Volatile Oil Containing Plants as Phytopharmaceuticals to Treat Psoriasis: A Review.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by an autoimmune response that accelerates the life cycle of skin cells, resulting in the characteristic symptoms of scaling, inflammation, and itching. METHODS: Palliative treatment options for psoriasis often prioritize the use of volatile oils. These oils contain monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and phenylpropanoids that are intricately linked to the molecular cascades involved in the pathogenesis and symptoms of psoriasis. To evaluate the antipsoriatic efficacy of volatile oils and their components, we conducted a systematic review of scientific studies. Our literature search encompassed various online databases, including PubMed, BIREME, SCIELO, Open Grey, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. The selected studies included experimental in vitro/in vivo assessments as well as clinical studies that examined the potential of volatile oils and their extracts as antipsoriatic agents. We excluded conference proceedings, case reports, editorials, and abstracts. Ultimately, we identified and evaluated a total of 12 studies for inclusion in our analysis. RESULTS: The data collected, compiled, and analyzed strongly support the interaction between volatile oils and their constituents with the key molecular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and the development of its symptoms. Volatile oils play a significant role in the palliative treatment of psoriasis, while their chemical constituents have the potential to reduce the symptoms and recurrence of this condition. CONCLUSION: The current review highlights that the constituents found in volatile oils offer distinct chemical frameworks that can be regarded as promising starting points for the exploration and development of innovative antipsoriatic agents.

Novel, selective acrylamide linked quinazolines for the treatment of double mutant EGFR-L858R/T790M Non-Small-Cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

T790M mutation is the most common mechanism of acquired resistance to first-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). To overcome this resistance, 4-anilinoquinazoline-based irreversible inhibitors afatinib, dacomitinib has been developed. However, the clinical application of these irreversible inhibitors is limited due to its narrow selectivity against L858R/T790M mutant EGFR. In an attempt to develop potent and selective EGFR T790M inhibitors, we have designed and synthesized two series of novel acrylamide linked quinazolines. Among them, compounds 2i (IC50 0.171 µM) and 11h (IC50 0.159 µM) were identified as potent compounds, which displayed selective and potent anti-proliferative activity on gefitinib-resistant cell line NCI-H1975 as compared to the gefitinib and WZ4002 in cellular assay. Furthermore, a molecular dynamic simulation of 11h was carried out to assess the stability to form a complex with the L858R/T790M EGFR Kinase domain, which demonstrated that complex was stable for the 100 ns and form strong crucial covalent binding contacts with the thiol group of Cys797 residue. Finally, satisfactory in silico pharmacokinetics properties of 2i, 11h and 11i compounds were predicted. The synthesized compounds were also evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activity/hepatotoxicity against HepG2 cell line through MTT assay. The results revealed that compounds exhibited lower cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells.

Aloin alleviates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats by abrogating oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

PURPOSE: Aloin, an anthraquinone present in the aloe species, possesses antiangiogenic, chemopreventive and antioxidant properties. It exerts cytotoxicity against breast cancer and ovarian cancer cell lines. These properties of aloin project it as a chemopreventive adjuvant to anticancer chemotherapy. METHODS: We evaluated the effect of concurrent oral administration of aloin against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. The protective effects of aloin against DOX-induced toxicity were evident as a statistically significant inhibition of a rise in the biochemical markers of myocardial damage including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). RESULTS: Aloin dose dependently inhibited the DOX-induced changes in ECG like increased ST-height and prolonged QT interval. It protected heart against the lipid peroxidation and restored the levels of antioxidative defenses: reduced glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase. Aloin prominently reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines- TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6. Notably, the significant protective effects of aloin were evident even at the strikingly lower doses of 1 and 5 mg/kg per day. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the necessity to further investigate the chemopreventive effects of aloin against other chemotherapeutic agents.