Mechanistic Differences in the Inhibition of NF-κB by Turmeric and Its Curcuminoid Constituents

Angiogenesis as a Therapeutic Target of (Poly)phenols: Tackling Cancer and Vascular-Related Complications

Targeting angiogenesis as a strategy for treating cancer or vascular-associated complications is an inspiring field for many investigators. An active area within this discipline is the search for agents capable of modulating angiogenesis in order to ameliorate its structural and functional abnormalities associated with these diseases. (Poly)phenols are a broad group of molecules, many of which fall within the category of natural compounds with therapeutic potential. These potential medicinal effects have launched a considerable number of studies investigating the pro- and(or) anti-angiogenic properties of (poly)phenols in different (patho)physiological settings. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence of the role of (poly)phenols in modulating angiogenesis. This review will guide the reader through preclinical and human investigations describing the pro- and anti-angiogenic effects of these compounds in different pathophysiological context, the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated, the key points in the design and evaluation of the effects described, and suggest new approaches to be considered in future studies to overcome the current limitations.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin mitigates traumatic brain injury in rats by modulating autophagy and oxidative stress via heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1-mediated nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB

BACKGROUND

Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), the primary active compound found in turmeric, exhibits diverse pharmacological properties. The study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of BDMC in traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODS

A rat TBI model was established using the Feeney's freefall epidural impact method, followed by BDMC treatment. Rat cortical neuron cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress and then treated with BDMC. The cells were also pretreated with autophagy inhibitor 3-MA and heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1) inhibitor 17-AAG. Additionally, the experiments also involved treating H2O2-exposed cortical neurons with 17-AAG and silencing HSP90AA1 expression. Co-immunoprecipitation was utilized to verify interactions between HSP90AA1 and transcription factor EB (TFEB), TFEB and nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), and the localization of these complexes in the cytoplasm and nucleus.

RESULTS

BDMC treatment significantly reduced modified neurological severity scores, brain water content, inflammatory infiltration, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the cerebral cortex of TBI rats. Additionally, BDMC treatment elevated the expression of Beclin 1 and light chain 3 (LC3) II/LC3 I ratio while decreasing p62 expression. It also promoted TFEB nuclear translocation and increased HSP90AA1 levels in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, along with elevated nuclear Nrf2 expressions in TBI models. In vitro experiments showed decreased malondialdehyde levels, elevated glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels upon BDMC treatment, along with repressed cortical neurons apoptosis, elevated Beclin 1 and LC3 II/LC3 I expressions, decreased p62 expressions, reduced cytoplasmic TFEB expression, increased nuclear TFEB and Nrf2 expression, and elevated HSP90AA1 expression in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Mechanistically, BDMC mediated autophagy and oxidative stress by activating HSP90AA1/TFEB/Nrf2 axis. Finally, HSP90AA1 was shown to regulate Nrf2 expression by binding to TFEB in the cellular model.

CONCLUSIONS

BDMC alleviated TBI in rats by regulating autophagy and oxidative stress through HSP90AA1-mediated nuclear translocation of TFEB.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin and Curcumin Alleviate Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Maintaining Intestinal Epithelial Integrity and Regulating Gut Microbiota in Mice

Curcuminoids, found in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), include curcumin (CUR), demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC). Although CUR and DMC are well-studied, the anti-inflammatory effects of BDMC remain less explored. Recent studies highlight BDMC's stronger NF-κB inhibition compared to CUR and DMC in cell models, along with its ability to target pathways associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in DSS-induced colitis mice, reflected by lower disease activity scores and reduced inflammation. This study assessed CUR and BDMC in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model. Dietary administration of CUR or BDMC strengthened tight junction (TJ) proteins, reduced inflammatory cytokine secretion, and attenuated intestinal inflammatory protein expression, thereby alleviating DSS-induced IBD in mice. Furthermore, gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid analyses revealed that CUR and BDMC effectively regulated gut microbial imbalance and promoted the relative abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria. Furthermore, CUR showed low absorption and was primarily excreted in feces, while BDMC had higher absorption levels. In conclusion, while both BDMC and CUR have potential as adjunct therapies for IBD, BDMC at a concentration of 0.1% showed strong anti-inflammatory effects and enhanced TJ proteins, suggesting that BDMC, even at lower concentrations than CUR, holds promising therapeutic potential and prospects.

Dry Heating of Curcumin in the Presence of Basic Salts Yields Anti-inflammatory Dimerization Products

Curcumin exerts some of its biological effects via degradation products formed by spontaneous oxidation at physiological, i.e., weakly basic, pH. Here, we analyzed products formed by dry heating of curcumin in the presence of a basic salt (sodium bicarbonate and others). Under the dry heating conditions employed, curcumin was completely consumed, yielding products entirely different from those obtained by autoxidative degradation in buffer. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the reaction mixture was used to identify and isolate compounds with anti-inflammatory activity in a cell-based assay. This provided two dimers of curcumin, dicurmins A and B, featuring a partly saturated naphthalene core that inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of NF-κB in RAW264.7 cells. Dicurmin A and B are unusual derivatives of curcumin lacking key functional moieties yet exhibit increased anti-inflammatory activity. The process of dry heating of polyphenols in the presence of a basic salt can serve as a novel approach to generating bioactive compounds.

Role of Curcuma longae Rhizoma in medical applications: research challenges and opportunities

Curcuma longae Rhizoma, commonly known as turmeric, is extensively utilized not only in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) but also across various traditional medicine systems worldwide. It is renowned for its effectiveness in removing blood stasis, promoting blood circulation, and relieving pain. The primary bioactive metabolites of Curcuma longae Rhizoma-curcumin, β-elemene, curcumol, and curdione-have been extensively studied for their pharmacological benefits. These include anti-tumor properties, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, immune regulation, liver protection, and their roles as analgesics, anti-inflammatories, antivirals, antibacterials, hypoglycemics, and antioxidants. This review critically examines the extensive body of research regarding the mechanisms of action of Curcuma longae Rhizoma, which engages multiple molecular targets and signaling pathways such as NF-κB, MAPKs, and PI3K/AKT. The core objective of this review is to assess how the main active metabolites of turmeric interact with these molecular systems to achieve therapeutic outcomes in various clinical settings. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges related to the bioavailability of these metabolites and explore potential methods to enhance their therapeutic effects. By doing so, this review aims to provide fresh insights into the optimization of Curcuma longae Rhizoma for broader clinical applications.

Subjective biosafety assessment of bisdemethoxycurcumin from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa

Introduction/Background: Curcuma longa, a plant native to the Indian subcontinent has a variety of biological activities. Curcumin is the most abundant and biologically active compound with many therapeutic properties. Demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) - the two other bioactive components present in Curcuma longa, besides curcumin, are collectively termed curcuminoids. Apart from the well-known curcumin, BDMC also has been reported to possess promising biological and pharmacological effects, but very little scientific evidence on its safety assessment has been published.Objective: The present study was undertaken to determine the safety of pure BDMC from Curcuma longa extract in rodents which comprises of general toxicity (both four weeks and three months duration), reproductive/developmental toxicity and genotoxicity studies.Methods: The Good Laboratory Practice studies were carried out in accordance with the test guidelines established by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.Results: No treatment-related adverse findings were seen in general toxicity testing and a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 1000 mg/kg/day was established after four weeks (sub-acute) and three-months (sub-chronic) dosing. Evaluation of fertility, embryo-fetal, and post-natal reproductive and developmental parameters also showed no adverse findings with a NOAEL of 1000 mg/kg/day established. The results of genotoxicity as evaluated by in vitro reverse mutation assay, and in vivo micronucleus test in mice indicate that BDMC did not induce any genotoxic effects.Conclusion: Oral administration of BDMC is safe in rodents and non-mutagenic, with no adverse effects under experimental conditions.

The properties and mechanism of action of plant immunomodulators in regulation of immune response - A narrative review focusing on Curcuma longa L., Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer and Moringa oleifera Lam

Herbal treatments have been utilized for millennia to cure a variety of ailments. There are over 20, 000 herbal remedies available to treat cancer and other disease in humans. In Ayurveda, traditional plants having revitalizing and nourishing characteristics are known as "Rasayanas." They have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-microbicidal, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects on the immune system. Immunomodulation is a mechanism through which the body stimulates, suppresses, or boosts the immune system to maintain homeostasis. Plant-derived immunomodulators are typically phytocompounds, including carbohydrates, phenolics, lipids, alkaloids, terpenoids, organosulfur, and nitrogen-containing chemicals. Immunomodulation activity of phytocompounds from traditional plants is primarily mediated through macrophage activation, phagocytosis stimulation, peritoneal macrophage stimulation, lymphoid cell stimulation, and suppression or enhancement of specific and non-specific cellular immune systems via numerous signalling pathways. Despite extensive research, the precise mechanism of immunomodulation of most traditional plants has not yet been fully elucidated, justifying the need for further experimentation. Therefore, this review describes the immunomodulatory agents from traditional plants such as Curcuma longa L., Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, and Moringa oleifera Lam, further highlighting the common molecular targets and immunomodulatory mechanism involved in eradicating diseases.

Naturally Derived Phenethyl Isothiocyanate Modulates Induction of Oxidative Stress via Its N-Acetylated Cysteine Conjugated form in Malignant Melanoma

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a secondary metabolic product yielded upon the hydrolysis of gluconasturtiin and it is highly accumulated in the flowers of watercress. The aim of the current study was to assess the role of a naturally derived PEITC-enriched extract in the induction of oxidative stress and to evaluate its anti-melanoma potency through the regulation of its metabolism with the concurrent production of the N-acetyl cysteine conjugated by-product. For this purpose, an in vitro melanoma model was utilized consisting of human primary (A375) cells as well as metastatic (COLO-679) malignant melanoma cells together with non-tumorigenic immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT). Cytotoxicity was assessed via the Alamar Blue assay whereas the antioxidant/prooxidant activity of PEITC was determined via spectrophotometric assays. Finally, kinetic characterization of the end-product of PEITC metabolism was monitored via UPLC coupled to a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Our results indicate that although PhEF showed very minor antioxidant activity in a cell-free system, in a cell-based system, it can modulate the activity of key enzyme(s) involved in cellular antioxidant defense mechanism(s). In addition, we have shown that PhEF induces lipid and protein oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner, while its cytotoxicity is not only dependent on PEITC itself but also on its N-acetylated cysteine conjugated form.

Effect of curcumin, betadine and chlorhexidine in gingival wound healing

The effect of chlorhexidine (CHX) digluconate, Betadine (BET), curcumin (CUR) on gingival wound healing is of interest to dental practitioners. Hence, we studied the average fibroblast viability % for each of the concentrations of CUR, BET and CHX over various time durations. It was found that mean percentage of viability of fibroblasts is high in CUR and low in CHX at all time periods while the mean percentage of viability of fibroblasts in BET 1% was greater than CHX but lower than CUR at all time periods. Thus, curcumin at a concentration of 0.003% demonstrates the least cytotoxicity for fibroblasts. Hence, it is the most effective bacterial suppression, and the best wound healing.

M, Thazhathidath S. Assessment of Safety Profile of Activated Curcumin C3 Complex (AC3®), Enriched Extract of Bisdemethoxycurcumin from the Rhizomes of Curcuma longa

The present work was carried out to investigate the toxic effects of Activated Curcumin C3 Complex (AC3®) through the methods of acute, subacute, subchronic, reproductive/developmental toxicity, and genotoxicity when administered orally in experimental rodents. The studies were carried out in line with OECD principles of good laboratory practice. A single-dose acute oral toxicity study was conducted on female Wistar rats that produced no toxic effects after 14 days (the observation period) of treatment. Subacute, subchronic, and reproductive/developmental studies were conducted in Wistar rats, divided equally into vehicle control, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg dose groups along with recovery groups for vehicle control and high dose. In all the studies, there were no abnormal clinical signs/behavioral changes, reproductive and developmental parameters, or gross and histopathological changes. Likewise, no alteration was found in the body weight, hematology, and other biochemical parameters. Also, it did not show mutagenicity in the in vitro AMES test or clastogenicity and aneugenicity in the in vivo micronucleus test, indicating that AC3® did not induce any genotoxic effects. This revealed that oral administration of AC3® is safe in rodents, nonmutagenic, and had no observed adverse effects under experimental conditions.

Curcumin Supplementation and Human Disease: A Scoping Review of Clinical Trials

Medicinal properties of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), a plant used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory, are attributed to its polyphenolic curcuminoids, where curcumin predominates. Although "curcumin" supplements are a top-selling botanical with promising pre-clinical effects, questions remain regarding biological activity in humans. To address this, a scoping review was conducted to assess human clinical trials reporting oral curcumin effects on disease outcomes. Eight databases were searched using established guidelines, yielding 389 citations (from 9528 initial) that met inclusion criteria. Half focused on obesity-associated metabolic disorders (29%) or musculoskeletal disorders (17%), where inflammation is a key driver, and beneficial effects on clinical outcomes and/or biomarkers were reported for most citations (75%) in studies that were primarily double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trials (77%, D-RCT). Citations for the next most studied disease categories (neurocognitive [11%] or gastrointestinal disorders [10%], or cancer [9%]), were far fewer in number and yielded mixed results depending on study quality and condition studied. Although additional research is needed, including systematic evaluation of diverse curcumin formulations and doses in larger D-RCT studies, the preponderance of current evidence for several highly studied diseases (e.g., metabolic syndrome, osteoarthritis), which are also clinically common, are suggestive of clinical benefits.

Anti-inflammatory potential of turmeric, amla, and black pepper mixture against sepsis-induced acute lung injury in rats

Acute lung injury (ALI), is a severe inflammatory lung disease. We tested the prophylactic effect of a functional food mix comprising three anti-inflammatory plant products: turmeric, amla, and black pepper (TAB) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in rats. Two-month-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (C), LPS (5 mg/kg), and LPS with TAB (TAB). After 6 h of LPS injection, the rats were sacrificed by cervical decapitation to collect the lung tissue. Results showed that TAB partially ameliorated LPS-induced increase in circulating inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL6) and significantly prevented lung histopathological changes. TAB also suppressed LPS-activated ER stress markers (GRP78, pIRE1, and CHOP) and apoptotic markers (caspase-3 and - 12) in the lung. The anti-inflammatory effects of the TAB support its potential use as an adjuvant to mitigate ALI. Importantly, TAB's ingredients have been used for centuries as part of the diet with limited or no toxic effects.

Functional bioactive compounds in ginger, turmeric, and garlic

Nutrition plays a very important role in the health promotion of individuals and brought about a global paradigm shift from pharmaceuticals to nutraceuticals. This is due to the high cost, non-availability, and side effects associated with the unregulated consumption of pharmaceuticals. Over the ages, nutraceuticals from food products were reported to contain bioactive compounds with great health and physiological benefits. This report reviews bioactive compounds in selected foods namely ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and garlic (Allium sativum) as potential natural therapeutics for ailments of cancer and heart-related diseases. Analytical profiles, functional activities, and characterization of these compounds were discussed with possible recommendations for the prospective treatment of diseases using these nutraceuticals.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin Attenuated Renal Injury via Activation of Keap1/Nrf2 Pathway in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), a principal and active component of edible turmeric, was previously found to have beneficial effects on metabolic diseases. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) may benefit from its potential therapeutic use. Using a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mouse model, we examined the effects of BDMC on renal injury and tried to determine how its associated mechanism works. A number of metabolic disorders are significantly improved by BDMC, including obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia and inflammation. Further research on renal histopathology and function showed that BDMC could repair renal pathological changes and enhance renal function. Moreover, decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA), elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and the inhibition of renal reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction revealed the alleviation of oxidative stress after BDMC administration. In addition, renal Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Keap1/Nrf2) pathway was activated in BDMC-treated mice. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated BDMC as a potential therapy for HFD-induced CKD via the activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway.

Physiologically relevant curcuminoids inhibit angiogenesis via VEGFR2 in human aortic endothelial cells

Angiogenesis is a complex process encompassing endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. While numerous studies describe that curcumin exerts antitumor properties (e.g., targeting angiogenesis), information regarding other dietary curcuminoids such as demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BisDMC) is scant. In this study, we evaluated the antiangiogenic activities of these three curcuminoids at physiological concentrations (0.1-5 μM) on endothelial cell migration and tubulogenesis and the underlying associated mechanisms on human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Results showed that the individual compounds and a representative mixture inhibited the tubulogenic and migration capacity of endothelial cells dose-dependently, while sparing cell viability. Notably, DMC and BisDMC at 0.1 and 1 μM showed higher capacity than curcumin inhibiting tubulogenesis. These compounds also reduced phosphorylation of the VEGFR2 and the downstream ERK and Akt pathways in VEGF₁₆₅-stimulated cells. In silico analysis showed that curcuminoids could bind the VEGFR2 antagonizing the VEGF-mediated angiogenesis. These findings suggest that physiologically concentrations of curcuminoids might counteract pro-angiogenic stimuli relevant to tumorigenic processes.

Identification of G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) as a target of curcumin

The identification of molecular targets of bioactive food components is important to understand the mechanistic aspect of their physiological functions. Here, we have developed a screening system that enables us to determine the activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) by food components and have identified GPR55 as a target for curcumin. Curcumin activated GPR55 and induced serum-response element- and serum-response factor-mediated transcription, which were inhibited by Rho kinase and GPR55 antagonists. Both the methoxy group and the heptadienone moiety of curcumin were required for GPR55 activation. The F190^5.47 residue of GPR55 was important for the interaction with curcumin. The curcumin-induced secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 in GLUTag cells was inhibited by a GPR55 antagonist. These results indicate that expression screening is a useful system to identify GPCRs as targets of food components and strongly suggest that curcumin activates GPR55 as an agonist, which is involved in the physiological function of curcumin.

Curcumin Inhibition of TGFβ signaling in bone metastatic breast cancer cells and the possible role of oxidative metabolites

TGFβ signaling promotes progression of bone-metastatic (BMET) breast cancer (BCa) cells by driving tumor-associated osteolysis, a hallmark of BCa BMETs, thus allowing for tumor expansion within bone. Turmeric-derived bioactive curcumin, enriched in bone via local enzymatic deconjugation of inactive circulating curcumin-glucuronides, inhibits osteolysis and BMET progression in human xenograft BCa BMET models by blocking tumoral TGFβ signaling pathways mediating osteolysis. This is a unique antiosteolytic mechanism in contrast to current osteoclast-targeting therapeutics. Therefore, experiments were undertaken to elucidate the mechanism for curcumin inhibition of BCa TGFβ signaling and the application of this finding across multiple BCa cell lines forming TGFβ-dependent BMETs, including a possible role for bioactive curcumin metabolites in mediating these effects. Immunoblot analysis of TGFβ signaling proteins in bone tropic human (MDA-SA, MDA-1833, MDA-2287) and murine (4T1) BCa cells revealed uniform curcumin blockade of TGFβ-induced Smad activation due to down-regulation of plasma membrane associated TGFβR2 and cellular receptor Smad proteins that propagate Smad-mediated gene expression, resulting in downregulation of PTHrP expression, the osteolytic factor driving in vivo BMET progression. With the exception of early decreases in TGFβR2, inhibitory effects appeared to be mediated by oxidative metabolites of curcumin and involved inhibition of gene expression. Interestingly, while not contributing to changes in Smad-mediated TGFβ signaling, curcumin caused early activation of MAPK signaling in all cell lines, including JNK, an effect possibly involving interactions with TGFβR2 within lipid rafts. Treatment with curcumin or oxidizable analogs of curcumin may have clinical relevancy in the management of TGFβ-dependent BCa BMETs.

Perspective on Improving the Relevance, Rigor, and Reproducibility of Botanical Clinical Trials: Lessons Learned From Turmeric Trials

Plant-derived compounds, without doubt, can have significant medicinal effects since many notable drugs in use today, such as morphine or taxol, were first isolated from botanical sources. When an isolated and purified phytochemical is developed as a pharmaceutical, the uniformity and appropriate use of the product are well defined. Less clear are the benefits and best use of plant-based dietary supplements or other formulations since these products, unlike traditional drugs, are chemically complex and variable in composition, even if derived from a single plant source. This perspective will summarize key points-including the premise of ethnobotanical and preclinical evidence, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and safety-inherent and unique to the study of botanical dietary supplements to be considered when planning or evaluating botanical clinical trials. Market forces and regulatory frameworks also affect clinical trial design since in the United States, for example, botanical dietary supplements cannot be marketed for disease treatment and submission of information on safety or efficacy is not required. Specific challenges are thus readily apparent both for consumers comparing available products for purchase, as well as for commercially sponsored vs. independent researchers planning clinical trials to evaluate medicinal effects of botanicals. Turmeric dietary supplements, a top selling botanical in the United States and focus of over 400 clinical trials to date, will be used throughout to illustrate both the promise and pitfalls associated with the clinical evaluation of botanicals.

Turmeric and its bioactive constituents trigger cell signaling mechanisms that protect against diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

Turmeric, the rhizome of Curcuma longa plant belonging to the ginger family Zingiberaceae, has a history in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of chronic diseases, including metabolic and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This parallels a prevalence of age- and lifestyle-related diseases, especially CVD and type 2 diabetes (T2D), and associated mortality which has occurred in recent decades. While the chemical composition of turmeric is complex, curcuminoids and essential oils are known as two major groups that display bioactive properties. Curcumin, the most predominant curcuminoid, can modulate several cell signaling pathways involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of CVD, T2D, and related morbidities. Lesser bioactivities have been reported from other curcuminoids and essential oils. This review examines the chemical compositions of turmeric, and related bioactive constituents. A focus was placed on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the protective effects of turmeric and turmeric-derived compounds against diabetes and CVD, compiled from the findings obtained with cell-based and animal models. Evidence from clinical trials is also presented to identify potential preventative and therapeutic efficacies. Clinical studies with longer intervention durations and specific endpoints for assessing health outcomes are warranted in order to fully evaluate the long-term protective efficacy of turmeric.

Polyphenols as adjunctive treatments in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders: Efficacy, mechanisms of action, and factors influencing inter-individual response

The pathophysiology of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders is complex and multifactorial. Polyphenols possess a range of potentially beneficial mechanisms of action that relate to the implicated pathways in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of this review is to highlight the emerging clinical trial and preclinical efficacy data regarding the role of polyphenols in mental and brain health, elucidate novel mechanisms of action including the gut microbiome and gene expression, and discuss the factors that may be responsible for the mixed clinical results; namely, the role of interindividual differences in treatment response and the potentially pro-oxidant effects of some polyphenols. Further clarification as part of larger, well conducted randomized controlled trials that incorporate precision medicine methods are required to inform clinical efficacy and optimal dosing regimens.

Possible Use of Phytochemicals for Recovery from COVID-19-Induced Anosmia and Ageusia

The year 2020 became the year of the outbreak of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which escalated into a worldwide pandemic and continued into 2021. One of the unique symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 disease, COVID-19, is the loss of chemical senses, i.e., smell and taste. Smell training is one of the methods used in facilitating recovery of the olfactory sense, and it uses essential oils of lemon, rose, clove, and eucalyptus. These essential oils were not selected based on their chemical constituents. Although scientific studies have shown that they improve recovery, there may be better combinations for facilitating recovery. Many phytochemicals have bioactive properties with anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects. In this review, we describe the chemical compounds with anti- inflammatory and anti-viral effects, and we list the plants that contain these chemical compounds. We expand the review from terpenes to the less volatile flavonoids in order to propose a combination of essential oils and diets that can be used to develop a new taste training method, as there has been no taste training so far. Finally, we discuss the possible use of these in clinical settings.

Aldose Reductase Inhibitor Engeletin Suppresses Pelvic Inflammatory Disease by Blocking the Phospholipase C/Protein Kinase C-Dependent/NF-κB and MAPK Cascades

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common inflammation in the upper reproductive tract in women and may cause serious and costly consequences without effective treatment. Engeletin is a flavanonol glycoside and a naturally derived aldose reductase (AR) inhibitor that is widely distributed in vegetables, fruits, and plant-based foods. The present study investigated the anti-PID activity of engeletin in a mucilage-induced rat model of PID and LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Engeletin significantly reduced inflammation and ameliorated the typical uterine pathological changes in PID rats. Engeletin also inhibited AR-dependent PLC/PKC/NF-κB and MAPK inflammatory pathways, as indicated by the suppression of the phosphorylation levels of PLC, PKC, p38, ERK, and JNK and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. In vitro studies demonstrated that engeletin significantly inhibited inflammatory mediator expression and enhanced the phagocytic ability of LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. RNA interference of AR prevented the engeletin-induced inhibition of inflammatory mediators. Engeletin also inhibited AR-dependent PLC/PKC/NF-κB and MAPK inflammatory pathways, which was consistent with the in vivo results. These findings support engeletin as a potential agent for prevention or treatment of PID.

Interaction between Gut Microbiota and Curcumin: A New Key of Understanding for the Health Effects of Curcumin

Curcumin, a lipophilic polyphenol contained in the rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric), has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine, and nowadays it is widely used in food as dietary spice worldwide. It has received considerable attention for its pharmacological activities, which appear to act primarily through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. For this reason, it has been proposed as a tool for the management of many diseases, among which are gastrointestinal and neurological diseases, diabetes, and several types of cancer. However, the pharmacology of curcumin remains to be elucidated; indeed, a discrepancy exists between the well-documented in vitro and in vivo activities of curcumin and its poor bioavailability and chemical instability that should limit any therapeutic effect. Recently, it has been hypothesized that curcumin could exert direct regulative effects primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, where high concentrations of this polyphenol have been detected after oral administration. Consequently, it might be hypothesized that curcumin directly exerts its regulatory effects on the gut microbiota, thus explaining the paradox between its low systemic bioavailability and its wide pharmacological activities. It is well known that the microbiota has several important roles in human physiology, and its composition can be influenced by a multitude of environmental and lifestyle factors. Accordingly, any perturbations in gut microbiome profile or dysbiosis can have a key role in human disease progression. Interestingly, curcumin and its metabolites have been shown to influence the microbiota. It is worth noting that from the interaction between curcumin and microbiota two different phenomena arise: the regulation of intestinal microflora by curcumin and the biotransformation of curcumin by gut microbiota, both of them potentially crucial for curcumin activity. This review summarizes the most recent studies on this topic, highlighting the strong connection between curcumin and gut microbiota, with the final aim of adding new insight into the potential mechanisms by which curcumin exerts its effects.