scholarly journals Chemical Structures and Pharmacological Profiles of Ginseng Saponins

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (13) ◽  
pp. 2443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ze-Yu Shi ◽  
Jin-Zhang Zeng ◽  
Alice Sze Tsai Wong
Keyword(s):  
Future Research ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Bioactive Constituents ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
Anticancer Effects ◽  
Steroid Glycosides ◽  
History Of ◽  
Regulatory Effects ◽  
History Of Use

Ginseng is a group of cosmopolitan plants with more than a dozen species belonging to the genus Panax in the family Araliaceae that has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Among the bioactive constituents extracted from ginseng, ginseng saponins are a group of natural steroid glycosides and triterpene saponins found exclusively throughout the plant. Studies have shown that these ginseng saponins play a significant role in exerting multiple therapeutic effects. This review covers their chemical structure and classification, as well as their pharmacological activities, including their regulatory effects on immunomodulation, their anticancer effects, and their functions in the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. The general benefits of ginseng saponins for boosting physical vitality and improving quality of life are also discussed. The review concludes with fruitful directions for future research in the use of ginseng saponins as effective therapeutic agents.

scholarly journals Changes of Soybean Protein during Tofu Processing

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1594
Author(s):  
Xiangfei Guan ◽  
Xuequn Zhong ◽  
Yuhao Lu ◽  
Xin Du ◽  
Rui Jia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production Process ◽  
Soy Protein ◽  
Soybean Protein ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Protein Gel ◽  
Composition And Structure ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Use

Tofu has a long history of use and is rich in high-quality plant protein; however, its production process is relatively complicated. The tofu production process includes soybean pretreatment, soaking, grinding, boiling, pulping, pressing, and packing. Every step in this process has an impact on the soy protein and, ultimately, affects the quality of the tofu. Furthermore, soy protein gel is the basis for the formation of soy curd. This review summarizes the series of changes in the composition and structure of soy protein that occur during the processing of tofu (specifically, during the pressing, preservation, and packaging steps) and the effects of soybean varieties, storage conditions, soybean milk pretreatment, and coagulant types on the structure of soybean protein and the quality of tofu. Finally, we highlight the advantages and limitations of current research and provide directions for future research in tofu production. This review is aimed at providing a reference for research into and improvement of the production of tofu.

scholarly journals Improving the understanding of how patients with non-dystrophic myotonia are selected for myotonia treatment with mexiletine (NaMuscla): outcomes of treatment impact using a European Delphi panel

BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Marie Chapman ◽  
Marieke Schurer ◽  
Laure Weijers ◽  
Amer Omar ◽  
Hiba Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Delphi Panel ◽  
Economic Modelling ◽  
Patient Access ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background Non-dystrophic myotonias (NDMs) comprise muscle chloride and sodium channelopathies due to genetic defects of the CLCN1- and SCN4A-channels. No licensed antimyotonic treatment has been available until approval of mexiletine (NaMuscla®) for adult patients by the EMA in December 2018. This Delphi panel aimed to understand how outcomes of the pivotal phase III Mexiletine study (MYOMEX) translate to real world practice and investigate health resource use, quality of life and the natural history of NDM to support economic modelling and facilitate patient access. Methods Nine clinical experts in treating NDM took part in a two-round Delphi panel. Their knowledge of NDM and previous use of mexiletine as an off-label treatment prior to NaMuscla’s approval ensured they could provide both qualitative context and quantitative estimates to support economic modelling comparing mexiletine (NaMuscla) to best supportive care. Consensus in four key areas was sought: healthcare resource utilization (HRU), treatment with mexiletine (NaMuscla), patient quality of life (QoL), and the natural history of disease. Concept questions were also asked, considering perceptions on the feasibility of mapping the validated Individualized Neuromuscular Quality of Life (INQoL) instrument to the generic EQ-5D™, and the potential impact on caregiver QoL. Results Consensus was achieved for key questions including the average long-term dosage of mexiletine (NaMuscla) in practice, the criteria for eligibility of myotonia treatment, the clinical importance of QoL outcomes in MYOMEX, the higher proportion of patients with increased QoL, and the reduction in the need for mental health resources for patients receiving mexiletine (NaMuscla). While consensus was not achieved for other questions, the results demonstrated that most experts felt mexiletine (NaMuscla) reduced the need for HRU and was expected to improve QoL. The QoL mapping exercise suggested that it is feasible to map domains of INQoL to EQ-5D. Points of interest for future research were identified, including that mexiletine (NaMuscla) may slow the annual decrease in QoL of patients over their lifetime, and a significant negative impact on QoL for some caregivers. Conclusions This project successfully provided data from an informed group of clinical experts, complementing the currently available clinical trial data for mexiletine (NaMuscla) to support patient access decisions.

scholarly journals Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Schizophrenia? A Balanced Neurochemical Framework for Both Adverse and Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis Use

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carissa M. Coulston ◽  
Michael Perdices ◽  
Antony F. Henderson ◽  
Gin S. Malhi
Keyword(s):  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Normal Population ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Neuropsychological Performance ◽  
Neurobiological Substrates ◽  
History Of ◽  
Positive And Negative Symptoms

Recent studies have found that cannabinoids may improve neuropsychological performance, ameliorate negative symptoms, and have antipsychotic properties for a subgroup of the schizophrenia population. These findings are in contrast to the longstanding history of adverse consequences of cannabis use, predominantly on the positive symptoms, and a balanced neurochemical basis for these opposing views is lacking. This paper details a review of the neurobiological substrates of schizophrenia and the neurochemical effects of cannabis use in the normal population, in both cortical (in particular prefrontal) and subcortical brain regions. The aim of this paper is to provide a holistic neurochemical framework in which to understand how cannabinoids may impair, or indeed, serve to ameliorate the positive and negative symptoms as well as cognitive impairment. Directions in which future research can proceed to resolve the discrepancies are briefly discussed.

scholarly journals Ficus deltoideaJack: A Review on Its Phytochemical and Pharmacological Importance

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamidun Bunawan ◽  
Noriha Mat Amin ◽  
Siti Noraini Bunawan ◽  
Syarul Nataqain Baharum ◽  
Normah Mohd Noor
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
Antidiabetic Drug ◽  
Medicinal Species ◽  
Ficus Deltoidea ◽  
Pharmacological Studies ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Use

Ficus deltoideaJack (Moraceae) has had a long history of use in traditional medicine among the Malays to alleviate and heal ailments such as sores, wounds, and rheumatism and as an after-birth tonic and an antidiabetic drug. Modern pharmacological studies demonstrated that this plant has a wide variety of beneficial attributes for human health. Despite its importance, a review of this species has not been published in the scientific literature to date. Here, we review and summarize the historic and current literature concerning the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, and toxicity of this wonder plant. This summary could be beneficial for future research aiming to exploit the therapeutic potential of this useful, medicinal species.

scholarly journals Silver Hull Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) is a Part of Nature that Offers Best Health and Honour

2021 ◽  
pp. 22-52
Author(s):  
Sumanta Mondal ◽  
Kausik Bhar ◽  
Suvendu Kumar Sahoo ◽  
Ganapaty Seru ◽  
Md. Ashfaquddin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Plasma Cholesterol ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Fagopyrum Esculentum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Bioactive Constituents ◽  
Food Ingredient ◽  
Cholesterol Levels ◽  
History Of ◽  
Fagopyrum Esculentum Moench

The gluten-free pseudocereal Fagopyrum esculentum Moench (Silver hull buckwheat) belongs to the Polygonaceae family, which has a long history of both edible and medicinal use. It's a highly nutritious food ingredient that's been shown to have a variety of health benefits. Plasma cholesterol levels are lowered, neuroprotection is given, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic effects are provided, and hypertension conditions are improved thanks to Silver hull buckwheat. It has also been stated to have prebiotic and antioxidant properties. The aim of this review was to include an up-to-date and detailed study of F. esculentum. Furthermore, the potential for future research was addressed. Flavonoids, phenolics, fagopyritols, triterpenoids, hormones, and fatty acids are among the various compounds derived from F. esculentum. The main active ingredients were believed to be flavonoids and phenolic compounds. All of the information presented leads us to believe that Silver hull buckwheat has a strong medicinal potential. However, further research is needed to better understand its bioactive constituents, their structural functions, and molecular mechanisms underlying.

scholarly journals Anticancer Effects of Gleditsia sinensis Extract in Rats Transplanted With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 889-899 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Cai ◽  
Chizhi Zhang ◽  
Lei Zhan ◽  
Liangbin Cheng ◽  
Dingbo Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Primary Liver Cancer ◽  
Carcinoma Cells ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Anticancer Effects ◽  
Liver Morphology ◽  
Gleditsia Sinensis ◽  
Regulatory Effects

The thorns of Gleditsia sinensis have been historically used in Chinese medicine and are considered one of the fundamental therapeutic herbs. Its anticancer effects are currently being explored. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and still requires the development of new drugs with higher efficiency. By using a rat HCC model implanted with cancerous Walker-256 cells, the therapeutic effects of G. sinensis extract (GSE) were assessed, as well as its regulatory effects on miRNAs. GSE significantly restored liver morphology and dramatically induced cell apoptosis in HCC rats. In addition, miR-21/181b/183 was upregulated in the HCC liver, and the elevation of these miRNAs could be alleviated by both GSE and sorafenib. PTEN/TIMP3/PDCD4 downregulation was consistent with the targets of miR-21/181b/183 in the HCC liver, and the alteration of these target genes was restored by both GSE and sorafenib. TIMP3 effects on MMP-2/9 expression were also determined. Our present findings indicate the potential of GSE in HCC treatment, and expand the understanding of miRNA-related mechanisms in the anticancer effects of GSE.

scholarly journals Newly Generated Atractylon Derivatives in Processed Rhizomes of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (24) ◽  
pp. 5904
Author(s):  
Chunmei Zhai ◽  
Jianping Zhao ◽  
Amar G. Chittiboyina ◽  
Yonghai Meng ◽  
Mei Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Cytotoxic Effects ◽  
Thermally Induced ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
Thermally Processed ◽  
New Chemical Entities ◽  
History Of ◽  
Atractylodes Macrocephala ◽  
History Of Use ◽  
First Time

Thermally processed rhizomes of Atractylodes macrocephala (RAM) have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating various disorders, and have been an integral part of various traditional drugs and healthcare products. In TCM, herbal medicines are, in most cases, uniquely processed. Although it is thought that processing can alter the properties of herbal medicines so as to achieve desired functions, increase potency, and/or reduce side effects, the underlying chemical changes remain unclear for most thermally processed Chinese herbal medicines. In an attempt to shed some light on the scientific rationale behind the processes involved in traditional medicine, the RAM processed by stir-frying with wheat bran was investigated for the change of chemical composition. As a result, for the first time, five new chemical entities, along with ten known compounds, were isolated. Their chemical structures were determined by spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses. The possible synthetic pathway for the generation of such thermally-induced chemical entities was also proposed. Furthermore, biological activity evaluation showed that none of the compounds possessed cytotoxic effects against the tested mammalian cancer and noncancer cell lines. In addition, all compounds were ineffective at inhibiting the growth of the pathogenic microorganisms.

Pockets of Effectiveness and Islands of Integrity

2021 ◽  
pp. 661-683
Author(s):  
Erin Metz McDonnell ◽  
Luiz Vilaça
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
State Agencies ◽  
Central State ◽  
State Administration ◽  
History Of ◽  
Institutional Contexts ◽  
National Governments ◽  
Second Wave

The administrative quality of states is typically measured at the level of national governments, tacitly presuming organizational strength is evenly distributed throughout the organizations comprising central state administration. However, those organizations vary substantially in providing impartial, effective, and honest administration. This chapter examines variation in the quality of government within central state administrations, a newly consolidating subfield identified with “pockets of effectiveness” or “islands of integrity.” This scholarship analyzes how some state agencies manage to offer high-quality administration in challenging institutional contexts where many peer organizations are weak, ineffectual, or corrupt. The chapter discusses methodological challenges and traces the history of first- and second-wave scholarship in this subfield. Then through meta-analysis, it identifies four major theoretical themes in prior scholarship: technical competence and incentives, external networks, autonomy, and organizational culture. The chapter concludes with promising avenues for future research, identifying ways scholars and practitioners interested in quality of government broadly can benefit from the findings of this subfield.

Revisiting the antiviral efficacy of terpenoids: Plausible adjunct therapeutics for novel SARS-CoV-2?

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Afza Ahmad ◽  
Rohit Kumar Tiwari ◽  
Irfan Ahmad Ansari
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Bioactive Constituents ◽  
Plant Metabolites ◽  
Secondary Plant Metabolites ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
Antiviral Efficacy ◽  
The World ◽  
History Of

: Presently the world is witnessing most devastating pandemic in the history of mankind caused due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS-CoV-2. This dreaded pandemic is responsible for escalated mortality rate across the globe and thus is the worst catastrophes in the history of mankind. Since its outbreak, substantial scientific explorations focusing on formulation of novel therapeutical and/or adjunct intervention against the disease are continuously in pipeline. However, till date no effective therapy has been approved and hence the present alarming situation urges the necessity of exploring novel, safe and efficient interventional strategies. Functionally, terpenoids are a class of secondary plant metabolites having multi facet chemical structures and are categorically documented to be the largest reservoir of bioactive constituents, predominant in nature. Intriguingly, very little is scientifically explored or reviewed in regards with the anti-CoV-2 attributes of terpenoids. The present article thus aims to revisit the antiviral efficacy of terpenoids by reviewing the current scientific literature and thereby provide an opinion on the plausibility of exploring them as potential therapeutical intervention to deal with ongoing CoV-2 pandemic.

Music Therapy in the Management of Dementia

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanka Klímová ◽  
Kamil Kuča ◽  
Martin Vališ
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Behavioral Symptoms ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Dementia Patients ◽  
History Of ◽  
Review Study ◽  
History Of Use ◽  
Cognitive Competency

Background: Due to the increase in life expectancies and the number of aging population worldwide, there is a rise of aging diseases, out of which the most common is dementia. Therefore, researchers all over the world look for another alternative ways that can improve cognitive competency and neuropsychiatric disorders of these people in order to assist them in maintaining the quality of their life and reducing the overall economic burden. One of the alternative approache seems to be non-pharmacological therapies, which are non-invasive, with minimum side effects and definitely less costly, such as a music therapy (MT). Objective: The purpose of this review study is to discuss benefits and limitations of music therapy in the management of dementia. Method: This was done by conducting a literature review of available sources found in the Web of Science, Scopus and MEDLINE. Results: The findings show that MT may be a promising non-invasive strategy with a long history of use, relatively favorable acceptance among patients with dementia, and its efficacy especially in the treatment of psycho-behavioral symptoms of dementia. Conclusion: However, more research should be conducted in the area of cognitive functioning, as well as on the mechanism of MT for dementia patients.

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