![Chemical structure of amygdalin and prunasin, reproduced from [25]. Table 1. Anticancer properties of bitter almond and amygdalin](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Majid-Asadi-Samani/publication/317845095/figure/fig1/AS:616390348251137@1523970319035/Chemical-structure-of-amygdalin-and-prunasin-reproduced-from-25-Table-1-Anticancer_Q320.jpg)
Content uploaded by Majid Asadi-Samani
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Majid Asadi-Samani on Jun 24, 2017
Content may be subject to copyright.
A preview of the PDF is not available
A Systematic Review of Phytochemical and Phytotherapeutic Characteristics of Bitter Almond
Figures
Figures - uploaded by Majid Asadi-Samani
Author content
All figure content in this area was uploaded by Majid Asadi-Samani
Content may be subject to copyright.
... In recent years, natural are gaining recognition as promising chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive agents in cancer therapy, as they can be derived from medicinal plants and exhibit the potential to treat and prevent cancer. The present study specifically focused on the characterization and examination of the phytochemical composition of Bitter almond seed, intending to identify a popular phytocompound dual suppressor for EGFR as well as HER2 that can demonstrate anti-cancer activity via molecular docking as well as dynamic simulation investigations [2,3,7,20]. This study expands upon previous research efforts aimed at uncovering new, naturally derived bioactive compounds with anti-cancer properties, and it will be expanded to show the anti-cancer activity of the crude extract as dose-dependent on 8 cancer cell lines (phase 2). ...
... In response, phytocompounds are gaining recognition as promising chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive agents in cancer therapy, as they can be derived from medicinal plants and exhibit the potential to treat and prevent cancer. The present study specifically focused on the characterization and examination of the phytochemical composition of Bitter almond seed, intending to identify a popular phytocompound dual suppressor for EGFR as well as HER2 that can demonstrate anti-cancer activity via molecular docking as well as dynamic simulation investigations [2,3,7,20]. This study expands upon previous research efforts aimed at uncovering new, naturally derived bioactive compounds with anti-cancer properties, and it will be expanded to show the anti-cancer activity of the crude extract as dose-dependent on 8 cancer cell lines (phase 2). ...
Cancer continues to be leading cause of death globally, with nearly 7 million deaths per year. Despite significant progress in cancer research and treatment, there remain several challenges to overcome, including drug resistance, the presence of cancer stem cells, and high interstitial fluid pressure in tumors. To tackle these challenges, targeted therapy, specifically targeting HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2) as well as EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor), is considered a promising approach in cancer treatment. In recent years, phytocompounds have gained recognition as a potential source of chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents in tumor cancer treatment. Phytocompounds are compounds derived from medicinal plants that have the potential to treat and prevent cancer. This study aimed to investigate phytocompounds from Prunus amygdalus var amara seeds as inhibitors against EGFR and HER2 enzymes using in silico methods. In this study, fourteen phytocompounds were isolated from Prunus amygdalus var amara seeds and subjected to molecular docking studies to determine their ability to bind to EGFR and HER2 enzymes. The results showed that diosgenin and monohydroxy spirostanol exhibited binding energies comparable to those of the reference drugs, tak-285, and lapatinib. Furthermore, the drug-likeness and ADMET predictions, performed using the admetSAR 2.0 web-server tool, suggested that diosgenin and monohydroxy spirostanol have similar safety and ADMET properties as the reference drugs. To get deeper insight into the structural steadiness and flexibility of the complexes formed between these compounds and theEGFR and HER2 proteins, molecular dynamics simulations were performed for 100 ns. The results showed that the hit phytocompounds did not significantly affect the stability of the EGFR and HER2 proteins and were able to form stable interactions with the catalytic binding sites of the proteins. Additionally, the MM-PBSA analysis revealed that the binding free energy estimates for diosgenin and monohydroxy spirostanol is comparable to the reference drug, lapatinib. This study provides evidence that diosgenin and monohydroxy spirostanol may have the potential to act as dual suppressors of EGFR and HER2. Additional in vivo and in vitro research are needed to certify these results and assess their efficacy and safety as cancer therapy agents. The experimental data reported and these results are in agreement.
... These phenolic compounds and flavonoids have a strong antioxidant property. Vitamin E is present in abundance in bitter almonds, which also acts as a strong antioxidant and is used for rejuvenation of skin and various skin disorders (Moradi et al., 2017). In Unani system of medicine, bitter almond is recommended for various skin disorders like melasma (Kalf) and freckles (Barsh). ...
Objective:
Melasma is a chronic, acquired, symmetrical hyper melanosis of skin, characterized by irregular light to dark brown patches on sun-exposed areas, with a significant effect on psychological health; melasma is termed as Kalf in Unani medicine. Conventional treatments have transitory results and often carry adverse effects like skin irritation, scarring, etc. This study was planned to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a Unani pharmacopoeial formulation Tila-e-Kalf, comprising of lentil (Lens culinaris), bitter almond (Prunus amygdalus), and fig (Ficus carica), and to compare its efficacy with standard drug hydroquinone in patients of melasma.
Materials and methods:
This was an 8-week open-label, standard controlled, randomized clinical study conducted on patients of epidermal melasma. The test group received Tila-e-Kalf while the control group received hydroquinone 4% cream for local application once daily. Efficacy was assessed by MASI (Melasma Area Severity Index), DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index), and PGA (Physician Global Assessment) and colored photographs.
Results:
Mean MASI score decreased from10.65±0.85 to 7.07±0.74 in the test group (p<0.0001) and from 11.28±1.24 to 7.76±0.9 (p<0.0001) the in control group. Similar improvement was noticed in other parameters also. A large number of patients in the control group reported mild burning, itching, dryness, and skin rashes, while only one patient in the test group reported mild itching.
Conclusion:
Tila-e-Kalf as a topical depigmenting agent was found equally effective with better tolerability and safety as compared to hydroquinone.
... The hydrogel was then added dropwise, using a syringe coated with 2 % (v/v) Span 80 surfactant, into a hydrophobic phase of 45 ml bitter almond oil vigorously stirred with a magnet, leading to the formation of spherical nanocarriers containing the drug within the emulsion solution. Span 80 improves the stability of the nanocarriers, and bitter almond enhances the water/oil/water double emulsion system since it has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties [50,51]. After 10 min, the mixture was removed from the stirrer and the hydrophobic phase was separated from the hydrophilic phase using a sampler to extract the drug nanocarrier, followed by centrifugation at 6000 rpm for 10 min. ...
Nanocomposites are promising drug carriers to treat terminal cancers with few adverse effects. Herein, nanocomposite hydrogels composed of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/starch/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were synthesized via a green chemistry approach and then encapsulated in double nanoemulsions to act as pH-responsive delivery systems for curcumin, a potential antitumor drug. A water/oil/water nanoemulsion containing bitter almond oil served as a membrane surrounding the nanocarrier to control drug release. DLS and zeta potential measurements were used to estimate the size and confirm the stability of curcumin-loaded nanocarriers. The intermolecular interactions, crystalline structure and morphology of the nanocarriers were analyzed through FTIR spectroscopy, XRD and FESEM, respectively. The drug loading and entrapment efficiencies were significantly improved compared to previously reported curcumin delivery systems. In vitro release experiments demonstrated the pH-responsiveness of the nanocarriers and the faster curcumin release at a lower pH. The MTT assay revealed the increased toxicity of the nanocomposites against MCF-7 cancer cells compared to CMC, CMC/RGO or free curcumin. Apoptosis was detected in MCF-7 cells via flow cytometry tests. The results obtained herein support that the developed nanocarriers are stable, uniform and effective delivery systems for a sustained and pH-sensitive curcumin release.
... On the other hand, bitter almond seeds have antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer effects due to their unique compounds, such as amygdalin [22]. The presence of valuable compounds in bitter almonds, including antioxidants, and these antioxidant compounds have an essential effect on treating cancer by preventing oxidative stress [23]. ...
... Bitter almonds are poisonous making them inedible because of these two poisonous acids along with amygdalin ( Figure 8-the structure of amygdaline), an enzyme which responsible for the hydrolysis of glucose, benzaldehyde, hydrocyanic acid. Hydrocyanic acid has been used the medicine as an antispasmodic and sedative 13 . Sweet almond has chemical constituent as "monounsaturated oleic acid and linoleic acid and saturated fatty acid". ...
Prunus amygdalus (Batsch.) is an important medicinal plant and belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is known as Badam in Hindi and almond in English. The nutritional and medicinal properties of badam fruit are related to its kernel. It has been therapeutic uses for constipation, headache, heart weakness, diarrhea, sedative, amnesia, peptic ulcer, leprosy, polyuria, facial paralysis, Cough, Sexual disability, leprosy, etc. Kaempferol-3-xylosylglucoside and Quercitin are common chemical properties. Almond oil contains the source of vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, E, D, and also contains calcium and magnesium. The preclinical studies mainly depend on flavonoids, phenol, alkaloid, and saponins, tannins. The present review provides comprehensive information of the plant on its Pharmacognostical and Pharmacological profile including its preclinical and clinical studies/ clinical trial and nutritional value in different varieties.
Cancer remains one of the most challenging problems in modern medicine. Over the years, significant progress has been made in understanding cancer biology and developing innovative treatments. Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing field that has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. Nanomaterials are tiny particles that can be used to deliver drugs, genes, or other therapeutic agents to cancer cells with high specificity and efficiency.
Medicinal plants have been revered for their healing properties for centuries in various cultures worldwide. They have been used for centuries to treat various diseases, including cancer. They have also formed the basis of many modern medicines. Plant-derived nanomaterials have the potential to combine the benefits of both nanotechnology and traditional medicine. Their application offers many unique advantages. These nanomaterials can be loaded with plant extracts or other natural compounds with anticancer properties. Their nanoscale size allows for efficient drug delivery, enhanced cellular uptake, and improved targeting of cancer cells. In addition, their biocompatibility and reduced toxicity make them very suitable for clinical applications.
There is a growing body of research on the application of medicinal plant–based nanomaterials in cancer therapy. These studies have shown that these nanomaterials can be effective in killing cancer cells, preventing cancer growth, and increasing the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments. Although the use of medicinal plant–based nanomaterials in cancer therapy is still in its early stages, it is a promising area of research. This chapter explores the emerging field of “applications of medicinal plant–based nanomaterials in cancer treatment” and sheds light on the remarkable potential of these nanosystems.
Background:
Due to its systemic toxicity, traditional chemotherapy of tumors is being taken into consideration. Herbal therapy, containing phytochemical polyphenol derivatives such as Curcumin (Cur), Ginger (Gin), Cloves (Clov) and Amygdaline (Amyg), is one of the numerous complementary and alternative approaches as an anti-cancer therapy and holds great promise for cancer chemo-prevention with fewer side effects.
Aim:
The current study was designated to assess anti-tumoral immunity and anti-cancer and chemo-preventive effectiveness of herbal extracts of Cur, Ginger, Clov and Amyg in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC)-challenging mice. Methods: Chemo-preventive efficacy of herbal extracts of Cur, Gin, Clov and Amyg were analyzed in vivo by examination of the apoptosis rate of EAC tumor cells by flow cytometry. The total numbers of EAC cells, splenocytes counts and leucocytes count with their differentials relative % in peripheral blood (PB) of EACchallenging mice were investigated.
Results:
EAC-challenging mice treated with herbal extracts of Cur, Gin, Clov and Amyg showed a marked decline in EAC tumor cell count and a noticeable increase in apoptosis rate of EAC tumor cells, a remarkable decrease in serum level of cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) with an obvious increase in the number of splenocytes comparing to that in EAC-challenging mice treated with PBS alone. Moreover, the data indicated an insignificant change in the total leucocytes count and their differentials relative % of eosinophil, neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes in EAC-challenging mice treated with Cur and Amyg, but these parameters were markedly increased in EAC-challenging mice injected with Gin and Clov compared to that in EAC-challenging mice treated with PBS alone.
Conclusion:
To conclude, the herbal extracts of Cur, Gin, Clov and Amyg may have anti-tumoral immunity and anti-cancer potency and potential to reduce the resistance to cancer conventional chemotherapy and exert cancer chemo-protective approaches with low adverse effects. Further research is necessary to determine the regimen's toxicity on various tissues and organs and to connect the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches used in the regimen's biomedical use.
Food and agricultural by-products are leftovers or wastes from parts of foods, fruits, vegetables and animal sources which are obtained after processing. Agricultural by-products includes peels and rinds from citrus fruits, pineapple, mango, and banana. Other notable ones are pomace from apple, olive, red beet, and those from wine making. Also, whey from milk, straws, hulls, and brans from grains are among top agricultural by-products. These by-products often impact the environment and the social-economic sectors when they are disposed. But with the recent advances in biotechnology and scientific research, scientists have found usefulness in some of these byproducts as sources of valuable nutraceuticals, a term used to refer to chemical entities present in foods that has the propensity to impact health for disease prevention and treatment. This book entitled ‘Food and agricultural by-products as important source of valuable nutraceuticals’ presents detailed information about major agricultural byproducts that are rich in nutraceuticals. The nature and the type of nutraceuticals that they contains and their health promoting benefits were presented. The editors and chapter contributors are renowned experts from key institutions around the globe. This book will be useful to students, teachers, food chemists, nutritionists, nutritional biochemists, food biotechnologists among others.
Thiacloprid (THI) is a nicotinic receptor agonist widely used as pesticide in Algeria, however it is susceptible to accumulate in various fruits and vegetables and pouring downstream into food plates and contributes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Conversely, several natural compounds are provided with cytoprotective potential and, therefore, are able to act against the harmful effects of toxicants such as pesticides. This study focused on striatum (str) and hippocampus (hipp) mitochondrial toxicity assessment, evaluation of behavioral function and intrinsic apoptosis pathway in rats exposed to THI at low-dose (0.020 mg/kg) for 3 months. In addition, this study examined neuroprotective potential of bitter apricot kernel extract when administered concomitantly with THI at the dose of 50 mg/kg. In current study, assessment of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) and swelling, evaluation of mitochondrial redox status, cholinergic function (Ach E) and apoptosis markers (Caspase 9 and 3, Bax and Bcl2, Cytochrome c and cytosolic calcium) were performed in both brain areas, besides behavioral and histopathological examination. The results showed an increase of lipid peroxidation in both of str and hipp with a values of 1,14 ± 0,04 nmol/mg of proteins (pr) and 1,58 ± 0,09 nmol/mg pr. respectively and a significant decrease in GSH (0,09 ± 0,01 mmol/mg pr. in hipp and 0,08±0,01 mmol/mg pr. in str), the results also showed a change in the activity of antioxidants enzymes SOD (16,37±1,09 UI/mg pr. in hipp14,54±1,46 UI/mg pr. in str) , CAT (0,010±0,01 UI/mg pr. in hipp and 0,005±0,004 UI/mg pr. in str), GPx (0,01± 0,001 nmol/mg pr. in both hipp and str) and GST (23,73±1,68 UI/mg pr. in hipp and 17,56± 1,04 UI/mg pr. in str), as well as an abrupt increase in mPTP opening with a value of (0,057±0,005 in str and 0,054±0,005 in hipp) , which leaded to mitochondrial swelling where the level o mitochondrial swelling was (0,016±0,002 in str and 0,106±0,003 in hipp), the swelling was associated also with a high releasing of Cyt-c with a values of (4,48 ± 1,26 µg/ml in str and 5,32 ± 1,08 µg/ml in hipp ) and Ca++( 2,26±0,06 mmol/l in str and 2,32±0,07 mmol/l in hipp) into the cytosol, the results also showed a significant decreasing of Bcl2 (16,4 ± 1,86 ng/mg pr in str and 14,8± 0,82 ng/mg pr in hipp), in the other hand the rates of caspase-9 were (278±14 mAbs/mg pr.) in str and 212 ±24 mAbs/mg pr. in hipp), caspase3 (184± 16mAbs/mg pr.) in str and 250 ±14mAbs/mg pr. in hipp), and BAX (0,926 ng/mg pr in str and 1,189 ng/mg pr in hipp) were increased. The results of this study revealed also a decrease of memorization processes and learning abilities, at the same time a decrease in Ach E activity (14,02± 0,78 nmol/min/mg pr. in str and 22,35± 1,77 nmol/min/mg pr. in hipp) was recorded. Inversely, bitter apricot kernels extract showed higher cytoprotective potential against THI neurotoxicity, since mitochondrial redox homeostasis and membrane integrity were recovered, cognitive impairment and brain tissue damage were also prevented. In conclusion, THI induced mitochondrial disorders, triggered apoptosis signaling pathway and impaired cognitive functions which were prevented by bitter apricot kernels extract when associated with this pesticide.
Banana is a staple fruit because it is available all through the year and it also serves as a source of income and food to a great number of people. Banana peel is the major byproduct of banana processing which account for 30% of the banana fruit and also constitute to environmental hazard. Banana peels are promising byproduct for different applications in nutraceuticals and medicinal usage due to the high dietary fiber and phenolic content present in them. Numerous studies have identified banana peels as a rich source of phytochemical compounds, mainly antioxidants such as phenolics, flavonoids, gallocatechin, anthocyanins delphinidin and cyaniding, and catecholamines, carotenoids, vitamins and minerals. This chapter consulted literature and presented scientific evidence of banana peels as a source of nutraceuticals.
Tumor cells have deviated pathway that lead to increased constant state levels of free radicals and consequently lead to DNA damage, and then activates signaling pathways that causes unlimited growth, the inability to differentiation, and the malignant phenotype. Some studies have demonstrated that antioxidants can inhibit free radicals generation and repress oxidative damage and can prevent the creation of most diseases like cancer. There are some studies that investigated the mechanism and regulative effects of herbal extract antioxidant carcinogenesis prevention; they have documented that antioxidant effects and the inhibition of cancer development depends on a number of basic cellular mechanisms by phenolic compounds including a spectrum of cellular basic machinery. This systematic review aimed at providing an overview on the relevant data available in antioxidant activity of herbal products for cancer prevention and treatment. In this regards, Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched by the application of Endnote software for the publications about the role of herbal antioxidants on cancer; published from 2000 to February 2016. This study can/might provide a new horizon on the design of anticancer herbal medicines.
Introduction: The study aimed to investigate the anti-fertility effect of fennel ( Foeniculim vulgare Mill) seed extract in male rats.
Material and Methods: Forty Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups. The control group received distilled water and the experimental groups were orally administered 1 ml of hydro-alcoholic extract of fennel seed in four doses of 35, 70, 140, and 280 mg/kg/b.w. daily for 60 days. After the last gavage, the rats were anaesthetised and the caudal part of the right epididymis was used for sperm counting. After fixation of the testes, microscopic sections were prepared and histological changes were evaluated.
Results: The number of spermatogonia after doses of 140 and 280 mg/kg and Sertoli cells after a dose of 140 mg/kg decreased significantly as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The number of primary spermatocytes and sperm count decreased significantly in the experimental groups (70, 140, and 280 mg/kg) when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, thickening of the basement membrane, cell apoptosis, and irregular arrangement of the germinal epithelium were observed in the experimental groups.
Conclusion: Hydro-alcoholic fennel seed extract at these doses could reduce reproductivity and has anti-fertility activity in male rats.
Prostatic cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases in men worldwide. The apoptotic factors such as BID, BIM and APAF1 have a main role in inducing apoptotic pathways. On the other hand, some compounds can active this apoptotic factors. In this study, this notion was investigated by the use of the comet assay technique and molecular dynamics simulations. In the comet assay technique, different concentrations including 130, 230, and 360 μM of Carvacrol were selected according to IC50 using MTT assay on the cell line DU145. Then, alkaline electrophoresis was performed and 100 comet pictures were analyzed using CASP software. Data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software and also using molecular dynamics simulations, wherein protein and Carvacrol were studied, thus avoiding the necessity for quantum mechanical calculations. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out using with Carvacrol closed in a fully hydrated simulation box with a protein (Bak, Bax, Bim, Apaf1, Bid and P38). The IC50 for Carvacrol was determined at 360μM by MTT test. Rate of tail to head in alkaline electrophoresis at 130, 230, and 360 μM of Carvacrol concentrations were 13. 8±0. 3, 40. 6±0. 3, and 47. 6±0. 5 percent, respectively. Statistical analysis of the molecular dynamics and calculated potential energy, radius of gyration (Rg), temperature, root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) and root mean square deviation (RMSD) indicated that Carvacrol affected protein which stimulated the apoptosis cascade. Therefore, both experimental and theoretical results demonstrate carvacrol directly affects factors initiating apoptosis.
Purpose: This study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Euphorbia spinidens Bornm (Euphorbiaceae) and its effect on Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) replication. Methods: The methanol extract of aerial parts of E. spinidens collected from Khorasan State in North- Eastern part of Iran was used in this study. Total phenolic, flavonoid contents and the antioxidant activity were evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteu method, aluminum chloride colorimetric method and β- carotene-linoleate model system, respectively. Both the cytotoxic and antiviral effects of the crude extract on Vero cell line were determined by quantifying the viability of Vero cells using 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. Results: Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of E.spinidens were 70 ± 1 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of dry extract (mg GAE/g extract) and 49.66 ± 1.00 mg rutin equivalent/g of dry extract (mg RTN/g extract), respectively. Antioxidant activity was 44 ± 1 % compared with the standard, buthylated hydroxytuloene (BHT). The 50 % cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of the extract on Vero cells was 5.072 ± 0.063 mg/ml and its antiviral concentration of 50 % effectiveness (EC50) value was 0.34 ± 0.003 mg/ml. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the methanol extract of E. spinidens has high content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds with good antioxidant activity. Furthermore, this extract has significant antiviral effect on HSV-1 probably due to the inhibition of viral replication. © Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, 300001 Nigeria. All rights reserved.
Background:
Diabetes is the greatest public health problem and is considered as the silent epidemic of the 21st century. In Iran, there are approximately 1.5 million diabetic patients. Before the discovery of insulin, medicinal plants were widely used for the treatment of diabetes in Iran.
Objectives:
This study aimed to determine the indigenous plants used for the treatment of diabetes in Shiraz, southwest of Iran.
Materials and methods:
Semi-structured direct interviews were conducted with 25 herbalists to identify medicinal plants used to treat diabetes. Questionnaires were included herbalist personal information, plant local name, growth season, plant parts used, preparation methods, and traditional therapies.
Results:
The interview data indicated that, 24 medicinal plants from 19 families are used for the treatment of diabetes in Shiraz. The families with most antidiabetic species were Compositae (13%), Rosaceae (13%) and Cucurbitaceae (8%). The most frequently used plant parts were fruits (38%) and the most common preparation method was decoction (62%). For 45% of reported plants, pharmaceutical studies approved antidiabetic effects in animal or humane model of diabetes. RESULTS of this study showed that the plants recommended by Shirazian herbalists have potential antidiabetic effects.
Conclusions:
It is suggested that the ingredients of indigenous plants be studied to determine therapeutic effects and mechanism of action. If they were safe and effective, they can be refined and processed to produce natural drugs.
Restraint stress may be associated with elevated free radicals, and thus, chronic exposure to oxidative stress may cause tissue damage. Several studies have reported that carvacrol (CAR) has a protective effect against oxidative stress. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of CAR on restraint stress induced oxidative stress damage in the brain, liver, and kidney. For chronic restraint stress, rats were kept in the restrainers for 6 h every day, for 21 consecutive days. The animals received systemic administrations of CAR daily for 21 days. To evaluate the changes of the oxidative stress parameters following restraint stress, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and catalase (CAT) activities were measured in the brain, liver, and kidney. In the stressed animals that received vehicle, the MDA level was significantly higher (
P
<
0.001
) and the levels of GSH and antioxidant enzymes were significantly lower than the nonstressed animals (
P
<
0.001
). CAR ameliorated the changes in the stressed animals as compared with the control group (
P
<
0.001
). This study indicates that CAR can prevent restraint stress induced oxidative damage.
Amygdalin, D-mandelonitrile-β-D-glucoside-6-β-glucoside, belongs to aromatic cyanogenic glycoside group derived from rosaceous plant seed. Mounting evidence has supported the anti-cancer effects of amygdalin. However, whether amygdalin indeed acts as an anti-tumor agent against breast cancer cells is not clear. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of amygdalin on the proliferation of human breast cancer cells. Here, we show that amygdalin exerted cytotoxic activities on estrogen receptors (ER)-positive MCF7 cells, and MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Amygdalin induced apoptosis of Hs578T TNBC cells. Amygdalin downregulated B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), upregulated Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), activated of caspase-3 and cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). Amygdalin activated a pro-apoptotic signaling molecule p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK) in Hs578T cells. Treatment of amygdalin significantly inhibited the adhesion of Hs578T cells, in which integrin α5 may be involved. Taken together, this study demonstrates that amygdalin induces apoptosis and inhibits adhesion of breast cancer cells. The results suggest a potential application of amygdalin as a chemopreventive agent to prevent or alleviate progression of breast cancer, especially TNBC.
Introduction:
Hyperlipidemia, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this systematic review article is to introduce the medicinal plants that exert significant clinical effects on hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and diabetes.
Methods:
In this review article, the international research databases including MEDLINE, Google scholar, EBSCO, Academic Search, Web of Science, SciVerse, Scopus (SCOPUS), EBSCO, Academic Search, Cochrane, Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and a Chinese database (China Network Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI]) were searched using the key words hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, herbal, obesity, and phytomedicine, matched by MESH, from their respective inceptions up to March, 2016. The plants that were effective on one, two, three, or all of four diseases were determined. The doses, side effects, the most important pharmaceutically effective compounds, the used organs, and important points regarding usage were separately recorded. Also known clinically significant interactions were presented.
Results:
1023 articles were found to be about medicinal plants and hypertension, 1912 articles about medicinal plants and hyperlipidemia, 810 articles about medicinal plants and obesity, 1174 articles about medicinal plants and diabetes. Of 144 plants included in the analysis, 83 were found to be effective on hyperlipidemia, 100 on hypertension, 66 on obesity, and 72 on diabetes. 43 plants were found to be effective on two diseases, 14 on three diseases, and 34 on all four diseases. Three plants (Tomato, Cranberry and Pomegranate), in food and therapeutic doses, were found to be used to treat cardiovascular diseases especially in pre-eclampsia and hyperlipidemia in pregnancy.
Conclusion:
Regarding the findings of this study, we can argue that the medicinal plants, other than mono-therapy, can be used as poly-therapy, to treat cardiovascular diseases.
Background
Adenovirus (ADV) causes a number of diseases in human, and to date, no specific antiviral therapy is approved against this virus. Thus, searching for effective anti-ADV agents seems to be an urgent requirement. Many studies have shown that components derived from medicinal plants have antiviral activity. Therefore, the present study was aimed to evaluate in vitro anti-ADV activity and also antioxidant potential and total phenolic compounds of black tea (Camellia sinensis) crude extract. Methods
In this study, the hydroalchoholic extract of black tea was prepared and its anti-ADV activity was evaluated on HEp2 cell line using MTT [3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide] assay. The 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC50) and 50 % cytotoxicity concentration (CC50) of the extract were determined using regression analysis. Its inhibitory effect on adsorption and/or post-adsorption stages of the virus replication cycle was evaluated. To determine antioxidant activity, total phenol content, and flavonoids content of the extract, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, Folin-Ciocalteu method, and aluminum chloride colorimetric method were used, respectively. ResultsThe CC50 and the IC50 of the extract were 165.95±12.7 and 6.62±1.4 µg/mL, respectively, with the selectivity index (SI) of 25.06. This extract inhibited ADV replication in post-adsorption stage. The IC50 of DPPH radical was 8±1.41 μg/mL, compared with butylated hydroxytoluene, with IC50 of 25.41±1.89 μg/mL. The total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extract were 341.8±4.41 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram and 21.1±2.11 mg/g, respectively. Conclusions
Having SI value of 25.06 with inhibitory effect on ADV replication, particularly during the post-adsorption period, black tea extract could be considered as a potential anti-ADV agent. The antiviral activity of this extract could be attributed to its phenolic compounds.
The present study was mainly aimed to evaluate antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of hydroalcoholic extract and three corresponding fractions of Quercus brantii acorn. A 70% ethyle alcohole extract of the plant were prepared and sequentially partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and n-butanol. The antioxidant potential of all these fractions was evaluated by the 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity method. Cytotoxic activity was tested against two normal cell lines (African green monkey kidney [Vero] and human dermal fibroblasts [HDFs]) by MTT assay. The results revealed that the n-butanol fraction exhibited the lowest IC50value (6.5±0.6 μg/ml) with the highest antioxidant activity as compared to the other fractions. The IC50values of the chloroform fraction, the n-butanol fraction, the crude extract, and the n-hexane fraction were found to be significant (p<0.05) as compared with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The results of cytotoxicity showed that the chloroform fraction exhibited the highest cytotoxicity toward Vero and HDFs cell lines at concentration of 60.6±23 and 287.8±38 μg/ml, respectively. We conclude that at least, n-butanol fraction of this plant with high phytoconstituents and less toxicity could be a promising source of medicinally important natural compound. Our findings, therefore, suggest that overall the studied extract/fractions exhibit low cytotoxicity on normal cell lines. © 2016, International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research. All Rights reserved.