Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Agrostemma Genus-A Review.

The family Caryophyllaceae comprises more than 2600 species spread widely across all the continents. Their economic importance is mainly as ornamentals (carnation) and as weeds in agriculture. Some species have been used traditionally (and some are still) in herbal medicine or as emulsifiers in food processing. These applications are based on the high content of triterpenoid saponins. Typical for this family are also ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs), which are potentially highly toxic. Agrostemma githago L. (common corncockle) was historically considered a serious toxicological hazard owing to cereal grain contamination by its seeds. Notwithstanding, it was also recommended as a drug by various herbalists. In this review, the literature was searched in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for papers focused on the chemical composition and bioactivity of the two accepted species of the Agrostemma genus. This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Current research reports the cytotoxicity against neoplastic cells; the protection against oxidative stress; the suppression of Leishmania major culture growth; the inhibition of protein synthesis; and the antiviral, anti-angiogenic, and antihypercholesterolemic activities of common corncockle. The future prospects of using A. githago saponins as adjuvants in drug formulations and enhancing the cytotoxicity of RIPs are also discussed.

Emicizumab as a Promising Form of Therapy for Type A Hemophilia - A Review of Current Knowledge from Clinical Trials.

Hemophilia is a plasma bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency of certain blood clotting factors. The most common forms of this disease, i.e., type A and type B, affect approximately 400,000 people worldwide. Without appropriate treatment ensuring the proper coagulation cascade, this disease may lead to serious disability. Minimizing patient discomfort is possible via replacement therapy, consisting of the substitution of a missing coagulation factor via intravenous administration. Frequent medication and the risk related to factor inhibitors are significant disadvantages, necessitating the improvement of current therapies or the development of novel ones. This review examines the humanized bispecific antibody Emicizumab which ensures hemostasis by mimicking the action of the coagulation factor VIII, a deficiency of which causes type A hemophilia. The paper outlines the topic and then summarizes available clinical trials on Emicizumab in type A hemophilia. Several interventional clinical trials have found Emicizumab to be effective in decreasing bleeding episodes and raising patient satisfaction among various hemophilia A populations. Current Emicizumab-related trials are forecast to be completed between 2024 and 2030, and in addition to congenital hemophilia A, the trials cover acquired hemophilia A and patients playing sports. Providing a more comprehensive understanding of Emicizumab may revolutionize the management of hemophilia type A and improve quality of life. Conclusively, Emicizumab is a gentler therapy owing to subcutaneous delivery and fewer injections, which reduces injection-site reactions and makes therapy less burdensome, ultimately decreasing hospital visits and indirect costs.

The Usage of Ergot (Claviceps purpurea (fr.) Tul.) in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Historical Perspective.

In the past centuries consumption of bread made of ergot-infected flour resulted in mass poisonings and miscarriages. The reason was the sclerotia of Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul.-a source of noxious ergot alkaloids (ergotamine and ergovaline). The authors have searched the 19th century medical literature in order to find information on the following topics: dosage forms of drugs based on ergot and their application in official gynecology and obstetrics. The authors also briefly address the relevant data from the previous periods as well as the 20th century research on ergot. The research resulted in a conclusion that applications of ergot in gynecology and obstetrics in the 19th century were limited to controlling excessive uterine bleeding and irregular spasms, treatment of fibrous tumors of the uterus, and prevention of miscarriage, abortion, and amenorrhoea. The most common dosage forms mentioned in the works included in our review were the following: tinctures, water extracts (Wernich's and Squibb's watery extract of ergot), pills, and powders. The information documented in this paper will be helpful for further research and helpful in broadening the understanding of the historical application of the described controversial crude drugs. Ergot alkaloids were widely used in obstetrics, but in modern times they are not used in developed countries anymore. They may, however, play a significant role in developing countries where, in some cases, they can be used as an anti-hemorrhage agent during labor.

Phenolic Compounds of Reynoutria sp. as Modulators of Oral Cavity Lactoperoxidase System.

Lactoperoxidase (LPO) together with its (pseudo)halogenation cycle substrates, H2O2 and thiocyanate ions oxidized to hypothiocyanite ions, form one of the main systems involved in antimicrobial defense within the oral cavity. In bacterial diseases such as dental caries, lactoperoxidase is oxidized to a form known as Compound II, which is characterized by its inability to oxidize SCN-, resulting in a decreased generation of antimicrobial products. Reynoutria sp. rizome extracts, due to their high polyphenol content, have been tested as a source of compounds able to regenerate the antimicrobial activity of lactoperoxidase through converting the Compound II to the native LPO state. In the presented study, acetone extracts of R. japonica, R. sachalinensis, and R. x bohemica, together with their five fractions and four selected polyphenols dominating in the studied in extracts, were tested toward lactoperoxidase reactivating potential. For this purpose, IC50, EC50, and activation percentage were determined by Ellman's method. Furthermore, the rate constants for the conversion of Compound I-Compound II and Compound II-native-LPO in the presence of extracts, extracts fractions, and selected polyphenols were determined. Finally, the ability to enhance the antimicrobial properties of the lactoperoxidase system was tested against Streptococcus mutans. We proved that Reynoutria sp. rhizome is the source of lactoperoxidase peroxidation cycle substrates, which can act as activators and inhibitors of the antimicrobial properties of that system. The presented study shows that the reactivation of lactoperoxidase could become a potential therapeutic target in prevention and treatment support in some infectious oral diseases.