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Biomolecules
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The Value of Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents
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The Value of Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents

A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural and Bio-inspired Molecules".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 October 2023) | Viewed by 29246

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Maria Beatrice Morelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
Interests: glioblastoma; TRP channel; mucolipins; autophagy; overall survival; transient receptor potential channels; tumor progression; chemotherapy resistance;cancer biology; cancer stem cell; circulating tumor cell; liquid biopsy; biomarkers; ion channel; natural compound; cannabinoids
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Naturally occurring substances have long been used by humans for medicinal purposes, as concoctions or concentrated extracts. At present, natural products are gaining popularity. A number of pathological conditions have been treated with plant-derived medicines, including cancer and inflammation.

Therefore, in this Special Issue, we aim to unite experts and scientists who work on natural compounds to gather information and data about their involvement in a wide variety of biological mechanisms at the cellular level. The Special Issue will predominantly focus on cellular processes, such as proliferation and survival, apoptosis, dormancy, differentiation, autophagy and senescence, migration, and invasion. Additionally, analyses of soluble mediators involved with microenvironment modulation will be appreciated.

In summary, we would like to emphasize the existing evidence regarding the various potential advantages of plant extracts and plant extract-based products, in regard to human health. Therefore, we encourage submissions of manuscripts that utilize structurally defined natural products or their derivatives, or well-characterized mixtures. We welcome original research articles, review articles, and communications.

Dr. Maria Beatrice Morelli
Guest Editor

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. Biomolecules 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 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

  • natural compound
  • acute and chronic conditions
  • cell proliferation
  • cell death
  • cell differentiation

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 4548 KiB  
Article
Early Resveratrol Treatment Mitigates Joint Degeneration and Dampens Pain in a Mouse Model of Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH)
by Jacqueline T. Hecht, Alka C. Veerisetty, Debabrata Patra, Mohammad G. Hossain, Frankie Chiu, Claire Mobed, Francis H. Gannon and Karen L. Posey
Biomolecules 2023, 13(10), 1553; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13101553 - 20 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1251
Abstract
Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH), a severe dwarfing condition associated with early-onset joint degeneration and lifelong joint pain, is caused by mutations in cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). The mechanisms underlying the mutant-COMP pathology have been defined using the MT-COMP mouse model of PSACH that has [...] Read more.
Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH), a severe dwarfing condition associated with early-onset joint degeneration and lifelong joint pain, is caused by mutations in cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). The mechanisms underlying the mutant-COMP pathology have been defined using the MT-COMP mouse model of PSACH that has the common D469del mutation. Mutant-COMP protein does not fold properly, and it is retained in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) of chondrocytes rather than being exported to the extracellular matrix (ECM), driving ER stress that stimulates oxidative stress and inflammation, driving a self-perpetuating cycle. CHOP (ER stress signaling protein) and TNFα inflammation drive high levels of mTORC1 signaling, shutting down autophagy and blocking ER clearance, resulting in premature loss of chondrocytes that negatively impacts linear growth and causes early joint degeneration in MT-COMP mice and PSACH. Previously, we have shown that resveratrol treatment from birth to 20 weeks prevents joint degeneration and decreases the pathological processes in articular chondrocytes. Resveratrol’s therapeutic mechanism of action in the mutant-COMP pathology was shown to act by primarily stimulating autophagy and reducing inflammation. Importantly, we demonstrated that MT-COMP mice experience pain consistent with PSACH joint pain. Here, we show, in the MT-COMP mouse, that resveratrol treatment must begin within 4 weeks to preserve joint health and reduce pain. Resveratrol treatment started at 6 or 8 weeks (to 20 weeks) was not effective in preventing joint degeneration. Collectively, our findings in MT-COMP mice show that there is a postnatal resveratrol treatment window wherein the inevitable mutant-COMP joint degeneration and pain can be prevented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Value of Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents)
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14 pages, 2953 KiB  
Communication
Emodin Inhibited Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy in Response to Angiotensin-Induced Hypertension and Altered the Gut Microbiome
by Levi Evans, Tori Price, Nathaniel Hubert, Julia Moore, Yiqui Shen, Maheshi Athukorala, Steven Frese, Kristina Martinez-Guryn and Bradley S. Ferguson
Biomolecules 2023, 13(9), 1274; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13091274 - 22 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1311
Abstract
Objective: Evidence suggests that food bioactives affect the epigenome to prevent pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Recently, we showed that emodin, an anthraquinone, attenuated pathological cardiac hypertrophy and histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity. However, we only examined the cardioprotective effects of emodin’s parent compound and not [...] Read more.
Objective: Evidence suggests that food bioactives affect the epigenome to prevent pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Recently, we showed that emodin, an anthraquinone, attenuated pathological cardiac hypertrophy and histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity. However, we only examined the cardioprotective effects of emodin’s parent compound and not those of emodin metabolites or of emodin–gut microbiome interactions. The microbiome has emerged as a key player in chronic diseases such as metabolic and cardiac disease. Thus, we hypothesized that emodin could reverse hypertension-induced changes in microbial communities. Methods: Normo- and hypertensive (angiotensin II) C57/BL6 female mice were randomly assigned to receive a vehicle (Veh; DMSO:PEG 1:1) or emodin (Emod; 30 mg/kg) for 14 days. Body weights were collected pre- and post-treatment, and blood pressure was assessed via tail cuff. At the study’s end, the mice were euthanized and assessed for their heart weights. In addition, stool samples and cecal contents were collected to elucidate changes in the microbial populations using 16S rRNA sequencing. Lastly, the tissue was lysed, and RNA was isolated for qPCR. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test was performed unless otherwise specified, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Emodin significantly attenuated cardiac hypertrophy in the female mice. No significant changes were observed in body weight or systolic blood pressure in response to hypertension or emodin. Lastly, analysis suggests that hypertension altered the microbiome in the cecum and cecal content, with additional evidence to support that emodin affects gut microbiota in the feces and colon. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that emodin attenuates pathological hypertrophy in female mice. Future research is needed to dissect if changes in the microbiome contributes to emodin-mediated attenuation in cardiac remodeling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Value of Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents)
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20 pages, 3157 KiB  
Article
Tanshinone IIA and Cryptotanshinone Counteract Inflammation by Regulating Gene and miRNA Expression in Human SGBS Adipocytes
by Sara Carpi, Stefano Quarta, Stefano Doccini, Anella Saviano, Noemi Marigliano, Beatrice Polini, Marika Massaro, Maria Annunziata Carluccio, Nadia Calabriso, Martin Wabitsch, Filippo Maria Santorelli, Marco Cecchini, Francesco Maione, Paola Nieri and Egeria Scoditti
Biomolecules 2023, 13(7), 1029; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13071029 - 23 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1476
Abstract
Inflammation of the adipose tissue contributes to the onset and progression of several chronic obesity-related diseases. The two most important lipophilic diterpenoid compounds found in the root of Salvia milthorrhiza Bunge (also called Danshen), tanshinone IIA (TIIA) and cryptotanshinone (CRY), have many favorable [...] Read more.
Inflammation of the adipose tissue contributes to the onset and progression of several chronic obesity-related diseases. The two most important lipophilic diterpenoid compounds found in the root of Salvia milthorrhiza Bunge (also called Danshen), tanshinone IIA (TIIA) and cryptotanshinone (CRY), have many favorable pharmacological effects. However, their roles in obesity-associated adipocyte inflammation and related sub-networks have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the gene, miRNAs and protein expression profile of prototypical obesity-associated dysfunction markers in inflamed human adipocytes treated with TIIA and CRY. The results showed that TIIA and CRY prevented tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α induced inflammatory response in adipocytes, by counter-regulating the pattern of secreted cytokines/chemokines associated with adipocyte inflammation (CCL2/MCP-1, CXCL10/IP-10, CCL5/RANTES, CXCL1/GRO-α, IL-6, IL-8, MIF and PAI-1/Serpin E1) via the modulation of gene expression (as demonstrated for CCL2/MCP-1, CXCL10/IP-10, CCL5/RANTES, CXCL1/GRO-α, and IL-8), as well as related miRNA expression (miR-126-3p, miR-223-3p, miR-124-3p, miR-155-5p, and miR-132-3p), and by attenuating monocyte recruitment. This is the first demonstration of a beneficial effect by TIIA and CRY on adipocyte dysfunction associated with obesity development and complications, offering a new outlook for the prevention and/or treatment of metabolic diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Value of Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents)
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16 pages, 3433 KiB  
Article
Cardioprotective Effect of Taxifolin against Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Injury through Decreasing Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cell Death, and Activating Nrf2/HO-1 in Mice
by Heba M. Obeidat, Osama Y. Althunibat, Manal A. Alfwuaires, Saleem H. Aladaileh, Abdulmohsen I. Algefare, Afaf F. Almuqati, Fawaz Alasmari, Hammad Khalifeh Aldal’in, Abdulkareem A. Alanezi, Bader Alsuwayt and Mohammad H. Abukhalil
Biomolecules 2022, 12(11), 1546; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12111546 - 23 Oct 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2383
Abstract
Oxidative stress and inflammation are key components in cardiovascular diseases and heart dysfunction. Herein, we evaluated the protective effects of (+)-taxifolin (TAX), a potent flavonoid with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, on myocardial oxidative tissue injury, inflammation, and cell death, using a mouse [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress and inflammation are key components in cardiovascular diseases and heart dysfunction. Herein, we evaluated the protective effects of (+)-taxifolin (TAX), a potent flavonoid with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, on myocardial oxidative tissue injury, inflammation, and cell death, using a mouse model of isoproterenol (ISO)-induced acute myocardial injury. Mice were given TAX (25 and 50 mg/kg, orally) for 14 days before receiving two subsequent injections of ISO (100 mg/kg, s.c.) at an interval of 24 h on the 15th and 16th days. The ISO-induced cardiac tissue injury was evidenced by increased serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), along with several histopathological changes. The ISO also induced increased malondialdehyde (MDA) with concomitant declined myocardial glutathione level and antioxidant enzymes activities. Moreover, ISO-induced heart injury was accompained with elevated cardiac NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, Bax, and caspase-3, as well as decreased Bcl-2, Nrf2, and HO-1. Remarkably, TAX reduced the severity of cardiac injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death, while enhancing antioxidants, Bcl-2, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in ISO-injected mice. In conclusion, TAX protects against ISO-induced acute myocardial injury via activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and attenuating the oxidative tissue injury and key regulators of inflammatory response and apoptosis. Thus, our findings imply that TAX may constitute a new cardioprotective therapy against acute MI, which undoubtedly deserves further exploration in upcoming human trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Value of Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents)
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Review

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23 pages, 1696 KiB  
Review
Role of Natural Compounds Modulating Heme Catabolic Pathway in Gut, Liver, Cardiovascular, and Brain Diseases
by Sri Jayanti, Libor Vitek, Camilla Dalla Verde, John Paul Llido, Caecilia Sukowati, Claudio Tiribelli and Silvia Gazzin
Biomolecules 2024, 14(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14010063 - 2 Jan 2024
Viewed by 2464
Abstract
The crucial physiological process of heme breakdown yields biliverdin (BV) and bilirubin (BR) as byproducts. BV, BR, and the enzymes involved in their production (the “yellow players—YP”) are increasingly documented as endogenous modulators of human health. Mildly elevated serum bilirubin concentration has been [...] Read more.
The crucial physiological process of heme breakdown yields biliverdin (BV) and bilirubin (BR) as byproducts. BV, BR, and the enzymes involved in their production (the “yellow players—YP”) are increasingly documented as endogenous modulators of human health. Mildly elevated serum bilirubin concentration has been correlated with a reduced risk of multiple chronic pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory diseases, especially in the elderly. BR and BV per se have been demonstrated to protect against neurodegenerative diseases, in which heme oxygenase (HMOX), the main enzyme in the production of pigments, is almost always altered. HMOX upregulation has been interpreted as a tentative defense against the ongoing pathologic mechanisms. With the demonstration that multiple cells possess YP, their propensity to be modulated, and their broad spectrum of activity on multiple signaling pathways, the YP have assumed the role of an adjustable system that can promote health in adults. Based on that, there is an ongoing effort to induce their activity as a therapeutic option, and natural compounds are an attractive alternative to the goal, possibly requiring only minimal changes in the life style. We review the most recent evidence of the potential of natural compounds in targeting the YP in the context of the most common pathologic condition of adult and elderly life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Value of Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents)
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17 pages, 2180 KiB  
Review
Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities of the Genus Cordyline
by Romuald Tematio Fouedjou, Bienvenu Tsakem, Xavier Siwe-Noundou, Hervet P. Dongmo Fogang, Aphalaine Tiombou Donkia, Beaudelaire Kemvoufo Ponou, Madan Poka, Patrick H. Demana, Rémy B. Teponno and Léon Azefack Tapondjou
Biomolecules 2023, 13(12), 1783; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13121783 - 12 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1567
Abstract
Cordyline species have a long history in traditional medicine as a basis of treatment for various ailments such as a bloody cough, dysentery, and a high fever. There are about 26 accepted species names in this genus distributed worldwide, including C. fruticosa, [...] Read more.
Cordyline species have a long history in traditional medicine as a basis of treatment for various ailments such as a bloody cough, dysentery, and a high fever. There are about 26 accepted species names in this genus distributed worldwide, including C. fruticosa, C. autralis, C. stricta, C. cannifolia, and C. dracaenosides. This work presents a comprehensive review of the traditional uses of plants of the genus Cordylie and their chemical constituents and biological activities. A bibliographic search was conducted to identify available information on ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, chemical composition, and biological activities. A total of 98 isolated compounds potentially responsible for most of the traditional medicinal applications have been reported from eight species of Cordyline and are characterised as flavonoid, spirostane, furostane, and cholestane glycosides. Some of these pure compounds, as well as extracts from some species of Cordyline, have exhibited noteworthy anti-oxidant, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and hypolipidemic activities. Although many of these species have not yet been investigated phytochemically or pharmacologically, they remain a potential source of new bioactive compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Value of Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents)
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42 pages, 4309 KiB  
Review
Ellagic Acid and Cancer Hallmarks: Insights from Experimental Evidence
by Martina Čižmáriková, Radka Michalková, Ladislav Mirossay, Gabriela Mojžišová, Martina Zigová, Annamária Bardelčíková and Ján Mojžiš
Biomolecules 2023, 13(11), 1653; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13111653 - 15 Nov 2023
Viewed by 2337
Abstract
Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease with a high global incidence and mortality rate. Although cancer therapy has evolved significantly over the years, numerous challenges persist on the path to effectively combating this multifaceted disease. Natural compounds derived from plants, fungi, or [...] Read more.
Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease with a high global incidence and mortality rate. Although cancer therapy has evolved significantly over the years, numerous challenges persist on the path to effectively combating this multifaceted disease. Natural compounds derived from plants, fungi, or marine organisms have garnered considerable attention as potential therapeutic agents in the field of cancer research. Ellagic acid (EA), a natural polyphenolic compound found in various fruits and nuts, has emerged as a potential cancer prevention and treatment agent. This review summarizes the experimental evidence supporting the role of EA in targeting key hallmarks of cancer, including proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis evasion, immune evasion, inflammation, genomic instability, and more. We discuss the molecular mechanisms by which EA modulates signaling pathways and molecular targets involved in these cancer hallmarks, based on in vitro and in vivo studies. The multifaceted actions of EA make it a promising candidate for cancer prevention and therapy. Understanding its impact on cancer biology can pave the way for developing novel strategies to combat this complex disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Value of Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents)
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19 pages, 12113 KiB  
Review
Synergistically Anti-Multiple Myeloma Effects: Flavonoid, Non-Flavonoid Polyphenols, and Bortezomib
by Kaixi Ding, Wei Jiang, Huanan Jia and Ming Lei
Biomolecules 2022, 12(11), 1647; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12111647 - 7 Nov 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3132
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal plasma cell tumor originating from a post-mitotic lymphoid B-cell lineage. Bortezomib(BTZ), a first-generation protease inhibitor, has increased overall survival, progression-free survival, and remission rates in patients with MM since its clinical approval in 2003. However, the use [...] Read more.
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal plasma cell tumor originating from a post-mitotic lymphoid B-cell lineage. Bortezomib(BTZ), a first-generation protease inhibitor, has increased overall survival, progression-free survival, and remission rates in patients with MM since its clinical approval in 2003. However, the use of BTZ is challenged by the malignant features of MM and drug resistance. Polyphenols, classified into flavonoid and non-flavonoid polyphenols, have potential health-promoting activities, including anti-cancer. Previous preclinical studies have demonstrated the anti-MM potential of some dietary polyphenols. Therefore, these dietary polyphenols have the potential to be alternative therapies in anti-MM treatment regimens. This systematic review examines the synergistic effects of flavonoids and non-flavonoid polyphenols on the anti-MM impacts of BTZ. Preclinical studies on flavonoids and non-flavonoid polyphenols-BTZ synergism in MM were collected from PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase published between 2008 and 2020. 19 valid preclinical studies (Published from 2008 to 2020) were included in this systematic review. These studies demonstrated that eight flavonoids (icariin, icariside II, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, scutellarein, wogonin, morin, formononetin, daidzin), one plant extract rich in flavonoids (Punica granatum juice) and four non-flavonoid polyphenols (silibinin, resveratrol, curcumin, caffeic acid) synergistically enhanced the anti-MM effect of BTZ. These synergistic effects are mediated through the regulation of cellular signaling pathways associated with proliferation, apoptosis, and drug resistance. Given the above, flavonoids and non-flavonoid polyphenols can benefit MM patients by overcoming the challenges faced in BTZ treatment. Despite the positive nature of this preclinical evidence, some additional investigations are still needed before proceeding with clinical studies. For this purpose, we conclude by providing some suggestions for future research directions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Value of Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents)
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14 pages, 596 KiB  
Review
Biochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Seeds: A Review
by Maryam Abdulraheem Alkhoori, Amanda Shen-Yee Kong, Mariam Nasser Aljaafari, Aisha Abushelaibi, Swee-Hua Erin Lim, Wan-Hee Cheng, Chou-Min Chong and Kok-Song Lai
Biomolecules 2022, 12(11), 1626; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12111626 - 3 Nov 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3780
Abstract
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an essential agricultural crop in most Middle Eastern countries, and its fruit, known as dates, is consumed by millions of people. Date seeds, a by-product of the date fruit processing industry, are a waste product used [...] Read more.
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an essential agricultural crop in most Middle Eastern countries, and its fruit, known as dates, is consumed by millions of people. Date seeds, a by-product of the date fruit processing industry, are a waste product used as food for domestic farm animals. Date seeds contain abundant sources of carbohydrates, oil, dietary fiber, and protein; they also contain bioactive phenolic compounds that may possess potential biological properties. In addition, its rich chemical composition makes date seeds suitable for use in food product formulation, cosmetics, and medicinal supplements. This review aims to provide a discourse on the nutritional value of date seeds. The latest data on the cytotoxicity of date seed compounds against cancer cell lines, its ability to combat diabetes, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial effect, and anti-inflammatory activity will be provided, considering its potential to be a nutritional therapeutic agent for chronic diseases. Application of date seeds in the form of powder and oil will also be discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Value of Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents)
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13 pages, 2329 KiB  
Review
The Benefits of Anthocyanins against Obesity-Induced Inflammation
by Chanya Ngamsamer, Jintana Sirivarasai and Nareerat Sutjarit
Biomolecules 2022, 12(6), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12060852 - 20 Jun 2022
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4281
Abstract
Obesity has become a serious public health epidemic because of its associations with chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Obesity triggers inflammation marked by the secretion of low-grade inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and tumor [...] Read more.
Obesity has become a serious public health epidemic because of its associations with chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Obesity triggers inflammation marked by the secretion of low-grade inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-α, leading to a condition known as “meta-inflammation”. Currently, there is great interest in studying the treatment of obesity with food-derived bioactive compounds, which have low toxicity and no severe adverse events compared with pharmacotherapeutic agents. Here, we reviewed the beneficial effects of the bioactive compounds known as anthocyanins on obesity-induced inflammation. Foods rich in anthocyanins include tart cherries, red raspberries, black soybeans, blueberries, sweet cherries, strawberries and Queen Garnet plums. These anthocyanin-rich foods have been evaluated in cell culture, animal, and clinical studies, and found to be beneficial for health, reportedly reducing inflammatory markers. One factor in the development of obesity-related inflammation may be dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. Therefore, we focused this review on the in vitro and in vivo effects of anthocyanins on inflammation and the gut microbiota in obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Value of Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents)
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Other

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19 pages, 1979 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Efficacy of Gum Arabic in Managing Diseases: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Clinical Trials
by Yamamh Al-Jubori, Nazik Tayfour Babiker Ahmed, Rawan Albusaidi, James Madden, Srijit Das and Srinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla
Biomolecules 2023, 13(1), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13010138 - 9 Jan 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3764
Abstract
Gum arabic (GA) is a natural product commonly used as a household remedy for treating various diseases in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Despite its claimed benefits, there has been a lack of research on the findings of current clinical trials (CTs) that investigated [...] Read more.
Gum arabic (GA) is a natural product commonly used as a household remedy for treating various diseases in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Despite its claimed benefits, there has been a lack of research on the findings of current clinical trials (CTs) that investigated its efficacy in the treatment of various medical diseases. The aim of this systematic review was to study CTs which focused on GA and its possible use in the management of various medical diseases. A search of the extant literature was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases to retrieve CTs focusing on evidence-based clinical indications. The databases were searched using the keywords (“Gum Arabic” OR “Acacia senegal” OR “Acacia seyal” OR “Gum Acacia” OR “Acacia Arabica”) AND (“Clinical Trial” OR “Randomized Controlled Trial” OR “Randomized Clinical Trial”). While performing the systematic review, data were obtained on the following parameters: title, authors, date of publication, study design, study aim, sample size, type of intervention used, targeted medical diseases, and main findings. Twenty-nine papers were included in this systematic review. The results showed that ingestion of GA altered lipid profiles, renal profiles, plaque, gingival scores, biochemical parameters, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, and adiposity. GA exhibited anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, and antibacterial properties. GA has been successfully used to treat sickle cell anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic disorders, periodontitis, gastrointestinal conditions, and kidney diseases. Herein, we discuss GA with respect to the underlying mechanisms involved in each medical disease, thereby justifying GA’s future role as a therapeutic agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Value of Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents)
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