Submit to Nutrients Review for Nutrients Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

Natural Products and Disease Prevention, Relief and Treatment

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 53096

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special issue Natural Products and Disease Prevention, Relief and Treatment book cover image

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Md Soriful Islam

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Reproductive Sciences & Women’s Health Research, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
Interests: nutraceuticals; dietary products; natural compounds; reproductive disorders; cancers; inflammation and fibrosis; uterine fibroids; growth factor and proges-terone signaling; small molecule inhibitors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Epidemiological studies indicate that intake of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, etc. may reduce the risk of cancers. The use of natural products (compounds that are derived from natural sources such as plants, animals or micro-organisms) in disease prevention, relief, and treatment has been enormous. Thus, natural products are being regarded as an important source for the development of potential new drugs.

Inflammation is the body’s first response to injury. Short term inflammation protects the body; however, chronic inflammation is linked to long term pain and damage (such as in arthritis), tissue fibrosis, and cancers. Mechanistically, natural products are known to regulate major pathophysiological processes, including inflammation, fibrosis, hypoxia and oxidative stress, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, and metabolism involved in common human diseases.

The purpose of this Special Issue of Nutrients is to collect original research articles and reviews on molecular mechanisms of therapeutic effects of natural products in a wide range of human diseases. These may include, but are not limited to, cancers (breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, etc.), inflammatory and fibrotic diseases (such as uterine fibroids, kidney fibrosis, inflammatory pulmonary fibrosis, liver fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, pancreas fibrosis, hypertrophic/keloid scars, scleroderma and systemic sclerosis, and arthritis, etc.).

Dr. Md Soriful Islam
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. Nutrients 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 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 products, dietary phytochemicals
bioactive compounds
fruits and vegetables
prevention and treatment
inflammation and injury
fibrosis
hypoxia and oxidative stress
angiogenesis
cancers
uterine fibroids
kidney fibrosis
inflammatory pulmonary fibrosis
liver fibrosis
cardiac fibrosis
pancreas fibrosis
hypertrophic
keloid scars
scleroderma and systemic sclerosis
arthritis

Published Papers (12 papers)

Download All Papers

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 196 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Natural Products and Disease Prevention, Relief and Treatment

by Md Soriful Islam

Nutrients 2022, 14(12), 2396; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14122396 - 9 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1681

Abstract

This Special Issue focusses on the role of natural products in disease prevention, relief and treatment [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Disease Prevention, Relief and Treatment)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

13 pages, 58659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mokko Lactone Alleviates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats via Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Activities

by Alaa Sirwi, Rasheed A. Shaik, Abdulmohsin J. Alamoudi, Basma G. Eid, Mahmoud A. Elfaky, Sabrin R. M. Ibrahim, Gamal A. Mohamed, Hossam M. Abdallah and Ashraf B. Abdel-Naim

Nutrients 2022, 14(4), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14040733 - 9 Feb 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2269

Abstract

Doxorubicin (DOX), a commonly utilized anthracycline antibiotic, suffers deleterious side effects such as cardiotoxicity. Mokko lactone (ML) is a naturally occurring guainolide sesquiterpene with established antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. This study aimed at investigating the protective effects of ML in a DOX-induced cardiotoxicity model in rats. Our results indicated that ML exerted protection against cardiotoxicity induced by DOX as indicated by ameliorating the rise in serum troponin and creatine kinase-MB levels and lactate dehydrogenase activity. Histological assessment showed that ML provided protection against pathological alterations in heart architecture. Furthermore, treatment with ML significantly ameliorated DOX-induced accumulation of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl, depletion of glutathione, and exhaustion of superoxide dismutase and catalase. ML’s antioxidant effects were accompanied by increased nuclear translocation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. Moreover, ML exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activities as evidenced by lowered nuclear factor κB, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α expression. ML also caused significant antiapoptotic actions manifested by modulation in mRNA expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3. This suggests that ML prevents heart injury induced by DOX via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Disease Prevention, Relief and Treatment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 14424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Inhibitory Activities of Dietary Flavonoids against URAT1, a Renal Urate Re-Absorber: In Vitro Screening and Fractional Approach Focused on Rooibos Leaves

by Yu Toyoda, Tappei Takada, Hiroki Saito, Hiroshi Hirata, Ami Ota-Kontani, Youichi Tsuchiya and Hiroshi Suzuki

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030575 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3333

Abstract

Hyperuricemia, a lifestyle-related disease characterized by elevated serum urate levels, is the main risk factor for gout; therefore, the serum urate-lowering effects of human diets or dietary ingredients have attracted widespread interest. As Urate transporter 1 (URAT1) governs most urate reabsorption from primary urine into blood, URAT1 inhibition helps decrease serum urate levels by increasing the net renal urate excretion. In this study, we used a cell-based urate transport assay to investigate the URAT1-inhibitory effects of 162 extracts of plant materials consumed by humans. Among these, we focused on Aspalathus linearis, the source of rooibos tea, to explore its active ingredients. Using liquid–liquid extraction with subsequent column chromatography, as well as spectrometric analyses for chemical characterization, we identified quercetin as a URAT1 inhibitor. We also investigated the URAT1-inhibitory activities of 23 dietary ingredients including nine flavanols, two flavanonols, two flavones, two isoflavonoids, eight chalcones, and a coumarin. Among the tested authentic chemicals, fisetin and quercetin showed the strongest and second-strongest URAT1-inhibitory activities, with IC₅₀ values of 7.5 and 12.6 μM, respectively. Although these effects of phytochemicals should be investigated further in human studies, our findings may provide new clues for using nutraceuticals to promote health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Disease Prevention, Relief and Treatment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sargassum plagiophyllum Extract Enhances Colonic Functions and Modulates Gut Microbiota in Constipated Mice

by Pissared Khuituan, Nawiya Huipao, Nilobon Jeanmard, Sitthiwach Thantongsakul, Warittha Promjun, Suwarat Chuthong, Chittipong Tipbunjong and Saranya Peerakietkhajorn

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 496; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030496 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3434

Abstract

Constipation is a symptom that is widely found in the world’s population. Various dietary supplementations are used to relieve and prevent constipation. Seaweed is widely used for its health benefits. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Sargassum plagiophyllum extract (SPE) on functions of the gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiota. The results show that SPE pretreatment increased the frequency of gut contraction, leading to reduce gut transit time. SPE pretreatment also significantly increased the secretion of Cl⁻ and reduced Na⁺ absorption, increasing fecal water content in constipated mice (p < 0.05). In addition, the Bifidobacteria population in cecal contents was significantly higher in constipated mice pretreated with 500 mg/kg SPE for 14 days than in untreated constipated mice (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that SPE can prevent constipation in loperamide-induced mice. This study may be useful for the development of human food supplements from S. plagiophyllum, which prevent constipation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Disease Prevention, Relief and Treatment)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 5498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lactoferrin Prevents Hepatic Injury and Fibrosis via the Inhibition of NF-κB Signaling in a Rat Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Model

by Yoshinaga Aoyama, Aya Naiki-Ito, Kuang Xiaochen, Masayuki Komura, Hiroyuki Kato, Yuko Nagayasu, Shingo Inaguma, Hiroyuki Tsuda, Mamoru Tomita, Yoichi Matsuo, Shuji Takiguchi and Satoru Takahashi

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010042 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3983

Abstract

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can cause liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with cases increasing worldwide. To reduce the incidence of liver cirrhosis and HCC, NASH is targeted for the development of treatments, along with viral hepatitis and alcoholic hepatitis. Lactoferrin (LF) has antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, whether LF affects NASH and fibrosis remains unelucidated. We aimed to clarify the chemopreventive effect of LF on NASH progression. We used a NASH model with metabolic syndrome established using connexin 32 (Cx32) dominant negative transgenic (Cx32ΔTg) rats. Cx32ΔTg rats (7 weeks old) were fed a high-fat diet and intraperitoneally injected with dimethylnitrosamine (DMN). Rats were divided into three groups for LF treatment at 0, 100, or 500 mg/kg/day for 17 weeks. Lactoferrin significantly protected steatosis and lobular inflammation in Cx32ΔTg rat livers and attenuated bridging fibrosis or liver cirrhosis induced by DMN. By quantitative RT–PCR, LF significantly down-regulated inflammatory (Tnf-α, Il-6, Il-18, and Il-1β) and fibrosis-related (Tgf-β1, Timp2, and Col1a1) cytokine mRNAs. Phosphorylated nuclear factor (NF)-κB protein decreased in response to LF, while phosphorylated JNK protein was unaffected. These results indicate that LF might act as a chemopreventive agent to prevent hepatic injury, inflammation, and fibrosis in NASH via NF-κB inactivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Disease Prevention, Relief and Treatment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dracocephalum moldavica Ethanol Extract Suppresses LPS-Induced Inflammatory Responses through Inhibition of the JNK/ERK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway and IL-6 Production in RAW 264.7 Macrophages and in Endotoxic-Treated Mice

by Kyeong-Min Kim, So-Yeon Kim, Tamanna Jahan Mony, Ho Jung Bae, Sang-Deok Han, Eun-Seok Lee, Seung-Hyuk Choi, Sun Hee Hong, Sang-Deok Lee and Se Jin Park

Nutrients 2021, 13(12), 4501; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124501 - 16 Dec 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2748

Abstract

The excessive synthesis of interleukin-6 (IL-6) is related to cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, blocking IL-6 has been suggested as a treatment strategy for inflammatory diseases such as sepsis. Sepsis is a severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome with high mortality. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-septic effects and the underlying mechanisms of Dracocephalum moldavica ethanol extract (DMEE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory stimulation in RAW 264.7 macrophages along with septic mouse models. We found that DMEE suppressed the release of inflammatory mediators NO and PGE₂ and inhibited both the mRNA and protein expression levels of iNOS and COX-2, respectively. In addition, DMEE reduced the release of proinflammatory cytokines, mainly IL-6 and IL-1β, in RAW 264.7 cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK and p65. Furthermore, treatment with DMEE increased the survival rate and decreased the level of IL-6 in plasma in LPS-induced septic shock mice. Our findings suggest that DMEE elicits an anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and an anti-septic effect on septic mouse model through the inhibition of the ERK/JNK/NF-κB signaling cascades and production of IL-6. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Disease Prevention, Relief and Treatment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

YG-1 Extract Improves Acute Pulmonary Inflammation by Inducing Bronchodilation and Inhibiting Inflammatory Cytokines

by Hye-Yoom Kim, Jung-Joo Yoon, Dae-Sung Kim, Dae-Gill Kang and Ho-Sub Lee

Nutrients 2021, 13(10), 3414; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103414 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2139

Abstract

YG-1 extract used in this study is a mixture of Lonicera japonica, Arctic Fructus, and Scutellariae Radix. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of YG-1 extract on bronchodilatation (ex vivo) and acute bronchial and pulmonary inflammation relief (in vivo). Ex vivo: The bronchodilation reaction was confirmed by treatment with YG-1 concentration-accumulation (0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, and 1 mg/mL) in the bronchial tissue ring pre-contracted by acetylcholine (10 μM). As a result, YG-1 extract is considered to affect bronchodilation by increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate, cAMP) levels through the β2-adrenergic receptor. In vivo: experiments were performed in C57BL/6 mice were divided into the following groups: control group; PM2.5 (fine particulate matter)-exposed group (PM2.5, 200 μg/kg/mL saline); and PM2.5-exposed + YG-1 extract (200 mg/kg/day) group. The PM2.5 (200 μg/kg/mL saline) was exposed for 1 h for 5 days using an ultrasonic nebulizer aerosol chamber to instill fine dust in the bronchi and lungs, thereby inducing acute lung and bronchial inflammation. From two days before PM2.5 exposure, YG-1 extract (200 mg/kg/day) was administered orally for 7 days. The PM2.5 exposure was involved in airway remodeling and inflammation, suggesting that YG-1 treatment improves acute bronchial and pulmonary inflammation by inhibiting the inflammatory cytokines (NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway). The application of YG-1 extract with broncho-dilating effect to acute bronchial and pulmonary inflammation animal models has great significance in developing therapeutic agents for respiratory diseases. Therefore, these results can provide essential data for the development of novel respiratory symptom relievers. Our study provides strong evidence that YG-1 extracts reduce the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and the incidence of non-specific lung diseases and improve bronchial and lung function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Disease Prevention, Relief and Treatment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 7084 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Anticancer and Immunomodulatory Effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis and Gamma-Tocotrienol Supplementation in a Syngeneic Mouse Model of Breast Cancer

by Hemavathy Subramaiam, Wan-Loy Chu, Ammu Kutty Radhakrishnan, Srikumar Chakravarthi, Kanga Rani Selvaduray and Yih-Yih Kok

Nutrients 2021, 13(7), 2320; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072320 - 6 Jul 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4098

Abstract

Nutrition can modulate host immune responses as well as promote anticancer effects. In this study, two nutritional supplements, namely gamma-tocotrienol (γT3) and Spirulina, were evaluated for their immune-enhancing and anticancer effects in a syngeneic mouse model of breast cancer (BC). Five-week-old female BALB/c mice were fed Spirulina, γT3, or a combination of Spirulina and γT3 (Spirulina + γT3) for 56 days. The mice were inoculated with 4T1 cells into their mammary fat pad on day 28 to induce BC. The animals were culled on day 56 for various analyses. A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in tumor volume was only observed on day 37 and 49 in animals fed with the combination of γT3 + Spirulina. There was a marked increase (p < 0.05) of CD4/CD127⁺ T-cells and decrease (p < 0.05) of T-regulatory cells in peripheral blood from mice fed with either γT3 or Spirulina. The breast tissue of the combined group showed abundant areas of necrosis, but did not prevent metastasis to the liver. Although there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) of MIG-6 and Cadherin 13 expression in tumors from γT3-fed animals, there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the expression of MIG-6, Cadherin 13, BIRC5, and Serpine1 upon combined feeding. This showed that combined γT3 + Spirulina treatment did not show any synergistic anticancer effects in this study model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Disease Prevention, Relief and Treatment)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 1648 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Promising Potential of Crude Polysaccharides from Sparassis crispa against Colon Cancer: An In Vitro Study

by Natalia Nowacka-Jechalke, Renata Nowak, Marta Kinga Lemieszek, Wojciech Rzeski, Urszula Gawlik-Dziki, Nikola Szpakowska and Zbigniew Kaczyński

Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010161 - 6 Jan 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3548

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate in vitro the beneficial potential of crude polysaccharides from S. crispa (CPS) in one of the most common cancer types—colon cancer. The determination of the chemical composition of CPS has revealed that it contains mostly carbohydrates, while proteins or phenolics are present only in trace amounts. ¹H NMR and GC–MS methods were used for the structural analysis of CPS. Biological activity including anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of CPS was investigated. CPS was found to be non-toxic to normal human colon epithelial CCD841 CoN cells. Simultaneously, they destroyed membrane integrity as well as inhibited the proliferation of human colon cancer cell lines: Caco-2, LS180 and HT-29. Antioxidant activity was determined by various methods and revealed the moderate potential of CPS. The enzymatic assays revealed no influence of CPS on xanthine oxidase and the inhibition of catalase activity. Moreover, pro-inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase-2 or lipooxygenase were inhibited by CPS. Therefore, it may be suggested that S. crispa is a valuable part of the regular human diet, which may contribute to a reduction in the risk of colon cancer, and possess promising activities encouraging further studies regarding its potential use as chemopreventive and therapeutic agent in more invasive stages of this type of cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Disease Prevention, Relief and Treatment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rubi Fructus Water Extract Alleviates LPS-Stimulated Macrophage Activation via an ER Stress-Induced Calcium/CHOP Signaling Pathway

by Do-Hoon Kim, Ji-Young Lee, Young-Jin Kim, Hyun-Ju Kim and Wansu Park

Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3577; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113577 - 22 Nov 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3493

Abstract

Despite the availability of antibiotics and vaccines, many intractable infectious diseases still threaten human health across the globe. Uncontrolled infections can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome and the excessive production of inflammatory cytokines, known as a cytokine storm. As cytokines also play necessary and positive roles in fighting infections, it is important to identify nontoxic and anti-inflammatory natural products that can modulate cytokine production caused by infections. Rubi Fructus, the unripe fruits of Rubus coreanus Miquel, are known to possess antioxidative properties. In this study, the effect of the water extract of Rubi Fructus (RF) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 macrophages was investigated using biochemical and cell biology techniques. Our data indicated that RF inhibits p38 phosphorylation, intracellular calcium release, and the production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemotactic activating factor (MCP)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), lipopolysaccharide-induced CXC chemokine (LIX), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2, and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) in LPS-treated macrophages. In addition, we observed decreasing mRNA expression of Chop, Camk2a, Stat1, Stat3, Jak2, Fas, c-Jun, c-Fos, Nos2, and Ptgs2 without cytotoxic effects. We concluded that RF demonstrated immunoregulatory activity on LPS-stimulated macrophages via an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced calcium/CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) pathway and the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Disease Prevention, Relief and Treatment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

39 pages, 809 KiB

Open AccessReview

Treatment of Glaucoma with Natural Products and Their Mechanism of Action: An Update

by Ru Hui Sim, Srinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla, Srijit Das and Seong Lin Teoh

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030534 - 26 Jan 2022

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 14456

Abstract

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. It is generally caused by increased intraocular pressure, which results in damage of the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells, ultimately leading to visual field dysfunction. However, even with the use of intraocular pressure-lowering eye drops, the disease still progresses in some patients. In addition to mechanical and vascular dysfunctions of the eye, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Hence, the use of natural products with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may represent an alternative approach for glaucoma treatment. The present review highlights recent preclinical and clinical studies on various natural products shown to possess neuroprotective properties for retinal ganglion cells, which thereby may be effective in the treatment of glaucoma. Intraocular pressure can be reduced by baicalein, forskolin, marijuana, ginsenoside, resveratrol and hesperidin. Alternatively, Ginkgo biloba, Lycium barbarum, Diospyros kaki, Tripterygium wilfordii, saffron, curcumin, caffeine, anthocyanin, coenzyme Q10 and vitamins B3 and D have shown neuroprotective effects on retinal ganglion cells via various mechanisms, especially antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis mechanisms. Extensive studies are still required in the future to ensure natural products’ efficacy and safety to serve as an alternative therapy for glaucoma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Disease Prevention, Relief and Treatment)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

38 pages, 2342 KiB

Open AccessReview

Natural Products for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Drug Discovery

by Ahyeon Kim, Jiwon Ha, Jeongeun Kim, Yongmin Cho, Jimyung Ahn, Chunhoo Cheon, Sung-Hoon Kim, Seong-Gyu Ko and Bonglee Kim

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 3801; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113801 - 26 Oct 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5780

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer, the seventh most lethal cancer around the world, is considered complicated cancer due to poor prognosis and difficulty in treatment. Despite all the conventional treatments, including surgical therapy and chemotherapy, the mortality rate is still high. Therefore, the possibility of using natural products for pancreatic cancer is increasing. In this study, 68 natural products that have anti-pancreatic cancer effects reported within five years were reviewed. The mechanisms of anti-cancer effects were divided into four types: apoptosis, anti-metastasis, anti-angiogenesis, and anti-resistance. Most of the studies were conducted for natural products that induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer. Among them, plant extracts such as Eucalyptus microcorys account for the major portion. Some natural products, including Moringa, Coix seed, etc., showed multi-functional properties. Natural products could be beneficial candidates for treating pancreatic cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Disease Prevention, Relief and Treatment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Natural Products and Disease Prevention, Relief and Treatment

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (12 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI