Planta medica最新文献

Age-related arterial stiffening is a hallmark of vascular ageing and a key driver of cardiovascular disease. Oxidative stress, impaired autophagy, and extracellular matrix remodelling play an important role in the progression of aortic stiffening. Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a phenolic compound in olives, has demonstrated antioxidant properties and the ability to modulate autophagy, positioning it as a potential therapeutic for vascular ageing. In this study, we investigated the effects of HT on autophagy flux and antioxidant protein expression in human aortic endothelial cells (HAoECs). In parallel, we examined the impact of HT on arterial stiffness ex vivo using isolated aortic segments from wild-type (WT) and Fbn1C1039G+/- mice, a model of elastin fragmentation.HT treatment (50 and 100 µM; 18 h) enhanced autophagy flux in HAoECs, evidenced by increased LC3-II and p62 turnover, and reduced mTOR activity. Additionally, HT upregulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a key antioxidant enzyme. Ex vivo treatment of aortic segments from WT and Fbn1C1039G+/- mice with HT (50 µM; 18 h) restored IP₃-mediated contractions and reduced aortic stiffness in Fbn1C1039G+/- aortas, as demonstrated by a decreased Peterson's modulus. Although HT did not significantly affect collagen or elastin content or elastic fibre breaks in the aortic wall, it notably increased HO-1 protein levels in Fbn1C1039G+/- aortas.These findings demonstrate the potential of HT to mitigate oxidative stress, enhance autophagy, and reduce arterial stiffness, making it a promising nutraceutical for addressing age-related vascular dysfunction. Further long-term studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and evaluate its sustained benefits in vivo.

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, presents significant diagnostic challenges, often leading to delayed treatment and decreased therapeutic response to conventional antibiotics. This review aims to evaluate the potential of plant essential oils, known for their bacteriostatic, bactericidal, and anti-quorum sensing properties, as prophylactic, adjunct, or complementary treatments during the early stages of B. burgdorferi infection. The authors explore how these essential oils can target adaptive mechanisms and interactions of B. burgdorferi, including complement regulator-acquiring surface proteins (CRASPs), immune modulation, motility, chemotaxis, biofilm formation, efflux-pump mechanisms, and cyst formation. The authors identify current research gaps and propose frameworks to substantiate the clinical efficacy of essential oils for Lyme disease treatment. This review indicates that essential oils have multifaceted therapeutic potential and could provide a viable option for early intervention in Lyme disease. Further research is necessary to confirm their clinical applicability and safety.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous regulators of gene expression that enable high adaptation to the living conditions of organisms. While plant antiviral miRNAs are effective in combating their viral pathogens, some plant miRNAs exhibit cross-kingdom interactions when targeting animal viruses. Current studies have reported that the miRNA contents of medicinal plants used in treating viral diseases are directly effective in combating the disease. Along with this study, the presence and expression levels of five plant miRNAs (miRNA765, miRNA954, miRNA1086, miRNA1328, and miRNA2911), known for their antiviral effects against human diseases, were analyzed in eight medicinal plants using the reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) method. One of the test group medicinal plants was used as dry material for comparison purposes. Triticum aestivum L. fruits that contain high starch were preferred as the calibrator plant sample, and miRNA161 was used as the endogenous miRNA control. cDNAs were synthesized using stem-loop primers and amplified by RT-qPCR with SYBR green. Expression levels of antiviral miRNAs were analyzed using the fold change (Fc) and the relative quantification (RQ) data. At the end of this study, antiviral miRNAs were found in some medicinal plants and detected at high levels in preserved dried plant samples, such as Viscum album leaves.

Myristica fragrans (M. fragrans) is a species within the Myristicaceae family and the Myristica genus. It is an evergreen tree plant native to Maluku and the Banda Islands. Nutmeg (dried kernel of M. fragrans) could be used not only as a spice but also as a valuable medicinal herb used in traditional ethnomedicines, including Ayurvedic medicine, Tibetan medicine, Mongolian medicine, and Chinese medicine. From previous studies, it has been found that its chemical components are lignans, neolignans, volatile oils, and other chemical components. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that nutmeg extract and its chemical constituents possess a wide range of pharmacological activities such as neurological and digestive pharmacological effects, as well as cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, potential anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant activities, and other pharmacological effects, which are closely related to its rich ethnomedical uses. There were more studies on the pharmacological activities and chemical constituents of nutmeg, but few studies had been carried out in terms of incorporating the experience of traditional medicine and systematic quality control studies. Based on botanical books, Chinese classic texts, medical monographs, and academic search engines (Pubmed, Web of Science, CNKI, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library), this paper reviewed various aspects of nutmeg, such as its basic source, traditional use, chemical components, pharmacological activities, and mechanism of action, as well as quality control, with a view to laying a foundation for the study of the potential pharmacological activities and quality control of nutmeg and providing a theoretical basis for the further development of nutmeg.

Angiogenesis plays a key role in tissue regeneration by delivering oxygen and nutrients to the injury site. In diabetes mellitus, various factors, including hyperglycemia, neuropathy, increased reactive oxygen species, and proinflammatory cytokines, decrease the levels of proangiogenic factors and increase levels of antiangiogenic factors, hamper angiogenesis, and hinder wound healing. Reconstruction of the vasculature of the wound bed is crucial for promoting diabetic wound healing and improving the quality of life of patients. Given the urgent need for innovative therapies to promote angiogenesis and accelerate the repair of diabetic wounds, researchers have increasingly focused on identifying herbal products and their active constituents with promising proangiogenic activity.The aim of this review is to present verified data on the current knowledge on the effect of herbal products and their active constituents on angiogenesis processes in diabetic wounds.The electronic databases were searched for articles published from 2014 to the present. The 38 articles comparing topically used herbal products/active constituents on angiogenesis in diabetic wound healing treatment versus control treatments (placebo or active therapy) were selected.Herbal products and their active constituents are rich sources of novel angio-modulators that may affect the angiogenesis process in diabetic wound healing via different mechanisms of action, including stimulation of VEGF and HRMs and activation of the Nrf2, PI3K/AKT, and HIF-1α signaling pathways. Topical applications of herbal products and their active constituents, especially when incorporated into wound dressings, show promising proangiogenic activity and represent a potential alternative for the treatment of diabetic wounds.

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, commonly known as night-flowering jasmine or parijat, is a plant of notable importance in traditional medicine and cultural practices. It is characterized by its nocturnally blooming, fragrant flowers. Traditional medicinal systems have extensively utilized this species for its therapeutic properties, which modern clinical research has supported. This plant, renowned for its therapeutic potential, has been integral to folk medicine for addressing antibilious conditions, gynecological disorders, and liver protection, highlighting its historical significance.This review aims to conduct a comprehensive ethnopharmacological evaluation of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, with a focus on its chemical composition and pharmacological properties. It seeks to explore its therapeutic potential while identifying gaps requiring further scientific investigation.The review draws on data from credible sources such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and related literature published from 2013 to 2024 using keywords such as Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, night-flowering jasmine, sorrow plant, harsingar, harasingaar, pavazha mattigai, paarijaata, parijathak, and parijatha.The literature reveals that Nyctanthes arbor-tristis contains several phytoconstituents, including steroids, terpenes, flavonoids, phenols, iridoid glycosides, and alkaloids. These compounds, distributed across its leaves, seeds, flowers, and stem bark, exhibit distinct pharmacological activities. Reported effects include anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic, anti-diabetic, anti-arthritic, cytotoxic, anti-microbial, anti-malarial, anthelmintic, larvicidal, bronchodilatory, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and wound healing activities. This plant is also widely recognized for its traditional uses and is used by various countries and communities for the treatment of sciatica, arthritis, fever, liver disorders, and parasitic infections. Additionally, various parts, such as leaves, roots, bark, and seeds, are used across cultures for their dermatological effects, sedative properties, and antispasmodic actions. Despite its potential, the existing pharmacological and phytochemical data remain insufficient, necessitating further research to understand its mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications.With its diverse bioactive compounds, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis shows promise as a source of natural therapeutics. However, comprehensive studies are essential to validate its ethnomedicinal applications and understand its mechanisms of action. Such efforts could facilitate the development of effective, low-side-effect natural therapeutic products, addressing a growing demand for alternative medicines in contemporary healthcare.

Rue (Ruta spp.) is a medicinal, ornamental, and culinary herb, distinguished by its strong repellent aroma, rich in various bioactive compounds. In addition to different traditional uses, rue shows anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Thus, we aimed to comprehensively review the past and present roles of Ruta spp. in the management of diseases. Accordingly, we systematically reviewed PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library with relevant keywords for ethnopharmacological, pharmacological, pre-clinical, clinical, and toxicological studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rue, in addition to its traditional applications. In traditional Indian and Persian Medicine, rue is mostly utilized for tonifying the stomach, managing neural complications, and regulating the menstrual cycle. Ethnopharmacological studies indicated that all parts of rue are used in more than 15 countries for different purposes such as for the diseases of respiratory system, urinary system, gastrointestinal system, and nervous system. In preclinical studies, Ruta spp. are examined in the management of neurologic disorders, endocrine and metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and neuropsychologic disorders. Human studies mainly included homeopathic formulations in musculoskeletal disorders, oncology, ophthalmology, obesity, and gynecology. Although Ruta spp. show antioxidant effects, their systemic toxicity, cytotoxicity, and photosensitivity effects may be related to the bioactive compounds such as xanthotoxin, psoralenes, and bergapten in high doses. In conclusion, in the usual dose that is used, rue showed the potential of managing different health problems; however, more clinical studies are required.

Traditional medicine has long acknowledged the therapeutic effects of Moutan cortex (MC), derived from the dried root bark of the tree peony. In recent times, scientific investigations have shed light on its bioactive components and the mechanisms underlying its health-promoting effects. Here, we review the origin of MC, encompassing its worldwide resource distribution, plant morphological characteristics, and medicinal values. Additionally, a multi-dimensional analysis is carried out on the present research strategies concerning the components of MC, aiming to provide insights into the identification of the active components in MC. Simultaneously, this article focuses on the anti-fibrotic pharmacological mechanisms of the two crucial active components, paeonol and paeoniflorin, derived from MC. We comprehensively summarize the multiple mechanisms and pathways through which these components exhibit anti-fibrotic actions within specific pathological sites. Moreover, it reviews the advancements in patents and clinical research associated with paeonol and paeoniflorin, emphasizing their substantial potential for translational applications. Elucidating the key active components derived from MC and their pharmacological mechanisms holds critical scientific and practical value across multiple fields.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the accumulation of synovial fluid in joints, synovial inflammation, and cartilage damage. With the development of the disease, it may result in joint deformity, which affects the normal joint function of patients and seriously endangers people's life and health. According to statistics, the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis increases with age. However, there is currently no drug that can completely cure rheumatoid arthritis; only through certain drugs and measures can the progression of the disease be delayed. Plant-derived bioactive substances have garnered extensive research attention for their therapeutic potential in treating various diseases. Studies have shown that plant-derived bioactive substances play an important role in preventing rheumatoid arthritis. This review comprehensively and systematically evaluates plant-derived bioactive substances with anti-arthritic properties, specifically focusing on bioactive substances including flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenes, alkaloids, phenols, quinones, and phenylpropanoids, and elucidates their mechanisms of action to provide reference for the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

There is a pressing need to discover novel anti-tuberculosis agents to combat emerging drug-resistant strains. Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Lantana camara, and Zanthoxylum leprieurii have been identified as potential sources of anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug candidates. Previous studies have examined the metabolites and metabolic pathways in mycobacterial strains affected by methanolic extracts of these plants, but the specific active compounds responsible for the antimycobacterial activity, the effect on affected metabolites and metabolic pathways of mycobacterial cell cultures, remain unclear. Untargeted metabolic fingerprinting may help identify the active compounds. The objective of this study was to model the antimycobacterial activity of methanolic extracts of C. sanguinolenta, L. camara, and Z. leprieurii as a function of their UHPLC-MS fingerprints and determine whether specific peaks (compounds) in the fingerprints contributed significantly to the activity. In this study, fingerprints of 18 methanolic extracts from C. sanguinolenta roots, L. camara leaves, and Z. leprieurii stem barks were obtained with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of these extracts against a pan-sensitive M. tuberculosis strain were determined using a resazurin-based microdilution assay. Fingerprints were processed and analyzed using regions of interest-multivariate curve resolution (ROIMCR). Partial least squares (PLS) regression was employed to model the MICs. Potential active compounds, including cryptolepine (from C. sanguinolenta), verbascoside (from L. camara), and isofagaridine (from Z. leprieurii), were identified as antimycobacterial compounds. These compounds likely influence mycobacterial metabolic processes, including cell wall synthesis, protein production, nucleotide metabolism, and energy generation. Further investigations are required to validate our findings.