Planta medica最新文献

The global spread of Mpox necessitates exploration of novel treatment options. Considering the established history of herbal medicine in managing infectious diseases, this study reviewed the literature on phytotherapy for Mpox, addressing gaps in evidence-based herbal interventions. A thorough search was conducted across the Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane databases, as well as grey literature, up to August 2024 to retrieve studies on natural compounds with potential efficacy against Mpox and its associated symptoms. Data were analysed for publication characteristics, the compounds or herbal plants investigated, and their effects on the virus. A total of 37 articles with 242 citations were identified, demonstrating a steady increase in research activity since the first study in 2011, peaking in 2023 with 21 publications and 114 citations. The majority of studies originated from Southeast Asian countries. In terms of study design, most investigations were in silico (n = 31, 84%), followed by in vitro studies (n = 4, 11%), with no in vivo or clinical interventions reported. The primary focus was on the antiviral activities of natural products, with polyphenols identified as the most prevalent lead compounds. Whilst these findings highlight the growing interest in phytotherapy for Mpox, they also underscore the predominance of computational studies. To build upon this foundation of in silico evidence, further laboratory and animal studies are imperative for translating these insights into clinical applications. The comprehensive library of compounds gathered through this research provides a valuable resource to facilitate this crucial next step in the development of herbal interventions against Mpox.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a persistent, periodically reoccurring inflammatory condition that impacts the gastrointestinal tract. Angelicone, a principal compound extracted from Angelica sinensis, may offer a potential alternative therapeutic approach for UC through the downregulation of inflammatory mediators. Nonetheless, the pharmacological impacts and molecular pathways of angelicone in UC management, particularly in relation to gut microbiota, remain unexplored. The current study scrutinized the modifications in gut microbiota in mice afflicted with UC, induced by 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), utilizing 16S rRNA sequencing. The study demonstrated that angelicone (100mg/kg) substantially enhanced clinical indices, mitigated colonic damage, decreased cytokine levels, and reestablished the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier in UC mice. Furthermore, we discerned distinct bacterial genera that were responsive to angelicone treatment. Importantly, angelicone augmented the abundance of gut microbiota and partially reinstated the disrupted intestinal microbial composition, inclusive of the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. To summarize, our research offers novel perspectives into the intervention mechanisms of angelicone in the treatment of UC.

Tanshinone ⅡA (TSA), a component of traditional Chinese medicine, effectively protects against myocardial injury. However, its clinical application is limited by poor water solubility and a short half-life. In this study, we report four TSA derivatives designed and synthesized by our research group. The protective activity against hypoxia-reoxygenation injury in cells was evaluated, and derivative Ⅰ-3 was selected for in vivo experiments to verify its myocardial protective activity in rats with myocardial infarction. The results demonstrated that these four compounds could protect neonatal rat cardiomyocytes from hypoxia-reoxygenation injury. Among the derivatives, Ⅰ-3 showing superior protective effects, we found that Ⅰ-3 has enhanced metabolic stability and an extended half-life. Ⅰ-3 exhibited superior biological activity effectively reducing the heart infarction area, alleviating myocardial hypertrophy, and enhancing cardiac pumping function. Ⅰ-3 reported in the present work represents a novel and effective derivative of TSA, showing great potential for the treatment of myocardial ischemia (MI).

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disorder characterized by dry skin, eczema-like lesions, and severe itching. The multifaceted etiology of AD, which is not yet fully understood, includes genetic predispositions, immune dysfunctions(such as an impaired skin barrier and abnormal immune regulation), imbalances in the skin microbiota, and environmental factors, among others. In the field of AD treatment, the combination of traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine is becoming an emerging trend. Given the potenzial side effects and reduced efficacy of conventional therapeutic drugs, Chinese herbal medicines offer patients new treatment options because of their unique efficacy and low toxicity. Some saffron extracts derived from saffron and gardenia, such as crocin, crocetin, and safranal, have shown promising potenzial in the treatment of AD. These natural ingredients not only possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties similar to those of traditional Chinese medicines but also demonstrate excellent effects in promoting the repair of damaged skin barriers. Therefore, this article reviews the therapeutic potenzial of saffron extract in the treatment of AD, with a special focus on its mechanisms and potenzial interventions, while emphasizing the importance of herbal medicines as alternatives to traditional treatments, providing AD patients with safer and more effective treatment options.

A natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES) composed of levulinic acid and glucose using a molar ratio of 5:1 (molHBA:molHBD) and 20% of water (w/w) (LeG_5_20) was found as a great alternative to the commonly used organic solvents for the extraction of hydroxynaphthoquinone enantiomers (HNQs) from Alkanna tinctoria roots. In the present work, a comparative investigation of recovery methods for HNQs, such as solid-phase extraction, macroporous resin, and water as anti-solvent, was performed to face the main disadvantage of NaDES: inability to be evaporated. The highest recovery of HNQs was recorded using the solid-phase extraction on a reversed-phase C8 cartridge with a total hydroxynaphthoquinone content (TNC) of 46.79 ± 0.952 mg/g of dry weight (DW). Besides, a great recovery of HNQs was also reported for the macroporous resin Amberlite XAD 4 with a TNC value of 37.21 ± 1.789 mg/g DW while the precipitation of HNQs by using water as an anti-solvent (1:5, v/v) offered a TNC value of 28.68 ± 0.023 mg/g DW. The macroporous resin Amberlite XAD also showed a great potential for larger scale applications. In fact, the developed scale-up process, involving Amberlite XAD 4, showed a great recovery efficiency for HNQs (34.126 ± 1.093 mg/g DW), an acceptable robustness (RSD < 15%) and the possibility of recy-cling LeG_5_20 with a recovery greater than 50%; therefore, an excellent green alternative extrac-tion procedure for HNQs.

Croton lechleri, commonly known as "Sangre de Drago", is a widely utilized ethnomedicinal resource in the Amazon region, known for its diverse bioactive properties. These include wound-healing activity, anti-inflammatory effects, antitumor activity, and other therapeutic benefits. Despite its extensive traditional use, a comprehensive review of the scientific studies conducted over the past two decades is lacking, which hinders a thorough understanding of the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of this species. Hence, this review is essential to inform researchers and readers about the current state of knowledge in this field. A systematic search was conducted using databases such as Scopus and Google Scholar, yielding 33 relevant articles focusing on the phytochemistry and recent pharmacological investigations of C. lechleri. These studies identify proanthocyanidins as the predominant phytochemical group in terms of relative quantity. Additionally, other significant phytochemical groups include alkaloids, diterpenoids, phytosteroids, saponins, phenolics, and polyphenolics. The pharmacological studies reviewed highlight several potential therapeutic effects of C. lechleri, particularly those associated with its resin. These effects include wound-healing, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and gastrointestinal benefits, among others. The findings underscore the remarkable medicinal importance of this species, supporting its continued investigation and potential therapeutic applications.

For the treatment of urinary tract infections mixtures of different herbal materials are frequently used within traditional clinical practice. A complex formulation, widely used in Germany for preparation of aqueous extracts, with Betula sp., Agropyron repens, Solidago gigantea, and Ononis spinosa was infused as a mixture from all four components (combined extract). In addition, the four herbs were extracted separately and the extracts were mixed subsequently (separate extract). None of the extracts influenced proliferation of UPEC-UTI89 and cell viability of T24 bladder cells. The combined extract significantly reduced activity of type-1 fimbriae of UPEC CFT073. This effect was not observed for the mixture of the separately extracted herbs. Systematic investigation of the combined extract and binary mixtures by LC-MS and bioassays indicated that a series of malonylated dammarane triterpenes from Betula spp. leaves was extracted in the presence of Solidago sp.These dammaranes are responsible for the antiadhesive effect. The combined extract of Betula sp. and Solidago gigantea BSC as well as a dammarane-enhanced fraction DEF showed significant antiadhesive effects in a 2D-adhesion assay as well as in3-dimensional RT4- bladder cell spheroids. RT-qPCR of UTI89 incubated with DEF indicated downregulation of fimC, fimD, and fimH with impact on chaperone-usher-system and correct pili formation. Increased expression of motility gene fliC indicates a switch from static to motile life style. S-fimbrial gene sfaG was significantly down-regulated, but this did not result in phenotypic changes. Based on an improved extraction of birch leave constituents, data rationalize the importance of combinations of herbal drugs.

Curcumin (turmeric) is the main ingredient of the Chinese herbal turmeric rhizome, used to treat tumors, diabetes, inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and liver diseases. The antitumor effects of curcumin have received even more attention. One of the main mechanisms of the antitumor effects includes inhibition of tumor invasion and migration, induction of tumor cell apoptosis, and inhibition of various cell signaling pathways. It has been found that the antitumor biological activity of curcumin in the body is associated with epigenetic mechanisms. That also implies that curcumin may act as a potential epigenetic modulator to influence the development of tumor diseases. The immune system plays an essential role in the development of tumorigenesis. Tumor immunotherapy is currently one of the most promising research directions in the field of tumor therapy. Curcumin has been found to have significant regulatory effects on tumor immunity and is expected to be a novel adjuvant for tumor immunity. This paper summarizes the antitumor effects of curcumin from four aspects: molecular and epigenetic mechanisms of curcumin against a tumor, mechanisms of curcumin modulation of tumor immunotherapy, reversal of chemotherapy resistance, and a novel drug delivery system of curcumin, which provide new directions for the development of new antitumor drugs.

Datura stramonium is a well-known cosmopolitan weed known by several common names: thorn apple (due to the appearance of its fruits), Angel's trumpet (linked to its flowers), loco seed (referring to the hallucinogenic properties of its seeds), jimson weed (originating from the first recorded poisoning involving this plant), and apple of Peru (indicating the plant's origin). All parts of the plant contain the tropane alkaloids hyoscyamine, scopolamine, and atropine together with several minor alkaloids, which cause poisoning such as typical anticholinergic syndrome with neuropsychiatric effects. A review of 114 papers from various databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar) revealed that poisoning incidents involving this plant have been relatively common from 2001 to 2024. The analysis indicated that all cases of poisoning from D. stramonium can be categorized into two main groups: accidental and misuse. Accidental poisonings are primarily linked to the contamination of other crops in the field, leading to mass poisoning of humans and animals. They can also result from misidentifying the plant as another edible species, children's curiosity, and self-medication. On the other hand, misuse is typically associated with recreational drug use, suicide attempts, criminal activities, and magico-religious practices. To prevent poisoning from this plant, it is essential to eliminate the weed from fields, yards, gardens, and other disturbed areas. Additionally, it is important to educate the general public about the plant's appearance and the dangers associated with its consumption, particularly in the context of self-medication and recreational drug use.

Vibrio strains, identified by 16S rDNA, were isolated from the marine environment surrounding Taiwan, revealing diverse bioactive effects, such as iron-chelating and antimicrobial activities. Notably, the hierarchical clustering dendrogram of mass spectrum profiles of the Vibrio strains using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight, in contrast to the phylogenetic tree based on 16S rDNA sequencing analysis, exhibited a strong correlation with their observed bioactivities. Within this set, global natural products social molecular network analysis by LC-HRMS/MS highlighted that three strains, Vibrio tubiashii DJW05 - 1, Vibrio japonicus DJW05 - 8, and Vibrio fortis DJW21 - 4, shared similar bioactive pseudopeptides in the same cluster. Subsequent chromatographical isolation and purification yielded an unprecedented unsaturated diketopiperazine, (Z)-3-(2-methylpropylidene)-2,3-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione (1: ), along with a series of diketopiperazines, and a potential new annotated pseudopeptide (2: ), as well as three pseudopeptides, including andrimid (10: ), moiramide B (11: ), and moiramide C (12: ), and several alkaloids from V. tubiashii DJW05 - 1. Further investigation into the combined applications of the major antimicrobial compound and commercial antibiotics revealed that andrimid (10: ) displayed significant inhibitory effects against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, and gram-negative Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Acinetobacter baumannii, but not Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nevertheless, the potential for synergistic and additive effects of andrimid (10: ) with certain antibiotics remains, presenting valuable prospects for medicinal applications.