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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 2020) | Viewed by 104913

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Dr. Mariangela Marrelli

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Guest Editor

Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, CS, Italy
Interests: medicinal plants; plant extracts; natural bioactive compounds; essential oils; nutraceuticals; antioxidant activity; antiproliferative activity; anti-inflammatory properties; photocytotoxic compounds
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Medicinal plants have a long history of use all around the world. Many species have been utilized in traditional medicine against a number of diseases. The knowledge on their induced health benefits has been transmitted over the centuries within human communities, and natural products play a pivotal role as a productive source of drug lead compounds. Currently, a number of drugs of plant origin, used throughout the millennia, are included in modern pharmacotherapy. Nevertheless, medicinal plants still have a hopeful future, as many species have not yet been studied or remain to be more deeply investigated as regards both their chemical constituents and biological properties.

At present, the development of advanced tools for the qualitative and quantitative assessment of phytochemicals, such as high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, has enhanced the rate of bioassay-guided fractionation, significantly improving phytochemical investigation. On the other hand, the empirical data on the biological properties of many plant species have been verified. The potential benefits for human health of different plant raw extracts and their bioactive components, together with their mechanisms of action, have been elucidated as well.

This Special Issue will focus on more recent studies dealing with medicinal plants secondary metabolites and in vitro or in vivo biological properties. To this purpose, original research articles, reviews, and short communications are welcome.

Dr. Mariangela Marrelli
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Medicinal plants
Phytochemicals
Bioactive compounds

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 225 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Medicinal Plants

by Mariangela Marrelli

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1355; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071355 - 02 Jul 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 10091

Abstract

Medicinal plants represent the most ancient form of medication, used for thousands of years in traditional medicine in many countries around the world [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants)

Research

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13 pages, 1932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polyphenolic Composition and Anti-Melanoma Activity of White Forsythia (Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai) Organ Extracts

by Tong-Kewn Yoo, Ju-Sung Kim and Tae Kyung Hyun

Plants 2020, 9(6), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9060757 - 17 Jun 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3458

Abstract

Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai, commonly called white forsythia, is a monotypic genus endemic to Korea. Although A. distichum is mainly used as an ornamental plant because of its horticultural value, recent studies have demonstrated its bioactivities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, prompting us to investigate the potential anticancer effect of A. distichum organ extracts (leaves, fruit, and branches) against human melanoma SK-MEL-2 cells. The methanol extract of A. distichum leaves (AL) exhibited dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicities against SK-MEL-2 cells but not against HDFa human dermal fibroblasts. Based on high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, we identified 18 polyphenolic compounds from A. distichum organ extracts and suggest that differences in anticancer activity between organ extracts should be caused by different compositions of polyphenolic compounds. Additionally, the Annexin V/propidium iodide staining assay and analysis of caspase activity and expression indicated that AL induced cell death, including early and late apoptosis, as well as necrosis, by inducing the extrinsic pathway. Furthermore, we analyzed the differentially expressed genes between mock- and AL-treated cells using RNA-seq technology, suggesting that the anti-melanoma action of AL is mediated by down-regulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. Taken together, these results shed light on the potential use of A. distichum as a green resource with potent anti-melanoma activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants)

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17 pages, 1004 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Investigation of Nepeta juncea Benth. Different Extracts

by Majid Sharifi-Rad, Francesco Epifano, Serena Fiorito and José M. Álvarez-Suarez

Plants 2020, 9(5), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9050646 - 19 May 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4241

Abstract

This study was carried out to screen the amount and the classes of secondary metabolites and to evaluate the antioxidant, cytotoxic, antifungal, and antibacterial activities of the methanolic, ethanolic, and water extracts of the roots, leaves, and flowers of Nepeta juncea Benth. The results show that the highest total phenol (69.54 ± 0.31 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight), total flavonoid (41.37 ± 0.17 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g dry weight), anthocyanin (6.52 ± 0.21 mg cyanidin/100 g dry weight), and tannin (47.36 ± 0.33 mg catechin/g dry weight) concentrations were recorded in the methanolic extract of the leaves of N. juncea. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of the extracts showed that 1,8-cineole, 4aα-7α-7aα-nepetalactone, β-pinene, terpinen-4-ol, and α-terpineol were the major compounds, respectively. The best 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant, cytotoxic, antifungal, and antibacterial activities were observed for the methanolic extract of the leaves. For the two latter activities, the best activity was revealed on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Candida albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for the antimicrobial of the methanolic extract from the leaves were in the range of 25–100 µg/mL, whereas the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were in the range of 50–200 µg/mL. The results reported herein show that, for the first time in the literature, N. juncea is a remarkable source of antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants)

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23 pages, 14126 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Phytochemical Profiles and Antioxidant Activity of Grasses Used in South African Traditional Medicine

by Fikisiwe Gebashe, Adeyemi O. Aremu, Jiri Gruz, Jeffrey F. Finnie and Johannes Van Staden

Plants 2020, 9(3), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9030371 - 17 Mar 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5929

Abstract

Grasses are a valuable group of monocotyledonous plants, used as nourishing foods and as remedies against diseases for both humans and livestock. Phytochemical profiles of 13 medicinal grasses were quantified, using spectrophotometric methods and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS), while the antioxidant activity was done using DPPH and ferric-reducing-power assays. The phytochemical analysis included the total soluble phenolic content, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, iridoids and phenolic acids. Among the 13 grasses, the root methanolic extracts of Cymbopogon spp., Cymbopogon nardus and Cenchrus ciliaris contained the highest concentrations of total soluble phenolics (27–31 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoids (4–13 mg CE/g DW). Condensed tannins and total iridoid content were highest (2.3 mg CCE/g DW and 3.2 mg HE/g DW, respectively) in Cymbopogon nardus. The most common phenolic compounds in the grass species included ρ-coumaric, ferulic, salicylic and vanillic acids. In the DPPH radical scavenging assay, the EC₅₀ values ranged from 0.02 to 0.11 mg/mL for the different grasses. The best EC₅₀ activity (lowest) was exhibited by Cymbopogon nardus roots (0.02 mg/mL) and inflorescences (0.04 mg/mL), Cymbopogon spp. roots (0.04 mg/mL) and Vetiveria zizanioides leaves (0.06 mg/mL). The highest ferric-reducing power was detected in the whole plant extract of Cynodon dactylon (0.085 ± 0.45; r² = 0.898). The observed antioxidant activity in the various parts of the grasses may be due to their rich pool of phytochemicals. Thus, some of these grasses provide a source of natural antioxidants and phytochemicals that can be explored for their therapeutic purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants)

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16 pages, 1436 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparison of Organosulfur and Amino Acid Composition between Triploid Onion Allium cornutum Clementi ex Visiani, 1842, and Common Onion Allium cepa L., and Evidences for Antiproliferative Activity of Their Extracts

by Željana Fredotović, Barbara Soldo, Matilda Šprung, Zvonimir Marijanović, Igor Jerković and Jasna Puizina

Plants 2020, 9(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9010098 - 13 Jan 2020

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3863

Abstract

Species that belong to the genus Allium have been widely used for human food and traditional medicine. Their beneficial health effects, as well as the specific aroma, are associated with their bioactive chemical compounds, such as sulfur compounds and flavonoids. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (reverse-phase HPLC) were used to identify organosulfur and amino acid content of triploid hybrid onion, Allium cornutum Clement ex Visiani, 1842, and common onion, Allium cepa L. Allium extracts were tested for their antiproliferative activity in three human cancer cell lines (HeLa, HCT116, and U2OS). DNA fragmentation and DAPI staining analysis were performed on HeLa cells to evaluate the effect of extracts on DNA damage and cell morphology. The mRNA expression of p53, Bax, and Caspase-3 genes involved in apoptosis were analyzed by real-time PCR. Using GC–MS, 27 compounds were found in two Allium species headspaces. Differences were noted among the main compound abundance in the headspace (although the major thiols and disulfides were qualitatively identic in both Allium species) and dipropyl disulfide, diisopropyl trisulfide, and (Z)-prop-1-enyl propyl trisulfide were predominant sulfides. Identification of amino acids and their quantities were determined by reverse-phase HPLC. Most abundant amino acids in both onions were arginine (Arg) and glutamic acid (Glu). The results of cytotoxicity testing confirmed antiproliferative effects of both species. The DNA fragmentation assay, DAPI staining and real time PCR analysis confirmed that A. cornutum and A. cepa extracts induced apoptosis in HeLa cells. This study presents the evidence for possible therapeutic use of A. cornutum and A. cepa extracts against human cervical carcinoma cell line. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants)

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16 pages, 1137 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv. Aerial Parts Methanolic Extract: In Vitro Screening of Biological Activity

by Mariangela Marrelli, Maria Pia Argentieri, Pinarosa Avato and Filomena Conforti

Plants 2020, 9(1), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9010089 - 10 Jan 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3947

Abstract

Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv. is a perennial herb growing wild in the Mediterranean basin. The aim of this work was to assess the fatty acid, terpene, phytosterol, and phenolic composition of the methanolic extract and its sub-fractions using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), High-Performance Liquid Chromathography with Dioide-Array Detector (HPLC-DAD), High-Performance Liquid Chromathography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS), and Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). The potential health benefits of this plant species have been investigated as well. The antioxidant activity was determined in vitro by means of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and β-carotene bleaching tests. The inhibitory potential towards the production of the pro-inflammatory mediator nitric oxide was verified on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line. A remarkable inhibitory activity was observed for the dichloromethane fraction, with an IC₅₀ value equal to 45.86 ± 1.05 μg/mL, a significant result if compared to indomethacin and the known nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N^G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), used as positive controls. Moreover, the ethyl acetate fraction proved to be effective in inhibiting pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that plays a pivotal role in the gastrointestinal digestion of dietary fat, suggesting that this species could potentially be a promising source of useful compounds for the treatment of obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants)

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18 pages, 3014 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Myricetin Abrogates Cisplatin-Induced Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Response, and Goblet Cell Disintegration in Colon of Wistar Rats

by Muneeb U. Rehman and Irfan A. Rather

Plants 2020, 9(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9010028 - 24 Dec 2019

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 4110

Abstract

Cisplatin [cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II] is an extensively prescribed drug in cancer chemotherapy; it is also useful for the treatment of diverse types of malignancies. Conversely, cisplatin is associated with a range of side effects such as nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, and so on. Myricetin (3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)-4chromenone) is a very common natural flavonoid found in fruits, tea, and plants. It has been found to have high-value pharmacological properties and strong health benefits. To examine the role of myricetin in colon toxicity induced by cisplatin, we conducted a concurrent prophylactic study in experimental animals that were treated orally with myricetin for 14 days at two doses—25 and 50 mg/kg of body weight. On the 14th day, a single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg body weight) was administered in all groups except control. The effects of myricetin in cisplatin-induced toxicity in the colon were assessed in terms of antioxidant status, phase-II detoxification enzymes, the level of inflammatory markers, and goblet cell disintegration. Myricetin was found to restore the level of all the antioxidant enzymes analyzed in the study. In addition, the compound ameliorated cisplatin-induced lipid peroxidation, increase in xanthine oxidase activity, and phase-II detoxifying enzyme activity. Myricetin also attenuated deteriorative effects induced by cisplatin by regulating the level of molecular markers of inflammation (NF-κB, Nrf-2, IL-6, and TNF-α), restoring Nrf-2 levels, and controlling goblet cell disintegration. The current study reinforces the conclusion that myricetin exerts protection in colon toxicity via up-regulation of inflammatory markers, improving anti-oxidant status, and protecting tissue damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants)

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18 pages, 3440 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Herbal Teas and Drinks: Folk Medicine of the Manoor Valley, Lesser Himalaya, Pakistan

by Inayat Ur Rahman, Aftab Afzal, Zafar Iqbal, Robbie Hart, Elsayed Fathi Abd_Allah, Abeer Hashem, Mashail Fahad Alsayed, Farhana Ijaz, Niaz Ali, Muzammil Shah, Rainer W. Bussmann and Eduardo Soares Calixto

Plants 2019, 8(12), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8120581 - 07 Dec 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6356

Abstract

In spite of the remarkable achievements in the healthcare sector over recent decades, inequities in accessibility and affordability of these facilities coexist throughout Pakistan. Thus, we aimed to explore and document the cultural knowledge of herbal teas used medicinally by the local community members of Manoor Valley, Pakistan. Field investigations were undertaken during the summer season of 2015–2017, and cultural practices of medicinal plant usage for treating various ailments were gathered through interviews of the local inhabitants. Ethnomedicinal insights of the medicinal plants used in herbal teas were gained with different indexes. Our results revealed 27 plant species, comprising of herbs (70%), shrubs (26%), and trees (4%), which were used for treating 21 diseases. Plants belonged to 18 families: Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were the leading families used for treating diseases. Diarrhea and gas troubles were the most frequent diseases. Based on indexes values, Cannabis sativa was the dominant species used. The results revealed that 57% of medicinal uses are new to literature. This ethnomedicinal study is providing the first insights into the traditional medication system of Lesser Himalaya, Pakistan, through ethnomedicinal teas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants)

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13 pages, 748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Profiles and In Vitro Immunomodulatory Activity of Ethanolic Extracts from Galium aparine L.

by Tetiana Ilina, Natalia Kashpur, Sebastian Granica, Agnieszka Bazylko, Igor Shinkovenko, Alla Kovalyova, Olga Goryacha and Oleh Koshovyi

Plants 2019, 8(12), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8120541 - 25 Nov 2019

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5972

Abstract

Galium aparine L., family Rubiaceae, is a widely spread species in the Galium genus. The herb of G. aparine is part of folk remedies and dietary supplements. In this study, we analyzed the chemical composition and immunomodulatory activities of G. aparine herb ethanolic extracts obtained from the plant material by maceration with 20%, 60% or 96% ethanol. The contents of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids and polyphenols were determined spectrophotometrically, with extractives and polysaccharides quantified gravimetrically. The qualitative composition was studied using UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis; isolation not previously described in G. aparine quercetin rhamnoglucoside was carried out through column chromatography, and the immunomodulatory activity of extracts was determined in the reaction of lymphocyte blast transformation. Major constitutes of extracts were iridoids, i.e., monotropein, 10-desacetylasperulosidic acid and asperulosidic acid; p-hydroxybenzoic acid; hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, i.e., 3-O-caffeoylquinic, 5-O-caffeoylquinic, 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic, 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic, 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acids and caffeic acid derivatives; flavonoids, i.e., rutin, quercetin 3-O-rhamnoglucoside-7-O-glucoside, and isorhamnetin 3-O-glucorhamnoside. Significantly, quercetin 3-O-rhamnoglucoside-7-O-glucoside was first isolated and identified in Galium species so far investigated. All G. aparine herb ethanolic extracts stimulate the transformational activity of immunocompetent blood cells, with 96% ethanolic extract being the most active. The data obtained necessitate further research into the mechanisms of immunomodulatory activity of extracts from G. aparine herb. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants)

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14 pages, 1523 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chenopodium album L. and Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop.: Phytochemical Content and In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential

by Valentina Amodeo, Mariangela Marrelli, Veronica Pontieri, Roberta Cassano, Sonia Trombino, Filomena Conforti and Giancarlo Statti

Plants 2019, 8(11), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8110505 - 15 Nov 2019

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5244

Abstract

Spontaneous edible plants have an old history of use in popular traditions all around the world, and the rediscovery of these species could also be useful for the search of new drugs. Chenopodium album L. (Amaranthaceae) and Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop. (Brassicaceae) are two annual plants traditionally used both as food and herbal remedies against inflammatory disorders. In this work, the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities of these plant species have been investigated, together with their antioxidant potential. The phytochemical composition was assessed as well by means of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). The antioxidant properties were assessed using the DPPH and β-carotene bleaching test. The ability of extracts to protect against lipid peroxidation was also examined in rat-liver microsomal membranes. All the samples showed a preservation of antioxidant activity up to 60 min. A significant inhibitory activity on the production of the pro-inflammatory mediator nitric oxide was induced in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by the dichloromethane fraction of C. album extract, with an IC₅₀ value equal to 81.7 ± 0.9 μg/mL. The same sample showed also a concentration-dependent anti-denaturation effect on heat-treated bovine serum albumin (IC₅₀ = 975.6 ± 5.5 μg/mL), even if the best in vitro anti-arthritic activity was observed for the dichloromethane fraction of S. officinale extract, with an IC₅₀ value of 680.9 ± 13.2 μg/mL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants)

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14 pages, 4401 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Anticholinesterase Activities and Phytochemical Profile of Azorella glabra Wedd

by Immacolata Faraone, Dilip K. Rai, Daniela Russo, Lucia Chiummiento, Eloy Fernandez, Alka Choudhary and Luigi Milella

Plants 2019, 8(8), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8080265 - 03 Aug 2019

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4968

Abstract

Oxidative stress is involved in different diseases, such as diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. The genus Azorella includes about 70 species of flowering plant species; most of them are commonly used as food and in particular as a tea infusion in the Andean region of South America in folk medicine to treat various chronic diseases. Azorella glabra Wedd. aerial parts were firstly analyzed for their in vitro antioxidant activity using different complementary assays. In particular, radical scavenging activity was tested against biological neutral radical DPPH; ferric reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibitory capacity (FRAP and Beta-Carotene Bleaching tests) were also determined. The Relative Antioxidant Capacity Index (RACI) was used to compare data obtained by different assays. Then, the inhibitory ability of samples was investigated against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes involved in diabetes and against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes considered as strategy for the treatment of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s diseases. Moreover, the phytochemical profile of the sample showing the highest RACI (1.35) and interesting enzymatic activities (IC₅₀ of 163.54 ± 9.72 and 215.29 ± 17.10 μg/mL in α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase inhibition, respectively) was subjected to characterization and quantification of its phenolic composition using LC-MS/MS analysis. In fact, the ethyl acetate fraction derived from ethanol extract by liquid/liquid extraction showed 29 compounds, most of them are cinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoid derivatives, and a terpene. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about the evaluation of significant biological activities and phytochemical profile of A. glabra, an important source of health-promoting phytochemicals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants)

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Review

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23 pages, 5644 KiB

Open AccessReview

Aromatic Herbs, Medicinal Plant-Derived Essential Oils, and Phytochemical Extracts as Potential Therapies for Coronaviruses: Future Perspectives

by Mohamed Nadjib Boukhatem and William N. Setzer

Plants 2020, 9(6), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9060800 - 26 Jun 2020

Cited by 83 | Viewed by 20898

Abstract

After its recent discovery in patients with serious pneumonia in Wuhan (China), the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), named also Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread quickly. Unfortunately, no drug or vaccine for treating human this coronavirus infection is available yet. Numerous options for controlling or preventing emerging 2019-nCoV infections may be predicted, including vaccines, interferon therapies, and small-molecule drugs. However, new interventions are likely to require months to years to develop. In addition, most of the existing antiviral treatments frequently lead to the development of viral resistance combined with the problem of side effects, viral re-emergence, and viral dormancy. The pharmaceutical industry is progressively targeting phytochemical extracts, medicinal plants, and aromatic herbs with the aim of identifying lead compounds, focusing principally on appropriate alternative antiviral drugs. Spices, herbal medicines, essential oils (EOs), and distilled natural products provide a rich source of compounds for the discovery and production of novel antiviral drugs. The determination of the antiviral mechanisms of these natural products has revealed how they interfere with the viral life cycle, i.e., during viral entry, replication, assembly, or discharge, as well as virus-specific host targets. Presently, there are no appropriate or approved drugs against CoVs, but some potential natural treatments and cures have been proposed. Given the perseverance of the 2019-nCoV outbreak, this review paper will illustrate several of the potent antiviral chemical constituents extracted from medicinal and aromatic plants, natural products, and herbal medicines with recognized in vitro and in vivo effects, along with their structure–effect relationships. As this review shows, numerous potentially valuable aromatic herbs and phytochemicals are awaiting assessment and exploitation for therapeutic use against genetically and functionally different virus families, including coronaviruses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants)

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29 pages, 456 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activity of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. (Bignoniaceae)

by Alice Nabatanzi, Sanah M. Nkadimeng, Namrita Lall, John D. Kabasa and Lyndy J. McGaw

Plants 2020, 9(6), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9060753 - 15 Jun 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 15880

Abstract

Kigelia africana has been used in the management of human ailments since time immemorial. Ethnobotanists have documented the traditional uses of K. africana, which include treatment of skin disorders, cancer and gynecological complaints, among others. This has interested scientists, who have examined K. africana plant parts for their bioactivity. This review provides an insightful understanding on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of K. africana. Web search engines Google and Google Scholar, as well as the databases of PubMed, Scopus, JSTOR, HINARI, SID, AJOL and Springer Link, were exhaustively searched using key words and phrases. Institutional reports and conference papers were also consulted. A total of 125 relevant international literature sources meeting the inclusion criteria were included. Kigelia africana has biologically active phytochemicals, many of which have been isolated. Whilst the fruits are most often cited in pharmacological studies, other plant parts are also used in herbal preparations. Commercially available products have been formulated from K. africana, though many have not been fully standardized. Despite many efforts by researchers to scientifically validate traditional uses of K. africana, many remain merely claims, thus the need to conduct more research, scientifically validate other traditional uses, isolate new bioactive phytochemicals and standardize K. africana products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants)

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18 pages, 1405 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pomegranate as a Potential Alternative of Pain Management: A Review

by José Antonio Guerrero-Solano, Osmar Antonio Jaramillo-Morales, Claudia Velázquez-González, Minarda De la O-Arciniega, Araceli Castañeda-Ovando, Gabriel Betanzos-Cabrera and Mirandeli Bautista

Plants 2020, 9(4), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9040419 - 30 Mar 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5009

Abstract

The use of complementary medicine has recently increased in an attempt to find effective alternative therapies that reduce the adverse effects of drugs. Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) has been used in traditional medicine for different kinds of pain. This review aims to explore the scientific evidence about the antinociceptive effect of pomegranate. A selection of original scientific articles that accomplished the inclusion criteria was carried out. It was found that different parts of pomegranate showed an antinociceptive effect; this effect can be due mainly by the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, or fatty acids. It is suggested in the literature that the mechanisms of action may be related to the activation of the L-arginine / NO pathway, members of the TRP superfamily (TRPA1 or TRPV1) and the opioid system. The implications for the field are to know the mechanisms of action by which this effect is generated and thus be able to create alternative treatments for specific types of pain, which help alleviate it and reduce the adverse effects produced by drugs. The results propose that pomegranate and secondary metabolites could be considered in the treatment of inflammatory, nociceptive, and neuropathic pain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants)

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