Bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms: therapeutic scaffolds and pharmacological tools / 中国天然药物

Evolution and natural selection have endowed animal venoms, including scorpion venoms, with a wide range of pharmacological properties. Consequently, scorpions, their venoms, and/or their body parts have been used since time immemorial in traditional medicines, especially in Africa and Asia. With respect to their pharmacological potential, bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms have become an important source of scientific research. With the rapid increase in the characterization of various components from scorpion venoms, a large number of peptides are identified with an aim of combating a myriad of emerging global health problems. Moreover, some scorpion venom-derived peptides have been established as potential scaffolds helpful for drug development. In this review, we summarize the promising scorpion venoms-derived peptides as drug candidates. Accordingly, we highlight the data and knowledge needed for continuous characterization and development of additional natural peptides from scorpion venoms, as potential drugs that can treat related diseases.

Pharmacological properties and mechanisms of Notoginsenoside R1 in ischemia-reperfusion injury / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Panax notoginseng is an ancient Chinese medicinal plant that has great clinical value in regulating cardiovascular disease in China. As a single component of panax notoginosides, notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) belongs to the panaxatriol group. Many reports have demonstrated that NGR1 exerts multiple pharmacological effects in ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, acute renal injury, and intestinal injury. Here, we outline the available reports on the pharmacological effects of NGR1 in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. We also discuss the chemistry, composition and molecular mechanism underlying the anti-I/R injury effects of NGR1. NGR1 had significant effects on reducing cerebral infarct size and neurological deficits in cerebral I/R injury, ameliorating the impaired mitochondrial morphology in myocardial I/R injury, decreasing kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in renal I/R injury and attenuating jejunal mucosal epithelium injury in intestinal I/R injury. The various organ anti-I/R injury effects of NGR1 are mainly through the suppression of oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and promotion of angiogenesis and neurogenesis. These findings provide a reference basis for future research of NGR1 on I/R injury.

Review on the Ethnobotany, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile of Senna occidentalis L. (Fabaceae): Potential Application as Remedy in the Treatment of Dysmenorrhea

Senna occidentalis L. has been used in several traditional medicines against various diseases and this is based on its botanical, ethnopharmacology, and phytochemistry profiles. This powerful herb is recognized for its antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anticancer, antimutagenic, protective, and inflammatory hepatic activity. Multiple chemical compounds, including achrosine, aloe-emodin, emodin, anthraquinones, etc., have been isolated from this plant. The results of this bibliographic research thus presented in this review have demonstrated the ability of certain extracts from S. occidentalis L. to lower the lipid peroxide content, the activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and phospholipase A2 in exudates of the granuloma of cotton pellets, thus resulting in a reduced availability of arachidonic acid, an important precursor in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, which are the only likely source and/or cause of dysmenorrhea. Thus, based on its phytochemical profile and its pharmacological properties, it is therefore suggested that S. occidentalis would be a potential and effective remedy in the treatment of dysmenorrhea

Paullinia cupana: a multipurpose plant - a review

Abstract Seeds of guarana (Paullinia cupana Kunth, Sapindaceae) feature diverse pharmacological functions, for example, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, stimulating, and cognitive functions, as well as liver protection and weight loss. Many of these actions are probably due to the high content of methylxanthines and tannins in its seeds. In Brazil, the world's largest producer of guarana, the plant material is predominantly used in the soft drinks industry, although it is also used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Although the Amazon region has the largest cropping area, the state of Bahia is the main guarana producer in Brazil (71%). This review focuses mainly on the possible pharmacological actions of guarana that have been investigated. Moreover, it discusses less-considered topics, such as the toxicology and quality control of seeds and extractives of guarana that will ultimately influence the safety of its use. In addition, it presents a detailed discussion of the methods used to prepare herbal drugs and their extracts, focusing on the importance of standardization and on the direct impact of preparatory factors, on the pharmacological properties of guarana extracts.

Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae): A phytochemical and pharmacological review

Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae) is commonly called the “coconut tree” and is the most naturally widespread fruit plant on Earth. Throughout history, humans have used medicinal plants therapeutically, and minerals, plants, and animals have traditionally been the main sources of drugs. The constituents of C. nucifera have some biological effects, such as antihelminthic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. Our objective in the present study was to review the phytochemical profile, pharmacological activities, and toxicology of C. nucifera to guide future preclinical and clinical studies using this plant. This systematic review consisted of searches performed using scientific databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, SciVerse, and Scientific Electronic Library Online. Some uses of the plant were partially confirmed by previous studies demonstrating analgesic, antiarthritic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antihelminthic, antidiarrheal, and hypoglycemic activities. In addition, other properties such as antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, cardioprotective, antiseizure, cytotoxicity, hepatoprotective, vasodilation, nephroprotective, and anti-osteoporosis effects were also reported. Because each part of C. nucifera has different constituents, the pharmacological effects of the plant vary according to the part of the plant evaluated.

A recent review on phytochemical constituents and medicinal properties of kesum (Polygonum minus Huds.)

Medicinal plants and herbal preparations are gaining renowned interest in scientific communities nowadays due to their reliable pharmacological actions and affordability to common people which makes them effective in control of various diseases. Polygonum minus (Polygonaceae) locally known as kesum is an aromatic plant commonly used in Malay delicacies. The plant is having potential applications due to its high volatile oil constituents in perfumes and powerful antioxidant activity. It has been used traditionally to treat various ailments including dandruff. The research has been carried out by various researchers using different in vitro and in vivo models for biological evaluations to support these claims. This review paper may help upcoming research activities on Polygonum minus by giving up to date information on the phytochemical constituents and medicinal properties of kesum to a possible extent with relevant data.

A recent review on phytochemical constituents and medicinal properties of kesum (Polygonum minus Huds.)

Medicinal plants and herbal preparations are gaining renowned interest in scientific communities nowadays due to their reliable pharmacological actions and affordability to common people which makes them effective in control of various diseases. Polygonum minus (Polygonaceae) locally known as kesum is an aromatic plant commonly used in Malay delicacies. The plant is having potential applications due to its high volatile oil constituents in perfumes and powerful antioxidant activity. It has been used traditionally to treat various ailments including dandruff. The research has been carried out by various researchers using different in vitro and in vivo models for biological evaluations to support these claims. This review paper may help upcoming research activities on Polygonum minus by giving up to date information on the phytochemical constituents and medicinal properties of kesum to a possible extent with relevant data.

A panoramic view on phytochemical, nutritional, ethanobotanical uses and pharmacological values of Trachyspermum ammi Linn

Trachyspermum ammi Linn. (T. ammi) is an aromatic, grassy, annual plant belonging to Umbelliferae family which grows in the east of India, Pakistan, Iran, and Egypt. T. ammi has been used traditionally to treat arthritis, colic, diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems. In addition to these medicinal uses, T. ammi continues to be valued around the world as an important cooking spice and is believed to relief the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches, and even painful menstrual periods. These multiple uses can be explained by its several active compounds. The phytochemical studies on T. ammi seeds have revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, fixed oils, glycosides, tannins, saponin and flavonoids, cumene, thymene, amino acids and dietary fiber essential oils like thymol, c-terpinene, p-cymene. Several pharmacological studies on anti-tussive effect, inhibitory effect on histamine (H1) receptors, antihypertensive, antispasmodic, bronchodilator, hepato-protective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti mutagenic activities of T. ammi seed extracts have been reported in the literature. The present review is therefore, an effort to give a detailed survey of the literature on traditional, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of T. ammi.

A recent review on phytochemical constituents and medicinal properties of kesum (Polygonum minus Huds.)

Medicinal plants and herbal preparations are gaining renowned interest in scientific communities nowadays due to their reliable pharmacological actions and affordability to common people which makes them effective in control of various diseases. Polygonum minus (Polygonaceae) locally known as kesum is an aromatic plant commonly used in Malay delicacies. The plant is having potential applications due to its high volatile oil constituents in perfumes and powerful antioxidant activity. It has been used traditionally to treat various ailments including dandruff. The research has been carried out by various researchers using different in vitro and in vivo models for biological evaluations to support these claims. This review paper may help upcoming research activities on Polygonum minus by giving up to date information on the phytochemical constituents and medicinal properties of kesum to a possible extent with relevant data.

Phytoecdysteroids from Silene plants: distribution, diversity and biological (antitumour, antibacterial and antioxidant) activities / Fitoecdiesteroides de plantas Silene: distribución, diversidad y actividades biológicas (antitumorales, antibacterianas y antioxidantes

Silene is a genus of the Caryophyllaceae family, contains more than 700 species, which are widely distributed in Northern Hemisphere, but also in Africa, Asia and South American. Phytochemical investigations of Silene species have revealed that many components from this genus are highly bioactive. More than 400 compounds has been isolated, among them major are phytoecdysteroids. The paper reviews the biological (antitumour, antibacterial and antioxidant) activities and the phytoecdysteroids of genus Silene. We summarized the phytoecdysteroids content referring to 171 species from the genus Silene and list 93 phytoecdysteroids isolated over the past few decades. There are also reports on the mentioned folk and traditional effects of Silene plants.

Silene es un género de la familia Caryophyllaceae, conteniendo más de 70 especies, ampliamente distribuidas no solo en el hemisferio norte, sino que también en Africa, Asia y sud América. Investigaciones fotoquímicas de las especies de Silene han revelado que muchos componentes de este género son altamente bioactivos. Más de 400 compuestos han sido aislados, entre ellos los mayoritarios correspondientes a fitoecdiesteroides. El manuscrito revisa las actividades biológicas (antitumorales, antibacterianas y antioxidantes) y los fitoecdiesteroides del género Silene. Resumimos el contenido de fitoecdiesteroides en 171 especies del género Silene y listamos 93 fitoecdiesteroides aislados desde hace unas pocas décadas. Hay también reportes mencionados acerca de los efectos tradicionales y folclóricos de la plantas del género Silene.

Folk uses and pharmacological properties of Casearia sylvestris: a medicinal review

Folk uses and scientific investigations have highlighted the importance of Casearia sylvestris extracts and their relevant bioactive potential. The aim of this work was to review the pharmacological properties of C. sylvestris, emphasizing its anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-ophidian and antitumor potentialities. Ethanolic extracts and essential oil of their leaves have antiulcerogenic activity and reduce gastric volume without altering the stomach pH, which corroborates their consumption on gastrointestinal disorders. Leaf water extracts show phospholipase A2 inhibitory activity that prevents damage effects on the muscular tissue after toxin inoculation. This antiphospholipasic action is probably related to the use as an anti-inflammatory, proposing a pharmacological blockage similar to that obtained with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on arachidonic acid and cyclooxygenase pathways. Bioguided-assay fractionations lead to the identification of secondary metabolites, especially the clerodane diterpenes casearins (A-X) and casearvestrins (A-C), compounds with a remarkable cytotoxic and antitumor action. Therefore, the C. sylvestris shrub holds a known worldwide pharmacological arsenal by its extensive folk utilization, exciting searches for new molecules and a better comprehension about biological properties.

Usos populares e pesquisas científicas têm destacado a importância dos extratos da planta Casearia sylvestris e seu grande potencial bioativo. Neste trabalho, objetiva-se revisar as propriedades farmacológicas de C. sylvestris, enfatizando sua potencialidade antiulcerogênica, antiinflamatória, antiofídica e antitumoral. O extrato etanólico e o óleo essencial das folhas possuem atividade antiulcerogênica promissora, diminuindo o volume gástrico sem alterar o pH estomacal, corroborando sua aplicação contra dores gastrointestinais. Já os extratos aquosos das folhas têm atividade inibitória contra fosfolipase A2 presente em venenos de cobras, atenuando os efeitos lesivos sobre a musculatura esquelética resultantes da inoculação das toxinas. Essa ação antifosfolipásica provavelmente está relacionada ao seu uso como antiinflamatório, sugerindo um bloqueio análogo ao dos fármacos antiinflamatórios não-esteroidais na formação de mediadores oriundos do ácido araquidônico e na ativação da ciclooxigenase. Ensaios de fracionamento bioguiado dos extratos culminaram no isolamento e identificação de inúmeros metabólitos secundários, especialmente os diterpenos clerodânicos casearinas (A-X) e casearvestrinas (AC), compostos que têm surpreendido por sua ação citotóxica e antitumoral. Assim, a planta C. sylvestris apresenta um enorme arsenal farmacológico já mundialmente comprovado por seu vasto uso popular, estimulando pesquisas por novas moléculas e a busca pela compreensão de suas propriedades biológicas.

Phytopharmacological properties of coriander sativum as a potential medicinal tree: an overview.

Coriandrum Sativum family Umbelliferae is highly reputed ayurvedic medicinal tree commonly known as the Dhanyaka. It is small sized tree growing throughout India, Italy. Netherlands, Central and Eastern Europe, China and Bangladesh. The different parts of this plant contain monoterpenes, α-pinene, limpnene, γ-terpinene, p-cymene, borneol, citronellol, camphor, geraniol, coriandrin, dihydrocoriandrin, coriandronsA-E, flavonoids and essential oils. Various parts of this plant such as seed, leaves, flower and fruit, possess Diuretic, Antioxidant Activity, Ant-diabetic Anti-convulsant activity, Sedative Hypnotic Activity, Anti-microbial Activity, Anti mutagenic, Anthelmintic activity. Various phytopharmacological evaluations have been reported in this literature for the important potential of the Coriandrum sativum.

Revisão da Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek, Celastraceae. Contribuição ao estudo das propriedades farmacológicas / Review of Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek, Celastraceae. Contribution to the studies of pharmacological properties

A Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek, Celastraceae, vem sendo utilizada à muitos anos na terapêutica clínica, contudo suas propriedades farmacológicas continuam sob estudo. O objetivo desse trabalho é fornecer subsídios teóricos para o aprimoramento dos estudos, em especial os estudos clínicos, e assim estabelecer definitivamente as propriedades reais da Maytenus ilicifolia.

The Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek, Celastraceae has been used for many years as a medicine in the therapeutic in Brazil. However, the pharmacological action still under evaluation by many research centres. The aim of this study is stablish, based in clinical trials, the real properties of Maytenus ilicifolia.