Storage Conditions Influence the Quality of Ginger - A Stability Study Inspired by Clinical Trials.

Ginger has traditionally been used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting; however, the results of clinical trials are ambiguous. The efficacy of ginger is attributed to gingerols and their metabolites, shogaols. Since these compounds have different pharmacological profiles, the clinical efficacy of ginger products is largely dependent on their chemical composition. The goal of our study was to examine the stability of ginger, determining the 6-gingerol contents in order to assess the effects of different storage conditions. We have performed a 6-month stability test with dry ginger rhizome samples stored in a constant climate chamber in three different storage containers (uncovered glass container, glass container sealed with rubber stopper, and plastic container). The 6-gingerol contents were measured by HPLC method. The concentration of 6-gingerol decreased in all samples. In the sealed glass container, the decrease in 6-gingerol content was significantly lower than in the unsealed glass container and in the plastic container. These results demonstrate that storage conditions have a significant impact on the quality of ginger, which may also affect efficacy.

Exploring the Clinical Applications of Lemongrass Essential Oil: A Scoping Review.

Lemongrass is a medicinal plant that produces essential oil with a variety of therapeutic properties. Although lemongrass essential oil (LGEO) is promising in clinical applications, the existing knowledge on the efficacy and safety of LGEO remains limited. This scoping review aimed to identify, summarize, and synthesize existing literature related to the clinical applications of LGEO to provide an overview of its potential therapeutic benefits for patients. Three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus) were used following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines to find articles published between 1 January 2013, and 1 November 2022. A total of 671 records were identified and 8 articles were included in this scoping review. The majority of patients received oromucosal and topical treatment. The results of the studies suggest that LGEO might be a useful tool in the treatment of periodontitis, gingivitis and oral malodour, with similar efficacy to chlorhexidine (anti-gingivitis effect) and doxycycline (periodontitis). Additionally, LGEO has the potential for treating pityriasis versicolor and preventing skin aging and may have anti-dandruff effects. These findings not only underscore the diverse clinical potential of LGEO but also emphasize its comparable efficacy to established treatments. Further research is imperative to comprehensively evaluate LGEO's effectiveness, safety, mechanisms of action, potential interactions with other medications, and its long-term tolerability across diverse populations.

Allelopathic studies with furanocoumarins isolated from Ducrosia anethifolia. In vitro and in silico investigations to protect legumes, rice and grain crops.

Six different furanocoumarins were isolated from the aerial parts of Ducrosia anethifolia and tested in vitro for plant cell elongation in etiolated wheat coleoptile. They were also tested for their ability to control three different weeds: ribwort plantain, annual ryegrass, and common purslane. These compounds exhibited strong inhibition of plant cell elongation. In the case of (+)-heraclenin, the IC50 was lower than 20 µM, indicating a better inhibition than the positive control Logran®. Computational experiments for docking and molecular dynamics revealed for the investigated furanocoumarins bearing an epoxide moiety an improved fitting and stronger interaction with the auxin-like TIR1 ubiquitin ligase. Furthermore, the formed inhibition complex remained also stable during dynamic evaluation. Bidental interaction at the active site, along with an extended hydrogen-bond lifetime, explained the enhanced activity of the epoxides. The in vitro weed bioassay results showed that Plantago lanceolata was the most affected weed for germination, root, and shoot development. In addition, (+)-heraclenin displayed better inhibition values than positive control even at 300 µM concentration.

Efficacy of Topical Essential Oils in Musculoskeletal Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Essential oils (EOs) are widely used topically in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs); however, their clinical efficacy is controversial. Our aim was to find evidence that topical EOs are beneficial as an add-on treatment in MSDs. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the evidence on the available data of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The protocol of this work was registered on PROSPERO. We used Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, Central Cochrane Library and Scopus electronic databases for systematic search. Eight RCTs were included in the quantitative analysis. In conclusion, EO therapy had a favorable effect on pain intensity (primary outcome) compared to placebo. The greatest pain-relieving effect of EO therapy was calculated immediately after the intervention (MD of pain intensity = -0.87; p = 0.014). EO therapy had a slightly better analgesic effect than placebo one week after the intervention (MD of pain intensity = -0.58; p = 0.077) and at the four-week follow-up as well (MD of pain intensity = -0.52; p = 0.049). EO therapy had a beneficial effect on stiffness (a secondary outcome) compared to the no intervention group (MD = -0.77; p = 0.061). This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that topical EOs are beneficial as an add-on treatment in reducing pain and stiffness in the investigated MSDs.

Isolation of compounds from the roots of Ambrosia artemisiifolia and their effects on human cancer cell lines.

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) is an invasive plant in Europe with spreading use in the contemporary folk medicine. The chemical composition of the above-ground parts is extensively studied, however, the metabolites of the roots are less discovered. By multiple chromatographic purification of the root extracts, we isolated thiophene A (1), n-dodecene (2), taraxerol-3-O-acetate (3), α-linoleic acid (4), (+)-pinoresinol (5), and thiophene E (7,10-epithio-7,9-tridecadiene-3,5,11-triyne-1,2-diol) (6). The 1H NMR data published earlier for 1 were supplemented together with the assignment of 13C NMR data. Thiophene E (6), which is reported for the first time from this species, exerted cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects on A-431 epidermoid skin cancer cells, whereas taraxerol-3-O-acetate (3) and α-linoleic acid (4) had slight antiproliferative effect on gynecological cancer cell lines. Thiophene E (6) and taraxerol-3-O-acetate (3) displayed antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on MRC-5 fibroblast cells. Thiophene E (6) exerted weak antibacterial activity (MIC 25 µg/mL) on MRSA ATCC 43300, on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli AG100 and E. coli ATCC 25922 both thiophenes were inactive. Although the isolated compounds exerted no remarkable cytotoxic or antiproliferative activities, the effects on MRC-5 fibroblast cells highlight the necessity of further studies to support the safety of ragweed root.

Safety and risks of CBD oils purchased online: unveiling uncertain quality and vague health claims.

Introduction: The unmet need for highly effective, naturally derived products with minimal side effects results in the over-popularity of ever-newer medicinal plants. In the middle of 2010, products containing cannabidiol (CBD), one of the special metabolites of Cannabis sativa, started to gain popularity. For consumers and healthcare providers alike, the legal context surrounding the marketing of CBD products is not entirely clear, and the safety of using some products is in doubt. Companies in the online medicinal product market profit from the confusion around CBD oils. Methods: In our study, we employed a complex method known as risk-based safety mapping of the online pharmaceutical market, which included health claim content analysis of online stores, test purchases, and labeling and quantitative analysis of the CBD content. Results: There were discovered 16 online retailers selling an average of 2-7 goods and CBD oils with a concentration of 3%-5% (30-50 mg/mL) CBD. The majority (n/N = 10/16, 62.5%) displayed potential health-related benefits indirectly on their website, and in the case of one web shop (n/N = 1/16, 6.3%), we detected COVID-19-related use. Altogether, 30 types of purported "indications" were collected. A total of 12 CBD oil products were test-purchased from online retailers in December 2020. Upon evaluating the packaging and product information, we noticed that three products (n/N = 3/12, 25%) lacked instructions on use, hence increasing the risk of inappropriate application and dosing. The cannabidiol content was quantified using UHPLC. The measured CBD concentrations of the products ranged from 19.58 mg/mL to 54.09 mg/mL (mean 35.51 mg/mL, median 30.63 mg/mL, and SD ± 12.57 mg/mL). One (8.33%) product was underlabeled, five (41.67%) were over-labeled, and only every second product (50%) was appropriately labeled based on the quantitative assessment of CBD concentration. Discussion: Further research and quality control are necessary to establish the regulatory context of the usage and classification of CBD and other cannabinoids in nonmedicinal products (e.g., food supplements), as authorities and policymakers worldwide struggle with the uncertainties surrounding CBD products.

Aconitum Alkaloid Songorine Exerts Potent Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid-A Receptor Agonist Action In Vivo and Effectively Decreases Anxiety without Adverse Sedative or Psychomotor Effects in the Rat.

Songorine (SON) is a diterpenoid alkaloid from Aconitum plants. Preparations of Aconitum roots have been employed in traditional oriental herbal medicine, however, their mechanisms of action are still unclear. Since GABA-receptors are possible brain targets of SON, we investigated which subtypes of GABA-receptors contribute to the effects of SON, and how SON affects anxiety-like trait behavior and psychomotor cognitive performance of rats. First, we investigated the effects of microiontophoretically applied SON alone and combined with GABA-receptor agents picrotoxin and saclofen on neuronal firing activity in various brain areas. Next, putative anxiolytic effects of SON (1.0-3.0 mg/kg) were tested against the GABA-receptor positive allosteric modulator reference compound diazepam (1.0-5.0 mg/kg) in the elevated zero maze (EOM). Furthermore, basic cognitive effects were assessed in a rodent version of the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT). Local application of SON predominantly inhibited the firing activity of neurons. This inhibitory effect of SON was successfully blocked by GABA(A)-receptor antagonist picrotoxin but not by GABA(B)-receptor antagonist saclofen. Similar to GABA(A)-receptor positive allosteric modulator diazepam, SON increased the time spent by animals in the open quadrants of the EOM without any signs of adverse psychomotor and cognitive effects observed in the PVT. We showed that, under in vivo conditions, SON acts as a potent GABA(A)-receptor agonist and effectively decreases anxiety without observable side effects. The present findings facilitate the deeper understanding of the mechanism of action and the widespread pharmacological use of diterpene alkaloids in various CNS indications.

The Safety and Efficacy of Citrus aurantium (Bitter Orange) Extracts and p-Synephrine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Synephrine has been used to promote weight loss; however, its safety and efficacy have not been fully established. The goals of our study were to give an overview of the safety and efficacy of p-synephrine, to systematically evaluate its efficacy regarding weight loss and to assess its safety, focusing on its cardiovascular side effects in a meta-analysis. PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase were searched for relevant studies. Only placebo-controlled, human clinical trials with synephrine intervention were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was reported according to the PRISMA guidelines using the PICOS format and taking into account the CONSORT recommendations. Altogether, 18 articles were included in the meta-analysis. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) increased significantly after prolonged use (6.37 mmHg, 95% CI: 1.02-11.72, p = 0.02 and 4.33 mmHg, 95% CI: 0.48-8.18, p = 0.03, respectively). The weight loss in the synephrine group was non-significant after prolonged treatment, and it did not influence body composition parameters. Based on the analyzed clinical studies, synephrine tends to raise blood pressure and heart rate, and there is no evidence that synephrine can facilitate weight loss. Further studies are needed to confirm evidence of its safety and efficacy.

Coumarins, furocoumarins and limonoids of Citrus trifoliata and their effects on human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines.

Citrus trifoliata L. (Chinese or Japanese bitter orange) is a medicinal plant with furocoumarins and limonoids as characteristic secondary metabolites. The bitter taste of the fruit limits its use as food, however, it is applied in Asian traditional medicine for its antiphlogistic effect, to treat digestive ulcers and different gastrointestinal disorders and cancer. The phytochemical composition and pharmacological characteristics of this species have not been fully discovered, nevertheless its potential antiproliferative or cytotoxic effects might be related to furocoumarins or limonoids. Our aim was to isolate and identify secondary metabolites from C. trifoliata peel and seeds and to investigate their bioactivities that might be related to the supposed anticancer effect of the plant. By using different chromatographic methods, six pure compounds (phellopterin (2), scoparone (3), myrsellin (4), triphasiol (6), umbelliferone (7) and citropten (5,7-dimethoxycoumarin (8)) were isolated from the peel and four (imperatorin (1), auraptene (5), limonin (9) and deacetyl nomilin (10)) from the seeds of C. trifoliata fruits. These compounds are furocoumarin (1, 2), coumarin (3-8), and limonoid derivatives (9, 10). Scoparone (3) has been detected in this species for the first time. The furocoumarins (1-2) showed moderate activity on the human colorectal adenocarcinona tumor cell line COLO 320 in antiproliferative assays and 2 also had remarkable P-glycoprotein inhibitory activity and synergistic effect with doxorubicin. The coumarin 5 showed significant activity on the COLO 320 cell line in antiproliferative assays and P-glycoprotein inhibitory activity in the FACS (fluorescence activated cell sorting) assay.

Antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Ambrosia artemisiifolia on human adenocarcinoma and normal cell lines.

CONTEXT: Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (Asteraceae) contains sesquiterpene lactones as characteristic secondary metabolites. Many of these compounds exert antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects. OBJECTIVE: To isolate the sesquiterpene lactones from the aerial part of A. artemisiifolia and to elucidate their cytotoxic, antiproliferative and antibacterial effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The compounds were identified by one-dimensional (1D) and 2D NMR, HR-MS spectroscopy from the methanol extract. Isolated compounds were investigated for their cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects on human colonic adenocarcinoma cell lines and human embryonal lung fibroblast cell line using MTT assay. The selectivity of the sesquiterpenes was calculated towards the normal cell line. To check the effect of drug interactions between compounds and doxorubicin, multidrug-resistant Colo 320 cells were used. RESULTS: A new seco-psilostachyinolide derivative, 1,10-dihydro-1'-noraltamisin, and seven known compounds were isolated from the methanol extract. Acetoxydihydrodamsin had the most potent cytotoxic effect on sensitive (Colo205) cell line (IC50 = 7.64 µM), also the strongest antiproliferative effect on Colo205 (IC50 = 5.14 µM) and Colo320 (IC50 = 3.67 µM) cell lines. 1'-Noraltamisin (IC50 = 8.78 µM) and psilostachyin (IC50 = 5.29 µM) showed significant antiproliferative effects on the multidrug-resistant Colo320 cell line and had moderate selectivity against human embryonal lung fibroblast cell line. Psilostachyin C exhibited cytotoxic effects on Colo205 cells (IC50 = 26.60 µM). None of the isolated compounds inhibited ABCB1 efflux pump (EP; P-glycoprotein) or the bacterial EPs. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Acetoxydihydrodamsin, 1'-noraltamisin, and psilostachyin showed the most remarkable cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity on tumour cell lines and exerted selectivity towards MRC-5 cell line.

Bearberry in the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis (BRUMI): protocol of a multicentre, randomised double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) leaf is available as a treatment of uncomplicated cystitis in several European countries. The antimicrobial activity of its extracts and some of its individual constituents has been observed in vitro; however, the efficacy of bearberry compared with standard antimicrobial therapy has not been assessed yet. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to assess the safety and non-inferiority of bearberry as an alternative therapy in the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis in comparison with standard antibiotic therapy (fosfomycin). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a randomised controlled double-blinded multicentre trial. Eligible patients will be premenopausal women with a sum score of ≥6 for the typical acute uncomplicated cystitis symptoms (frequency, urgency, painful urination, incomplete emptying, suprapubic pain and visible haematuria) reported on the Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS) typical domain and pyuria. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive 3 g single dose of fosfomycin powder and two placebo tablets three times a day for 7 days or B a single dose of placebo powder and two tablets containing a dry extract of Uvae ursi folium. At least 504 patients (allocated as 1:1) will need to be enrolled to access non-inferiority with a non-inferiority limit of 14% for the primary endpoint.Improvement of symptoms of uncomplicated cystitis (based on the ACSS score) at day 7 is defined as the primary endpoint, whereas several secondary endpoints such as the number and ratio of patients with bacteriuria at day 7, frequency and severity of side effects; recurrence of urinary tract infection, concurrent use of other over the counter (OTC) medications and food supplements will be determined to elucidate more detailed differences between the groups. The number of recurrences and medications taken for treatment will be monitored for a follow-up period of 90 days (80-100 days). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the Scientific and Research Ethics Committee of the Hungarian Medical Research Council (IV/4225-1/2021/EKU). The results will be disseminated by publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05055544.

Stellaria media tea protects against diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction in rats without affecting glucose tolerance.

Background and aim: Common chickweed (Stellaria media) tea has traditionally been applied for treatment of various metabolic diseases including diabetes in folk medicine; however, experimental evidence to support this practice is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effect of Stellaria media tea on glucose homeostasis and cardiac performance in a rat model of diabetes. Experimental procedure: Hot water extract of Stellaria media herb were analyzed and used in this study, where diabetes was induced by fructose-enriched diet supplemented with a single injection of streptozotocin. Half of the animals received Stellaria media tea (100 mg/kg) by oral gavage. At the end of the 20-week experimental period, blood samples were collected and isolated working heart perfusions were performed. Results and conclusion: Compared to the animals receiving standard chow, serum fasting glucose level was increased and glucose tolerance was diminished in diabetic rats. Stellaria media tea did not affect significantly fasting hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance; however, it attenuated diabetes-induced deterioration of cardiac output and cardiac work. Analysis of the chemical composition of Stellaria media tea suggested the presence of rutin and various apigenin glycosides which have been reported to alleviate diabetic cardiomyopathy. Moreover, Stellaria media prevented diabetes-induced increase in cardiac STAT3 phosphorylation. We demonstrated for the first time that Stellaria media tea may beneficially affect cardiac dysfunction induced by diabetes without improvement of glucose homeostasis. Rutin and/or apigenin glycosides as well as modulation of STAT3 signaling may be implicated in the protection of Stellaria media tea against diabetic cardiomyopathy.

The effectiveness of Fuzi in combination with routine heart failure treatment on chronic heart failure patients.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Fuzi, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of acute heart failure (HF) for 2000 years. However, the clinical evidence of Fuzi in the treatment of chronic HF is limited, especially when used in combination with Western medications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This population-based propensity score (PS)-matched cohort study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Fuzi on the chronic HF. From 4753 chronic HF patients who had used TCM herbal medicine, we performed 1:1 PS matching and selected target patients with (n = 921) and without (n = 921) Fuzi use for further analysis. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and composite cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. Hazard ratio (HR) was calculated by Cox proportional hazard regression and the competing risk analysis. The dose-response relationship and the association between the initiation of TCM herbal medicine and the primary outcomes were evaluated by restricted cubic spline (RCS) functions. RESULTS: There was no difference in all-cause mortality (HR, 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-1.27) and composite CV outcomes (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.84-1.11) between the Fuzi user and non-user groups. For CV safety issue, the result showed that Fuzi use was not associated with a higher risk of cardiac arrhythmias (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.83-1.29). The dose-response relationship showed that Fuzi cumulative dose (≥150g) was associated with lower composite CV risk (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.59-0.99). In addition, the RCS model showed that late initiation (≥2.5 years) of TCM herbal drugs in chronic HF patients had a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.81; 95%CI, 1.07-3.08). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first real-world evidence to demonstrate the effect of Fuzi combined with routine HF treatment. Importantly, the result indicated that long-term Fuzi use had a significant benefit in preventing cardiovascular events. The late initiation of TCM herbal drugs was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality. Further clinical trials are needed to support or undermine the assumption of using Fuzi and current Western medications to treat chronic HF.

Uncovering Modern Clinical Applications of Fuzi and Fuzi-Based Formulas: A Nationwide Descriptive Study With Market Basket Analysis.

Background: As time evolved, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) became integrated into the global medical system as complementary treatments. Some essential TCM herbs started to play a limited role in clinical practices because of Western medication development. For example, Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) is a toxic but indispensable TCM herb. Fuzi was mainly used in poor circulation and life-threatening conditions by history records. However, with various Western medication options for treating critical conditions currently, how is Fuzi used clinically and its indications in modern TCM are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate Fuzi and Fuzi-based formulas in modern clinical practices using artificial intelligence and data mining methods. Methods: This nationwide descriptive study with market basket analysis used a cohort selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance database that contained one million national representatives between 2003 and 2010 used for our analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed to demonstrate the modern clinical indications of Fuzi. Market basket analysis was calculated by the Apriori algorithm to discover the association rules between Fuzi and other TCM herbs. Results: A total of 104,281 patients using 405,837 prescriptions of Fuzi and Fuzi-based formulas were identified. TCM doctors were found to use Fuzi in pulmonary (21.5%), gastrointestinal (17.3%), and rheumatologic (11.0%) diseases, but not commonly in cardiovascular diseases (7.4%). Long-term users of Fuzi and Fuzi-based formulas often had the following comorbidities diagnosed by Western doctors: osteoarthritis (31.0%), peptic ulcers (29.5%), hypertension (19.9%), and COPD (19.7%). Patients also used concurrent medications such as H2-receptor antagonists, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ß-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and aspirin. Through market basket analysis, for the first time, we noticed many practical Fuzi-related herbal pairs such as Fuzi-Hsihsin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma)-Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) for neurologic diseases and headache. Conclusion: For the first time, big data analysis was applied to uncover the modern clinical indications of Fuzi in addition to traditional use. We provided necessary evidence on the scientific use of Fuzi in current TCM practices, and the Fuzi-related herbal pairs discovered in this study are helpful to the development of new botanical drugs.

The Effect of Foliar Selenium (Se) Treatment on Growth, Photosynthesis, and Oxidative-Nitrosative Signalling of Stevia rebaudiana Leaves.

Selenium (Se) enrichment of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni can serve a dual purpose, on the one hand to increase plant biomass and stress tolerance and on the other hand to produce Se fortified plant-based food. Foliar Se spraying (0, 6, 8, 10 mg/L selenate, 14 days) of Stevia plantlets resulted in slightly decreased stevioside and rebaudioside A concentrations, and it also caused significant increment in stem elongation, leaf number, and Se content, suggesting that foliar Se supplementation can be used as a biofortifying approach. Furthermore, Se slightly limited photosynthetic CO2 assimilation (AN, gsw, Ci/Ca), but exerted no significant effect on chlorophyll, carotenoid contents and on parameters associated with photosystem II (PSII) activity (FV/FM, F0, Y(NO)), indicating that Se causes no photodamage in PSII. Further results indicate that Se is able to activate PSI-cyclic electron flow independent protection mechanisms of the photosynthetic apparatus of Stevia plants. The applied Se activated superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoenzymes (MnSOD1, FeSOD1, FeSOD2, Cu/ZnSOD1, Cu/ZnSOD2) and down-regulated NADPH oxidase suggesting the Se-induced limitation of superoxide anion levels and consequent oxidative signalling in Stevia leaves. Additionally, the decrease in S-nitrosoglutathione reductase protein abundance and the intensification of protein tyrosine nitration indicate Se-triggered nitrosative signalling. Collectively, these results suggest that Se supplementation alters Stevia shoot morphology without significantly affecting biomass yield and photosynthesis, but increasing Se content and performing antioxidant effects, which indicates that foliar application of Se may be a promising method in Stevia cultivation.

Isolation of secondary metabolites from the Iranian medicinal plant Eremurus persicus.

Eremurus persicus (Jaub. & Spach) Boiss. belonging to Xanthorrhoeaceae family is an endemic medicinal plant widely distributed in Iran. Its leaves have been traditionally used as a food and also as medicinal plant. Regarding the widespread application of E. persicus in Iranian folk medicine, and the insignificant investigation of its components, this study aimed at the isolation and identification of major secondary metabolites of this plant. By applying various chromatographic techniques, corchoionoside A (1), 4-amino-4-carboxychroman-2-one (2), isoorientin (3), ziganein 5-methyl ether (4), auraptene (5), and imperatorin (6) were isolated from the EtOAc and CHCl3 fractions of the crude extract. Except isoorientin (3), all the identified phytoconstituents were reported for the first time from Eremurus genus.

Ducrosia spp., Rare Plants with Promising Phytochemical and Pharmacological Characteristics: An Updated Review.

The rare genus Ducrosia (Apiaceae family) consists of six species, which are mainly native to Asia, specifically to Iran and Iraq. The aerial parts of D. anethifolia, as the most common species, have been traditionally consumed to relieve headache, backache and colic pain, and have also been used as an anxiolytic, an antidepressant, and for treating insomnia. The antispasmodic and carminative effects of D. assadii, and the analgesic activity of D. flabellifolia, along with the insecticidal activities and use as a remedy of skin infections of D. ismaelis, have been previously documented. Among the 49 non-volatile secondary metabolites identified from D. anethifolia and D. ismaelis, 17 linear furanocoumarins and 8 flavonoids have been characterized. The essential oil compositions of four species, including D. anethifolia, D. assadii, D. flabellifolia and D. ismaelis, have been analyzed, whereby aldehyde hydrocarbons, including decanal (10.1‒74.0%) and dodecanal (7.2‒33.41%), and α-pinene (4.0‒70.3%), were identified as the main aroma constituents. From the species of the genus, the bioactivities of D. anethifolia, as well as D. ismaelis, D. assadii and D. flabellifolia, have been previously investigated. Except one clinical trial, all the pharmacological data are derived from preclinical tests, predominantly focusing on antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities in vitro, and neuroprotective, antidiabetic and analgesic effects in vivo. Considering the vast ethnobotanical uses of the plants in Iranian folk medicine, the phytochemical and pharmacological analysis of un-investigated species might be promising. Furthermore, due to extensive consumption of the Ducrosia genus, more scientific data are needed to support the safety and efficacy of these plants.

Achillea spp.: A comprehensive review on its ethnobotany, phytochemistry, phytopharmacology and industrial applications.

The genus Achillea genus houses more than 100 species, a number of them are popularly used in traditional medicine for spasmodic gastrointestinal, gynecological and hepatobiliary disorders, hemorrhages, pneumonia, rheumatic pain, inflammation, wounds healing etc. Members of the genus contain a wide variety of volatile and non-volatile secondary metabolites, including terpenes, polyphenols, flavonoids and others. Multiple studies have assessed the biological effects and other aspects of Achillea spp. In a number of preclinical studies, Achillea plants and their essential oils have demonstrated promising antibacterial properties against a number of human and plant pathogens. Besides, the plants have displayed strong antioxidative and potent anti-proliferative and anticancer properties in various cellular and animal models. Achillea plants have widely been used as food preservative in food industry. Clinical studies have indicated its potential against multiple sclerosis (MS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, episiotomy wound, primary dysmenorrhea, oral mucositis etc. The present work focuses to provide a brief overview on folk knowledge, phytochemistry, biological activity and applications of Achillea plants. There is a close relationship between the traditional ethnobotanical usage and pharmacological and clinical data from different Achillea spp. The application of Achillea plants and their extracts seems to be a promising alternative for antimicrobial and antioxidant purposes in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Training concept of integrative medicine in Hungary based on international models / Az integratív medicina képzésének hazai koncepciója nemzetközi minták alapján.

Integrative medicine is a new approach in the 21st century healthcare system, which integrates conventional medicine and evidence-based, safe and efficient complementary therapies into a unified biomedicine. Medical doctors and complementary therapists work together in partnership with patients to help them recover and live a whole life. Equally important is the maintenance and enhancement of health and well-being in which therapists become role-models. In this article, the authors introduce a proposal for the concept and major elements of a two-year integrative medicine postgraduate training for specialist doctors in Hungary and summarize international progress in the field. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(27): 1122-1130.

Wild Strawberry, Blackberry, and Blueberry Leaf Extracts Alleviate Starch-Induced Hyperglycemia in Prediabetic and Diabetic Mice.

Intestinal α-glucosidase and α-amylase break down nutritional poly- and oligosaccharides to monosaccharides and their activity significantly contributes to postprandial hyperglycemia. Competitive inhibitors of these enzymes, such as acarbose, are effective antidiabetic drugs, but have unpleasant side effects. In our ethnopharmacology inspired investigations, we found that wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), and European blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) leaf extracts inhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzyme activity in vitro and are effective in preventing postprandial hyperglycemia in vivo. Toxicology tests on H9c2 rat embryonic cardiac muscle cells demonstrated that berry leaf extracts have no cytotoxic effects. Oral administration of these leaf extracts alone or as a mixture to normal (control), obese, prediabetic, and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice attenuated the starch-induced rise of blood glucose levels. The efficiency was similar to that of acarbose on blood glucose. These results highlight berry leaf extracts as candidates for testing in clinical trials in order to assess the clinical significance of their effects on glycemic control.