Protective Effects of Plant-Derived Compounds Against Traumatic Brain Injury.

Inflammation in the nervous system is one of the key features of many neurodegenerative diseases. It is increasingly being identified as a critical pathophysiological primitive mechanism associated with chronic neurodegenerative diseases following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Phytochemicals have a wide range of clinical properties due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Currently, there are few drugs available for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases other than symptomatic relief. Numerous studies have shown that plant-derived compounds, in particular polyphenols, protect against various neurodegenerative diseases and are safe for consumption. Polyphenols exert protective effects on TBI via restoration of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), and Nod-like receptor family proteins (NLRPs) pathways. In addition, these phytochemicals and their derivatives upregulate the phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways, which have critical functions in modulating TBI symptoms. There is supporting evidence that medicinal plants and phytochemicals are protective in different TBI models, though future clinical trials are needed to clarify the precise mechanisms and functions of different polyphenolic compounds in TBI.

Systematic Review on Herbal Preparations for Controlling Visceral Hypersensitivity in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Visceral hypersensitivity (VH) is an overreaction of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to various stimuli and is characterized by hyperalgesia and/or allodynia. VH contributes to the etiology of many GI dysfunctions, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although the exact mechanisms underlying VH are yet to be found, inflammation and oxidative stress, psychosocial factors, and sensorimotor alterations may play significant roles in it. OBJECTIVE: In this review, we provide an overview of VH and its pathophysiological function in GI disorders. Adverse effects of synthetic drugs may make herbal agents a good candidate for pain management. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss the efficacy of herbal agents in the management of VH with a focus on their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials. METHODS: Data were extracted from clinical and animal studies published in English between 2004 and June, 2020, which were collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. RESULTS: Overall, Radix, Melissia, Glycyrrhizae, Mentha, and Liquorice were the most efficient herbals for VH management in IBS and dyspepsia, predominantly through modulation of the mRNA expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) and suppression of 5- hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) or the serotonin receptors. CONCLUSION: Considering the positive effects of herbal formulations in VH management, further research on novel herbal and/or herbal/chemical preparations is warranted.

Therapeutic approaches for cholestatic liver diseases: the role of nitric oxide pathway.

Cholestasis describes bile secretion or flow impairment, which is clinically manifested with fatigue, pruritus, and jaundice. Neutrophils play a crucial role in many diseases such as cholestasis liver diseases through mediating several oxidative and inflammatory pathways. Data have been collected from clinical, in vitro, and in vivo studies published between 2000 and December 2021 in English and obtained from the PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane libraries. Although nitric oxide plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver diseases, excessive levels of NO in serum and affected tissues, mainly synthesized by the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enzyme, can exacerbate inflammation. NO induces the inflammatory and oxidative processes, which finally leads to cell damage. We found that natural products such as baicalin, curcumin, resveratrol, and lycopene, as well as chemical likes ursodeoxycholic acid, dexamethasone, rosuvastatin, melatonin, and sildenafil, are able to markedly attenuate the NO production and iNOS expression, mainly through inducing the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), and toll like receptor-4 (TLR4) signaling pathways. This study summarizes the latest scientific data about the bile acid signaling pathway, the neutrophil chemotaxis recruitment process during cholestasis, and the role of NO in cholestasis liver diseases. Literature review directed us to propose that suppression of NO and its related pathways could be a therapeutic option for preventing or treating cholestatic liver diseases.

Impact of curcumin on p38 MAPK: therapeutic implications.

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a herbal remedy which possesses numerous biological attributes including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. Curcumin has been shown to impact a number of signaling pathways including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB), reactive oxygen species (ROS), Wingless/Integrated (Wnt), Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and transcription (JAK/STAT). P38 belongs to the MAPKs, is known as a stress-activated MAPK and is involved in diverse biological responses. P38 is activated in various signaling cascades. P38 plays a role in inflammation, cell differentiation, proliferation, motility and survival. This cascade can serve as a therapeutic target in many disorders. Extensive evidence confirms that curcumin impacts the P38 MAPK signaling pathway, through which it exerts anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and apoptotic effects. Hence, curcumin can positively affect inflammatory disorders and cancers, as well as to increase glucose uptake in cells. This review discusses the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of curcumin as effected through p38 MAPK.

Natural products in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema: Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a class of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema. Long-time smoking is considered the main reason for developing emphysema. Emphysema can be defined as damage to the walls of the air sacs (alveoli) of the lung. It has been demonstrated that natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects can effectively improve or protect the lung against this disease. This paper is dedicated to systematically review the effective natural compounds in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema. PURPOSE: This is the first systematic and comprehensive review on the role of plant-derived secondary metabolites in managing and/or treating pulmonary emphysema STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A systematic and comprehensive review was done based on Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were searched using the "emphysema", "plant", "herb", and "phytochemical" keywords. Non-English, review, and repetitive articles were excluded from the study. Search results were included in the Prisma diagram. RESULTS: From a total of 1285 results, finally, 22 articles were included in the present study. The results show that some herbs such as Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Monascus adlay and some phytochemicals such as gallic acid and quercetin and blackboard tree indole alkaloids affect more factors in improving the lung emphysema. Also, some natural compounds such as marijuana smoke and humic acid also play an aggravating role in this disease. It also seems that some of the medicinal plants such as PM014 herbal formula, pomegranate juice and açaí berry sometimes have side effects that are inconsistent with their therapeutic effects. CONCLUSION: We concluded that natural compounds can effectively improve pulmonary emphysema due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. However, additional studies are suggested to prove efficacy and side effects.

Propolis add-on therapy alleviates depressive symptoms; A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Almost half of the treatments with common antidepressants are failed or result in a relapse of symptoms after cessation. Moreover, the antidepressants side effects rationalize the use of complementary medicine as an adjunctive therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of propolis in complementary therapy of depressive disorder. Chromatography technics were used to detect propolis components. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was designed, and 54 participants were randomly assigned to receive either propolis or Placebo for 6 weeks. Treatment was defined as a decrease in 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) and Beck depression inventory (BDI). On D42, there was a significant reduction in HAMD score in the propolis group compared with the placebo group (p < .0001). HAMD score significantly decreased in the propolis group from 20.92 ± 3.77 on D0 to 10.03 ± 5.55 on D42, and BDI score was improved from 29.25 ± 3.06 on D0 to 14.17 ± 4.86 on D42. Our findings confirmed that complementary treatment of propolis with SSRIs could safely attenuate symptoms of moderate-severe MDD. These antidepressant effects might result from the rich phenolic acids and flavonoids content of Azerbaijan propolis.

Ginger and its constituents: Role in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), with obscure etiology, are rising and are of worldwide concern. Of the various components of IBD pathogenesis and progression, irritation appears to play a major part. Investigations on the molecular and cellular pathways that activate the IBD provide the focus for the development of useful therapies. Ginger (the rhizome of Zingiber officinale) has a broad spectrum of clinical applications due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative functions. Inflammation and oxidative stress are the key pathogenic factors in many diseases, including IBD. The most established components of ginger are phenolic compounds called gingerols. A wide range of pharmacological activities of the potential therapeutic benefit of Z. officinale have been detailed. In this regard, the anti-inflammatory activity of ginger has been documented by many researchers. It was shown that ginger is a potent inhibitor of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), signal transducer of activators of transcription (STATs), Nod-like receptor family proteins (NLRPs), toll-like receptors (TLRs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), and mTOR (mTOR) pathways, as well as inhibiting various pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the present report, the potential application of ginger in the management of IBD is reviewed in detail, with an emphasis on the relevant properties of ginger and its bioactive components. The significance of the functions, side effects, and delivery of ginger to the digestive system for particular application in IBD are also considered.

The involvement of JAK/STAT signaling pathway in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder in which inflammation and oxidative stress play key etiopathological role. The pathology of PD brain is characterized by inclusions of aggregated α-synuclein (α-SYN) in the cytoplasmic region of neurons. Clinical evidence suggests that stimulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines leads to neuroinflammation in the affected brain regions. Upon neuroinflammation, the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway, and other transcription factors such as nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and toll-like receptors (TLRs) are upregulated and induce the microglial activation, contributing to PD via dopaminergic neuron autophagy. Aberrant activation or phosphorylation of the components of JAK/STAT signaling pathway has been implicated in increased transcription of the inflammation-associated genes and many neurodegenerative disorders such as PD. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukine (IL)-6 are two of the most potent activators of the JAK/STAT pathway, and it was shown to be elevated in PD. Stimulation of microglial cell with aggregated α-SYN results in production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-1ß in PD. Dysregulation of the JAK/STAT in PD and its involvement in various inflammatory pathways make it a promising PD therapy approach. So far, a variety of synthetic or natural small-molecule JAK inhibitors (Jakinibs) have been found promising in managing a spectrum of ailments, many of which are in preclinical research or clinical trials. Herein, we provided a perspective on the function of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in PD progression and gathered data that describe the rationale evidence on the potential application of Jakinibs to improve neuroinflammation in PD.

Ginger: A complementary approach for management of cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Inflammation and oxidative stress play critical roles in progression of various types of CVD. Broad pharmacological properties of ginger (the rhizome of Zingiber officinale) and its bioactive components have been reported, suggesting that they can be a therapeutic choice for clinical use. Consistent with its rich phenolic content, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger have been confirmed in many studies. Ginger modifies many cellular processes and in particular was shown to have potent inhibitory effects against nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB); signal transducer and activator of transcription; NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing proteins; toll-like receptors; mitogen-activated protein kinase; and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathways. Ginger also blocks pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of the immune system. Ginger suppresses the activity of oxidative molecules such as reactive oxygen species, inducible nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, heme oxygenase, and GSH-Px. In this report, we summarize the biochemical pathologies underpinning a variety of CVDs and the effects of ginger and its bioactive components, including 6-shogaol, 6-gingerol, and 10-dehydrogingerdione. The properties of ginger and its phenolic components, mechanism of action, biological functions, side effects, and methods for enhanced cell delivery are also discussed. Together with preclinical and clinical studies, the positive biological effects of ginger and its bioactive components in CVD support the undertaking of further in vivo and especially clinical studies.

Natural Formulations: Novel Viewpoint for Scleroderma Adjunct Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Scleroderma is a complex disease involving autoimmune, vascular, and connective tissues, with unknown etiology that can progress through any organ systems. OBJECTIVE: Yet, no cure is available; the thorough treatment of scleroderma and current treatments are based on controlling inflammation. Nowadays, medicinal plants/natural-based formulations are emerging as important regulators of many diseases, including autoimmune diseases. Here, we provided an overview of scleroderma, also focused on recent studies on medicinal plants/natural-based formulations that are beneficial in scleroderma treatment/prevention. METHODS: This study is the result of a search in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library with "scleroderma", "systemic sclerosis", "plant", "herb", and "phytochemical" keywords. Finally, 22 articles were selected from a total of 1513 results entered in this study. RESULTS: Natural products can modulate the inflammatory and/or oxidative mediators, regulate the production or function of the immune cells, and control the collagen synthesis, thereby attenuating the experimental and clinical manifestation of the disease. CONCLUSION: Natural compounds can be considered an adjunct treatment for scleroderma to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from this disease.

Current Advances in the Use of Nanophytomedicine Therapies for Human Cardiovascular Diseases.

Considering the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the primary cause of death during the last several decades, it is necessary to develop proper strategies for the prevention and treatment of CVDs. Given the excessive side effects of current therapies, alternative therapeutic approaches like medicinal plants and natural products are preferred. Lower toxicity, chemical diversity, cost-effectiveness, and proven therapeutic potentials make natural products superior compared to other products. Nanoformulation methods improve the solubility, bioavailability, circulation time, surface area-to-volume ratio, systemic adverse side effects, and drug delivery efficiency of these medications. This study intended to review the functionality of the most recent nanoformulated medicinal plants and/or natural products against various cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and myocardial infarction. Literature review revealed that curcumin, quercetin, and resveratrol were the most applied natural products, respectively. Combination therapy, conjugation, or fabrication of nanoparticles and nanocarriers improved the applications and therapeutic efficacy of herbal- or natural-based nanoformulations. In the context of CVDs prevention and/or treatment, available data suggest that natural-based nanoformulations are considerably efficient, alone or in blend with other herbal/synthetic medicines. However, clinical trials are mandatory to elucidate the safety, cardioprotective effect, and mechanism of actions of nanophytomedicines.

Nanoformulations of Herbal Extracts in Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Nanotechnology is one of the methods that influenced human life in different ways and is a substantial approach that assists to overcome the multiple limitations of various diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). Diverse nanostructures such as polymer nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, nanoliposomes, nano-micelles, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs); as well as different vehicle systems including poly lactic-co-glycolic acid, lactoferrin, and polybutylcyanoacrylate could significantly increase the effectiveness, reduce the side effects, enhance the stability, and improve the pharmacokinetics of many drugs. NDs belong to a group of annoying and debilitating diseases that involve millions of people worldwide. Previous studies revealed that several nanoformulations from a number of natural products such as curcumin (Cur), quercetin (QC), resveratrol (RSV), piperine (PIP), Ginkgo biloba, and Nigella sativa significantly improved the condition of patients diagnosed with NDs. Drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) has several limitations, in which the blood brain barrier (BBB) is the main drawback for treatment of NDs. This review discusses the effects of herbal-based nanoformulations, their advantages and disadvantages, to manage NDs. In summary, we conclude that herbal-based nano systems have promising proficiency in treatment of NDs, either alone or in combination with other drugs.

Targeting Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases by Natural Products: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

An increase in the prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) as a multifactorial intestinal chronic inflammation as well as the absence of a certain cure, has created an innovative era in the management of IBD by molecule/pathway-based anti-inflammatory approaches. There are credible documentations that demonstrate Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) acts as IBD regulator. Upon the activation of MAPK signalling pathway, the transcription and expression of various encoding inflammatory molecules implicated in IBD are altered, thereby exacerbating the inflammation development. The current pharmacological management of IBD, including drug and biological therapies are expensive, possess temporary relief and some adverse effects. In this context, a variety of dietary fruits or medicinal herbs have received worldwide attention versus the development of IBD. Infact, natural ingredients, such as Flavaglines, Fisetin, Myricitrin, Cardamonin, Curcumin, Octacosanol and Mangiferin possess protective and therapeutic effects against IBD via modulation of different segments of MAPK signaling pathway. This review paper calls attention to the role of MAPK signaling triggered by natural products in the prevention and treatment of IBD.

Targeting Inflammation by Flavonoids: Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Metabolic Disorders.

A balanced metabolic profile is essential for normal human physiological activities. Disproportions in nutrition give rise to imbalances in metabolism that are associated with aberrant immune function and an elevated risk for inflammatory-associated disorders. Inflammation is a complex process, and numerous mediators affect inflammation-mediated disorders. The available clinical modalities do not effectively address the underlying diseases but rather relieve the symptoms. Therefore, novel targeted agents have the potential to normalize the metabolic system and, thus, provide meaningful therapy to the underlying disorder. In this connection, polyphenols, the well-known and extensively studied phytochemical moieties, were evaluated for their effective role in the restoration of metabolism via various mechanistic signaling pathways. The various flavonoids that we observed in this comprehensive review interfere with the metabolic events that induce inflammation. The mechanisms via which the polyphenols, in particular flavonoids, act provide a promising treatment option for inflammatory disorders. However, detailed clinical studies of such molecules are required to decide their clinical fate.

Efficacy and safety of a standardized extract from Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch in patients with ulcerative colitis: A randomized double blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Using Achillea wilhelmsii as a dietary supplement for gastrointestinal disorders is common in Persian traditional medicine. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and antibacterial properties have been proven by different in vitro and in vivo studies, yet it has not been evaluated in a controlled clinical trial. AIM: This study intended to evaluate the efficacy and safety of A. wilhelmsii in patients with mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The hydroalcoholic extract of A. wilhelmsii was standardized based on caffeic acid. METHODS: Forty-nine patients were randomly received A. wilhelmsii capsules or placebo, twice daily for 4 weeks in a 1:1 ratio. The disease activity index (DAI) (Partial Mayo Score), haemoglobin, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum level of C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured at the entry and the end of the treatment. To standardize the extract, caffeic acid was detected and measured in the plant extract using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Of 49 patients who entered the trial, 40 patients completed the study. In both treatment and placebo groups, significant reductions were observed in stool frequency, rectal bleeding, physician global assessment and partial mayo score. There was no significant difference in stool frequency (P = 0.176), rectal bleeding (P = 0.523), physician global assessment (P = 0.341) and partial mayo score (P = 1) in the treatment versus the placebo groups. Laboratory variables including hemoglobin, platelet count, ESR and CRP showed no significant difference between the treatment and the placebo group. Of all participants, only one patient in the treatment group complained about skin rash (grade 1 based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0). CONCLUSION: Oral administration of A. wilhelmsii powder for 4 weeks did not create a clinical response more than placebo. It seemed to be safe in UC patients. Further studies are obligatory to evaluate the therapeutic potential of A. wilhelmsii in the form of extract in UC patients.

Pharmacological effects of gallic acid in health and diseases: A mechanistic review.

OBJECTIVES: Gallic acid is a natural phenolic compound found in several fruits and medicinal plants. It is reported to have several health-promoting effects. This review aims to summarize the pharmacological and biological activities of gallic acid in vitro and animal models to depict the pharmacological status of this compound for future studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All relevant papers in the English language were collected up to June 2018. The keywords of gallic acid, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, gastrointestinal-, cardiovascular-, metabolic-, neuropsychological-, and miscellaneous- diseases were searched in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. RESULTS: Several beneficial effects are reported for gallic acid, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic properties. This compound has been reported to have therapeutic activities in gastrointestinal, neuropsychological, metabolic, and cardiovascular disorders. CONCLUSION: Current evidence confirms the pharmacological and therapeutic interventions of gallic acid in multiple health complications; however, available data are limited to just cellular and animal studies. Future investigations are essential to further define the safety and therapeutic efficacy of gallic acid in humans.

Implications of grape extract and its nanoformulated bioactive agent resveratrol against skin disorders.

The grape seed extract (GSE) and its main active polyphenol, resveratrol (RES), have shown considerable antioxidant activities, besides possessed protective and therapeutic effects against various skin complications. This paper discusses the favorable effects of RES, GSE and their nanoformulations for dermatological approaches, with specific emphasis on clinical interventions. In this manner, electronic databases including PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar were searched. Data were collected from 1980 up to February 2019. The search terms included "Vitis vinifera", "grape", "resveratrol", "skin", "dermatology", and "nanoformulation". To increase the skin permeability of GSE and RES, several innovative nanoformulation such as liposomes, niosomes, solid-lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and lipid-core nanocapsule has been evaluated. According to our extensive searches, both RES and GSE have beneficial impacts on skin disorders such as chloasma, acne vulgaris, skin aging, as well as wound and facial redness. More clinical studies with nanoformulation approaches are recommended to achieve conclusive outcomes regarding the efficacy of RES and GSE in the management of skin diseases.

Manipulation of molecular pathways and senescence hallmarks by natural compounds in fibroblast cells.

Aging contributes to an increased risk of developing a number of neurodegenerative and chronic disorders, predominantly related to oxidative stress (OS) and defects in the antioxidant balance. This study focused on the antisenescence effect of four plant species (Falcaria vulgaris, Ixiolirion tataricum, Ajuga chamaecistus, and Scabiosa flavida) on H2 O2 -induced premature senescence in rat NIH3T3 fibroblasts, which were found to be rich in effective phytochemicals with traditional ethnobotanical backgrounds. Plant materials were collected, identified, and extracted. To determine the viability of NIH3T3 cells, an MTT assay was conducted. The levels of OS markers and the senescence-associated ß-galactosidase (SA-ß-GAL) activity were analyzed by the Elisa reader. The cell cycle pattern was evaluated by flow cytometry. The expression of senescence-related inflammatory cytokines and the molecules involved in aging signaling pathways were investigated using the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). H2 O2 treatment decreased cell viability and increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in NIH3T3s. However, S. flavida exhibited low cytotoxicity, reduced OS and SA-ß-GAL activities in NIH3T3 cells compared with the H2 O2 -treated group. I. tataricum was the second best plant, although it was more toxic to NIHT3T cells. S. flavida decreased G0/G1 arrest and facilitated the G2/M transition of NIH3T3s, also downregulated the expression of p38, p53, p16, and the related inflammatory mediators. S. flavida potentially modulated senescence-associated hallmarks in fibroblasts exposed to H2 O2 , thus it may inhibit the aging process via controlling the OS. Therefore it is a promising candidate for future antiaging explorations.

An update on dietary consideration in inflammatory bowel disease: anthocyanins and more.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disorder. A wealth of data pointed out that various aspects of chronic inflammation may be affected by several specific dietary factors. This paper calls attention to anthocyanins enriched plant food and anthocyanin dietary supplements, whose role in the management of IBD and its associated oncogenesis deems crucial. Area covered: We updated the most relevant dietary anthocyanins with potential anti-colitis and preventive effect on inflammatory associated colorectal cancer based on the recent animal and human researches along with revealing the major cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. Mounting evidence reported that anthocyanins enriched plant foods perform their protective role on IBD and inflammatory-induced colorectal cancer via different cellular transduction signaling pathways, including inflammatory transcription factors, SAPK/JNK and p38 MAPK cascade, JAK/STAT signaling, NF-kB/pERK/MAPK, Wnt signaling pathway, Nrf2 cytoprotective pathway as well as AMPK pathway and autophagy. Expert commentary: Combination of anthocyanins enriched dietary supplements with existing medications can provide new therapeutic options for IBD patients. Further, well-designed randomized control trials (RCTs) are essential to evaluate the role of anthocyanins enriched medicinal foods as well as isolated anthocyanin components as promising preventive and therapeutic dietary agents for IBD and its associated oncogenesis.

Targeting ERK signaling pathway by polyphenols as novel therapeutic strategy for neurodegeneration.

Numerous chemicals, such as phenolic compounds are strong radical scavengers, capable of alleviating oxidative stress induced neurodegeneration. Dietary antioxidants, especially flavonoids, are being considered as a promising approach to prevent or slow the pathological development of neurological illness and aging. One of the major advantage of natural products is that of their anti-amyloid effects over synthetic counterpart, however a healthy diet provides these beneficial natural substances as nutraceuticals. The extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is one of the main pharmacological target of natural phenolic compounds, participating in several therapeutic effects. Mounting evidence revealed that numerous bioflavonoids, obtained from a variety of dietary fruits or plants as well as medicinal herbal sources, exhibit protective or therapeutic functions versus development of neurodegenerative diseases mainly through modulation of different compartments of ERK signaling pathway. Currently, there is remarkable interest in the beneficial effects of natural flavonoids to improve neural performance and prevent the onset and development of major neurodegenerative diseases. Natural products originated from medicinal plants, in particular antioxidants, have gained a great deal of attention due to their safe and non-toxic natures. Here, we summarized the effect of natural bioflavonoids on ERK signaling pathway and their molecular mechanism.