Resveratrol: A Vital Therapeutic Agent with Multiple Health Benefits

Effects of resveratrol on the lipid profile of post-menopause women: Systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Postmenopausal women experience an increase in cardiovascular, sexual, and emotional changes that can significantly impact their quality of life. Although phytoestrogens offer therapeutic benefits, our understanding of resveratrol's effects remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the effects of using resveratrol on the lipid profile of postmenopausal women.

DATA SYNTHESIS

We conducted a systematic review using search terms like "postmenopausal" and "resveratrol" and their synonyms. Two reviewers handled study selection and data extraction. Randomized clinical trials assessing resveratrol in post-menopausal women were included. The meta-analysis on total cholesterol levels found no significant difference between groups, Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) -0.09 (95 % Confidence Interval (CI) -0.39 to 0.22, p = 0.59; I2 = 0 %, 2 studies, low-quality evidence). No significant differences were found in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, SMD 0.00 (95 % CI -0.31 to 0.31, p = 1; I2 = 0 %, 2 studies, low-quality evidence), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LCD) levels, SMD -0.10 (95 % CI -0.40 to 0.21, p = 0.54; I2 = 0 %, 2 studies, low-quality evidence), and triglyceride levels, SMD -0.12 (95 % CI -0.18 to 0.43, p = 0.43; I2 = 0 %, 2 studies, low-quality evidence).

CONCLUSION

This review concludes there's limited evidence for recommendations; further studies with higher doses, longer supplementation durations, and exploration of outcomes are needed to clarify therapeutic potential.

Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Natural Polyphenols in Esophageal Cancer

OPINION STATEMENT

Esophageal cancer (EC), one highly malignant upper gastrointestinal cancer, is the eighth most commonly occurring cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Clinically, this malignancy is considered to be one of the most difficult-to-treat cancers, owing to its resistance to common therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and few targeted therapies are available. There is currently an unmet need for treatment of EC. Polyphenols are naturally occurring plant secondary metabolites in response to environmental threats and injury. Epidemiological evidence suggests that long-term consumption of a polyphenol-rich diet is inversely associated with the risk of cancer. Currently, natural polyphenols have received increased attention for their potential therapeutic effects on EC. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent progress in the therapeutic potential of natural polyphenols in EC, as well as their sources, oral bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics. We review natural polyphenols combined with approved chemotherapy and radiotherapy to overcome challenges faced by either monotherapy. We also discuss the current challenges and future directions to accelerate the clinical application of natural polyphenols in EC. We concluded that natural polyphenols represent promising candidates for the management of EC. Well-designed randomized controlled studies are warranted to verify the efficacy and safety of natural polyphenols for EC. Knowledge gained from this review will outline possible future research directions and should help to develop new therapeutics for this disease.

Impact of plant-derived antioxidants on heart aging: a mechanistic outlook

Heart aging involves a complex interplay of genetic and environmental influences, leading to a gradual deterioration of cardiovascular integrity and function. Age-related physiological changes, including ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, increased arterial stiffness, and endothelial dysfunction, are influenced by key mechanisms like autophagy, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of plant-derived bioactive antioxidants in mitigating heart aging. These compounds, often rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals, exhibit notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. These substances have intricate cardioprotective properties, including the ability to scavenge ROS, enhance endogenous antioxidant defenses, regulate signaling pathways, and impede fibrosis and inflammation-promoting processes. By focusing on key molecular mechanisms linked to cardiac aging, antioxidants produced from plants provide significant promise to reduce age-related cardiovascular decline and improve general heart health. Through a comprehensive analysis of preclinical and clinical studies, this work highlights the mechanisms associated with heart aging and the promising effects of plant-derived antioxidants. The findings may helpful for researchers in identifying specific molecules with therapeutic and preventive potential for aging heart.

Advances in cell membrane-based biomimetic nanodelivery systems for natural products

Active components of natural products, which include paclitaxel, curcumin, gambogic acid, resveratrol, triptolide and celastrol, have promising anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-oxidant, and other pharmacological activities. However, their clinical application is limited due to low solubility, instability, low bioavailability, rapid metabolism, short half-life, and strong off-target toxicity. To overcome these drawbacks, cell membrane-based biomimetic nanosystems have emerged that avoid clearance by the immune system, enhance targeting, and prolong drug circulation, while also improving drug solubility and bioavailability, enhancing drug efficacy, and reducing side effects. This review summarizes recent advances in the preparation and coating of cell membrane-coated biomimetic nanosystems and in their applications to disease for targeted natural products delivery. Current challenges, limitations, and prospects in this field are also discussed, providing a research basis for the development of multifunctional biomimetic nanosystems for natural products.

Exploring the Effect of Resveratrol, Tyrosol, and Their Derivatives on Platelet-Activating Factor Biosynthesis in U937 Cells

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent lipid mediator, involved in thrombosis, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. The protective effect of wine and olive oil against atherosclerotic diseases is largely attributed to their phenolic compounds and mostly to resveratrol and tyrosol. Both compounds have been reported to inhibit PAF biosynthesis in interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-stimulated monocytes and also to attenuate PAF biosynthesis in cell lysates. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol, tyrosol, and their derivatives on unstimulated U937 cells and to explore the intracellular messaging pathways that participate in the activation of PAF biosynthesis in the same cell line. Tyrosol and its derivatives did not exert any substantial effect on PAF biosynthesis. Resveratrol (50 and 100 μM), as well as its methoxy derivative (5-20 μM), caused a reduction in the PAF biosynthetic enzymes' activity by 20-43% after 24 h of incubation. On the other hand, lower resveratrol concentration (10 μM) and higher concentration of the methoxy derivative (50 μM) increased the Ca2+-dependent lyso-PAF acetyltransferase (LysoPAF-ATC) activity by 28-45% after half-hour incubation via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK) action. IL-1β activated PAF biosynthetic pathways via different signaling pathways, with phospholipase C-β (PLC-β) being a key enzyme.

A review of natural products targeting tumor immune microenvironments for the treatment of lung cancer

Lung cancer (LC) produces some of the most malignant tumors in the world, with high morbidity and mortality. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), a component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), are critical in tumor development, immune escape, and drug resistance. The TIME is composed of various immune cells, immune cytokines, etc, which are important biological characteristics and determinants of tumor progression and outcomes. In this paper, we reviewed the recently published literature and discussed the potential uses of natural products in regulating TIME. We observed that a total of 37 natural compounds have been reported to exert anti-cancer effects by targeting the TIME. In different classes of natural products, terpenoids are the most frequently mentioned compounds. TAMs are one of the most investigated immune cells about therapies with natural products in TIME, with 9 natural products acting through it. 17 natural products exhibit anti-cancer properties in LC by modulating PD-1 and PD-L1 protein activity. These natural products have been extensively evaluated in animal and cellular LC models, but their clinical trials in LC patients are lacking. Based on the current review, we have revealed that the mechanisms of LC can be treated with natural products through TIME intervention, resulting in a new perspective and potential therapeutic drugs.

Resveratrol-based biorefinery models for favoring its inclusion along the market value-added chains: A critical review

Resveratrol, a natural organic polyhydroxyphenolic compound, has gained significant attention in the last years given its potential health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be directly extracted from plants, vegetables, and related products and waste resources, but also chemically/enzymatically/microbially synthesized. However, certain process strategies have some limitations, such as high costs, reduced yield or high energy demand, thus implying significant environmental loads. In this context, the search for more sustainable and circular process schemes is key to the integration of resveratrol into the market value chain of the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors. The extraction of resveratrol has traditionally been based on conventional methods such as solvent extraction, but advanced green extraction techniques offer more efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives. This review analyses both conventional and green alternative extraction technologies, as well as its bioproduction through microbial fermentation, in terms of production capacity, yield, purity and sustainability. It also presents alternative biorefinery models based on resveratrol bioproduction using by-products and waste streams as resources, specifically considering wine residues, peanut shells and wood bark as input resources, and also following a circular approach. This critical review provides some insight into the opportunities that resveratrol offers for promoting sustainable development and circularity in the related market value chains, and thus provides some criteria for decision making for biorefinery models in which resveratrol is one of the targeted high value-added products. It also identifies the future challenges to promote the inclusion of resveratrol in value chains, with the scale-up of green technologies and its demonstrated economic feasibility being the most prominent.

Effects of Resveratrol Co-Administration on Celecoxib Disposition and Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Volunteers

The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol (RSV), a natural herbal remedy used as an adjacent anti-inflammatory supplement on, the pharmacokinetics of celecoxib in healthy male volunteers. Twelve healthy human participants were involved in two-period open-labeled trial. Celecoxib (200 mg) was given as a single oral dose under fasting conditions as a control phase. Afterward, RSV (500 mg) commenced as a single oral dose for ten days as a treatment phase. Blood samples were collected during the control and treatment phases and analyzed using the validated High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. RSV pre-exposure significantly increased the area under the curve (AUC0-24), peak plasma concentration (Cmax), absorption rate constant (ka), and prolongated half-life (t1/2), along with a decrease in elimination rate constant (ke). Meanwhile, the volume of distribution (Vd/F) and apparent total body clearance (CL/F) were significantly decreased for celecoxib. There was no significant change in the time it takes for celecoxib to reach the maximum concentration (tmax) was observed. The obtained results suggested the presence of a beneficial pharmacokinetic interaction between RSV and celecoxib. Consequently, combining resveratrol as an herbal remedy and celecoxib as an anti-inflammatory drug may synergistically reduce inflammation and osteoarthritis with minimal side effects.

Protective effect of vaginal resveratrol administration on joint tissues in ovariectomized rats: Targeting mTOR and сaspase 3

INTRODUCTION

Estrogens play a considerable role in maintaining bone and articular cartilage homeostasis. Menopause provokes joint disorders due to metabolic syndrome and altered signaling pathways. Phytoestrogen resveratrol was demonstrated to provide chondroprotective and osteoprotective effects. However, the mechanisms of such action of Resveratrol are still being explored.

AIM

The study aims to determine the effect of Resveratrol on the joints and its therapeutic mechanism in ovariectomized rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was carried out on Wistar female rats that were divided into three groups, including control animals; ovariectomized rats (OVX); and the OVX group treated with an intravaginal gel containing Resveratrol (0.5 % 0.1 mL, daily 28 days). Knee joint tissues (articular cartilage, subchondral plate, subchondral bone) were assessed by histomorphometry. The expression of mTOR, PTEN, Caspase 3 and BCL-2 in articular cartilage and subchondral bone were evaluated immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

Resveratrol treatment of OVX rats prevented weight gain by 17 % (P < 0.001), demonstrating the systemic effect on metabolic pathways. Although there were no statistically significant differences in the thickness of articular cartilage between groups, OVX rats possessed degenerative changes in chondrocytes, associated with the enhanced expression of mTOR (P < 0.001) and Casp-3 (P = 0.005). Resveratrol decreased mTOR (P = 0.007) and Casp-3 (P = 0.011) expression in chondrocytes, reducing degenerative changes. At the same time, resveratrol attenuated the deterioration of trabecular bone in OVX rats (P = 0.002). This effect was through the up-regulation of BCL-2 (P = 0.018) and down-regulation of Casp-3 expression (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Intravaginal administration of resveratrol provided systemic effects and ameliorated joint tissue structure and signaling in OVX rats through stimulation of BCL-2 and reduced Casp-3 expression.

Deciphering the roles of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in regulating carcinogenesis

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent receptor that belongs to the superfamily of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors. The activation of the canonical AHR signaling pathway is known to induce the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, facilitating the detoxification metabolism in the human body. Additionally, AHR could interact with various signaling pathways such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), nuclear factor ekappa B (NF-κβ), estrogen receptor (ER), and androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathways. Over the past 30 years, several studies have reported that various chemical, physical, or biological agents, such as tobacco, hydrocarbon compounds, industrial and agricultural chemical wastes, drugs, UV, viruses, and other toxins, could affect AHR expression or activity, promoting cancer development. Thus, it is valuable to overview how these factors regulate AHR-mediated carcinogenesis. Current findings have reported that many compounds could act as AHR ligands to drive the expressions of AHR-target genes, such as CYP1A1, CYP1B1, MMPs, and AXL, and other targets that exert a pro-proliferation or anti-apoptotic effect, like XIAP. Furthermore, some other physical and chemical agents, such as UV and 3-methylcholanthrene, could promote AHR signaling activities, increasing the signaling activities of a few oncogenic pathways, such as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathways. Understanding how various factors regulate AHR-mediated carcinogenesis processes helps clinicians and scientists plan personalized therapeutic strategies to improve anti-cancer treatment efficacy. As many studies that have reported the roles of AHR in regulating carcinogenesis are preclinical or observational clinical studies that did not explore the detailed mechanisms of how different chemical, physical, or biological agents promote AHR-mediated carcinogenesis processes, future studies should focus on conducting large-scale and functional studies to unravel the underlying mechanism of how AHR interacts with different factors in regulating carcinogenesis processes.

Phytochemicals in Cancer Treatment and Cancer Prevention-Review on Epidemiological Data and Clinical Trials

Phytochemicals are a non-nutritive substances that are present in plants and contribute significantly to their flavor and color. These biologically active compounds are classified into five major groups, namely phenolics, carotenoids, organosulfur compounds, nitrogen-containing compounds, and alkaloids, and are known for their potential health benefits in the prevention of various diseases, including cancer. The purpose of this review article is to explore the potential therapeutic benefits of the dietary phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols, carotenoids, and stilbenes, in cancer treatment and prevention based on the epidemiological studies and clinical trials. Although the majority of epidemiological studies report a significant advantage of the heightened phytochemical consumption and increased serum levels of these compounds, linking increased exposure with a lower cancer risk across most cancer types, these effects could not be replicated in the most available clinical trials. In fact, many of these trials were withdrawn early due to a lack of evidence and/or risk of harm. Despite the strong anticancer effect of phytochemicals, as well as their proven efficacy in multiple epidemiological studies, there is still a great need for human studies and clinical trials, with great caution regarding the safety measures. This review article provides an overview of the epidemiological and clinical evidence supporting the potential chemopreventive and anticancer properties of phytochemicals, with a focus on the need for further research in this area.

Chemoprevention effect of the Mediterranean diet on colorectal cancer: Current studies and future prospects

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second most deadly cancer worldwide. Nevertheless, more than 70% of CRC cases are resulted from sporadic tumorigenesis and are not inherited. Since adenoma-carcinoma development is a slow process and may take up to 20 years, diet-based chemoprevention could be an effective approach in sporadic CRC. The Mediterranean diet is an example of a healthy diet pattern that consists of a combination of nutraceuticals that prevent several chronic diseases and cancer. Many epidemiological studies have shown the correlation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and low incidence of CRC. The goal of this review is to shed the light on the anti-inflammatory and anti-colorectal cancer potentials of the natural bioactive compounds derived from the main foods in the Mediterranean diet.

Involvement of Resveratrol against Brain Cancer: A Combination Strategy with a Pharmaceutical Approach

A brain tumor (BT) is a condition in which there is growth or uncontrolled development of the brain cells, which usually goes unrecognized or is diagnosed at the later stages. Since the mechanism behind BT is not clear, and the various physiological conditions are difficult to diagnose, the success rate of BT is not very high. This is the central issue faced during drug development and clinical trials with almost all types of neurodegenerative disorders. In the first part of this review, we focus on the concept of brain tumors, their barriers, and the types of delivery possible to target the brain cells. Although various treatment methods are available, they all have side effects or toxic effects. Hence, in the second part, a correlation was made between the use of resveratrol, a potent antioxidant, and its advantages for brain diseases. The relationship between brain disease and the blood-brain barrier, multi-drug resistance, and the use of nanomedicine for treating brain disorders is also mentioned. In short, a hypothetical concept is given with a background investigation into the use of combination therapy with resveratrol as an active ingredient, the possible drug delivery, and its formulation-based approach.

Celastrol and Resveratrol Modulate SIRT Genes Expression and Exert Anticancer Activity in Colon Cancer Cells and Cancer Stem-like Cells

Simple Summary

The recovery rate in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) remains low and declines with successive lines of treatment. This phenomenon is caused by the development of drug resistance and the presence of colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs). Phytochemicals, like -celastrol and resveratrol, are very promising for colon cancer therapy, owing to their low or no toxicity and their pleiotropic activity, enabling them to interact with various biological targets. In the present study, the potential anticancer mechanisms of both compounds against metastatic colon cancer cells and the capacity to eradicate CSCs were investigated.

Abstract

Metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a hard-to-cure neoplasm worldwide. Its curability declines with successive lines of treatment due to the development of various cancer resistance mechanisms and the presence of colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs). Celastrol and resveratrol are very promising phytochemicals for colon cancer therapy, owing to their pleiotropic activity that enables them to interact with various biological targets. In the present study, the anticancer activities of both compounds were investigated in metastatic colon cancer cells (LoVo cells) and cancer stem-like cells (LoVo/DX). We showed that celastrol is a very potent anti-tumor compound against metastatic colon cancer, capable of attenuating CSC-like cells at the molecular and cellular levels. In contrast, resveratrol has a much greater effect on colon cancer cells that are expressing standard sensitivity to anticancer drugs, than on CSC-like cells. In addition, both polyphenols have different influences on the expression of SIRT genes, which seems to be at least partly related to their anti-tumor activity.

The Bark of the Spruce Picea jezoensis Is a Rich Source of Stilbenes

Stilbenes are plant phenolic secondary metabolites that show beneficial effects on human health and possess high antifungal activity against plant pathogens. Currently, a search for plant sources with high stilbene levels is relevant, since stilbene content in various plant species can vary substantially and is often at a low level. In this paper, the bark and wood of Picea jezoensis were analyzed for the content and composition of stilbenes and compared with other known stilbene sources. The HPLC-MS analysis of P. jezoensis bark and wood extracted with different solvents and at different temperatures revealed the presence of 11 and 5 stilbenes, respectively. The highest number of stilbenes of 171 and 229 mg per g of the dry weight (mg/g DW) was extracted from the bark of P. jezoensis using methanol or ethanol at 60 °C for 2 h. Trans-astringin, trans-piceid, and trans-isorhapontin prevailed over other stilbenoids (99% of all detected stilbenes). The most abundant stilbene was trans-isorhapontin, reaching 217 mg/g DW or 87% of all stilbenes. An increase in the extraction time from 2 to 6 h did not considerably increase the detected level of stilbenes, while lower extraction temperatures (20 and 40 °C) significantly lowered stilbene yield. The content of stilbenes in the P. jezoensis bark considerably exceeded stilbene levels in other stilbene-producing plant species. The present data revealed that the bark of P. jezoensis is a rich source of stilbenes (primarily trans-isorhapontin) and provided effective stilbene extraction procedures.