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Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from fruits, herbs and spices
Abstract
Inflammation plays an important role in various diseases with high prevalence within populations such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis and asthma. Here we demonstrate the anti-inflammatory activity of various fruits, herbs and spices in a lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage model. These compounds acted by reduction of pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-6 or tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha production, enhancement of anti-inflammatory IL-10 production, or reduction of cyclooxygenase-2 or inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. The highest anti-inflammatory potential was detected with chili pepper. Among the plants that improved the secreted cytokine profile were allspice, basil, bay leaves, black pepper, licorice, nutmeg, oregano, sage and thyme. The compounds apigenin, capsaicin, chrysin, diosmetin, kämpferol, luteolin, naringenin, quercetin and resveratrol moderately reduced IL-6 and TNF-alpha secretion. Resveratrol and rosmarinic acid increased secretion of IL-10. Our findings further the idea that a diet rich in fruits, herbs and spices may contribute to the reduction of the inflammatory response and related diseases.
... Less is known about the activity of the extract. It has been found that the leaf extract decreases NO levels, an important pro-inflammatory mediator, in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells [17,42], human leukocytes [28], and peripheral blood mononuclear cells [29]. It also elevates the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, which contributes to the regulation of the inflammatory process and helps maintain balance in the inflammatory response [28,42]. ...
... It has been found that the leaf extract decreases NO levels, an important pro-inflammatory mediator, in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells [17,42], human leukocytes [28], and peripheral blood mononuclear cells [29]. It also elevates the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, which contributes to the regulation of the inflammatory process and helps maintain balance in the inflammatory response [28,42]. Reports on other cytokines are inconsistent. ...
... For example, Güez et al. found that basil had no effect on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α [28]. Mueller et al. reported that IL-6 was significantly reduced by O. basilicum extract in LPS-stimulated macrophages [42]. In turn, Selvakkumar et al. observed that it downregulated IL-2, TNF-α, and IL-1β in LPS-induced human PBMCs [29]. ...
Ocimum basilicum is a valuable plant widely consumed worldwide and considered a rich source of polyphenols. This study examined the impact of the polyphenolic fraction isolated from basil (ObF) on human normal colon epithelial cells and human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, evaluating its anti-inflammatory and protective activity against oxidative stress. The phytochemical characterization of the fraction was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with a photodiode detector (DAD) and mass spectrometry (MS). UPLC-DAD-MS revealed that ObF predominantly contains caffeic acid derivatives, with rosmarinic acid and chicoric acid being the most abundant. The fraction demonstrated high antioxidant potential, as shown by DPPH assays, along with significant reducing power (FRAP). Furthermore, it prevented the depletion of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and catalase, and decreased malonylodialdehyde (MDA) in induced oxidative stress condition. Additionally, it exhibited a significant protective effect against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in human normal colon epithelial cells. Although it had no impact on the viability of adenocarcinoma cells, it significantly reduced IL-1β levels in the neoplastic microenvironment. Our study demonstrated that basil polyphenols provide significant health benefits due to their antioxidant and protective activities.
... Anti-inflammatory drug therapy is beneficial for treating diseases therapeutically. Antiinflammatory cytokines, on the other hand, include IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IFN-α, and the transforming growth factor [3][4][5][6][7]. Different techniques can be used to synthesize NPs. The most commonly used processes for creating NPs are chemical ones. ...
... As opposed to other biological processes, using plants for the creation of NPs can be advantageous because it doesn't involve the time-consuming task of sustaining cells [8]. As a result, research into plant systems as possible biofactories has increased interest in the creation of biological NPs [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Strontium is naturally found in the minerals strontianite and celestite, which can be obtained through mining. ...
... In order to generate the reaction mixture (0.5 mL), 0.45 mL of bovine serum albumin (1 percent aqueous solution) was added to different quantities of aspirin, SrO NPs, and aqueous extract (5,10,20,25,50, and 100 μg/mL). The pH of the reaction mixture was reduced to 6.3 with a small quantity of HCl. ...
Background
Currently, nanotechnology is a rapidly advancing field of research. Because of their nanoscale dimensions, nanoparticles (NPs) find application in a wide range of industries, including engineering and medicine. The leaves of Suaeda monoica have anti-inflammatory qualities. The purpose of this study was to create SrO NPs isolated from the leaves of S. monoica aqueous extract and to evaluate their anti-inflammatory efficacy. The S. monoica saltmarsh, commonly known as South-Indian Seepweed, is a mangrove-associated plant and has been used as traditional medicine for decades with multifunctional biological activity.
Objectives
The aim of our study is to biosynthesize strontium oxide NPs from S. monoica saltmarsh and to see whether they have any anti-inflammatory properties.
Materials and methods
In the present study, the pharmacological significance was studied using crude extract and synthesized SrO NPs from S. monoica. The synthesized SrO NPs were characterized using UV spectrophotometry. The in vitro anti-inflammatory assay was analyzed using egg albumin denaturation. SrO NPs' peak observance was found at 630 nm, and a graph was plotted for the zone of inhibition vs concentration and compared with the standard.
Results
It was observed that the color of the SrO NPs deepened during the synthesis process. Furthermore, at a wavelength of 630 nm, the UV spectrum analysis showed a noteworthy absorption value of 1.4. The activity of inflammatory enzymes is significantly impacted by the anti-inflammatory properties of SrO NPs in the protein denaturation inhibition test.
Conclusions
The application of SrO NPs in the synthesis process has the potential to enhance the anti-inflammatory activity of Suaeda monoica as evidenced by the observed increase in anti-inflammatory capacity and defense against infections and injury.
... Several herbal plant extracts and its components have been reported to elevate anti-inflammatory IL-10 production, reducing proinflammatory IL-6 or TNF-a production (Mueller et al., 2010). Furthermore, Moringa oleifera has been reported to decrease the production of TNFα, IL-6 and IL-8 in different disease conditions confirming its effectiveness in treatment of inflammation (Kou et al., 2018). ...
... The trend of reduced TNFα and adiponectin in does fed on herbal inclusions during heat stress in this study, is explained by claims of Decara et al. (2018) that an increase in TNFα occur as a feedback mechanism to block the production of more adiponectin, and reduce feed intake and weight by promoting satiety. Similarly, licorice extract has also been credited for inhibition of IL-6 and TNFα, IL-1β and IL-8 were reduced (Mueller et al., 2010). Also, several herbal active compounds, plant extracts and isolated compounds were reported to be more efficient in the reduction of IL-6 and TNFα secretion (Mueller et al., 2010). ...
... Similarly, licorice extract has also been credited for inhibition of IL-6 and TNFα, IL-1β and IL-8 were reduced (Mueller et al., 2010). Also, several herbal active compounds, plant extracts and isolated compounds were reported to be more efficient in the reduction of IL-6 and TNFα secretion (Mueller et al., 2010). ...
A study was designed to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera, Phyllanthus amarus and Viscum album leaf meal as herbal inclusions to alleviate the detrimental outcomes of heat stress in weaned female rabbits. Forty (40) weaned rabbit does (527.99 ± 10.35 g; 28 days old) were randomly allotted to four dietary groups consisting of Diet 1(control diet; without leaf meal), Diets 2 (supplemented with 10% V. album); 3 (supplemented with 10% M. oleifera) and 4 (supplemented with 10% P. amarus) in an 84 days trial at the peak of heat stress in Southwest Nigeria. At the end of the trial, blood samples were collected to assess physiological responses and oxidative status of the rabbit does. The results obtained revealed that rabbit does were exposed to heat stress; rabbit does fed control diet had higher leucocyte and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio compared to rabbit does fed on herbal inclusions. The herbal inclusions enhanced oxidative stability of rabbit does by lowering lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant activities during heat stress conditions. Rabbit does fed control-based diet had significantly higher heat shock protein 70, leptin and adiponectin compared to rabbit does on M. oleifera, P. amarus and V. album supplemented diets. The herbal inclusions tend to suppress proinflammatory cytokines in rabbit does during heat stress condition. In conclusion, the herbal inclusions suppress inflammation, adipokines and promotes oxidative stability of rabbit does exposed to heat stress conditions.
... Cloves contain eugenol, which inhibits inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, making clove effective in reducing inflammation and associated pain. Black pepper's active component, piperine, has anti-inflammatory effects, modulating signaling pathways involved in inflammatory cytokine production (Mueller et al., 2010). ...
... Anti-inflammatory properties of spices and herbs include inhibiting inflammatory enzymes like COX-2 and LOX, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF- and IL-6, reducing oxidative stress and blocking inflammation pathways like the NF-B pathway. These properties can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, improve joint health, enhance digestive health and provide pain relief from inflammationrelated pain (Mueller et al., 2010). ...
This article explores the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds found in spices and herbs, focusing on preclinical evidence and their medicinal applications. Spices and herbs have been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine due to their diverse range of bioactive compounds, which exhibit a variety of health-promoting properties. The review synthesizes current research on the pharmacological effects of these compounds, including their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. By examining preclinical studies, the article highlights how these bioactive compounds can modulate biological pathways and offer potential therapeutic benefits. The discussion also covers the mechanisms through which these compounds exert their effects and the implications for developing novel treatments. The evidence underscores the importance of integrating spices and herbs into modern therapeutic practices and encourages further research to fully understand their medicinal value.
... No significant difference was found in the IL-10 level in Group II compared to that in Group I. The suppressing effect of IL-10 can also be observed after supplementing high concentrations of resveratrol, a polyphenol in red wine, grapes, and berries (Mueller et al., 2010). Furin is likely to represent the ubiquitous endoprotease activity and is capable of cleavage effectively at the R-X-K/R-R consensus motif (Devi et al., 2022;Dahms et al., 2022). ...
Background
The fungus comb is a unique structure inside termites’ nests that facilitates the growth of Termitomyces sp. as a nutrient source for the termites. It is known to possess immunomodulatory properties that boost the immune system.
Aim
The objective of this study was to assess the impact of ethyl acetate extract of fungus comb (EAEFC) on the inflammatory reaction in the spleen of mice induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Methods
An experimental study was conducted using a post-test-only control group design with male BALB/C mice (n = 24). The mice were divided randomly into four groups, each comprising six mice, and administered substances via gavage. Groups I and III were administered a solution of 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in distilled water, while Groups II and IV were given 500 mg/kg BW EAEFC dissolved in 5% DMSO. On the fifteenth day, Groups I and II received intraperitoneal injections of 5 ml/kg BW saline, while Groups III and IV were injected with 10 mg/kg BW LPS dissolved in saline. After three hours, the mice were euthanized and splenic immunohistology was examined under a light microscope. The results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, while the group differences were assessed statistically.
Results
The expression of interleukin (IL)-1, furin, and activated NK cell was significantly higher in the inflamed model after EAEFC supplementation, while the extract suppressed IL-10.
Conclusion
EAEFC was found to alter cytokine expression in the spleen in response to inflammation.
... Many antioxidants rich natural products show protective effects against inflammation. Mueller et al. (2010) reported that some plant and isolated compounds exhibited anti-inflammatory activities. The ability of these compounds to suppress some cancers in vitro and in vivo is naturally attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of phytochemicals found in the structure of the plants (Kang et al. 2005). ...
The use of fruits and vegetables for therapeutic purposes has been continuing for centuries. Now-a-days, fruits and vegetables are increasingly used as alternative medicines. The antioxidant activities of some fruits and vegetables used in the present study were determined by nitrite scavenging and reduction power experiments. Antioxidant capacity increased with increasing concentration. The highest nitrite scavenging activity and inhibitory power were observed in garlic extract. The least nitrite scavenging activity and reducing power were found in white grape and kiwi extracts. It was concluded that garlic extract which had the highest nitrite scavenging capacity and reducing power may be an appropriate additive in drugs and other pharmaceuticals intended for medical purposes. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 619-625, 2024 (September)
... While the causes of infammation may vary, the underlying mechanisms remain consistent across diverse etiologies. Numerous studies have substantiated that in various regions across the world, plants are extensively employed in traditional medicine to alleviate various infammatory disorders [10][11][12][13][14]. ...
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) kernels have been widely employed in phytomedicine for treating different ailments. This study aims to unveil the phytochemical composition by HPLC-ESI-MS, in vitro antioxidant activity, and examine certain pharmacological effects of the hydro-ethanolic extract from bitter apricot kernels (BAK). Obtained results indicated that the BAK extract presents a content of 4.58 ± 0.15 mg GAE/g extract of TPA and 1.68 ± 0.09 mg QUE/g extract of TFA, respectively. HPLC-ESI-MS analysis discovered the presence of 17 phenolic compounds including phenolic acids and flavonoids like 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, (+)-catechin, epicatechin, and others, with associated antioxidant power. Regarding the studied potential pharmacological effects, notable analgesic activity at a dosage of 100 mg/kg BW was recorded with 63.46% protection. In the anti-inflammatory test, significant inhibition was observed after 6 hours of treatment (77.4%) compared to untreated animals. Moreover, the daily application of ointment formulated with 10% BAK extract resulted in a remarkable healing of wounds and burns in rats. These findings underscore the increasing evidence supporting the potential use of apricot kernel extracts in treating various diseases.
... Plants as well as fungi are rich in nutrients important not only for sustenance, but also for their medicinal properties (Silva & Fernandes Júnior, 2010). Bioactive compounds from natural sources have demonstrated a capacity to act as antiinflammatory, anti-microbial, and antiproliferative agents when it comes to cancer cells, as well as act as excellent supplements to ameliorate the negative side effects of drugs with toxic side effects (Goyal, Gupta, Chatterjee, & Nimesh, 2017;Mueller, Hobiger, & Jungbauer, 2010;Rahman et al., 2021;Reda, Borjac, & Usta, 2020;Zahrddin, Khalil, & Hijazi, 2022). Indeed, we have been part of the effort to demonstrate that Terfezia boudieri, a desert truffle that is widely available in our geographical region, and a dietary staple for many, has the capacity to regulate several key proteins that lie at the heart of cellular apoptosis, cell proliferation, and the development and metastasis of cancer cells. ...
... The ether-soluble extract was also separated by silica gel column (75 mm diameter × 525 mm length) chromatography using ethyl acetate/benzene (1:3 v/v) as eluent, and five fractions (EFr. [1][2][3][4][5] were obtained by TLC analysis. Preparative HPLC (JASCO Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) was performed using an Inertsil ® ODS-3 column (20 mm diameter × 250 mm length) with gradient elution to obtain the isolated and purified compounds. ...
... In numerous countries, the medicinal plant life had been globally carried out as practical ingredients in addition to day-by-day dietary supplements with an intention of promoting the general public health and each curing and preventing illnesses. Caraway oil is plenty more powerful whilst carried out topically than whilst supplemented withinside the diet (Mueller, 2010). ...
... Gu et al. [120] have shown that both phenolic and volatile compounds inhibited proinflammatory cytokine secretion, such as IL-6, in LPS-stimulated macrophages via suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Nevertheless, quercetin (present in the tested bilberry leaf waste extracts as well) has been proven to moderately reduce IL-6 secretion in LPS-stimulated macrophages [123]. ...
Citation: Elferjane, M.R.; Milutinović, V.; Jovanović Krivokuća, M.; Taherzadeh, M.J.; Pietrzak, W.; Marinković, A.; Jovanović, A.A. Abstract: The aims of the present research include (1) optimization of extraction from Vaccinium myrtillus leaf waste via investigation of plant material:medium ratio, extraction medium, and extraction period, employing extractions at room and high temperatures, or using ultrasound and microwaves (M, HAE, UAE, and MAE, respectively), (2) physicochemical characterization, and (3) investigation of extract biological potential. The statistical analysis revealed that optimal levels of parameters for the greatest polyphenolic yield were a proportion of 1:30 g/mL, ethyl alcohol 50% (v/v) during 2 min of microwave irradiation. By LC-MS analysis, 29 phenolic components were detected; HAE showed the highest richness of almost all determined polyphenols, while chlorogenic acid and quercetin 3-O-glucuronide were dominant. All extracts showed a high inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus growth. The effect of different parameters on extracts' antioxidant capacity depended on the used tests. The extracts also showed a stimulative influence on keratinocyte viability and anti-inflammatory activity (proven in cell-based ELISA and erythrocyte stabilization assays). The extraction procedure significantly affected the extraction yield (MAE ≥ maceration ≥ UAE ≥ HAE), whereas conductivity, density, surface tension, and viscosity varied in a narrow range. The presented research provides evidence on the optimal extraction conditions and technique, chemical composition, and antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and keratinocyte viability properties of bilberry extracts for potential applications in pharmacy and cosmetics.
... For example, flavonoids such as kaempferol and quercetin lead to a reduction in IL-6 release by macrophages. It has also been shown to have a positive effect on reducing the levels of TNF-α and COX-2, as well as increasing the secretion of IL-10 [55,56]. Kaempferol, present in extracts and ferments, inhibited the proliferation of both unstimulated and stimulated IL-1β-RASF, as well as IL-1β-induced mRNA and protein expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, COX-2, and PGE2. ...
In the cosmetics industry, the extract from Raphanus sativus L. is fermented using specific starter cultures. These cosmetic ingredients act as preservatives and skin conditioners. Kombucha is traditionally made by fermenting sweetened tea using symbiotic cultures of bacteria and yeast and is used in cosmetic products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cosmetic properties of radish leaf and root extract fermented with the SCOBY. Both unfermented water extracts and extracts after 7, 14, and 21 days of fermentation were evaluated. The analysis of secondary plant metabolites by UPLC-MS showed higher values for ferments than for extracts. A similar relationship was noted when examining the antioxidant properties using DPPH and ABTS radicals and the protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in fibroblasts and keratinocytes using the fluorogenic dye H2DCFDA. The results also showed no cytotoxicity to skin cells using Alamar Blue and Neutral Red tests. The ability of the samples to inhibit IL-1β and COX-2 activity in LPS-treated fibroblasts was also demonstrated using ELISA assays. The influence of extracts and ferments on bacterial strains involved in inflammatory processes of skin diseases was also assessed. Additionally, application tests were carried out, which showed a positive effect of extracts and ferments on TEWL and skin hydration using a TEWAmeter and corneometer probe. The results obtained depended on the concentration used and the fermentation time.
... The onion (Allium cepa) (Figure 1a), belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family, is widely recognized as Rasin Gitchak by the Garo tribe of Meghalaya. It is a multipurpose plant used in traditional medicines owing to its nutritional and health-promoting effect 16 . Currently cultivated in warmer countries, this species is assumed to have originated in southern Asia 17 .The Garo tribes of Meghalaya use this plant as an antidiabetic medicine. ...
Metabolic syndrome characterized by inadequate insulin secretion. The world's 2.8% of the population is affected by diabetes, and it is projected to reach 4.4% by 2030. Recently plant-based products have given significant results for curing diabetics. In this review article, we have summarized the taxonomical classification, phytochemical investigation, toxicological study, and anti-diabetic activity of nine edible plants traditionally used by Garo communities of Meghalaya to cure diabetic mellitus. The book “Antidiabetic Plants in India and Herbal Based Antidiabetic Research” by K Chandrasekhar Naidu and T Pullaiah helps to choose the anti-diabetic plant species of Meghalaya and Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar databases have been used for collecting the complete information of plants. Literature reveals that all the selected plants contain bio-active constituents (alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides, etc.), do not give a toxic effect at the highest level of dose, and give significant anti-diabetic activity. This review article helps natural researchers discover of new anti-diabetic drug.
... Zinc oxide NPs have anti-inflammatory effects in response to pathogens or toxins. Inflammation is decreased by zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNPs) in three different ways: I by blocking the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-18 by inhibiting NF-kB and caspase 1 in activated mast cells and macrophages; (ii) by inhibiting mast cell proliferation by increasing p53 and reducing the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin linked to ZnO NPs have been found to have strong anti-inflammatory properties that are not just useful in the treatment of atopic dermatitis [53]. The discovery of nanoparticles provides a new therapeutic avenue for the treatment of illnesses based on inflammation. ...
Chemical, Material Sciences & Nano technology book series aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Chemical, Material Sciences & Nano technology. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to publish the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Chemical, Material Sciences & Nano technology. The field of advanced and applied Chemical, Material Sciences & Nano technology has not only helped the development in various fields in Science and Technology but also contributes the improvement of the quality of human life to a great extent. The content of the book is as follows
... Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components of plants and their role in potential health function through their effect against various pathological processes have been extensively studied in recent years (Menichini et al., 2009;Mueller et al., 2010). Bioactive compounds of peppers were found to have antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antimicrobial activities (Alvarez-Parrilla et al., 2011;Careaga et al., 2003;Spiller et al., 2008). ...
... Inflammation contributes to several illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and asthma, by stimulating the immune system, circulation system, and various organelles within the injured cells [89]. The inflammatory mechanisms induce the upregulation of a series of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin IL-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon (INF)-c, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, and the granulocyte-macrophage colony-activating factor [90]. The inhibitory effects of ethanolic and water extracts of M. chinensis on methylglyoxal (MG)-induced glycation in mice were investigated, using Western blot to analyze IL-8, MIP-2, and MCP-1inflammation-related factors of RAW 264.7 cells. ...
Mesona chinensis, in Thai called Chao Kuay and in Chinese Hsian-tsao, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This herbal plant grows widely in Southern China, Taiwan (China), Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. The Mesona plant is used to make functional products such as drinks and soft textured sweet treats, and also traditional medicine, to treat heat stroke, high blood pressure, heart attack, high blood sugar, hepatic diseases, colon diseases, inflammatory conditions, and to alleviate myalgia. The proximate composition of M. chinensis is a mixture of protein, fat, fiber, ash, and minerals. The main biological compounds in M. chinensis extracts are polysaccharides, terpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, with wide-ranging pharmacological properties including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antilipidemic, carcinoma-inhibitory, renal-protective, antihypertensive, DNA damage-protective, and anti-inflammatory effects. This review investigated the proximate composition, polysaccharide type, and pharmacological properties of M. chinensis extracts. Phytochemical properties enhance the actions of the gut microbiota and improve health benefits. This review assessed the functional and medicinal activities of M. chinensis extracts. Future studies should further elucidate the in vitro/in vivo mechanisms of this plant extract and its impact on gut health.
... The plant when raised in gardens portrays natural pigments that improve landscape beauty. Freshly plucked pepper has proven an exceptional source of calcium and vitamins (Mueller et al., 2010;Varghese et al., 2017). Pepper crop plant is rurally produced but has a global usage. ...
Cultivation of Pepper, a vegetable fruit crop of prominence in Otuoke, is often hampered by parasitic nematode infestation. This negatively affects its economic impact on the rural domestic market. Farmers in Otuoke often ascribe reduced yield to inadequate farming strategy, as they are ignorant of nematode dynamics and resulting damages. This study sought to assay soil and roots of pepper plants for the determination of nematode community dynamics with a view of winging-in rural affordable management option for the agronomical parasites. The soil was collected using a hand trowel and roots were gotten using a knife and the extraction of the parasites was achieved by the use of the modified sieve plate method. The actual assemblage of nematodes was 397 from 11 genera, 205 (51.6%) occurred in farm A and 192 (48.4%) were seen in farm B. Dynamics on nematode diversity and occurrence were seen among species between farms. Meloidogyne species (17.9%) display variable populations between Farms A (19.5%) and B (16.1%). Tylenchorhynchus (11.3%) had a higher number in farm A (14.1%) and unlike in farm B (8.3%). However, Gracilachus (3.0%) and Scutellonema (7.3%)) species were reportedly found in Farm A while Tylenchus (6.5%) Hemicyclophora (5.3%) Pratylenchus (10.1%) and Rotylenchus species (10.1%) were peculiar to farm B. The result suggests that extensive fluctuations in nematode assemblage are possible even in fields with similar characteristics. Nematode occurrence on the root tissue of pepper plants in this study implies danger to quality productivity. Therefore, farmers should adopt poultry filters as manure for the cultivation of crops in the area. Farmers should also adopt exposing agricultural land to direct sunshine for a minimum of three weeks after clearing before tillage. The heat will help inhibit nematode profusion and check population abundance in soil for proper cultivation of crops.
... It is also used to treat toothache, diarrhea and epilepsy (Nwafor et al., 2001;Bhat et al., 2014). But they provide many health benefits such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant effects (Lai and Roy, 2004;Steenkamp et al., 2006;Shan et al., 2007;Kaefer and Milner, 2008;Mueller et al., 2010;Opara and Chohan, 2014). Curcuminoids were found to be much more effective in pain alleviation with no negative side effects (Hsiao et al., 2021;Paultre et al., 2021). ...
Functional foods have beneficial roles in health and well-being, beyond their basic nutrition. Nowadays, a lot of functional foods are emerging throughout the world. A curcumin-based functional food mixture (Karkuma) was formulated with a certain proportion of natural herbs and spices mixtures with the aim of alleviating pain. This was a three-month clinical trial conducted among a total of sixty patients with chronic pain (30 patients in the intervention and 30 patients in the control group). In the first phase, Karkuma was formulated by appropriately processing and blending mixtures of curcumin, gingerol, mulberry and multi-floral honey as the main ingredients. This formulation was standardized and sensory evaluated by a nine-point hedonic scale. The overall acceptable score was 8.1 (like very much) out of 9. The product safety and acute toxicity tests were tested in a renowned laboratory in Bangladesh and shown safe for consumption. In the second phase, these functional food mixtures claim to reduce the severity of pain and are thus evaluated by adjuvant therapy. No significant differences were found in both groups at baseline observation. After three months of intervention with Karkuma, significantly (p<0.05) relieves pain in the intervention group. However, no significant (p>0.05) decrease in pain was observed after three months of the control trial with blank Karkuma. Moreover, the hematological and liver function tests in both groups were at acceptable levels. Hence, this study acclaims the efficacy of functional food mixtures (Karkuma) against chronic pain.
... Inflammation plays a significant role in prevalent conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and asthma. It is the body's physical reaction against harmful substances, triggered by physical trauma, chemical agents, heat, immune responses, or microbial influence [4,5]. Inflammation, despite being a defence mechanism, can initiate, sustain, or exacerbate the underlying disease due to the numerous mechanisms and mediators involved. ...
Aim: This study aims to quantitatively assess the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the ethanolic extract of Phoenix dactylifera seeds.
Materials and methods: Around 30 seeds of Phoenix dactylifera were collected, crushed, and powdered; 10 gm of powder was added to 100 ml of ethanolic extract and boiled for further analysis. Egg albumin denaturation assay and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay were done to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, respectively. An independent t-test was used to compare the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of the ethanolic extract of Phoenix dactylifera using SPSS Statistics version 22.0 (IBM Corp. Released 2013. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0; Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.), and values less than 0.05 are considered statistically significant.
Results: The seeds of Phoenix dactylifera have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties improved with higher concentrations and were comparable to the control substances diclofenac sodium, vitamin E, and ascorbic acid, respectively. The most significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect was observed at a dosage of 50 μL, with a p-value of 0.001.
Conclusion: To conclude, we found that the ethanolic extract of Phoenix dactylifera has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, which can further be used for the improvement of pharmaceuticals.
... [85][86][87][88]. For instance, glyceroglycolipids derived from algae act as immunosuppressants, reducing inflammation through the activation of regulatory T cells [89,90]. ...
Abstract
The cultivation of cyanobacteria by exploiting available in situ resources represents a possible way to supply food and oxygen to astronauts during long-term crewed missions on Mars. Here, we evaluated the possibility of cultivating the extremophile cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis thermalis CCALA 050 under operating conditions that should occur within a dome hosting a recently patented process to produce nutrients and oxygen on Mars. The medium adopted to cultivate this cyanobacterium, named Martian medium, was obtained using a mixture of regolith leachate and astronauts’ urine simulants that would be available in situ resources whose exploitation could reduce the mission payload. The results demonstrated that C. thermalis can grow in such a medium. For producing high biomass, the best medium consisted of specific percentages (40%vol) of Martian medium and a standard medium (60%vol). Biomass produced in such a medium exhibits excellent antioxidant properties and contains significant amounts of pigments. Lipidomic analysis demonstrated that biomass contains strategic lipid classes able to help the astronauts facing the oxidative stress and inflammatory phenomena taking place on Mars. These characteristics suggest that this strain could serve as a valuable nutritional resource for astronauts.
... Some studies indicated that fermented and unfermented rooibos can block lipid peroxidation, enhance antioxidant enzymes activity, and improve glutathione level in the liver, kidney, testes, and heart of rats [30][31][32][33][34], as well as in humans who are at the risk of developing cardiovascular disease [35]. Additionally, data from in vitro studies revealed that rooibos exhibits potent antiinflammatory effect with evidence showing that it can inhibit cytokines activation and production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and in diesel exhaust particle-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells [36,37]. Those in vitro studies were corroborated by studies in experimental animals that showed that fermented rooibos demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing oxidative stress and generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver of LPS-induced rats [38]. ...
High dose of fluoride intake is associated with toxic effects on kidney and cardiac tissues. This study evaluated the potential protective effect of fermented rooibos tea (RTE) on sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced cardiorenal toxicity in rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 56) were randomly allocated into one of seven equal groups: control, NaF (100 mg/kg orally), NaF + RTE (2%, w/v), NaF + RTE (4%, w/v), NaF + lisinopril (10 mg/kg orally), 2% RTE, and 4% RTE. The experiment lasted for 14 days and RTE was administered to the rats as their sole source of drinking fluid. NaF induced cardiorenal toxicity indicated by elevated level of urea, creatinine, LDH, creatinine kinase-MB, and cardiac troponin I in the serum, accompanied by altered histopathology of the kidney and heart. Furthermore, levels of H2O2, malondialdehyde, and NO were elevated, while GSH level was depleted in the kidney and heart due to NaF intoxication. Protein levels of c-reactive protein, TNFα, IL-1B, and NF-κB were increased by NaF in the serum, kidney, and heart. RTE at 2% and 4% (w/v) reversed cardiorenal toxicity, resolved histopathological impairment, attenuated oxidative stress and inhibited formation of pro-inflammatory markers. RTE at both concentrations down-regulates the mRNA expression of NF-κB, and upregulates the mRNA expression of both IκB and IκKB, thus blocking the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. Taken together, these results clearly suggest that the protective potential of rooibos tea against NaF-induced cardiorenal toxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation may be associated with the modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.
... The absorption data obtained is then calculated as the percentage of inhibition ( Figure 6). The sample can have antiinflammatory activity if its percent inhibition is more than 20% [81]. ...
Nanoparticles are extensively studied for their promising biological properties. In this study, the fruit extract of Abelmoschus esculenthus L. was used as a chelating agent for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOPs-AE) using a zinc acetate solution. The prepared ZnOPs-AE were identified and characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), particle size analyzer (PSA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectrum (EDS). The green synthesized ZnOPs-AE were evaluated for their antioxidant, photoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. The synthesized nanoparticles showed an intensity peak at 370 nm in the UV-vis spectrum. The FTIR result shows the presence of O-H, C=O, C-O, C-OH, and C=C chelating functional groups on the surface of nanoparticles. The size of ZnOPs-AE was determined using a PSA with particle size distribution of 102.2 nm. The ZnOPs-AE were shown to be spherical by SEM analysis and composition was 82.11% and 14.79% for Zn and O, respectively. The antioxidant properties of ZnOPs-AE showed significant antioxidant potential in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays compared to the quercetin standard. The photoprotection activity test showed a SPF value of 19.63, the percentage of erythema transmission was 5.98%, and the percentage of pigmentation transmission was 5.62%. The ZnOPs-AE showed good anti-inflammatory with the synthesized nanoparticle performing activity between positive control and the fruit extract of Abelmoschus esculenthus L. Also, the ZnOPs-AE exhibited good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (20.78 mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosae (11.13 mm). Overall, the results highlight the effectiveness and potential of ZnOPs-AE for biological application.
... A study described that nutmeg reduced the cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukin. The extract also reduced the cyclooxygenase-2 pathway and contributed to the significant reduction of inflammatory markers (Mueller et al., 2010). ...
The global health sector is changing with more consensus towards the consumption of natural products to improve the health of mankind. As a result, the nutrition market diversified with the inclusion of new herbal products with each passing day. Myristica fragrans is a traditional spice used to enrich food with a specific aroma in the cuisines of every region. It has two distinctive parts, i.e. nutmeg (seed) & mace (outer covering) that are used for the same purpose but possess different health benefits. It contains significant amounts of active components that are beneficial in reducing oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and allergenic responses. In the current review, efforts were made to elucidate the theoretical background of nutmeg and its health benefits. The antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of nutmeg has been discussed in length and their commercial applications have been highlighted. The health benefits associated with diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory disorders, cancer insurgence, neurodegeneration, etc. are in the limelight of the article. The evidence portraying the negative aspects of nutmeg consumption and their critical analysis is discussed in length. Any plant’s positive and negative aspects depend on its rich phytochemistry and pharmaco-kinetics.
... Several compounds in O. majorana have been proven to have multiple beneficial effects on human metabolism: both in vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed antidiabetic effects of marjoram extracts, such as reduction in fasting glucose, lower glycated hemoglobin, improved oral glucose tolerance test results, and greater hepatic glycogen compared to the diabetic control [8]. Marjoram extract also exerts anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the levels of iNOS expressed by macrophages after stimulation and preventing NO production [9]; and a reduction in levels of cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α has also been detected [10]. ...
Recent studies have reported several beneficial effects of natural compounds on cancerous cells, highlighting their use for future treatments. These preliminary findings have encouraged experiments with natural substances, such as plant extracts, to examine both cytotoxic and mitogenic effects and find alternative treatments for diseases such as breast cancer. This study examines the effects of microwave-assisted and ethanol maceration of marjoram (Origanum majorana) on MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and normal breast tissue cell lines used as controls. Marjoram extracts displayed a cytotoxic effect on the MCF-7 cell lines and a mitogenic effect on the control cell lines at the MTS test. The metabolic profiles of MCF-7 and control cell lines were also assessed using the Biolog Phenotype Mammalian Metabolic (PM-M) platform and revealed statistically significant differences in the utilization of energy sources, metabolic activity in the presence of certain ionic species, and responses to metabolic effectors, such as stimulant/catabolic compounds and steroid hormones. Exposure to marjoram extracts exerted positive effects on the MCF-7 cells on the abnormal utilization of energy sources and the responses to metabolic effectors, while no major effects were detected on control cells. These effects were compared to the metabolic impact of the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin, which showed profound cytotoxic effects on both cancerous and normal breast cells. In conclusion, our in vitro evidence indicates that marjoram extracts are a promising alternative to chemotherapy in breast cancer since they can successfully eliminate cancerous cells by affecting their metabolic capacity to proliferate without inducing noticeable adverse effects on normal breast tissue.
... Nitric oxide inhibitory activity Plant extracts and plant-derived formulations have been used to control inflammatory disorders and related diseases since ancient times (Salminen et al., 2008;Mueller et al., 2010). The % nitric oxide inhibitory activity of selected millet types and sorghum varieties ranged from−1.17 ...
... [104] Luteolin can boost the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 while decreasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. [105][106][107] In addition, F I G U R E 4 Schematic representation shows the method by which luteolin reduces the liver and blood damage caused by short-term HgCl2 exposure. Luteolin inhibits the Sirt1/Nrf2/TNF-signaling system, preventing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. ...
Inflammation is an essential immune response that helps fight infections and heal tissues. However, chronic inflammation has been linked to several diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. This has increased interest in finding natural substances that can modulate the immune system inflammatory signaling pathways to prevent or treat these diseases. Luteolin is a flavonoid found in many fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It has been shown to have anti‐inflammatory effects by altering signaling pathways in immune cells. This review article discusses the current research on luteolin's role as a natural immune system modulator of inflammatory signaling mechanisms, such as its effects on nuclear factor‐kappa B, mitogen‐activated protein kinases, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, and inflammasome signaling processes. The safety profile of luteolin and its potential therapeutic uses in conditions linked to inflammation are also discussed. Overall, the data point to Luteolin's intriguing potential as a natural regulator of immune system inflammatory signaling processes. More research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and possible therapeutic applications.
Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death, is characterized by iron accumulation that results in the production of reactive oxygen species. This further causes lipid peroxidation and damage to the cellular components, eventually culminating into oxidative stress. Recent studies have highlighted the pivotal role of ferroptosis in the pathophysiological development and progression of various diseases such as β-thalassemia, hemochromatosis, and neurodegenerative disorders like AD and PD. Extensive efforts are in progress to understand the molecular mechanisms governing the role of ferroptosis in these conditions, and chelation therapy stands out as a potential approach to mitigate ferroptosis and its related implications in their development. There are currently both synthetic and natural iron chelators that are being researched for their potential as ferroptosis inhibitors. While synthetic chelators are relatively well-established and studied, their short plasma half-life and toxic side effects necessitate the exploration and identification of natural products that can act as efficient and safe iron chelators. In this review, we comprehensively discuss both synthetic and natural iron chelators as potential therapeutic strategies against ferroptosis-induced pathologies.
Graphical Abstract
Inflammation is a complex biological process that plays an important role in many clinical disorders. The natural plant and its secondary metabolites play an important role in the prevention and treatment of inflammation. Taraxerol is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in medicinal plants, fruits, and vegetables, and is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. This review explains the molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effects of taraxerol and its interactions with many molecular targets, including NF-κB, MAPKs, and COX. Furthermore, the effects of taraxerol on oxidative stress, cell function, and inflammatory cell signaling have been comprehensively described. This review addresses the limitations and obstacles in taraxerol research, as well as provides insights for future investigations. The findings highlight the need for additional research to completely understand the therapeutic potential and clinical applications of taraxerol in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
The Glycyrrhiza glabra is a perennial cross-pollinated plant species of the Fabaceae family. The roots and leaves are the economic parts of the plant. Its roots can fix the nitrogen through symbiotic association. Various phytochemical compounds with medicinal, therapeutic, and industrial properties are present in this plant’s roots, leaves, and aerial parts. It contains pale yellow essential oil. Licorice biodiversity is facing a threat as it is considered an endangered plant. It is necessary to study the genetic diversity of Glycyrrhiza species for conservation and breeding approaches to avoid overexploitation and habitat loss. The molecular markers revolutionized the study of genetic diversity. By analyzing these markers scientists have gained insights into the evolutionary history, population structure, and phylogenetic relationships of different Glycyrrhiza species. The present chapter comprehensively compiled the past advancements in assessing genetic diversity and germplasm resources for further improvement.
Natural Products continue to be the purest source of physiologically active molecules employed in the identification of possible lead compounds in the drug discovery process. Acanthaceae is a big plant family with around 2500 species, found primarily in subtropical and tropical regions, as well as the Mediterranean, Australia, and the United States. Several species of the Acanthaceae family have been used traditionally to treat a variety of diseases, including gastrointestinal and cardiovascular ailments, etc . Ruellia tuberosa commonly known as “Mexican Bluebell” is a perennial herb that originated in Central America and has spread to some countries in the Southern tropics and Southeast Asia. It has been utilized as a traditional Rasayana plant from ancient times. R. tuberosa extracts and phytochemicals showed potent bioactivities, such as anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, wound healing, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti‐diabetic, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, gastro‐protective, and anthelminthic activities. Chemical analyses have unveiled a range of bioactive constituents within the plant, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds, suggestive of its therapeutic potential. Collectively, this review provides an overview of R. tuberosa , encompassing its traditional uses, ethnomedicinal importance, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and toxicity.
Genus Berberis is an excellent choice for research due to its history in traditional medicine, diverse pharmacological properties, and it has potential for drug discovery. This review presents information on the ethnobotany, pharmacological activities, and many phytochemicals identified from Berberis species. It examines the existing literature on the genus Berberis, drawn from online databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Elsevier, and Google Scholar, etc encompassing the data from 1960 to 2023. This review focuses on the structural details of reported phytochemicals of Berberis species and pharmacological actions. Different extraction techniques were evaluated for extracts preparation. According to literature review, phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. A major bioactive alkaloid, berberine exhibits its main role in treatment of many gastric, infectious, and chronic disorders. This literature indicates that Berberis genus exhibits a variety of biological activities, i.e anti‐inflammatory, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and antioxidant activities and utilization of these effects in the treatment and management of various diseases, like diabetes, microbial infections, inflammation, liver disorders, and cancer. However, conventional medicines, validation of traditional uses, and in‐depth phytochemical analysis are areas of research in genus Berberis.
Alkaloids are considered major secondary plant metabolites and are found mostly in plants. Some alkaloids are used as a spice in foodstuffs such as fenugreek, black pepper, and long pepper. These spices have large quantities of alkaloidal compounds. Trigonelline is a major alkaloidal compound present in fenugreek seeds, and piperine is present in peppers. Black pepper has a long history of usage in traditional medicines all throughout the world as well as food and condiments (Kaltner et al., 2020). In the Piperaceae, or pepper family, there are about 2,000 species in the Piper genus (Durant-Archibold et al., 2018). Only a few spices from the genus Piper include alkaloids, the biggest class of nitrogenous natural chemical substances. The two species that are most well-known are Piper longum and Piper nigrum, also known as pippali and black pepper, respectively. This genus contains piperidine-type alkaloids (Martha Perez Gutierrez et al., 2013). Numerous traditional medical systems, including traditional Chinese medicine, the Indian Ayurvedic system, and folkloric medicines of Latin America and the West Indies, have used plants from the genus Piper as a cure (Zaveri et al., 2010). Another alkaloid-containing species we have included in this chapter is a short-living and annual medicinal herb Trigonella foenum-graecum belonging to the Fabaceae family. Its major alkaloids are Trigonelline and 4-hydroxy-isoleucine (Nagulapalli Venkata et al., 2017).
This chapter provides an overview of food spices containing alkaloids as major chemical compounds. The major focus is on the sources, traditional uses, and phyto-pharmacological properties of food spices containing alkaloids.
AST exerts anti-inflammatory effects and may target IL-6 to inhibit the positive feedback loop of inflammatory factors, thereby effectively reducing adverse inflammatory responses.
Inflammation is a part of the body’s intricate biological reaction to noxious stimuli and defensive reactions. So, the aim of this investigation was to study the anti-inflammatory activity of exopolysaccharide (EPSSM) using carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. A halophilic bacterial strain was isolated from marine sediments in the Red Sea in Egypt. The isolate has been visually and physiologically recognized, as well as by analyzing its 16S rRNA gene, which confirms Kocuria sp. clone Asker4. This particular isolate can be referenced using the accession number OL798051.1. EPSSM was subjected to purification and fractionation by a DEAE-cellulose column. Preliminary chemical analysis of EPSSM indicated that the monosaccharides were fructose, glucuronic acid, and xylose, with 2.0, 0.5, and 1.0, respectively. The antioxidant potential of EPSSM was investigated, and it was discovered that the level of activity increased independently of the concentrations, reaching a maximum threshold of 94.13% at 100 µg/mL of EPSSM for 120 min. Also, EPSSM at 50 mg/kg orally produced a significant anti-inflammatory effect on the carrageenan model at 2, 3, and 4 intervals. The EPSSM intervention resulted in reductions in the levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes, as well as a decrease in glutathione. Furthermore, the levels of nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, and reactive oxygen species resulting from carrageenan-induced edema showed a significant reduction subsequent to the administration of EPSSM. Moreover, the findings indicated that the protein expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2 and interleukin-6 were reduced following treatment with EPSSM, resulting in a reduction of paw edema.
The potential of H. virginiana L. was evaluated against Candida spp. (C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, C. krusei, and C. tropicalis) and bacteria (Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans). Effect on murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) was also evaluated with respect to cytotoxicity and production of cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO). The most effective concentrations of the extract were determined by microdilution broth. These concentrations were analyzed on biofilms, after 5 min or 24 h exposure. Cytotoxicity was performed by MTT assay and quantification of cytokines and NO by ELISA and Griess reagent, respectively. The extract acted against the planktonic forms and provided significant reductions of all the microbial biofilms; besides, showed no cytotoxic effect, except at 100 mg/mL, after 24 h exposure. There was cytokine production; however, a modulatory effect was observed in groups exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli. NO production was similar or higher than the control group. Thus, H. virginiana L. extract showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects; absence of cytotoxicity for RAW 264.7; anti-inflammatory action; and potential to fight infections through the NO production.
Herbal plants are being used for therapeutic purposes to cure diverse forms of diseases since centuries ago. Many medicinal therapists across the world utilize these herbs for the treatment of diseases, such as ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. The use of herbal based medicines considered as safe with no side effects have increased at an alarming pace as compared to synthetic drugs globally. Medicinal herbs have been validated to eradicate the core of diseased ailments irrespective of age group and are having lesser chances of developing adverse effects due to chemical interactions and microbial resistance as induced by most of the synthetic drugs. Considering the multiple biological activities, which are beneficial for healthy functioning of human body including prevention of cancers, inflammations, infections, antiseptics, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antioxidants and innumerable healing characteristics. In this study, we assessed the potential benefits and bioactive compounds present in diverse ranges of medicinal herbs, so that it could provide a valid source for practitioners and those interested in formulation of health promoting supplements and nutraceuticals. The chemical composition of medicinal herbs not only enables a researcher to enhance health by curing a specific disease but also to preserve a formulated food product with natural based remedies. Products developed from herbal combinations have been found to reduce toxicity in human body along with improving efficacy
Ethnopharmacological relevance: The genus Alchemilla L. (lady's mantle) comprises 1000 species, of which more than 300 have been characterized from Europe. Notably, as folk medicines, Alchemilla species have long been prescribed for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, pruritus vulvae, menopausal complaints, and related diseases in women. This review summarizes the traditional uses, highlights promising plant species, and focuses on phytochemical and biological studies to highlight future areas of research.
Aim of the review: This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Alchemilla species, covering their botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological and pharmacological activities, and to summarize the current research status to better understand the application value of Alchemilla plants in modern phytotherapy.
Materials and methods: The search strategy utilized the major thematic platforms Reaxys, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, the USDA Plant Database and Kew Science (Royal Botanic Gardens) and was performed with the term Alchemilla. These platforms were systematically searched for articles published from 1960 to 2023.
Results and discussion: Alchemilla species, as members of the Rosaceae family, produce tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, coumarins, triterpenes and violet compounds. Effort has been made with this comprehensive review of Alchemilla plants to highlight the recent developments and milestones achieved in modern phytochemistry and phytotherapy, underlaying a broad spectrum of the activities of these plants, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antiobesity, cardiovascular, anticancer, and wound healing effects.
Conclusions: An increasing number of studies on the plants in the Alchemilla genus have provided data about the main constituents and their importance in modern medicine. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that Alchemilla plants possess an extensive spectrum of biological activities. Regardless of the remarkable medical potential of Alchemilla extracts, clinical studies are limited and need to be performed to produce safer and less expensive plant-based drugs.
So‘ngi yillarda dunyoning ko‘plab mamlakatlari iqtisodiy jihatdan istiqbolli potensialga ega qalampir o‘simligini yetishtirish hamda an’anaviy va zamonaviy tibbiyotdagi ahamiyani o‘rganishga e’tibor qaratmoqda. Ushbu maqolada madaniylashtirilgan qalampir (Capsicum) turlarining botanik tavsifi, farmakologik xususiyatlari, an’anaviy va zamonaviy tibbiyotda turli kasalliklarni oldini olish hamda davolovchi ta’siridan foydalanish bo‘yicha olib borilgan ilmiy-amaliy tadqiqot natijalari, oziq-ovqat sanoatida ishtaha ochuvchi muhim ziravor sifatidagi ahamiyati, dunyoning turli mintaqalarida uni yetishtirishga oid statistik ma’lumotlar hamda fitokimyoviy tarkibini o‘rganish bo‘yicha olib borilgan ilmiy tadqiqot ishlari muhokamasi bayon qilingan.
Bromelains are cysteine peptidases with endopeptidase action (a subfamily of papains), obtained from different parts of vegetable belonging to the Bromeliaceae family. They have some intrinsic medical activity, but this review is focused on their application (individually or mixed with other proteases) to produce bioactive peptides. When compared to other proteases, perhaps due to the fact that they are commercialized as an extract containing several proteases, the hydrolysates produced by this enzyme tends to have higher bioactivities than other common proteases. The peptides and the intensity of their final properties depend on the substrate protein and reaction conditions, being the degree of hydrolysis a determining parameter (but not always positive or negative). The produced peptides may have diverse activities such as antioxidant, antitumoral, antihypertensive or antimicrobial ones, among others or they may be utilized to improve the organoleptic properties of foods and feeds. Evolution of the use of this enzyme in this application is proposed to be based on a more intense direct application of Bromeliaceae extract, without the cost associated to enzyme purification, and the use of immobilized biocatalysts of the enzyme by simplifying the enzyme recovery and reuse, and also making the sequential hydrolysis using diverse proteases possible.
There is a necessity to protect the quality and authenticity of herbs and spices because of the increase in the fraud and adulteration incidence during the last 30 years. There are several aspects that make herbs and spices quite vulnerable to fraud and adulteration, including their positive and desirable sensorial and health-related properties, the form in which they are sold, which is mostly powdered, and their economic relevance around the world, even in developing countries. For these reasons, sensitive, rapid, and reliable techniques are needed to verify the authenticity of these agri-food products and implement effective adulteration prevention measures. This review highlights why spices and herbs are highly valued ingredients, their economic importance, and the official quality schemes to protect their quality and authenticity. In addition to this, the type of frauds that can take place with spices and herbs have been disclosed, and the fraud incidence and an overview of scientific articles related to fraud and adulteration based on the Rapid Alert System Feed and Food (RASFF) and the Web of Science databases, respectively, during the last 30 years, is carried out here. Next, the methods used to detect adulterants in spices and herbs are reviewed, with DNA-based techniques and mainly spectroscopy and image analysis methods being the most recommended. Finally, the available adulteration prevention measurements for spices and herbs are presented, and future perspectives are also discussed.
The thesis standardizes the Jhanas, which are an hard understood conception that have less accessibility into science. As well mindfulness is standardized over all the different definitions that are a scientific „chaos“ under the assumption of its metacognitive usage. The YH system is used to do so, while using the verses BD, DoC, M and supmor. Standing for basic dynamics, decision of change, meta and supra morals.
Nature is a tremendous source of many bioactive compounds and provides us with many herbal plants with therapeutic properties. Therefore, the demand of herbal plants and its constituents is always in the rise. Glycyrrhiza glabra is considered to be one of the most useful plants across the world for its ethnopharmacological values. It consists of various pharmacological activities including anti-cancer activity. Extracts and bioactive components of Glycyrrhiza glabra are reported for their anti-cancer activity by inducing apoptosis, mitochondrial permeability transition, suppressing micronucleus formation, inhibiting angiogenesis, etc. in various human cancer cell lines, viz. HeLa, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, Caco-2, and PC3. Proteins targeted by Glycyrrhiza glabra for anti-cancer activity include MKK4, MKK7, JNK1, mTOR, GSK-β, Akt, NF-κB, MAP kinases, and Cdk2 which result in decreased carcinogenesis. This chapter examines about the chemistry and mechanism of various extracts and bioactive constituents of Glycyrrhiza glabra against different cancers.Keywords
Glycyrrhiza glabra
CancerExtractBioactive componentsMechanism
Global warming undoubtedly is a serious challenge facing poultry production especially in tropical climate, which subject animals to heat-stressed conditions leading to multiple physiological alterations. An investigation was conducted to determine the role of herbal supplements on adipokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines and metabolic hormones of broilers exposed to heat stress. 200 a day-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to standard diets; diet 1 without leaf meal (T1), diet 2 with 5% Moringa oleifera (T2), diet 3 with 5% Phyllanthus amarus (T3) and diet 4 with 5% mistletoe; Viscum album (T4) in a 49-day feed trial during the peak of thermal discomfort in Southern Nigeria, to assess hormones, adipokines and cytokines using standard procedures. Results obtained shows that triiodothyronine of birds fed phyllanthus and mistletoe were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than birds on basal diet. Corticosterone of birds fed mistletoe and phyllanthus were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those obtained in birds on basal diet. Heat shock protein of birds fed on moringa supplements were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those in birds on basal diet. The adiponectin of birds fed on basal diet were statistically (p < 0.05) higher than other treatments. Interleukin 6 of birds on phyllanthus and mistletoe supplements were not significantly (p > 0.05) different from birds on basal diet. Interleukin 1β of birds fed basal diet was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than birds fed moringa supplements and the significantly (p < 0.05) least values obtained in those of birds fed phyllanthus supplement. Tumor necrosis factor α of birds fed on phyllanthus and mistletoe were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than birds fed basal diet and the significantly (p < 0.05) least values were obtained in birds fed moringa supplement. In conclusion, three herbal supplements decreased the HSP 70, leptin and adiponectin of broilers exposed to heat stress and moringa supplements lower pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in heat stress birds.
Echinacea, an herbal remedy with a rich history rooted in traditional medicine, has captured the attention of researchers, health enthusiasts, and individuals seeking natural approaches to wellness. This review aims to delve into the captivating nature of Echinacea by examining its historical significance, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, diverse perspectives and personal anecdotes, recommended usage guidelines, precautions, and potential side effects. Through an overview of research studies, it becomes evident that Echinacea possesses a range of potential benefits. These include its antiviral and immunomodulatory properties, anti-inflammatory effects, wound healing capabilities, and potential in preventing and treating upper respiratory tract infections. Furthermore, studies suggest its potential anti-cancer effects and protection against oxidative stress. The review highlights the different forms of Echinacea products available, including tinctures, capsules and tablets, topical creams and gels, teas, and herbal extracts, with dosage recommendations and usage guidelines provided for each form. Precautions and potential side effects are also discussed to ensure informed decision-making and safe usage. In addition to scientific evidence, the captivating nature of Echinacea is enhanced by the inclusion of positive testimonials and personal anecdotes, demonstrating the impact it has had on individuals' lives. These stories offer a human touch, providing a glimpse into the personal experiences and perspectives of those who have benefited from Echinacea. Ultimately, this review encourages readers to explore Echinacea for themselves, approaching it with an open mind and combining scientific evidence with personal experiences. It acknowledges the potential of Echinacea to contribute to one's health and well-being while emphasizing the importance of an individualized approach to wellness. In conclusion, Echinacea's captivating nature lies in its historical significance, scientific evidence, diverse perspectives, and potential benefits. As readers delve into the world of Echinacea, they are invited to embrace curiosity, open-mindedness, and the beauty of nature's healing treasures, fostering a holistic approach to well-being.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology and is mainly characterized by the progressive erosion of cartilage leading to chronic polyarthritis and joint distortion. Although the exact pathogenesis of the disease has yet not been elucidated, however, studies suggest that cellular proliferation of synoviocytes result in pannus formation which damages the cartilage and bone. Recent reports also support the role of free radicals in its pathogenesis. Apart from the conventional treatment strategies using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs and glucocorticoids, newer and safer drugs are continuously being searched, as long term usage of these drugs have resulted in adverse effects. Alternative medicine provides another approach for treatment of RA and currently a number of medicinal plants are under scientific evaluation to develop a novel drug. There is a dire need to investigate the complete therapeutic potential and adverse effects, if any, of these herbals for providing newer and safer treatment options with minimum side effects. In this review we have tried to explore various Indian ancient Ayurvedic, Unani and Tibbi, as also some Chinese and Korean, herbals for their potential to treat RA.
A previous study showed that macelignan extracted from Myristica fragrans has anti-inflammatory properties using hippocampal neuronal and primary microglial cells. Subsequently, a study using animals with chronic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infusion into the brain showed that oral treatments of macelignan reduced the hippocampal microglial activation and hippocampal-dependent spatial memory impairments induced by LPS. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of macelignan have not been elucidated in the microglia. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine if mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) activities are related to the anti-inflammatory effects of macelignan on LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells. The results show that macelignan suppresses both the phosphorylations of MAPKs and the degradation of inhibitory-kappa B (IkappaBalpha) and increases of nuclear NF-kappaB in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells. These results suggest that macelignan has an anti-inflammatory effect on the affected brain through regulation of the inflammation through the MAPK signal pathway.
The objective of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory, nociceptive, and antiarthritic effects of piperine, the active phenolic component in black pepper extract.
The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of piperine was tested on interleukin 1beta (IL1beta)-stimulated fibroblast-like synoviocytes derived form patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The levels of IL6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs), cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were investigated by ELISA and RT-PCR analysis. The analgesic and antiarthritic activities of piperine were investigated on rat models of carrageenan-induced acute paw pain and arthritis. The former were evaluated with a paw pressure test, and the latter by measuring the squeaking score, paw volume, and weight distribution ratio. Piperine was administrated orally to rats at 20 and 100 mg/kg/day for 8 days.
Piperine inhibited the expression of IL6 and MMP13 and reduced the production of PGE2 in a dose dependant manner at concentrations of 10 to 100 microg/ml. In particular, the production of PGE2 was significantly inhibited even at 10 microg/ml of piperine. Piperine inhibited the migration of activator protein 1 (AP-1), but not nuclear factor (NF)kappaB, into the nucleus in IL1beta-treated synoviocytes. In rats, piperine significantly reduced nociceptive and arthritic symptoms at days 8 and 4, respectively. Histological staining showed that piperine significantly reduced the inflammatory area in the ankle joints.
These results suggest that piperine has anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antiarthritic effects in an arthritis animal model. Thus, piperine should be further studied with regard to use either as a pharmaceutical or as a dietary supplement for the treatment of arthritis.
In addition to the major constituents apigenin, luteolin, salvagenin, cirsimartin, diosmetin, desmethoxycentauridin, 5-hydroxy-6,7,3',4'-tetramethoxy-abigenin, apigenin 7-O-glucoside, luteolin 7-O-glucoside, luteolin 7-O-glucoside-6''-methylester, two new flavonoids were isolated, in minor concentration, and identified as luteolin 7-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside-4'-O-beta-D-glucoside and quercetin 3-O-beta-D-glucoside-4'-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside from the methanolic extract of Origanum vulgare L. The structures were determined by conventional analytical methods and confirmed by MS and NMR spectral analysis.
Berries are known to contain phenolic substances (i.e., flavonoids and phenolic acids), which comprise two large and heterogeneous groups of biologically active nonnutrients. This investigation evaluated the content and profile of the phenolic compounds present in six different berries found in Northern Europe. The latter included bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccus), strawberry (Fragaria ananassa), black currant (Ribes nigrum), and red currant (Ribes rubrum). The study was focused on two areas. The first involved the extraction and analysis of berries for total phenolic content and determination of their antioxidant activity. The total phenolic level of berries was correlated with their antioxidant activity. Second, the berry extracts were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis to determine the content and profile of selected bioactive compounds. The analytes of interest included trans-resveratrol, cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, and morin.
There is persuasive epidemiological and experimental evidence that dietary polyphenols have anti-inflammatory activity. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have long been used to combat inflammation. Recently, cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors have been developed and recommended for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). However, two COX inhibitors have been withdrawn from the market due to unexpected side effects. Because conventional therapeutic and surgical approaches have not been able to fully control the incidence and outcome of many inflammatory diseases, there is an urgent need to find safer compounds and to develop mechanism-based approaches for the management of these diseases. Polyphenols are found in many dietary plant products, including fruits, vegetables, beverages, herbs, and spices. Several of these compounds have been found to inhibit the inflammation process as well as tumorigenesis in experimental animals; they can also exhibit potent biological properties. In addition, epidemiological studies have indicated that populations who consume foods rich in specific polyphenols have lower incidences of inflammatory disease. This paper provides an overview of the research approaches that can be used to unravel the biology and health effects of polyphenols. Polyphenols have diverse biological effects, however, this review will focus on some of the pivotal molecular targets that directly affect the inflammation process.
Reducing the incidence of coronary heart disease with diet is possible. The main dietary strategies include adequate omega-3 fatty acids intake, reduction of saturated and trans-fats, and consumption of a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains and low in refined grains. Each of these strategies may be associated with lower generation of inflammation. This review examines the epidemiologic and clinical evidence concerning diet and inflammation. Dietary patterns high in refined starches, sugar, and saturated and trans-fatty acids, poor in natural antioxidants and fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and poor in omega-3 fatty acids may cause an activation of the innate immune system, most likely by an excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines associated with a reduced production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The whole diet approach seems particularly promising to reduce the inflammation associated with the metabolic syndrome. The choice of healthy sources of carbohydrate, fat, and protein, associated with regular physical activity and avoidance of smoking, is critical to fighting the war against chronic disease. Western dietary patterns warm up inflammation, while prudent dietary patterns cool it down.
Herbs and spices have a traditional history of use, with strong roles in cultural heritage, and in the appreciation of food and its links to health. Demonstrating the benefits of foods by scientific means remains a challenge, particularly when compared with standards applied for assessing pharmaceutical agents. Pharmaceuticals are small-molecular-weight compounds consumed in a purified and concentrated form. Food is eaten in combinations, in relatively large, unmeasured quantities under highly socialised conditions. The real challenge lies not in proving whether foods, such as herbs and spices, have health benefits, but in defining what these benefits are and developing the methods to expose them by scientific means. CULTURAL ASPECTS: The place of herbs and spices in the diet needs to be considered in reviewing health benefits. This includes definitions of the food category and the way in which benefits might be viewed, and therefore researched. Research may focus on identifying bioactive substances in herbs and spices, or on their properties as a whole food, and/or be set in the context of a dietary cuisine. THE ROLE OF HERBS AND SPICES IN HEALTH: The antioxidant properties of herbs and spices are of particular interest in view of the impact of oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the development of atherosclerosis. There is level III-3 evidence (National Health and Medical Research Council [NHMRC] levels of evidence) that consuming a half to one clove of garlic (or equivalent) daily may have a cholesterol-lowering effect of up to 9%. There is level III-1 evidence that 7.2 g of aged garlic extract has been associated with anticlotting (in-vivo studies), as well as modest reductions in blood pressure (an approximate 5.5% decrease in systolic blood pressure). A range of bioactive compounds in herbs and spices have been studied for anticarcinogenic properties in animals, but the challenge lies in integrating this knowledge to ascertain whether any effects can be observed in humans, and within defined cuisines. Research on the effects of herbs and spices on mental health should distinguish between cognitive decline associated with ageing and the acute effects of psychological and cognitive function. There is level I and II evidence for the effect of some herbal supplements on psychological and cognitive function. There is very limited scientific evidence for the effects of herbs and spices on type 2 diabetes mellitus, with the best evidence being available for the effect of ginseng on glycaemia, albeit based on four studies. More research is required, particularly examining the effects of chronic consumption patterns. With increasing interest in alternatives to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents in the management of chronic inflammation, research is emerging on the use of food extracts. There is level II evidence for the use of ginger in ameliorating arthritic knee pain; however, the improvement is modest and the efficacy of ginger treatment is ranked below that of ibuprofen. More definitive research is required. PUBLIC HEALTH AND DIETARY IMPLICATIONS: Recommendations for intakes of food in the Australian guide to healthy eating do not yet include suggested intakes of herbs and spices. Future consideration should be given to including more explicit recommendations about their place in a healthy diet. In addition to delivering antioxidant and other properties, herbs and spices can be used in recipes to partially or wholly replace less desirable ingredients such as salt, sugar and added saturated fat in, for example, marinades and dressings, stir-fry dishes, casseroles, soups, curries and Mediterranean-style cooking. Vegetable dishes and vegetarian options may be more appetising when prepared with herbs and spices. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: As several metabolic diseases and age-related degenerative disorders are closely associated with oxidative processes in the body, the use of herbs and spices as a source of antioxidants to combat oxidation warrants further attention. Immediate studies should focus on validating the antioxidant capacity of herbs and spices after harvest, as well as testing their effects on markers of oxidation. This will work in parallel with clinical trials that are aiming to establish antioxidants as mediators of disease prevention. From a dietary perspective, the functionality of herbs and spices will be exposed through consideration of their properties as foods. As with most foods, the real benefits of including them in the diet are likely to emerge with a better understanding of the attributes of health that are best supported by food, and in methodological developments addressing the evidence base for their effects. These developments are well underway through evidence-based frameworks for substantiating health claims related to foods. At present, recommendations are warranted to support the consumption of foods rich in bioactive components, such as herbs and spices. With time, we can expect to see a greater body of scientific evidence supporting the benefits of herbs and spices in the overall maintenance of health and protection from disease.
In inflammation, bacterial products and proinflammatory cytokines induce the formation of large amounts of nitric oxide (NO) by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and compounds that inhibit NO production have anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, we systematically investigated the effects of 36 naturally occurring flavonoids and related compounds on NO production in macrophages exposed to an inflammatory stimulus (lipopolysaccharide, LPS), and evaluated the mechanisms of action of the effective compounds. Flavone, the isoflavones daidzein and genistein, the flavonols isorhamnetin, kaempferol and quercetin, the flavanone naringenin, and the anthocyanin pelargonidin inhibited iNOS protein and mRNA expression and also NO production in a dose-dependent manner. All eight active compounds inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-
κ
B (NF-
κ
B), which is a significant transcription factor for iNOS. Genistein, kaempferol, quercetin, and daidzein also inhibited the activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT-1), another important transcription factor for iNOS. The present study characterises the effects and mechanisms of naturally occurring phenolic compounds on iNOS expression and NO production in activated macrophages. The results partially explain the pharmacological efficacy of flavonoids as anti-inflammatory compounds.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology and is mainly characterized by the progressive erosion of cartilage leading to chronic polyarthritis and joint distortion. Although the exact pathogenesis of the disease has yet not been elucidated, however, studies suggest that cellular proliferation of synoviocytes result in pannus formation which damages the cartilage and bone. Recent reports also support the role of free radicals in its pathogenesis. Apart from the conventional treatment strategies using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs and glucocorticoids, newer and safer drugs are continuously being searched, as long term usage of these drugs have resulted in adverse effects. Alternative medicine provides another approach for treatment of RA and currently a number of medicinal plants are under scientific evaluation to develop a novel drug. There is a dire need to investigate the complete therapeutic potential and adverse effects, if any, of these herbals for providing newer and safer treatment options with minimum side effects. In this review we have tried to explore various Indian ancient Ayurvedic, Unani and Tibbi, as also some Chinese and Korean, herbals for their potential to treat RA.
There is persuasive epidemiological and experimental evidence that dietary polyphenols have anti-inflammatory activity. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have long been used to combat inflammation. Recently, cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors have been developed and recommended for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). However, two COX inhibitors have been withdrawn from the market due to unexpected side effects. Because conventional therapeutic and surgical approaches have not been able to fully control the incidence and outcome of many inflammatory diseases, there is an urgent need to find safer compounds and to develop mechanism-based approaches for the management of these diseases. Polyphenols are found in many dietary plant products, including fruits, vegetables, beverages, herbs, and spices. Several of these compounds have been found to inhibit the inflammation process as well as tumorigenesis in experimental animals; they can also exhibit potent biological properties. In addition, epidemiological studies have indicated that populations who consume foods rich in specific polyphenols have lower incidences of inflammatory disease. This paper provides an overview of the research approaches that can be used to unravel the biology and health effects of polyphenols. Polyphenols have diverse biological effects, however, this review will focus on some of the pivotal molecular targets that directly affect the inflammation process.
Fitting a limited quantity of experimental data is a very common day to day exercise in the biochemist's lab. In the past, mathematical functions such as the Scatchard plot and Hill plot, allowing a transformation of the data to get linear relationships, have been frequently used. Parameter estimation with nonlinear equations without the help of modern electronic computation is very tedious and is not practical in the biochemist's lab. However, nonlinear decline or increase of an analytical response in a concentration, pressure, or time dependent manner is a very common phenomenon in the life sciences. A simple function called logistic dose-response function, different from the logistic function, is discussed in this paper. This equation allows for more robust fitting compared to the linear transformation of Scatchard and Hill. The utility of this nonlinear equation has been demonstrated for parameter estimation to various data sets obtained from totally dissimilar experiments, such as ligand binding to a receptor (1), ligand-induced transactivation of a reporter gene (1,2), breakthrough curves in chromatography, adsorption isotherms of proteins on ion-exchangers (3), enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (4) and radioimmunoassays (5). The function is able to describe the transition from the blank level, with a certain transition period to the saturation phase without further mathematical transformation. In principle an experimental design can be chosen without incorporation of a blank value.
An HPLC method for the determination of rosmarinic and caffeic acids in several aromatic herbs, namely, rosemary, sage, thyme, spearmint, balm, and lavender, has been developed and validated. The separation system consisted of a C18 reversed-phase column, a gradient elution system of methanol/water containing orthophosphoric acid, and a photodiode array detector. The content of rosmarinic and caffeic acids was found to be 2.0–27.4, and 0–0.4 mg/g, respectively, in the aromatic herbs analysed. The described method is simple, sensitive, reproducible and ideally suited for rapid routine analysis.
We hypothesized the juices from strawberry, loquat, mulberry and bitter melon exhibit anti-inflammatory activities using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine peritoneal macrophage cultures. Selected juices were administered as a prophylactic, postmortem or concurrent event relative to LPS stimulation to clarify the effective mechanisms. Selected fruits and vegetable juices were administered to macrophage cultures for 24 h prior to LPS stimulation (model A). Selected samples were administered to cell cultures at 24 h following LPS treatment (model B). Selected fruits and vegetable juices and LPS were simultaneously co-cultured with macrophages for 24 h (model C). The LPS-induced secretions of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were determined. The results showed that strawberry, loquat, mulberry and bitter melon administration increased IL-10 production by LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages in dose-dependent manners in experimental model A. Simultaneously, loquat, mulberry, and bitter melon administrations significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and/or TNF-α. Administration with loquat and bitter melon to experimental model C significantly increased IL-10 production. This study suggests that strawberry, loquat, mulberry, and bitter melon juices exhibit a prophylactic effect on LPS-induced inflammation of peritoneal macrophages via increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine and/or decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines secretions.
Zingiber zerumbet Smith has long been used as a botanical medicine for anti-inflammation in Southeast Asia. In this paper, zerumbone (1), 3-O-methyl kaempferol (2), kaempferol-3-O-(2, 4-di-O-acetyl-α-l-rhamnopyranoside) (3), and kaempferol-3-O-(3,4-di-O-acetyl-α-l-rhamnopyranoside) (4) were isolated from the rhizome of Z. zerumbet. The inhibitory effects of these compounds on NO and PGE2 production from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages were measured. Among them, 1 and 2 demonstrated potent inhibition of NO production, with respective IC50 values of 4.37 and 24.35 μM, and also significantly suppressed iNOS expression in a dose-dependent manner. However, 1 and 2 could inhibit PGE2 production only at high doses (20 and 40 μM, respectively), and COX-2 protein level was not affected. According to the in vitro study, 1 had greater anti-inflammatory effects than 2. Therefore, mice were administered with 1 (10 mg/kg) 1 h before carrageenan injection, and the oedema was significantly attenuated compared to the vehicle control. Mature rhizomes were richer in 1 and lower in moisture. We suggest that the economic cultivation period of Z. zerumbet is the 5th month after seeding when its functions as food and anti-inflammatory are maximum, because 1 is dramatically increased at that time.
Aim of the study:
In the present investigation, ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological research of the traditional use of plants to cure antirheumatic and antineuralgic diseases was carried out in Lebanon.
Materials and methods:
The information was collected from different cities and villages of the twenty-six districts "aqdya or qadaa" of the six governorates "mohaafazah" of Lebanon. The knowledge on the medicinal use of plants has been recorded directly on the basis of a detailed survey on herbalists "Attarin or dabbous", folk healers, on older experienced people and midwives "daye". This research was carried out for 5 years (2002-2007).
Results and conclusions:
In this survey, 231 species of which 5 are endemic, distributed in 79 botanical families, currently used as antirheumatic herbal remedies, were collected and identified. Among them 53.3% are indigenous, 19.2% are cultivated and 17.5% are imported. Their latin names, local names, local medicinal uses, the used parts of the plant and the preparations and the ways of administration are described. The anti-inflammatory properties due to the plant compounds have been demonstrated and discussed.
Many herbs are known as excellent sources of natural antioxidants, and consumption of fresh herbs in the diet may therefore contribute to the daily antioxidant intake. The present study was performed in order to quantify flavonoids in commonly eaten fresh herbs. Fifteen fresh herbs (basil, chives, coriander, cress, dill, lemon balm, lovage, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, spearmint, tarragon, thyme, and watercress) were analysed by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Five major flavonoid aglycones were detected and quantified by HPLC after acid hydrolysis: apigenin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and quercetin. The highest levels of flavonoids were found in parsley (510–630 mg apigenin /100 g), lovage (170 mg quercetin/100g), mint (18–100 mg apigenin/100 g), and dill (48–110 mg quercetin/100 g). Mass spectrometric detection, using atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (APCI), was used to verify the presence of flavonoids in the hydrolysed extracts of herbs. Some traditional Danish dishes contain herbs, particularly parsley, dill, cress and chives, and the contribution to the flavonoid intake by consumption of these dishes was calculated.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are drug targets for several perturbations of metabolic syndrome, defined as the coexistence of obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyper/dyslipidemia. In this study, PPAR activation by oregano (e.g., Origanum vulgare) and its components was tested. Oregano extracts bind but do not transactivate PPARgamma, and binding affinity differs among different oregano extracts. The extracts contain PPARgamma antagonists (e.g., quercetin, luteolin, rosmarinic acid, and diosmetin), selective PPARgamma modulators (e.g., naringenin and apigenin), and PPARgamma agonists (e.g., biochanin A). Oregano extract and isolated compounds in the extract antagonize rosiglitazone-mediated DRIP205/TRAP220 recruitment to PPARgamma, pointing to oregano extracts as putative food supplements for weight reduction. Rosmarinic acid and biochanin A, PPARalpha agonists, may ameliorate the lipid profile. By endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation, oregano extract could prevent atherosclerosis. The results warrant further investigation of oregano extract for its potential to prevent and ameliorate metabolic syndrome and its complications.
Periodontal diseases are a group of inflammatory disorders initiated by specific Gram-negative periodontopathogenic bacteria that lead to the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues. In this study, we tested whether a carbon dioxide-supercritical extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice) can reduce the periodontopathogen-induced inflammatory response.
Monocyte-derived macrophages were treated with various concentrations of the licorice extract prior to being stimulated with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) and Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The capacity of the licorice extract to mediate the inflammatory response was also tested in an ex vivo whole blood model stimulated with P. gingivalis LPS. The secretion of interleukin (IL)-1beta, -6, and -8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in both models was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Changes in the phosphorylation state of macrophage intracellular kinases induced by A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS and the licorice extract in the macrophage model were characterized by immunoblotting.
The licorice extract exhibited potent anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting the periodontopathogen LPS-induced IL-1beta, -6, and -8 and TNF-alpha responses of macrophages. The licorice extract inhibited the phosphorylation of important macrophage intracellular signaling proteins, including nuclear factor-kappa B p65 nuclear transcription factor and Jun proto-oncogene-encoded activator protein (AP) 1 transcription factor, which are involved in inflammatory signaling pathways. The licorice extract was also a potent inhibitor of the proinflammatory cytokine response in the ex vivo human whole blood model.
This CO(2)-supercritical licorice extract is a potential candidate for the development of a new therapy to prevent and/or treat periodontitis-associated tissue destruction.
The family of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) transcription factors is a topic of intense interest in the biomedical community stemming from the role NF-kappaB plays in almost every aspect of cell regulation: stress responses, immune cell activation, apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation and oncogenic transformation. The objective of this article is to provide an overview of recent developments in the field with an emphasis on the role of NF-kappaB in chronic inflammation, and to discuss the feasibility of therapeutic approaches based on the specific suppression of the NF-kappaB pathway.
Inflammation progresses by the action of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), the tumor necrosis factor (TNF), gamma-interferon (IFNgamma), IL-12, IL-18, and the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and is resolved by anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IFNalpha, and the transforming growth factor (TGF)beta. The intracellular signal transduction pathways of these cytokines have been studied extensively, and these pathways ultimately activate transcription factors, such as NF-kappaB, Smad, and STATs. Recently, the negative-feedback regulation of these pathways has been identified. In this review, we provide examples of the relationship between cytokine signal transduction, negative-signal regulation, and inflammatory disease models. Furthermore, we illustrate several approaches for treating inflammatory diseases by modulating extracellular and intracellular signaling pathways.
Inflammation is overall a protective response, whose main goal is to liberate the human being of cellular lesions caused by micro-organisms, toxins, allergens, etc., as well as its consequences, and of death cells and necrotic tissues. Chronic inflammation, which is detrimental to tissues, is the basic pathogenic mechanism of hypersensitivity reactions against xenobiotics. Other frequent pathologies, for instance atherosclerosis, chronic hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver cirrhosis, lung fibrosis, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis are also chronic inflammatory diseases. Chemical mediators of inflammation are derived from blood plasma or different cell-type activity. Biogenic amines, eicosanoids and cytokines are within the most important mediators of inflammatory processes. The different activities of eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6) versus those derived from eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3) are one of the most important mechanisms to explain why n-3, or omega-3, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) exhibit anti-inflammatory properties in many inflammatory diseases. Dietary supplements ranging 1-8 g per day of n-3 PUFA have been reportedly beneficial in the treatment of IBD, eczema, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, recent experimental studies in rats with experimental ulcerative colitis, induced by intrarectal injection of trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid, have documented that treatment with n-3 long-chain PUFA reduces mucosal damage as assessed by biochemical and histological markers of inflammation. Moreover, the defence antioxidant system in this model is enhanced in treated animals, provided that the n-3 PUFA supply is adequately preserved from oxidation.
Capsaicin, a major ingredient of hot pepper, is considered to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Our previous study demonstrated that capsaicin inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators through NF-kappaB inactivation in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In order to further clarify the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory action of capsaicin, we investigated whether capsaicin alters PPARgamma activity, which regulates the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFalpha. Capsaicin significantly inhibited the production of TNFalpha by macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Simultaneous exposure of the cells to capsaicin and PPARgamma agonist troglitazone or RXR agonist LG100268 resulted in stronger inhibition of TNFalpha production compared to the cells treated with either capsaicin, troglitazone, or LG100268 alone. Luciferase reporter assay revealed that capsaicin induced GAL4/PPARgamma chimera and full length PPARgamma (PPRE) transactivations in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, a specific PPARgamma antagonist T0070907 abrogated the inhibitory action of capsaicin on LPS-induced TNFalpha production by RAW 264.7 cells, indicating that capsaicin acts like a ligand for PPARgamma. Our data demonstrate for the first time that the anti-inflammatory action of capsaicin may be mediated by PPARgamma activation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a spice and medicinal herb widely used around the world. Among natural antioxidants, rosemary has been widely accepted as one of the spices with the highest antioxidant activity. A capillary electrophoresis method for the determination of its active components using electrochemical detection was developed. Effects of several important factors were investigated to acquire the optimum conditions. The detection electrode was a 300 microm carbon disc electrode at a working potential of +0.90 V (versus SCE). The analytes can be well separated with 25 min in a 75 cm length fused-silica capillary at a separation voltage of 16 kV in an 80 mmol/l borate buffer (pH 9.0). The current response was linear over about three orders of magnitude with detection limits (S/N=3) ranging from 2 x 10(-7) to 1 x 10(-6)g/ml for all the analytes. The method was successfully used in the analysis of rosemary with relatively simple extraction procedures, and the assay results were satisfactory.
Corticosteroids are the most effective anti-inflammatory therapy for many chronic inflammatory diseases, such as asthma but are relatively ineffective in other diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic inflammation is characterised by the increased expression of multiple inflammatory genes that are regulated by proinflammatory transcription factors, such as nuclear factor-kappaB and activator protein-1, that bind to and activate coactivator molecules, which then acetylate core histones to switch on gene transcription. Corticosteroids suppress the multiple inflammatory genes that are activated in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, mainly by reversing histone acetylation of activated inflammatory genes through binding of liganded glucocorticoid receptors (GR) to coactivators and recruitment of histone deacetylase-2 (HDAC2) to the activated transcription complex. At higher concentrations of corticosteroids GR homodimers also interact with DNA recognition sites to active transcription of anti-inflammatory genes and to inhibit transcription of several genes linked to corticosteroid side effects. In patients with COPD and severe asthma and in asthmatic patients who smoke HDAC2 is markedly reduced in activity and expression as a result of oxidative/nitrative stress so that inflammation becomes resistant to the anti-inflammatory actions of corticosteroids. Theophylline, by activating HDAC, may reverse this corticosteroid resistance. This research may lead to the development of novel anti-inflammatory approaches to manage severe inflammatory diseases.
British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 148, 245–254. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706736
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease, the incidence of which is increasing globally. The existing therapy is inadequate and has many adverse effects. It needs a better therapeutic molecule preferably of natural origin, which has negligible or no adverse effects. In view of this, we evaluated Glycyrrhizin (GRZ), a major constituent of a plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, for its efficacy on asthmatic features in a mouse model of asthma. BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to develop the asthmatic features such as airway hyperresponsiveness: allergen induced airway constriction and airway hyperreactivity (AHR) to methacholine (MCh), and pulmonary inflammation. The mice were orally treated with GRZ (2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) during or after OVA-sensitization and OVA-challenge to evaluate its protective or reversal effect, respectively on the above asthmatic features. The status of airway hyperresponsiveness was measured by monitoring specific airway conductance (SGaw) using a non-invasive method and the pulmonary inflammation was assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining of lung sections. Several other parameters associated with asthma such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), OVA-specific IgE, total IgG(2a) and cortisol were measured by ELISA. GRZ (5 mg/kg) markedly inhibited OVA-induced immediate airway constriction, AHR to MCh (p<0.01), lung inflammation, and infiltration of eosinophils in the peribronchial and perivascular areas. It prevented the reduction of IFN-gamma (p<0.02), and decreased IL-4 (p<0.05), IL-5 (p<0.05) and eosinophils (p<0.0002) in the BAL fluid. Also, it reduced OVA-specific IgE levels (p<0.01) and prevented the reduction of total IgG(2a) (p<0.01) in serum. We have also showed that it has no effect on serum cortisol levels. Our results demonstrate that GRZ alleviates asthmatic features in mice and it could be useful towards developing a better therapeutic molecule in the future.
Flavonoids possess several biological/pharmacological activities including anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of flavonoids on macrophage physiology. For this purpose we selected some flavonoids belonging to the most common and abundant groups (flavonols--quercetin and kaempferol; flavones--diosmetin, apigenin, chrysin and luteolin; isoflavones--genistein and daidzein and flavanones--hesperetin). We decided to use primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) as cellular model, since they represent a homogenous, non-transformed population of macrophages that can be stimulated in vitro to proliferate by macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) or activated by LPS. In this regard, we demonstrated that most of the flavonoids assayed reduce macrophage M-CSF-induced proliferation without affecting cellular viability. Moreover, some flavonoids also inhibit TNFalpha production as well as iNOS expression and NO production in LPS-activated macrophages, an effect that has been associated with the inhibition of the NF-kappaB pathway. We also found that luteolin and quercetin are able to stimulate the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 at low concentrations (<50microM). Analysis of the structure-activity relationship showed that four hydroxylations at positions 5, 7, 3' and 4', together with the double bond at C(2)-C(3) and the position of the B ring at 2, seem to be necessary for the highest anti-inflammatory effect.
Analytical data are reported for 20 flavonoids (as aglycones) determined for more than 60 fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts collected from four regions across the United States at two times of the year. Sample collection was designed and implemented by the Nutrient Data Laboratory (USDA). Analyses of eight flavan-3-ols (catechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, gallocatechin, and gallocatechin gallate), six anthocyanins (cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and petunidin), two flavanones (hesperetin and naringenin), two flavones (apigenin and luteolin), and two flavonols (myricetin and quercetin) were performed by the Food Composition Laboratory (USDA) using a hydrolysis method for the anthocyanidins, flavones, and flavonols and a direct extraction method for the flavan-3-ols and flavanones. Experimental results compare favorably (few statistically significant differences) to literature values in the flavonoid and proanthocyanidin database previously compiled by the Nutrient Data Laboratory. The results of this study showed a seasonal variation only for blueberries. This study also showed that the variation in the flavonoid content of foods, as purchased by the U.S. consumer, is very large. The relative standard deviation, averaged for each flavonoid in each food, was 168%.
We examined the ability of the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol to modulate inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and reactive C-protein (CRP) expression, and to induce changes in the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) pathway in the human hepatocyte-derived cell line Chang Liver. Cells were incubated with a cytokine mixture supplemented with quercetin or kaempferol (5 to 200 micromol/l). Kaempferol produced a significant concentration-dependent decrease of iNOS, COX-2 and CRP protein level at all concentrations, but the percentage of inhibition induced by quercetin was reduced at high concentrations. Both flavonoids significantly inhibited mRNA level of iNOS, COX-2, and CRP. Inhibitory effects by quercetin and kaempferol were also observed on NF-kappaB activation and on protein concentration of the phosphorylated form of the inhibitor IkappaB alpha and of IKK (IkappaB kinase)alpha. The present study suggests that the modulation of iNOS, COX-2 and CRP by quercetin or kaempferol may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of these two structurally similar flavonoids in Chang Liver cells, via mechanisms likely to involve blockade of NF-kappaB activation and the resultant up-regulation of the pro-inflammatory genes. Our data also indicate that the minor structural differences between both compounds determine differences in their inhibitory capacity.
The onset of age-related neurodegenerative diseases superimposed on a declining nervous system could exacerbate the motor and cognitive behavioral deficits that normally occur in senescence. It is likely that, in cases of severe deficits in memory or motor function, hospitalization and/or custodial care would be a likely outcome. This means that unless some way is found to reduce these age-related decrements in neuronal function, healthcare costs will continue to rise exponentially. Thus, it is extremely important to explore methods to retard or reverse the age-related neuronal deficits as well as their subsequent, behavioral manifestations. Applying molecular biological approaches to slow aging in the human condition may be years away. So it is important to determine what methods can be used today to increase healthy aging, forestall the onset of these diseases, and create conditions favorable to obtaining a "longevity dividend" in both financial and human terms. In this regard, epidemiological studies indicate that consumption of diets rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as those found in fruits and vegetables, may lower the risk of developing age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases (AD and PD). Research suggests that the polyphenolic compounds found in fruits, such as blueberries, may exert their beneficial effects by altering stress signaling and neuronal communication, suggesting that interventions may exert protection against age-related deficits in cognitive and motor function. The purpose of this article is to discuss the benefits of these interventions in rodent models and to describe the putative molecular mechanisms involved in their benefits.
Background and aim:
Capsaicin, the main pungent ingredient of hot red and chilli pepper, has been considered as not only a cytoprotective but also a detrimental agent to the gastric mucosa. However, the effect and mechanism of capsaicin that modulate the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokine in Helicobacter pylori-infected epithelial cells have not been investigated previously. Herein, we demonstrated that capsaicin inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-8 (IL-8) by H. pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells through nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) signal pathway.
Materials and methods:
AGS or MKN45 cells as gastric epithelial cells and Vac A+, CagA+ wild-type H. pylori strain ATCC 49503 were used. Gastric epithelial cells were pre-treated with various concentrations of capsaicin and infected with H. pylori for different periods of time to determine IL-8 concentrations in culture supernatant by an ELISA assay. We measured IL-8 mRNA transcripts in H. pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells co-treated with capsaicin by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis. We performed electrophoretic mobility shift assay to examine the NF-kappaB DNA binding activity with capsaicin and immunofluorescence microscopy to examine nuclear staining of p65. We also performed immunoblotting for IkappaB, IKK activity with capsaicin.
Results:
Capsaicin inhibits H. pylori-induced IL-8 production by gastric epithelial cells in dose- and time-dependent manner. Capsaicin as low as 100 micromol/L significantly inhibited IL-8 production in H. pylori-infected MKN45 cells (43.2% of control) at 24 hours incubation, whereas inhibited IL-8 production in H. pylori-infected AGS cells (70% of control). We confirmed that capsaicin inhibited IL-8 mRNA expression after infection of gastric epithelial cells with H. pylori for 6 hours. The addition of capsaicin (100 micromol/L) suppressed H. pylori-induced NF-kappaB activation in gastric epithelial cells at 1 hour post-infection. We also found that the degradation of IkappaB and IKK activation were inhibited by capsaicin.
Conclusions:
Nontoxic dose of capsaicin inhibited H. pylori-induced IL-8 production by gastric epithelial cells through the modulation of IkappaB-, NF-kappaB-, and IL-8 pathways. We conclude that capsaicin can be proposed as a potential anti-inflammatory drug by inhibition of the production of IL-8 in H. pylori-infected gastric epithelium.
India has been recognized all over the world for spices and medicinal plants. Both exhibit a wide range of physiological and pharmacological properties. Current biomedical efforts are focused on their scientific merits, to provide science-based evidence for the traditional uses and to develop either functional foods or nutraceuticals. The Indian traditional medical systems use turmeric for wound healing, rheumatic disorders, gastrointestinal symptoms, deworming, rhinitis and as a cosmetic. Studies in India have explored its anti-inflammatory, cholekinetic and anti-oxidant potentials with the recent investigations focusing on its preventive effect on precarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti atherosclerotic effects in biological systems both under in vitro and in vivo conditions in animals and humans. Both turmeric and curcumin were found to increase detoxifying enzymes, prevent DNA damage, improve DNA repair, decrease mutations and tumour formation and exhibit antioxidative potential in animals. Limited clinical studies suggest that turmeric can significantly impact excretion of mutagens in urine in smokers and regress precancerous palatal lesions. It reduces DNA adducts and micronuclei in oral epithelial cells. It prevents formation of nitroso compounds both in vivo and in vitro. It delays induced cataract in diabetes and reduces hyperlipidemia in obese rats. Recently several molecular targets have been identified for therapeutic / preventive effects of turmeric. Fenugreek seeds, a rich source of soluble fiber used in Indian cuisine reduces blood glucose and lipids and can be used as a food adjuvant in diabetes. Similarly garlic, onions, and ginger have been found to modulate favourably the process of carcinogenesis.
Chrysin, a passion flower extract, may be beneficial because of its potential to attenuate surgical suppression of natural killer (NK) cell activity. We divided 37 male Sprague-Dawley rats into 3 treatment groups: (1) rats undergoing abdominal surgery and administered isoflurane and a 5% solution of dimethyl sulfoxide in saline (vehicle), (2) rats undergoing abdominal surgery and administered isoflurane and chrysin solubilized in 5% dimethyl sulfoxide, and (3) rats not undergoing surgery but administered isoflurane and chrysin. Natural killer cell activity was measured before and 24 hours after the experiment. Analysis of covariance, with preoperative NK cell activity as the covariate, was used to compare differences in NK cell activity among groups. The Scheffe procedure was used to make post hoc comparisons. Analysis revealed a significant difference (P = .006) such that group 2 had significantly less NK cell suppression compared with groups 1 and 3. These findings suggest that chrysin may attenuate surgical suppression of NK cell activity, thereby minimizing metastatic spread of cancer.
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of bacterial etiology, affecting tooth-supporting tissues. The host inflammatory response to periodontopathogens, notably the high and continuous production of cytokines, is considered a major factor causing the local tissue destruction observed in periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of naringenin, a major flavanone in grapefruits and tomatoes, on the lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production by host cells, using two different models.
The effect of naringenin was characterized using macrophages stimulated with the lipopolysaccharide of either Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans or Escherichia coli and using whole blood stimulated with A. actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide, in the presence or absence of naringenin. Lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by macrophages and whole-blood samples treated with naringenin were evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Changes in the phosphorylation states of macrophage kinases induced by A. actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide and naringenin were characterized by immunoblot screening.
Our results clearly indicated that naringenin is a potent inhibitor of the pro-inflammatory cytokine response induced by lipopolysaccharide in both macrophages and in whole blood. Naringenin markedly inhibited the phosphorylation on serines 63 and 73 of Jun proto-oncogene-encoded AP-1 transcription factor in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages.
The results from the present study suggest that naringenin holds promise as a therapeutic agent for treating inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis.
Carnosic acid (CA) and carnosol (CS) are phenolic diterpenes present in several labiate herbs like Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) and Salvia officinalis (Sage). Extracts of these plants exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, but the underlying mechanisms are largely undefined. Recently, we found that CA and CS activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, implying an anti-inflammatory potential on the level of gene regulation. Here we address short-term effects of CA and CS on typical functions of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL). We found that (I), CA and CS inhibit the formation of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes in intact PMNL (IC(50)=15-20 microM [CA] and 7 microM [CS], respectively) as well as purified recombinant 5-lipoxygenase (EC number 1.13.11.34, IC(50)=1 microM [CA] and 0.1 microM [CS], respectively), (II) both CA and CS potently antagonise intracellular Ca(2+) mobilisation induced by a chemotactic stimulus, and (III) CA and CS attenuate formation of reactive oxygen species and the secretion of human leukocyte elastase (EC number 3.4.21.37). Together, our findings provide a pharmacological basis for the anti-inflammatory properties reported for CS- and CA-containing extracts.