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Bioactive compounds and health benefits of edible Rumex species-A review
Abstract
Medicinal and food plants as well as their bioactive fractions have been used by diverse human cultures since ancient times. These plants provide multiple health benefits because of the presence of a plethora of phytochemicals including phenylpropanoids, isoprenoids, alkaloids, sulphated compounds, peptides and polysaccharides that are responsible for various biological activities such as anticancer, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-dysenteric, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, anti-hypertensive and anticoagulant properties. The genus Rumex includes edible and medicinal herbs belonging to buckwheat (Polygonaceae) family, consisting of about 200 species rich in phenylpropanoids and anthraquinones. Some Rumex species have exhibited health-promoting effects and have been used as traditional foods and herbal remedies, though a limited information has been documented on their specific biological properties. Therefore, this survey aimed at reviewing the Rumex species with documented biological activity, focusing on preclinical evidences on their efficacy and safety.
... Many plants serve as abundant sources of bioactive compounds, which are esteemed for their signifcant medicinal properties and minimal side efects. Historically, herbs have provided numerous medicinal examples, from which a substantial number of contemporary pharmaceuticals are either directly or indirectly derived [30][31][32]. ...
... commonly known as okra, is a remarkable crop of the Malvaceae family, originating in India and several northeastern African countries, including Sudan and Ethiopia [31]. Both traditional medicine and modern scientifc research have emphasized the potential of okra to positively infuence blood glucose and insulin levels [31,32]. ...
... commonly known as okra, is a remarkable crop of the Malvaceae family, originating in India and several northeastern African countries, including Sudan and Ethiopia [31]. Both traditional medicine and modern scientifc research have emphasized the potential of okra to positively infuence blood glucose and insulin levels [31,32]. Deepasakthi et al. explored the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra), a widely recognized plant with various health benefts. ...
Diabetes mellitus is a significant global health concern, especially in Iran. Currently, numerous oral antihyperglycemic agents and insulin are prescribed to manage diabetes. Historically, in Middle Eastern countries, medicinal herbals were used to manage diabetes in patients. Furthermore, the adverse effects of some diabetes management drugs provide an eager potential for researchers to find novel alternative treatments that reduce the side effects and also increase their efficacy. In addition, the rich history of Iranian traditional medicine reveals the vital role of traditional herbals and their compounds in treating and mitigating diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Several studies conducted to investigate the hypoglycemic properties related to these plant species. In this narrative review, we aimed at a comprehensive study of Iranian plant species with antidiabetic properties through experimental evidence. Our review illustrated that the traditional herbal active ingredients are not well-defined, limiting their standardization. Current efforts focus on identifying these components to improve their therapeutic efficacy.
... Numerous health advantages, including a lower chance of persistent illnesses such as hyperglycemia, cardiovascular disease, and malignancies, have been associated with these substances, as well as improved immune function and cognitive function. Bioactive compounds for R. abyssinicus are mentioned in Fig. 2 [17,23]. ...
Purpose of Review
Rumex abyssinicus, a tropical African medicinal plant, has been traditionally used to manage diverse health conditions. This review comprehensively examines its phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, and therapeutic relevance, highlighting its potential for modern drug discovery.
Recent Findings
A systematic literature analysis identified phenolic compounds, terpenoids, flavonoids, and anthraquinones as key bioactive constituents of R. abyssinicus. These compounds, along with crude extracts, exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including neuroprotective, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and wound-healing effects. Notably, physicon has demonstrated antifungal and antioxidant properties, while helminthosporin shows promising anti-Alzheimer's activity. Despite these findings, there remains a gap in translational research, particularly concerning bioavailability, toxicity, and clinical applications.
Summary
The diverse pharmacological actions of R. abyssinicus validate its traditional medicinal applications and underscore its potential in contemporary therapeutics. However, further studies are necessary to elucidate its mechanisms of action, optimize formulation strategies, and evaluate clinical efficacy to facilitate its integration into modern medicine.
Graphical Abstract
... Medicinal plant resources are rich in bioactive compounds that can be utilized to develop contemporary drugs for treating various ailments [1]. Since ancient times, medicinal herbs (MHs) have been traditionally used by different ethnic groups as a source of medication to manage multiple human health issues. ...
Since time immemorial, Tanzanians, particularly the Luguru tribe, have utilised medicinal herbs (MHs) to manage various ailments. However, few ethnobotanical studies have been conducted to document and quantitatively analyze them. This study documents and quantitatively analyzes MHs used by the Luguru people of Morogoro Rural District to address various ailments. The research was conducted between September 2022 and October 2023. Ethnobotanical data on MH were collected from 100 informants identified through the snowball method, employing semistructured interviews, focus group discussions, and field walks. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and an independent samples t-test were employed to examine statistically significant differences among social demographic variables. Quantitative indices, including family use value (FUV), MH use value (UV), fidelity level (FL), plant part value (PPV), and informant agreement ratio (IAR), were computed. A total of 30 MHs belonging to 13 families were reported to be used for managing various ailments. Asteraceae was the most represented family (seven species, FUV=2.23). Vernonia amygdalina Del. (Asteraceae) had the highest UV index (0.571), while the root was the most utilised plant part (0.692). Malaria and fever (0.96) and metabolic disorders (0.94) had the highest IAR. The preferred modes of preparation and administration were decoction and oral, respectively. Female, illiterate, and elderly informants possessed significantly higher medicinal knowledge. The study demonstrates that the Luguru people possess a rich understanding of MHs and continue to rely on them to treat various ailments. The MHs with high UV, IAR, and FL can be a foundation for future phytochemical and pharmacological studies.
... When chemo-based drugs are administered to treat diabetes for a long time, toxicity develops. As a result, new substances must be recognized as plant medicines with a high concentration of bioactive compounds that have significant pharmacological effects without any negative side effects [4]. ...
Background: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder requiring the administration of insulin or other oral hypoglycemic medicines. Although metformin is a popular prescription for type 2 diabetes, long-term use of chemotherapy-based diabetes medications can be hazardous. As a result, novel plant medicines with a high concentration of bioactive molecules, no harmful side effects, and potent pharmacological effects must be found. Edible Boswellia sacra (B. sacra) Flueck oleo-gum resin is widely utilized to treat many clinical diseases in traditional Arab, Chinese, African, and Ayurvedic medicine. Objective: The goal of this study was to examine the possible therapeutic benefits of several B. sacra oleo-gum resin extracts on rat streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemia (Type II). Materials and methods: For 29 days, hyperglycemic rats are given either metformin (the reference drug; 250 mg/ kg body weight per day) or several B. sacra extracts (ethanol, methanol, hydrodistilled, ethyl acetate, and acetone extracts) at doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg/day. Blood glucose levels and body weights were measured before the initiation and at 7, 11, 16, 22, and 29 days after oral treatment. Furthermore, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was carried out. At the end of the study, the rats were euthanized, and blood samples were obtained to evaluate cytokines (interleukin (IL-)2 and IL-8), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and serum insulin levels. The pancreas and liver tissues were rapidly excised, washed, fixed, and kept in a 10% formalin buffer for histological examination. Results: B. sacra's ethanolic extract had the greatest concentration of total pentacyclic triterpenic acid (PTA) (391.52 mg/g) in comparison to the other extracts. The lower dose of B. sacra ethanol extract, 200 mg/kg/day, reduces blood glucose levels more efficiently than the higher dose of 400 mg/kg/day. In a 180-min OGTT, diabetic rats given ethanol extract (200 mg/kg) performed no better than control rats and even outperformed those given the reference medication metformin. Additionally, ethanol extract (200 mg/kg)-or metformin-treated diabetic rats gained weight. This was associated with a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in serum levels of IL-2 and IL-8, a reduction in oxidative stress as evidenced by a significant (p < 0.05) increase in SOD and GSH compared to the untreated diabetic group, and a significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum insulin levels compared to normal plasma rat levels. These discoveries, which were eventually confirmed by histochemical assays, indicated that the ethanol extract of B. sacra greatly enhanced the cellular architecture of pancreatic and liver cells. Conclusion: The present investigation indicates that the ethanol extract of B. sacra oleo-gum resin, which contains a high proportion of acetyl-β-boswellic acid (β-ABA) and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), possesses antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties for the first time to our knowledge. Additionally , it restores hepatic cells in STZ-induced diabetic rats and protects the pancreas against oxidative damage. Thus, the current study's results give a scientific rationale for the use of B. sacra in the medical management of Peer review under responsibility 2 diabetes and associated complications. More investigation into the metabolic profiles of these extracts must be conducted to establish the precise mechanism of action of the ethanol extract.
... Rumex abyssinicus, a 3-4 m tall herb found in tropical Africa, North Africa, and Ethiopia [54], is a traditional medicine used for treating diseases like sexually transmitted diseases, fungal infections, diabetes, lung tuberculosis, and leprosy [55,56]. Its roots and bark lower blood pressure, heal wounds and treat stomachaches [57]. ...
This work focused on the decolorization of methyl red (MR) from an aqueous solution utilizing Rumex abyssinicus-derived biochar (RAB). RAB was prepared to involve unit operations such as size reduction, drying, and carbonization. The pyrolysis of the precursor material was carried out at a temperature of 500 °C for two hours. After that, the prepared RAB was characterized by the pH point of zero charge (pHpzc), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. On the other hand, a batch adsorption experiment of MR removal onto RAB was conducted, considering four operating parameters: pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, and initial dye concentration. The characterization of the adsorbent material revealed a porous and heterogeneous surface morphology during SEM, a specific surface area of 45.8 m²/g during the BET method, the presence of various functional groups during FTIR, and a pHpzc of 6.2. The batch adsorption experiment analysis results revealed that a maximum removal efficiency of 99.2% was attained at an optimum working condition of pH 6, contact time of 40 min, initial dye concentration of 70 mg/L and adsorbent dosage of 0.2 g/100 mL. Furthermore, Freundlich isotherm (R² = 0.99) and pseudo-second-order kinetics (R² = 0.99) models confirmed the heterogeneous surface interaction and chemisorption nature. Generally, this study highlighted that RAB could be a potential adsorbent for the detoxification of MR-containing industrial effluents.
... The aerial parts of Rumex species such as leaves, and roots are used as vegetables and to treat a variety of illnesses, including inflammation, constipation, mild diabetes, infections, diarrhea, oedema, and jaundice. They are also used as an antihypertensive, diuretic, and analgesic, as well as for skin, liver, gallbladder issues, an anticoagulant, anti-hypertensive, and anti-ulcer properties (17,18). Herein we examined the Rumex hypogaeus scavenging activity at various concentrations. ...
Exogenous substances and cellular metabolism both produce free radicals in cells. The produced free radicals react with cell biomolecules, including DNA. The ensuing destruction of DNA, also known as oxidative DNA damage, which is connected to aging, carcinogenesis, and mutagenesis. The Aristida adscensionis plays an essential role in the modulation of free radicals. We examined the antioxidant therapy of individual or combined forms of the Aristida adscensionis and Rumex hypogaeus plant extracts. We noticed that Aristida adscensionis showed scavenging activity at various concentrations i.e. 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 ?g/ml was 42%, 50%, 62%, 69% and 75% respectively. The scavenging activity of Rumex hypogaeus at various concentrations was 43%, 52%, 58%, 66% and 75% against the standard of ascorbic acid. We noticed that the combined mixture of both plant extracts elucidated a significant antioxidant potential at different concentrations of 100 ?g/ml, 500 ?g/ml, and 1000 ?g/ml which were 58%, 70%, 74%, 81% and 86 %. Our research study demonstrates that combinaion of both plants' extract mixtures had a more substantial antioxidant capacity than each extract individually. This property of these plants can be used for cancer treatment, however further robust data is required.
... The aerial parts of Rumex species such as leaves, and roots are used as vegetables and to treat a variety of illnesses, including inflammation, constipation, mild diabetes, infections, diarrhea, oedema, and jaundice. They are also used as an antihypertensive, diuretic, and analgesic, as well as for skin, liver, gallbladder issues, an anticoagulant, anti-hypertensive, and anti-ulcer properties (17,18). Herein we examined the Rumex hypogaeus scavenging activity at various concentrations. ...
... The well known compounds such as emodin, chrysophanol, and aloe emodin have been isolated from different Polygonum spp., including Polygonum bistorta L. [70]. A potential antiviral activity of emodin isolated from Rheum palmatum L., Rheum tanguticum Balf., Rheum officinale Baill., Polygonum cuspidatum Siebold & Zucc. ...
The review focuses on the recent knowledge on natural anthraquinones (AQs) of plant origin and their potential for application in an exclusive medicinal curative and palliative method named photodynamic therapy (PDT). Green approach to PDT is associated with photosensitizers (PS) from plants or other natural sources and excitation light in visible spectrum. The investigations of plants are of high research interests due to their unique health supportive properties as herbs and the high percentage availability to obtain compounds with medical value. Up-to-date many naturally occurring compounds with therapeutic properties are known and are still under investigations. Some natural quinones have already been evaluated and clinically approved as anti-tumor agents. Recent scientific interests are beyond their common medical applications but also in directions to their photo-properties as natural PSs. The study presents a systematic searches on the latest knowledge on AQ derivatives that are isolated from the higher plants as photosensitizers for PDT applications. The natural quinones have been recognized with functions of natural dyes since the ancient times. Lately, AQs have been explored due to their biological activity including the photosensitive properties useful for PDT especially towards medical problems with no other alternatives. The existing literature’ overview suggests that natural AQs possess characteristics of valuable PSs for PDT. This method is based on an application of a photoactive compound and light arrangement in oxygen media, such that the harmful general cytotoxicity could be avoided. Moreover, the common anticancer and antimicrobial drug resistance has been evaluated with very low occurrence after PDT. Natural AQs have been focused the scientific efforts to further developments because of the high range of natural sources, desirable biocompatibility, low toxicity, minimal side effects and low accident of drug resistance, together with their good photosensitivity and therapeutic capacity. Among the known AQs, only hypericin has been studied in anticancer clinical PDT. Currently, the natural PSs are under intensive research for the future PDT applications for diseases without alternative effective treatments.
... 17,18 With the use of plants and herbs, disease prevention, treatment, and management have been practiced since antiquity. 19 Because of the abundance of health-promoting compounds and phytochemicals, it contains, pumpkin is used to treat a wide range of metabolic disorders. 20,21 Pumpkins are members of the Cucurbitaceae family, which has a wide variety of edible plants and is largely distributed across several countries. ...
Background of the Study
The increase in the therapeutic use of tramadol in the management of moderate to severe pains in some disease conditions and its unregulated access has led to its associated toxicity and there is little or no information on the protection against its associated toxicity.
Aim of the Study
Considering the medicinal value of pumpkin seed oil, its availability, and neglected use, it becomes necessary to evaluate the possible potential of the seed oil in tramadol-induced oxidative stress in Wister Albino rats.
Methods of the Study
This study used fifty-six (56) albino rats to determine the impact of Cucurbita pepo seed oil (CPSO) on tramadol-induced oxidative stress. The rats were grouped into 7. After a week of acclimatization, rats in group 1 (normal control) had access to water and food, while rats in group 2 received 5 mL/Kg (b.w) of normal saline. 100 mg/kg of tramadol (TM) was delivered to groups 3–6 to induce toxicity. The third group (TM control) received no treatment, whilst the other 3 groups (TM-CPSO treatment groups) received 5, 2.5, and 1.5 mL/Kg of CPSO, respectively. Group 7 received only 5 mL/kg CPSO (CPSO group). Similarly, groups 2 through 7 had unrestricted access to food and water for 42 days and received treatments via oral intubation once per day. Indicators of oxidative stress were discovered in the brain homogenate.
Results
TM toxicity was demonstrated by a considerable increase (P < .05) in the brain MDA level and a significant drop (P < .05) in the brain GSH level, as well as a significant reduction (P < .05) in GPx, catalase, SOD, GST, and quinone reductase activities.
Conclusion
The dose-dependent delivery of CPSO was able to restore not only the activity but also the concentrations of the altered markers.
... The genus Rumex belongs to Polygonaceae family, in which the species R. lunaria is included in the subgenus Acetosa (section Hastati). This species has been cited among the rare edible plant species of the Canary Islands (Darias et al. 1993), and was found to produce phytochemical compounds of medical interest (Rodríguez de Vera et al. 2004Tonny et al. 2017;Mishra et al. 2018;Froldi et al. 2020). R. lunaria has been traditionally used as forage, mainly as a consequence of its good adaptation to arid environments (Ventura et al. 2004;Alvarez et al. 2008;Arévalo et al. 2012). ...
Rumex lunaria is an endemic shrub of the Canary Islands, which is colonizing the Timanfaya National Park (TNP) in Lanzarote. Whether the arrival of R. lunaria to Lanzarote has been natural or by human intervention is still a matter of debate. To address this question, 100 specimens of R. lunaria were collected from the seven main Canary Islands, and genetic analysis of four chloroplast DNA loci were performed, covering a total length of 4809 nucleotide positions. Multiple alignments revealed 49 nucleotide substitutions, which define 30 different haplotypes. Island-specific haplotypes were found in Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and Gran Canaria, with the greatest diversity found in the first island. Interestingly, the unique haplotype detected in El Hierro is shared with almost all plants from Lanzarote (95%), including all individuals sampled in the TNP. The most frequent haplotype present in Gran Canaria was detected in only one sample from Lanzarote (5%). These results were corroborated by a robust phylogenetic analysis, which supports the hypothesis of a common origin of R. lunaria populations from El Hierro and the vast majority of those from Lanzarote. In addition, this study rules out the genetic singularity of the R. lunaria specimens that are colonizing the TNP.
... The presence of bioactive compounds in Rumex dentatus and the uses of its extract for curing number of diseases add wide scope of the plant [127]. Thus from vegetation to the medicinal importance Rumex dentatus plant will act as an alternate food and strong solution to various deadly diseases [128]. Economic importance might be well correlated with increasing interest for functional food area worldwide, which further may lead to intensify the production of Rumex dentatus and its presence in market stands [129]. ...
... Further, various biologically active phytochemicals showed minimal side effects and have effective pharmacological activities ( Singab, Youssef & Ashour, 2014 ). Several plants are known for being as exemplary sources of many drugs directly or indirectly ( Mishra et al., 2018 ). Spices and herbs are the natural sources of great nutraceutical virtues and they display momentous benefits in the natural effectual medication along with their use in the treatment of innumerable types of human ailments in the modern time also Chaurasia, Bharati, Kumar & Mani, 2022a, 2022bChaurasia, Bharati, Singh, Yadav & Mani, 2021a, 2021bSingh, Agarwal, Chaurasia & Bharati, 2022, 2021. ...
According to the data provided by International Federation of Diabetes, 537 million adults of 20-79 age group are living with diabetes. The most frequent form found in patients are type 2 diabetes which accounts for more than 90-95% of cases. The current medical approaches involved in the treatment of diabetes mostly depend upon insulin injection and oral antidiabetic agents. Despite their effectiveness, the harmful side effects, limitation of synthetic drugs, shortage, lack of equitable distribution, unaffordability are some of the notable challenges in these approaches. In this direction, there are varieties of medicinal compounds derived from plants which are being meritoriously used for curing the different human problems and are recognized for their constructive impacts. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum Linn) is one of the stimulating plants with magnificent medicinal properties which have greatly enticed the researchers to work on its encouraging biological and pharmaceutical properties. It is well-recognized for its hypoglycemic influence in diabetic animals as well as human models under studies. Chemical composition of fenugreek is the key factor responsible for its promising biological properties and medicinal virtues which generally includes proteins, mucilaginous soluble fiber, dietary fibers, steroidal saponins, essential oil, fatty acids and many more. Gentianine, trigonelline, choline, carpaine, 4- hydroxyisoleucine, diosgenin, yamogenin, and many other are generally found as minor components but also branded for their substantial biological properties and impacts. Hypoglycemic activities are due to dietary fibers as suggested by several studies. Along with different physiological positive effects of fenugreek, the hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic properties of this spice have weighty place for the present and future studies. The aim of this review is to comprehensively analyze the efficacy of fenugreek from the point of these two properties namely, hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic properties and appraises the results of clinical trials of various animals and human models. Analytical insights on fenugreeks’ pharmacological assessment provide striking information which demonstrates the fenugreek and its different parts as a treasured medicinal spice.
... Natural products extracted or optimized from nature have made great progress in anticancer therapy. [2][3][4][5] SHK ((±)-5,8-dihydroxy-2-(1-hydroxy-4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone) (Figure 1), a natural naphthoquinone separated from the Lithospermum erythrorhizon is a traditional Chinese Medicine used to treat several diseases, such as anaphylactoid purpura, burns, eczema, measles. 6 Apart from botanical sources, the source of SHK involves chemical synthesis and biosynthesis, which may impel the clinical application of SHK. ...
Malignant tumor, the leading cause of death worldwide, poses a serious threat to human health. For decades, natural product has been proven to be an essential source for novel anticancer drug discovery. Shikonin (SHK), a natural molecule separated from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, shows great potential in anticancer therapy. However, its further clinical application is significantly restricted by poor bioavailability, adverse effects, and non-selective toxicity. With the development of nanotechnology, nano drug delivery systems have emerged as promising strategies to improve bioavailability and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of drugs. To overcome the shortcoming of SHK, various nano drug delivery systems such as liposomes, polymeric micelles, nanoparticles, nanogels, and nanoemulsions, were developed to achieve efficient delivery for enhanced antitumor effects. Herein, this review summarizes the anticancer pharmacological activities and pharmacokinetics of SHK. Additionally, the latest progress of SHK nanomedicines in cancer therapy is outlined, focusing on long circulation, tumor targeting ability, tumor microenvironment responsive drug release, and nanosystem-mediated combination therapy. Finally, the challenges and prospects of SHK nanomedicines in the future clinical application are spotlighted.
... The presence of bioactive compounds in Rumex dentatus and the uses of its extract for curing number of diseases add wide scope of the plant [127]. Thus from vegetation to the medicinal importance Rumex dentatus plant will act as an alternate food and strong solution to various deadly diseases [128]. Economic importance might be well correlated with increasing interest for functional food area worldwide, which further may lead to intensify the production of Rumex dentatus and its presence in market stands [129]. ...
Objectives:
Rumex dentatus L. (polygonaceae) is one of the most important species of genus Rumex widely utilized for the treatment of various human diseases. Most parts of the plant species like leaves, shoots and roots are found to be rich in many pharmacologically important bioactive constituents that are useful against many diseases like acariasis, eczema, diarrhea, constipation, diuretic, astringent, refrigerants and various types of skin diseases. The main aim of the presented review is to highlight and document research findings carried out by different research groups on Rumex dentatus, like pharmacological potential, phytochemistry investigations based on presence of phytoconstituents, traditional uses and economic importance till date. The information so collected and documented will become available to researchers, scientists and botanists to explore the medicinal benefits of this prized herb for the assistance of mankind which in turn will open up new opportunities for more organized and collective research efforts towards utilization and scientific validation of its pharmacological potential.
Methods:
In-vitro and in-vivo preclinical animal studies have been included in detail. The reports and results have been taken from Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed and Science Direct, Research gate, Articles & Advice, databases. Plant taxonomy studies were taken and confirmed from the available databases. "The Plant List", and "Mansfeld's Encyclopedia". Additional information on traditional uses, botany were obtained from published books.
Key findings:
From results and findings, it has been concluded that Rumex dentatus is a rich source of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, anthraquinones, phenolics, phytosterols, phytoesteryl esters etc. The bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumor and anti-dermatitis properties of Rumex dentatus have been attributed due to the presence of these phytochemicals. In this review, we present a critical account of its habitat, morphology, phyto-constituent profile, pharmacology and traditional uses, which will provide a source of information to the researchers for further studies.
Conclusions:
The disclosed review endorses that Rumex dentatus emerged a unique source of Endocrocin, Emodin, Emodin-glycoside, Chrysophenol-glycoside, Quercetin, Helonioside-A and a number of other important bioactive compounds. These isolated compounds have been found to be active against cancer, inflammation, tumor, dermatitis, acariasis, eczema and various bacterial infections, thus providing new insights for further promising investigations on isolated compounds. In addition, Rumex dentatus was found as an excellent traditional medicine against many cutaneous disorders. Taking into account the astounding pharmacological properties of Rumex dentatus in consideration, the plant species is a library of bio-active compounds with a strong biological profile, therefore needs an attention of botanical community around the globe to improve its growth for medicinal uses and commit to broaden research in this field for its proper utilization and scientific exploitation.
Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a cardioprotective phytochemical occurring in many plant products. In this study, a new series of imine congeners of resveratrol has been synthesized in which the imine moiety replaced the double bond in the structure of resveratrol. In addition, the in vitro antiplatelet activity of these resveratrol derivatives has been evaluated against adenosine diphosphate (ADP), arachidonic acid (AA), and collagen as platelet aggregation inducers. In general, the synthesized compounds were active as antiplatelet agents, and, therefore, the imine functional group may be considered as an effective replacement for a double bond in resveratrol for developing new and promising antiplatelet drugs.
Allium cepa also known to as onion and is known for its therapeutic properties. This study synthesizes the evidence from studies conducted between 2010 and 2024 regarding the activity of Allium cepa. Research indicates that Allium cepa exhibits significant potential in managing diabetes through various mechanisms including antioxidant activity, modulation of glucose metabolism, and improvement of insulin sensitivity. The chemical constituents of onions such as quercetin, sulfur compounds, and flavonoids shown to lower blood glucose levels that enhances insulin secretion and reduces the complications associated with diabetes. Invitro and clinical studies support these findings although results are heterogeneous and sometimes inconclusive. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of an current evidence which highlighting both therapeutic potential and limitations of Allium cepa as an adjunct in diabetes management. Further research is needed to establish optimal dosages, mechanisms of action, and long-term efficacy.
Genus Mentha, a member of Lamiaceae family, encompasses a series of species used on an industrial scale and with a well-described and developed culture process. Extracts of this genus are traditionally used as foods and are highly valued due to the presence of significant amounts of antioxidant phenolic compounds. Many essential oil chemotypes show distinct aromatic flavor conferred by different terpene proportions. Mint extracts and their derived essential oils exert notable effects against a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi or yeasts, tested both in vitro or in various food matrices. Their chemical compositions are well-known, which suggest and even prompt their safe use. In this review, genus Mentha plant cultivation, phytochemical analysis and even antimicrobial activity are carefully described. Also, in consideration of its natural origin, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, a special emphasis was given to mint-derived products as an interesting alternative to artificial preservatives towards establishing a wide range of applications for shelf-life extension of food ingredients and even foodstuffs. Mentha cultivation techniques markedly influence its phytochemical composition. Both extracts and essential oils display a broad spectrum of activity, closely related to its phytochemical composition. Therefore, industrial implementation of genus Mentha depends on its efficacy, safety and neutral taste.
Tagetes (marigold) is native to America, and its cultivation currently extends to other countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Many species of this genus, such as T. minuta, T. erecta, T. patula, and T. tenuifolia, are cultivated as ornamental plants and studied for their medicinal properties on the basis of their use in folk medicine. Different parts of the Tagetes species are used as remedies to treat various health problems, including dental, stomach, intestinal, emotional, and nervous disorders, as well as muscular pain, across the world. Furthermore, these plants are studied in the field of agriculture for their fungicidal, bactericidal, and insecticidal activities. The phytochemical composition of the extracts of different Tagetes species parts are reported in this work. These compounds exhibit antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and enzyme inhibitory properties. Cultivation and the factors affecting the chemical composition of Tagetes species are also covered. In the current work, available literature on Tagetes species in traditional medicine, their application as a food preservative, and their antimicrobial activities are reviewed.
Aloe genus plants, distributed in Old World, are widely known and have been used for centuries as topical and oral therapeutic agents due to their health, beauty, medicinal, and skin care properties. Among the well-investigated Aloe species are A. arborescens, A. barbadensis, A. ferox, and A. vera. Today, they account among the most economically important medicinal plants and are commonly used in primary health treatment, where they play a pivotal role in the treatment of various types of diseases via the modulation of biochemical and molecular pathways, besides being a rich source of valuable phytochemicals. In the present review, we summarized the recent advances in botany, phytochemical composition, ethnobotanical uses, food preservation, and the preclinical and clinical efficacy of Aloe plants. These data will be helpful to provide future directions for the industrial and medicinal use of Aloe plants.
Oral mucosal lesions have many etiologies, including viral or bacterial infections, local trauma or irritation, systemic disorders, and even excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption. Folk knowledge on medicinal plants and phytochemicals in the treatment of oral mucosal lesions has gained special attention among the scientific community. Thus, this review aims to provide a brief overview on the traditional knowledge of plants in the treatment of oral mucosal lesions. This review was carried out consulting reports between 2008 and 2018 of PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Database, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The chosen keywords were plant, phytochemical, oral mucosa, leukoplakia, oral lichen planus and oral health. A special emphasis was given to certain plants (e.g., chamomile, Aloe vera, green tea, and coffea) and plant-derived bioactives (e.g., curcumin, lycopene) with anti-oral mucosal lesion activity. Finally, preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical studies examining both the safety and efficacy of medicinal plants and their derived phytochemicals were also carefully addressed.
The Cucurbita genus, a member of Cucurbitaceae family, also known as cucurbits, is native to the Americas. Genus members, like Cucurbita pepo and Cucurbita maxima, have been used for centuries in folk medicine for treating gastrointestinal diseases and intestinal parasites. These pharmacological effects are mainly attributed to their phytochemical composition. Indeed, Cucurbita species are a natural source of carotenoids, tocopherols, phenols, terpenoids, saponins, sterols, fatty acids, functional carbohydrates, and polysaccharides, that beyond exerting remarkable biological effects, have also been increasingly exploited for biotechnological applications. In this article, we specifically cover the habitat, cultivation, phytochemical composition, and food preservative abilities of Cucurbita plants.
This study explores the floristic diversity of wild edible plants (WEPs) in the area surrounding Tirli, a small village in the Tuscan Maremma, Italy. Field surveys identified 128 vascular plant taxa across 46 families and 106 genera, with Asteraceae (26 taxa), Rosaceae (10 taxa), and Lamiaceae (8 taxa) being the most represented. The dominant life-forms are scapose Hemicryptophytes, scapose Therophytes, and rosulate Hemicryptophytes, with Euro-Mediterranean, Subcosmopolitan, and Steno-Mediterranean distributions prevailing. Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between life-forms and edible plant parts: scapose and rosulate Hemicryptophytes were linked to leaf use, scapose Therophytes to root use, and Phanerophytes to fruit use. The Asteraceae family exhibited exceptional versatility, being associated with various edible parts. Notably, the endemic species Centaurea nigrescens Willd. subsp. pinnatifida (Fiori) Dostál was recorded for the first time in the Tuscan Maremma, underscoring the area’s naturalistic value. Traditional culinary practices were linked to some edible plants, which were analyzed for bioactive compounds, including photosynthetic pigments, primary metabolites, secondary metabolites, and antioxidant activity. The results confirmed their biochemical richness and functional properties. This study emphasizes the ecological, nutritional, and cultural significance of Tirli’s wild edible flora, promoting biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable food practices.
Introduction and Objective
Rumex sanguineus, a traditional medicinal plant of the Polygonaceae family, is gaining popularity as an edible resource. However, despite its historical and nutritional significance, its chemical composition remains poorly understood. To deepen the understanding of the of Rumex sanguineus composition, an in-depth analysis using non-targeted, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics was performed.
Methods
Rumex roots, stems and leaves samples were analyzed by UHPLC-HRMS and subsequently subjected to feature-based molecular networking.
Results and Conclusion
Overall, 347 primary and specialized metabolites grouped into 8 biochemical classes were annotated. Most of these metabolites (60%) belong to the polyphenols and anthraquinones classes. To investigate potential’ toxicity due to the presence of anthraquinones, the amount of emodin was quantified with analytical standard, revealing higher accumulation in leaves compared to stems and roots. This highlights the need for thorough metabolomic studies to understand both beneficial and harmful compounds, especially in plants with historical medicinal use transitioning to modern culinary use.
Rumex species (Polygonaceae) have very similar morphological characteristics and are challenging to classify depending on the shape of fruits as a taxonomic key. Previous studies have proven the importance of anatomical and microscopic characteristics in finding diagnostic elements for identifying plant species. To our knowledge, there is a lack of studies on the leaf and stem anatomy of Rumex L. species. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the anatomical features of stem and leaf cross-sections of Rumex conglomeratus, Rumex chalepensis and Rumex pulcher grown wild in Syria. Fresh plants were collected from various regions during fructification stage. Fresh young parts of stems and leaves were taken and cross-sections were made manually and stained using iodine green - carmine double coloration. The colored cross-sections were examined using a light microscope. This research represents the first detailed anatomical study of leaf cross-sections in three species of Rumex L. grown wild in Syria. The results highlighted 12 qualitative and 10 quantitative features of stem and leaf cross-sections. Only the stem of R. conglomeratus contained calcium oxalate crystals. Papillary trichomes were only present on the leaves of R. pulcher. The shape of stem and leaf cross-sections, the number of vascular bundles in leaf cross-sections, vascular bundle’s diameter, parenchyma layers and thickness, and the number of collenchyma layers exhibited significant differences among the studied species and could be taxonomically important in their classification.
Introduction. Study of the chemical composition of medicinal plant raw materials and comparative analysis of the dynamics of accumulation of biologically active substances in related medicinal plants is necessary for the creation of highly effective and safe drugs. Similar metabolome to the officinal representative of the genus Rumex (hereinafter referred to as R .) – R. confertus – the metabolome of species widely distributed in Russia: R. crispus , R. obtusifolius , R. aquaticus , which determines the perspectivity of studying these species. Scientific and practical interest is represented by the study of the group of biologically active substances possessing antibacterial activity – tannins at different phenological stages of plant development.
Aim. Quantitative determination of tannins by permanganatometry and spectrophotometry methods in underground organs of R. confertus , R. crispus , R. obtusifolius , R. aquaticus , harvested in different phases of vegetation: regrowth, flowering and withering periods.
Materials and methods. Aqueous extracts from underground organs of the studied Rumex species were analyzed. Extractions and solutions obtained during the study were analyzed by permanganatometry, spectrophotometry and HPLC. The compounds from the group of tannins were identified by the wavelength of absorption maximum.
Results and discussion. The quantitative content of tannins was evaluated by permanganatometry, spectrophotometry and HPLC.
Conclusion. Tannins were detected and quantified in extracts from underground organs of R. confertus , R. crispus , R. obtusifolius , R. aquaticus and the dependence between their quantitative content and vegetation phase was analyzed.
Introduction. At the moment, only one is included in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation a representative of the Rumex genus is Rumex confertus Willd. Therefore, other representatives of this genus attracted our attention and Rumex criptus L. was studied in more detail. An important task is to determine the similarity of composition within the framework of expanding the raw material base.
Aim. Determination of the qualitative and quantitative content of anthraquinones in the roots of a representative of the genus Rumex ( R. crispus ).
Materials and methods. Alcohol extracts of underground organs were used as analyzed solutions R. crispus . Chromatographic separation and detection were carried out on a high-performance liquid chromatograph "Chromatek-Kristall HPLC 2014" (JSC SKB "Khromatek", Russia), equipped with a column thermostat, chromatographic column Grace HPLC Column Platinum C18-EPS, 250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm (Grace, USA). Quantitative determination was carried out on an SF-2000 spectrophotometer (LLC "OKB Spektr", Russia).
Results and discussion. In the work, the object of study was Rumex criptus L., which contains a large amount of biologically active substances. In the roots of Rumex criptus L., anthracene derivatives, such as emodin-8-glycoside, emodin, chrysophanic acid, were identified and quantified by HPLC-UV, and the total amount of anthracene derivatives was determined by spectrophotometry.
Conclusion. The total content of anthracene derivatives in the underground organs of R. crispus L. in the dying phase is 4.953 %. Using HPLC-UV, emodin was determined, the quantitative content of which was 0.198 %, and chrysophanol, with a content of 0.757 %.
Although the nutritional and health benefits of Rumex species are well known, little is known about the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of Rumex balcanicus Rech. fil. (Polygonaceae), an endemic plant of the Balkan Peninsula. To the best of our knowledge, this paper represents the first attempt to comparatively analyse phenolic composition, as well as in vitro pharmacological activites of dry hydromethanol extracts of R. balcanicus fruit (RBF), leaf (RBL) and root (RBR), collected in Serbia. The maximum total phenolic content was found in RBF (386.6 mg GAE/g). The RBF was characterized by high amounts of miquelianin (28.8 mg/g) and procyanidin B 1 (28.1 mg/g). The RBL was the richest in quercitrin (18.4 mg/g) and miquelianin (15.0 mg/g), while nepodin (54.1 mg/g) and procyanidin B 2 (40.6 mg/g) were the major compounds in RBR. The RBF exhibited significant antioxidant activity, evaluated by DPPH ( IC 50 =4.9 μg/mL), ABTS ( IC 50 =0.8 μg/mL) and FRAP (5.9 mmol Fe ²⁺ /g) assays. Moreover, RBF showed strong α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity ( IC 50 =1.8 μg/mL), in addition to notable anti‐α‐amylase, anti‐acetylcholinesterase and anti‐tyrosinase activities. Molecular docking analysis predicted miquelianin and procyanidin B 2 as the greatest inhibitors of these enzymes. Overall, R. balcanicus fruits stood out as the most promising plant material worth further research.
In recent years, traditional plants and herbal products have gained considerable attention within the scientific community due to their reliable pharmacological properties and affordability. These attributes make them effective in managing various diseases. These plants have significantly contributed to rural livelihoods, with many people, including traditional healers, involved in the collection and trade of medicinal plants. The global demand for herbal medicines has increased, leading to the development of advanced new medicines. Many communities in developing countries rely heavily on medicinal plants due to high poverty rates, necessitating scientific support to validate their efficacy in treating diseases. Phytochemicals in pure compounds or standardized plant extracts offer unlimited opportunities for new drug development due to their unmatched chemical diversity. Key natural products, such as tannins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids, are known for their anticancer activity. This review discusses the available reports on the phytochemicals found in commonly used herbal plants
Rumex vesicarius L. Polygonaceae is a wildly grown plant in Egypt, North Africa, and Asia with wide traditional uses. Several studies reported its biological activities and richness in phytochemicals. This research addresses a comprehensive metabolic profiling of the flowers, leaves, stems, and roots via RP-HPLC-QTOF-MS and MS/MS with chemometrics. A total of 60 metabolites were observed and grouped into phenolic acids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, amino acids, fatty acids, organic acids, and sugars. Principal component analysis and hierarchal cluster analysis showed the segregation of different parts. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity was determined via several methods and agreed with the previous results. Additionally, an in silico approach of molecular docking of the predominant bioactive metabolites was employed against two antioxidant targets, NADPH oxidase and human peroxiredoxin 5 enzyme (PDB ID: 2CDU and 1HD2) receptors, alongside ADME predictions. The molecular modelling revealed that most of the approached molecules were specifically binding with the tested enzymes, achieving high binding affinities. The results confirmed that R. vesicarius stems and roots are rich sources of bioactive antioxidant components. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive metabolic profiling of R. vesicarius giving a prospect of its relevance in the development of new naturally based antioxidants.
The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases are still rising. The principal mechanism that drives them is atherosclerosis, an affection given by dyslipidemia and a pro-inflammatory state. Paraoxonase enzymes have a protective role due to their ability to contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, especially paraoxonase 1 (PON1). PON1 binds with HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and high serum levels lead to a protective state against dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and many others. Modulating PON1 expression might be a treatment objective with significant results in limiting the prevalence of atherosclerosis. Lifestyle including diet and exercise can raise its levels, and some beneficial plants have been found to influence PON1 levels; therefore, more studies on herbal components are needed. Our purpose is to highlight the principal roles of Praoxonase 1, its implications in dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and other diseases, and to emphasize plants that can modulate PON1 expression, targeting the potential of some flavonoids that could be introduced as supplements in our diet and to validate the hypothesis that flavonoids have any effects regarding PON1 function.
Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are pivotal contributors to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Hence, directing interventions towards PTPs emerges as a valuable therapeutic approach for managing type 2 diabetes. In particular, PTPN6 and PTPN9 are targets for anti-diabetic effects. Through high-throughput drug screening, quercetagitrin (QG) was recognized as a dual-target inhibitor of PTPN6 and PTPN9. We observed that QG suppressed the catalytic activity of PTPN6 (IC50 = 1 μM) and PTPN9 (IC50 = 1.7 μM) in vitro and enhanced glucose uptake by mature C2C12 myoblasts. Additionally, QG increased the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and insulin-dependent phosphorylation of Akt in mature C2C12 myoblasts. It further promoted the phosphorylation of Akt in the presence of palmitic acid, suggesting the attenuation of insulin resistance. In summary, our results indicate QG’s role as a potent inhibitor targeting both PTPN6 and PTPN9, showcasing its potential as a promising treatment avenue for T2DM.
Background
The use of herbal remedies, medicinal plants, and their derivatives for the treatment and control of hypertension is well-known and widespread throughout Morocco.
Aims
The aim of the study was to review the antihypertensive and vasorelaxant medicinal plants of the Moroccan pharmacopeia.
Objective
To date, no review on Moroccan medicinal plants exhibiting antihypertensive effects has been performed, and their mechanism of action has not been specified. The objective of this review was to collect, analyze, and critically assess published publications on experimental and clinical research that explored the blood pressure-reducing abilities of Moroccan medicinal plant extracts.
Materials and Methods
This study collected, processed, and critically analyzed published studies related to experimental and clinical research that investigated Moroccan herbal derivatives' blood pressure-lowering abilities using a number of scientific databases, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and others. Plantlist.org was used to validate the right plant names.
Results
The results revealed 22 species of Moroccan medicinal plants belonging to 13 different groups with recognized antihypertensive properties. The species were abundant in a variety of chemical elements. Asteraceae (08 species), Lamiaceae (3 species), Apiaceae (2 species), and 1 species each from the following families: Parmeliaceae, Fabaceae, Cistaceae, Malvaceae, Polygonaceae, Brassicaceae, Myrtaceae, Rutaceae, Amaranthaceae, Rosaceae, and Lauraceae were the most frequently mentioned families for their antihypertensive properties. The most used parts were the leaves and the aerial parts. The two main methods of preparation among Moroccans were decoction and infusion. This study demonstrated the known antihypertensive and vasorelaxant properties of Moroccan medicinal plants in vivo and in vitro, as well as their mechanisms of action. Interestingly, phytochemicals can operate on blood vessels directly via a vasorelaxant impact involving a range of signaling cascades or indirectly by blocking or activating multiple systems, such as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), renin-angiotensin system (RAS), or diuretic activity.
Conclusion
The review of the available data reveals that more work needs to be done to examine all the Moroccan medicinal plants that have been suggested as antihypertensive in published ethnopharmacological surveys. A review of the literature in this area reveals that methodologies of the experimental study need to be standardized, and purified molecules need to be studied. In addition, mechanistic investigations, when they exist, are generally incomplete. In contrast, only a few advanced clinical investigations have been conducted. However, all studies fail to determine the efficacy/safety ratio.
Capsicum genus (Solanaceae) is native to the Americas. Today, it is an important agricultural crop cultivated around the world, not only due to its economic importance, but also for the nutritional value of the fruits. Among their phytochemical constituents, capsaicinoids are characteristic and responsible of the pungency of sharp-tasting cultivars. Moreover, Capsicum and capsaicinoids (mainly, capsaicin) have been largely studied because of their health benefits. Thus, this study reviews the scientific knowledge about Capsicum spp. and their phytochemicals against cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, pain, and metabolic syndrome, as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. These bioactivities can be the basis of the formulation of functional ingredients and natural preservatives containing Capsicum extracts or isolated compounds.
Вступ. Щавель кінський – багаторічна трав’яниста рослина, яку здавна застосовують у народній та науковій медицині. За даними літератури, підземні органи рослини входять до складу збору Здренко і дієтичних добавок, але сировина не офіцинальна та офіційного лікарського засобу на їх основі на ринку України немає. Тому створення настойки щавлю кінського кореневищ з коренями та визначення параметрів її стандартизації є актуальними завданнями. Мета дослідження – розробити технологію отримання настойки щавлю кінського кореневищ з коренями та визначити параметри її стандартизації. Методи дослідження. Для дослідження використовували сім серій підземних органів щавлю кінського, які заготовляли восени 2019 і 2020 рр. За методиками ДФУ 2.0 проводили ідентифікацію катехіну в настойці методом тонкошарової хроматографії і визначали кількісний вміст екстрактивних речовин, суми поліфенолів та суми гідроксикоричних кислот. Результати й обговорення. Для розробки технології отримання настойки щавлю кінського кореневищ з коренями обрано класичний метод мацерації при кімнатній температурі та співвідношення сировина/готовий продукт 1:5. Експериментальним шляхом обрано екстрагент – 50 % етанол і часовий термін екстракції – 48 год. За цією технологією одержано сім серій настойок із семи серій сировини, проведено їх опис, ідентифікацію (метод тонкошарової хроматографії на наявність катехіну), випробовування (сухий залишок – не менше 1 %) та кількісне визначення основних груп біологічно активних речовин (не менше 0,07 мг/мл суми поліфенолів та 0,002 мг/мл суми гідроксикоричних кислот). Висновки. Розроблено технологію отримання настойки щавлю кінського кореневищ з коренями. За цією технологією отримано сім серій настойок та визначено параметри її стандартизації: опис, ідентифікацію за наявністю катехіну, випробовування (не менше 1 % сухого залишку), кількісне визначення (не менше 0,07 мг/мл суми поліфенолів та 0,002 мг/мл суми гідроксикоричних кислот). Одержані результати використано при розробці проєкту методів контролю якості настойки щавлю кінського кореневищ з коренями – “Rumicis rhizomatae cum radicibus tincture”.
Background
Vitellaria paradoxa is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases in tropical countries; however, nothing is known about its anti-trypanosomal activity. Human African trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease of Sub-Saharan Africa’s poorest rural regions, and the efficacy of its treatment remains a challenge. This study investigates the as-yet-unknown trypanocidal activity of this plant.
Methods
V. paradoxa, commonly known as shea tree, was selected for study based on an ethnobotanical investigation. Ultrasonicated extracts from bark and seeds were successively treated with ethyl acetate and water. Column chromatography, NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry were used to identify isolated compounds. Purified trypanosomes (Trypanosoma brucei brucei) were incubated with serial dilutions of the extracts and isolated compounds at 37 °C in 5% CO2 for 24 h. Parasite viability was evaluated under a microscope.
Results
The ethyl acetate extracts of the bark showed the higher in vitro trypanocidal activity against T. brucei brucei with median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3.25 µg/mL. However, the triterpene 1α,2β,3β,19α-tretrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid and the pentadecanoic acid isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the seeds showed in vitro trypanocidal activity with IC50 of 11.30 and 70.1 µM, respectively.
Conclusion
The results obtained contribute to the validation of the traditional medicinal use of V. paradoxa. Our results encourage further investigations of this plant, mainly with respect to its in vivo efficacy and toxicity.
The demand for natural product is growing their interest in our daily life. It makes Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don a crucial member of family Apocynaceae due to having its medicinal importance. It's well known for its traditional pharmacological application especially correlated with its phytochemical composition. C. roseus is a source of vast phytochemicals including alkaloids, essential oils, phenols, carbohydrates, saponins and flavonoids, but alkaloids are the predominant phytochemicals with their medicinal activity. Interestingly, C. roseus is the only source of vinblastine (VLB) and vincristine (VCR), two main medicinally sound expensive anti-cancerous bis-indole alkaloids showing their activity as mitotic poisons. They cause mitotic arrest by disrupting microtubules. The present review deals with vis-à-vis outline of VLB and VCR with their biosynthesis, extraction, detection, mode of action and their limitation. It helps to increase the knowledge on its mechanism to arrest tumour cell growth along with their side effects during over doses. As well as the lacuna and their future directions will be discussed for future research. Though these are required in a very minute quantity for the treatment, but it is important to increase the production of these two costly alkaloids by using cost effective biotechnological methods.
The use of phytochemicals for purpose of cancer therapy has been accelerated due to resistance of tumor cells to conventional chemotherapy drugs and therefore, monotherapy does not cause significant improvement in the prognosis and survival of patients. Therefore, administration of natural products alone or in combination with chemotherapy drugs due to various mechanisms of action has been suggested. However, cancer therapy using phytochemicals requires more attention because of poor bioavailability of compounds and lack of specific accumulation at tumor site. Hence, nanocarriers for specific delivery of phytochemicals in tumor therapy has been suggested. The pharmacokinetic profile of natural products and their therapeutic indices can be improved. The nanocarriers can improve potential of natural products in crossing over BBB and also, promote internalization in cancer cells through endocytosis. Moreover, (nano)platforms can deliver both natural and synthetic anti-cancer drugs in combination cancer therapy. The surface functionalization of nanostructures with ligands improves ability in internalization in tumor cells and improving cytotoxicity of natural compounds. Interestingly, stimuli-responsive nanostructures that respond to endogenous and exogenous stimuli have been employed for delivery of natural compounds in cancer therapy. The decrease in pH in tumor microenvironment causes degradation of bonds in nanostructures to release cargo and when changes in GSH levels occur, it also mediates drug release from nanocarriers. Moreover, enzymes in the tumor microenvironment such as MMP-2 can mediate drug release from nanocarriers and more progresses in targeted drug delivery obtained by application of nanoparticles that are responsive to exogenous stimulus including light.
Among antihyperglycemic drugs used for treating diabetes, α-glucosidase inhibitors generate the least adverse effects. This contribution aimed to evaluate the potential antidiabetic activity of Rumex crispus L. by testing its in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition and in vivo antihyperglycemic effects on rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Better inhibition of α-glucosidase was found with the methanol extract versus the n-hexane and dichloromethane extracts. The methanol extract of the flowers (RCFM) was more effective than that of the leaves (RCHM), with an IC50 of 7.3 ± 0.17 μg/mL for RCFM and 112.0 ± 1.23 μg/mL for RCHM. A bioactive fraction (F89s) also showed good α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 = 3.8 ± 0.11 μg/mL). In a preliminary study, RCHM and RCFM at 150 mg/kg and F89s at 75 mg/kg after 30 days showed a significant effect on hyperglycemia, reducing glucose levels (82.2, 80.1, and 84.1%, respectively), and improved the lipid, renal, and hepatic profiles of the rats, comparable with the effects of metformin and acarbose. According to the results, the activity of R. crispus L. may be mediated by a diminished rate of disaccharide hydrolysis, associated with the inhibition of α-glucosidase. Thus, R. crispus L. holds promise for the development of auxiliary drugs to treat diabetes mellitus.
Camellia sinensis is the most consumed beverage worldwide. It contains a wide variety of secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, saponins, tannins, catechins, and polyphenols, generated through a condensation reaction of cinnamic acid with three malonyl-CoA groups. In addition to the metabolic processes occurring within this plant, there are also some plant-associated bacterial endophytes. These bacteria reside in the living tissues of the host plants without causing any harmful effect to them, thereby stimulating secondary metabolite production with a diverse range of biological effects. Omics technologies reveal understanding of the biological phenomena of transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. In this sense, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive review of various methods used to identify distinct plant compounds, namely transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analysis. The role of endophytic bacteria in C. sinensis metabolism, and C. sinensis antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, are also carefully highlighted.
Among all available antimicrobials, antibiotics hold a prime position in the treatment of infectious diseases. However, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has posed a serious threat to the effectiveness of antibiotics, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and escalation in healthcare costs causing a global health crisis. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in global healthcare setups have accelerated the development and spread of AMR, leading to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, which further limits treatment options. This creates a critical need to explore alternative approaches to combat bacterial infections. Phytochemicals have gained attention as a potential source of alternative medicine to address the challenge of AMR. Phytochemicals are structurally and functionally diverse and have multitarget antimicrobial effects, disrupting essential cellular activities. Given the promising results of plant-based antimicrobials, coupled with the slow discovery of novel antibiotics, it has become highly imperative to explore the vast repository of phytocompounds to overcome the looming catastrophe of AMR. This review summarizes the emergence of AMR towards existing antibiotics and potent phytochemicals having antimicrobial activities, along with a comprehensive overview of 123 Himalayan medicinal plants reported to possess antimicrobial phytocompounds, thus compiling the existing information that will help researchers in the exploration of phytochemicals to combat AMR.
Diabetes mellitus is one of the major health problems in the world, the incidence and associated mortality are increasing. Inadequate regulation of the blood sugar imposes serious consequences for health. Conventional antidiabetic drugs are effective, however, also with unavoidable side effects. On the other hand, medicinal plants may act as an alternative source of antidiabetic agents. Examples of medicinal plants with antidiabetic potential are described, with focuses on preclinical and clinical studies. The beneficial potential of each plant matrix is given by the combined and concerted action of their profile of biologically active compounds.
Abstract Iron overload causes multiorgan dysfunction and serious damage. Alnus incana from the family Betulaceae, widely distributed in North America, is used for treating diseases. In this study, we investigated the iron chelating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities of the total and butanol extract from Alnus incana in iron-overloaded rats and identified the bioactive components in both extracts using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We induced iron overload in the rats via six intramuscular injections of 12.5 mg iron dextran/100 g body weight for 30 days. The rats were then administered 60 mg ferrous sulfate /kg body weight once daily using a gastric tube. The total and butanol extracts were given orally, and the reference drug (deferoxamine) was administered subcutaneously for another month. After two months, we evaluated the biochemical, histopathological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical parameters. Iron overload significantly increased the serum iron level, liver biomarker activities, hepatic iron content, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and caspase-3 levels. It also substantially (P
In this critical review, plant sources used as effective antibacterial agents against Helicobacter pylori infections are carefully described. The main intrinsic bioactive molecules, responsible for the observed effects are also underlined and their corresponding modes of action specifically highlighted. In addition to traditional uses as herbal remedies, in vitro and in vivo studies focusing on plant extracts and isolated bioactive compounds with anti-H. pylori activity are also critically discussed. Lastly, special attention was also given to plant extracts with urease inhibitory effects, with emphasis on involved modes of action.
Domestication of novel crops from the wild is a key process that ensures food security by addressing adaptability to changing environments. These wild plants offer broader and unique health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Salinization resulted in a drastic reduction of arable land and freshwater intended for cultivation. Thus, the global food production is currently under a risk of meeting the demands. Salt‐tolerant plants (i.e., halophytes) are potential food candidates that can be used to increase the productivity of salinized land and also to enhance the diversification of food production. Salicornia can survive under hypersaline and extreme climatic conditions and deliver tender shoots and dried seeds that can be used as a food with a unique taste, texture, and therapeutic benefits. Although Salicornia is not equally popular among all the food cultures globally, it has been consumed over centuries, and it is now making its way to the shelves of supermarkets in some countries such as the United States, UAE, South Korea, and Mexico. Despite being an underutilized crop, Salicornia possesses an array of chemical compounds or basic derivatives that can enhance antioxidant, anti‐obesity, antidiabetes, anti‐inflammatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties of human nutrition. The presence of considerable amounts of nutritional elements and various functional bioactive phytochemicals have opened up avenues of using Salicornia as a functional food. The present paper reviews the recognition of Salicornia as a functional food and a potential cash crop in saline agriculture to enhance agricultural productivity and also to diversify the current food supply chain.
Since the beginning of the epidemic, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has infected around 70 million people worldwide, most of whom reside is sub-Saharan Africa. There have been very promising developments in the treatment of HIV with anti-retroviral drug cocktails. However, drug resistance to anti-HIV drugs is emerging, and many people infected with HIV have adverse reactions or do not have ready access to currently available HIV chemotherapies. Thus, there is a need to discover new anti-HIV agents to supplement our current arsenal of anti-HIV drugs and to provide therapeutic options for populations with limited resources or access to currently efficacious chemotherapies. Plant-derived natural products continue to serve as a reservoir for the discovery of new medicines, including anti-HIV agents. This review presents a survey of plants that have shown anti-HIV activity, both in vitro and in vivo.
Background
Rumex crispus root has traditionally been used in Asian medicine for the treatment of hemorrhage and dermatolosis. The aim of this study was to explore the pharmaceutical effects of water extract of Rumex crispus (WERC) on osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. We also studied the effect of WERC on the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-induced trabecular bone destruction mice model.
Methods
High performance liquid chromatography analysis was used to identify three compounds (emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion) of WERC. The in vivo effect of WERC was examined using an administration of WERC or vehicle on the ICR mice with bone loss induced by intraperitoneal RANKL injection on day 0 and 1. All mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation at day 7 and the femurs of mice were isolated for soft X-ray and Micro-CT analysis. The in vitro effect of WERC on osteoblast mineralization or osteoclast differentiation was examined by alizarin red S staining or by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and assay. To determine the transcription level of osteoblast or osteoclast-specific genes, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used. Western blot analysis was performed to study the effect of WERC on mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) or nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling molecules.
Results
The presence of three compounds in WERC was determined. WERC significantly suppressed RANKL-induced trabecular bone loss by preventing microstructural deterioration. In vitro, WERC increased osteoblast mineralization by enhancing the transcription of runt-related transcription factor 2 and its transcriptional coactivators, and by stimulating extracellular signal–regulated kinase phosphorylation. Furthermore, WERC significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation by suppressing the activation of the RANKL signalings (MAPK and NF-κB) and the increasing inhibitory factors of nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1.
Conclusion
This study showed that WERC could protect against osteoporosis and suggested that the possible mechanism of WERC might be related to increased osteoblast differentiation by activating Runx2 signaling and inhibition of osteoclast differentiation by suppression of RANKL signaling.
Electronic supplementary material
The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-017-1986-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Background: Rumex dentatus, commonly known as tooth docked, is widely used in traditional system of medicines. Although it is well reported for its biological activities and medicinal value, only few studies have been carried out to assess its anticancer potential.
Purpose: This study seeks to evaluate the anticancer activity of leaf extracts of R. dentatus against breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line, a triple negative human breast cancer cell line with invasive properties and to identify the molecular targets underlying its mechanism of action.
Methods: Cytotoxicity of plant extracts was determined against breast cancer cells, using the MTT assay. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the changes in cell cycle and apoptotic effect, if any. Cells were also studied for their wound healing and invasive potential as well as for Western blotting of apoptotic genes and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) pathway.
Results: The results revealed that R. dentatus methanol (RM) and chloroform (RC) extracts of R. dentatus had the highest inhibition of cell proliferation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect was found to be linked to arrest of cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, along with induction of apoptosis and accumulation in the sub-G1 phase. Moreover, it was shown that both RM and RC inhibited the proliferation of the malignant cells and induced apoptosis by repressing the activation of NF-κB and its subsequent transcripts, Bcl-xl, Bcl-2, Cyclin D1, survivin, and XIAP. Apoptosis was also confirmed in the cells as suggested by caspase-3 detection. RM and RC also abrogated IκBa phosphorylation in the malignant cells as well as reduced the invasive and migratory capabilities of these cells.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the methanol and chloroform extracts of R. dentatus may have anti-cancer compounds that are potentially useful in the treatment of human breast cancer.
Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization, with approximately one third of the world's population being latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis treatment consists in an intensive phase and a continuation phase. Unfortunately, the appearance of multi drug-resistant tuberculosis, mainly due to low adherence to prescribed therapies or inefficient healthcare structures, requires at least 20 months of treatment with second-line, more toxic and less efficient drugs, i.e., capreomycin, kanamycin, amikacin and fluoroquinolones. Therefore, there exists an urgent need for discovery and development of new drugs to reduce the global burden of this disease, including the multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. To this end, many plant species, as well as marine organisms and fungi have been and continue to be used in various traditional healing systems around the world to treat tuberculosis, thus representing a nearly unlimited source of active ingredients. Besides their antimycobacterial activity, natural products can be useful in adjuvant therapy to improve the efficacy of conventional antimycobacterial therapies, to decrease their adverse effects and to reverse mycobacterial multi-drug resistance due to the genetic plasticity and environmental adaptability of Mycobacterium. However, even if some natural products have still been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies, the validation of their efficacy and safety as antituberculosis agents is far from being reached, and, therefore, according to an evidence-based approach, more high-level randomized clinical trials are urgently needed.
Background
The study of plants and fungi sold in open-air markets is an important part of ethnobotanical enquiry. Only few such studies were carried out in Europe. Methods
Four of the largest open-air markets of south-eastern Poland were visited regularly, and the plants sold in them were recorded between 2013 and 2015. The aim of the study was to record native and/or wild species sold in the markets. All the plants sold in the markets were photographed regularly. In each market, 25 sellers were interviewed. Voucher specimens were collected and fungi were identified using DNA barcoding. ResultsAltogether, 468 species of plants were recorded, 117 of them native to south-eastern Poland – 19 only collected from the wild and 11 both wild and cultivated. Seventeen of the species are under legal protection. Most protected plants were sold from cultivation, although proper authorization procedures had not been performed. Thirty-two species of fungi were sold (including two cultivated species), all of them for culinary purposes. Two species (Lactarius quieticolor, Leccinum schistophilum) are new to the mycobiota of Poland.Ornamental plants constituted a large section of the market, and they dominated the group of native species. Food plants dominated among wild-collected plants and were sold mainly as fruits for jams, juices and alcoholic drinks, or as culinary herbs. Very few medicinal or green vegetable plants were sold. An interesting feature of the markets was the sale of Ledum palustre as an insect repellent. Conclusions
Finding two species of fungi which are new to Poland highlights the importance of DNA barcoding in ethnomycological studies. Most items in the markets are ornamental plants, or edible fruits and mushrooms. Very few medicinal plants and green vegetables are sold, which differentiates the markets from southern European ones. Such a pattern is probably the model for most central European markets.
Background
The sustainable management of animal health and welfare is of increasing importance to consumers and a key topic in the organic farming movement. Few systematic studies have been undertaken investigating farmers’ local knowledge related to this issue. Ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) is a discipline focusing on local knowledge and folk methods in veterinary medicine, however most ethnoveterinarian studies primarily address the treatment of animal diseases. Very few studies have explored prophylactic methods. Methods
An ethnoveterinary research project in Eastern Tyrol (Austria) was conducted in 2004 and 2005 to gather information about local knowledge of animal husbandry from 144 informants, with the emphasis on plants that maintain livestock health and welfare. ResultsInformants mentioned a total of 87 plants and 22 plant-based generic terms in the context of maintaining and improving livestock health and welfare. The most important preventive measures for maintaining and improving animal health and welfare were practices related to “fodder” and “feeding”. In this category the plants mentioned could be grouped according to three different perceptions about their effect on animals: “Good or bad fodder”, “Functional fodder” and “Fodder medicine”. In addition to fodder, environmental management, the human-animal relationship, household remedies and cultural/religious activities were also mentioned. When asked about practices in the past that maintained animal health and well-being, interviewees mentioned, for example, the importance of the diversity of sources that used to be available to obtain feed and fodder. Conclusions
The informants’ approach that feeding is central to livestock welfare is in line with the standard scientific literature on animal health, including in organic farming. Various scientific studies into common fodder evaluate the nutritive and dietary value, efficiency and safety of fodder. Future studies also have to consider the evaluation of traditional, local fodder resources. In fact, the value of ‘food as medicine’ for humans in the context of local knowledge has been widely assessed, but the potential health benefits of fodder and nutraceuticals in local and traditional ethnoveterinary methods require further attention.
Plants belonging to the genus Allium are widely cultivated and used all over the world as food and medicinal plants. Since ancient times, these plants, particularly garlic (Allium sativum L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.), have represented important components of typical recipes and traditional healing systems. Not the least of which, their use as food biopreservatives is well documented, due to the relevant antibacterial activity of their extracts and essential oils. In addition to garlic and onion, this review article deals with the main members of the genus Allium, including A. ampeloprasum (Leek), A. schoenoprasum (Chive) and A. ascalonicum (Shallot), focusing both on their ethnonutritional uses and potential as promising food biopreservative agents. Noteworthy, recent research has demonstrated Allium derivatives to be novel components in active edible coatings as well as nanoformulates.
Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms, responsible for more than 60% of the chronic human infections and they represent one of the leading concerns in medicine. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is human pathogenic bacteria which causes numerous diseases and is known for its ability to produce biofilm. Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) and Salvia officinalis L. (sage) are widely used plants in traditional medicine for the treatment of different conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential of basil and sage essential oils against P. aeruginosa biofilm producing strains. The efficacy of two essential oils on P. aeruginosa biofilm forming ability was determined using crystal violet method. Out of 15 strains isolated from different clinical biological samples, two were strong, 11 moderate and one weak biofilm producer. Good efficacy of sage essential oil towards strong and weak biofilm producers, but not of basil essential oil, was observed. In the case of moderate biofilm producers, 81.8% showed lower biofilm production after incubation with the sage oil, while 63.6% showed the reduction of biofilm production after basil essential oil treatment. The obtained results showed high potential of both oils for the treatment of persistent infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.
Background
The importance of Rumex genus and the renowned ethnopharmacological and biological potentials of Rumex hastatus is evident from the previous reports. Recently the R. hastatus has been evaluated for anticancer potential against HepG2, MCF7 or LNCaP cell lines with considerable cytotoxicity. We also reported the anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic potentials of R. hastatus. The current study has been arranged to evaluate cytotoxic potential of this plant against HeLa and NIH/3T3 cell lines and sort out the most active fraction of R. hastatus along with the identification of bioactive compounds responsible for cytotoxicity. Methods
The cytotoxic potential of methanolic extract and sub-fractions of R. hastatus was performed following (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) MTT calorimetric assay. Four concentrations (500, 250, 125 and 62.5 μg/ml) of each sample were used against both cell lines. Two cell lines i.e. HeLa and NIH/3T3 were used in the assay. Furthermore, chemical characterization of chloroform fraction was performed by GC-MS analysis. ResultsThe current investigational study demonstrates that all the solvent fractions of R. hastatus were active against HeLa and NIH/3T3 cell lines. Among all the fractions, chloroform fraction was dominant in activity against both cell lines. The observed IC50 values of chloroform fraction were 151.52 and 53.37 μg/ml against HeLa and NIH/3T3 respectively. The GC-MS analysis of chloroform fraction revealed the identification of 78 compounds with the identification of bioactive ones like ar-tumerone, phytol, dihydrojasmone, sitostenone etc. Conclusion
It can be concluded from our results that Rumex hastatus D. Don possess strong cytotoxic potential. Moreover, the observed IC50 values and GC-MS analysis of chloroform fraction reveal that most of the bioactive compounds are in chloroform fraction. It can be further deduce that the chloroform fraction is a suitable target for the isolation of compounds having potential role in cancer therapy.
This paper, based on the traditional knowledge and research, aims to provide an overview of the current state of local and traditional medical uses, pharmacological potential activities, toxicity and safety of some medicinal plants from north region of Puebla State, Mexico. The information about use medicinal plants was obtained by a poll the therapists from Traditional Medicinal Hospitals from Ayotoxco, Xalacapan and local market of Teziutlán. The information obtained of the empiric knowledge from therapists of Traditional Medicine about of extracts, whole and parts of some plants, like are used on the treatment of several health disorders common in the north region of state Puebla, such as pains, infections, fever, constipation, diahorrea and periodontals disorders is discusses. Rumex spp widely distributed as wild plant in the northern region of Puebla, consumed in salad, presents a variety of applications to treat oral diseases and antipyretic as a poultice, has aroused great interest to be studied by our research group. Despite its historical and cultural importance, the “traditional” use of plants has decreased.
In this research we studied Rumex obtusifolius (Polygonaceae) along with other plants used in traditional medicine in relation to the chemical reaction FBIT (Ferriprotoporphyrine Biocrystallization Inhibition Test) which may provide information on a possible action mechanism for presumed antimalarial plants. According to folk medicine Rumex obtusifolius has a pronounced detoxifying effect on the liver and is used against jaundice and fever. Following a chemical reaction-guided isolation on Rumex obtusifolius we obtained demethylmacrosporine I, an anthraquinone derivative. Its structural determination by one and two dimensional NMR and a proposition of structure-activity relationship are presented./En este trabajo estudiamos Rumex obtusifolius (Polygonaceae) junto a otras plantas usadas en la medicina tradicional respecto a la reacción química FBIT (Ensayo de Inhibición de la Biocristalización de la Ferriprotoporfirina), ensayo que puede proporcionar información de un posible mecanismo de acción de plantas presumidas antimalaricas. Según la medicina tradicional, Rumex obtusifolius posee un efecto desintoxicante del hígado y es usada contra la ictericia y la fiebre. Siguiendo una separación guiada por la reacción química en Rumex obtusifolius, obtuvimos la demethylmacrosporine I, un derivado antraquinonico. Su determinación estructural por RMN de una y dos dimensiones y una proposición de relación estructura actividad son presentadas.
Background
Cancer as a multistage process can be reversed or blocked by using chemopreventive agents. Colon cancer chemoprevention has been widely investigated using cyclooxygenase inhibitors and many other chemicals of synthetic or natural origin. This particular study was carried out to assess the colon cancer chemopreventive effect of hydro-methanol extract of Rumex abyssinicus rhizome on rats.
Method
Colon cancer chemopreventive potential of hydro-methanol extract of Rumex abyssinicus rhizome was determined based on the number and multiplicity of aberrant crypt foci (ACF). Fifteen DMH (1, 2-dimethylhydrazine) treated and five untreated Wistar female rats were used. DMH was administered subcutaneously 30 mg/kg, after its pH was adjusted to 6.5–7. Treatment groups started receiving extract after six weeks of weekly DMH injections. The rats were divided in to four groups: Group 1 received only oral normal saline, Group 2 received DMH and normal saline, Group 3 and 4 received DMH plus 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg extract, respectively. Specific phytoconstituents of the plant, which were reviewed from original articles, were virtually evaluated for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition. The binding energies and interactions of the phytochemicals from Rumex abyssinicus against COX-2 were determined by Autodock4.2.
Results
There was a statistically significant reduction (p-value < 0.05) in the number of aberrant crypt (AC) and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) at both administered doses. However, significant association (p-value > 0.05) was not observed in reducing crypt multiplicity. The docking process resulted in estimated binding energies [−6.83 kcal/mol to −7.9 kcal/mol] which are closer to the positive controls or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) [−4.55 kcal/mol to −10.84 kcal/mol]. The phytochemical-COX-2 interaction indicated the involvement of key amino acid residues in inhibition of cyclooxygenase like ARG120, TYR355, TYR385, SER530 and GLY526.
Conclusions
Rumex abyssinicus had demonstrated a chemopreventive potential at post-initiation stage. As the virtual screening data suggested, COX-2 inhibition by the anthraquinones in the extract could be one mechanism for the observed chemopreventive effect.
Background
Ethnoveterinary medicine is a topic of growing interest among ethnobiologists, and is integral to the agricultural practices of many ethnic groups across the globe. The ethnoveterinary pharmacopoeia is often composed of ingredients available in the local environment, and may include plants, animals and minerals, or combinations thereof, for use in treating various ailments in reared animals. In Romania, livestock play a central role in the everyday activities of rural people living in isolated villages, and their care is a priority as it has downstream impact on local economies and food security. The aim of this study was to survey the current day ethnoveterinary practices of ethnic Hungarian (Székely) settlements situated in the Erdővidék commune (Covasna County, Transylvania, Romania) and to compare them with earlier works on this topic in Romania and other European countries.
Methods
Data concerning ethnoveterinary practices were collected through semi-structured interviews and direct observation in 12 villages from 2010 to 2014. The cited plant species were collected, identified, dried and deposited in a herbarium. The use of other materials (e.g. animals, minerals and other substances) were also documented. Data were compared to earlier reports of ethnoveterinary knowledge in Transylvania and other European countries using various databases.
Results and Discussion
In total, 26 wild and cultivated plants, 2 animals, and 17 other substances were documented to treat 11 ailments of cattle, horses, pigs, and sheep. The majority of applications were for the treatment of mastitis and skin ailments, while only a few data were reported for the treatment of cataracts, post-partum ailments and parasites. The traditional uses of Armoracia rusticana, Rumex spp., powdered sugar and glass were reported in each village. The use of some plant taxa, such as Allium sativum, Aristolochia clematitis, and Euphorbia amygdaloides was similar to earlier reports from other Transylvanian regions.
Conclusions
Although permanent veterinary and medical services are available in some of the villages, elderly people preferred the use of wild and cultivated plants, animals and other materials in ethnoveterinary medicine. Some traditional ethnoveterinary practices are no longer in use, but rather persist only in the memories of the eldest subset of the population. A decline in the vertical transmission of ethnoveterinary knowledge was evident and loss of practice is likely compounded by market availability of ready-made pharmaceuticals.
The use of bioactive compounds in different commercial sectors needs the most appropriate and standard method to extract the active components from plant material. Thus standardization of the extraction process is an important step for the establishment of a consistent biological activity, a consistent chemical profile or for quality assurance in production and manufacturing of herbal drugs or any herbal formulations. In the present study, hot soxhlet extraction and cold maceration extraction methods using petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, aqueous as solvents have been developed for extraction of bioactive compounds from Rumex vesicarius L. Among the extraction methods applied, hot soxhlet extraction method was found to be effective in terms of the percentage of yield compared to cold maceration extraction method. And also the percentage of extract varies with the solvent and duration of extraction process. Thus extraction time and the solvent systems were also standardized for Rumex vesicarius L. to extract the compounds.
Background: Sarma - cooked leaves rolled around a filling made from rice and/or minced meat, possibly vegetables and seasoning plants - represents one of the most widespread feasting dishes of the Middle Eastern and South-Eastern European cuisines. Although cabbage and grape vine sarma is well-known worldwide, the use of alternative plant leaves remains largely unexplored. The aim of this research was to document all of the botanical taxa whose leaves are used for preparing sarma in the folk cuisines of Turkey and the Balkans. Methods: Field studies were conducted during broader ethnobotanical surveys, as well as during ad-hoc investigations between the years 2011 and 2014 that included diverse rural communities in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey. Primary ethnobotanical and folkloric literatures in each country were also considered. Results: Eighty-seven botanical taxa, mainly wild, belonging to 50 genera and 27 families, were found to represent the bio-cultural heritage of sarma in Turkey and the Balkans. The greatest plant biodiversity in sarma was found in Turkey and, to less extent, in Bulgaria and Romania. Conclusion: The rich ethnobotanical diversity of sarma confirms the urgent need to record folk culinary plant knowledge. The results presented here can be implemented into initiatives aimed at re-evaluating folk cuisines and niche food markets based on local neglected ingredients, and possibly also to foster trajectories of the avant-garde cuisines inspired by ethnobotanical knowledge.
Four selected species of family Polygonaceae Juss. viz. Persicaria salicifolia (Brouss. ex Willd.) Assenov, Persicaria senegalensis (Meisn.) Soják, Polygonum bellardii All. and Polygonum equisetiforme Sm. were subjected to botanical, chemical and numerical studies. The botanical part deals with macro- and micromorphological characters of the whole plant. The chemical part deals with extraction and identification of 17 compounds including flavones, flavonols, flavone C-glycosides and phenolic acids. The botanical and chemical results of the four selected species were subjected to a numerical analysis.
Background
Belarus is an Eastern European country, which has been little studied ethnobotanically. The aim of the study was to compare largely unpublished 19th century sources with more contemporary data on the use of wild food plants.
Methods
The information on 19th century uses is based on twelve, mainly unpublished, responses to Józef Rostafiński’s questionnaire from 1883, and the newly discovered materials of the ethnographer Michał Federowski, who structured his data according to Rostafiński’s questionnaire and documented it with voucher specimens. Rostafiński’s questionnaire was concerned mainly with Polish territories, but for historical reasons this also encompassed a large part of Belarus, and we analyzed only the twelve responses (out of the few hundred Rostafiński obtained), which concerned the present Belarus. These data were compared with a few 20th century ethnographic sources, and our own 40 interviews and questionnaires from Belarus.
Results and discussion
58 taxa of wild food plants used in the 19th century were identified. Some of them are still used in modern Belarus, others are probably completely forgotten. In the 19th century several species of wild greens were widely used for making soups. Apart from Rumex, other wild greens are now either forgotten or rarely used. The list of species used in the 20th and 21st century encompasses 67 taxa. Nearly half of them were mentioned by Rostafiński’s respondents. The list of fruit species has not changed much, although in the 19th century fruits were mainly eaten raw, or with dairy or floury dishes, and now apart from being eaten raw, they are incorporated in sweet dishes like jams or cakes. Modern comparative data also contain several alien species, some of which have escaped from cultivation and are gathered from a semi-wild state, as well as children's snacks, which were probably collected in the 19th century but were not recorded back then.
Conclusion
The responses to Rostafiński from 1883 present extremely valuable historical material as the use of wild food plants in Belarus has since undergone drastic changes, similar to those, which have taken place in other Eastern European countries.
Background:
In comparison with terrestrial plants, those growing in wetlands have been rarely studied ethnobotanically, including in China, yet people living in or near wetlands can accumulate much knowledge of the uses of local wetland plants. A characteristic of wetlands, cutting across climatic zones, is that many species are widely distributed, providing opportunities for studying general patterns of knowledge of the uses of plants across extensive areas, in the present case China. There is urgency in undertaking such studies, given the rapid rates of loss of traditional knowledge of wetland plants as is now occurring.
Methods:
There have been very few studies specifically on the traditional knowledge of wetland plants in China. However, much information on such knowledge does exist, but dispersed through a wide body of literature that is not specifically ethnobotanical, such as regional Floras. We have undertaken an extensive study of such literature to determine which species of wetland plants have been used traditionally and the main factors influencing patterns shown by such knowledge. Quantitative techniques have been used to evaluate the relative usefulness of different types of wetland plants and regression analyses to determine the extent to which different quantitative indices give similar results.
Results:
350 wetland plant species, belonging to 66 families and 187 genera, were found to have been used traditionally in China for a wide range of purposes. The top ten families used, in terms of numbers of species, were Poaceae, Polygonaceae, Cyperaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Ranunculaceae, Hydrocharitaceae, Potamogetonaceae, Fabaceae, and Brassicaceae, in total accounting for 58.6% of all species used. These families often dominate wetland vegetation in China. The three most widely used genera were Polygonum, Potamogeton and Cyperus. The main uses of wetlands plants, in terms of numbers of species, were for medicine, food, and forage. Three different ways of assigning an importance value to species (Relative Frequency of Citation RFC; Cultural Importance CI; Cultural Value Index CV) all gave similar results.
Conclusions:
A diverse range of wetland plants, in terms of both taxonomic affiliation and type of use, have been used traditionally in China. Medicine, forage and food are the three most important categories of use, the plants providing basic resources used by local people in their everyday lives. Local availability is the main factor influencing which species are used. Quantitative indexes, especially Cultural Value Index, proved very useful for evaluating the usefulness of plants as recorded in the literature.
Background
Lung cancers are leading causes of cancer death, and Rumex japonicus has been traditionally used in folk medicine as anti-microorganic, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agents. This study was designed to investigate the anti-proliferative activity of physcion 8-O-β-glucopyranoside (PG) isolated from Rumex japonicus Houtt. on A549 cell lines.
Methods
In our present study, PG was isolated and identified from the ethanol extracts of R. japonicus. MTT method was used to evaluate the anti-proliferative activity of PG on A549 cell lines, and cell cycle distribution assay, apoptosis assay, and western blot analysis in vitro were used to explore the possible mechanisms.
Results
From the results of our present study, cell viability was obviously inhibited by PG, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Our results also suggested that the anti-proliferative effect of PG was related to cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase through repression of cdc2 and Cyclin B1 protein expression. In addition, the results of apoptosis assay and western blot analysis indicated that the anti-proliferative activity could be related to apoptosis via up-regulating the expressions of Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-7, and down-regulating the expressions of Bcl-2.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the PG has significant anti-proliferative activity on A549 cell lines, and the possible mechanism was related to cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, and apoptosis via the regulations of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 and caspase-7.
There are few publications on the use and diversity of wild leafy vegetables (WLVs) in Morocco. In order to address this gap, we conducted ethnobotanical field work in Taounate, Azilal and El House regions.
Ethnobotanical collections, free listing, qualitative interviews and a 7 day food frequency.
More than 30 species in 23 genera of WLV were identified. Of these 4 had not previously recorded as WLVs used in Morocco in the literature.WLVs were used by 84% of households surveyed in Taounate (N = 61, in March 2005), and that they were used up to 4 times a week. Qualitative data revealed both positive and negative perceptions of WLVs and detailed knowledge about preparation among women. The greatest diversity of WLV knowledge and use was in the Rif Mountains (Taounate). The data show significant variation in nomenclature and salience of WLVs, not only between regions, but also between villages in the same region. Within the same region (or even village) different local names were used for a given species or genus, and different species were identified by the same local name (including species from different botanical families). Data showed greater overlap in knowledge among villages using the same market.
We believe the results suggest that markets are important sites for WLV knowledge transmission.
Very few ethnoveterinary surveys have been conducted in central Europe. However, traditional knowledge on the use of medicinal plants might be an option for future concepts in treatment of livestock diseases. Therefore the aim of this study was to document and analyse the traditional knowledge and use of homemade herbal remedies for livestock by farmers in four north-eastern Swiss cantons (St. Gallen, Thurgau, Appenzell Innerrhoden and Appenzell Ausserrhoden).
Research was conducted in 2012. Fifty farmers on 38 farms were interviewed with the aid of semistructured interviews. Detailed information about the plants used, and their mode of preparation, were documented for each homemade remedy, as well as dosage, route of administration, category of use, origin of knowledge, frequency of use, and satisfaction with the outcome of the treatment with these remedies.
In total, 490 homemade remedies were collected. Out of these, 315 homemade remedies contained only one plant species (homemade single species herbal remedies, HSHR), which are presented in this paper. Seventy six different plant species from 44 botanical families were mentioned. The most frequent HSHR were quoted for the families of Asteraceae, Polygonaceae and Urticaceae. The plant species with the highest number of HSHRs were Matricaria recutita L., Calendula officinalis L., Rumex obtusifolius L. and Urtica dioica L. For each formulation, one to eight different applications were enumerated. A total of 428 applications were documented, the majority of which were used to treat cattle. The main applications were in treatment of skin afflictions and sores, followed by gastrointestinal disorders and metabolic dysfunctions. Topical administration was most frequently used, followed by oral administration of remedies. In nearly half of the cases the knowledge on preparing and using herbal remedies was from forefathers and relatives. More than one third of the applications were used by farmers more than ten times during the last five years, and in about sixty percent of the cases, the last application was during the last twelve months preceding the interviews.
Traditional knowledge of farmers about the use of medicinal plants to treat livestock exists in north-eastern Switzerland. Homemade herbal remedies based on this knowledge are being used. In general, the interviewed farmers were satisfied with the outcome of the applications.
Ethnoveterinary knowledge is highly significant for persistence of traditional community-based approaches to veterinary care. This is of particular importance in the context of developing and emerging countries, where animal health (that of livestock, especially) is crucial to local economies and food security. The current survey documents the traditional veterinary uses of medicinal plants in the Lesser Himalayas-Pakistan.
Data were collected through interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and by administering questionnaires. A total of 105 informants aged between 20-75 years old who were familiar with livestock health issues (i.e. farmers, shepherds, housewives and herbalists) participated in the study.
A total of 89 botanical taxa, belonging to 46 families, were reported to have ethnoveterinary applications. The most quoted families were Poaceae (6 taxa), Fabaceae (6), Asteraceae (5), and Polygonaceae (5). Adhatod avasica was the most cited species (43%), followed by Trachyspermum ammi (37%), and Zanthoxylum armatum var. armatum (36%). About 126 medications were recorded against more than 50 veterinary conditions grouped into seven categories. The highest cultural index values were recorded for Trachyspermum ammi, Curcuma longa, Melia azedarach, Zanthoxylum armatum var. armatum and Adhatoda vasica. The highest informant consensus factor was found for pathologies related to respiratory and reproductive disorders. Comparison with the local plant-based remedies used in human folk medicine revealed that many of remedies were used in similar ways in local human phytotherapy. Comparison with other field surveys conducted in surrounding areas demonstrated that approximately one-half of the recorded plants uses are novel to the ethnoveterinary literature of the Himalayas.
The current survey shows a remarkable resilience of ethnoveterinary botanical knowledge in the study area. Most of the species reported for ethnoveterinary applications are wild and under threat. Thus, not only is it imperative to conserve traditional local knowledge of folk veterinary therapies for bio-cultural conservation motives, but also to assist with in-situ and ex-situ environmental conservation initiatives, which are urgently needed. Future studies which focus on the validation of efficacy for use of these ethnoveterinary remedies can help to substantiate emic concepts regarding the management of animal health care and for rural development programs.
Achillea tenuifolia Lam. (Asteraceae) afforded a dichloromethane fraction from which three known compounds β-sitosterol (compound1), 5-hydroxy, 4',6,7- trimethoxy flavone (salvigenin compound 2), and methyl-gallate (compound 3) were isolated for the first time. The structure of isolated compounds was elucidated by different spectroscopic methods. Applying the molar-ratio method, the complexation of salvigenin with Fe (III), Cu(II) and Zn(II), the most abundant type of metal ions in the body, were then evaluated. It was determined that stoichiometric ratio of salvigenin with these cations were as Fe(Salvigenin)2 (H2O)2 and Cu(Salvigenin)2(H2O)2 in methanolic solution without pH control, while zinc ions didn`t form significant complexes. The results were confirmed more, by computational molecular modeling of the structure of proposed ligand-complexes by semi-imperical PM3 calculations, which determined negative heat of formation for the complexes Fe(III) and Cu(II) ions as -689.7 and -573.5, respectively and proposed chelating affinity of salvigenin in the following order: Fe(III) > Cu(II) > Zn(II).
Since ancient times, herbs have been used as natural remedies for curing many
physiological disorders. Traditional medicinal literature appreciated their value as nature’s gift to
mankind for the healing of illnesses. Some of the herbs have also been used for culinary
purposes, and few of them have been used in cheese manufacture both as coagulating agents and
flavour ingredients. Scientific investigations regarding biological activity and toxicity of
chemical moieties present in many herbs have been carried out over a period of time.
Consequently, literature related to the use of herbs or their functional ingredients in foods and
their interaction with food constituents has been appearing in recent times. This article presents
the information regarding some biologically active constituents occurring in commonly used
herbs viz. alkaloids, anthraquinones, bitters, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and essential oils, their
physiological functionalities and also description of few herbs of importance viz. Asparagus
racemosus, Withania somnifera, Bacopa monniera, Pueraria tuberose, Emblica officinalis,
Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica, Terminalia arjunaand Aloe vera, in terms of their
chemical composition, biological functionality and toxicity. This article also reviews the use of
herbs and their active ingredients in foods and their interactions with different food constituents.
The present study aimed to establish relationship between urease and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities on the one hand and on the other between anti-enzymatic activities and total phenolic contents of the methanolic extract of roots of Rumex acetosella and its fractions in various solvents. The methanolic extract and its fractions in chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water showed remarkable inhibitory activities against both urease and alpha-amylase, there was a close correspondence between urease and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities of the plant samples. The n-butanol fraction which had the highest total phenolic content (252.19±2.32 µg of Gallic Acid Equivalents/mg of dry mass of the sample) showed prominent activity against both urease and alpha-amylase indicating a possible role of phenolics in inhibiting the activities of these enzymes. The samples displayed enzyme inhibitory activities in a dose dependent manner and their effectiveness was comparable with that of the standards, thiourea (for urease) and acarbose (for alpha-amylase). The samples were manifold more effective against urease than alpha-amylase; 2.8 mg/mL of MeOH extract produced about 81% inhibition in alpha-amylase activity, while only 10 µg/mL of the extract was required to create the same inhibition in urease activity. The IC50 values of methanolic, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanolic, aqueous and standard solutions were 1.29, 1.31, 1.90, 1.38, 0.85 and 1.20 (mg/mL) respectively against alpha-amylase and 0.99, 3.89, 1.76, 0.91, 0.85 and 0.97 (μg/mL) respectively against urease. The total phenolic content in MeOH, hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water fractions was 108.88±2.65, 43.70±1.90, 34.44±2.30, 230.71±1.78, 252.19±2.32 and 94.07±2.25 respectively.
Background:
Dalmatia is an interesting place to study the use of wild greens as it lies at the intersection of influence of Slavs, who do not usually use many species of wild greens, and Mediterranean culinary culture, where the use of multiple wild greens is common. The aim of the study was to document the mixtures of wild green vegetables which are sold in all the vegetable markets of Dalmatia.
Methods:
All vendors (68) in all 11 major markets of the Dalmatian coast were interviewed. The piles of wild vegetables they sold were searched and herbarium specimens taken from them.
Results:
The mean number of species in the mix was 5.7. The most commonly sold wild plants are: Sonchus oleraceus L., Allium ampeloprasum L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Urospermum picroides F.W.Schmidt, Papaver rhoeas L., Daucus carota L., Taraxacum sp., Picris echioides L., Silene latifolia Poir. and Crepis spp. Also the cultivated beet (Beta vulgaris L.) and a few cultivated Brassicaceae varieties are frequent components. Wild vegetables from the mix are usually boiled for 20-30 minutes and dressed with olive oil and salt. Altogether at least 37 wild taxa and 13 cultivated taxa were recorded.Apart from the mixes, Asparagus acutifolius L. and Tamus communis L. shoots are sold in separate bunches (they are usually eaten with eggs), as well as some Asteraceae species, the latter are eaten raw or briefly boiled.
Conclusions:
The rich tradition of eating many wild greens may result both from strong Venetian and Greek influences and the necessity of using all food resources available in the barren, infertile land in the past. Although the number of wild-collected green vegetables is impressive we hypothesize that it may have decreased over the years, and that further in-depth local ethnobotanical studies are needed in Dalmatia to record the disappearing knowledge of edible plants.
The aim of this review is to present an overview of changes in the contemporary use of wild food plants in Europe, mainly using the examples of our home countries: Poland, Italy, Spain, Estonia and Sweden. We set the scene referring to the nutrition of 19th century peasants, involving many famine and emergency foods. Later we discuss such issues as children's wild snacks, the association between the decline of plant knowledge and the disappearance of plant use, the effects of over-exploitation, the decrease of the availability of plants due to ecosystem changes, land access rights for foragers and intoxication dangers. We also describe the 20th and 21st century vogues in wild plant use, particularly their shift into the domain of haute-cuisine.
Rumex dentatus L'. (Polygonaceae) plant is an annual or biennial herb, often grows wildly in moist areas, it is also known as introduced species that is, living outside its native distributional range. Chemical products and biological activity has been studied in the Egyptian R. dentatus, grown in Suez desert of Egypt. Chemical composition and biological activity of R. dentatus plants grow in Suez desert were verified in relation to R. dentatus plants grow elsewhere. Chemical fractionation of a methanolic extract of R. dentatus was performed using column chromatography. Cytotoxicity and antitumor effects were cheched through viability estimation of Ehrlich ascites carcinomaa cells in female Swiss albino mice. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using disc diffusion method. In addition, all antioxidant enzymes were determined spectrophotometrically. Six flavonol gycosides were detected. The cytotoxic activity revealed weak inhibition of carcinoma cell line growth but exhibited variable anticancer activity at elevated concentrations. The antimicrobial activity was moderate and the antioxidant enzymes activity was generally low. We concluded that R. dentatus plants grown at different environments have differential chemical composition and hence varied biological activities.
Rumex ecklonianus Meissner (Polygonaceae) is a wild South African herb whose leaves are edible when young. It is mildly purgative and is used in the treatment of chloro-sis and anemia. The polyphenolic content and antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the acetone, methanol, and wa-ter extracts were determined in this study. The concentra-tions of the different classes of phenolic compounds were higher in the acetone and methanol extracts when com-pared with the water extracts; this also correlates highly with the total phenolic content. Antioxidant activities of acetone and methanol extracts as assessed by three es-tablished in vitro methods, namely, 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods were comparable with that of buty-lated hydroxyl toluene. The extracts showed significant ac-tivity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bac-teria. The strongest antibacterial activity was found in the acetone extract, whose activity was pronounced on 7 of the 10 bacterial strains used, with a MIC value of 2.0 mg/mL. None of the extracts, however, inhibited Staphylococcus epidermidis or Salmonella pooni. The data obtained in this study suggest that R. ecklonianus may be a good candidate for functional foods as well as pharmaceutical plant-based products. This is the first report on the biological activity of R. ecklonianus.
This study is focused on ethnobotanical usages of wild plants growing within the Afyonkarahisar province districts of Sinanpaşa,
Hocalar and Dazkırı. Ninety local informants in 11 villages were interviewed. A total of 129 different usages of wild plants
in the study area were recorded. Out of 650 plant species commonly present, 93 plant taxa (14.3%) belonging to 43 families
were used for medicinal (52 citations), foodstuff (37 citations), fodder (14 citations), dye (six citations), firewood (five
citations), construction materials (four citations) and miscellaneous purposes (11 citations). At least 15% of the information
regarding ethnobotanical uses of wild plants was obtained by showing herbarium voucher samples to the informants. It was noted
that Sideritis leptoclada and Verbascum stenostachyum are endemic to Turkey and their endangered status has markedly increased in recent years because of increased collecting
for ethnobotanical purposes. Informants indicate that members of the younger generation have a much reduced interest in ethnobotanical
knowledge and that this is a danger to the continued use of local plants.
Utilization of biomass from forest or agricultural crops for the production of energy or chemical products provides environmental
advantages. Leaves of the knotweeds Fallopia japonica, Fallopia sachalinensis, and Fallopia × bohemica are rich sources of phenolics and polysaccharides. In view of their potential utilization before the disposal of these invasive
plants, their gross composition was investigated. The content of extractives was the highest in F. sachalinensis. Extractive-free leaves of all species showed similar chemical composition. The content of ash, protein, lignin, uronic acids,
and α-cellulose in the leaves of F. sachalinensis, F. × bohemica, and F. japonica was 63.3 %, 64.1 %, and 63.4 %, respectively. The rest comprised hemicelluloses and neutral carbohydrate components of pectic
polysaccharides. Sequential extraction of F. sachalinensis with water, EDTA, DMSO, 1 % NaOH, and 5 % NaOH yielded fractions accounting together for 27.6 % of polysaccharides. Pectic
polysaccharides predominated in the first three fractions, whereas the hemicellulose components — xylan and xyloglucan, prevailed
in the two alkaline fractions. The polysaccharides displayed significant radical scavenging activities in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl
free radical assay thus indicating their potential application as novel natural antioxidants.
Keywords
Fallopia species-leaves-composition-non-cellulosic polysaccharides-phenolics-flavonoids-radical scavenging activity
The present study was designed to investigate the anti-sepsis effects of physcion 8-O-β-glucopyranoside (POG) isolated from Rumex japonicas and explore its possible pharmacological mechanisms. POG was extracted from R. japonicas by bioactivity-guided isolation with the anti-sepsis agents. Survival analysis in septic mouse induced by LPS and heat-killed Escherichia coli were used to evaluate the protective effect of POG (40 mg·kg⁻¹, i.p.) on sepsis. Cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS (100 ng·mL⁻¹) were determined by ELISA. In addition, the proteins expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 were determined by Western blotting assay. Our results demonstrated that POG (40 mg·kg⁻¹, i.p.) possessed significant protective activity on the endotoxemic mice. The POG treatment (20, 40, and 80 μg·mL⁻¹) significantly decreased the TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 induced by LPS (P < 0.01) in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, the TLR4 and TLR2 proteins were also down-regulated by POG at 20 (P < 0.01), 40 (P < 0.01), and 80 μg·mL⁻¹ (P < 0.01). The present study demonstrated that the POG extracted from R. japonicas possessed significant anti-sepsis effect on endotoxemic mice, and can be developed as a novel drug for treating sepsis in the future.
Plants belonging to the genus Rumex (family Polygonaceae) are used worldwide in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases caused by different microorganisms (e.g. bacteria-related dermatologic conditions, dysentery and enteritis). The present study focused on the antibacterial screening of Rumex species native to the Carpathian Basin, and isolation of compounds from one of the most efficient species, Rumex aquaticus. The antibacterial effects of n-hexane, chloroform and aqueous fractions of methanol extracts prepared from different parts of 14 Rumex species (R. acetosella, R. acetosa, R. alpinus, R. aquaticus, R. conglomeratus, R. crispus, R. hydrolapathum, R. obtusifolius subsp. obtusifolius, R. obtusifolius subsp. subalpinus, R. patientia, R. pulcher, R. scutatus, R. stenophyllus and R. thyrsiflorus) were investigated against Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, MRSA, Bacillus subtilis, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, S. agalactiae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae using the disc diffusion method. Mainly the n-hexane and chloroform extracts prepared from the roots of the plants displayed high antibacterial activity (inhibition zones > 15 mm) against one or more bacterial strains. The highly active extracts of the aerial part and root of R. aquaticus were subjected to a multistep separation procedure. 19 Compounds, among them naphthalenes (musizin, and its glucoside, torachrysone-glucoside, 2-methoxystypandrone), anthraquinones (emodin, chrysophanol, physcion, citreorosein, chrysophanol-8-O-glucoside), flavonoids (quercetin, quercetin-3,3′-dimethylether, isokaempferide, quercetin 3-O-arabinoside, quercetin 3-O-galactoside, catechin), stilbenes (resveratrol, piceid), and 1-stearoylglycerol were isolated from the plant. The antibacterial activities of isolated compounds were determined, and it was observed that especially naphthalenes exerted remarkable antibacterial effects against several bacterial strains.
The Rumex Aquaticus Herba extract containing quercetin-3-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (ECQ) has been reported to exhibit various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. This plant has been traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhea, disinfestation, edema and jaundice, and as an antipyretic drug. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of ECQ to protect against oxidative damage and to determine its signaling mechanism in AGS cells. The protein expressions of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) were measured by Western blots. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Glutathione peroxidase levels were measured using kits. The protein expressions of HO-1 and its upstream mediator, Nrf2, increased after ECQ treatment. The HO-1 inhibitor, ZnPP, repressed the protective effect of ECQ on H2O2-induced cell damage. We found that LY294002, a specific PI3 K/Akt inhibitor, suppressed ECQ-induced HO-1 expression. ECQ significantly attenuated H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and ROS generation. Also, ECQ enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities of glutathione peroxidase. These results suggest that ECQ exerts a cytoprotective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress by upregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 via the PI3 K/Akt pathway.
The extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) -producing Escherichia coli strains can lead to various infections particularly urinary tract infections. The main objective of this investigation was to evaluate the antibacterial activities of essential oils (EOs) from different Iranian medicinal plants against TEM gene positive ESBL-producing E. coli strains isolated from urine samples of patients with urinary tract infections. EOs were extracted using hydrodistillation method. E. coli strains were isolated by different specific Medias. ESBL-producing E. coli strains were isolated from urine samples of patients with urinary tract infections in Shiraz hospital, Iran. Then, ESBL- producing strains were identified using double disk synergy test, phenotypic disc confirmatory test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for TEM gene detection. The antibacterial activity of the EOs from different plants (Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch, Echinophora platyloba DC., Lallemantia royleana, Nepeta persica Boiss., Pulicaria vulgaris Gaertn., Salvia nemorosa, and Satureja intermedia C.A.Mey) and antibiotics against ESBL-producing strains was studied using the microdilution method for the evaluation of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The 103 out of 295 E. coli strains with 97 (90.65%) TEM gene distributions were identified as ESBL-producing strains. All of the EOs derived from different plants displayed high inhibitory effects against ESBL-producing E. coli strains. The results of our investigations may propose a good treatment option against resistant infectious bacteria.
The present study examined the effects of Allium paradoxum (M.B.) G. Don. and Eryngium caucasicum Trauve . extracts on the lipid oxidation and quality deterioration indices, microbiological as well as sensory characteristics in silver carp ( Hypophthalmichthys molitrix ) fillets during storage at 4 °C ± 1. Treatments applied in the study including the following: control (without plant extracts), 2% and 4% (w/v) plant extracts. The addition of plant extracts significantly delayed oxidative deterioration in silver carp fillets during refrigerated storage as shown by the PV, TBARS, Acid Value and TVB‐N data ( P < 0.05). The results also showed that natural compounds from A. paradoxum and E. caucasicum extracts resulted in lower bacterial growth in fish fillets during the refrigerated storage period. Comparing to the control samples, the psychrophilic bacterial counts (PTC) and total viable count (TVC) values for the E. caucasicum (2.0%) and E. caucasicum (4.0%), A. paradoxum (2.0%), A. paradoxum (4.0%) treatments were above the acceptability limit (7 log 10 colony‐forming unit/g) at the end of 6, 9, 12, 9 and 15th day of storage, respectively. It was observed that addition of A. paradoxum at 4% to fish fillets increased its shelf‐life while the addition of E. caucasicum at 4.0% made a positive effect on sensory quality. These results suggested that A. paradoxum and E. caucasicum extracts have the potential to be used as natural preservatives for shelf‐life extension of fish products.
Practical Applications
The exploration of naturally occurring antimicrobials in food preservation receives increasing attention because of consumer awareness of natural food products. Biopreservatives are useful in extending the foods shelf‐life, reducing or eliminating pathogenic bacteria and increasing the overall quality of food products. In this work, we evaluated the effects of two natural extracts, from Allium paradoxum and Eryngium caucasicum , on the fish product quality, such as rancidity indices, microbiological and sensory qualities during refrigerated storage. To our knowledge, the application of A. paradoxum and E. caucasicum extracts in shelf‐life extension of fish product has not been studied previously. The present study showed that both E. caucasicum , A. paradoxum extracts, regarding to their antioxidant and antibacterial properties, could efficiently retard microbial growth, delay chemical deterioration, maintain or improve sensory attributes and extend the shelf‐life of the silver carp fillets during refrigerated storage.
Roots of Rumex crispus (Rc) (Polygonaceae) has been used as therapeutic agents of acute and chronic cutaneous diseases, cathartics, fever and jaundice in folk medicines. Recently, Seeds of Rc has known as a digestive, an anticancer agent and a remedy of acute hepatitis, among many traditional folk medicines. So far it isn't reported about pharmacological effects of Rumecis Semen. The present study describes the preliminary evaluations of biological activities, anti-inflammatory activity (AA, Carrageenan) analgesic activity (writhing test), and hepatoprotective activities (CCl4), of its methanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction and butanol fraction. Among them butanol fraction showed the highest activity in analgesic acivity.
The present study was undertaken to investigate the diuretic activity of Rumex vesicariys.Linn and its formulation in experimental rats. The preliminary phytochemical investigation was carried out to identify the various chemical constituents present in the alcoholic extract. It was found that the Rumex vesicarius contain carbohydrate, glycosides, saponin, steroids, and flavonoids and anthraquinones. The diuretic properties of Rumex vesicarius were evaluated by determination of urine volume, electrolyte concentration,diuretic activity,diuretic action and saluteric index in male albino rats. Different concentrations of Rumex vesicarius benzene and ethanol extract (750mg/kg, 1000mg/kg) were orally administered to hydrated rats & their urine output was immediately measured for 6 hours of treatment. Frusemide (0.10mg/10g) was used as reference drug while Tween 80 solution was used as control. Rumex vesicarius exhibited dose dependent diuretic property. The onset of diuretic action was extremely prompt (with in 1 hour) are lasted through out the study period (up to 6 hours). The result suggests that the ethanol extract (1000mg/ml) of Rumex vesicarius.Linn possess significant diuretic activity.But the formulation(syrup) shows less activity than the Ethanol extract (1000mg/ml),it may be due to the sugar base which is interfering in the urine excretion.
Five anthraquinones, emodin (1), -hydroxyemodin (2), chrysophanol-8-O--D-glucoside (3), emodin-8-O--D-glucoside (4), and physcion-8-O--D-glucoside (5), and five flavonoids, kaempferol-3-O--D-glucoside (6), quercetin (7), quercitrin (8), isoquercitrin (9), and (+)-catechin (10), were isolated from the EtOAc-soluble extract of the fruits of Rumex japonicus. The structures of 1-10 were identified by spectroscopic methods including NMR studies. This is the first report on the isolation of compounds 3-5 from this plant. The isolates were subjected to in vitro bioassays to evaluate their inhibitory activities on the rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR), among which two anthraquinones (1 and 4), and five flavonols (5-9) showed significant activities on RLAR.
A compound was isolated from the root of Rumex japonicus. Based on spectroscopic data including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, the chemical structure of the compound was determined to be 1,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-6-methylanthracene-9,10-dione. The compound exhibits antitumor activity due to inhibition of clonogenicity and induction of tumor suppressor early growth response gene-1 in HCT116 colon cancer cells.
Salvialeriol (1), a new abietane-type diterpene, was isolated from Salvia leriifolia Benth. (Salvia leriaefolia), along with two known abietane-type diterpenoids, 6-hydroxysalvinolone (2) and deacetylnemorone (3), and two known triterpenes, 2-acetoxylupeol (4), and lupine-2,3-diol (5). Compounds 2–5 are reported here for the first time from this species. Compound 4 was previously reported as a synthetic derivative of 5 and this is the first report of its isolation from a natural source. Compounds 2, 3 and 5 exhibited a potent antiproliferative activity against the prostate cancer cell lines (PC3) with IC50 of 3.9 ± 0.1, 6.2 ± 0.1 and 2.8 ± 0.1 μM, respectively, and cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa) with IC50 of 8.0 ± 0.3, 2.6 ± 0.1 and 2.7 ± 0.1 μM, respectively. Whereas compounds 1 and 4 showed moderate antiproliferative activities against the cell lines. Compounds 1–5 were also evaluated for the inhibition of α-chymotrypsin, a protease enzyme, and 2 exhibited a competitive inhibition of the enzyme (IC50 = 188.8 μM).
The root exudates fromPolygonum sachalinense in a recirculating system significantly inhibited lettuce seedling growth. The rhizomes and roots ofP. sachalinense were extracted with 80% acetone. Bioassay of the neutral-acidic fraction on the TLC agar plate showed the inhibitory activity
corresponded to the two yellow pigment bands. Two orange needles were isolated and identified as anthraquinone compounds:
emodin and physcion. Both compounds exhibited inhibitory activities against the seedling growth of several testing plant species.
Glucosides were isolated fromP. sachalinense and were identified as emodin-1-O-β-D-glucoside and physcion-1-O-β-D-glucoside, respectively. On plant growth bioassay, these glucosides showed no phytotoxic activity against lettuce seedlings.
The concentrations of emodin, physcion, and their glucosides from rhizome with roots, aerial parts, fallen leaves, and soil
were determined. The rhizome with roots and fallen leaves contained emodin and physcion at relatively high concentrations.
Emodin also occurs in the soil of this plant community with effective concentrations in the fall. The results indicate that
these anthraquinones are responsible for the observed interference and are potent allelopathic substances.
Labelling experiments are described which shed light on the late steps of the biosynthesis of an acetate-derived naphthol (2-acetyl-3-methylnaphthalene-1,8-diol) in Rumex alpinus L.
Two new naphthalene acylglucosides, rumexneposides A (1) and B (2), together with 12 known compounds (3-14), were isolated from the roots of Rumex nepalensis. Their structures were established by chemical and spectroscopic methods. The biological activities of compounds 1-14 as well as an additional 11 compounds previously isolated from R. nepalensis and Rumex hastatus (15–25) were evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, para-aminobenzoic acid (pAba) pathway, and a panel of human cancer cell lines. The results showed that compound 15 was the most active against M. tuberculosis with an MIC value of 2.85 μM similar to that of isoniazid. Compound 5 could inhibit pAba synthetic pathway with an MIC value of 12.6 μM, comparable to that of positive control abyssomicin C, representing a new example of the rare pAba pathway inhibitors.
This study was designed to examine the in vitro. antibacterial activities of Rumex alpinus. L. and Rumex caucasicus. L. (Polygonacea), both known as “kivircik labada” or “evelik” in Turkey, and used to treat constipation, diarrhea, and eczema. Aerial parts of Rumex alpinus. and Rumex caucasicus., extracted with water and methanol, were screened for in vitro. activity by using disk diffusion assays against 121 strains belonging to 52 bacterial species. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of single compounds were determined by the microbroth dilution method. The aqueous extract of each species had no antibacterial effect against the test microorganisms, whereas the methanol extract of both species had an inhibitory effect on the growth of microorganisms. Rumex caucasicus. was found to be more effective than Rumex alpinus. on the tested microorganisms. This is the first report of the antibacterial potency of Rumex alpinus. and Rumex caucasicus. on a range of foodborne bacteria. The results provide evidence that Rumex alpinus. and Rumex caucasicus. might be potential sources of new antibacterial agents.
Aqueous and organic extracts of 27 selected species from five genera (Fallopia, Oxyria, Persicaria, Polygonum and Rumex) of the family Polygonaceae occurring in the Carpathian Basin were screened in vitro for antiproliferative activity against HeLa (cervix epithelial adenocarcinoma), A431 (skin epidermoid carcinoma) and MCF7 (breast epithelial adenocarcinoma) cells, using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. A total of 196 n-hexane, chloroform, 50% methanol or water extracts of different plant parts were investigated. It was found that extracts of Polygonum hydropiper, Rumex acetosa, Rumex alpinus, Rumex aquaticus, Rumex scutatus and Rumex thyrsiflorus at 10 or 30 µg/mL demonstrated substantial cell growth inhibitory activity (at least 50% inhibition of cell proliferation) against one or more cell lines. R. acetosa and R. thyrsiflorus proved to be the most active and are considered worthy of activity-guided phytochemical investigations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.