as Khair or Cutch tree, possesses diverse pharmacological actions, and has been widely used in Asia and different parts of the world. The purpose of the present study is to highlight the phytochemical profile of different parts of A. catechu, the different biological activities of A. catechu extract, and the utilization of A. catechu as food and beverage. The present work constitutes a review of A. catechu; we performed searches (books, Google, Google Scholar, and Scopus publications) to compile the work/investigations made on A. catechu to the present. From our survey, it was concluded that the main phytochemicals compounds in A. catechu are protocatechuic acid, taxifolin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, catechin, epicatechin gallate, procyanidin, phloroglucin, aldobiuronic acid, gallic acid, D-galactose, afzelchin gum, L-arabinose, D-rhamnose, and quercetin. The whole plant of A. catechu possesses a comprehensive variety of medicinal potentials such as antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antinociceptive, antihyperlipidemic, antiulcer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiproliferative, haemolytic, and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of bioactive compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. However, even though the plant's metabolites were reported to have many different pharmacological uses, there is limited information about their toxicity or clinical trials. Further research on diverse metabolites of A. catechu should be carried out to ensure the safety or utilization of this plant in the pharma or food industries and in the development of potent plant-based drugs.

Regulation of Cholesterol Metabolism by Phytochemicals Derived from Algae and Edible Mushrooms in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Cholesterol synthesis occurs in almost all cells, but mainly in hepatocytes in the liver. Cholesterol is garnering increasing attention for its central role in various metabolic diseases. In addition, cholesterol is one of the most essential elements for cells as both a structural source and a player participating in various metabolic pathways. Accurate regulation of cholesterol is necessary for the proper metabolism of fats in the body. Disturbances in cholesterol homeostasis have been linked to various metabolic diseases, such as hyperlipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). For many years, the use of synthetic chemical drugs has been effective against many health conditions. Furthermore, from ancient to modern times, various plant-based drugs have been considered local medicines, playing important roles in human health. Phytochemicals are bioactive natural compounds that are derived from medicinal plants, fruit, vegetables, roots, leaves, and flowers and are used to treat a variety of diseases. They include flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins, and more. Many of these compounds have been proven to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity and antihypercholesteremic activity. The multifaceted role of phytochemicals may provide health benefits to humans with regard to the treatment and control of cholesterol metabolism and the diseases associated with this disorder, such as NAFLD. In recent years, global environmental climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, the current war in Europe, and other conflicts have threatened food security and human nutrition worldwide. This further emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable sources of functional phytochemicals to be included in the food industry and dietary habits. This review summarizes the latest findings on selected phytochemicals from sustainable sources-algae and edible mushrooms-that affect the synthesis and metabolism of cholesterol and improve or prevent NAFLD.

On the Bioactivity of Echinacea purpurea Extracts to Modulate the Production of Inflammatory Mediators.

Inflammatory diseases are the focus of several clinical studies, due to limitations and serious side effects of available therapies. Plant-based drugs (e.g., salicylic acid, morphine) have become landmarks in the pharmaceutical field. Therefore, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of flowers, leaves, and roots from Echinacea purpurea. Ethanolic (EE) and dichloromethanolic extracts (DE) were obtained using the Accelerated Solvent Extractor and aqueous extracts (AE) were prepared under stirring. Their chemical fingerprint was evaluated by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The pro- and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the reduction in intracellular reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), of the different extracts were evaluated using non-stimulated and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. Interestingly, AE were able to stimulate macrophages to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor -TNF-α, interleukin -IL-1β, and IL-6), and to generate ROS/RNS. Conversely, under an inflammatory scenario, all extracts reduced the amount of pro-inflammatory mediators. DE, alkylamides-enriched extracts, showed the strongest anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, E. purpurea extracts demonstrated generally a more robust anti-inflammatory activity than clinically used anti-inflammatory drugs (dexamethasone, diclofenac, salicylic acid, and celecoxib). Therefore, E. purpurea extracts may be used to develop new effective therapeutic formulations for disorders in which the immune system is either overactive or impaired.

Fields to fermentors: Brewing botanical chemotherapeutic precursors using genetically engineered yeast

Plants are a rich source of chemotherapeutics and other essential medicines, but plant-based drug supply chains are unsustainable. Writing in Nature, Zhang etal.1 demonstrated a proof-of-concept alternate source of the anticancer drug vinblastine by engineering yeast to convert sugar and amino acids into its direct precursors, catharanthine and vindoline.