Anti-platelet effects of Curcuma oil in experimental models of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion and thrombosis

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury released cellular fibronectin containing domain A (CFN-EDA): A destructive positive loop amplifying arterial thrombosis formation and exacerbating myocardial reperfusion injury

Previous research has identified intravascular platelet thrombi in regions affected by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury and neighbouring areas. However, the occurrence of arterial thrombosis in the context of MI/R injury remains unexplored. This study utilizes intravital microscopy to investigate carotid artery thrombosis during MI/R injury in rats, establishing a connection with the presence of prothrombotic cellular fibronectin containing extra domain A (CFN-EDA) protein. Additionally, the study examines samples from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) both before and after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Levels of CFN-EDA significantly increase following MI with further elevation observed following reperfusion of the ischemic myocardium. Thrombotic events, such as thrombus formation and growth, show a significant increase, while the time to complete cessation of blood flow in the carotid artery significantly decreases following MI/R injury induced by ferric chloride. The acute infusion of purified CFN-EDA protein accelerates in-vivo thrombotic events in healthy rats and significantly enhances in-vitro adenosine diphosphate and collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Treatment with anti-CFN-EDA antibodies protected the rat against MI/R injury and significantly improved cardiac function as evidenced by increased end-systolic pressure-volume relationship slope and preload recruitable stroke work compared to control. Similarly, in a human study, plasma CFN-EDA levels were notably elevated in CAD patients undergoing CABG. Post-surgery, these levels continued to rise over time, alongside cardiac injury biomarkers such as cardiac troponin and B-type natriuretic peptide. The study highlights that increased CFN-EDA due to CAD or MI initiates a destructive positive feedback loop by amplifying arterial thrombus formation, potentially exacerbating MI/R injury.

Cyclocurcumin as Promising Bioactive Natural Compound: An Overview

Although identical in molecular formula and weight, curcumin and cyclocurcumin show remarkable differences in their reactivity. Both are natural compounds isolated from the rhizome of turmeric, the former is involved in the diketo/keto-enol tautomerism through the bis-α,β-unsaturated diketone unit according to the polarity of the solvent, while the latter could react by trans-cis isomerization due to the presence of the α,β-unsaturated dihydropyranone moiety. Even if curcumin is generally considered responsible of the therapeutical properties of Curcuma longa L. due to its high content, cyclocurcumin has attracted great interest over the last several decades for its individual behavior and specific features as a bioactive compound. Cyclocurcumin has a hydrophobic nature characterized by fluorescence emission, solvatochromism, and the tendency to form spherical fluorescent aggregates in aqueous solution. Molecular docking analysis reveals the potentiality of cyclocurcumin as antioxidant, enzyme inhibitor, and antiviral agent. Promising biological activities are observed especially in the treatment of degenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Despite the versatility emerging from the data reported herein, the use of cyclocurcumin seems to remain limited in clinical applications mainly because of its low solubility and bioavailability.

A clinical study and future prospects for bioactive compounds and semi-synthetic molecules in the therapies for Huntington's disease

A neurodegenerative disorder (ND) refers to Huntington's disease (HD) which affects memory loss, weight loss, and movement dysfunctions such as chorea and dystonia. In the striatum and brain, HD most typically impacts medium-spiny neurons. Molecular genetics, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress (OS), mitochondrial, and metabolic dysfunction are a few of the theories advanced to explicit the pathophysiology of neuronal damage and cell death. Numerous in-depth studies of the literature have supported the therapeutic advantages of natural products in HD experimental models and other treatment approaches. This article briefly discusses the neuroprotective impacts of natural compounds against HD models. The ability of the discovered natural compounds to suppress HD was tested using either in vitro or in vivo models. Many bioactive compounds considerably lessened the memory loss and motor coordination brought on by 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP). Reduced lipid peroxidation, increased endogenous enzymatic antioxidants, reduced acetylcholinesterase activity, and enhanced mitochondrial energy generation have profoundly decreased the biochemical change. It is significant since histology showed that therapy with particular natural compounds lessened damage to the striatum caused by 3-NP. Moreover, natural products displayed varying degrees of neuroprotection in preclinical HD studies because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, maintenance of mitochondrial function, activation of autophagy, and inhibition of apoptosis. This study highlighted about the importance of bioactive compounds and their semi-synthetic molecules in the treatment and prevention of HD.

Safety Aspects of Herb Interactions: Current Understanding and Future Prospects

BACKGROUND

The use of herbal medicines is on the rise throughout the world due to their perceived safety profile. However, incidences of herb-drug, herb-herb and herb-food interactions considering safety aspects have opened new arenas for discussion.

OBJECTIVE

The current study aims to provide comprehensive insights into the various types of herb interactions, the mechanisms involved, their assessment, and historical developments, keeping herbal safety at the central point of discussion.

METHODS

The authors undertook a focused/targeted literature review and collected data from various databases, including Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, Springer, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Conventional literature on herbal remedies, such as those by the WHO and other international or national organizations.

RESULTS

The article considered reviewing the regulations, interaction mechanisms, and detection of herb-herb, herb-drug and herb-food interactions in commonly used yet vital plants, including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Mentha piperita, Aloe barbadensis, Zingiber officinale, Gingko biloba, Withania somnifera, etc. The study found that healthcare professionals worry about patients not informing them about their herbal prescriptions (primarily used with conventional treatment), which can cause herb-drug/herb-food/herb-herb interactions. These interactions were caused by altered pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic processes, which might be explained using in-vivo, in-vitro, in-silico, pharmacogenomics, and pharmacogenetics. Nutrivigilance may be the greatest method to monitor herb-food interactions, but its adoption is limited worldwide.

CONCLUSION

This article can serve as a lead for clinicians, guiding them regarding herb-drug, herb-food, and herb-herb interactions induced by commonly consumed plant species. Patients may also be counseled to avoid conventional drugs, botanicals, and foods with a restricted therapeutic window.

Protective effects of curcumin on ischemia/reperfusion injury

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a term used to describe phenomena connected to the dysfunction of various tissue damage due to reperfusion after ischemic injury. While I/R may result in systemic inflammatory response syndrome or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, there is still a long way to improve therapeutic outcomes. A number of cellular metabolic and ultrastructural alterations occur by prolonged ischemia. Ischemia increases the expression of proinflammatory gene products and bioactive substances within the endothelium, such as cytokines, leukocytes, and adhesion molecules, even as suppressing the expression of other "protective" gene products and substances, such as thrombomodulin and constitutive nitric oxide synthase (e.g., prostacyclin, nitric oxide [NO]). Curcumin is the primary phenolic pigment derived from turmeric, the powdered rhizome of Curcuma longa. Numerous studies have shown that curcumin has strong antiinflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. It also prevents lipid peroxidation and scavenges free radicals like superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, NO, and hydroxyl. In our study, we highlight the mechanisms of protective effects of curcumin against I/R injury in various organs.

Pharmacological Profile, Bioactivities, and Safety of Turmeric Oil

The pharmacological attributes of turmeric have been extensively described and frequently related to the action of curcuminoids. However, there is also scientific evidence of the contribution of turmeric oil. Since the oil does not contain curcuminoids in its composition, it is crucial to better understand the therapeutic role of other constituents in turmeric. The present review discusses the pharmacokinetics of turmeric oil, pointing to the potential application of its active molecules as therapeutic compounds. In addition, the bioactivities of turmeric oil and its safety in preclinical and clinical studies were revised. This literature-based research intends to provide an updated overview to promote further research on turmeric oil and its constituents.

Comparative Analysis of Volatile Constituents in Root Tuber and Rhizome of Curcuma longa L. Using Fingerprints and Chemometrics Approaches on Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

The root tuber and rhizome of Curcuma longa L., abbreviated, respectively, as RCL and RHCL, are used as different medicines in China. In this work, volatile oils were extracted from RCL and RHCL. Then, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for RCL and RHCL volatile oils analysis, and 45 compounds were identified. The dominant constituents both in volatile oils of RCL and RHCL were turmerone, (-)-zingiberene, and β-turmerone, which covered more than 60% of the total area. The chromatographic fingerprint similarities between RCL and RHCL were not less than 0.943, indicating that their main chemical compositions were similar. However, there were also some compounds that were varied in RCL and RHCL. Based on the peak area ratio of 45 compounds, the RCL and RHCL samples were separated into principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Then, 20 compounds with a variable importance for the projection (VIP) value of more than 1 were the high potential contributors for RCL and RHCL differences. Furthermore, ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay results demonstrated that the volatile oils of RCL and RHCL had antioxidant activities. This study provided the material basis for the research of volatile components in RCL and RHCL and contributed to their further pharmacological research and quality control.

Impacts of Commonly Used Edible Plants on the Modulation of Platelet Function

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a primary cause of deaths worldwide. Thrombotic diseases, specifically stroke and coronary heart diseases, account for around 85% of CVDs-induced deaths. Platelets (small circulating blood cells) are responsible for the prevention of excessive bleeding upon vascular injury, through blood clotting (haemostasis). However, unnecessary activation of platelets under pathological conditions, such as upon the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques, results in thrombus formation (thrombosis), which can cause life threatening conditions such as stroke or heart attack. Therefore, antiplatelet medications are usually prescribed for people who are at a high risk of thrombotic diseases. The currently used antiplatelet drugs are associated with major side effects such as excessive bleeding, and some patients are resistant to these drugs. Therefore, numerous studies have been conducted to develop new antiplatelet agents and notably, to establish the relationship between edible plants, specifically fruits, vegetables and spices, and cardiovascular health. Indeed, healthy and balanced diets have proven to be effective for the prevention of CVDs in diverse settings. A high intake of fruits and vegetables in regular diet is associated with lower risks for stroke and coronary heart diseases because of their plethora of phytochemical constituents. In this review, we discuss the impacts of commonly used selected edible plants (specifically vegetables, fruits and spices) and/or their isolated compounds on the modulation of platelet function, haemostasis and thrombosis.

Turmeric Oil: Composition, Extraction, Potential Health Benefits and Other Useful Applications

The turmeric essential oil of Curcuma species has extensively more useful properties due to its rich phytochemical profile. The concentration of volatile chemical constituents varies according to their type of applied plant part (i.e., root, rhizome, leaves, and flower) for extraction and type of the adopted extraction method. Novel extraction and purification methods, subcritical CO2 , supercritical CO2 , pressurized liquid extraction, and molecular distillation are found to be more efficient for good recovery of this volatile oil, along with increased concentrations of specified compounds. Not only have the curcuminoid compounds had a broad potential in the field of pharmacology but also the turmeric oil is found to have great applicability in treating several diseases and disorders. Turmeric oil possesses good antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-hyperlipidemic anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and hepato-protective properties. Apart from medicinal fields, this oil has also a great future in the cosmetics, pesticide, and food industries due to its rich chemical profile. The present review focuses on providing information about turmeric oil in terms of its physicochemical properties, chemical composition, and available traditional extraction techniques, as well as available novel extraction options, actual health benefits, and other useful applications. It is hoped that the reported information is helpful for further discovery in the area of food, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical applications.

Nutrition phytochemicals affecting platelet signaling and responsiveness: implications for thrombosis and hemostasis

Cardiovascular disease, in particular due to arterial thrombosis, is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, with crucial roles of platelets in thrombus formation. For multiple plant-derived phytochemicals found in common dietary components, claims have been made regarding cardiovascular health and antiplatelet activities. Here we present a systematic overview of the published effects of common phytochemicals, applied in vitro or in nutritional intervention studies, on agonist-induced platelet activation properties and platelet signaling pathways. Comparing the phytochemical effects per structural class, we included general phenols: curcuminoids (e.g., curcumin), lignans (honokiol, silybin), phenolic acids (caffeic and chlorogenic acid), derivatives of these (shikimic acid) and stilbenoids (isorhapontigenin, resveratrol). Furthermore, we evaluated the flavonoid polyphenols, including anthocyanidins (delphinidin, malvidin), flavan-3-ols (catechins), flavanones (hesperidin), flavones (apigenin, nobiletin), flavonols (kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin), isoflavones (daidzein, genistein); and terpenoids including carotenes and limonene; and finally miscellaneous compounds like betalains, indoles, organosulfides (diallyl trisulfide) and phytosterols. We furthermore discuss the implications for selected phytochemicals to interfere in thrombosis and hemostasis, indicating their possible clinical relevance. Lastly, we provide guidance on which compounds are of interest for further platelet-related research.

Bioactive constituents and the molecular mechanism of Curcumae Rhizoma in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

BACKGROUND

Curcumae Rhizoma (CR) has a clinical efficacy in activating blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis and has been used for the clinical treatment of qi stagnation and blood stasis (QSBS) primary dysmenorrhea for many years. However, its molecular mechanism is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to demonstrate the multicomponent, multitarget and multipathway regulatory molecular mechanisms of CR in the treatment of QSBS primary dysmenorrhea.

METHODS

Observations of pathological changes in uterine tissues and biochemical assays were used to confirm that a rat model was successfully established and that CR was effective in the treatment of QSBS primary dysmenorrhea. The main active components of CR in rat plasma were identified and screened by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS). The component-target-disease network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of CR were constructed by a network pharmacology approach. Then, we performed Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was adopted to verify the interactions between the core components and targets of CR to confirm the accuracy of the network pharmacology prediction results. Furthermore, we evaluated the bioactive constituents of CR and molecular mechanism of by which CR promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis via platelet tests in vivo and in vitro and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

The results of HE staining and biochemical assays of PGF2α, TXB2 and Ca2+ showed that CR was effective in the treatment of QSBS primary dysmenorrhea. A total of 36 active components were identified in CR, and 329 common targets were obtained and used to construct the networks. Of these, 14 core components and 10 core targets of CR in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea were identified. The GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that the common targets were involved in multiple signaling pathways, including the calcium, cAMP, MAPK, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, as well as platelet activation, which is closely related to platelet aggregation. The molecular docking results showed that the 14 core components and 10 core targets could bind spontaneously. Two core targets (MAPK1 and CCR5) and 7 core components (Isoprocurcumenol, Curcumadione, Epiprocurcumenol, (+)-Curdione, Neocurdione, Procurcumenol, and 13-Hydroxygermacrone) were closely related to CR in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Furthermore, the in vivo platelet test showed that CR clearly inhibited platelet aggregation. Five core components ((+)-Curdione, Neocurdione, Isoprocurcumenol, Curcumadione and Procurcumenol) obviously inhibited platelet aggregation in vitro. In addition, based on the relationships among the signaling pathways, we confirmed that CR can effectively inhibit the expression of MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway-related proteins and decrease the protein expression levels of ERK, JNK, MAPK, PI3K, AKT and CCR5, thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the bioactive constituents and mechanisms of CR in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis and its multicomponent, multitarget and multipathway treatment characteristics in primary dysmenorrhea. The results provide theoretical evidence for the development and utilization of CR.

Activity of phytochemical constituents of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and Andrographis paniculata against coronavirus (COVID-19): an in silico approach

Background

In early 2020, many scientists are rushing to discover novel drugs and vaccines against the coronavirus, and treatments for COVID-19, because coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a life-threatening viral disease, affected first in China and quickly spread throughout the world. In this article, in silico studies have been performed to explore the binding modes of chemical constituents for natural remedies like Curcuma longa (turmeric) and Andrographis paniculata against COVID-19 (PDB ID 5R82) targeting coronavirus using Schrodinger suit 2019-4. The molecular docking studies are performed by the Glide module, in silico ADMET screening was performed by the QikProp module, and binding energy of ligands was calculated using the Prime MM-GB/SA module.

Results

The chemical constituents from turmeric like cyclocurcumin and curcumin and from Andrographis paniculata like andrographolide and dihydroxy dimethoxy flavone are significantly binding with the active site of SARS CoV-2 main protease with Glide score more than − 6 when compared to the currently used drugs hydroxychloroquine (− 5.47) and nelfinavir (− 5.93). When compared to remdesivir (− 6.38), cyclocurcumin from turmeric is significantly more active. The docking results of the compounds exhibited similar mode of interactions with SARS CoV-2. Main protease and the residues THR24, THR25, THR26, LEU27, SER46, MET49, HIE41, GLN189, ARG188, ASP187, MET165, HIE164, PHE181, and THR54 play a crucial role in binding with ligands.

Conclusion

Based on in silico investigations, the chemical constituents from turmeric like cyclocurcumin and curcumin and from Andrographis paniculata like andrographolide and dihydroxy dimethoxy flavone, significantly binding with the active site of SARS CoV-2 main protease, may produce significant activity and be useful for further development.

Practical Application of "About Herbs" Website: Herbs and Dietary Supplement Use in Oncology Settings

The Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center developed and maintains About Herbs (www.aboutherbs.com), which provides summaries of research data including purported uses, adverse effects, and herb-drug interactions for about 284 dietary supplements. Using Google Analytics, we found the website registered more than 26,317,000 hits since November 2002. The 10 most searched-for herbs/supplements of 2018 are chaga mushroom, turmeric, ashwagandha, reishi mushroom, graviola, Active Hexose-Correlated Compound, boswellia, dandelion, green tea, and Coriolus versicolor. Here we discuss their safety, herb-drug interactions, and appropriate uses in the oncology setting, based on literature searches in PubMed. Over the past 16 years, the evidence for use of these supplements is based mostly on preclinical findings, with few well-designed studies and limited trials conducted in cancer patients. It is important to familiarize health care professionals about popular supplements, so patients can be informed to make decisions that maximize benefits and minimize risks.

Timing of Heparin Administration Modulates Arterial Occlusive Thrombotic Response in Rats

Background: The timing for initiation of effective antithrombotic therapy relative to the onset of arterial thrombosis may influence outcomes. This report investigates the hypothesis that early administration of heparin anticoagulation relative to the onset of thrombotic occlusion will effect a reduction in occlusion. Methods: A standard rat model of experimental thrombosis induction was used, injuring the carotid artery exposure with FeCl₃-saturated filter paper, followed by flow monitoring for onset of occlusion and subsequent embolization events. Intravenous heparin administration (200 units/mL) was timed relative to the initiation of injury or onset of near occlusion, compared with controls (no heparin administration). Results: No occlusion was found for delivery of heparin 5 min prior to thrombus induction, whereas all vessels occluded without heparin. Unstable (embolic) thrombi were seen with heparin given at or shortly after initial occlusion. Only 9% (1/11) of the vessels had permanent occlusion when heparin was given at the time of thrombotic onset (p < 0.0001 vs. unheparinized), while 50% occluded when heparin was delayed by 5 min (p > 0.05). Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that antithrombotic therapy may need to be administered prior to the onset of anticipated loss of patency, with less effectiveness when given after occlusion has occurred.

A review of drugs that contribute to bleeding risk in general dental practice

The risk of postoperative bleeding is a daily concern for many general dental practitioners. A thorough medical and medication history must be taken to consider all risk factors, particularly drugs, that contribute to bleeding risk. While the risk from drugs such as aspirin, warfarin and clopidogrel are well known, the extent to which new antiplatelet agents and direct oral anticoagulants affect bleeding risk is less well understood. In addition, there are drugs other than antithrombotics, such as antidepressants and complementary medicines that also impair haemostasis. The aim of this paper is to provide dentists with an updated overview of the drugs commonly encountered in general dental practice that can contribute to a patient's postoperative bleeding risk.

Proinflammatory Effect of Endothelial Microparticles Is Mitochondria Mediated and Modulated Through MAPKAPK2 (MAPK-Activated Protein Kinase 2) Leading to Attenuation of Cardiac Hypertrophy

Objective- This study investigates the functional significance of mitochondria present in endothelial microparticles (EMP) and how MK2 (MAPKAPK2 [MAPK-activated protein kinase 2]) governs EMP production and its physiological effect on cardiac hypertrophy. Approach and Results- Flow cytometric analysis, confocal imaging, oxygen consumption rate measurement through Seahorse were used to confirm the presence of functionally active mitochondria in nontreated EMP (EMP derived from untreated control cells), lipopolysaccharide, and oligomycin treatment increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species activity in EMP (EMP derived from cells treated with lipopolysaccharide and EMP derived from cells treated with oligomycin, respectively). The dysfunctional mitochondria contained in EMP derived from cells treated with lipopolysaccharide and EMP derived from cells treated with oligomycin induced the expression of proinflammatory mediators in the target endothelial cells leading to the augmented adhesion of human monocytic cell line on EA.hy926 cells. Multiphoton real-time imaging detected the increased adherence of EMP derived from cells treated with oligomycin at the site of carotid artery injury as compared to EMP derived from untreated control cells. MK2 regulates EMP generation during inflammation by reducing E-selectin expression and regulating the cytoskeleton rearrangement through ROCK-2 (Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2) pathway. MK2-deficient EMP reduced the E-selectin and ICAM-1 (intracellular adhesion molecule-1) expression on target endothelial cells leading to reduced monocyte attachment and reduced cardiac hypertrophy in mice. Conclusions- MK2 promotes the proinflammatory effect of EMP mediated through dysfunctional mitochondria. MK2 modulates the inflammatory effect induced during cardiac hypertrophy through EMP.

Shuxuening injection protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and thrombosis

Background

Shuxuening injection (SXNI) has a good effect on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Here, our study aims to investigate whether SXNI have the protective effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) and elucidate the mechanism of SXNI's cardiac protection.

Methods

In this experiment, the coronary arteries of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were ligated for the induction of a MIRI model. TTC staining and haematoxylin-eosin (HE), as well as troponin I (TnI), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB levels, were used to detect the protective effect of SXNI. In rat cardiac tissue, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and malondialdehyde (MDA) activities and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), calreticulin (CRT), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and caspase-12 expression levels were detected. In rat serum, the levels of inflammatory factors, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, were measured by Elisa. In the rat arterial tissue, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expression was measured by western blot. In the rat plasma, ELISA was used to assay the levels of coagulation and plasmin system indicators, including platelet activating factor, endothelin, tissue factor (TF), plasminogen inhibitor, thromboxane B2, plasma fibrinogen.

Results

The results showed that SXNI can reduce the infarct size of myocardial tissue, decrease the myocardial enzyme and TnI levels and decrease the degree of myocardial damage compared with the model group. Additionally, SXNI can increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes, reduce the MDA level and decrease the GRP78, CRT, CHOP and caspase-12 expression levels. SXNI also decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines in rat serum, lowered the level of procoagulant molecules in plasma and reduced the TLR4/NF-κB expression.

Conclusions

SXNI has protective effect on MIRI mainly by inhibiting oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), thereby regulating TLR4/NF-κB pathway to reduce inflammation, and lowing procoagulant-related factors levels to reduce the risk of thrombosis.

Mechanics insights of curcumin in myocardial ischemia: Where are we standing?

Cardiovascular disorders are known as one of the main health problems which are associated with mortality worldwide. Myocardial ischemia (MI) is improper blood supply to myocardium which leads from serious complications to life-threatening problems like AMI, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiac-hypertrophy as well as diabetic associated complications as diabetic atherosclerosis/cardiomyopathy/hypertension. Despite several efforts, the current therapeutic platforms are not related with significant results. Hence, it seems, developing novel therapies are required. In this regard, increasing evidences indicated, curcumin (CRC) acts as cardioprotective agent. Given that CRC and its analogs exert their cardioprotective effects via affecting on a variety of cardiovascular diseases-related mechanisms (i.e., Inflammation, and oxidative stress). Herein, for first time, we have highlighted the protective impacts of CRC against MI. This review might be a steppingstone for further investigation into the clinical implications of the CRC against MI. Furthermore, it pulls in light of a legitimate concern for scientific community, seeking novel techniques and characteristic dynamic biopharmaceuticals for use against myocardial ischemia.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Essential Oils of Curcuma Species

Members of the genus Curcuma L. have been used in traditional medicine for centuries for treating gastrointestinal disorders, pain, inflammatory conditions, wounds, and for cancer prevention and antiaging, among others. Many of the biological activities of Curcuma species can be attributed to nonvolatile curcuminoids, but these plants also produce volatile chemicals. Essential oils, in general, have shown numerous beneficial effects for health maintenance and treatment of diseases. Essential oils from Curcuma spp., particularly C. longa, have demonstrated various health-related biological activities and several essential oil companies have recently marketed Curcuma oils. This review summarizes the volatile components of various Curcuma species, the biological activities of Curcuma essential oils, and potential safety concerns of Curcuma essential oils and their components.

Curcumin, hemostasis, thrombosis, and coagulation

Atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality throughout the world. Platelet activation and aggregation play a central role in hemostasis and thrombosis. Herbal medicines have been traditionally used in the management of cardiovascular disease and can help in modifying its progression, particularly in hemostasis and the coagulation process, as well as altering platelet function tests and some coagulation parameters. Curcumin is a polyphenol derived from the Curcuma longa plant and has been used extensively in complementary and alternative medicine, as it is nontoxic and safe with various therapeutic properties. Modern scientific research has demonstrated its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, antithrombotic, and cardiovascular protective effects. The present study reviewed previous studies in the literature, which support the positive activity of curcumin in hemostasis, anticoagulation, and fibrinolysis. We also presented molecular mechanisms associated with the antiplatelet and anticoagulant activities of curcumin and potential implications for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

In Silico and In Vitro Anticancer Activity of Isolated Novel Marker Compound from Chemically Modified Bioactive Fraction from Curcuma longa (NCCL)

BACKGROUND

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is reported to possess wide array of biological activities. Herbal Medicament (HM) is a standardized hexane-soluble fraction of C. longa and is well known for its neuroprotective effect.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we attempted to synthesize a novel chemically modified bioactive fraction from HM (NCCL) along with isolation and characterization of a novel marker compound (I).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

NCCL was prepared from HM. The chemical structure of the marker compound isolated from NCCL was determined from 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared. The compound so isolated was subjected to in silico and in vitro screenings to test its inhibitory effect on estrogen receptors.

RESULTS

Molecular docking studies revealed that the binding poses of the compound I was energetically favorable. Among NCCL and compound I taken for in vitro studies, NCCL had exhibited good anti-cancer activity over compound I against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, DU-145, and PC-3 cells.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study about the synthesis of a chemically modified bioactive fraction which used a standardized extract since the preparation of the HM. It may be concluded that NCCL fraction having residual components induce more cell death than compound I alone. Thus, NCCL may be used as a potent therapeutic drug.

SUMMARY

In the present paper, a standardized hexane soluble fraction of Curcuma longa (HM) was chemically modified to give a novel bioactive fraction (NCCL). A novel marker compound was isolated from NCCL and was characerized using various spectral techniques. The compound so isolated was investigated for in-silico screenings. NCCL and isolated compound was subjected to in-vitro anti-cancer screenings against MCF 7, MDA MB 231 (breast adenocarcinoma) and DU 145 and PC 3 cell lines (androgen independent human prostate cancer cells). The virtual screenings reveals that isolated compound has shown favourable drug like properties. NCCL fraction having residual components induces more cell death in these four cancer cell lines than isolated compound alone. Abbreviations used: HM: Herbal Medicament; NCCL: Chemically modified HM; FT-IR: Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy; NMR: Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; MS: Mass spectroscopy; HPLC: High-performance liquid chromatography; ER: Estrogen receptor; MTT: 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide; MIC: Minimum inhibitory concentration; TAM: Tamoxifen KBr: Potassium bromide; DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide; ACN: Acetonitrile; PDB: Protein Data Bank; PDA: Photodiode array detector.

Unmonitored use of herbal medicine by patients with breast cancer: reframing expectations

PURPOSE

To identify the unmonitored use of herbal medicine by female patients with breast cancer, examining the impact of an integrative physician (IP) consultation on this practice.

METHODS

The files of 269 female patients with breast cancer following an IP consultation were surveyed retrospectively for use of herbal medicine for cancer-related goals. Expectations from the IP consultation and adherence to the IP-guided treatments were examined as well.

RESULTS

Among the cohort, 111 (41.3%) reported using herbal medicine for cancer-related goals, unmonitored by their oncology healthcare professional. Factors predicting herbal medicine use were the adoption of dietary changes (odds ratio = 13.6, p < 0.001, CI 7.16-26.0) and the expectation that the IP consultation and treatments would address cancer-related goals (odds ratio = 3.29, p = 0.001, CI 1.64-6.6). Patients with metastatic disease were more likely to be using herbal medicine than non-users (34.5 vs. 22.8%; p = 0.088), as were those who had consulted with a complementary/alternative medicine practitioner (54.9 vs. 20.8%; p = 0.005). The IP advised 17 patients (15.3%) to stop taking specific herbal products due to safety-related concerns; and 10 patients to take dietary supplements for relief of specific symptoms. Herbal medicine users were less likely than non-users to adhere to the IP-recommended treatment program (34.7 vs. 48.3%; p = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Unmonitored use of herbal medicine by patients with breast cancer is more frequent among those adopting dietary changes for cancer-related goals. Integrative physicians provide evidence-based guidance on the safe and effective use of herbal products, and reframe patient expectations from cancer-related goals to reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.

The Effectiveness of Natural Diarylheptanoids against Trypanosoma cruzi: Cytotoxicity, Ultrastructural Alterations and Molecular Modeling Studies

Curcumin (CUR) is the major constituent of the rhizomes of Curcuma longa and has been widely investigated for its chemotherapeutic properties. The well-known activity of CUR against Leishmania sp., Trypanosoma brucei and Plasmodium falciparum led us to investigate its activity against Trypanosoma cruzi. In this work, we tested the cytotoxic effects of CUR and other natural curcuminoids on different forms of T. cruzi, as well as the ultrastructural changes induced in epimastigote form of the parasite. CUR was verified as the curcuminoid with more significant trypanocidal properties (IC₅₀ 10.13 μM on epimastigotes). Demethoxycurcumin (DMC) was equipotent to CUR (IC₅₀ 11.07 μM), but bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) was less active (IC₅₀ 45.33 μM) and cyclocurcumin (CC) was inactive. In the experiment with infected murine peritoneal macrophages all diarylheptanoids were more active than the control in the inhibition of the trypomastigotes release. The electron microscopy images showed ultrastructural changes associated with the cytoskeleton of the parasite, indicating tubulin as possible target of CUR in T. cruzi. The results obtained by flow cytometry analysis of DNA content of the parasites treated with natural curcuminoids suggested a mechanism of action on microtubules related to the paclitaxel`s mode of action. To better understand the mechanism of action highlighted by electron microscopy and flow cytometry experiments we performed the molecular docking of natural curcuminoids on tubulin of T. cruzi in a homology model and the results obtained showed that the observed interactions are in accordance with the IC₅₀ values found, since there CUR and DMC perform similar interactions at the binding site on tubulin while BDMC do not realize a hydrogen bond with Lys163 residue due to the absence of methoxyl groups. These results indicate that trypanocidal properties of CUR may be related to the cytoskeletal alterations.

Dietary Supplementation of Ginger and Turmeric Rhizomes Modulates Platelets Ectonucleotidase and Adenosine Deaminase Activities in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats

Hypertension is associated with platelet alterations that could contribute to the development of cardiovascular complications. Several studies have reported antiplatelet aggregation properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) with limited scientific basis. Hence, this study assessed the effect of dietary supplementation of these rhizomes on platelet ectonucleotidase and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities in Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME) induced hypertensive rats. Animals were divided into seven groups (n = 10): normotensive control rats; induced (l-NAME hypertensive) rats; hypertensive rats treated with atenolol (10 mg/kg/day); normotensive and hypertensive rats treated with 4% supplementation of turmeric or ginger, respectively. After 14 days of pre-treatment, the animals were induced with hypertension by oral administration of l-NAME (40 mg/kg/day). The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in platelet ADA activity and ATP hydrolysis with a concomitant decrease in ADP and AMP hydrolysis of l-NAME hypertensive rats when compared with the control. However, dietary supplementation with turmeric or ginger efficiently prevented these alterations by modulating the hydrolysis of ATP, ADP and AMP with a concomitant decrease in ADA activity. Thus, these activities could suggest some possible mechanism of the rhizomes against hypertension-derived complications associated to platelet hyperactivity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Molecular mechanisms of curcumin and its semisynthetic analogues in prostate cancer prevention and treatment

Primary prostate cancer, also known as prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa), is a devastating cancer in men worldwide. Europe and developing countries of Asia have fewer reported cases of prostate cancer compared to increasing cases in the United States with higher incidence in Black men. Risk factors associated with prostate cancer are aging, genetics, lifestyle, high body mass index as well as carcinogenic exposure to carbon-containing fuels, tobacco, and charbroiled meats. Hormone therapy and radical prostatectomy are commonly implemented treatments. The >20.000 prostate cancer deaths of 2013 suggest that there exists a need for enhanced chemopreventive and therapeutic agents for prostate cancer treatment. Fruits, vegetables, and red wines contain high levels of polyphenolic levels. Consumption of these products may provide chemoprevetion of PCa. Curcumin, the major compound from the turmeric rhizome Curcuma longa has long been used for medicinal purposes as an antiseptic and wound healing. This review focuses on curcumin's therapeutic effectiveness in vitro and in vivo in prostate cancer models. The review will highlight the mechanisms of actions of curcumin in the signaling pathways of prostate cancer.

Medicinal Herbals with Antiplatelet Properties Benefit in Coronary Atherothrombotic Diseases

Coronary atherothrombotic diseases such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and heart failure are the serious concerns of the thrombus formed in blood vessels. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs are the cornerstones of the management of these diseases. To prevent the recurrence of these diseases, double antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel has been the standard management in most hospitals. However, aspirin resistance and clopidogrel inefficient effects due to noncompliance with double drugs regimen can cause a sinister effect on patients. Medicinal plants serve as a greater resource for new medication and their potential currently became a topic of interest to the researchers all over the world. Traditionally, certain herbs have been used as a treatment for heart diseases but have been investigated for their antiplatelet properties. This current review explained few traditional antithrombotic herbals and their antiplatelet properties in vitro and in vivo and this is to be deeply discussed in further research.

Synthesis and evaluation of dual antiplatelet activity of bispidine derivatives of N-substituted pyroglutamic acids

N-aralkylpyroglutamides of substituted bispidine were prepared and evaluated for their ability to inhibit collagen induced platelet aggregation, both in vivo and in vitro. Some compounds showed high anti-platelet efficacy (in vitro) of which six inhibited both collagen as well as U46619 induced platelet aggregation with concentration dependent anti-platelet efficacy through dual mechanism. In particular, the compound 4j offered significant protection against collagen epinephrine induced pulmonary thromboembolism as well as ferric chloride induced arterial thrombosis, without affecting bleeding tendency in mice. Therefore, the present study suggests that the compound 4j displays a remarkable antithrombotic efficacy much better than aspirin and clopidogrel.

Exploring the use of nanocarrier systems to deliver the magical molecule; Curcumin and its derivatives

Curcumin and its derivatives; curcuminoids have been proven as potential remedies in different diseases. However, their delivery carries several challenges owing to their poor aqueous solubility, photodegradation, chemical instability, poor bioavailability and rapid metabolism. This review explores and criticizes the numerous attempts that were adopted through the years to entrap/encapsulate this valuable drug in nanocarriers aiming to reach its most appropriate and successful delivery system.

Non-carbonyl Curcuma longa [NCCL] protects the heart from myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by reducing endothelial microparticle mediated inflammation in rats

Endothelial cell mediated inflammation flags and mediates the progression of pre and post myocardial infarction.

Curcumin - Pharmacological Actions And its Role in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Review

Turmeric has been in use for thousands of years as a dye, flavouring and a medicinal herb. Ancient Indian medicine has touted turmeric as an herb with the ability to provide glow and lustre to the skin as well as vigour and vitality to the entire body. Since curcumin has antimicrobial, antioxidant, astringents and other useful properties, it is quite useful in dentistry also. Curcumin, the most active polyphenolic constituent, is the active ingredient in the traditional herbal remedy and dietary spice turmeric. In gel form it is a component in local drugs delivery system. The objective of this article is to review the pharmacological action of turmeric and its use in treating oral submucous fibrosis.

Curcuma oil reduces endothelial cell-mediated inflammation in postmyocardial ischemia/reperfusion in rats

Endothelial cells initiated inflammation persisting in postmyocardial infarction needs to be controlled and moderated for avoiding fatal complications. Curcuma oil (C.oil, Herbal Medicament), a standardized hexane soluble fraction of Curcuma longa has possessed neuroprotective effect. However, its effect on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/RP) and endothelial cells remains incompletely defined. Here, using in vivo rat MI/RP injury model and in vitro cellular approaches using EA.hy926 endothelial cells, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and myograph, we provide evidence that with effective regimen and preconditioning of rats with C.oil (250 mg/kg, PO), before and after MI/RP surgery protects rats from MI/RP-induced injury. C.oil treatment reduces left ventricular ischemic area and endothelial cell-induced inflammation, specifically in the ischemic region (*P < 0.0001) and improved endothelial function by reducing the expression of proinflammatory genes and adhesion factors on endothelial cells both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, mechanistic studies have revealed that C.oil reduced the expression of adhesion factors like E-selectin (#P = 0.0016) and ICAM-1 ($P = 0.0069) in initiating endothelial cells-induced inflammation. In line to the real-time polymerase chain reaction expression data, C.oil reduced the adhesion of inflammatory cells to endothelial cells as assessed by the interaction of THP-1 monocytes with the endothelial cells using flow-based adhesion and under inflammatory conditions. These studies provide evidence that salutary effect of C.oil on MI/RP could be achieved with pretreatment and posttreatment of rats, C.oil reduced MI/RP-induced injury by reducing the endothelial cell-mediated inflammation, specifically in the ischemic zone of MI/RP rat heart.

Effectiveness of topical curcumin for treatment of mastitis in breastfeeding women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of topical curcumin in reducing breast inflammation in women suffering from lactational mastitis.

METHODS

A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study including 63 breastfeeding women with lactational mastitis were randomly assigned to receive curcumin topical cream, one pump every 8 hours for 3 days (n=32) or topical moisturizer as placebo (n=31). Using an index for severity of breast inflammation, all of the patients had moderate breast inflammation before entering the study. The outcome of treatment was evaluated using the same index at 24, 48 and 72 hours of starting the treatment.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between two study groups regarding the baseline characteristics such as age (p=0.361) and duration of lactation (p=0.551). After 72-hour of therapy, patients in curcumin groups had significantly lower rate of moderate (p=0.019) and mild (p=0.002) mastitis. Patients in curcumin group had significantly lower scores for tension (p<0.001), erythema (p<0.001) and pain (p<0.001), after 72-hour of treatment.

CONCLUSION

The results of the current study indicate that topical preparation of curcumin successfully decrease the markers of lactational mastitis such as pain, breast tension and erythema within 72 hours of administration without side effects. Thus, topical preparation of curcumin could be safely administered for those suffering from lactational mastitis after excluding infectious etiologies.

Effect of curcumin against oxidation of biomolecules by hydroxyl radicals

BACKGROUND

Among various reactive oxygen species, hydroxyl radicals have the strongest chemical activity, which can damage a wide range of essential biomolecules such as lipids, proteins, and DNA.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of curcumin on prevention of oxidative damage of biomolecules by hydroxyl radicals generated in in vitro by a Fenton like reaction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We have incubated the serum, plasma and whole blood with H2O2/Cu2+/ Ascorbic acid system for 4 hours at 37 0C and observed the oxidation of biomolecules like albumin, lipids, proteins and DNA.

RESULTS

Curcumin at the concentrations of 50,100 and 200 μmoles, prevented the formation of ischemia modified albumin, MDA, protein carbonyls, oxidized DNA and increased the total antioxidant levels and GSH significantly.

CONCLUSION

These observations suggest the hydroxyl radical scavenging potentials of curcumin and protective actions to prevent the oxidation of biomolecules by hydroxyl radicals.

Secondary metabolite profiling of Curcuma species grown at different locations using GC/TOF and UPLC/Q-TOF MS

Curcuma, a genus of rhizomatous herbaceous species, has been used as a spice, traditional medicine, and natural dye. In this study, the metabolite profile of Curcuma extracts was determined using gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry (GC/TOF MS) and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF MS) to characterize differences between Curcuma aromatica and Curcuma longa grown on the Jeju-do or Jin-do islands, South Korea. Previous studies have performed primary metabolite profiling of Curcuma species grown in different regions using NMR-based metabolomics. This study focused on profiling of secondary metabolites from the hexane extract of Curcuma species. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) plots showed significant differences between the C. aromatica and C. longa metabolite profiles, whereas geographical location had little effect. A t-test was performed to identify statistically significant metabolites, such as terpenoids. Additionally, targeted profiling using UPLC/Q-TOF MS showed that the concentration of curcuminoids differed depending on the plant origin. Based on these results, a combination of GC- and LC-MS allowed us to analyze curcuminoids and terpenoids, the typical bioactive compounds of Curcuma, which can be used to discriminate Curcuma samples according to species or geographical origin.

Liposomal formulation of turmerone-rich hexane fractions from Curcuma longa enhances their antileishmanial activity

Promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis were treated with different concentrations of two fractions of Curcuma longa cortex rich in turmerones and their respective liposomal formulations in order to evaluate growth inhibition and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). In addition, cellular alterations of treated promastigotes were investigated under transmission and scanning electron microscopies. LipoRHIC and LipoRHIWC presented lower MIC, 5.5 and 12.5 μg/mL, when compared to nonencapsulated fractions (125 and 250 μg/mL), respectively, and to ar-turmerone (50 μg/mL). Parasite growth inhibition was demonstrated to be dose-dependent. Important morphological changes as rounded body and presence of several roles on plasmatic membrane could be seen on L. amazonensis promastigotes after treatment with subinhibitory concentration (2.75 μg/mL) of the most active LipoRHIC. In that sense, the hexane fraction from the turmeric cortex of Curcuma longa incorporated in liposomal formulation (LipoRHIC) could represent good strategy for the development of new antileishmanial agent.

Synthesis and identification of chiral aminomethylpiperidine carboxamides as inhibitor of collagen induced platelet activation

A series of chiral lactam carboxamides of aminomethylpiperidine were synthesized and investigated for the collagen induced in vitro anti-platelet efficacy and collagen plus epinephrine induced in vivo pulmonary thromboembolism. The compound 31a (30 μM/kg) displayed a remarkable antithrombotic efficacy (60% protection) which was sustained for more than 24 h and points to its excellent bioavailability. The compounds 31a (IC50 = 6.6 μM) and 32a (IC50 = 37 μM), as well as their racemic mixture 28i (IC50 = 16 μM) significantly inhibited collagen-induced human platelet aggregation in vitro. Compound 34c displayed dual mechanism of action against both collagen (IC50 = 3.3 μM) and U46619 (IC50 = 2.7 μM) induced platelet aggregation. The pharmacokinetic study of 31a indicated very faster absorption, prolonged and constant systemic exposure and thereby exhibiting better therapeutic response.