Phytochemistry Reviews最新文献

For over four decades, the Inuleae tribe has been the focus of extensive research, initially centered on the morphological traits of its species to develop a comprehensive taxonomic classification. In recent years, molecular studies have further refined this classification, offering deeper insights into the phylogenetic relationships within the tribe. Currently, the Inuleae tribe comprises more than 600 species, organized into approximately 60 genera, distributed worldwide with a high degree of endemism. Investigations of the biochemical composition of these species have unveiled remarkable chemodiversity, particularly in their terpene and terpenoid profiles. These compounds have shown potent activities across a range of biological targets, including the neutralization of free radicals, antimicrobial effects, and anticancer properties. Additionally, they have shown significant anti-inflammatory effects, inhibited key enzymes related to other diseases, such as acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase, and demonstrated strong efficacy against insect pests. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the chemical diversity of terpenoids through characterization and typification, while also covering botanical aspects and bioactivity.

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Diabetes is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases, affecting a significant section of the global population. Some factors, such as genetics and lifestyle, are considered when distinguishing diabetes from other diseases. Diabetes management is difficult in developing countries due to variety of factors, including an increase in prevalence in both urban and rural areas, lack of public awareness of the disease, lack of readily accessible medical facilities, and high treatment costs. Chemical drugs, which have a number of harmful side effects on the human body, are presently the major treatment strategy for diabetes. Various studies have shown that use of herbal remedies have no harmful effects on the human body and may even be utilised as useful and preventative components in the treatment of diabetes. To that purpose, the article is endeavoring to identify the best natural diabetes treatments. Various herbal seeds and leaves were reviewed for their phytochemical composition and anti-diabetic potency in this study. A wide range of seeds, including chia seeds, hemp seeds, mustard seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, fenugreek seeds, avocado seeds, poppy seeds, cumin seeds, jamun seeds, and carom seeds, have been thoroughly investigated for their anti-diabetic properties. Various herbal leaves, including those from guava, mango, papaya, betel, curry, neem, aloe vera, mulberry, holy basil, dandelion, banana, and blueberry, are also discussed in relation to their effects on diabetes. The in vitro and in vivo studies on the anti-diabetic potential of herbal seeds and leaves extracts and fractions were discussed.

Root chicory (Cichorium intybus var. sativum) is a plant of significant economic value within the Asteraceae family, traditionally utilized for its medicinal properties and as a coffee substitute. Chicory roots are experiencing renewed interest due to their high fiber content, diverse phytochemicals, and associated health benefits. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using reputable search engines to assess current knowledge, commercial applications, and recent biotechnological advancements aimed at enhancing yield. Chicory roots are notably rich in inulin and various phytochemicals, including sesquiterpene lactones, making them valuable across multiple industries such as food, medicine, cosmetics, and textiles. Advances in biotechnological techniques have been developed to boost the yield of chicory root extracts, with the safety of these extracts having been confirmed by both the FDA and the European Union. This review explores both traditional and emerging uses of chicory roots, underscores recent biotechnological progress, and outlines future research directions. Key areas of focus include the phytochemical composition of chicory roots, methods for inulin extraction, and the extensive applications of chicory roots in nutrition, medicine, and other industries with future recommendations.

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Ginger has been used as a flavoring agent in foods due to its unique taste and aroma. It is also an herbal medicine because of its potential to mitigate neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and respiratory disorders. However, the application of ginger bioactive compounds (GBCs) as nutraceutical ingredients in foods is often limited because of their poor solubility, stability, and bioavailability. These limitations can often be overcome using suitable encapsulation technologies. In this article, we begin by reviewing the molecular and physicochemical attributes of ginger, as well as the factors that limit its bioavailability. Then, different technologies for encapsulating GBCs have been described including lipid-based, surfactant-based, and biopolymeric carriers. In addition, different equipment available for fabricating carriers of GBCs, including spray drying, spray chilling, electrospinning, homogenization, and crystallization have also been overviewed. Finally, future directions in the encapsulation and delivery of GBCs in foods is discussed.

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The increased use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents in various aspects of human life, such as industries, research facilities, medical facilities, agriculture, and nuclear power plants, has increased the risk of dermal contamination. Therefore, it is the need of hour to develop effective, and non-toxic dermal decontamination moieties. Although there are synthetic formulations available against individual contaminants, they are not effective against a broad range of contaminants and may themselves be toxic. The human race has used herbal leads and associated formulations since its inception primarily because of their natural origins and non-toxic in nature. The current review is focused on the identification of plant-based decontaminants that can be used as an alternative to synthetic decontaminants. The working of commercially available decontaminants are based on mechanisms such as adsorption, chelation, oxidation, emulsification, hydrolysis, and reduction. Many plants show these properties; therefore, it is pertinent to expect that these plants may decontaminate a broad range of CBRN contaminants. Therefore, a broad screening of the plants is performed based on the above-mentioned properties. It was found that there are many plants available that have activities relevant for decontamination purposes and hence can be used alone or in polyherbal form. The potential impact of this research is significant, as it could revolutionize the field of decontamination. These plants/herbal ingredients may be used both for human and material decontamination.

Throughout history, various human civilizations have used raw materials obtained from the body parts, metabolic byproducts, or non-animal components of animals as medical resources for the treatment of numerous diseases and relief of symptoms. Protein structures, including hormones and enzymes, as well as various animal-derived metabolites including polysaccharides, lipids, and vitamins, have been used for the development of raw drugs. These chemicals include widely used substances including heparin, melatonin, collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, bile acids, and coenzyme Q10. Additionally, they include materials such as snake, spider, and amphibian poisons, which are now undergoing therapeutic development. This review presents examples of animal-derived pharmaceutical raw materials that are being used as drugs and have potential in drug development research. Detailed descriptions of the chemical structures, original sources and effects of these raw materials are included. In general, the production method that was previously carried out by using animal organisms has been replaced by the utilization of recombinant technologies. The use of animals as a resource in the drug development process is expected to remain an interesting topic and further research in this area is expected. Nevertheless, it is essential not to disregard the suggestions against utilizing animals in pharmaceutical production, particularly in cases where alternative sources are accessible.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) possesses a rich historical lineage in adjunctive clinical application for circulatory system disorders and is increasingly recognized as a valuable medical asset for the development of novel therapeutic interventions. Terpenes represent the most extensive and diverse category of naturally occurring compounds and are classified according to their isoprene unit count. Terpenes exhibit considerable structural variability, widespread occurrence in nature, and notable biological effects, which are particularly evident in circulatory diseases. This study provides a comprehensive overview of advancements in 36 plant-derived terpenes, encompassing considerations of structural diversity and their impact on four representative circulatory ailments: hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart failure. The analysis concentrated on 95 hot-natured herbs identified through literature mining of 1,385 relevant articles, with a significant majority of ginsenoside derivatives originating from Panax ginseng. In summary, this review establishes a robust correlation between the presence of terpenes in hot-natured TCM formulations and their capacity to ameliorate circulatory symptoms, emphasizing the efficacy of metabolites from Panax species in treating these conditions based on their distinctive characteristics and mechanisms. This finding not only underscores the validity of TCM principles but also serves as a pivotal nexus bridging ancient healing traditions with the dynamic landscape of contemporary medical science, thereby fostering a seamless integration of both realms.

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Genipin, a natural blue pigment and bioactive compound derived from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis., has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and treat various inflammation-driven diseases. However, current literature on the comprehensive analysis of genipin as a therapeutic agent are scarce. In this review, we described the chemical and biochemical properties of genipin. Scientometric analysis revealed advances and future perspectives of genipin in preclinical studies. A network pharmacology study was used to elucidate the molecular pharmacological mechanisms and possible therapeutic potentials of genipin. The above results suggest that genipin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antidepressant, neuroprotective, and other therapeutic effects, providing a therapeutic potential for inflammatory bowel disease, acute lung injury, cancer, diabetes, depressive disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson’s disease in the clinical application. Currently, clinical trials of genipin are lacking. Owing to the liver toxicity of genipin, 18 optimized lead compounds were generated through the OptADMET platform. In the future, the study of genipin will focus mainly on optimizing drug structure, exploring pharmacological mechanisms, conducting clinical trials, studying combination therapies, developing new formulations, conducting long-term safety evaluations, and enhancing scientific communications. In summary, this scientific data-driven review provides a foundation for future research and development of genipin as a therapeutic agent.

World Health Organization defines the drugs of herbal origin as medicinal agents that are mainly composed of the active constituents of plants or other plant material or combination of both of these. Although these agents are considered to be safe or exhibit lesser side effects, however a wide range of plants having medicinal value, the secondary metabolites of these plants have shown various toxic and poisonous effects. In the present review, the various toxic components have been discussed under different classes of herbs such as herbs containing alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids and phytoestrogens, etc.

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