ABSTRACT
Nutritional deficiency is a major concern in developing countries, resulting in serious health consequences like mental and physical growth retardation. Moringa oleifera (Moringa), a nutritious plant growing in tropical regions of developing countries, is a candidate for overcoming nutritional deficiency. Moringa leaves are rich in protein including sulphur containing amino acids. It contains high amounts of vitamin C than oranges, a higher concentration of vitamin A than carrots, higher calcium content than milk and more potassium than bananas. Moreover, there is 9 times more iron in moringa than spinach and 4 times more fiber than oats. This review enlightens and explores the nutritional diversification of Moringa oleifera and other benefits which make it a better choice to use in our daily diet to combat malnutrition.
Subject(s)
Malnutrition/therapy , Moringa oleifera , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Phytotherapy/methods , Humans , Medicine, Traditional , Nutrition Therapy/methods , Plants, MedicinalABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Seaweeds, including marine brown algae, are traditional food sources in Asia. Phlorotannins, as the product of the polyketide pathway, are mainly found in brown algae. Different properties have been attributed to this group of marine products ranging from antiallergic to anticancer activity. Mechanism of action is not obvious for all these properties, but there are some explanations for such effects. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to review the phlorotannins and to assess the beneficial uses in medicine. METHODS: Different databases were explored with the exact terms "Phlorotannin", "Seaweed" and "Brown Algae". Data assembly was finalized by June 2019. The papers showing the effects of phlorotannins in medicine were gathered and evaluated for further assessment. RESULTS: General physiological aspects of phlorotannins were firstly evaluated. Different arrays of pharmacological properties ranging from anti-diabetic activity to cancer treatment were found. The mechanism of action for some of these beneficiary properties has been confirmed through rigorous examinations, but there are some features with unknown mechanisms. CONCLUSION: Phlorotannins are characterized as a multifunctional group of natural products. Potential antioxidant characteristics could be attributed to preventive and/or their curative role in various diseases.
Subject(s)
Benzofurans , Biological Products/pharmacology , Phaeophyceae/chemistry , Phloroglucinol , Tannins , Anticoagulants/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Benzofurans/isolation & purification , Benzofurans/pharmacology , Humans , Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology , Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology , Phloroglucinol/analogs & derivatives , Phloroglucinol/isolation & purification , Phloroglucinol/pharmacology , Tannins/chemistry , Tannins/pharmacologyABSTRACT
Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a popular natural drug, traditionally used for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Its root, as its most popular part used for medicinal purposes, contains different types of phytochemicals and minerals. This review summarizes what is currently known on biochemistry, safety, pharmacological activities (mechanistically), and clinical applications of turmeric. In short, curcumin is considered as the fundamental constituent in ground turmeric rhizome. Turmeric possesses several biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, antiobesity, hypolipidemic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. These reported pharmacologic activities make turmeric an important option for further clinical research. Also, there is a discussion on its safety and toxicity.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Globally, cancer ranks among the most common causes of death. Multiple experimental and clinical studies have investigated anticancer effects of honey with promising results. This study focused on potential background mechanisms of this effect. METHODS: The current literature was reviewed for potential anticancer pathways which are suggested for honey and its ingredients. RESULTS: Flavonoids (kaempferol, catechin, and quercetin) and phenolic acids (caffeic acid and gallic acid) are the most important ingredients of honey with known anti-cancer activity. The main suggested mechanisms for anti-cancer activity of honey and its ingredients are antioxidant, apoptotic, tumor necrosis factor inhibiting, antiproliferative, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and estrogenic effects. CONCLUSION: This review collates the current scientific understanding on the mechanism of anti-cancer activity of honey.
