scholarly journals Pharmacological Effects of Centella asiatica on Skin Diseases: Evidence and Possible Mechanisms

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Kyoung Sik Park
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Centella Asiatica ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Asiatic Acid ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Wide Range

The medicinal herb Centella asiatica (L.) Urban known as gotu kola has been reported to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. In particular, a significant body of scientific research exists on the therapeutic properties of preparations of C. asiatica or its triterpenes in the treatment of skin diseases. The present study is aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the beneficial effects of C. asiatica on skin diseases. Peer-reviewed articles on the potent dermatological effects of C. asiatica were acquired from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and SciFinder. This review provides an understanding of pharmacological studies which confirm the potent dermatological effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of C. asiatica. This medicinal plant and its triterpenes include asiaticoside, madecassoside, and their aglycones, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. These compounds exert therapeutic effects on dermatological diseases such as acne, burns, atopic dermatitis, and wounds via NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, and STAT signaling in in vitro and in vivo studies. However, additional rigorously controlled long-term clinical trials will be necessary to confirm the full potential of C. asiatica as a therapeutic agent.

scholarly journals Mitoprotective Effects of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.: Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Opportunities in Neurodegenerative Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Hui Wong ◽  
Anna M. Barron ◽  
Jafri Malin Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Disease ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Centella Asiatica ◽  
Asiatic Acid ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Natural products remain a crucial source of drug discovery for accessible and affordable solutions for healthy aging. Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. (CA) is an important medicinal plant with a wide range of ethnomedicinal uses. Past in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that the plant extract and its key components, such as asiatic acid, asiaticoside, madecassic acid and madecassoside, exhibit a range of anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cognitive benefits mechanistically linked to mitoprotective and antioxidant properties of the plant. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are key drivers of aging and neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Here we appraise the growing body of evidence that the mitoprotective and antioxidative effects of CA may potentially be harnessed for the treatment of brain aging and neurodegenerative disease.

scholarly journals Pleiotropic Biological Effects of Dietary Phenolic Compounds and their Metabolites on Energy Metabolism, Inflammation and Aging

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 596 ◽  
Author(s):  
María del Carmen Villegas-Aguilar ◽  
Álvaro Fernández-Ochoa ◽  
María de la Luz Cádiz-Gurrea ◽  
Sandra Pimentel-Moral ◽  
Jesús Lozano-Sánchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
High Prevalence

Dietary phenolic compounds are considered as bioactive compounds that have effects in different chronic disorders related to oxidative stress, inflammation process, or aging. These compounds, coming from a wide range of natural sources, have shown a pleiotropic behavior on key proteins that act as regulators. In this sense, this review aims to compile information on the effect exerted by the phenolic compounds and their metabolites on the main metabolic pathways involved in energy metabolism, inflammatory response, aging and their relationship with the biological properties reported in high prevalence chronic diseases. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated their pleiotropic molecular mechanisms of action and these findings raise the possibility that phenolic compounds have a wide variety of roles in different targets.

An Appraisal of Current Pharmacological Perspectives of Sesamol: A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 988-1000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bellamkonda Bosebabu ◽  
Sri Pragnya Cheruku ◽  
Mallikarjuna Rao Chamallamudi ◽  
Madhavan Nampoothiri ◽  
Rekha R. Shenoy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Hepatoprotective Activity ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
Bioactive Constituents ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds have been authenticated for its medicinal value in both Chinese and Indian systems of medicine. Its numerous potential nutritional benefits are attributed to its main bioactive constituents, sesamol. As a result of those studies, several molecular mechanisms are emerging describing the pleiotropic biological effects of sesamol. This review summarized the most interesting in vitro and in vivo studies on the biological effects of sesamol. The present work summarises data available from Pubmed and Scopus database. Several molecular mechanisms have been elucidated describing the pleiotropic biological effects of sesamol. Its major therapeutic effects have been elicited in managing oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome and mood disorders. Further, compelling evidence reflected the ability of sesamol in inhibiting proliferation of the inflammatory cell, prevention of invasion and angiogenesis via affecting multiple molecular targets and downstream mechanisms. Sesamol is a safe, non‐toxic chemical that mediates anti‐inflammatory effects by down‐regulating the transcription of inflammatory markers such as cytokines, redox status, protein kinases, and enzymes that promote inflammation. In addition, sesamol also induces apoptosis in cancer cells via mitochondrial and receptor‐mediated pathways, as well as activation of caspase cascades. In the present review, several pharmacological effects of sesamol are summarised namely, antioxidant, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, radioprotective, anti-aging, anti-ulcer, anti-dementia, anti-depressant, antiplatelet, anticonvulsant, anti-anxiolytic, wound healing, cosmetic (skin whitening), anti-microbial, matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) inhibition, hepatoprotective activity and other biological effects. Here we have summarized the proposed mechanism behind these pharmacological effects.

Matrixmetalloproteinase Inhibitors: Promising Therapeutic Targets Against Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vibha Rani ◽  
Dhananjay Yadav ◽  
Neha Atale
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Tumor Progression ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Mmp Inhibitors ◽  
Cellular Environment ◽  
Wide Range

Background: Cancer is a wide range cellular level disease that occurs when cells go through uncontrolled division and growth. The mechanisms by which the cells undergo metastasis are complex and involve many interactions between the tumor cells and their cellular environment. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been found to over-express at various stages of tumor progression and their inhibition using MMP inhibitors has been a subject of potential therapy against cancer. Objective: This review discusses recent research in MMP inhibitors (MMPI) used for preventing tumor progression. Methods: In this review, we explored the role of MMPs in cancer progression and summarized the current developments in MMPIs, their role in cancer suppression in in vitro and in vivo studies and their evaluation in clinical trials from the current research data. Results: MMPIs have shown to be very successful in in vitro models, cell lines and in some in vivo studies. Unfortunately, their efficacy in clinical trials has been found to be hit and miss. Recent studies have shown that the novel delivery approaches of MMP inhibitors may enhance their therapeutic effects towards the prevention of cancer. Conclusion: In this review, we presented different MMP inhibitors, their performance at different stages of models - in vitro, in vivo, small animal models and eventually clinical trials. We provide newer methods of MMPI delivery that may be better targeted to suppress only specific MMPs and avoid toxic side-effects in healthy cells.

scholarly journals Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Melatonin in Osteosarcoma

Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1618 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ko-Hsiu Lu ◽  
Renn-Chia Lin ◽  
Jia-Sin Yang ◽  
Wei-En Yang ◽  
Russel J. Reiter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Bone Growth ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Review Reports

Osteosarcoma, the most common primary bone malignancy, occurs most frequently in adolescents with a peak of incidence at 11–15 years. Melatonin, an indole amine hormone, shows a wide range of anticancer activities. The decrease in melatonin levels simultaneously concurs with the increase in bone growth and the peak age distribution of osteosarcoma during puberty, so melatonin has been utilized as an adjunct to chemotherapy to improve the quality of life and clinical outcomes. While a large amount of research has been conducted to understand the complex pleiotropic functions and the molecular and cellular actions elicited by melatonin in various types of cancers, a few review reports have focused on osteosarcoma. Herein, we summarized the anti-osteosarcoma effects of melatonin and its underlying molecular mechanisms to illustrate the known significance of melatonin in osteosarcoma and to address cellular signaling pathways of melatonin in vitro and in animal models. Even in the same kind of osteosarcoma, melatonin has been sparingly investigated to counteract tumor growth, apoptosis, and metastasis through different mechanisms, depending on different cell lines. We highlighted the underlying mechanism of anti-osteosarcoma properties evoked by melatonin, including antioxidant activity, anti-proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and the inhibition of invasion and metastasis. Moreover, we discussed the drug synergy effects of the role of melatonin involved and the method to fortify the anti-cancer effects on osteosarcoma. As a potential therapeutic agent, melatonin is safe for children and adolescents and is a promising candidate for an adjuvant by reinforcing the therapeutic effects and abolishing the unwanted consequences of chemotherapies.

Cnidium monnieri: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemical and Ethnopharmacological Properties

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (05) ◽  
pp. 835-877 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Min Li ◽  
Min Jia ◽  
Hua-Qiang Li ◽  
Nai-Dan Zhang ◽  
Xian Wen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Active Constituent ◽  
Active Constituents ◽  
Traditional Uses ◽  
Male Impotence ◽  
Wide Range

Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss., an annual plant of the Umbelliferae species is one of the most widely used traditional herbal medicines and its fruits have been used to treat a variety of diseases in China, Vietnam, and Japan. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive analysis of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and contraindication of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss. and to provide future directions of research on this plant. To date, 350 compounds have been isolated and identified from Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss., including the main active constituent, coumarins. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that osthole and other coumarin compounds possess wide range of pharmacological properties for the treatment of female genitals, male impotence, frigidity, skin-related diseases, and exhibit strong antipruritic, anti-allergic, antidermatophytic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-osteoporotic effects. Although coumarins have been identified as the main active constituents responsible for the observed pharmacological effects, the molecular mechanisms of their actions are still unknown. Therefore, further studies are still required to reveal the structure–activity relationship of these active constituents. In addition, toxicological and clinical studies are also required to provide further data for pharmaceutical use.

scholarly journals Cardiovascular Protective Effects of Centella asiatica and Its Triterpenes: A Review

Planta Medica ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (16) ◽  
pp. 1203-1215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nur Nadia Mohd Razali ◽  
Chin Theng Ng ◽  
Lai Yen Fong
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Centella Asiatica ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Studies ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Asiatic Acid ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Active Constituents

Abstract Centella asiatica, a triterpene-rich medicinal herb, is traditionally used to treat various types of diseases including neurological, dermatological, and metabolic diseases. A few articles have previously reviewed a broad range of pharmacological activities of C. asiatica, but none of these reviews focuses on the use of C. asiatica in cardiovascular diseases. This review aims to summarize recent findings on protective effects of C. asiatica and its active constituents (asiatic acid, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and madecassoside) in cardiovascular diseases. In addition, their beneficial effects on conditions associated with cardiovascular diseases were also reviewed. Articles were retrieved from electronic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords “Centella asiatica,” “asiatic acid,” “asiaticoside,” “madecassic acid,” and “madecassoside.” The articles published between 2004 and 2018 that are related to the aforementioned topics were selected. A few clinical studies published beyond this period were also included. The results showed that C. asiatica and its active compounds possess potential therapeutic effects in cardiovascular diseases and cardiovascular disease-related conditions, as evidenced by numerous in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. C. asiatica and its triterpenes have been reported to exhibit cardioprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. In conclusion, more clinical and pharmacokinetic studies are needed to support the use of C. asiatica and its triterpenes as therapeutic agents for cardiovascular diseases. Besides, elucidation of the molecular pathways modulated by C. asiatica and its active constituents will help to understand the mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective action of C. asiatica.

scholarly journals Bioactive Peptides as Potential Nutraceuticals for Diabetes Therapy: A Comprehensive Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (16) ◽  
pp. 9059
Author(s):  
Priya Antony ◽  
Ranjit Vijayan
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Bioactive Peptides ◽  
Nutritional Intervention ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Antidiabetic Activity ◽  
Wide Range

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health concern associated with high mortality and reduced life expectancy. The alarming rise in the prevalence of diabetes is linked to several factors including sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet. Nutritional intervention and increased physical activity could significantly contribute to bringing this under control. Food-derived bioactive peptides and protein hydrolysates have been associated with a number health benefits. Several peptides with antidiabetic potential have been identified that could decrease blood glucose level, improve insulin uptake and inhibit key enzymes involved in the development and progression of diabetes. Dietary proteins, from a wide range of food, are rich sources of antidiabetic peptides. Thus, there are a number of benefits in studying peptides obtained from food sources to develop nutraceuticals. A deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of these peptides will assist in the development of new peptide-based therapeutics. Despite this, a comprehensive analysis of the antidiabetic properties of bioactive peptides derived from various food sources is still lacking. Here, we review the recent literature on food-derived bioactive peptides possessing antidiabetic activity. The focus is on the effectiveness of these peptides as evidenced by in vitro and in vivo studies. Finally, we discuss future prospects of peptide-based drugs for the treatment of diabetes.

scholarly journals NMDA and AMPA Receptor Autoantibodies in Brain Disorders: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Features

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 77
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Gardoni ◽  
Jennifer Stanic ◽  
Diego Scheggia ◽  
Alberto Benussi ◽  
Barbara Borroni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glutamate Receptors ◽  
Ampa Receptor ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors ◽  
Brain Disorders ◽  
Functional Impairments ◽  
Different Types

The role of autoimmunity in central nervous system (CNS) disorders is rapidly expanding. In the last twenty years, different types of autoantibodies targeting subunits of ionotropic glutamate receptors have been found in a variety of patients affected by brain disorders. Several of these antibodies are directed against NMDA receptors (NMDAR), mostly in autoimmune encephalitis, whereas a growing field of research has identified antibodies against AMPA receptor (AMPAR) subunits in patients with different types of epilepsy or frontotemporal dementia. Several in vitro and in vivo studies performed in the last decade have dramatically improved our understanding of the molecular and functional effects induced by both NMDAR and AMPAR autoantibodies at the excitatory glutamatergic synapse and, consequently, their possible role in the onset of clinical symptoms. In particular, the method by which autoantibodies can modulate the localization at synapses of specific target subunits leading to functional impairments and behavioral alterations has been well addressed in animal studies. Overall, these preclinical studies have opened new avenues for the development of novel pharmacological treatments specifically targeting the synaptic activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors.

scholarly journals The Antitumor Activity of Sodium Selenite Alone and in Combination with Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Cancer: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 3169
Author(s):  
Kevin Doello ◽  
Cristina Mesas ◽  
Francisco Quiñonero ◽  
Gloria Perazzoli ◽  
Laura Cabeza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Sodium Selenite ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Combined Therapy ◽  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
C57bl Mice ◽  
Migration Capacity

Sodium selenite acts by depleting enzymes that protect against cellular oxidative stress. To determine its effect alone or in combination with gemcitabine (GMZ) in pancreatic cancer, we used PANC-1 and Pan02 cell lines and C57BL mice bearing a Pan02-generated tumor. Our results demonstrated a significant inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell viability with the use of sodium selenite alone and a synergistic effect when associated with GMZ. The molecular mechanisms of the antitumor effect of sodium selenite alone involved apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and the expression of phospho-p38 in the combined therapy. In addition, sodium selenite alone and in association with GMZ significantly decreased the migration capacity and colony-forming ability, reduced tumor activity in multicellular tumor spheroids (MTS) and decreased sphere formation of cancer stem cells. In vivo studies demonstrated that combined therapy not only inhibited tumor growth (65%) compared to the untreated group but also relative to sodium selenite or GMZ used as monotherapy (up to 40%), increasing mice survival. These results were supported by the analysis of C57BL/6 albino mice bearing a Pan02-generated tumor, using the IVIS system. In conclusion, our results showed that sodium selenite is a potential agent for the improvement in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and should be considered for future human clinical trials.

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