Phytochemistry Reviews最新文献

Hearing loss is one of the major public health problems in the world, which brings huge adverse effects to individuals and society. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is responsible for the majority of hearing loss. Mechanisms contributing to SNHL include excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species; over-activation of inflammatory factors; impaired blood micro-circulation in the inner ear or Ca²⁺ homeostasis imbalance, etc. Natural products (NPs), which have a long history of use in traditional medicine and a favorable safety profile, can be developed into a library of drug candidates for the treatment or prevention of SNHL. In this paper, we summarized 24 NPs to exhibit their preventive or therapeutic effects on cellular and animal models of SNHL in terms of their anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, microcirculation-improving, and calcium antagonist effects, as well as 5 NPs in current clinical application. Further, combination with advanced technologies such as drug delivery systems and network pharmacology are applied to improve the research of NPs in the prevention of SNHL. Overall, this review provides a strong reference for the mining and development of NPs in the prevention and treatment of SNHL.

Phytosomes represent specialized vesicular structures akin to liposomes, encapsulating active phytoconstituents within a lipid core. Many phytoconstituents, such as glycosides and flavonoids, exhibit hydrophilic properties and encounter challenges traversing lipid-based cellular membranes. Nevertheless, the lipid core of phytosomes enhances their permeability across these barriers, thereby augmenting the bioavailability and efficacy of enclosed plant components. Cancer remains a prominent global cause of mortality, posing significant challenges for existing treatments, which often entail serious side effects associated with conventional approaches like surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In exploring alternative strategies, the utilization of herbal active compounds in cancer treatment shows considerable promise in synergizing with conventional methods. While natural plant-derived active components demonstrate robust in vitro pharmacological activity, their in vivo absorption is often limited. Addressing this constraint, phytosomes emerge as a burgeoning nanotechnology offering a solution by enhancing the adaptability of bioactive phytoconstituents within lipid-rich barriers. This study delves into a meta-analysis of the physicochemical attributes of phytosomes, elucidating their structural intricacies. Furthermore, the review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of phytosomes as carriers for herbal drugs, shedding light on patented phytosome technologies and associated clinical trials. Additionally, it examines several prominent phytosome-based herbal constituents showcasing notable anticancer properties. Lastly, the review addresses the challenges and potential future directions regarding the use of phytosomes in cancer therapy.

Abstract

The review comprehensively explores factors influencing enzyme activities in insects and their implications in defense against toxicants. It encompasses a diverse array of enzymes involved in metabolizing synthetic chemicals, emphasizing their dynamic regulation. Key factors affecting enzyme activities, such as external and internal influences, are discussed, shedding light on the intricate regulatory mechanisms. The inhibitory effects of various compounds on insect GST activity are thoroughly examined, providing insights into potential avenues for insect control. The implications of insect defenses against toxicants are elucidated, emphasizing the complexity of plant–insect interactions. The review delves into the evolutionary adaptations of insects to plant defense mechanisms, highlighting the role of enzymes like thioglucosidase and myrosinase in detoxifying glucosinolates. The co-evolutionary dynamics between insects and plants, particularly in the Brassicaceae family, are explored, underscoring the intricate biochemical strategies employed by both parties. Additionally, the review addresses the challenges associated with developing pest-resistant crop plants through traditional breeding or genetic engineering. It discusses the need for a nuanced approach, considering the adaptability of insects to various toxicants and the potential drawbacks of repeated exposures. The success of chemical plant defenses, particularly monoterpene synthesis in pine trees, is noted, along with the distinctive biodegradability of plant metabolites. The review provides a thorough examination of the mechanisms underlying insect responses to toxic plant metabolites, offering valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between insects and plants. It suggests potential targets for insect control programs and highlights the importance of understanding the co-evolutionary processes that shape these interactions.

Graphical abstract

The current global population is approximately 8 billion. So from a socio-economic point of view, governmental policies are intended to secure at least a minimum of the natural resources like food to the global population to minimize their uneven distribution. However, in the case of plants, the scenario seems different where an uneven distribution of resources seems to be required for the optimized growth. Therefore, a better understanding of this uneven distribution in plants is needed to generate stress-resilient plants with improved yield. It is known that all necessary functions in plants are governed by the efflux and influx of molecules/chemical species and their distribution make plants capable of performing crucial physiological processes as well as acclimating under stress conditions. In this review, we have discussed the role of uneven distribution of different molecules/chemical species in sustaining plant life in the surrounding environment with a few examples of physiological processes.

Clerodendrum inerme (L.) Gaertn., commonly known as garden quinine, is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It has been extensively used in various traditional medicinal practices to treat ailments such as rheumatic pain, arthritis, scrofulous, venereal disease, skin diseases, wounds, fever, cough, dysentery, and more. This review aims to critically examine a comprehensive compilation of recent research on C. inerme, encompassing its botanical characteristics, ethnomedical applications, phytochemicals, pharmacological activity, and toxicological data, in order to provide insights and inspiration for future research, promote further development, and facilitate the rational application of C. inerme. Nearly 95 chemical constituents belonging to different classes have been isolated from C. inerme, including diterpenoids, triterpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, phenolic glycosides, lignans, iridoid and megastigmane glycosides. Notably, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, steroids, and flavonoids are the main bioactive substances that have been extensively studied and demonstrated the most significant bioactivity. Pharmacological studies demonstrated that the extract of C. inerme exhibits a wide range of biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiinflammatory, insecticidal, antifeedant, neuroprotective, anti-motor tic, and so on, which are closely connected to its numerous ethnomedicinal applications. Nevertheless, some literature have reported the toxicity of C. inerme. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct further in-depth studies encompassing toxicology, as well as preclinical and clinical research, to ascertain the safety and efficacy of C. inerme for medicinal purposes.

Graphical abstract

Cydonia oblonga M. (Quince), a deciduous shrub from the family Rosaceae, has been recognized in the last decade mainly because of its potential to prevent/cure cancer, high cholesterol, blood sugar, chronic stress, peptic ulcer, liver injuries, asthma, and various fertility disorders. Several metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, polyphenols, carotenoids, lignans, stilbenes, triterpenoids, procyanidins, glycosides, and organic acids, have been identified as the major phytochemical components. Different parts of C. oblonga are known to demonstrate a broad spectrum of biological activities against numerous microbial infections, free radicals-mediated damages, cancer cells proliferation, lipid profile dysfunction, glucose metabolism disorder, lethal oxalocalcic kidney stones, hydatid cysts of protoscolices, and inflammatory diseases. In preclinical trials, neuro-protective, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activities and protective effects on hepatocellular carcinoma, testicular tissue alteration, endocrine disruption, cardiotoxicity, depression, and blood pressure have been investigated for the valuable plant. The clinical studies explore the plant's potential to treat reproductive, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disorders and support using C. oblonga as a new herbal medicine. However, additional research is needed to unravel its intricate action mechanisms, evaluate safe dosing strategies, identify any adverse effects, and validate its pharmacological effects in a broad population over a longer timeframe before approving it as a new herbal treatment. In conclusion, the review presents detailed analyses of the phytochemistry, pharmacology, preclinical, and clinical trials of C. oblonga.

Endothelial dysfunction, characterized by impaired endothelial function, is critical in developing cardiovascular diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that certain constituents of commonly used spices potentially mitigate endothelial dysfunction. This review summarizes the current literature on the constituents of commonly used spices and their molecular interactions in endothelial system. We first provide an overview of physiological significance as well as dysfunction of endothelium and its role in cardiovascular diseases, including the mechanisms like oxidative stress, inflammation, atherosclerosis, hypertension, thrombosis, and impaired nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. The physiological significance such as, regulation of thrombosis and fibrinolysis, preventing atherosclerosis and neo-angiogenesis, were discussed. Various spices reported to possess vascular-targeting properties, including curcumin from turmeric, allicin from garlic, gingerol from ginger, piperine from black pepper, quercetin from onion, 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde from cinnamon etc. were discussed. We highlight the molecular interactions of these spice constituents with endothelial cells, including their effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and NO bioavailability. Evidence from in vitro, animal, and human studies reveals that, spice constituents modulate various signaling pathways and enhance NO bioavailability, which collectively contribute to their potential beneficial effects on endothelial function. Furthermore, we discuss the potential mechanisms including reduced expression of ICAM, VCAM, and selectin, inhibition of NF-κB activation and translocation, and decreased ROS and H₂O₂ levels. In conclusion, the constituents of commonly used spices, such as (allicin, curcumin, quercetin, gingerol etc.) promises a novel approach for modulating endothelial function in vascular disorders. Further research in this area may provide valuable insights into the potential use of these spice constituents as complementary or alternative therapies for cardiovascular diseases.

Even after a century of substantial advancements in oncology medicines, cancer still ranks as one of the top causes of death worldwide. As a result, there is an ongoing and pressing need for the development of new cancer drugs. Natural compounds and their semi-synthetic derivatives continue to show promise as potential therapeutic leads, due to their high chemical diversity, biochemical specificity, significant molecular activities, and pharmacological properties. They serve as excellent starting points for the discovery of new drugs, inspiring new breakthroughs in biology, chemistry, and medicine. In recent years, scientists have made significant advancements in the development of naturally occurring or partly synthesized analogues with improved bioactivity, simpler synthetic targets and reduced toxicity. This review aims to summarize the importance and biological actions of natural compounds identified form plants and their role in prevention of cancer treatment.