Recent Patents on Phytoconstituents-based Formulations for the Treatment of Acne Infection: A Review.

BACKGROUND: Acne is an infection of the skin that occurs in both men and women during their lifespan. There are various natural or synthetic products available in the market to prevent and cure this disease. INTRODUCTION: The majority of the world population depends on the herbs or natural resources for the relief of acne disease. These are used to lessen the cost of treatment and the side effects of synthetic analogs. METHODS: We have explored the various authentic web resources to compile information regarding different patented and marketed herbal formulations for acne treatment. RESULTS: It has been found that most of the herbal formulation for acne include the plant actives/extracts having the potential activity against the Propionibacterium acne. The occurrence of this skin disease is also associated with the presence of free radicals in the body, which also causes the inflammation and redness of the skin. Further, the study of various patents also revealed that herbs with anti-oxidant properties have been used in most of the herbal anti-acne formulations. Moreover, the various patents also give the idea that herbal formulations also prevent the appearance of pimples on the skin. CONCLUSION: It has been concluded that the herbal anti-acne formulation is not only used to treat acne but also prevents this disease safely and economically.

Cannabis sativa L. and Its Extracts: Regulation of Cannabidiol in the European Union and United Kingdom.

The lawful sale of Cannabis sativa L. and its extracts including Cannabidiol is not harmonized under European Union law. Such products have in the most part been classified as novel foods and thus illegal for sale in Europe without prior authorization. The regulation of such substances not only spans EU and Member State food laws but also international conventions on illicit drug and psychoactive substances. An understanding of the laws governing the sale of these compounds can help business and academia better understand the challenges consumers may face in selecting products lawfully placed on the market, whilst identifying the unique challenges imposed from the marketing of Cannabis-based foods.

A simple, cost-effective, and rapid separation process for the isolation of anticoagulant active fraction from the fruit extract of Momordica charantia: Characterization of bioactive components and anticoagulant mechanism of active fraction in a mouse model.

A simple, rapid, and cost-effective process for the separation of an active anticoagulant fraction from the aqueous fruit extract of Momordica charantia by using rice husk as adsorbed is described. The in vitro anticoagulant activity of active anticoagulant fraction was comparable to commercial anticoagulants heparin and warfarin. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and phytols in the active anticoagulant fraction, nevertheless; it was devoid of glycosides, triterpenoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, and carbohydrates. By gas chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis, decanoic acid, 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester (22.3%), dodecanoic acid, 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester-d5 (17.3%), dodecenoic acid, 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester (12.5%), and 4-B-methylandrostane 2,3-diol-1,17-dione (11.4%) were identified as the most abundant constituents of active anticoagulant fraction. Presence of αß-fibrinogenase enzyme was identified by biochemical assay but not by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis suggesting presence of a novel protease enzyme in this fraction. The active anticoagulant fraction demonstrated biding to fibrinogen but not to thrombin or Factor Xa, inhibited the collagen/ADP-induced mammalian platelet aggregation, showed in vitro thrombolytic activity, noncytotoxic to mammalian cells, showed in vivo plasma defibrinogenation and anticoagulant activities, and inhibited k-carrageen-induced thrombus formation in the tails of mice. Therefore, active anticoagulant fraction (an herbal drug) may find therapeutic application for the prevention and/or treatment of hyperfibrinogenemia/thrombosis-associated cardiovascular disorders.

Cost-effectiveness of real-world administration of chemotherapy and add-on Viscum album L. therapy compared to chemotherapy in the treatment of stage IV NSCLC patients.

BACKGROUND: For stage IV lung cancer patients receiving add-on Viscum album L. (VA) treatment an improved overall survival was detected. Information regarding cost-effectiveness (CE) for comparisons between chemotherapy (CTx) and CTx plus additive VA in stage IV lung cancer treatment is limited. The present study assessed the costs and cost-effectiveness of CTx plus VA (V) compared to CTx alone (C) for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treatment in a hospital in Germany. METHODS: In the observational real-world data study, data from the Network Oncology clinical registry were utilized. Enrolled stage IV lung cancer patients received the respective therapy (C or V) in a certified German Cancer Center. Cost and cost-effectiveness analyses from the hospital's perspective were investigated on the basis of overall survival (OS) and routine financial controlling data. In addition, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated. The primary result of the analysis was tested for robustness in a bootstrap-based sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: 118 patients (C: n = 86, V: n = 32) were included in the analysis, mean age 63.8 years, the proportion of male patients was 55.1%. Adjusted hospital's total mean costs for patients from the C and V group were €16,289, 95%CI: 13,834€-18,744€ (over an adjusted mean OS time of 13.4 months) and €17,992, 95%CI: 13,658-22,326 (over an adjusted mean OS time of 19.1 months), respectively. The costs per additional OS year gained (ICER) with the V-therapy compared to C therapy were €3,586. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study suggest that the combined use of chemotherapy and VA was clinically effective and comparably cost-effective to chemotherapy alone in our analysed patient sample from the hospital's perspective. Further randomized and prospective cost-effectiveness studies are necessary to complement our findings.

Exploring medicinal use of cannabis in a time of policy change in New Zealand.

AIMS: To explore patterns of medicinal cannabis use prior to implementation of the new Medicinal Cannabis Scheme (MCS) in New Zealand. METHODS: An anonymous online convenience survey of 3,634 last-year medicinal users of cannabis promoted via Facebook™ from May to August 2019. RESULTS: Fifty percent of the sample were female, 18% were Maori and the median age was 38 years. The medical conditions for which cannabis was most often used were pain (81%), sleep (66%) and mental health conditions (64%). Respondents perceived cannabis to be an effective therapy and reported reducing use of other pharmaceutical medicines. Fifty-two percent reported side effects from cannabis use, including increased appetite (29%), drowsiness (12%), eye irritation (11%), dependency (10%), memory impairment (10%) and lack of energy (9%). Smoking was the dominant route of administration. Nearly half (47%) had discussed their use of cannabis with a medical professional in the previous year, while 14% had requested a prescription and 5% accessed a prescribed cannabis-based product (mostly oral CBD). CONCLUSION: Respondents self-medicated with cannabis to treat a wide range of health complaints. Only half discussed medicinal cannabis use with their medical professional, and a minority requested a prescription and used a prescribed cannabis-based product.

Medicinal Mushrooms as Part of the "Third Mission" Activities of Univesities - A Science to Business Initiative Related to Mycotherapy.

In Italy, the National Agency for the Evaluation of the University System and Research (ANVUR) carries out a systematic evaluation of the "Third Mission" activities of universities and research bodies. In this perspective, universities already engaged in research on medicinal mushrooms and on their potential applications in the industrial sector set the frame for collaboration with large, well-reputed private companies. In Italy, one of the major problems of mycotherapy is related to lack of certification and the dubious origin/identity of mushroom extracts used by the industry. Hence, products deriving from medicinal mushrooms that are in trade do not often meet the required quality criteria. In this paper, a multipartner collaboration is presented, which aims at the bottom to top development of nutraceutical products from Pleurotus mushrooms in agreement to science-to-business (S2B) marketing.

Advances on application of fenugreek seeds as functional foods: Pharmacology, clinical application, products, patents and market.

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) is one of the oldest applied medicinal herbs. Significant pharmacological and clinical evidence have highlighted the medicinal application of fenugreek. Explore the current knowledge regarding the bioactivity (animal aspects) and clinical application of fenugreek and its bioactive components, as well as the products, markets and patents related to fenugreek. This review highlights the phytochemicals, bioactivity (animal aspects) and clinical application of fenugreek from recent literatures and products, markets and patents from database. Until now, more than 100 phytochemicals have been isolated from fenugreek seeds, mainly including polysaccharides, saponins, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Fenugreek extract and its bioactive compounds showed excellent antidiabetic activity and anti-obesity activity in animal and human study. Although the fenugreek seed has been used as TCM raw materials for a long time of period in China, China is lacking the research of fenugreek in both depth and width.

Effects of Latitude and Weather Conditions on Proanthocyanidins in Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) of Finnish Commercial Cultivars.

Blackcurrants of three Finnish commercial cultivars 'Mortti', 'Ola', and 'Melalahti' cultivated in southern and northern Finland were compared on the basis of the content and composition of proanthocyanidins (PAs). Seventeen B-type PA oligomers (degree of polymerization 2-5 and 7) were detected by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Total PAs, dimers, trimers, and tetramers were quantified. Among the three cultivars, 'Ola' had the highest contents of both total PAs and PA oligomers. 'Melalahti' was separated from both 'Mortti' and 'Ola' by PA profiles in the partial least-squares discriminant analysis model. All three cultivars revealed distinct responses to latitude and weather conditions. The content of total PAs showed a positive correlation to latitude in 'Ola' and 'Melalahti'. Among the meteorological variables, high temperature and radiation correlated negatively with total PAs, while only specific variables showed a correlation with PA oligomers.

Characterization of bioactive compounds in commercial olive leaf extracts, and olive leaves and their infusions.

A large spectrum of beneficial health properties has been attributed to olive leaves. This study was undertaken to characterize the bioactive compounds of commercial olive leaf extracts and olive leaves and their infusions. High variability of bioactive compounds was found among commercial samples. Polyphenol was detected in a range of 44-108 g kg-1 and 7.5-250 g kg-1 for olive leaves and olive leaf extracts, respectively. The main phenol was oleuropein, representing 74-94% of total phenols. However, only 17-26% of polyphenols were diffused to the aqueous phases when olive leaf infusions were prepared. Triterpenic acids were found in a range of 26-37 g kg-1 in olive leaves, but not detected in the infusions. Hence, the absence of the latter substances and the low oleuropein diffusion in olive leaf infusions make new studies necessary to maximize the presence of these bioactive compounds in the final product.

Evaluation and Comparison of Daiokanzoto and Lubiprostone for Constipation: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Daiokanzoto (DKT) and lubiprostone (LPS) are drugs used for constipation, but few studies have compared them. This study examined the effectiveness, adverse events, and medical economic efficiency of DKT and LPS for constipation. Patients who received DKT (DKT group) and those who received LPS (LPS group) during admission to Ogaki Municipal Hospital between November 2012 and May 2016 were enrolled. Drug efficacy was evaluated based on the median value of bowel movement frequency over 1 week before and after drug administration, and their safety was evaluated by the presence or absence of diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. To assess medical economic efficiency, drug costs for constipation per week were calculated. The median values (quartile ranges) of bowel movement frequency at 1 week after drug administration were 8.5 (6.0-12.0) in the DKT group and 5 (3.0-7.0) in the LPS group, which was significantly different (p < 0.01). Diarrhea occurred significantly less often in the DKT group (4 cases) than in the LPS group (17 cases) (p < 0.01). The median cost of drugs administered for constipation for 1 week was significantly lower in the DKT group (631 [quartile range, 513-653] yen) than in the LPS group (1431 [1135-2344] yen) (p < 0.01). DKT had a higher immediate effect on constipation and was associated with more frequent bowel movement and fewer adverse events of diarrhea than LPS, suggesting that it may be effective and safe for treating constipation, and DKT is inexpensive.

Natural plant extracts as an economical and ecofriendly alternative for harvesting microalgae.

The study investigated the ability of plant based natural coagulants from Azadirachta indica; Ficus indica; Moringa oleifera; Citrus sinensis; Punica granatum and Musa acuminata to harvest the microalgal biomass. Influence of eluent type (water and NaCl) and concentration (1-5 N) on coagulant extraction; coagulant dosage (1-5 g) and volume (20-100 ml); pH (6-12) and algal concentration (0.1-1 g l-1) on harvesting were analyzed. The results obtained were compared with alum and chitosan. FTIR and biochemical analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds to aid coagulation. Biomass removal efficiency of 75.50% was obtained with M. oleifera extracts (8 mg ml-1) at pH 7.5-7.8, within 100 min. The harvesting efficiency increased to 95.76% when 4 mg ml-1M. oleifera extracts was combined with 0.75 mg ml-1 chitosan. The life cycle and cost analysis acknowledged the eco-friendly coagulants as strong alternative for conventional coagulants used in microalgal harvesting, thereby improvising the overall bioprocess.

Biomolecular Composition and Revenue Explained by Interactions between Extrinsic Factors and Endogenous Rhythms of Saccharina latissima.

This review provides a systematic overview of the spatial and temporal variations in the content of biomolecular constituents of Saccharina latissima on the basis of 34 currently-available scientific studies containing primary measurements. We demonstrate the potential revenue of seaweed production and biorefinery systems by compiling a product portfolio of high-value extract products. An investigation into the endogenous rhythms and extrinsic factors that impact the biomolecular composition of S. latissima is presented, and key performance factors for optimizing seaweed production are identified. Besides the provisioning ecosystem service, we highlight the contribution of green-engineered seaweed production systems to the mitigation of the ongoing and historical anthropogenic disturbances of the climate balance and nutrient flows. We conclude that there are risks of mismanagement, and we stress the importance and necessity of creating an adaptive ecosystem-based management framework within a triple-helix partnership for balancing the utilization of ecosystem services and long-term resilience of aquatic environment.

Determination of macro, micro, trace essential, and toxic elements in Garcinia cambogia fruit and its anti-obesity commercial products.

BACKGROUND: Garcinia (Clusiaceae) species are traditionally used as flavoring agents in curries and to cure several human health complications. This study investigated 31 macro, micro, and trace elements in microwave-assisted digested samples of Garcinia cambogia fruit and its anti-obesity commercial products by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric (ICP-MS) techniques. The methods were also validated using the coefficient of determination (R2 ), limits of detection and quantification (LOD, LOQ), precision (CV%), analysis of certified reference materials, spiking recovery experiments, and participation in an accredited laboratory proficiency test organized by Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS). RESULTS: Quality assurance confirmed that the methods were efficient and in accordance with criteria set by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). In the elemental analysis, the analyzed macro, micro, and trace essential elements were present in appreciable concentrations, which could meet the human nutritional requirements. Traces of toxic elements were within safe limits. CONCLUSION: From the results of the current study, the fruit and its commercial products could be considered potential sources of mineral elements without posing any threats to consumers. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Production from both wild harvest and cultivation: The cross-border Swertia chirayita (Gentianaceae) trade.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Swertia chirayita is the most widely traded species in a genus of 150 species, many of which are used in traditional medicine. S. chirayita is used mainly in Ayurvedic and Tibetan systems of medicine and the homoeopathic system of medicine as well as in regional folk medicine. Primarily wild collected, with some cultivation. S. chirayita is traded as a medicinal substance and exported in the forms of dried whole plant or extract of whole plant individually and/or as active ingredients of Ayurvedic medicines. S. chirayita export valuations continue to make S. chirayita one of Nepal's highest foreign exchange earning medicinal plant species. AIMS OF THE REVIEW: The aims of this review were first, to assess the scale of the global trade in S. chirayita, second, to review evidence from plant population biology and from studies on the impacts of wild harvest on S. chirayita populations and cultivation as an alternative source of supply. METHODS: The taxonomy and trade names for S. chirayita were reviewed, followed by a synthesis of published information on Swertia population biology and studies on impacts of wild S. chirayita harvest from across the geographic range of this species. Data on the prices paid for S. chirayita were then compiled for the period 2001-2017, followed by an analysis of global trade data for S. chirayita. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Based on India import data and assuming an estimate in an earlier study that 60% of Nepal's S. chirayita production goes to India and 35% to Tibet, then Nepal's 2013 annual production was about 711 metric tonnes (MT) of which about 675.6 MT would be exported (India + Tibet). Nepal's 2014 annual production would be an estimated 503.25 MT of which about 478 MT would be exported. Declines in S. chirayita populations have been widely noted across its range. In India, since 2004, a ban was placed on the export of wild harvested S. chirayita by the Government of India, where the Director General of Foreign Trade prohibited export of S. chirayita plants, plant portions and their derivatives and extracts obtained from the wild with the exception of 'formulations'. Cultivation of S. chirayita to meet commercial demand has been an important part of a solution to over-exploitation of wild stocks in eastern Nepal for 25 years, producing significant quantities that enter the export trade to India and Tibet. In Sankhuwasabha district, for example, 53.1 MT of S. chirayita were produced in 2013/014, just over half of which (27 MT) were exported to India, with the remainder exported to Tibet. Based on value-chain analysis and cost-benefit assessments, S. chirayita cultivation has been shown to be profitable in Nepal. However, since the first cost-benefit assessment was done (2013), prices dropped from NRs750/kg in April 2013 to a low of 250 NRs/kg in December 2017). Taking inflation into account further highlights the steep decline in the profitability for local farmers, who have limited options for value-adding. Consequently, farmers prefer to grow more profitable alternative crops, such as Nepal cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.).

Statistical optimization of process parameters for inulinase production from Tithonia weed by Arthrobacter mysorens strain no.1.

Tithonia rotundifolia is an easily available and abundant inulin rich weed reported to be competitive and allelopathic. This weed inulin is hydrolyzed by inulinase into fructose. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize culture conditions for the inulinase production from Arthrobacter mysorens strain no.1 isolated from rhizospheric area of Tithonia weed. Initially, Plackett- Burman design was used for screening 11 nutritional parameters for inulinase production including inulin containing weeds as cost effective substrate. The experiment shows that amongst the 11 parameters studied, K2HPO4, Inulin, Agave sisalana extract and Tithonia rotundifolia were the most significant variables for inulinase production. Quantitative effects of these 4 factors were further investigated using Box Behnken design. The medium having 0.27% K2HPO4, 2.54% Inulin, 6.57% Agave sisalana extract and 7.27% Tithonia rotundifolia extract were found to be optimum for maximum inulinase production. The optimization strategies used showed 2.12 fold increase in inulinase yield (1669.45 EU/ml) compared to non-optimized medium (787 EU/ml). Fructose produced by the action of inulinase was further confirmed by spectrophotometer, osazone, HPTLC and FTIR methods. Thus Tithonia rotundifolia can be used as an eco-friendly, economically feasible and promising alternative substrate for commercial inulinase production yielding fructose from Arthrobacter mysorens strain no.1.

Citrus medica: nutritional, phytochemical composition and health benefits - a review.

Citrus medica (Citron) is an underutilized fruit plant having various bioactive components in all parts of the plant. The major bioactive compounds present are iso-limonene, citral, limonene, phenolics, flavonones, vitamin C, pectin, linalool, decanal, and nonanal, accounting for several health benefits. Pectin and heteropolysachharides also play a major role as dietary fibers. The potential impact of citron and its bioactive components to prevent or reverse destructive deregulated processes responsible for certain diseases has attracted different researchers' attention. The fruit has numerous nutraceutical benefits, proven by pharmacological studies; for example, anti-catarrhal, capillary protector, anti-hypertensive, diuretic, antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, analgesic, strong antioxidant, anticancerous, antidiabetic, estrogenic, antiulcer, cardioprotective, and antihyperglycemic. The present review explores new insights into the benefits of citron in various body parts. Throughout the world, citron has been used in making carbonated drinks, alcoholic beverages, syrup, candied peels, jams, marmalade, cordials, and many other value added products, which suggests it is an appropriate raw material to develop healthy processed food. In the present review, the fruit taxonomical classification, beneficial phytochemicals, antioxidant activities, and health benefits are discussed.

Broad bean (Vicia faba L.) pods: a rich source of bioactive ingredients with antimicrobial, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, anti-diabetic and health-promoting properties.

This study was aimed at investigating the chemical composition (proximate, minerals, fatty acids and phenolic compounds) and the in vitro (antimicrobial, radical scavenging, anti-acetylcholinesterase and protein denaturing activities) and in vivo (anti-diabetic and histo-protective effects in alloxan-induced diabetic mice) biological activities of broad bean pods (BBPs), a food waste by-product material. The results showed that BBPs have high dietary fiber (57.46%), carbohydrate (18.93%) and protein (13.81%) content versus low fat content (<1%) contributing to a low energy value of 139.24 kcal per 100 g. Profiling of fatty acids showed an abundance of the essential polyunsaturated α-linolenic and linoleic acids, exhibiting an excellent nutritional quality as revealed by their low atherogenic and thrombogenic indices and their hypocholesterolemic properties. The methanol extract which exhibited the highest total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents was found to be the most active extract in terms of antimicrobial and anti-radical activities. In alloxan-induced diabetic mice, the oral administration of a methanol extract (500 mg per kg bw) attenuated the elevated levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase activities, and urea, uric acid, and creatinine. It effectively normalized the status of lipid profiles, mitigated oxidative stress through the activation of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GPx and SOD), and alleviated oxidative stress-mediated histopathological changes in the pancreas, liver, kidney and testis. Compositional analysis by HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS revealed the presence of flavan-3-ols (catechin, epicatechin and their derivatives), flavones (apigenin derivatives) and flavonols (glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol), among others. These findings suggest that BBPs may be an effective functional food for the management of diabetes and its complications.

In vitro evaluation of the prebiotic effect of red and white grape polyphenolic extracts

Nowadays, the strong relationship between diet and health is well known. Although the primary role of diet is to provide nutrients to fulfill metabolic requirements, the use of foods to improve health and the state of well-being is an idea increasingly accepted by society in the last three decades. During the last years, an important number of scientific advances have been achieved in this field and, although in some situations, it is difficult to establish a distinction between "harmful" and "good" bacteria, experts agree in classifying the genera Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus as beneficial bacteria. Thus, several strategies can be used to stimulate the proliferation of these beneficial intestinal bacteria, being one of them the consumption of prebiotics. The development of new prebiotics, with added functionality, is one of the most serious challenges shared not only by the scientific community but also by the food industry. The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential prebiotic effect of red and white grape residues, both obtained during the winemaking process. For such purpose, an in vitro study with pure cultures of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium was first conducted. Secondly, a study with mixed cultures using human fecal inocula was carried out in a simulator of the distal part of the colon. The obtained results showed an increase in the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium population, indicating that these ingredients are serious candidates to be considered as prebiotics

Variability in Potency Among Commercial Preparations of Berberine.

Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid plant extract that is widely available as a dietary supplement in the United States and has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. Because of its increased use and purported pharmacological properties, potential variations in product quality could pose a barrier to berberine's safety and effectiveness in clinical practice. Thus, this study evaluated the potency of dietary supplements containing berberine available in the U.S. commercial market. Fifteen unique dietary supplements containing berberine were purchased through U.S. dietary supplement vendors. For each product, berberine was extracted from 3 unique capsules and analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Percentage content based on the product label claim was determined for each product. The average berberine content across the products was found to be 75% ± 25% of the product label claim, with product potency ranging from 33% to 100%. Nine of the 15 tested products (60%) failed to meet the potency standards of 90% to 110% of labeled content claim, as commonly required of pharmaceutical preparations by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention. Evaluation of the relationship between product cost and the measured potency failed to demonstrate an association between quality and cost. Variability in product quality may significantly contribute to inconsistencies in the safety and effectiveness of berberine. In addition, the quality of the berberine product cannot be inferred from its cost.