3-Carene, a Phytoncide from Pine Tree Has a Sleep-enhancing Effect by Targeting the GABAA-benzodiazepine Receptors

Association between dietary flavonoid intake and anxiety: data from NHANES 2017-2018

BACKGROUND

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions, characterized by excessive fear, tension, avoidance behaviors, and heightened threat perception. Approximately 1 in 14 individuals meets the diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder. Flavonoids, bioactive compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and tea, possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. However, evidence on the relationship between flavonoid intake and anxiety risk remains limited. This study examines the association between flavonoid intake and anxiety risk and explores the effects of specific flavonoid subclasses.

METHODS

This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Individual flavonoid intake was assessed using two-day 24-hour dietary recalls, and anxiety status was evaluated through a standardized anxiety questionnaire. To assess the relationship between flavonoid intake and anxiety risk, weighted logistic regression analysis was performed. Additionally, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was employed to evaluate potential nonlinear associations. We conducted subgroup analyses for flavonoids that showed significant associations in the logistic regression, including theaflavin-3-gallate, total flavones, total flavanones, total isoflavones, and naringenin. These analyses aimed to explore the moderating effects of demographic characteristics such as sex, age, marital status, smoking status, and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 1,637 participants in the NHANES. Significant differences were observed between the anxious and non-anxious groups in age, poverty-income ratio (PIR), BMI, smoking status, marital status, education level, and flavonoid intake. The anxious group had higher age (47.12 vs. 42.81 years, P < 0.0001), PIR (P < 0.0001), and BMI (P = 0.01). They also had a higher proportion of females, unmarried individuals, and current smokers (P < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis showed that genistein, petunidin, naringenin, apigenin, and total flavones were significantly associated with reduced anxiety risk (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis confirmed protective effects in males, married individuals, participants with General Educational Development (GED)-level education, and specific ethnic groups. RCS analysis suggested nonlinear relationships, with total flavones, total flavanones, and naringenin showing protective effects at low intake levels (P < 0.05). All models demonstrated good fit (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Flavonoid intake is inversely associated with anxiety risk, particularly Theaflavin-3-gallate, Total Flavones, Total Flavanones, Total Isoflavones, and Naringenin. Further studies are needed to confirm optimal intake levels and underlying mechanisms.

Structural isomers of carene persuade apoptotic cell death by inhibiting cell cycle in breast cancer cells: An in silico and in vitro approach

For the first time, our study provides a comprehensive examination of the anti-cancer effects of structural isomers of carene in breast cancer cells, specifically focusing on cell cycle inhibition and the induction of apoptosis. We utilized the hydro-distillation method to extract Piper nigrum seed essential oil (PNS-EO) and identified its bioactive components through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. A total of 46 bioactive compounds were isolated via hydro-distillation, identified through GC-MS analysis, and validated by co-injection using GC analysis. The major constituent, 3-carene displayed the most substantial anti-proliferative effect on the breast cancer cell line MCF-7, with an IC50 value of 11.19 µg/mL. Further, docking studies were conducted to evaluate the putative role of 3-carene in inhibiting the cell cycle proteins (CDKN2A, CCND1, CDK4), as well as proteins in the apoptosis pathway (BCL-XL, BAX, BAK, Caspase 3). Additionally, we employed fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and clonogenic assays to evaluate cell cycle inhibition and time-dependent initiation of apoptosis. Moreover, fluorescence techniques including Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), Hoechst staining, and Propidium iodide (PI) staining were performed to assess cell death and apoptosis. Furthermore, molecular techniques such as quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blotting were utilized to investigate the mechanism of cell death was elucidated through the inhibition of Bcl-2, MMP2, MMP9, and Akt expression, alongside the activation of Bax, cytochrome C, and Caspases 3 and 9. Our findings indicate that 3-carene, isolated through hydro-distillation, effectively hinders the cell cycle and promotes apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Consequently, it shows promise for incorporation into combinational anti-cancer therapies, warranting further research.

Screening bioactive compounds from Qianghuo (Notopterygium incisum) volatile oil via COX-2 magnetic ligand fishing

Qianghuo (the rhizomes and radixes of Notopterygium incisum Ting ex H.T. chang) is a traditional Chinese medicine, and widely used as an anti-inflammatory, anodyne, antifebrile agent. Qianghuo volatile oil also exhibits the same properties, and the effects are probably related to the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX), but its bioactive components are not clear yet. To figure out the bioactive components of Qianghuo volatile oil target to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a ligand fishing method using immobilized COX-2 magnetic beads (COX-2-MBS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were developed to identify the compounds that act on COX-2. Nine ligands, including 3-carene, β-caryophyllene, eucalyptol, α-terpinene, Limonene, δ-terpinene, α-pinene, β-pinene and γ-terpinene, were specifically captured by COX-2-MBS. Among them, 3-carene, β-caryophyllene, and eucalyptol in Qianghuo volatile oil were isolated and confirmed by in vitro inhibition and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity assays as selective inhibitor against COX-2. The IC50 values were 13.5, 10.1, and 7.6 μM, respectively. Compared with the model, 3-carene, β-caryophyllene, and eucalyptol considerably reduced ear swelling and paw edema. Moreover, 3-carene and eucalyptol significantly decreased the changes of COX-2 expression in RAW264.7 cells activated by LPS. Our study validated that the developed ligand-fishing method using COX-2-MBs coupled with GC-MS can be applied to recognize COX-2 inhibitors in Qianghuo volatile oil. In vitro/vivo assay showed 3-carene and eucalyptol in Qianghuo volatile oil had strong inhibition against COX-2. This study may provide novel methods for discovering active components for volatile oil-based drug development or aromatherapy.

Foods for Sleep Improvement: A Review of the Potential and Mechanisms Involved

Insomnia affects one-third of the world's population; the negative effects of insomnia are significant, and traditional insomnia medications have numerous side effects and cause considerable suffering. This has aroused interest in obtaining sleep-improving substances from foods. This study conducted a comprehensive literature review using Web of Science and PubMed with keywords like "sleep", "insomnia", and "food". A subsequent summary of the literature revealed that certain foods, including milk, Ziziphus jujuba, Lactuca sativa, ginseng, Schisandra chinensis, and Juglans regia, etc., are purported to enhance sleep quality by prolonging sleep duration, reducing sleep latency, and alleviating anxiety. The mechanisms of these foods' effects mainly occur via the central nervous system, particularly the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)ergic systems. Although this review supports the fact that they have potential, further research is needed. There are also issues such as more limited foods, fewer mechanisms, fewer pharmacokinetic studies, and more traditional research models being involved. These need to be addressed in the future to adequately address the problem of insomnia. It is hoped that this study will contribute to research into foods with sleep-improving properties and, in the future, provide an effective natural alternative for those seeking medication.

Metal Ion Reduction, Chelation, and Cytotoxicity of Selected Bicyclic Monoterpenes and Their Binary Mixtures

Background/Objectives: Bicyclic monoterpenes are one of the most common groups of secondary plant metabolites found in Nature. Their wide spectrum of biological activity can be used in the prevention and in the treatment of various diseases, including so-called 'diseases of civilization'. Their potential for synergistic interactions may influence the biological activities of more complex mixtures. Methods: This study investigated the ability of selected bicyclic monoterpenes and their binary mixtures to reduce Fe(III) and Cu(II) and chelate Fe(II) and assessed their cytotoxic activity against BJ and HepG2 cell lines. Results: The obtained results did not reveal synergistic interactions towards the biological activities, but binary mixtures proved to be safe in relation to the tested cell lines. Among the tested single monoterpenes, the most effective were 3-carene and β-pinene, with the latter exhibiting the greatest ability to decrease cell viability (CC50 for BJ and HepG2 cells was about 1.08 and 1.85 mM, respectively). Conclusions: The results revealed that both single compounds and binary mixtures demonstrate the ability to reduce selected metal ions and chelate Fe(II) ions. Synergistic interactions were not observed, but an increase in the activity of selected binary mixtures was recorded. Based on cell culture experiments, the monoterpenes and their binary mixtures can be considered safe at a concentration lower than 1 mM and close to 0.313 mM, respectively.

Zanthoxylum piperitum Benn. Attenuates Monosodium Urate-Induced Gouty Arthritis: A Network Pharmacology Investigation of Its Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms

Background: Monosodium urate crystal accumulation in the joints is the cause of gout, an inflammatory arthritis that is initiated by elevated serum uric acid levels. It is the most prevalent form of inflammatory arthritis, affecting millions worldwide, and requires effective treatments. The necessity for alternatives with fewer side effects is underscored by the frequent adverse effects of conventional therapies, such as urate-lowering drugs. IL-1β is a potential therapeutic target due to its significant role in the inflammatory response induced by MSU. Zanthoxylum piperitum Benn. (ZP), a shrub that possesses antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, has demonstrated potential in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Methods: For anti-inflammatory properties of ZP, Raw264.7 cell stimulated LPS were treated ZP and using RNA-seq with Bone marrow derived macrophage, we observed to change inflammatory gene. Pharmacological networks were conducted to select target gene associated with ZP. For in vivo, mice were injected MSU in footpad for induce gouty arthritis model. The components of ZP were analyzed using GC-MS, and distilled extracts of ZP (deZP) were prepared. Results: In vitro, deZP decreased inflammatory cytokines. However, in vivo, it also decreased paw thickness and IL-1β levels. The anti-inflammatory effects of deZP are believed to be mediated through the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, as indicated by RNA sequencing and network pharmacology analyses. Conclusions: ZP has an anti-inflammatory effect and regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in vitro and in vivo. Further research, including clinical trials, is required to confirm the safety of deZP, determine the optimal dosing, and evaluate its long-term effects.

The Improvement in Sleep Quality by Zizyphi Semen in Rodent Models Through GABAergic Transmission Regulation

Background: Sleep, a process physiologically vital for mental health, faces disruptions in various sleep disorders linked to metabolic and neurodegenerative risks. Zizyphus seed (Zizy) has long been recognized for its diverse pharmacological attributes, including analgesic, sedative, insomnia, and anxiety alleviation. Objectives: In this study, the sleep-prolonging effects of Zizy extract (100, 200 mg/kg), along with their characterizing compounds jujuboside A (JuA) (5, 10 mg/kg), were evaluated in a mouse model under a pentobarbital-induced sleep. Additionally, the efficacy of Zizy extract was examined on caffeine-induced insomnia in mice. Methods: To confirm the efficacy of Zizy extract on the structure and quality of sleep, an electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis of rats was performed using the MATLAB algorithm. Additionally, Western blot analysis and measurement of intracellular chloride influx were performed to confirm whether these effects acted through the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic system. Administration of Zizy extract showed no effect on the locomotor performance of mice, but the extract and their characteristic compounds significantly prolonged sleep duration in comparison to the pentobarbital alone group in the pentobarbital-induced sleep mouse model. Furthermore, this extract alleviated caffeine-induced insomnia in mice. Results: The administration of Zizy extract extended non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) duration without inducing significant changes in the brain wave frequency. Zizy extract regulated the expression of GABAA receptor subunits and GAD65/67 in specific brain regions (frontal cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus). JuA increased intracellular chloride influx in human SH-SY5Y cells, and it was reduced by GABAA receptor antagonists. These results suggest that the sleep-maintaining effects of Zizy extract may entail GABAergic regulation. In summary, Zizy extract demonstrated sleep-prolonging properties, improved insomnia, and regulated sleep architecture through GABAergic system modulation. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Zizy extract has potential as a therapeutic agent for stress-related neuropsychiatric conditions such as insomnia.

Hypnotic effect of AR-001 through adenosine A1 receptor

Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders, affecting 10-15% of the global population. Because classical remedies used to treat insomnia have various side effects, new therapeutics for insomnia are attracting attention. In the present study, we found that N2-Ethyl-N4-(furan-2-ylmethyl) quinazoline-2,4-diamine (AR-001) has adenosine A1 receptor agonistic activity and exhibits hypnotic efficacy by decreasing sleep onset latency and increasing total sleep time in a pentobarbital-induced sleep model. This hypnotic effect of AR-001 was significantly inhibited by the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX). As a result of immunohistochemistry, AR-001 was shown to increase neural activity in the sleep-promoting region, ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO), and decrease neural activity in the wake-promoting region, basal forebrain (BF), and lateral hypothalamus (LH), and that these effects of AR-001 were significantly inhibited by DPCPX treatment. In addition, AR-001 increased adenosine A1 receptor mRNA levels in the hypothalamus. In conclusion, this study suggests that AR-001 has a hypnotic effect, at least partially, through adenosine A1 receptor and may have therapeutic potential for insomnia.

Dose-dependent responses: a preliminary investigation into the olfactory effects of essential oil concentrations on canine behavior

The positive impact of essential oils (EOs) on stress release has been demonstrated in both humans and dogs. Among the EOs known for their anxiety-reducing properties, including Cananga odorata, Citrus aurantium, Cupressus sempervirens, Lavandula angustifolia, and Litsea citrata, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal concentration for efficacy. This exploratory study sought to investigate the effects of olfactory enrichment with a blend of these EOs on dogs introduced to an unfamiliar environment. The authors sought to determine the minimum concentration required to achieve increased relaxation. In a randomized controlled crossover study design, 54 dogs were exposed to 0, 1, 5, and 10 drops of the EO blend applied to their collars before entering an unfamiliar room with their owners. Behavioral observations were employed to quantify the total duration of activity and relaxation related behaviours for each dog under each treatment condition. A significant difference in panting was identified among the treatments (χ2(3) = 9.88; p = 0.020). Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed a significant reduction in panting during the 10 drops treatment compared to the control treatment (p = 0.047). No significant differences were observed for other behaviors. To provide a comprehensive overview of behavioral tendencies in this canine population, owners also completed the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), revealing low scores for anxiety in the study group. These preliminary findings suggest that a concentration of 10 drops of the EO blend on a dog's collar induces increased relaxation, specifically reflected in decreased panting behavior. Lower concentrations did not exhibit a significant relationship with the observed behaviors. These initial findings underscore the importance of exposing dogs to an appropriate concentration of EOs when exploring their potential benefits on welfare among dogs with low anxiety levels. Further research in this area is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits of EOs for canine welfare.

Beta-Myrcene as a Sedative-Hypnotic Component from Lavender Essential Oil in DL-4-Chlorophenylalanine-Induced-Insomnia Mice

With the increasing prevalence of insomnia-related diseases, the effective treatment of insomnia has become an important health research topic. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) essential oil (LEO) is a commonly used medicine for the treatment of insomnia and neurological disorders. However, neither the active components nor its sedative-hypnotic mechanism have been fully discovered. This study aimed to screen the main active terpenes and discover the possible mechanism of LEO through network pharmacology in the treatment of insomnia-related diseases, as well as to verify our hypothesis in insomnia mice. The results showed that, in LEO's 15 potential active ingredients, beta-myrcene had strong sedative-hypnotic effects through the serotonergic synaptic pathway according to the network pharmacological prediction. Further, PCPA(DL-4-chlorophenylalanine)-induced insomnia mice were treated with beta-myrcene for one day or seven days. The quiet state of insomnia mice was increased effectively, and the hypnotic effect was enhanced by anaobarbital sodium by prolonging sleep duration, decreasing sleep latency, and increasing the rate of falling asleep. Beta-myrcene reduced the damage to hypothalamic neuron cells induced by PCPA and increased neurotransmitter levels of GABA, 5-HT, and Glu in the serum and hypothalamus of insomnia mice. Meanwhile, beta-myrcene exerted an improvement in insomnia by upregulating relevant genes and protein expression in the serotonergic synaptic pathway. These results support the merit of the sedative-hypnotic activity of LEO. Beta-myrcene, a terpene in LEO, may be the main source of its sedative-hypnotic properties. It may serve as a good potential compound in future clinical studies on coping with insomnia.

Phytochemical-Based Nanoantioxidants Stabilized with Polyvinylpyrrolidone for Enhanced Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

Despite the inhibitory effect of phytoncide (Pht) on food-borne pathogenic bacterial growth, the hydrophobic nature and susceptibility to biodegradation under physiological conditions limits its applications. Here, we developed Pht-loaded polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) micelles (Pht@PVP MC) via micelle packing. Pht was solubilized using different types of PVP as micellar vehicles. The as-prepared Pht@PVP MCs were characterized using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The sizes of the Pht@PVP MCs were controlled from 301 ± 51 to 80 ± 3 nm by adjusting the PVP content. The polydispersity index of Pht@PVP MC was between 0.21 ± 0.03 and 0.16 ± 0.04, indicating homogeneous size. A colony-counting method was employed to evaluate the improvement in antibacterial activity after Pht encapsulation in PVP micelles. The reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging activity and anti-inflammatory efficacy of Pht@PVP MC were analyzed in a concentration range of 10-100 μg/mL by evaluating in vitro ROS and nitric oxide levels using DCFDA and Griess reagents. PVP with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties improved the aqueous solubility of Pht and stabilized it via steric hindrance. Higher-molecular-weight PVP at higher concentrations resulted in a smaller hydrodynamic diameter of Pht@PVP MC with uniform size distribution. The spherical Pht@PVP MC maintained its size and polydispersity index in a biological buffer for 2 weeks. Pht@PVP MC exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity compared to bare Pht. The growth of Staphylococcus aureus was effectively inhibited by Pht@PVP MC treatment. Furthermore, biocompatible Pht@PVP MC exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. Overall, Pht@PVP MC is an effective alternative to synthetic antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory chemicals.

Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activity of the Vegetative Buds from Romanian Spruce, Picea abies (L.) H. Karst

This study aims to investigate the vegetative buds from Picea abies (spruce), naturally found in a central region of Romania, through a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition to identify bioactive compounds responsible for pharmacological properties. Using HPLC/derivatization technique of GC-MS and quantitative spectrophotometric assays, the phenolic profile, and main components of an ethanolic extract from the buds were investigated. The essential oil was characterized by GC-MS. Moreover, the antioxidant activity with the DPPH method, and the antimicrobial activity were tested. Heavy metal detection was performed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The main components of the alcoholic extract were astragalin, quercetin, kaempferol, shikimic acid, and quinic acid. A total content of 25.32 ± 2.65 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry plant (mg GAE/g DW) and of 10.54 ± 0.083 mg rutin equivalents/g of dry plant (mg RE/g DW) were found. The essential oil had D-limonene, α-cadinol, δ-cadinene, 13-epimanool, and δ-3-carene as predominant components. The spruce vegetative buds exhibited significant antioxidant activity (IC50 of 53 μg/mL) and antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, concentrations of heavy metals Pb and Cd were below detection limits, suggesting that the material was free from potentially harmful contaminants. The results confirmed the potential of this indigenous species to be used as a source of compounds with pharmacological utilities.

Biodiversity and human health: A scoping review and examples of underrepresented linkages

Mounting evidence supports the connections between exposure to environmental typologies(such as green and blue spaces)and human health. However, the mechanistic links that connect biodiversity (the variety of life) and human health, and the extent of supporting evidence remain less clear. Here, we undertook a scoping review to map the links between biodiversity and human health and summarise the levels of associated evidence using an established weight of evidence framework. Distinct from other reviews, we provide additional context regarding the environment-microbiome-health axis, evaluate the environmental buffering pathway (e.g., biodiversity impacts on air pollution), and provide examples of three under- or minimally-represented linkages. The examples are (1) biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples' health, (2) biodiversity and urban social equity, and (3) biodiversity and COVID-19. We observed a moderate level of evidence to support the environmental microbiota-human health pathway and a moderate-high level of evidence to support broader nature pathways (e.g., greenspace) to various health outcomes, from stress reduction to enhanced wellbeing and improved social cohesion. However, studies of broader nature pathways did not typically include specific biodiversity metrics, indicating clear research gaps. Further research is required to understand the connections and causative pathways between biodiversity (e.g., using metrics such as taxonomy, diversity/richness, structure, and function) and health outcomes. There are well-established frameworks to assess the effects of broad classifications of nature on human health. These can assist future research in linking biodiversity metrics to human health outcomes. Our examples of underrepresented linkages highlight the roles of biodiversity and its loss on urban lived experiences, infectious diseases, and Indigenous Peoples' sovereignty and livelihoods. More research and awareness of these socioecological interconnections are needed.

Cannabinoid treatments in epilepsy and seizure disorders

Cannabis has been used to treat convulsions and other disorders since ancient times. In the last few decades, preclinical animal studies and clinical investigations have established the role of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating epilepsy and seizures and support potential therapeutic benefits for cannabinoids in other neurological and psychiatric disorders. Here, we comprehensively review the role of cannabinoids in epilepsy. We briefly review the diverse physiological processes mediating the central nervous system response to cannabinoids, including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiol, and terpenes. Next, we characterize the anti- and proconvulsive effects of cannabinoids from animal studies of acute seizures and chronic epileptogenesis. We then review the clinical literature on using cannabinoids to treat epilepsy, including anecdotal evidence and case studies as well as the more recent randomized controlled clinical trials that led to US Food and Drug Administration approval of CBD for some types of epilepsy. Overall, we seek to evaluate our current understanding of cannabinoids in epilepsy and focus future research on unanswered questions.

Supporting Wellness, Resilience, and Community With Forest Therapy

Background

Physician burnout has reached epidemic proportions. Although burnout is rooted in systems, practices for physician wellbeing and community can address exhaustion, burnout, and isolation. Inspired by the Japanese practice shinrin-yoku, forest therapy/bathing (FT) is a nature immersion practice that improves wellbeing in a group setting.

Objective

This program offered guided FT experiences to frontline faculty physicians in the Department of Medicine and evaluated potential for impact on burnout, resilience, and community.

Methods

Faculty physicians were recruited via email invitations to a free Forest Therapy group experience in the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA. Participants completed pre-and post-course surveys and evaluated its value as a community experience. Surveys measured burnout, resilience, and qualitative feedback on the experience.

Results

Twenty-seven faculty completed the baseline survey, twenty-three faculty participated, with 19 survey respondents. At baseline, 85% reported feeling burned out at least once a month. 46% reported feeling burned out more than a few times a month. 83% of participants responded that forest therapy could help them with the feeling of being burned out from work. Post-intervention, 100% of participants rated the experience as very or extremely valuable. 96% of participants reported they were interested in more frequent forest therapy sessions. 100% of participants would recommend this practice to other faculty. 70% of respondents reported the program could help them with burnout. Despite high baseline resilience, 94% of participants reported that forest therapy could help with stressful events and setbacks. Post-intervention, participants reported feeling relaxed, at peace, and calm.

Conclusion

This pilot demonstrates feasibility and acceptability for physicians of FT. Participants would consider recommending FT to their colleagues, and agreed that FT can help with wellbeing, and expressed enthusiasm for the community experience. This program may also be successfully incorporated into programs for leadership, teambuilding, and support after adverse events.

Edible Herbal Medicines as an Alternative to Common Medication for Sleep Disorders: A Review Article

Insomnia is repeated difficulty in falling asleep, maintaining sleep, or experiencing lowquality sleep, resulting in some form of daytime disturbance. Sleeping disorders cause daytime fatigue, mental confusion, and over-sensitivity due to insufficient recovery from a sound sleep. There are some drugs, such as benzodiazepines and anti-histaminic agents, which help to sleep induction and insomnia cure. However, the prolonged administration is unsuitable because of tolerance and dependence. Therefore, the researchers attempt to find new medicines with lesser adverse effects. Natural products have always been good sources for developing new therapeutics for managing diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, insomnia, and liver and renal problems. Ample research has justified the acceptable reason and relevance of the use of these herbs in the treatment of insomnia. It is worth noting that in this study, we looked into various Persian herbs in a clinical trial and in vivo to treat insomnia, such as Artemisia annua, Salvia reuterana, Viola tricolor, Passiflora incarnata, lettuce, and Capparis spinose. According to research, herb extracts and fractions, particularly n-butanol fractions with non-polar agents, impact the benzodiazepine receptors and have hypnotic properties. Also, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins in practically every plant are mentioned making them the popular natural compounds to help with sleep disorders and promote calmness.

Identification of characteristic aroma compounds for spicy in Iris lactea var. chinensis

Iris lactea var. chinensis (Fisch.) Koidz has a unique floral fragrance that differs from that of other Iris spp.; however, its characteristic aroma composition remains unknown. This study aimed to identify the floral fragrance components of I. lactea var. chinensis during different flowering stages using headspace solid-phase microextraction in conjunction with gas chromatography mass spectrometry, electronic nose, and sensory evaluation. During the three flowering phases (bud stage, bloom stage, and decay stage), 70 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including 13 aldehydes, 13 esters, 11 alcohols, 10 alkanes, 8 ketones, 7 terpenes, 7 benzenoids, and 1 nitrogenous compound, were identified. According to principal component analysis, the primary VOCs were (-)-pinene, β-irone, methyl heptenone, phenylethanol, hexanol, and 2-pinene. A comparison of the differential VOCs across the different flowering stages using orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis revealed that 3-carene appeared only in the bud stage, whereas hexanol, ethyl caprate, ethyl caproate, linalool, (-)-pinene, and 2-pinene appeared or were present at significantly increased levels during the bloom stage. The phenylethanol, methyl heptenone, 3-methylheptane, and β-irone reached a peak in the decay stage. The odor activity value and sensory evaluation suggested that "spicy" is the most typical odor of I. lactea var. chinensis, mainly due to 2-methoxy-3-sec-butylpyrazine, which is rare in floral fragrances.

Cultivar-dependent phenotypic and chemotypic responses of drug-type Cannabis sativa L. to polyploidization

Cannabis sativa L. is a plant with a wide range of potential medicinal applications. In recent years, polyploidy has gained attention as a potential strategy for rapidly improving C. sativa, which, unlike other modern crops, has not yet benefitted from this established biotechnological application. Currently, no reports on high THCA and CBDA drug-type polyploid cultivars have been published. Moreover, it still needs to be clarified if different cultivars react similarly to polyploidization. For these reasons, we set out to evaluate and compare the phenotype and chemotype of three high Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and one high cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) drug-type cultivars in their diploid, triploid and tetraploid state through agronomic and metabolomic approaches. Our observations on plant morphology revealed a significant increase in plant height and leaf size with increasing ploidy levels in a cultivar-dependent manner. In contrast, cannabinoids were negatively affected by polyploidization, with the concentration of total cannabinoids, THCA, CBDA and cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) decreasing significantly in higher ploidy levels across all four cultivars. Headspace analysis of volatiles revealed that total volatile content decreased in triploids. On the other hand, tetraploids reacted differently depending on the cultivars. Two THCA dominant cultivars showed an increase in concentrations, while in the other two cultivars, concentrations decreased. Additionally, several rare compounds not present in diploids appeared in higher ploidy levels. Moreover, in one high THCA cultivar, a couple of elite tetraploid genotypes for cannabinoid and volatile production were identified, highlighting the role of cultivar and genotypic variability as an important factor in Cannabis sativa L. polyploids. Overall, our observations on plant morphology align with the giga phenotype observed in polyploids of other plant species. The decrease in cannabinoids and volatiles production in triploids have relevant implications regarding their commercial use. On the other hand, this study found that tetraploidization is a suitable approach to improve Cannabis sativa L. medicinal potential, although the response is cultivar and genotype-dependent. This work lays the ground for further improving, evaluating and harnessing Cannabis sativa L. chemical diversity by the breeding, biotechnological and pharmaceutical sectors.

Coriandrum sativum and Its Utility in Psychiatric Disorders

The negative impact on worldwide social well-being by the increasing rate of psychiatric diseases has led to a continuous new drug search. Even though the current therapeutic options exert their activity on multiple neurological targets, these have various adverse effects, causing treatment abandonment. Recent research has shown that Coriandrum sativum offers a rich source of metabolites, mainly terpenes and flavonoids, as useful agents against central nervous system disorders, with remarkable in vitro and in vivo activities on models related to these pathologies. Furthermore, studies have revealed that some compounds exhibit a chemical interaction with γ-aminobutyric acid, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, which are key components in the pathophysiology associated with psychiatric and neurological diseases. The current clinical evaluations of standardized extracts of C. sativum are scarce; however, one or more of its compounds represents an area of opportunity to test the efficacy of the plant as an anxiolytic, antidepressant, antiepileptic, or sleep enhancer. For this, the aim of the review was based on the pharmacological activities offered by the compounds identified and isolated from coriander and the processes involved in achieving their effect. In addition, lines of technological research, like molecular docking and nanoparticles, are proposed for the future development of phytomedicines, based on the bioactive molecules of C. sativum, for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders addressed in the present study.

Chrysanthemum morifolium and Its Bioactive Substance Enhanced the Sleep Quality in Rodent Models via Cl- Channel Activation

Dried Chrysanthemum morifolium (Chry) flowers have been used in Korea as a traditional insomnia treatment. In this study, the sleep-promoting activity and improving sleep quality of Chry extract (ext) and its active substance linarin were analyzed by pentobarbital-induced sleep experiment in mice and electroencephalography (EEG), electromyogram (EMG) analysis in rats. In a dose-dependent manner, Chry ext and linarin promoted longer sleep duration in the pentobarbital-induced sleep test compared to pentobarbital-only groups at both hypnotic and subhypnotic doses. Chry ext administration also significantly improved sleep quality, as seen in the relative power of low-frequency (delta) waves when compared with the control group. Linarin increased Cl- uptake in the SH-SY5Y human cell line and chloride influx was reduced by bicuculline. After administration of Chry ext, the hippocampus, frontal cortex, and hypothalamus from rodents were collected and blotted for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)65/67 and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors subunit expression levels. The expression of α1-subunits, β2-subunits, and GAD65/67 of the GABAA receptor was modulated in the rodent brain. In conclusion, Chry ext augments pentobarbital-induced sleep duration and enhances sleep quality in EEG waves. These effects might be due to the activation of the Cl- channel.

Comparison of Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of Above-Ground and Underground Parts of Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai Based on HS-SPME-GC-MS and UPLC/Q-TOF-MS

Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai is a Chinese traditional medicinal fern plant for heat-clearing and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation and dissipating blood stasis. Previous researches showed that many factors could influence the components of medicinal plants, and the plant part is one of the main factors. So far, only the underground part of D. crassirhizoma, called “Mianma Guanzhong”, has been widely sold in the market. However, the above-ground part was usually at low utilization, resulting in a waste of medicinal resources. In order to further develop and utilize the medicinal resources of D. crassirhizoma, the constituents, total flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of the above-ground and underground parts of D. crassirhizoma were tentatively analyzed and compared based on HS-SPME-GC-MS and UPLC/Q-TOF-MS. The results showed that (1) the volatile components were mainly focused in the above-ground part of D. crassirhizoma, including 3-carene, isoledene, ionene, 4-amino-1-naphthol and furfural. (2) Nonvolatile components of the underground part of D. crassirhizoma contained phenolic acid, flavonoids, phloroglucinol and less fatty acid. (3) The common compounds of the above-ground and underground parts of D. crassirhizoma were phenolic acid and flavaspidic acid AB. (4) Antioxidant activity of the underground part was stronger than that of the above-ground part of D. crassirhizoma. In conclusion, both the above-ground and underground parts of D. crassirhizoma are important medicinal resources worthy of further development.

Probing the stereochemical structure of carenes using Raman and Raman optical activity spectroscopy

The great interest in terpene compounds such as 2-, 3- and 4-carene is due to their undeniable biological activity. However, in recent years, there has been increasing interest in carenes in the context of biofuels. The current growing and insatiable demand for petroleum fuels creates an area for alternative biofuels. Research shows that natural products, which contain compounds from the carenes family, such as pine oil or turpentine (3-carene can constitute up to 70% of the composition of turpentine), can be successfully used as biofuels or additives in biofuels. In this work, both experimental and calculated (DFT/B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ) Raman and ROA (Raman optical activity) spectra of 1S,3R-cis-4-carene and 1S,3S-trans-4-carene were reported and analyzed for the first time. Then these spectra were compared with Raman and ROA spectra of other chiral members of the carenes family (1S-2-carene and 1S-3-carene). This knowledge about the spectra of individual carenes made it possible to identify (+)-1S-3-carene in selected samples of pine essential oil from the needles of Pinius sylvestris (Scots pine).

Role of Natural Compounds and Target Enzymes in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological condition. The rising prevalence of AD necessitates the rapid development of efficient therapy options. Despite substantial study, only a few medications are capable of delaying the disease. Several substances with pharmacological activity, derived from plants, have been shown to have positive benefits for the treatment of AD by targeting various enzymes, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), β-secretase, γ-secretase, and monoamine oxidases (MAOs), which are discussed as potential targets. Medicinal plants have already contributed a number of lead molecules to medicine development, with many of them currently undergoing clinical trials. A variety of medicinal plants have been shown to diminish the degenerative symptoms associated with AD, either in their raw form or as isolated compounds. The aim of this review was to provide a brief summary of AD and its current therapies, followed by a discussion of the natural compounds examined as therapeutic agents and the processes underlying the positive effects, particularly the management of AD.

Quality and Metabolomics Analysis of Houttuynia cordata Based on HS-SPME/GC-MS

Houttuynia cordata is a medicinal and edible plant with a wide biological interest. Many parts were discarded due to various modes of consumption, resulting in resource waste. In this study, a comprehensive study was conducted on various edible indicators and medicinal components of Houttuynia cordata to understand its edible and medicinal value. The edible indexes of each root, stem, and leaf were determined, and the metabolites of different parts were investigated using the headspace solid-phase micro-extraction technique (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The differential metabolites were screened by orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and clustering analysis. The results of the study showed that the parts of Houttuynia cordata with high edibility values as a vegetable were mainly the roots and leaves, with the highest vitamin C content in the roots and the highest total flavonoids, soluble sugars, and total protein in the leaves. The nutrient content of all the stems of Houttuynia cordata was lower and significantly different from the roots and leaves (p < 0.05). In addition, 209 metabolites were isolated from Houttuynia cordata, 135 in the roots, 146 in the stems, 158 in the leaves, and 91 shared metabolites. The clustering analysis and OPLS-DA found that the parts of Houttuynia cordata can be mainly divided into above-ground parts (leaves and stems) and underground parts (roots). When comparing the differential metabolites between the above-ground parts and underground parts, it was found that the most important medicinal component of Houttuynia cordata, 2-undecanone, was mainly concentrated in the underground parts. The cluster analysis resulted in 28 metabolites with up-regulation and 17 metabolites with down-regulation in the underground parts. Most of the main components of the underground part have pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antiviral, which are more suitable for drug development. Furthermore, the above-ground part has more spice components and good antioxidant capacity, which is suitable for the extraction of edible flavors. Therefore, by comparing and analyzing the differences between the edible and medicinal uses of different parts of Houttuynia cordata as a medicinal and food plant, good insights can be obtained into food development, pharmaceutical applications, agricultural development, and the hygiene and cosmetic industries. This paper provides a scientific basis for quality control and clinical use.

Essential Oils, Phytoncides, Aromachology, and Aromatherapy—A Review

Chemical compounds from plants have been used as a medicinal source for various diseases. Aromachology is a unique field that studies the olfactory effects after inhaling aromatic compounds. Aromatherapy is a complementary treatment methodology involving the use of essential oils containing phytoncides and other volatile organic compounds for various physical and mental illnesses. Phytoncides possess an inherent medicinal property. Their health benefits range from treating stress, immunosuppression, blood pressure, respiratory diseases, anxiety, and pain to anti-microbial, anti-larvicidal, anti-septic, anti-cancer effects, etc. Recent advancements in aromatherapy include forest bathing or forest therapy. The inhalation of phytoncide-rich forest air has been proven to reduce stress-induced immunosuppression, normalize immune function and neuroendocrine hormone levels, and, thus, restore physiological and psychological health. The intricate mechanisms related to how aroma converts into olfactory signals and how the olfactory signals relieve physical and mental illness still pose enormous questions and are the subject of ongoing research. Aromatherapy using the aroma of essential oils/phytoncides could be more innovative and attractive to patients. Moreover, with fewer side effects, this field might be recognized as a new field of complementary medicine in alleviating some forms of physical and mental distress. Essential oils are important assets in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and food preservatives. The use of essential oils as an aromatherapeutic agent is widespread. Detailed reports on the effects of EOs in aromatherapy and their pharmacological effects are required to uncover its complete biological mechanism. This review is about the evolution of research related to phytoncides containing EOs in treating various ailments and provides comprehensive details from complementary medicine.

Usage of Natural Volatile Organic Compounds as Biological Modulators of Disease

Plants produce a wide variety of natural volatile organic compounds (NVOCs), many of which are unique to each species. These compounds serve many purposes, such as fending off herbivores and adapting to changes in temperature and water supply. Interestingly, although NVOCs are synthesized to deter herbivores, many of these compounds have been found to possess several therapeutic qualities, such as promoting nerve stability, enhancing sleep, and suppressing hyperresponsiveness, in addition to acting as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, many NVOCs are promising drug candidates for disease treatment and prevention. Given their volatile nature, these compounds can be administered to patients through inhalation, which is often more comfortable and convenient than other administration routes. However, the development of NVOC-based drug candidates requires a careful evaluation of the molecular mechanisms that drive their therapeutic properties to avoid potential adverse effects. Furthermore, even compounds that appear generally safe might have toxic effects depending on their dose, and therefore their toxicological assessment is also critical. In order to enhance the usage of NVOCs this short review focuses not only on the biological activities and therapeutic mode of action of representative NVOCs but also their toxic effects.

Nature-Based Therapies for Sleep Disorders in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Following diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), getting adequate sleep may be the farthest thing from the mind of patients or providers. Even further from mind are the potential benefits on both sleep and HIV from nature-based therapy. In developing and developed countries, access to high-quality natural spaces has the potential to support physical and mental health. This article provides a review of sleep disorders, conventional and nature-based therapies, and the potential of nature-based therapy to support the health of people living with HIV through increased restorative sleep and immune function.

Activity of Selected Group of Monoterpenes in Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms in Experimental Model Studies-A Non-Systematic Review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and cognitive function impairment. The multi-faced character of AD requires new drug solutions based on substances that incorporate a wide range of activities. Antioxidants, AChE/BChE inhibitors, BACE1, or anti-amyloid platelet aggregation substances are most desirable because they improve cognition with minimal side effects. Plant secondary metabolites, used in traditional medicine and pharmacy, are promising. Among these are the monoterpenes-low-molecular compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, analgesic, sedative, as well as other biological properties. The presented review focuses on the pathophysiology of AD and a selected group of anti-neurodegenerative monoterpenes and monoterpenoids for which possible mechanisms of action have been explained. The main body of the article focuses on monoterpenes that have shown improved memory and learning, anxiolytic and sleep-regulating effects as determined by in vitro and in silico tests-followed by validation in in vivo models.

Involvement of GABAA Receptors in the Anxiolytic-Like Effect of Hydroxycitronellal

Hydroxycitronellal (HC) is a monoterpene present in essential oils of aromatic plants of different species, obtained from semisynthesis of citronellal, and is widely used as a fragrance in cosmetics. The objective of this work was to evaluate the possible anxiolytic-like activity of HC and its possible mechanism of action using in vivo and in silico methodologies. Swiss male mice (Mus musculus) were treated with HC (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) and subjected to the rota rod, elevated plus maze, and open field tests. No significant impairments were observed in the rota rod tests for the motor activity of the animals treated with HC at 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg, i.p., indicating no myo-relaxing or sedative effects. In the elevated plus maze, HC (in the three doses) induced significant increases in the percentage of entries (respectively, 34.8%, 33.8%, and 38.6%) and in the length of stay (respectively, 49.9%, 56.1%, and 57.0%) in the open arms of the EPM, as well as the number of crossings in the open field tests. The mechanism of action of the compound's anxiolytic-like activity can be attributed to the involvement of GABA_A receptors, and this interaction was observed in in vivo and in silico studies. For HC, the results suggest anxiolytic-like effects, possibly via modulation of the GABAergic system. The use of natural products to treat anxiety can become an alternative to existing synthetic products.

Conifers Phytochemicals: A Valuable Forest with Therapeutic Potential

Conifers have long been recognized for their therapeutic potential in different disorders. Alkaloids, terpenes and polyphenols are the most abundant naturally occurring phytochemicals in these plants. Here, we provide an overview of the phytochemistry and related commercial products obtained from conifers. The pharmacological actions of different phytochemicals present in conifers against bacterial and fungal infections, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are also reviewed. Data obtained from experimental and clinical studies performed to date clearly underline that such compounds exert promising antioxidant effects, being able to inhibit cell damage, cancer growth, inflammation and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, an attempt has been made with the intent to highlight the importance of conifer-derived extracts for pharmacological purposes, with the support of relevant in vitro and in vivo experimental data. In short, this review comprehends the information published to date related to conifers' phytochemicals and illustrates their potential role as drugs.

Synthesis, antifungal activity and 3D-QSAR study of novel acyl thiourea compounds containing gem-dimethylcyclopropane ring

A series of novel acyl thiourea compounds containing gem-dimethylcyclopropane ring were designed and synthesized by multi-step reactions in search of novel antifungal molecules. Structures of all the target compounds were characterized by spectral techniques of UV-vis, FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and ESI-MS. The antifungal activity of the target compounds was preliminarily evaluated by agar dilution method. The antifungal bioassay revealed that, at 50 μg/mL, compounds 5h (R = o-F), 5m (R = p-Br), and 5n (R = o-NO₂) showed the same antifungal activity of 73.6% against Physalospora piricola, which was comparable than that of the positive control. Furthermore, against Gibberella zeae, compounds 5k (R = m-Cl), 5l (R = m-Br), 5m (R = p-Br), and 5n (R = o-NO₂) displayed the same antifungal activity of 75.6%, and compound 5o (R = p-NO₂) displayed antifungal activity of 78.8%, which were all better than that of the positive control. The preliminary analysis of 3D-QSAR model was performed to study the effect of molecular structure on biological activity using the comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) method. The results showed 3D-QSAR model (r² = 0.995, q² = 0.503) was reasonable and effective.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Healthcare Benefits of Different Forest Types: A Case Study in Shimen National Forest Park, China

Studies have shown that contact with nature plays a crucial role in the amelioration of human health. Forest therapy has recently received widespread attention as a novel and subsidiary treatment approach for stress recovery and health promotion. However, there is a lack of ample research on the comprehensive evaluation of the forest healthcare benefits. Moreover, it is not entirely clear what kind of forest types and seasons are suitable for forest therapy activities and how healthcare forests should be constructed and managed. From September 2019 to January 2020 and May to August 2020., five forest types of Phyllostachys edulis forest, subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest, Liquidambar formosana forest, Cunninghamia lanceolata forest, coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest and a forestless control group in Shimen National Forest Park, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China were selected. Variations in the character of negative air ion concentration, air oxygen content, human comfort index and phytoncide relative content were analyzed. Principal component analysis and systematic clustering were used to construct forest comprehensive healthcare index and evaluation grade in order to assess the healthcare benefits of different forest types. In terms of negative air ion concentration, the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest was far ahead of the other forest types throughout the year, while the forestless control group was the worst. All stands reached the annual maximum in summer, followed by spring, autumn and winter. From the perspective of air oxygen content, summer > spring > autumn > winter, among them, all forest stands clearly exceeded the normal atmospheric oxygen content (20.9%) in the first three quarters. Moreover, the air oxygen content of coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest was the highest in five forest types; the forestless control group was the lowest. Judging from the human comfort index, in the whole year, all forest types, including the forestless group, were at the comfortable level and above. However, the five forest types still differed greatly in diverse seasons, among which Phyllostachys edulis forest and subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest were superior to Liquidambar formosana forest, Cunninghamia lanceolata forest, coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest in spring and summer, while it was in reverse in autumn and winter. In view of the phytoncide relative content, the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest was the highest, followed by the Cunninghamia lanceolata forest. The relative content of phytoncide was released more in summer, second, by spring, autumn and winter. Furthermore, establishing forest comprehensive healthcare index (FCHI = 0.1NAICi + 0.35AOCi + 0.27HCIi + 0.28PRCi), according to the FCHI value, it was divided into five rating levels. Overall, the comprehensive healthcare index of the five forest stands distinctly outperformed the forestless control group in all seasons. In addition, the five forest types were at level I in spring and summer. From the comprehensive data of the whole year, the comprehensive healthcare index of the coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest was the best, followed by the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest. The forest environment has a favorable influence on the human body and mind, so it is suggested that citizens go to the forest environment regularly for healthcare and physical and mental washing. In terms of the forest healthcare benefits, the best seasons for forest therapy in Shimen National Forest Park are spring and summer; autumn is suitable as well. When planning and constructing the forest therapy bases in Shimen National Forest Park in the future, coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests should be allocated more in the stand transformation to promote forest healthcare benefits. Protecting and developing the landscape resources of the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests should be paid close attention, as well as making rational use of their health activity space.

Monoterpenes as therapeutic candidates to induce fetal hemoglobin synthesis and up-regulation of gamma-globin gene: An in vitro and in vivo investigation

Pharmacologically induced production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is a pragmatic therapeutic strategy for the reduction of globin chain imbalance and improving the clinical severities of patients with β-hemoglobinopathies. To identify highly desirable new therapeutic HbF-inducing agents, we screened functionally diverse ten monoterpenes, as molecular entities for their potent induction and erythroid differentiation ability in human erythroleukemia cell line (K562) and transgenic mice. Benzidine hemoglobin staining demonstrated six compounds to have significantly induced erythroid differentiation of K562 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. This induction paralleled well with the optimal accumulated quantity of total hemoglobin in treated cultures. The cytotoxic studies revealed that three (carvacrol, 3-carene, and 1,4-cineole) of the six compounds with their maximal erythroid expansion ability did not affect cell proliferation and were found non-toxic. Four compounds were found to have high potency, with 4-8-fold induction of HbF at both transcriptional and protein levels in vitro. Subsequently, an in vivo study with the three active non-cytotoxic compounds showed significant overexpression of the γ-globin gene and HbF production. Carvacrol emerged as a lead HbF regulator suggested by the increase in expression of γ-globin mRNA content (5.762 ± 0.54-fold in K562 cells and 5.59 ± 0.20-fold increase in transgenic mice), accompanied by an increase in fetal hemoglobin (F-cells) levels (83.47% in K562 cells and 79.6% in mice model). This study implicates monoterpenes as new HbF inducing candidates but warrants mechanistic elucidation to develop them into potential therapeutic drugs in β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.

Sleep-enhancing Effects of Phytoncide Via Behavioral, Electrophysiological, and Molecular Modeling Approaches

Sleep is indispensable for living animals to live and maintain a normal life. Due to the growing number of people suffering from sleep disorders such as insomnia, there have been increasing interests in environmentally friendly therapeutic approaches for sleep disorders to avoid any side effects of pharmacological treatment using synthetic hypnotics. It has been widely accepted that the various beneficial effects of forest, such as relieving stress and anxiety and enhancing immune system function, are caused by plant-derived products, also known as phytoncide. Recently, it has been reported that the sleep-enhancing effects of phytoncide are derived from pine trees such as (-)-α-pinene and 3-carene. These are the major constituents of pine tree that potentiate the inhibitory synaptic responses by acting as a positive modulator for GABA_A-BZD receptor. In this review, we discuss the effects of phytoncide on sleep and review the latest approaches of sleep-related behavioral assay, electrophysiological recording, and molecular modeling technique.

Therapeutic Potential of Volatile Terpenes and Terpenoids from Forests for Inflammatory Diseases

Forest trees are a major source of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). Terpenes and terpenoids are known as the main BVOCs of forest aerosols. These compounds have been shown to display a broad range of biological activities in various human disease models, thus implying that forest aerosols containing these compounds may be related to beneficial effects of forest bathing. In this review, we surveyed studies analyzing BVOCs and selected the most abundant 23 terpenes and terpenoids emitted in forested areas of the Northern Hemisphere, which were reported to display anti-inflammatory activities. We categorized anti-inflammatory processes related to the functions of these compounds into six groups and summarized their molecular mechanisms of action. Finally, among the major 23 compounds, we examined the therapeutic potentials of 12 compounds known to be effective against respiratory inflammation, atopic dermatitis, arthritis, and neuroinflammation among various inflammatory diseases. In conclusion, the updated studies support the beneficial effects of forest aerosols and propose their potential use as chemopreventive and therapeutic agents for treating various inflammatory diseases.