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Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st...
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Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century - Part II

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 May 2023) | Viewed by 32858

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Corina Danciu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babeş“, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
Interests: phytochemical characterization; extraction, isolation and characterization of pure bioactive compounds from plants extracts; assessment of the biological activity of plant extracts/pure active phytochemicals; in vitro, in vivo evaluations; clinical trials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since the first edition of this Special Issue was successful, ending with the publication of 23 papers (research papers and reviews) we have decided to launch Part II of the Special Issue, Natural Compounds—Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century Part II.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide an update regarding the phytochemical composition of plant extracts accompanied by studies on the biological activity of plant extracts or isolated phytocompounds. Experimental/clinical research papers and in-depth reviews are welcome.

The main topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Extraction, isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds from plant extracts.

- Synergistic combinations of plant extracts with natural/synthetic compounds.

- Natural compounds with antiproliferative/proapoptotic/cytotoxic potential.

- Antibiotics from nature.

- Natural compounds used in the management of acute diseases.

- Natural compounds used in the management of chronic diseases.

Prof. Dr. Corina Danciu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

  • plant extracts
  • phytochemical screening
  • isolation/characterization
  • bioactive molecules
  • acute diseases
  • chronic diseases
  • in vitro screening
  • in vivo screening
  • mechanism of action
  • clinical trials

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3424 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical Profiling and Antiviral Activity of Green Sustainable Nanoparticles Derived from Maesa indica (Roxb.) Sweet against Human Coronavirus 229E
by Fatma Alzahra M. Abdelgawad, Seham S. El-Hawary, Essam M. Abd El-Kader, Saad Ali Alshehri, Mohamed Abdelaaty Rabeh, Aliaa E. M. K. El-Mosallamy, Mohamed A. El Raey and Rania A. El Gedaily
Plants 2023, 12(15), 2813; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12152813 - 29 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1267
Abstract
Plant secondary metabolites are key components for new, safe and effective drugs. Ethanolic extract of Maesa indica Roxb. Sweet (ME) aerial parts were used for biosynthesis of sustainable green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with an average particle size 6.80 ± 1.47 nm [...] Read more.
Plant secondary metabolites are key components for new, safe and effective drugs. Ethanolic extract of Maesa indica Roxb. Sweet (ME) aerial parts were used for biosynthesis of sustainable green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with an average particle size 6.80 ± 1.47 nm and zeta potential −19.7 mV. Both transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction assay confirmed the hexagonal shape of ZnO NPs. Phenolic ingredients in ME were identified using LC-ESI-MS/MS-MRM revealing the identification of chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, coumaric acid, vanillin, naringenin, quercetin, ellagic acid, 3.4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, methyl gallate, kaempferol, ferulic acid, syringic acid, and luteolin. The major compound was chlorogenic acid at concentration of 1803.84 μg/g. The antiviral activity of ME, ZnO NPs, and combination of ME with ZnO NPs against coronavirus 229E were investigated. ZnO NPs had superior antiviral effect against coronavirus 229E than ME while their combination showed the highest anti-coronavirus 229E effect, with 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of 5.23 ± 0.18 µg/mL and 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of 138.49 ± 0.26 µg/mL while the selectivity index (SI) was 26.47. The current study highlighted the possible novel anti-coronavirus 229E activity of green ZnO NPs synthesized from Maesa indica. More studies are needed to further investigate this antiviral activity to be utilized in future biomedical and environmental applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century - Part II)
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12 pages, 1639 KiB  
Article
Higenamine Reduces Fine-Dust-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 in Human Keratinocytes
by DongHyeon Kim, JeaHyeok Yun, Eunmiri Roh, Han-Seung Shin and Jong-Eun Kim
Plants 2023, 12(13), 2479; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132479 - 28 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1224
Abstract
Environmental pollutants such as fine dust are increasingly linked to premature skin aging. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of higenamine, a natural plant alkaloid, against fine-dust-induced skin aging in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). We found that higenamine significantly attenuated fine-dust-induced [...] Read more.
Environmental pollutants such as fine dust are increasingly linked to premature skin aging. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of higenamine, a natural plant alkaloid, against fine-dust-induced skin aging in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). We found that higenamine significantly attenuated fine-dust-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), a key enzyme involved in collagen degradation. Furthermore, higenamine was found to modulate fine-dust-induced AP-1 and NF-κB transactivation, which are crucial factors for MMP-1 transcription. Higenamine also impeded fine-dust-induced phosphorylation in specific pathways related to AP-1 and NF-κB activation, and effectively alleviated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, a key factor in oxidative stress caused by fine dust exposure. These results suggest that higenamine exerts protective effects against fine-dust-induced skin aging, primarily through its MMP-1 inhibitory properties and ability to mitigate ROS-induced oxidative damage. Our data highlight the potential of higenamine as an effective ingredient in skincare products designed to combat environmental skin damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century - Part II)
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16 pages, 3356 KiB  
Article
Bioefficacy of Nga-Mon (Perilla frutescens) Fresh and Dry Leaf: Assessment of Antioxidant, Antimutagenicity, and Anti-Inflammatory Potential
by Payungsak Tantipaiboonwong, Komsak Pintha, Wittaya Chaiwangyen, Maitree Suttajit, Chakkrit Khanaree and Orawan Khantamat
Plants 2023, 12(11), 2210; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12112210 - 3 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1194
Abstract
Perilla leaves are known to be a rich source of polyphenols, which have been shown to exhibit various biological effects. This study aimed to compare the bioefficacies and bioactivities of fresh (PLEf) and dry (PLEd) Thai perilla (Nga-mon) leaf [...] Read more.
Perilla leaves are known to be a rich source of polyphenols, which have been shown to exhibit various biological effects. This study aimed to compare the bioefficacies and bioactivities of fresh (PLEf) and dry (PLEd) Thai perilla (Nga-mon) leaf extracts. Phytochemical analysis indicated that both PLEf and PLEd were abundant in rosmarinic acid and bioactive phenolic compounds. PLEd, which had higher levels of rosmarinic acid but lower levels of ferulic acid and luteolin than PLEf, exhibited greater effectiveness in a free radical scavenging assay. Furthermore, both extracts were found to suppress intracellular ROS generation and exhibit antimutagenic activity against food-borne carcinogens in S. typhimurium. They also attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells by inhibiting the expression of nitric oxide, iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 through the suppression of NF-κB activation and translocation. However, PLEf exhibited a higher ability to suppress cellular ROS production and higher antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory activities than PLEd, which can be attributed to its combination of phytochemical components. Overall, PLEf and PLEd have the potential to serve as natural bioactive antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anti-inflammatory agents to achieve potential health benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century - Part II)
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22 pages, 3107 KiB  
Article
Secondary Metabolite Profiling, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Neuroprotective Activity of Cestrum nocturnum (Night Scented-Jasmine): Use of In Vitro and In Silico Approach in Determining the Potential Bioactive Compound
by Saheem Ahmad, Mohammed Alrouji, Sharif Alhajlah, Othman Alomeir, Ramendra Pati Pandey, Mohammad Saquib Ashraf, Shafeeque Ahmad and Saif Khan
Plants 2023, 12(6), 1206; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12061206 - 7 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2392
Abstract
This study aims to describe the therapeutic potential of C. nocturnum leaf extracts against diabetes and neurological disorders via the targeting of α-amylase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities, followed by computational molecular docking studies to establish a strong rationale behind the α-amylase and AChE [...] Read more.
This study aims to describe the therapeutic potential of C. nocturnum leaf extracts against diabetes and neurological disorders via the targeting of α-amylase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities, followed by computational molecular docking studies to establish a strong rationale behind the α-amylase and AChE inhibitory potential of C. nocturnum leaves-derived secondary metabolites. In our study, the antioxidant activity of the sequentially extracted C. nocturnum leaves extract was also investigated, in which the methanolic fraction exhibited the strongest antioxidant potential against DPPH (IC50 39.12 ± 0.53 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC50 20.94 ± 0.82 µg/mL) radicals. This extract strongly inhibited the α-amylase (IC50188.77 ± 1.67 µg/mL) and AChE (IC50 239.44 ± 0.93 µg/mL) in a non-competitive and competitive manner, respectively. Furthermore, in silico analysis of compounds identified in the methanolic extract of the leaves of C. nocturnum using GC-MS revealed high-affinity binding of these compounds with the catalytic sites of α-amylase and AChE, with binding energy ranging from −3.10 to −6.23 kcal/mol and from −3.32 to −8.76 kcal/mol, respectively. Conclusively, the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-Alzheimer activity of this extract might be driven by the synergistic effect of these bioactive phytoconstituents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century - Part II)
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16 pages, 4512 KiB  
Article
Smart Farming Enhances Bioactive Compounds Content of Panax ginseng on Moderating Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits and Neuroinflammation
by Tianqi Huang, Sangbin Lee, Teamin Lee, Seungbeom Yun, Yongduk Kim and Hyunok Yang
Plants 2023, 12(3), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030640 - 1 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1588
Abstract
Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a traditional herbal supplement known to have a variety of pharmacological activities. A smart farm system could provide potential standardization of ginseng seedlings after investigating plant metabolic responses to various parameters in order to design optimal [...] Read more.
Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a traditional herbal supplement known to have a variety of pharmacological activities. A smart farm system could provide potential standardization of ginseng seedlings after investigating plant metabolic responses to various parameters in order to design optimal conditions. This research was performed to investigate the effect of smart-farmed ginseng on memory improvement in a scopolamine-induced memory deficit mouse model and an LPS-induced microglial cell model. A smart farming system was applied to culture ginseng. The administration of its extract (S2 extract) under specific culture conditions significantly attenuated cognitive and spatial memory deficits by regulating AKT/ERK/CREB signaling, as well as the cortical inflammation associated with suppression of COX-2 and NLRP3 induced by scopolamine. In addition, S2 extract improved the activation of iNOS and COX-2, and the secretion of NO in LPS-induced BV-2 microglia. Based on the HPLC fingerprint and in vitro data, ginsenosides Rb2 and Rd were found to be the main contributors to the anti-inflammatory effects of the S2 extract. Our findings suggest that integrating a smart farm system may enhance the metabolic productivity of ginseng and provides evidence of its potential impact on natural bioactive compounds of medicinal plants with beneficial qualities, such as ginsenosides Rb2 and Rd. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century - Part II)
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17 pages, 2718 KiB  
Article
The Antioxidant and Proapoptotic Effects of Sternbergia clusiana Bulb Ethanolic Extract on Triple-Negative and Estrogen-Dependent Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro
by Mona El Samarji, Maria Younes, Marianne El Khoury, Tony Haykal, Nazira Elias, Natalia Gasilova, Laure Menin, Ahmad Houri, Nisrine Machaka-Houri and Sandra Rizk
Plants 2023, 12(3), 529; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030529 - 24 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1982
Abstract
Background: Sternbergia clusiana belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is recognized for the valuable biological activity of its major bioactive compounds. The aim of the current is to evaluate the anticancer effects of the ethanolic bulb extract of Sternbergia clusiana (ScBEE) on breast [...] Read more.
Background: Sternbergia clusiana belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is recognized for the valuable biological activity of its major bioactive compounds. The aim of the current is to evaluate the anticancer effects of the ethanolic bulb extract of Sternbergia clusiana (ScBEE) on breast cancer cells in vitro and to further reveal the underlying cellular mechanism. Methods: An MTS cell viability assay was performed on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, along with cell cycle analysis, cell death ELISA, Western blot analysis and an ROS production assay to decipher the mechanism of death. LC-MS/MS was also performed to identify the chemical composition of this ethanolic extract. Results: The results show a selective antiproliferative effect on both cell lines with no effect on normal mesenchymal stem cells. Further analysis suggested the activation of the apoptotic pathway as reflected by the increase in cellular and DNA fragmentation and alterations in apoptotic proteins such as Bax, Bcl-2 and c-PARP. ScBEE was also found to exhibit antioxidant effect, as shown by a decrease in ROS production. The underlying mechanism of action was explained by the presence of several bioactive compounds identified by LC-MS/MS, including alkaloids, terpenoids and phenols, which are elaborated in the manuscript. Conclusion: This study highlights the antioxidant and anticancerous properties of S.clusiana for breast cancer treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century - Part II)
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15 pages, 2439 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Cannabis sativa Phytochemicals as Anti-Alzheimer’s Agents: An In Silico Study
by Nil Patil, Vaishnavi Chandel, Aarzu Rana, Mukul Jain and Prashant Kaushik
Plants 2023, 12(3), 510; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030510 - 22 Jan 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4704
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is a medicinal plant that has been known for years and is used as an Ayurvedic medicine. This plant has great potential in treating various types of brain diseases. Phytochemicals present in this plant act as antioxidants by maintaining synaptic plasticity [...] Read more.
Cannabis sativa is a medicinal plant that has been known for years and is used as an Ayurvedic medicine. This plant has great potential in treating various types of brain diseases. Phytochemicals present in this plant act as antioxidants by maintaining synaptic plasticity and preventing neuronal loss. Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are both beneficial in treating Alzheimer’s disease by increasing the solubility of Aβ42 amyloid and Tau aggregation. Apart from these therapeutic effects, there are certain unknown functions of these phytochemicals in Alzheimer’s disease that we want to elucidate through this study. In this research, our approach is to analyze the effect of phytochemicals in Cannabis sativa on multiple culprit enzymes in Alzheimer’s disease, such as AChE (Acetylcholinesterase), BChE (Butyrylcholinesterase), γ-secretase, and BACE-1. In this study, the compounds were selected by Lipinski’s rule, ADMET, and ProTox based on toxicity. Molecular docking between the selected compounds (THCV, Cannabinol C2, and Cannabidiorcol) and enzymes mentioned above was obtained by various software programs including AutoDock Vina 4.2, AutoDock, and iGEMDOCK. In comparison to Donepezil (BA = −8.4 kcal/mol, Ki = 1.46 mM), Rivastigmine (BA = −7.0 kcal/mol, Ki = 0.02 mM), and Galantamine (BA = −7.1, Ki = 2.1 mM), Cannabidiorcol (BA = −9.4 kcal/mol, Ki = 4.61 mM) shows significant inhibition of AChE. On the other hand, Cannabinol C2 (BA = −9.2 kcal/mol, Ki = 4.32 mM) significantly inhibits Butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in comparison to Memantine (BA = −6.8 kcal/mol, Ki = 0.54 mM). This study sheds new light and opens new avenues for elucidating the role of bioactive compounds present in Cannabis sativa in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century - Part II)
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13 pages, 1446 KiB  
Article
Rhanteriol, a New Rhanterium suaveolens Desf. Lignan with Pharmacological Potential as an Inhibitor of Enzymes Involved in Neurodegeneration and Type 2 Diabetes
by Soumia Belaabed, Ayoub Khalfaoui, Valentina Parisi, Valentina Santoro, Daniela Russo, Maria Ponticelli, Magnus Monné, Khellaf Rebbas, Luigi Milella and Giuliana Donadio
Plants 2023, 12(2), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020301 - 9 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1477
Abstract
Several specialized plant metabolites are reported to be enzyme inhibitors. In this investigation, the phytochemical composition and the biological activity of Rhanterium suaveolens Desf. were studied. One new lignan (rhanteriol 1) and seven known secondary metabolites were isolated from the aerial parts of [...] Read more.
Several specialized plant metabolites are reported to be enzyme inhibitors. In this investigation, the phytochemical composition and the biological activity of Rhanterium suaveolens Desf. were studied. One new lignan (rhanteriol 1) and seven known secondary metabolites were isolated from the aerial parts of R. suaveolens by using different chromatographic procedures. The biological properties of the R. suaveolens extracts and the new compound were evaluated by measuring their ability to inhibit the cholinesterase and carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, using cell-free in vitro methods. The new lignan, rhanteriol, was shown to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 46.42 ± 3.25 μM and 26.76 ± 3.29 μM, respectively), as well as butyrylcholinesterase (IC50 = 10.41 ± 0.03 μM), with an effect comparable to that of the respective standards, acarbose and galantamine. Furthermore, docking studies were performed suggesting the interaction mode of rhanteriol with the active sites of the investigated enzymes. The obtained data demonstrated that the aerial part of R. suaveolens could represent a source of active molecules, such as rhanteriol, usable in the development of treatments for preventing or treating type 2 diabetes mellitus and neurodegeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century - Part II)
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17 pages, 7661 KiB  
Article
Oxidative Stability and Protective Effect of the Mixture between Helianthus annuus L. and Oenothera biennis L. Oils on 3D Tissue Models of Skin Irritation and Phototoxicity
by Ramona Fecker, Ioana Zinuca Magyari-Pavel, Ileana Cocan, Ersilia Alexa, Iuliana Maria Popescu, Adelina Lombrea, Larisa Bora, Cristina Adriana Dehelean, Valentina Buda, Roxana Folescu and Corina Danciu
Plants 2022, 11(21), 2977; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11212977 - 4 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1823
Abstract
The present study was aimed to evaluate the oxidative stability as well as to assess the protective effect of the mixture of Helianthus annuus L. (HAO) and Oenothera biennis L. (OBO) oils on 3D tissue models of skin irritation and phototoxicity. The following [...] Read more.
The present study was aimed to evaluate the oxidative stability as well as to assess the protective effect of the mixture of Helianthus annuus L. (HAO) and Oenothera biennis L. (OBO) oils on 3D tissue models of skin irritation and phototoxicity. The following methods were used: GS analysis (fatty acids composition), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances assay (TBA) (lipid oxidation degree of tested samples), 3D EpiDerm models (skin irritation and phototoxicity). For HAO the detected saturated fatty acids (SFA) were palmitic acid (7.179%), stearic acid (3.586%), eicosanoic (0.138%) and docosanoic acid (0.548%) The monounsaturated acids (MUFA) were palmitoleic acid (0.158%) and oleic acid (28.249%) and the polyunsaturated acids (PUFA) were linoleic acid (59.941%) and linolenic acid (0.208%). For OBO the detected SFA were myristic acid (0.325%), pentadecylic acid (0.281%), palmitic (7.2%), stearic (2.88%), and arachidic acid (0.275%). Regarding MUFA, even a lower proportion (8.196%) was observed, predominantly being oleic acid, cis form (7.175%), oleic (n10) (0.558%) and 11-eicosenoic (0.210%) acids. The higher content was found for PUFA (82.247%), the most significant proportions being linoleic acid (72.093%), arachidonic acid (9.812%) and linolenic (0.233%). Obtained data indicate a good oxidative stability and biocompatibility of the mixture on the 3D EpiDerm models with no irritant and no phototoxic effects. Oenothera biennis L. oil may be an excellent natural choice in order to delay or prevent oxidative damage of Helianthus annuus L. oil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century - Part II)
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15 pages, 1819 KiB  
Article
Antitumor and Immunomodulatory Properties of the Bulgarian Endemic Plant Betonica bulgarica Degen et Neič. (Lamiaceae)
by Tsvetelina Mladenova, Tsvetelina Batsalova, Balik Dzhambazov, Rumen Mladenov, Ivanka Teneva, Plamen Stoyanov and Anelia Bivolarska
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1689; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131689 - 26 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1569
Abstract
Background: Extracts obtained from different Betonica species have been shown to possess important biological properties. The present study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity, antitumor and immunomodulatory potential of the endemic plant Betonica bulgarica (Lamiaceae) and thus, reveal new aspects of its biological activity. [...] Read more.
Background: Extracts obtained from different Betonica species have been shown to possess important biological properties. The present study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity, antitumor and immunomodulatory potential of the endemic plant Betonica bulgarica (Lamiaceae) and thus, reveal new aspects of its biological activity. Methods: Methanolic extract obtained from inflorescences was analyzed for cytotoxicity against mammalian cell lines. The antitumor potential of the sample was determined using human cervical and lung adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa and A549). Programmed cell death-inducing effects against HeLa cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes, as well as immunomodulatory properties of the extract were determined by flow cytometry analysis. Results: The research results demonstrated that the extract has significant inhibitory potential against HeLa cells (mean IC50 value 119.2 μg/mL). The sample selectively induced apoptotic death in tumor cells. Cytotoxic effects towards mouse cell lines were detected following treatment with high concentrations of Betonica bulgarica extract (200 and 250 μg/mL). Twenty-four-hour ex vivo incubation of peripheral blood leucocytes in growth medium containing plant extract induced prominent effects in distinct immune cell populations. They included elevated levels of CD25+ and CD56+ T cells’ lymphocytes, particularly CD4+CD25+ and CD8+CD56+ cells. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that Betonica bulgarica inflorescence extract possesses potential beneficial antitumor and immunomodulatory activity and could serve as a source of bioactive compounds with biomedical application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century - Part II)
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19 pages, 3523 KiB  
Article
Myrtle-Functionalized Nanofibers Modulate Vaginal Cell Population Behavior While Counteracting Microbial Proliferation
by Emanuela Bellu, Nicia Diaz, Martin Kralovič, Radek Divin, Giorgia Sarais, Angela Fadda, Rosanna Satta, Maria Antonia Montesu, Serenella Medici, Antonio Brunetti, Ana Rita Pinheiro Barcessat, Taťána Jarošíková, Jiří Rulc, Evzen Amler, Valentina Margarita, Paola Rappelli and Margherita Maioli
Plants 2022, 11(12), 1577; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11121577 - 15 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1777
Abstract
Vaginal infections affect millions of women annually worldwide. Therapeutic options are limited, moreover drug-resistance increases the need to find novel antimicrobials for health promotion. Recently phytochemicals were re-discovered for medical treatment. Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) plant extracts showed in vitro antioxidant, antiseptic [...] Read more.
Vaginal infections affect millions of women annually worldwide. Therapeutic options are limited, moreover drug-resistance increases the need to find novel antimicrobials for health promotion. Recently phytochemicals were re-discovered for medical treatment. Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) plant extracts showed in vitro antioxidant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties thanks to their bioactive compounds. The aim of the present study was to create novel nanodevices to deliver three natural extracts from leaves, seeds and fruit of myrtle, in vaginal milieu. We explored their effect on human cells (HeLa, Human Foreskin Fibroblast-1 line, and stem cells isolated from skin), resident microflora (Lactobacillus acidophilus) and on several vaginal pathogens (Trichomonas vaginalis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Candida kefyr, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei). Polycaprolactone-Gelatin nanofibers encapsulated with leaves extract and soaked with seed extracts exhibited a different capability in regard to counteracting microbial proliferation. Moreover, these nanodevices do not affect human cells and resident microflora viability. Results reveal that some of the tested nanofibers are interesting candidates for future vaginal infection treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century - Part II)
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23 pages, 8147 KiB  
Article
Anti-Adhesion and Antibiofilm Activity of Eruca sativa Miller Extract Targeting Cell Adhesion Proteins of Food-Borne Bacteria as a Potential Mechanism: Combined In Vitro-In Silico Approach
by Amir Mahgoub Awadelkareem, Eyad Al-Shammari, AbdElmoneim O. Elkhalifa, Mohd Adnan, Arif Jamal Siddiqui, Danish Mahmood, Z. R. Azaz Ahmad Azad, Mitesh Patel, Khalid Mehmood, Corina Danciu and Syed Amir Ashraf
Plants 2022, 11(5), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11050610 - 24 Feb 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2488
Abstract
Bacterial cells have the ability to form biofilm onto the surfaces of food matrixes and on food processing equipment, leading to a source of food contamination posing serious health implications. Therefore, our study aimed to determine the effect of Eruca sativa Miller (E. [...] Read more.
Bacterial cells have the ability to form biofilm onto the surfaces of food matrixes and on food processing equipment, leading to a source of food contamination posing serious health implications. Therefore, our study aimed to determine the effect of Eruca sativa Miller (E. sativa) crude extract against biofilms of food-borne bacteria along with in silico approaches to investigate adhesion proteins responsible for biofilm activity against the identified phytochemicals. The antibacterial potential of crude extract was evaluated using agar well diffusion technique and combinations of light and scanning electron microscopy to assess the efficacy of crude extract against the developed biofilms. Our results showed that crude extract of E. sativa was active against all tested food-borne bacteria, exhibiting a rapid kinetics of killing bacteria in a time-dependent manner. MIC and MBC values of E. sativa crude extract were found to be ranging from 125 to 500 µg/mL and 250 to 1000 µg/mL respectively. Furthermore, inhibition of developed biofilm by E sativa was found to be ranging from 58.68% to 73.45% for all the tested strains. The crude extract also reduced the viability of bacterial cells within biofilms and amount of EPS (ranging 59.73–82.77%) in the biofilm matrix. Additionally, the microscopic images also revealed significant disruption in the structure of biofilms. A molecular docking analysis of E. sativa phytochemicals showed interaction with active site of adhesion proteins Sortase A, EspA, OprD, and type IV b pilin of S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. enterica ser. typhi, respectively. Thus, our findings represent the first demonstration of E. sativa crude extract’s bioactivity and potency against food-borne bacteria in their planktonic forms, as well as against the developed biofilms. Therefore, a possible mechanistic approach for inhibition of biofilm via targeting adhesion proteins can be explored further to target biofilm producing food-borne bacterial pathogens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century - Part II)
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Review

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33 pages, 7626 KiB  
Review
Ferula sinkiangensis (Chou-AWei, Chinese Ferula): Traditional Uses, Phytoconstituents, Biosynthesis, and Pharmacological Activities
by Maan T. Khayat, Majed Alharbi, Kholoud F. Ghazawi, Gamal A. Mohamed and Sabrin R. M. Ibrahim
Plants 2023, 12(4), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12040902 - 16 Feb 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1947
Abstract
Ferula is the third largest genus of the Apiaceae family, its species are utilized as a remedy for diverse ailments all over the world. F. sinkiangensis K. M. Shen (Chou-AWei, Chinese Ferula) is mainly found in Xin-jiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Traditionally, [...] Read more.
Ferula is the third largest genus of the Apiaceae family, its species are utilized as a remedy for diverse ailments all over the world. F. sinkiangensis K. M. Shen (Chou-AWei, Chinese Ferula) is mainly found in Xin-jiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Traditionally, it is utilized for treating various illnesses such as digestive disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, wound infection, baldness, bronchitis, ovarian cysts, intestinal worms, diarrhea, malaria, abdominal mass, cold, measles, and bronchitis. It can produce different classes of metabolites such as sesquiterpene coumarins, steroidal esters, lignans, phenylpropanoids, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, coumarins, organic acid glycosides, and sulfur-containing compounds with prominent bioactivities. The objective of this work is to point out the reported data on F. sinkiangensis, including traditional uses, phytoconstituents, biosynthesis, and bioactivities. In the current work, 194 metabolites were reported from F. sinkiangensis in the period from 1987 to the end of 2022. Nevertheless, future work should be directed to conduct in vivo, mechanistic, and clinical assessments of this plant`s metabolites to confirm its safe usage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century - Part II)
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23 pages, 2653 KiB  
Review
Natural Active Ingredients and TRPV1 Modulation: Focus on Key Chemical Moieties Involved in Ligand–Target Interaction
by Corina Andrei, Anca Zanfirescu, George Mihai Nițulescu, Octavian Tudorel Olaru and Simona Negreș
Plants 2023, 12(2), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020339 - 11 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2570
Abstract
Diseases such as cancer, neurological pathologies and chronic pain represent currently unmet needs. The existing pharmacotherapeutic options available for treating these conditions are limited by lack of efficiency and/or side effects. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 ion channel emerged as an attractive therapeutic [...] Read more.
Diseases such as cancer, neurological pathologies and chronic pain represent currently unmet needs. The existing pharmacotherapeutic options available for treating these conditions are limited by lack of efficiency and/or side effects. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 ion channel emerged as an attractive therapeutic target for developing new analgesic, anti-cancer and antiepileptic agents. Furthermore, various natural ingredients were shown to have affinity for this receptor. The aim of this narrative review was to summarize the diverse natural scaffolds of TRPV1 modulators based on their agonistic/antagonistic properties and to analyze the structure–activity relationships between the ligands and molecular targets based on the results of the existing molecular docking, mutagenesis and in vitro studies. We present here an exhaustive collection of TRPV1 modulators grouped by relevant chemical features: vanilloids, guaiacols, phenols, alkylbenzenes, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenoids, alkaloids, etc. The information herein is useful for understanding the key structural elements mediating the interaction with TRPV1 and how their structural variation impacts the interaction between the ligand and receptor. We hope this data will contribute to the design of novel effective and safe TRPV1 modulators, to help overcome the lack of effective therapeutic agents against pathologies with high morbidity and mortality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century - Part II)
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25 pages, 1068 KiB  
Review
Current State of Knowledge Regarding WHO Critical Priority Pathogens: Mechanisms of Resistance and Proposed Solutions through Candidates Such as Essential Oils
by Bianca Badescu, Valentina Buda, Mirabela Romanescu, Adelina Lombrea, Corina Danciu, Olivia Dalleur, Angele Modupe Dohou, Victor Dumitrascu, Octavian Cretu, Monica Licker and Delia Muntean
Plants 2022, 11(14), 1789; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11141789 - 6 Jul 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3583
Abstract
The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens has become a global health threat and an economic burden in providing adequate and effective treatment for many infections. This large-scale concern has emerged mainly due to mishandling of antibiotics (ABs) and has resulted in the rapid [...] Read more.
The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens has become a global health threat and an economic burden in providing adequate and effective treatment for many infections. This large-scale concern has emerged mainly due to mishandling of antibiotics (ABs) and has resulted in the rapid expansion of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Nowadays, there is an urgent need for more potent, non-toxic and effective antimicrobial agents against MDR strains. In this regard, clinicians, pharmacists, microbiologists and the entire scientific community are encouraged to find alternative solutions in treating infectious diseases cause by these strains. In its “10 global issues to track in 2021”, the World Health Organization (WHO) has made fighting drug resistance a priority. It has also issued a list of bacteria that are in urgent need for new ABs. Despite all available resources, researchers are unable to keep the pace of finding novel ABs in the face of emerging MDR strains. Traditional methods are increasingly becoming ineffective, so new approaches need to be considered. In this regard, the general tendency of turning towards natural alternatives has reinforced the interest in essential oils (EOs) as potent antimicrobial agents. Our present article aims to first review the main pathogens classified by WHO as critical in terms of current AMR. The next objective is to summarize the most important and up-to-date aspects of resistance mechanisms to classical antibiotic therapy and to compare them with the latest findings regarding the efficacy of alternative essential oil therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds–Successful Solutions for the Medical Challenges of the 21st Century - Part II)
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