Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Retama</Emphasis>: a review on traditional uses,phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities

Plants of the genus Retama (Fabaceae) are used in traditional medicine of the Mediterranean Basin as an emetic, purgative, and vermifuge. Certain Retama species are also employed to treat a multitude of disorders, including diabetes, hepatitis, jaundice, sore throat, skin diseases, joint pain, rheumatism, fever, and inflammation. This review deals with updated information on the distribution, botanical characteristics, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of the Retama species in order to support their therapeutic potential and to provide an input for future research prospects. The Retama species are mainly employed as ethnomedicinal remedies in Mediterranean countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, and Spain. Previous phytochemical studies show a complex composition, rich in carbohydrates (galactomannans), polyols (pinitol), fatty acids, phenolic compounds (genistein, daidzein) and alkaloids (retamine, lupanine). The pharmacological activity of their various extracts has been widely studied, revealing, among others, the anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects of these species. The potential toxicity of these medicinal plants has also been discussed. Although recent experimental evidence confirms the pharmacological interest of this genus, further studies are necessary.     

Revealing the reviving secret of the white dead nettle (Lamium album L.)

Lamium album, commonly known as white dead nettle or non-stinging nettle is a flowering herbaceous plant, native throughout Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. From ancient times this plant has been endowed with revival, curative and culinary virtues. In the past, in the traditional and folk medicine white dead nettle has been used mainly for its anti-inflammatory, astringent and anti-septic activity. Nowadays significant amount of knowledge on the efficacy of extracts and raw material of L. album is accumulated and a number of health-related beneficial activities have been scientifically proven. In vitro analyses conducted in various model systems have demonstrated antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, cytoprotective, wound healing and other important pharmacological effects. The present review summarizes the recent information on the phytochemical features of this pharmacologically important species. The findings on the chemical composition, biological activities and the pharmacological properties underlying the revival secret of white dead nettle are described and discussed in the view of potential applications for treatment of human diseases. Trends for further research are outlined.     

Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) roxb. (Bahera) in health and disease: A systematic and comprehensive review

BackgroundTerminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. is one of the oldest medicinal herbs of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as well as South-East Asia. Its medicinal utility has been described in the different traditional medicinal systems, such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and traditional Chinese medicine.PurposeThe present study is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview on the traditional medicinal use, major phytoconstituents, biological and pharmacological activities and related mechanisms of actions and clinical studies of T. bellirica. Another objective is to describe current limitations and future direction of T. bellirica-related research.MethodsPubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and EBOSCO host databases were selected to explore literature published between 1980 and 2020 (till March). Keywords used in various combinations comprised of Terminalia bellirica, phytoconstituents, health effects, pharmacological activities, molecular targets, in vitro, in vivo, clinical studies, and disease prevention.ResultsA broad spectrum in vitro and in vivo studies suggested various biological and pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anticancer activities. Diverse bioactivities of T. bellirica have been ascribed to the presence of many bioactive phytochemicals, such as glucoside, tannins, gallic acid, corilagin, ellagic acid, ethyl gallate, galloyl glucose, chebulagic acid, and arjunolic acid.ConclusionPreclinical and clinical studies have suggested that T. bellirica plant and its phytoconstituents have immense potential for prevention and treatment of various diseases. Additional in vivo studies and clinical trials are warranted to realize the complete medicinal attributes of this plant.     

Secondary Metabolites and Biological Properties of Gesneriaceae Species

The family Gesneriaceae comprises ca. 150 genera and 3000 species, distributed in the tropics around the world. It is constituted of herbs, lianas, or shrubs, frequently with ornamental potential, due to the beauty of their flowers. Some species have been used in traditional medicine, mainly against fever, cough, colds, snakebite, pains, and infectious and inflammatory diseases. Although Gesneriaceae are a large family, only few species were chemically investigated, and this took place mainly in the last decade. In the present work, chemical and pharmacological studies on Gesneriaceae are reviewed based on original articles published. Altogether 300 compounds have been reported in Gesneriaceae species, including flavonoids, terpenes and steroids, phenolic glucosides, simple phenolics, quinones, lignans, xanthones, and compounds with unusual skeletons. Several species had been used in folk medicine, and some constituents have shown biological activities, such as antimicrobial, anti‐inflamatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties.     

Chemistry and pharmacology of Rhaponticum carthamoides: A review

Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin is a perennial herb, commonly known as a maral root or Russian leuzea, which has been used for centuries in eastern parts of Russia for its marked medicinal properties. This review based on 117 literary sources, with many of them being originally published in non-English languages (mainly in Russian), discusses the current knowledge of traditional uses, chemistry, biological effects and toxicity of this species. Several different classes of compounds were previously isolated from various parts of R. carthamoides of which the main groups are steroids, particularly ecdysteroids, and phenolics (flavonoids and phenolic acids) accompanied with polyacetylenes, sesquiterpene lactones, triterpenoid glycosides and terpenes (essential oil). A comprehensive account of the chemical constituents is given in this review (figures of 120 structures are shown). Various types of preparations, extracts and individual compounds derived from this species have been found to possess a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects on several organs such as the brain, blood, cardiovascular and nervous systems as well as on different biochemical processes and physiological functions including proteosynthesis, work capacity, reproduction, and sexual function. Moreover, the extracts and preparations from the plant, which are hopefully safe, exhibited various additional biological effects e.g. antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticancerogenic, antimicrobial, antiparasitic and insect antifeedant or repellent activities. The results of data analysis on the chemical, pharmacological and toxicological characteristics of R. carthamoides support the view that this species has beneficial therapeutic properties and indicate its potential as an effective adaptogenic herbal remedy. Finally, some suggestions for further research on chemical and pharmacological properties are given in this review.     

Honokiol: A review of its pharmacological potential and therapeutic insights

BackgroundHonokiol is a pleiotropic compound which been isolated from Magnolia species such as Magnolia grandiflora and Magnolia dealbata. Magnolia species Magnolia grandiflora is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases.PurposeThe objective of this review is to summarize the pharmacological potential and therapeutic insights of honokiol.Study designHonokiol has been specified as a novel alternative to treat various disorders such as liver cancer, neuroprotective, anti-spasmodic, antidepressant, anti-tumorigenic, antithrombotic, antimicrobial, analgesic properties and others. Therefore, this study designed to represent the in-depth therapeutic potential of honokiol.MethodsLiterature searches in electronic databases, such as Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, were performed using the keywords ‘Honokiol’, ‘Health Benefits’ and ‘Therapeutic Insights’ as the keywords for primary searches and secondary search terms were used as follows: ‘Anticancer’, ‘Oxidative Stress’, ‘Neuroprotective’, ‘Antimicrobial’, ‘Cardioprotection’, ‘Hepatoprotective’, ‘Anti-inflammatory’, ‘Arthritis’, ‘Reproductive Disorders’.ResultsThis promising bioactive compound presented an wide range of therapeutic and biological activities which include liver cancer, neuroprotective, anti-spasmodic, antidepressant, anti-tumorigenic, antithrombotic, antimicrobial, analgesic properties, and others. Its pharmacokinetics has been established in experimental animals, while in humans, this is still speculative. Some of its mechanism for exhibiting its pharmacological effects includes apoptosis of diseased cells, reduction in the expression of defective proteins like P-glycoproteins, inhibition of oxidative stress, suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-6), amelioration of impaired hepatic enzymes and reversal of morphological alterations, among others.ConclusionAll these actions displayed by this novel compound could make it serve as a lead in the formulation of drugs with higher efficacy and negligible side effects utilized in the treatment of several human diseases.     

An overview on traditional uses and pharmacological profile of Acorus calamus Linn. (Sweet flag) and other Acorus species

Acorus calamus (Sweet flag) has a long history of use and has numerous traditional and ethnomedicinal applications. Since ancient times, it has been used in various systems of medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Chinese medicine, etc. for the treatment of various aliments like nervous disorders, appetite loss, bronchitis, chest pain, colic, cramps, diarrhea, digestive disorders, flatulence, gas, indigestion, rheumatism, sedative, cough, fever, bronchitis, inflammation, depression, tumors, hemorrhoids, skin diseases, numbness, general debility and vascular disorders. Various therapeutic potentials of this plant have been attributed to its rhizome. A number of active constituents from leaves, rhizomes and essential oils of A. calamus have been isolated and characterized. Of the constituents, alpha and beta-asarone are the predominant bioactive components. Various pharmacological activities of A. calamus rhizome such as sedative, CNS depressant, anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, cardiovascular, hypolipidemic, immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, cryoprotective, antioxidant, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, anticancer and antidiabetic has been reported. Genotoxicity and mutagenecity of beta and alpha-asarone is reported, which limits their use at high dosage. Though A. calamus has been used since ancient times, many of its uses are yet to be scientifically validated. In the present review an attempt has been made to explore traditional uses and pharmacological properties of A. calamus.     

Identification of proteins binding to decursinol by chemical proteomics

Decursinol, found in the roots of Angelica gigas Nakai, has been traditionally used to treat anemia and other various diseases. Recently, numerous biological activities such as cytotoxic effect on leukemia cells, and antitumor, neuroprotection, and antibacterial activities have been reported for this compound. Although a number of proteins including protein kinase C, androgen receptor, and acetylcholinesterase were proposed as molecular targets responsible for the activities of decursinol, they are not enough to explain such a diverse biological activity mentioned above. In this study, we employed a chemical proteomic approach, leading to identification of seven proteins as potential proteins interacting with decursinol. Most of the proteins contain a defined ATP or nucleic acid binding domain and have been implied to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of various human diseases including cancer, autoimmune disorders, or neurodegenerative diseases. The present results may provide clues to understand the molecular mechanism of the biological activities shown by decursinol, an anticancer natural product.     

A comprehensive review on distribution,paharmacological uses and biological activities of Argyrolobium roseum (Cambess.) Jaub. & Spach

Argyrolobium roseum (Leguminoseae/Fabaceae) widely distributed in central Asia also common in Pakistan which has been used as a traditional medicine for many diseases. This paper provides a comprehensive review and updated information available in the literature, regarding the phytochemical investigation and biological activities to highlight the detailed, up to date study of Argyrolobium roseum. Literature surveys have been conducted to explore the ethnobotanical, floral, and biological study of the selected plant for further findings. Literature review confirmed that, Argyrolobium roseum contains several phytochemicals, physicochemical and pharmacological activities, such as anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, allelopathic, anti-diabetic, enzymatic, cytotoxic, hepatotoxic and Immuno-modulatory activities. Based on previous literature, we concludes that these pharmacological and biological studies are still not enough to explore the medical and ethnobotanical value. Hence, further detailed explorations are required to study bioactive compounds and to discover medicinal value and its phytotherapeutic potential.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Origanum</Emphasis> spp.: an update of their chemical and biological profiles

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of most recent studies about potential pharmaceutical applications of plants belonging to Origanum genus. Oregano is one of the most famous and economically important culinary herbs in the world. The genus Origanum includes more than 70 species mainly distributed around the Mediterranean region. The vernacular name “oregano” is attributed to a vast number of species. O. vulgare L. is the most variable species of the genus and the most commonly known as oregano in most countries. Today, it is generally accepted that oregano is a characteristic flavour produced by a number of plant species that yield carvacrol-rich essential oils. The genus Origanum is characterised by a large morphological and chemical diversity. Because of their several biological activities, such as antimicrobial, expectorant, antispasmodic and carminative, Origanum species have been used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. The botany and chemotaxonomy of the species are thoroughly reported, along with chemical constituents. The in vitro and in vivo effects of Origanum extracts are presented and discussed.     

Ethnobotany,phytochemistry and pharmacology of Podocarpus sensu latissimo (s.l.)

The genus Podocarpus sensu latissimo (s.l.) was initially subdivided into eight sections. However, based on new information from different morphological and anatomical studies, these sections were recognised as new genera. This change in nomenclature sometimes is problematic when consulting ethnobotanical data especially when selecting plants for pharmacological screening, thus there is a need to clear any ambiguity with the nomenclature. Species of Podocarpus s.l. are important timber trees in their native areas. They have been used by many communities in traditional medicine and as a source of income. Podocarpus s.l. is used in the treatment of fevers, asthma, coughs, cholera, distemper, chest complaints and venereal diseases. Other uses include timber, food, wax, tannin and as ornamental trees. Although extensive research has been carried out on species of Podocarpus s.l over the last decade, relatively little is known about the African species compared to those of New Zealand, Australia, China and Japan. Phytochemical studies have led to the isolation and elucidation of various terpenoids and nor- and bis-norditerpenoid dilactones. Biflavonoids of the amentoflavone and hinokiflavone types have also been isolated. Nor- and bis-norditerpenes are said to be taxonomic markers for this genus. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have shown antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, larvicidal, plant and insect growth regulation activities. Various studies have yielded important natural bioactive products and two of them are worth mentioning. Taxol, a significant anticancer agent has been isolated from Podocarpus gracilior and totarol, a diterpenoid isolated from various species and now commercially produced as a potent antibacterial and antioxidant agent. Findings from this review supports the use of an ethnobotanical and chemotaxonomical approach in selecting plants for pharmacological screening since most of the species in the different morphological groups have similar uses. Also the isolated compounds have chemotaxonomic value amongst the groups. Some of the biological activities identified from extracts and compounds isolated from Podocarpus s.l. support the rationale behind the medicinal uses of these species.     

Antiprotozoal alkaloid principles of the plant family Amaryllidaceae

Protozoan-borne diseases are prominent amongst diseases caused by parasites. Given their alarming morbidity and mortality statistics, there is ever growing interest in new therapies against these diseases. Whilst synthetic drugs such as benznidazole and melarsoprol have had a profound influence on the clinical setup, there has been significant interest in the phytochemical platform to also deliver such drug candidates. The plant family Amaryllidaceae is recognizable for its isoquinoline alkaloids, which exhibit attractive molecular architectures and interesting biological properties. This survey focuses on the antiprotozoal activities of 73 of such substances described in 18 different species of the Amaryllidaceae. Of these, 2-O-acetyllycorine was identified as the most potent (IC₅₀ 0.15 μg/mL against Trypansoma brucei brucei). Also considered are structure-activity relationships which have served to modulate activities, as well as the plausible mechanisms that underpin these effects and afford insight to the Amaryllidaceae alkaloid antiprotozoal pharmacophore.     

Yeast proteomics and protein microarrays

Our understanding of biological processes as well as human diseases has improved greatly thanks to studies on model organisms such as yeast. The power of scientific approaches with yeast lies in its relatively simple genome, its facile classical and molecular genetics, as well as the evolutionary conservation of many basic biological mechanisms. However, even in this simple model organism, systems biology studies, especially proteomic studies had been an intimidating task. During the past decade, powerful high-throughput technologies in proteomic research have been developed for yeast including protein microarray technology. The protein microarray technology allows the interrogation of protein–protein, protein–DNA, protein–small molecule interaction networks as well as post-translational modification networks in a large-scale, high-throughput manner. With this technology, many groundbreaking findings have been established in studies with the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, most of which could have been unachievable with traditional approaches. Discovery of these networks has profound impact on explicating biological processes with a proteomic point of view, which may lead to a better understanding of normal biological phenomena as well as various human diseases.     

Strategies to enhance biologically active-secondary metabolites in cell cultures of Artemisia – current trends

The genus Artemisia has been utilized worldwide due to its immense potential for protection against various diseases, especially malaria. Artemisia absinthium, previously renowned for its utilization in the popular beverage absinthe, is gaining resurgence due to its extensive pharmacological activities. Like A. annua, this species exhibits strong biological activities like antimalarial, anticancer and antioxidant. Although artemisinin was found to be the major metabolite for its antimalarial effects, several flavonoids and terpenoids are considered to possess biological activities when used alone and also to synergistically boost the bioavailability of artemisinin. However, due to the limited quantities of these metabolites in wild plants, in vitro cultures were established and strategies have been adopted to enhance medicinally important secondary metabolites in these cultures. This review elaborates on the traditional medicinal uses of Artemisia species and explains current trends to establish cell cultures of A. annua and A. absinthium for enhanced production of medicinally important secondary metabolites.     

Cotinus coggygria Scop.: An overview of its chemical constituents,pharmacological and toxicological potential

The Anacardiaceae Lindl. family comprises of many species which are used in nutrition and in traditional folk medicine for the treatment of several human diseases. Cotinus coggygria Scop. commonly known as “smoke tree”, is a commercial ornamental plant with high medicinal usages, belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. The present review provides a comprehensive report of empirical investigations on important pharmacological activities and phytochemical screening of essential oils and extracts. Relevant information was collected from scientific journals, books, and reports via library and electronic search using Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus. The plant has been extensively investigated in a broad range of studies to provide scientific evidence for folklore claims or to find new therapeutic uses. Numerous activities namely antioxidative, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antigenotoxic, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory have been demonstrated for all parts of these plants by in vivo and in vitro studies. Essential oils and extracts showed various pharmacological and biological properties which make them an effective remedy for various kinds of illnesses. Considering data from the literature, it could be demonstrated that C. coggygria possesses diverse bioactive properties and immense utilization in medicine, health care, cosmetics and as health supplements.     

A review of the ethnomedicinal uses,phytochemistry and pharmacology of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pleiocarpa</Emphasis> genus

Pleiocarpa genus is a flowering plant from the Apocynaceae family which are rich sources of phytochemicals and have been reported to be useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments, fever, malaria, pain, diabetes and cancer. The aim of this review is to present the past and current ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and the pharmacology of Pleiocarpa genus which are underexploited as revealed through this review in order to enhance its potential source of phytochemical leads in medicine. Some pharmacological activities of these plants based on their acclaimed ethnomedicinal uses have been investigated by various researchers. The chemical profile of the genus is limited to alkaloids and triterpenoids, where indole alkaloids may be considered as important taxonomical markers.     

Mondia whitei (Apocynaceae): A review of its biological activities, conservation strategies and economic potential

Globally, the commercialisation of plants as observed in their uses by many industries such as the cosmeceutical, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical ones is gaining more interest and popularity. Mondia whitei is a popular medicinal plant which is endemic to Africa. Since antiquity, M. whitei has been used by African people to treat various ailments. The roots were used for the treatment of anorexia, stress, bilharzia and sexual dysfunction as well as for general aches and pains. Researchers have evaluated the efficacy of most of these claims by screening the M. whitei for biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anthelmintic as well as aphrodisiac efficacy. Furthermore, M. whitei has horticultural, nutritional and other socio-cultural values as reported in countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda and Malawi. As a result of its numerous uses across the African continent, we attempt to explore and assess the economic potential of M. whitei with emphasis on medicinal values. The root of M. whitei is the most popular organ used in traditional medicine; consequently, this has resulted in the species becoming rare or threatened with extinction in the wild. Several authors have suggested solutions such as plant or plant part substitution to overcome the over-harvesting problem. The application of biotechnology techniques such as micropropagation and hairy roots also remain viable options which are presently being utilised to a lesser extent. Nevertheless, the sustainable harvesting and feasible conservation strategy for the species remains a major challenge. It is strongly recommended that in as much as the economic potential of M. whitei should be exploited, more detailed attention and studies should be geared towards its conservation. In order to ensure sustainable use and to derive maximum economic benefits, it is necessary to have empirical information detailing its ethno-botanical values, conservation status and commercial potential.     

Medicinal herbs and antioxidants: potential of Rhinacanthus nasutus for disease treatment?

This review covers the biological activities of the medicinal herb, Rhinacanthus nasutus, which is part of the Acanthaceae family. This herb and the compounds isolated from it have the potential to be used for the treatment of a vast array of diseases, including neurological, (such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and depression), viral and bacterial infections (such as hepatitis and herpes virus), skin disorders, and control sugar levels in diabetic patients. Many diseases involve oxidative stress, particularly neurological diseases, where oxidative stress leads to neurodegeneration. Medicinal herbs such as R. nasutus appear to be effective at protecting against such oxidative stress. Herein we discuss the potential mechanisms by which they have their antioxidant effects, and their effects on other cellular pathways, which are involved in various disease states.     

Chrysobalanaceae: secondary metabolites, ethnopharmacology and pharmacological potential

Many Chrysobalanaceae species, in special Licania and Parinari, are widely used in folk medicine to treat several diseases. This review describes some aspects of their ethnopharmacology potential, biological activities and the secondary metabolites reported so far for Chrysobalanaceae. The chemical constituents of this family include triterpenoids, diterpenoids, steroids and phenylpropanoids like flavonoids as well as chromones derivatives.