Phytochemistry Reviews最新文献

Inflammation assists in the healing process as a part of the natural defensive mechanism. Apart from the healing process, inflammatory mechanisms contribute to the progression and development of a range of ailments, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and so on. A new anti-inflammatory medication that is safe, potent, non-toxic, or less toxic is now required as the existing anti-inflammatory and non-steroidal drugs are associated with various side effects. In this context, we have reviewed the genus Ilex for traditional uses related to inflammation and anti-inflammatory properties (in vitro and in vivo) by utilizing databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. According to ethnomedicinal information, these plants have been used to treat various inflammatory conditions. A total of 12 species were found with anti-inflammatory potential, where some studies were conducted using crude extracts and others with pure compounds. Many chemical compounds have been reported from the Ilex species; however, the bioactive composition explored for anti-inflammatory effects include rotundarpene, triterpenoid saponins, chlorogenic acid, ursolic acid, ilexgenin A, isoquercetin, kaempferol, ilexchinenosides J-Q and salicifoneoliganol. The mechanistic insights into how Ilex species deal with inflammatory stimuli in the mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription, and arachidonic acid pathways have also been highlighted. The toxicity profile of studies has also been discussed to assess safety. These plants can be developed as drug-developing candidates after detailed follow-up studies.

The genus Xanthium is an annual herb belonging to the family Compositae, widely distributed worldwide. The plants of Xanthium have long been used as traditional Chinese medicine for treating fever, rhinitis, headache, sinusitis, tympanitis, scrofula, and arthritis. The secondary metabolites of Xanthium species have been studied since the 1960s. So far, various chemical constituents have been isolated from the plants of Xanthium, including sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, diterpenoids, monoterpenoids, simple phenylpropanoids, lignans, coumarins, steroids, flavonoids, quinones, thiazinediones, thiophenes, glycosides, and others. Moreover, these compounds and extracts from Xanthium species have been reported to show various pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-malarial, and anti-trypanosomal activities. Clinical studies indicated that the plants of the Xanthium genus exhibited significant curative effects on anaphylactic rhinitis, asthma, arthritis, and infantile diarrhea. In addition, improper use could cause severe toxic reactions because of the poisonous components found in the whole plant of Xanthium. This review summarizes the botany, traditional uses, secondary metabolites, quality control, pharmacological activities, clinical studies, and toxicology of Xanthium species. This review also discusses the gaps that still exist in present studies on Xanthium species to provide a scientific reference for further studies and accelerate the contemporary development of Xanthium species.

Graphical abstract

Diabetes is a condition that affects metabolism of carbohydrates, sugars, proteins, and lipids. Chronic hyperglycemia caused by abnormalities in insulin secretion or insulin activity is its key characteristic. A severe threat to human health is posed by the rapidly rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus worldwide. Despite the availability of well-known anti-diabetic medications diabetes, and its associated complications, it remains a serious health concern. A severe threat to human health is posed by the rapidly rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus worldwide. This review examines antidiabetic properties of medicinal plants found in Himachal Pradesh, exploring their phytoconstituents and their potential role in managing diabetes mellitus. It collates in vivo and toxicological studies along with clinical trials on various plant species, found in Himachal Pradesh scrutinizing the bioactive compounds that exhibit antidiabetic effects. Results of these studies indicate that specific plant species can significantly reduce blood glucose levels in streptozotocin and alloxan monohydrate-induced diabetic animal models, including male Wistar rats and male Albino mice, over treatment periods ranging from 5 to 49 days. Furthermore, in human clinical settings, the antidiabetic effects of these plants in diabetic patients are investigated within 4 h to 3 months. Changes in biological parameters brought after treatment with these plant extracts are compared to diabetic animals and patients receiving no treatment. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of Himachal Pradesh's flora in managing and treating diabetes, advocating for further scientific validation and development of plant-based antidiabetic medications.

Graphical abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive illness characterized by symptoms such as bloating, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, irregular bowel motions, and constipation. IBS is caused by genetic predisposition and the gut-brain axis, which affects the brain and psychological health. The gut microbiome may mediate dysbiosis in IBS patients, stress, and psychological comorbidity. Medications for IBS include probiotics, antispasmodics, antibiotics, and several agents acting on central nervous system. However, the disappointing results of conventional treatments are leading many patients to consider complementary and alternative medicines. The current study examines different herbal remedies, their phytoconstituents, the ways in which herbs work, and novel approaches based on nanotechnology to treat IBS. Moreover, with the help of the phytoconstituents discussed in this review, a ligand-based pharmacophore was generated in order to obtain structural knowledge for potential future developments of leads for the treatment of IBS. Potent activity against IBS may be enhanced by structural alterations of these phytoconstituents on hydrophobic, donor, and acceptor regions. In summary, this research could pave the way for the management of IBS through the use of herbal medicinal plants and encourage scientists to explore for novel natural remedies.

Plant dietary lipids remain one of the most intriguing and complex classes of biological molecules. Among them, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have garnered recognition for their unique physico-chemical properties and potential health benefits. Despite their classification as saturated fats, they stand apart from other saturated fatty acids due to their distinctive characteristics, positioning them as a valuable component in nutrition. While traditional dietary fats primarily contain long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), MCTs consist of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), naturally found in coconut and palm oils. The structural dissimilarity grants MCTs advantageous attributes, encompassing rapid digestion and absorption, providing a swift source of energy. Importantly, MCT oil derived from coconuts surpasses traditional coconut oil in efficiency and speed of energy conversion due to its higher concentration of readily metabolizable MCTs, making it a superior choice in human nutrition. This comprehensive study delves deeply into the potential of coconut-derived MCT oil, illuminating its chemical constituents, production from coconut oil, distinctive physical and chemical properties, and metabolic characteristics. Additionally, it highlights a range of potential biological activities of the oil, including its efficacy in managing gastrointestinal disorders and promising roles in anticancer, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial effects. The report also discusses the extensive applications of MCT oil across diverse industrial and technological sectors, as well as its utilization in structured lipids, oleogels, and as a carrier for capsaicin. Addressing safety concerns and providing dosage guidelines, this paper emphasizes MCT oil as an alternative to coconut oil in various applications, offering a holistic perspective on its benefits.

The genus Papaver L. includes 159 annual, biennial, and perennial species divided into 11 sections. Several studies on a few species in this genus have revealed that they have beneficial anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-depressant properties. In addition, they have analgesic and sedative effects to alleviate signs of various disorders such as pain, cough, and neurological problems. These beneficial properties have been shown to be primarily related to their alkaloids content. The majority of the alkaloids in the Papaver genus are aporphines, morphinanes, protoberberines, protopines, and simple benzylisoquinolines. Interestingly, studies on the pharmacological effects of their alkaloids, with focus on the structure–activity relationship, have revealed a number of biological activities, including effects on metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. However, findings of literature on the toxic effects and low bioavailability of these bioactivitie alkaloids persuaded researchers to focus on the exact mechanisms of these alkaloids and improve their benefits by alleviating their side effects. In the current study, we aimed to review the chemistry and pharmacology of the Papaver alkaloids in order to assist researchers in their future studies on the genus Papaver to address research gaps. Additionally, we had a complete investigation on the taxonomy of Papaver spp. based on research references.

Graphical abstract

Indole alkaloids, predominantly found in plants, are a large group of natural product-derived compounds characterized by a remarkable chemical diversity associated with significant biological properties. Among these, terpenoid indole alkaloids are the largest group of secondary metabolites. Tabernaemontana species (Apocynaceae) are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses, including tumours. These species biosynthesize large quantities of structurally complex monoterpene indole and bisindole alkaloids. Given the compelling biological properties of indole alkaloids, the phytochemical study of Tabernaemontana species has been widely addressed to identify potential anticancer compounds. Several indole alkaloids have shown antiproliferative effect due to different mechanisms, namely by inducing apoptosis or arresting cell cycle, in diverse cancer cell lines, including multidrug-resistant phenotypes. This review primarily aims to underscore the anticancer activity of indole and bisindole alkaloids isolated from several Tabernaemontana species. Moreover, our recent contributions to the field are also highlighted, focusing on the study of Tabernaemontana elegans. The anticancer evaluation, namely the reversion of P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance, of two sets of monoterpene indole alkaloid derivatives, obtained by modification of some functional groups of two major monoterpene indole alkaloids, is reviewed, as well as the results obtained for a derivative that targeted homologous recombination DNA repair defects.

The challenge of antimicrobial resistance requires new solutions, and Rhodiola sp. is a promising candidate due to its rich medicinal history. This review focuses on Rhodiola sp., especially R. rosea, highlighting its phytochemical constituents, such as salidroside, rosavins, and other phenolics, and their antimicrobial potential. We investigate the efficacy of Rhodiola sp. against various pathogenic bacteria, suggesting their value in combating antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, Rhodiola compounds are being investigated both as direct antimicrobials and as resistance modifiers that increase the efficacy of antibiotics. Rhodiola extracts and salidroside modulate gut microbiota, thereby affecting health and physiological and metabolic disorders. This illustrates the comprehensive therapeutic potential of Rhodiola sp. We emphasize the importance of understanding the complex interactions between Rhodiola phytochemicals, their antimicrobial effects, and their effects on gut microbiota as well as the need for in-depth research. Further studies will be crucial for the development of holistic treatment approaches. Finally, Rhodiola sp. is highlighted as an important natural resource in the fight against microbial pathogens and antibiotic resistance. Research on Rhodiola sp. should continue to further unravel pharmacological and health-promoting potential and thus address an important public health challenge.

The immune system is a complex and fundamental network for organism protection. A minimal unbalance in the host defense system homeostasis can originate severe repercussions in human health. Fundamentally, immune-related diseases can arise from its compromise (immunodeficiency diseases), overactivation against itself (autoimmune diseases) or harmless substances (allergies), and failure of eliminating the harmful agent (chronic inflammation). The notable advances and achievements in the immune system diseases pathophysiology have been allowing for a dramatic improvement of the available treatments. Nevertheless, they present some drawbacks, including the inappropriate benefit/risk ratio. Therefore, there is a strong and urgent need to develop effective therapeutic strategies. Nature is a valuable source of bioactive compounds that can be explored for the development of new drugs. Particularly, plants produce a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites that can be potential prototypes for innovative therapeutic agents. This review describes the immune system and the inflammatory response and examines the current knowledge of eight plants traditionally used as immunomodulatory medicines (Boswellia serrata, Echinacea purpurea, Laurus nobilis, Lavandula angustifolia, Olea europaea, Salvia officinalis, Salvia rosmarinus, and Taraxacum officinale). Moreover, the issues responsible for possible biologic readout inconsistencies (plant species, age, selected organ, developmental stage, growth conditions, geographical location, drying methods, storage conditions, solvent of extraction, and extraction method) will also be discussed. Furthermore, a detailed list of the chemical composition and the immunomodulatory mechanism of action of the bioactive compounds of the selected plant extracts are presented. This review also includes future perspectives and proposes potential new avenues for further investigation.