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Stein C, Voigts J, Niederreiter L, Kowarschik S, Huber R, Lüth VM. Antiproliferative and immunomodulative potential of Citrullus colocynthis and its bioactive compounds in human lymphocytes and lung cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 328:118053. [PMID: 38499257 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad is a member of the Cucurbitaceae plant family which has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. AIM OF THE STUDY The study was conducted to investigate antiproliferative and immunomodulating effects of C. colocynthis and isolated cucurbitacins on human T lymphocytes and lung epithelial cells in order to evaluate their potential in the treatment of airway diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Different concentrations of an ethanolic extract of C. colocynthis fruits and cucurbitacins B (CuB), E (CuE) and E-glucopyranoside (CuE-Glu) were analysed for their cytotoxicity and immunomodulatory potential on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) of healthy donors and on the epithelial lung cancer cell line A549. Viability and proliferation were tested using WST1 and CFSE assays. Flow cytometric analysis of AnnexinV/PI staining was used to investigate cell death through apoptosis/necrosis. Effects on regulatory mechanisms of T lymphocytes, such as CD69 and CD25 marker activation, cytokine production of the cytokines interleukin 2 (IL2), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interferon γ (IFNy) were also analysed via flow cytometry. Influences on the activator protein 1 (AP1), nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) or nuclear factor 'kappa-light-chain-enhancer' of activated B-cells (NFκB) pathways were analysed in the Jurkat reporter cell line. Cytokine secretion in A549 cells stimulated with virus-like particles was analysed using the bead-based Legendplex™ assay. RESULTS Non-toxic concentrations of C. colocynthis and CuE-Glu showed dose-dependent effects on viability and proliferation in both T lymphocytes and A549 cells. The extracts inhibited lymphocyte activation and suppressed T cell effector functions, which was also shown by lower production of cytokines IL2, TNFα and IFNy. A dose dependent inhibition of the pathways NFκB, NFAT and AP1 in Jurkat cells could be observed. In A549 cells, especially CuE and CuE-Glu showed inhibitory effects on cytokine production following a simulated viral infection. Unglycosylated cucurbitacins were more effective in suppressing the immune function in lymphocytes than glycosylated cucurbitacins, however this activity is limited to cytotoxic concentrations. CONCLUSION In our study we could confirm the immunmodulating effect of C. colocynthis and cucurbitacins B, E and E-glucopyranoside in vitro by suppression of different pathways of inflammation and T cell proliferation. Activity in a lung cell model using a virus-like stimulation shows promise for further research regarding cucurbitacins in airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Stein
- Centre for Complementary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79102, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Johanna Voigts
- Centre for Complementary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79102, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Lisa Niederreiter
- Centre for Complementary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79102, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Kowarschik
- Centre for Complementary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79102, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Roman Huber
- Centre for Complementary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79102, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Volker M Lüth
- Centre for Complementary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79102, Freiburg, Germany.
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Yang YX, Wang XY, Lin T, Sun Y, Yu YC, Zhu ZH. Opportunities and challenges for ribosome-inactivating proteins in traditional Chinese medicine plants. Toxicon 2023; 234:107278. [PMID: 37683701 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are a class of cytotoxic rRNA N-glycosylase, which widely exist in higher plants in different taxonomy, including many traditional Chinese medicinal materials and vegetables and fruits. In this paper, the traditional Chinese medicinal plants containing RIPs protein were sorted out, and their pharmacological effects and clinical applications were analyzed. Since many RIPs in traditional Chinese medicine plants exhibit antiviral and antitumor activities and show great clinical application potential, people's interest in these proteins is on the rise. This paper summarizes the possible mechanism of RIPs's anti-virus and anti-tumor effects, and discusses its potential problems and risks, laying a foundation for subsequent research on how to exert its anti-virus and anti-tumor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xuan Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin-Yi Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tong Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi-Cheng Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhen-Hong Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
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Watts NR, Eren E, Palmer I, Huang PL, Huang PL, Shoemaker RH, Lee-Huang S, Wingfield PT. The ribosome-inactivating proteins MAP30 and Momordin inhibit SARS-CoV-2. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286370. [PMID: 37384752 PMCID: PMC10310010 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuing emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has highlighted the need to identify additional points for viral inhibition. Ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs), such as MAP30 and Momordin which are derived from bitter melon (Momordica charantia), have been found to inhibit a broad range of viruses. MAP30 has been shown to potently inhibit HIV-1 with minimal cytotoxicity. Here we show that MAP30 and Momordin potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in A549 human lung cells (IC50 ~ 0.2 μM) with little concomitant cytotoxicity (CC50 ~ 2 μM). Both viral inhibition and cytotoxicity remain unaltered by appending a C-terminal Tat cell-penetration peptide to either protein. Mutation of tyrosine 70, a key residue in the active site of MAP30, to alanine completely abrogates both viral inhibition and cytotoxicity, indicating the involvement of its RNA N-glycosylase activity. Mutation of lysine 171 and lysine 215, residues corresponding to those in Ricin which when mutated prevented ribosome binding and inactivation, to alanine in MAP30 decreased cytotoxicity (CC50 ~ 10 μM) but also the viral inhibition (IC50 ~ 1 μM). Unlike with HIV-1, neither Dexamethasone nor Indomethacin exhibited synergy with MAP30 in the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2. From a structural comparison of the two proteins, one can explain their similar activities despite differences in both their active-sites and ribosome-binding regions. We also note points on the viral genome for potential inhibition by these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman R. Watts
- Protein Expression Laboratory, NIAMS, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elif Eren
- Protein Expression Laboratory, NIAMS, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ira Palmer
- Protein Expression Laboratory, NIAMS, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Paul L. Huang
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Philip Lin Huang
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Robert H. Shoemaker
- Chemopreventive Agent Development Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sylvia Lee-Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Paul T. Wingfield
- Protein Expression Laboratory, NIAMS, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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Nath S, Mukherjee AK. Ethnomedicines for the treatment of scorpion stings: A perspective study. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 282:114599. [PMID: 36567038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Scorpion sting is a public health concern with limited clinical symptomatic treatment. The clinical treatment uses anti-scorpion antivenom and prazosin (α-adrenergic inhibitor), often in combination with insulin, to reduce scorpion venom-induced hyperglycemia and other complications. However, these therapies also possess some limitations, necessitating urgent exploration of ethnomedicines, mainly traditional medicinal plants, to treat scorpion stings. Unfortunately, several conventional treatments are not scientifically validated, thus raising questions about their quality and utility. Therefore, pharmacological re-assessment of such medicinal plants to alleviate scorpion stings' complications is essential. AIM OF THE STUDY The principal objectives of this study are to provide a brief overview of medically important scorpions of the world, outline the extant traditional practices, and comprehensively review plants used in conventional ethnic medicines to treat scorpion stings over time. Modern technological advances in identifying and characterizing plant bioactive molecules are also mentioned in this review. MATERIALS AND METHODS The traditionally used medicinal plants against scorpion stings were reviewed from the available literature in the database. The Plant List (http://www.theplantlist.org/) was used to validate the scientific names of the plants mentioned in this study. The search targeted literature on conventional treatments and crude plant extracts or their bioactive components with proven neutralization capacity against scorpion stings. Search words used were 'scorpion sting,' 'treatment for a scorpion sting,' 'antivenom and scorpion sting,' 'traditional treatment for scorpion stings, and 'natural compounds against scorpion stings'. RESULTS A list of more than 200 medicinal plants traditionally used in several countries for treating scorpion stings is presented in this review. Though some myth-based remedies are practiced to treat scorpion stings, no empirical evidence exists to validate this aspect of traditional knowledge. Only 38 traditional medicinal plant extracts have been tested under in-vivo and in-vitro conditions to determine their neutralization potency of scorpion envenomation. Although a few bioactive plant constituents showing scorpion venom neutralization potency have been characterized, they are not yet commercially available for clinical application. CONCLUSIONS There is tremendous potential locked in medicinal plants' traditional knowledge for scorpion envenomation treatment. Translating this knowledge into the clinical application will require pharmacological reassessment, in tandem with isolation and characterization of active compounds to prove their prophylactic prowess. Almost equally important would be the formulation of stringent strategies to conserve such medicinal plants from overexploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Nath
- Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Paschim Boragaon, Garchuk, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Gaziabad, India.
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Paschim Boragaon, Garchuk, Guwahati, 781035, Assam, India; On Deputation from Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India.
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Cucurbitacins as potential anticancer agents: new insights on molecular mechanisms. J Transl Med 2022; 20:630. [PMID: 36585670 PMCID: PMC9805216 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03828-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Since ancient times, plants have been an extensive reservoir of bioactive compounds with therapeutic interest for new drug development and clinical application. Cucurbitacins are a compelling example of these drug leads, primarily present in the plant kingdom, especially in the Cucurbitaceae family. However, these natural compounds are also known in several genera within other plant families. Beyond the Cucurbitaceae family, they are also present in other plant families, as well as in some fungi and one shell-less marine mollusc. Despite the natural abundance of cucurbitacins in different natural species, their obtaining and isolation is limited, as a result, an increase in their chemical synthesis has been developed by researchers. Data on cucurbitacins and their anticancer activities were collected from databases such as PubMed/MedLine, TRIP database, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect and the information was arranged sequentially for a better understanding of the antitumor potential. The results of the studies showed that cucurbitacins have significant biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimalarial, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and antitumor potential. In conclusion, there are several studies, both in vitro and in vivo reporting this important anticancer/chemopreventive potential; hence a comprehensive review on this topic is recommended for future clinical research.
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Tuli HS, Rath P, Chauhan A, Ranjan A, Ramniwas S, Sak K, Aggarwal D, Kumar M, Dhama K, Lee EHC, Yap KCY, Capinpin SM, Kumar AP. Cucurbitacins as Potent Chemo-Preventive Agents: Mechanistic Insight and Recent Trends. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010057. [PMID: 36671442 PMCID: PMC9855938 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacins constitute a group of cucumber-derived dietary lipids, highly oxidized tetracyclic triterpenoids, with potential medical uses. These compounds are known to interact with a variety of recognized cellular targets to impede the growth of cancer cells. Accumulating evidence has suggested that inhibition of tumor cell growth via induction of apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis are major promising chemo-preventive actions of cucurbitacins. Cucurbitacins may be a potential choice for investigations of synergism with other drugs to reverse cancer cells' treatment resistance. The detailed molecular mechanisms underlying these effects include interactions between cucurbitacins and numerous cellular targets (Bcl-2/Bax, caspases, STAT3, cyclins, NF-κB, COX-2, MMP-9, VEGF/R, etc.) as well as control of a variety of intracellular signal transduction pathways. The current study is focused on the efforts undertaken to find possible molecular targets for cucurbitacins in suppressing diverse malignant processes. The review is distinctive since it presents all potential molecular targets of cucurbitacins in cancer on one common podium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133207, India
- Correspondence: (H.S.T.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Prangya Rath
- Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida 201303, India
| | - Abhishek Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Safety and Management, Amity University, Noida 201303, India
| | - Anuj Ranjan
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Seema Ramniwas
- University Centre for Research and Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, India
| | | | - Diwakar Aggarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133207, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Maharishi Markandeshwar University Sadopur, Ambala 134007, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly 243122, India
| | - E Hui Clarissa Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Kenneth Chun-Yong Yap
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Sharah Mae Capinpin
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
- Correspondence: (H.S.T.); (A.P.K.)
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7
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Zhu M, Song Y, Martínez-Cuesta MC, Peláez C, Li E, Requena T, Wang H, Sun Y. Immunological Activity and Gut Microbiota Modulation of Pectin from Kiwano ( Cucumis metuliferus) Peels. Foods 2022; 11:foods11111632. [PMID: 35681381 PMCID: PMC9180886 DOI: 10.3390/foods11111632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
For developing the recycling of fruit by-products from kiwano, a polysaccharide was extracted from kiwano (Cucumis metuliferus) peels, namely Cucumis metuliferus peels polysaccharide (CMPP), with the aim of investigating the potential beneficial effects. The composition of polysaccharides was analyzed by chemical methods. RAW264.7 macrophages cells and the microbiota dynamics simulator (BFBL gut model) were used for in vitro study. The result showed that CMPP mainly consists of glucuronic acid, arabinose, galactose and rhamnose. By intervening with RAW264.7 cells, CMPP promoted cell proliferation and showed immune-enhancing activity, which significantly (p < 0.05) induced the release of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. In addition, CMPP had an impact on the composition of the gut bacteria, increasing the growth of Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Feacalibacterium, and Roseburia. During the intake period, acetic, butyric and propionic acids were all increased, especially (p < 0.05) in the descending colon. Moreover, a decrease in ammonia concentration (10.17 ± 0.50 mM in the ascending colon, 13.21 ± 1.54 mM in the transverse colon and 13.62 ± 0.45 mM in the descending colon, respectively) was observed. In summary, CMPP can be considered as a pectin, showed immunological activity and function of gut microbiota modulation. This study could be the scientific basis of developing kiwano peels as beneficial to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minqian Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (M.Z.); (Y.S.); (E.L.); (Y.S.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ya Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (M.Z.); (Y.S.); (E.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - M. Carmen Martínez-Cuesta
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Microbiology, CIAL-CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.C.M.-C.); (C.P.)
| | - Carmen Peláez
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Microbiology, CIAL-CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.C.M.-C.); (C.P.)
| | - Enru Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (M.Z.); (Y.S.); (E.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - Teresa Requena
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Microbiology, CIAL-CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.C.M.-C.); (C.P.)
- Correspondence: (T.R.); (H.W.)
| | - Hong Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (M.Z.); (Y.S.); (E.L.); (Y.S.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Correspondence: (T.R.); (H.W.)
| | - Yuanming Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (M.Z.); (Y.S.); (E.L.); (Y.S.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Odukoya JO, Odukoya JO, Mmutlane EM, Ndinteh DT. Ethnopharmacological Study of Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases and Their Associated Risk Factors in sub-Saharan Africa. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:1387. [PMID: 35631812 PMCID: PMC9143319 DOI: 10.3390/plants11101387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global mortality, including deaths arising from non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Consequently, this study aimed to provide details of medicinal plants (MPs) employed in SSA for the treatment of CVDs and their related risk factors to open new avenues for the discovery of novel drugs. The extensive ethnopharmacological literature survey of these MPs in 41 SSA countries was based on studies from 1982 to 2021. It revealed 1,085 MPs belonging to 218 botanical families, with Fabaceae (9.61%), Asteraceae (6.77%), Apocynaceae (3.93%), Lamiaceae (3.75%), and Rubiaceae (3.66%) being the most represented. Meanwhile, Allium sativum L., Persea americana Mill., Moringa oleifera Lam., Mangifera indica L., and Allium cepa L. are the five most utilised plant species. The preferred plant parts include the leaves (36%), roots (21%), barks (14%), fruits (7%), and seeds (5%), which are mostly prepared by decoction. Benin, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, and Togo had the highest reported use while most of the investigations were on diabetes and hypertension. Despite the nutraceutical advantages of some of these MPs, their general toxicity potential calls for caution in their human long-term use. Overall, the study established the need for governments of SSA countries to validate the efficacy/safety of these MPs as well as provide affordable, accessible, and improved modern healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnson Oluwaseun Odukoya
- Centre for Natural Products Research, Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, P.O. Box 17011, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa;
- Department of Chemistry, The Federal University of Technology, Akure PMB 704, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Julianah Olayemi Odukoya
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, P.O. Box 17011, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa;
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Kwara State University, Malete, Ilorin PMB 1530, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Edwin Mpho Mmutlane
- Centre for Natural Products Research, Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, P.O. Box 17011, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa;
| | - Derek Tantoh Ndinteh
- Centre for Natural Products Research, Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, P.O. Box 17011, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa;
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9
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Witkamp RF. Bioactive Components in Traditional Foods Aimed at Health Promotion: A Route to Novel Mechanistic Insights and Lead Molecules? Annu Rev Food Sci Technol 2022; 13:315-336. [PMID: 35041794 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-food-052720-092845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Traditional foods and diets can provide health benefits beyond their nutrient composition because of the presence of bioactive compounds. In various traditional healthcare systems, diet-based approaches have always played an important role, which has often survived until today. Therefore, investigating traditional foods aimed at health promotion could render not only novel bioactive substances but also mechanistic insights. However, compared to pharmacologically focused research on natural products, investigating such nutrition-based interventions is even more complicated owing to interacting compounds, less potent and relatively subtle effects, the food matrix, and variations in composition and intake. At the same time, technical advances in 'omics' technologies, cheminformatics, and big data analysis create new opportunities, further strengthened by increasing insights into the biology of health and homeostatic resilience. These are to be combined with state-of-the-art ethnobotanical research, which is key to obtaining reliable and reproducible data. Unfortunately, socioeconomic developments and climate change threaten traditional use and knowledge as well as biodiversity. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, Volume 13 is March 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renger F Witkamp
- Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands;
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10
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Ramalhete C, Gonçalves BMF, Barbosa F, Duarte N, Ferreira MJU. Momordica balsamina: phytochemistry and pharmacological potential of a gifted species. PHYTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS : PROCEEDINGS OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL SOCIETY OF EUROPE 2022; 21:617-646. [PMID: 35153639 PMCID: PMC8821832 DOI: 10.1007/s11101-022-09802-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Momordica balsamina L. (Cucurbitaceae), frequently named balsam apple, southern balsam pear or African pumpkin, is a vegetable with high nutritional value, being mostly used as food in sub-Saharan Africa. It has also been largely used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases, such as malaria fevers and diabetes. As a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, the main constituents are cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, with different oxidation patterns, named cucurbitacins. This review aims at summarizing our contribution to the phytochemical study of M. balsamina and the evaluation of the isolated cucurbitacins and derivatives as multidrug resistance reversers in cancer cells and bacteria. In this way, the selective antiproliferative activity against multidrug resistant cancer cells of cucurbitacins obtained from M. balsamina, their ability as P-glycoprotein inhibitors in cancer cells overexpressing this ABC transporter, as well as efflux pump inhibitors in resistant bacteria strains are reviewed. Moreover, the in vitro antimalarial activity of cucurbitacins and acyl derivatives against the blood and liver-stages of Plasmodium strains, and the in vivo activity of selected compounds is also reviewed. Besides our work, edible and medicinal uses, and other studies mainly reporting the biological activities of M. balsamina extracts, such as antidiabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Ramalhete
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- ATLÂNTICA – Instituto Universitário, Fábrica da Pólvora de Barcarena, Barcarena, Oeiras, 2730-036 Portugal
| | - Bruno M. F. Gonçalves
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa Barbosa
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Noélia Duarte
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria-José U. Ferreira
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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Frias HV, Alves CDS, Flório JC, Bondan EF, Bonamin LV, Coelho CP, Bernardi MM, Suffredini IB. Vertical exposition to Luffa operculata extract deregulates behavior and hypothalamus neurotransmitters in juvenile rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 264:113265. [PMID: 32858198 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Luffa operculata (L.) Cogn (Cucurbitaceae) is a traditional plant popularly used in the abortion induction, against sinusitis and is toxic. AIM OF THE STUDY To verify the influence of the aqueous extract obtained from the dry fruit of L. operculata (BNE) on the male rats vertically exposed to a subabortive dose of BNE, by evaluating alterations in behavior and neurochemical features in hypothalamus, striatum and frontal cortex, at a juvenile age, after receiving a stress challenge given by the use of the "New York subway stress" technique (NYS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Pregnant female rats (F0 generation) received 1.0 mg/kg BNE, or distilled water (100 mL/kg), by gavage, between gestation days GD17 and GD21. The pups were weaned at PND21 and were kept up to PND60 (juvenile age) in controlled environmental conditions. Four groups were obtained: control (CG), experimental (EG), stress control (SCG) and stress experimental (SEG) After being stressed, the animals were behavioral screened for in the open field (OF) and in light-dark box (LDB) apparatuses. They were euthanized, and the liver, kidneys and brain were removed for both macroscopic and microscopic analyses, and for quantification of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and its metabolite, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and the serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindolylacetic acid (5-HIAA) were accessed in the hypothalamus, frontal cortex and striatum. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION although most of the behavior changes were due to the stress challenge, the rats spent more time in the dark side of the LDB and were less likely to explore the light side, indicating that the treatment with BNE induced to fear. Interferences of BNE over behavior were due to impairment of VMA, NE, 5-HT and DA and increasing of DOPAC in the hypothalamus, and an increase of 5-HIAA in the frontal cortex, indicating alterations in the hypothalamic-hypophysis-adrenal axis (HHAA). No macroscopic or histopathological changes were observed in the liver, kidneys, or brain, although GFAP was diminished in the SCG, as expected for stressed rats. CONCLUSION the vertical exposition of juvenile rats to BNE led to the manifestation of fear and to a down regulation of the hypothalamic-hypophysis-adrenal axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto V Frias
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista - UNIP, Brazil
| | - Cinthia Dos S Alves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista - UNIP, Brazil
| | - Jorge C Flório
- Departamento de Patologia - VPT, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo F Bondan
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista - UNIP, Brazil
| | - Leoni V Bonamin
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista - UNIP, Brazil
| | | | - Maria M Bernardi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista - UNIP, Brazil
| | - Ivana B Suffredini
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista - UNIP, Brazil; Núcleo de Pesquisas em Biodiversidade, Laboratório de Extração, Universidade Paulista - UNIP, Brazil.
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