Advances in Traditional Medicine最新文献

Ziziphus jujuba is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, whose fruit (Jujubae fructus) has been highly utilized in herbal medicine for decades. The fruit of this plant contains a wide variety of phytochemicals having efficacious biological activity. These phytochemicals have been utilized in this study to discover potential drug candidates in preventing osteoarthritis (OA) progression using network pharmacology and molecular docking method. The phytochemicals information of Jujubae fructus was obtained from the TCMSP database, which were screened for druglikeness and oral bioavailability. Screened compounds were explored for Network pharmacology using BATMAN-TCM database and Molecular Docking with IGEMDOCK 2.1. Obtained compounds from this analysis were used to predict their ADMET properties. Network pharmacology analysis showed that Mairin, Oleanonic acid, Oleanolic acid, and Stigmasterol reduce inflammation and activate Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) signaling pathway to intervene with OA progression. Molecular docking predicted that Mairin, Oleanonic acid, and Stigmasterol reduce inflammation by targeting Janus-kinase-2 protein. All these compounds have moderate ADMET qualities, which need to be calibrated to counteract their toxic effect and increase the drug effectivity. Mairin, Oleanonic acid, and Stigmasterol are the potential phytochemicals of Jujubae fructus playing a therapeutic role in OA. These compounds can be further explored for invitro and clinical studies.

Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive component of Nigella sativa, has shown promising anticarcinogenic activity in extensive preclinical studies. This study aimed to evaluate the antitumor activity of TQ, in a wide range of doses with monotherapy and combined use with known the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (Dox) and linseed oil (LO) in a rat model with Pliss lymphosarcoma (PLS) and a mouse model with Lewis lung adenocarcinoma (LLC). Animals was administered orally of TQ daily for 12 days at doses of 5, 10 and 30 mg/kg of body weight (rats) and 5 mg/kg (mice) from the 7th day after subcutaneous transplantation of tumors, as well as combinations of TQ with Dox (5 mg/kg, once at the start of treatment by i.p.) and LO (3 ml/kg, orally). It was found that TQ in the studied doses significantly suppresses the growth of the PLS and the LLC tumors (p < 0.001) and increases the frequency of complete tumor regression (FCR) (p < 0.001) compared to control. TQ, especially (TQ + LO) were able to effectively potentiates the antitumor effect of Dox when used in combination, reducing the PLS tumor volume at the end of treatment by 1.9–2.7 times (p < 0.009), increasing the FCR tumors 60 days after the start of treatment by 2.7–3.7 times (p < 0.02) (PLS) and by 1.5 times (p ≤ 0.05) (LLC), as well as reducing the LLC frequency of metastasis compared to Dox monotherapy. The results strongly suggest that TQ and its combination with LO have clinical potential as an adjuvant in cancer chemotherapy using Dox.

Muscle mass naturally declines with age; however, sudden and significant muscle loss is considered a pathological condition. This decline in physical function increases the risk of falls and fractures; additionally, maintaining daily life activities can become challenging, leading to further complications. The World Health Organization has classified sarcopenia as a disease because affected individuals exhibit a mortality rate up to double that of those without the condition. Brewer’s yeast, a traditional nutritional supplement, has garnered recent attention for its potential role in muscle synthesis. This study focuses on the efficacy of low-molecular-weight yeast extract, specifically that with a molecular weight < 10 kDa, in enhancing muscle growth and regeneration. Yeast extracts are known for their high bioavailability and capacity to facilitate efficient absorption and utilization within the body. Our research involved a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments aimed at elucidating the effects of these extracts on muscle cells. The results demonstrated a significant increase in protein synthesis within muscle cells treated with low-molecular-weight yeast extracts. Additionally, these extracts promoted muscle cell growth and differentiation, further supporting their role in muscle development. Detailed analysis revealed that the yeast extracts enhanced the activation of key signaling pathways involved in muscle protein synthesis and cell differentiation. In the rota-rod test, all yeast extract-treated groups exhibited an increasing trend in exercise performance compared with the control group. These findings underscore the potential of low-molecular-weight yeast extracts as a valuable component in muscle synthesis and regeneration. Furthermore, this study highlights the broader implications of these findings for the growing older population. In addition, it suggests that low-molecular-weight yeast extracts can be incorporated into dietary supplements aimed at addressing sarcopenia and muscle loss in older adults by enhancing muscle growth and recovery.

Introduction

Migraine, a prevalent neurological disorder, affects about 14.4% of the global population, ranking among the leading causes of disability, especially in young women. Acupressure, a non-invasive therapy akin to acupuncture, has emerged as a potential intervention for migraine management. However, its effectiveness remains inconclusive due to the lack of comprehensive systematic reviews. This study aims to systematic review and meta-analysis existing literature to investigate the effect of acupressure on migraine symptoms. Methods Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search strategy was employed across multiple databases. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies and case reports involving individuals diagnosed with various migraine types. Data synthesis and analysis were conducted using STATA 14, with meta-analyses performed on available quantitative data. Results From 250 initial records, 12 studies were included, comprising ten RCTs, one cohort study, and one case report, with six RCTs included in the meta-analysis. Results showed mixed findings regarding acupressure’s impact on migraine symptoms, with improvements noted in headache intensity, frequency, duration, and nausea. However, substantial heterogeneity among studies and methodological limitations were identified, limiting the conclusiveness of the evidence. Conclusion Despite promising results, this review underscores the need for further research. Methodologically robust studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to elucidate acupressure’s role in migraine treatment. Nonetheless, continued investigation into complementary therapies like acupressure holds promise for providing non-invasive options for migraine management.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, posing challenges in treatment due to high costs, numerous side effects, and systemic toxicity. Consequently, many patients seek natural compounds with low toxicity and potential anticancer and pain-relief properties. The ethanol extract of black shallot (EEBS) from Allium ascalonicum Linnaeus has shown promise due to its antioxidant properties and ability to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. This study investigates the effect of EEBS on breast cancer prevention in a DMBA-induced mammary tumor model in mice. EEBS was administered at doses of 300 to 500 mg/kg body weight (BW), with tamoxifen (3.3 mg/kg BW) serving as a standard reference drug. DMBA-treated mice were confirmed to develop mammary tumors (p < 0.05). In contrast, mice dosed with EEBS exhibited slower tumor progression (p < 0.05), indicating the extract’s promising therapeutic potential. EEBS significantly reduced tumor volumes, incidence rates, and TNF-α levels (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner, achieving a maximum reduction in tumor volume of 65.8% and a minimum incidence rate of 24 ± 5.48% at the dose of 500 mg/kg. Treatment with EEBS also considerably improved hematological parameters (WBC, LYM, RBC, HGB, HCT, and PLT) and reduced hepatic and renal function indicators (AST, ALT, ALP, GLU, BIL, URE, CRE, URA) (p < 0.05), reflecting its protective effects on liver and kidney functions. Histopathological examination further confirmed the efficacy of EEBS in inhibiting tumor progression. Importantly, no mortality was observed, highlighting the safety of the experimental treatments. These findings suggest that black shallot extract could be a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer prevention and for mitigating DMBA-induced toxicity.

We investigated the biological activity of Rosa rugosa (R. rugosa) extract in human epidermal keratinocytes. To assess the antioxidant capacity of the extract, various concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 50 mg/ml) were tested against DPPH and ABTS free radicals. The results showed antioxidant activities of 45% at 5 mg/ml, 60% at 10 mg/ml, and 82% at 50 mg/ml. Cell toxicity experiments using human keratinocytes revealed no cytotoxicity up to 10 μg/ml, and the cells exhibited a differentiated morphology. We confirmed the efficacy of the extract in keratinocytes, with a significant increase in the expression of keratinocyte differentiation factors Keratin (KRT)1 and KRT10. Moreover, the expression of genes related to skin barrier function, including Filaggrin (FLG), Involucrin (IVL), Loricrin (LOR), and Claudin1 (CLDN1), significantly increased. In an in vitro atopic model experiment treating human keratinocytes with Interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13, the R. rugosa extract maintained the expression of FLG protein. Overall, R. rugosa demonstrated high antioxidant activity and was found to be a safe material for human keratinocytes. Furthermore, it induced keratinocyte differentiation, particularly increasing the expression of FLG, IVL, LOR, and CLDN1, which are components of the skin barrier. While additional research is needed to validate these experimental results, R. rugosa extract holds promise as a novel ingredient for the development of cosmetics or pharmaceuticals that could alleviate inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.

Indigenous plants from arid regions are known for their diverse applications in traditional medicine. These plants are particularly promising as potential anticancer agents due to their ability to produce a wide range of secondary metabolites. The present study addressed the problem of identifying and evaluating the anticancer properties of crude extracts from indigenous arid-region plants, Calligonum comosum L.’Her. and Calligonum crinitum Boiss., to determine their efficacy against human breast (MCF-7) and human colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cell lines. Through various solvent-treated leaf extracts, including hexane, methanol, acetone, and chloroform, we aimed to determine the antiproliferative activities and identify extracts with promising efficacy in inhibiting cancer cell viability. The morphological changes and anticancer effects induced by these solvent-treated C. comosum and C. crinitum leaf extracts were investigated. Our results indicated that the use of acetone isolated leaf extracts on the MCF-7 cells displayed apoptotic morphological changes. Similarly, the MTT cytotoxicity assay revealed that the acetone-treated extracts of C. comosum and C. crinitum showed a significant inhibitory effect on MCF-7 cell lines, with IC₅₀ values of 24.62 μg/ml and 23.41 μg/ml, respectively. Conversely, the other solvents resulted in higher IC₅₀ values for inhibiting the MCF-7 cell proliferation. While for the Caco-2 cell lines, we observed remarkable antiproliferation activity, with IC₅₀ values of 37.76 µg/ml and 74.88 µg/ml for the C. comosum and C. crinitum chloroform-isolated extracts, respectively, in comparison to the hexane, methanol, and acetone-isolated extracts. These findings suggest that the extracts of C. comosum and C. crinitum possess significant potential for inhibiting the viability of MCF-7 and Caco-2 cancer cell lines, indicating their possible use as anticancer agents.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is an herb utilized all over the world for its extensive phytochemical properties. This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Zingiber officinale. Arthritis was induced in the rats used in the experiment using Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA). Gas chromatography-Mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) was used to screen for bioactive components present in ginger. For ten days, Zingiber officinale ethanolic extract (62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to the rats. Edema in the paws was measured before and 10 days after Zingiber officinale treatment in order to identify pathological alterations. Additionally, cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were assessed in plasma. When compared to the control group, the CFA-arthritis induced group had edema in their paws and knee joints considerably reduced upon treated with Zingiber officinale at days 6, 8, and 10. Rats in the groups given Zingiber officinale also showed a significant decrease in cytokine levels and also recovered from the pathological alterations brought on by CFA. Twenty bioactive metabolites were found when the extracts of the ethanol, hexane, and chloroform was analyzed using GC-MS. There were no carbohydrates or steroids in the chloroform and n-hexane extract. Protein and cardiac glycoside were also missing. In summary, our findings demonstrated that Zingiber officinale treatment was successful in preventing CFA-induced arthritis through its cytokine level regulation anti-inflammatory property.

Introduction

Medicinal plants have been traditionally used in the treatment of various diseases including cancer, however, their IC₅₀ determined in vitro are hardly attained in patients. Rheum ribes L. is an indigenous medicinal plant shown to possess anticancer activity due to high polyphenolic compounds abundance. Our objective was to assess if long-term exposure to plant extract concentrations lower than IC₅₀ may still possess an anticancer potential.

Methods

We used the ethanolic extract of rhizomes of Rheum ribes L. (EERR) and assessed its effect on proliferation, clonogenicity, and senescence in cell lines-based models.

Results

Our results showed that EERR has a short-term antiproliferative activity on non-small cell lung carcinoma A549, breast cancer MCF7, and glioblastoma SF268 cell lines with IC₅₀ varying from 100 to 255 µg/mL. Additionally, EERR decreased the population doubling level and the clonogenic ability of the three cancer cell lines at lower concentrations (10 to 100 µg/mL) and with longer treatment protocols. This was accompanied by a significant increase in the senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, suggesting that EERR induces senescence at these concentrations.

Conclusion

EERR displayed anticancer activity at concentrations 2- to 10-fold lower than the IC₅₀ in three different cancer cell lines and should be further investigated as it may provide novel therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment.

Graphical abstract

Myocardial injury (MI) has remain a global concern due to high mortality rate associated with cardiovascular diseases. Jatropha tanjorensis (J. tanjorensis) is a medicinal herb with proven medicinal properties. This study investigated the level of cardio-inflammatory response in adrenaline-induced MI in rats treated with J. tanjorensis. Twenty Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 5). Group 1 served as Control. Group 2 was induced with MI using 2 mg/kg bodyweight of adrenaline administered subcutaneously for two days at 24 h interval between the first and second administrations. Group 3 received 200 mg/kg body weight of methanol extract of J. tanjorensis orally for 14days while Group 4 were induced with MI using 2 mg/kg body weight of adrenaline and treated with 200 mg/kg of J. tanjorensis leaf extract for 14 days. Blood was collected via cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. J. tanjorensis reduced adrenaline-induced MI by lowering serum concentration of ALT, AST and ALP, pro-inflammatory (MDA, CRP and IL-6) and cardiac injury markers (CK-MB, Troponin-I). SOD and NO level were also raised in J. tanjorensis-treated animals. The extract also restored histoarchitectural changes in the cardiac muscle. Jatropha tanjorensis mitigates cardio-inflammatory response and restores cyto-architecture of the cardiac muscle in adrenaline-induced MI rats.