-
1.
Research progress of natural products for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Li, J, Zhao, T, Qiao, H, Li, Y, Xia, M, Wang, X, Liu, C, Zheng, T, Chen, R, Xie, Y, et al
Journal of integrative neuroscience. 2022;(1):14
Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability world-widely. The incidence rate of stroke has been increasing due to the aging population and lifestyle changes. At present, the only drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ischemic stroke is tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), but its clinical application is greatly limited because of its narrow time window and bleeding risk. Natural products have a long history of being used in traditional medicine with good safety, making them an important resource for the development of new drugs. Indeed, some natural products can target a variety of pathophysiological processes related to stroke, including oxidative stress, inflammation and neuronal apoptosis. Therefore, the development of high-efficiency, low-toxicity, safe and cheap active substances from natural products is of great significance for improving the treatment alternatives of patients with stroke. This article reviews the neuroprotective effects of 33 natural compounds by searching recent related literature. Among them, puerarin, pinocembrin, quercetin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and resveratrol have great potential in the clinical treatment of ischemic stroke. This review will provide a powerful reference for screening natural compounds with potential clinical application value in ischemic stroke or synthesizing new neuroprotective agents with natural compounds as lead compounds.
-
2.
The Biodiversity of the Genus Dictyota: Phytochemical and Pharmacological Natural Products Prospectives.
Rushdi, MI, Abdel-Rahman, IAM, Attia, EZ, Saber, H, Saber, AA, Bringmann, G, Abdelmohsen, UR
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2022;(3)
Abstract
Although a broad variety of classes of bioactive compounds have already been isolated from seaweeds of the genus Dictyota, most different species are still chemically and biologically unexplored. Dictyota species are well-known brown seaweeds belonging to the Dictyotaceae (Phaeophyta). The phytochemical composition within the genus Dictyota has recently received considerable interest, and a vast array of components, including diterpenes, sesquiterepenes, sterols, amino acids, as well as saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been characterized. The contribution of these valued metabolites to the biological potential, which includes anti-proliferative, anti-microbial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperpigmentation activities, of the genus Dictyota has also been explored. Therefore, this is the most comprehensive review, focusing on the published literature relevant to the chemically and pharmacologically diverse biopharmaceuticals isolated from different species of the genus Dictyota during the period from 1976 to now.
-
3.
Mechanistic Basis for the Role of Phytochemicals in Inflammation-Associated Chronic Diseases.
Cote, B, Elbarbry, F, Bui, F, Su, JW, Seo, K, Nguyen, A, Lee, M, Rao, DA
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2022;(3)
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory diseases occur in a large portion of the population and are associated with a poor diet. Key natural products found in fruits and vegetables may assist in lowering inflammation associated with chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This review seeks to examine the roles of several natural products, resveratrol (RES), quercetin (QUE), curcumin (CUR), piperine (PIP), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and gingerol (GIN), in their ability to attenuate inflammatory markers in specific diseases states. Additionally, we will discuss findings in past and ongoing clinical trials, detail possible phytochemical-drug interactions, and provide a brief resource for researchers and healthcare professionals on natural product and supplement regulation as well as names of databases with information on efficacy, indications, and natural product-drug interactions. As diet and over-the-counter supplement use are modifiable factors and patients are interested in using complementary and alternative therapies, understanding the mechanisms by which natural products have demonstrated efficacy and the types of drugs they interact with and knowing where to find information on herbs and supplements is important for practicing healthcare providers and researchers interested in this field.
-
4.
Flavanols from Nature: A Phytochemistry and Biological Activity Review.
Luo, Y, Jian, Y, Liu, Y, Jiang, S, Muhammad, D, Wang, W
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2022;(3)
Abstract
Flavanols, a common class of secondary plant metabolites, exhibit several beneficial health properties by acting as antioxidant, anticarcinogen, cardioprotective, anti-microbial, anti-viral, and neuroprotective agents. Furthermore, some flavanols are considered functional ingredients in dairy products. Based on their structural features and health-promoting functions, flavanols have gained the attention of pharmacologists and botanists worldwide. This review collects and summarizes 121 flavanols comprising four categories: flavan-3-ols, flavan-4-ols, isoflavan-4-ols, and flavan-3,4-ols. The research of the various structural features and pharmacological activities of flavanols and their derivatives aims to lay the groundwork for subsequent research and expect to provide mentality and inspiration for the research. The current study provides a starting point for further research and development.
-
5.
Treatment Options and Goals for Patients with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis.
Krueger, J, Puig, L, Thaçi, D
American journal of clinical dermatology. 2022;(Suppl 1):51-64
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, severe neutrophilic skin disorder characterized by sudden widespread eruption of superficial sterile pustules with or without systemic inflammation. GPP flares can be life-threatening if untreated due to potential severe complications such as cardiovascular failure and serious infections. Currently, there are no GPP-specific therapies approved in the USA or Europe. Retinoids, cyclosporine, and methotrexate are the most commonly used non-biologic therapies for GPP. The evidence that supports the currently available treatment options is mainly based on case reports and small, open-label, single-arm studies. However, recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of GPP and the identification of gene mutations linked to the disease have paved the way for the development of specific targeted therapies that selectively suppress the autoinflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms induced during GPP flares. Several biologic agents that target key cytokines involved in the activation of inflammatory pathways, such as tumor necrosis factor-α blockers and interleukin (IL)-17, IL-23, and IL-12 inhibitors, have emerged as potential treatments for GPP, with several being approved in Japan. The evidence supporting the efficacy of these agents is mainly derived from small, uncontrolled trials. A notable recent advance is the discovery of IL36RN mutations and the central role of IL-36 receptor ligands in the pathogenesis of GPP, which has defined key therapeutic targets for the disease. Biologic agents that target the IL-36 pathway have demonstrated promising efficacy in patients with GPP, marking the beginning of a new era of targeted therapy for GPP.
-
6.
Newer Biologic and Small-Molecule Therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Baumgart, DC, Le Berre, C
The New England journal of medicine. 2021;(14):1302-1315
-
7.
Treatment for liver cancer: From sorafenib to natural products.
Man, S, Luo, C, Yan, M, Zhao, G, Ma, L, Gao, W
European journal of medicinal chemistry. 2021;:113690
Abstract
Liver cancer most commonly develops in patients with chronic liver disease, the etiology of which includes viral hepatitis (B and C), alcohol, obesity, dietary carcinogens, and so forth. The current treatment modalities, including surgical resection and liver transplantation, have been found far from effective. Hence, there is an obvious critical need to develop alternative strategies for the treatment of it. In this review, we discuss the formation process and therapeutic targets of liver cancer. Currently, targeted therapy is limited to sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, ramucirumab and cabozantinib which leads to a survival benefit in patients, but on the other hand is hampered by the occurrence of drug resistance. Pleasingly and importantly, there are multiple natural products undergoing clinical evaluation in liver cancer, such as polyphenols like icaritin, resveratrol, and silybin, saponins including ginsenoside Rg3 and glycyrrhizinate, alkaloid containing irinotecan and berberine and inorganic compound arsenic trioxide at present. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that these compounds inhibit liver cancer formation owing to the influence on the anti-viral, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastasis activity. Furthermore, a series of small molecule derivatives inspired by the aforementioned compounds are designed and synthesized according to structure-activity relationship studies. Drug combination and novel type of drug-targeted delivery system thereof have been well developed. This article is ended by a perspective remark of futuristic development of natural product-based therapeutic regimen for liver cancer treatment. We expect that this review is an account for current status of natural products as promising anti-liver cancer treatments and should contribute to its understanding.
-
8.
Natural products and skeletal muscle health.
Qu, Z, Zhou, S, Li, P, Liu, C, Yuan, B, Zhang, S, Liu, A
The Journal of nutritional biochemistry. 2021;:108619
Abstract
Skeletal muscle (SkM) is essential for body movement, energy metabolism, and material metabolism, and directly influences the quality of human life. Aging, chronic diseases, and strenuous exercise often lead to various health problems associated with SkM, including muscle atrophy, loss of muscle mass and strength, and metabolic disorders. Various natural products (NaPs), mainly resveratrol (RES), quercetin (QUE), ursolic acid (UA), ecdysone (ECD; mainly 20-OH ECD, 20-HE), and vitamin D, have been reported to protect or regulate SkM health. Some of the products are functionally equivalent to sex hormones, and some are even referred to as "plant exercise pills." However, controversy persists regarding the role of NaPs in SkM health. Therefore, this review objectively summarizes the in vivo and vitro biological activities, molecular mechanisms, and clinical research results of studies on NaPs applied in the regulation of SkM health over the past decade. The present review could advance further research on NaPs and SkM health, and facilitate the revelation of new evidence that could facilitate the application of NaPs in ensuring SkM health.
-
9.
Exploitation of Some Natural Products for the Prevention and/or Nutritional Treatment of SARS-CoV2 Infection.
Rizzo, A, Sciorsci, RL, Magrone, T, Jirillo, E
Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets. 2021;(7):1171-1182
Abstract
Dietary habits strongly influence our health status, mostly in terms of maintenance of the inflammatory/anti-inflammatory homeostasis. High fat and high sugar diets account for the development of a low-grade inflammation, which is the pathogenic common denominator of various chronic diseases. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS)-CoV2 (COVID-19) infection affects all ages and especially frail elderly people and a nutritional intervention seems to be crucial in the course of this pandemic. The present review describes the properties of some vegetal products and their derivatives, such as Lupin sp., garlic, salvia and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) that can be exploited for their beneficial effects, as preventive and/or nutritional treatment of coronavirus disease SARS-CoV2. Lupin, salvia, garlic and EVOO share overlapping properties, such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activities. Quite importantly, these products and their derivatives are able to recover the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme expression 2 on cell membrane, otherwise suppressed by COVID-19 binding and entry into cytoplasm. Dietary administration of the above nutraceuticals or their extracts may play a preventive or nutritional role in the course of SARS-CoV2 infection, even including the effects of the lockdown and the condition of inflamm-ageing.
-
10.
Perspectives and controversies regarding the use of natural products for the treatment of lung cancer.
Wen, T, Song, L, Hua, S
Cancer medicine. 2021;(7):2396-2422
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality both in men and women and accounts for 18.4% of all cancer-related deaths. Although advanced therapy methods have been developed, the prognosis of lung cancer patients remains extremely poor. Over the past few decades, clinicians and researchers have found that chemical compounds extracted from natural products may be useful for treating lung cancer. Drug formulations derived from natural compounds, such as paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and camptothecin, have been successfully used as chemotherapeutics for lung cancer. In recent years, hundreds of new natural compounds that can be used to treat lung cancer have been found through basic and sub-clinical research. However, there has not been a corresponding increase in the number of drugs that have been used in a clinical setting. The probable reasons may include low solubility, limited absorption, unfavorable metabolism, and severe side effects. In this review, we present a summary of the natural compounds that have been proven to be effective for the treatment of lung cancer, as well as an understanding of the mechanisms underlying their pharmacological effects. We have also highlighted current controversies and have attempted to provide solutions for the clinical translation of these compounds.