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Natural Plant Products in Drug Discovery
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Natural Plant Products in Drug Discovery

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2024) | Viewed by 16000

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lina Al Kury

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi 144534, United Arab Emirates
Interests: molecular mechanism of drug action; effects of natural plant products on the functional properties of ion channels and receptors; natural plant products and cancer; anti-diabetic potential of plant extracts
Prof. Dr. Wamidh H. Talib

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931-166, Jordan
Interests: combination anti-cancer therapies; drug resistance in cancer; anti-cancer nutrition; monoclonal antibodies; biological activities of natural products; immune-modulation by natural products

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Medicinal plants are a major source of natural active components and are considered the pillars of drug discovery and development. Plant extracts, dry powders, and plant parts are rich sources of natural compounds, which are characterized by their therapeutic effects. The significance of medicinal plants in the development of novel medications to treat various ailments is a promising line of scientific research. Therefore, novel experimental investigations on medicinal plant products are required to scientifically support the validity of phytotherapy. This Special Issue of Plants focuses on recent research on the pharmacological effects of medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites in cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular and neurological diseases. We welcome original research or review articles related to the biological activities of medicinal plants and their mechanisms of action in vitro and in vivo studies.

Dr. Lina Al Kury
Prof. Dr. Wamidh H. Talib
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. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2700 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

  • medicinal plants
  • bioactive compounds
  • anti-cancer activity
  • immunomodulatory effects
  • cardioprotective effects
  • anti-diabetic effects
  • neuroprotective properties
  • drug development

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1592 KiB  
Article
Antidiabetic Properties of the Root Extracts of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and Burdock (Arctium lappa)
by Daria Zolotova, Renāte Teterovska, Dace Bandere, Liga Lauberte and Santa Niedra
Plants 2024, 13(7), 1021; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13071021 - 3 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2745
Abstract
Several preclinical studies suggest the potential of edible plants in controlling blood sugar levels and stabilizing diet. The goals of the study were to examine, analyze, and describe whether there are chemical compounds in dandelion and burdock roots that could have antidiabetic properties. [...] Read more.
Several preclinical studies suggest the potential of edible plants in controlling blood sugar levels and stabilizing diet. The goals of the study were to examine, analyze, and describe whether there are chemical compounds in dandelion and burdock roots that could have antidiabetic properties. The 70% ethyl alcohol and lyophilizate extracts (AE and LE, respectively), were used, and analyses were carried out on their total polysaccharide (TP), total phenolic content (TPC), tannin, and inulin. The antioxidant activity of extracts was determined using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, and hypoglycemic properties were based on α-amylase activity. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used for the tentative identification of the chemical components. Qualitative techniques confirmed the presence of inulin in both roots. Analysis of TPC, tannin content, DPPH assay, and α-amylase activity revealed higher values for burdock compared to dandelion. However, dandelion exhibited higher TP content. Burdock contained a small amount of tannin, whereas the tannin content in dandelion was insignificant. All LE consistently exhibited higher values in all analyses and assays for all roots compared to AE. Despite burdock root showing overall better results, it is uncertain whether these plants can be recommended as antidiabetic agents without in vivo studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Plant Products in Drug Discovery)
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21 pages, 4381 KiB  
Article
Anticancer, Immunomodulatory, and Phytochemical Screening of Carthamus oxyacantha M.Bieb Growing in the North of Iraq
by Media Mohammad Baban, Saman A. Ahmad, Ala’ M. Abu-Odeh, Mustafa Baban and Wamidh H. Talib
Plants 2024, 13(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010042 - 22 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1577
Abstract
Carthamus oxyacantha M.Bieb is a promising repository of active phytochemicals. These bioactive compounds work synergistically to promote the plant’s antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory capabilities. The present study aimed to discover the potential immunomodulatory and cytotoxicity of different extracts of Carthamus oxycantha roots. Aqueous [...] Read more.
Carthamus oxyacantha M.Bieb is a promising repository of active phytochemicals. These bioactive compounds work synergistically to promote the plant’s antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory capabilities. The present study aimed to discover the potential immunomodulatory and cytotoxicity of different extracts of Carthamus oxycantha roots. Aqueous ethanol (70%), aqueous methanol (90%), ethyl acetate, and n-hexane extracts were tested against five cell lines (T47D, MDA-MB231, Caco-2, EMT6/P, and Vero). Among these extracts, ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts showed significant activity in inhibiting the proliferation of cancerous cells because of the presence of several phytochemical compounds, including flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids. The n-hexane extract was the most potent extract against T47D and Caco-2 cell lines and had IC50 values of 0.067 mg/mL and 0.067 mg/mL, respectively. In comparison, ethyl acetate extract was active against T47D and MDAMB231, and IC50 values were 0.0179 mg/mL and 0.03 mg/mL, respectively. Both n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts reduced tumor size (by 49.981% and 51.028%, respectively). Remarkably, Carthamus oxyacantha extracts decreased the average weight of the tumor cells in the in vivo model. The plant induced significant apoptotic activity by the activation of caspase-3, immunomodulation of macrophages, and triggering of pinocytosis. The implications of these intriguing findings demand additional research to broaden the scope of the understanding of this field, opening the doors to the possibilities of using Carthamus oxyacantha M.Bieb as an effective cancer treatment adjuvant in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Plant Products in Drug Discovery)
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16 pages, 2390 KiB  
Article
Combination of Thymoquinone and Intermittent Fasting as a Treatment for Breast Cancer Implanted in Mice
by Shatha Khaled Haif, Lina T. Al Kury and Wamidh H. Talib
Plants 2024, 13(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010035 - 21 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1856
Abstract
Breast cancer stands out as a particularly challenging form of cancer to treat among various types. Traditional treatment methods have been longstanding approaches, yet their efficacy has diminished over time owing to heightened toxicity, adverse effects, and the emergence of multi-drug resistance. Nevertheless, [...] Read more.
Breast cancer stands out as a particularly challenging form of cancer to treat among various types. Traditional treatment methods have been longstanding approaches, yet their efficacy has diminished over time owing to heightened toxicity, adverse effects, and the emergence of multi-drug resistance. Nevertheless, a viable solution has emerged through the adoption of a complementary treatment strategy utilizing natural substances and the incorporation of intermittent fasting to enhance therapeutic outcomes. This study aimed to assess the anticancer activity of thymoquinone (TQ), intermittent fasting, and their combination using in vivo and in vitro methods. The anti-proliferative activity of TQ and fasting (glucose/serum restriction) were evaluated against the T47D, MDA-MB-231, and EMT6 cell lines and compared to normal cell lines (Vero) using the MTT colorimetric assay method. Additionally, this study aimed to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of TQ. For the in vivo experiment, the antitumor activity of TQ and intermittent fasting (IF) was assessed by measuring the tumor sizes using a digital caliper to determine the change in the tumor size and survival rates. At the molecular level, the serum levels of glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB), leptin, and insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were measured using standard kits. Additionally, the aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and creatinine serum levels were measured. The inhibition of the breast cancer cell lines was achieved by TQ. TQ and intermittent fasting both had an additional anticancer effect against breast tumors inoculated in mice. The combination therapy was evaluated and found to significantly reduce the tumor size, with a change in tumor size of −57.7%. Additionally, the combination of TQ and IF led to a decrease in the serum levels of glucose, IGF-1 (24.49 ng/mL) and leptin (1.77 ng/mL) while increasing β-hydroxybutyrate in the mice given combination therapy (200.86 nM) with no toxicity on the liver or kidneys. In the mice receiving combination therapy, TQ and IF treated breast cancer in an additive way without causing liver or kidney toxicity due to decreased levels of glucose, IGF-1, and leptin and increased levels of β-hydroxybutyrate. Further investigation is required to optimize the doses and determine the other possible mechanisms exhibited by the novel combination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Plant Products in Drug Discovery)
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20 pages, 5061 KiB  
Article
In Vitro and In Silico Analysis of the Anticancer Effects of Eurycomanone and Eurycomalactone from Eurycoma longifolia
by Nurhanan Murni Yunos, Habibah A. Wahab, Mohammad G. Al-Thiabat, Nor Jannah Sallehudin and Muhamad Haffiz Jauri
Plants 2023, 12(15), 2827; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12152827 - 31 Jul 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1835
Abstract
Eurycomanone and eurycomalactone are known quassinoids present in the roots and stems of Eurycoma longifolia. These compounds had been reported to have cytotoxic effects, however, their mechanism of action in a few cancer cell lines have yet to be elucidated. This study [...] Read more.
Eurycomanone and eurycomalactone are known quassinoids present in the roots and stems of Eurycoma longifolia. These compounds had been reported to have cytotoxic effects, however, their mechanism of action in a few cancer cell lines have yet to be elucidated. This study was aimed at investigating the anticancer effects and mechanisms of action of eurycomanone and eurycomalactone in cervical (HeLa), colorectal (HT29) and ovarian (A2780) cancer cell lines via Sulforhodamine B assay. Their mechanism of cell death was evaluated based on Hoechst 33342 assay and in silico molecular docking toward DHFR and TNF-α as putative protein targets. Eurycomanone and eurycomalactone exhibited in vitro anticancer effects manifesting IC50 values of 4.58 ± 0.090 µM and 1.60 ± 0.12 µM (HeLa), 1.22 ± 0.11 µM and 2.21 ± 0.049 µM (HT-29), and 1.37 ± 0.13 µM and 2.46 ± 0.081 µM (A2780), respectively. They induced apoptotic cancer cell death in dose- and time-dependent manners. Both eurycomanone and eurycomalactone were also predicted to have good inhibitory potential as demonstrated by the docking into TNF-α with binding affinity of −8.83 and −7.51 kcal/mol, respectively, as well as into DHFR with binding affinity results of −8.05 and −8.87 kcal/mol, respectively. These results support the evidence of eurycomanone and eurycomalactone as anticancer agents via apoptotic cell death mechanism that could be associated with TNF-α and DHFR inhibition as among possible protein targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Plant Products in Drug Discovery)
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Review

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30 pages, 688 KiB  
Review
Bioactive Compound-Loaded Nanocarriers for Hair Growth Promotion: Current Status and Future Perspectives
by Arvind Sharma, Harapriya Mohapatra, Kanika Arora, Ritchu Babbar, Rashmi Arora, Poonam Arora, Pradeep Kumar, Evren Algın Yapar, Kailash Rani, Maninder Meenu, Marianesan Arockia Babu, Maninderjit Kaur and Rakesh K. Sindhu
Plants 2023, 12(21), 3739; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12213739 - 31 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6895
Abstract
Hair loss (alopecia) has a multitude of causes, and the problem is still poorly defined. For curing alopecia, therapies are available in both natural and synthetic forms; however, natural remedies are gaining popularity due to the multiple effects of complex phytoconstituents on the [...] Read more.
Hair loss (alopecia) has a multitude of causes, and the problem is still poorly defined. For curing alopecia, therapies are available in both natural and synthetic forms; however, natural remedies are gaining popularity due to the multiple effects of complex phytoconstituents on the scalp with fewer side effects. Evidence-based hair growth promotion by some plants has been reported for both traditional and advanced treatment approaches. Nanoarchitectonics may have the ability to evolve in the field of hair- and scalp-altering products and treatments, giving new qualities to hair that can be an effective protective layer or a technique to recover lost hair. This review will provide insights into several plant and herbal formulations that have been reported for the prevention of hair loss and stimulation of new hair growth. This review also focuses on the molecular mechanisms of hair growth/loss, several isolated phytoconstituents with hair growth-promoting properties, patents, in vivo evaluation of hair growth-promoting activity, and recent nanoarchitectonic technologies that have been explored for hair growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Plant Products in Drug Discovery)
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