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Sesquiterpene Glucosides from Anti-leukotriene B 4 Release Fraction of Taraxacum Officinale
Abstract
Chemical examination of the MeOH extract of the root of Taraxacum officinale, which exhibited inhibitory activity on the formation of leukotriene B4 from activated human neutrophils, has resulted in the isolation of 14-O-beta-D-glucosyl-11,13-dihydro-taraxinic acid (1) and 14-O-beta-D-glucosyl-taraxinic acid (2). The absolute stereostructure of 1 has been established by X-ray chrystallographic examination.
... In 1998, a guaianolide sesquiterpene, desacetylmatricarin, was isolated from T. platycarpum and reported as an active ingredient with the anti-allergic property [48]. 14-O-β-D-Glucosyl-l1,13-dihydrotaraxinic acid and 14-O-β-D-glucosyl-taraxinic acid were extracted from the roots of T. officinale [49]. eight types of germacrane and eudesmane sesquiterpenoids, including 1β,3β,6αtrihydroxy-4α(15)-dihydrocosticacid methyl ester and its 1-O-β-glucopyranoside, were obtained [34]. ...
... In 1998, a guaianolide sesquiterpene, desacetylmatricarin, was isolated from T. platycarpum and reported as an active ingredient with the anti-allergic property [48]. 14-O-β-D-Glucosyl-l1,13-dihydro-taraxinic acid and 14-O-β-D-glucosyl-taraxinic acid were extracted from the roots of T. officinale [49]. ...
Dandelion (Taraxacum genus) is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. As a well-known and extensively studied genus, dandelion comprises numerous species. Some species have been widely used in both complementary and alternative medicine to clear heat, detoxify, activate blood circulation, dispel stasis, and discharge urine. Multiple pharmacological studies have highlighted its therapeutic potential, including anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-rheumatic activities. Furthermore, bioactive compounds associated with these effects include sesquiterpenoids, phenolic compounds, essential oils, saccharides, flavonoids, sphingolipids, triterpenoids, sterols, coumarins, etc. Based on recent studies about the Taraxacum genus, the present review critically evaluates the current state of dandelion utilization and summarizes the significant roles of dandelion and its constituents in different diseases. We also focus on the reported phytology, chemical composition, pharmacology, and toxicity of dandelion, along with the main possible action mechanisms behind their therapeutic activities. Meanwhile, the challenges and future directions of the Taraxacum genus are also prospected in this review, thus highlighting its pharmaceutical research and practical clinical applications.
... The observed 86% inhibition was attributed to two sesquiterpene glucosides, i.e., 14-O-b-Dglucosyl-11,13-dihydro-taraxinic acid and 14-O-b-Dglucosyl-taraxinic acid. 59 Other authors have shown an anti-inflammatory activity of leaf extracts (0.1 and 1.0 mg/ mL) in the central nervous system, as indicated by a significant suppression of both tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) production by primary cultures of rat astrocytes stimulated with substance P and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). 10,60 Dandelion polyphenols also mediate the downregulation of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, and proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-a and IL-1) production in LPS-stimulated macrophages (RAW264.7 cells). ...
... 101 Ethanol extracts of dandelion flowers and leaves possess antiangiogenic activity. 17,59,102 Such activity could be due to the presence of certain flavonoid components, such as luteolin, 22 thereby providing a pharmacological basis for the use of dandelion in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer in folk medicine. 102 Detoxifying and hepatoprotective effects. ...
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber) is a member of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, native to Europe but widely distributed in the warmer temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. Dandelion and its parts are habitually consumed as plant foods in several areas of the world, where they are also employed in phytotherapy. Indeed, dandelion contains a wide array of phytochemicals whose biological activities are actively being explored in various areas of human health. In particular, emerging evidence suggests that dandelion and its constituents have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that result in diverse biological effects. The present review provides a comprehensive analysis of the constituents of dandelion, an assessment of the pharmacological properties of dandelion, and a description of relevant studies that support the use of dandelion as a medicinal plant.
... Jeon et al. [67] reported that the extracts of dandelion have anti-inflammatory activities. The sesquiterpene lactones from the dandelion root have been proven to have anti-inflammatory effects [68]. It has been suggested that phenylpropanoids could be the main substances responsible for such activities of the root and flower of dandelion [69]. ...
This handbook focuses on the use of antibiotic alternatives in poultry and fish feed. Chapters in the book cover a range of natural ingredients in feed and the impacts of these natural feed additives on growth, production, reproduction and health status of poultry and fish. All chapters give a holistic approach to how organic feed additives (herbal plants and their extracts, probiotics, peptides, etc.) can positively impact animal health and production.
Key Features:
- presents 13 chapters contributed by 38 experts and scientists of animal, poultry and fish nutrition, poultry and fish physiology, toxicology, pharmacology, and pathology
- highlights the significance of herbal plants and their extracts and derivatives, cold-pressed and essential oils and fruits by-products
- covers the effects of special ingredients such as immunomodulators, antimicrobial peptides, and probiotics
- provides the reader an updated perspective on the use of additives in poultry and fish industry as growth promoters and their role in developing bacterial resistance to antibiotics
- covers the main poultry species, egg-laying hens, quails, geese, ducks, turkey, and commercial fish
- includes references for advanced readers
This book will be useful for poultry and fish keepers and researchers in animal nutrition, pharmacology, and veterinary sciences. Professionals involved in the poultry and fish feed industry will also find the information useful for product development.
... Dandelion root extract contains α-amyrin, β-amyrin, lupeol, taraxol, taraxaserol, and cycloartenol. 3β-hydroxylup-18(19)-ene-21-one has been reported from fresh roots of the plant [19]. Arnidiol and faradiol have been reported in research [20]. ...
Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), a member of the Asteraceae family, commonly found in the temperate zone of the Northern hemisphere, is the perennial herb, forming a rosette leaf, golden yellow flowers that bloom year round. Dandelion leaves, roots and flowers is used in many traditional and modern herbal medicinal systems. On phytochemical investigation, Dandelion herb contains one or more vital phytochemical constituents. Similarly Among the most important compounds in dandelion Contains sesquiterpene lactones which is a bitter element, principally contains taraxacin and taraxacerin, which is principally important in mechanism of liver functions related with hepatoprotective action. Besides that result of the phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of sterols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, that have been shown to be associated with numerous pharmacological effects such as Antioxidants, anti immflammatory, antidiabetics, antitumor activity. Along with that the Dandelion leaves are a high efficient source of vitamins and minerals, including beta carotene, non-provitamin A carotenoids, xanthophylls, chlorophyll, vitamins C and D, many of the B-complex vitamins, choline, iron, silicon, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper, and phosphorous which is also useful as a several nutritive action. This review will point out areas for future research of phytochemicals containing Taraxacum officinale where they shows more effective against various ailments and shows recent effective pharmacological activity
... One of these compounds or their combinations was most likely responsible for the observed antiviral activity (Table 2). Kashiwada et al. (2001) performed a chemical analysis of the root MeOH extract of T. officinale. The extract exhibited inhibitory activity on the leukotriene B4 formation from activated human neutrophils. ...
Phytoalimurgy is a term that derives from Greek and Latin by combination of the words φυτόν, which meaning plant, and alimenta urgentia, indicating foods available in case of urgency and necessity. Nowadays, the lack of products from agriculture is fortunately no longer a problem, however, the interest in using the phytoalimurgic plants has increased in the last years due to their rediscovery for use of food ingredients for human health. Among these, common dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, is used since ancient times because of its curative properties. The aim of this review is the contribution to the knowledge of this worldwide-spread phytoalimurgic plant with its botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological description. In vitro and in vivo scientific investigations have confirmed its pharmacological potential by showing antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, cytotoxic, diuretic and hepatoprotective properties. Responsible of these activities are bioactive metabolites belonging to different classes, including sesquiterpenoids, caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids. This allows to include dandelion among the medicinal plants of commercial interest for nutraceutical and phytopharmaceutical industries.
... Other dandelion extracts can have an anti-inflammatory effect (Jeon et al., 2008). Kashiwada et al. (2001) reported that sesquiterpene lactones contributed to the inflammation-modulating properties of dandelion root. Crude extracts of both dandelion root and flower modulated inflammation, and some evidences suggested that phenylpropanoids might be the key to this activity (Yasukawa et al., 1998;Hu and Kitts, 2005). ...
Dandelion or Taraxacum officinale is a well-known medicinal plant that grows naturally in Europe, North and South America and Asia. Dandelion is a source of various nutrients and biologically active substances and its root and leaves contain vitamins (A, K, C and B-complex), minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and iron), micronutrients, fibre, lecithin and choline. The various parts of the plant have a long history of use as an herbal remedy; roots of this herb are firstly considered for enhancing digestion. Also, the roots are generally used for as liver tonic by stimulating bile production and removing toxins and re-establishing hydration and electrolyte balance. Dandelion leaves could be used successfully as digestive stimulant and diuretic. Moreover, dandelion leaves were reported to improve growth and productive performance of poultry. Several beneficial effects have been reported on intestinal mucosa regarding architecture of villi, villus height/ crypt depth ratio as well as cellular infiltration. Dandelion has many properties like immunomodulator, digestive stimulant, prebiotic, insulin stimulant, anti-inflammation, antiangiogenic, antineoplastic and demulcent. Furthermore, dandelion treats indigestion and hepatitis B infection as well as enhances metabolise androgenic hormones. Because of the scarcity of in vivo studies on dandelion, further investigations are needed to confirm its benefits and efficacy.
... It can also be used for reducing perineal pain and improving healing of episiotomy incision, thus minimising vaginal tears during childbirth (Mohammadi et al. 2014). Furthermore, (Oran & Al-Eisawi 1998) Coumarins (Budzianowski 1997); Cinnamic acids (Williams et al. 1996); Sesquiterpene glucosides (Kashiwada et al. 2001); Amino acids (Qureshi et al. 2014), phenolic content ); taraxasterol (San et al. 2014); di-and trisubstituted 4-OH-phenylacetic acid; ...
Context: National statistical reports in Jordan indicate a decrease in the total fertility rate along with a parallel increase in contraceptive use. The folkloric use of medicinal herbs in gynecological disorders has been growing in Jordan, despite of deficient reports on the evidence-based safety and efficacy of these practices.
Objective: The aim of this comprehensive article is to review medicinal plants with claimed ethnonpharmacological usage in various gynecological and pregnancy-related issues in Jordan, and to assess their evidence-based pharmacological studies as well as their phytochemistry.
Methods: The published literature was surveyed using Google Scholar entering the terms "ethnopharmacology AND Jordan AND infertility AND gynecology OR gestation". We included ethnopharmacological surveys in Jordan with available full-text.
Results: Twelve articles were reviewed. Plant species which are commonly used for female gynecological issues such as Artemisia monosperma Del. and A. herba-alba Asso. (Asteraceae) have been found to exert antifertility effect. Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae) and Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) had antifertility effects in male rats but Nigella sativa oil L. (Ranunculaceae) and Cinnamon zeylanicum J. Presl (Lauraceae) were found to enhance it.
Conclusion: Using plants for gynecological disorders is a common practice in Jordan. Many of them, whether utilized for gynecological or non-gynecological conditions equally, were found to have detrimental effects on female or male fertility. Thus, couples planning pregnancy should be discouraged from the consumption of these herbs. Further local studies are warranted to confirm the appreciable beneficial pharmacological effects and safety of these plants.
... Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has been extensively used in folk medicine for its curative properties, particularly against inflammation, arthritis and liver disorders (Bisset et al., 1994;Schütz et al., 2006). In more recent times, various parts of dandelion have been investigated for their antioxidant (Hu and Kitts, 2005;Park et al., 2011), anti-inflammatory (Kashiwada et al., 2001;Jeon et al., 2008), antidiabetic (Hussain et al., 2004;Petlevski et al., 2003) and anticancer (Koo et al., 2004;Sigstedt et al., 2008) properties. Extracts of medicinal herbs and spices are generally considered to be rich sources of antimicrobial compounds (Cowan, 1999), however, only a small number of studies into the antimicrobial efficacy of dandelion have been undertaken and, in many cases, the biologically active compounds have not been identified. ...
Plant extracts have traditionally been used as sources of natural antimicrobial compounds, although in many cases, the compounds responsible for their antimicrobial efficacy have not been identified. In this study, crude and dialysed extracts from dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) were evaluated for their antimicrobial properties against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains. The methanol hydrophobic crude extract (DRE3) demonstrated the strongest inhibition of microbial growth against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus and Bacillus cereus strains. Normal phase (NP) fractionation of DRE3 resulted in two fractions (NPF4 and NPF5) with enhanced antimicrobial activity. Further NP fractionation of NPF4 resulted in two fractions (NPF403 and NPF406) with increased antimicrobial activity. Further isolation and characterisation of compounds in NPF406 using liquid chromatography solid phase extraction nuclear magnetic resonance LC-SPE-NMR resulted in the identification of 9-hydroxyoctadecatrienoic acid and 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, while the phenolic compounds vanillin, coniferaldehyde and p-methoxyphenylglyoxylic acid were also identified respectively. The molecular mass of these compounds was confirmed by LC mass spectroscopy (MS)/MS. In summary, the antimicrobial efficacy of dandelion root extracts demonstrated in this study support the use of dandelion root as a source of natural antimicrobial compounds. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
... Many species of Baccharis proved effective [525,526], as did Bidens pilosa [527][528][529]. Other efficacious members of the sunflower family include Eupatorium [530][531][532][533][534], Matricaria recutita [535], Tagetes patula [536], and Taraxacum officinale [430,537]. Capsella bursa-pastoris was found to act as antiinflammatory [422], while Dioscorea was found to have immunostimulating properties [538,539]. Zhang et al. [540] reported pain-relieving properties in Gaultheria yunnanensis. ...
Northern Peru represents the center of the Andean "health axis," with roots going back to traditional practices of Cupisnique culture (1000 BC). For more than a decade of research, semistructured interviews were conducted with healers, collectors, and sellers of medicinal plants. In addition, bioassays were carried out to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of plants found. Most of the 510 species encountered were native to Peru (83%). Fifty percent of the plants used in colonial times have disappeared from the pharmacopoeia. Market vendors specialized either on common and exotic plants, plants for common ailments, and plants only used by healers or on plants with magical purposes. Over 974 preparations with up to 29 different ingredients were used to treat 164 health conditions. Almost 65% of the medicinal plants were applied in these mixtures. Antibacterial activity was confirmed in most plants used for infections. Twenty-four percent of the aqueous extracts and 76% of the ethanolic extracts showed toxicity. Traditional preparation methods take this into account when choosing the appropriate solvent for the preparation of a remedy. The increasing demand for medicinal species did not increase the cultivation of medicinal plants. Most species are wild collected, causing doubts about the sustainability of trade.
... One study showed that sesquiterpene lactones contributed to the inflammation-modulating properties of dandelion root. 11 Other studies showed that crude extracts of both root and flower modulated inflammation, and some evidence suggests that phenylpropanoids might be key to this activity. 12,13 Ethanol extracts of the dried aerial parts have been shown in rodent studies to reduce inflammation and inhibit angiogenesis, though which constituents were responsible for these effects were not investigated. ...
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... Many species of Baccharis proved effective (Cifuente et al., 2001; Paul et al., 2009), as did Bidens pilosa (Pereira et al., 1999; Chang et al., 2005; Yoshida et al., 2006). Other efficacious member of the sunflower family include Eupatorium (Clavin et al., 2000; Habtemaria, 1998; 2001; Muschetti et al., 2001; Chomnawang et al., 2005), Matricaria recutita (Ganzera et al., 2006), Tagetes patula (Kasahara et al., 2002), and Taraxacum officinale (Dandeloin) ( Kashiwada et al. 2001; Javanovic et al. 2004; Park et al. 2010). Caspsella bursa-pastoris (Shepperd's pouch) was found to act as antiinflammatory (Kuroda and Takagi, 2008), while Dioscorea was found to have immuno-stimulating properties (Su et al., 2008; Hiransai et al., 2010). ...
A total of 96 plant species belonging to 84 genera and 46 families were documented and identified as anti-infective herbal remedies in Northern Peru. Most species used were Asteraceae (18 species, 18.95%), followed by Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae (7.37% and 5.26%). The most important anti-infectious families are somewhat over-represented in comparison to the overall medicinal flora, while some other medicinally important families (e.g. Lycopodiaceae, Cucurbitaceae) are completely missing from the anti-infective portfolio. The majority of herbal preparations were prepared from the leaves of plants (31.34%), while the whole plant (18.66%), flowers (12.69%) and stems (17.16%) were used less frequently. In almost 67% of the cases fresh plant material was used to prepare remedies. Only about 55% of the remedies were applied orally, while the remaining ones were applied topically. Over half of all remedies were prepared as mixtures of multiple ingredients. The information gained on frequently used traditional remedies against infectious disease agents might give some leads for future targets for further analysis in order to develop new drugs. However, more detailed scientific studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the remedies employed traditionally.
... Their biological role has not been clearly established; however, a potential antimicrobial activity of their glycosylated derivatives (saponins) suggests a role in protection against pathogens and pests [1][2][3][4]. Triterpenoids display a wide range of important medicinal activities, including antiinflammatory [5,6], antitumour [7], anti-leukaemic [8], anti-HIV [9,10], antifungal [2,11] and antidiabetic [12] activities [13]. Over the years, these promising therapeutic properties have resulted in a great deal of interest in the triterpenoids, and well over 1000 of these natural compounds have been isolated from plants. ...
The pentacyclic triterpenes, in particular ursolic acid and oleanolic acid and their derivatives, exist abundantly in the plant kingdom, where they are well known for their anti‐inflammatory, antitumour and antimicrobial properties. α‐Amyrin and β‐amyrin are the precursors of ursolic and oleanolic acids, respectively, formed by concerted cyclization of squalene epoxide by a complex synthase reaction. We identified three full‐length expressed sequence tag sequences in cDNA libraries constructed from apple ( Malus × domestica ‘Royal Gala’) that were likely to encode triterpene synthases. Two of these expressed sequence tag sequences were essentially identical (> 99% amino acid similarity; MdOSC1 and MdOSC3 ). MdOSC1 and MdOSC2 were expressed by transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and by expression in the yeast Pichia methanolica . The resulting products were analysed by GC and GC‐MS. MdOSC1 was shown to be a mixed amyrin synthase (a 5 : 1 ratio of α‐amyrin to β‐amyrin). MdOSC1 is the only triterpene synthase so far identified in which the level of α‐amyrin produced is > 80% of the total product and is, therefore, primarily an α‐amyrin synthase. No product was evident for MdOSC2 when expressed either transiently or in yeast, suggesting that this putative triterpene synthase is either encoded by a pseudogene or does not express well in these systems. Transcript expression analysis in Royal Gala indicated that the genes are mostly expressed in apple peel, and that the MdOSC2 expression level was much lower than that of MdOSC1 and MdOSC3 in all the tissues tested. Amyrin content analysis was undertaken by LC‐MS, and demonstrated that levels and ratios differ between tissues, but that the true consequence of synthase activity is reflected in the ursolic/oleanolic acid content and in further triterpenoids derived from them. Phylogenetic analysis placed the three triterpene synthase sequences with other triterpene synthases that encoded either α‐amyrin and/or β‐amyrin synthase. MdOSC1 and MdOSC3 clustered with the multifunctional triterpene synthases, whereas MdOSC2 was most similar to the β‐amyrin synthases.
Database
The sequences reported in this article have been deposited in the DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank databases under the accession numbers FJ032006 ( MdOSC1 ), FJ032007 ( MdOSC2 ) and FJ032008 ( MdOSC3 )
This ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Caspoggio (Valmalenco, SO, Italy) with the purpose of investigating the traditional uses of medicinal plants. Moreover, a bibliographic research meant to validate or refute the uses, focusing on the potentially responsible compounds, was performed. Fifty-nine species, attributable to 30 families (Asteraceae, Pinaceae, Malvaceae, and Lamiaceae the most cited), were mentioned. Arnica montana, anti-inflammatory for traumas and musculoskeletal pains; Pinus mugo, expectorant; Malva sylvestris, anti-inflammatory and soothing; Achillea moschata, digestive. The compounds, responsible for the therapeutic activities, are often polyphenols and terpenoids: helenanin in A. montana, α-pinene, δ-3-carene, and limonene in P. mugo, gossypin and malvin in M. sylvestris, luteolin and apigenin in A. moschata. Scientific evidence for at least one of the traditional activities described was found for 50 species but only in 26 out of 196 works consulted, it is possible to make a comparison between investigated extracts and traditional preparations. This study is thus a stimulus to new phytochemical investigations, mimicking as much as possible the traditional preparations. This work is part of the European Interreg Italy-Switzerland B-ICE project, aimed at creating a management model for the ongoing climate change and searching for new sources of territory valorization as attractions for tourists.
The geographical location of Turkey between three continents has resulted into diverse natural ecosystems with very rich plant genetic resources in the world. This wide diversity has played an important role in domestication, selection, conservation and use of these plant resources in terms of cultivated and naturally growing plant taxa. The use of wild edible plants is widespread in Turkey, especially in rural areas. The wild species are of great importance for the local inhabitants as a food source. This source has played an important role in the regional economy of different regions in the country as well as elsewhere in the world. The wild edible plant species have different uses in different countries and even in different provinces of the same country. Although a common sight in the rural areas, the demand for wild edible species considered as a vegetable in Turkey has increased lately, even among the people living in the large cities. A large number of species are sold at the local markets which play an important role in the vegetable consumption in large urban settlements. This review chapter presents information on the wild growing plants consumed as a vegetable in Turkey.
Background/aims:
In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), repeated bouts of remission and relapse occur in patients and can impose a risk of colitis-associated cancer. We hypothesized that plant extracts of Atractylodes macrocephala (AM) or Taraxacum herba (TH) may be better than sulfasalazine for treating this disease because these extracts can promote additional regeneration.
Methods:
Murine intestinal epithelial IEC-6 cells were pretreated with AM or TH before a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced challenge. Acute colitis was induced with 7 days of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in male C57BL/6 mice, and extracts of AM and TH were administered for 2 weeks before DSS administration.
Results:
In vitro studies demonstrated that AM or TH treatment reduced LPS-induced COX-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA levels but increased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Oral preadministration of AM and TH rescued mice from DSS-induced colitis by inhibiting inflammatory mediators via inactivated extracellular signal regulated kinase and repressed nuclear factor κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, but the effect was weaker for sulfasalazine than that for the extracts. Anti-inflammatory activities occurred via the inhibition of macrophage and T lymphocyte infiltrations. Unlike sulfasalazine, which did not induce HO-1, TH extracts afforded significant HO-1 induction.
Conclusions:
Because the AM or TH extracts were far superior in preventing DSS-induced colitis than sulfasalazine, AM or TH extracts can be considered natural agents that can prevent IBD relapse.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome, sarcoidosis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and atherosclerosis are examples of inflammatory diseases. Also, chronic inflammation is associated to other serious chronic illnesses - including heart disease, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, allergy, asthma, and many forms of cancer. Inflammation is a key feature of autoimmune diseases and other conditions that affect the immune system. Whether inflammation is the root cause of chronic illness, merely accompanies them, or occurs as a result of the disease, different dietary choices play significant roles in inflammation development. Intake of specific foods that influence the inflammatory process is an easy daily way to prevent and reduce long-term risks. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to medicinal plants, due to many epidemiological and clinical studies that have demonstrated how a proper diet rich in micronutrients reduces chronic inflammation and, simultaneously, helps controlling and managing chronic health conditions. For example, high levels of cytokines cause many of the detrimental consequences of autoimmune disease. Many plants have effects on cytokines, e.g., interleukins, interferons, and chemokines, naturally-produced proteins that modulate the immune response and trigger inflammatory responses to toxins, injury, viruses, and bacteria. Some medicinal plants known to reduce inflammation by modulation of cytokines secretion include Zingiber officinale (ginger), Allium sativum (garlic), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower), and Silybum marianum (milk thistle). Plants exert their beneficial effects through the additive or synergistic action of an immense variety of biologically-active, non-nutritive compounds known as phytochemicals acting at single or multiple target sites associated with physiological processes. Moreover, dietary spice phytochemicals, such as curcurmin from turmeric (Curcuma longa) and capsaicin from red pepper (Capsicum baccatum) are now emerging as agents that can not only prevent but may even treat inflammation. Many edible plants with anti-inflammatory properties can be used as the sole therapy in inflammatory disease or as complementary of conventional treatments including corticosteroids, allowing patients to take smaller doses or shorter courses of drugs. In addition to influencing inflammation, phytochemicals might provide steady protective effects against different diseases accompanying the inflammatory response. This chapter assesses the anti-inflammatory effects of certain plants, as well as the functional benefits of notable groups of phytochemicals. In it we discuss how spice-derived phytochemicals suppress inflammatory pathways and what their molecular targets are.
Objective: Inflammatory mediators, such as histamine and eicosanoids have been implicated in the pathophysiology of allergen-induced asthma including bronchospasm, vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, perivascular and peribronchial oedema, acute functional changes in the lungs and diarrhoea due to increase intestinal motility. This study aims to ascertain the anti-inflammatory effect of the Taraxacum officinale ethanolic leaf extract (TOLE) on pulmonary vascular permeability and H1-receptors in the ileum of ovalbumin-sensitized guinea-pigs. Method: OA-sensitized guinea-pigs were challenged with 2% OA aerosols prior to 1 hr per os of drugs (TOLE or prednisolone). A piece of excised ileum was suspended in a tissue bath and challenged with histamine in the presence and absence of TOLE. Lungs were fixed in buffered formalin for histological studies using H & E stains. The results were reported as mean ± SEM. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Benferroni post hoc test. Results: The results showed a significant dose-dependent reduction in anti-histaminic activity (p < 0.05) on isolated guinea-pig ileum. Histopathological lesions such as perivascular oedema, hypertrophy of smooth muscles, infiltration of eosinophils and basophils were reduced in the lungs of TOLE treated group compared to OA-sensitized controls. Conclusion: The study has shown that, TOLE has the potential to reduce pulmonary vascular permeability and intestinal motility in OA-sensitized guinea-pigs.
Abstract Fruit and vegetables are essential components of a healthy diet. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an intake of five to eight portions (400-600g) daily of fruits and vegetables to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, poor cognitive performance, and other diet-related diseases, as well as for the prevention of micronutrient deficiencies. Much of their potential for disease prevention is thought to be provided by phytochemicals, among which the preventive activity of antioxidants is most well-documented. Since numerous meta-studies published indicate variable and often contradictory results about the impact of isolated phytochemicals on health, their consumption as supplements must be carried out with care, because doses may exceed the recommended nutritional intake. Nonetheless, there is a general consensus that whole fruit and vegetable intake is more important in providing health benefits than that of only one of their constituent, because of additive and synergistic effects. This review describes the most recent literature regarding the health benefits of some selected fruits and vegetables. Importantly, since some phytochemicals regulate the same genes and pathways targeted by drugs, diets rich in fruits and vegetables in combination with medical therapies are being considered as novel approaches to treatment. Therefore, phytochemicals in fruits and vegetable might be a promising tool for the prevention and/or amelioration of a wide range of diseases.
Aims and Method. The present study examined the relationship between the metabolic risk profile (MRP) and total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone using the free androgen index (FAI) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in 36 Caucasian American (CA) and 30 African-American (AA) women volunteering for a weight loss study.
Results. After controlling for age, significant relationships were found between TT and diastolic blood pressure (P = .004 and P = .015 in CA and AA women, resp.). Additionally, total cholesterol (P = .003), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = .004), apolipoprotein B (P = .006), and the total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = .027) were significantly related to TT in AA women only.
In CA women, similar measures of glucose/insulin status related to FAI, were also related to SHBG. In both CA and AA women, SHBG was related to waist (P = .031 and P = .022 resp.).
Conclusion. Our findings showed racial disparities in the relationship between the sex steroid milieu and the MRP in overweight/obese CA and AA women.
From roots of Taraxacum udum, two new and four known sesquiterpene lactones were isolated, together with five known phenolic compounds. The new compounds were characterized as 11beta, 13-dihydrotaraxinic acid and taraxinic acid 6-O-acetyl-beta-glucopyranosyl ester by spectroscopic methods, especially 1D and 2D NMR, and by comparison with structurally related compounds. The plant material was shown to be a good source of taraxinic acid derivatives.
This review summarizes all reports on sesquiterpene lactones and their immediate precursors from the Cichorieae (Lactuceae) tribe of the Asteraceae. A total of 360 compounds have been reported from this tribe. The reported substances belong to three classes of sesquiterpenoids: guaianolides (243 compounds), eudesmanolides (73 compounds), and germacranolides (44 compounds). Sources of these compounds encompass 139 taxa from 31 different genera. The distribution of these lactones within the tribe Cichorieae is discussed in a chemosystematic context. Moreover, some general ideas about the interpretation of chemosystematic data are discussed.
Two new guaianolide glucosides, deacetylmatricarin 8-O-beta-glucopyranoside and 11beta-hydroxyleukodin 11-O-beta-glucopyranoside, were isolated from roots of Taraxacum obovatum, along with four known sesquiterpene lactones, deacetylmatricarin, sonchuside A, taraxinic acid beta-glucopyranosyl ester and its 11beta,13-dihydro derivative. Their structures were established by spectral methods.
The genus Taraxacum is a member of the family Asteraceae, subfamily Cichorioideae, tribe Lactuceae and widely distributed in the warmer temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. The perennial weed has been known since ancient times for its curative properties and has been utilized for the treatment of various ailments such as dyspepsia, heartburn, spleen and liver complaints, hepatitis and anorexia. However, its use has mainly been based on empirical findings. This contribution provides a comprehensive review of the pharmacologically relevant compounds of Taraxacum characterized so far and of the studies supporting its use as a medicinal plant. Particular attention has been given to diuretic, choleretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-coagulatory and prebiotic effects. Finally, research needs such as quantification of individual Taraxacum constituents and assessment of their pharmacological activities in humans have briefly been outlined.
The medical ethnobotanical knowledge propagated over generations in the coastal regions of the Eastern Mediterranean, including Lebanon, is one that has built on several ancient cultures and civilizations of these regions. Recent interest in medical ethnobotany and the use of medicinal herbs in treating or preventing ailments has rejuvenated interest in folk medicine practices, especially those transcendent across generations. According to Eastern Mediterranean folk medicine practices, herbal remedies that treat many inflammation-related ailments were typically based on plant bioactive water extracts or decoctions. Studies have shown that active anti-inflammatory ingredients in water extracts include many natural chemicals such as phenols, alkaloids, glycosides, and carbohydrates. The intent of this manuscript is twofold: first, to review the literature that describes anti-inflammatory bioactivities in plant extracts of different plant genera; and second, to evaluate indigenous folk remedies used by folk doctors to treat inflammatory ailments in this region of the world. For this aim, the reported literature of five plant genera assumed to possess anti-inflammatory bioactivities and typically prescribed by folk doctors to treat inflammation-related ailments is reviewed.
The investigation of the roots and the aerial parts of Taraxacum officinale afforded, in addition to known compounds, a new eudesmanolide, a tetrahydroridentin B, a eudesmanolide-β-d-glucopyranoside and two germacranolide acids, which are esterified with β-d-glucose. The latter two seem to represent a new type of sesquiterpene lactone. All three of the new glucose derivatives have a strong bitter taste. The structures were elucidated by intensive NMR studies and by some chemical transformations.
A Practical, Authoritative CompendiumThis handbook catalogs 365 species of herbs having medicinal or folk medicinal uses, presenting whatever useful information has been documented on their toxicity and utility in humans and ani-mals. Plants from all over the world - from common cultivars to rare species - are included in these 700 pages. The toxicity of these species varies, but the safety of each has been formally or informally questioned by the Food and Drug Administration, National Cancer Institute, Department of Agriculture, Drug Enforcement Administra-tion, or Herb Trade Association. Easy-to-Locate Facts and FiguresDesigned to enable fast access to important information, this hand-book presents information in both catalog and tabular forms. In the catalog section, plants are presented alphabetically by scientific name. (The index permits you to locate an herb by its common name.) A detailed sketch of the chief identifying features accompa-nies most catalog entries. For each species the following information, as available, is presented and referenced: Family and colloquial namesChemical contentUses and applications - present and historicalProcessing, distribution, and economic potentialToxicological agents and degree of toxicityPoison symptoms in humans and animalsTreatment and antidotes References to original literature Five Tables of Accessible DataGiven a plant species, you can easily determine its toxins; or, given a toxin, you can discover which plants contain it. These and other data are presented in convenient tabular formats as appendixes to the handbook. Other information contained in these tables include toxicity ranking and other toxicity data (as applicable), such as mode of contact, organs affected, and lethal dose; and proximate analyses of selected foods. These tables are titled: Medicinal Herbs: Toxicity Ranking and PricelistToxins: Their Toxicity and Distribution in Plant GeneraHigh Plant Genera and Their ToxinsPharmacologically Active PhytochemicalsProximate Analyses of Conventional Plant Foods
Sites of the inhibitory action of antiallergic drugs (azelastine, oxatomide, tranilast, repirinast and amlexanox) on human neutrophils were investigated by measuring leukotriene B4 formation, arachidonic acid release and superoxide generation. Results obtained in this study were as follows: (i) Formations of leukotriene B4 by neutrophils activated with a calcium ionophore (A23187) were effectively inhibited by all types of antiallergic drugs examined here, although the required concentrations were within a range of 20-200 microM. (ii) Releases of arachidonic acid from activated cells were diminished by azelastine and oxatomide that were classified as basic antiallergic drugs. On the contrary, acidic antiallergic agents including repirinast, amlexanox and tranilast enhanced the arachidonic acid liberation. (iii) Generations of superoxide from neutrophils activated with either phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or n-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine were effectively diminished only by the basic antiallergic drugs.
Succinyl and 3'-substituted glutaryl betulin derivatives showed stronger anti-HIV activity and higher therapeutic index (TI) values than their dihydrobetulin counterparts, with ratios of 1.2:1 to 15:1 (cf. 7 and 15, 9 and 17, 10 and 18, 11 and 19, and 12 and 20). For various 3'-substituted glutaryl compounds, the order of anti-HIV effects, from strong to weak inhibition, was 3',3'-dimethyl, 3'-methyl, 3'-ethyl-3'-methyl, followed by 3',3'-tetramethylene glutaryl derivatives (10 > 9 > 11 > 12, 18 > 17 > 19 > 20). The most potent compound, 10, has two 3',3'-dimethylglutaryl groups and displays significant anti-HIV potency with an EC50 value of 0.000 66 microM and a TI of 21 515. Results for compounds (22 and 23) without a C-3 acyl group confirmed the importance of the C-3 acyl group to the anti-HIV effect. With 3',3'-tetramethylene glutaryl derivatives, triacyl 29 showed stronger inhibition than diacyl 12; in contrast, 3',3'-dimethylglutaryl compounds displayed opposite results. 3-Keto compounds (35 and 36) and 2,3-dihydro compounds (39 and 40) had EC50 values in the range of 4.3-10.0 microM, suggesting that A ring modification led to decreased potency. The reduced activity of amide (33 and 34), ester (41), and oxime (42) analogues suggested that the orientation and linkage of the C-3 acyl side chain play crucial roles in the potent anti-HIV activity. Finally, replacing the C-28 acyl group with a bulky non-carboxylic group produced a less potent compound (44). In the study of mechanism of action, our results indicated that fusion is not the primary target for the anti-HIV activity of 10. It appears to inhibit HIV replication at a late stage of the viral life cycle, i.e., after viral protein synthesis.