Biological Importance, Therapeutic Benefit and Analytical Aspects of Bioactive Flavonoid Pectolinarin in the Nature.

BACKGROUNDS: Plants and their derived products have been used in the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of various forms of human disorders since very ancient times. In the traditional system of medicine and modern allopathic medicine, numerous phytoconstituents have been used for the preparation of various types of formulation. Flavonoidal class phytochemicals are the main active phytoconstituents of plants, fruit, vegetables and beverages. Flavonoidal class phytochemicals are more referred as "nutraceuticals" due to their important pharmacological activities in the mammalian body. METHODS: In order to understand the beneficial health effects of flavonoidal class chemical, the present work summarized the health beneficial aspects of pectolinarin. Present work summarized the medicinal importance, pharmacological activities and analytical aspects of pectolinarin with various experimental models and advance analytical methods. However, all the collected scientific information's have been analyzed in the present work for their health beneficial potential. RESULTS: From the analysis of all the collected scientific information in the present work, it was found that pectolinarin is an important phytochemical present in numerous medicinal plants but especially found in Cirsium japonicum, which is an important medicinal herb of Korea, China and Japan. Pharmacological activities data analysis signified the health beneficial potential of pectolinarin for their anti-rheumatoid arthritis, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, anti-dengue, antiviral, neuroprotective and antidepressant activity. However, the effectiveness of pectolinarin in central nervous system, bone, liver and cancerous disorders have been also reported in the literature. Analysis of present scientific information revealed the health beneficial potential of pectolinarin in modern medicine due to their numerous pharmacological activities in different parts of biological systems. Due to their biological importance in food and human health, a better understanding of their biological activities indicates their potentials as therapeutic agents. CONCLUSION: Scientific data of the present work signified the biological potential and therapeutic benefit of pectolinarin.

Mushroom-Derived Bioactive Molecules as Immunotherapeutic Agents: A Review.

Mushrooms with enhanced medicinal properties focus on finding such compounds that could modulate the human body's immune systems. Mushrooms have antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, antitumor, and immunomodulatory properties due to the presence of various bioactive components. ß-glucans are the major constituent of the mushroom cell wall and play a significant role in their biological activity. This review described the techniques used in the extraction of the active ingredients from the mushroom. We highlighted the structure of the bioactive polysaccharides present in the mushrooms. Therapeutic applications of different mushrooms were also described. It is interesting to note that mushrooms have the potential sources of many bioactive products that can regulate immunity. Thus, the development of functional medicinal food based on the mushroom is vital for human welfare.

Effects of GABA/ß-glucan supplements on melatonin and serotonin content extracted from natural resources.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to monitor the secretion of serotonin and melatonin in the blood serum of rats in the presence of rice bran (RB), and Sarcodon aspratus (S) extracts for sleep promotion. BACKGROUND: Sleep is a natural physiological phenomenon, and sleep disorders may cause severe mental hazards leading to excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and ß-glucan are the essential active ingredients of RB and mushroom, respectively, exhibited stress-reduction and nerve stabilizing potential through regulation of melatonin and serotonin hormones. METHODS: Cytotoxicity of the extracts (RBS) was evaluated through WST-1 assay. The melatonin and serotonin concentrations in the blood serum were measured through ELISA kits. The Ig ELISA kit measured the immunoglobulin's (IgG, IgM, and IgA) concentrations. RESULTS: Improved cell viability was observed in RBS treated groups than control, indicating their biocompatibility. The melatonin and serotonin levels were high in RBS (5:5 and 7:3) treated groups compared to the control. Enhanced expression of immunoglobulin (Ig) A and G level was observed in RBS treated rats. The serotonergic genes (5-HTT, 5-HT 1B, and MAO-A) expression levels were upregulated in RBS treated groups vis-à-vis the control. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, we anticipated that RBS supplements could promote the sleep phenomenon by elevating the serotonin/melatonin level in the blood through the serotonergic system. Therefore, RBS supplements can be utilized as functional food material for sleep promotion.

Effects of Cirsium setidens (Dunn) Nakai on the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells.

Cirsium setidens (Dunn) Nakai, commonly known as gondre, is a perennial herb that grows predominantly in South Korea. It contains several bioactive phytochemicals with antioxidant, anti­cancer, anti­tumor and anti­inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of methanolic extracts of gondre on osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). As characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and matrix­assisted laser deposition/ionization (time­of­flight) mass spectrometry, the methanol extract of gondre was found to be enriched with pectolinarin. After 48 h, enhanced viability of hPDLSCs was observed in the presence of gondre compared with under control conditions, suggesting the biocompatibility of gondre. Notably, biocompatibility was markedly affected by gondre concentration in cultured media. Relatively high cell viability was observed in medium containing 0.05% gondre. Furthermore, mineralization was significantly higher in hPDLSCs in the presence of gondre compared with that in control cells, indicating their mineralization potential. Increased expression of various transcription markers, such as collagen 1, runt­related transcription factor 2, bone sialoprotein and alkaline phosphatase, was also detected when hPDLSCs were stimulated with gondre compared with in the control groups, further confirming the superior osteogenic potential of gondre extract for tissue engineering applications, particularly in bone tissues.

Influence of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) Particle Sizes on Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and In Vivo Evaluation of Their Therapeutic Potential.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushroom has received an enormous amount of attention as a dietary supplement due to its high nutritional values. The particle sizes of G. frondosa mushrooms were monitored by a classifying mill. ß-Glucans are the bioactive component of the mushroom, and it was revealed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C-NMR), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, and time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) spectrometry. The biocompatibility of G. frondosa particles, as well as induced osteogenesis of hMSCs, was evaluated through WST-1 assay and alizarin staining (ARS) technique, respectively. Notably, enhanced cell viability was noted in the presence of G. frondosa. Significantly improved calcium deposition has observed from hMSCs with G. frondosa, suggesting to their mineralization potential. The expression of osteogenic related gene markers was examined in the presence of G. frondosa through real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique. The upregulation of osteogenic gene markers in the presence of G. frondosa particles was indicating their superior osteogenic potential. Besides, G. frondosa also activated the secretion of various kinds of proteins from the hMSCs indicating their potential for tissue engineering applications. Enhanced secretion of different immunoglobulins was observed in rat serum in the presence of G. frondosa, further demonstrating their therapeutic nature. Therefore, G. frondosa is effective for enhanced osteogenesis and can be utilized as a natural, edible, and osteogenic agent.

Amarogentin as Topical Anticancer and Anti-Infective Potential: Scope of Lipid Based Vesicular in its Effective Delivery.

There is a need for the development of liposomes based nanomedicines formulation for better efficacy and safety of the available drugs in the market. Liposomes have various applications in the field of pharmaceutical and medical field for their drug target potential, diagnostic importance and imaging techniques. Natural plant based drugs and their derivatives have been used in the medicine, nutraceuticals, perfumery, cosmetic and beverages industry. More than half of the prescribed drugs in the worldwide are mainly derived from different natural sources. Development of plant derived product is an emerging field of food, pharmaceutical and health industries. Plants belonging to the Gentianaecae family are well known for their bitter taste and Swertia chirata is one of best plants among them. Various active phytochemical of Swertia chirata are bitter secoiridoids like gentiopicroside, amarogentin, swertiamarin, isovitexin and isogentisin. People use different species of Swertia in the form of decoction, infusion, paste and juice for the treatment of fever and enteric diseases. Swertia chirata possesses anticarcinogenic, antioxidative, hypoglycemic, antihepatotoxic, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Amarogentin, a bitter secoiridoid glycoside present in Swertia chirata plant is an activator of human bitter taste receptor. Pharmacologically, amarogentin has antibacterial, antihepatitis, anticholinergic and chemopreventive activities, moreover, amarogentin has been proven for their anti-lieshmanial activity. Other studies also suggested that amarogentin acts on liver carcinogenesis, skin carcinogenesis and reduced tumour progression. In the present review, we have collected and compiled the data regarding biological sources, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, anticancer and anti-infective potential of amarogentin. For better understanding of various aspects of amarogentin, we have also discussed Swertia chirayita in a very concise manner. Further data related to various patents on amarogentin have also been discussed in this manuscript. However, we also admit that new advance biological research will also increase the medicinal and pharmacological value of amarogentin. Information regarding the chemistry of amarogentin, its biological sources, bioavailability as a pharmacological agent for the treatment and management of skin disorders and various forms of cancers will be beneficial to the scientists in the medicinal field.

Antisecretory and antimotility activity of Aconitum heterophyllum and its significance in treatment of diarrhea.

AIM: The roots of the plant Aconitum heterophyllum (EAH) are traditionally used for curing hysteria, throat infection, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, diabetes, and diarrhea. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the mechanism involved in the anti-diarrheal activity of roots of A. heterophyllum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ant-diarrheal activity of ethanol extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg p.o. was evaluated using fecal excretion and castor oil-induced diarrhea models, while optimized dose, that is, 100 mg/kg p.o. was further subjected to small intestinal transit, intestinal fluids accumulation, PGE2-induced enteropooling and gastric emptying test. To elucidate the probable mechanism, various biochemical parameters and Na(+), K(+) concentration in intestinal fluids were also determined. Further, antibacterial activity of extract along with its standardization using aconitine as a marker with the help of HPLC was carried out. RESULTS: The results depicted a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in normal fecal output at 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o. of extract after 5th and 7th h of treatment. Castor oil-induced diarrhea model demonstrated a ceiling effect at 100 mg/kg p.o. with a protection of 60.185% from diarrhea. EAH at 100 mg/kg p.o. also showed significant activity in small intestinal transit, fluid accumulation, and PGE2-induced enteropooling models, which also restored the altered biochemical parameters and prevented Na(+) and K(+) loss. The extract with 0.0833% w/w of aconitine depicted a potential antibacterial activity of extract against microbes implicated in diarrhea. CONCLUSION: The study concluded antisecretory and antimotility effect of A. heterophyllum, which mediates through nitric oxide path way.

Type 2 antidiabetic activity of bergenin from the roots of Caesalpinia digyna Rottler.

Bergenin, a major constituent of Caesalpinia digyna Rottler (Leguminosae) was isolated from its roots and was characterized by comparing its melting point and spectroscopic data (IR, (1)H, (13)C, Mass Spectra) with standard bergenin. Isolated bergenin was then evaluated for antidiabetic (Type 2) activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats. Bergenin was administered at doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg; p.o. to normal rats which were subjected to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Bergenin at same dose level was given to diabetic rats and fasting blood glucose level was estimated on 0th, 7th and 14th day of treatment while plasma lipids, antioxidant enzymes and liver glycogen level in diabetic rats were estimated on 14th day of treatment followed by histopathological studies of pancreas. Bergenin at 10mg/kg; p.o. was found to reduce blood glucose level significantly in OGTT (P<0.01) while it showed a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose level in diabetic rats at same dose level only on 14th day of treatment. Bergenin in all dose levels reversed plasma lipid (reduced elevated TC, LDL-C and increased HDL-C level) profile to normal values except TG. However, bergenin showed no significant effect on liver glycogen at all dose level. The decrease in lipid peroxides and increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in liver illustrated the antioxidant potential of bergenin. Histopathological studies demonstrated the regenerative effect of bergenin on pancreatic ß cells. Hence, bergenin isolated from C. digyna possesses significant antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activity in Type 2 diabetic rats.