Submit to Pharmaceuticals Review for Pharmaceuticals Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Synergistic Effects of Plant Derivatives with Other Drugs

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 49047

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Luigi Scipione

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drug, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
Interests: drug design; metallophores; antifungal agents; antibiofilm compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Fabiana Pandolfi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Scienze di Base e Applicate per l’Ingegneria (SBAI), Sapienza University of Rome, via del Castro Laurenziano, 7, 00161 Roma, Italy
Interests: Alzheimer disease; cholinesterase inhibitors; antifungal compounds; metal chelating compounds; anti-biofilm compounds; nanomaterials; organic electrosynthesis; organic synthesis; cyclic voltammetry; organic electronics

Dr. Martina Bortolami

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, via del Castro Laurenziano, 7, 00161 Roma, Italy
Interests: Alzheimer disease; cholinesterase inhibitors; antifungal compounds; metal chelating compounds; anti-biofilm compounds; organic electrosynthesis; organic synthesis; cyclic voltammetry; antioxidant compounds; metabolic profiling of natural compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The plant world represents an almost infinite and still largely unexplored reservoir of chemical substances. It represents a database of compounds, many of which are yet to be identified and characterized from either a physicochemical or pharmacological point of view, from which to source new therapeutic agents in all fields of medicine. These natural substances are generally secondary metabolites, produced in variable quantities, belong to different chemical classes, and are often endowed with biological and pharmaceutical properties. In many cases, natural extracts have shown synergistic biological activities, both with respect to single pure components and with respect to known drugs.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to focus on the synergistic properties of plant extracts and their components with drugs known and in use for the treatment of pathologies in the various fields of medicine. We aim to highlight the capacity to enhance the beneficial effects and reduce the toxicity of known drugs. The identification of the mechanisms through which these synergistic effects are realized, such as the additive activity on the target or the improvement of permeation capabilities, and the role played by the natural components, takes on an extremely important value in research and development strategies, representing a potential starting point for the development of new therapeutic opportunities based on the combination of drugs or on the development of multitarget drugs.

Dr. Luigi Scipione
Dr. Fabiana Pandolfi
Dr. Martina Bortolami
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmaceuticals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

natural compounds
plant extract
synergistic effect
fractional inhibitory concentration
checkerboard method
drug interaction

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (12 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

24 pages, 14792 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pentagalloyl Glucose-Targeted Inhibition of P-Glycoprotein and Re-Sensitization of Multidrug-Resistant Leukemic Cells (K562/ADR) to Doxorubicin: In Silico and Functional Studies

by Nathupakorn Dechsupa, Nopawit Khamto, Pornthip Chawapun, Sadanon Siriphong, Phattarawadee Innuan, Authaphinya Suwan, Thitiworada Luangsuep, Nichakorn Photilimthana, Witchayaporn Maita, Rossarin Thanacharttanatchaya, Padchanee Sangthong, Puttinan Meepowpan, Chatchanok Udomtanakunchai and Jiraporn Kantapan

Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(9), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16091192 - 22 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1552

Abstract

Combining phytochemicals with chemotherapeutic drugs has demonstrated the potential to surmount drug resistance. In this paper, we explore the efficacy of pentagalloyl glucose (PGG) in modulating P-gp and reversing multidrug resistance (MDR) in drug-resistant leukemic cells (K562/ADR). The cytotoxicity of PGG was evaluated using a CCK-8 assay, and cell apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to analyze protein expression levels. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity was evaluated by monitoring the kinetics of P-gp-mediated efflux of pirarubicin (THP). Finally, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and molecular mechanics with generalized Born and surface area solvation (MM-GBSA) calculation were conducted to investigate drug–protein interactions. We found that PGG selectively induced cytotoxicity in K562/ADR cells and enhanced sensitivity to doxorubicin (DOX), indicating its potential as a reversal agent. PGG reduced the expression of P-gp and its gene transcript levels. Additionally, PGG inhibited P-gp-mediated efflux and increased intracellular drug accumulation in drug-resistant cells. Molecular dynamics simulations and MM-GBSA calculation provided insights into the binding affinity of PGG to P-gp, suggesting that PGG binds tightly to both the substrate and the ATP binding sites of P-gp. These findings support the potential of PGG to target P-gp, reverse drug resistance, and enhance the efficacy of anticancer therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergistic Effects of Plant Derivatives with Other Drugs)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3068 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Additive Antinociceptive Effect of Resveratrol and Ketorolac in the Formalin Test in Mice

by Fidencio Abner Rojas-Aguilar, Alfredo Briones-Aranda, Osmar Antonio Jaramillo-Morales, Rodrigo Romero-Nava, Héctor Armando Esquinca-Avilés and Josué Vidal Espinosa-Juárez

Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(8), 1078; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16081078 - 28 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1817

Abstract

Pain represents one of the leading causes of suffering and disability worldwide. Currently available drugs cannot treat all types of pain and may have adverse effects. Hence, the use of pharmacological combinations is an alternative treatment strategy. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the combination of resveratrol and ketorolac through isobolographic analysis. CD1 mice were used to study the antinociceptive effect of this combination using the formalin test and the study was divided into two phases. In the first phase, four individual doses of each drug were evaluated, totaling eight testing groups. From these data, the median effective doses (ED₅₀) of each drug were calculated. In the second phase, four testing groups were used to evaluate the combination of sub-doses of both drugs and obtain the experimental ED₅₀. To evaluate gastric damage, five groups were employed, including indomethacin, vehicle, resveratrol, ketorolac, and combined resveratrol and ketorolac groups. Stomach samples from the mice were taken after 5 h of treatment, and the area of the ulcers was determined. Resveratrol plus ketorolac elicited a reduction in nociceptive behavior during both phases of the formalin test, and isobologram analysis revealed that the theoretical and experimental ED₅₀ values of resveratrol and ketorolac did not differ significantly, implying an additive interaction between the drugs. Additionally, the drug combination did not generate gastric ulcers, thus enhancing the desired effects without increasing the adverse effects. Consequently, these findings substantiate the efficacy of the resveratrol and ketorolac combination in the formalin test, thereby highlighting its potential as a viable alternative for alleviating pain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergistic Effects of Plant Derivatives with Other Drugs)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 15912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Co-Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil and Paclitaxel in Mitochondria-Targeted KLA-Modified Liposomes to Improve Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment

by Tianyu Chen, Hui Chen, Yichun Jiang, Qi Yan, Shuling Zheng and Min Wu

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(7), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15070881 - 17 Jul 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3084

Abstract

In this research, KLA-modified liposomes co-loaded with 5-fluorouracil and paclitaxel (KLA-5-FU/PTX Lps) were developed, and their antitumor activity against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) was evaluated. KLA-5-FU/PTX Lps were prepared using the thin-film dispersion method, and their in vitro anticancer efficacy was assessed in human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). An MDA-MB-231 tumor-bearing mouse model was also established to evaluate their antitumor efficacy in vivo. KLA-5-FU/PTX Lps showed enhanced cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells, improved drug delivery to mitochondria, and induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. The modified liposomes also showed favorable antitumor activity in vivo due to their strong ability to target tumors and mitochondria. The liposomes showed no obvious systemic toxicity. Our results suggest that KLA-5-FU/PTX Lps are a promising system with which to target the delivery of antitumor drugs to mitochondria as a treatment for TNBC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergistic Effects of Plant Derivatives with Other Drugs)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2863 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Life of an Old Drug: Caffeine as a Modulator of Antibacterial Activity of Commonly Used Antibiotics

by Anna Woziwodzka, Marta Krychowiak-Maśnicka, Grzegorz Gołuński, Anna Łosiewska, Agnieszka Borowik, Dariusz Wyrzykowski and Jacek Piosik

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(7), 872; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15070872 - 15 Jul 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3320

Abstract

With the rapid and continuous emergence of antimicrobial resistance, bacterial infections became a significant global healthcare concern. One of the proposed strategies to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens is to use additional compounds, such as natural biologically active substances, as adjuvants for existing antibiotics. In this study, we investigated the potential of caffeine, the widely consumed alkaloid, to modulate the antibacterial effects of antibiotics commonly used in clinical practice. We used disc diffusion assay to evaluate the effects of caffeine on 40 antibiotics in two Staphylococcus aureus strains (methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive). Based on the results of this step, we selected five antibiotics for which the greatest caffeine-induced improvements in antibacterial activity were observed, and further analyzed their interactions with caffeine using a checkerboard approach. Caffeine at concentrations of 250 µg/mL or higher halved the MIC values of ticarcillin, cefepime, gentamycin, azithromycin, and novobiocin for all gram-negative species investigated (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii). At the highest caffeine concentrations tested (up to 16 mg/mL), decreases in MIC values were 8- to 16-fold. The obtained results prove that caffeine modulates the activity of structurally diverse antibiotics, with the most promising synergistic effects observed for cefepime and azithromycin toward gram-negative pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergistic Effects of Plant Derivatives with Other Drugs)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

28 pages, 7504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Alkylbenzenes and Terpenoids in the Form of Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes as Antibacterial Agents and Levofloxacin Synergists

by Igor D. Zlotnikov, Natalya G. Belogurova, Sergey S. Krylov, Marina N. Semenova, Victor V. Semenov and Elena V. Kudryashova

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(7), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15070861 - 14 Jul 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2555

Abstract

Allylpolyalkoxybenzenes (APABs) and terpenoids from plant essential oils exhibit a range of remarkable biological effects, including analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and others. Synergistic activity with antibiotics of different classes has been reported, with inhibition of P-glycoprotein and impairment of bacterial cell membrane claimed as probable mechanisms. Clearly, a more detailed understanding of APABs’ biological activity could help in the development of improved therapeutic options for a range of diseases. However, APABs’ poor solubility in water solutions has been a limiting factor for such research. Here, we found that complex formation with β-cyclodextrins (CD) is an efficient way to transform the APABs into a water-soluble form. Using a combination of spectroscopic (FTIR, NMR, UV) methods, we have estimated the binding constants, loading capacity, and the functional groups of both APABs and monoterpenes involved in complex formation with CD: ethylene, aromatic, methoxy and hydroxy groups. In the presence of a molar excess of CD (up to 5 fold) it was possible to achieve the complete dissolution of APABs and terpenoids in an aqueous medium (at 90–98% encapsulation) higher by 10–1000 times. Further, we have demonstrated that CD-APABs, if used in combination with levofloxacin (Lev), can be antagonistic, indifferent, additive, or synergistic, mostly depending on the concentration ratio: at high Lev concentration with the addition of APAB is typically neutral or even antagonistic; while at a Lev concentration below MIC, the addition of CD-APAB is either additive or synergistic (according to FICI criteria). An over three-fold increase in Lev antibacterial activity was observed in combination with eugenol (EG), as per the growth inhibition diameter measurement in agar. Interestingly, a synergistic effect could be observed with both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. So, obviously, the APAB-CD and terpenoid-CD mechanism of action is not limited to their interaction with the bacterial membrane, which has been shown earlier for CDs. Further research may open new prospects for the development of adjuvants to improve the therapeutic regimens with existing, as well as with new anti-infective drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergistic Effects of Plant Derivatives with Other Drugs)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pentagalloyl Glucose and Cisplatin Combination Treatment Exhibits a Synergistic Anticancer Effect in 2D and 3D Models of Head and Neck Carcinoma

by Jiraporn Kantapan, Nuttawadee Intachai, Nopawit Khamto, Puttinan Meepowpan, Padchanee Sangthong, Kittichai Wantanajittikul, Nathupakorn Dechsupa and Imjai Chitapanarux

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(7), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15070830 - 4 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2412

Abstract

Although cisplatin is a first-line chemotherapy drug for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), its therapeutic efficacy is limited owing to serious side effects and acquired drug resistance. This study determined whether combining pentagalloyl glucose (PGG) and cisplatin enhanced their anti-tumor activities on HNSCC cell lines. We investigated the anticancer effect of PGG combined with cisplatin in 2D and 3D multicellular spheroid cell culture. The results revealed that PGG combined with cisplatin inhibited cell viability and produced synergistic effects. PGG potentiates the anticancer effect of cisplatin by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting cell migration. The western blot and molecular docking analysis revealed that the synergistic effect of the combination treatment may be related to the PGG-mediated reduced expression of phosphorylated STAT3 and phosphorylated Akt. Furthermore, we found that the combined treatment of PGG and cisplatin’s effect on 3D multicellular spheroid size was more potent than the monotherapies. Our findings indicated that the combination therapy of PGG and cisplatin synergistically inhibited HNSCC cancer cell viability and induced apoptosis in 2D and 3D models. The present results suggested that PGG may be a promising adjunct drug used with cisplatin for a practical therapeutic approach to head and neck cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergistic Effects of Plant Derivatives with Other Drugs)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 4710 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adenine Combined with Cisplatin Promotes Anticancer Activity against Hepatocellular Cancer Cells through AMPK-Mediated p53/p21 and p38 MAPK Cascades

by Jhen-Yu Huang, You-Cian Lin, Han-Min Chen, Jiun-Tsai Lin and Shao-Hsuan Kao

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(7), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15070795 - 26 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2346

Abstract

Cisplatin has been widely used in cancer treatments. Recent evidence indicates that adenine has potential anticancer activities against various types of cancers. However, the effects of the combination of adenine and cisplatin on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells remain sketchy. Here, our objective was to elucidate the anticancer activity of adenine in combination with cisplatin in HCC cells and its mechanistic pathways. Cell viability and cell cycle progression were assessed by the SRB assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Apoptosis was demonstrated by PI/annexin V staining and flow cytometric analysis. Protein expression, signaling cascade, and mRNA expression were analyzed by Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Our results showed that adenine jointly potentiated the inhibitory effects of cisplatin on the cell viability of SK-Hep1 and Huh7 cells. Further investigation showed that adenine combined with cisplatin induced higher S phase arrest and apoptosis in HCC cells. Mechanically, adenine induced AMPK activation, reduced mTOR phosphorylation, and increased p53 and p21 levels. The combination of adenine and cisplatin synergistically reduced Bcl-2 and increased PUMA, cleaved caspase-3, and PARP in HCC cells. Adenine also upregulated the mRNA expression of p53, p21, PUMA, and PARP, while knockdown of AMPK reduced the increased expression of these genes. Furthermore, adenine also induced the activation of p38 MAPK through AMPK signaling, and the inhibition of p38 MAPK reduced the apoptosis of HCC cells with exposure to adenine combined with cisplatin. Collectively, these findings reveal that the combination of adenine and cisplatin synergistically enhances apoptosis of HCC cells, which may be attributed to the AMPK-mediated p53/p21 and p38 MAPK cascades. It suggests that adenine may be a potential adjuvant for the treatment of HCC in combination with cisplatin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergistic Effects of Plant Derivatives with Other Drugs)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Endo-Cellulase and Endo-Xylanase for the Extraction of Apple Pectins as Factors Modifying Their Anticancer Properties and Affecting Their Synergy with the Active Form of Irinotecan

by Jerzy Maksymowicz, Anna Palko-Łabuz, Beata Sobieszczańska, Mateusz Chmielarz, Mirosława Ferens-Sieczkowska, Magdalena Skonieczna, Agnieszka Wikiera, Olga Wesołowska and Kamila Środa-Pomianek

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(6), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15060732 - 9 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2641

Abstract

Pectin constitutes an essential component of dietary fiber. Modified pectins from various sources possess potent anticancer and immunomodulatory activities. In this study, two pectins isolated from apple pomace by Trichoderma enzyme treatment, PX (with endo-xylanase) and PCX (with both endo-cellulase and endo-xylanase), were studied in colon cancer cell lines (HCT 116, Caco-2, and HT-29). Both pectins reduced colon cancer cell viability, induced apoptosis, and increased intracellular amounts of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, synergy between pectin and an active form of irinotecan, SN-38, in all aspects mentioned above, was discovered. This drug is a common component of cytotoxic combinations recommended as treatment for colon cancer patients. PX and PCX demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells. Interaction of apple pectins with galectin-3 and Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) was suggested to be responsible for their anticancer and anti-inflammatory effect. Since PCX was more active than PX in almost all experiments, the role of the enzyme used to obtain the pectin for its biological activity was discussed. It was concluded that co-operation between both enzymes was needed to obtain the molecule of the most beneficial properties. The low molecular mass of PCX together with a high proportion of rhamnogalacturonan I (RG I) regions seemed to be crucial for its superior activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergistic Effects of Plant Derivatives with Other Drugs)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 3984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evening Primrose Oil Improves Chemotherapeutic Effects in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines—A Preclinical Study

by Laura Zeppa, Cristina Aguzzi, Giorgia Versari, Margherita Luongo, Maria Beatrice Morelli, Federica Maggi, Consuelo Amantini, Giorgio Santoni, Oliviero Marinelli and Massimo Nabissi

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(4), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15040466 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3010

Abstract

Evening Primrose oil (EPO), obtained from the seeds of Evening Primrose (Oenothera L.), is largely used as a dietary supplement, especially after cancer diagnosis. Human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease correlated with poor clinical prognosis and a very low response rate to common chemotherapy. The aim of this work was to study the potential ability of EPO to improve the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs in PANC-1 and MIAPaCa-2 cell lines. Cytotoxicity, cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and EPO anticancer activity associated with the main chemotherapeutic drugs commonly used in therapy were investigated. Results showed that EPO reduced PDAC cell viability and increased paclitaxel efficacy. This evidence suggests that EPO may be used as a potential supplement to increase chemotherapeutic efficacy in PDAC therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergistic Effects of Plant Derivatives with Other Drugs)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

40 pages, 1245 KiB

Open AccessReview

Synergistic Effect of Plant Compounds in Combination with Conventional Antimicrobials against Biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida spp.

by Graziana Bonincontro, Sarah Adriana Scuderi, Andreana Marino and Giovanna Simonetti

Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(11), 1531; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16111531 - 30 Oct 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3758

Abstract

Bacterial and fungal biofilm has increased antibiotic resistance and plays an essential role in many persistent diseases. Biofilm-associated chronic infections are difficult to treat and reduce the efficacy of medical devices. This global problem has prompted extensive research to find alternative strategies to fight microbial chronic infections. Plant bioactive metabolites with antibiofilm activity are known to be potential resources to alleviate this problem. The phytochemical screening of some medicinal plants showed different active groups, such as stilbenes, tannins, alkaloids, terpenes, polyphenolics, flavonoids, lignans, quinones, and coumarins. Synergistic effects can be observed in the interaction between plant compounds and conventional drugs. This review analyses and summarises the current knowledge on the synergistic effects of plant metabolites in combination with conventional antimicrobials against biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The synergism of conventional antimicrobials with plant compounds can modify and inhibit the mechanisms of acquired resistance, reduce undesirable effects, and obtain an appropriate therapeutic effect at lower doses. A deeper knowledge of these combinations and of their possible antibiofilm targets is needed to develop next-generation novel antimicrobials and/or improve current antimicrobials to fight drug-resistant infections attributed to biofilm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergistic Effects of Plant Derivatives with Other Drugs)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 3890 KiB

Open AccessReview

Synergistic Effects of Caffeine in Combination with Conventional Drugs: Perspectives of a Drug That Never Ages

by Davide Ialongo, Valeria Tudino, Merve Arpacioglu, Antonella Messore, Elisa Patacchini, Roberta Costi, Roberto Di Santo and Valentina Noemi Madia

Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(5), 730; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16050730 - 11 May 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 13330

Abstract

Plants have been known since ancient times for their healing properties, being used as preparations against human diseases of different etiologies. More recently, natural products have been studied and characterized, isolating the phytochemicals responsible for their bioactivity. Most certainly, there are currently numerous active compounds extracted from plants and used as drugs, dietary supplements, or sources of bioactive molecules that are useful in modern drug discovery. Furthermore, phytotherapeutics can modulate the clinical effects of co-administered conventional drugs. In the last few decades, the interest has increased even more in studying the positive synergistic effects between plant-derived bioactives and conventional drugs. Indeed, synergism is a process where multiple compounds act together to exert a merged effect that is greater than that of each of them summed together. The synergistic effects between phytotherapeutics and conventional drugs have been described in different therapeutic areas, and many drugs are based on synergistic interactions with plant derivatives. Among them, caffeine has shown positive synergistic effects with different conventional drugs. Indeed, in addition to their multiple pharmacological activities, a growing body of evidence highlights the synergistic effects of caffeine with different conventional drugs in various therapeutic fields. This review aims to provide an overview of the synergistic therapeutic effects of caffeine and conventional drugs, summarizing the progress reported to date. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergistic Effects of Plant Derivatives with Other Drugs)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 2540 KiB

Open AccessReview

Drug-Herb Interactions among Thai Herbs and Anticancer Drugs: A Scoping Review

by Apisada Jiso, Phisit Khemawoot, Pinnakarn Techapichetvanich, Sutinee Soopairin, Kittiphong Phoemsap, Panrawee Damrongsakul, Supakit Wongwiwatthananukit and Pornpun Vivithanaporn

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(2), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15020146 - 26 Jan 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6711

Abstract

More than half of Thai patients with cancer take herbal preparations while receiving anticancer therapy. There is no systematic or scoping review on interactions between anticancer drugs and Thai herbs, although several research articles have that Thai herbs inhibit cytochrome P450 (CYP) or efflux transporter. Therefore, we gathered and integrated information related to the interactions between anticancer drugs and Thai herbs. Fifty-two anticancer drugs from the 2020 Thailand National List of Essential Medicines and 75 herbs from the 2020 Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia were selected to determine potential anticancer drug–herb interactions. The pharmacological profiles of the selected anticancer drugs were reviewed and matched with the herbal pharmacological activities to determine possible interactions. A large number of potential anticancer drug–herb interactions were found; the majority involved CYP inhibition. Efflux transporter inhibition and enzyme induction were also found, which could interfere with the pharmacokinetic profiles of anticancer drugs. However, there is limited knowledge on the pharmacodynamic interactions between anticancer drugs and Thai herbs. Therefore, further research is warranted. Information regarding interactions between anticancer drugs and Thai herbs should provide as a useful resource to healthcare professionals in daily practice. It could enable the prediction of possible anticancer drug–herb interactions and could be used to optimize cancer therapy outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergistic Effects of Plant Derivatives with Other Drugs)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Synergistic Effects of Plant Derivatives with Other Drugs

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (12 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI