Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological relevance of Justicia procumbens (Oriental Water Willow) - A promising traditional plant

Justicia procumbens prevents hair loss in androgenic alopecia mice

The plant Justicia procumbens is traditionally used in Asia to treat fever, cough, and pain. Previous studies have reported its anticancer and anti-asthmatic properties. However, its potential for preventing androgenic alopecia (AGA) has not yet been reported. AGA is a widespread hair loss condition primarily caused by male hormones. In this study, we examined the hair loss-preventing effects of an aqueous extract of J. procumbens (JPAE) using human hair follicle dermal papilla cell (HFDPC) and a mouse model of testosterone-induced AGA. JPAE treatment increased HFDPC proliferation by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Additionally, JPAE increased the expression of Wnt targets, such as cyclin D1 and VEGF, by promoting the translocation of β-catenin to the nucleus. Administration of JPAE reduced hair loss, increased hair thickness, and enhanced hair shine in an AGA mouse model. Furthermore, it increased the expression of p-GSK-3β and β-catenin in the dorsal skin of the mice. These findings imply that JPAE promotes the proliferation of HFDPC and prevents hair loss in an AGA mouse model. JPAE can therefore be used as a functional food and natural treatment option for AGA to prevent hair loss.

Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Studies Reveal the Anticancer Potential of Medicinal-Plant-Derived Lignans as MDM2-P53 Interaction Inhibitors

The interaction between the tumor suppressor protein p53 and its negative regulator, the MDM2 oncogenic protein, has gained significant attention in cancer drug discovery. In this study, 120 lignans reported from Ferula sinkiangensis and Justicia procumbens were assessed for docking simulations on the active pocket of the MDM2 crystal structure bound to Nutlin-3a. The docking analysis identified nine compounds with higher docking scores than the co-crystallized reference. Subsequent AMDET profiling revealed satisfactory pharmacokinetic and safety parameters for these natural products. Three compounds, namely, justin A, 6-hydroxy justicidin A, and 6'-hydroxy justicidin B, were selected for further investigation due to their strong binding affinities of -7.526 kcal/mol, -7.438 kcal/mol, and -7.240 kcal/mol, respectively, which surpassed the binding affinity of the reference inhibitor Nutlin-3a (-6.830 kcal/mol). To assess the stability and reliability of the binding of the candidate hits, a molecular dynamics simulation was performed over a duration of 100 ns. Remarkably, the thorough analysis demonstrated that all the hits exhibited stable molecular dynamics profiles. Based on their effective binding to MDM2, favorable pharmacokinetic properties, and molecular dynamics behavior, these compounds represent a promising starting point for further refinement. Nevertheless, it is essential to synthesize the suggested compounds and evaluate their activity through in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Anti-Aging Potential of Plants of the Anak Dalam Tribe, Jambi, Indonesia

The process of skin aging is a physiological phenomenon that can not be avoided. According to global population data, the rate of aging increases by approximately 13% every year. The impact of skin aging has become a significant concern and challenge for developed countries. Consequently, there has been a search for potential new anti-aging agents. This review aims to provide an overview of the current research status of plants of the Anak Dalam Tribe (Indonesian: Suku Anak Dalam [SAD]; referred to as SAD henceforth) in Jambi Province, Indonesia, for the development of potential new anti-aging agents. One such discovery is a product derived from natural ingredients with the ability to prevent premature aging. These new anti-aging plants have been used for centuries by the Anak Dalam tribe, for treating skin diseases and maintaining skin health through traditional remedies. Recent research on herbal formulations used by the SAD community in Indonesia for skin beauty treatments, reported by Research on Medicinal Plants and Herbs or RISTOJA, indicates that 64 plant species are used for skin care. Among these plants, Toona sinensis, Curcuma heyneana, Curcuma zedoaria, Curcuma longa, and Kaempferia rotunda are the most commonly used medicinal plants with anti-aging properties. T. sinensis is a tree, while the others are herbs. T. sinensis shows the highest potential for development as an anti-aging agent, with its extracts, active fractions, and bioactive quercetin isolates known to possess strong anti-aging activities both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, C. heyneana, C. longa, C. zedoaria, and K. rotunda also show potential for further research, and three of them have demonstrated good potential for in vivo anti-aging activities. Only K. rotunda demonstrates relatively weaker antioxidant activity compared to T. sinensis, C. heyneana, C. longa, and C. zedoaria. Nevertheless, K. rotunda can still be developed to search for potential opportunities as agents with other activities, while T. sinensis, C. heyneana, C. longa, and C. zedoaria in the findings could be an opportunity to explore the potential of new anti-aging agents. In conclusion, of the five medicinal plants traditionally used by the SAD in Jambi, Indonesia, C. longa has received the most extensive research and shows potential for the development of anti-aging solutions. C. zedoaria, C. heyneana and K. rotunda show good potential for in vivo anti-aging activity. T. sinensis is the least-studied medicinal plant. Nevertheless, it has potential for development, as it is widely used by the SAD community for both traditional medicine and skin care.