scholarly journals Versatile Nutraceutical Potentials of Watermelon—A Modest Fruit Loaded with Pharmaceutically Valuable Phytochemicals

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (22) ◽  
pp. 5258
Author(s):  
Abinaya Manivannan ◽  
Eun-Su Lee ◽  
Koeun Han ◽  
Hye-Eun Lee ◽  
Do-Sun Kim
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Functional Food ◽  
Vascular Diseases ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Medicinal Properties ◽  
Cardio Vascular ◽  
Alpha Amino Acid

Watermelon (Citrulus lantus) is an important horticultural crop which belongs to the Curcubitaceae family. The nutraceutical potential of watermelon has been illustrated by several researchers, which makes it a better choice of functional food. Watermelon has been used to treat various ailments, such as cardio-vascular diseases, aging related ailments, obesity, diabetes, ulcers, and various types of cancers. The medicinal properties of watermelon are attributed by the presence of important phytochemicals with pharmaceutical values such as lycopene, citrulline, and other polyphenolic compounds. Watermelon acts as vital source of l-citrulline, a neutral-alpha amino acid which is the precursor of l-arginine, an essential amino acid necessary for protein synthesis. Supplementation of l-citrulline and lycopene displayed numerous health benefits in in vitro and in vivo studies. Similarly, the dietary intake of watermelon has proven benefits as functional food in humans for weight management. Apart from the fruits, the extracts prepared from the seeds, sprouts, and leaves also evidenced medicinal properties. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of benefits of watermelon for the treatment of various ailments.

scholarly journals Glutamine: Metabolism and Immune Function, Supplementation and Clinical Translation

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinicius Cruzat ◽  
Marcelo Macedo Rogero ◽  
Kevin Noel Keane ◽  
Rui Curi ◽  
Philip Newsholme
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
The Body ◽  
Glutamine Metabolism ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Glutamine Supplementation ◽  
Bacterial Killing ◽  
Nutrition Supplementation ◽  
Wide Range

Glutamine is the most abundant and versatile amino acid in the body. In health and disease, the rate of glutamine consumption by immune cells is similar or greater than glucose. For instance, in vitro and in vivo studies have determined that glutamine is an essential nutrient for lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production, macrophage phagocytic plus secretory activities and neutrophil bacterial killing. Glutamine release to the circulation and availability is mainly controlled by key metabolic organs, such as the gut, liver and skeletal muscles. During catabolic/hypercatabolic situations glutamine can become essential for metabolic function, but its availability may be compromised due to impairment of homeostasis in the inter-tissue metabolism of amino acids. For this reason, glutamine is currently part of clinical nutrition supplementation protocols and/or recommended for immune suppressed individuals. However, in a wide range of catabolic/hypercatabolic situations (e.g. ill/critically ill, post-trauma, sepsis, exhausted athletes) it is currently difficult to determine whether glutamine parenteral or enteral supplementation should be recommended based on the amino acid plasma concentration (glutaminemia). Although the beneficial immune based effects of glutamine supplementation is already established, many questions and evidence for positive in vivo outcomes still remain to be presented. Therefore, this paper provides an integrated review on how glutamine metabolism in key organs is important to cells of the immune system. We also discuss glutamine metabolism, action and important issues related to the effects of glutamine supplementation in catabolic situations.

scholarly journals The Paradigm Change of IL-33 in Vascular Biology

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (24) ◽  
pp. 13288
Author(s):  
Svitlana Demyanets ◽  
Stefan Stojkovic ◽  
Kurt Huber ◽  
Johann Wojta
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Diseases ◽  
Vascular Biology ◽  
Vascular Wall ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Dual Function ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Cardio Vascular ◽  
St2 Receptor

In this review, we focus on the actual understanding of the role of IL-33 in vascular biology in the context of the historical development since the description of IL-33 as a member of IL-1 superfamily and the ligand for ST2 receptor in 2005. We summarize recent data on the biology, structure and signaling of this dual-function factor with both nuclear and extracellular cytokine properties. We describe cellular sources of IL-33, particularly within vascular wall, changes in its expression in different cardio-vascular conditions and mechanisms of IL-33 release. Additionally, we summarize the regulators of IL-33 expression as well as the effects of IL-33 itself in cells of the vasculature and in monocytes/macrophages in vitro combined with the consequences of IL-33 modulation in models of vascular diseases in vivo. Described in murine atherosclerosis models as well as in macrophages as an atheroprotective cytokine, extracellular IL-33 induces proinflammatory, prothrombotic and proangiogenic activation of human endothelial cells, which are processes known to be involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. We, therefore, discuss that IL-33 can possess both protective and harmful effects in experimental models of vascular pathologies depending on experimental conditions, type and dose of administration or method of modulation.

Celecoxib (Ce) + exemestane (Ex) versus placebo + Ex in post-menopausal (PM) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients (pts): A double-blind phase III GINECO study

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 565-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Freyer ◽  
M. Debled ◽  
J. F. Geay ◽  
T. Bachelot ◽  
E. Blot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Cardiac Monitoring ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Her2 Positive ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Vascular Toxicity ◽  
Cardio Vascular

565 Background: in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that COX-2 inhibitors have proper antitumor effect and could enhance the activity of aromatase inhibitors (AI). Methods: PM first-line MBC pts without previous adjuvant AI were randomized to receive per os until progression either A: Ce (400 mg bid) + Ex (25mg/d) or B: placebo (1 tablet bid) + Ex (25mg/d). PFS was the main end-point. The trial was prematurely stopped (Dec 2004) with 157/342 pts enrolled (A: 74, B: 83 pts) after occurrence of Ce cardio-vascular toxicity in other trials. Results: patient (median age, A:61, B:63 yrs) characteristics were well balanced between A and B (%) : ER and/or PR positive (93, 94), HER2 positive (4, 5), adjuvant chemotherapy (45, 53) or tamoxifen (57, 61), ECOG PS 0–1 (90, 90), visceral (63, 53) or bone involvement (35, 41). Tolerance: compared to placebo (B), pts treated with Ce (A) experienced less gr 2–3 CTCAE: pain (A:52, B:63%), arthralgias (19, 28), asthenia (20, 30), Gr 1–3 insomnia (32, 47), but more hypersentivity reactions (7,0) and oedema (8, 2). Gastro-intestinal toxicity was not increased in A. One episode of paroxystic arythmia occurred in the Ce arm, without complication in a patient with known cardiopathy. Overall response rate was significantly higher in A (35 vs 20%, p=.034). Median PFS in intent-to-treat analysis was similar in A (9.8 months) and B (9.8), but tend to be superior in A (A:12.2, B:9,8, p=.09) in pts who were included at least 3 months before early trial stopping. In addition, PFS was significantly longer in pts treated with Ce +Ex (A: 8.4 months, B: 4.7, p=.019) in the subgroup of pts who developed MBC under Tam or within 12 months after Tam stopping (A: 26, B: 29 pts). Conclusion: The combination of celecoxib and exemestane is promising and should be further explored in MBC with adequate cardiac monitoring. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

scholarly journals Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Extracts-Suitable Pharmacological Interventions for COVID-19? A Review

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2600
Author(s):  
Joji Abraham ◽  
Singarayer Florentine
Keyword(s):  
Distress Syndrome ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Glycyrrhiza Glabra ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Pharmacological Interventions ◽  
Extensive Search ◽  
Medicinal Properties ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Even though vaccination has started against COVID-19, people should continue maintaining personal and social caution as it takes months or years to get everyone vaccinated, and we are not sure how long the vaccine remains efficacious. In order to contribute to the mitigation of COVID-19 symptoms, the pharmaceutical industry aims to develop antiviral drugs to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 replication and produce anti-inflammatory medications that will inhibit the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is the primary cause of mortality among the COVID-19 patients. In reference to these tasks, this article considers the properties of a medicinal plant named licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), whose phytochemicals have shown both antiviral and anti-inflammatory tendencies through previous studies. All the literature was selected through extensive search in various databases such as google scholar, Scopus, the Web of Science, and PubMed. In addition to the antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, one of the licorice components has an autophagy-enhancing mechanism that studies have suggested to be necessary for COVID-19 treatment. Based on reviewing relevant professional and historical literature regarding the medicinal properties of licorice, it is suggested that it may be worthwhile to conduct in vitro and in vivo studies, including clinical trials with glycyrrhizic and glycyrrhetinic acids together with other flavonoids found in licorice, as there is the potentiality to provide natural interventions against COVID-19 symptoms.

Amino Acid Degrading Enzymes and their Application in Cancer Therapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 446-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vadim S. Pokrovsky ◽  
Olga E. Chepikova ◽  
Denis Zh. Davydov ◽  
Andrey A. Zamyatnin Jr ◽  
Alexander N. Lukashev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Arginine Deiminase ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Degrading Enzymes ◽  
Essential Components

Background:Amino acids are essential components in various biochemical pathways. The deprivation of certain amino acids is an antimetabolite strategy for the treatment of amino acid-dependent cancers which exploits the compromised metabolism of malignant cells. Several studies have focused on the development and preclinical and clinical evaluation of amino acid degrading enzymes, namely L-asparaginase, L-methionine γ-lyase, L-arginine deiminase, L-lysine α-oxidase. Further research into cancer cell metabolism may therefore define possible targets for controlling tumor growth.Objective:The purpose of this review was to summarize recent progress in the relationship between amino acids metabolism and cancer therapy, with a particular focus on Lasparagine, L-methionine, L-arginine and L-lysine degrading enzymes and their formulations, which have been successfully used in the treatment of several types of cancer.Methods:We carried out a structured search among literature regarding to amino acid degrading enzymes. The main aspects of search were in vitro and in vivo studies, clinical trials concerning application of these enzymes in oncology.Results:Most published research are on the subject of L-asparaginase properties and it’s use for cancer treatment. L-arginine deiminase has shown promising results in a phase II trial in advanced melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. Other enzymes, in particular Lmethionine γ-lyase and L-lysine α-oxidase, were effective in vitro and in vivo.Conclusion:The findings of this review revealed that therapy based on amino acid depletion may have the potential application for cancer treatment but further clinical investigations are required to provide the efficacy and safety of these agents.

A Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Action, Ethanobotanical Uses and Nutritional Potential of Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn.,

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalaiseziyen Pavithra ◽  
Ganapathy Saravanan
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Pharmacological Action ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Traditional Medicines ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
Medicinal Properties

Nature is an amazing source for food, shelter, clothing and medicine. An impressive number of modern drugs are isolated from many sources like plants, animals and microbes. The development of natural products from traditional medicines is of great importance to society. Modern concepts and methodologies with abundant clinical studies, unique diversity of chemical structures and biological activities aid the modern drug discovery process. Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn., a traditional medicinal plant of the Cucurbitaceae family, is found in India, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia and Western Malaysia. Almost all parts of the plant are used in traditional systems of medicines and reported having medicinal properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In the last few years, extensive research work had been carried out using extracts and isolated phytoconstituents from Kedrostis foetidissima to confirm its pharmacology and biological activities. Many scientific reports show that crude extracts and extensive numbers of phytochemical constituents isolated from Kedrostis foetidissima have activities like antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory and various other important medicinal properties. The therapeutic properties of the plants are mainly attributed to the existence of phytoconstituents like phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and steroids. This comprehensive review in various aspects gave a brief overview of phytoconstituents, nutritional values and medicinal property of the plant and might attract the researchers to explore its medicinal activity by discovering novel biologically active compounds that can serve as a lead compound in pharmaceutical and food industry.

scholarly journals Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy with the novel amino acid-porphyrin conjugate 4I: In vitro and in vivo studies

PLoS ONE ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. e0176529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yao Yuan ◽  
Zi-Quan Liu ◽  
Heng Jin ◽  
Shi Sun ◽  
Tian-Jun Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Antimicrobial Chemotherapy ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy

Biodegradation of amino-acid-based poly(ester amide)s: in vitro weight loss and preliminary in vivo studies

2004 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Tsitlanadze ◽  
M. Machaidze ◽  
T. Kviria ◽  
N. Djavakhishvili ◽  
C. C. Chu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
In Vivo Studies
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