Gastroprotective herbs for headache management in Persian medicine: A comprehensive review

Ginger protects against vein graft remodeling by precisely modulating ferroptotic stress in vascular smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation

Vein graft (VG) failure (VGF) is associated with VG intimal hyperplasia, which is characterized by abnormal accumulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Most neointimal VSMCs are derived from pre-existing VSMCs via a process of VSMC phenotypic transition, also known as dedifferentiation. There is increasing evidence to suggest that ginger or its bioactive ingredients may block VSMC dedifferentiation, exerting vasoprotective functions; however, the precise mechanisms have not been fully characterized. Therefore, we investigated the effect of ginger on VSMC phenotypic transition in VG remodeling after transplantation. Ginger significantly inhibited neointimal hyperplasia and promoted lumen (L) opening in a 3-month VG, which was primarily achieved by reducing ferroptotic stress. Ferroptotic stress is a pro-ferroptotic state. Contractile VSMCs did not die but instead gained a proliferative capacity and switched to the secretory type, forming neointima (NI) after vein transplantation. Ginger and its two main vasoprotective ingredients (6-gingerol and 6-shogaol) inhibit VSMC dedifferentiation by reducing ferroptotic stress. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that 6-gingerol inhibits ferroptotic stress by targeting P53, while 6-shogaol inhibits ferroptotic stress by targeting 5-lipoxygenase (Alox5), both promoting ferroptosis. Furthermore, both ingredients co-target peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), decreasing PPARγ-mediated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 1 (Nox1) expression. Nox1 promotes intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and directly induces VSMC dedifferentiation. In addition, Nox1 is a ferroptosis-promoting gene that encourages ferroptotic stress production, indirectly leading to VSMC dedifferentiation. Ginger, a natural multi-targeted ferroptotic stress inhibitor, finely and effectively prevents VSMC phenotypic transition and protects against venous injury remodeling.

Unveiling the therapeutic and nutritious potential of Vigna unguiculata in line with its phytochemistry

Background

Vigna unguiculata, belonging to the Fabaceae family, commonly known as cowpea is an important edible legume, distributed mainly across the African and Asian countries. Traditionally, the plant has an outstanding background for the management of multiple diseases, animal feeding and human consumption.

Objective

This review aims to mainly focus on the traditional applications, pharmacological activities, phytochemistry as well as nutritious composition of the V. unguiculata.

Methods

Data present in the literature on the V. unguiculata, were collected from major scientific databases including Science Direct, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, Medline Plus, Web of Science, PubMed and Elsevier.

Results

Number of compounds have been isolated including flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, saponins, fatty acids, tannins, carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids, carotenoids and fibers from various parts of plant. These compounds exhibit widespread pharmacological potentials both in-vitro and in-vivo including anthelmintic, antibacterial, antinociceptive, thrombolytic, antidiabetic, hypocholestrolemic and antiatherogenic effect, antimicrobial, anti-sickling, antioxidant, anti-covid activity, anticancer and neurobehavioral activities. These compounds have strong pharmacological background and might be responsible for the traditional uses of this plant that are not investigated.

Conclusion

It is concluded that V. unguiculata possessed strong pharmacological, nutritious and phytochemical potential, therefore, it is strongly recommended for additional comprehensive investigations in order to determine its clinical utility.

Potential Therapeutic Properties of the Leaf of Cydonia Oblonga Mill. Based on Mineral and Organic Profiles

Leaf extract of Cydonia Oblonga Mill. is interesting for further exploration of the potential of its substrates for therapeutic supplements. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted on samples of green (October), yellow (November), and brown (December) quince leaves collected in the region of Pinhel, Portugal. Mineral analysis determined the measurements of the levels of several macro- and micro-elements. Organic analysis assessed the moisture content, total phenolic content (TPC), vitamin E, and fatty acid (FA) profiles. Mineral analysis was based on ICP-MS techniques, while the profiles of vitamin E and FA relied on HPLC-DAD-FLD and GC-FID techniques, respectively. Moisture content was determined through infrared hygrometry and TPC was determined by spectrophotometric methods. Regarding the mineral content, calcium, magnesium, and iron were the most abundant minerals. Concerning organic analysis, all leaf samples showed similar moisture content, while the TPC of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) and total vitamin E content, the most predominant of which was the α-tocopherol isomer, showed significant variations between green-brown and yellow leaves. FA composition in all leaf samples exhibited higher contents of SFA and PUFA than MUFA, with a predominance of palmitic and linolenic acids. Organic and inorganic analysis of quince leaves allow for the prediction of adequate physiological properties, mainly cardiovascular, pulmonary, and immunological defenses, which with our preliminary in silico studies suggest an excellent supplement to complementary therapy, including drastic pandemic situations.