The most common herbal medicines affecting Sarcomastigophora branches: a review study

Therapeutic Potential and Safety of the Cinnamomum zeylanicum Methanolic Extract Against Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Mice

Background

This experimental study determined the in vitro, in vivo, and toxicity effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum methanolic extract (CZME) against Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Methods

The in vitro activity of CZME T. gondii tachyzoites was studied by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Infected mice were treated with CZME for two weeks at doses of 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg/day. Then, the therapeutic effects of CZME were evaluated by assessing the mean number and mean size of T. gondii tissue cysts, oxidant-antioxidant enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and mRNA expression levels of bradyzoite surface antigen 1 (BAG1) by real-time PCR.

Results

CZME significantly (p <0.001) increased the mortality rate of parasites in a dose- and time-dependent response. The mean number of intracellular tachyzoites was significantly reduced after CZME therapy. The treatment of infected mice with CZME resulted in a significant (p <0.001) downregulation of BAG1 and the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO) as oxidative stress markers. However, a considerable rise (p <0.05) was found in the levels of antioxidant markers such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase enzyme (CAT), and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity (SOD). In a dose-dependent response, after treatment of infected mice with CZME, the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines of IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-12 was considerably elevated. CZME had no significant cytotoxicity on Vero cells, with a 50% cytotoxic concentration of 169.5 ± 5.66 μg/ml.

Conclusion

The findings confirmed the promising therapeutic effects of CZME on chronic toxoplasmosis in mice. Nevertheless, further investigations must confirm these results, elucidate its precise mechanisms, and examine its effectiveness in human volunteers.

Systematic review on medicinal plants used for the treatment of Giardia infection

Background

However, broad adoption of herbal remedies for giardiasis is at present hampered by uncertain findings of investigation not always sufficiently powered. This study was aimed at systematically reviewing the existing literature in herbal medicines to treat giardiasis.

Methods

This review was carried out 06- PRISMA guideline and registered in the CAMARADES-NC3Rs Preclinical Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Facility (SyRF) database. The search was performed in five databases which are Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar without time limitation for all published articles (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies). The searched words and terms were: “Giardia”, “giardiasis”, “extract”, “essential oil”, “herbal medicines”, “anti-Giardia”, “In vitro”, “In vivo”, “clinical trial” etc.

Results

Out of 1585 papers, 40 papers including 28 in vitro (70.0%), 7 in vivo (17.5%), 2 in vitro/ in vivo (5.0%), and 3 clinical trials (7.5%) up to 2020, met the inclusion criteria for discussion in this systematic review. The most widely used medicinal plants against Giardia infection belong to the family Lamiaceae (30.0%) followed by Asteraceae (13.5%), Apiaceae (10.5%). The most common parts used in the studies were aerial parts (45.0%) followed by leaves (27.4%) and seeds (7.5%). The aqueous extract (30.0%), essential oil (25.4%) and hydroalcholic and methanolic (10.5%) were considered as the desired approaches of herbal extraction, respectively.

Conclusion

The current review showed that the plant-based anti-Giardia agents are very promising as an alternative and complementary resource for treating giardiasis since had low significant toxicity. However, more studies are required to elucidate this conclusion, especially in clinical systems.

Treasuring the computational approach in medicinal plant research

Medicinal plants serve as a valuable source of secondary metabolites since time immemorial. Computational Research in 21st century is giving more attention to medicinal plants for new drug design as pharmacological screening of bioactive compound was time consuming and expensive. Computational methods such as Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamic Simulation and Artificial intelligence are significant Insilico tools in medicinal plant research. Molecular docking approach exploits the mechanism of potential phytochemicals into the target active site to elucidate its interactions and biological therapeutic properties. MD simulation illuminates the dynamic behavior of biomolecules at atomic level with fine quality representation of biomolecules. Dramatical advancement in computer science is illustrating the biological mechanism via these tools in different diseases treatment. The advancement comprises speed, the system configuration, and other software upgradation to insights into the structural explanation and optimization of biomolecules. A probable shift from simulation to artificial intelligence has in fact accelerated the art of scientific study to a sky high. The most upgraded algorithm in artificial intelligence such as Artificial Neural Networks, Deep Neural Networks, Neuro-fuzzy Logic has provided a wide opportunity in easing the time required in classical experimental strategy. The notable progress in computer science technology has paved a pathway for understanding the pharmacological functions and creating a roadmap for drug design and development and other achievement in the field of medicinal plants research. This review focus on the development and overview in computational research moving from static molecular docking method to a range of dynamic simulation and an advanced artificial intelligence such as machine learning.

In Silico Study Examining New Phenylpropanoids Targets with Antidepressant Activity

BACKGROUND

Natural products, such as phenylpropanoids, which are found in essential oils derived from aromatic plants, have been explored during non-clinical psychopharmacology studies, to discover new molecules with relevant pharmacological activities in the central nervous system, especially antidepressant and anxiolytic activities. Major depressive disorder is a highly debilitating psychiatric disorder and is considered to be a disabling public health problem, worldwide, as a primary factor associated with suicide. Current clinically administered antidepressants have late-onset therapeutic actions, are associated with several side effects, and clinical studies have reported that some patients do not respond well to treatment or reach complete remission.

OBJECTIVE

To review important new targets for antidepressant activity and to select phenylpropanoids with antidepressant activity, using Molegro Virtual Docker and Ossis Data Warris, and to verify substances with more promising antidepressant activity.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

An in silico molecular modeling study, based on homology, was conducted to determine the three-dimensional structure of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5- HT2AR), then molecular docking studies were performed and the predisposition for cytotoxicity risk among identified molecules was examined. A model for 5-HT2AR homology, with satisfactory results, was obtained indicating the good stereochemical quality of the model. The phenylpropanoid 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol showed the lowest binding energy for 5-HT2AR, with results relevant to the L-arginine/nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP pathway, and showed no toxicity within the parameters of mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive system toxicity, and skin-tissue irritability, when evaluated in silico; therefore, this molecule can be considered promising for the investigation of antidepressant activity.

Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-microbial Activity of Some Important Medicinal Plants from North-west of Iran

Due to the increase of microbial resistance to antibiotics and the occurrence of side effects, use of medicinal plants with anti-microbial properties seems to be rational. Hence, in this study, some plants of the Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, and Cucurbitaceae families were evaluated for antimicrobial effects. The aerial parts of the plants were extracted by different solvents using a Soxhlet apparatus. Subsequently, the inhibitory effect of the extracts on different microbial species was assessed. Extracts with high growth inhibitory effect were fractionated and their MIC was determined. Furthermore, primary phytochemical and GC-MS analysis were used to identify the chemical compounds of potent samples of n-hexane extracts of Eryngium caerulum (E. caeruleum) and Eryngium thyrsoideum (E. thyrsoideum.) Both plants showed considerable antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus epidermidis among the fractions, 40% and 60% VLC fractions of n-hex extract of E. caeruleum and 40% VLC fraction of n-hexane extract of E. thyrsoideum illustrated the most growth inhibitory effect. Moreover, the results of preliminary phytochemical and GC-MS analysis confirmed that steroids, fatty acids and terpenoids play an important role to show anti-microbial activity, respectively. Among all samples, the 40% VLC fraction of n-hexane extract of E. thyrsoideum for possessing high amounts of fatty acids and terpenoids indicated the most anti-microbial potency.

Listeriosis Phytotherapy: A Review Study on the Effectiveness of Iranian Medicinal Plants in Treatment of Listeriosis

Listeria monocytogenes can be found in many processed foods, raw milk, dairy products, meat and meat products such as sausages, beef and fish products, seafoods, eggs, fruits, and vegetables such as radish and cabbage. This article is a review study on the Iranian medicinal plants applied for treatment of listeriosis. Information of this review article was obtained by searching various key words such as Listeria monocytogenes, medicinal plants, plant extracts and essential oils among scientific articles published in databases of Google scholar, ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Scopus, SID and Magiran. Thyme, German chamomile, great chamomile, yarrow, onion, oregano, nutmeg, sage, sagebrush, hyssop, rosemary, St John's wort, safflower, ajowan, cumin, peppermint, shallot, anise, and parsnip are known antilisteriosis medicinal plants. Bioactive phytochemicals, antioxidants and monoterpenes, sesquiterpene, coumarin, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and terpenoids are the main ingredients of antilisteriosis medicinal plants.

A Review Study on Punica granatum L

Punica granatum L (pomegranate) is a deciduous shrub, native to Iran. Nowadays, besides its use as a fruit, its medicinal properties have attracted the interest of researchers of many countries. Pomegranate fruit has medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. The pomegranate seed oil has inhibitory effect on skin and breast cancers. The pomegranate seed oil has phytoestrogenic compounds and the fruit is rich in phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant activity. Ellagic acid is one of the main components of pomegranate with phenolic structure and antioxidant activity. This review article presents the recently published findings on different aspects of this plant focusing on its medicinal properties

Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Review of Recent Evidences

Context:

Acne vulgaris affects about 85% of teenagers and may continue to adulthood. There are about two million visits to physicians per year for teenagers and the direct cost of acne treatment in the US exceeds $1 billion per year.

Evidence Acquisition:

A wide variety of treatment regimens exist for acne vulgaris including benzoil peroxide, retinoids, isotretinoids, keratolytic soaps, alpha hydroxy acids, azelaic acid, salicilic acid as well as hormonal, anti-androgen or antiseborrheic treatments. However, none of these methods is free of side effects and their exact role in therapy is not clear. In this paper apart from presenting the possible causes of acne vulgaris and its available drugs, recently published papers about medicinal plants used in the treatment of acne vulgaris were reviewed.

Results:

Consumption of alternative and complementary medicine, including medicinal plants, is increasing and is common amongst patients affected by acne and infectious skin diseases. Medicinal plants have a long history of use and have been shown to possess low side effects. These plants are a reliable source for preparation of new drugs.

Conclusions:

Many plants seem to have inhibitory effects on the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses in vitro. However, there are a few clinical evidences about the effectiveness and safety of these plants in the treatment of acne and other skin infections.

A Review Study on the Effect of Iranian Herbal Medicines on Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Addiction is a chronic and recurring disease that recurrence phenomenon is the most important challenge in treatment of this disease. Recent experiences have shown that synthetic drugs have undesirable side effects. Recent studies on medicinal plants have shown that they might be effective in treatment of different stages of addiction with lower side effects and costs. The aim of this study was to review the effects of medicinal plants in the treatment of morphine addiction in experimental animals. In this review article, by using keywords of morphine, withdrawal, and plants or herbal medicine in databases of indexing cites, desired articles were obtained since 1994. Inclusion criteria for selecting articles were the articles related to application of medicinal plants in decreasing symptoms resulting from morphine withdrawal were selected. Results of this study on experimental studies have shown that medicinal plants such as Trachyspermum copticum L and Melissa officinalis decrease the symptoms of withdrawal syndrome in a dose-dependent. Also, medicinal plants like Avena sativa, Hypericum perforatu, Passiflora incarnate, Valeriana officinalis, Satureja hortensis L, and Mentha piperita can have effects on behavior, emotions, and other problems of addicts, decreasing withdrawal symptoms. Results of this study showed that medicinal plants can be effective in controlling deprivation, decreasing dependency creation, and possibly detoxification of opioid addicts.

A Review on Promising Natural Agents Effective on Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia is a prevalent disease and a major component of the metabolic syndrome resulting from various factors. This disease increases morbidity and mortality when combined with other prevalent diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. The side effects of the current lipid-lowering drugs have increased the tendency to move toward traditional and alternative treatments. Epidemiological observations indicate that using alternative treatments, consumption of medicinal plants, diet, and consumption of fruits have had satisfactory results on the effects of hyperlipidemia in many societies. It should be noted that in majority of societies, even developed countries, the tendency toward eating lipid-lowering medicinal plants has increased extensively. Using these plants especially when common remedies cannot control the disease is significant. Although consumption of medicinal plants by hyperlipidemic patients may show improvement in disease state, drug interaction and side effects may cause complications in disease control. Therefore, in this review, apart from introducing some of the reliable plants effective in inhibition and decrease of hyperlipidemia, the possibility of their intoxication and drug interaction is also presented.

A Review on Ethnobotanical and Therapeutic Uses of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum L)

Fenugreek with the scientific name of Trigonella foenum-graceum L and with leaves consisting of 3 small obovate to oblong leaflets is an annual herbaceous plant of the Fabaceae family. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean but is cultivated worldwide. This plant has medicinal alkaloids, steroid compounds, and sapogenins and many uses have been mentioned for this plant in traditional medicine. This plant has been used to ease childbirth, to aid digestion, and as a general tonic to improve metabolism. Trigonelline is considered as the most important metabolite of fenugreek, which is very effective in treating diabetes and decreasing blood cholesterol. Diaszhenin is another important compound in seeds of this plant, which is used in producing medicinal steroids like contraceptive pills. Many studies have been performed on the therapeutic effects and identification of chemical compounds of this plant. In this article, the most important biological effects and reported compounds about fenugreek seed are reviewed and its therapeutic applications are investigated.

Identifying effective medicinal plants for cold in Lorestan province, West of Iran

Cold is a kind of mild and self-limiting viral illness that is considered as a prevalent disease with global occurrence and is caused by more than 200 types of viruses. Ethnobotanical studies and the use traditional experiences have increased the probability of detecting effective medicinal substances for cold by 40%. This study aimed to identify effective medicinal plants for cold in Lorestan province. Traditional medical information of this work was obtained from information from indigenous people in 8 cities of Lorestan province. A previously prepared questionnaire was given to trained health liaisons to record the people's beliefs about the plants. The results showed that 23 medicinal plants were used in Lorestan province for treating cold and its symptoms (cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, etc). Plants studied in this article contained bioactive substances that are recommended as the most popular traditional treatments. More research studies should be done on the efficacy and the potential harms of medicinal plants used by people, and in the case of their positive pharmacological impacts, they can be used to produce natural and effective drugs for cold.