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Mantadaki AE, Linardakis M, Tsakiri M, Baliou S, Fragkiadaki P, Vakonaki E, Tzatzarakis MN, Tsatsakis A, Symvoulakis EK. Benefits of Quercetin on Glycated Hemoglobin, Blood Pressure, PiKo-6 Readings, Night-Time Sleep, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3504. [PMID: 38930033 PMCID: PMC11205103 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123504] [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: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Diabetes is a rapidly growing global morbidity issue with high prevalence, and the associated dysglycemia leads to complications. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often experience elevated anxiety levels, affecting their quality of life and diabetes management. This study investigated quercetin, a nutraceutical and potential senolytic with antioxidant activity, to detect its possible positive effect on the bio-clinical measurements and routine health of patients with T2DM. Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated the clinical usefulness of quercetin in patients with T2DM receiving non-insulin medications. One hundred participants were stratified by age and sex (1:1) and randomized to control (n = 50) or intervention (n = 50) groups. The control received standard care only, while the intervention received 500 mg quercetin daily for 12 weeks, followed by an 8-week washout and a final consecutive 12-week supplementation period (total: 32 weeks), as adjunct to their usual care. Comprehensive health assessments, including blood analyses, were conducted at baseline and study termination. Quality of life and anxiety were assessed using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Short Anxiety Screening Test (SAST-10). Results: Eighty-eight patients with T2DM concluded the trial. Compared with the control, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels showed a significant decrease (Δ%-change: -4.0% vs. 0.1%, p = 0.011). Quercetin also significantly improved PiKo-6 readings (FEV1: 5.6% vs. -1.5%, p = 0.002), systolic blood pressure (-5.0% vs. -0.2%, p = 0.029), night-time sleep (11.6% vs. -7.3%, p < 0.001), anxiety levels (SAST-10) (-26.2% vs. 3.3%, p < 0.001), and quality of life (SF-36) (both physical and mental components, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Based on the current open-label study, quercetin appears to be a promising supplement for T2DM, providing lifestyle and care support. Further research is warranted to shift this potential from clinical usefulness and feasibility to multidisciplinary evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini E. Mantadaki
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece; (M.L.); (E.K.S.)
| | - Manolis Linardakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece; (M.L.); (E.K.S.)
| | - Maria Tsakiri
- Iatrica, Local Unit of Lab Analysis and Diagnostics Network, 71303 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Stella Baliou
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece or (S.B.); (P.F.); (E.V.); (M.N.T.); (A.T.)
| | - Persefoni Fragkiadaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece or (S.B.); (P.F.); (E.V.); (M.N.T.); (A.T.)
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece or (S.B.); (P.F.); (E.V.); (M.N.T.); (A.T.)
| | - Manolis N. Tzatzarakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece or (S.B.); (P.F.); (E.V.); (M.N.T.); (A.T.)
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece or (S.B.); (P.F.); (E.V.); (M.N.T.); (A.T.)
| | - Emmanouil K. Symvoulakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece; (M.L.); (E.K.S.)
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Bariotakis M, Georgescu L, Laina D, Koufaki M, Souma M, Douklias S, Giannakakis KA, Chouli KN, Paoli L, Loppi S, Karousou R, Smykal P, Castanas E, Pirintsos SA. Climate Change Dependence in Ex Situ Conservation of Wild Medicinal Plants in Crete, Greece. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1327. [PMID: 37887037 PMCID: PMC10604457 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Over 80% of the global population addresses their primary healthcare needs using traditional medicine based on medicinal plants. Consequently, there's a rising demand for these plants for both household and industrial use at local, regional, national, and international levels. However, wild harvesting has negatively impacted natural ecosystems. Cultivating medicinal species has been proposed as a conservation strategy to alleviate this pressure. Yet, in this age of global climate change concerns, smallholder farmers' views on the benefits of such cultivation clash with the uncertainties of climate change impacts, amplifying their anxieties. In this context, the climate change dependence of ex situ cultivation of ten wild medicinal taxa with significant ethnopharmacological interest in Crete, Greece, were studied, projecting their potential habitat suitability under various future climate scenarios. The results demonstrated species-specific effects. Based on the potential cultivation area gains and losses, these effects can be categorized into three groups. We also outlined the spatial patterns of these gains and losses, offering valuable insights for regional management strategies benefiting individual practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bariotakis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
| | - Luciana Georgescu
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
| | - Danae Laina
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
| | - Margianna Koufaki
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
| | - Maria Souma
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
| | - Sotirios Douklias
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
| | - Konstantinos A. Giannakakis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
| | - Kyriaki N. Chouli
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
| | - Luca Paoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Reggina Karousou
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Petr Smykal
- Department of Botany, Palacký University Olomouc, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic;
| | - Elias Castanas
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Stergios A. Pirintsos
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
- Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, 741 00 Rethymnon, Greece
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Ververis A, Kyriakou S, Ioannou K, Chatzopoulou PS, Panayiotidis MI, Plioukas M, Christodoulou K. Chemical Profiling and Antioxidant and Anti-Amyloid Capacities of Salvia fruticosa Extracts from Greece. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3191. [PMID: 37765357 PMCID: PMC10535607 DOI: 10.3390/plants12183191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
An increasingly common ailment in elderly persons is Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative illness. Present treatment is restricted to alleviating symptoms; hence, there is a requirement to develop an effective approach to AD treatment. Salvia fruticosa (SF) is a medicinal plant with a documented neuroprotective potential. To identify extracts of increased neuroprotectivity, we partitioned the methanolic extract of SF aerial parts from Greece into several fractions, by employing solvents of different polarities. The fractions were chemically identified and evaluated for their antioxidancy and anti-neurotoxic potential against amyloid beta peptides 25-35 (Aβ25-35). Carnosol and carnosic acid were among the prominent compounds, while all partitions showed significant antioxidant capacity, with the diethyl ether and ethyl acetate partitions being the most potent. These, along with the aqueous and the butanolic fractions, demonstrated statistically significant anti-neurotoxic potential. Thus, our findings further validate the neuroprotective potential of SF and support its ethnopharmacological usage as an antioxidant. The particular properties found define SF as a promising source for obtaining extracts or bioactive compounds, possibly beneficial for generating AD-related functional foods or medications. Finally, our results encourage plant extract partitioning for acquiring fractions of enhanced biological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Ververis
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (A.V.); (K.I.)
| | - Sotiris Kyriakou
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics and Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (S.K.); (M.I.P.)
| | - Kristia Ioannou
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (A.V.); (K.I.)
| | - Paschalina S. Chatzopoulou
- Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA, Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Mihalis I. Panayiotidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics and Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (S.K.); (M.I.P.)
| | - Michael Plioukas
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus;
| | - Kyproula Christodoulou
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (A.V.); (K.I.)
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Lionis C, Petelos E, Linardakis M, Diamantakis A, Symvoulakis E, Karkana MN, Kampa M, Pirintsos SA, Sourvinos G, Castanas E. A Mixture of Essential Oils from Three Cretan Aromatic Plants Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Proliferation: A Proof-of-Concept Intervention Study in Ambulatory Patients. Diseases 2023; 11:105. [PMID: 37606476 PMCID: PMC10443288 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11030105] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The need for effective therapeutic regimens for non-critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic remained largely unmet. Previous work has shown that a combination of three aromatic plants' essential oils (CAPeo) (Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav., Origanum dictamnus L., Salvia fruticose Mill.) has remarkable in vitro antiviral activity. Given its properties, it was urgent to explore its potential in treating mild COVID-19 patients in primary care settings. METHODS A total of 69 adult patients were included in a clinical proof-of-concept (PoC) intervention study. Family physicians implemented the observational study in two arms (intervention group and control group) during three study periods (IG2020, n=13, IG2021/22, n=25, and CG2021/22, n=31). The SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by real-time PCR. The CAPeo mixture was administered daily for 14 days per os in the intervention group, while the control group received usual care. RESULTS The PoC study found that the number and frequency of general symptoms, including general fatigue, weakness, fever, and myalgia, decreased following CAPeo administration. By Day 7, the average presence (number) of symptoms decreased in comparison with Day 1 in IG (4.7 to 1.4) as well as in CG (4.0 to 3.1), representing a significant decrease in the cumulative presence in IC (-3.3 vs. -0.9, p < 0.001; η2 = 0.20) on Day 7 and on Day 14 (-4.2 vs. -2.9, p = 0.027; η2 = 0.08). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that CAPeo possesses potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in addition tο its effect against influenza A and B and human rhinovirus HRV14 strains. The early and effective impact on alleviating key symptoms of COVID-19 may suggest this mixture can act as a complementary natural agent for patients with mild COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (E.S.); (M.-N.K.)
- Department of Health, Medicine and Care, General Practice, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Elena Petelos
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (E.S.); (M.-N.K.)
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI-Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Manolis Linardakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (E.S.); (M.-N.K.)
| | - Athanasios Diamantakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (E.S.); (M.-N.K.)
| | - Emmanouil Symvoulakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (E.S.); (M.-N.K.)
| | - Maria-Nefeli Karkana
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (E.S.); (M.-N.K.)
| | - Marilena Kampa
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (M.K.); (E.C.)
| | - Stergios A. Pirintsos
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
- Botanical Garden, University of Crete, 71003 Rethymnon, Greece
| | - George Sourvinos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Elias Castanas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (M.K.); (E.C.)
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Phytochemistry, pharmacological investigations, industrial applications, and encapsulation of Thymbra capitata L., a review. Trends Food Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2022.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Pirintsos S, Panagiotopoulos A, Bariotakis M, Daskalakis V, Lionis C, Sourvinos G, Karakasiliotis I, Kampa M, Castanas E. From Traditional Ethnopharmacology to Modern Natural Drug Discovery: A Methodology Discussion and Specific Examples. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134060. [PMID: 35807306 PMCID: PMC9268545 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethnopharmacology, through the description of the beneficial effects of plants, has provided an early framework for the therapeutic use of natural compounds. Natural products, either in their native form or after crude extraction of their active ingredients, have long been used by different populations and explored as invaluable sources for drug design. The transition from traditional ethnopharmacology to drug discovery has followed a straightforward path, assisted by the evolution of isolation and characterization methods, the increase in computational power, and the development of specific chemoinformatic methods. The deriving extensive exploitation of the natural product chemical space has led to the discovery of novel compounds with pharmaceutical properties, although this was not followed by an analogous increase in novel drugs. In this work, we discuss the evolution of ideas and methods, from traditional ethnopharmacology to in silico drug discovery, applied to natural products. We point out that, in the past, the starting point was the plant itself, identified by sustained ethnopharmacological research, with the active compound deriving after extensive analysis and testing. In contrast, in recent years, the active substance has been pinpointed by computational methods (in silico docking and molecular dynamics, network pharmacology), followed by the identification of the plant(s) containing the active ingredient, identified by existing or putative ethnopharmacological information. We further stress the potential pitfalls of recent in silico methods and discuss the absolute need for in vitro and in vivo validation as an absolute requirement. Finally, we present our contribution to natural products’ drug discovery by discussing specific examples, applying the whole continuum of this rapidly evolving field. In detail, we report the isolation of novel antiviral compounds, based on natural products active against influenza and SARS-CoV-2 and novel substances active on a specific GPCR, OXER1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stergios Pirintsos
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece;
- Botanical Garden, University of Crete, 74100 Rethymnon, Greece
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (G.S.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Athanasios Panagiotopoulos
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Michalis Bariotakis
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Vangelis Daskalakis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3603, Cyprus;
| | - Christos Lionis
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (G.S.); (M.K.)
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Sourvinos
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (G.S.); (M.K.)
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioannis Karakasiliotis
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Marilena Kampa
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (G.S.); (M.K.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Elias Castanas
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (G.S.); (M.K.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece;
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (E.C.)
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Tomas M, Capanoglu E, Bahrami A, Hosseini H, Akbari‐Alavijeh S, Shaddel R, Rehman A, Rezaei A, Rashidinejad A, Garavand F, Goudarzi M, Jafari SM. The direct and indirect effects of bioactive compounds against coronavirus. FOOD FRONTIERS 2021; 3:96-123. [PMID: 35462942 PMCID: PMC9015578 DOI: 10.1002/fft2.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging viruses are known to pose a threat to humans in the world. COVID‐19, a newly emerging viral respiratory disease, can spread quickly from people to people via respiratory droplets, cough, sneeze, or exhale. Up to now, there are no specific therapies found for the treatment of COVID‐19. In this sense, the rising demand for effective antiviral drugs is stressed. The main goal of the present study is to cover the current literature about bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols, glucosinolates, carotenoids, minerals, vitamins, oligosaccharides, bioactive peptides, essential oils, and probiotics) with potential efficiency against COVID‐19, showing antiviral activities via the inhibition of coronavirus entry into the host cell, coronavirus enzymes, as well as the virus replication in human cells. In turn, these compounds can boost the immune system, helping fight against COVID‐19. Overall, it can be concluded that bioactives and the functional foods containing these compounds can be natural alternatives for boosting the immune system and defeating coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Tomas
- Department of Food Engineering Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University Halkali Istanbul Turkey
| | - Esra Capanoglu
- Department of Food Engineering Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Istanbul Technical University Maslak Istanbul Turkey
| | - Akbar Bahrami
- Center for Excellence in Post‐Harvest Technologies North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Kannapolis North Carolina USA
| | - Hamed Hosseini
- Food Additives Department Food Science and Technology Research Institute Research Center for Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR) Mashhad Iran
| | - Safoura Akbari‐Alavijeh
- Department of Food Science and Technology Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Mohaghegh Ardabili Ardabil Iran
| | - Rezvan Shaddel
- Department of Food Science and Technology Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Mohaghegh Ardabili Ardabil Iran
| | - Abdur Rehman
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology Jiangnan University Jiangsu Wuxi China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Food Safety and Quality Control Wuxi Jiangsu Province China
| | - Atefe Rezaei
- Department of Food Science and Technology School of Nutrition and Food Science Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Isfahan Iran
| | | | - Farhad Garavand
- Department of Food Chemistry and Technology Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark Fermoy, Co. Cork Ireland
| | - Mostafa Goudarzi
- Department of Food Science and Engineering University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Tehran Karaj Iran
| | - Seid Mahdi Jafari
- Department of Food Materials and Process Design Engineering Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources Gorgan Iran
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Leontaritou P, Lamari FN, Papasotiropoulos V, Iatrou G. Exploration of genetic, morphological and essential oil variation reveals tools for the authentication and breeding of Salvia pomifera subsp. calycina (Sm.) Hayek. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2021; 191:112900. [PMID: 34399302 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.112900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Salvia pomifera subsp. calycina (Sm.) Hayek (Lamiaceae), is an Eastern Mediterranean element, which is used in traditional medicine and cuisine in the same manner as S. fruticosa Mill. and S. officinalis L.. The essential oil (EO) and the extracts of S. pomifera possess bioactive compounds with anti-proliferative, anticholinesterase, antioxidant, antiviral and antifungal properties. In this study, the chemical (EO), genetic (DNA microsatellites, SSRs) and morphological diversity of forty-nine individuals of Salvia pomifera subsp. calycina, originating from five natural populations of the Peloponnese (Greece) were determined, in order to explore the potential for successful breeding and to reveal tools and biomarkers for identification and authentication. Chemical and genetic analyses revealed high levels of variation both within and among populations, while morphological analysis mainly within populations. Essential oil yield ranged from 1.79 to 5.79 ml 100 g-1 dry wt, among individuals while β-thujone ranged from 6.04 to 64.75%. Consistency was found in the EO yield and composition of specific individuals, when sampled during the same period, for three consecutive years, while the analysis during spring and summer months showed differentiation that still retained individual's discrimination. Genetic analysis using SSRs showed that the observed population heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.48 to 0.67, while high number of private alleles were revealed in all populations. Considerable genetic differentiation was observed among the three Salvia taxa (S. pomifera subsp. calycina, S. fruticosa, S. officinalis) (Fst values ranged from 0.27 to 0.48) and lower among S. pomifera subsp. calycina populations (Fst values ranged from 0.06 to 0.13). The great variation that was revealed in all measured traits, in combination with the demonstrated, genetically based, consistency of their EO yield and composition, advocates to a successful breeding, whereas SSR genotyping presents a strong identification and authentication tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Leontaritou
- Department of Biology, Division of Plant Biology, University of Patras, 26504, Patras, Greece.
| | - Fotini N Lamari
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy & Chemistry of Natural Products, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Vasileios Papasotiropoulos
- Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and Breeding, Department of Agriculture, University of Patras, 27200, Amaliada, Greece
| | - Gregoris Iatrou
- Department of Biology, Division of Plant Biology, University of Patras, 26504, Patras, Greece
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9
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Panagiotopoulos A, Tseliou M, Karakasiliotis I, Kotzampasi D, Daskalakis V, Kesesidis N, Notas G, Lionis C, Kampa M, Pirintsos S, Sourvinos G, Castanas E. p-cymene impairs SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A (H1N1) viral replication: In silico predicted interaction with SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and H1N1 nucleoprotein. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00798. [PMID: 34128351 PMCID: PMC8204097 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic regimens for the COVID-19 pandemics remain unmet. In this line, repurposing of existing drugs against known or predicted SARS-CoV-2 protein actions have been advanced, while natural products have also been tested. Here, we propose that p-cymene, a natural monoterpene, can act as a potential novel agent for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19 and other RNA-virus-induced diseases (influenza, rabies, Ebola). We show by extensive molecular simulations that SARS-CoV-2 C-terminal structured domain contains a nuclear localization signal (NLS), like SARS-CoV, on which p-cymene binds with low micromolar affinity, impairing nuclear translocation of this protein and inhibiting viral replication, as verified by preliminary in vitro experiments. A similar mechanism may occur in other RNA-viruses (influenza, rabies and Ebola), also verified in vitro for influenza, by interaction of p-cymene with viral nucleoproteins, and structural modification of their NLS site, weakening its interaction with importin A. This common mechanism of action renders therefore p-cymene as a possible antiviral, alone, or in combination with other agents, in a broad spectrum of RNA viruses, from SARS-CoV-2 to influenza A infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melpomeni Tseliou
- Laboratory of Clinical VirologySchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
| | - Ioannis Karakasiliotis
- Laboratory of BiologySchool of MedicineDemocritus University of ThraceAlexandroupolisGreece
| | - Danai‐Maria Kotzampasi
- Laboratory of Experimental EndocrinologySchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
| | - Vangelis Daskalakis
- Department of Chemical EngineeringCyprus University of TechnologyLimassolCyprus
| | - Nikolaos Kesesidis
- Laboratory of BiologySchool of MedicineDemocritus University of ThraceAlexandroupolisGreece
| | - George Notas
- Laboratory of Experimental EndocrinologySchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
| | - Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family MedicineSchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
- Nature Crete PharmaceuticalsHeraklionGreece
| | - Marilena Kampa
- Laboratory of Experimental EndocrinologySchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
- Nature Crete PharmaceuticalsHeraklionGreece
| | - Stergios Pirintsos
- Nature Crete PharmaceuticalsHeraklionGreece
- Department of BiologyUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
- Botanical GardenUniversity of CreteRethymnonGreece
| | - George Sourvinos
- Laboratory of Clinical VirologySchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
- Nature Crete PharmaceuticalsHeraklionGreece
| | - Elias Castanas
- Laboratory of Experimental EndocrinologySchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
- Nature Crete PharmaceuticalsHeraklionGreece
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10
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Amparo TR, Seibert JB, Silveira BM, Costa FSF, Almeida TC, Braga SFP, da Silva GN, dos Santos ODH, de Souza GHB. Brazilian essential oils as source for the discovery of new anti-COVID-19 drug: a review guided by in silico study. PHYTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS : PROCEEDINGS OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL SOCIETY OF EUROPE 2021; 20:1013-1032. [PMID: 33867898 PMCID: PMC8042356 DOI: 10.1007/s11101-021-09754-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in China and its spread worldwide has become one of the biggest health problem due to the lack of knowledge about an effective chemotherapy. Based on the current reality of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, this study aimed to make a review literature about potential anti-coronavirus natural compounds guided by an in silico study. In the first step, essential oils from native species found in the Brazilian herbal medicine market and Brazilian species that have already shown antiviral potential were used as source for the literature search and compounds selection. Among these compounds, 184 showed high antiviral potential against rhinovirus or picornavirus by quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis. (E)-α-atlantone; 14-hydroxy-α-muurolene; allo-aromadendrene epoxide; amorpha-4,9-dien-2-ol; aristochene; azulenol; germacrene A; guaia-6,9-diene; hedycaryol; humulene epoxide II; α-amorphene; α-cadinene; α-calacorene and α-muurolene showed by a molecular docking study the best result for four target proteins that are essential for SARS-CoV-2 lifecycle. In addition, other parameters obtained for the selected compounds indicated low toxicity and showed good probability to achieve cell permeability and be used as a drug. These results guided the second literature search which included other species in addition to native Brazilian plants. The majority presence of any of these compounds was reported for essential oils from 45 species. In view of the few studies relating essential oils and antiviral activity, this review is important for future assays against the new coronavirus. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11101-021-09754-4.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Benila Maria Silveira
- Laboratório de Fitotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Senna Ferreira Costa
- Laboratório de Fitotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Ambiental e Biotecnologia, Universidade Vila Velha, Vila Velha, Brazil
| | - Tamires Cunha Almeida
- Laboratório de Fitotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Saulo Fehelberg Pinto Braga
- Laboratório de Fitotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
- Laboratório de Química Medicinal e Bioensaios, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Glenda Nicioli da Silva
- Laboratório de Fitotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
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11
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Salem MA, Ezzat SM. The use of aromatic plants and their therapeutic potential as antiviral agents: A hope for finding anti-COVID 19 essential oils. JOURNAL OF ESSENTIAL OIL RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/10412905.2021.1886187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A. Salem
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Menoufia University, Shibin Elkom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Shahira M. Ezzat
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th October, Egypt
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12
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Pirintsos SA, Bariotakis M, Kampa M, Sourvinos G, Lionis C, Castanas E. The Therapeutic Potential of the Essential Oil of Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav., Origanum dictamnus L. and Salvia fruticosa Mill. And a Case of Plant-Based Pharmaceutical Development. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:522213. [PMID: 33390932 PMCID: PMC7774523 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.522213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review performs a comprehensive assessment of the therapeutic potential of three native herbs of Crete (Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav., Salvia fruticosa Mill. and Origanum dictamnus L.), their phytochemical constituents, health benefits and issues relevant to their safety, within a translational context. Issues discussed comprise: 1) Ethnopharmacological uses of the three herbs, reviewed through an extensive search of the literature; 2) Systematic analysis of the major phytochemical constituents of each plant, and their medicinal properties; 3) To what extent could the existing medicinal properties be combined and produce an additive or synergistic effect; 4) Possible safety issues. We conclude with a specific example of the use of a combination of the essential oils of these plants as an effective anti-viral product and the experience gained in a case of a plant-based pharmaceutical development, by presenting the major steps and the continuum of the translational chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Pirintsos
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.,Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Rethymnon, Greece
| | - M Bariotakis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.,Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Rethymnon, Greece
| | - M Kampa
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - G Sourvinos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - C Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - E Castanas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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13
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Kalyvianaki K, Malamos P, Mastrodimou N, Manoura-Zonou I, Vamvoukaki R, Notas G, Malliaraki N, Moustou E, Tzardi M, Pirintsos S, Lionis C, Sourvinos G, Castanas E, Kampa M. Toxicity evaluation of an essential oil mixture from the Cretan herbs thyme, Greek sage and Cretan dittany. NPJ Sci Food 2020; 4:20. [PMID: 33298942 PMCID: PMC7652874 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-020-00080-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of herbal extracts on health, which was initially based on ethnopharmacological and traditional knowledge, becomes increasingly well documented by numerous experimental and intervention studies. The daily use of beverages from different aromatic plants which becomes more popular nowadays, has been a tradition in Crete, and a habit that has been linked to the longevity seen in the island. Additionally, a certain combination of aromatic plants has been used against common cold and influenza. Interestingly, when such a mixture of essential oils from Cretan herbs (Cretan Aromatic Plants essential oil, CAPeo, from thyme, Greek sage, and Cretan dittany) was formulated, significant antiviral properties were observed in vitro and a significant reduction in the duration and severity of symptoms of patients with upper respiratory tract infections was found in a clinical study. However, since many plants extracts can exert toxic effects, toxicity issues should be properly addressed. In the present work we present an acute and sub-chronic toxicity evaluation for this mixture of aromatic plants' essential oils in rats. In fact, it is the only toxicity study for Cretan dittany. We report absence of toxicity, rendering the use of the mixture of essential oils from Cretan dittany, Greek sage and thyme as safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Kalyvianaki
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Malamos
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Niki Mastrodimou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioanna Manoura-Zonou
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Rodanthi Vamvoukaki
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Notas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Niki Malliaraki
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Eleni Moustou
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Maria Tzardi
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Stergios Pirintsos
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 71409, Heraklion, Greece
- Botanical Garden, University of Crete, 74100, Rethymnon, Greece
| | - Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Sourvinos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Elias Castanas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Marilena Kampa
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.
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14
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Prall S, Bowles EJ, Bennett K, Cooke CG, Agnew T, Steel A, Hausser T. Effects of essential oils on symptoms and course (duration and severity) of viral respiratory infections in humans: A rapid review. ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 7:218-221. [PMID: 32837899 PMCID: PMC7398051 DOI: 10.1016/j.aimed.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oral doses of certain essential oils may reduce symptoms of acute respiratory infections of viral origin. It is likely that the commercially available essential oil capsules Myrtol® (a mixture of essential oils of eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus, sweet orange Citrus sinensis, myrtle Myrtus communis and lemon Citrus limonum) and Tavipec® (spike lavender Lavandula latifolia) could also provide mild to moderate symptom relief in patients with viral respiratory diseases. Myrtol® may also improve the course (duration and severity) of acute bronchitis of viral origin, in humans. Both products were well tolerated, with most of the mild to moderate side-effects affecting the gastrointestinal tract. This review found no research evidence describing the clinical effect of inhalation of essential oils for acute respiratory viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Prall
- Organizacion Colegial Naturopatica FENACO (Spanish Naturopathic Association), Madrid, Spain
| | - E Joy Bowles
- School of Rural Medicine, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Carolyn Giselle Cooke
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tamara Agnew
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Amie Steel
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales
| | - Tina Hausser
- Organizacion Colegial Naturopatica FENACO (Spanish Naturopathic Association), Madrid, Spain
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15
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Ma L, Yao L. Antiviral Effects of Plant-Derived Essential Oils and Their Components: An Updated Review. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25112627. [PMID: 32516954 PMCID: PMC7321257 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25112627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of resistance to available antivirals calls for the development of novel therapeutic agents. Plant-derived essential oils may serve as alternative sources of virus-induced disease therapy. Previous studies have demonstrated essential oils to be excellent candidates to treat antiviral-resistant infection associated with their chemical complexity which confers broad-spectrum mechanisms of action and non-specific antiviral properties. However, almost no comprehensive reviews are updated to generalize knowledge in this regard and disclose the interplay between the components and their antiviral activities. This review provides an up-to-date overview of the antiviral efficacy of essential oils from a wide range of plant species and their characteristic components, as well as their overall mechanisms of action, focusing on the last decade. The roles of individual components relative to the overall antiviral efficacy of essential oils, together with the antiviral activity of essential oils in comparison with commercial drugs are also discussed. Lastly, the inadequacies in current research and future research are put forward. This review will provide references in the design of new drug prototypes and improve our understanding of the proper applications of essential oils in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- R&D Center for Aromatic Plants, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China;
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lei Yao
- R&D Center for Aromatic Plants, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China;
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-138-0183-7763
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16
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Bariotakis M, Georgescu L, Laina D, Oikonomou I, Ntagounakis G, Koufaki MI, Souma M, Choreftakis M, Zormpa OG, Smykal P, Sourvinos G, Lionis C, Castanas E, Karousou R, Pirintsos SA. From wild harvest towards precision agriculture: Use of Ecological Niche Modelling to direct potential cultivation of wild medicinal plants in Crete. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 694:133681. [PMID: 31756796 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the distribution of wild medicinal plants and areas that are suitable for cultivation of these plants is important for both conservation and agriculture. Here, we study ten taxa with known ethnopharmacological uses, which have been used extensively in traditional medicine and as culinary supplements. We aim to (1) predict and map the potential habitat suitability for these taxa across the study area, (2) investigate spatial patterns that could have management implications, such as niche similarities among the taxa and suitability "hotspots" with the use of novel indices, and (3) develop a platform where parts of this information can be accessed and utilized by all interested groups, from the policy-maker level to the individual practitioner level. Ecological Niche Models developed for each study taxon, based on topographic, bioclimatic, soil, and land use variables had high predictive power and were used as the basis for suitability visualization. A series of informative indices were also calculated and mapped, revealing spatial patterns not readily observable from the single-taxon predictions, and providing valuable information to managers. Finally, a web-based, easy-to-use application was also created, where the predicted suitability scores for the study area can be made accessible to anyone interested. The application can provide information both in a visual form (i.e. maps of predicted suitability) and in a numerical form (i.e. estimated suitability scores for all taxa in a given geographical location). This study provides the scientific tools to make a step towards cultivating a group of economically important wild medicinal plants in Crete, as well as the tools to disseminate this information to decision makers and practitioners, and eventually integrate the research findings in local agricultural practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bariotakis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, GR 741 00 Rethymnon, Greece
| | - Luciana Georgescu
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 714 09 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Danae Laina
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 714 09 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioanna Oikonomou
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 714 09 Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Ntagounakis
- Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, GR 741 00 Rethymnon, Greece
| | | | - Maria Souma
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 714 09 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Ourania Grigoriadou Zormpa
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, GR 741 00 Rethymnon, Greece
| | - Petr Smykal
- Department of Botany, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - George Sourvinos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elias Castanas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Regina Karousou
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stergios A Pirintsos
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, GR 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, GR 741 00 Rethymnon, Greece.
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17
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Antiviral effect of an essential oil combination derived from three aromatic plants (Coridothymus capitatus (L.) Rchb. f., Origanum dictamnus L. and Salvia fruticosa Mill.) against viruses causing infections of the upper respiratory tract. J Herb Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2019.100288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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18
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19
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Anastasaki M, Bertsias A, Pirintsos SA, Castanas E, Lionis C. Post-market outcome of an extract of traditional Cretan herbs on upper respiratory tract infections: a pragmatic, prospective observational study. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:466. [PMID: 28934952 PMCID: PMC5609057 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1978-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The beneficial effects of traditional herbs of Crete, Greece for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections have been reported in observational and laboratory studies. Following a published, double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an extract of three Cretan herbs on the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, upon its market release. METHODS An observational study was conducted in Heraklion, Crete, Greece. Participants were patients presenting at selected pharmacies with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, choosing to receive the extract for their treatment. Patients' symptoms (local, general, total) where recorded at three time points within 1 week, using a questionnaire developed based on the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory System Survey. For each patient, symptoms were scored on a 0-7 Likert scale and three indexes were calculated: the score of local symptoms, the score of general symptoms and the total score of symptoms. Effectiveness was assessed by examining the reduction in these indexes over the 1-week observation period. RESULTS Mean score of general symptoms was 19.1 (SE: 0.9) in day 1, dropping to 8.6 (SE: 0.6) and 3.1 (SE: 0.4) in days 4 and 7 respectively. Mean score of local symptoms declined from 7.9 (SE: 0.5) in day 1 to 2.3 (SE: 0.3) in day 4 and to 0.5 (SE: 0.1) in day 7. Total score of symptoms reached 27.0 (SE: 1.2) in day 1, decreasing to 10.9 (SE: 0.8) in day 4 and to 3.5 (SE: 0.5) in day 7. The percentage of participants reporting fever was 82.1% at baseline, 8.0% in day 4 and 2.0% in day 7 (p < 0.0001 for paired differences). Multiple regression models indicated that supplementary medication intake did not seem to affect symptoms' severity or the day patients reported that their symptoms ceased completely. CONCLUSIONS This pragmatic study added evidence about the potential therapeutic effects of an extract of Cretan herbs on the amelioration of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Anastasaki
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, P.O. Box 2208, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonios Bertsias
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, P.O. Box 2208, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Stergios A. Pirintsos
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Botanical Garden, University of Crete, 74100 Rethymnon, Greece
| | - Elias Castanas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, P.O. Box 2208, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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20
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Cost-effectiveness analysis of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. Eur J Integr Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2016.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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