Anti-inflammatory activity and molecular mechanism of delphinidin 3-sambubioside, a Hibiscus anthocyanin

Total synthesis and structural modification of the dibenzylbutane lignan LCA as a potent anti-inflammatory agent against LPS-induced acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious public health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, few efficacious drugs are clinically available. Inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines is considered to be a promising method for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Herein, the total synthesis of a dibenzylbutane lignan, 9'-O-di-(E)-feruloyl-meso-5,5'-dimethoxysecoisolariciresinol (LCA), was completed. A series of LCA derivatives were designed and synthesized, and their anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. Derivative 14r significantly inhibited LPS-induced expression of NO and the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in RAW 264.7 cells and inhibited activation of the NF-κB pathway. Compound 14r reduced LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation and ALI in mice. It showed significant protective effects against LPS-induced ALI in mice and significantly reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The ratio of wet weight to dry weight of lung tissue was normalized by compound 14r, which was consistent with suppression of neutrophil infiltration and production of proinflammatory cytokines. Compound 14r reduced the mRNA expression of some proinflammatory cytokines, improved histopathologic changes, and reduced macrophage infiltration in lung tissues. Collectively, these results suggest a new series of LCA derivatives that could be promising anti-inflammatory agents for ALI treatment.

Niosome as a promising tool for increasing the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory compounds

Niosomes are drug delivery systems with widespread applications in pharmaceutical research and the cosmetic industry. Niosomes are vesicles of one or more bilayers made of non-ionic surfactants, cholesterol, and charge inducers. Because of their bilayer characteristics, similar to liposomes, niosomes can be loaded with lipophilic and hydrophilic cargos. Therefore, they are more stable and cheaper in preparation than liposomes. They can be classified into four categories according to their sizes and structures, namely small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs), large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs,), multilamellar vesicles (MLVs), and multivesicular vesicles (MVVs). There are many methods for niosome preparation, such as thin-film hydration, solvent injection, and heating method. The current study focuses on the preparation methods and pharmacological effects of niosomes loaded with natural and chemical anti-inflammatory compounds in kinds of literature during the past decade. We found that most research was carried out to load anti-inflammatory agents like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) into niosome vesicles. The studies revealed that niosomes could improve anti-inflammatory agents' physicochemical properties, including solubility, cellular uptake, stability, encapsulation, drug release and liberation, efficiency, and oral bioavailability or topical absorption. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).

In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion Affects the Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds in Hibiscus sabdariffa Beverages

Hibiscus sabdariffa possess great versatility to be used as an ingredient for a whole range of products with natural-based ingredients, which are growing in popularity due to the health benefits of bioactive compounds (BC). Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the BC content in Hibiscus beverages and to evaluate their in vitro bioaccessibility. Results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the total contents of BC prior to the in vitro intestinal digestion. Hibiscus acid was the most abundant compound identified. Thirty-five compounds were identified in the Hibiscus beverage at the initial stage, while a maximum of 15 compounds were quantified in the different fractions of gastrointestinal digestion. After digestion, significant differences were found compared with the initial content of BC. That phenolic acids were the less bioaccessible group, while flavonoids were the most diverse. Principal components analysis showed different clusters and changes in the profiles of BC present at the initial stage and those bioaccessible, showing that intestinal digestion significantly affects the BC profile of the beverage.

Hibiscus, Rooibos, and Yerba Mate for Healthy Aging: A Review on the Attenuation of In Vitro and In Vivo Markers Related to Oxidative Stress, Glycoxidation, and Neurodegeneration

The world is currently undergoing a demographic change towards an increasing number of elderly citizens. Aging is characterized by a temporal decline in physiological capacity, and oxidative stress is a hallmark of aging and age-related disorders. Such an oxidative state is linked to a decrease in the effective mechanisms of cellular repair, the incidence of post-translational protein glycation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurodegeneration, just to name some of the markers contributing to the establishment of age-related reduction-oxidation, or redox, imbalance. Currently, there are no prescribed therapies to control oxidative stress; however, there are strategies to elevate antioxidant defenses and overcome related health challenges based on the adoption of nutritional therapies. It is well known that herbal teas such, as hibiscus, rooibos, and yerba mate, are important sources of antioxidants, able to prevent some oxidation-related stresses. These plants produce several bioactive metabolites, have a pleasant taste, and a long-lasting history as safe foods. This paper reviews the literature on hibiscus, rooibos, and yerba mate teas in the context of nutritional strategies for the attenuation of oxidative stress-related glycoxidation and neurodegeneration, and, here, Alzheimer’s Disease is approached as an example. The focus is given to mechanisms of glycation inhibition, as well as neuroprotective in vitro effects, and, in animal studies, to frame interest in these plants as nutraceutical agents related to current health concerns.

Computer-aided identification of cholinergic and monoaminergic inhibitory flavonoids from Hibiscus sabdariffa L

BACKGROUND

The reduced levels of acetylcholine and dopamine lead to Alzheimer's disease AD and Parkinson disease PD, respectively, due to the action of cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase B.

METHODS

Therapeutic options for AD and PD involve respective cholinergic and monoaminergic inhibitors, and considering the adverse outcomes of cholinergic- and monoaminergic- inhibitory therapeutics, phytoconstituents may be promising alternatives. Reports have shown that different extracts of the calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa exhibit anticholinesterase and monoamine oxidase B inhibitory properties with potential to delay and prevent the development of AD and PD. However, there is limited knowledge on the multitarget cholinergic and monoaminergic inhibitory activities of individual compounds in this plant. Computational methods were used to identify the specific compounds responsible for the observed cholinergic and monoaminergic inhibitory activities of the H. sabdariffa calyx extracts.

RESULTS

Results confirm that three flavonoids: delphinidin-3-sambubioside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside and quercetin-3-rutinoside showed strong binding affinity with acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase B while the observed stability of the ligands-enzymes complexes over the MD simulation time suggests their cholinergic and monoaminergic inhibitory properties.

CONCLUSION

The three flavonoids may be responsible for the reported anticholinergic and monoaminergic inhibitory potentials of H. sabdariffa extracts and could be enlisted as multi-target inhibitory agents for cholinesterases and monoamine oxidase B.

Chronic Inflammation in Non-Healing Skin Wounds and Promising Natural Bioactive Compounds Treatment

Chronic inflammation is one of the hallmarks of chronic wounds and is tightly coupled to immune regulation. The dysregulation of the immune system leads to continuing inflammation and impaired wound healing and, subsequently, to chronic skin wounds. In this review, we discuss the role of the immune system, the involvement of inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species, the complication of bacterial infections in chronic wound healing, and the still-underexplored potential of natural bioactive compounds in wound treatment. We focus on natural compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities and their mechanisms of action, as well as on recent wound treatments and therapeutic advancements capitalizing on nanotechnology or new biomaterial platforms.

Development of a Sericin Hydrogel to Deliver Anthocyanins from Purple Waxy Corn Cob (Zea mays L.) Extract and In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Sericin-alginate hydrogel formulations with purple waxy corn (Zea mays L.) cob extract (PWCC) for topical anti-inflammatory application are developed and evaluated. The physical properties such as viscosity, pH, and anthocyanin release are examined and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities, such as NO inhibition and IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2 expression, are evaluated in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. The sericin-alginate hydrogel is prepared by physical crosslinking through the ionic interaction of the polymers combined with anthocyanin from PWCC at pH 6.5. The hydrogel formulation with 2.00% w/v sericin, 0.20% w/v alginate, and 0.15% w/v PWCC (SN6) shows a suitable viscosity for topical treatment, the highest nitric oxide inhibition (79.43%), no cytotoxicity, and reduced expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α mediators. Moreover, the SN6 formulation displays a sustained anthocyanin release over 8–12 h, which correlates with the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. The FT-IR spectrum of SN6 confirmed interaction of the sericin polymer with anthocyanins from PWCC via H-bonding by the shifted peak of amide I and amide III. In addition, the anthocyanin is stable in sericin hydrogels under heating-cooling storage conditions. Therefore, we suggest that this hydrogel formulation has potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. The formulation will be further investigated for in vivo studies and clinical trials in the future.

A Distinct Hibiscus sabdariffa Extract Prevents Iron Neurotoxicity, a Driver of Multiple Sclerosis Pathology

Iron deposition in the brain begins early in multiple sclerosis (MS) and continues unabated. Ferrous iron is toxic to neurons, yet the therapies used in MS do not counter iron neurotoxicity. Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) are used in many cultures for medicinal purposes. We collected a distinct HS extract and found that it abolished the killing of neurons by iron in culture; medications used in MS were ineffective when similarly tested. Neuroprotection by HS was not due to iron chelation or anthocyanin content. In free radical scavenging assays, HS was equipotent to alpha lipoic acid, an anti-oxidant being tested in MS. However, alpha lipoic acid was only modestly protective against iron-mediated killing. Moreover, a subfraction of HS without radical scavenging activity negated iron toxicity, whereas a commercial hibiscus preparation with anti-oxidant activity could not. The idea that HS might have altered properties within neurons to confer neuroprotection is supported by its amelioration of toxicity caused by other toxins: beta-amyloid, rotenone and staurosporine. Finally, in a mouse model of MS, HS reduced disability scores and ameliorated the loss of axons in the spinal cord. HS holds therapeutic potential to counter iron neurotoxicity, an unmet need that drives the progression of disability in MS.

Rational selection of bioactive principles for wound healing applications: Growth factors and antioxidants

Wound healing is a complex process of communication between growth factors, reactive species of oxygen, cells, signalling pathways, and cytokines in the extracellular matrix, in which growth factors are the key regulators. In humans, the main regulators of the cellular responses in wound healing are five growth factors, namely EGF, bFGF, VEGF, and TGF-β1. On the other hand, antioxidants such as astaxanthin, beta-carotene, epigallocatechin gallate, delphinidin, and curcumin have been demonstrated to stimulate cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis, and control inflammation, to suggest a practical approach to design new strategies to treat non-healing cutaneous conditions. Based on the individual effects of growth factors and antioxidants, it may be envisioned that the use of both types of bioactives in wound healing formulations may have an additive or synergistic effect on the healing potential. This review addresses the effect of growth factors and antioxidants on wound healing-related processes. Furthermore, a prospective on their potential additive or synergistic effect on wound healing formulations, based on their individual effects, is presented. This may serve as a guide for the development of a new generation of wound healing formulations.

Delphinidin diminishes in vitro interferon-γ and interleukin-17 producing cells in patients with psoriatic disease

The anthocyanidin delphinidin reduces psoriasiform lesions and inflammatory mediators in human cell culture systems. Its role in psoriatic disease has not yet been investigated. We assessed delphinidin's in vitro immunomodulatory effect on ex vivo stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 50 individuals [26 with psoriasis, 10 with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and 14 healthy controls (HCs)]. Cells were either left untreated or stimulated with PMA plus ionomycin in the presence or absence of delphinidin. Intracellular production of interferon-γ (IFNγ), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) was measured flow cytometrically. Delphinidin dose-dependently reduced IFNγ⁺ T cells from patients and HCs. The mean IFNγ decrease in CD4⁺ T subpopulations was 42.5 ± 28% for psoriasis patients, 51.8 ± 21.5% for PsA patients and 49 ± 17% for HCs (p < 0.001 for all). Similarly, IFNγ reduction in CD8⁺ T cells was 34 ± 21.6% for psoriasis patients, 47.1 ± 22.8% for PsA and 44.8 ± 14.3% for HCs (P < 0.001 for all). An inhibitory effect of delphinidin was also noted in IFNγ producing NKs and NKTs from psoriasis individuals. Delphinidin also significantly decreased IL-17⁺ CD4⁺ T cells in all tested subjects, with marginal effect on the increase of IL-10-producing T regulatory subsets. In conclusion, delphinidin exerts a profound in vitro anti-inflammatory effect in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by inhibiting IFNγ⁺ innate and adaptive cells and T helper (Th) 17 cells. If this effect is also exerted in vivo, delphinidin may be regarded as a nutraceutical with immunosuppressive potential.

Anthocyanin Extract from Purple Sweet Potato Exacerbate Mitophagy to Ameliorate Pyroptosis in Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection

Given the rise of morbidity and mortality caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP), the increasing number of strains resistant to antibiotics, and the emergence of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumonia, treatment of KP infection becomes difficult; thus, novel drugs are necessary for treatment. Anthocyanins, or natural flavonoids, have an extensive effect against bacterial infection. However, few studies on anti-KP are identified. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of purple sweet potato anthocyanins (PSPAs) on KP, containing 98.7% delphinidin 3-sambubioside. Results showed that KP-infected mice after PSPAs treatment manifested decreased mortality, weakened lung injury, dampened inflammatory responses, and reduced bacterial systemic dissemination in vivo. In Vitro, PSPAs significantly suppressed pyroptosis and restricted NLRP3 inflammasome activation in alveolar macrophages infected with KP. As for the mechanism, PSPAs promote mitophagy by recruiting Parkin to the mitochondria. PSPAs-conferred mitophagy increased mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial DNA, resulting in impaired NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In addition, the promotion of mitophagy by PSPAs required the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Collectively, these findings suggest that PSPAs are a potential option for the treatment of KP infection.

Synthesis and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of novel 8-quinolinesulfonamide derivatives as TLR4/MD-2 inhibitors with efficacy in adjuvant-induced arthritis

In this study, a series of 8-quinolinesulfonamidederivatives was synthesized, and their anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated. Among them, compound 3l was found to be the best anti-inflammatory agent, with IC50 values of 2.61 ± 0.39, 9.74 ± 0.85, and 12.71 ± 1.34 μM against NO, TNF-α and IL-1β production respectively. And 3l could significantly prevent lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of inflammatory mediators (iNOS and COX-2). Molecule docking results showed that 3l could bind to the LPS binding site of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/MD-2, and 3l was then identified as TLR4/MD-2 inhibitor by co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and cellular thermal shift assay (CTESA). Preliminary mechanism studies indicated that 3l could prevent TLR4 from being activated by disrupting TLR4/MD-2 heterodimerization and TLR4 homodimerization, thereby blocking the activation of the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, observation of rat foot swelling, joint pathology and serum inflammatory cytokine levels proved that compound 3l had a significant therapeutic effect on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats in vivo. These results indicated that compound 3l is a potential anti-inflammatory agent, from which more effective anti-inflammatory drugs could be developed.

Delphinidin modulates JAK/STAT3 and MAPKinase signaling to induce apoptosis in HCT116 cells

Delphinidin is an anthocyanin that belongs to the group of flavonoids that exert numerous biological activities. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of delphinidin remain poorly understood. In our study we analyzed delphinidin modulate STAT-3 and MAPKinase signaling thereby inhbits cell proliferation and promote apoptosis. Our study demonstrated that delphinidin treatment significantly reduced the viability of human colon cancer HCT116 in a concentration-dependent manner. We noticed that delphinidin effectively induced oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis by generating intracellular ROS, decreasing antioxidant levels, inducing lipid peroxidation, and single-strand break on colon cancer cells. In this study, we observed that delphinidin treatment alters the mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby induces apoptosis was closely associated with the induction of pro-apoptotic Bax, Caspase- 3,8 & 9, cytochrome C, and inhibition of anti-apoptotic protein expression. Studies on STAT-3 and MAPKinase signaling showed delphinidin inhibited the phosphorylation of these transcription factors' activity. Inhibition of STAT-3, p38, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and modulation pro-apoptotic protein expression might be responsible for the anticancer activity of delphinidin in colon cancer cells.

Molecular docking of secondary metabolites from Indonesian marine and terrestrial organisms targeting SARS-CoV-2 ACE-2, M pro, and PL pro receptors

With the uncontrolled spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), development and distribution of antiviral drugs and vaccines have gained tremendous importance. This study focused on two viral proteases namely main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) and human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE-2) to identify which of these are essential for viral replication. We screened 102 secondary metabolites against SARS-CoV-2 isolated from 36 terrestrial plants and 36 marine organisms from Indonesian biodiversity. These organisms are typically presumed to have antiviral effects, and some of them have been used as an immunomodulatory activity in traditional medicine. For the molecular docking procedure to obtain Gibbs free energy value (∆G), toxicity, ADME and Lipinski, AutoDock Vina was used. In this study, five secondary metabolites, namely corilagin, dieckol, phlorofucofuroeckol A, proanthocyanidins, and isovitexin, were found to inhibit ACE-2, Mpro, and PLpro receptors in SARS-CoV-2, with a high affinity to the same sites of ptilidepsin, remdesivir, and chloroquine as the control molecules. This study was delimited to molecular docking without any validation by simulations concerned with molecular dynamics. The interactions with two viral proteases and human ACE-2 may play a key role in developing antiviral drugs for five active compounds. In future, we intend to investigate antiviral drugs and the mechanisms of action by in vitro study.

Acai berry extract as a regulator of intestinal inflammation pathways in a Caco-2 and RAW 264.7 co-culture model

The aim of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of acai berries in a Caco-2 and RAW 264.7 macrophage co-culture model. The acai berry extract (ABE) was prepared using 70% ethanol, and total anthocyanin, polyphenol, and flavonoid contents in ABE were analyzed. To the antioxidant activity of ABE, we measured radical scavenging activity as well as ferric reducing antioxidant power values. Prior to inducing inflammation, Caco-2 cells were co-cultured with RAW 264.7. Inflammation was induced using lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in RAW 264.7 cells. The transepithelial electrical resistance value was significantly recovered and the mRNA level of tight junction proteins, including ZO-1, JAM-1, and claudin-4, tended to increase compared with that in the LPS group. LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and prostaglandin E2 levels reduced significantly following treatment with the highest ABE concentration. In the highest ABE concentration, the phosphorylation of p65, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase was downregulated compared with the LPS group. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase showed a decreased tendency. These results suggest that acai berry may improve gastrointestinal health. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Acai berry is known to have abundant anthocyanin, which has many biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihypertensive, and anticytotoxic/cytoprotective activities. This study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of acai berry extracts via TEER value, expression of tight junction protein, and production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines in the Caco-2 and RAW 264.7 co-culture model. Therefore, acai berry has the potential to prevent intestinal inflammatory diseases.

Anthocyanin complex niosome gel accelerates oral wound healing: In vitro and clinical studies

An anthocyanin complex (AC), composed of extracts of purple waxy corn and blue butterfly pea petals, and AC niosomes, bilayered vesicles of non-ionic surfactants, were compared in in vitro and clinical studies. Cultured fibroblasts subjected to a scratch wound were monitored for cell viability, cell migration, nuclear morphology and protein expression. Scratched cells showed accelerated wound healing activity, returning to normal 24 h after treatment with AC niosomes (0.002 mg/mL). Western blots and immunocytochemistry indicated upregulation of type I, III and IV collagens, fibronectin and laminins in AC niosome-treated scratched cells. A randomized block placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial in 60 volunteers (18-60 years old) with oral wounds indicated that AC niosome gel accelerated wound closure, reduced pain due to the oral wounds and improved participants' quality of life more than AC gel, triamcinolone gel and placebo gel. These data are consistent with enhanced delivery of AC to fibroblasts by use of niosomes. AC niosomes activated fibroblasts within wounded regions and accelerated wound healing, indicating that AC niosomes have therapeutic potential.

Antioxidant and anticancer potentials of edible flowers: where do we stand?

Edible flowers are attracting special therapeutic attention and their administration is on the rise. Edible flowers play pivotal modulatory roles on oxidative stress and related interconnected apoptotic/inflammatory pathways toward the treatment of cancer. In this review, we highlighted the phytochemical content and therapeutic applications of edible flowers, as well as their modulatory potential on the oxidative stress pathways and apoptotic/inflammatory mediators, resulting in anticancer effects. Edible flowers are promising sources of phytochemicals (e.g., phenolic compounds, carotenoids, terpenoids) with several therapeutic effects. They possess anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-depressant, anxiolytic, anti-obesity, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Edible flowers potentially modulate oxidative stress by targeting erythroid nuclear transcription factor-2/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (Nrf2/ERK/MAPK), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant response elements (AREs). As the interconnected pathways to oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukins (ILs) as well as apoptotic pathways such as Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), Bcl-2, caspase and cytochrome C are critical targets of edible flowers in combating cancer. In this regard, edible flowers could play promising anticancer effects by targeting oxidative stress and downstream dysregulated pathways.

Immunomodulatory and Mechanistic Considerations of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) in Dysfunctional Immune Responses: A Systematic Review

Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx (HS) water decoction extract is a commonly consumed beverage with various pharmacological properties. This systematic review examines the possible effect of HS intake on immune mediators. The Scopus and PUBMED databases were searched for all human and animal studies that investigated the effect of HS administration on immune related biomarkers. For each of the immune biomarkers, the mean, standard deviation and number of subjects were extracted for both the HS treated and untreated group. These values were used in the computation of standardized mean difference (SMD). Statistical analysis and forest plot were done with R statistical software (version 3.6.1). Twenty seven (27) studies met the eligibility criteria. Twenty two (22) of the studies were used for the meta-analysis which included a total of 1211 subjects. The meta-analysis showed that HS administration significantly lowered the levels of TNF-α (n=10; pooled SMD: -1.55; 95% CI: -2.43, -0.67; P < 0.01), IL-6 (n=11; pooled SMD:-1.09; 95% CI: -1.77, -0.40; P < 0.01), IL-1β (n=7; pooled SMD:-0.62; 95% CI: -1.25, 0.00; P = 0.05), Edema formation (n=4; pooled SMD: -2.29; 95% CI: -4.47, -0.11; P = 0.04), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein -1 (n=4; pooled SMD: -1.17; 95% CI: -1.78, -0.57; P < 0.01) and Angiotensin converting enzyme cascade (n=6; pooled SMD: -0.91; 95% CI: -1.57, -0.25; P < 0.01). The levels of IL-10 (n=4; pooled SMD: -0.38; 95% CI: -1.67, 0.91; P = 0.56), Interleukin 8 (n=2; pooled SMD:-0.12; 95% CI: -0.76, 0.51; P = 0.71), iNOS (n=2; pooled SMD:-0.69; 95% CI: -1.60, 0.23 P = 0.14) and C- Reactive Protein (n=4; pooled SMD: 0.05; 95% CI: -0.26, 0.36; P = 0.75), were not significantly changed by HS administration. Some of the results had high statistical heterogeneity. HS may be promising in the management of disorders involving hyperactive immune system or chronic inflammation.

Edible Flowers: Antioxidant Compounds and Their Functional Properties

Edible flowers have been widely consumed for ages until now. The attractive colors and shapes, exotic aroma, and delightful taste make edible flowers very easy to attain. Moreover, they also provide health benefits for consumers due to the unique composition and concentration of antioxidant compounds in the matrices. Knowing the bioactive compounds and their functional properties from edible flowers is necessary to diversify the usage and reach broader consumers. Therefore, this reported review could be useful for functional product development, engaging the discussed edible flowers. We present a comprehensive review of edible flower composition and the functional properties of their antioxidant compounds, mainly phenolics.

Nutraceutical potential of dietary phytochemicals in edible flowers-A review

Edible flowers have been in traditional cuisine and phytotherapy for centuries. Recently, the consumption of edible flowers has increased significantly as the phytochemicals in them are known to have numerous health benefits. Information on nutraceutical potentials and health benefits of the phytochemicals available in different varieties of edible flowers and their uses are discussed. It is found that the major groups of dietary phytochemicals in edible flowers include flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins and they are capable of exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anticancer, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective gastroprotective, and genoprotective effects. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Edible flowers are good sources of phytochemicals and possessing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, anticancer, anti-diabetic, and cardio-protective properties. However, many edible flowers remain unexplored and underutilized. This review gives eye openings that more in-depth investigations need to be conducted on different edible flowers and they need to be incorporated into commercialized foods and drugs or need to be used for novel nutraceutical development to deliver the potential health benefits to consumers.

Enriching street-vended zobo (Hibiscus sabdariffa) drink with turmeric (Curcuma longa) to increase its health-supporting properties

Street-vended foods are cheap, readily available and have been currently identified as possible means for micronutrient fortification in an effort to prevent malnutrition in developing countries. The effect of enriching street-vended zobo drink (Hibiscus sabdariffa) with turmeric (Curcuma longa) was studied to assess the potential to increase health-supporting properties for its consumers. Two processing methods were tested: boiled turmeric root in zobo and addition of fresh turmeric paste to zobo in different concentrations. Vitamin C in turmeric-fortified zobo ranged from 496-725 μg per 100 mL, delphinidin-3-sambubioside from 52-69 mg per 100 mL, and cyanidin-3-sambubioside from 21-27 mg per 100 mL. Micronutrients ranged from 10.9-14 mg L^-1 and 2.19-2.67 mg L^-1 for iron and zinc, respectively. Folic acid, vitamin C, anthocyanins and iron showed the highest amounts in the 2% boiled turmeric zobo samples. Ferulic acid (0.16-2.03 mg per 100 mL), and chlorogenic acid (20-24 mg per 100 mL) did not show the same statistically significant improvement for 2% boiled turmeric-fortified zobo. The zobo samples with turmeric paste consistently had lower values of vitamins, polyphenols and minerals in comparison with the boiled turmeric-fortified zobo samples. Turmeric-fortified zobo can play a role in a healthy diet by its health-supporting properties. Consumption of a typical one serving of 500 mL (representative packaged bottle size of zobo drink by the street vendors in Nigeria) of turmeric-fortified zobo would contribute 63-88% DV and 18-23% DV of iron and zinc. Overall, fortification with boiled turmeric improves the antioxidant and nutritional quality of zobo, specifically regarding vitamin C, delphinidin-3-sambubioside and iron.

The Inhibition of NLRP3 Inflammasome and IL-6 Production by Hibiscus noldeae Baker f. Derived Constituents Provides a Link to Its Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutic Potentials

The activation of NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and/or its components is associated with the physio-pathogenesis of many respiratory diseases including asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), SARS Cov-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), and in several autoimmune diseases. Hibiscus noldeae Baker f. has been widely reported to be traditionally used in the treatment of different ailments, some of which are of inflammatory background such as asthma, wounds, headache, etc. However, the claims have not been supported by evidence at the molecular and functional levels. Here, we report on the bio-guided fractionation of H. noldeae and assessment of the inhibitory properties of some fractions and purified compounds on NLRP3 inflammasome and Interleukin 6 (IL-6). The activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was determined by detecting the activity of caspase-1 and the production of Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ATP-stimulated Tamm-Horsfall Protein 1 (THP-1) macrophages, while the production of IL-6 was studied in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. It was observed that hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of the crude extract of the aerial parts of H. noldeae, as well as caffeic acid, isoquercetin, and ER2.4 and ER2.7 fractions revealed significant inhibitory effects on Caspase-1 activities, and on IL-1β and IL-6 production. The ER2.4 and ER2.7 fractions downregulated the production of IL-1β and IL-6, in a similar range as the caspase-1 inhibitor AC-YVAD-CHO and the drug Dexamethasone, both used as controls, respectively. Overall, our work does provide the very first scientific based evidence for Hibiscus noldeae anti-inflammatory effects and widespread use by traditional healers in Rwanda for a variety of ailments.

An update on the health benefits promoted by edible flowers and involved mechanisms

The aim of this review is to provide new findings on health effects of edible flowers since 2015. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-osteoporosis, anti-obesity, and anti-hypertensive have been reviewed, and the effective concentrations of flower extracts have been summarized. Among all the health benefits mentioned, anti-osteoporosis, anti-obesity, and anti-hypertensive have rarely been mentioned before 2015. Some health benefits mechanisms of edible flowers were discussed frequently after 2015. Some newly found phytochemicals such as polysaccharides were shown to be beneficial to human health. Species of Rosa, Chrysanthemum, and Osmanthus have been reported to exert different health effects on human. For the toxicity studies, the safe level of flower extracts in cell and animal models were at hundreds of parts per million (ppm) level. In consideration of health promoting effects and toxicities of edible flowers, they could serve as potential natural health products for different health benefits.

Anthocyanins As Modulators of Cell Redox-Dependent Pathways in Non-Communicable Diseases

Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), mostly represented by cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic pulmonary diseases, cancers, and several chronic pathologies, are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality, and are mainly related to the occurrence of metabolic risk factors. Anthocyanins (ACNs) possess a wide spectrum of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective and chemopreventive properties, which are able to promote human health. Although ACNs present an apparent low bioavailability, their metabolites may play an important role in the in vivo protective effects observed. This article directly addresses the scientific evidences supporting that ACNs could be useful to protect human population against several NCDs not only acting as antioxidant but through their capability to modulate cell redox-dependent signaling. In particular, ACNs interact with the NF-κB and AP-1 signal transduction pathways, which respond to oxidative signals and mediate a proinflammatory effect, and the Nrf2/ARE pathway and its regulated cytoprotective proteins (GST, NQO, HO-1, etc.), involved in both cellular antioxidant defenses and elimination/inactivation of toxic compounds, so countering the alterations caused by conditions of chemical/oxidative stress. In addition, supposed crosstalks could contribute to explain the protective effects of ACNs in different pathological conditions characterized by an altered balance among these pathways. Thus, this review underlines the importance of specific nutritional molecules for human health and focuses on the molecular targets and the underlying mechanisms of ACNs against various diseases.

Efficacy of food supplement Acidif plus® in the treatment of uncomplicated UTIs in women: a pilot observational study

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infection diagnosed in women. The standard therapy is represented by short course of anti-microbial treatment to eradicate causative pathogens. However, due to antibiotic treatment, normal microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract is at risk of depletion and prolonged use of antibiotics can lead to the development of resistant strains. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the efficacy of Acidif plus®, a novel preparation containing L-Methionine, Boswellia serrata and Hibiscus sabdariffa, in the treatment of UTIs in women, in comparison with standard antibiotic treatment with fosfomycin.

METHODS

We performed a pilot clinical study with 88 patients with uncomplicated UTIs treated in ambulatory care clinics. The subjects recruited in the study were divided into two groups: the treatment group included 57 patients with both symptomatic and asymptomatic uncomplicated, bacteriuria-positive UTIs, who were treated by oral administration of Acidif plus® two tablets per day (1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening) for 7 days. The control group included 31 patients with both symptomatic and asymptomatic bacteriuria-positive uncomplicated UTIs, treated with fosfomycin for two consecutive days. Clinical improvement of symptoms and urine bacteriuria were evaluated as treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

More than 50% of Acidif plus® treated patients were free of symptoms of UTIs at the end of the treatment regime. In addition, Acidif plus® treatment was effective in eliminating the bacterial infection in the post-treatment urine cultures in more than 85% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study Acidif plus® treatment in patients with uncomplicated UTIs was found to be non-inferior to the standard antibiotic therapy. In acute setting, Acidif plus® was shown to be even more effective in alleviating the symptoms than fosfomycin and in eliminating bacteria in urine cultures. It is therefore possible to propose Acidif plus® as a potential alternative option to reduce the problem of multi-drug resistance in urinary infections.

Bio-Functional and Structural Properties of Pasta Enriched with a Debranning Fraction from Purple Wheat

A colored and fiber-rich fraction from the debranning of purple wheat was incorporated at 25% into semolina- and flour-based pasta produced on a pilot-plant scale, with the aim of increasing anthocyanin and total phenolic content with respect to pasta obtained from whole pigmented grains. The debranning fraction impaired the formation of disulfide-stabilized protein networks in semolina-based systems. Recovery of phenolics was impaired by the pasta making process, and cooking decreased the phenolic content in both enriched samples. Cooking-related losses in anthocyanins and total phenolics were similar, but anthocyanins in the cooked semolina-based pasta were around 20% of what was expected from the formulation. HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) profiling of phenolics was carried out on extracts from either type of enriched pasta both before and after cooking and indicate possible preferential retention of specific compounds in each type of enriched pasta. Extracts from cooked samples of either enriched pasta were tested as inhibitors of enzymes involved in glucose metabolism and uptake, as well as for their capacity of suppressing the response to inflammatory stimuli. Results of both biological tests indicate that the phenolics in extracts from both cooked pasta samples had inhibitory capacities higher than extracts of the original debranning fraction at identical concentrations of total bioactives.

Pleiotropic Biological Effects of Dietary Phenolic Compounds and their Metabolites on Energy Metabolism, Inflammation and Aging

Dietary phenolic compounds are considered as bioactive compounds that have effects in different chronic disorders related to oxidative stress, inflammation process, or aging. These compounds, coming from a wide range of natural sources, have shown a pleiotropic behavior on key proteins that act as regulators. In this sense, this review aims to compile information on the effect exerted by the phenolic compounds and their metabolites on the main metabolic pathways involved in energy metabolism, inflammatory response, aging and their relationship with the biological properties reported in high prevalence chronic diseases. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated their pleiotropic molecular mechanisms of action and these findings raise the possibility that phenolic compounds have a wide variety of roles in different targets.

Xyloglucan, hibiscus and propolis to reduce symptoms and antibiotics use in recurrent UTIs: a prospective study

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of a medical device containing xyloglucan, hibiscus and propolis in the management of recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs). Patients & methods: Sixty-one women affected by rUTIs received this medical device, one capsule a day for 15 days (one cycle every month, for 6 months), in an observational, prospective study. Clinical and microbiological evaluations were performed at baseline and 1, 3 and 6 months from enrolment. Results: At first follow-up, 41 reported a clinical improvement and a return to their clinical status before UTI, while 47 and 51 did so at the second and third follow-up evaluations. A statistically significant clinical improvement was reported at each follow-up visit (quality of life [QoL] 94.2 vs 98.6; QoL 94.1 vs 98.7; QoL 94.2 vs 99.1; p < 0.001). A statistically significant reduction in antibiotic use was reported. Conclusion: This medical device is able to improve quality of life in women with rUTIs, reduce recurrences and antibiotic use.

Potential role of medicinal plants and their constituents in the mitigation of SARS-CoV-2: identifying related therapeutic targets using network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses

Since the outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019, there has been no vaccine or specific antiviral medication for treatment of the infection where supportive care and prevention of complications is the current management strategy. In this work, the potential use of medicinal plants and more than 16 500 of their constituents was investigated within two suggested therapeutic strategies in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 including prevention of SARS-CoV-2 RNA synthesis and replication, through targeting vital proteins and enzymes as well as modulation of the host's immunity through production of virulence factors. Molecular docking studies on the viral enzymes 3Clpro, PLpro and RdRp suggested rocymosin B, verbascoside, rutin, caftaric acid, luteolin 7-rutinoside, fenugreekine and cyanidin 3-(6′′-malonylglucoside) as promising molecules for further drug development. Meanwhile, the medicinal plants Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Cichorium intybus, Chrysanthemum coronarium, Nigella sativa, Anastatica hierochuntica, Euphorbia species, Psidium guajava and Epilobium hirsutum were enriched in compounds with the multi-targets PTGS2, IL2, IL1b, VCAM1 and TNF such as quercetin, ursolic acid, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, luteolin, glycerrhizin and apigenin. Enriched pathways of the molecular targets included cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, TNF signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway and JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway which are all closely related to inflammatory, innate and adaptive immune responses. The present study identified natural compounds targeting SARS-CoV-2 for further in vitro and in vivo studies and emphasizes the potential role of medicinal plants in the mitigation of SARS-CoV-2.

Since the outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019, there has been no vaccine or specific antiviral medication for treatment of the infection where supportive care and prevention of complications is the current management strategy.

Reversal of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Natural Anti-Inflammatory and Pro-Resolving Lipids

Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in the progression of malignant cancer. Therefore, blocking the EMT can be a critical fast track for the development of anticancer drugs. In this paper, we update recent research output of EMT and we explore suppression of EMT by natural anti-inflammatory compounds and pro-resolving lipids.

Discovery and evaluation of novel synthetic 5-alkyl-4-oxo-4,5-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1-carbox-amide derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents

To develop novel anti-inflammatory agents, a series of 5-alkyl-4-oxo-4,5-dihydro-[1, 2, 4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1-carboxamide derivatives were designed, synthesised, and evaluated for anti-inflammatory effects using RAW264.7 cells. Structures of the synthesised compounds were determined using ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and HRMS. All the compounds were screened for anti-inflammatory activity based on their inhibitory effects against LPS-induced NO release. Among them, 5-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-4-oxo-4,5-dihydro-[1, 2, 4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1-carboxamide (6p) showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity and inhibited NO release more potently than the lead compound D1. Further studies revealed that compound 6p reduced the levels of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6, and that its anti-inflammatory activity involves the inhibition of COX-2 and iNOS and downregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signal pathway. Notably, compound 6p displayed more prominent anti-inflammatory activity than D1 and the positive control ibuprofen in the in vivo acute inflammatory model. Overall, these findings indicate that compound 6p is a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammation.

The Multifunctional Benefits of Naturally Occurring Delphinidin and Its Glycosides

Delphinidin (Del) and its glycosides are water-soluble pigments, belonging to a subgroup of flavonoids. They are health-promoting candidates for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical uses, as indicated by exhibiting antioxidation, anti-inflammation, antimicroorganism, antidiabetes, antiobesity, cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, and anticancer properties. Glycosylation modification of Del is associated with increased stability and reduced biological activity. Del and its glycosides can be the alternative inhibitors of CBRs, ERα/β, EGFR, BCRP, and SGLT-1, and virtual docking indicates that the sugar moiety may not effectively interact with the active sites of the targets. Structure-based characteristics confer the multifunctional properties of Del and its glycosides. Because of their health-promoting effects, Del and its glycosides are promising and have been developed as potential pharmaceuticals. However, more investigation on the underlying mechanisms of Del and its glycosides in mediating cellular processes with high specificity are still needed. The research progression of Del and its glycosides over the last 10 years is comprehensively reviewed in this article.

Virtual Prediction of the Delphinidin-3-O-glucoside and Peonidin-3-O-glucoside as Anti-inflammatory of TNF-α Signaling

INTRODUCTION

Anthocyanin is the bioactive compound in black rice, which promotes some health benefits for human body. Present study revealed that black rice anthocyanins improve the biomarker of the metabolic syndrome, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). However, the mechanism of anthocyanin in preventing metabolic syndrome has not been elucidated.

AIM

This study was performed to identify the interaction of six types of black rice anthocyanin towards TNF-α protein and TNF-α receptor through in silico studies, to assess the molecular properties and bioactivity of black rice anthocyanin.

METHODS

We retrieved the black rice anthocyanin compounds from the PubChem database and the proteins (TNF-α protein and TNF-α receptor) from Protein Data Bank (PDB) database. Protein and ligands were docked using Hex 8.0 software and visualized by Discovery Studio 4.1 program.

RESULTS

This study found the possibility that black rice anthocyanins interacted with TNF-α have no influence into TNF-α and TNF-α receptor interaction. The binding of delphinidin-3-O-glucoside & peonidin-3-O-glucoside to TNF-α receptor inhibited the TNF-α and TNF-α receptor signaling. The black rice anthocyanins had low activity as a drug. Interestingly, black rice anthocyanins had a potency as an antioxidant due to the hydrogen donor or acceptor in their structure, as protein kinase inhibitor, nuclear receptor ligand, and enzyme kinase inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that delphinidin-3-O-glucoside and peonidin-3-O-glucoside might have function as anti-inflammatory factor related with TNF-α signaling.

Effects of Anthocyanins and Melatonin From Purple Waxy Corn By-Products on Collagen Production by Cultured Human Fibroblasts

Cob and silk of purple waxy corn ( Zea mays L. Ceratina Kulesh) are underutilized sources of anthocyanins, which could be extracted by various solvents: water, ethanol, methanol, 50% ethanol, and 50% methanol. Anthocyanin and melatonin levels were investigated. The quantifications of anthocyanins as cyanidin-3-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside, and peonidin-3-glucoside were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), and melatonin by HPLC-fluorescence. The ability of collagen production upon exposure to human skin fibroblasts from the different macerates of the cob and silk was also studied. All cob extracts showed higher level of anthocyanins than silk extracts. The 50% ethanol extract of cob showed the highest cyanidin-3-glucoside level at 2.42 ± 0.03 mg/g dried weight, whereas that of silk showed the highest content of cyanidin-3-glucoside at 1.95 ± 0.04 mg/g dried weight. Although cob extracts contained more anthocyanins than silk extracts, silk extracts could stimulate collagen production more than cob extracts. Therefore, the collagen production was likely due to the amount of melatonin in the silk extracts, which contained greater quantities than those of the cob, and the lipophilicity of melatonin or the hydrophilicity of anthocyanins also affected the ability of cell permeation. Thus, anthocyanins and melatonin levels should be considered for the biological activity study.

Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea), a Cyclotide-Bearing Plant With Applications in Agriculture and Medicine

The perennial leguminous herb Clitoria ternatea (butterfly pea) has attracted significant interest based on its agricultural and medical applications, which range from use as a fodder and nitrogen fixing crop, to applications in food coloring and cosmetics, traditional medicine and as a source of an eco-friendly insecticide. In this article we provide a broad multidisciplinary review that includes descriptions of the physical appearance, distribution, taxonomy, habitat, growth and propagation, phytochemical composition and applications of this plant. Notable amongst its repertoire of chemical components are anthocyanins which give C. ternatea flowers their characteristic blue color, and cyclotides, ultra-stable macrocyclic peptides that are present in all tissues of this plant. The latter are potent insecticidal molecules and are implicated as the bioactive agents in a plant extract used commercially as an insecticide. We include a description of the genetic origin of these peptides, which interestingly involve the co-option of an ancestral albumin gene to produce the cyclotide precursor protein. The biosynthesis step in which the cyclic peptide backbone is formed involves an asparaginyl endopeptidase, of which in C. ternatea is known as butelase-1. This enzyme is highly efficient in peptide ligation and has been the focus of many recent studies on peptide ligation and cyclization for biotechnological applications. The article concludes with some suggestions for future studies on this plant, including the need to explore possible synergies between the various peptidic and non-peptidic phytochemicals.

Development of a Mucoadhesive and an in Situ Gelling Formulation Based on κ-Carrageenan for Application on Oral Mucosa and Esophagus Walls. II. Loading of a Bioactive Hydroalcoholic Extract

The aim of the present work was to load a Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) hydroalcoholic extract into in situ gelling formulations for the treatment of oral mucositis and esophagitis. Such formulations, selected as the most promising options in a previous work of ours, were composed by κ-carrageenan (κ-CG), a sulfated marine polymer able to gelify in presence of saliva ions, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), used as mucoadhesive agent, and CaCl₂, salt able to enhance the interaction κ-CG/saliva ions. HS extract, which is rich in phytochemicals such as polyphenols, polysaccharides and organic acids, was selected due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For HS extraction, three different methodologies (maceration, Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE) and Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE)) were compared in terms of extraction yield and extract antioxidant activity, revealing that MAE was the best procedure. Rheological and mucoadhesive properties of HS-loaded formulations were investigated. Such formulations were characterized by a low viscosity at 25 °C, guaranteeing an easy administration, a proper in situ gelation behavior and marked elastic and mucoadhesive properties at 37 °C, functional to a protective action towards the damaged mucosa. Finally, the biocompatibility and the proliferative effect of HS-loaded formulations, as well as their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, were proved in vitro on human dermal fibroblasts.

New pentadienone oxime ester derivatives: synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity

To develop novel anti-inflammatory agents, a series of new pentadienone oxime ester compounds were designed and synthesized. The structures were determined by IR, 1H NMR, 13 C NMR, and HRMS. All compounds have been screened for their anti-inflammatory activity by evaluating their inhibition against LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) release in RAW 264.7 cell. Among them, compound 5j was found to be one of the most potent compounds in inhibiting NO and IL-6 (IC50 values were 6.66 µM and 5.07 µM, respectively). Preliminary mechanism studies show that title compound 5j could significantly suppress expressions of nitric oxide synthase, COX-2, and NO, IL-6 through Toll-like receptor 4/mitogen-activated protein kinases/NF-κB signalling pathway. These data support further studies to assess rational design of more efficient pentadienone oxime ester derivatives with anti-inflammatory activity in the future.

Chemistry, pharmacology and new trends in traditional functional and medicinal beverages

Functional and medicinal beverages consumption plays an important role in human health, considering that metabolites, with a wide range of pharmacological effects, are inserted in the human diet. Nowadays, the most consumed beverages are obtained from Camellia sinensis leaves and coffee grain processing, and contain different classes of polyphenols and phenolic acids in their phytochemical composition. Besides C. sinensis and coffee, numerous plants have been receiving attention due to their phytochemical composition and pharmacological effects, such as yerba mate, hibiscus, chamomile, lemongrass, fennel and mentha. Furthermore, atomized or lyophilized medicinal plant extracts can be employed in many beverage formulations and the consumption of these products is an excellent delivery means for nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as: minerals, vitamins, terpenes, antioxidants, saponins, alkaloids and polysaccharides. Innovation in food processing in order to insert functional and medicinal beverages in the human diet poses a challenge for the coming years. The technological development of new processing forms and use of plants with bioactive metabolites could be an important tool in relation to this proposal. In this context, this review has aimed to summarize and analyze pharmacological, phytochemistry and technological aspects of species with classical ethnobotanical and traditional use.

Glioprotective Effects of Lingonberry Extract Against Altered Cellular Viability, Acetylcholinesterase Activity, and Oxidative Stress in Lipopolysaccharide-Treated Astrocytes

Altered astrocytic function is a contributing factor to the development of neurological diseases and neurodegeneration. Berry fruits exert neuroprotective effects by modulating pathways involved in inflammation, neurotransmission, and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the lingonberry extract on cellular viability and oxidative stress in astrocytes exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In the reversal protocol, primary astrocytic cultures were first exposed to 1 µg/mL LPS for 3 h and subsequently treated with lingonberry extract (10, 30, 50, and 100 μg/mL) for 24 and 48 h. In the prevention protocol, exposure to the lingonberry extract was performed before treatment with LPS. In both reversal and prevention protocols, the lingonberry extracts, from 10 to 100 μg/mL, attenuated LPS-induced increase in reactive oxygen species (around 55 and 45%, respectively, P < 0.01), nitrite levels (around 50 and 45%, respectively, P < 0.05), and acetylcholinesterase activity (around 45 and 60%, respectively, P < 0.05) in astrocytic cultures at 24 and 48 h. Also, in both reversal and prevention protocols, the lingonberry extract also prevented and reversed the LPS-induced decreased cellular viability (around 45 and 90%, respectively, P < 0.05), thiol content (around 55 and 70%, respectively, P < 0.05), and superoxide dismutase activity (around 50 and 145%, respectively, P < 0.05), in astrocytes at both 24 and 48 h. Our findings suggested that the lingonberry extract exerted a glioprotective effect through an anti-oxidative mechanism against LPS-induced astrocytic damage.

Anti-inflammatory activities of essential oil isolated from the calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa L

Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn., belonging to the family of Malvaceae, is considered to be a plant with health care applications in China. The main purpose of this study was to analyze the composition of its essential oil and assess its potential therapeutic effect on anti-inflammatory activity. A water steam distillation method was used to extract the essential oil from H. Sabdariffa. The essential oil components were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and a total of 18 volatile constituents were identified, the majority of which were fatty acids and ester compounds. Biological activity showed that the essential oil extracted from H. Sabdariffa exhibited excellent anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. The nitric oxide (NO) inhibition rate reached 67.46% when the concentration of the essential oil was 200 μg mL^-1. Further analysis showed that the anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oil extracted from H. Sabdariffa might be exerted through inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and MAPK (JNK and ERK1/2) signaling pathways to decrease NO and pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2, and iNOS) production. Thus, the essential oil extracted from H. Sabdariffa is a good source of a natural product with a beneficial effect against inflammation, and it may be applied as a food supplement and/or functional ingredient.

Nasunin inhibits the lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory mediator production in RAW264 mouse macrophages by suppressing ROS-mediated activation of PI3 K/Akt/NF-κB and p38 signaling pathways

Nasunin is a major anthocyanin in eggplant peel. The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of nasunin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264 macrophages and to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. We found that nasunin reduced the LPS-induced secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and nitric oxide, and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in a dose-dependent manner. Nasunin diminished LPS-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation by suppressing the degradation of inhibitor of κB-α and nuclear translocation of p65 subunit of NF-κB. Nasunin also attenuated the phosphorylation of Akt and p38, signaling molecules involved in pro-inflammatory mediator production. Moreover, nasunin inhibited the intracellular accumulation of ROS, leading to the suppression of NF-κB activation, Akt and p38 phosphorylation, and subsequent pro-inflammatory mediator production. These findings suggest that nasunin exerts an anti-inflammatory effect and this effect is mediated, at least in part, by its antioxidant activity.

Bioactive polyphenols and cardiovascular disease: chemical antagonists, pharmacological agents or xenobiotics that drive an adaptive response?

Polyphenols are widely regarded to have a wide range of health-promoting qualities, including beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. Historically, the benefits have been linked to their well-recognized powerful antioxidant activity. However, the concept that the beneficial effects are attributable to direct antioxidant activity in vivo does not pay sufficient heed to the fact that polyphenols degrade rapidly, are poorly absorbed and rapidly metabolized, resulting in very low bioavailability. This review explores alternative mechanisms by which polyphenols, or their metabolites, exert biological activity via mechanisms that can be activated by physiologically relevant concentrations. Evidence is presented to support the action of phenolic derivatives on receptors and signalling pathways to induce adaptive responses that drive changes in endogenous antioxidant, antiplatelet, vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects. The implications are that in vitro antioxidant measures as predictors of polyphenol protective activity in vivo hold little relevance and that closer attention needs to be paid to bioavailable metabolites to understand the mode of action of these diet-derived components.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc.