Ex-vivo intestinal absorption study of boswellic acid, cyclodextrin complexes and poloxamer solid dispersions using everted gut sac technique

Erjingpill bionic cerebrospinal fluid alleviates LPS-induced inflammatory response in BV2 cells by inhibiting glycolysis via mTOR

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Erjingpill, a well-known prescription documented in the classic Chinese medical text "Shengji Zonglu," has been proven to have effective alleviating effects on neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although the alterations in microglial cell glycolysis are known to play a crucial role in the development of neuroinflammation, it remains unclear whether the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of Erjingpill are associated with its impact on microglial cell glycolysis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to determine whether Erjingpill exerts anti-neuroinflammatory effects by influencing microglial cell glycolysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, Erjingpill decoction was prepared into an Erjingpill bionic cerebrospinal fluid (EBCF) through a process of in vitro intestinal absorption, hepatocyte incubation, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) transcytosis. Subsequently, UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS technology was used to analyze the compounds in Erjingpill and EBCF. Next, an in vitro neuroinflammation model was established by LPS-induced BV2 cells. The impact of EBCF on BV2 cell proliferation activity was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay, while the NO release was assessed using the Griess assay. Additionally, mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2), anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10, IL-4, Arg-1, and TGF-β), M1 microglial markers (iNOS, CD86), M2 microglial markers (CD36, CD206), and glycolytic enzymes (HK2, GLUT1, PKM, and LDHA) were measured using qPCR. Furthermore, protein expression of microglial activation marker Iba-1, M1 marker iNOS, and M2 marker CD206 were identified through immunofluorescence, while concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α were measured using ELISA. Enzymatic activity of glycolytic enzymes (HK, PK, and LDH) was assessed using assay kits, and the protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, iNOS, and COX-2), anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10 and Arg-1), and key glycolytic proteins GLUT1 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Through the analysis of Erjingpill and EBCF, 144 compounds were identified in Erjingpill and 40 compounds were identified in EBCF. The results demonstrated that EBCF effectively inhibited the elevation of inflammatory factors and glycolysis levels in LPS-induced BV2 cells, promoted polarization of M1 microglial cells towards the M2 phenotype, and suppressed the PI3K/AKT/mTOR inflammatory pathway. Moreover, EBCF alleviated LPS-induced BV2 cell inflammatory response by modulating mTOR to inhibit glycolysis.

CONCLUSIONS

EBCF exhibits significant anti-neuroinflammatory effects, likely attributed to its modulation of mTOR to inhibit microglial cell glycolysis. This study furnishes experimental evidence supporting the clinical utilization of Erjingpill for preventing and treating AD.

Pegylated polymeric micelles of boswellic acid-selenium mitigates repetitive mild traumatic brain injury: Regulation of miR-155 and miR-146a/BDNF/ Klotho/Foxo3a cue

This study aims to explore the protective machinery of pegylated polymeric micelles of boswellic acid-selenium (PMBS) against secondary neuronal damage triggered by mild repetitive traumatic brain injury (RTBI). After PMBS characterization in terms of particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, and transmission electronic microscopy, the selected formula was used to investigate its potency against experimental RTBI. Five groups of rats were used; group 1 (control) and the other four groups were subjected to RTBI. Groups 2 was RTBI positive control, while 3, 4, and 5 received boswellic acid (BSA), selenium (SEL), and PMBS, respectively. The open-field behavioral test was used for behavioral assessment. Subsequently, brain tissues were utilized for hematoxylin and eosin staining, Nissl staining, Western blotting, and ELISA in addition to evaluating microRNA expression (miR-155 and miR-146a). The behavioral changes, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation triggered by RTBI were all improved by PMBS. Moreover, PMBS mitigated excessive glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and the dysregulation in miR-155 and miR-146a expression. Besides, connexin43 (Cx43) expression as well as klotho and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were upregulated with diminished neuronal cell death and apoptosis because of reduced Forkhead Box class O3a(Foxo3a) expression in the PMBS-treated group. The current study has provided evidence of the benefits produced by incorporating BSA and SEL in PEGylated polymeric micelles formula. PMBS is a promising therapy for RTBI. Its beneficial effects are attributed to the manipulation of many pathways, including the regulation of miR-155 and miR-146a expression, as well as the BDNF /Klotho/Foxo3a signaling pathway.

Formulation development, characterization, and evaluation of bedaquiline fumarate - Soluplus® - solid dispersion

Bedaquiline fumarate (BQF) is classified as a BCS class II drug and has poor water solubility and dissolution rate, which ultimately compromises bioavailability. The objective of this study is to improve the biopharmaceutical properties of BQF through a solid dispersion system by using Soluplus®. Two solid dispersion systems were prepared i.e. binary solid dispersion (BSD) and ternary solid dispersion (TSD) where 14.31-fold and 20.43-fold increase in solubility of BQF was observed with BSD and TSD in comparison to BQF. In our previous research work, we explored the BSD and TSD of BQF with a crystalline polymer, poloxamer 188, which showed an increment in the solubility of BQF. In the current research, amorphous Soluplus® polymer was selected to formulate BSD and TSD with BQF and showed higher solubility than poloxamer 188. The various solid and liquid state characterization results confirmed the presence of an amorphous form of BQF inside solid dispersion. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed no chemical interactions between BQF and polymer. The cellular uptake results demonstrated higher uptake in Caco-2 cell lines. Pharmacokinetic studies showed enhanced solubility and bioavailability of TSDs. Hence, the present research shows a promising formulation strategy for enhancing the biopharmaceutical performance of BQF by increasing its solubility.

Advances and Challenges in the Analysis of Boswellic Acids by Separation Methods

Boswellia resin is an exudate from the cut bark of Boswellia trees. The main constituents of pharmacological interest are boswellic acids (pentacyclic triterpenoids), namely α-boswellic acid, β-boswellic acid, 3-O-acetyl-α-boswellic acid, 3-O-acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid, and 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid. Nowadays, dietary supplements with Boswellia serrata extract are used in the treatment of inflammatory joint diseases. Additionally, the constituents of Boswellia resin have shown potential for the treatment of other chronic inflammatory diseases and various types of cancer. Separation methods including ultra/high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, thin layer chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, and capillary electrochromatography coupled with UV or MS detection have been used for the determination of boswellic acids in various matrices (mostly plant material and biological samples). This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of these separation methods, offering a critical discussion of their strengths and limitations in the analysis of boswellic acids. The knowledge of various separation methods plays a pivotal role in the quality control of herbal dietary supplements and the monitoring of the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of their constituents. The approaches based on metabolomics and network pharmacology represent new ways of fingerprinting secondary metabolites in Boswellia resin increasing the comprehensiveness of the output of these methods resulting in safer dietary supplements.

The journey of boswellic acids from synthesis to pharmacological activities

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.

A critical review of a typical research system for food-derived metal-chelating peptides: Production, characterization, identification, digestion, and absorption

In the past decade, food-derived metal-chelating peptides (MCPs) have attracted significant attention from researchers working towards the prevention of metal (viz., iron, zinc, and calcium) deficiency phenomenon by primarily inhibiting the precipitation of metals caused by the gastrointestinal environment and exogenous substances (including phytic and oxalic acids). However, for the improvement of limits of current knowledge foundations and future investigation directions of MCP or their derivatives, several review categories should be improved and emphasized. The species' uniqueness and differences in MCP productions highly contribute to the different values of chelating ability with particular metal ions, whereas comprehensive reviews of chelation characterization determined by various kinds of technique support different horizons for explaining the chelation and offer options for the selection of characterization methods. The reviews of chelation mechanism clearly demonstrate the involvement of potential groups and atoms in chelating metal ions. The discussions of digestive stability and absorption in various kinds of absorption model in vitro and in vivo as well as the theory of involved cellular absorption channels and pathways are systematically reviewed and highlighted compared with previous reports as well. Meanwhile, the chelation mechanism on the molecular docking level, the binding mechanism in amino acid identification level, the utilizations of everted rat gut sac model for absorption, and the involvement of cellular absorption channels and pathway are strongly recommended as novelty in this review. This review makes a novel contribution to the literature by the comprehensive prospects for the research and development of food-derived mineral supplements.

Synthesis of an insulin-loaded mucoadhesive nanoparticle designed for intranasal administration: focus on new diffusion media

Intranasal administration is a drug delivery approach to provide a non-invasive pharmacological response in the central nervous system with relatively small peripheral side effects. To improve the residence time of intranasal drug delivery systems in the nasal mucosa, mucoadhesive polymers (e.g., chitosan) can be used. Here, insulin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized and their physiochemical properties were evaluated based on requirements of intranasal administration. The nanoparticles were spherical (a hydrodynamic diameter of 165.3 nm, polydispersity index of 0.24, and zeta potential of +21.6 mV) that granted mucoadhesion without any noticeable toxicity to the nasal tissue. We applied a new approach using the Krebs-Henseleit buffer solution along with simulated nasal fluid in a Franz's diffusion cell to study this intranasal drug delivery system. We used the Krebs-Henseleit buffer because of its ability to supply glucose to the cells which serves as a novel ex vivo diffusion medium to maintain the viability of the tissue during the experiment. Based on diffusion rate and histopathological endpoints, the Krebs-Henseleit buffer solution can be a substituent solution to the commonly used simulated nasal fluid for such drug delivery systems.

Mechanisms of Nanoparticle Transport across Intestinal Tissue: An Oral Delivery Perspective

Oral drug administration has been a popular choice due to patient compliance and limited clinical resources. Orally delivered drugs must circumvent the harsh gastrointestinal (GI) environment to effectively enter the systemic circulation. The GI tract has a number of structural and physiological barriers that limit drug bioavailability including mucus, the tightly regulated epithelial layer, immune cells, and associated vasculature. Nanoparticles have been used to enhance oral bioavailability of drugs, as they can act as a shield to the harsh GI environment and prevent early degradation while also increasing uptake and transport of drugs across the intestinal epithelium. Evidence suggests that different nanoparticle formulations may be transported via different intracellular mechanisms to cross the intestinal epithelium. Despite the existence of a significant body of work on intestinal transport of nanoparticles, many key questions remain: What causes the poor bioavailability of the oral drugs? What factors contribute to the ability of a nanoparticle to cross different intestinal barriers? Do nanoparticle properties such as size and charge influence the type of endocytic pathways taken? In this Review, we summarize the different components of intestinal barriers and the types of nanoparticles developed for oral delivery. In particular, we focus on the various intracellular pathways used in nanoparticle internalization and nanoparticle or cargo translocation across the epithelium. Understanding the gut barrier, nanoparticle characteristics, and transport pathways may lead to the development of more therapeutically useful nanoparticles as drug carriers.

Quality and In Vivo Assessment of a Fulvic Acid Complex: A Validation Study

The present work aimed to re-assess the bioavailability enhancement potential of fulvic acid (FA). Carbamazepine (CBZ) and peat were used as a model drug and FA source, respectively. Our group has already evaluated the bioavailability enhancement potential of a less commercially viable source of FA, i.e., shilajit. In the present work, the phase solubility of CBZ was analyzed with varying concentrations of peat-sourced FA (2–12% w/v). The prepared complex (CBZ-FA) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Dissolution, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic studies were also carried out. The results showed the presence of an interaction between the drug and FA within the complex, which led to 98.99 ± 2.0% enhancement in drug solubility. The results also showed 79.23 ± 2.1% dissolution of the complexed drug over 60 min and 69.32 ± 2.2% permeation from the intestinal gut sac over 90 min, which led to a significant enhancement of bioavailability and a reduction in the duration of epileptic seizures. Thus, this study re-authenticates our earlier results and suggests switching the FA source (shilajit to peat) for commercial product development.

Intestinal absorption mechanism of rotundic acid: Involvement of P-gp and OATP2B1

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ilicis Rotundae Cortex (IRC), the dried barks of Ilex rotunda Thunb. (Aquifoliaceae), has been used for the prevention or treatment of colds, tonsillitis, dysentery, and gastrointestinal diseases in folk medicine due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there is no report about the intestinal absorption of major compounds that support traditional usage.

AIM OF STUDY

Considering the potential of rotundic acid (RA) - major biologically active pentacyclic triterpenes found in the IRC, this study was purposed to uncover the oral absorption mechanism of RA using in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) model, in vitro cell models (Caco-2, MDCKII-WT, MDCKII-MDR1, MDCKII-BCRP, and HEK293-OATP2B1 cells) and in vivo pharmacokinetics studies in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The molecular properties (solubility, lipophilicity, and chemical stability) and the effects of principal parameters (time, compound concentrations, pH, paracellular pathway, and the different intestinal segments) were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The susceptibility of RA to various inhibitors, such as P-gp inhibitor verapamil, BCRP inhibitor Ko143, OATP 2B1 inhibitor rifampicin, and absorption enhancer EGTA were assessed.

RESULTS

RA was a compound with low water solubility (12.89 μg/mL) and strong lipophilicity (LogP = 4.1). RA was considered stable in all media during the SPIP and transport studies. The SPIP and cell experiments showed RA was moderate absorbed in the intestines and exhibited time, concentration, pH, and segment-dependent permeability. In addition, results from the cell model, in situ SPIP model as well as the in vivo pharmacokinetics studies consistently showed that verapamil, rifampicin, and EGTA might have significant effect on the intestinal absorption of RA.

CONCLUSION

The mechanisms of intestinal absorption of RA might involve multiple transport pathways, including passive diffusion, the participation of efflux (i.e., P-gp) and influx (i.e., OATP2B1) transporters, and paracellular pathways.

Frankincense vinegar-processing improves the absorption of boswellic acids by regulating bile acid metabolism

BACKGROUND

Boswellic acids in Olibanum (known as frankincense) are potent anti-inflammatory properties in treating ulcerative colitis (UC), but its low bioavailability limited drug development. Evidence accumulated that vinegar processing of frankincense exerts positive effects on improving absorption of compositions. The underlying mechanism is unknown. In recent decades, spectacular growth and multidisciplinary integration of metabolic application were witnessed. The relationship between drug absorption and curative effect has been more or less established. However, it remains a knowledge gap in the field between drug absorption and endocrine metabolism.

PURPOSE

To investigate the enhancement mechanism of vinegar processing in the absorption of boswellic acids via the aspect of bile acid metabolism.

METHODS

The effects of raw frankincense (RF) and processed frankincense (PF) were compared by the UC model of rats. The plasma concentration of boswellic acids and the hepatic and colonic bile acids contents were quantified by UPLC-TQ-MS. The levels of mRNA and protein associated with bile acid metabolism were also compared.

RESULTS

The results showed that PF exhibited re-markable mitigating effects on UC with the elevated plasma level of boswellic acid and upregulated expression of the absorption-related protein multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) and organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B3 (OATP1B3) in the liver and colon. It improved colonic lithocholic acid (LCA), which promoted the expression of bile acid nuclear receptors constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR), resulting in the upregulation of MRP2 and OATP1B3.

CONCLUSION

This paper revealed the mechanisms behind the absorption promotion effects of processing. Bile acids metabolism exhibits potential status in pharmaceutical development. The results shed light on the interdisciplinary collaboration between the metabolism and drug absorption fields.

Cheminformatics Application in the Phytochemical and Biological Study of Eucalyptus globulus L. Bark as a Potential Hepatoprotective Drug

Natural products are considered as a good source of antifibrotic agents, but identifying and isolating bioactive molecule(s) is still challenging. Fortunately, numerous computational techniques have evolved to save time and efforts in this field. The aim of the current study was to utilize several cheminformatics software to study the chemical and biological features of the bark of Eucalyptus globulus cultivated in Egypt. Sirius software, with the aid of online databases, was used to process liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) chemical profiling and predict precise molecular formulae, chemical classes, and structures. Accordingly, 37 compounds were tentatively identified, including 15 reported here for the first time from this species. Also, the BioTransformer tool was successfully applied for in silico virtual study of the human metabolism of these compounds, and 1960 different products were obtained through various metabolic pathways. Finally, an electronic library of the identified compounds and their metabolites were developed and docked in silico against eight different protein targets that are involved in the liver fibrosis process. The results revealed that the extract may have a potential hepatoprotective effect through several mechanisms and that the metabolites have the highest binding affinities to the relevant enzymes than their parent compounds. The extract was found to show potent cytotoxic activity against the liver cancer cell lines HEPG2 and HUH-7, and its absorption was enhanced through nanoformulation, as proved using the ex vivo everted gut sac method.

The Role of Cyclodextrins in the Design and Development of Triterpene-Based Therapeutic Agents

Triterpenic compounds stand as a widely investigated class of natural compounds due to their remarkable therapeutic potential. However, their use is currently being hampered by their low solubility and, subsequently, bioavailability. In order to overcome this drawback and increase the therapeutic use of triterpenes, cyclodextrins have been introduced as water solubility enhancers; cyclodextrins are starch derivatives that possess hydrophobic internal cavities that can incorporate lipophilic molecules and exterior surfaces that can be subjected to various derivatizations in order to improve their biological behavior. This review aims to summarize the most recent achievements in terms of triterpene:cyclodextrin inclusion complexes and bioconjugates, emphasizing their practical applications including the development of new isolation and bioproduction protocols, the elucidation of their underlying mechanism of action, the optimization of triterpenes’ therapeutic effects and the development of new topical formulations.

Enhanced oral bioavailability of koumine by complexation with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin: preparation, optimization, ex vivo and in vivo characterization

Koumine (KME) is an active alkaloid extracted from Gelsemium elegans, and its diverse bioactivities have been studied for decades. However, KME exhibits poor solubility and low oral bioavailability, which hampers its potential therapeutic exploitation. This work aimed to develop optimized inclusion complexes to improve the bioavailability of KME. The KME/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (KME/HP-β-CD) inclusion complexes were prepared by the solvent evaporation method and later optimized using the Box-Behnken design. The optimal KME/HP-β-CD was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The physicochemical characterization results revealed that the crystalline state of KME was transformed into an amorphous form, forming KME/HP-β-CD inclusion complexes. Compared with KME, the solubility and in vitro release rate of KME/HP-β-CD was significantly enhanced by 52.34- and 1.3-fold, respectively. Further research was performed to investigate the intestinal absorption characteristics and in vivo bioavailability in rats. The optimal KME/HP-β-CD showed enhanced absorptive permeability and relative bioavailability increased more than two-fold compared to that of raw KME. These results indicate that the optimal KME/HP-β-CD can be used as an effective drug carrier to improve the solubility, intestinal absorption, and bioavailability of KME.

Enhancement of Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activities of Standardized Frankincense Extract Using Optimized Self-Nanoemulsifying Delivery System

Boswellic acids (BAs) are the main bioactive compounds of frankincense, a natural resin obtained from the genus Boswellia. This study aimed to develop a self-nanoemulsifying delivery system (SNEDS) to improve the antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of standardized frankincense extract (Fr-extract). Fr-extract was standardized, and BA content was quantified using the developed HPLC-UV method. Screening studies of excipients followed by formula optimization using a mixture simplex lattice design was employed. The optimized Fr-SENDS formulation was characterized. Furthermore, microbiological and antiproliferative assessments of the standardized Fr-extract and Fr-SNEDS were evaluated. Quantification demonstrated that the major constituent is 11-keto-boswellic acid (KBA) (16.25%) among BA content (44.96%). The optimized Fr-SENDS (composed of 5% CapryolTM 90, 48.7% Gelucire® 44/14 and 46.3% ethanol) showed spherical nanosized dispersions with DS, PDI, and zeta potential of 17.9 nm, 0.2, and −14.5 mV, respectively. Fr-SNEDS exhibited lower MIC and MBC values compared with Fr-extract against pathogens conjugated with lung cancer and was comparable to reference antimicrobials. Fr-SNEDS showed superior antiproliferative activity over Fr-extract, with IC50 values of 20.49 and 109.5 μg mL−1, respectively. In conclusion, the optimized Fr-SNEDS could be easily developed and manufactured at a low cost and the in vitro results support its use as a potential adjuvant oral therapy for lung cancer. Further in vivo studies could be continued to assess the therapeutic efficiency of the prepared system.

Bioaccessibility and In Vitro Intestinal Permeability of a Recombinant Lectin from Tepary Bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) Using the Everted Intestine Assay

Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) lectins exhibit differential in vitro and in vivo biological effects, but their gastrointestinal interactions and digestion have not yet been assessed. This work aimed to evaluate the changes of a recombinant Tepary bean lectin (rTBL-1) through an in vitro and ex vivo gastrointestinal process. A polyclonal antibody was developed to selectively detect rTBL-1 by Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemical analysis. Everted gut sac viability was confirmed until 60 min, where protein bioaccessibility, apparent permeability coefficient, and efflux ratio showed rTBL-1 partial digestion and absorption. Immunoblot assays suggested rTBL-1 internalization, since the lectin was detected in the digestible fraction. The immunohistochemical assay detected rTBL-1 presence at the apical side of the small intestine, potentially due to the interaction with the intestinal cell membrane. The in silico interactions between rTBL-1 and some saccharides or derivatives showed high binding affinity to sialic acid (-6.70 kcal/mol) and N-acetylglucosamine (-6.10 kcal/mol). The ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electron spray ionization-quantitative time-of-flight coupled to mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS) analysis showed rTBL-1 presence in the gastric content and the non-digestible fraction after intestinal simulation conditions. The results indicated that rTBL-1 partially resisted the digestive conditions and interacted with the intestinal membrane, whereas its digestion allowed the absorption or internalization of the protein or the derivative peptides. Further purification of digestion samples should be conducted to identify intact rTBL-1 protein and digested peptides to assess their physiological effects.

Plant-Derived Natural Products in Cancer Research: Extraction, Mechanism of Action, and Drug Formulation

Cancer is one of the main causes of death globally and considered as a major challenge for the public health system. The high toxicity and the lack of selectivity of conventional anticancer therapies make the search for alternative treatments a priority. In this review, we describe the main plant-derived natural products used as anticancer agents. Natural sources, extraction methods, anticancer mechanisms, clinical studies, and pharmaceutical formulation are discussed in this review. Studies covered by this review should provide a solid foundation for researchers and physicians to enhance basic and clinical research on developing alternative anticancer therapies.

Biological Activity of Some Aromatic Plants and Their Metabolites, with an Emphasis on Health-Promoting Properties

The biological activities of four aromatic plants, namely frankincense, myrrh, ginger, and turmeric, were reviewed in the current study. The volatile fraction (essential oil) as well as the nonvolatile fraction of these four plants showed different promising biological activities that are displayed in detail. These activities can include protection from and/or alleviation of some ailment, which is supported with different proposed mechanisms of action. This review aimed to finally help researchers to get a handle on the importance of considering these selected aromatic plants, which have not been thoroughly reviewed before, as a potential adjuvant to classical synthetic drugs to enhance their efficiency. Moreover, the results elicited in this review encourage the consumption of these medicinal plants as an integrated part of the diet to boost the body's overall health based on scientific evidence.

Investigations to Evaluate Gastric Mucoadhesion of an Organic Product to Ameliorate Gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammatory disease leading to abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. While therapy depends on etiology, adhesive agents protecting the gastric tissue represent a promising treatment option. Caricol^®-Gastro is an organic product that significantly decreased gastritic abdominal pain in a recent clinical study. To investigate whether this beneficial effect can be attributed to the formation of a protective layer covering the gastric mucosa after oral application, several methods were used to determine adhesion. These include macro-rheological measurements and gastric mucin interactions, which were correlated to network formation, examined by Cryo-scanning electron microscopy technique, wettability via sessile drop method on human gastric adenocarcinoma cell layers, and ex vivo adhesion studies on gastric porcine tissue with the falling liquid film technique considering physiological conditions and Franz diffusion cells for quantification. The results showed that Caricol^®-Gastro formed a stable viscoelastic network with shear thinning properties. It exhibited high wettability and spreadability and adhered to the excised gastric mucosa. We found that oat flour, as the main ingredient of Caricol^®-Gastro, supports the gel network regarding viscoelasticity and, to a lesser extent, adhesion in a concentration dependent manner. Moreover, our data highlight that a variety of coordinated methods are required to investigate gastric adhesion.

Fabrication of Fine Puerarin Nanocrystals by Box-Behnken Design to Enhance Intestinal Absorption

Puerarin is widely used as a therapeutic agent to cardiovascular diseases in clinics in China through intravenous administration, which could elicit adverse drug reactions caused by cosolvents, hindering its application in clinics. Therefore, the development of oral dosage is urgently needed. In our previous studies, we proved that the bioavailability of puerarin increased as particle sizes of nanocrystals decreased; however, we have not optimized the best process parameters for nanocrystals. In this study, we aim to fabricate fine nanocrystals (with smallest particle size) by Box-Behnken design and study the intestinal permeability of puerarin and its nanocrystals via employing everted gut sac model and in situ perfusion model. The results showed that the Box-Behnken design could be used to optimize the producing parameters of puerarin nanocrystals, and the particle sizes of fine nanocrystals were about 20 nm. Results of everted gut sacs showed that the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and verapamil had no influence on the absorption of puerarin and nanocrystals, and the nanocrystals could increase the P_app of puerarin for 2.2-, 2.9-, and 2.9-folds, respectively, in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Enhanced Ka and Peff were observed on the nanocrystal group, compared with puerarin, and PVP and verapamil had no influence on the absorption of nanocrystals, while the absorption of puerarin was influenced by P-gp efflux. Combining the results mentioned above, we can conclude that the Box-Behnken design benefits the optimization for preparation of nanocrystals, and the nanocrystals could enhance the intestinal absorption of puerarin by enhanced permeability and inhibited P-gp efflux.

Improvement of Skin Penetration, Antipollutant Activity and Skin Hydration of 7,3',4'-Trihydroxyisoflavone Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex

As is known, many antioxidants from plant extracts have been used as additives in skincare products to prevent skin damage following overexposure to environmental pollutants. 7,3′,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone (734THIF), an isoflavone compound, possesses various biological activities, including antioxidant, antityrosinase, photodamage protection, and anticancer effects. Unfortunately, 734THIF has poor water solubility, which limits its skin penetration and absorption, and subsequently influences its biological activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms for the improvement in water solubility and skin penetration of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) inclusion complex with 734THIF (5-7HP). We also determined its photostability, antipollutant activity in HaCaT keratinocytes, and moisturizing effect in human subjects. Our results showed that 734THIF was embedded into the lipophilic inner cavity of HPBCD and its water solubility and skin penetration were thereby improved through amorphous transformation, surface area enhancement, and hydrogen bonding formation between 734THIF and HPBCD. In addition, 5-7HP inhibited PM-induced ROS generation and then downregulated ROS-mediated COX-2 and MMP9 production and AQP-3 consumption by inhibiting the phosphorylation of MAPKs. Consequently, we suggest that 5-7HP is a safe and photostable topical ingredient to enhance the skin penetration of 734THIF and skin hydration, and therefore 5-7HP may be used as an antipollutant additive in skin care products.