Remedy In Traditional Medicine Research Articles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Honey: A Bioactive Resource for Diversified Therapeutic Use in Traditional Medicine

Abstract: Honey, a natural bioactive resource is obtained from Apis mellifera. It has been cherished as a natural product known for its dietary supplement and an effective remedy in traditional medicine to creation of nutraceuticals and functional foods in modern medicine of present generations. Apiculture is the practice of rearing honeybees, keeping them healthy and utilizing products like honey, bee pollen, bee bread and royal jelly for various purposes. The myriad benefits of natural products obtained from honeybees has been mentioned in the inscriptions and documents of several holy books like the Vedas, the Bible, and the Quran. and Bible. Bee products are known for their therapeutic use since ancient times in Egypt, Greece, and China. In India honeybee rearing is one of the traditional practices of indigenous community of ethnic tribes. It is a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites like flavonoids, polyphenols, organic acids, vitamins, and minerals and thus contributes to its effectiveness in dietary supplement both as food and medicine. It also acts as an immunomodulator, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant source and hence helps in curing various diseases. Due to its therapeutic characteristics, honey can be used to cure bronchial asthma, cough, TB, hepatitis, GI disorders and a variety of other ailments. Research investigations have proven that honey can also help in wound healing and in the treatment of ulcers. It is used in cosmetics to repair the skin by acting as an exfoliating agent and moisturizer in anti-tanning sunscreen lotions. The present research article highlights the comprehensive study on the efficacy of honey as a bio-resource for diversified therapeutic use in traditional medicine.

The In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Qt-2 (A Traditional Medicine Remedy) Water Extract

The In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Qt-2 (A Traditional Medicine Remedy) Water Extract

Inhibition of multidrug-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells with combinations of clinical drugs and resin glycosides from Operculina hamiltonii

The jalap roots, Operculina hamiltonii D.F. Austin & Staples (Convolvulaceae), are extensively commercialized as a depurative and laxative remedy in traditional medicine of the north and northeast regions of Brazil. The purification by recycling HPLC and structure elucidation of three new acyl sugars or resin glycosides are described here from a commercial product made of powdered roots. Three macrocyclic structures of a tetrasaccharide of (11S)-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, operculinic acid C (1), the undescribed hamiltonins II and III (3 and 4), in addition to the known batatinoside III (5), presented a diastereoisomeric relationship as one residue of n-dodecanoic acid esterified the oligosaccharide core on a different position in each compound. Furthermore, hamiltonin IV (6) was characterized as an ester-type homodimer of acylated operculinic acid C with the same substitution pattern identified in hamiltonins II (3) and III (4) for each of the dimer subunits. All the isolated resin glycosides did not display any intrinsic cytotoxicity (IC50 > 25 μM). However, a combination of the individual isolated compounds 3–6 (1–50 μM) demonstrated an enhancement of cytotoxic effects with sublethal doses of vinblastine and podophyllotoxin (0.003 μM) in multidrug-resistant breast carcinoma epithelial cells (MCF-7/Vin).

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of plant leaf extract against enteric bacterial pathogens

Punica granatum, a fruit-bearing shrub belonging to the Lythraceae family, offers various benefits to humans, with both its fibers and seeds being valuable. The seeds contain important oil acids such as palmitic, punica, stearic, and oleic acids. In India, P. granatum (pomegranate) leaves have been investigated for their potential antibacterial activity against enteric pathogens. These pathogens are responsible for causing gastrointestinal infections and are often associated with antibiotic resistance. The study aims to explore whether pomegranate leaves possess properties that can combat these enteric pathogens effectively. This research holds promise in identifying a natural and alternative approach to address antibacterial challenges, potentially contributing to the development of novel antimicrobial agents pomegranate is commonly used as a traditional remedy for treating enteric bacterial pathogens. To investigate its antibacterial properties, researchers studied the aqueous extract of P. granatum leaf against enteric pathogens, conducting tests like biochemical examinations and microscopy on the isolates. The phytochemical analysis of P. granatum (pomegranate) leaf aqueous extract revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds. These compounds include amino acids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, and phenols. To evaluate its antimicrobial activity, the researchers used antibiotic discs, including chloramphenicol, vancomycin, and gentamicin, employing the standard Kirby Bauer method. Results showed that vancomycin had the highest zone of inhibition, followed by chloramphenicol and gentamicin, with respective measurements of 20 mm and 19 mm. Chloramphenicol exhibited sensitivity against Escherichia coli (19 mm), while gentamicin showed sensitivity against Salmonella typhi (20 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (19 mm), and E. coli (18 mm). Vancomycin demonstrated sensitivity against S. aureus (21 mm). The aqueous leaf extract displayed significant antibacterial activity at concentrations of 20, 40 mcg, and 60 μg, showing effective zones of inhibition ranging from 15 mm to 22 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus, Shigella dysentriae, Proteus vulgaris, and S. typhi. In conclusion, the study established that P. granatum leaf extracts possess remarkable antibacterial properties and contain valuable pharmaceutical bioactive compounds. Due to its efficacy in treating gastrointestinal disorders, it is utilized as a natural remedy in traditional medicine.

Hydrocolloids from the Mushroom Auricularia heimuer: Composition and Properties

The ear- to shell-shaped fruiting bodies of the genus Auricularia are widely used as food and in traditional medicinal remedies. This study was primarily focused on the composition, properties and potential use of the gel-forming extract from Auricularia heimuer. The dried extract contained 50% soluble homo- and heteropolysaccharides, which were mainly composed of mannose and glucose, acetyl residues, glucuronic acid and a small amount of xylose, galactose, glucosamine, fucose, arabinose and rhamnose. The minerals observed in the extract included approximately 70% potassium followed by calcium. Among the fatty and amino acids, 60% unsaturated fatty acids and 35% essential amino acids could be calculated. At both acidic (pH 4) and alkaline (pH 10) conditions, the thickness of the 5 mg/mL extract did not change in a temperature range from −24 °C to room temperature, but decreased statistically significantly after storage at elevated temperature. At neutral pH, the studied extract demonstrated good thermal and storage stability, as well as a moisture retention capacity comparable to the high molecular weight sodium hyaluronate, a well-known moisturizer. Hydrocolloids that can be sustainably produced from Auricularia fruiting bodies offer great application potential in the food and cosmetic industries.

Comparative Study on Physicochemical, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Propolis Collected from Different Regions of Bulgaria

Abstract Propolis (bee glue), a valuable biological mixture produced by European honey bees (Apis mellifera L.), is widely used as a remedy in traditional and alternative medicine, as an effective food biopreservative and as a nutritional value enhancer. The present study aimed to investigate eighty propolis samples collected from all twenty-eight districts of Bulgaria in the period of 2020–2022 in order to determine their physicochemical properties as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. The raw propolis samples exhibited brown or green colour depending on the climatic zone from which they are collected and pH values from 4.82 to 5.87, while the moisture content ranged between 0.98% and 2.97%. The total phenolics content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) varied from 63.14 mg GAE/g to 737.27 mg GAE/g, and from 29.22 mg QE/g to 234.17 mg QE/g, respectively. The propolis samples demonstrated significant antioxidant potential determined by DPPH and FRAP methods, from 18.56 mM TE/g to 1598.66 mM TE/g and from 82.28 mM TE/g to 1208.81 mM TE/g, respectively, whose values showed a positive correlation (r 2) with the TPC and TFC. The results from the antimicrobial screening revealed that the methanolic propolis extracts in concentration of 20 mg/ml exhibited the highest inhibitory effect on the Gram-positive bacteria such as Micrococcus luteus 2YC-YT, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Listeria monocytogenes NBIMCC 8632 and Listeria innocua ATCC 33090.

Literature Review: Punica granatum (pomegranate) with an emphasis on its anti-parasitic activity

The pomegranate (Punica granatum) has been known for its medicinal and nutritional benefits from time immemorial and across ancient civilizations. In addition, it is a very ancient plant that has existed since more than 3000 B.C. Pursuant to one source; it was cultivated for the first time in Iran; while another claimed it was in India or Turkey. Then it was expanded along trade routes to reach each region of the entire world. The pomegranate was highlighted in this study through a literature review in terms of its origin, classification, and description; its medicinal and therapeutic significance; the chemical content of the various pomegranate parts; and lastly, its antiparasitic activities. Pomegranate belongs to the Punicaceae family. Interestingly, it has been frequently employed in disease therapy since ancient times. Furthermore, pomegranate fruits, seeds, and peels are frequently utilized as a natural remedy in traditional medicine. Flavonoids, ellagitannins, punicalagins, ellagic acid, vitamins, minerals, and other chemical components are the most significant ingredients in this plant. Researchers have been evaluating the fruit's characteristics in recent years and have revealed encouraging findings in areas such as cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. The pomegranate's unique blend of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other bioactive chemicals has been demonstrated to benefit several areas of human health. In this review, the researcher highlighted the substantial role of the pomegranate as an antiparasitic agent by reviewing numerous studies performed on this topic, whether in vitro or in vivo. Despite a scarcity of research to evaluate its anti-parasitic properties, this study concluded that the pomegranate has anti-parasitic properties that are very encouraging, such as anti-amoebic, anti-anthelmintic, cryptosporicidal, leishmanicidal, giardiacial, and other anti-parasitic characteristics.

Anti-Convulsant Activity of Soxhlet Leaf Extracts of Ajuga Integrifolia Buch.-Ham. Ex D.Don (Lamiaceae) in Mice.

The leaves of Ajuga integrifolia Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don (Lamiaceae) have long been used as an anti-convulsant remedy in Ethiopian traditional medicine. However, the evidence supporting their use is sparse in the literature. This study was conducted to add to the existing body of knowledge about the anti-convulsant activity of the plant. The anti-convulsant activity of the extract was investigated in both acute (pentylenetetrazol [PTZ], 80 mg/kg; and maximal electroshock [MES]) and chronic (PTZ, 35 mg/kg) kindling seizure models. For the experimental paradigms, various doses of the extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) were administered. Positive controls received sodium valproate (200 mg/kg) for the PTZ model and phenytoin (25 mg/kg) for the MES model. Parameters including the onset of clonus and duration of hindlimb tonic extension were recorded and compared with controls. Moreover, the total alkaloid, flavonoid, and phenol contents of the extracts were determined. Ethyl acetate extract produced a superior effect among all solvent extracts in both the PTZ and MES models. At all doses, it significantly delayed the mean onset of clonus (p<0.01) in the PTZ test compared to controls. It also significantly reduced (p<0.001) the mean duration of hindlimb tonic extension in the MES model. Treatment of mice with 200 mg/kg (p<0.01) and 400 mg/kg (p<0.001) of ethyl acetate extract significantly protected against PTZ-induced kindling compared to controls. The leaf was found to contain 10.002±0.119 mg atropine equivalent per gram of dry extract of alkaloids, 9.045±0.8445 mg quercetin equivalent per gram of dry extract of flavonoids, and 21.928±1.118 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry extract of phenols. This study indicated that the plant A. integrifolia has anti-convulsant activity in both acute and chronic models of seizure. This plant represents a potential source for the development of a new anti-epileptic drug for pharmacoresistant epilepsy.

Two New Sesquiterpene Glycosides from Fissistigma balansae Merr

Objective Plants of Fissistigma balansae have been used for the treatment of stomachache in Vietnamese traditional medicinal remedies. This study reports 2 new sesquiterpene glycosides from the methanol extract of its branches. Methods The sample was extracted with MeOH and the crude extract obtained was suspended in H2O and extracted with EtOAc. This extract was fractionated by various chromatographic methods to yield 2 new sesquiterpene glycosides. The structures of the isolates were determined by NMR spectroscopy and HRESI mass spectra. Results From the methanol extract of F balansae branches, 2 new sesquiterpene glycosides, named fissbalanoside A (1) and fissbalanoside B (2), have been isolated and their chemical structures evaluated. Compounds 1 and 2 weakly inhibited NO production with IC50 values of 52.12 ± 1.78 and 65.27 ± 1.82 µM, respectively.

Discovery of 2 New Dibenzocyclooctadiene Lignans Cauliflorins A and B From Schisandra cauliflora

Sarcopenia is having a serious impact on highly aged populations. A Japanese traditional medicinal remedy containing Schisandra fruits and Astragalus roots recently showed effective treatment of sarcopenia and thus needed to be investigated further. This current study selected Schisandra cauliflora fruits for investigation of their chemical constituents and evaluation of their antisarcopenia effects. Dried S cauliflora fruits were ultrasonically extracted with methylene chloride. This extract was purified by a combination of chromatographic techniques. The isolated compounds were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, electronic circular dichroism, and high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry methods. Antisarcopenia activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated by their effects on the viability and proliferation of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Seven dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, including 2 that had been previously undescribed, cauliflorins A and B (1 and 2), ananolignan C (3), 6- epi-ananolignan D (4), ananolignan F (5), ananonin H (6), and ananonin J (7) were isolated from the methylene chloride extract of the fruits of S cauliflora. The C2C12 cells treated with compounds 1-7 (5 µM) exhibited proliferation in the range of 75.7% ± 7.4% to 98.2% ± 11.7%, compared to 100.0% ± 6.0% of the untreated cells. Two previously undescribed and 5 known dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans were isolated from S cauliflora fruits. All the isolated compounds were inactive on the proliferative enhancement of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells.

Correlation between total phenolic and flavonoid contents and biological activities of 12 ethanolic extracts of Iranian propolis.

Propolis is a resinous substance produced by honey bees that is very popular as a natural remedy in traditional medicine. The current research is the first study on the biological properties of ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) from several different regions (12) of Iran. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC) of Iranian EEPs were variable between 26.59-221.38 mg GAE/g EEP and 4.8-100.03 mg QE/g EEP. The DPPH scavenging assay showed all the studied EEP samples, except for the sample with the lowest TPC and TFC (P6), have suitable antioxidant activity. All the EEPs inhibited both cholinesterase enzymes (acetylcholinesterase: AChE, butyrylcholinesterase: BuChE) but most of them exhibited a distinct selectivity over BuChE. Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of the EEP samples using four pathogenic bacteria (B. cereus, S. aureus, A. baumannii, and P. aeruginosa) demonstrated that the antibacterial properties of propolis are more effective on the gram-positive bacterium. Spearman correlation analysis showed a strong positive correlation between TPC and TFC of the Iranian EEPs and their antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antibacterial activities. Considering that there is ample evidence of anticholinesterase activity of flavonoids and a significant correlation between the anticholinesterase activity of the studied Iranian EEPs and their total flavonoid content was observed, the interaction of 17 well-known propolis flavonoids with AChE and BuChE was explored using molecular docking. The results indicated that all the flavonoids interact with the active site gorge of both enzymes with high affinity. Summing up, the obtained results suggest that Iranian propolis possesses great potential for further studies.

The Genus Cuphea P. Browne as a Source of Biologically Active Phytochemicals for Pharmaceutical Application and Beyond—A Review

Cuphea P. Browne (Lythraceae) is a monophyletic taxon comprising some 240-260 species that grow wild in the warm, temperate, and tropical regions of South and Central America and the southern part of North America. They have been valued as traditional medicinal remedies for numerous indications, including treating wounds, parasitic infections, hypertension, digestive disorders, cough, rheumatism, and pain. Modern pharmacological research provides data that support many of these traditional uses. Such a wide array of medicinal applications may be due to the exceptionally rich phytochemical profile of these plants, which includes bioactive compounds classified into various metabolite groups, such as polyphenols, triterpenes, alkaloids, and coumarins. Furthermore, Cuphea seed oils, containing medium-chain fatty acids, are of increasing interest in various industries as potential substitutes for coconut and palm oils. This review aims to summarize the results of phytochemical and pharmacological studies on Cuphea plants, with a particular focus on the therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms of the action of polyphenolic compounds (especially flavonoids and tannins), which have been the subject of many recently published articles.

Phenolic profile, in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo diuretic effects of endemic wild thyme Thymus comosus Heuff ex. Griseb. (Lamiaceae) from Romania.

Thymus comosus Heuff ex. Griseb. (Lamiaceae) is a wild thyme species endemic for Romanian Carpathian areas, frequently collected as substitute for collective herbal product Serpylli herba, cited as antibacterial and diuretic remedy in traditional medicine. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vivo diuretic effect and in vitro antimicrobial properties of three herbal preparations (infusion-TCI, tincture-TCT and an hydroethanolic extract prepared through an optimized ultrasound-assisted method-OpTC) obtained from the aerial parts of T. comosus Heuff ex. Griseb, also evaluating their comprehensive phenolic profile. In vivo diuretic effect was tested using Wistar rats treated orally with each herbal preparation (125 and 250mg/kg dispersed in 25ml/kg isotonic saline solution) and quantified based on cumulative urine output (ml), diuretic action and diuretic activity. Additionally, sodium and potassium excretion were monitored using a potentiometric method with selective electrodes. In vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities were assessed using p-iodonitrotetrazolium chloride assay against six bacterial strains and six fungal strains by monitoring minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs). Finally, phenolic profile of the aforementioned herbal extracts was evaluated using an ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) method to check the impact of the different preparations on the most abundant and significant compounds. All the extracts exerted a mild diuretic action, TCT and OpTC inducing the most intense diuretic effect. Both herbal preparations produced a statistically significant, dose-dependent and gradual increase of the urine output, the effect being more intense at 24h (6.63-7.13 ml/24h). Potentiometric evaluation of urine samples collected from treated rats revealed a clear and mild natriuretic and kaliuretic effect after the administration. In terms of antimicrobial activity, E. coli (MIC-0.38mg/ml), B. cereus (MIC-0.75mg/ml)), Penicillium funiculosum and P. verrucosum var. cyclopium (MIC-0.19mg/ml) showed the greater sensitivity to the tested extracts, respectively. UHPLC-HRMS screening showed that the bioactive potential of T. comosus herbal preparations was likely related to the higher amounts of phenolic acids (including rosmarinic acid), flavonoids (mainly flavones and derivatives) and other phenolics (such as different isomers of salvianolic acids) in their composition. The obtained results support the ethnopharmacological evidence regarding the mild diuretic and antibacterial potentials of the endemic wild thyme T. comosus, this study being the first one that assessed the aforementioned bioactivities for this species.

Royal jelly extracellular vesicles promote wound healing by modulating underlying cellular responses

Apis mellifera royal jelly (RJ) is a well-known remedy in traditional medicine around the world and its versatile effects range from antibacterial to anti-inflammatory properties and pro-regenerative properties. As a glandular product, RJ has been shown to contain a substantial number of extracellular vesicles (EVs), and, in this study, we aimed to investigate the extent of involvement of RJEVs in wound healing-associated effects. Molecular analysis of RJEVs verified the presence of exosomal markers such as CD63 and syntenin, and cargo molecules MRJP1, defensin-1, and jellein-3. Furthermore, RJEVs were demonstrated to modulate mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation and secretome, as well as decrease LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages by blocking the mitogen-activatedprotein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Invivo studies confirmed antibacterial effects of RJEVs and demonstrated an acceleration of wound healing in a splinted mouse model. This study suggests that RJEVs play a crucial role in the known effects of RJ by modulating the inflammatory phase and cellular response in wound healing. Transfer of RJ into the clinics has been impeded by the high complexity of the raw material. Isolating EVs from the raw RJ decreases the complexity while allowing standardization and quality control, bringing a natural nano-therapy one step closer to the clinics.