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Anti-influenza A virus effects of fructan from Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.)
Abstract
A fructan that acts as an anti-influenza A virus substance was isolated from hot water extract of the green leafy part of a Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.). The structure of the fructan was characterised and elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic analyses. The fructan was composed of terminal (21.0%) and 2,1-linked β-d-Fruf residues (65.3%) with 1,6-linked β-d-Glcp residues (13.7%). The molecular weight of the polysaccharide and polydispersity was estimated to be 1.5×10(3) and 1.18, respectively. Although the fructan did not show anti-influenza A virus activity in vitro, it demonstrated an inhibitory effect on virus replication in vivo when it was orally administered to mice. In addition, the polysaccharide enhanced the production of neutralising antibodies against influenza A virus. Therefore, the antiviral mechanism of the polysaccharide seemed to be dependent on the host immune system, i.e., enhancement of the host immune function was achieved by the administration of the polysaccharide. From our observations, the fructan from Welsh onions is suggested to be one of the active principles which exert an anti-influenza virus effect.
... In vitro (RAW264.7 cells); in vivo (mice) The extracted polysaccharide had modulatory effects on nitric oxide production and also induction of several cytokine mRNA expression, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. (Lee et al., 2012) Fructan from Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) ...
... In vitro (MDCK cells); in vivo (mice) The polysaccharide improved the level of neutralizing antibodies against infection by influenza A virus. (Lee et al., 2012) Oat fiber β-glucan Herpes simplex virus type 1 ...
... and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors(Peshev & Van den Ende, 2014). Fructans isolated from Chikuyo-Sekko-To, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, have shown antiviral effects against herpes simplex virus type 2 in vivo and in vitro via enhancement of the production of nitric oxide as a viral replication inhibitor as well as other immunostimulatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-10, IL-6, TNF, and IFN(Lee et al., 2012). Other investigations on both long-and short-chain fructans from fresh and aged garlic have demonstrated the capacity to activate the macrophages and then phagocytosis in combination with the release of nitric oxide(Dobrange et al., 2019). ...
Emerging viruses are known to pose a threat to humans in the world. COVID-19, a newly emerging viral respiratory disease, can spread quickly from people to people via respiratory droplets, cough, sneeze, or exhale. Up to now, there are no specific therapies found for the treatment of COVID-19. In this sense, the rising demand for effective antiviral drugs is stressed. The main goal of the present study is to cover the current literature about bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols, glucosinolates, carotenoids, minerals, vitamins, oligosaccharides, bioactive peptides, essential oils, and probiotics) with potential efficiency against COVID-19, showing antiviral activities via the inhibition of coronavirus entry into the host cell, coronavirus enzymes, as well as the virus replication in human cells. In turn, these compounds can boost the immune system, helping fight against COVID-19. Overall, it can be concluded that bioactives and the functional foods containing these compounds can be natural alternatives for boosting the immune system and defeating coronavirus.
... Cistus incanus extract tested in vitro inhibited HIV isolate with multiple drug resistance and clinical HIV-1 and HIV-2 isolates [18]. Inulin-type polysaccharide discovered in the extract of Allium fistulosum L. possesses a strong anti-influenza activity [19]. The extract prepared from Dioscorea spp. ...
... In humans, it mainly causes the common cold, including pneumonia and SARS. At present, there are no specific treatments available for CoV disease 2019 (COVID- 19), and investigations regarding the treatment of COVID-19 are still ongoing [23]. Therefore, the study conducted by Cheng et al. [24] has reported the use of saikosaponins (A, B 2 , C, and D), natural triterpene glycosides extracted from Scrophularia scorodonia, Heteromorpha spp., and Bupleurum spp., showed potent antiviral property against HCoV-22E9. ...
Medicinal plants have been extensively used for treating a variety of infectious diseases for a long time. Drug discovery from these plants involves a versatile approach combining phytochemical, botanical, and molecular techniques. A broad range of active phytochemicals, like alkaloids, flavonoids, proteins, extracted from herbal plants, and some volatile essential oils extracted from culinary herbs, herbal teas, and spices possess antiviral property. Medicinal plants have proven to be potent sources of antiviral agents with some main advantages over conventional drug therapy due to their broad healing potency and causing no side effects. This chapter presents research advances done for the search of suitable drugs from medicinal plants against viruses with special consideration of severe acute respiratory syndrome -coronovirus-2.
... Gold nanoparticles were used as for the delivery of hyaluronic acid for treating hepatitis-C infection. Hyaluronic acid conjugated gold nanoparticles were produced for the release of interferon-induced cytokine enhancing liver and hyaluronic acid receptor-mediated endocytosis (Lee et al., 2012). ...
... Silver nanoparticles coated amantadine was effective against H1N1viral infection . Several medicinal plants such as Ephedrae herba, Allium fistulosum, Sambucus nigra, Alpinia katsumadai, Psidium guajava, Cinnamomum cassia, Pinus thunbergia have displayed anti-influenza properties (Ankanna et al., 2010;Lee et al., 2012). ...
Nanoparticle investigation is an interesting field of science. The powerfully sized- cognate characteristics of nanoparticles provide numerous possibilities for unexpected innovations. The performance of nanoparticles endure tremendous opportunity for pioneering high-tech application programs, but also stances excessive concerns to the researchers. At present, engineered nanoparticles uphold the outstanding potential in diversified fields of society such as the field of medicine, science, and industry without revealing its toxic implications. However, the growing production and utilization of engineered nanoparticles also arouse concern about inattentive exposure and the feasibility of detrimental effects on human wellness and biological complex. Thus, it is the most pressing need for examining the toxicity along with the application of such advantageous nanomaterial. Nanoparticles are atomic or molecular clusters with the size varying between 1 to 100 nm. Toxicity mechanisms of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles can transpire by various approaches like non-homeostasis impacts, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, implications, etc. Components that influence the metal and metal oxide nanoparticles are size, dissolution, and ways of exposure.
This chapter will highlight an overview of metals and metal oxide nanoparticles and their toxic effects on living beings and biological systems.
... Gold nanoparticles were used as for the delivery of hyaluronic acid for treating hepatitis-C infection. Hyaluronic acid conjugated gold nanoparticles were produced for the release of interferon-induced cytokine enhancing liver and hyaluronic acid receptor-mediated endocytosis (Lee et al., 2012). ...
... Silver nanoparticles coated amantadine was effective against H1N1viral infection . Several medicinal plants such as Ephedrae herba, Allium fistulosum, Sambucus nigra, Alpinia katsumadai, Psidium guajava, Cinnamomum cassia, Pinus thunbergia have displayed anti-influenza properties (Ankanna et al., 2010;Lee et al., 2012). ...
Medicinal herbs are a rich source of therapeutic agents for the prevention and cure of diseases and ailments. They were used in folklore medicine in the treatment of toothache and strengthening of gums, anthelmintic, kidney diseases, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antihyperglycaemic, antihyperglycaemic, and anticancer. There are many plants that have potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities and, many more plants are screened for the phyto-constituents having pain relief and anti- inflammatory properties to replace non-steroidal and opioid drugs, which have severe side effects. Different phyto-constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, xanthone, coumarin, sterols, withaferin-A, andrographolide, etc., are proved effective as an analgesic and anti- inflammatory agents. Previous studies have contributed much to the understanding of the compound(s) responsible for the known anti-inflammatory and analgesic action. Drugs which are used presently for the management of pain and inflammatory conditions are either steroidal like corticosteroids or non-steroidal like aspirin. All of these drugs possess more or less side and toxic effects like renal failure, allergic reactions, hearing loss or they may increase the risk of hemorrhage by affecting platelet function. On the contrary, many medicines of plant origin had been used for ages without any adverse effects. It is therefore essential that efforts should be made to introduce new medicinal plants to develop more effective and cheaper drugs. Plants represent a large natural source of useful compounds that might serve as a source for the development of novel drugs. This chapter summarizes various medicinal plants and herbs with anti- inflammatory and analgesic properties that have been used by our ancestors to cure many of their ailments.
... Gold nanoparticles were used as for the delivery of hyaluronic acid for treating hepatitis-C infection. Hyaluronic acid conjugated gold nanoparticles were produced for the release of interferon-induced cytokine enhancing liver and hyaluronic acid receptor-mediated endocytosis (Lee et al., 2012). ...
... Silver nanoparticles coated amantadine was effective against H1N1viral infection . Several medicinal plants such as Ephedrae herba, Allium fistulosum, Sambucus nigra, Alpinia katsumadai, Psidium guajava, Cinnamomum cassia, Pinus thunbergia have displayed anti-influenza properties (Ankanna et al., 2010;Lee et al., 2012). ...
The kidney play essential biological roles necessary to maintain good health. The strategic physiological position of the kidney in metabolic processes expose it to the adverse effect of diseases emanating from other organs or systems. Abnormal metabolic processes as well as genetic defects can also induce injuries within the organ leading to kidney diseases that can progress to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Prompt diagnoses and management are vital to reverse or slow the rate of progression and renal replacement therapy required for advanced stages to sustain life. This chapter is a review the biological roles of the kidneys in man, the diseases of the kidney, diagnostic parameters of kidney disease and nephroprotective mechanisms of phytochemicals in medicinal plants and natural drugs used by complementary and alternative medicine practitioners. Furthermore, factors militating against the application of herbal medicine in managing kidney diseases and some future perspectives are highlighted.
... Gold nanoparticles were used as for the delivery of hyaluronic acid for treating hepatitis-C infection. Hyaluronic acid conjugated gold nanoparticles were produced for the release of interferon-induced cytokine enhancing liver and hyaluronic acid receptor-mediated endocytosis (Lee et al., 2012). ...
... Silver nanoparticles coated amantadine was effective against H1N1viral infection . Several medicinal plants such as Ephedrae herba, Allium fistulosum, Sambucus nigra, Alpinia katsumadai, Psidium guajava, Cinnamomum cassia, Pinus thunbergia have displayed anti-influenza properties (Ankanna et al., 2010;Lee et al., 2012). ...
Traditional medicine utilizing different herbal formulations has been an age old tradition being practiced in Indian context. This very regime quintessentially caters to the concept of Ayurveda Yoga Unani Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH). Ailments pertaining to Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) have been mitigated by modern medicinal practices. Given this fact, emergence of antimicrobial resistance owing to unprecedented use of antibiotics has crippled the scenario of modern medicine. Being as one of the emerging challenges, a need of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has arisen in recent times. For this to accomplish, ethano-botanical studies based at phyto-chemical interventions are envisaged. These studies are to identify and validate potential bio-active compounds which can be utilized either singly or in a formulation as potential bio-therapeutic agents possessing promising pharmacological activity for circumventing ENT disorders. An emerging concept of re-purposing of drugs and respective molecular docking patterns is a focal theme of recent research investigations. This concept has led to emergence of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) aimed to ward off ENT ailments (bacterial and fungal) without posing an occurrence of adverse affects. The chapter would highlight significance of ethano-botanical studies with special reference of medicinal plants of Sub-himalayan region, screening of bio-active compounds in obliterating common ENT ailments, patho-physiology of associated pathogens, and concept of re-purposing of drugs thus proving an impetus towards green and herbal medicine.
... Influenza viruses are belonged to family Orthomyxoviridae and can be divided into three serotypes: A, B and C (Praditya et al., 2019). Flu is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses serotpyes A and B (Lee et al., 2012). Humans can get infection by both influenza A and B viruses but the influenza A serotype is reported to cause recurrent epidemics. ...
... Almost all parts of A. fistulosum (shoots, leaves, bulb, etc.) are eaten raw in salad, boiled as soup, cooked as vegetable, or used as healing herb (Singh and Ramakrishna, 2017). Lee et al. (2012) reported that a fructan isolated from hot water extract prepared from green leafy part of A. fistulosum, acts as anti-influenza A virus substance. This fructan did not show anti-influenza A virus activity in vitro. ...
Influenza viruses are one of the main causes of respiratory tract diseases. There is a need to identify novel natural occurring
antiviral molecules due to the startling emergence of resistance to anti-influenza drugs. Several hundred plants have been
investigated as potential source of antiviral agents. Phytochemicals from these plants have exhibited antiviral properties
either by inhibiting the formation of viral DNA or RNA or inhibiting the activity of viral replication. Influenza viruses and
COVID-19 have a similar disease profile collectively known as influenza like illnesses. Prophylactic potential and antiinfluenza
properties of phytochemicals from twenty one medicinal plants have been briefly described in the present review.
These medicinal plants could be used as a part of safe treatment as well as economically viable strategy for the management
of infections against influenza like illness during endemic times.
... Antimicrobial activity It has been reported that Salmonella enterica typhimurium is inactivated when green onion extract is mixed in ozonated water, in addition to the inhibition of internalized and surface contaminated enteric viruses [57], and also stops the development of Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive and in vitro fungi. Chemical sterilizers and UV-C irradiation along with onions were also utilized for the inhibition of internalized S. typhimurium. ...
The majority of the by products formed during onion processing remain unutilized, yet they are rich in bioactive compounds and phytochemicals. Onions are a very valuable vegetable. Onion chemical compounds are incredibly diverse, and they work through a variety of pharmacological mechanisms to prevent disease. Although the mechanism of the action of the chemicals found in onions has been studied, there is still room for further reformulating of nutrient supplements and pharmaceutical treatments thanks to a growing interest in sustainable resource utilisation and circular economy. This review focuses on the primary bioactive components found in onion peel and skin, particularly total phenolics, quercetin, total flavonoids, and their derivatives, as well as their therapeutic uses such as cardioprotective, anticancer, neuroprotective, antiobesity, antidiabetic, and antibacterial constituents. This review article noted that onion peel is a valuable agricultural byproduct that has a variety of biologically active compounds so it can be used as a health-regulating ingredient, particularly in the biomedical and pharmacological domains.
... Besides, Liu et al. isolated an acidic heteropolysaccharide composed mainly of glucose and galacturonic acid [62]. On the other hand, the monosaccharides composition of WPL, CPL, and BPL were different from the polysaccharide compounds of the welsh onion, i.e., fructose and glucose [63]. The highest amount of glucose, particularly in basic polysaccharide (BPL), can be attributed to the reduction of the uronic acid part into glucose by the NaBH 4 [50]. ...
Allium roseum is one of the medicinal plants of the Liliaceae family, widely used in the food industry and traditional medicine. It is known for its various biological properties, such as its antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities. The present work aims to extract the polysaccharides from Allium roseum leaves and evaluate their antioxidant activities and hepatoprotective effects in vivo. Three polysaccharides from the leaves of Allium roseum were sequentially extracted in three media: water, chelating, and basic, respectively. They were characterized by size exclusion chromatography, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, FTIR-ATR, and NMR spectroscopy (1D and 2D). The different polysaccharides principally consist of glucose, galactose, mannose, rhamnose, xylose, and galacturonic acid. The antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effect of the extracts against Cd-caused oxidative stress in liver mouse were tested. Cd treatment, during 24 h, enhanced significantly lipid peroxidation by a high production of malondyaldehyd (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In contrast, catalase activity (CAT) was decreased after the same period of exposure to the metal. The polysaccharides pre-treatment improved the antioxidant defense system to a great degree, mainly explained by the modulating levels of oxydative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD, and CAT). This research clearly shows that Allium roseum polysaccharides, especially those extracted in aqueous medium, can be used as natural antioxidants with hepatoprotective properties.
... Antimicrobial activity It has been reported that Salmonella enterica typhimurium is inactivated when green onion extract is mixed in ozonated water, in addition to the inhibition of internalized and surface contaminated enteric viruses [57], and also stops the development of Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive and in vitro fungi. Chemical sterilizers and UV-C irradiation along with onions were also utilized for the inhibition of internalized S. typhimurium. ...
The majority of the by products formed during onion processing remain unutilized, yet they are rich in bioactive compounds and phytochemicals. Onions are a very valuable vegetable. Onion chemical compounds are incredibly diverse, and they work through a variety of pharmacological mechanisms to prevent disease. Although the mechanism of the action of the chemicals found in onions has been studied, there is still room for further reformulating of nutrient supplements and pharmaceutical treatments thanks to a growing interest in sustainable resource utilisation and circular economy. This review focuses on the primary bioactive components found in onion peel and skin, particularly total phenolics, quercetin, total flavonoids, and their derivatives, as well as their therapeutic uses such as cardioprotective, anticancer, neuroprotective, antiobesity, antidiabetic, and antibacterial constituents. This review article noted that onion peel is a valuable agricultural byproduct that has a variety of biologically active compounds so it can be used as a health-regulating ingredient, particularly in the biomedical and pharmacological domains.
... Green onion (Allium fistulosum L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) are popular spices and vegetables worldwide with long cultivation histories, and both of them possess a variety of biological activities [1][2][3]. Green onions have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial effects [4][5][6] and are grown in almost all provinces in China, with a planting area of 550,000 square kilometers [6], accounting for approximately 3% of the total vegetables [2]. Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L. var. ...
Procymidone is used as a preventive and curative fungicide to control fungal growth on edible crops and ornamental plants. It is one of the most frequently used pesticides and has a high detection rate, but its residue behaviors remain unclear in green onion and garlic plants (including garlic, garlic chive, and serpent garlic). In this study, the dissipation and terminal residues of procymidone in four matrices were investigated, along with the validation of the method and risk assessment. The analytical method for the target compound was developed using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), which was preceded by a Florisil cleanup. The linearities of this proposed method for investigating procymidone in green onion, garlic, garlic chive, and serpent garlic were satisfied in the range from 0.010 to 2.5 mg/L with R2 > 0.9985. At the same time, the limits of quantification in the four matrices were 0.020 mg/kg, and the fortified recoveries of procymidone ranged from 86% to 104%, with relative standard deviations of 0.92% to 13%. The dissipation of procymidone in green onion and garlic chive followed first-order kinetics, while the half-lives were less than 8.35 days and 5.73 days, respectively. The terminal residue levels in garlic chive were much higher than those in green onion and serpent garlic because of morphological characteristics. The risk quotients of different Chinese consumer groups to procymidone in green onion, garlic chive, and serpent garlic were in the range from 5.79% to 25.07%, which is comparably acceptable. These data could provide valuable information on safe and reasonable use of procymidone in its increasing applications.
... Fructan does not show an antiinfluenza virus activity in vitro, but has an inhibitory effect on virus in vivo when given orally to mice. The antiviral mechanism of polysaccharides appears to be dependent on the host's immune system [46]. Both bitter melon and banana peels in Ren's oligopeptides-1 have a strong biological activity. ...
Newly synthesized Ren’s oligopeptides-1 was found to have an antiviral effect in clinical trials, and the purpose of this study was to further demonstrate the antiviral activity of Ren’s oligopeptides-1 against the PRV 152-GFP strain. We used the real-time cell analysis system (RTCA) to detect the cytotoxicity of different concentrations of Ren’s oligopeptides-1. We then applied high content screening (HCS) to detect the antiviral activity of Ren’s oligopeptides-1 against PRV. Meanwhile, the fluorescence signal of the virus was collected in real time and the expression levels of the related genes in the PK15 cells infected with PRV were detected using real-time PCR. At the mRNA level, we discovered that, at a concentration of 6 mg/mL, Ren’s oligopeptides-1 reduced the expression of pseudorabies virus (PRV) genes such as IE180, UL18, UL54, and UL21 at a concentration of 6 mg/mL. We then determined that Ren’s oligopeptides-1 has an EC50 value of 6 mg/mL, and at this level, no cytotoxicity was observed.
... These plants include neem, aloe vera, tulsi, garlic, onion, clove, olive, giloy (from Menispermaceae family), heroin (used to treat asthma), suramin, and so forth (Mahima et al., 2012). Allium fistulosum (long green onion) is a traditional antiviral herbal remedy for treating the common cold in Japan [16]. Phyllanthus amarus, P. niruri, and Oxymatrine extracted from Sophora flavescens are potent against HBV [17]. ...
The contemporary contagious ailment is caused by one of the deadliest coronaviruses, the SARS-COV-2. This novel zoonotic entity leads to multi-organ failure and an escalating threat and turbulence all over the world. Albeit a lot of work has been done to beat this virus, it is still radiating consistently. A colossal number of antiviral drugs has been tested to overcome the current pandemic but no promising remedy. A new approach to employ drug amalgamation such as remdesivir with hydroxychloroquine and losartan would better eradicate this outbreak. For this purpose, copper nanoparticles (extracted from a Prophetic, miraculous herb Nigella sativa) would serve as excellent transporters of such kinds of drug composites. In this review, the several possible therapies available across the world will be discussed in addition to the existing evidence for each of them. This new insight would be beneficial to fight against the latest rife.
... A number of plants previously shown to have broad spectrum antiviral effects could be screened for emerging / resistant virus strains (139). Active components were also isolated from raw plant extracts using chemical fractionation techniques from Thuja orientalis, Aster spathulifolius, Pinus thunbergia [140], Allium fistulosum [141], Sambucus nigra [142] and Psidium guajava [143]. Patchouli alcohol isolated from the leaves of Pogostemon cablin [144], cardiotonic glycoside from Adenium obesum (Forssk.) ...
As the number of viral infections and in particular resistant viral strains increasing, existing remedies need to be improved and brought into line with the discovery of new antiviral agents to fight persistent viral infections. It is generally believed that the gene pool of medicinal plants is valuable and endowed with precious compounds to treat metabolic and infectious disorders. The purpose of this review is to gather the facts and investigate into the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants, herbs and spices in the administration of various viral diseases. COVID-19 infections are treated with available antiviral therapy with unsatisfactory clinical results. Persistent viral infections that are resistant to the available antivirals are terrifying threats and a serious health problem like influenza infection. SARS CoV 2 remains a major threat to animal and human health, which urgently requires effective antivirals. Due to the increasing frequency of viral infections and particularly resistant viral strains, the available therapeutic facilities must be improved, compensated by the discovery of new antiviral agents to fight against refractory viral infections. The treatment of herbal remedies as readily available alternatives for their compatibility with the body and fewer side effects compared to synthetic chemical treatments has become popular worldwide. Introduction:
... Moreover, the detoxifying effect of this plant, specifically its role in removing "evil qi" from the liver, has been recorded. Previous studies have reported the effects of A. fistulosum on obesity [3], cardiovascular disease [4], antioxidant activities [5], nonalcoholic fatty liver [6], anti-influenza viruses [7], and bone growth [8]. ...
Allium fistulosum is a perennial plant species grown worldwide belonging to the family Liliaceae. In Korean medicine, it is referred to as Chongbaek (CB), and it is prescribed for symptoms associated with the common cold due to its antipyretic properties. This study examined the effects of aqueous (CBW) and 30% ethanol (CBE) extracts on bone growth using a calcium- and vitamin D-deficient animal model. In an in vitro experiment, the alkaline phosphate activities of the extracts were examined using MC3T3-E1 and MG63 cells, and both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts had significant alkaline phosphate activities. In vivo, a serum analysis indicated that the CB extracts promoted bone growth based on the osteogenic markers ALP, calcium, osteocalcin, and collagen type 1 and increased the bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and growth plate length. Overall, our results indicate that both CBW and CBE of A. fistulosum can be utilized to facilitate bone growth and increase BMD in children and adolescents by lengthening the growth plate without adverse side effects, such as metabolic disorders or the release of obesity-inducing hormones.
... It has been studied that the plant species fructan is considered as an active component of the theory which could exert viral anti-influenza Arora et al. [9] properties. Furthermore, several studies have stated that insulin works against viruses as a possible factor [59]. Black elderberries have been prescribed in the treatment of sinusitis, colds, and influenza in eastern system of medicine and it also have several antiviral potential. ...
Influenza A virus has been identified as a major factor responsible for most critical respiratory disease of the Influenza viruses around the globe. Moreover, it has been validated that several medicinal plants could be applied in the management of Influenza when compared to several synthetic drugs which has been acclaimed with several adverse effect A virus. This might be linked to several factors such as their low toxicity, ease of access, low cost, and cultural acceptance. Hence, this chapter intends to provide a detailed information on the application of medicinal plant on the treatment of Influenza A virus. Detailed information was also provided on the mechanism of action utilized by these medicinal plants against Influenza A virus.
... These compounds are also effective as antimicrobial agents (Loredana et al., 2017). Lee et al., 2012 reported that Allium fistulosum extract has an inulin-type polysaccharide that possesses good anti-influenza activity. The polysaccharide seemed to help in the enhancement of the host immune system. ...
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infection of the respiratory system caused by single standard RNA viruses named as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease appeared as a serious problem and the leading cause of death in human beings throughout the world. The main source of different phytochemicals are plants, which helps in the development of new drugs against various ailments. Islam is comprehensive religion and a complete code of life for Muslims. The teaching of Islam, according to the Holy Quran and Hadith are universal for the benefit of humanity. Islam believes that every ailment is from God and who made the disease definitely made its medication. There is a complete guideline with regard to taking measures against infectious diseases such as quarantine and seeking medicinal treatment. The research objective is to gather the knowledge of medicinal plants described in the Holy Quran or utilized by the Prophet (SAW) for the treatment of different ailments or advised to use them to boost immunity and strengthen the body. Scientists across the globe have found these plants beneficial for many diseases and have antiviral potential. In present study, the six plant species including Olea europaea , Nigella sativa, Allium Sativum, Allium cepa, Zingiber officinale and Cassia senna were selected which contain phytochemicals like Calcium Elenolate, Thymoquinone, S-Allylcysteine, Dipropyl Disulfide, Sesquiterpene, Monoterpene, Pelargonidin 3-Galactoside ion and Kaempferol. The phytochemicals monoterpene (from Zingiber officinale) shows best interaction with target proteins RdRP, 3CLPro, ACE2. Calcium Elonate (from olive) bonds with 3CLPro, ACE2 and Kemoferol and Pelargomidine (from Senna Makki) bonds with RdRP, ACE2. The ligands show a unique set of intersections i.e. hydrogen bonding, and alkyl interaction. These medicinal plants can be utilized immediately for the treatment of COVID-19 as their safety is already established. This treatment can enhance recovery when combined with other treatments. Furthermore, the screening of bioactive compounds or phytochemicals found in these plants can be utilized to design new therapeutic drug to treat COVID-19 pandemic.
... Unlike Levan, Inulin is only known for indirect viral inhibition by promoting and regulating the immune system [50]. Of note, a fructan composed of terminal (21.0%) and 2,1-linked β-d-Fruf residues (65.3%) with 1,6linked β-d-Glcp residues (13.7%) isolated from Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) was documented for in vivo inhibitory effect on influenza A virus replication [51]. Furthermore, 1,3-Dicaffeoylquinic acid (Cynarin) isolated from Inula viscosa was reported for exhibiting strong antioxidant activities via direct scavenging of several free radicals [52] while 1,3-Dicaffeoylquinic acid extracted from the leaves of Cynara cardunculus L. (Asteraceae) exhibited the inhibition of HIV-1 replication in MT-2 cell culture at non-toxic concentrations [53]. ...
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, continues to be a global threat. The number of cases and deaths will remain escalating due to the lack of effective therapeutic agents. Several studies have established the importance of the viral main protease (Mpro) in the replication of SARS-CoV-2 which makes it an attractive target for antiviral drug development, including pharmaceutical repurposing and other medicinal chemistry approaches. Identification of natural products with considerable inhibitory potential against SARS-CoV-2 could be beneficial as a rapid and potent alternative with drug-likeness by comparison to de novo antiviral drug discovery approaches. Thereof, we carried out the structure-based screening of natural products from Echinacea-angustifolia, commonly used to prevent cold and other microbial respiratory infections, targeting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Four natural products namely, Echinacoside, Quercetagetin 7-glucoside, Levan N, Inulin from chicory, and 1,3-Dicaffeoylquinic acid, revealed significant docking energy (>-10 kcal/mol) in the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro catalytic pocket via substantial intermolecular contacts formation against co-crystallized ligand (< -4 kcal/mol). Furthermore, the docked poses of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro with selected natural products showed conformational stability through molecular dynamics. Exploring the end-point net binding energy exhibited substantial contribution of Coulomb and van der Waals interactions to the stability of respective docked conformations. These results advocated the natural products from Echinacea angustifolia for further experimental studies with an elevated probability to discover the potent SARS-CoV-2 Mpro antagonist with higher affinity and drug-likeness.
... Screening-ul pe scară largă al plantelor medicinale în vederea identificării compuşilor antivirali activi datează încă din anul 1952 (39). Dintre plantele cu recunoscute proprietăţi antivirale, menţionăm coacăzul negru (40)(41)(42), echinaceea (43)(44)(45), salvia (46), ceaiul verde (47,48), cuişoarele (49,50), busuiocul (51), cătina (52), usturoiul (53), ceapa (54,55), ghimbirul (49,56,57), turmericul (58), pătlagina (59), aloea (60), pelinul dulce/peliniţa (61), extractul din seminţe de struguri (62), frunzele de măslin (63), lemnul dulce (64), ciupercile de tipul Maitake (65), Shiitake (66), dar şi alte specii (67,34), o serie de alge (68), plante chinezeşti (69), plante indiene (70,71), lista rămânând deschisă. Dintre produsele apicole, propolisul este documentat a avea acţiune antivirală (72,73). ...
In December 2019, the COVID-19 epidemic broke out in Wuhan (China), which soon spread worldwide, generating a pandemic that put the medical world in difficulty. In the absence of an etiological treatment and an effective vaccine, the researchers also turned their attention to alternative treatments, a series of plant molecules being analyzed by computer simulations regarding the inhibitory potential on the main proteins of SARS-CoV-2. A number of clinical trials based on traditional herbal formulas have also been initiated, especially by countries with a focus on alternative medicine.
... Even though not common, garlic allergy has been attributed to the protein alliin lyase, which was reported to induce immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity responses from skin prick testing [40]. Garlic intake has been reported to be associated with decreased platelet aggregation and bleeding events [41], explaining why it is generally cautioned against using garlic while using anticoagulant therapy [42] as well as other medications. Allium schoenoprasum L also called Arsenic or Chive is used as a condiment which provides a more delicate flavour than the other Allium species. ...
Aims: COVID-19 pandemic affects hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Since there is no effective treatment, the need of finding alternative methods, which can help to curb this pandemic is urgent. This study aims to collect the information on the virucidal and toxicity properties of Allium species. This genus is known to be source of nutraceuticals and also used as food. In this context, species of this genus can be proposed as an alternative solution against COVID-19. Methodology: The literature review was conducted on Allium spp during searches on different databases such as PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct, Scielo, DOAJ, Science alert and Google scholar. The scientific names of Allium species, antiviral compounds, antiviral activity and toxicology of the plants of interest were used as keywords. Mendeley was used to make bibliographic references and the chemical structures of the natural compounds from Allium genus were drawn using ChemBioDraw Ultra 12.0 software. Results: The findings from literature review showed that the Allium genus has demonstrated antiviral activity on several types of virus (Herpes simplex virus type 1, Herpes simplex virus type 2, Human immunodeficiency virus, Influenza virus, Cytomegalovirus, Human papillomavirus, Vesicular stomatitis virus, vaccinia virus, and human rhinovirus type 2 human cytomegalovirus). The species of this genus have also been used as food. Some species of Allium genus contain minerals such as Zinc, which have shown an effect on SARS-CoV-1, and could be involved in account for the reported antiviral effect. Conclusion: Edible Allium species could be used in the management of COVID-19. Molecular docking of main molecules of Allium species with SARS-CoV-2 protease is in progress.
... Essential oil from A. sativum also possesses antiviral activity. Fructan isolate from onion has been reported for its antiviral activity against influenza A virus (Lee et al., 2012). Further research based on In vitro viral culturing is needed to explain the mechanism of antiviral effects of these plant species. ...
Allium is one of the largest genera of monocotyledons with 900 species distributed all over the world. It is also one of the most important genera containing several medicinal and edible plants. Various species of Allium are known since ancient times and are used as spices, vegetables and, as medical plants. Allium cepa (common onion) and Allium sativum (common garlic) are the two main species that have widely been used for therapeutic properties. Studies have revealed many members of the genus Allium as rich source of secondary metabolites which contributes to its biological activities. A wide variety of phytochemicals including the flavonoids, alkaloids, sulfides, saponins, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and several compounds of the sulfur containing amino acids cysteine have been identified as main constituents of these plants. The antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties of many Allium species have been authenticated worldwide. The antifungal and antimicrobial activities of bulbs and aerial parts of species have been reported. In addition, species from this genus have a wide array of biological activities like antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-diabetic potentials as well as beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems. The present article reviews recent advances in ethno-medicinal uses and active phytochemicals found in the various species of the genus Allium.
... (Figure 4) (Arnold, 2018). As with garlic, onion (Allium cepa) has certain compounds (particularly a polyphenol named quercetin) which have demonstrated antiviral properties (Lee et al., 2012;Sharma, 2019) but still more research and clinical trials are needed. Besides, in the USA a group of doctors known as "The Eclectics" got positive results by treating the flu symptoms with plant remedies, together with other measures that included exercise. ...
Pandemics are as old as humanity and since ancient times we have turned to plants to find solutions to health-related problems. Traditional medicines based mostly on plants are still the only therapeutic possibility in many developing countries, but even in the richest ones, herbal formulation currently receives increased attention. Plants are natural laboratories whose complex secondary metabolism produces a wealth of chemical compounds, leading to drug discovery – 25% of widespread use drugs are indeed of plant origin. Their therapeutic potential is even bigger: although many plant-based compounds show inhibitory effects against a myriad of pathogens, few reach the stage of clinical trials. Their mechanism of action is often unknown, yet traditional plant-based remedies have the advantage of a long-term experience in their use, usually of hundreds to thousands of years, and thus a precious experience on their safety and effects. Here I am providing a non-systematic historical-botanical review of some of the most devastating pandemics that humanity has faced, with a focus on plant therapeutic uses. I will revisit the Middle Ages black death, in which a plant-based lotion (the four thieves vinegar) showed some effectiveness; the smallpox, a viral disease that lead to the discovery of vaccination but for which the native Americans had a plant ally, an interesting carnivorous plant species; tuberculosis and the use of garlic; the Spanish flu and the widespread recommendation of eating onions, among other plant-based treatments; and malaria, whose first effective treatment, quinine, came from the bark of a Peruvian tree, properties already known by the Quechua people. Synthetic analogues of quinine such as chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine are now being revisited for the treatment of COVID19 symptoms, as they are artemisinin and derivatives, other plant-based compounds effective against malaria. Finally, I will give some hints on another facet of plants to aid us in the prevention of infectious diseases: the production of biotechnological plant-based vaccines. Altogether, my aim is to stress the significant role of plants in global health (past, present and future) and the need of enhancing and protecting the botanical knowledge, from systematics to conservation, from ecology to ethnobotany.
... A fructan that acts as an antiinfluenza A virus substance was isolated from hot water extract of green leafy part of A. fistulosum L. 90 Cardioprotective activity Steroids of A. chinense G. Don. prevents cardiac injuries induced by oxidative stress 91 . ...
Use of the members of the genus Allium L. in Northeast India is quite significant from the perspective of ethnopharmacology. The pharmacological aspect of the genus Allium L. have been clinically evaluated since long due to its typical flavour and ethnomedicinal importance. The plants posses a number of chemical constituents like sulphur, allicin etc. that are responsible for certain biological activities of pharmacological importance including anticancer activity. Several species of Allium L. have been reported from northeast India having ethnobotanical uses and are very popular among the ethnic groups either as spice/vegetables or in folk medicine. Considering the importance of the plants in this region a thorough review of literature was undertaken to prepare a consolidated account of ethnobotany and pharmacological activities of the species occurring in northeast India.
... Even though not common, garlic allergy has been attributed to the protein alliin lyase, which was reported to induce immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity responses from skin prick testing [40]. Garlic intake has been reported to be associated with decreased platelet aggregation and bleeding events [41], explaining why it is generally cautioned against using garlic while using anticoagulant therapy [42] as well as other medications. Allium schoenoprasum L also called Arsenic or Chive is used as a condiment which provides a more delicate flavour than the other Allium species. ...
Background: Plants of the Zingiberaceae family namely Curcuma longa, Aframomum melegueta and Zingiber officinale are known for their many biological activities such as the antiviral activity. Aim: To provide an updated knowledge on the phytochemistry, toxicology and antiviral activity of some medically interesting Zingiberaceae species. Mini-review Article Mbadiko et al.; JOCAMR, 9(4): 44-56, 2020; Article no.JOCAMR.57459 45 Study Design: Multidisciplinary advanced bibliographic surveys and dissemination of the resulted knowledge. Results: The literature review shows that these edible plants have antiviral properties on different types of viruses (Rhinovirus, hepatitis B and C viruses, Herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2, Human immunodeficiency viruse, Enterovirus 71, Ebola Virus, Human cytomegalovirus, Chikungunya virus, Epstein-Barr Virus, Japanese Encephalitis Virus, Respiratory syncytial virus, Fish viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, Influenza A virus, Epstein-Barr virus, Coronavirus SARS-CoV-1, etc.). In addition, the literature indicated that these plants are a significant source of nutrients, which can boost the immune system and are safe according to the existing toxicological data. Conclusion: The present mini-review can therefore help to inform future scientific research towards the development of antiCovid-19 herbal drugs of relevance as well as nutraceuticals from these three plants species for the improvement of human health and wellbeing using reverse pharmacology approach. Molecular docking of some naturally occurring isolate compounds against SARS-CoV-2 proteases is in progress.
... An aqueous extract of these plants along with lemon juice and honey was found to be effective for flu and common cold virus infections. The ingredients present in this recipe have ant-viral properties (Bano, et al., 2017;Chang, et al., 2013;Bayan, et al., 2014;Fatima, et al., 2016;Ghoke, et al., 2018;Hashemipour, et al., 2014;Jiang, et al., 2013;Konowalchuk, et al., 1978;Lee, et al., 2012;Miladi, et al., 2012;Omer, et al., 2014;Praditya, et al., 2019;Weber, et al., 1992). The root of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is known to have a good antiviral potential (Wang et al., 2015a). ...
COVID-19 was originated from Wuhan city of Hubei Province in China in December 2019. Since then it has spread in more than 210 countries and territories. It is a viral disease due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The patients show flu-like symptoms with a dry cough, sore throat, high fever, and breathing problems. The disease due to SARS-CoV-2 was named as COVID-19. About 2.2 million people have been infected with more than 0.15 million deaths globally. The United States of America is the most affected country with the highest patients of about 0.7 million. Despite great efforts, there is no treatment of this disease. However, prevention and management are the best options. This article describes SARS-CoV-2, disease, prevention and management, treatment and social impact on society. It was analyzed that a combination of antiviral drugs with hydroxyl-chloroquine and azithromycin (with the consultation of a medical practitioner) may be the best option to treat the patients, depending on the patient's conditions and symptoms. However, Unani therapy may be useful along with allopathic treatment. It is urgently advised and requested that all the persons should follow the preventive measures, managements and quarantine strictly without any religious discrepancy otherwise the situation may be the worst. Also, there is an urgent requirement to educate our new generation for science and technology to fight against any such disaster in future; if any. There is no need to be panic and proper prevention and management are essential to combat this disease. This article may be useful to create awareness among the public, to prevent, manage and treat COVID-19.
... Medicinal plants provide active and potential phytochemicals with promising anti-viral activities (Bodinet et al., 2002;Kernan et al., 1997;Liu et al., 2008). Allium fistulosum L. extract contains an inulin-type polysaccharide with good anti-influenza activity (Lee et al., 2012). ...
Current Corona virus Covid-19 crisis has infected more than 1.8 million humans in last three months and it is increasing exponentially every day. Some of the allopathic medicines (Cholroquine, Lopinover, Oseltamivir and Retenover etc.) used for other purposes like Malaria have shown good results in Corona. Plants species were reported to be effective in coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which causes a serious type of pneumonia. In similar way, Plant materials are a good source of bioactive compounds/phytochemicals that can be utilized not only for strengthening our immune system but also killing the pathogens. Due to chemical diversity and natural affability of natural products, either in the form of standardized extract or as a pure compound based on ethnopharmacological properties plays a s significant role in new drug development. Though, we have summarized medicinal plants that have a role in anti-viral activities, but there is an immediate need to find out more and more medicinal plants for anti-viral activities.
Chinese onion is a common vegetable in daily diet, especially in Southwest China. We collected 184 samples from farm and market in Chongqing Municipality during 2020–2021 and established a multi-residue method for analysis of 79 pesticide residues on Chinese onion. Sixty-three of 184 samples were found pesticide resdues, accounting for 34.2%. A total of 31 pesticides were detected, and 6 pesticides in 11 samples have exceeded the Chinese MRLs, 5.98% of all samples. The chronic and acute dietary exposure assessment showed the %ADI and the %ARfD value were 0.005%–5.46% and 0.03%–297.95%, respectively. The %ARfD of most pesticides were acceptable except for cyhalothrin (297.95%, children; 140.17%, adults) and carbofuran (107.94%, children). The study indicated that pesticide residues on Chinese onion had different concentration levels which were low commonly. The establishment of MRLs for several pesticides (cyfluthrin, carbendazim, propamocarb) in Chinese onion is required for better estimation of dietary risk.
The highly active estrogen metabolism and receptor protein expression are to blame for the elevated breast cancer (BC) rate in post-menopausal women. Letrozole is a powerful endocrine medication that targets and inhibits the aromatase, often known as an aromatase inhibitor (AI). It aids in the adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and metastatic treatment of HR+ breast cancer because it can boost FSH production for ovulation induction. It has recently been used in infertile pre-menopausal women. The main advantages of utilizing letrozole to enhance follicle development may be wasted in current infertility treatments. We went into great length in this review about the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and distinct adverse effects of the drug on the heart, kidney, liver, embryo, bone, and ovary. It also causes apoptosis, necrosis, and fibrosis, which all result in the demise of cancer cells. Its central and peripheral effects on follicle formation, estrogen production in the ovaries, and their clinical implications are explored in detail in this work.
SARS-CoV-2/novel coronavirus is a fresh virus strain that was first detected in the city of Wuhan located at Hubei province of China in December, 2019. Within a couple of months the virus has spread rapidly to different geographical regions through human transmission leading to serious disease burden worldwide. Although research is under progress to develop effective vaccine and drugs for the disease, a unified approach between conventional and traditional medicine system may prove to be beneficial in early prevention and management of the disease. Joint efforts are being put up at global scientific community level to enhance the research on advancement of meticulous diagnostics, antiviral measures and finally leading to development of an effective vaccine against the novel coronavirus. Some basic and safe measures from AYUSH systems of medicine have also been advocated for prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19 which can be used independently or with integrated approach. The rationale of this review paper is to provide the details regarding disease spectrum, modes of transmission, social & economic consequences, and role of AYUSH systems of medicine in prevention and management of COVID-19. Based on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, list of herbs and drugs of AYUSH systems of medicine were also searched and are being reported here.
Keywords: AYUSH systems of medicine, Coronavirus, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Unani Medicine
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness in Wuhan in 2019. Some of the antivirals presently being tried are known anti-HIV (combination of lopinavir and ritonavir) and the rejected anti-ebola virus (remdesivir) drugs. Others are chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. Till date, there is no specific antiviral treatment that has proven effective in the management of the pandemic. The infected victims primarily rely on symptomatic treatments and supportive care. This COVID-19 outbreak has triggered researchers worldwide to embark on more high-quality researches, in addition to the preventive measures, to manage the public health emergency in both the short- and long-term. Membrane lipids like cholesterol, glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids play key role in modification of intracellular membrane structures for virus replication. This chapter discussed the roles of membrane lipids in coronavirus replication, and inhibition of lipids biosynthesis for possible management of coronavirus disease.
Garlic is a common food, and many of its biological functions are attributed to its components including functional carbohydrates. Garlic polysaccharides and oligosaccharides as main components are understudied but have future value due to the growing demand for bioactive polysaccharides/oligosaccharides from natural sources. Garlic polysaccharides have molecular weights of 1 × 103 to 2 × 106 Da, containing small amounts of pectins and fructooligosaccharides and large amounts of inulin‐type fructans ((2→1)‐linked β‐d‐Fruf backbones alone or with attached (2→6)‐linked β‐d‐Fruf branched chains). This article provides a detailed review of research progress and identifies knowledge gaps in extraction, production, composition, molecular characteristics, structural features, physicochemical properties, bioactivities, and structure–function relationships of garlic polysaccharides/oligosaccharides. Whether the extraction processes, synthesis approaches, and modification methods established for other non‐garlic polysaccharides are also effective for garlic polysaccharides/oligosaccharides (to preserve their desired molecular structures and bioactivities) requires verification. The metabolic processes of ingested garlic polysaccharides/oligosaccharides (as food ingredients/dietary supplements), their modes of action in healthy humans or populations with chronic conditions, and molecular/chain organization–bioactivity relationships remain unclear. Future research directions related to garlic polysaccharides/oligosaccharides are discussed.
Fruits and vegetables (FVs) have long been a major source of nutrients and dietary phytochemicals with outstanding physiological properties that are essential for protecting humans from chronic diseases. Moreover, the growing demand of consumers for nutritious and healthy foods is greatly promoting the increased intake of FVs. Allium (Alliaceae) is a perennial bulb plant genus of the Liliaceae family. They are customarily utilized as vegetable, medicinal, and ornamental plants and have an important role in agriculture, aquaculture, and the pharmaceutical industry. Allium plants produce abundant secondary metabolites, such as organosulfur compounds, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, alkaloids, and polysaccharides. Accordingly, Allium plants possess a variety of nutritional, biological, and health-promoting properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, immunoregulatory, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. This review aims to highlight the advances in the research on the bioactive components, physiological activities and clinical trials, toxicological assessment for safety, and applications of different Allium plants. It also aims to cover the direction of future research on the Allium genus. This review is expected to provide theoretical reference for the comprehensive development and utilization of Allium plants in the fields of functional foods, medicine, and cosmetics.
Kimchi, a traditional Korean food manufactured using various vegetables and other ingredients, such as garlic, ginger, and red pepper, imparts several health benefits. However, the variation in the bioactive compounds responsible for the health benefits of various kimchis is not well-characterized. Here, we analyzed the bioactive profile of eight kimchis, prepared using different vegetables as the main ingredient. We compared the major phytochemical compositions, including glucosinolates, carotenoids, capsaicinoids, chlorophylls, and ascorbic acid contents in Baechu-kimchi (BC) and Baek-kimchi (BK) prepared using napa cabbage, Gat-kimchi (GT) prepared using mustard leaf, Kkakdugi (KD), Chonggak-kimchi (CGK), and Yeolmu-kimchi (YM) prepared using radish, Pa-kimchi (PA) prepared using green onion, and Oi-sobagi (OB) prepared using cucumber. Among glucosinolates, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin was abundant in BC and BK, wherein 4-methoxyglucobrassicin and glucoraphasatin were dominant in CGK, YM, and KD. The glucosinolate breakdown product ascorbigen was abundant in all kimchi. Carotenoids, particularly capsanthin from red chili pepper, were the highest in PA. YM and PA showed high chlorophyll contents, and ascorbic acid contents were almost two-fold higher in GT than in OB and BK. Total capsaicinoids, which confer pungency, were highest in OB. PA, GT, and no capsaicinoid were detected in BK, which contained no red chili pepper powder.
Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a moth species that is able to feed on various vegetable commodities. Its control is economically critical for commercial food storing facilities such as warehouses. P. interpunctella causes quantitative and qualitative damage by eating important stored food crops such as dried Welsh onions (Allium fistulosum L.), and freezing treatment is a common method of control. To examine the effectiveness of freezing treatment, we changed the length of time of the conventional freezing method. The conventional method involves treatment below -15℃ for 48 h, but we predicted that it would be effective with only 24 h freezing at -25℃. To test our theory, we conducted an experiment using three different frozen storage containers and assessed if the modified method was effective on the eggs and fourth instar larvae of P. interpunctella. Despite the temporary malfunctioning of one of the containers used in the experiment after incubation at 28℃ and 70% relative humidity for 10 days, the larval mortality rate was 100% and egg hatching rate was 0% in all samples, regardless of the treatment time. Further research is needed as this method is expected to decrease production costs and energy consumption and has the potential to be applied to other crops and pests.
COVID-19 is an infectious disease, caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) that is rapidly spreading all over the world and responsible for the international health crisis. In an earlier period, various synthetic antiviral drugs and clinical therapies have been used to control the viral infection but at present, there is no specific treatment available for COVID-19 infection. Several approaches like ritonavir, lopinavir, hydroxychloroquine, and chloroquine have been proposed. India is a hub of medicinal plants, so there is a chance to find out the way to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The medicinal herbal formulations may enhance the immunity and come up with a powerful antiviral drug, which is an urgent need to control the outbreak of coronavirus. In this review article, we have discussed epidemiology, clinical outcomes, treatment, and prevention of this novel epidemic coronavirus from medicinal herbal formulations perspective. We have also emphasized the reported antiviral activity and immunity-boosting property of the Indian medicinal plants. This article also suggests that the drug or formulation obtained from medicinal plant sources may have low fatal outcomes, quick response, and safe in the management and prevention of this pandemic outbreak.
The ongoing outbreak of coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) has quickly become a
daunting challenge to global health. The ultraviolet radiations (UVR) A wavebands fall
in the region of 320-400 nm of the solar spectrum and comprise about 95% of overall
ultraviolet (UVs) approaching the biosphere. The UVA is extensively used in
phototherapy systems, as a disinfectant, and in various skin-related conditions. This
chapter aimed to address the reduction of coronavirus replication by direct application
of phototherapy (UVA) in lungs and modulation of nitric oxide (NO) in skin cells
following UVA exposures. This NO influx inside the bloodstream to deliver into the
lungs endothelial cells where it goes to incur cytoprotection to alveolar lung cells.
Moreover, it is also proposed for direct application of therapeutic doses of UVA light inside the lungs. It uses a fiberoptic adapter to modulate the production of NO in lung endothelial cells, which will diffuse into the bronchi and lungs to leave bronchodilatory and vasodilatory effects. How NO reduces inflammatory burst and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the lungs' alveolar cells is also discussed. Moreover, it is also proposed that UVA radiation application should be limited to physiological doses and applied every 4-8 h, with at least 24 h of therapy before reassessment. The treating physician should determine discontinuation of this direct UVA treatment into the lungs
following observation of the patient's condition and the safety and efficacy of the
treatment. This study will highlight and emphasize the importance of utilizing UVA
radiation to control this epidemic.
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) first originated from China, named Wuhan, and now becomes a pandemic disease. The COVID-19 infections range from asymptomatic to mild and severe conditions. Medicinal plants have potential therapeutic effects for different infectious diseases and have long been used to treat many diseases. Wild plants are well-known for their anti-viral activities and are also used in herbal treatment for COVID-19 infection. Various traditional medicine systems use plants for the treatment of COVID-19. The considerable therapeutic effect was achieved by using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) during the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which brought new hope preventing and treating COVID-19. The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) focuses on prophylactic treatment, dietary management, and simple traditional remedies for the treatment of symptoms of COVID-19 by using medicinal plants. Telemedicine was focused on a new health care model to prevent transmission of COVID-19 by avoiding person-to-person contact. The purpose of this chapter is to identify the effective herbal treatment for COVID-19.
The recent emergent coronaviruses in the 21st century, such as Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East Respiratory SyndromeCoronavirus (MERS-CoV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2
(SARS-CoV-2), has caused significant morbidity and mortality around the world. The
lung is the most affected organ in the infection of human pathogenic coronaviruses.
There is always a scarcity of human signs, symptoms, and modes of transmission. So to
study the viral pathogenesis and evaluated interventions of therapies and vaccines,
animals need to be used as models, especially at early epidemics. Lesions scoring can
be identified from histopathological studies, and it can be helpful to understand the
viral pathogenesis and damages to the cells to design effective therapies or vaccines.
Histopathology uses the cells to determine viral host receptors and viral host tropism to
relate with disease severity and lesions. Moreover, histopathology also plays a role in
the qualitative description of affected organs to determine the micro-anatomic location
of cells, type of cells, and cellular consequences during and post-infection.
Comparatively, this approach has various limitations, but still, it is significant in
comparing treatment groups. In comparing various groups, semi-quantitative and
quantitative tissue scores are used for statistical analysis to increase the reproducibility
of the study. This chapter refers to different features, including the importance of
histopathology, principles, technique, scoring methods, and pathological characteristics
of COVID-19, which can be valuable to assess the lung infection caused by SARSCoV-2 and animal models and real situations.
The search for novel and effective drugs is an important challenge, as a severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by a zoonotic coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is affecting the entire world population. As of 18th April 2021 there were over 140 million confirmed cases and more than 3
million deaths due to COVID-19. Natural herbal drugs are a rich resource for novel antiviral drug development. Many studies and traditional medical practices have shown their effectiveness against
various human pathogens like the influenza virus, hepatitis C virus, coronavirus and the human immunodeficiency virus. Although modern synthetic drugs based on Western medicine are used in developed countries, traditional plant-based drugs are an integral part of medical treatment, including Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, the administration of crude herbal drug formulations dates back more than 3000 years. Numerous studies have shown that natural herbal drugs possess a wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and anti-neoplastic. Accordingly, these herbs have been used for centuries in Sri Lankan traditional
medicine to treat various disorders. Despite the potency, none of these herbal medicines has yet been approved as a therapeutic antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2 due to a lack of data from clinical trials. This review summarizes the current knowledge and future perspectives of the antiviral effects of potent Sri Lankan herbal drugs as potential sources of effective anti-coronavirus therapies.
This review article aims at raising and enhancing immunity to confront SARS-CoV-2 virus (the causative agent of COVID-19 disease) using dietary approaches. Because there is no effective treatment although some medicines approved by FDA, or a successful protective vaccine, the choice to combat this disease and one of the solutions depends on preventing and elevating level of immunity. Therefore, this review reports available scientific evidence that healthy eating can help enhancing the immune system and prevent diseases. Targeting consumers globally to notice much important types of healthy food (mentioned in this review) may help to build up a healthy immune body resistant against viruses and other bugs.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a group of lung disease that mainly affects the interstitium and ultimately results in the inflammation and damaging to the lung tissues [1]. The tissues present around the air sacs are called interstitium. Because of the thickening and scarring, lung tissues become damaged, and make it difficult to work. The scarring gets worse by the time which makes it difficult to breathe and keep the optimum levels of oxygen in the bloodstream. This affects the functioning of the vital organs as they are slowly depriving off oxygen. This disease is characterised by destruction of alveoli along with abnormal accumulation of fibroblasts giving the lungs a “honeycomb” like structure. Generally, this disease is more common in men over 50 years of age and two-thirds are diagnosed after 60 years of age [2]. Approximately 50,000 new cases of IPF are diagnosed each year and the symptoms came first into notice between the age of 50 and 70 years. Earlier the symptoms begin with the shortening of breathe but by the time this condition gets worse by eating or talking. At present, in the USA more than 80,000 adults are suffering from this disease and more than 30,000 cases are diagnosed every year [3]. Here the term “idiopathic” is used because the exact cause of scarring of tissues cannot be figured out (Fig. 15.1).
Background
Korean traditional food (KTF), originated from ancestral agriculture and the nomadic traditions of the Korean peninsula and southern Manchuria, is based on healthy food that balances disease prevention and treatment. Fermented foods that include grains, herbs, fruits, and mushrooms are also an important practice in KTF, providing high levels of Lactobacilli, which confer relevant health benefits, including antiviral properties. Some of these probiotics may also protect against the Influenza virus through the modulation of innate immunity.
Scope and approach
The emerging of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to other diseases of viral origin, and the problems associated with other respiratory disorders, highlight how essential is a healthy eating pattern to strengthen our immune system.
Key Findings and Conclusions: The present review covers the information available on edible plants, herbs, mushrooms, and preparations used in KTF to outline their multiple medicinal effects (e.g., antidiabetic, chemopreventive, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial), emphasizing their role and effects on the immune system with an emphasis on modulating properties of the gut microbiota that further support strong respiratory immunity. Potential functional foods commonly used in Korean cuisine such as Kimchi (a mixture of fermented vegetables), Meju, Doenjang, Jeotgal, and Mekgeolli and fermented sauces, among others, are highlighted for their great potential to improve gut-lung immunity. The traditional Korean diet and dietary mechanisms that may target viruses ACE-2 receptors or affect any step of a virus infection pathway that can determine a patient's prognosis are also highlighted. The regular oral intake of bioactive ingredients used in Korean foods can offer protection for some viral diseases, through protective and immunomodulatory effects, as evidenced in pre-clinical and clinical studies.
Tuberculosis is a highly contagious infectious disease triggered by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is widely spread by aerosol. The major site of infection is usually the lungs however the disease can attack any extra-pulmonary site as well, which is further diagnosis by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. World Health Organization reported almost 8.9–10 million people are suffering from tuberculosis in 2019, including 56% men and 32% women, and 12% children. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a medical condition in which Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampicin. In-vitro studies suggest that several bioactive compounds and their synthetic derivatives obtained from plants, fungi, and marine organism possesses antimycobacterial affinity. Phenolic compounds such as dihydrocubebin, hinokinin, ethoxycubebin possess the antimycobacterial activity. Mycobacterial cell envelope antagonists have been shown to obstruct the synthesis of mycolic acids, arabinogalactan, and peptidoglycan, essential components of the mycobacterial cell wall. The paramount antituberculous drugs hamper the development of mycolic acids or the aid mechanism which links them to the cell membrane. Medicines targeting RNA synthesis encompass those that restrict the assembly of bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerases, that are indispensable enzymes for RNA synthesis. Various molecular pathways for the target to cure tuberculosis entail the targets of M. tuberculosis cell wall synthesis, energy metabolism, folate metabolism, DNA replication, and RNA synthesis. Interestingly, in preserving the health of patients diagnosed with tuberculosis, medicinal plants have tremendous advantages with limited side effects as compare to the standard drugs.
Vaccines and various anti-influenza drugs are clinically used to prevent and treat influenza infections. However, with the antigenic mismatch of vaccines and the emergence of drug-resistant viral strains, new approaches for treating influenza are warranted. This study focused on natural foods as potential candidates for the de-velopment of new treatment options for influenza infections. The screening of plants from the Cucurbitaceae family revealed that the juice of Citrullus lanatus var. citroides(wild watermelon) had the strongest ability to inhibit the replication of influenza virus in Madin–Darby canine kidney cells. The results of a time-of-addition assay indicated that wild watermelon juice (WWMJ) inhibits the adsorption and late stages of viral replication, suggesting that WWMJ contains multiple constituents with effective anti-influenza activity. A viral adsorption analysis showed that WWMJ reduces the amount of viral RNA in the cells at 37°C but not at 4°C, confirming that WWMJ in-hibits viral entry into the host cells at 37°C. These results suggest that a mechanism other than the inhibition of viral attachment is involved in the anti-influenza action of WWMJ, which is perhaps responsible for a reduction in internalization of the virus. Administration of WWMJ into the nasal mucosa of BALB/c mice infected with the A/PR/8/34 mouse-adapted influenza virus was seen to significantly improve the sur-vival rate. The findings of this study, therefore, demonstrate the anti-influenza po-tential of WWMJ in vitro and in vivo, thereby suggesting the candidature of WWMJ as a functional food product that can be used to develop anti-influenza agents and drugs.KEYWORDSinfluenza virus, virus infection inhibition, wild watermelon
Plant species which have therapeutic purposes are countless, among them is Mikania glomerata Spreng. This plant belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native of the South of Brazil, where its tea is widely used. Since carbohydrates can present diverse biological effects, the aim of this study was to chemically characterize the carbohydrate content of the M. glomerata tea and evaluate its effects on liver function in mice. Carbohydrates were accessed by ethanolic precipitation. After purification, an inulin type fructan (SMG) was characterized. Fructooligosaccharides ranging from GF2 (m/z 543) to GF10 (m/z 1839) were observed in the ethanolic supernatant (MG-ET). Both fractions showed low amounts of protein, phenolic compounds and flavonoids and high amounts of total carbohydrate. In vitro results showed DPPH radical scavenging capacity for both fractions. In vivo results indicated that the fractions could attenuate the alterations in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, catalase, lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels caused by CCl4 administration. Thus, Mikania glomerata tea shows high carbohydrate content with inulin and fructooligosaccharides as main components. The tested fractions did not produce a hepatotoxic effect per se and protected the liver against CCl4-induced injuries.
The ongoing wreaking global outbreak of the novel human beta coronavirus (CoV) pathogen was presumed to be from a seafood wholesale market in Wuhan, China, belongs to the Coronaviridae family in the Nidovirales order. The virus is highly contagious with potential human-human transmission which was named as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread across six continents and emerged as a global pandemic in short span with alarming levels of spread and severity. This virus associated symptoms and infectious respiratory illness is designated as coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). The SARS-CoV-2 possesses enveloped club-like spike protein projections with positive-sense large RNA genome and has a unique replication strategy. This virus was believed to have zoonotic origin with genetical identity to bat and pangolin CoV. In the current review, we introduce a general overview about the human CoVs and the associated diseases, the origin, structure, replication and key clinical events that occur in the COVID-19 pathogenicity. Furthermore, we focused on possible therapeutic options such as repurposing drugs including antimalarials, antivirals, antiparasitic drugs, and anti-HIV drugs, as well as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines as potential treatment options. Also we have summarized the latest research progress on the usage of stem cell therapy, human convalescent serum, interferon's, in the treatment of COVID-19.
Background:
On April 15 and April 17, 2009, novel swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV) was identified in specimens obtained from two epidemiologically unlinked patients in the United States. The same strain of the virus was identified in Mexico, Canada, and elsewhere. We describe 642 confirmed cases of human S-OIV infection identified from the rapidly evolving U.S. outbreak.
Methods:
Enhanced surveillance was implemented in the United States for human infection with influenza A viruses that could not be subtyped. Specimens were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction confirmatory testing for S-OIV.
Results:
From April 15 through May 5, a total of 642 confirmed cases of S-OIV infection were identified in 41 states. The ages of patients ranged from 3 months to 81 years; 60% of patients were 18 years of age or younger. Of patients with available data, 18% had recently traveled to Mexico, and 16% were identified from school outbreaks of S-OIV infection. The most common presenting symptoms were fever (94% of patients), cough (92%), and sore throat (66%); 25% of patients had diarrhea, and 25% had vomiting. Of the 399 patients for whom hospitalization status was known, 36 (9%) required hospitalization. Of 22 hospitalized patients with available data, 12 had characteristics that conferred an increased risk of severe seasonal influenza, 11 had pneumonia, 8 required admission to an intensive care unit, 4 had respiratory failure, and 2 died. The S-OIV was determined to have a unique genome composition that had not been identified previously.
Conclusions:
A novel swine-origin influenza A virus was identified as the cause of outbreaks of febrile respiratory infection ranging from self-limited to severe illness. It is likely that the number of confirmed cases underestimates the number of cases that have occurred.
The common cold is the leading cause of doctor visits in the United States and annually results in 189 million lost school days. In the course of one year the U.S. population contracts approximately 1 billion colds. Influenza infection is still a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, accounting for 20-25 million doctor visits and 36,000 deaths per year in the United States. Conventional therapies for colds and flu focus primarily on temporary symptom relief and include over-the-counter antipyretics, anti-inflammatories, and decongestants. Treatment for influenza also includes prescription antiviral agents and vaccines for prevention. This article reviews the common cold and influenza viruses, presents the conventional treatment options, and highlights select botanicals (Echinacea spp., Sambucus nigra, larch arabinogalactan, Astragalus membranaceous, Baptisia tinctoria, Allium sativa, Panax quinquefolium, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Andrographis paniculata, olive leaf extract, and Isatis tinctoria) and nutritional considerations (vitamins A and C, zinc, high lactoferrin whey protein, N-acetylcysteine, and DHEA) that may help in the prevention and treatment of these conditions.
Fructooligosaccharides are involved in physiological activities and quality attributes of onion bulbs. This work describes structures of newly synthesized oligosaccharides formed by fructose moieties in onion bulb tissues during storage. Onion bulbs were stored for four weeks at 10C°. HPAEC-PAD analysis showed that saccharide 1 was eluted after 1-kestose while saccharide 2 was eluted after nystose (4a). Saccharides 1 and 2 have R-sucrose values of 1.55 and 2.15 by HPAEC, a reducing terminal, a reducing sugar-to-fructose ratio of 0.5 and 0.3, and a degree of polymerization of 2 and 3 by TOF-MS, respectively. GLC analysis of the methyl derivatives and NMR measurement of the saccharides confirmed the presence of two different structures: the structure of saccharide 1 is composed by two fructose moieties and linked by β(2→1) linkage and was identified as inulobiose [β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→1)-β-D-fructopyranose]. The structure of saccharide 2 consists of three units of fructose linked by β(2→1) linkage and was identified as inulotriose [β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→1)-β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→1)-β-D-fructopyranose]. The spectra also showed that 70 to 80% of the terminal fructose residue of the two saccharides is of pyranosyl form, while 20 to 30% is of furanosyl form. This finding demonstrated that these newly produced saccharides, catalyzed by onion-purified 6G-FFT, were synthesized by the action of 1-FFT fructosyltransfer from 1-kestose to free fructopyranose yielding inulobiose and sucrose, while elongation of fructofuranosyl units occurs at this transferred fructofuranosyl residue to produce inulooligosaccharide having an additional unit of fructofuranose.
Medicinal properties of garlic (Allium sativum) have been widely known and used since ancient times till the present. Garlic enhances immune functions and has antibacterial, antifungal and antivirus activities. It is known to prevent platelet aggregation, and to have hypotensive and cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering properties, although the latter features have been questioned. This review is focused on anticancer efficacy of Allium sativum, and attempts to explain the mechanisms of this action. Medicinal properties of garlic rely upon organosulfur compounds mostly derived from alliin. Organosulfur compounds originating from garlic inhibit carcinogen activation, boost phase 2 detoxifying processes, cause cell cycle arrest mostly in G2/M phase, stimulate the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, increase acetylation of histones. Garlic-derived sulfur compounds influence also gap-junctional intercellular communication and participate in the development of multidrug resistance. This review presents also other little known aspects of molecular action of garlic-derived compounds, like modulation of cellular redox state, involvement in signal transduction and post-translational modification of proteins by sulfane sulfur or by formation of mixed disulfides (S-thiolation reactions).
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and 2 are old viruses, with a history of evolution shared with humans. Thus, it is generally well-adapted viruses, infecting many of us without doing much harm, and with the capacity to hide in our neurons for life. In rare situations, however, the primary infection becomes generalized or involves the brain.
Normally, the primary HSV infection is asymptomatic, and a crucial element in the early restriction of virus replication and thus avoidance of symptoms from the infection is the concerted action of different arms of the innate immune response. An early and light struggle inhibiting some HSV replication will spare the host from the real war against huge amounts of virus later in infection. As far as such a war will jeopardize the life of the host, it will be in both interests, including the virus, to settle the conflict amicably. Some important weapons of the unspecific defence and the early strikes and beginning battle during the first days of a HSV infection are discussed in this review.
Generally, macrophages are orchestrating a multitude of anti-herpetic actions during the first hours of the attack. In a first wave of responses, cytokines, primarily type I interferons (IFN) and tumour necrosis factor are produced and exert a direct antiviral effect and activate the macrophages themselves. In the next wave, interleukin (IL)-12 together with the above and other cytokines induce production of IFN-γ in mainly NK cells. Many positive feed-back mechanisms and synergistic interactions intensify these systems and give rise to heavy antiviral weapons such as reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. This results in the generation of an alliance against the viral enemy.
However, these heavy weapons have to be controlled to avoid too much harm to the host. By IL-4 and others, these reactions are hampered, but they are still allowed in foci of HSV replication, thus focusing the activity to only relevant sites. So, no hero does it alone. Rather, an alliance of cytokines, macrophages and other cells seems to play a central role. Implications of this for future treatment modalities are shortly considered.
Botanical polysaccharides exhibit a number of beneficial therapeutic properties, and it is thought that the mechanisms involved in these effects are due to the modulation of innate immunity and, more specifically, macrophage function. In this review, we summarize our current state of understanding of the macrophage modulatory effects of botanical polysaccharides isolated from a wide array of different species of flora, including higher plants, mushrooms, lichens and algae. Overall, the primary effect of botanical polysaccharides is to enhance and/or activate macrophage immune responses, leading to immunomodulation, anti-tumor activity, wound-healing and other therapeutic effects. Furthermore, botanical and microbial polysaccharides bind to common surface receptors and induce similar immunomodulatory responses in macrophages, suggesting that evolutionarily conserved polysaccharide structural features are shared between these organisms. Thus, the evaluation of botanical polysaccharides provides a unique opportunity for the discovery of novel therapeutic agents and adjuvants that exhibit beneficial immunomodulatory properties.
A food (ingredient) is regarded as functional if it is satisfactorily demonstrated to affect beneficially 1 or more target functions in the body beyond adequate nutritional effects. The term inulin-type fructans covers all β(2←1) linear fructans including native inulin (DP 2–60, DPav = 12), oligofructose (DP 2–8, DPav = 4), and inulin HP (DP 10–60, DPav = 25) as well as Synergy 1, a specific combination of oligofructose and inulin HP. Inulin-type fructans resist digestion and function as dietary fiber improving bowel habits. But, unlike most dietary fibers, their colonic fermentation is selective, thus causing significant changes in the composition of the gut microflora with increased and reduced numbers of potentially health-promoting bacteria and potentially harmful species, respectively. Both oligofructose and inulin act in this way and thus are prebiotic: they also induce changes in the colonic epithelium and in miscellaneous colonic functions. In particular, the claim “inulin-type fructans enhance calcium and magnesium absorption” is scientifically substantiated, and the most active product is oligofructose-enriched inulin (Synergy 1). A series of studies furthermore demonstrate that inulin-type fructans modulate the secretion of gastrointestinal peptides involved in appetite regulation as well as lipid metabolism. Moreover, a large number of animal studies and preliminary human data show that inulin-type fructans reduce the risk of colon carcinogenesis and improve the management of inflammatory bowel diseases. Inulin-type fructans are thus functional food ingredients that are eligible for enhanced function claims, but, as more human data become available, risk reduction claims will become scientifically substantiated.
A fructan (CSH1-1, Mw=4.0×103) was isolated as an antiviral principle by combination of column chromatographies from Chikuyo-Sekko-To (CST), which is a traditional Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicine for infectious diseases. Chemical and spectroscopic analyses revealed that CSH1-1 was a highly branched fructan consisted of terminal (19.0%), 2,1- (61.9%), 2,6- (4.9%) and 1,2,6-linked β-d-Fruf residues (12.3%) with 1,6-linked β-d-Glcp residues (1.9%). CSH1-1 showed anti-herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) effects in vitro and in vivo. The polysaccharide had stimulating effects of nitric oxide production and induction of several cytokine mRNA expression including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α on RAW264.7 cells. From these results, a fructan from CST was suggested to be a candidate as an anti-HSV-2 agent.
Antioxidant activity and flavonoid content of Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum) (green-leafy and white-sheath varieties) and the effect of thermal treatment on them were studied by comparing with those of onion (Allium cepa) (yellow and red varieties). Antioxidant activity was measured by Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The order of these indices of antioxidant activity was red onion > yellow onion=green Welsh onion≫white Welsh onion. The order of the total flavonoid content was red onion > yellow onion > green Welsh onion≫white Welsh onion. Major flavonoid of yellow and red onions was quercetin, and that of green Welsh onion was kaempferol. Antioxidant activity of green Welsh onion was increased, but that of the other three vegetables was decreased during boiling for more than 15 minutes. Flavonoids in green Welsh onion were less stable than those in the other three vegetables during the boiling procedure. These results suggested that green Welsh onion, but not the white one, is a potent antioxidant food comparable to yellow onion, and is a good source of kaempferol. Increased antioxidant activity and decreased flavonoid content during boiling were characteristics of green Welsh onion.
Results are presented which demonstrate that the molar flame-responses of partially methylated partially ethylated alditol acetates should be calculated on an effective carbon response (e.c.r.) basis. The relative responses of 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-ethyl-D-glucitol 1,5-diacetate, 2,3,6-tri-O-ethyl-D-glucitol 1,4,5-triacetate, hexa-O-ethyl-D-glucitol, hexa-O-methyl-D-glucitol, α-D-galactopyranose pentaacetate were measured and compared to the predicted values from three theories: equal molar response, equal weight response, effective carbon response. The observed values agree very well (±0−6%) with the e.c.r.-calculated values. The other theories of relative response can result in as much as 100% error in quantitation. The e.c.r-calculated relative response-factors for all commonly found partially methylated partially ethylated alditol acetates are presented, and their use is suggested for accurate quantitation.
The purpose of this study was a comparative examination of the fructan and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) content of different varieties of onions (Allium cepa L. cv. Sturon, Hysam, Durco, Grano de Oro, and Caribo) and the changes produced during their commercial storage. In fresh onions, the Grano de Oro variety presented a remarkably different behavior, showing low contents of total fructans and FOS and high levels of reducing sugars. In the other varieties, Sturon, Hysam, Durco, and Caribo, fructans were the main carbohydrates, the lowest polymerized FOS being the major oligomer. Storage period caused in these varieties important increased levels of free fructose attributed to fructan hydrolysis. Maleic hydrazide treatment had no significant effect in avoiding the hydrolysis of fructans during storage conditions for the Sturon variety. Varieties with >16% dry matter or 15% soluble solids contents could be stored for 6 months at 0 °C and 60−65% relative humidity. Keywords: Onion (Allium cepa L.); carbohydrates; fructans; fructooligosaccharides; storage
A neutral polysaccharide named PD was isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua. Five fragments were isolated by Bio-Gel P4 chromatography from hydrolysates of PD. Using assays of cytopathic effect inhibition, neutral red dye uptake and plaque forming inhibition, it was proved that the fragments with degree of polymerization (DP) of 4 and 5 were the shortest ones which retained the activity against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in vero cell culture. The structures of PD and one of its activity-retaining fragments, B3, were determined by permethylation followed with reductive cleavage, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. It was shown that PD was a branched fructan with average DP of 28. There was one two-residue side chain composed of (2 → 6)-linked β-d-fructofuranosyl (Fruf) residues every three (2 → 1)-linked β-d-Fruf residues in the backbone of PD, whereas B3 was a mixture containing 1-kestose and neokestose series of oligosaccharides of DP 3–5 without branches.
Simple sugars, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and their derivatives, including the methyl ethers with free or potentially free reducing groups, give an orange-yellow color when treated with phenol and concentrated sulfuric acid. The reaction is sensitive and the color is stable. By use of this phenol-sulfuric acid reaction, a method has been developed to determine submicro amounts of sugars and related substances. In conjunction with paper partition chromatography the method is useful for the determination of the composition of polysaccharides and their methyl derivatives.
Rasayana constitutes a very important class of Ayurvedic herbs, which acts as rejuvenators and tonic. Despite intensive research on evaluating the medicinal basis for the purported medical benefits of Rasayana herbs, still a specific chemical guiding principle for the characterization of these herbs in one single category is unclear. Here we explore the possibility that polysaccharides play a key role in Rasayana properties exhibited by medicinal plants. Further on this could be a possible field for exploration for a common factor present in some of the Ayurvedic herbs. The present review covers a literature spanning from 1956 to 2011. Some translations of traditional Ayurvedic texts dating back to the first century AD have been referred to as well. In our assessment of the present literature and studies carried out it is presupposed that the presence of benevolent plant polysaccharides must be one of the important features symbolizing a common effectiveness in most of the Ayurvedic Rasayana herbs. Of the many plant metabolites polysaccharides have not so far been considered and studied effectively compared to other secondary metabolites like saponins, alkaloids, etc. Although all the results reported until now suggest a major contribution of polysaccharide towards the maintenance of physiological homeostasis, which is the guiding principle of Rasayana therapy. The present review is an attempt to find a connective link between the concept of Rasayana and well-being; and the role of plant polysaccharides. Lack of clinical information on number of polysaccharides showing promise is a limiting factor for a complete understanding. It is also important to carry out a molecular interaction study to understand the behavior of polysaccharides discussed in the present review.
The antimicrobial activity of Allium species has long been recognized, with allicin, other thiosulfinates, and their transformation products having antimicrobial activity. Alliums are inhibitory against all tested microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Alliums inhibit multi-drug-resistant microorganisms and often work synergistically with common antimicrobials. Allium-derived antimicrobial compounds inhibit microorganisms by reacting with the sulfhydryl (SH) groups of cellular proteins. It used to be thought that allicin reacts only with cysteine and not with non-SH amino acids, but evidence has accumulated that allicin and other thiosulfinates also react with non-SH amino acids.
Traditionally, garlic (Allium sativum) is known to be a significant immune booster. Aged garlic extract (AGE) possesses superior immunomodulatory effects than raw garlic; these effects are attributed to the transformed organosulfur compounds. AGE is also known to contain fructans; the amount of fructans in AGE represents a small fraction (0.22%) of the total fructans in raw garlic. In order to evaluate the biological activity of fructans present in AGE, both high molecular weight (>3.5 kDa; HF) and low molecular weight (<3 kDa; LF) fructans were isolated. The structures of purified HF and LF from AGE determined by (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR spectroscopy revealed that both have (2→1) β-D-fructofuranosyl bonds linked to a terminal glucose at the non-reducing end and β-D-fructofuranosyl branching on its backbone. Biological activity of fructans was assessed by immunostimulatory activity using murine lymphocytes and peritoneal exudate cells (source of macrophages). Both HF and LF displayed mitogenic activity and activation of macrophages including phagocytosis. These activities were comparable to that of known polysaccharide immunomodulators such as zymosan and mannan. This study clearly demonstrates that garlic fructans also contribute to the immunomodulatory properties of AGE, and is the first such study on the biological effects of garlic fructans.
Archaeological evidence from dry cave deposits in the northern Chihuahuan Desert reveal intensive utilisation of desert plants that store prebiotic inulin-type fructans as the primary carbohydrate. In this semi-arid region limited rainfall and poor soil conditions prevented the adoption of agriculture and thus provides a unique glimpse into a pure hunter-forager economy spanning over 10 000 years. Ancient cooking features, stable carbon isotope analysis of human skeletons, and well-preserved coprolites and macrobotanical remains reveal a plant-based diet that included a dietary intake of about 135 g prebiotic inulin-type fructans per d by the average adult male hunter-forager. These data reveal that man is well adapted to daily intakes of prebiotics well above those currently consumed in the modern diet.
Previous studies showed that the water extract and crude polysaccharides from the tuberous root of Liriope spicata var. prolifera showed high hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. In the present study, two new water-soluble polysaccharides, named LSP1 and LSP2, were isolated from the active crude polysaccharides by DEAE-cellulose 52 and AB-8 macroporous resin chromatography and tested for their hypoglycemic effects. On the basis of the chemical and physical data obtained, LSP1 and LSP2 are two fructans with the molecular weights 3.20 and 4.29 kDa, respectively, which both have a backbone structure of beta-(1-->2)-fructosyl residues that branches at O-6 with fructosyl residues and terminates with a glucosyl residue and a fructosyl residue. Preliminary activity tests revealed that both LSP1 and LSP2 caused a significant decrease of the fasting blood glucose (FBG) and a significant improvement on glucose tolerance in type 2 diabetic mice. These results suggest that LSP1 and LSP2 show high potential to be explored as natural oral hypoglycemic agents.
Beta-glucans are recognized by the innate immune system. This recognition plays important roles in host defense and presents specific opportunities for clinical modulation of the host immune response. Neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells among others express several receptors capable of recognizing beta-glucan in its various forms. This review explores what is currently known about beta-glucan recognition and how this recognition stimulates immune responses. Special emphasis is placed on Dectin-1, as we know the most about how this key beta-glucan receptor translates recognition into intracellular signaling, stimulates cellular responses, and participates in orchestrating the adaptive immune response.
In this communication both matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and high-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) have been applied to analyze fructans from higher plants. Size distribution of a commercially available fructan preparation from Dahlia variabilis L. was determined by MALDI-MS. Molecular masses ranged from 2,000 up to 6,000 Da with a peak value of distribution at 2,635 Da. Essentially the same pattern was obtained using HPAEC. Low-molecular-weight fructans from onion bulbs (Allium cepa L.) were studied in more detail. Tissue extracts were analyzed by MALDI-MS without any analyte purification. Mass-spectra of both proteins and oligosaccharides were obtained. For identification, metastable ion scanning was performed. Neither deproteinization nor deionization of the samples affected the oligosaccharide pattern. Using HPAEC, a more complex oligosaccharide pattern was obtained because isomeric glycans were differentiated. However, the overall size distribution was similar to that obtained by MALDI-MS. In further experiments epidermal or parenchyma cell layers of the onion bulb were placed into matrix solution and were then subjected to MALDI-MS and metastable ion scanning as well. By taking this approach, analyte desorption was achieved immediately from plant tissue. Oligosaccharide mass spectra were essentially the same as those of the extracts. To our knowledge, this is the first time that MALDI-MS has been applied as a microprobe to plant tissue. Finally MALDI-MS analysis was performed using single-cell extracts from onion tissues without any purification of the analyte.
A high molecular weight fructan was isolated from garlic and the structure determined by enzymatic, chemical and spectroscopic (NMR) methods. It was found that the garlic fructan belongs to the neokestose family. It has a (2 --> 1)-linked beta-D-Fruf backbone with (2 --> 6)-linked beta-D-Fruf side chains. A structural model was postulated for a degree of polymerisation of about 58. This model was substantiated using an endo-inulinase purified from Aspergillus ficuum and by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy.
Nitric oxide (NO) has complex and diverse functions in physiological and pathophysiological phenomena. The mechanisms of many events induced by NO are now well defined, so that a fundamental understanding of NO biology is almost established. Accumulated evidence suggests that NO and oxygen radicals such as superoxide are key molecules in the pathogenesis of various infectious diseases. NO biosynthesis, particularly through expression of an inducible NO synthase (iNOS), occurs in a variety of microbial infections. Although antimicrobial activity of NO is appreciated for bacteria and protozoa, NO has opposing effects in virus infections such as influenza virus pneumonia and certain other neurotropic virus infections. iNOS produces an excessive amount of NO for long periods, which allows generation of a highly reactive nitrogen oxide species, peroxynitrite, via a radical coupling reaction of NO with superoxide. Thus, peroxynitrite causes oxidative tissue injury through potent oxidation and nitration reactions of various biomolecules. NO also appears to affect a host's immune response, with immunopathological consequences. For example, overproduction of NO in virus infections in mice is reported to suppress type 1 helper T-cell-dependent immune responses, leading to type 2 helper T-cell-biased immunological host responses. Thus, NO may be a host response modulator rather than a simple antiviral agent. The unique biological properties of NO are further illustrated by our recent data suggesting that viral mutation and evolution may be accelerated by NO-induced oxidative stress. Here, we discuss these multiple roles of NO in pathogenesis of virus infections as related to both non-specific inflammatory responses and immunological host reactions modulated by NO during infections in vivo.
A new unsaturated fatty acid monoglyceride (1), glycerol mono-(E)-8,11,12-trihydroxy-9-octadecenoate, was isolated from the seeds of Allium fistulosum L. along with five known compounds: tianshic acid (2), 4-(2-formyl-5-hydroxymethylpyrrol-1-yl) butyric acid (3), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (4), vanillic acid (5), and daucosterol (6). The structures of 1-3 were established by interpretation and full assignments of NMR spectroscopic data. Both 1 and 2 were found to inhibit the growth of Phytophtohora capsici on V8 media.
The storage, soluble, and structural carbohydrates of two onion cultivars, the hard, pungent Pukekohe Longkeeper (PLK) and the softer, milder Houston Grano, were analyzed to determine differences that might be related to their response to sulfur nutrition received during growth as well as their postharvest attributes and end-use suitability. PLK tissue contained 1.37 times more dry matter than Grano and was composed of more fructan and sucrose and less glucose and fructose than Grano [corrected] There were also differences in neutral sugar content, especially galactose, and the amount, size, and content of pectin fractions soluble in chelator and weak alkali. These two onion cultivars differed in their capacity to take up sulfur, but there was no statistical association between sulfur supply and any measured dry matter component.
By use of 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy including 2D 1H,1H DQF-COSY/TOCSY and 1H,13C HMQC/HMBC experiments, the main water-soluble carbohydrate components extracted from leaves of Matricaria maritima were identified as oligofructans composed of a linear chain of (2-->1)-linked beta-D-fructofuranosyl residues specifying an inulin-type structure. Alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->2)-[beta-D-Fruf-(2-->1)-beta-D-Frucf]n-(2-->1)-beta-D-Fruf.
Per-O-methylation of neutral carbohydrates in one step by adding dimethyl sulfoxide, powdered sodium hydroxide, and methyl iodide directly to aqueous sample is described. The influence of the water on the methylation reaction is investigated. Solid powdered sodium hydroxide is very hygroscopic and can scavenge the water from sample if an additional excess of sodium hydroxide is added. The degree of per-O-methylation of carbohydrates is checked by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of mono- and disaccharides from grape juice is presented.
A food (ingredient) is regarded as functional if it is satisfactorily demonstrated to affect beneficially 1 or more target functions in the body beyond adequate nutritional effects. The term inulin-type fructans covers all beta(2<--1) linear fructans including native inulin (DP 2-60, DP(av) = 12), oligofructose (DP 2-8, DP(av) = 4), and inulin HP (DP 10-60, DP(av) = 25) as well as Synergy 1, a specific combination of oligofructose and inulin HP. Inulin-type fructans resist digestion and function as dietary fiber improving bowel habits. But, unlike most dietary fibers, their colonic fermentation is selective, thus causing significant changes in the composition of the gut microflora with increased and reduced numbers of potentially health-promoting bacteria and potentially harmful species, respectively. Both oligofructose and inulin act in this way and thus are prebiotic: they also induce changes in the colonic epithelium and in miscellaneous colonic functions. In particular, the claim "inulin-type fructans enhance calcium and magnesium absorption" is scientifically substantiated, and the most active product is oligofructose-enriched inulin (Synergy 1). A series of studies furthermore demonstrate that inulin-type fructans modulate the secretion of gastrointestinal peptides involved in appetite regulation as well as lipid metabolism. Moreover, a large number of animal studies and preliminary human data show that inulin-type fructans reduce the risk of colon carcinogenesis and improve the management of inflammatory bowel diseases. Inulin-type fructans are thus functional food ingredients that are eligible for enhanced function claims, but, as more human data become available, risk reduction claims will become scientifically substantiated.
An acidic polysaccharide (APS) was isolated from the extract of Cordyceps militaris grown on germinated soybeans. Analyses of sugar composition indicated that APS consisted of d-galactose, L-arabinose, D-xylose, L-rhamnose, and D-galacturonic acid. On the basis of the result of methylation analysis, APS was considered to be mainly composed of Araf-(1-->, -->5)-Araf-(1-->, -->4)-Galp-(1--> and -->4)-GalAp-(1--> residues. When the polysaccharide was intranasally administered, it decreased virus titers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the lung of mice infected with influenza A virus and increased survival rate. Furthermore, APS increased TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma levels in mice when compared with those of untreated mice. APS enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production and induced iNOS mRNA and protein expressions in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. The induction of mRNA expression of cytokines including IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha was also observed. These results demonstrated that APS might have beneficial therapeutic effects on influenza A virus infection at least in part by modulation of the immune function of macrophages.
Onion and shallot (Allium cepa L.) exhibit wide variation in bulb fructan content, and the Frc locus on chromosome 8 conditions much of this variation. To understand the biochemical basis of Frc, we conducted biochemical and genetic analyses of Allium fistulosum (FF)-shallot (A. cepa Aggregatum group) alien monosomic addition lines (AALs; FF+1A-FF+8A) and onion mapping populations. Sucrose and fructan levels in leaves of FF+2A were significantly lower than in FF throughout the year, and the springtime activity of acid invertase was also lower. FF+8A showed significantly higher winter sucrose accumulation and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity. Inbred high fructan (Frc_) lines from the 'W202Ax Texas Grano 438' onion population exhibited significantly higher sucrose levels prior to bulbing than low fructan (frcfrc) lines. Sucrose synthase (SuSy) activity in these lines was correlated with leaf hexose content but not with Frc phenotype. Markers for additional candidate genes for sucrose metabolism were obtained by cloning a major SPS expressed in onion leaf and exhaustively mining onion expressed sequence tag resources. SPS and SuSy loci were assigned to chromosome 8 and 6, respectively, using AALs and linkage mapping. Further loci were assigned, using AALs, to chromosomes 1 (sucrose phosphate phosphatase), 2 (SuSy and three invertases) and 8 (neutral invertase). The concordance between chromosome 8 localization of SPS and elevated leaf sucrose levels conditioned by high fructan alleles at the Frc locus in bulb onion or alien monosomic additions of chromosome 8 in A. fistulosum suggest that the Frc locus may condition variation in SPS activity.