Search Results (27)

Product Shezi (PS) is a polyherbal African traditional medicine (ATM) formulated from six known South African medicinal plants and is used for treating cutaneous wounds. However, its ethnopharmacological properties have not been scientifically validated. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities of PS in vitro. Aqueous and methanolic extracts were prepared and qualitatively screened for phytochemical constituents. Cytotoxicity in fibroblasts and macrophages was assessed using an ATP-based viability assay. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and a hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress model. Anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages were measured using the Griess reagent system, a human prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) ELISA, and a bovine serum albumin (BSA) anti-denaturation assay. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by twofold serial broth microdilution, agar well diffusion, and a crystal violet biofilm assay. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids, and steroids. PS exhibited IC₁₀ values of 3 and 10 μg/mL in fibroblasts and macrophages, respectively. PS (1–5 μg/mL) showed 70% DPPH scavenging potential and potent H₂O₂ cytoprotection (p < 0.001). Nitric oxide inhibition was non-significant (p > 0.05) whilst PGE₂ decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to LPS-stimulated cells. BSA denaturation was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis were the only microorganisms susceptible to PS (MIC 650–5000 μg/mL) with low SI (SI ≈ 0.05–0.06), while others were resistant. PS showed no antibiofilm activity (crystal-violet assay). Overall, PS demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and selective antibacterial effects against planktonic bacteria in vitro. However, further optimization of extraction methods, detailed mechanistic studies, and in vivo investigations are warranted to substantiate therapeutic relevance. Full article

Background: Momordica balsamina L. is widely used in traditional medicine for the management of diabetes in South Africa and globally. This study evaluated the in vitro antidiabetic and cytotoxic effects of M. balsamina leaf extracts and identified bioactive compounds potentially responsible for its activity. Methods: Leaves were sequentially extracted using solvents of increasing polarity. Phytochemical composition was determined using standard colorimetric assays, while gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was employed for compound identification. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using dot blot, DPPH radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and ferric reducing power assays. Antidiabetic potential was assessed using α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and β-glucosidase inhibitory assays, with acarbose as the reference drug. Cytotoxicity was determined by using the MTT assay on Vero and HEK-293 cell lines. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides, and steroids. GC–MS analysis identified compounds associated with antidiabetic activity, including vanillin, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, oleic acid, phytol, and hexadecenoic acid. All extracts exhibited antioxidant activity, with the ethyl acetate extract showing the strongest effect. Enzyme inhibition was concentration dependent. The dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts showed stronger α-amylase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 0.149 and 0.146 mg/mL) than acarbose (0.209 mg/mL). For α-glucosidase, acarbose showed the highest activity, while extracts displayed moderate inhibition. In β-glucosidase assays, both extracts were more active than acarbose. Both extracts were non-cytotoxic up to 500 µg/mL. Conclusions: These findings support the traditional use of M. balsamina and highlight its potential as a safe source of antidiabetic agents, warranting further investigation. Full article

Inflammation is the body’s natural immune response to invasion by foreign pathogens and is closely linked to many diseases. Chronic inflammation, if not properly controlled, can pose serious health risks and even threaten life. Currently, the main anti-inflammatory drugs are classified into steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but both have significant side effects that limit their clinical applications. α-Hederin, a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin, is derived from various plants, including Pulsatilla chinensis, Hedera helix, and Nigella sativa. It has been reported that α-hederin can be used to treat both acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. However, it has poor water solubility and low bioavailability. This study shows that α-hederin can directly self-assemble into a hydrogel through hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces, called He-Gel. The mechanical properties of He-Gel were further characterized using rheological and microrheological methods. Its self-assembly mechanism was comprehensively elucidated through a combination of spectroscopic analyses and computational chemistry. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that He-Gel exhibits lower cytotoxicity and more excellent anti-inflammatory activity compared to free α-hederin. In conclusion, this research provides a solution for the further development of α-hederin. Unlike conventional approaches that rely on polymers as drug carriers, this preparation method is both green and economical. More importantly, it highlights that direct self-assembly of natural small molecules represents a promising strategy for anti-inflammatory therapy. Full article

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a prevalent chronic hepatic disorder worldwide, with its incidence continuing to rise in recent years. At the core of its pathological progression lie multiple interconnected mechanisms, including dysregulated lipid metabolism (e.g., abnormal accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes), impaired insulin sensitivity (which exacerbates hepatic lipid deposition), excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to oxidative stress, and sustained low-grade chronic inflammation that further amplifies liver tissue damage. Saponins have emerged as a crucial research direction for NAFLD intervention due to their advantage of multi-target regulation. This review synthesizes the mode of action of commonly studied saponins, including triterpenoid saponins and steroidal saponins: they regulate lipid metabolism by inhibiting fatty acid synthesis; modulate the gut microbiota; scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS); alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress; exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting inflammasomes; and simultaneously regulate autophagy, restrain the activation of hepatic stellate cells, and modulate the gut microbiota, thereby achieving anti-apoptotic and anti-hepatic fibrosis effects. In conclusion, saponins can synergistically intervene in NAFLD through multiple mechanisms with good safety, while low bioavailability constitutes the main bottleneck for their clinical translation. In the future, it is necessary to further optimize formulation processes to improve absorption efficiency and conduct high-quality clinical studies to verify their long-term efficacy and drug–drug interactions, thus providing a new possible direction for NAFLD treatment. Full article

A gradual surge in the population on Earth has increased the demand for food. Various synthetic materials have been used for food packaging for a long time. These materials are contaminating our environment and disrupting human life and that of other species. This study was conducted to minimize the impact of the pollution caused by using plastics for conventional packaging. A green approach to synthesizing packaging material that prevents food contamination with improved mechanical properties was adopted. Firstly, extracts were obtained from grapes and tomatoes and dissolved into four different solvents, i.e., de-ionized water, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane. Three different extract solutions were made in de-ionized water, varying the fraction of the extract and de-ionized water. The extracts were then tested for the presence of various phytochemicals. The solutions were then combined with cyclodextrin, starch, alginate, and polyvinyl alcohol, all of which are biodegradable, non-cytotoxic, and pocket-friendly. Calcium chloride was also added because it acts as a firming agent and a desiccant. This resulted in the formation of a total of six membranes with four different solvents. These membranes had varying degrees of biodegradability and antibacterial properties. Various phytochemicals, such as saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, carotenoids, tannins, phenols, and steroids, were found in the fruit extracts. These phytochemicals act as anti-microbial and anti-fungal agents. Out of the six different membranes that were synthesized, the membrane with a 7:3 composition of crude extract to de-ionized water showed the best results for use as a packaging material, as it showed the best antibacterial properties and good reported biodegradability. The FTIR results for this membrane showed bands at around 3500 cm⁻¹, indicating the presence of -OH and -NH functionality since these bands overlap and cannot be distinguished at this position. The shoulder band indicates the presence of carboxylic acid -OH. Integrating biopolymers with fruit extracts enhances the nutritional value of food and provides an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to packaging material synthesis. The synthesized membranes are cost-effective as they contain fruit extracts from grapes and tomatoes; starch; and cyclodextrin. The extracts obtained from the fruits were inexpensive, as 300 mL of extract cost around 300 Rs. The synthesized membranes had functional advantages such as biodegradability and providing an enhanced shelf life to food products. Hence, they reduce the losses caused by food spoilage. Another driver of their cost effectiveness is that they can reduce waste disposal costs on the one hand and environmental pollution on the other hand. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD) or eczema is an important inflammatory chronic skin disease that brings many complications in its management and treatment. Although several chemical agents are used for treatment, the search for better anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents of plant origin has been ongoing, since natural compounds, it is commonly believed, are less dangerous than synthetic ones. Therefore, the present study explored a medicinal plant—Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.—for its anti-inflammatory activity alone and in combination with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac. The plant extract was used to make a cream formulation for treating atopic dermatitis and as an antibacterial agent against Staphylococcus aures, the major infectious agent associated with AD. The phytochemical analysis of the E. prostrata extract showed the presence of various phytochemicals, including flavonoids, Tannin, saponin, terpenoids, glycosides, phenol, alkaloids, quinone, and protein. The GC-MS profiling of methanolic E. prostrata extract was performed predicted the presence of twenty important phytochemicals, including 2-[5-(2-Hydroxypropyl) oxolan-2-yl]propanoic acid, dl-Menthol, dodecane, undecane, 4,7-dimethyl-, dodecane, 2,6,10-trimethyl-, decane, 2,3,5,8-tetramethyl-, cholest-5-en-3-ol, (3.alpha.)-, TMS derivative, cyclopropane carboxylic acid, 1-hydroxy-, (2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenyl) ester, alpha.-farnesene, propanoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-ethyl-1-propyl-1,3-propanediyl ester, diethyl phthalate, corticosterone, 2-methylpropionate, hentriacontan-13-ol, O-TMS, phthalic acid, 2,4-dimethylpent-3-yl dodecyl ester, hexasiloxane, 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7,9,9,11,11-dodecamethyl-, acetic acid, 4-t-butyl-4-hydroxy-1,5-dimethyl-hex-2-ynyl ester, octadecane, 2-methyl- octacosane, 1-iodo-, nonacosane, and eicosyl isopropyl ether. Using an egg albumin denaturation inhibition assay, the anti-inflammatory activities of E. prostrata alone and in combination with diclofenac were investigated, and they showed 93% and 99% denaturation inhibition at 5 mg concentration of E. prostrata in alone and combination with diclofenac, respectively. Heat-induced haemolysis showed 2.5% and 2.4% of haemolysis at 5 mg of E. prostrata alone and in combination with diclofenac, respectively. An MTT assay performed using L₉₂₉ cells proved that the extract has no cytotoxic effect. The plant extract displayed potential antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus; the growth was inhibited at 1 mg/mL of E. prostrata extract. Thus, based on this evidence, the authors suggest that E. prostrata extract should be studied further for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities and topical application in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Full article

Since ancient times, various scientists and doctors have utilized different herbs to heal diseases. Due to the rise in drug resistance and the negative effects of chemosynthetic drugs, researchers and the general public around the world have become more interested in medicinal herbs and plant metabolites/extracts. This is due to its non-toxicity and its several health benefits when used to treat diseases in clinical and medical settings. Ocimum basilicum is one such plant, possessing a wide range of bioactive phytochemicals including alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides, steroids and glycosides, as well as complex pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, wound healing and antiviral properties. The results of many studies on Ocimum basilicum plant extracts are collected and presented in this review. The plant extracts have excellent potential to be used as medicinal raw materials, and exhibit an extensive variety of therapeutic capacities, including antibacterial, antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Full article

Sapogenins are the non-sugar parts of saponins (aglycones), high-molecular-weight glycosides linked to one or more sugar side chains. This group of compounds presents many properties, e.g., the potent properties of reducing surface tension and foaming properties, as evidenced by the amphipathic nature of these substances. They are used in the cosmetics industry, the washing and detergent industry, and the food industry. In addition, they have many healing properties. They lower blood cholesterol but are also used to synthesize steroid drugs or hormones. As reported in the literature, saponins also show antitumor activity, leading to cell cycle inhibition and apoptosis of various neoplastic cells. In this study, the influence of two sapogenins: asiatic acid (AA) and oleanolic acid (OA), on the properties of monolayers made of phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) was investigated. The method used in these studies was the Langmuir method with Brewster angle microscopy. The interactions between the tested compounds in mixed monolayers were described. Using mathematical equations, we established that oleanolic acid and asiatic acid formed complexes with DPPC at 1:1 ratios, characterized by high stability constants. We derived the parameters characterizing the formed complexes and described the phase transitions that occur during the formation of pure and mixed monolayers. Full article

Dioscorea spp. belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family, known as “yams”, and contains approximately 600 species with a wide distribution. It is a major food source for millions of people in tropical and subtropical regions. Dioscorea has great medicinal and therapeutic capabilities and is a potential source of bioactive substances for the prevention and treatment of many diseases. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the phytochemicals of Dioscorea, such as steroidal saponins, polyphenols, allantoin, and, in particular, polysaccharides and diosgenin. These bioactive compounds possess anti-inflammatory activity and are protective against a variety of inflammatory diseases, such as enteritis, arthritis, dermatitis, acute pancreatitis, and neuroinflammation. In addition, they play an important role in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases, including obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Their mechanisms of action are related to the modulation of a number of key signaling pathways and molecular targets. This review mainly summarizes recent studies on the bioactive compounds of Dioscorea and its treatment of inflammatory and metabolic diseases, and highlights the underlying molecular mechanisms. In conclusion, Dioscorea is a promising source of bioactive components and has the potential to develop novel natural bioactive compounds for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Full article

Saponins are one of the broadest classes of high-molecular-weight natural compounds, consisting mainly of a non-polar moiety with 27 to 30 carbons and a polar moiety containing sugars attached to the sapogenin structure. Saponins are found in more than 100 plant families as well as found in marine organisms. Saponins have several therapeutic effects, including their administration in the treatment of various cancers. These compounds also reveal noteworthy anti-angiogenesis effects as one of the critical strategies for inhibiting cancer growth and metastasis. In this study, a comprehensive review is performed on electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest. Accordingly, the structural characteristics of triterpenoid/steroid saponins and their anti-cancer effects were highlighted, focusing on their anti-angiogenic effects and related mechanisms. Consequently, the anti-angiogenic effects of saponins, inhibiting the expression of genes related to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF-1α) are two main anti-angiogenic mechanisms of triterpenoid and steroidal saponins. The inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways that stimulate angiogenesis, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), and phosphoinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), are other anti-angiogenic mechanisms of saponins. Furthermore, the anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer activity of saponins was closely related to the binding site of the sugar moiety, the type and number of their monosaccharide units, as well as the presence of some functional groups in their aglycone structure. Therefore, saponins are suitable candidates for cancer treatment by inhibiting angiogenesis, for which extensive pre-clinical and comprehensive clinical trial studies are recommended. Full article

In this study, the interplay among the phospholipid 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) as a model membrane, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen, and the saponin $\beta$-aescin are investigated. The naproxen amount was fixed to 10 mol%, and the saponin amount varies from 0.0 to 1.0 mol%. Both substances are common ingredients in pharmaceutics; therefore, it is important to obtain deeper knowledge of their impact on lipid membranes. The size and properties of the DMPC model membrane upon naproxen and aescin addition were characterized with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS, WAXS), and photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) in a temperature-dependent study. The interaction of all substances was dependent on the lipid phase state, which itself depends on the lipid’s main phase transition temperature $T_{\mathrm{m}}$. The incorporation of naproxen and aescin distorted the lipid membrane structure and lowers $T_{\mathrm{m}}$. Below $T_{\mathrm{m}}$, the DMPC–naproxen–aescin mixtures showed a vesicle structure, and the insertion of naproxen and aescin influenced neither the lipid chain–chain correlation distance nor the membrane thickness. Above $T_{\mathrm{m}}$, the insertion of both molecules instead induced the formation of correlated bilayers and a decrease in the chain–chain correlation distance. The presented data clearly confirm the interaction of naproxen and aescin with DMPC model membranes. Moreover, the incorporation of both additives into the model membranes is evidenced. Full article

Sida linifolia L., a common weed found in dry forest areas in West Africa and other parts of the world, is associated with several folkloric applications in Africa, including its use in assuaging painful whitlows and in malaria management; however, limited or no scientific studies have validated its bioactivities. Herein, we investigated the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ethanolic (ELFSL) and ethyl acetate (EALFSL) fractions of Sida linifolia leaves. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by edema induction with an intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared carrageenan (0.1 mL of 0.01 g/mL) and 0.1 mL of undiluted fresh egg albumin into the mouse’s hind paw; additionally, hind paw licking, and writhing were induced in mice using formalin (i.p.) (0.02 mL of 1% v/v) and 0.6% (v/v) (10 mL/kg bw) (i.p.) acetic acid, respectively, to assay for anti-nociceptive potentials. Varying amounts of flavonoids, tannins, and other phenols, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, and alkaloids were detected in the fractions. The LD₅₀ study showed no toxicity up to 5000 mg/kg body weight (per oral) EALFSL and ELFSL. Interestingly, oral administration of various concentrations (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg bw) of the fractions significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited all phases of edemogenesis, mice’s hind licking, and writhing compared with controls, and were comparable with 100 mg/kg bw (p.o.) aspirin. However, ELFSL showed non-significantly (p > 0.05) better anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities than EAFSL. This suggests that leaf fractions of Sida linifolia possess anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive potentials, possibly mediated by peripheral and central mechanisms. Full article

The genus Malachra L. belongs to the family Malvaceae. It includes herbs or subshrubs of nine accepted species with approximately thirty synonyms, and it has been widely used in community folk medicine to treat health problems including inflammation, nasal obstruction, leishmaniasis, malaria, childbirth, kidney disorders, fever, respiratory tract diseases, among others. From the genus Malachra L., flavonoids, steroids, triterpenes, anthocyanins, leucoanthocyanins, saponins, carbohydrates, phenols, glycosides, and alkaloids have been isolated and identified. Some pharmacological reports have indicated that the genus has antidiarrheal, antiepileptic, antiulcerogenic, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, antiviral, anticancer, antibacterial, anthelmintic, and hepatoprotective properties. However, there have been limited studies of bioactive molecules with pharmacological and biological activities associated with Malachra alceifolia Jacq., Malachra capitata (L.) L., Malachra fasciata Jacq., Malachra radiata (L.) L., Malachra ruderalis Gürke., Malachra rudis Benth., Malachra helodes Mart., Malachra urens Poit. ex Ledeb. & Alderstam., and Malachra officinalis Klotzsch. In this review, we consider the conservation of these species to save the ancestral knowledge of their traditional use in populations, and their pharmacological potential for future studies in search of alternatives for solutions to diseases in humans and animals and tools for the design and search of potential bioactive compounds against infectious and non-infectious agents. Full article

Saponins are triterpenoid or steroidal glycosides and are an important group of naturally occurring compounds of plant origin. They exhibit diverse pharmacological potentials including radical scavenging, as well as neuroprotective, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities, owing to their diverse chemical scaffolds. Saponins consist of an aglycone part (non-sugar) and a glycone part (sugar) and have at least one glycosidic (C–O sugar bond) linkage present between the glycone and aglycone mostly at C-3. On the basis of the aglycone part, saponins are classified into triterpenoid glycosides, steroid glycosides and alkaloid glycosides. Saponins exhibit neuroprotective activities against various disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Huntington’s disease (HD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). They mediate their therapeutic effects by modulation of various pathological targets. This study highlights various neuroprotective mechanisms of saponins including free radical scavenging, modulation of neuroprotective signaling pathways, activation of neurotrophic factors, modulation of neurotransmitters, inhibition of BACE1 enzyme and tau hyper-phosphorylation. The study concludes that saponins have considerable efficacy against various pathological targets of neurological disorders, especially AD, and might be an important source of leads against neurodegenerative disorders. Full article

Plant extracts have been used over time in traditional medicine, mainly for their antimicrobial activity as well as for their medicinal effects. Plant-derived products contain secondary metabolites that prevent pathogenic microbial growth similar to conventional medicines. These secondary metabolites can enhance animal health and production in a more natural or organic manner and may contribute to the reduction in the use of pharmacological drugs in animal feed, which is of great concern for emerging microbial resistance. Plant secondary metabolites can be cost effective, while improving the production efficiency of ruminants, non-ruminants, and aquatic food animals. Among the plant-derived products is the Yucca schidigera extract (YSE), containing steroidal saponins as their main active component. YSE has multiple biological effects, including inhibition of some pathogenic bacteria, protozoa, and nematodes. YSE is used to control odor and ammonia and consistently enhance poultry production by enhancing intestinal health and function. In pigs, results are as yet inconclusive. In ruminants, YSE works against protozoa, has selective action against bacteria, and reduces the archaea populations; all these effects are reflected in the reduction in emissions of polluting gases, mainly methane, although the effects are not observed in all feeding conditions. These effects of YSE are discussed in this review. YSE has potential as a natural feed additive for sustainable animal production while contributing to the mitigation of contaminant gas emissions. Full article