scholarly journals Unlocking the Health Potential of Microalgae as Sustainable Sources of Bioactive Compounds

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4383
Author(s):  
Assunta Saide ◽  
Kevin A. Martínez ◽  
Adrianna Ianora ◽  
Chiara Lauritano
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Chemical Characteristics ◽  
Primary And Secondary Metabolism ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Enzymatic Pathways

Microalgae are known to produce a plethora of compounds derived from the primary and secondary metabolism. Different studies have shown that these compounds may have allelopathic, antimicrobial, and antipredator activities. In addition, in vitro and in vivo screenings have shown that several compounds have interesting bioactivities (such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial) for the possible prevention and treatment of human pathologies. Additionally, the enzymatic pathways responsible for the synthesis of these compounds, and the targets and mechanisms of their action have also been investigated for a few species. However, further research is necessary for their full exploitation and possible pharmaceutical and other industrial applications. Here, we review the current knowledge on the chemical characteristics, biological activities, mechanism of action, and the enzymes involved in the synthesis of microalgal metabolites with potential benefits for human health.

scholarly journals Melatonin in Cancer Treatment: Current Knowledge and Future Opportunities

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 2506
Author(s):  
Wamidh H. Talib ◽  
Ahmad Riyad Alsayed ◽  
Alaa Abuawad ◽  
Safa Daoud ◽  
Asma Ismail Mahmod
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Cell Proliferation Inhibition ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Solid Foundation

Melatonin is a pleotropic molecule with numerous biological activities. Epidemiological and experimental studies have documented that melatonin could inhibit different types of cancer in vitro and in vivo. Results showed the involvement of melatonin in different anticancer mechanisms including apoptosis induction, cell proliferation inhibition, reduction in tumor growth and metastases, reduction in the side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, decreasing drug resistance in cancer therapy, and augmentation of the therapeutic effects of conventional anticancer therapies. Clinical trials revealed that melatonin is an effective adjuvant drug to all conventional therapies. This review summarized melatonin biosynthesis, availability from natural sources, metabolism, bioavailability, anticancer mechanisms of melatonin, its use in clinical trials, and pharmaceutical formulation. Studies discussed in this review will provide a solid foundation for researchers and physicians to design and develop new therapies to treat and prevent cancer using melatonin.

scholarly journals Anti-Cancer Effects of Green Tea Polyphenols Against Prostate Cancer

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuyoshi Miyata ◽  
Yohei Shida ◽  
Tomoaki Hakariya ◽  
Hideki Sakai
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Green Tea ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Tea Polyphenols ◽  
Green Tea Polyphenols ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Prevention And Treatment

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Green tea consumption is reported to play an important role in the prevention of carcinogenesis in many types of malignancies, including prostate cancer; however, epidemiological studies show conflicting results regarding these anti-cancer effects. In recent years, in addition to prevention, many investigators have shown the efficacy and safety of green tea polyphenols and combination therapies with green tea extracts and anti-cancer agents in in vivo and in vitro studies. Furthermore, numerous studies have revealed the molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer effects of green tea extracts. We believe that improved understanding of the detailed pathological roles at the molecular level is important to evaluate the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. Therefore, in this review, we present current knowledge regarding the anti-cancer effects of green tea extracts in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms of action, such as influencing tumor growth, apoptosis, androgen receptor signaling, cell cycle, and various malignant behaviors. Finally, the future direction for the use of green tea extracts as treatment strategies in patients with prostate cancer is introduced.

scholarly journals Underutilised fruits: a review of phytochemistry and biological properties

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Hasan Salahuddin Mirfat ◽  
Ismail Amin ◽  
Kassim Nur Kartinee ◽  
Hamid Muhajir ◽  
Mat Ali Mohd Shukri
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Fruit Species ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Health Significance ◽  
Canarium Odontophyllum

Underutilised fruits are not only important sources of food and nutrition, but also secure household income especially for rural and farm communities. However, some of the underutilised fruits have not received much attention as compared to commercial fruits. This could be due to their lack of knowledge of their potential values. Hence, information about their health promoting properties is critical to increase the value of underutilised fruit species to enhance their preservation and sustainable use in strengthening food, nutrition, health and livelihood security. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review on the phytochemical properties and biological activities of underutilised fruit species grown in Malaysia focussing on health promoting aspects. With regard to phytochemistry, only 21 species of underutilised fruits have been identified and quantified. Phytochemical investigations of various parts of the fruits have revealed the presence of over 100 phytochemicals which are phenolics, terpenoids, carotenoids and other miscellaneous compounds. About 51 underutilised fruit species have been explored for interesting biological activities (antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticholinesterase, cytotoxicity, antiatherosclerotic, antihyperlipidemia, antidiabetic, cytoprotective, cardioprotective and antiplatelet activities) supporting their diverse traditional uses. Different parts of the fruits have been analysed mainly in vitro and barely in vivo, with pulp being the most dominant. Of all the underutilised fruits studied, Mangifera species and Canarium odontophyllum have been the major focus for researchers. The gaps obtained from this review create further research opportunities to add to the current knowledge of health promoting properties of underutilised fruits in Malaysia. More studies are needed to confirm the health significance and explain their mechanisms of action in order to fully understand the real potential of this underutilised fruit species.

Kefir: A synbiotic with approved anticarcinogenic properties

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wissam Zam ◽  
Sally Shahoud ◽  
Mansour Hayek ◽  
Alaa Saad
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Prevention Of Cancer

Background:: As by WHO report, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and approximately 70% of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries. From this point more attention has been given to the role of nutrition in the prevention of cancer development. Methods:: We undertook a structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature dealing with the role of kefir in cancer prevention and treatment. Results:: Probiotics are one of the most important food fortifications which are proved to have anti-carcinogenic properties. Probiotics can directly bind to carcinogens and alter the production of enzymes by modifying intestinal environment. Kefir, originating from the Balkan–Caucasian region, is a synbiotic composed of a wide number microflora and exopolysaccharides with approved in vitro and in vivo biological activities. Kefir plays a great potential role in cancer prevention and treatment interfering with apoptosis, proliferation and transformation. Conclusion:: This review highlights the important role of probiotics, exopolysaccharides and common kefir in preventing different types of cancer including colon cancer, sarcoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, gastric cancer and melanoma.

scholarly journals An Update on Oligosaccharides and Their Esters from Traditional Chinese Medicines: Chemical Structures and Biological Activities

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang-Yang Chen ◽  
Ru-Feng Wang ◽  
Bin Liu
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicines ◽  
Chinese Medicines ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Chinese Medicinal Plants

A great number of naturally occurring oligosaccharides and oligosaccharide esters have been isolated from traditional Chinese medicinal plants, which are used widely in Asia and show prominent curative effects in the prevention and treatment of kinds of diseases. Numerousin vitroandin vivoexperiments have revealed that oligosaccharides and their esters exhibited various activities, including antioxidant, antidepressant, cytotoxic, antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, cerebral protective, antidiabetic, plant growth-regulatory, and immunopotentiating activities. This review summarizes the investigations on the distribution, chemical structures, and bioactivities of natural oligosaccharides and their esters from traditional Chinese medicines between 2003 and 2013.

scholarly journals The Bioactivity and Phytochemicals of Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urb.: A Multifunctional Underutilized Crop Plant

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 58
Author(s):  
Varun Jaiswal ◽  
Shweta Chauhan ◽  
Hae-Jeung Lee
Keyword(s):  
Immune Modulation ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Crop Plant ◽  
Underutilized Crop ◽  
Pachyrhizus Erosus

Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urb. is an underutilized crop plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. In recent years, the plant received huge attention and was introduced in different countries owing to properties such as a high nutritional content, its nitrogen-fixing abilities, and different biological activities such as its antioxidant, immune modulation, anticancer, anti-diabetes, anti-osteoporosis, antiviral, and antiaging affects, among others. In this review, an attempt has been made to comprehensively compile the biological activities of the plant to provide a panoramic view of the current efforts and further directions, which may lead to the development of pharmacological applications. This information will be helpful in creating interest towards P. erosus and it may be useful in developing the plant for medical applications and/or as a functional food. More than 50 phytochemicals have been reported from the plant, which belong to different chemical classes such as triterpenoids, organic acid, flavonoids, and fatty acids. Numerous biological activities were reported from the plant through in vivo, in vitro, ex vivo, and human studies. However, well-defined clinical studies are still lacking for the establishment of any biological properties that could be further developed. Suggestions for the further development of P. erosus, according to current knowledge about the different biological properties, has also been provided.

In silico, in-vitro and in vivo screening of biological activities of citral

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shagufta Habib ◽  
Pawan Gupta ◽  
Sana Shafi Bhat ◽  
Jeena Gupta
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
In Silico Analysis ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Docking Studies ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Yeast Cells ◽  
Cam Assay

Abstract. Citral, one of the main components of lemongrass oil (65–85%), is known to possess various medicinal properties like enhancing skin health and vision-improvement. It also acts as flavoring agent, used in perfumes and skin care products. The objective of this work was to elucidate the biological properties of citral at molecular level using an integrated in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches. To elucidate this in silico molecular docking studies were performed with in vitro validation by DPPH scavenging activity, MTT assays, enzymatic assays and Chorio Allantoic Membrane (CAM) assay. The in silico analysis demonstrated the potential binding of citral with PPARγ ligand binding domain and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2). Citral is already a proven anti-oxidant which is further confirmed by increased DPPH inhibition with increased citral concentration (IC50: 6.9 ± 1.68 μg/ml, p < 0.05). The results demonstrated that citral protect yeast cells from cytotoxic effects of hydrogen peroxide and also increase the activities of antioxidant enzymes like GST, SOD and LPO. It was also demonstrated to be cytotoxic to cancerous HeLa cells (IC50: 3.9 ± 0.38 μM, p < 0.01) and was found anti-angiogenic by CAM assay. This study highlights many important pharmaceutical properties of citral which can be explored further to increase its industrial applications.

scholarly journals Holoptelea integrifolia(Roxb.) Planch: A Review of Its Ethnobotany, Pharmacology, and Phytochemistry

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Showkat Ahmad Ganie ◽  
Surender Singh Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Wounds ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Phytochemical Analysis ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Cns Depressant ◽  
Crude Extracts ◽  
Prevention And Treatment

Holoptelea integrifolia(Ulmaceae) is a versatile medicinal plant used in various indigenous systems of medicine for curing routine healthcare maladies. It is traditionally used in the treatment and prevention of several ailments like leprosy, inflammation, rickets, leucoderma, scabies, rheumatism, ringworm, eczema, malaria, intestinal cancer, and chronic wounds.In vitroandin vivopharmacological investigations on crude extracts and isolated compounds showed antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, adaptogenic, anticancer, wound healing, hepatoprotective, larvicidal, antiemetic, CNS depressant, and hypolipidemic activities. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of terpenoids, sterols, saponins, tannins, proteins, carbohydrates, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, and quinines. Numerous compounds including Holoptelin-A, Holoptelin-B, friedlin, epifriedlin,β-amyrin, stigmasterol,β-sitosterol, 1, 4-napthalenedione, betulin, betulinic acid, hexacosanol, and octacosanol have been identified and isolated from the plant species. The results of several studies indicated thatH. integrifoliamay be used as an effective therapeutic remedy in the prevention and treatment of various ailments. However, further studies on chemical constituents and their mechanisms in exhibiting certain biological activities are needed. In addition, study on the toxicity of the crude extracts and the compounds isolated from this plant should be assessed to ensure their eligibility to be used as source of modern medicines.

Valeriana spp.: Biological Activities and New In vitro and In vivo Perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 210-242
Author(s):  
Ana Martinho ◽  
Sara M. Silva ◽  
Tiago Rosado ◽  
Fernanda C. Domingues ◽  
Samuel Silvestre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Alternative Medicines ◽  
Aerial Parts ◽  
Herbal Plants ◽  
Therapeutic Properties

Background:Valerian extract is widely used in dietary supplements as well as in conventional, traditional and alternative medicines. It is one of the most used herbal plants for the treatment of several disorders, mainly related to the digestive and the nervous systems. Dozens of chemical constituents with pharmacological and therapeutic properties were identified in essential oils and/or other extracts of valerian’s roots, rhizomes and aerial parts. This review summarizes and updates the current knowledge about the pharmacological properties of valerian, highlighting the most recent clinical, in vitro and in vivo findings, and intends to identify and propose future directions for further research regarding the effective biological effects of Valeriana spp.Methods:This review analyzed the scientific literature published in PubMed, Science Direct and Web of Science.Results:Some reports are contradictory or inconclusive, probably due to the presence of chemically distinct chemotypes within a species of Valeriana or to different approaches adopted in different studies. Also, there are a number of studies showing that co-administration of herbal supplements and drugs may promote pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic herb-drug interactions.Conclusion:It is of utmost importance to clarify the state of the art related to Valeriana spp. therapeutic properties and their effects on metabolism.

scholarly journals Nutritive Importance and Therapeutics Uses of Three Different Varieties (Murraya koenigii, Micromelum minutum, and Clausena indica) of Curry Leaves: An Updated Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
D. T. Abeysinghe ◽  
D. D. D. H. Alwis ◽  
K. A. H. Kumara ◽  
U. G. Chandrika
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Murraya Koenigii ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Curry Leaves

Murraya koenigii (M. koenigii), Micromelum minutum (M. minutum), and Clausena indica (C. indica) are three varieties of curry leaves in the family Rutaceae. They have been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine worldwide in the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Earlier findings provide strong evidence to support the three curry leaf species’ potent pharmaceutical and biological effects, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. Various parts of these plants, such as leaves, seeds, flowers, and fruit, contain constituents responsible for the modulation of numerous biological processes. Leading constituents of curry leaves play a crucial role in diabetic and anticancer management by regulating various molecular pathways, including Bcl-2, Bax, NF-κB, and TNFα, according to in vitro and in vivo models established. Therefore, this review summarizes the current knowledge on research achievements made in terms of phytoconstituents, their structures, biological activities, and pharmacological actions with clinical studies of curry leaves up to date. The review also emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive research studies on the pharmacological actions and the mechanisms of selected phytochemicals of M. koenigii, M. minutum, and C. indica to validate their efficacy as potent herbal remedies for many ailments.

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