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Cui M, Cheng L, Zhou Z, Zhu Z, Liu Y, Li C, Liao B, Fan M, Duan B. Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety concerns of hawthorn (Crataegus genus): A comprehensive review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117229. [PMID: 37788786 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117229] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The genus Crataegus (hawthorn), a member of the Rosaceae family, encompasses several species with broad geographical distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, including Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Hawthorn is recognized as an edible medicinal plant with applications related to strengthening the digestive system, promoting blood circulation, and resolving blood stasis. AIM OF THE REVIEW This study critically summarized the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties to provide a theoretical basis for further studies on hawthorn and its applications in medicine and food. MATERIALS AND METHODS The available information on hawthorn was gathered from scientific databases (including Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Baidu Scholar, CNKI, online ethnobotanical databases, and ethnobotanical monographs, and considered data from 1952 to 2023). Information about traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety concerns of the collected data is comprehensively summarized in this paper. RESULTS The literature review revealed that hawthorn includes more than 1000 species primarily distributed in the northern temperate zone. Traditional uses of hawthorn have lasted for millennia in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Within the past decade, 337 chemical compounds, including flavonoids, lignans, fatty acids and organic acids, monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, terpenoids and steroids, have been identified from hawthorn. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed numerous bioactivities, such as cardiovascular system influence, antitumor activity, hepatoprotective activity, antimicrobial properties, immunomodulatory functions, and anti-inflammatory activities. Additionally, evaluations have indicated that hawthorn lacks toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Based on its traditional uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological studies, hawthorn has significant potential as a medicinal and edible plant with a diverse range of pharmacological activities. Traditional uses of the hawthorn include the treatment of indigestion, dysmenorrhea, and osteoporosis. However, modern pharmacological research primarily focuses on its cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system effects, antitumor effects, and liver protection properties. Currently, there is a lack of correlative research involving its traditional uses and pharmacological activities. Moreover, phytochemical and pharmacological research has yet to focus on many types of hawthorn with traditional applications. Therefore, it is imperative to research the genus Crataegus extensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Cui
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Zhongyu Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, China
| | - Zemei Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Yinglin Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Chaohai Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Binbin Liao
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Min Fan
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China.
| | - Baozhong Duan
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China.
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Liu S, Liu H, Zhang L, Ma C, Abd El-Aty AM. Edible pentacyclic triterpenes: A review of their sources, bioactivities, bioavailability, self-assembly behavior, and emerging applications as functional delivery vehicles. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022:1-17. [PMID: 36476115 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2153238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Edible pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) are a group of nutraceutical ingredients commonly distributed in human diets. Existing evidence has proven that they have various biological functions, including anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic activities, making them as "functional factor" for a long time. However, their properties of strong hydrophobicity, poor permeability, poor absorption, and rapid metabolism result in low oral bioavailability, which dramatically hinders their efficacy for use. Recently, free PTs have successively been found to self-assemble or co-assemble into self-contained nanostructures with enhanced water dispersibility and oral bioavailability, which seems to be an efficient processing method for increased oral efficacy. Of particular interest, formulating them into nanostructures can also be introduced as functional delivery carriers for bioactive compounds or drugs with various advantages, such as improved stability, controlled release, enhanced oral bioavailability, synergistic bioactivity, and targeted delivery. This review systematically summarized the chemical structures, plant sources, bioactivities, absorption, metabolism, and oral bioavailability of PTs. Notably, we emphasized their self-assembly properties and emerging role as functional delivery carriers for nutrients, suggesting that PT nanostructures are not only efficient oral forms when introduced into foods but also functional delivery materials for nutrients to expand their commercial food applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Liu
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Forest Food Processing and Safety, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Han Liu
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Forest Food Processing and Safety, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Forest Food Processing and Safety, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Ma
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Forest Food Processing and Safety, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - A M Abd El-Aty
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
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Alfaro-Almaguer JA, Mejía-Manzano LA, González-Valdez J. State-of-the-Art and Opportunities for Bioactive Pentacyclic Triterpenes from Native Mexican Plants. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11172184. [PMID: 36079566 PMCID: PMC9459852 DOI: 10.3390/plants11172184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Native Mexican plants are a wide source of bioactive compounds such as pentacyclic triterpenes. Pentacyclic triterpenes biosynthesized through the mevalonate (MVA) and the 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-phosphate (MEP) metabolic pathways are highlighted by their diverse biological activity. Compounds belonging to the oleanane, ursane, and lupane groups have been identified in about 33 Mexican plants, located geographically in the southwest of Mexico. The works addressing these findings have reported 45 compounds that mainly show antimicrobial activity, followed by anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, anxiolytic, hypoglycemic, and growth-stimulating or allelopathic activities. Extraction by maceration and Soxhlet with organic solvents and consecutive chromatography of silica gel have been used for their whole or partial purification. Nanoparticles and nanoemulsions are the vehicles used in Mexican formulations for drug delivery of the pentacyclic triterpenes until now. Sustainable extraction, formulation, regulation, isolation, characterization, and bioassay facilities are areas of opportunity in pentacyclic triterpenes research in Mexico while the presence of plant and human resources and traditional knowledge are strengths. The present review discusses the generalities of the pentacyclic triterpene (definition, biogenic classification, and biosynthesis), a summary of the last two decades of research on the compounds identified and their evaluated bioactivity, the generalities about the extraction and purification methods used, drug delivery aspects, and a critical analysis of the advantages and limitations of research carried out in this way.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - José González-Valdez
- Correspondence: (L.A.M.-M.); (J.G.-V.); Tel.: +52-(81)-83582000 (L.A.M.-M. & J.G.-V.)
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Natural Sources, Pharmacological Properties, and Health Benefits of Daucosterol: Versatility of Actions. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12125779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Daucosterol is a saponin present in various natural sources, including medicinal plant families. This secondary metabolite is produced at different contents depending on species, extraction techniques, and plant parts used. Currently, daucosterol has been tested and explored for its various biological activities. The results reveal potential pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and anticancer. Indeed, daucosterol possesses important anticancer effects in many signaling pathways, such as an increase in pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bcl2, a decrease in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, upregulation of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene, inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway, and distortion of cell-cycle progression and tumor cell evolution. Its neuroprotective effect is via decreased caspase-3 activation in neurons and during simulated reperfusion (OGD/R), increased IGF1 protein expression (decreasing the downregulation of p-AKT3 and p-GSK-3b4), and activation of the AKT5 signaling pathway. At the same time, daucosterol inhibits key glucose metabolism enzymes to keep blood sugar levels within normal ranges. Therefore, this review describes the principal research on the pharmacological activities of daucosterol and the mechanisms of action underlying some of these effects. Moreover, further investigation of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology are suggested.
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Development of a quantified herbal extract of hawthorn Crataegus mexicana leaves with vasodilator effect. Saudi Pharm J 2021; 29:1258-1266. [PMID: 34819787 PMCID: PMC8596289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) has been used for the treatment of several heart diseases and hypertension. The studies carried out on several hawthorn species have led to the development of standardized extracts useful in the cure of mild chronic cardiac diseases. In Mexico, the most common Crataegus species are C. mexicana and C. gracilior. Decoctions prepared from the fruits and leaves of these species have been employed to the treat respiratory diseases, tachycardia and to improve coronary blood flow. Considering that to date there are no reports of the use of Mexican Crataegus species to treat cardiovascular diseases, we propose an analytical method to obtain a quantified extract of Crataegus mexicana leaves for the development of a standardized extract with therapeutic value in cardiovascular diseases as an alternative source to the extracts obtained from Crataegus species of European and Asian origin. Therefore, the aim of this study was to obtain an extract prepared from C. mexicana leaves with the highest vasodilator activity to select the optimal chemical marker to stablish and validate a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RPHPLC-DAD) analytical method for obtaining a quantified extract with vasodilator effect. The results obtained from the analytical method validation, which was carried out according to the guidelines stablished in the Eurachem Guide and the ICH guidelines proved that the RPHPLC-DAD method we developed was specific, precise, accurate, and showed good linearity over the concentration range of 3 – 21 µg/ml for (-)-epicatechin and rutin, which were selected as chemical markers.
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Erdmann J, Kujaciński M, Wiciński M. Beneficial Effects of Ursolic Acid and Its Derivatives-Focus on Potential Biochemical Mechanisms in Cardiovascular Conditions. Nutrients 2021; 13:3900. [PMID: 34836155 PMCID: PMC8622438 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid found in a number of plants such as apples, thyme, oregano, hawthorn and others. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have presented its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. The inhibition of NF-κB-mediated inflammatory pathways and the increased scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in numerous ways seem to be the most beneficial effects of UA. In mice and rats, administration of UA appears to slow down the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), especially atherosclerosis and cardiac fibrosis. Upregulation of endothelial-type nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and cystathionine-λ-lyase (CSE) by UA may suggest its vasorelaxant property. Inhibition of metalloproteinases activity by UA may contribute to better outcomes in aneurysms management. UA influence on lipid and glucose metabolism remains inconsistent, and additional studies are essential to verify its efficacy. Furthermore, UA derivatives appear to have a beneficial impact on the cardiovascular system. This review aims to summarize recent findings on beneficial effects of UA that may make it a promising candidate for clinical trials for the management of CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Erdmann
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie 9, 85-090 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.K.); (M.W.)
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Fakhri S, Tomas M, Capanoglu E, Hussain Y, Abbaszadeh F, Lu B, Hu X, Wu J, Zou L, Smeriglio A, Simal-Gandara J, Cao H, Xiao J, Khan H. Antioxidant and anticancer potentials of edible flowers: where do we stand? Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:8589-8645. [PMID: 34096420 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1931022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Edible flowers are attracting special therapeutic attention and their administration is on the rise. Edible flowers play pivotal modulatory roles on oxidative stress and related interconnected apoptotic/inflammatory pathways toward the treatment of cancer. In this review, we highlighted the phytochemical content and therapeutic applications of edible flowers, as well as their modulatory potential on the oxidative stress pathways and apoptotic/inflammatory mediators, resulting in anticancer effects. Edible flowers are promising sources of phytochemicals (e.g., phenolic compounds, carotenoids, terpenoids) with several therapeutic effects. They possess anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-depressant, anxiolytic, anti-obesity, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Edible flowers potentially modulate oxidative stress by targeting erythroid nuclear transcription factor-2/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (Nrf2/ERK/MAPK), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant response elements (AREs). As the interconnected pathways to oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukins (ILs) as well as apoptotic pathways such as Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), Bcl-2, caspase and cytochrome C are critical targets of edible flowers in combating cancer. In this regard, edible flowers could play promising anticancer effects by targeting oxidative stress and downstream dysregulated pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Merve Tomas
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esra Capanoglu
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yaseen Hussain
- Control release drug delivery system, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fatemeh Abbaszadeh
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Neurobiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Baiyi Lu
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment, Key Laboratory for Agro-Products Nutritional Evaluation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Postharvest Handling of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro-Food Processing, Zhejiang International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Health Food Manufacturing and Quality Control, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolan Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Research of Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Jianlin Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Research of Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Liang Zou
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo -Ourense Campus, Ourense, Spain
| | - Hui Cao
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo -Ourense Campus, Ourense, Spain
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo -Ourense Campus, Ourense, Spain.,Institute of Food Safety & Nutrition, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
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Janarny G, Gunathilake KDPP, Ranaweera KKDS. Nutraceutical potential of dietary phytochemicals in edible flowers-A review. J Food Biochem 2021; 45:e13642. [PMID: 33533514 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Edible flowers have been in traditional cuisine and phytotherapy for centuries. Recently, the consumption of edible flowers has increased significantly as the phytochemicals in them are known to have numerous health benefits. Information on nutraceutical potentials and health benefits of the phytochemicals available in different varieties of edible flowers and their uses are discussed. It is found that the major groups of dietary phytochemicals in edible flowers include flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins and they are capable of exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anticancer, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective gastroprotective, and genoprotective effects. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Edible flowers are good sources of phytochemicals and possessing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, anticancer, anti-diabetic, and cardio-protective properties. However, many edible flowers remain unexplored and underutilized. This review gives eye openings that more in-depth investigations need to be conducted on different edible flowers and they need to be incorporated into commercialized foods and drugs or need to be used for novel nutraceutical development to deliver the potential health benefits to consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesamoorthy Janarny
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
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