Advances in Traditional Medicine最新文献

Piceatannol (PCT), a fascinating compound found in plants, shows great potential in drug discovery. It proves to be a superior option, closely related to its well-known counterpart, resveratrol. Thus, updating all pharmaceutical aspects of this intriguing phytomolecule is essential. While resveratrol has stolen the limelight in scientific investigations, concerns have arisen regarding its practical application due to various limitations, such as poor bioavailability and unpredictable effects at different doses. Additionally, its interactions with other drugs, lack of standardization, and limited clinical evidence have cast doubts on its widespread use. PCT, the less investigated sibling, has been gaining momentum, boasting unique advantages over resveratrol and other stilbenoids. It showcases superior bioavailability and greater metabolic stability, suggesting that the body can more effectively utilize it. Moreover, its therapeutic profile holds great promise, surpassing that of resveratrol. This comprehensive review aims to provide updated information on all aspects of PCT, exploring its therapeutic potential, chemistry, biosynthesis, available formulation, pharmacokinetics parameters, and as well as its toxicity profile. It paves the way for a deeper understanding of this remarkable compound and opens doors to further scientific exploration.

Graphical abstract

Aging involves a series of complex physiological changes that progressively impair cellular function. While chronological aging is inevitable, biological aging is influenced by modifiable factors such as oxidative stress, telomere shortening, chronic inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Recent research highlights the potential of medicinal plants in managing age-related conditions due to their rich phytochemical content. These bioactive compounds can promote cellular repair, scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhance telomerase activity, and support tissue regeneration. Polyalthia longifolia var. angustifolia (Thw.), a member of the Annonaceae family traditionally used for rejuvenation, has demonstrated significant anti-aging properties in both yeast and animal models. In vitro and in vivo studies, in particular, provide valuable insights into the anti-aging activity of this plant and its potential applications. This review explores the aging process, outlines the pharmacological profile of P. longifolia, and highlights its key anti-aging constituents, particularly flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, and carbohydrates, which are recognized for their well-documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cellular protective properties. Moreover, P. longifolia has shown promising effects against various age-associated disorders, including diabetes, hypertension, liver and kidney dysfunctions, inflammation, and oxidative damage. These benefits are largely attributed to its ability to modulate inflammatory pathways, minimize oxidative stress, and regulate abnormal cell proliferation, thereby supporting healthy aging. With its diverse pharmacological properties and abundant bioactive compounds, P. longifolia emerges as a promising natural agent in the field of anti-aging research. Its ethnobotanical significance, phytochemical richness, and therapeutic applications suggest strong potential for development into a sustainable, plant-based strategy to mitigate aging and related health issues.

Geraniol, a widely used substance in pharmacological research, fragrance, and cosmetic industries, but it is devoid of safety profile. This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity of geraniol using 24 h and 14 d toxicity models via oral (p.o.), intraperitoneal (i.p.), and intranasal (i.n.) routes to establish its toxicological thresholds and potential mechanism of toxicity via in-silico approach. In 24 h acute toxicity study, geraniol administered at 2500 mg/kg (p.o.), 5000 mg/kg (p.o.), and 100 mg/kg (i.n.) doses did not cause mortality. While i.p. administration resulted in dose-dependent mortality, with an LD50 of 950 mg/kg determined for this route. The 14 d toxicity study revealed no mortality at doses up to 400 mg/kg (p.o.), 150 mg/kg (i.p.), and 50 mg/kg (i.n.), highlighting its safety at these thresholds. Behavioural, hematological, and biochemical analyses revealed significant hepatotoxic effects, particularly at higher doses administered through the p.o. and i.p. routes, accompanied by hepato-histopathological alterations. These effects may be associated with potential CYP2E1-mediated mechanisms, implicating metabolic activation as a contributor of geraniol-induced hepatoxicity. Other vital organs, including brain, lungs, heart, and kidneys, remained unaffected in both studies. This comprehensive investigation identifies the safety limits of geraniol through different routes of administration and underscores its hepatotoxic potential at elevated doses. These findings emphasize the need for dose optimization and further mechanistic studies to evaluate the relevance of CYP2E1 involvement. Geraniol demonstrates a favorable safety profile within defined limits, but its hepatotoxic effects at higher doses highlight the importance of careful monitoring in therapeutic and commercial applications.

Background

Colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by significant tissue damage and oxidative stress. Cirsimaritin, a natural dimethoxyflavone, has potential therapeutic effects, but its efficacy in treating colitis and modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and histological damage remains to be fully explored.

Methods

In this study, colitis was induced in experimental models to evaluate the pathophysiological changes. We assessed the capacity of total antioxidant (TAC), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), levels of oxidative stress markers (Malondialdehyde [MDA] and Nitric Oxide [NO]), and the gene expression of key inflammatory and apoptotic markers (NF-κB, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, IL-1β, TLR4, Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and Caspase-8). The therapeutic effects of cirsimaritin were analyzed through its ability to modulate these biomarkers and histopathological damage.

Results

The occurrence of experimental colitis produced remarkable decreases in the activities of TAC, SOD, and CAT (p <.05) and elevation of oxidative stress markers (levels of MDA and NO p <.01). The expression of inflammatory and apoptotic genes was significantly increased (p <.001 for TNF-α, IL-6, TLR4, IL-1β, iNOS, NF-κB; p <.05 for Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-8). Cirsimaritin treatment was able to effectively alleviate these changes, decreasing levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers (p <.01) and improving TAC and antioxidant enzyme activities (p <.05); furthermore, cirsimaritin treatment was able to down-regulate apoptotic gene expression (p <.05). The histopathological assessment revealed improved tissue architecture in cirsimaritin-treated groups.

Conclusion

Cirsimaritin ameliorates colitis by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative damage, and apoptosis in the colon, suggesting its possible therapeutic use.

Androgenetic alopecia is the main reason for seeking dermatological treatments in men. Consequently, natural sources with potential for hair revitalization, such as Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. (rosemary) essential oil, are under investigation. In this study, a film-forming spray incorporating rosemary essential oil was developed to promote hair density restoration. The essential oil was characterized using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and three formulations were prepared for topical application in spray form: a negative control formulation consisting solely of an alcoholic solution with Eudragit and propylene glycol; a formulation loaded with 1.0% rosemary essential oil; and a positive control loaded with 0.25% finasteride. Physicochemical characterization of the formulations was conducted, and hair restoration density was evaluated in volunteers over 16 weeks. The major compounds in the essential oil were α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, verbenone, and geraniol. The formulations were classified as adhesive and transparent. The incorporation of essential oil did not interfere with the drying time or the volume delivered, but it slightly increased the pH. However, the pH of the formulations remained stable over a 12-month storage period. The films showed a dense and thin structure; there was no skin permeation. Clinical results showed that the film-forming spray loaded with rosemary and the positive control increased capillary density. Therefore, the film-forming spray loaded with rosemary possesses characteristics suitable for topical application, with potential efficacy in treating alopecia by promoting hair density restoration.

The mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is critical for cell survival, metabolism, growth, and protein synthesis. Nevertheless, its hyperactivation can lead to the tumour development and progression. Consequently, inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and mTOR signalling routes is an effective approach to initiate apoptosis in cancer cells. Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq.has been reported to exhibit anticancer properties against many cancer cell lines. Notably, the rosmarinic acid-rich fraction of Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. (RA-OA) have been reported to significantly contribute to the antiproliferative activities on DU-145 cell line. In this study, the antiproliferative mechanism of RA-OA was explored via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway using in vitro experiments and in silico molecular docking. For in vitro study, annexin V staining and flow cytometry were utilized to determine apoptosis and cell cycle distribution, respectively. A quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was conducted to detect the changes in PI3K, Akt, mTOR and PTEN gene expression after treatment with RA-OA while molecular docking was performed to evaluate the binding affinity of rosmarinic acid towards the key proteins in the PI3K, Akt and mTOR pathway. Apoptosis was significantly induced in cells treated with the RA-OA, where the cell cycle progression of DU-145 cell line was arrested in the S phase. The RA-OA treatment has lowered PI3K, Akt and mTOR while enhancing PTEN gene expression. RA molecule exhibited strong binding (inhibition) affinity towards PI3K, Akt, mTOR proteins with docking energies of -9.10–7.58 kcal/mol. In conclusion, antiproliferative of RA-OA occurs by inhibiting the gene expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and its protein phosphorylation.

Documentation of indigenous knowledge not only preserves invaluable cultural insights but also enriches scientific research by bridging gaps between traditional wisdom and modern scientific approaches. This study documents indigenous practices on medicinal plants of a marginalized Kumal community in Nepal. Information about the medicinal plants was collected by interview with the knowledgeable household members (60 households) using standard questionnaire and focus group discussions. Eighty-two plant species used by Kumal community were reported during the study for the treatments of 35 ailments under 12 use categories. Sixty-nine plant species were dicots, 11 were monocots and 2 species were Pteridophytes. Asteraceae as the commonly used family, herbaceous species as habit, roots-rhizomes and corms as the medicinal parts, infusion and decoction as the form of application were mostly cited by the informants. The plant species Zanthoxylum armatum, Litsea cubeba, Swertia chirayita, Terminalia chebula, Crateva unilocularis, Bergenia ciliata had high value of frequency of citation and relative frequency of citation. Kumals are not only knowledgeable on the diversity of medicinal plants but also, they are skillful to recognize the distribution of phytochemicals among the plant parts and effectiveness of use forms against different ailments. The respiratory trouble use category had the greatest F_IC indicating that this illness is more prevalent in the study area.

Existing studies reported that Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) modulates the stemness of CSCs. Here, we found that LncRNA DBH-antisense RNA 1(AS1) is upregulated in liver CSCs. Forced LncRNA DBH-AS1 promotes tumorigenesis and liver CSCs self-renewal. On the other hand, LncRNA DBH-AS1 expression knockdown prevents liver CSCs from self-renewing. Mechanistically, LncRNA DBH-AS1 mediated regulation of SRY-box transcription factor 4 (SOX4), acting as a ceRNA to sponge miR-612 in liver CSCs. LncRNA DBH-AS1 enhanced liver CSCs self-renew and tumorigenesis via upregulating SOX4. Furthermore, liver cells with LncRNA DBH-AS1 knockdown are susceptible to apoptosis caused by Lenvatinib. Furthermore, the sensitivity of HCC cells with LncRNA DBH-AS1 knockdown to lenvatinib-induced cell death could be reversed by adding SOX4. In conclusion, experimental evidence revealed that METTL3-dependent m⁶A methylation was the mechanism mediating the elevated lncRNADBH-AS1 in HCC. This study demonstrated the critical role that LncRNA DBH-AS1 plays in the carcinogenesis and self-renewal of liver CSCs, which renders it the perfect target for HCC therapy.

In traditional Persian medicine, health and disease are closely tied to ‘temperament’, a holistic concept related to an individual’s physical, physiological, and psychological characteristics. Studies exploring the link between temperament and modern scientific concepts are increasingly promising. This study aims to examine the relationship between temperament and pupillary light reflex (PLR). To achieve this goal, PLR signals were recorded from participants, and temperament was assessed using a validated questionnaire categorizing individuals along cold-warm and dry–wet orthogonal dimensions. Results demonstrate that individuals with warmer and/or drier temperaments exhibit significantly shorter PLR latency and faster pupil constriction and dilation dynamics. These findings highlight the correlation between temperament and autonomic nervous system (ANS) state, supporting the integration of temperament-based assessments into personalized healthcare frameworks.

This study aimed to assess the skin temperature (ST) change at the acupoint and the corresponding meridian when needling based on the “moving Qi and circulating Blood” effect of the bilateral BL65 acupoints, the Shu-stream acupoints recorded in ancient literature. A non-randomized, self-controlled pilot study conducted a 30-min acupuncture intervention at bilateral BL65 acupoints on thirty healthy volunteers. The ST was measured on two regions: the cutaneous region of the Bladder meridian (BMCR), and the cutaneous region not belonging to the Bladder meridian (non-BMCR) by an infrared thermal image camera at five junctures. The results showed that the ST at the BMCR significantly increased during needling at the BL65 acupoint (p = 0.03). In contrast, there was no significant change in the ST at the non-BMCR (p = 0.76). In conclusion, acupuncture could specifically increase the ST at the cutaneous regions of the Bladder meridian when needling at BL65 acupoints (Shu-stream acupoints). This effect could refer to the meridian theory and the literature-recorded “moving Qi and circulating Blood” effect of the Shu-stream acupoints.