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Gempo N, Yeshi K, Crayn D, Wangchuk P. Climate-Affected Australian Tropical Montane Cloud Forest Plants: Metabolomic Profiles, Isolated Phytochemicals, and Bioactivities. Plants (Basel) 2024; 13:1024. [PMID: 38611553 PMCID: PMC11013060 DOI: 10.3390/plants13071024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The Australian Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (WTWHA) in northeast Queensland is home to approximately 18 percent of the nation's total vascular plant species. Over the past century, human activity and industrial development have caused global climate changes, posing a severe and irreversible danger to the entire land-based ecosystem, and the WTWHA is no exception. The current average annual temperature of WTWHA in northeast Queensland is 24 °C. However, in the coming years (by 2030), the average annual temperature increase is estimated to be between 0.5 and 1.4 °C compared to the climate observed between 1986 and 2005. Looking further ahead to 2070, the anticipated temperature rise is projected to be between 1.0 and 3.2 °C, with the exact range depending on future emissions. We identified 84 plant species, endemic to tropical montane cloud forests (TMCF) within the WTWHA, which are already experiencing climate change threats. Some of these plants are used in herbal medicines. This study comprehensively reviewed the metabolomics studies conducted on these 84 plant species until now toward understanding their physiological and metabolomics responses to global climate change. This review also discusses the following: (i) recent developments in plant metabolomics studies that can be applied to study and better understand the interactions of wet tropics plants with climatic stress, (ii) medicinal plants and isolated phytochemicals with structural diversity, and (iii) reported biological activities of crude extracts and isolated compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngawang Gempo
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, Nguma-bada Campus, McGregor Rd., Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (N.G.); (P.W.)
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Services (CPHMVS), James Cook University, Nguma-bada Campus, McGregor Rd., Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Karma Yeshi
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, Nguma-bada Campus, McGregor Rd., Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (N.G.); (P.W.)
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Services (CPHMVS), James Cook University, Nguma-bada Campus, McGregor Rd., Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Darren Crayn
- Australian Tropical Herbarium (ATH), James Cook University, Nguma-bada Campus, McGregor Rd., Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia;
| | - Phurpa Wangchuk
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, Nguma-bada Campus, McGregor Rd., Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (N.G.); (P.W.)
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Services (CPHMVS), James Cook University, Nguma-bada Campus, McGregor Rd., Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
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Gempo N, Yeshi K, Jamtsho T, Jamtsho L, Samten, Wangchuk P. Development of quality control parameters for two Bhutanese medicinal plants ( Aster flaccidus Bunge and Aster diplostephioides (DC.) Benth. ex C.B.Clarke) using traditional and modern pharmacognostical platforms. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24969. [PMID: 38317921 PMCID: PMC10839999 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Bhutan's scholarly traditional medical system is called Bhutanese Sowa Rigpa medicine (BSM). It was integrated with the modern healthcare system in 1967. Over 200 medicinal plants are used to produce more than 100 poly-ingredient medicinal formulations. Although BSM is supported by well-documented principles, pharmacopoeias, diagnostic procedures, treatment regimens, and traditional quality assurance systems, modern quality control parameters have become essential to distinguish closely related species and prevent contamination from exogenous impurities. This study aims to establish reliable analytical methods and quality control parameters for Aster flaccidus Bunge and Aster diplostephioides (DC.) Benth. ex C.B. Clarke used as ingredients in the BMS poly-ingredient medicinal formulations. Furthermore, their reported phytochemicals and biological activities are also discussed in this study. Standard pharmacognostic techniques, including macroscopical and microscopical examinations of crude drugs, were employed to establish the quality control parameters for two Aster species. The physicochemical limits were determined as per the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended guidelines and methods described in the Thai herbal pharmacopoeia. A high-performance thin-layer liquid chromatography (HPTLC) was used to develop a comparative chromatogram/phytochemical fingerprint for the crude extracts obtained from two Aster species. A literature review was conducted to record their isolated phytochemicals and biological activities. Two Aster species possess macro- and microscopic features such as colour, appearance, and shape. Physicochemical analysis of crude drugs from two Aster species including HPTLC fingerprinting of their methanol crude extracts also yielded adequate data to differentiate and confirm two Aster species before adding them to the BSM poly-ingredient medicinal formulations. From the literature review, only A. flaccidus was found to be studied for its phytochemical constituents, whereby 11 pure compounds were isolated from aerial parts and roots. The current study revealed distinct species-specific distinguishing features, including ecological adaptation, micromorphology, anatomy, physicochemical values, HPTLC chromatograms. These parameters can be used to authenticate the species identity and prevent adulterations, thereby improving the quality and safety of BSM formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngawang Gempo
- National Organic Flagship Program Center, Department of Agriculture, Thimphu, Bhutan
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
| | - Karma Yeshi
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
- Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), Kanglung, Trashigang, Bhutan
| | - Tenzin Jamtsho
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
- Yangchenphu High School, Department of School Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Lungten Jamtsho
- Menjong Sorig Pharmaceuticals Corporation Limited (MSPCL), Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Samten
- Menjong Sorig Pharmaceuticals Corporation Limited (MSPCL), Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Phurpa Wangchuk
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
- Menjong Sorig Pharmaceuticals Corporation Limited (MSPCL), Thimphu, Bhutan
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Wangchuk P, Yeshi K, Loukas A. Metabolomics and lipidomics studies of parasitic helminths: molecular diversity and identification levels achieved by using different characterisation tools. Metabolomics 2023; 19:63. [PMID: 37356029 PMCID: PMC10290966 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-023-02019-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Helminths are parasitic worms that infect millions of people worldwide and secrete a variety of excretory-secretory products (ESPs), including proteins, peptides, and small molecules. Despite this, there is currently no comprehensive review article on cataloging small molecules from helminths, particularly focusing on the different classes of metabolites (polar and lipid molecules) identified from the ESP and somatic tissue extracts of helminths that were studied in isolation from their hosts. OBJECTIVE This review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the metabolomics and lipidomics studies of parasitic helminths using all available analytical platforms. METHOD To achieve this objective, we conducted a meta-analysis of the identification and characterization tools, metabolomics approaches, metabolomics standard initiative (MSI) levels, software, and databases commonly applied in helminth metabolomics studies published until November 2021. RESULT This review analyzed 29 studies reporting the metabolomic assessment of ESPs and somatic tissue extracts of 17 helminth species grown under ex vivo/in vitro culture conditions. Of these 29 studies, 19 achieved the highest level of metabolite identification (MSI level-1), while the remaining studies reported MSI level-2 identification. Only 155 small molecule metabolites, including polar and lipids, were identified using MSI level-1 characterization protocols from various helminth species. Despite the significant advances made possible by the 'omics' technology, standardized software and helminth-specific metabolomics databases remain significant challenges in this field. Overall, this review highlights the potential for future studies to better understand the diverse range of small molecules that helminths produce and leverage their unique metabolomic features to develop novel treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878 Australia
| | - Karma Yeshi
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878 Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878 Australia
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Yeshi K, Ruscher R, Miles K, Crayn D, Liddell M, Wangchuk P. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Endemic Plants of the Australian Wet Tropics. Plants 2022; 11:plants11192519. [PMID: 36235388 PMCID: PMC9571949 DOI: 10.3390/plants11192519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Plants have been a vital source of natural antioxidants since ancient times. Plants growing under various abiotic stress conditions often produce more defensive secondary metabolites such as phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids during adaptation to the environment. Many of these secondary metabolites are known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study tested seven plants sourced from the mountaintop areas (above 1000 m elevation) of Mount Lewis National Park (falls under the Wet Tropics of Queensland), Australia, for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Of the seven studied plants, hydroethanolic extracts of six plants (Leptospermum wooroonooran, Ceratopetalum hylandii, Linospadix apetiolatus, Garcinia brassii, Litsea granitica, and Polyscias willmottii) showed high 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-free radical scavenging activity in a dose-dependent (25–1000 μg/mL) manner. At the highest concentration of 1 mg/mL, the DPPH free radical scavenged percentage varied between 75.4% and 92.3%. Only the species Alyxia orophila was inactive in the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Pseudo-IC50 values of the extracts’ ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) based on dose-response curves showed a significant positive correlation with total phenolic content. Five out of the seven plants, namely G. brassii, C. hylandii, L. apetiolatus, L. wooroonooran, and A. orophila, showed inhibitory effects on the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukins (IL)-23 in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) assay. The results of this study demonstrate the value of tropical mountaintop plants in the biodiscovery of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karma Yeshi
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4 and E5, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia
- Correspondence: (K.Y.); (P.W.)
| | - Roland Ruscher
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4 and E5, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Kim Miles
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4 and E5, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Darren Crayn
- Australian Tropical Herbarium, James Cook University, Building E2, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Michael Liddell
- College of Science and Engineering, Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, Building E1, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4 and E5, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia
- Correspondence: (K.Y.); (P.W.)
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Yeshi K, Turpin G, Jamtsho T, Wangchuk P. Indigenous Uses, Phytochemical Analysis, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Australian Tropical Medicinal Plants. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27123849. [PMID: 35744969 PMCID: PMC9231311 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Australian tropical plants have been a rich source of food (bush food) and medicine to the first Australians (Aboriginal people), who are believed to have lived for more than 50,000 years. Plants such as spreading sneezeweed (Centipeda minima), goat’s foot (Ipomoea pes-caprae), and hop bush (Dodonaea viscosa and D. polyandra) are a few popular Aboriginal medicinal plants. Thus far, more than 900 medicinal plants have been recorded in the tropical region alone, and many of them are associated with diverse ethnomedicinal uses that belong to the traditional owners of Aboriginal people. In our effort to find anti-inflammatory lead compounds in collaboration with Aboriginal communities from their medicinal plants, we reviewed 78 medicinal plants used against various inflammation and inflammatory-related conditions by Aboriginal people. Out of those 78 species, we have included only 45 species whose crude extracts or isolated pure compounds showed anti-inflammatory properties. Upon investigating compounds isolated from 40 species (for five species, only crude extracts were studied), 83 compounds were associated with various anti-inflammatory properties. Alphitolic acid, Betulinic acid, Malabaric acid, and Hispidulin reduced proinflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and 2) with IC50 values ranging from 11.5 to 46.9 uM. Other promising anti-inflammatory compounds are Brevilin A (from Centipeda minima), Eupalestin, and 5′-methoxy nobiletin (from Ageratum conyzoides), Calophyllolide (from Calophyllum inophyllum), and Brusatol (from Brucea javanica). D. polyandra is one example of an Aboriginal medicinal plant from which a novel anti-inflammatory benzoyl ester clerodane diterpenoid compound was obtained (compound name not disclosed), and it is in the development of topical medicines for inflammatory skin diseases. Medicinal plants in the tropics and those associated with indigenous knowledge of Aboriginal people could be a potential alternative source of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karma Yeshi
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Gerry Turpin
- Tropical Herbarium of Australia, James Cook University, Building E1, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia;
| | - Tenzin Jamtsho
- Yangchenphug High School, Ministry of Education, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan;
| | - Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia;
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Jamtsho T, Yeshi K, Samten, Wangchuk P. Comparative analysis of two Himalayan Aconitum species for their phytopharmaceutical properties. J Herb Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2021.100497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Wangchuk P, Anderson D, Yeshi K, Loukas A. Identification of Small Molecules of the Infective Stage of Human Hookworm Using LCMS-Based Metabolomics and Lipidomics Protocols. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:3264-3276. [PMID: 34767348 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hookworm infections affect millions of people worldwide and are responsible for impaired mental and physical growth in children, and anemias. There is no vaccine, and increasing anthelmintic drug resistance in nematodes of domestic animals, and reduced drug cure rates in nematode infections of humans is alarming. Despite this looming health problem, there is a significant knowledge gap in terms of nonproteinaceous "excretory/secretory products" (ESPs) and how they orchestrate a parasitic existence. In the current study, we have conducted the first metabolomic and lipidomic analysis of the infective third-stage filariform larvae (L3) of the predominant human hookworm Necator americanus using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Altogether, we have identified a total of 645 small molecules that were mainly produced through amino acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Putatively, 495 metabolites were unique to the somatic tissue extract, and 34 metabolites were present only in the ESP component. More than 21 novel mass features with nitrogen and sulfur functional groups were detected in the ESP component for the first time from helminths. While this study could not establish the biological functions of the metabolites identified, literature searches revealed that these metabolites possess various biological properties, including anti-inflammatory activities. These metabolites are likely used by the parasite upon exposure to a host to facilitate skin penetration, passage through different tissues, and immune regulation in the small bowel. Overall, the results presented herein offer significant insight into the metabolome of N. americanus L3 and have the potential to instigate future work to establish biomarkers of infection. This area urgently needs attention, given the lack of sensitive point-of-care diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Dovile Anderson
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Karma Yeshi
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
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Yeshi K, Creek DJ, Anderson D, Ritmejerytė E, Becker L, Loukas A, Wangchuk P. Metabolomes and Lipidomes of the Infective Stages of the Gastrointestinal nematodes, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and Trichuris muris. Metabolites 2020; 10:metabo10110446. [PMID: 33171998 PMCID: PMC7694664 DOI: 10.3390/metabo10110446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths, including hookworms and whipworms, infect billions of people worldwide. Their capacity to penetrate and migrate through their hosts’ tissues is influenced by the suite of molecules produced by the infective developmental stages. To facilitate a better understanding of the immunobiology and pathogenicity of human hookworms and whipworms, we investigated the metabolomes of the infective stage of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis third-stage larvae (L3) which penetrate the skin and Trichuris muris eggs which are orally ingested, using untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). We identified 55 polar metabolites through Metabolomics Standard Initiative level-1 (MSI-I) identification from N. brasiliensis and T. muris infective stages, out of which seven were unique to excretory/secretory products (ESPs) of N. brasiliensis L3. Amino acids were a principal constituent (33 amino acids). Additionally, we identified 350 putative lipids, out of which 28 (all known lipids) were unique to N. brasiliensis L3 somatic extract and four to T. muris embryonated egg somatic extract. Glycerophospholipids and glycerolipids were the major lipid groups. The catalogue of metabolites identified in this study shed light on the biology, and possible therapeutic and diagnostic targets for the treatment of these critical infectious pathogens. Moreover, with the growing body of literature on the therapeutic utility of helminth ESPs for treating inflammatory diseases, a role for metabolites is likely but has received little attention thus far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karma Yeshi
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.); (L.B.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence: (K.Y.); (P.W.)
| | - Darren J. Creek
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (D.J.C.); (D.A.)
| | - Dovile Anderson
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (D.J.C.); (D.A.)
| | - Edita Ritmejerytė
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.); (L.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Luke Becker
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.); (L.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.); (L.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.); (L.B.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence: (K.Y.); (P.W.)
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Wangchuk P, Yeshi K, Vennos C, Mandal SC, Kloos S, Nugraha AS, Tashi, Samten. Three medicinal Corydalis species of the Himalayas: Their ethnobotany, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and pharmacology. J Herb Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2020.100384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Yeshi K, Ruscher R, Hunter L, Daly NL, Loukas A, Wangchuk P. Revisiting Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Pathology, Treatments, Challenges and Emerging Therapeutics Including Drug Leads from Natural Products. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1273. [PMID: 32354192 PMCID: PMC7288008 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and life-long disease characterized by gastrointestinal tract inflammation. It is caused by the interplay of the host's genetic predisposition and immune responses, and various environmental factors. Despite many treatment options, there is no cure for IBD. The increasing incidence and prevalence of IBD and lack of effective long-term treatment options have resulted in a substantial economic burden to the healthcare system worldwide. Biologics targeting inflammatory cytokines initiated a shift from symptomatic control towards objective treatment goals such as mucosal healing. There are seven monoclonal antibody therapies excluding their biosimilars approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for induction and maintenance of clinical remission in IBD. Adverse side effects associated with almost all currently available drugs, especially biologics, is the main challenge in IBD management. Natural products have significant potential as therapeutic agents with an increasing role in health care. Given that natural products display great structural diversity and are relatively easy to modify chemically, they represent ideal scaffolds upon which to generate novel therapeutics. This review focuses on the pathology, currently available treatment options for IBD and associated challenges, and the roles played by natural products in health care. It discusses these natural products within the current biodiscovery research agenda, including the applications of drug discovery techniques and the search for next-generation drugs to treat a plethora of inflammatory diseases, with a major focus on IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karma Yeshi
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Roland Ruscher
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Luke Hunter
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Norelle L. Daly
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns QLD 4878, Australia
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Yeshi K, Gyal Y, Sabernig K, Phuntsho J, Tidwell T, Jamtsho T, Dhondup R, Tokar E, Wangchuk P. An integrated medicine of Bhutan: Sowa Rigpa concepts, botanical identification, and the recorded phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the eastern Himalayan medicinal plants. Eur J Integr Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2019.100927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Yeshi K, Wangdi T, Qusar N, Nettles J, Craig SR, Schrempf M, Wangchuk P. Geopharmaceuticals of Himalayan Sowa Rigpa medicine: Ethnopharmacological uses, mineral diversity, chemical identification and current utilization in Bhutan. J Ethnopharmacol 2018; 223:99-112. [PMID: 29751124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Geological materials, such as minerals, have a long history of usage as ingredients in multicompound formulations of Himalayan Sowa Rigpa medicine - as well as in its localized form of Bhutanese traditional medicine (BTM) - for treating various disorders for over thousand years. Yet, hardly any scientific research has been done on their ethnopharmacological efficacy and chemistry. AIM OF THE STUDY This study documents and correlates the rarely explored ethnopharmacological and chemical identification of various minerals and their ethnomedicinal uses in BTM formulations for the first time. MATERIAL AND METHODS A five stage cross-disciplinary process was conducted as follows: (1) a review of classical literature of Sowa Rigpa texts (Tibetan medical texts, pharmacopoeias and formularies) that are still in use today; (2) listing of mineral ingredients according to Sowa Rigpa names, followed by identification with common English and chemical names, as well as re-translating their ethnomedical uses; (3) cross-checking the chemical names and chemical composition of identified Sowa Rigpa minerals with various geological mineral databases and mineral handbooks; (4) authentication and standardization of Sowa Rigpa names through open forum discussion with diverse BTM practitioners; (5) further confirmation of the chemical names of identified minerals by consulting different experts and pharmacognosists. RESULTS Our current study lists 120 minerals as described in Sowa Rigpa medical textbooks most of which we were able to chemically identify, and of which 28 are currently used in BTM herbo-mineral formulations. Out of these 28 mineral ingredients, 5 originate from precious metal and stone, 10 stem from earth, mud and rocks, 8 are salts, and 5 concern 'essences' and exudates. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified 120 mineral ingredients described in Sowa Rigpa medical textbooks, out of which 28 are currently used. They are crucial in formulating 108 multicompound prescription medicines in BTM presently in use for treating more than 135 biomedically defined ailments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karma Yeshi
- Wangbama Central School, Thimphu District, Bhutan
| | - Tendrel Wangdi
- Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Namgyal Qusar
- Qusar Tibetan Healing Centre, P.O. Sidhpur, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | | | | | - Mona Schrempf
- Central Asian Seminar, Institute of Asian and African Studies, Humboldt University Berlin, Germany
| | - Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Australia.
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Yeshi K, Morisco P, Wangchuk P. Animal-derived natural products of Sowa Rigpa medicine: Their pharmacopoeial description, current utilization and zoological identification. J Ethnopharmacol 2017; 207:192-202. [PMID: 28606809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Bhutanese Sowa Rigpa medicine (BSM) uses animal parts in the preparation of numerous polyingredient traditional remedies. Our study reports the taxonomical identification of medicinal animals and the description of traditional uses in English medical terminologies. AIM OF THE STUDY To taxonomically identify the medicinal animals and their derived natural products used as a zootherapeutic agents in BSM. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, the traditional textbooks were reviewed to generate a list of animal products described as ingredients. Second, animal parts that are currently used in Bhutan were identified. Third, the ethnopharmacological uses of each animal ingredients were translated into English medical terminologies by consulting Traditional Physicians, clinical assistants, pharmacognosists, and pharmacists in Bhutan. Fourth, the animal parts were taxonomically identified and their Latin names were confirmed by crosschecking them with online animal databases and relevant scientific literature. RESULTS The study found 73 natural products belonging to 29 categories derived from 45 medicinal animals (36 vertebrates and 9 invertebrates), comprising of 9 taxonomic categories and 30 zoological families. Out of 116 formulations currently produced, 87 of them contain one or more extracts and products obtained from 13 medicinal animals to treat more than 124 traditionally classified illnesses. Only five animal ingredients were found available in Bhutan and rest of the animal parts are being imported from India. CONCLUSIONS Out of 73 natural products described in the traditional textbooks, only 13 of them (some omitted and few substituted by plants) are currently included in 87 formulations of BSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karma Yeshi
- Wangbama Central School, Thimphu District, Bhutan
| | - Paolo Morisco
- Health and Wellbeing North Ward, 34 Gregory Street, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, QLD 4870, Australia.
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