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Bioprospecting the Efficacy and Safety of Natural Products from Plants

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2025) | Viewed by 14466

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Rosy Iara Maciel de Azambuja Ribeiro

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Guest Editor

Laboratory of Experimental Pathology (LAPATEX), Federal University of São João del-Rei, Midwest Campus (Dona Lindu), St. Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400-Chanadour, Divinópolis 35501-296, MG, Brazil
Interests: drug delivery; antioxidants; nutraceuticals; phytotherapics; phytochemicals; cell biology; pathology experimental; natural products; programmed cell death; autophagy

Prof. Dr. Renê Oliveira Do Couto

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Guest Editor

Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Development (LADEF), Federal University of São João del-Rei, Midwest Campus (Dona Lindu), St. Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400-Chanadour, Divinópolis 35501-296, MG, Brazil
Interests: drug delivery; antioxidants; nutraceuticals; phytotherapics; multivariate statistical analysis; quality-by-design; phytochemicals; cell biology; autophagy; programmed cell death; plant anatomy
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plants have been widely studied for their metabolic richness and ability to produce bioactive substances of health interest. These substances are from complex biochemical machinery and are evaluated for their ability to alter pathways that may be related to the cell survival of pathogens (antimicrobials and antivirals), pathways associated with the sequestration of free radicals (antioxidants), or cell toxicity (antitumors), among others. In general, phytotherapy is correlated with a low cytotoxic profile for normal cells, in addition to the fact that many extracts contain metabolites involved in cell detoxification.

Secondary metabolites derived from plants have an extensive history in traditional and modern societies. The discovery of new chemotherapeutic agents from natural products has stimulated the search for new bioactives that can modulate pathways related to the progression of various acute and chronic diseases. One of the most important plant explorations was the isolation of the alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine from Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don (Apocynaceae), popularly known as vinca. This plant was initially used to treat diabetes mellitus, and currently, the isolated alkaloids are widely used commercially in therapy against various types of tumors.

As a result, research into different plants, which are powerful sources of bioactive secondary metabolites, has taken up a lot of space in the search for new drugs, especially against cancer, which are as effective as existing chemotherapy drugs and less aggressive toward normal cells.

In this Special Issue, we invite scientists who are dedicated to the bioprospecting of natural products derived from plants. The topics of interest are i) the isolation, identification, and semi-synthesis of bioactive phytochemicals; ii) pre-clinical (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical evaluation of efficacy and safety for pharmacological and toxicological validation of phytocomplexes; iii) studies of unit operations and analytical standardization of plant extracts; and iv) the development of release systems for phytochemicals of medical, biomedical, and veterinary interest. Scientific contributions on subjects relevant to phytotherapy, e.g., metabolomics, experimental pathology, the effect of seasonality on bioactivities, and pharmacometrics are very welcome.

Full original and review articles will be considered for publication. Contributions must contain information on the botanical identification of the species under study, including the deposit of voucher specimens in herbaria, and the phytochemical characterization of plant extracts. Only systematic reviews prepared following the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020- https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n71) will be considered.

Prof. Dr. Rosy Iara Maciel de Azambuja Ribeiro
Prof. Dr. Renê Oliveira Do Couto
Guest Editors

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

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Keywords

in vitro techniques
phytochemicals
antioxidants
medicinal plant
toxic plants
drug delivery systems
animal disease models
drug screening
pharmacognosy
plant extracts

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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24 pages, 3509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spray-Dried Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Planch (Cannabaceae) Extract: Building Evidence for Its Therapeutic Potential in Pain and Inflammation Management

by Kátia Regina Ribeiro, Rúbia Bellard e Silva, João Paulo Costa Rodrigues, Mairon César Coimbra, Laura Jéssica Pereira, Emmilly de Oliveira Alves, Flávio Martins de Oliveira, Marx Osório Araújo Pereira, Eric de Souza Gil, Carlos Alexandre Carollo, Nadla Soares Cassemiro, Camile Aparecida da Silva, Pablinny Moreira Galdino de Carvalho, Flávia Carmo Horta Pinto, Renan Diniz Ferreira, Zakariyya Muhammad Bello, Edilene Santos Alves de Melo, Marina Andrade Rocha, Ana Gabriela Silva, Rosy Iara Maciel Azambuja Ribeiro, Adriana Cristina Soares and Renê Oliveira do Couto Show full author list Hide full author list

Plants 2025, 14(13), 2008; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14132008 - 30 Jun 2025

Viewed by 361

Abstract

Celtis iguanaea, widely used in Brazilian folk medicine, is known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant capacity and the in vivo antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of the standardized spray-dried Celtis iguanaea hydroethanolic leaf extract (SDCi). Phytochemical analysis showed that SDCi contains 21.78 ± 0.82 mg/g polyphenols, 49.69 ± 0.57 mg/g flavonoids, and 518.81 ± 18.02 mg/g phytosterols. UFLC-DAD-MS identified iridoid glycosides, p-coumaric acid glycosides, flavones, and unsaturated fatty acids. Antioxidant assays revealed an IC₅₀ of 301.6 ± 38.8 µg/mL for DPPH scavenging and an electrochemical index of 6.1 μA/V. In vivo, SDCi (100–1000 mg/kg, p.o) did not impair locomotor function (rotarod test) but significantly reduced acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and both phases of the formalin test at higher doses (300 and 1000 mg/kg). The antinociceptive effects were independent of α-2 adrenergic receptors. SDCi also increased latency in the hot-plate test and reduced paw edema in the carrageenan model, accompanied by decreased IL-1β and increased IL-10 levels. Histological analysis showed a 50% reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration. These findings support SDCi as an effective anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive phytopharmaceutical intermediate, with potential applications in managing pain and inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprospecting the Efficacy and Safety of Natural Products from Plants)

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23 pages, 3188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Subchronic Toxicity and Effect of the Methanolic Extract of Micromeria frivaldszkyana (Degen) Velen on Cognition in Male Wistar Rats

by Elisaveta Apostolova, Kristina Stavrakeva, Vesela Kokova, Ivica Dimov, Mariya Choneva, Delyan Delev, Ilia Kostadinov, Iliya Bivolarski, Maria Koleva, Tsvetelina Mladenova, Krasimir Todorov and Anelia Bivolarska

Plants 2025, 14(12), 1837; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14121837 - 15 Jun 2025

Viewed by 508

Abstract

Recently, compounds of plant origin have been the focus of increased scientific interest. Micromeria frivaldszkyana is a rare species endemic to Bulgaria, whose biological activity remains unknown. This article aims to evaluate the subchronic toxicity of Micromeria frivaldszkyana methanolic extract and its effect on cognition in rats. Following 90 days of oral administration, a histopathological evaluation of brain, kidney, and liver tissues was conducted. Additionally, serum levels of total bilirubin (TB), conjugated bilirubin (CB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (CR), uric acid (UA), and urea (U) were measured. Cognitive function was studied after 7 d of treatment using activity cage test, along with tests for active memory, passive memory, anxiety, spatial and working memory, and explorative activity. The experiments showed no toxic effects of the extract in subchronic application. No adverse effects on brain function were observed after 14 days of treatment. While the extract increased the motor activity of the animals, it did not significantly improve the learning and memory processes. In conclusion, the methanolic extract of Micromeria frivaldszkyana in doses 250 and 500 mg/kg bw did not induce toxicity after 90-day treatment in rats. These doses did not significantly affect central nervous system (CNS) functions, although increased motor activity was observed after 14 days of treatment with the extract. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprospecting the Efficacy and Safety of Natural Products from Plants)

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14 pages, 1184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantification of Phenolic Compounds by HPLC/DAD and Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Antileishmanial, and Cytotoxic Activities of Ethanolic Extracts from the Leaves and Bark of Sarcomphalus joazeiro (Mart.)

by Natália Kelly Gomes de Carvalho, Débora Odília Duarte Leite, Aracélio Viana Colares, Fernando Almeida Souza, Kátia da Silva Calabrese, Gerson Javier Torres Salazar, Joice Barbosa do Nascimento, Mariana Pereira da Silva, Fabiola Fernandes Galvão Rodrigues and José Galberto Martins da Costa

Plants 2025, 14(11), 1733; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14111733 - 5 Jun 2025

Viewed by 504

Abstract

Sarcomphalus joazeiro (Mart.) is a promising candidate for the formulation of new therapies against parasitic infections. This study aimed to quantify the content of phenolic compounds and evaluate the antioxidant, antileishmanial, and cytotoxic potential of ethanolic extracts of the leaves (EELSJ) and bark (EEBSJ) of S. joazeiro. Quantification of phenolic acids (caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid) and flavonoids (naringenin, pinocembrin, and apigenin) was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). The extracts were subjected to antioxidant assays, including Fe³⁺ reduction, Fe²⁺ chelation, and inhibition of oxidative degradation of deoxyribose (2-DR). The antileishmanial activity was evaluated against promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis, while cytotoxicity was assessed in J774.G8 macrophages. Among the biological effects evaluated, EELSJ showed potent hydroxyl radical (•OH) scavenging activity, with IC₅₀ < 10 µg/mL, which potentially correlates with its phenolic acid and flavonoid content (0.7066 mg/g). In comparison, EEBSJ showed a lower phenolic content (0.197 mg/g) and demonstrated Fe²⁺ chelating activity (IC₅₀ = 14.96 ± 0.0477 µg/mL). EELSJ also exhibited antileishmanial activity against L. amazonensis (IC₅₀ = 246.20 µg/mL), with low cytotoxicity (CC₅₀ = 343.3 µg/mL; SI = 1.39), whereas EEBSJ showed minimal antileishmanial effect and marked cytotoxicity toward J774.G8 macrophages (CC₅₀ = 5.866 µg/mL). The leaves of S. joazeiro stand out as the most promising plant organ for future investigations. Future studies should focus on investigating their action mechanisms in more detail. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprospecting the Efficacy and Safety of Natural Products from Plants)

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17 pages, 3064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Allelopathic Potential of Artemisia absinthium and Artemisia vulgaris from Serbia: Chemical Composition and Bioactivity on Weeds

by Teodora Tojić, Tijana Đorđević, Rada Đurović-Pejčev, Milica Aćimović, Dragana Božić, Ljiljana Radivojević, Marija Sarić-Krsmanović and Sava Vrbničanin

Plants 2025, 14(11), 1663; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14111663 - 30 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 575

Abstract

The use of Artemisia species’ plant extracts and essential oils, which are rich in bioactive compounds (allelochemicals), could support weed management. This study focused on the chemical analysis and evaluation of the allelopathic potential of plant extracts (PEs) and essential oils (EOs) of Artemisia absinthium and A. vulgaris on the germination and early seedling growth of weeds (Amaranthus retroflexus and Setaria viridis) in vitro. The plant extract from A. vulgaris showed higher antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 0.171 ± 0.01 mg/mL) and phenolic content than that from A. absinthium (IC₅₀ = 0.263 ± 0.01 mg/mL). Chlorogenic acid was the most abundant phenol in both extracts. However, A. absinthium contained a higher amount (1.694 ± 0.081 mg/g) and exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect on the germination of A. retroflexus (EC₅₀ = 0.54 ± 0.02%) and S. viridis (EC₅₀ = 1.51 ± 0.07%) compared to A. vulgaris. The dominant components of A. absinthium essential oil were β-thujone (18.9%), cis-ocimene epoxide (7.88%), and bicyclogermacrene (7.04%), while the main constituents of A. vulgaris essential oil included gurjunene (10.41%), cis-crysanthenyl acetate (7.17%), and γ-humulene (6.67%). The lowest EC₅₀ values for A. absinthium essential oil regarding seed germination and seedling length were estimated for S. viridis (0.28 ± 0.48% and 0.03 ± 0.00%, respectively), whereas A. retroflexus was the most sensitive to A. vulgaris essential oil (0.11 ± 0.04% and 0.02 ± 0.00%, respectively). All tested extracts showed allelopathic potential; however, the results indicate that the essential oils had a stronger inhibitory effect than the plant extracts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprospecting the Efficacy and Safety of Natural Products from Plants)

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22 pages, 1810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Extracts Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents with Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction for Cosmetic Applications

by Komcharn Jaikampan, Worrapan Poomanee, Thasang Thavanapong, Chuda Chittasupho, Kantamanee Jantadee and Mathukorn Sainakham

Plants 2025, 14(11), 1622; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14111622 - 26 May 2025

Viewed by 643

Abstract

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) is an herbal tea with medicinal properties and potent antioxidants. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are another interesting solvent for plant extraction due to their ability to extract plant phytochemicals efficiently. This research was conducted to study the phytochemicals of GP extracts isolated by DESs, investigate the biological activities, and develop cosmetic formulations containing GP extracts. The results showed that the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of DES extracts were 0.39 ± 0.04 to 6.93 + 0.59 mg GAE/g extract and 1.48 ± 0.44 to 8.17 + 0.07 mg QE/g extract, respectively. The highest IC₅₀ values of DES extract on DPPH assay, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and nitric oxide radical scavenging of DES extracts were 8.54 ± 3.31, 6.04 ± 0.82, and 38.63 ± 1.46 mg/mL, respectively. The DES extracts demonstrated collagenase enzyme inhibition at IC₅₀ values of 0.92 ± 0.04 mg/mL. The selected DES extracts, S7, S9, S11, and S13, exhibited low cytotoxic effects on RAW264.7 cells and exhibited the most substantial reduction in nitic oxide levels. The selected DES extract with high bioactivities, S7, exhibited a high rutin and kaempferol content at 7.87 ± 0.01 mg rutin/g extract and 25.36 ± 0.08 mg kaempferol/g extract in the active content determination by HPLC assay. The cosmetic formulations containing S7 exhibited excellent stability after the stability test. This study illustrated the potential of DES extracts for further development in novel cosmetic products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprospecting the Efficacy and Safety of Natural Products from Plants)

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10 pages, 927 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Anticonvulsant, Anticholinesterase and Cytoprotective Effects of the Aqueous Extract of Lippia sidoides Cham

by Cicera Janaine Camilo, Débora Odília Duarte Leite, Natália Kelly Gomes de Carvalho, José Walber Gonçalves Castro, Jane Eire Silva Alencar de Menezes, Helcio Silva dos Santos, Joanda Paolla Raimundo Silva, Daniela Ribeiro Alves, Selene Maia de Morais, Fabíola Fernandes Galvão Rodrigues and José Galberto Martins da Costa

Plants 2024, 13(21), 3034; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13213034 - 30 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1132

Abstract

(1) Background: Lippia sidoides Cham is a Brazilian aromatic plant rich in phenolic compounds. In traditional medicine, its leaves are used to treat diseases of the Central Nervous System such as stress and anxiety. This study evaluates the capacity of the aqueous extract of L. sidoides as an anticonvulsant, anticholinesterase and antihemolytic agent. (2) Methods: The extract was obtained from the leaves using water as a solvent, then dried in a spray dryer. The anticonvulsant effect was evaluated in zebrafish models using the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) method. The anticholinesterase effect was determined using the acetylcholinesterase enzyme and physostigmine as a positive control. The antihemolytic action was evaluated by exposing erythrocytes to different concentrations of NaCl in the presence and absence of the extract. (3) Results: The anticonvulsant effect was observed at a concentration of 400 mg/kg, delaying convulsive crises. In the anticholinesterase assay, a dose-dependent action and variation in the effect over time were observed, demonstrating a reversible effect of the extract. For the osmotic fragility test, the extract showed satisfactory results, providing cellular protection across all variations of NaCl concentration. (4) Conclusions: These results demonstrate the promising potential of L. sidoides extract for the development of drugs that act in the treatment of diseases that affect the Central Nervous System. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprospecting the Efficacy and Safety of Natural Products from Plants)

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13 pages, 2453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Optimization of 3D-Printed Tablets Containing Mucuna Extracts for Erectile Dysfunction Management: A DoE-Guided Study

by Ratchapoom Wattanawiggan, Sunee Chansakaow, Pensak Jantrawut, Pattaraporn Panraksa, Jutamas Jiaranaikulwanitch, Suruk Udomsom, Patnarin Worajittiphon and Pratchaya Tipduangta

Plants 2024, 13(16), 2294; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162294 - 18 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1456

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability of the penis to maintain a firm erection during sexual activity. Mucuna, or M. pruriens, contains levodopa, a compound showing promise in ED treatment. However, formulating Mucuna extract into tablet dosage forms is challenging due to its semisolid nature. This study aimed to develop sustained-release tablets containing Mucuna extract via semisolid extrusion 3D printing. Eudragit RS PO (Eudragit) served as a sustained-release polymer, with poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a co-polymer for forming the tablet matrices. This study had the following two main phases: screening, which identified the factors affecting the printability, and optimization, which focused on the factors influencing the levodopa release and its consistency. The results showed that both the polymeric solid percentage content (PSPC) in the semisolid slurry and the Eudragit-PVA ratio significantly affected the printability. All of the formulations were printable, and the PSPC and Eudragit-PVA ratios were incorporated into the optimized model. The desired formulation, achieving targeted levodopa release and consistency, had a PSPC of 58.8% and a Eudragit-PVA ratio of 2.87:1. In conclusion, semisolid extrusion 3D printing guided by the design of experiments (DoE) proved feasible for producing reliable 3D-printed tablets with consistent active ingredients and desired release rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprospecting the Efficacy and Safety of Natural Products from Plants)

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10 pages, 1058 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenolic Monoterpenes Conversion of Conobea scoparioides Essential Oil by Hydrotalcite Synthesized from Blast-Furnace Slag

by Monaliza M. Rebelo, Eloisa Helena A. Andrade, José Augusto M. Corrêa and José Guilherme S. Maia

Plants 2024, 13(9), 1199; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091199 - 25 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1316

Abstract

Conobea scoparioides (Plantaginaceae) is an herbaceous plant known as “pataqueira” that grows wild in seasonally wet areas of the Amazon region. It is used for aromatic baths and anti-protozoan remedies by the Brazilian Amazon native people. The main volatile compounds identified in the essential oil of “Pataqueira” were the phenolic monoterpenes thymol and thymol methyl ether and their precursors, the monoterpene hydrocarbons α-phellandrene and p-cymene. A hydrotalcite synthesized from blast-furnace slag exhibited a 3:2 (Mg/Al) molar ratio, and this layered double hydroxide (LDH) was evaluated as a catalyst in converting the main monoterpenes of the “Pataqueira” oil. This action significantly increased the thymol content, from 41% to 95%, associated with the percentual reduction in other main components, such as thymol methyl ether, α-phellandrene, and p-cymene. The LDH reaction showed a strong tendency towards producing hydroxylated derivatives, and its behavior was similar to the hypothetical plant biosynthetic pathway, which leads to the production of the monoterpenes of “Pataqueira” oil. Thymol and its derivatives are potent antiseptics applied in pharmaceutical and hygienic products as antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, among others. The present work reports a natural source with a high thymol content in aromatic plants from the Amazon, with evident economic value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprospecting the Efficacy and Safety of Natural Products from Plants)

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24 pages, 6081 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mechanisms of Cell Death Induced by Cannabidiol Against Tumor Cells: A Review of Preclinical Studies

by Edilene S. A. Melo, Estefani A. Asevedo, Joaquim Maurício Duarte-Almeida, Fahrul Nurkolis, Rony Abdi Syahputra, Moon Nyeo Park, Bonglee Kim, Renê Oliveira do Couto and Rosy Iara Maciel de A. Ribeiro

Plants 2025, 14(4), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14040585 - 14 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3656

Abstract

Commonly known as marijuana or hemp, Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae), contains numerous active compounds, particularly cannabinoids, which have been extensively studied for their biological activities. Among these, cannabidiol (CBD) stands out for its therapeutic potential, especially given its non-psychotropic effects. This review evaluates the antitumor properties of CBD, highlighting its various mechanisms of action, including the induction of apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis. By synthesizing findings from in vitro studies on the cell death mechanisms and signaling pathways activated by CBD in various human tumor cell lines, this literature review emphasizes the therapeutic promise of this natural antineoplastic agent. We conducted a comprehensive search of articles in PubMed, Scopus, Springer, Medline, Lilacs, and Scielo databases from 1984 to February 2022. Of the forty-three articles included, the majority (68.18%) reported that CBD activates apoptosis, while 18.18% observed simultaneous apoptosis and autophagy, 9.09% focused on autophagy alone, and 4.54% indicated necrosis. The antitumor effects of CBD appear to be mediated by transient receptor potential cation channels (TRPVs) in endometrial cancer, glioma, bladder cancer, and myeloma, with TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV4 playing key roles in activating apoptosis. This knowledge paves the way for innovative therapeutic strategies that may enhance cancer treatment outcomes while minimizing the toxicity and side effects associated with conventional therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprospecting the Efficacy and Safety of Natural Products from Plants)

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21 pages, 2634 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Natural Products for Melanoma Therapy: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Drug Discovery

by Soojin An, Jeongeun An, Dain Lee, Han Na Kang, Sojin Kang, Chi-Hoon Ahn, Rony Abdi Syahputra, Rosy Iara Maciel A. Ribeiro and Bonglee Kim

Plants 2025, 14(6), 951; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14060951 - 18 Mar 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1589

Abstract

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer originating from melanocytes, represents a significant public health concern according to the World Health Organization. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide, particularly affecting populations in Europe and North America, with an increasing incidence in Asia. The rise emphasizes the need for diversified treatment approaches. Conventional treatments for melanoma, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies like the FDA-approved Opdivo and Relatlimab, often come with severe side effects and high relapse rates. Consequently, natural products have gained considerable attention for their potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes and reduce adverse effects. This systematic review evaluates the anti-cancer properties of natural products against melanoma, examining 52 studies from PubMed and Google Scholar. Our analysis focuses on the antioxidant, anti-angiogenesis, anti-metastatic, and apoptosis-inducing activities of these compounds, also discussing the regulatory factors involved. The findings advocate for intensified research into natural products as complementary agents in melanoma treatment, aiming to improve efficacy and patient quality of life. Further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials are essential to validate their effectiveness and integrate them into standard care protocols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprospecting the Efficacy and Safety of Natural Products from Plants)

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9 pages, 924 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Antioxidant and Anti-Melanogenesis Effects of Teucrium chamaedrys L. Cell Suspension Extract and Its Main Phenylethanoid Glycoside in B16-F10 Cells

by Letizia Pruccoli, Benedetta Nicolini, Mariacaterina Lianza, Gabriella Teti, Mirella Falconi, Andrea Tarozzi and Fabiana Antognoni

Plants 2024, 13(6), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060808 - 12 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1581

Abstract

Teucrium chamaedrys L. is a typical European–Mediterranean species of the genus Teucrium. Among the phenolic compounds belonging to phenylethanoid glycosides (PGs), teucrioside (TS) is only found in this species, and it was previously demonstrated to be produced by in vitro-elicited cell cultures at levels higher than those found in leaves. However, T. chamaedrys cell suspension extracts (Cell-Ex) and pure TS have not been investigated yet for any biological effects. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and anti-melanogenesis activity of both Cell-Ex and TS in B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells. The results showed that Cell-Ex inhibited the reactive oxygen species formation evoked in B16-F10 cells by tert-butyl hydroperoxide and 5 J/cm² of UVA, as well as the melanin increase stimulated by α-MSH or 20 J/cm² of UVA. In parallel, a TS concentration equivalent to that present in Cell-Ex recorded the same biological effect profile, suggesting the main contribution of TS to the antioxidant and anti-melanogenic properties of Cell-Ex. Both Cell-Ex and TS also modulated the melanogenesis pathway through their ability to inhibit the tyrosinase activity both in a cell-free system and in B16-F10 cells stimulated by α-MSH. These results support the potential cosmeceutical use of Cell-Ex for protection against photooxidative damage and hyperpigmentation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprospecting the Efficacy and Safety of Natural Products from Plants)

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