Nutraceutical Plant Research Articles

Aronia melanocarpa L. fruit peels show anti-cancer effects in preclinical models of breast carcinoma: The perspectives in the chemoprevention and therapy modulation.

Within oncology research, there is a high effort for new approaches to prevent and treat cancer as a life-threatening disease. Specific plant species that adapt to harsh conditions may possess unique properties that may be utilized in the management of cancer. Chokeberry fruit is rich in secondary metabolites with anti-cancer activities potentially useful in cancer prevention and treatment. Based on mentioned hypothesis, the main goal of our study was to evaluate the antitumor effects of dietary administered Aronia melanocarpa L. fruit peels (in two concentrations of 0.3 and 3% [w/w]) in the therapeutic syngeneic 4T1 mouse adenocarcinoma model, the chemopreventive model of chemically induced mammary carcinogenesis in rats, a cell antioxidant assay, and robust in vitro analyses using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. The dominant metabolites in the A. melanocarpa fruit peel extract tested were phenolic derivatives classified as anthocyanins and procyanidins. In a therapeutic model, aronia significantly reduced the volume of 4T1 tumors at both higher and lower doses. In the same tumors, we noted a significant dose-dependent decrease in the mitotic activity index compared to the control. In the chemopreventive model, the expression of Bax was significantly increased by aronia at both doses. Additionally, aronia decreased Bcl-2 and VEGF levels, increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio compared to the control group. The cytoplasmic expression of caspase-3 was significantly enhanced when aronia was administered at a higher dosage, in contrast to both the control group and the aronia group treated with a lower dosage. Furthermore, the higher dosage of aronia exhibited a significant reduction in the expression of the tumor stem cell marker CD133 compared to the control group. In addition, the examination of aronia`s epigenetic impact on tumor tissue through in vivo analyses revealed significant alterations in histone chemical modifications, specifically H3K4m3 and H3K9m3, miRNAs expression (miR155, miR210, and miR34a) and methylation status of tumor suppressor genes (PTEN and TIMP3). In vitro studies utilizing a methanolic extract of A.melanocarpa demonstrated significant anti-cancer properties in the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Various analyses, including Resazurin, cell cycle, annexin V/PI, caspase-3/7, Bcl-2, PARP, and mitochondrial membrane potential, were conducted in this regard. Additionally, the aronia extract enhanced the responsiveness to epirubicin in both cancer cell lines. This study is the first to analyze the antitumor effect of A. melanocarpa in selected models of experimental breast carcinoma in vivo and in vitro. The utilization of the antitumor effects of aronia in clinical practice is still minimal and requires precise and long-term clinical evaluations. Individualized cancer-type profiling and patient stratification are crucial for effectively implementing plant nutraceuticals within targeted anti-cancer strategies in clinical oncology.

Antimicrobial activity of selected nutraceutical plants used in Northern Uganda

Background: Nutraceutical plants (NP) play a vital role as supportive treatment with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). However, there is limited scientific evidence on the efficacy of NP to justify their extensive use. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of three nutraceutical plants which are commonly used as antimicrobials.
 Methodology: Leaves of Cajanus cajan L. Millsp. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill., and stem bark of Mangifera indica L. were collected from Northern Uganda. The three samples of each NP were extracted with acetone and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were determined using the serial broth microdilution technique [1]. The mean MIC values of the extracts against each bacterial species were recorded.
 Results: The three NP extracts were active against all the four bacteria species with MIC ranging from 0.08 to 2.5 mg/ml. The extract of Cajanus cajan was very active against Klebsiella pneumoniae with the lowest recorded MIC value of 0.08 mg/ml. The extract of Mangifera indica bark was very active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the lowest MIC of 0.08 mg/ml.
 Conclusion: The results of the present study support the traditional use of the nutraceutical plants as antimicrobials.

Use of wild edible and nutraceutical plants in Raya-Azebo District of Tigray Region, northern Ethiopia

BackgroundAlthough there is a wide use of wild edible plants (WEPs) in Ethiopia, very little work has so far been done, particularly, in the Tigray Region, northern Ethiopia, to properly document the associated knowledge. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to document knowledge and analyze data related to the use of wild edible and nutraceutical plants in Raya-Azebo District of Tigray Region. The district was prioritized for the study to avoid the further loss of local knowledge and discontinuation of the associated practices because of the depletion of wild edible plants in the area mainly due to agricultural expansion and largely by private investors.MethodsA cross-sectional ethnobotanical study was carried out in the study District to collect data through individual interviews held with purposively selected informants, observation, market surveys, and ranking exercises. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed to analyze and summarize the data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.ResultsThe study documented 59 WEPs, the majority of which (57.63%) were sought for their fruits. Most of the WEPs (49 species) were consumed in the autumn, locally called qewei, which includes the months of September, October, and November. Ziziphus spina-christi L. Desf., Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. and Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller were the most preferred WEPs. Both interviews and local market surveys revealed the marketability of Opuntia ficus-indica, Ziziphus spina-christi, Ficus vasta Forssk., Ficus sur Forssk., and Balanites aegyptiaca. Of the total WEPs, 21 were reported to have medicinal (nutraceutical) values, of which Balanites aegyptiaca and Acacia etbaica scored the highest rank order priority (ROP) values for their uses to treat anthrax and skin infections, respectively.ConclusionsThe current investigation demonstrated the wide use of WEPs in the district. In future nutritional composition analysis studies, priority should be given to the most popular WEPs, and nutraceutical plants with the highest ROP values.

Ethnobotanical study of nutraceutical plants used to manage opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS in Acholi sub-region, Northern Uganda

BackgroundNutraceutical plants play a potential role as supportive treatment with antiretroviral drugs in the management of opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS. There is limited documentation of nutraceutical plants in Northern Uganda and limited literature addressing processes to be adopted for quality assurance of herbal formulations in Uganda. This study aimed to document plant species with nutritional and medicinal properties used for managing opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS by traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs), who included professional herbalists, herbal farmers and herbal sellers in Acholi sub region, Northern Uganda.MethodsAn ethnobotanical study was carried out in Amuru, Gulu and Pader districts, Northern Uganda. Cross-sectional data were collected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. A total of four hundred (378 women and 22 men) informants were selected. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, focus group discussions and direct observation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, familiarity index (FI), fidelity level (FL) and informant consensus factor (ICF).ResultsThis study recorded a total of 84 nutraceutical plant species, which are used to manage opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS. Most abundant families were Leguminoceae, Asteraceae and Solanaceae. Six nutraceutical plants that had higher fidelity level and familiarity index values included Momordica foetida Schumach, Erigeron floribundus (Kunth) Sch. Bip, Mangifera indica L, Cajanus cajan L. Millsp, Eucalyptus globulus Labill and Cucurbita pepo L. Respondents’ knowledge on nutraceutical plants had a positive significant correlation with age (R2 = 0.0524, p ≤ 0.01). The popular mode of preparation are decoctions/boiling in water (70%), while the most used route of administration is oral (76%). TMPs tried to ensure that during collection and processing, plant materials were free from contamination. TMPs reported limited knowledge on preservation techniques.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the availability and diversity of nutraceutical plants in Uganda and reports methods of processing and administration used by TMPs. Both men and women used nutraceutical plants to manage opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS and showed great extent of their traditional knowledge. Most of the nutraceutical plants in study area are wild and abundant; however, high percentage use of plant roots and bark threatens the sustainable use from the wild.

The immediate effects of Porang-processed rice (Amorphophallus muelleri) on triglyceride levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/HSObtemRZ0M Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Diabetes mellitus is related to metabolic disorders in glucose and lipid levels. Porang tubers contain glucomannan, a substance with many health benefits, such as ameliorating blood glucose and lipid profiles, and has been processed as many food products, such as porang-processed rice (PR). This study investigated the immediate effects of PR on triglyceride levels compared to white rice (WR) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and dyslipidemia. Methods: It was a randomized clinical study with an experimental pre-and post-test control group design held from October to November 2021 in Diponegoro National Hospital, Semarang, Indonesia. A total of 24 study subjects were selected by consecutive sampling. The inclusion criteria were (1) patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) or who have been consuming routine oral antidiabetic drugs and (2) have signed the written informed consent. These subjects were divided into 2 groups, i.e., the treatment group (n=12) and the control group (n=12). The treatment group was given a porang rice (PR) diet of 300 grams, 3 times a day, for 5 days. The control group will consume a white rice (WR) diet for 5 days. Triglyceride levels were measured and compared between both groups before and after the treatment. Triglyceride levels were measured using venous blood sampling. All subjects were still consuming routine medications during the study. Results: There were no differences in participants' baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. At pre-treatment, there was no significant difference in triglyceride levels between the group with PR and WR (201.5 ± 102.29 vs 220.8 ± 92.08; respectively, p=0.564). At post-treatment, there was no significant difference in triglyceride levels between the group with PR and that with WR (200.0 ± 90.67 vs 224.3 ± 88.03; respectively, p=0.513). However, there was a larger decrease of triglyceride levels (Δtriglyceride) in a group with PR compared to that with WR (29.4 ± 22.81 vs 12.6 ± 7.12; p=0.016). Conclusion: There were no significant differences in the triglyceride levels before and after porang-processed rice (PR) or white rice (WR) in patients with DM and dyslipidemia. However, there was a larger decrease in triglyceride levels (Δtriglyceride) in a group with PR compared to that with WR. If confirmed by further studies, porang-processed rice might have the role of nutraceutical plants in stabilizing lipid profiles, especially triglyceride levels, in patients with DM and dyslipidemia.

An Effective and Low-Cost Method for Genomic DNA Extraction from Cyclanthera Pedata Species (A Nutraceutical Plant) without Liquid Nitrogen for Inter Simple Sequence Repeat Analyses

An Effective and Low-Cost Method for Genomic DNA Extraction from Cyclanthera Pedata Species (A Nutraceutical Plant) without Liquid Nitrogen for Inter Simple Sequence Repeat Analyses

Ethnobotany of wild edible plants in Soro District of Hadiya Zone, southern Ethiopia

BackgroundDespite their paramount importance all over the globe in supporting food security, information about wild edible plants is generally patchy. In this study, we investigated the wild edible plants used by the local people in the Soro District of Hadiya Zone, southern Ethiopia. The main purpose of the study was to document and analyze the indigenous and local knowledge of the people on their abundance, diversity, use and management.Methods and materialsPurposive sampling and systematic random sampling were used to identify informants who can give information about the wild edible plants of the area. Data were collected by interviewing 26 purposively sampled key informants and 128 systematically randomly sampled general informants using semi-structured interviews. Guided observations and 13 focus group discussions (FGDs) consisting of 5–12 participants/discussants at each FGD session were also undertaken. Statistical analyses (mainly descriptive statistics approaches) and common analytical tools of ethnobotany including informant consensus, informant consensus factor, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, paired comparison and index of fidelity level were applied to the data sets.ResultsA total of 64 wild edible plant species belonging to 52 genera and 39 families were recorded. All of these species are indigenous, 16 are new additions to the database and seven of them, including Urtica simensis and Thymus schimperi, are endemic to Ethiopia. In about 82.81% of the species, the edible plant part is also used in the Ethiopian traditional herbal medicine. It is striking to see that almost all wild edible plants recorded from the study area are nutraceutical plant species, serving multiple roles as food and therapeutic sources for the local people. We recorded five growth habits of 34.38% trees, 32.81% herbs, 25% shrubs, 6.25% climbers, and 1.56% liana. We found the Flacourtiaceae, Solanaceae, and Moraceae to be families that represented more species (4 each), followed by Acanthaceae, Apocynaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Asteraceae, which accounted for 3 species each. Fruits (53.13%) and leaves (31.25%) were consumed in more proportions than other edible parts (15.63%); mostly the ripe, raw fruit is eaten upon simple processing, followed by leaves eaten after boiling, roasting and cooking.ConclusionThe frequency and intensity of consumption of these plants varied significantly (P < 0.05) with gender differences, key and general informants, and people’s religious backgrounds. We postulate that priority setting for in situ and ex situ conservation of multipurpose wild edible plants in human-inhabited landscapes is essential to warrant sustainable use and conservation of the species as well as the use of new modes of application and valorization.

Importance of in vitro methods in the propagation of nutraceutical plants- a mini review

Importance of in vitro methods in the propagation of nutraceutical plants- a mini review

A Culturomics-Based Bacterial Synthetic Community for Improving Resilience towards Arsenic and Heavy Metals in the Nutraceutical Plant Mesembryanthemum crystallinum.

Plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) help plants thrive in polluted environments and increase crops yield using fewer inputs. Therefore, the design of tailored biofertilizers is of the utmost importance. The purpose of this work was to test two different bacterial synthetic communities (SynComs) from the microbiome of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, a moderate halophyte with cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical applications. The SynComs were composed of specific metal-resistant plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria and endophytes. In addition, the possibility of modulating the accumulation of nutraceutical substances by the synergetic effect of metal stress and inoculation with selected bacteria was tested. One of the SynComs was isolated on standard tryptone soy agar (TSA), whereas the other was isolated following a culturomics approach. For that, a culture medium based on M. crystallinum biomass, called Mesem Agar (MA), was elaborated. Bacteria of three compartments (rhizosphere soil, root endophytes, and shoot endophytes) were isolated on standard TSA and MA media, stablishing two independent collections. All bacteria were tested for PGP properties, secreted enzymatic activities, and resistance towards As, Cd, Cu, and Zn. The three best bacteria from each collection were selected in order to produce two different consortiums (denominated TSA- and MA-SynComs, respectively), whose effect on plant growth and physiology, metal accumulation, and metabolomics was evaluated. Both SynComs, particularly MA, improved plant growth and physiological parameters under stress by a mixture of As, Cd, Cu, and Zn. Regarding metal accumulation, the concentrations of all metals/metalloids in plant tissues were below the threshold for plant metal toxicity, indicating that this plant is able to thrive in polluted soils when assisted by metal/metalloid-resistant SynComs and could be safely used for pharmaceutical purposes. Initial metabolomics analyses depict changes in plant metabolome upon exposure to metal stress and inoculation, suggesting the possibility of modulating the concentration of high-value metabolites. In addition, the usefulness of both SynComs was tested in a crop plant, namely Medicago sativa (alfalfa). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of these biofertilizers in alfalfa, improving plant growth, physiology, and metal accumulation.

In vitro Production of Plant Nutraceuticals

In vitro Production of Plant Nutraceuticals

Effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Lepidium meyenii Walp (red and black maca) on Caenorhabditis elegans

Lepidium meyenii (maca) is a Peruvian nutraceutical plant, whose hypocotyl has a variety of colors ranging from black to white. The black and red varieties of maca have been the most studied since their extracts are associated with effects such as increased sperm count, decreased glucose levels, reversal of prostatic hyperplasia, among others. However, the properties related to reduction of oxidative stress, metabolic diseases and anti-aging have not yet been confirmed. The aim was to evaluate the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts, obtained from spray-dried hydroalcoholic extract of hypocotyl of black and red maca (Lepidium meyenii), on mortality, growth, reproduction, lipid accumulation and the expression levels of genes related to oxidative stress and heat shock, in the in-vivo model, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), using different concentrations. The results showed that maca extracts were not toxic to the model at concentrations below 100 mg L-1. However, higher concentrations caused high mortality, growth disturbances, oxidative stress and lipid accumulation. Black maca extracts increased the reproduction of C. elegans by increasing the number of offspring in C. elegans, both in aqueous and ethanolic extracts. On the other hand, ethanolic extracts produced an increase in the expression of genes related to oxidative stress, indicating a mild stressor behavior of the same. C. elegans represents an established model for evaluating the biological properties of nutraceutical plants of biological interest and can be used in the search for antioxidant activity of L. meyenii (hypocotyl), as well as it can be used in future studies to identify some metabolites involved in each biological property and to understand the biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in these properties.

Ethnomedicinal and traditional application of Allium wallichii Kunth (Himalayan Onion): An unexplored and underutilized nutraceutical plant foods from Himalayan regions.

Background: Allium wallichii Kunth (Family: Amaryllidaceae), commonly known as “Himalayan onion” is well recorded as popular ethnomedicine for medicinal and nutritional uses by different people and communities native to Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Southwestern China. Methods: Despite the wide ethnomedicinal and pharmacological studies on A. wallichii, there are no concise elaborated article comprising reviews of published literature. So, herein we designed this review article to discuss the potential health benefit in both traditional ethnopharmacology and modern pharmacology. To achieve this exhaustive literature searches using A. wallichii as keywords for screening of relevant information online databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, SciELO, Scopus and SpringerLink were performed. Results: Only few published studies relevant to our objective was found and presented under different section of the current work. It was observed that different parts of A. wallichii was recorded in different regions of the Asia for health, economical and nutraceutical benefits such as dysentery, cholera, cold, cough, blood cholesterol levels, itching, to remove maggots from wounds, leech remover, antidote, cut, wounds (finger and toe infections), gastric problems, bile complaints, moth repellent, bodyache, sinusitis, carminative, dizziness, mumps, hypertension, intestinal pain, liver diseases, indigestion for children, high altitude sickness, condiment for curries, pickles, soup and vegetable source for cash income. Major bioactive phytochemicals such as 1,2 bis (methylthio) ethene, diosgenin, 2,4 dimethyl thiophene, tigogenin, dimethyl disulfide and trisulfide were reported. However, in modern pharmacology anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer activities was established. Conclusion: It was concluded that A. wallichii need special attention for protected cultivation and conservation in near future for maximum output and utilization are required. Moreover, A. wallichii could be considered as an excellent source of safe and effective medicinal and nutritional herbal remedies for human and animal consumption after only careful investigation. Keywords: Allium wallichii, Himalayan onion, Nutraceuticals, Anti-cancer

Role of Medicinal plant-derived Nutraceuticals as a potential target for the treatment of breast cancer.

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most challenging cancers to treat, accounting for many cancer-related deaths. Over some years, chemotherapy, hormone treatment, radiation, and surgeries have been used to treat cancer. Unfortunately, these treatment options are unsuccessful due to crucial adverse reactions and multidrug tolerance/resistance. Although it is clear that substances in the nutraceuticals category have a lot of anti-cancer activity, using a supplementary therapy strategy, in this case, could be very beneficial. Nutraceuticals are therapeutic agents, which are nutrients that have drug-like characteristics and can be used to treat diseases. Plant nutraceuticals categorized into polyphenols, terpenoids, vitamins, alkaloids, and flavonoids are part of health food products, that have great potential for combating BC. Nutraceuticals can reduce BC's severity, limit malignant cell growth, and modify cancer-related mechanisms. Nutraceuticals acting by attenuating Hedgehog, Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), Notch, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling are the main pathways in controlling the self-renewal of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). This article reviews some important nutraceuticals and their modes of action, which can be very powerful versus BC. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Nutraceuticals' importance to the control and diagnosis of breast cancer is undeniable and cannot be overlooked. Natural dietary compounds have a wide range of uses and have been used in traditional medicine. In addition, these natural chemicals can enhance the effectiveness of other traditional medicines. They may also be used as a treatment process independently because of their capacity to affect several cancer pathways. This study highlights a variety of natural chemicals, and their mechanisms of action, routes, synergistic effects, and future potentials are all examined.

Vitexin and Isovitexin Act through Inhibition of Insulin Receptor to Promote Longevity and Fitness in Caenorhabditis elegans

Vitexin and isovitexin are natural plant nutraceuticals for human health and longevity. This research investigates the underlying mechanisms of vitexin and isovitexin on aging and health. The vital role of DAF-2/insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGFR) is illustrated in the insulin/insulin-like growth signaling pathway (IIS) modulated by vitexin and isovitexin. In vitro, in vivo models and molecular docking methods are performed to explore the antiaging mechanism of vitexin and isovitexin. Vitexin and isovitexin (50 and 100µM) extended the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. The declines of pharyngeal pumping and body bending rates, and the increase of intestinal lipofuscin accumulation, three markers of aging, are postponed by these compounds. They inhibit IIS pathway in a daf-16-dependent manner, subsequently increasing the expressions of DAF-16 downstream protein and gene in nematodes. Molecular docking studies demonstrate that these compounds mightinhibit insulin signal by binding to the crucial amino acid residue ARG1003 in the pocket of IGFR. Western blot indicates that IGFR, PI3K, and AKT kinase expressions in senescent cells are decreased after vitexin and isovitexin treatment. Vitexin and isovitexin may inhibit IIS pathway by occupying adenosine-triphosphate binding site pocket of IGFR, subsequently decreasing IGFR expression, thereby promoting longevity and fitness.

Talinum Triangulare (Water Leaf): What a Wonderful Plant?

The importance of nutraceutical plants and the contribution of phytomedicine to the well-being of quite a large number of people and their animals worldwide has attracted interest from a variety of disciplines. Nutraceutical plants have proved to be very important in medicinal plants research and because of the bioactive compounds that these plants possess, they are useful in drug research and development. This article reviewed the bioactive constituents of Talinum triangulare; its therapeutic and nutritional importance as well as the usefulness of its bioactive compounds in agricultural settings. Bioactive components such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phlobatannin, anthraquinones, steroid, terpenes, phenols, cardiac glycoside were reported to be present in T. triangulare. T. triangulare has been implicated medically in the management of cardiovascular diseases like stroke, obesity and this was attributed to the presence of some bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and antioxidants in this plant. T. triangulare was also reported to contain some important minerals such as ß-carotene, minerals (such as calcium, potassium and magnesium), pectin, protein and vitamins. Investigations involved inclusion of T. triangulare dried powder as additive in the feed and inclusion of the leaf extract in drinking water were also reported to improve growth performance as well as immune system of both aquatic and terrestrial animals respectfully. It is therefore concluded that T. triangulare leaves can contribute significantly to the health management of Man and animal and should be recommended to be included in the daily nutritional requirement of both Man and animal.

Berberine, a Herbal Metabolite in the Metabolic Syndrome: The Risk Factors, Course, and Consequences of the Disease.

In recent years, the health of patients exposed to the consequences of the metabolic syndrome still requires the search for new solutions, and plant nutraceuticals are currently being intensively investigated. Berberine is a plant alkaloid possessing scientifically determined mechanisms of the prevention of the development of atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, as well as cardiovascular complications and cancer. It positively contributes to elevated levels of fasting, postprandial blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin, while decreasing insulin resistance. It stimulates glycolysis, improving insulin secretion, and inhibits gluconeogenesis and adipogenesis in the liver; by reducing insulin resistance, berberine also improves ovulation. The anti-obesity action of berberine has been also well-documented. Berberine acts as an anti-sclerotic, lowering the LDL and testosterone levels. The alkaloid exhibits an anti-inflammatory property by stalling the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2. Berberine is neuroprotective and acts as an antidepressive. However, the outcomes in psychiatric patients are nonspecific, as it has been shown that berberine improves metabolic parameters in schizophrenic patients, acting as an adjuvant during antipsychotic treatment. Berberine acts as an anticancer option by inducing apoptosis, the cell cycle arrest, influencing MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), and influencing transcription regulation. The inhibition of carcinogenesis is also combined with lipid metabolism.

ANATOMICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON MOMORDICA CHARANTIA L. PLANTS, NEWLY ACCLIMATED IN ROMANIA

Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae family), medicinal and nutraceutical plant known from Asia, South Africa, South America, the Caribbean region, has been acclimatized in Romania since 1990 until now. This plant, cultivated in the open greenhouses belonging to S.C. HOFIGAL Import Export S.A. has been studied in several projects, among which “Project 160/2014-2017 – MAIA – Multifunctional and innovative products for safe and bioenhanced functional food from newly cultivated plants in Romania”, coordinated by ICECHIM/ INCDCP Bucharest. Starting from this project, a documentary study was carried out on the Momordica charantia plants acclimatized in different countries, and a morpho-anatomical research was initiated on the specimens grown in Romania, in the greenhouses belonging to S.C. HOFIGAL (Voucher BUC 408946-408950). The anatomical observations concerned the organization of the stem, petiole, and leaf lamina, using sets of cross-sectional and paradermal sections, treated with identification substances (IIK) and differential and successive stains (Iodine Green and Carmine Alum). Structural characteristics have been investigated under optical microscopy and documented through original photographic images and a set of dimensional data, data which are only partially found in the specialised literature. The results of our research are generally within the existent anatomical patterns. However, certain particular aspects have been noticed, regarding the epidermal cells, mechanical tissues, conducting tissues and mesophyll, completing the knowledge regarding the anatomy of acclimatized Momordica charantia plants.

Network Pharmacology Study on Morus alba L. Leaves: Pivotal Functions of Bioactives on RAS Signaling Pathway and Its Associated Target Proteins against Gout.

M. alba L. is a valuable nutraceutical plant rich in potential bioactive compounds with promising anti-gouty arthritis. Here, we have explored bioactives, signaling pathways, and key proteins underlying the anti-gout activity of M. alba L. leaves for the first-time utilizing network pharmacology. Bioactives in M. alba L. leaves were detected through GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrum) analysis and filtered by Lipinski’s rule. Target proteins connected to the filtered compounds and gout were selected from public databases. The overlapping target proteins between bioactives-interacted target proteins and gout-targeted proteins were identified using a Venn diagram. Bioactives-Proteins interactive networking for gout was analyzed to identify potential ligand-target and visualized the rich factor on the R package via the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway on STRING. Finally, a molecular docking test (MDT) between bioactives and target proteins was analyzed via AutoDock Vina. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) demonstrated that mechanisms of M. alba L. leaves against gout were connected to 17 signaling pathways on 26 compounds. AKT1 (AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1), γ-Tocopherol, and RAS signaling pathway were selected as a hub target, a key bioactive, and a hub signaling pathway, respectively. Furthermore, three main compounds (γ-Tocopherol, 4-Dehydroxy-N-(4,5-methylenedioxy-2-nitrobenzylidene) tyramine, and Lanosterol acetate) and three key target proteins—AKT1, PRKCA, and PLA2G2A associated with the RAS signaling pathway were noted for their highest affinity on MDT. The identified three key bioactives in M. alba L. leaves might contribute to recovering gouty condition by inactivating the RAS signaling pathway.

↵​Persistence of Infection with Gastrointestinal Nematodes during the Fattening of Hair Lambs Supplemented with Virginiamycin

Background: Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) are a common problem that affects sheep health and production. There are strategies that have been used to combat these opportunistic microorganisms: chemical agents, nutraceutical plants and nutritional management to reduce the parasite load in animals. Nutrition management can increase resilience, reducing parasitism and increasing immunity to parasites in sheep. Evaluate the persistence of the infection with gastrointestinal nematodes during the fattening of stabled sheep and supplemented with virginiamycin. Methods: 27 lambs of three months of age were distributed in three groups of nine lambs; a control group (CG) and two groups supplemented with virginiamycin powder at 10 and 15 mg/kg per body weight in the diet during 75 days. Result: The supplementation with 10 and 15 g of virginiamycin in lambs crosses Pelibuey x Dorper decreases the FEC count of T. colubriformis and Strongyles spp. on days 3 and 5 of the experimental period.

Effects of Medicinal Plants and Organic Selenium against Ovine Haemonchosis.

Simple SummaryMaintaining high productivity in small ruminants is hindered by infection with the parasitic gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) Haemonchus contortus. There is an increasing interest to find alternative treatments for controlling GINs due to the rapid development of resistance to synthetic anthelmintics. Supplementary feeding of plant nutraceuticals or mineral supplements may contribute to improving the resilience of lambs. The trace element selenium and vitamin E act synergistically as antioxidants in circulation, but the natural occurrence of selenium is very low in the soil, grain, and roughage. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the long-term effects of medicinal plants and organic selenium in lambs experimentally infected with H. contortus. The results indicated that both supplements favorably affected the infected lambs and may provide a new approach to controlling haemonchosis in small ruminants.The objective of this study was to determine the effect of traditional medicinal plants typical to Central Europe as well as organic selenium on increasing the resistance of lambs to gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection with Haemonchus contortus. 21 female lambs were infected with third-stage larvae of H. contortus on the day (D) 0 and re-infected on D49 and D77. The animals were divided into three groups based on a treatment diet: a basal diet (control), a diet enriched with dry plants (Herbmix), and a diet enriched with selenized yeast (Selplex). The number of eggs per gram (EPG) of feces was quantified on D21, D28, D35, D42, D49, D56, D63, D70, D77, D84, D91, D98, D105, D112, and D119. The mean reductions in EPG on D28 were 43.4 and 28.6% for Selplex and Herbmix, respectively. The reduction in egg output was nearly uniform throughout the experiment for Selplex. However, for Herbmix the mean reduction was only 19.8% up to D91 and 46.1% after D91. Glutathione peroxidase activity in the blood from D35 to D98 was two to three-fold higher for Selplex than the other groups. Both supplements slowed the dynamics of GIN infection and gradually increased the resistance of lambs against ovine haemonchosis.