Search Results (5)

Background/Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by persistent synovitis and joint destruction. While conventional pharmacotherapies, such as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, are effective, they are often limited by significant adverse effects and high costs. Moringa, a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, has emerged as a potential functional food adjunct for managing this condition. This scoping review systematically maps the evidence regarding the efficacy of moringa supplementation in alleviating the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed using a standardised search string to identify original articles investigating the effects of moringa on models of or patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Results: A total of 19 eligible studies, comprising in vitro models, preclinical animal studies, and human clinical trials, were included. Phytochemical profiling revealed the presence of potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant constituents, including flavonoids and isothiocyanates, in various plant parts. Preclinical findings demonstrated that moringa extracts significantly inhibited paw oedema, pannus formation, and cartilage erosion by downregulating proinflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6) and suppressing nuclear factor kappa B signalling. Clinical trials corroborated these benefits, showing that moringa leaf extracts were associated with reduced disease activity scores and systemic inflammatory markers in patients. Additionally, moringa supplementation alleviated depression associated with rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting a dual therapeutic impact. Conclusions: The current evidence supports moringa as a promising functional food adjunct, though further standardised trials are warranted to establish optimal dosing and clinical guidelines. Full article

Polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) comprise a large group of compounds of mostly plant origin. The best-known compound is hyperforin from St. John’s wort with its antidepressant, antitumor and antimicrobial properties. The chemical synthesis of PPAP variants allows the generation of compounds with improved activity and compatibility. Here, we studied the antimicrobial activity of two synthetic PPAP-derivatives, the water-insoluble PPAP23 and the water-soluble sodium salt PPAP53. In vitro, both compounds exhibited good activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. Both compounds had no adverse effects on Galleria mellonella wax moth larvae. However, they were unable to protect the larvae from infection with S. aureus because components of the larval coelom neutralized the antimicrobial activity; a similar effect was also seen with serum albumin. In silico docking studies with PPAP53 revealed that it binds to the F1 pocket of human serum albumin with a binding energy of −7.5 kcal/mol. In an infection model of septic arthritis, PPAP23 decreased the formation of abscesses and S. aureus load in kidneys; in a mouse skin abscess model, topical treatment with PPAP53 reduced S. aureus counts. Both PPAPs were active against anaerobic Gram-positive gut bacteria such as neurotransmitter-producing Clostridium, Enterococcus or Ruminococcus species. Based on these results, we foresee possible applications in the decolonization of pathogens. Full article

Glycosaminoglycans are carbohydrate-based compounds widely employed as nutraceuticals or prescribed drugs. Oral formulations of chondroitin sulfate combined with glucosamine sulfate have been increasingly used to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis and osteoarthrosis. The chondroitin sulfate of these combinations can be obtained from shark or bovine cartilages and hence presents differences regarding the proportions of 4- and 6-sulfated N-acetyl β-d-galactosamine units. Herein, we proposed a systematic protocol to assess pharmaceutical batches of this combination drug. Chemical analyses on the amounts of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine in the batches were in accordance with those declared by the manufacturers. Anion-exchange chromatography has proven more effective than electrophoresis to determine the type of chondroitin sulfate present in the combinations and to detect the presence of keratan sulfate, a common contaminant found in batches prepared with shark chondroitin sulfate. 1D NMR spectra revealed the presence of non-sulfated instead of sulfated glucosamine in the formulations and thus in disagreement with the claims declared on the label. Moreover, 1D and 2D NMR analyses allowed a precise determination on the chemical structures of the chondroitin sulfate present in the formulations. The set of analytical tools suggested here could be useful as guidelines to improve the quality of this medication. Full article