Plant-derived Compounds Research Articles

Harnessing Nature's Toolbox: Naturally Derived Bioactive Compounds in Nanotechnology Enhanced Formulations.

The vast diversity of plants in nature offers a rich reservoir of bioactive compounds that have historically played an integral role in pharmacotherapy and continue to serve as a primary source of novel therapeutic agents. Medicinal plants contain a multitude of secondary metabolites with pharmacological potential, making them indispensable in drug discovery and development. These bioactive constituents, inherent in herbal remedies, exhibit a wide range of medicinal properties due to their complex chemical compositions and structural diversity. Despite their therapeutic potential, the clinical application of crude plant extracts is often hindered by limitations, such as poor bioavailability, low biostability, and variable efficacy. These issues can diminish the therapeutic impact of plant-derived compounds. Nanotechnology presents an innovative approach to addressing these challenges through the development of nanoformulations that enhance the efficacy of bioactive compounds. This review examines both historical and recent studies on the synthesis and characterization of bioactive compounds, focusing on their effectiveness in treating various diseases. Additionally, it addresses the risks associated with the direct use of crude plant extracts in medicine, explores extraction and isolation techniques, and reviews research from the past five years on the development of bioactive compounds, their nanoformulations, and their applications in disease treatment. The review also presents recent clinical trials conducted over the last five years on crude extracts and their nanoformulated counterparts, providing insights into the clinical translation of these natural therapeutics.

The Potential Role of Herbal Plants in the Management of Depression: Pre-Clinical and Clinical Evidence

Depression, a debilitating mental health disorder affecting millions worldwide, con-tinues to challenge the medical community. While several pharmacological interventions ex-ist, their efficacy and side effects often warrant the exploration of alternative treatments. Natu-ral products derived from plants have gained attention for their potential antidepressant prop-erties in preclinical studies. This comprehensive review examines the antidepressant activity of various plant-based extracts through preclinical investigations and explores the underlying mechanisms of action. Our review systematically analyzes the literature, encompassing a wide range of plants. We present evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies, highlighting the behavioural and neurochemical changes induced by these plant-derived compounds. Further-more, we delve into the potential mechanisms of action, encompassing modulation of neuro-transmitters, anti-inflammatory effects, neurogenesis promotion, and antioxidant properties. The reviewed studies suggest that numerous plants possess promising antidepressant proper-ties, potentially offering novel therapeutic avenues. However, the variability in methodologies and the need for further clinical validation underscore the complexity of translating preclinical findings into effective treatments. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians alike, shedding light on the current state of knowledge regarding plants with an-tidepressant potential and their underlying mechanisms of action, paving the way for future investigations and therapeutic developments in the field of depression management.

Sulcatone as a Plant-Derived Volatile Organic Compound for the Control of the Maize Weevil and Its Associated Phytopathogenic Fungi in Stored Maize.

Stored maize is frequently attacked by different pests, such as insects and microorganisms. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bioactivities of sulcatone (6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one) against the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais and the phytopathogenic fungi Fusarium verticillioides, Aspergillus flavus, and A. parasiticus. Sulcatone showed a strong repellent effect with a maximum value of -92.1 ± 3.2% at 40 µM in two-choice olfactometer bioassays and an LC95 value of 17.2 µL/L air (95% 16.5-18.1) in a fumigant toxicity experiment. The antifungal effect of sulcatone was evaluated through the fumigant method, reporting MIC values of 3.5, 3.8, and 3.9 mM for F. verticillioides, A. parasiticus, and A. flavus, respectively. Additionally, a silo-bag experiment containing all pests was conducted to evaluate the potential use of sulcatone in a real storage system. Sulcatone caused 71.69 ± 1.57% weevil mortality in silo-bags and proved to be effective as a fungicidal and antimycotoxigenic agent since both ergosterol and fumonisin B1 content were significantly reduced by 60% in silo-bags containing sulcatone. This study demonstrated that sulcatone has the potential to be used for the control of both insects and fungi of stored maize, without affecting the germination of grains.

Caenorhabditis elegans as in vivo model for the screening of natural plants-derived novel anti-aging compounds: a short introduction.

The global aging population highlights the need for effective anti-aging treatments. Natural products show promise, but thorough evaluation requires in vivo models due to the complexity of aging. Ethical concerns are driving a shift from traditional models like rabbits and mice to alternatives such as Caenorhabditis elegans. This microscopic nematode, with its short life cycle, genetic similarities to humans, and cost-effectiveness, is ideal for testing anti-aging compounds. We review studies using C. elegans to assess natural products, suggesting it could serve as a primary model for -evaluating the safety and efficacy of plant-derived anti-aging compounds.

Irradiance level and elevation shape the soil microbiome communities of Coffea arabica L.

BackgroundThe nexus plant-microbe-environment is essential to understand the ecosystem processes shaping plant health and fitness. Within this triangle, soils and associated microflora are among the key ecosystem’s drivers, underpinning plant productivity and evolution. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis (physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and taxonomic diversity) of soils under the canopy projection of Coffea arabica trees along a gradient of elevation (600, 800, and 900 m) and shade (0, 50, 100%).ResultsWhile shade had no influence on most parameters, altitude shaped the dynamics of microbial communities. Available phosphorus, soil organic carbon, and nitrate were significantly higher at 800 m, likely due to the higher activities of β-glucosidase and phosphatases at this altitude. Microbial biomass (carbon and nitrogen) and moisture were significantly higher at 600 and 900 m, which might be attributed to the abundance and richness of soil microorganisms. Indeed, metabarcoding analysis revealed a complex pattern of microbial consortia (bacteria, archaea, fungi) at the three altitudes, with the lowest index of richness recorded at 800 m. The highest number of Amplicon Sequence Variants was observed in bacteria, whose functional analysis revealed distinct metabolic adaptations across different altitudes. At 900 m, the main functional attributes favored the responses to environmental stimuli and microbial interactions; at 800 m, the predominant metabolic pathways were related to organic matter, fermentation, and bioremediation; and at the lower 600 m, the pathways shifted towards the breakdown of plant-derived compounds (e.g. geraniol, limonene, and pinene degradation).ConclusionOverall, the results indicate a higher effectiveness of the microbial consortium at 800 m, which might result in better nutrient cycling. The study highlights the importance of canopy shade species and elevation for the composition of microbial consortia in C. arabica, unveiling ecological functions beyond plant health, with implications for bio-based solutions and biotechnology.

Role of Plant-derived Bioactive Compounds in Potential Snakebite Envenoming: A Review

: The issue of snakebite continues to be a distinctive matter of public health in various regions across the globe, with a particular emphasis on India, where the ailment is widely prevalent. Snakebites in the country disproportionately affect rural and indigenous populations, resulting in some of the highest morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Regrettably, in numerous tropical nations, the accessibility of antivenom is frequently postponed or restricted, thereby rendering antiserum the only targeted therapeutic alternative. Nevertheless, administering antiserum in isolation does not provide adequate safeguard against the adverse effects of venomtriggered hypersensitivity complications, which may be grave. Hence, this study aims to review the plant-derived bioactive compounds used to treat snakebites in India. This review compiles a list of medicinal plants and plant-derived bioactive compounds used in treating snakebites in India, which were reviewed from the available literature in public databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, and Scopus). Search words used were 'bioactive compounds,' 'treatment for a snakebite,' 'antivenom and snakebite,' 'Medicinal plants for snakebite, and 'composition of snake venom'. : A list of 200 medicinal plants traditionally used in several countries for treating snake bites was obtained. Based on scientific data, we reviewed only 83 medicinal plant extracts and bioactive compounds obtained from various families, tested under in-vivo and in-vitro conditions to determine their neutralization potency of snakebite envenomation. In this article, we have presented a comprehensive review, judgmentally analyzed medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds for their therapeutic potential against snake envenomation, and offer a thorough discourse on diverse herbal plants employed globally for managing snakebites.

Hibiscus sabdariffa as a Novel Alternative Strategy Against Helicobacter pylori Infection Development to Gastric Cancer.

Most gastric cancers (95%) are related to an initial Helicobacter pylori infection worldwide. Treatments against this pathogen include a mix of antibiotics, antimicrobials, and proton-pump inhibitors. Over time, H. pylori mutated, generating resistance to treatments and making it hard to combat its infection. The purpose of this review is Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly known as hibiscus, as a potential agent for anti-H. pylori activity. Scientific interest has increased toward plant-derived bioactive compounds, which have the ability to enhance the antibiotic effect and can lead to the development of new drugs, such is the case for H. sabdariffa. In general, studies show that natural products, such as plant-derived bioactive compounds, can be used as alternative treatments from natural origin against the pathogen. The specific action mechanism of these bioactive compounds is still controversial, but it is suggested that they have an anti-inflammatory effect, and they also act as antibiotic coadjutants. Research has been conducted regarding different bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, epicatechins, alkaloids, and caryophyllenes. H. sabdariffa contains several of these compounds; therefore, more studies are needed to establish its effect against H. pylori.

Influence of Natural Dentin Biomodification Agent on Push-Out Bond Strength and Nanoleakage of Self-Adhesive Resin Cement Luting of Glass-Fiber Posts.

To evaluate the plant-derived compound lignin (LIG) as a pretreatment of intraradicular dentin in combination with EDTA on push-out bond strength (PBS) and nanoleakage of the glass fiber posts (GFPs) cemented using adhesive resin cement. Twenty-eight human incisor roots were prepared for GFP cementation and divided based on dentin pretreatment: (1) CONTROL: no pretreatment, (2) EDTA: 17% EDTA for 3 min, (3) EDTA-LIG: 17% EDTA and 2% lignin for 3 min, (4) EDTA-PAC: 17% EDTA and 2% lignin for 3 min. The GFPs were cemented using the self-adhesive resin cement Multilink Speed. The roots (n = 7) were sectioned into 1 mm-thick discs and subjected to PBS testing after 1 week or 6 months. Nanoleakage was analyzed by SEM. Statistical analysis was performed using two-factor ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). Higher PBS was identified for the CONTROL group (p < 0.001). After 6 months, the EDTA-LIG maintained the bond strength with a predominance of mixed failures, while the EDTA-PAC, EDTA, and CONTROL groups showed reduction of bond strength, with a predominance of adhesive failures along with severe silver infiltration in the interface. LIG associated with EDTA as a pretreatment for intraradicular dentin shows significant potential for attaining stable bond strength and interfacial integrity of self-adhesive resin cement to intraradicular dentin.

Plants’ Impact on the Human Brain—Exploring the Neuroprotective and Neurotoxic Potential of Plants

Background: Plants have long been recognized for their potential to influence neurological health, with both neuroprotective and neurotoxic properties. This review explores the dual nature of plant-derived compounds and their impact on the human brain. Discussion: Numerous studies have highlighted the neuroprotective effects of various phytoconstituents, such as those found in Ginkgo biloba, Centella asiatica, Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera, and Curcuma longa. The neuroprotective compounds have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing properties, making them promising candidates for combating neurodegenerative diseases and improving brain function. Polyphenolic compounds, triterpenic acids, and specific phytocompounds like the ones from EGb 761 extract have shown interactions with key enzymes and receptors in the brain, leading to neuroprotective outcomes. However, this review also acknowledges the neurotoxic potential of certain plants, such as the Veratrum species, which contains steroidal alkaloids that can cause DNA damage and disrupt neurological function, or Atropa belladonna, which interfere with the normal functioning of the cholinergic system in the body, leading to a range of symptoms associated with anticholinergic toxicity. Conslusions: This review also emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects of plant-derived compounds, as well as to identify novel phytoconstituents with therapeutic potential. Understanding the complex relationship between plants and the human brain is crucial for harnessing the benefits of neuroprotective compounds while mitigating the risks associated with neurotoxic substances. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge on the neurological properties of plants and highlights the importance of continued research in this field for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting brain health and neurological disorders.

In Vitro Study of the Differential Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Dietary Phytochemicals upon Human Macrophage-like Cells as a Previous Step for Dietary Intervention.

Chronic inflammatory diseases pose a substantial health challenge globally, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality. Addressing this issue requires the use of effective anti-inflammatory strategies with fewer side effects than those provoked by currently used drugs. In this study, a range of phytochemicals (phenolic di-caffeoylquinic acid (Di-CQA), flavonoid cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside (Cy3,5DiG), aromatic isothiocyanate sinalbin (SNB) and aliphatic isothiocyanate sulforaphane (SFN)) sourced from vegetables and fruits underwent assessment for their potential anti-inflammatory activity. An in vitro model of human macrophage-like cells treated with a low dose of LPS to obtain a low degree of inflammation that emulates a chronic inflammation scenario revealed promising results. Cell viability and production of the key pro-inflammatory cytokines were assessed in the presence of various phytochemicals. The compounds Di-CQA and Cy-3,5-DiG, within low physiologically relevant doses, demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory effects by significantly reducing the production of key pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 without affecting cell viability. These findings underscore the potential of plant-derived bioactive compounds as valuable contributors to the prevention or treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. These results suggest that these compounds, whether used individually or as part of natural mixtures, hold promise for their inclusion in nutritional interventions designed to mitigate inflammation in associated pathologies.

Resistance Pattern of Acinetobacter baumannii in Hospitalized Patients

Background: One of the most prevalent bacteria in nosocomial infections is Acinetobacter baumannii. Misuse of antibiotics has resulted in an increase in A. baumannii multidrug-resistant (MDR) strain resistance. To assess the resistant gene pattern of MDR A. baumannii, empirical antibiotic therapy is required. In order to do this, the current study used a genotypic diagnostic technique to assess the resistance gene pattern of MDR A. baumannii that was collected from hospitalized patients. A. baumannii has resistance mechanisms against broad-spectrum antibiotics, including β-lactamases, efflux pumps, and aminoglycosides, altering targets, permeability shifts, and enzyme modifications. Efforts have been made to target plant-derived compounds and a combination of antibiotics and phytocompounds to circumvent resistance mechanisms. Many studies have been conducted on plant extract-synthesised nanoparticles. Additionally, we projected contemporary techniques to investigate insights into the mechanisms of action of antibiotics, such as multi-omics analysis. The data implied that A. baumannii putative antibiotic pathways would result in a different approach to treating A. baumannii infections. One of these resilient pathogens is A. baumannii, which is becoming more common in hospitals, resistant to treatment, and linked to higher death rates. Notwithstanding its clinical importance, little is known about this pathogen's behavior outside of hospitals. Additionally, unknown are its virulence factors. Consequently, our goal in this review is to provide light on the most recent findings about the ecological niches, microbiological characteristics, and antibiotic resistance profiles of A. baumannii. According to recent research, this bacterium is found in an increasing number of environmental niches, such as soils, treatment plants, and rivers.

12334 Harnessing Protective Diets: Phytoestrogens As A Strategy To Alleviate Estradiol-driven Progression And Symptomatology In Endometriosis

Abstract Disclosure: A.D. Strong: None. S. Andrisse: None. D. Antani: None. Endometriosis (EMS) is a prevalent gynecological disorder affecting 10% of reproductive-age women with up to 50% experiencing infertility. It is characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, leading to symptoms such as pelvic pain and infertility. While the exact cause of EMS remains elusive, hormonal dysregulation and the succeeding inflammation play a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Phytoestrogens (PEs) are a diverse group of plant-derived compounds that exhibit structural and functional similarities to endogenous estrogens and have emerged as potential therapeutic agents due to their ability to modulate hormonal signaling and inflammatory pathways. This integrative review aimed to provide a summation of the current evidence on the mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications of PEs in the context of EMS. PEs exhibit weak estrogenic activity and can interact with estrogen receptors (ERs), influencing hormonal and molecular pathways relevant to the pathology. These compounds have shown promise in regulating estrogen levels, inhibiting cell proliferation, and modulating insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling, all of which are critical in developing and progressing the disease state. Notably, curcumin and resveratrol have demonstrated anti-proliferative effects on endometrial cells by targeting key pathways involved in cell growth and angiogenesis. Curcumin has been shown to downregulate inflammatory factors like COX-2 and TNF-α while reducing vascular endothelial growth factor expression associated with angiogenesis. Similarly, resveratrol has been found to suppress inflammatory responses in endometrial stromal cells through the sirtuin 1 pathway. Studies indicate PEs can enhance antioxidant defenses and counteract reactive oxygen species levels implicated in endometriotic pain and disease progression. By restoring antioxidant balance and mitigating oxidative damage, PEs may offer therapeutic benefits in managing EMS symptoms. In conclusion, their multifaceted effects on estrogen signaling, inflammation, and oxidative stress highlight their potential as adjunctive or alternative treatments for symptomatic women with active disease. Plausible evidence supports that certain dietary components can reduce or exacerbate inflammation associated with EMS symptoms and progression. Foods that are rich in phytoestrogens include soy, fruits, vegetables, spinach, sprouts, beans, cabbages, and grain. Specifically, curcumin is a primary component in turmeric and resveratrol is found in high amounts in black and red grapes, red wine, berries, and nuts. While more research is still needed to fully understand the relationship between diet and endometriosis, utilizing therapeutic dietary interventions appears to be a promising self-management strategy for improving quality of life and symptom management. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Non-cytotoxic levels of resveratrol enhance the anticancer effects of cisplatin by increasing the methyltransferase activity of CARM1 in human cancer cells

BackgroundResveratrol (RSVL) is a plant-derived polyhydroxyphenolic compound with excellent anticancer properties, alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the anticancer mechanism of RSVL is diverse and high concentrations are often required for RSVL to exert its anticancer effect, which would also adversely affect normal cells. PurposeThe main objective of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanism of how non-cytotoxic concentrations of RSVL enhance the anticancer effect of cisplatin involving a newly identified RSVL-binding protein. MethodsCell viability of cell lines from three cancer types exposed to RSVL and/or cisplatin was measured by NBB staining assay. RSVL-binding proteins were identified using RSVL-bound CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B beads coupled with LC-MS/MS, and the binding between RSVL and novel RSVL-binding protein was further confirmed with an in vitro pull-down assay. The expression of proteins was examined by immunoblot analysis, and the activity of methyltransferase was evaluated by in vitro methylation assay. The methylation level of H3R17 in the gene promoter was investigated using ChIP-qPCR. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to identify pathway enrichment of genes, predict drug sensitivity, and analyze the survival of cancer patients. ResultsLow doses of RSVL might promote cancer cell growth whereas high doses of RSVL showed cytotoxic effects on normal cells. When co-treated with a lower cisplatin dose, non-cytotoxic RSVL levels showed synergistic anticancer effects. Here, coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) was identified as a novel RSVL-binding protein, and we showed that the upregulation of CARM1 increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to RSVL. Interestingly, we found that CARM1 was essential in the RSVL-induced sensitivity of cisplatin. Further molecular mechanistic studies revealed that RSVL could stabilize CARM1 protein, resulting in the upregulation and increased methyltransferase activity of CARM1. Additionally, we showed that the methylation levels of H3R17 in the promoter of p21, a downstream gene of CARM1 involving cell cycle arrest, were significantly increased after RSVL treatment. Finally, data from our bioinformatics analysis suggested that CARM1 could be utilized as a potential biomarker for chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity and prognosis in cancers. ConclusionsThis study identified CARM1 as a RSVL-binding protein for the first time and elucidated the potential roles of CARM1 in enhancing the efficacy of cisplatin by low doses of RSVL, which could have important clinical implications.

In Silico exploration for potent phytochemicals targeting Helicobacter pylori: assessment of ADMET profiles and molecular docking analysis

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections faces challenges such as drug adherence, drug resistance, and re-infection. Surface antigens like BabA and SabA cause the disease, while phytochemicals like glycyrrhizin and cinnamaldehyde in liquorice and cinnamon are highly absorbed by H. pylori. Other molecules like coumarin can disrupt H. pylori adherence. Optimizing pharmacokinetics of certain drugs remain a challenge. Plant-derived chemical compounds can overcome treatment restrictions using molecular docking research, drug compatibility, and ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) examinations. These tools help to determine the appropriate usage of phytochemicals in bacteria. Our work aims to explore the potential of phytochemicals (glycyrrhizin, cinnamaldehyde, coumarin) as a treatment for H. pylori disease using molecular docking (BabA, SabA, CagA, VacA and urease) and ADMET analysis by in silico approaches. Glycyrrhizin has the most favorable binding energies with both CagA (− 8.9 kcal/mol) and VacA (− 8.4 kcal/mol), indicating stable interactions. Cinnamaldehyde and coumarin show weaker binding energies, suggesting less stability. Amoxicillin and clarithromycin showed moderate binding energy. Glycyrrhizin, cinnamaldehyde, and coumarin showed non-toxicity in assays, while amoxicillin and clarithromycin displayed toxicity, underscoring the importance of thorough safety assessments in drug development by ADMET study. Compounds meeting Lipinski's Rule of Five criteria, including cinnamaldehyde and coumarin, demonstrate potential for good oral bioavailability. Despite these difficulties, substances like coumarin, glycyrrhizin, and cinnamondehyde can be useful in the treatment of H. pylori. In-depth safety evaluations and continuous research are essential for improving medication development and promoting more effective H. pylori treatment.Graphical

Exploring the Mechanism of Cytotoxic Activity of β-Caryophyllene Oxide and its Potential to Enhance the Activity of Doxorubicin

Plant-derived compounds, including flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, and others, have been widely investigated for their role in cancer treatment. Here, we highlight the significance of some natural compounds (β-caryophyllene oxide) in enhancing doxorubicin's chemotherapeutic cytotoxicity. We also determined a novel mechanism of cytotoxicity for β-caryophyllene oxide by revealing its ability to bind with the DNA. This potentially causes its cytotoxicity when added alone and its ability to enhance doxorubicin's cytotoxicity. We also show that some natural compounds (epicatechin) may provide protection to cancer cells against doxorubicin's toxicity. This is most likely caused by their antioxidant behavior which potentially suppressed the doxorubicin-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in a decrease in its cytotoxicity. Moreover, similar suppression in the cytotoxicity of β-caryophyllene oxide was noticed when incubated with the other flavonoids.

A critical review on phytochemicals as antiviral medications for SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.

A pandemic of acute respiratory infection, which was specified as coronavirus disease 2019, was instigated by a different strain of the virulent coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that first appeared in late 2019. Since viral infections spread fast and there is presently no effective treatment, the use of plants with a long history of use in treating these infections has been explored regularly. The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought to light the dearth of medications with approval to treat acute viral illnesses. Because of this, the illness had a high fatality rate. The mortality rate was initially quite high and varied according to the patient's geographic location. For instance, among Chinese patients, the rate was 3·6%, whereas 1·5% of COVID-19-related deaths were documented outside of China. As of 2020, India has a 1.4% case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID-19 mortality, compared to 2.8% in Brazil and 1.8% in the USA. Many studies are being conducted to create pharmaceutical compounds specifically targeting important SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Several drug discovery initiatives are being undertaken to find powerful inhibitors by combining biochemical assay and computer-aided drug design techniques. Although plant-derived compounds have not had much success in the dominion of antivirals, plants are, however, believed to be a limitless supply of medications for a variety of diseases and clinical conditions. The scientific foundation required for developing novel natural source medications is provided by the chemical characterization and analysis of plant components. Most viral infections treated by ethnobotanical applications and historical literature on ayurveda, and traditional medicine are generally attributed to phytochemicals, which are compounds derived from medicinal plants. In this review, we have described the application of vascular plant-derived chemicals, such as tannins, polyphenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids, as antivirals, especially for managing COVID-19. This article discusses novel bioactive compounds and their molecular structures that target the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as prospective candidates for anti-coronavirus disease drugs. Moreover, to confirm the effectiveness of the phytochemicals that have demonstrated antiviral activity, clinical trials would need to be conducted in addition to the preclinical research that has already been done. To ensure spectacular findings, more applications of the compound would need to be studied to fully understand the effects of those phytochemicals whose clinical usefulness has already been established.

Apocynaceae as a Potential Source for Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition in Symptomatic Regulation and Management of Alzheimer's Disease

: Memory loss or dementia is the key symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In AD, significant interference in a progressive manner is observed in memory, behaviour, and cognitive abilities that affect the daily life of a person. At present, more than 50 million people are affected worldwide with Alzheimer's disease. Urgent attention is needed for the symptomatic regulation and management of this disease. The significant pharmacotherapy research in the last two decades gave only four drug compounds galanthamine, donepezil, rivastigmine, and memantine that inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) to elevate the availability of acetylcholine in the brain for symptomatic relief in AD patients. Plant-based AChE inhibitors from many plant families, mainly including Rutaceae, Papaveraceae, Apocynaceae, Rubiaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Liliaceae, Lycopodiaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, etc., have been characterized for the management of AD progression. AD progression is described by cholinergic, amyloid, Tau protein, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammatory hypothesis. To date, there is no comprehensive review in the literature that combined all plants of the Apocynaceae family showing anti-AChE activity. Therefore, the current review aims to present significant literature, especially on plant-derived compounds from the Apocynaceae family that inhibit AChE. The review compiled all plants showing potent anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. The anti-AChE activity of more than 30 plants is described, which may be potential targets to find new drug molecules by attracting the attention of researchers toward the Apocynaceae family. More than 8 species of genus Tabernaemontana of Apocynaceae have been investigated for indole alkaloids, demonstrating AChE inhibitory activity. The majority of anti-AChE compounds belong to the class of alkaloids.

Molecular docking and dynamics simulation analysis of PDE5 inhibitor candidates for erectile dysfunction treatment.

Molecular docking studies were conducted to assess the binding affinities of five potential inhibitor candidates [PDB (Protein Data Bank) ID: 6L6E] against Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), with Sildenafil used as the reference compound. The aim of this study is to reveal the potential inhibitory role of plant-derived compounds compared to Sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor. Autodock Vina v. 1.2.5 software was used to dock the protein and each ligand individually. Molecular dynamics simulations assessed the binding affinity of two compounds to the Phosphodiesterase 5A1 (PDE5 A1) enzyme and were carried out using GROMACS 2022.2 RESULTS: Boesenbergin A exhibited the highest affinity at -8.8 kcal/mol, followed by Ginkolide B at -8.5 kcal/mol, Sildenafil at -8.1 kcal/mol, Montanol at -7.8 kcal/mol, Beta-sitosterol at -7.1 kcal/mol, and Eugenol acetate at -6.9 kcal/mol, ranked in descending order. As a result of molecular docking studies, molecular dynamic simulations were performed for Boesenbergin A, which has the highest affinity, and Sildenafil, which is the standard molecule. Among the two ligands tested, Boesenbergin A exhibited superior binding affinity, surpassing even the standard molecule, Sildenafil. This suggests their potential for modulating enzyme activity and potential relevance in erectile dysfunction treatment.

Carvacrol acts on the larval midgut of Spodoptera frugiperda by destroying the tissue structure and altering the bacterial community

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, has become a global invasive pest in recent years, threatening agricultural production. Carvacrol (CAR) is a multifunctional plant-derived compound and exhibited significant bioactivities against many pests. Our previous study found that CAR inhibited growth and development in S. frugiperda. However, the effects of CAR on the midgut of this pest remain unknown. In this study, the actions of CAR on the larval midgut of S. frugiperda were investigated. The results found that 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg CAR treatments destroyed the structure of the larval midgut based on hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscope observation. In addition, 2.0 g/kg CAR exposure significantly altered the larval midgut bacterial community composition and structure. The results of the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis suggest that six bacterial genera contributed to the different structures of the larval bacterial community. Furthermore, PICRUSt2 analysis found that 16 bacterial function categories were altered by CAR treatment, of which 8 were significantly increased. Our results provided new insight into the toxicological mechanisms of CAR against S. frugiperda larvae and laid the foundation for the field application of S. frugiperda control.

Promising Phytoconstituents in Antiangiogenesis Drug Development

Angiogenesis, the process of forming new blood vessels from existing ones, is crucial in both physiological and pathological conditions, such as tumor growth, metastasis, and inflammatory disorders. Targeting angiogenesis has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. Recent research has increasingly focused on the role of bioactive components found in food in regulating angiogenesis, although there are certain limitations. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the origins, composition, pharmacological activities, and mechanisms of action of these components in medicinal foods, reflecting the growing intersection of medicine and nutrition. The goal is to aid in preventing angiogenesis-related complications and fostering healthier habits. The insights offered in this review aim to advance the development of effective, low-toxicity antiangiogenic drugs. Additionally, there has been a notable rise in interest in plant-derived compounds with antiangiogenic properties. This review investigates the potential of phytoconstituents from plants as drug candidates targeting angiogenesis, exploring their mechanisms of action, the research conducted thus far, and the challenges associated with transitioning these compounds into clinical applications.