JOURNAL OF HERBMED PHARMACOLOGY
Year:2022 | Volume:11 | Issue:1|Papers Count:18

As a diagnostic and therapeutic technique for coronary artery disease, angiography is usually associated with some disorders and complications such as fear, pain, discomfort, limited mobility, and anxiety. The present study is a systematic review determining the effects of aromatherapy with different plants in patients undergoing angiography. This review was conducted according to the 06-PRISMA guideline and registered in the CAMARADES-NC3Rs Preclinical Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Facility (SyRF) database. The English databases were Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, and ScienceDirect to search articles regarding the effects of aromatherapy with different plants in patients experiencing angiography without a date limitation. The searched keywords in this study were “ aromatherapy” , “ angiography” , “ coronary artery disease” , “ anxiety” , “ stress” , and “ cardiovascular diseases” . Out of 1835 papers, 20 papers up to 2021, met the inclusion criteria for discussion in this systematic review with the data extracted. Most studies were intended to evaluate the effect of aromatherapy on patients’ anxiety with coronary artery bypass graft surgery (11 papers, 55. 0%). The most widely used essential oil belonged to the lavender essential oil (13 papers, 65. 0%). The results of the current review confirmed that aromatherapy management with lavender, damask rose, orange, and peppermint is able to significantly decrease anxiety, pain, nausea and vomiting, sleep quality, hemodynamic indices, blood pressure, etc. in patients with coronary angiography. However, more investigation is required to confirm the precise mechanisms and side effects of the alternative treatment.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L. ), a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae, has promising anticancer activity. This overview has updated the current knowledge on the chemistry and anticancer properties of rosemary extract, carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmanol, focusing on colon and prostate cancer cells since they are the most susceptible. The information was procured from Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct, J-Stage, and PubChem. Phenolic compounds isolated from the aerial parts of R. officinalis are flavonoids, phenolic acids, diterpenes, triterpenes, terpenoids, and phenylpropanoids. Some of the compounds are new to science, to the genus, and to the species. Almost 30 compounds possess anticancer properties. Rosemary extracts contain abietane diterpenes, with carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmanol being the most common. Their molecular structures are similar to three fused aromatic rings. Carnosic acid has a – COOH group at C20, carnosol has a lactone ring occurs across the B ring, and rosmanol has a – OH group at C7. Against colon and prostate cancer cells, the rosemary extract and diterpenes inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. The inhibition of cell migration and adhesion has also been reported. The rosemary extract and diterpenes also inhibited colon and prostate cancer xenograft in mice. Rosemary extract is more cytotoxic than the diterpenes due to its polyphenols such as flavonoids and triterpenes. In vitro and in vivo cytotoxic activities involve different molecular targets and signalling pathways. Some prospects and areas for future research are suggested.

The surge in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has put the scientific community on overdrive to come up with a cure and/or possible vaccine to curtail the menace this virus has caused. Considering the morbidity rate from the Coronavirus and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for healthy living, this review examined and documented the possible options of plant-based immune boosters for attaining wellness and protect against infections caused by viruses. This review documented 106 plants consumed largely in Africa as food or medicine after assessing over 172 articles from notable search engines. These plants were reported for antiviral activities and immune boosters for attaining wellness and immunomodulation, a key protective feature against infections caused by viruses. The documented plants contain several immune-modulating compounds like vitamins, flavonoids, phenols, macro, and micronutrients, which might be the possible reason for the current leverage on the mortality rate associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in the African continent. The study, therefore, concluded that medicinal/food plants are able to enhance healthy living and medicinal plants are a significant source of phytomedicinal content for the management of viral-induced diseases such as COVID-19.

Physalis peruviana L. is among plant species possessing evident nutritional, nutraceutical, and commercial interests. This review highlights the complexity of the chemical composition supporting the multiple pharmacotherapeutic indications and dietary values of this plant through evidence-based studies from Google Scholar, PubMed/Medline, SciFinder, Science Direct, Scopus, the Wiley online library, and Web of Science. The literature mentions at least 40 compounds isolated from different parts; others are still under investigation. High yields in carotenoids, amino acids, minerals, vitamin C, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids have healthy nutritional benefits. Various phytoconstituents, particularly withanolides, exhibit anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic potentials, as well as cardiovascular and liver protective effects. Prospective studies reveal that the leaves would also provide various beneficial bioactive chemicals worth being isolated. However, clinical evidence-based studies are seldom. Therefore, adequate pharmaceutical formulations and more in-depth controlled clinical trials are needed to fill the gap.

Introduction: Perilla frutescens (L. ) Britt leaves contain various phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, which potentially inhibit tyrosinase, the key enzyme catalyzing the melanin synthesis pathway. This work aimed to investigate the anti-melanogenic effect of Perilla frutescens extracts through the inhibition of non-cellular as well as cellular tyrosinase activities. Methods: The total extract from Perilla frutescens leaves was obtained by percolation method with 50% ethanol followed by liquid– liquid partition with ethyl acetate (EA) and chloroform (CF) to obtain the EA, CF and EA/CF extracts. The mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory effect of the obtained extracts was screened by dopachrome formation reactions from its substrate 3, 4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine. The extracts with potential activity were further evaluated for the anti-melanogenic effects in the B16F10 melanoma cell line. Results: EA and EA/CF extracts significantly inhibited mushroom tyrosinase activity with the IC50s of 0. 14 and 0. 07 mg/mL, respectively, in the same range of that from kojic acid (0. 12 mg/mL). Consistently, in B16F10 cells, these extracts inhibited tyrosinase enzyme; their IC50 values were 2 times lower than that of kojic acid. Moreover, both EA and EA/CF extracts remarkably reduced melanin levels in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion: The EA and EA/CF extracts from Perilla frutescens leaves were able to inhibit melanogenesis by reducing tyrosinase activity.

Introduction: As single extracts, Coccinia grandis and Blumea balsamifera have been known to have potent antioxidant activities. However, the synergistic antioxidant effect of the combination of these plant extracts was unknown. In this study, the combination of C. grandis and B. balsamifera extracts was investigated for its antioxidant and synergistic properties. Methods: Separately, C. grandis and B. balsamifera leaves were extracted with ethanol. After evaporation, the thick extracts were assayed for their total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The antioxidant properties of single and combined extracts were measured using the molybdenum(VI) reducing power, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2, 2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) methods. The possible synergism effect was evaluated using the checkerboard method and the combination index values were also calculated. Results: The TPC and TFC of the B. balsamifera extracts were much greater than that of C. grandis extract. In the molybdenum(VI) reducing power and FRAP assay, the reducing power of the extract combination increased as B. balsamifera extract concentration increased (P < 0. 05). In the ABTS+ and DPPH radical scavenging assays, B. balsamifera extract demonstrated a higher antioxidant activity than C. grandis extract (P < 0. 05). When combined, increasing the concentration of B. balsamifera caused an increase in the radical scavenging activity (P < 0. 05). Synergism was observed in the combination of the extracts with low concentration ratios. Conclusion: In this study, we showed that the combination of C. grandis and B. balsamifera leaf extracts possessed synergistic antioxidant properties.

Introduction: Parkinson’ s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with a prevalence of 1% in the elderly worldwide. The aim of the research is to study the interrelationship of iron status, the immune system including inflammatory cytokines, brain divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), and dopamine receptors D1 (DRD1) in a PD rat model. The potential protective effects of grape seed and green coffee bean ethanol extracts and quercetin were also studied. Methods: Phenolic and flavonoid contents of grape seed and green coffee bean and in vitro free radicals scavenging activities of the extracts and quercetin were determined. Male rats were divided into five groups. Group 1 served as normal control (NC), group 2 represented Parkinsonian control (PC). Groups 3, 4, and 5 were the test groups treated by daily oral green coffee bean, grape seed extracts, and quercetin, respectively. PD was induced by rotenone in groups 2 to 5. Brain oxidative stress, DMT1 and DRD1 expressions, and histopathology were assessed. Parameters of the immune system, represented by plasma interferon-gamma (IFNγ ) and CD4, and brain tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α ) along with iron status were also determined. Results: Phenolic and flavonoid contents of green coffee bean were high compared to grape seed (P < 0. 05). Quercetin experienced the highest in-vitro free radicals scavenging activities. Iron deficiency anemia, together with elevated IFNγ , TNF-α , DMT1 expressions, and brain malondialdehyde (MDA), were demonstrated in PC compared to NC (P < 0. 05). Also, reduction in CD4 and brain reduced-glutathione (GSH) (P < 0. 05) were noticed in PC with brain histopathological alterations. Different treatments showed variable improvements in the majority of parameters (P < 0. 05) and brain histopathology. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia might result from cytokine elevation in PD. Reduced DRD1 and altered immune system including cytokines together with increased brain DMT1 might induce neurodegeneration in PD. Different treatments showed variable neuroprotective effects through modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, immune system, iron status, DMT1, and DRD1.

Introduction: Antioxidants of natural sources for the treatment of many ailments have taken priority since the last decades. Recently, researches have been focused on marine algae as they are the largest reservoir of bioactive compounds. Hence, the objective of this study was to explore the in-vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Sargassum wightii. Methods: The total phenolics, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid (AA) contents were evaluated in forms of gallic acid equivalent (GAE), rutin equivalent (RUE), and AA equivalent, respectively. The aqueous and methanolic extracts were isolated. The antioxidant activities were explored using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), hydroxyl radical scavenging, and ferric reducing power assays. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was assayed using nitric oxide radical scavenging, inhibition of protein denaturation, and antiproteinase activities. Results: We observed significant changes in DPPH scavenging activity with both methanolic Sargassum extract (MSE) and aqueous Sargassum extract (ASE) [IC50: 511. 15 μ g/mL and 927. 05 μ g/mL, respectively]. Methanolic extract showed a greater SOD scavenging activity [IC50: 369. 56 μ g/mL] and hydroxyl radical scavenging potential [IC50: 668. 93 μ g/mL] than that of ASE [SOD, IC50: 923. 94 μ g/mL; hydroxyl ion, IC50: 953. 57 μ g/mL]. In the Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, MSE and ASE exhibited absorbance of 0. 93 ± 0. 12 and 0. 59 ± 0. 08, respectively, at 1200 μ g/mL each. Both methanol and ASEs showed NO– scavenging activity having IC50 in order, AA (96. 46 μ g/mL)

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases are a cluster of metabolic diseases, which include type-2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The aim of the current research was to incorporate dietary fibers (mucilage) and phytosterol for enriching chia seeds oil for producing new dietary supplements for cardio-protection from oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia. Methods: Fatty acids profile, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds content of the prepared dietary supplement were assessed. The cardioprotective potency of the dietary supplement was evaluated in rats fed on a high-fat diet for a month. Biochemical parameters related to inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid profile, cardiac enzymes, and kidney function were determined in all rats. Results: The results revealed that dietary supplement was rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Beta-sitosterol and campesterol were the major phytosterols in chia seeds oil dietary supplement. Phenolic compounds were present by 25. 9 ± 1. 202 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dietary supplements. Rats fed on the high-fat diet showed significant elevation (P < 0. 05) in inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and cardiac enzymes in association with the elevation of kidney function compared with normal rats. Administration of both doses of dietary supplement significantly (P < 0. 05) improved all the studied biochemical parameters. The high dose of the dietary supplement was promising in the reduction of inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and improved dyslipidemia in accordance with the reduction of all cardiac enzymes and kidney function. Conclusion: Dietary supplements investigated in the current research showed cardioprotective potency through its anti-inflammatory and dyslipidemic activities, which may be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds, omega-3 fatty acids, phytosterols, and soluble dietary fibers.

Introduction: High expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) has been linked to multidrug resistance (MDR) and chemotherapeutic failure. Previously, we demonstrated that rhinacanthin-C, a naphthoquinone from Rhinacanthus nasutus, was able to enhance the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin against breast cancer MCF-7 cells via direct P-gp inhibition. In this study, we looked at its effect on P-gp downregulation and the mechanism involved in the resistance of MCF-7 cells to doxorubicin. Methods: Doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7 (MCF-7/DOX) cells were exposed to rhinacanthin-C for 24-48 hours prior to the assessment of their chemosensitivity via MTT assay, P-gp activity via calcein-AM uptake assay, P-gp expression, and signaling via qRT-PCR and western blot analyses. Results: Pretreatment with 1 μ M of rhinacanthin-C for 48 hours significantly enhanced cytotoxicity of doxorubicin, as well as camptothecin and etoposide, to MCF-7/DOX cells. In the rhinacanthin-C-treated cells, reduction of MDR1 mRNA and P-gp levels and increased intracellular calcein were observed. Moreover, phosphorylation of Akt, NF-ᴋ B and Iκ B-α , along with YB-1 expression, significantly decreased after 24-hour treatment with rhinacanthin-C. In contrast, the naphthoquinone had no effect on expression levels of ERK1/2 and phosphorylated ERK1/2 under similar conditions. Conclusion: Rhinacanthin-C, at a non-cytotoxic concentration (1 μ M), could downregulate P-gp expression in MCF-7/DOX cells via the inhibition of the Akt/NF-ᴋ B signaling pathway and YB-1 expression. Long-term exposure to this natural naphthoquinone may increase chemosensitivity of cancer cells with MDR phenotype.

Introduction: Echinacea purpurea is a flowering plant commonly used as an herbal medicine despite insufficient scientific bases to validate its usage. The present study aimed to examine in vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective effects of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of E. purpurea flowers. Methods: In vitro protection against hepato-cytotoxicity was carried out on human HepG-2 cells using colorimetric tetrazolium (MTT) assay, while the in vivo hepatoprotective activity was studied against carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4) induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats. Results: The results revealed that the extracts of E. purpurea induced discernable in vitro protection on HepG-2 cells and in vivo against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. Both extracts were significantly able to restore the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, total protein, and albumin to normal levels compared to the CCl4 intoxicated group. In addition, the extracts markedly mitigated the oxidative stress by decreasing Malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) markers compared to the CCl4 intoxicated group. It was also associated with the down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in liver tissues. Histopathological examination revealed a decrease in hepatocytes’ degenerative changes and noticeable improvement of the liver damage by extracts of E. purpurea. Conclusion: These findings have proven that aqueous and alcoholic extracts of E. purpurea flowers have a significant hepatoprotective effect, probably owing to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities, and regulating apoptotic-related genes. This confirms the ethnomedicinal uses of E. purpurea in patients suffering from liver diseases.

Introduction: Albuca amoena is a Moroccan-Algerian endemic medicinal plant with various implications. The aim of this study is to identify phytochemical compounds of the plant, check its acute toxicity, and test its anti-depressive, anxiolytic, and analgesic effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Methods: The estimation of chemical compounds was carried out according to coloring and precipitation reactions. The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines 423 and 402 made it possible to verify the acute toxicity of the plant orally and dermally. The sedative activity was performed according to 4 tests: rotarod, hole-board, traction, and chimney tests. The anti-depressive, anxiolytic, and analgesic effects were evaluated by forced swimming, light/dark, and writhing tests, respectively. Results: The phytochemical analysis showed that A. amoena contained a mixture of phytochemical compounds like terpenes, alkaloids, and polyphenols. According to the acute toxicity tests, the lethal dose of 50% (LD50) of A. amoena hydroalcoholic extract was between 300 and 2000 mg/kg orally and higher than 2000 mg/kg dermally. Moreover, the result of the behaviour tests of sedative and analgesic activities revealed that A. amoena hydroalcoholic extract exerted positive effects on the CNS. Conclusion: These results show the anti-depressive, anxiolytic, and analgesic effects of the bioactive substances present in A. amoena on the CNS and provide access to further investigations to highlight the main compounds of this plant and their mechanisms of actions.

Introduction: Chelidonine, a bio-active component of Chelidonium majus, has been investigated for its anti-proliferative effects on various cancer cell lines with multidrug resistance (MDR). Although the results are auspicious, its poor water solubility and low bioavailability are the main limitations for clinical applications. This study aimed to develop poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with chelidonine, in order to enhance its bioavailability for oral administration and improve the therapeutic index. Methods: Herein, we encapsulated chelidonine in PLGA nanoparticles using a single emulsion solvent evaporation method. Nanoparticles were characterized in terms of size, surface charge and morphology, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, and in vitro drug release profile. The anti-cancer efficacy of chelidonine-loaded nanoparticles and free chelidonine was evaluated in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Results: The physicochemical characteristics showed spherical particles in nanometer size range (263 ± 19. 6 nm), with negative surface charge (− 20. 67 ± 2. 48 mv), high encapsulation efficiency (76. 53 ± 3. 61%), and drug loading (22. 47 ± 0. 09%), as well as drug release amount of 60. 27± 5. 68% up to 10 days. Furthermore, chelidonine-loaded nanoformulations were found to improve anti-cancer potential, compared with unentrapped chelidonine. Conclusion: This in vitro study showed that the encapsulation of chelidonine, as a potent herbal drug, in a polymeric matrix enhances its bioavailability. This offers an efficient vehicle for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment.

Introduction: There is growing concern that co-administered herbal medicines may alter pharmacokinetics and, therefore, the efficacy and toxicity of Western drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential membrane permeation modulating effects of four herbal extracts, i. e., Harpagophytum procumbens, Hoodia gordonii, Leonotis leonurus, and Vitis vinifera on a model compound, Rhodamine 123 (RH-123). Methods: An in vitro permeation model, i. e., excised pig intestinal tissue, mounted to test chambers in a Sweetana-Grass diffusion apparatus, was used to measure the bi-directional transport of RH-123 in the presence and in the absence of four herbal extracts. The concentration of transported RH-123 in each sample was determined by means of fluorescence spectroscopic analysis. The integrity of the mounted jejunum tissue during experimentation was confirmed by measuring the permeation of Lucifer Yellow through these membranes. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of the mounted membranes was also measured at the onset and termination of each experiment to monitor whether tight junction modulation occurred. Results: H. procumbens extract increased the secretory transport of RH-123, indicative of the induction of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated efflux. H. gordonii extract also increased RH-123’ s absorptive transport, coupled with a subsequent decrease in its secretory transport, indicating the P-gp related efflux inhibition. Contrary, L. leonurus extract reduced RH-123’ s absorptive transport, accompanied by an increase in its secretory transport. V. vinifera seed extract, however, increased both the absorptive and secretory transport of RH-123. A reduction in TEER was observed in the presence of V. vinifera extract, indicating the modulation of tight junction integrity. Conclusion: The ex vivo pharmacokinetics interactions recorded in the current study suggest that the co-administration of herbal medicines could alter the extent of membrane permeation of Western drugs.

Introduction: Ajuga parviflora Benth. (Lamiaceae) is an herbaceous plant that possesses ethnomedicinal values and is well known for its folkloric management of diabetes. This study was aimed to provide an experimental justification for its traditional antidiabetic use. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract of A. parviflora shoot was quantified for its total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total tannin content (TTC). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) spectroscopy were also used for their chemical nature. Additionally, the extract was evaluated for its inhibitory potential against key enzymes linked with hyperglycemia by in vitro means. Subsequently, for estimation of the antioxidant capacities 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), 2, 2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical (ABTS), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activities were determined. Results: GC-MS analysis revealed numerous biologically active phytoconstituents including brassicasterol, phytol, and palmitic acid. The presence of different active functional groups such as alcohol, nitrile, amine, alkyl halide, alkene, and alkane was confirmed by FTIR analysis. The extract showed a significant (P≤ 0. 05) dose-dependent inhibition for α-amylase enzyme (132. 38± 1. 18 μ g/mL), α-glucosidase enzyme (22. 66± 0. 11 μ g/mL), DPPH radical (103. 03± 1. 59 μ g/mL), ABTS radical (140. 10± 3. 40 μ g/mL) and H2O2 radical (298. 26± 4. 37 μ g/mL). TPC, TFC, and TTC were found 64. 06± 0. 35 mg/g of the gallic acid equivalent (GAE), 45. 27± 0. 58 mg/g of the rutin equivalent (RE), and 127. 42± 1. 82 mg/g of the tannic acid equivalent (TAE), respectively. Conclusion: A. parviflora extract showed significant antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials. Thus, this plant might be served as a novel approach for discovering new and effective drug molecules against hyperglycemia.

This paper was published in Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology in 2020 (doi: 10. 15171/jhp. 2020. 09) (1). Based on an email received from the team of young researchers recently, we were informed that this published paper presented some data as same as data presented in two other published papers (2, 3), which are considered as the ethical misconduct. This issue was investigated by the editorial team of Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology. As a result, based on the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines, the editors decided to retract this paper. The authors were informed and advised on this serious ethical breach...

This paper was published in Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology in 2019 (doi: 10. 15171/jhp. 2019. 47) (1). Based on an email received from the team of young researchers recently, we were informed that the results of this article (some figures and diagrams) have been published in several similar articles (2-5), which are considered as the ethical misconduct...

This paper was published in Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology in 2020 (doi: 10. 15171/jhp. 2020. 07) (1). Based on an email received from the team of young researchers recently, we were informed that the results of this article have been published in other study (2), which is considered as the ethical misconduct...