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Ragab EA, Abd El-Wahab MF, Doghish AS, Salama RM, Eissa N, Darwish SF. The journey of boswellic acids from synthesis to pharmacological activities. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:1477-1504. [PMID: 37740772 PMCID: PMC10858840 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02725-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
There has been a lot of interest in using naturally occurring substances to treat a wide variety of chronic disorders in recent years. From the gum resin of Boswellia serrata and Boswellia carteri, the pentacyclic triterpene molecules known as boswellic acid (BA) are extracted. We aimed to provide a detailed overview of the origins, chemistry, synthetic derivatives, pharmacokinetic, and biological activity of numerous Boswellia species and their derivatives. The literature searched for reports of B. serrata and isolated BAs having anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-asthmatic, and clastogenic activities. Our results revealed that the cytotoxic and anticancer effects of B. serrata refer to its triterpenoid component, including BAs. Three-O-acetyl-11-keto-BA was the most promising cytotoxic molecule among tested substances. Activation of caspases, upregulation of Bax expression, downregulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), and stimulation of poly (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage are the primary mechanisms responsible for cytotoxic and antitumor effects. Evidence suggests that BAs have shown promise in combating a wide range of debilitating disease conditions, including cancer, hepatic, inflammatory, and neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab A Ragab
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Mohammed F Abd El-Wahab
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, 11829, Cairo, Egypt.
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Rania M Salama
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nermin Eissa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, P.O. Box 59911, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samar F Darwish
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, 11829, Cairo, Egypt.
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2
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Ullah A, Ullah S, Halim SA, Waqas M, Ali B, Ataya FS, El-Sabbagh NM, Batiha GES, Avula SK, Csuk R, Khan A, Al-Harrasi A. Identification of new pharmacophore against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by multi-fold computational and biochemical techniques. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3590. [PMID: 38351259 PMCID: PMC10864406 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53911-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 appeared as a highly contagious disease after its outbreak in December 2019 by the virus, named SARS-CoV-2. The threat, which originated in Wuhan, China, swiftly became an international emergency. Among different genomic products, spike protein of virus plays a crucial role in the initiation of the infection by binding to the human lung cells, therefore, SARS-CoV-2's spike protein is a promising therapeutic target. Using a combination of a structure-based virtual screening and biochemical assay, this study seeks possible therapeutic candidates that specifically target the viral spike protein. A database of ~ 850 naturally derived compounds was screened against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to find natural inhibitors. Using virtual screening and inhibitory experiments, we identified acetyl 11-keto-boswellic acid (AKBA) as a promising molecule for spike protein, which encouraged us to scan the rest of AKBA derivatives in our in-house database via 2D-similarity searching. Later 19 compounds with > 85% similarity with AKBA were selected and docked with receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein. Those hits declared significant interactions at the RBD interface, best possess and excellent drug-likeness and pharmacokinetics properties with high gastrointestinal absorption (GIA) without toxicity and allergenicity. Our in-silico observations were eventually validated by in vitro bioassay, interestingly, 10 compounds (A3, A4, C3, C6A, C6B, C6C, C6E, C6H, C6I, and C6J) displayed significant inhibitory ability with good percent inhibition (range: > 72-90). The compounds C3 (90.00%), C6E (91.00%), C6C (87.20%), and C6D (86.23%) demonstrated excellent anti-SARS CoV-2 spike protein activities. The docking interaction of high percent inhibition of inhibitor compounds C3 and C6E was confirmed by MD Simulation. In the molecular dynamics simulation, we observed the stable dynamics of spike protein inhibitor complexes and the influence of inhibitor binding on the protein's conformational arrangements. The binding free energy ΔGTOTAL of C3 (-38.0 ± 0.08 kcal/mol) and C6E (-41.98 ± 0.08 kcal/mol) respectively indicate a strong binding affinity to Spike protein active pocket. These findings demonstrate that these molecules particularly inhibit the function of spike protein and, therefore have the potential to be evaluated as drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atta Ullah
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-Ul-Mouz, P.O Box 33, Postal Code 616, Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Saeed Ullah
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-Ul-Mouz, P.O Box 33, Postal Code 616, Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Sobia Ahsan Halim
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-Ul-Mouz, P.O Box 33, Postal Code 616, Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Muhammad Waqas
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-Ul-Mouz, P.O Box 33, Postal Code 616, Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Basharat Ali
- Sulaiman Bin Abdullah Aba Al-Khail-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences (SA-CIRBS), International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Farid S Ataya
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box 2455, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser M El-Sabbagh
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, Egypt
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt
| | - Satya Kumar Avula
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-Ul-Mouz, P.O Box 33, Postal Code 616, Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Rene Csuk
- Organic Chemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 2, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ajmal Khan
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-Ul-Mouz, P.O Box 33, Postal Code 616, Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman.
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat-Ul-Mouz, P.O Box 33, Postal Code 616, Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman.
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3
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Prado Y, Aravena D, Gatica S, Llancalahuen FM, Aravena C, Gutiérrez-Vera C, Carreño LJ, Cabello-Verrugio C, Simon F. From genes to systems: The role of food supplementation in the regulation of sepsis-induced inflammation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166909. [PMID: 37805092 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Systemic inflammation includes a widespread immune response to a harmful stimulus that results in extensive systemic damage. One common example of systemic inflammation is sepsis, which is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Under the pro-inflammatory environment of sepsis, oxidative stress contributes to tissue damage due to dysfunctional microcirculation that progressively causes the failure of multiple organs that ultimately triggers death. To address the underlying inflammatory condition in critically ill patients, progress has been made to assess the beneficial effects of dietary supplements, which include polyphenols, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that are recognized for their immuno-modulating, anticoagulating, and analgesic properties. Therefore, we aimed to review and discuss the contribution of food-derived supplementation in the regulation of inflammation from gene expression to physiological responses and summarize the precedented potential of current therapeutic approaches during systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Prado
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Diego Aravena
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastian Gatica
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe M Llancalahuen
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristobal Aravena
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristián Gutiérrez-Vera
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile; Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Chile
| | - Leandro J Carreño
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile; Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Chile
| | - Claudio Cabello-Verrugio
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile; Laboratory of Muscle Pathology, Fragility and Aging, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Simon
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases, Santiago, Chile.
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4
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Meyiah A, Shawkat MY, Ur Rehman N, Al-Harrasi A, Elkord E. Effect of Boswellic acids on T cell proliferation and activation. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110668. [PMID: 37487264 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Boswellic acids have been recognized as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents with potentials to control autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. However, their effects on T cell proliferation and activation are not fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated effects of individual compounds including β-Boswellic acids (β-BA), 11-keto-β-Boswellic acid (β-KBA), 3-O-acetyl β-Boswellic acids (β-ABA), and 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-Boswellic acid (β-AKBA) on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and their potential role in modulating immune responses. We showed that β-BA, KBA, and AKBA at a 0.025 µM concentration significantly reduced T cell proliferation without inducing cytotoxicity, however, ABA showed cytotoxic effects at this concentration. β-BA and KBA showed significantly reduced T cell proliferation at 0.05 µM concentration without cytotoxic effects. Interestingly, we found that AKBA at 0.025 µM concentration significantly reduced CD25 expression on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells without cytotoxic effects. Additionally, β-BA reduced CD25 expression on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells at 0.05 µM concentration with no cytotoxicity. In this study, we determined the optimum concentration of each of these compounds that have the potential to reduce T cell activation without cytotoxic effects. Our findings show that both β-BA and AKBA have the ability to inhibit T cell proliferation and activation without inducing cytotoxicity. Further investigations are required to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these effects and the potential therapeutic benefits of these compounds in different autoimmune and inflammatory settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdo Meyiah
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa 616, Oman
| | - Murtada Y Shawkat
- Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Nizwa, Nizwa 616, Oman
| | - Najeeb Ur Rehman
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa 616, Oman
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa 616, Oman.
| | - Eyad Elkord
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa 616, Oman; Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Nizwa, Nizwa 616, Oman; Biomedical Research Center, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, UK.
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5
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Mesa NC, Alves IA, Vilela FMP, E Silva DM, Forero LAP, Novoa DMA, de Carvalho da Costa J. Fruits as nutraceuticals: A review of the main fruits included in nutraceutical patents. Food Res Int 2023; 170:113013. [PMID: 37316080 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Fruits have relevant usefulness in the elaboration of nutraceutical compositions and, as it is considered a "natural medicine", its market has been growing exponentially each year. Fruits, in general, contain a large source of phytochemicals, carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids, peptides and antioxidants that are of interest to be prepared as nutraceuticals. The biological properties of its nutraceuticals can range from antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-Alzheimer, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, among others. Furthermore, the need for innovative extraction methods and products reveals the importance of developing new nutraceutical compositions. This review was developed by searching patents of nutraceuticals from January 2015 until January 2022 in Espacenet, the search database of the European Patent Office (EPO). Of 215 patents related to nutraceuticals, 43% (92 patents) were including fruits, mainly berries. A great number of patents were focused on the treatment of metabolic diseases, representing 45% of the total patents. The principal patent applicant was the United States of America (US), with 52%. The patents were applied by researchers, industries, research centers and institutes. It is important to highlight that from 92 fruit nutraceutical patent applications reviewed, 13 already have their products available on the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Casas Mesa
- Faculty of Science, Chemistry Department, National University of Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia; Chemistry Department, Exact Science Institute, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Izabel Almeida Alves
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medicine Department, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Maria Pinto Vilela
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Dominique Mesquita E Silva
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Juliana de Carvalho da Costa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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6
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Bhanu1 P, Setlur AS, K C, Niranjan V, Hemandhar Kumar N, Buchke S, Kumar J, Rani A, Tiwari SM, Mishra V. Repurposing of known drugs for COVID-19 using molecular docking and simulation analysis. Bioinformation 2023; 19:149-159. [PMID: 37814677 PMCID: PMC10560309 DOI: 10.6026/97320630019149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We selected fifty one drugs already known for their potential disease treatment roles in various studies and subjected to docking and molecular docking simulation (MDS) analyses. Five of them showed promising features that are discussed and suggested as potential candidates for repurposing for COVID-19. These top five compounds were boswellic acid, pimecrolimus, GYY-4137, BMS-345541 and triamcinolone hexacetonide that interacted with the chosen receptors 1R42, 4G3D, 6VW1, 6VXX and 7MEQ, respectively with binding energies of -9.2 kcal/mol, -9.1 kcal/mol, -10.3 kcal/mol, -10.1 kcal/mol and -8.7 kcal/mol, respectively. The MDS studies for the top 5 best complexes revealed binding features for the chosen receptor, human NF-kappa B transcription factor as an important drug target in COVID-19-based drug development strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyush Bhanu1
- Xome Life Sciences, Bangalore Bio Innovation Centre (BBC), Helix Biotech Park, Bengaluru, Karnataka- 560100, India
| | - Anagha S Setlur
- Department of Biotechnology, RV College of Engineering, RV Vidyanikethan Post, Mysuru Road, Bengaluru 560059, India
| | - Chandrashekar K
- Department of Biotechnology, RV College of Engineering, RV Vidyanikethan Post, Mysuru Road, Bengaluru 560059, India
| | - Vidya Niranjan
- Department of Biotechnology, RV College of Engineering, RV Vidyanikethan Post, Mysuru Road, Bengaluru 560059, India
| | - Nisha Hemandhar Kumar
- Institute of Neuro and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Centre, Goettiengen - 37075, Germany
| | - Sakshi Buchke
- Xome Life Sciences, Bangalore Bio Innovation Centre (BBC), Helix Biotech Park, Bengaluru, Karnataka- 560100, India
| | - Jitendra Kumar
- Bangalore Bio Innovation Centre (BBC), Helix Biotech Park, Electronics City Phase- 1, Bengaluru-560100, Karnataka, India
| | - Anita Rani
- Department of Botany, Dyal Singh College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110003, India
| | - Sushil M Tiwari
- Department of Botany, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Vachaspati Mishra
- Department of Botany, Deen Dayal Upadhyay College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110078, India
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7
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Abou Zaid ES, Mansour SZ, El-Sonbaty SM, Moawed FSM, Kandil EI, Haroun RAH. Boswellic acid coated zinc nanoparticles attenuate NF-κB-mediated inflammation in DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2023; 37:3946320221150720. [PMID: 36600460 PMCID: PMC9830081 DOI: 10.1177/03946320221150720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory bowel disease, and until now therapeutic agents for UC still cannot exert satisfied effects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of boswellic acid coated zinc nanoparticles (BAs-ZnNPs) on dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) induced-UC in rats. METHODS Rats were divided into five groups; control, BAs-ZnNPs, DSS, DSS+BAs, and DSS + BAs-ZnNPs. The activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined colorimetrically, while the concentration of IgM, IgG, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 were measured by ELISA. Levels of gene expression of NF-κB and COX-2 genes were evaluated by RT-qPCR, while the expression of protein levels of PI3K and STAT-3 were done by western blotting. Finally, histopathological examination of colon tissues of different groups of rats was done. RESULTS The depicted ball-like structure of the BAs-ZnNPs in the TEM images ranging in size from 50 to 100 nm in diameter while their formation was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy with a sharp peak of maximum absorbance at 266 nm. Our results revealed that BAs-ZnNPs exerted an anti-inflammatory effect in the experimental model of colitis, demonstrated histologically and biochemically as shown by the improvement of ALP, IgM, IgG, and the gene expression levels of NF-κB and COX-2. Also, this beneficial effect was associated with the reduction in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, PI3K, and STAT-3. Thus, this effect improves the altered immune response associated with the colonic inflammation. CONCLUSION BAs-ZnNPs can be proposed as a therapeutic candidate to attenuate UC. The potential underlying mechanism includes suppression of ALP, IgM, IgG, IL-1β, and IL-8 levels via regulation of NF-κB and COX-2 gene expression and STAT-3 and PI3K protein expression in a UC rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman S Abou Zaid
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of
Science, Ain Shams
University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Somya Z Mansour
- Radiation Biology Department,
National
Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy
Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sawsan M El-Sonbaty
- Radiation Microbiology Department,
National
Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy
Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Fatma SM Moawed
- Health Radiation Research
Department, National
Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy
Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman I Kandil
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of
Science, Ain Shams
University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Riham Abdel-Hamid Haroun
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of
Science, Ain Shams
University, Cairo, Egypt,Riham Abdel-Hamid Haroun, Faculty of
Science, Ain Shams University, El-Khalyfa El-Mamoun Street Abbasya, Cairo 11566,
Egypt.
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8
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Sahebkar A, Jamialahmadi T, Rahmoune H, Guest PC. Long-Term Vaccination and Treatment Strategies for COVID-19 Disease and Future Coronavirus Pandemics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1412:27-49. [PMID: 37378760 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-28012-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The appearance of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants with increased infectivity and immune escape capabilities has allowed continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic for the foreseeable future. This review describes the worldwide efforts aimed at developing new vaccination and treatment strategies to keep pace with these variants as they emerge. In the case of vaccines and monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics, we describe the development of variant-specific, multivalent, and universal coronavirus directed approaches. Existing treatment approaches consist of repurposed medicines, such as antiviral compounds and anti-inflammatory agents, although efforts are underway to develop new ways of preventing or minimizing the effects of infection with the use of small molecules that disrupt binding the SARS-CoV-2 virus to host cells. Finally, we discuss the preclinical and clinical testing of natural products from medicinal herbs and spices, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and therefore show potential as novel and safe COVID-19 treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hassan Rahmoune
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul C Guest
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Laboratory of Translational Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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9
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Pilkington K, Pilkington GJ. Boswellia: Systematically scoping the in vitro, in vivo and clinical research. Eur J Integr Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2022.102197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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10
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Chitre D, Nadkarni S, Jagtap N, Tulle R, Gitte A, Rahate P, Chaskar S, Dey D. Phase
III
randomized clinical trial of
BV
‐4051, an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation in moderate
SARS‐CoV
‐2 infections and its impact on inflammatory biomarkers. Phytother Res 2022; 37:1232-1241. [PMID: 36419388 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants continue to be a challenge inspite of widespread vaccination and preventive measures. We hypothesized an oral, safe polyherbal formulation with antiinflammatory properties may improve the clinical outcome of this disease. BV-4051, a formulation from four Ayurvedic plants namely Ashwagandha, Boswellia, Ginger and Turmeric was used for the treatment of hospitalized moderate COVID-19 patients along with standard of care (SOC). Patients were randomly assigned to receive BV-4051 or placebo tablets for 14 days, at four sites in India during late 2020 to early 2021. Among 208 randomized subjects, 175 completed the study. In BV-4051 group the mean reduction in duration of illness (p = 0.036), alleviation and severity scores of several symptoms like fever, cough, smell, and taste disorders were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). A sub-set analysis of subjects treated with or without Remdesivir as SOC showed mean reduction in duration of illness in BV-4051 (p = 0.030), and severity scores (p ≤ 0.05). Mean difference in Interleukin-6 was statistically significant (p = 0.042) on BV-4051 without Remdesivir. BV-4051 may reduce duration of illness, symptoms severity, Interleukin-6, and prevent the incidence of COVID-19 complications. It may have an adjunctive effect with other SOC. Larger extensive clinical testing may give a better understanding of its effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Chitre
- Bioved Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Jose California USA
| | | | | | | | - Amol Gitte
- Siddhivinayak Hospital Thane, Mumbai India
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11
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Modulation of NRF-2 Pathway Contributes to the Therapeutic Effects of Boswellia serrata Gum Resin Extract in a Model of Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11112129. [PMID: 36358503 PMCID: PMC9686591 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocarditis is a clinically dangerous disease that can result in death. Oxidative stress as well as inflammatory and immune responses play important roles in the development of myocarditis. Presently, more research has been carried out on anti-inflammatory treatment using natural compounds. The aim was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of Boswellia gum resin extract in an experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) and the involvement of molecular pathways. Rats were immunized with porcine cardiac myosin to ascertain EAM. The EAM rats were treated orally with Boswellia extract or vehicle for 21 days. EAM caused macroscopic and microscopic alterations with necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrosis of the heart tissues, as well as clinical biochemical changes, cytokines release, altered immune response, and oxidative stress. Oral treatment with Boswellia markedly reduced myocardial damage, decreased inflammatory infiltrate, fibrosis, biochemical markers, such as lactate dehydrogenase and the creatine kinase, and heart weight/body weight ratio. In addition, low nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels together with the upregulation of antioxidant nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 NRF-2 pathway were observed in EAM rats treated with Boswellia. Thus, Boswellia could be considered as a new natural extract to combat heart pathologies, such as autoimmune myocarditis.
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Gaylis NB, Kreychman I, Sagliani J, Mograbi J, Gabet Y. The results of a unique dietary supplement (nutraceutical formulation) used to treat the symptoms of long-haul COVID. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1034169. [DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1034169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-COVID is a syndrome characterized by debilitating symptoms that persist over 3 months after infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It affects 15 to 33% of COVID-19 recovered patients and has no dedicated treatment. First, we found that β-caryophyllene and pregnenolone have a significant synergistic effect in the resolution of LPS-induced sepsis and inflammation in mice. Then we combined these two compounds with seven others and designed a unique dietary supplement formulation to alleviate long COVID inflammatory and neurological disorders. We performed a one-arm open-labeled study at a single site with 51 eligible patients from 18 states. Each participant recorded the severity level of 12 symptoms (including fatigue, weakness, cardiac and neurological symptoms, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal disorders, ageusia or anosmia, anxiety, joint pain, rash, cough, and insomnia) at baseline, 2- and 4-week time points. On average, all the symptoms were significantly milder after 2 weeks, with further improvement after 4 weeks. Importantly, each symptom was significantly attenuated in 72 to 84% of the participants. There were no significant adverse effects. Our data indicate that the use of this nutraceutical product is a safe and significantly efficient option to reduce multiple symptoms of long COVID.
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Gomaa AA, Abdel-Wadood YA, Gomaa MA. Glycyrrhizin and boswellic acids, the golden nutraceuticals: multitargeting for treatment of mild-moderate COVID-19 and prevention of post-COVID cognitive impairment. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:1977-1992. [PMID: 36136251 PMCID: PMC9493173 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-01062-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Breakthrough infections have been reported in fully vaccinated persons. Furthermore, rebound symptoms have been reported following the new FDA granted emergency use to combat SARS-CoV-2. Glycyrrhizin (GR) and boswellic acids (BAs) combination has been shown to have highly successful actions against COVID-19 in our recent clinical trial. However, the study is limited by the small sample size, and therefore, the aim of this article is to comprehensively evaluate recent evidence on the efficacy of GR and BAs in preventing the development of COVID-19 in patients with mild and moderate infections and in preventing post-COVID-19 cognitive impairment, which is the most important symptom after recovery from Covid-19 disease. We have reviewed and discussed information published since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic until July 2022 on preclinical (in vivo, in vivo and bioinformatics) and clinical studies related to the antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity of Gr and BAs. Sixteen studies were performed to determine the efficacy of GR against SARS-CoV-2. Ten studies were used primarily for in vitro and in vivo assays and six used molecular docking studies. However, the antiviral activity of BAs against SARS-CoV-2 was determined in only five studies using molecular modeling and bioinformatics. All these studies confirmed that GR n and BAs have strong antiviral activity and can be used as a therapeutic agent for COVID-19 and as a protective agent against SARS-CoV-2. They may act by inhibiting the main protease SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) responsible for replication and blocking spike protein-mediated cell entry. Only seven rigorously designed clinical trials regarding the usefulness of GR, BAs or their combinations in the treatment of COVID-19 have been published as of July 2022. Although there is no clinical study regarding the treatment of cognitive impairment after COVID-19 that has been published so far, several preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the potential effect of GR and BAs in the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment by inhibiting the activity of several molecules that activate inflammatory signaling pathway. In conclusion, the findings of our study documented the beneficial use of GR and BAs to treat SARS-CoV-2 and its variants and prevent post-COVID cognitive impairment. However, it warrants further studies with a larger randomized sample size to ensure that the studies have sufficient evidence of benefits against COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel A Gomaa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | | | - Mohamed A Gomaa
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Tsermpini EE, Glamočlija U, Ulucan-Karnak F, Redenšek Trampuž S, Dolžan V. Molecular Mechanisms Related to Responses to Oxidative Stress and Antioxidative Therapies in COVID-19: A Systematic Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081609. [PMID: 36009328 PMCID: PMC9405444 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a leading global health and economic challenge. What defines the disease’s progression is not entirely understood, but there are strong indications that oxidative stress and the defense against reactive oxygen species are crucial players. A big influx of immune cells to the site of infection is marked by the increase in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Our article aims to highlight the critical role of oxidative stress in the emergence and severity of COVID-19 and, more importantly, to shed light on the underlying molecular and genetic mechanisms. We have reviewed the available literature and clinical trials to extract the relevant genetic variants within the oxidative stress pathway associated with COVID-19 and the anti-oxidative therapies currently evaluated in the clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment, in particular clinical trials on glutathione and N-acetylcysteine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Eirini Tsermpini
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Una Glamočlija
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Fulden Ulucan-Karnak
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100 İzmir, Turkey
| | - Sara Redenšek Trampuž
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vita Dolžan
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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15
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Roshni J, Vaishali R, Ganesh KS, Dharani N, Alzahrani KJ, Banjer HJ, Alghamdi AH, Theyab A, Ahmed SS, Patil S. Multi-target potential of Indian phytochemicals against SARS-CoV-2: A docking, molecular dynamics and MM-GBSA approach extended to Omicron B.1.1.529. J Infect Public Health 2022; 15:662-669. [PMID: 35617830 PMCID: PMC9101941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2, an emerged strain of corona virus family became almost serious health concern worldwide. Despite vaccines availability, reports suggest the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection even in a vaccinated population. With frequent evolution and expected multiple COVID-19 waves, improved preventive, diagnostic, and treatment measures are required. In recent times, phytochemicals have gained attention due to their therapeutic characteristics and are suggested as alternative and complementary treatments for infectious diseases. This present study aimed to identify potential inhibitors against reported protein targets of SARS-CoV-2. METHODOLOGY We computationally investigated potential SARS-CoV-2 protein targets from the literature and collected druggable phytochemicals from Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry and Therapeutics (IMPPAT) database. Further, we implemented a systematic workflow of molecular docking, dynamic simulations and generalized born surface area free-energy calculations (MM-GBSA). RESULTS Extensive literature search and assessment of 1508 articles identifies 13 potential SARS-CoV-2 protein targets. We screened 501 druggable phytochemicals with proven biological activities. Analysis of 6513(501 *13) docked phytochemicals complex, 26 were efficient against SARS-CoV-2. Amongst, 4,8-dihydroxysesamin and arboreal from Gmelina arborea were ranked potential against most of the targets with binding energy ranging between - 10.7 to - 8.2 kcal/mol. Additionally, comparative docking with known drugs such as arbidol (-6.6 to -5.1 kcal/mol), favipiravir (-5.5 to -4.5 kcal/mol), hydroxychloroquine (-6.5 to -5.1 kcal/mol), and remedesivir (-8.0 to -5.3 kcal/mol) revealed equal/less affinity than 4,8-dihydroxysesamin and arboreal. Interestingly, the nucleocapsid target was found commonly inhibited by 4,8-dihydroxysesamin and arboreal. Molecular dynamic simulation and Molecular mechanics generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA)calculations reflect that both the compounds possess high inhibiting potential against SARS-CoV-2 including the recently emerged Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). CONCLUSION Overall our study imparts the usage of phytochemicals as antiviral agents for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additional in vitro and in vivo testing of these phytochemicals is required to confirm their potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jency Roshni
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam 603103, India.
| | - R Vaishali
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam 603103, India.
| | - K S Ganesh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam 603103, India.
| | - N Dharani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam 603103, India.
| | - Khalid J Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Hamsa Jameel Banjer
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ali H Alghamdi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Albaha University, Albaha 7738-65799, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdulrahman Theyab
- College of Medicine, Al-Faisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh, 11533, Saudi Arabia; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Security Forces Hospital, Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Shiek Ssj Ahmed
- Multi-omics and Drug Discovery Lab, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education(CARE), Kelambakkam 603103, India.
| | - Shankargouda Patil
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Division of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan 45412, Saudi Arabia.
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Bie F, Zhang G, Yan X, Ma X, Zhan S, Qiu Y, Cao J, Ma Y, Ma M. β-Boswellic Acid Suppresses Breast Precancerous Lesions via GLUT1 Targeting-Mediated Glycolysis Inhibition and AMPK Pathway Activation. Front Oncol 2022; 12:896904. [PMID: 35712503 PMCID: PMC9194511 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.896904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast carcinoma is a multistep progressive disease. Precancerous prevention seems to be crucial. β-Boswellic acid (β-BA), the main component of the folk medicine Boswellia serrata (B. serrata), has been reported to be effective in various diseases including tumors. In this work, we demonstrated that β-BA could inhibit breast precancerous lesions in rat disease models. Consistently, β-BA could suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis on MCF-10AT without significantly influencing MCF-10A. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis suggested that β-BA may interfere with the metabolic pathway. Metabolism-related assays showed that β-BA suppressed glycolysis and reduced ATP production, which then activated the AMPK pathway and inhibited the mTOR pathway to limit MCF-10AT proliferation. Further molecular docking analysis suggested that GLUT1 might be the target of β-BA. Forced expression of GLUT1 could rescue the glycolysis suppression and survival limitation induced by β-BA on MCF-10AT. Taken together, β-BA could relieve precancerous lesions in vivo and in vitro through GLUT1 targeting-induced glycolysis suppression and AMPK/mTOR pathway alterations. Here, we offered a molecular basis for β-BA to be developed as a promising drug candidate for the prevention of breast precancerous lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjie Bie
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guijuan Zhang
- School of Nursing, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianxin Yan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Ma
- The First Clinical Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sha Zhan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yebei Qiu
- The Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyu Cao
- The Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Ma
- Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering, Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine of Guangdong Province, The National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Ma
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- The Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Min Ma,
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Fatima SW, Alam S, Khare SK. Molecular and structural insights of β-boswellic acid and glycyrrhizic acid as potent SARS-CoV-2 Envelope protein inhibitors. PHYTOMEDICINE PLUS : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 2:100241. [PMID: 35403092 PMCID: PMC8840829 DOI: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2022.100241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over million people have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus worldwide, with around 3% reported deaths till date. A few conventional antiviral treatments have been tried to mitigate the coronavirus. However, many alternative therapeutics are being evaluated worldwide. In the present study, we investigated traditional Indian medicinal compounds antiviral potencies as an effective drug for targeting SARS-CoV-2E. SARS-CoV-2 E protein plays a key role in coronavirus life cycle and is an interesting target for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 E drugs. METHODS Molecular docking studies of medicinal compounds possessing wide range of pharmacological and antiviral activities against enveloped viruses were evaluated with the computer-aided drug design screening software; PyRx. Twelve medicinal compounds isolated from plants were screened and visualized on Biovia Discovery-Studio. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 E protein's secondary structural insights were deciphered using Swiss Model and ProFunc web server. RESULTS Glycyrrhizic acid, triterpene glycoside isolated from plants of Glycyrrhiza (licorice) showed interactions with envelope protein at chain A: Arg 61, chain B: Phe 23, chain B: Tyr 57, and chain C: Val 25. β- boswellic acid, an ayurvedic herb (pentacyclic terpenoid are produced by Boswellia) represented direct interactions and indirect binding with chain C. Their pharmacological aspects and drug-likeness properties were deduced by DruLiTo. Toxicological assessment, along with their ADME profiling, was validated using vNNADMET. The findings showed that ligands, β-boswellic acid, and glycyrrhizic acid possessed the best bindings, with the target having binding affinity (-9.1 kcal/mol) amongst compounds tested against SARS-CoV-2 E. In-vitro studies reveals the promising effect as potent SARS-CoV-2 E inhibitors. Functionality loss and structural disruptions with ∼90% were observed by UV-spectra and fluorescent based analyses. CONCLUSION The study demonstrated that β-boswellic acid, and glycyrrhizic acid are strong SARS-CoV-2 E protein inhibitors. In addition, the work linked GA antiviral activity to its effect on SARS-CoV- 2 E protein that can pave the way for designing antiviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Warisul Fatima
- Enzyme and Microbial Biochemistry Laboratory,Department of Chemistry,Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Shahenvaz Alam
- Enzyme and Microbial Biochemistry Laboratory,Department of Chemistry,Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Sunil K Khare
- Enzyme and Microbial Biochemistry Laboratory,Department of Chemistry,Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
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Gomaa AA, Mohamed HS, Abd-Ellatief RB, Gomaa MA, Hammam DS. Advancing combination treatment with glycyrrhizin and boswellic acids for hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-19 infection: a randomized clinical trial. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:477-486. [PMID: 35233748 PMCID: PMC8886861 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-00939-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence points to a potential therapeutic role for glycyrrhizin(GR) and boswellic acids (BA) in the treatment of COVID-19 but conclusive evidence is lacking. Our aim is to investigate the efficacy of GR + BA versus placebo for the treatment of hospitalized patients with moderate SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 variants infection. The current study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center trial. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 variants diagnosed by PCR test who were admitted to Sohag University hospital were eligible if they were at least 18 years of age and had moderate symptoms. Patients were randomly assigned to receive oral GR capsule (60 mg) and BA (200 mg) twice daily for 14 days or a matching placebo. All patients also received treatment with the institutional protocol for COVID-19. The primary outcome was mortality and time to recovery. Secondary outcome was clinical status score, 14 days after receiving study drugs. Adverse events from use of study drugs have been evaluated for up to 14 days. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT04487964). During the 6-month enrollment period (June-November, 2021) only 50 patients (54% women; median age 60 years, IQR 54–65) met eligibility and were randomly assigned. Evaluation of the primary outcome at 14 days showed that there were five deaths in the placebo group and no deaths in the GR + BA group. With regard to recovery time, it was significantly shorter (p = 0.0001) in the group receiving GR + BA capsule compared to the placebo group (median 7.0; IQR 6.0–8.0 days vs. median 12.5; IQR 12–20 days). Clinical status on the ordinal score scale as a secondary outcome showed a significant difference between the GR + BA group (median (IQR) score, 2 [2–3]) and placebo groups (mean (IQR) score, 3 [3–5.5]). There was a significant decrease in CRB (p = 0.000041) in GR + BA compared with the placebo group. In conclusion, this safe, inexpensive, antiviral, immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory combination may be considered for use in mild to moderate infections of SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 variants. The study is limited by the small sample size; therefore, larger randomized trials are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel A Gomaa
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Hamdy S Mohamed
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Rasha B Abd-Ellatief
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Gomaa
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Doaa S Hammam
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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19
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Dubey AK, Chaudhry SK, Singh HB, Gupta VK, Kaushik A. Perspectives on nano-nutraceuticals to manage pre and post COVID-19 infections. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 33:e00712. [PMID: 35186674 PMCID: PMC8832856 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2022.e00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Optimized therapeutic bio-compounds supported by bio-acceptable nanosystems (i.e., precise nanomedicine) have ability to promote health via maintaining body structure, organ function, and controlling chronic and acute effects. Therefore, nano-nutraceuticals (designed to neutralize virus, inhibit virus bindings with receptors, and support immunity) utilization can manage COVID-19 pre/post-infection effects. To explore these approaches well, our mini-review explores optimized bio-active compounds, their ability to influence SARS-CoV-2 infection, improvement in performance supported by precise nanomedicine approach, and challenges along with prospects. Such optimized pharmacologically relevant therapeutic cargo not only affect SARS-CoV-2 but will support other organs which show functional alternation due to SARS-CoV-2 for example, neurological functions. Hence, coupling the nutraceuticals with the nano-pharmacology perspective of higher efficacy via targeted delivery action can pave a novel way for health experts to plan future research needed to manage post COVID-19 infection effect where a longer efficacy with no side-effects is a key requirement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Kumar Dubey
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu, 600036, India
- Institute of Scholars (InSc), Bengaluru, 560091, Karnataka, India
| | - Suman Kumar Chaudhry
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Tezpur University, Sonitpur, Assam, 784028, India
| | | | - Vijai Kumar Gupta
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, SRUC, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
- Center for Safe and Improved Food, SRUC, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
| | - Ajeet Kaushik
- NanoBioTech Laboratory, Health Systems Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, FL, 33805, United States of America
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20
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Inflawell ® improves neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and shortens hospitalization in patients with moderate COVID-19, in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:465-475. [PMID: 35201518 PMCID: PMC8867130 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-00928-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Aims COVID-19 is a significant global threat to public health. Despite the availability of vaccines and anti-viral drugs, there is an urgent need for alternative treatments to help prevent and/or manage COVID-19 symptoms and the underlying dysregulated immune response. We hypothesized that administration of Inflawell® syrup, a Boswellia extract formulation enriched for boswellic acids (BAs), can reduce the excessive or persistent inflammation and thereby prevent disease progression. BAs are medicinally activated triterpenoids found in the resins of Boswellia spp., and possess an immense therapeutic potential due to their anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities. We investigated the effect of Inflawell® syrup, on moderate COVID-19 patients along with the current standard of care treatment. Methods A randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial was conducted, following definitive confirmation of COVID-19. Forty-seven hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-19 were enrolled and received either the Inflawell® syrup or placebo. Clinical symptoms and markers of inflammation were evaluated at baseline and completion of the trial. Results Our clinical trial revealed an increase in the percentage of oxygen saturation level in patients that received the BAs compared to placebo (P < 0.0001). In addition, the average duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter in the BAs group compared with the placebo group (P < 0.04). Concomitantly, some improvement in the clinical symptoms including cough, dyspnea, myalgia, headache, and olfactory and gustatory dysfunction were detected in the BAs group. Hematologic findings showed a significant decrease in the percentage of neutrophils (P < 0.006) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels (P < 0.003), associated with a significant increase in the percentage of lymphocytes in the BAs group compared with the placebo (P < 0.002). Additionally, a significant decrease in CRP, LDH, IL − 6 and TNF − α levels was detected in the BAs group. Following the intervention, fewer patients in the BAs group were PCR-positive for COVID-19 compared to placebo, though not statistically significant. Conclusion Overall, the treatment with Inflawell® resulted in shorter hospital stay, alleviation of COVID-19 clinical symptoms and decline in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Trial registration The trial has been registered in https://www.irct.ir with unique identifier: IRCT20170315033086N10 (https://en.irct.ir/trial/51631). IRCT is a primary registry in the WHO registry network (https://www.who.int/clinical-trials-registry-platform/network/primary-registries).
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21
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Shavlovskaya OA. [Complex effects of physical exertion with dietary supplements Cartilox in pain syndrome effectiveness and safety evaluation]. VOPROSY KURORTOLOGII, FIZIOTERAPII, I LECHEBNOI FIZICHESKOI KULTURY 2022; 99:20-28. [PMID: 35981338 DOI: 10.17116/kurort20229904120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED A promising direction of osteoarthritis (OA) therapy is currently being considered pharmaceutical compositions of Symptomatic Slow Acting Drugs for Osteoarthritis (SYSADOA), which include type II collagen. A clinical observational study was conducted. OBJECTIVE To Identify the effect of physical activity complex effects with dietary supplements Cartilox (composition: hydrolyzed type II collagen, hyaluronic acid, boswellia, curcumin, piperine) on the severity of pain syndrome in OA knee and hip joint patients, low back pain (LBP); assessment of the need for the appointment of NSAIDs against the background of taking Cartilox. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 60 patients aged 35-65 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of knee and hip OA I-II st., LBP with a slight degree of severity of pain syndrome - 4-5 points on a numerical rating scale (NRS). Patients with comorbid diseases: arterial hypertension (AH), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM-2), hypothyroidism, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract). By randomization, the patients were divided into two groups: Main group (n=30; 54.36±8.57 years) received a complex effect of non-drug therapy (physical therapy complex) with dietary supplements Cartilox 1 sachet per day during or immediately after meals for 1 month, in combination with non-medical therapy (physical therapy complex). And Control group (n=30; 53.03±16.18 years) used only non-medical therapy (physical therapy complex). In both groups, topical NSAIDs were used «on demand». The patients included in the study had imaging data of the spine and joints. Clinical and neurological examination was used: day 0 (Visit 1), Day 14 (Visit 2), Day 30 (Visit 3) of therapy. The dynamics of the condition was assessed: 10-point NRS of pain assessment (at rest, while walking, palpation), functional status of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), blood pressure (BP) was measured, the dynamics of biochemical parameters (before and after 30 days) of blood glucose, liver enzymes (AST, ALT), weight indicators, registration of adverse events (AEs). A sub-objective assessment (1 to 5 balls) was given to the patient and the physician. RESULTS Against the background of taking Cartilox, a statistically significant decrease in the severity of pain syndrome was noted, an improvement on ODI (to a greater extent in the Main group vs the Control group). In no case has a registered AEs. Changes in the level of biochemical blood parameters (glucose, liver enzymes) and blood pressure levels were not observed. The topical NSAIDs use was observed only in the Control group. CONCLUSION The complex effect of physical exertion with dietary supplements Cartilox can be recommended for patients with unexpressed pain syndrome (4-5 points on the NRS) with LBP and knee and hip OA (I-II st.). The absence of changes in the level of biochemical parameters of blood and blood pressure makes it possible to recommend Cartilox to patients with OA and comorbid diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- O A Shavlovskaya
- International University of Restorative Medicine, Moscow, Russia
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22
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Potential therapeutic effects of boswellic acids/Boswellia serrata extract in the prevention and therapy of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2021; 394:2167-2185. [PMID: 34542667 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-021-02154-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The link between diabetes and cognitive dysfunction has been reported in many recent articles. There is currently no disease-modifying treatment available for cognitive impairment. Boswellia serrata (B. serrata) is used traditionally to treat chronic inflammatory diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), insulin resistance (IR), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review aims to highlight current research on the potential use of boswellic acids (BAs)/B. serrata extract in T2D and AD. We reviewed the published information through June 2021. Studies have been collected through a search on online electronic databases (Academic libraries as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Egyptian Knowledge Bank). Accumulating evidence in preclinical and small human clinical studies has indicated that BAs/B. serrata extract has potential therapeutic effect in T2D and AD. According to most of the authors, the potential therapeutic effects of BAs/B. serrata extract in T2D and AD can be attributed to immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity, and elimination of the senescent cells. BAs/B. serrata extract may act by inhibiting the IκB kinase/nuclear transcription factor-κB (IKK/NF-κB) signaling pathway and increasing the formation of selective anti-inflammatory LOX-isoform modulators. In conclusion, BAs/B. serrata extract may have positive therapeutic effects in prevention and therapy of T2D and AD. However, more randomized controlled trials with effective, large populations are needed to show a definitive conclusion about therapeutic efficacy of BAs/B. serrata extract in T2D and AD.
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