Sesamol: A lignan in sesame seeds with potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

Inflammation is associated with the development and progression of a plethora of diseases including joint, metabolic, neurological, hepatic, and renal disorders. Sesamol, derived from the seeds of Sesamum indicum L., has received considerable attention due to its well-documented multipotent phytotherapeutic effects, including its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. However, to date, no comprehensive review has been established to highlight or summarize the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of sesamol. Herein, we aim to address this gap in the literature by presenting a thorough review encapsulating evidence surrounding the range of inflammatory mediators and cytokines shown to be targeted by sesamol in modulating its anti-inflammatory actions against a range of inflammatory disorders. Additionally, evidence highlighting the role that sesamol has in modulating components of adaptive immunity including cellular immune responses and Th1/Th2 balance is underscored. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms and the signaling pathways underlying such effects are also highlighted. Findings indicate that this seemingly potent lignan mediates its anti-inflammatory actions, at least in part, via suppression of various pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1ß and TNFα, and downregulation of a multitude of signaling pathways including NF-κB and MAPK. In conclusion, we anticipate that sesamol may be employed in future therapeutic regimens to aid in more effective drug development to alleviate immune-related and inflammatory conditions.

Hypolipidemic and Anti-Atherogenic Effects of Sesamol and Possible Mechanisms of Action: A Comprehensive Review.

Sesamol is a phenolic lignan isolated from Sesamum indicum seeds and sesame oil. Numerous studies have reported that sesamol exhibits lipid-lowering and anti-atherogenic properties. The lipid-lowering effects of sesamol are evidenced by its effects on serum lipid levels, which have been attributed to its potential for significantly influencing molecular processes involved in fatty acid synthesis and oxidation as well as cholesterol metabolism. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the reported hypolipidemic effects of sesamol, observed in several in vivo and in vitro studies. The effects of sesamol on serum lipid profiles are thoroughly addressed and evaluated. Studies highlighting the ability of sesamol to inhibit fatty acid synthesis, stimulate fatty acid oxidation, enhance cholesterol metabolism, and modulate macrophage cholesterol efflux are outlined. Additionally, the possible molecular pathways underlying the cholesterol-lowering effects of sesamol are presented. Findings reveal that the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of sesamol are achieved, at least in part, by targeting liver X receptor α (LXRα), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression, as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathways. A detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-hyperlipidemic potential of sesamol is necessary to assess the possibility of utilizing sesamol as an alternative natural therapeutic agent with potent hypolipidemic and anti-atherogenic properties. Research into the optimal sesamol dosage that may bring about such favorable hypolipidemic effects should be further investigated, most importantly in humans, to ensure maximal therapeutic benefit.

Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Berberine in Lung Tissue and its Potential Application in Prophylaxis and Treatment of COVID-19.

Natural products with known safety profiles are a promising source for the discovery of new drug leads. Berberine presents an example of one such phytochemical that has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties against myriads of diseases, ranging from respiratory disorders to viral infections. A growing body of research supports the pluripotent therapeutic role berberine may play against the dreaded disease COVID-19. The exact pathophysiological features of COVID-19 are yet to be elucidated. However, compelling evidence suggests inflammation and immune dysregulations as major features of this disease. Being a potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agent, berberine may prove to be useful for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. This review aims to revisit the pharmacological anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory benefits of berberine on a multitude of respiratory infections, which like COVID-19, are known to adversely affect the airways and lungs. We speculate that berberine may help alleviate COVID-19 via preventing cytokine storm, restoring Th1/Th2 balance, and enhancing cell-mediated immunity. Furthermore, the role this promising phytochemical plays on other important inflammatory mediators involved in respiratory disorders will be underscored. We further highlight the role of berberine against COVID-19 by underscoring direct evidence from in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies suggesting the inhibitory potential berberine may play against three critical SARS-CoV-2 targets, namely main protease, spike protein, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. Further preclinical and clinical trials are certainly required to further substantiate the efficacy and potency of berberine against COVID-19 in humans.

Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of sesamin: mechanisms of action and future directions.

Inflammation is associated with the development and progression of various disorders including atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and cancer. Sesamin, a fat-soluble lignan derived from Sesamum indicum seeds and oil, has received increased attention due to its wide array of pharmacological properties including its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential. To date, no review has been conducted to summarize or analyze the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory roles of sesamin. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of experimental findings that were reported with regards to the ability of sesamin to modulate inflammation, cellular and humoral adaptive immune responses and Th1/Th2 paradigm. The potential influence of sesamin on the cytotoxic activity of NK cells against cancer cells is also highlighted. The molecular mechanisms and the signal transduction pathways underlying such effects are underscored. The metabolism, pharmacokinetics, absorption, tissue distribution and bioavailability of sesamin in different species, including humans, are reviewed. Moreover, we propose future preclinical and clinical investigations to further validate the potential preventive and/or therapeutic efficacy of sesamin against various immune-related and inflammatory conditions. We anticipate that sesamin may be employed in future therapeutic regimens to enhance the efficacy of treatment and dampen the adverse effects of synthetic chemical drugs currently used to alleviate immune-related and inflammatory conditions.

Thymoquinone, a major constituent in Nigella sativa seeds, is a potential preventative and treatment option for atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a widespread and progressive chronic arterial disease that remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. It is generally accepted that atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease characterized by dyslipidemia and inflammation in the vessel walls. Nonpharmacological interventions to treat chronic diseases like atherosclerosis have gained considerable attention in recent years. Thymoquinone (TQ), the major bioactive constituent of Nigella sativa seeds, presents one such example of a natural therapeutic agent that has captured the attention of many researchers due to its wide array of medicinal properties, including its potent anti-atherosclerotic effects. Various in vitro and in vivo studies support the potential of TQ in ameliorating hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation, all of which are key hallmarks of atherosclerosis. However, to date, no review has been conducted to substantiate the role of TQ in preventing and/or treating atherosclerosis. This comprehensive review aims to examine recent in vitro and in vivo experimental findings reported on the potential anti-atherosclerotic effects of TQ. The roles of TQ in combatting hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation in atherosclerosis are highlighted. We also shed light on the role of TQ in preventing foam cell formation by decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) availability and oxidation. Moreover, recent findings on the protective role of TQ on early markers of atherosclerosis, including homocysteinemia and endothelial dysfunction, are also underscored. Experimental evidence suggests that TQ can potentially be employed as a natural therapeutic agent with minimal side effects against the development and/or progression of atherosclerosis and its associated complications.

Effects of sesamin on fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism, macrophage cholesterol homeostasis and serum lipid profile: A comprehensive review.

Sesamin is the major lignan constituent derived from Sesamum indicum seeds and sesame oil. Various studies have reported that sesamin possesses potent lipid-lowering properties. The lipid-lowering effects of sesamin have been mainly attributed to its ability in affecting key events in fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism and in lowering atherogenesis-triggering LDL, VLDL and TG levels, as well as in increasing atheroprotective HDL levels. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the reported anti-hyperlipidemic effects of sesamin, presented both in vitro and in vivo. The molecular anti-hyperlipidemic properties of sesamin that underlie its well-documented anti-atherogenic effects are thoroughly discussed and analyzed. Studies focusing on the ability of sesamin to inhibit fatty acid synthesis, induce fatty acid oxidation, inhibit cholesterol synthesis and absorption and maintain macrophage cholesterol homeostasis are outlined. The effects of sesamin on circulating serum and liver lipid levels are also highlighted. Moreover, the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of sesamin are compared to those of other important sesame lignans like sesamolin and episesamin. Findings reveal that sesamin mainly exerts its anti-hyperlipidemic effects by targeting Δ5 desaturase, HMGCR, ABCA1 and ABCG1 through PPARα, PPARγ, LXRα, and SREBP signaling pathways. Overall, the amount of evidence supporting the anti-hyperlipidemic potential of sesamin in vitro and in vivo is compelling. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying the anti-hyperlipidemic properties of sesamin is imperative for the possible employment of sesamin as an anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-atherogenic agent with minimal side effects.