Advances in Traditional Medicine最新文献

Emergence of antiviral drug resistance in influenza virus remains a major public health concern worldwide. Nowadays, different herbs receive renewed attention because of their enormous antiviral potential. In this study, we investigated the antiviral activity of Camellia sinensis, Persicaria hydropiper, Persicaria orientale, Persicaria lapathifolia, Persicaria stagnina, Mucuna pruriens and Chenopodium album against different influenza strains using both in vitro and in silico approaches. Antiviral effect of plant extracts was evaluated by cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assay on influenza infected MDCK (Madin Darby Canine Kidney) cell line. Later, the herb demonstrating antiviral activity was virtually screened for their available bioactive compounds and multiple in silico tools were performed to prioritize and establish these compounds as potential inhibitor. The methanol, but not the n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of C. sinensis, P. hydropiper, M. pruriens and C. album exhibited anti-influenza effect with EC₅₀ values within 32–46 µg/ml. Importantly, the extracts remained effective against both amantadine-resistant and -sensitive influenza isolates. The molecular docking analysis showed that flavonoids, steroid and derivatives had strong binding affinity to the target proteins which may remain responsible for the anti-influenza characteristics of plant extracts. Pharmacokinetic properties, bioavailability and drug-likeness score revealed that ferulic acid, sinapic acid, campesterol, cryptomeridiol, eupatin and genistein could be attractive leads as potential influenza inhibitors. Taken together, the botanical ingredients of these herbs could be used as valuable candidates for developing novel therapeutics to control influenza related illnesses.

Nanoscale drug carriers are useful in improving the bioavilability, targeting delivery, and controlling the release of the loaded drug. Polymers from natural sources possess favourable properties such as adaptability and safety for usage as nanosized drug delivery carriers and as substitutes of synthetic polymers. The use of a biomaterial imparts special biopharmaceutical characteristics to the formulation and changes the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of the entrapped medication. Proteins appear as promising raw materials in this approach because of their extensive availability from renewable sources, low cost, and ability to be chemically modified, ligand conjugation and degraded into harmless by-products. Furthermore, protein nanocarriers have several benefits, including high drug-binding capability and specific tumour targeting using different ligands. This review discusses the properties of different protein biopolymers such as albumin, gelatin, zein, gliadin, casein, collagen, elastin and whey protein. The study focuses on the most relevant applications of the protein nanoparticles loading agents with antitumeric effect. Furthermore, the review summarises the primary findings of tumour-targeted protein nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo studies.

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Katsina state, Northern Nigeria to document medicinal plants commonly used by lactating mothers to boost breast milk production. Two hundred and forty (240) respondents made up of (120) nursing mothers, (60) herbalists and (60) traditional birth attendants were interviewed. Ethnobotanical data was obtained using the structured questionnaire method. Standard procedures were followed to analyse the phyto-chemical, proximate, mineral concentrations and chemical composition of the ethanolic extract of the most cited plants. Forty (40) plant species belonging to 38 genera distributed among 24 families are used as galactagogues in Katsina state, Nigeria. All the plant samples contained alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. Anthraquinones were found to be absent in Andropogon gayanus, Moringa oleifera and Pennisetum glaucum while phytosterol was absent in Pennisetum glaucum and Vernonia amygdalina. They were also found to contain nutrient compositions in varying amounts. Crotalaria retusa had the highest moisture (12.80%), crude lipid (13.50%) and crude fibre (21.76%) content. Momordica balsamina has the highest ash (13.76%) content. Pennisetum glaucum had the highest carbohydrate content (76.19%) and energy content (364.95%). Mineral analysis revealed that Andropogon gayanus, Momordica balsamina and Vernonia amygdalina showed equal phosphorus (0.3 ppm) contents. Crotalaria retusa showed the highest chromium (2.59 ppm) and copper (1.31 ppm) content. GC/MS analysis revealed that Momordica balsamina contained 99 phytoconstituents. With only 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- identified as the only phytoconstituents showing phytoestrogen activity. The indigenous knowledge about lactating mothers in Katsina state, Nigeria used medicinal plants to boost breast milk production is documented.

Capparis decidua is a valuable medicinal, xerophytic plant. We aim for the first time to compare the therapeutic potency of phytochemicals employing In-silico semblance, and ADME/Tox profiling studies. A solid computational strategy may ensure financial benefits in the phases of drug development, as well as innovation and reliable outcomes. This work investigated analgesic hypocholesterolemia, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory potency of Capparis decidua (CD) extract using MeOH:nH:EtAc (1:1:1, v:v:v) a solvent. Hence, GC–MS were used to characterize CD extract, and further, based on Ligand–Protein interaction, revealed Campesterol as a major inhibitor found to be possessing a higher interaction affinity (In kcal/mole; 2OYE; − 13.4, 1IR3; − 8.4, 3QNT; − 11.3, 3NUP; − 12.3, respectively), which leads to higher therapeutic potential. Further, various components were found to be bioactive including Neophytadiene, Palmitoleic acid, á-Sitosterol, Oleic acid, Rhodopin, 17-Pentatriacontene, Squalene, Piperine, 1-and, Eicosanol. Our results burlier proponent that Capparis decidua could help as a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemia problem, but more research is needed.

This research was conducted to evaluate the bioactive compounds content and biological activity of legume extract (mung bean (MB), job’s tears (JT), red kidney bean (RB) and black bean (BB)), sesame extract (white sesame (WS) and black sesame (BS)) and lemon basil seed extract (LB). The research also investigated the combined LB extract with kojic acid, acarbose and five rice volatile compounds against α-glucosidase, α-amylase and tyrosinase activity. The inhibitory activity of three enzymes and the extracts’ antioxidant capacity was closely related to the total phenolic and total flavonoid content. LB methanol extract (LB(ME)) had the highest total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity. LB water extract (LB(WE)) with the IC₅₀ of 0.04 ± 0.004 and 0.14 ± 0.01 mg/mL had the highest inhibition potent against α-glucosidase and tyrosinase enzymes. In comparison, LB(ME) with the IC₅₀ of 0.13 ± 0.01 mg/mL represented the highest inhibition potent on the α-amylase enzyme. Five rice volatile compounds with the α-glucosidase, α-amylase and tyrosinase inhibitory activity, low cytotoxicity and high anti-nitric oxide production were combined with LB extract to investigate the enzymatic inhibitory effect. The results indicated that LB(WE)/2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol and LB(WE)/2-pentyl furan had a synergic effect on α-glucosidase activity. We also investigated LB extract combined with acarbose and kojic acid against these enzymes. The results showed that LB(ME)/acarbose had the highest inhibition potent on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity and LB(WE)/kojic acid had the highest on tyrosinase activity. Thus, these results suggest that using LB extract and the combined may be a useful therapeutic approach for diabetes and melanogenesis treatment.

To assess the effectiveness and safety of Korean medicine in managing postoperative pain. Retrospective, observational study. Medical records of 233 inpatients at a Korean medicine hospital who underwent Korean medicine treatments such as acupuncture, moxibustion, cuppping, bee-venom and herbal acupuncture, electrical therapy, herbal medicine, and carbon-beam therapy after musculoskeletal surgery were reviewed, and numeric ratings for pain were compared between baseline and follow-up. A correlation analysis between pain improvement and therapeutic factors was performed, and a regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of pain reduction. Serum laboratory test results at baseline and follow-up were subsequently compared to identify safety. Numeric rating scale scores for pain; presence of infection, drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and drug-induced kidney injury (DIKI) for safety. After Korean medicine treatment, the pain scores decreased from an average of 4.09 to 1.79 in the numeric rating scale (p < 0.001). Frequency of acupuncture therapy during hospitalization showed the strongest positive correlation with pain improvement (r = 0.341, p = 0.000) and was a predictor of pain reduction (adjusted R² = 0.145). Improvements in serum laboratory data to reference limits were observed. All kappa coefficient values, except for white blood cell (WBC) count, were between 0.3 and 0.7, indicating that the follow-up data matched the baseline data. The low kappa coefficient value of WBC count was due to the high ratio of outliers. One (0.43%) and no cases of DILI and DIKI were identified, respectively. Korean medicine could be used for managing pain after musculoskeletal surgery.

Trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by various trypanosome species that affects both humans and livestock with catastrophic implications across the endemic areas. Plants have been used for many centuries to establish or bring back health, well-being, and as cure for several illnesses. We performed a systematic review using the PRISMA guidelines to compile the results of studies carried out in both in vitro and in vivo investigations, examined the effect of plant extracts on trypanosomosis treatment and risk of bias of the studies. Published articles were appraised and only those with the requisite inclusion criteria looking at the efficacy of different medicinal plant extracts used against trypanosomosis globally from 1990 to 2020 in ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpingerLink, Scopus and Web of Science were used for this systematic review. A total of 761 medicinal plant species were evaluated for antitypanosomal activity with Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae families being frequently studied. After comparative analysis, two plant species, namely, Khaya senegalensis and Terminalia superba produced best antitrypanosomal activity both in vitro and in vivo. Leaves (74%) and stem barks (38%) were most used plant parts. Medicinal plant extracts demonstrated in vivo antirypanosomal efficacy either singularly or synergistically at dosages < 2000 mg/kg, that resulted in elimination of parasitaemia and reduction of trypanosomosis clinical symptoms. On the other hand, most of the extracts, had an in vitro antirypanosomal activity within minutes after application in a concentration-dependent manner. Bias analysis showed the lack of standardized experimental designs and failures in statistical tests. There is lack of studies for evaluation of efficacy of medicinal plant extracts against Trypanosoma equiperdum and T. vivax both in vitro and in vivo amongst pathogenic trypanosomes. Medicinal plant extracts have potential therapeutic activity against pathogenic trypanosomes infecting animals and humans as suggested by majority of in vitro studies but require verification of in vivo efficacy and toxicity studies which are lacking.

Piper betle L. (BL) is a popular medicinal plant in Asia. BL has been used as a traditional medicine to treat various health conditions. Areca catechu L. nut (AN) is an important traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used since antiquity. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological illness that affects millions of people. Cognitive dysfunction and abnormal behavior are the alarming co-morbidities of epilepsy. This study aims to investigate the anti-epileptic and cognitive improvement effects of Aqueous extract of Piper betle L. (AqEBL) and Aqueous extract of Areca catechu L. nut (AqEAN) against Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced epilepsy associated cognitive dysfunction in adult Zebrafish (ZF). The extract was subjected to liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry analysis to identify its bioactive compounds. Further, molecular docking studies were carried out to understand the binding mode of various components of AqEBL and AqEAN within the active site of the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor β3 subunit (GABA_A subunit β3). The epilepsy-associated cognitive functions were assessed by behavioral studies including, seizure-score phenotype, T-maze, color recognition, and open field test; biochemical studies including brain antioxidant status and oxidative stress indices, acetylcholine esterase activity, neurotransmitters expression levels, and histopathology study in ZF model. It was evidenced in the current study that AqEBL and AqEAN have the potential to ameliorate seizure-like behavior through the GABA_A receptor pathway and improve cognitive abilities. These data indicate that AqEBL and AqEAN may be potential options for epilepsy associated cognitive impairment.

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Gastric cancer was classified as the third most deadly cancer among all other cancer types. The HSP90 and HER2 genes play essential roles in the stability and function of high-expression proteins that cause malignancy. The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of the alcoholic Alkanna bracteosa extract on the expression of HSP90α and HER2 genes in AGS cell line. Therefore, the methanolic extraction was isolated from aerial parts of the plant and AGS and HuGu cell lines were analyzed using 102.4–0.05 mg ml⁻¹ dose concentrations in serial dilution; to measure the cell toxicity by MTT assay. Furthermore, real-time PCR analysis measured the expression level of HSP90α and HER2 genes using the IC50 dose concentrations. Quantification of apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin/PI kit in flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation tests. The results of MTT assay represented the IC50 dose concentration of 0.8 and 3.2 mg ml⁻¹ for AGS and HuGu respectively. The rate of HER2 gene expression was significantly decreased in AGS cells treated with 0.8 mg ml⁻¹ dose concentration compared to control. The exposure of AGS treated cells with 0.8 mg ml⁻¹ dose concentration after 24 h represented 24.3% apoptosis and 13.3% necrosis. The agarose gel represented the DNA fragmentation pattern of apoptosis. This study demonstrated the significant differences between the cell viability rate, gene expression level, and apoptosis of the Alkanna bracteosa extract on AGS cells. These results demonstrated the first report of which the Alkanna braceteosa would be an effective candidate for possible treatment of Gastric cancer.