Auraptene inhibits migration, invasion and metastatic behavior of human malignant glioblastoma cells: An in vitro and in silico study.

Objective: The present work examined the anti-metastatic effects of auraptene and their underlying mechanisms of action in U87 Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells. Materials and Methods: To test the hypothesis, cell culture, Matrigel invasion assay, scratch wound healing assay, gelatin zymography assay, qRT-PCR, and western blot experiments were conducted. Results: At sublethal concentrations of 12.5 and 25 µg/ml, auraptene exhibited a significant reduction in cell invasion and migration of U87 cells, as assessed using scratch wound healing and Transwell tests, respectively. The qRT-PCR and zymography experiments demonstrated a significant decrease in both mRNA expression and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 following auraptene treatment. Western blot analysis also showed that MMP-2 protein level and phosphorylation of metastasis-related proteins (p-JNK and p-mTOR) decreased in auraptene-treated cells. Molecular docking studies consistently demonstrated that auraptene exhibits a significant affinity towards MMP-2/-9, the ATP binding site of mTOR and JNK1/2/3. Conclusion: Auraptene inhibited the migration and invasion of GBM cells. This inhibitory effect was induced by modulating specific mechanisms, including suppressing MMPs, JNK, and mTOR activities.

Aloe vera Leaf Extract Reduced BBB Permeability and Improved Neurological Results after Traumatic Brain Injury: The Role of Oxidative Stress.

Introduction: Recognizing the importance of medicinal plants and the absence of specific medications for traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of an aqueous extract of Aloe vera on oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and neurological scores following TBI. Materials and Methods: Adult male rats were categorized into five groups: sham, TBI, vehicle, low-dose Aloe vera (LA), and high-dose Aloe vera (HA). We induced diffuse TBI using the Marmaro model and administered the aqueous Aloe vera leaf extract, as well as vehicle, via intraperitoneal injection half an hour after TBI. Neurological outcomes were assessed both before and several hours after TBI. Additionally, oxidative stress factors were measured 24 hr after TBI, and Evans blue content (a BBB permeability index) was determined 5 hr after TBI in both serum and brain. Results: Both LA and HA reduced the increase in BBB permeability after TBI, with HA having a more pronounced effect than LA. Both Aloe vera doses decreased brain MDA levels, increased brain TAC, and lowered both serum and brain PC levels. The impact of Aloe vera on brain oxidative parameters was more significant than on serum. HA also counteracted the declining effects of TBI on neurological outcomes at 4 and 24 hr post-TBI. Conclusion: This study suggests that Aloe vera extract may reduce BBB permeability and improve neurological outcomes after TBI by decreasing oxidative factors and increasing antioxidant factors.

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of Berberis vulgaris and its constituent berberine, experimental and clinical, a review.

Berberis vulgaris (B. vulgaris or barberry) is a medicinal plant that has been used for various purposes in traditional medicine. Berberine is one of the main alkaloids isolated from B. vulgaris and other plants. Both B. vulgaris and berberine have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects in different experimental models and clinical trials. This review aims to summarize the current evidence on the mechanisms and applications of B. vulgaris and berberine in modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune responses. The literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases until August 2023. The results indicated that B. vulgaris and berberine could inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin-17 (IL-17), and enhance the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), in various cell types and tissues. B. vulgaris and berberine can also scavenge free radicals, increase antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduce lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. B. vulgaris and berberine have been reported to exert beneficial effects in several inflammatory, oxidative, and immune-related diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, allergic diseases, and infections. However, more studies are needed to elucidate the optimal doses, safety profiles, and potential interactions of B. vulgaris and berberine with other drugs or natural compounds.

Protective effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Zataria multiflora on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in rat liver.

Objective: Liver is an important player in regulation of body homeostasis. Study investigated the effects of hydro-alcohol extract of Zataria multiflora (ZM) on oxidative damage, level of IL-6 and enzymes of liver in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated rats. Materials and Methods: The rats were distributed into 5 groups: 1) Control; 2) LPS; and 3-5) ZM-Extract (Ext) 50, ZM-Ext 100, and ZM-Ext 200. ZM-Ext groups received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of extract 30 min before LPS. Drugs were injected intraperitoneally. The entire period of this project was 17 days. In first three days, only extract was injected and then, ZM was injected along with LPS. Results: LPS increased the level of ALT (Alanine aminotransferase), AST (Aspartate aminotransferase ), ALK-P (Alkaline Phosphatase), IL-6, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites and lowered thiol, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) concentration. ZM extract not only reduced ALT, AST, ALK-P, IL-6, MDA, and NO metabolites concentrations but also increased thiol content, and SOD and CAT levels. Conclusion: Extract of ZM prevented LPS-induced hepatotoxicity. This protective effect was associated with reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress.

Zataria multiflora and its constituent, carvacrol, counteract sepsis-induced aortic and cardiac toxicity in rat: Involvement of nitric oxide and oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: Zataria multiflora and carvacrol showed various pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. However, up to now no studies have explored its potential benefits in ameliorating sepsis-induced aortic and cardiac injury. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Z. multiflora and carvacrol on nitric oxide (NO) and oxidative stress indicators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced aortic and cardiac injury. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were assigned to: Control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)), and Z. multiflora hydro-ethanolic extract (ZME, 50-200 mg/kg, oral)- and carvacrol (25-100 mg/kg, oral)-treated groups. LPS was injected daily for 14 days. Treatment with ZME and carvacrol started 3 days before LPS administration and treatment continued during LPS administration. At the end of the study, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), NO, thiols, and antioxidant enzymes were evaluated. RESULTS: Our findings showed a significant reduction in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and thiols in the LPS group, which were restored by ZME and carvacrol. Furthermore, ZME and carvacrol decreased MDA and NO in cardiac and aortic tissues of LPS-injected rats. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest protective effects of ZME and carvacrol on LPS-induced cardiovascular injury via improved redox hemostasis and attenuated NO production. However, additional studies are needed to elucidate the effects of ZME and its constituents on inflammatory responses mediated by LPS.

Effect of Allium cepa extract on total and differential WBC, TP level, oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers, and lung pathology in ovalbumin-sensitized rats.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that Allium cepa (A. cepa) has relaxant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this research, A. cepa extract was examined for its prophylactic effect on lung inflammation and oxidative stress in sensitized rats. METHODS: Total and differential white blood cell (WBC) count in the blood, serum levels of oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers, total protein (TP) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung pathology were investigated in control group (C), sensitized group (S), and sensitized groups treated with A. cepa and dexamethasone. RESULTS: Total and most differential WBC count, TP, NO2, NO3, MDA (malondialdehyde), and lung pathological scores were increased while lymphocytes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and thiol were decreased in sensitized animals compared to controls (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). Treatment with all concentrations of extract significantly improved total WBC, TP, NO2, NO3, interstitial fibrosis, and emphysema compared to the S group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Two higher concentrations of the extract significantly decreased neutrophil and monocyte count, malondialdehyde, bleeding and epithelial damage but increased lymphocyte, CAT, and thiol compared to the S group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Dexamethasone treatment also substantially improved most measured parameters (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001), but it did not change eosinophil percentage. It was proposed that A. cepa extract could affect lung inflammation and oxidative stress in sensitized rats.

Effect of Allium cepa extract on total and differential WBC, TP level, oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers, and lung pathology in ovalbumin-sensitized rats

Background: Previous studies have shown that Allium cepa (A. cepa) has relaxant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this research, A. cepa extract was examined for its prophylactic effect on lung inflammation and oxidative stress in sensitized rats. Methods: Total and differential white blood cell (WBC) count in the blood, serum levels of oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers, total protein (TP) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung pathology were investigated in control group (C), sensitized group (S), and sensitized groups treated with A. cepa and dexamethasone. Results: Total and most differential WBC count, TP, NO2, NO3, MDA (malondialdehyde), and lung pathological scores were increased while lymphocytes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and thiol were decreased in sensitized animals compared to controls (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). Treatment with all concentrations of extract significantly improved total WBC, TP, NO2, NO3, interstitial fibrosis, and emphysema compared to the S group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Two higher concentrations of the extract significantly decreased neutrophil and monocyte count, malondialdehyde, bleeding and epithelial damage but increased lymphocyte, CAT, and thiol compared to the S group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Dexamethasone treatment also substantially improved most measured parameters (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001), but it did not change eosinophil percentage. It was proposed that A. cepa extract could affect lung inflammation and oxidative stress in sensitized rats (AU)

Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum on nitric oxide metabolites in brain tissues following seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole in mice.

Objective: The effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum on oxidative stress imposed by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) was examined in mice brain tissues. Materials and Methods: Animals were divided into five groups as follows: 1- control group which received saline; 2- PTZ group (100 mg/kg, ip); and groups 3 to 5 which received (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) of C. zeylanicum for seven days prior to PTZ injection. The latencies of the first minimal clonic seizure (MCS) and the first generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS) and levels of oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers were measured. Results: Treatment with the two higher doses of the extract significantly increased the MCS and GTCS latencies (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were increased, but superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and thiol were decreased in both cortical and hippocampal tissues of the PTZ group compared to the controls (p<0.001). Pretreatment with the two higher doses of C. zeylanicum significantly led to a significant correction in NO, MDA, SOD and CAT levels in the hippocampus and cortex compared to the PTZ group (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Conclusion: Antioxidant and anticonvulsant effects of C. zeylanicum in PTZ-injected animals may suggest its potential therapeutic effect on nervous diseases such as seizures.

Advantages and drawbacks of dexamethasone in glioblastoma multiforme.

The most widespread, malignant, and deadliest type of glial tumor is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Despite radiation, chemotherapy, and radical surgery, the median survival of afflicted individuals is about 12 months. Unfortunately, existing therapeutic interventions are abysmal. Dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic glucocorticoid, has been used for many years to treat brain edema and inflammation caused by GBM. Several investigations have recently shown that Dex also exerts antitumoral effects against GBM. On the other hand, more recent disputed findings have questioned the long-held dogma of Dex treatment for GBM. Unfortunately, steroids are associated with various undesirable side effects, including severe immunosuppression and metabolic changes like hyperglycemia, which may impair the survival of GBM patients. Current ideas and concerns about Dex's effects on GBM cerebral edema, cell proliferation, migration, and its clinical outcomes were investigated in this study.

Anticancer Mechanisms of Berberine: A Good Choice for Glioblastoma Multiforme Therapy.

The most typical malignant brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), seems to have a grim outcome, despite the intensive multi-modality interventions. Literature suggests that biologically active phytomolecules may exert anticancer properties by regulating several signaling pathways. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has various pharmacological applications to combat severe diseases like cancer. Mechanistically, it inhibits cell proliferation and invasion, suppresses tumor angiogenesis, and induces cell apoptosis. The antitumoral effect of berberine in GBM is increasingly recognized. This review sheds new light on the regulatory signaling mechanisms of berberine in various cancers, proposing its potential role as a therapeutic agent for GBM.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Curcumin in Thyroid Gland Disorders.

There is growing literature on the positive therapeutic potentials of curcumin. Curcumin or diferuloylmethane is a polyphenol obtained from the plant Curcuma longa. Curcumin is widely used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for various conditions. The role of curcumin in thyroid gland disorders has been demonstrated by its effects on various biological pathways, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell cycle and metastasis. In this paper, we have reviewed the recent literature on curcumin applications for thyroid dysfunction, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, and discussed the molecular mechanisms of these effects. This review aims to summarize the wealth of research related to the therapeutic effect of curcumin on the thyroid gland.

The Effect of Curcuma longa on Inflammatory Mediators and Immunological, Oxidant, and Antioxidant Biomarkers in Asthmatic Rats.

The effects of Curcuma longa (C. longa) on total and differential WBC, inflammatory and immunologic mediators, and oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of rats model of asthma were assessed. Animals were divided to 5 groups including control (C), asthma (sensitized to ovalbumin), and asthmatic groups treated with 0.75, 1.50, and 3.00 mg/ml C. longa (CL) and 1.25 µg/ml dexamethasone (D) (8 rats in each group). Total and differential WBC count, concentrations of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), total protein (TP), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), immunoglobulin E (IgE), NO2, NO3, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and thiol in BALF were assessed. Total and most differential WBC counts and BALF levels of PLA2, TP, IgE, IL-4, and oxidants in asthma group were higher but antioxidants and IFN-γ levels as well as IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio were lower than control group (p < 0.001 for all cases). Total WBC and levels of PLA2, IgE, NO2, and NO3 were significantly reduced following treatment with C. longa, compared to asthma group (p < 0.001 for all cases). In groups treated with dexamethasone and two higher concentrations of C. longa, neutrophil and eosinophil counts as well as TP, IL-4, and MDA levels were significantly decreased but IFN-γ, IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio, and antioxidants were increased (except IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio), compared to asthma group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Compared to dexamethasone, C. longa exerted more pronounced effects on lung inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system in asthmatic rats.

Experimental and clinical studies on the effects of Portulaca oleracea L. and its constituents on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders, a review.

Various pharmacological effects for Portulaca oleracea were shown in previous studies. Therefore, the effects of P. oleracea and its derivatives on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic diseases according to update experimental and clinical studies are provided in this review article. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using appropriate keywords until the end of December 2020. The effects of P. oleracea and its constituents such as quercetin and kaempferol on an animal model of asthma were shown. Portulaca oleracea and its constituents also showed therapeutic effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis in both experimental and clinical studies. The possible bronchodilatory effect of P. oleracea and its ingredients was also reported. Portulaca oleracea and its constituents showed the preventive effect on lung cancer and a clinical study showed the effect of P. oleracea on patients with lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, a various constituents of P. oleracea including, quercetin and kaempferol showed therapeutic effects on lung infections. This review indicates the therapeutic effect of P. oleracea and its constituents on various lung and allergic disorders but more clinical studies are required to establish the clinical efficacy of this plant and its constituents on lung and allergic disorders.

Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress induced by inhaled paraquat in rat improved by carvacrol, possible role of PPARγ receptors.

Control rats were exposed to saline aerosol, two groups were exposed to paraquat (PQ), 27 (PQ-L) and 54 (PQ-H) mg/m3 aerosols and six groups were treated with carvacrol, 20 (C-L) and 80 (C-H) mg/kg/day, pioglitazone, 5 (Pio-L) and 10 (Pio-H) mg/kg/day, C-L+Pio-L and dexamethasone, 0.03 mg/kg/day, for 16 days after the end of exposure to PQ-H. Different variables were measured after the end of treatment period. Total and differential white blood cells counts, nitrite, malondialdehyde, interleukin (IL)-10, and interferon-gamma levels were significant increased, but thiol, superoxide dismutase, catalase, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were decreased in the blood due to both doses of PQ (p < 0.05-p < 0.001). Most measured parameters were significantly improved in treated groups with both doses of carvacrol, pioglitazone, the combination of C-L+Pio-L and dexamethasone compared to PQ-H group (p < 0.05-p < 0.001). Treatment with C-L+Pio-L showed significantly higher effects compared to each one alone (p < 0.05-p < 0.001). Systemic oxidative stress and inflammation due to inhaled PQ were improved by carvacrol and pioglitazone. Higher effects of C-L+Pio-L than each one alone suggests carvacrol modulating PPAR-γ receptors.

Zataria multiflora and Pioglitazone Affect Systemic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Induced by Inhaled Paraquat in Rats.

The effects of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) and pioglitazone (a PPAR-γ agonist) alone and in combination, on systemic inflammation and oxidative stress induced by inhaled paraquat (PQ) as a herbicide, which induced inflammation in rats, were examined. Rats were exposed to (1) saline (control) and (2) 54 mg/m3 PQ aerosols (8 times, every other day, each time for 30 min) without treatment or treated with (3 and 4) two doses of Z. multiflora (200 and 800 mg/kg/day), (5 and 6) two doses of pioglitazone (5 and 10 mg/kg/day), (7) low doses of Z.multiflora + pioglitazone, (Pio-5+Z-200 mg/kg/day) or (8) dexamethasone (0.03 mg/kg/day) for 16 days, after the last PQ exposure. Different variables were measured at the end of the treatment period. Exposure to PQ significantly increased total and differential white blood cells (WBC) counts, serum levels of nitrite (NO2), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin- (IL) 17, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), but reduced thiol, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), IL-10, and interferon-gamma (INF-γ) (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Most measured parameters were significantly improved in groups treated with either doses of the extract, pioglitazone, Pio-5+Z-200 mg/kg/day, or dexamethasone compared to the PQ group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The combination of low doses of Pio-5+Z-200 mg/kg/day showed significantly higher effects compared to each one alone (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Systemic oxidative stress and inflammation due to inhaled PQ were improved by Z. multiflora and pioglitazone. Higher effects of Pio-5+Z-200 mg/kg/day compared to each one alone suggest modulation of PPAR-γ receptors by the plant extract, but further studies using PPAR-γ antagonists need to be done in this regard.

A review of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of Allium cepa and its main constituents.

CONTEXT: Allium cepa L. (Liliaceae), known as onion, is consumed throughout the world. Onion and its derivatives including saponins, aglycones, quercetin, cepaenes, flavonoids, organosulfurs, and phenolic compounds, showed various pharmacological properties and therapeutic effects. OBJECTIVE: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of A. cepa and its main constituents, along with the underlying molecular mechanisms are presented. METHODS: Databases including, Web of Knowledge, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were checked for articles published between 1996 and the end of July 2020, using the key-words Allium cepa, quercetin, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory. RESULTS: A. cepa and its constituents mainly quercetin showed anti-inflammatory effects mediated via reduction of total and differential WBC counts, inhibition of chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, COX, and LOX pathways and prevented formation of leukotrienes and thromboxanes, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as onVCAM-1, NF-κB, MARK,d STAT-1, JNK, p38 and osteoclastogenesis. A. cepa and its derivatives showed antioxidant effect by decreasing lipid peroxidation, NAD(P)H, MDA, NO, LPO and eNOS but enhancing antioxidants such as SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx, GSPO, TrxR, SDH, GST and GR activities and thiol level. Immunomodulatory effects of the plant and quercetin was also shown by reduction of Th2 cytokines, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 as well as IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1ß and TNF-α and IgE levels, but increased CD4 cells, IFN-γ level and IFN-γ/IL4 ratio (Th1/Th2 balance). CONCLUSIONS: The effect of onion and its constituents on oxidative stress, inflammatory and immune system were shown indicating their therapeutic value in treatment of various diseases associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune-dysregulation.

Role of Herbal Medicines in the Management of Brain Injury.

Brain is susceptible to oxidative stress due to its increased oxygen consumption and low antioxidant levels. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases. This review on the role of herbal medicines in the management of brain injury was performed by searching Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Iran Medex between 1976 to January 2020. The search words contained brain injury, and the total number of publications for the review study was 32. Studies with various medicinal plants such as Acanthopanax senticosus, Bacopa monnieri, carnosol, Cassia mimosoides, Centella asiatica, Crocus sativus, Cuminum cyminum, curcumin, Feronia limonia, Gardenia jasminoides, Ginkgo biloba, Kaempferia parviflora, Mentha longifolia, Nigella sativa, olive, orientin, pomegranate, quercetin, rice bran, Rosa damascena, Thymus vulgaris, Viola odorata, Withania coagulans, Zingiber officinale, and Ziziphus spina-christi show a significant improvement in brain injury. The different mechanisms for improvement in brain injury by these medicinal plants include HIF-1 (hypoxia-inducible factor 1) signaling, free-radical scavenging, reduction of nitric oxide (NO) toxicity and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity, decrease of pAkt and its downstream targets, downregulation of the aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) and TLR4/NF-ĸB/TNF-α signal, reduction in malondialdehyde and NO levels, increasing neuronal density in the hippocampus, and inhibition of oxidative stress. In this review, the neuroprotective actions and molecular mechanisms of herbal medicines are evaluated by reviewing available studies.

A Review on the Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Therapeutic Effects of Rheum ribes.

Herbal medications are typically used for the treatment of diverse diseases without significant adverse effects. The Rheum ribes (R. ribes), commonly called rhubarb, is a hardy perennial herb and is consumed all over the world. There is growing evidence of the therapeutic benefits of R. ribes. Extensive in vitro and in vivo investigations have shown that R. ribes reveals beneficial properties via different mechanisms. In the current article, various pharmacological and therapeutic effects of R. ribes have been reviewed. For this purpose, different online databases using keywords such as R. ribes, therapeutic effects, and pharmacological effects were searched until the end of December 2020. R. ribes has been suggested to be effective in the treatment of a wide range of disorders including stomachache, nausea and vomiting, hemorrhoids, and measles. Additionally, different studies have demonstrated that R. ribes possesses numerous pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral, and may also function as an expectorant. The present narrative review provides a detailed survey of scientific investigations regarding the pharmacological properties and therapeutic effects of R. ribes.

Effects of Plant and Animal Natural Products on Mitophagy.

Mitophagy is a protected cellular process that is essential for autophagic removal of damaged mitochondria and for preservation of a healthy mitochondrial population. In the last years, a particular interest has been devoted in studying the effects of natural compounds on mitophagy. Different natural compounds may modulate mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, the expression of mitophagy- and autophagy-related genes, and the activities of transcription factors which regulate the expression of mitochondrial proteins, thereby controlling mitochondrial damage and mitophagy. Remarkably, since mitochondrial function has a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various diseases (e.g., cancer, atherosclerosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, diabetes complications, Alzheimer's disease, and hepatic steatosis), these effects might have important therapeutic implications. In this review, preclinical studies investigating the role of different natural compounds in the modulation of mitophagy will be discussed.

Calcium and potassium channels are involved in curcumin relaxant effect on tracheal smooth muscles.

Context: Curcumin, the active component of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), exhibits a wide variety of biological activities including vasodilation and anti-inflammation.Objective: The relaxant effect of curcumin in tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) was not examined so far, thus, this study was designed to assess the relaxant effect of curcumin on rat TSM and examine the underlying mechanism(s) responsible for this effect.Materials and methods: TSM was contracted by KCl (60 mM) or methacholine (10 µM), and cumulative concentrations of curcumin (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/mL) or theophylline (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mM, as positive control) were added to organ bath. The relaxant effect of curcumin was examined in non-incubated or incubated tissues with atropine (1 µM), chlorpheniramine (1 µM), indomethacin (1 µM), and papaverine (100 µM).Results: In non-incubated TSM, curcumin showed significant relaxant effects on KCl-induced contraction in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.001 for all concentrations). The relaxant effects of curcumin 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/mL were significantly lower in atropine-incubated tissue compared to non-incubated TSM (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). A significant difference was observed in EC50 between atropine-incubated (48.10 ± 2.55) and non-incubated (41.65 ± 1.81) tissues (p < 0.05). Theophylline showed a significant relaxant effect on both KCl and methacholine-induced contraction in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.001 for all cases).Conclusions: The results indicated a relatively potent relaxant effect of curcumin on TSM, which was less marked than the effect of theophylline. Calcium channel blocking and/or potassium channel opening properties of curcumin may be responsible for TSM relaxation.