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3 pages, 175 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Plant Therapeutics

by Juei-Tang Cheng, I-Min Liu and Szu-Chuan Shen

Plants 2022, 11(20), 2720; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11202720 - 14 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1714

Abstract

Plants for therapeutics and the phytotherapy for disorders are the same thing in practice [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

13 pages, 4254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formulation of Fast Dissolving β-Glucan/Bilberry Juice Films for Packaging Dry Powdered Pharmaceuticals for Diabetes

by Ionut Avramia and Sonia Amariei

Plants 2022, 11(15), 2040; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11152040 - 4 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1724

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop fast dissolving films based on β-glucan and bilberry juice due to the bioactive potential of β-glucan and antidiabetic effect of bilberry juice. The benefit of incorporation of bioactive compounds into the films is due to [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to develop fast dissolving films based on β-glucan and bilberry juice due to the bioactive potential of β-glucan and antidiabetic effect of bilberry juice. The benefit of incorporation of bioactive compounds into the films is due to the removal of unnecessary excipients and to confer protection as well as increase stability and shelf life to the packaged product. Due to the fast dissolving requirements of the European Pharmacopeia, which reduced the dissolution time from 180 to 60 s, indicating less than a minute, hygroscopic materials, such as sodium alginate and a suitable plasticizer, such as glycerin were incorporated. Moreover, the influence of ingredients and surfactants, such as soybean oil was studied in the design of fast dissolving films. Additionally, the steady state rate water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), water vapor permeability (WVP), and FT-IR spectroscopy tests were performed at high resolution to ensure the reliability of the films and composition as well as to validate the results. Our data suggest that the addition of surfactants contributed to the development of fast dissolving films without influencing the diffusion of water vapor. Low levels of WVTR and short dissolution time made from β-glucan and bilberry juice are a convenient candidate for packaging dry powdered pharmaceuticals for diabetes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

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14 pages, 4097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Phytochemical Profile and Bioactivity of Inga jinicuil Schltdl & Cham. ex G. Don

by Ammy Joana Gallegos-García, Carlos Ernesto Lobato-García, Manasés González-Cortazar, Maribel Herrera-Ruiz, Alejandro Zamilpa, Patricia Álvarez-Fitz, Ma Dolores Pérez-García, Ricardo López-Rodríguez, Ever A. Ble-González, Eric Jaziel Medrano-Sánchez, Max R. Feldman, Alejandro Bugarin and Abraham Gómez-Rivera

Plants 2022, 11(6), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11060794 - 17 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3249

Abstract

Several Mesoamerican cultures have used Inga jinicuil as traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal, inflammatory, and infectious issues. The aims of this contribution were to elucidate the phytochemical profile of the organic extracts from the bark and leaves of I. jinicuil and [...] Read more.

Several Mesoamerican cultures have used Inga jinicuil as traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal, inflammatory, and infectious issues. The aims of this contribution were to elucidate the phytochemical profile of the organic extracts from the bark and leaves of I. jinicuil and to assess the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of these extracts. The preliminary chemical profile was determined by HPLC-PDA and GC-MS; the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated with a mouse ear edema model, whereas the antibacterial activity was screened against several bacteria. The phytochemical profile of both organs (bark and leaves) of I. jinicuil led to the identification of 42 compounds, such as polyphenolic, flavonoids, triterpenes, prenol-type lipids, and aliphatic and non-aliphatic esters. This molecular diversity gave moderate anti-inflammatory activity (67.3 ± 2.0%, dichloromethane bark extract) and excellent antibacterial activity against Pseudomona aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Sthaphylococcus aureus (MIC values of ˂3.12 and 50 µg/mL, respectively). These results contribute to the chemotaxonomic characterization and the rational use in traditional medicine of Inga jinicuil Schltdl & Cham. ex G. Don. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

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13 pages, 811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Insight into Salvia haematodes L. (Lamiaceae) Bioactive Extracts Obtained by Traditional and Green Extraction Procedures

by Rosa Tundis, Nicodemo Giuseppe Passalacqua, Marco Bonesi and Monica Rosa Loizzo

Plants 2022, 11(6), 781; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11060781 - 15 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3367

Abstract

Even though Salvia is one of the most known genera of the Lamiaceae family, some traditionally used Salvia species are still now less investigated. To that end, the present study aims to evaluate the chemical profile and the potential bioactivities of extracts and [...] Read more.

Even though Salvia is one of the most known genera of the Lamiaceae family, some traditionally used Salvia species are still now less investigated. To that end, the present study aims to evaluate the chemical profile and the potential bioactivities of extracts and related fractions obtained from the endemic sage Salvia haematodes L. by applying a traditional extraction method such as Soxhlet apparatus (SHS) and the rapid solid–liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE) by Naviglio extractor^® (SHN), considered among the “green techniques” operating at room temperature and with minimum solvent employment and minimum energy. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity was measured by a modified Ellman’s method. The antioxidant activity was investigated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), and β-carotene bleaching tests. The SHN methanol fraction resulted the most active in all assays in particular in inhibiting lipid peroxidation with IC₅₀ of 1.7 and 1.6 μg/mL, respectively, after 30 and 60 min of incubation. The SHN n-hexane fraction exhibited a selective activity against AChE with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 22.9 μg/mL, while the SHS n-hexane extract was more active against BChE (IC₅₀ of 30.9 μg/mL). Based on these results, these fractions were subjected to further bio-fractionation by Medium Pressure Liquid Chromatography (MPLC) and the relative obtained fractions were investigated for their AChE and BChE inhibitory activity. A comparative analysis with bio-activity and chemical profile was performed. The observed biological effects provided us with a good starting point for further studies on S. haematodes extracts and fractions such as agents beneficial for the treatment of AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

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27 pages, 6255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of the Water Extract of Fermented Rice Bran on Liver Damage and Intestinal Injury in Aged Rats with High-Fat Diet Feeding

by Ting-Yu Chen, Ya-Ling Chen, Wan-Chun Chiu, Chiu-Li Yeh, Yu-Tang Tung, Hitoshi Shirakawa, Wei-Tzu Liao and Suh-Ching Yang

Plants 2022, 11(5), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11050607 - 24 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2969

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of the water extract of fermented rice bran (FRB) on liver damage and intestinal injury in old rats fed a high-fat (HF) diet. Rice bran (RB) was fermented with Aspergillus kawachii, [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of the water extract of fermented rice bran (FRB) on liver damage and intestinal injury in old rats fed a high-fat (HF) diet. Rice bran (RB) was fermented with Aspergillus kawachii, and FRB was produced based on a previous study. Male Sprague Dawley rats at 36 weeks of age were allowed free access to a standard rodent diet and water for 8 weeks of acclimation then randomly divided into four groups (six rats/group), including a normal control (NC) group (normal diet), HF group (HF diet; 60% of total calories from fat), HF + 1% FRB group (HF diet + 1% FRB w/w), and HF + 5% FRB group (HF diet + 5% FRB w/w). It was found that the antioxidant ability of FRB was significantly increased when compared to RB. After 8 weeks of feeding, the HF group exhibited liver damage including an increased non-alcoholic fatty liver disease score (hepatic steatosis and inflammation) and higher interleukin (IL)-1β levels, while these were attenuated in the FRB-treated groups. Elevated plasma leptin levels were also found in the HF group, but the level was down-regulated by FRB treatment. An altered gut microbiotic composition was observed in the HF group, while beneficial bacteria including of the Lactobacillaceae and Lachnospiraceae had increased after FRB supplementation. In conclusion, it was found that FRB had higher anti-oxidative ability and showed the potential for preventing liver damage induced by a HF diet, which might be achieved through regulating imbalanced adipokines and maintaining a healthier microbiotic composition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

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14 pages, 2560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neurotherapy of Yi-Gan-San, a Traditional Herbal Medicine, in an Alzheimer’s Disease Model of Drosophila melanogaster by Alleviating Aβ₄₂ Expression

by Ming-Tsan Su, Yong-Sin Jheng, Chen-Wen Lu, Wen-Jhen Wu, Shieh-Yueh Yang, Wu-Chang Chuang, Ming-Chung Lee and Chung-Hsin Wu

Plants 2022, 11(4), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11040572 - 21 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5077

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a main cause of dementia, is the most common neurodegenerative disease that is related to the abnormal accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) proteins. Yi-Gan-San (YGS), a traditional herbal medicine, has been used for the management of neurodegenerative disorders and for [...] Read more.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a main cause of dementia, is the most common neurodegenerative disease that is related to the abnormal accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) proteins. Yi-Gan-San (YGS), a traditional herbal medicine, has been used for the management of neurodegenerative disorders and for the treatment of neurosis, insomnia and dementia. The aim of this study was to examine antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity of YGS treatment by using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays in vitro. We explored neuroprotective effects of YGS treatment in alleviating Aβ neurotoxicity of Drosophila melanogaster in vivo by comparing survival rate, climbing index, and Aβ expressions through retinal green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression, highly sensitive immunomagnetic reduction (IMR) and Western blotting assays. In the in vitro study, our results showed that scavenging activities of free radical and SH-SY5Y nerve cell viability were increased significantly (p < 0.01–0.05). In the in vivo study, Aβ₄₂-expressing flies (Aβ₄₂-GFP flies) and their WT flies (mCD8-GFP flies) were used as an animal model to examine the neurotherapeutic effects of YGS treatment. Our results showed that, in comparison with those Aβ₄₂ flies under sham treatments, Aβ₄₂ flies under YGS treatments showed a greater survival rate, better climbing speed, and lower Aβ₄₂ aggregation in Drosophila brain tissue (p < 0.01). Our findings suggest that YGS should have a beneficial alternative therapy for AD and dementia via alleviating Aβ neurotoxicity in the brain tissue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

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13 pages, 3062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ellagitannin, Phenols, and Flavonoids as Antibacterials from Acalypha arvensis (Euphorbiaceae)

by Ever A. Ble-González, Abraham Gómez-Rivera, Alejandro Zamilpa, Ricardo López-Rodríguez, Carlos Ernesto Lobato-García, Patricia Álvarez-Fitz, Ana Silvia Gutierrez-Roman, Ma Dolores Perez-García, Alejandro Bugarin and Manasés González-Cortazar

Plants 2022, 11(3), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030300 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3610

Abstract

There is a significant need to gain access to new and better antibacterial agents. Acalypha arvensis, a plant from the Euphorbiaceae family, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat infectious diseases. This manuscript reports the isolation, characterization, and antibacterial screening [...] Read more.

There is a significant need to gain access to new and better antibacterial agents. Acalypha arvensis, a plant from the Euphorbiaceae family, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat infectious diseases. This manuscript reports the isolation, characterization, and antibacterial screening of 8 natural products extracted from maceration of aerial parts of Acalypha arvensis. Specifically, three extracts were assessed (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol), in which antibacterial activity was evaluated against diverse bacterial strains. The ethanolic extract showed the best activity against methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, which supports the medicinal properties attributed to this plant. The chromatographic fractions AaR4 and AaR5 were the most bioactive, in which the ellagitannin natural product known as corilagin (1) was identified for the first time in this plant. Therefore, it can be said that this is the main chemical responsible for the observed antibacterial activity. However, we also identified chlorogenic acid (2), rutin (3), quercetin-3-O-glucoside (4), caffeic acid (5), among others (6–8). Hence, this plant can be considered to be a good alternative to treat health-related issues caused by various bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

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11 pages, 1826 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Major Plant in Herbal Mixture Gan-Mai-Da-Zao for the Alleviation of Depression in Rat Models

by Ying-Xiao Li, Kai-Chun Cheng, Chao-Tien Hsu, Juei-Tang Cheng and Ting-Ting Yang

Plants 2022, 11(3), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030258 - 19 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2461

Abstract

Gan-Mai-Da-Zao (GMDZ) is a well-known product in Chinese traditional medicine and includes three major plants: blighted wheat (Fu Mai), licorice (Gan Cao), and jujube (Da Zao). GMDZ is widely used as an efficacious and well-tolerated prescription for depression in clinics. The present study [...] Read more.

Gan-Mai-Da-Zao (GMDZ) is a well-known product in Chinese traditional medicine and includes three major plants: blighted wheat (Fu Mai), licorice (Gan Cao), and jujube (Da Zao). GMDZ is widely used as an efficacious and well-tolerated prescription for depression in clinics. The present study was designed to investigate the main plant of GMDZ for its antidepressant-like effect using the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) model on rats who received an injection with p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) to produce the chemical model. In rats subjected to the UCMS model, forced swim tests, open field tests, and sucrose preference tests were applied to estimate the chronic effect of GMDZ. We found that the oral administration of GMDZ for 21 days significantly alleviated the behavior in rats with depression induced by either UCMS or PCPA. The expression levels of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of the rats with depression were markedly increased by GMDZ. Additionally, rats that received the herbal mixture without licorice showed a markedly lower response than GMDZ. These results suggest that GMDZ may alleviate the depressive-like behaviors in depressive rats, possibly via licorice (Gan Cao), to increase 5-HTT and BDNF signals in the hippocampus. The present study confirmed the antidepressant-like effects of GMDZ. Additionally, licorice (Gan Cao) may play a key role in the effectiveness of GMDZ. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

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14 pages, 2587 KiB

Open AccessArticle

By-Products of the Black Soybean Sauce Manufacturing Process as Potential Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Materials for Use as Functional Foods

by Shu-Ling Hsieh, Yi-Wen Shih, Ying-Ming Chiu, Shao-Feng Tseng, Chien-Chun Li and Chih-Chung Wu

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2579; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122579 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2386

Abstract

To assess the potential of by-products of the black bean fermented soybean sauce manufacturing process as new functional food materials, we prepared black bean steamed liquid lyophilized product (BBSLP) and analysed its antioxidant effects in vitro. RAW264.7 macrophages were cultured and treated with [...] Read more.

To assess the potential of by-products of the black bean fermented soybean sauce manufacturing process as new functional food materials, we prepared black bean steamed liquid lyophilized product (BBSLP) and analysed its antioxidant effects in vitro. RAW264.7 macrophages were cultured and treated with BBSLP for 24 h, and 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was then used for another 24 h to induce inflammation. The cellular antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response were then analysed. Activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling in RAW264.7 macrophages was also analysed. Results showed BBSLP had 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium (ABTS⁺) radical-scavenging abilities and reducing power in vitro. The levels of both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were reduced after RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with BBSLP after LPS induction. After RAW264.7 macrophage treatment with BBSLP and induction by LPS, the levels of inflammatory molecules, including nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), IL-1α, IL-6 and TNF-α, decreased. NF-κB signaling activity was inhibited by reductions in IκB phosphorylation and NF-κB DNA-binding activity after RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with BBSLP after LPS induction. In conclusion, BBSLP has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities and can be a supplement material for functional food. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

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11 pages, 2801 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Standardized Lindera obtusiloba Extract Improves Endothelial Dysfunction and Attenuates Plaque Development in Hyperlipidemic ApoE-Knockout Mice

by Sang-Hyun Ihm, Sin-Hee Park, Jung-Ok Lee, Ok-Ran Kim, Eun-Hye Park, Kyoung-Rak Kim, Jong-Hoon Kim, Byung-Hee Hwang, Ho-Joong Youn, Min-Ho Oak and Kiyuk Chang

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2493; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112493 - 18 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2402

Abstract

Lindera obtusiloba extract (LOE), a traditional herbal medicine used to enhance blood circulation and to reduce inflammation, induced NO-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxation, and reduced the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The study investigated whether LOE improves endothelial dysfunction and reduces plaque inflammation and [...] Read more.

Lindera obtusiloba extract (LOE), a traditional herbal medicine used to enhance blood circulation and to reduce inflammation, induced NO-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxation, and reduced the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The study investigated whether LOE improves endothelial dysfunction and reduces plaque inflammation and progression by inhibiting ROS generation in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Eight-week-old apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE^−/−) mice fed with a western diet (WD) were randomized into different groups by administering vehicle (0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)), LOE (100 mg/kg/day), or losartan (30 mg/kg/day) by gavage until the age of 28 weeks. Fourteen male C57BL/6 mice that were fed normal chow and treated with CMC were used as negative controls. Similar to losartan treatment, LOE treatment induced the concentration-dependent relaxation of aorta rings in WD-fed apoE^−/− mice. LOE treatment significantly reduced the vascular ROS formation and expression of NADPH oxidase subunits, including p22phox and p47phox. Compared with WD-fed apoE^−/− mice, mice exposed to chronic LOE treatment exhibited reductions in plaque inflammation-related fluorescence signals and atherosclerotic lesions. These effects were greater than those of losartan treatment. In conclusion, LOE treatment improves endothelial dysfunction and reduces plaque inflammation as well as lesion areas by reducing vascular NADPH oxidase-induced ROS generation in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

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23 pages, 6528 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cytotoxic Effect In Vitro of Acalypha monostachya Extracts over Human Tumor Cell Lines

by Gloria A. Guillén-Meléndez, Sheila A. Villa-Cedillo, Raymundo A. Pérez-Hernández, Uziel Castillo-Velázquez, Daniel Salas-Treviño, Odila Saucedo-Cárdenas, Roberto Montes-de-Oca-Luna, Christian A. Gómez-Tristán, Aimé Jazmín Garza-Arredondo, Diana Elisa Zamora-Ávila, María de Jesús Loera-Arias and Adolfo Soto-Domínguez

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2326; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112326 - 28 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3032

Abstract

Acalypha monostachya (A. monostachya) is a plant that is used in traditional medicine as a cancer treatment; however, its effect has not been validated. In this study, the potential cytotoxic effects and morphological changes of A. monostachya were evaluated in human tumor cell [...] Read more.

Acalypha monostachya (A. monostachya) is a plant that is used in traditional medicine as a cancer treatment; however, its effect has not been validated. In this study, the potential cytotoxic effects and morphological changes of A. monostachya were evaluated in human tumor cell lines. The aqueous (AE), methanolic (ME), and hexane (HE) extracts were obtained, and flavonoid-type phenolic compounds were detected, which indicates an antineoplastic effect. We observed a time-dependent and concentration-selective toxicity in human tumor cells. Additionally, the ME and HE showed the greatest cytotoxic effect at minimum concentrations compared to the AE, which showed this effect at the highest concentrations. All extracts induced significant morphological changes in tumor cells. The HeLa (cervix carcinoma) cells were more sensitive compared to the MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative breast cancer) cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated a cytotoxic in vitro effect of A. monostachya extracts in tumoral human cell lines. These results show the potential antineoplastic effects of A. monostachya in vitro. Hereafter, our lab team will continue working to usefully isolate and obtain the specific compounds of A. monostachya extracts with cytotoxic effects on tumor cells to find more alternatives for cancer treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

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22 pages, 3357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activity of Four Major Medicinal Halophytes from Qassim Flora

by Hamdoon A. Mohammed, Hussein M. Ali, Kamal A. Qureshi, Mansour Alsharidah, Yasser I. Kandil, Rana Said, Salman A. A. Mohammed, Mohsen S. Al-Omar, Osamah Al Rugaie, Ahmed A. H. Abdellatif, Essam Abd-Elmoniem, Manal M. Abbas, Khalid M. Mohany and Riaz A. Khan

Plants 2021, 10(10), 2208; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102208 - 18 Oct 2021

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3931

Abstract

Four halophytic plants, Lycium shawii, Anabasis articulata, Rumex vesicarius, and Zilla spinosa, growing in the central Qassim area, Saudi Arabia, were phytochemically and biologically investigated. Their hydroalcoholic extracts’ UPLC-ESIQ-TOF analyses demonstrated the presence of 44 compounds of phenolic acids, [...] Read more.

Four halophytic plants, Lycium shawii, Anabasis articulata, Rumex vesicarius, and Zilla spinosa, growing in the central Qassim area, Saudi Arabia, were phytochemically and biologically investigated. Their hydroalcoholic extracts’ UPLC-ESIQ-TOF analyses demonstrated the presence of 44 compounds of phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, and fatty acids chemical classes. Among all the plants’ extracts, L. shawii showed the highest quantities of total phenolics, and flavonoids contents (52.72 and 13.01 mg/gm of the gallic acid and quercetin equivalents, respectively), along with the antioxidant activity in the TAA (total antioxidant activity), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and DPPH-SA (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-scavenging activity) assays with 25.6, 56.68, and 19.76 mg/gm, respectively, as Trolox equivalents. The hydroalcoholic extract of the L. shawii also demonstrated the best chelating activity at 21.84 mg/gm EDTA equivalents. Among all the four halophytes, the hydroalcoholic extract of L. shawii exhibited the highest antiproliferative activity against MCF7 and K562 cell lines with IC₅₀ values at 194.5 µg/mL and 464.9 µg/mL, respectively. The hydroalcoholic extract of A. articulata demonstrated better cytotoxic activity amongst all the tested plants’ extracts against the human pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC1) with an IC₅₀ value of 998.5 µg/mL. The L. shawii induced apoptosis in the MCF7 cell lines, and the percentage of the necrotic cells changed to 28.1% and 36.5% for the IC₅₀ and double-IC₅₀ values at 22.9% compared with the untreated groups. The hydroalcoholic extract of L. shawii showed substantial antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876 with a MIC value of 12.5 mg/mL. By contrast, the A. articulata and Z. spinosa exhibited antifungal activities against Aspergillus niger ATCC 6275 with MIC values at 12.5 and 50 mg/mL, respectively. These findings suggested that the L. shawii is a potential halophyte with remarkable biological properties, attributed to its contents of phenolics and flavonoid classes of compounds in its extract. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

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15 pages, 3231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hypoglycemic Effect of Two Mexican Medicinal Plants

by Adolfo Andrade-Cetto, Fernanda Espinoza-Hernández, Gerardo Mata-Torres and Sonia Escandón-Rivera

Plants 2021, 10(10), 2060; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102060 - 29 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3282

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is a worldwide prevalent disease that is due to a progressive loss of adequate β-cell insulin secretion, frequently against a background of insulin resistance. In Mexican traditional medicine, the therapeutic use of hypoglycemic plants to control the disease is a [...] Read more.

Type 2 diabetes is a worldwide prevalent disease that is due to a progressive loss of adequate β-cell insulin secretion, frequently against a background of insulin resistance. In Mexican traditional medicine, the therapeutic use of hypoglycemic plants to control the disease is a common practice among type 2 diabetic patients. In the present work, we examined the traditional use of the aerial parts of Eryngium longifolium and the rhizome of Alsophila firma, consumed by people use over the day (in fasting state) to control their blood glucose levels, therefore, we aimed to assess the acute hypoglycemic effect of both plants. First, basic phytochemical profiles of both plants were determined and, subsequently, acute toxicity tests were carried out. Then, in vivo hypoglycemic tests were performed in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA) induced hyperglycemic Wistar rats and finally the effect of the plants on three enzymes involved in glucose metabolism was assayed in vitro. Through HPLC-DAD chromatography, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, isoflavones, and glycosylated flavonoids were identified in E. longifolium, while the possible presence of flavanones or dihydroflavonols was reported in A. firma. Both plants exhibited a statistically significant hypoglycemic effect, without a dose-dependent effect. Furthermore, they inhibited glucose 6-phosphatase and fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase in in vitro assays, which could be associated with the hypoglycemic effect in vivo. Thus, this study confirmed for the first time the traditional use of the aerial part of E. longifolium and the rhizome of A. firma as hypoglycemic agents in a hyperglycemic animal model. In addition, it was concluded that their ability to regulate hyperglycemia could involve the inhibition of hepatic glucose output, which mainly controls glucose levels in the fasting state. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

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12 pages, 2194 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vescalagin from Pink Wax Apple (Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merrill and Perry) Protects Pancreatic β-Cells against Methylglyoxal-Induced Inflammation in Rats

by Wen-Chang Chang, James Swi-Bea Wu and Szu-Chuan Shen

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1448; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071448 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2399

Abstract

Methylglyoxal (MG) is the primary precursor of advanced glycation end products involved in the pathogenesis of inflammation and diabetes. A previous study in our laboratory found anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic effects of the polyphenol vescalagin (VES) in rats with MG-induced carbohydrate metabolic disorder. The [...] Read more.

Methylglyoxal (MG) is the primary precursor of advanced glycation end products involved in the pathogenesis of inflammation and diabetes. A previous study in our laboratory found anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic effects of the polyphenol vescalagin (VES) in rats with MG-induced carbohydrate metabolic disorder. The present study further investigated the occurrence of inflammation in pancreatic β-cells in MG-induced diabetic rats and the mechanism by which VES prevents it. The results showed that VES downregulates the protein expression levels of advanced glycation end product receptors and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-β and upregulates the protein expression levels of pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and glyoxalase I from the pancreatic cells. The results also revealed that VES elevates glutathione and antioxidant enzyme contents and then downregulates c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways to protect pancreatic β-cells in MG-administered rats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

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13 pages, 2246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Safflower Extract Inhibits ADP-Induced Human Platelet Aggregation

by Ping-Hsun Lu, Chan-Yen Kuo, Chuan-Chi Chan, Lu-Kai Wang, Mao-Liang Chen, I-Shiang Tzeng and Fu-Ming Tsai

Plants 2021, 10(6), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061192 - 11 Jun 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3066

Abstract

Safflower extract is commonly used as a traditional Chinese medicine to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. The antioxidant and anticancer properties of safflower extracts have been extensively studied, but their antiaggregative effects have been less analyzed. We found that safflower extract [...] Read more.

Safflower extract is commonly used as a traditional Chinese medicine to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. The antioxidant and anticancer properties of safflower extracts have been extensively studied, but their antiaggregative effects have been less analyzed. We found that safflower extract inhibited human platelet aggregation induced by ADP. In addition, we further analyzed several safflower extract compounds, such as hydroxysafflor yellow A, safflower yellow A, and luteolin, which have the same antiaggregative effect. In addition to analyzing the active components of the safflower extract, we also analyzed their roles in the ADP signaling pathways. Safflower extract can affect the activation of downstream conductors of ADP receptors (such as the production of calcium ions and cAMP), thereby affecting the expression of activated glycoproteins on the platelet membrane and inhibiting platelet aggregation. According to the results of this study, the effect of safflower extract on promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis may be related to its direct inhibition of platelet activation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

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Review

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24 pages, 1025 KiB

Open AccessReview

Countering Triple Negative Breast Cancer via Impeding Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling, a Phytotherapeutic Approach

by Laleh Arzi, Homa Mollaei and Reyhane Hoshyar

Plants 2022, 11(17), 2191; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11172191 - 24 Aug 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3028

Abstract

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized as a heterogeneous disease with severe malignancy and high mortality. Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling is responsible for self-renewal and mammosphere generation, metastasis and resistance to apoptosis and chemotherapy in TNBC. Nonetheless, in the absence of a targeted [...] Read more.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized as a heterogeneous disease with severe malignancy and high mortality. Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling is responsible for self-renewal and mammosphere generation, metastasis and resistance to apoptosis and chemotherapy in TNBC. Nonetheless, in the absence of a targeted therapy, chemotherapy is regarded as the exclusive treatment strategy for the treatment of TNBC. This review aims to provide an unprecedented overview of the plants and herbal derivatives which repress the progression of TNBC through prohibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Herbal medicine extracts and bioactive compounds (alkaloids, retinoids. flavonoids, terpenes, carotenoids and lignans) alone, in combination with each other and/or with chemotherapy agents could interrupt the various steps of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, i.e., WNT, FZD, LRP, GSK3β, Dsh, APC, β-catenin and TCF/LEF. These phytotherapy agents diminish proliferation, metastasis, breast cancer stem cell self-renewal and induce apoptosis in cell and animal models of TNBC through the down-expression of the downstream target genes of Wnt signaling. Some of the herbal derivatives simultaneously impede Wnt/β-catenin signaling and other overactive pathways in triple negative breast cancer, including: mTORC1; ER stress and SATB1 signaling. The herbal remedies and their bioactive ingredients perform essential roles in the treatment of the very fatal TNBC via repression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

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15 pages, 1679 KiB

Open AccessReview

Prospects for Protective Potential of Moringa oleifera against Kidney Diseases

by Tanzina Akter, Md Atikur Rahman, Akhi Moni, Md. Aminul Islam Apu, Atqiya Fariha, Md. Abdul Hannan and Md Jamal Uddin

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2818; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122818 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 7598

Abstract

Kidney diseases are regarded as one of the major public health issues in the world. The objectives of this study were: (i) to investigate the causative factors involved in kidney disease and the therapeutic aspects of Moringa oleifera, as well as (ii) [...] Read more.

Kidney diseases are regarded as one of the major public health issues in the world. The objectives of this study were: (i) to investigate the causative factors involved in kidney disease and the therapeutic aspects of Moringa oleifera, as well as (ii) the effectiveness of M. oleifera in the anti-inflammation and antioxidant processes of the kidney while minimizing all potential side effects. In addition, we proposed a hypothesis to improve M. oleifera based drug development. This study was updated by searching the key words M. oleifera on kidney diseases and M. oleifera on oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in online research databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. The following validation checking and scrutiny analysis of the recently published articles were used to explore this study. The recent existing research has found that M. oleifera has a plethora of health benefits. Individual medicinal properties of M. oleifera leaf extract, seed powder, stem extract, and the whole extract (ethanol/methanol) can up-increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), while decreasing the activity of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2. In our study, we have investigated the properties of this plant against kidney diseases based on existing knowledge with an updated review of literature. Considering the effectiveness of M. oleifera, this study would be useful for further research into the pharmacological potential and therapeutic insights of M. oleifera, as well as prospects of Moringa-based effective medicine development for human benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Therapeutics)

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