The recent discovery of a promising pharmacological scaffold derived from carvacrol: A review.

Carvacrol, called CA, is a dynamic phytoconstituent characterized by a phenol ring abundantly sourced from various natural reservoirs. This versatile scaffold serves as a pivotal template for the design and synthesis of novel drug molecules, harboring promising biological activities. The active sites positioned at C-4, C-6, and the hydroxyl group (-OH) of CA offer fertile ground for creating potent drug candidates from a pharmacological standpoint. In this comprehensive review, we delve into diverse synthesis pathways and explore the biological activity of CA derivatives. We aim to illuminate the potential of these derivatives in discovering and developing efficacious treatments against a myriad of life-threatening diseases. By scrutinizing the structural modifications and pharmacophore placements that enhance the activity of CA derivatives, we aspire to inspire the innovation of novel therapeutics with heightened potency and effectiveness.

Exploring Sorbus torminalis Leaves: Unveiling a Promising Natural Resource for Diverse Chemical and Biological Applications.

Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz has a rich history of versatile applications spanning the fields of medicine and nutrition. It is noteworthy that the decoction obtained from S. torminalis leaves is a traditional treatment method against both diabetes and stomach disorders. Phytochemical profiling determined by HPLC/MS-MS. The effects of the extracts on cell viability were investigated using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) method against MDA-MB-231 cell line (human breast adenocarcinoma).The ethanol/water extract contained more concentration of total phenolic (91.41 mg gallic acid (GAE) equivalent /gr) and flavanoid (29.10 mg rutin (RE) equivalent/gr) in the tested extract (p<0.05). Resulting of HPLC analysis, the chemical constituents varied depending on the solvents and chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, isoquercetin, delphindin-3,5-diglucoside, procyanidin B2, epicatechin, neochlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were identified in all extracts. Overall, ethanol, n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts showed the highest inhibition for the tyrosinase enzyme. The effect of leaf extracts of S. torminalis on antimicrobial, biofilm inhibitory, and anticancer activities was examined. Based on outcomes of our study recognize this plant as a critical source of medically active chemicals for feasible phytopharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, providing the first scientific insight into the detailed biological and chemical profiles of S. torminalis.

The Bioactivity and Phytochemicals of Muscari comosum (Leopoldia comosa), a Plant of Multiple Pharmacological Activities.

Leopoldia comosa (LC), popularly known as Muscari comosum, spontaneously grows in the Mediterranean region and its bulbs are used as a vegetable. Traditionally, they are also used to treat various diseases and conditions, which has inspired the study of the pharmacological activities of different parts of LC. These studies revealed the numerous biological properties of LC including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, anti-Alzheimer's disease, antibacterial, and immune stimulant. High antioxidant activity compared to other non-cultivated plants, and the potential role of antioxidant activity in other reported activities make LC an excellent candidate to be developed as an antioxidant plant against important associated diseases. The presence of a diverse class of phytochemicals (n = 85), especially flavonoids and homoisoflavones, in LC, also imparts significance to the nutraceutical candidature of the plant. However, limited animal studies and the lack of a directional approach have limited the further design of effective clinical studies for the development of LC. The current study is the first attempt to comprehensively compile information regarding the phytochemicals and pharmacological activities of LC, emphasize the targets/markers targeted by LC, important in other activities, and also highlight the current gaps and propose possible bridges for the development of LC as a therapeutic and/or supplement against important diseases.

From Ocean to Medicine: Harnessing Seaweed's Potential for Drug Development.

Seaweed, a miscellaneous group of marine algae, has long been recognized for its rich nutritional composition and bioactive compounds, being considered nutraceutical ingredient. This revision delves into the promising role of seaweed-derived nutrients as a beneficial resource for drug discovery and innovative product development. Seaweeds are abundant sources of essential vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and unique secondary metabolites, which reveal a wide range of biological activities. These bioactive compounds possess potential therapeutic properties, making them intriguing candidates for drug leads in various medical applications and pharmaceutical drug development. It explores their pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities, shedding light on their potential as therapeutic agents. Moreover, the manuscript provides insights into the development of formulation strategies and delivery systems to enhance the bioavailability and stability of seaweed-derived compounds. The manuscript also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of seaweed-based nutrients into the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Regulatory considerations, sustainability, and scalability of sustainable seaweed sourcing and cultivation methods are addressed, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach in harnessing seaweed's potential. This revision underscores the immense potential of seaweed-derived compounds as a valuable reservoir for drug leads and product development. By bridging the gap between marine biology, pharmacology, and product formulation, this research contributes to the critical advancement of sustainable and innovative solutions in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors.

[Advances on cyclopeptides of plants].

Cyclopeptides isolated from a variety of plants are a class of cyclic nitrogen-containing compounds, and they are primarily formed by peptide bonds between amino acids, generally containing 2 to 37 L-configuration encoded or non-encoded amino acid residues. Cyclopeptides have significant values in scientific research as natural small-molecule metabolites produced by plants. The available studies have revealed that such natural products are ubiquitous in plants, which mainly include cyclic dipeptides, cyclic tetrapeptides, cyclic pentapeptides, cyclic hexapeptides, cyclic heptapeptides, cyclic octapeptides, cyclic nonapeptides, and cyclic decapeptides. Among them, cyclic dipeptides, cyclic hexapeptides, and cyclic octapeptides are the major active compounds. It has been reported that plant cyclopeptides have novel and unique chemical structures. They possess diverse pharmacological activities, such as antineoplastic, antimicrobial, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities. This paper summarizes the research achievements of plant cyclopeptides since 2006, aiming to provide theoretical reference for the research and application of plant cyclopeptides in medicine, health, and agriculture fields.

[Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of small molecule compounds in scorpions].

Scorpions, a group of oldest animals with wide distribution in the world, have a long history of medicinal use. Scorpio, the dried body of Buthus martensii, is a rare animal medicine mainly used for the treatment of liver diseases, spasm, and convulsions in children in China. The venom has been considered as the active substance of scorpions. However, little is known about the small molecules in the venom of scorpions. According to the articles published in recent years, scorpions contain amino acids, fatty acids, steroids, and alkaloids, which endow scorpions with antimicrobial, anticoagulant, metabolism-regulating, and antitumor activities. This paper summarizes the small molecule chemical components and pharmacological activities of scorpions, with a view to providing valuable information for the discovery of new active molecules and the clinical use of scorpions.

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) in health and disease: a critical review.

Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Family Moraceae), is a tropical tree, native to India and common in Asia, Africa, and several regions in South America. The fruit is commonly known as jackfruit which is one of the largest edible fruits in the world. Jackfruits comprises a wide range of nutrients, including minerals, carbohydrates, volatile compounds, proteins, and vitamins. The fruit, bark, leaves, and roots are endowed with therapeutic attributes and are utilized in the many traditional medicinal systems for the management of various ailments. Fruit and seeds are commonly used to prepare various food items, including sauce, ice creams, jams, jellies, and marmalades. Due to unique texture, jackfruit is becoming a popular meat substitute. Based on preclinical studies, jackfruit exhibits antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-melanin, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral, anthelmintic, wound-healing, and antineoplastic activities. Clinical studies reveal that the leaves possess antidiabetic action in healthy and insulin-independent diabetic individuals. Despite numerous health benefits, regrettably, jackfruit has not been properly utilized in a marketable scale in areas where it is produced. This review delivers an updated, comprehensive, and critical evaluation on the nutritional value, phytochemical profiling, pharmacological attributes and underlying mechanisms of action to explore the full potential of jackfruit in health and disease.

Natural Products and Pharmacological Properties of Symbiotic Bacillota (Firmicutes) of Marine Macroalgae.

The shift from the terrestrial to the marine environment to discover natural products has given rise to novel bioactive compounds, some of which have been approved for human medicine. However, the ocean, which makes up nearly three-quarters of the Earth's surface, contains macro- and microorganisms whose natural products are yet to be explored. Among these underexplored marine organisms are macroalgae and their symbiotic microbes, such as Bacillota, a phylum of mostly Gram-positive bacteria previously known as Firmicutes. Macroalgae-associated Bacillota often produce chemical compounds that protect them and their hosts from competitive and harmful rivals. Here, we summarised the natural products made by macroalgae-associated Bacillota and their pharmacological properties. We discovered that these Bacillota are efficient producers of novel biologically active molecules. However, only a few macroalgae had been investigated for chemical constituents of their Bacillota: nine brown, five red and one green algae. Thus, Bacillota, especially from the marine habitat, should be investigated for potential pharmaceutical leads. Moreover, additional diverse biological assays for the isolated molecules of macroalgae Bacillota should be implemented to expand their bioactivity profiles, as only antibacterial properties were tested for most compounds.

Nanotechnology Formulations Designed with Herbal Extracts and Their Therapeutic Applications - A Review.

Because of the increasing demand for natural products, the development of nanoformulations containing natural active ingredients requires in-depth knowledge of the substances used, methods of obtaining, and stability profiles to ensure product quality, efficacy, and safety. Considering this, the bibliography of the last five years presented in databases (PubMed and Science Direct) was discussed in this work, discussing the study with medicinal plants to obtain active metabolites with therapeutic properties, as well as the different nano-systems responsible for carrying these molecules. Due to the wealth of biodiversity found in the world, many species are submitted to the extraction process for several purposes. However, identifying, classifying, and quantifying the constituents of herbal matrices are crucial steps to verify their therapeutic potential. In addition, knowing the techniques of production and elaboration of nanotechnology products allows the optimization of the incorporation of herbal extracts as an innovation target. For studies to be successful, it is necessary to exhaust experimental results that guarantee the efficacy, safety, and quality of natural nanosystems, with the objective of obtaining reliable answers in nanotechnology therapy.

Diversity in Phytochemical Composition and Medicinal Value of Murraya paniculata.

Murraya paniculata is herbal medicinal plant which is traditionally being used for management of cardiovascular, intestinal and respiratory (air way) disorders. This evergreen plant of tropical regions is a member of Rutaceace family. The goal of this review is to analyze and report the biological activities and active phytochemicals reported from Murraya paniculata (M. paniculata) extracts and essential oil. The data was searched using different search engines and using specific key words including M. paniculata, herbal medicine, phytochemicals, extract, essential oil, pharmacological activities. M. paniculata has been found to have wide range of pharmacological activities, including antinociceptive, antianxiety, antioxidant, antidepressant, antibacterial, analgesic and anti-diabetic properties. A diverse range of phytochemicals, including phenols, coumarins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids have been isolated from various portions of the plant and tested for a variety of biological activities. This review will provide more information and stimulate additional research to develop more effective and cost-efficient alternative medicine from this plant.

Curcumin-based bioactive heterocycles derived via multicomponent reactions.

Curcumin is an important phytochemical, found in the Asian countries, especially in the Indian subcontinent. The use of this "privileged natural product" in the diversity-oriented synthesis of curcumin-based heterocycles via multicomponent reactions (MCRs) is the subject of interest for many medicinal chemists across the globe. This review particularly focuses on the reactions involving curcuminoids as one of the reactants in the MCRs of curcuminoid to synthesize curcumin-based heterocycles. Also, the various pharmacological activities of curcumin-based heterocycles generated via the MCR approach are discussed. The research work published in the last 10 years is in the focus of this review article.

Turmeric and Curcumin-Health-Promoting Properties in Humans versus Dogs.

The growing popularity of the use of nutraceuticals in the prevention and alleviation of symptoms of many diseases in humans and dogs means that they are increasingly the subject of research. A representative of the nutraceutical that deserves special attention is turmeric. Turmeric belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and is grown extensively in Asia. It is a plant used as a spice and food coloring, and it is also used in traditional medicine. The biologically active factors that give turmeric its unusual properties and color are curcuminoids. It is a group of substances that includes curcumin, de-methoxycurcumin, and bis-demethoxycurcumin. Curcumin is used as a yellow-orange food coloring. The most important pro-health effects observed after taking curcuminoids include anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to characterize turmeric and its main substance, curcumin, in terms of their properties, advantages, and disadvantages, based on literature data.

Natural Products-Pyrazine Hybrids: A Review of Developments in Medicinal Chemistry.

Pyrazine is a six-membered heterocyclic ring containing nitrogen, and many of its derivatives are biologically active compounds. References have been downloaded through Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and SciFinder Scholar. The structure, biological activity, and mechanism of natural product derivatives containing pyrazine fragments reported from 2000 to September 2023 were reviewed. Publications reporting only the chemistry of pyrazine derivatives are beyond the scope of this review and have not been included. The results of research work show that pyrazine-modified natural product derivatives have a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antioxidant activities. Many of these derivatives exhibit stronger pharmacodynamic activity and less toxicity than their parent compounds. This review has a certain reference value for the development of heterocyclic compounds, especially pyrazine natural product derivatives.

Application of Quinoline Ring in Structural Modification of Natural Products.

Natural compounds are rich in pharmacological properties that are a hot topic in pharmaceutical research. The quinoline ring plays important roles in many biological processes in heterocycles. Many pharmacological compounds, including saquinavir and chloroquine, have been marketed as quinoline molecules with good anti-viral and anti-parasitic properties. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the medicinal chemistry of quinoline-modified natural product quinoline derivatives that were developed by several research teams in the past 10 years and find that these compounds have inhibitory effects on bacteria, viruses, parasites, inflammation, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and others.

Research Progress on Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Menispermi Rhizoma.

Menispermi Rhizoma, the rhizome of Menispermum dauricum DC., is a traditional Chinese medicine, which has the effect of clearing away heat and detoxification, dispelling wind, and relieving pain. It is often used in the treatment of sore throat, enteritis, dysentery, and rheumatism. The chemical constituents of M. Rhizoma mainly include alkaloids, phenolic acids, quinones, cardiotonic glycosides, and so on. Modern pharmacological studies have proved that M. Rhizoma has the effects of anti-tumour, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, bacteriostasis, cardio-cerebrovascular protection, anti-depression and anti-Alzheimer's disease. In recent years, the chemical constituents of M. Rhizoma have been found continuously, and the pharmacological studies have deepened gradually. This paper reviews the research progress on the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of M. Rhizoma, to provide a basis for further research and development of its medicinal value.

Advancements in the Biotransformation and Biosynthesis of the Primary Active Flavonoids Derived from Epimedium.

Epimedium is a classical Chinese herbal medicine, which has been used extensively to treat various diseases, such as sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and brain diseases. Flavonoids, such as icariin, baohuoside I, icaritin, and epimedin C, are the main active ingredients with diverse pharmacological activities. Currently, most Epimedium flavonoids are extracted from Epimedium plants, but this method cannot meet the increasing market demand. Biotransformation strategies promised huge potential for increasing the contents of high-value Epimedium flavonoids, which would promote the full use of the Epimedium herb. Complete biosynthesis of major Epimedium flavonoids by microbial cell factories would enable industrial-scale production of Epimedium flavonoids. This review summarizes the structures, pharmacological activities, and biosynthesis pathways in the Epimedium plant, as well as the extraction methods of major Epimedium flavonoids, and advancements in the biotransformation and complete microbial synthesis of Epimedium flavonoids, which would provide valuable insights for future studies on Epimedium herb usage and the production of Epimedium flavonoids.

Hirsutine, an Emerging Natural Product with Promising Therapeutic Benefits: A Systematic Review.

Fruits and vegetables are used not only for nutritional purposes but also as therapeutics to treat various diseases and ailments. These food items are prominent sources of phytochemicals that exhibit chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against several diseases. Hirsutine (HSN) is a naturally occurring indole alkaloid found in various Uncaria species and has a multitude of therapeutic benefits. It is found in foodstuffs such as fish, seafood, meat, poultry, dairy, and some grain products among other things. In addition, it is present in fruits and vegetables including corn, cauliflower, mushrooms, potatoes, bamboo shoots, bananas, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits. The primary emphasis of this study is to summarize the pharmacological activities and the underlying mechanisms of HSN against different diseases, as well as the biopharmaceutical features. For this, data were collected (up to date as of 1 July 2023) from various reliable and authentic literature by searching different academic search engines, including PubMed, Springer Link, Scopus, Wiley Online, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Findings indicated that HSN exerts several effects in various preclinical and pharmacological experimental systems. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant activities with beneficial effects in neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Our findings also indicate that HSN exerts promising anticancer potentials via several molecular mechanisms, including apoptotic cell death, induction of oxidative stress, cytotoxic effect, anti-proliferative effect, genotoxic effect, and inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion against various cancers such as lung, breast, and antitumor effects in human T-cell leukemia. Taken all together, findings from this study show that HSN can be a promising therapeutic agent to treat various diseases including cancer.

Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus: A Comprehensive Review of Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology.

The dried bulbs of Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus (AMB) are called "" in China and are mainly distributed in Asia. The plant species included in the 2020 Edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP) are Allium macrostemon Bunge (called xiaogensuan in Chinese, A. macrostemon) and Allium chinense G. Don (called xie in Chinese, A. chinense), respectively. In the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theoretical system, AMB is warm in nature, acrid-bitter taste, and attributive to the heart, lung, stomach, large intestine meridian. AMB has the function of activating Yang and removing stasis, regulating Qi and eliminating stagnation. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that AMB has anti-platelet aggregation, hypolipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, cardiomyocyte, vascular endothelial cell protection, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-asthmatic, and anti-oxidant effects. In some Asian countries, AMB is often used to treat coronary heart disease (CHD), angina pectoris (AP), asthma, and diarrhea. This review collates the botanical background, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, quality control, and toxicological studies of AMB, and provides an outlook on the current research deficiencies and future research priorities of AMB, intending to provide ideas for future research directions and commercial development.

A Review of the Research Applications of Centipeda minima.

Centipeda minima is a traditional Chinese medicine with wide applications and diverse pharmacological effects. Scholars have conducted extensive studies on its relevant clinical applications, especially its remarkable efficacy in cancer treatment. This paper thoroughly investigates the chemical composition and identification, pharmacological effects, and toxicity, along with the safety of Centipeda minima, so as to lay the foundation for corresponding clinical applications and product development. Furthermore, as global scholars have conducted extensive research on such clinical applications and made significant progress, the future development and utilization of Centipeda minima's active ingredients to create novel drugs are of great clinical significance.

A Review of the Popular Uses, Anatomical, Chemical, and Biological Aspects of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae): A Genus of Plants Known as "Miracle Leaf".

Species of the genus Kalanchoe have a long history of therapeutic use in ethnomedicine linked to their remarkable healing properties. Several species have chemical and anatomical similarities, often leading to confusion when they are used in folk medicine. This review aims to provide an overview and discussion of the reported traditional uses, botanical aspects, chemical constituents, and pharmacological potential of the Kalanchoe species. Published scientific materials were collected from the PubMed and SciFinder databases without restriction regarding the year of publication through April 2023. Ethnopharmacological knowledge suggests that these species have been used to treat infections, inflammation, injuries, and other disorders. Typically, all parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes either as crude extract or juice. Botanical evaluation can clarify species differentiation and can enable correct identification and validation of the scientific data. Flavonoids are the most common classes of secondary metabolites identified from Kalanchoe species and can be correlated with some biological studies (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potential). This review summarizes several topics related to the Kalanchoe genus, supporting future studies regarding other unexplored research areas. The need to conduct further studies to confirm the popular uses and biological activities of bioactive compounds is also highlighted.