Loranthus micranthus Linn.: Biological Activities and Phytochemistry

Chronobiology of Viscum album L.: a time series of daily metabolomic fingerprints spanning 27 years

Introduction: European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) has been gaining increasing interest in the field of oncology as a clinically relevant adjunctive treatment in many forms of cancer. In the field of phytopharmacology, harvesting time is pivotal. In the last century, a form of metabolomic fingerprinting based on pattern formation was proposed as a way to determine optimal harvesting times to ensure high quality of mistletoe as raw material for pharmaceutical use. In order to further evaluate the information obtained with this metabolomic fingerprinting method, we analysed a large time series of previously undigitised daily mistletoe chromatograms dating back to the 1950s. Methods: These chromatograms were scanned and evaluated using computerized image analysis, resulting in 12 descriptors for each individual chromatogram. We performed a statistical analysis of the data obtained, investigating statistical distributions, cross-correlations and time self-correlations. Results: The analysed dataset spanning about 27 years, contains 19,037 evaluable chromatograms in daily resolution. Based on the distribution and cross-correlation analyses, the 12 descriptors could be clustered into six independent groups describing different aspects of the chromatograms. One descriptor was found to mirror the annual rhythm being well correlated with temperature and a phase shift of 10 days. The time self-correlation analysis showed that most other descriptors had a characteristic self-correlation of ∼50 days, which points to further infradian rhythms (i.e., more than 24 h). Discussion: To our knowledge, this dataset is the largest of its type. The combination of this form of metabolomic fingerprinting with the proposed computer analysis seems to be a promising tool to characterise biological variations of mistletoe. Additional research is underway to further analyse the different rhythms present in this dataset.

To and fro in the archipelago: Repeated inter-island dispersal and New Guinea's orogeny affect diversification of Delias, the world's largest butterfly genus

The world's largest butterfly genus Delias, commonly known as Jezebels, comprises ca. 251 species found throughout Asia, Australia, and Melanesia. Most species are endemic to islands in the Indo-Australian Archipelago or to New Guinea and nearby islands in Melanesia, and many species are restricted to montane habitats over 1200 m. We inferred an extensively sampled and well-supported molecular phylogeny of the group to better understand the spatial and temporal dimensions of its diversification. The remarkable diversity of Delias evolved in just ca. 15-16 Myr (crown age). The most recent common ancestor of a clade with most of the species dispersed out of New Guinea ca. 14 Mya, but at least six subsequently diverging lineages dispersed back to the island. Diversification was associated with frequent dispersal of lineages among the islands of the Indo-Australian Archipelago, and the divergence of sister taxa on a single landmass was rare and occurred only on the largest islands, most notably on New Guinea. We conclude that frequent inter-island dispersal during the Neogene-likely facilitated by frequent sea level change-sparked much diversification during that period. Many extant New Guinea lineages started diversifying 5 Mya, suggesting that orogeny facilitated their diversification. Our results largely agree with the most recently proposed species group classification system, and we use our large taxon sample to extend this system to all described species. Finally, we summarize recent insights to speculate how wing pattern evolution, mimicry, and sexual selection might also contribute to these butterflies' rapid speciation and diversification.

The food and biomedical applications of curcumin-loaded electrospun nanofibers: A comprehensive review

Encapsulating curcumin (CUR) in nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric micelles, silica nanoparticles, protein-based nanocarriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanocrystals could be efficient for a variety of industrial and biomedical applications. Nanofibers containing CUR represent a stable polymer-drug carrier with excellent surface-to-volume ratios for loading and cell interactions, tailored porosity for controlled CUR release, and diverse properties that fit the requirements for numerous applications. Despite the mentioned benefits, electrospinning is not capable of producing fibers from multiple polymers and biopolymers, and the product's effectiveness might be affected by various machine- and material-dependent parameters like the voltage and the flow rate of the electrospinning process. This review delves into the current and innovative recent research on nanofibers containing CUR and their various applications.

Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Ripe Fruits of Mistletoe (Psittacanthus calyculatus)

Psittacanthus calyculatus is a hemiparasitic plant of an arboreal species (e.g., forest, fruit trees). Its foliage has therapeutic potential; however, little is known about its fruits. In this study, the phytochemical profile and biological activities of P. calyculatus fruits hosted by Prosopis laevigata and Quercus deserticola were evaluated. The fruits of P. calyculatus from P. laevigata showed the highest content of total phenols (71.396 ± 0.676 mg GAE/g DW). The highest content of flavonoids and anthocyanins was presented in those from Q. deserticola (14.232 ± 0.772 mg QE/g DW; 2.431 ± 0.020 mg C3GE/g DW). The anthocyanin cyanidin-3-glucoside was detected and quantified via high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) (306.682 ± 11.804 mg C3GE/g DW). Acidified extracts from host P. laevigata showed the highest antioxidant activity via ABTS^•+ (2,2'azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazdin-6-sulfonic acid) (214.810 ± 0.0802 mg TE/g DW). Fruit extracts with absolute ethanol from the P. laevigata host showed the highest antihypertensive activity (92 ± 3.054% inhibition of an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)). Fruit extracts from both hosts showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.25 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 12.5 mg/mL against Escherichia coli, Salmonella choleraesuis and Shigella flexneri. Interestingly, a significant host effect was found. P. calyculatus fruits extract could be used therapeutically. However, further confirmation experiments should be carried out.

Antioxidant Activity and Phytopathogenic Control of Extracts and Fraction from Struthanthus calophyllus A.C.Sm. (Loranthaceae)

Phytopathogenic microorganisms cause oxidative stress in host plants, thus affecting agricultural crops. Such stress could be controlled by antioxidant compounds from parasitic plants, given their antioxidant power. This article reports an evaluation of Struthanthus calophyllus antimicrobial activity and antioxidant mechanism by testing different polarity extracts. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against phytopathogens bacteria (e. g., Erwinia, Pectobacterium, Xanthomonas) using the agar diffusion method. Pectobacterium and Xanthomonas presented growth inhibition zones similar to streptomycin control. Antioxidant activity was determined by measuring total phenol content, DPPH⋅, and ABTS⋅+ radicals-scavenging inhibition percentage (IP). Most polar extracts presented 76,9-95,9 % IP, which correlates with its phenolic content. Besides, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in a V14-1 sub-fraction from stem ethanolic extract, chose one for highest yield percentage, highest metabolites presence, and antimicrobial activity, showed triterpenic compounds mixture (α-amyrin, β-amyrin and 24-methylenecycloartanol). Findings in this study are among the first reports for S. calophyllus, even the chemical characterization, that confirm its strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Further molecular composition research about parasitic plants could show how unknown compounds may combat pathogenic microorganisms.

Phytochemical screening, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activity of Coffee parasite acetone extract (Loranthus ferrugineus Roxb)

This study aimed to perform a phytochemical screening and test the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of acetone extracts of the Coffee parasite (Loranthus ferrugineus Roxb). A phytochemical screen was performed using specific reagents. Antimicrobial testing was performed using the paper disc diffusion method. The antioxidant activity test used the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Anticancer activity test against HeLa and A549 cells based on the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay method. Acetone extract L. ferrugineus Roxb contains alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and tannins compounds. The acetone extract of L. ferrugineus Roxb showed activity against all the bacteria tested, with the inhibition zone diameter ranging from 6.2 mm - 11.1 mm. Acetone extract of L. Ferrugineus Roxb had a very strong antioxidant activity with a value of IC50 = 48.7122 µg/mL. The anticancer activity test showed cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells with a value of IC50 = 47.62 µg/mL and for A549 cells with a value of IC50 = 192.83 µg/mL.

Psidium guajava leaf extract improves gastrointestinal functions in rats and rabbits: an implication for ulcer and diarrhoea management

PURPOSE

Psidium guajava L. (Family, Myrtaceae) is reportedly used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, inflammation, and gastroenteritis.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the gastrointestinal function of Psidium guajava leaf extract (PGLE) in rats and rabbits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Crude ethanolic PGLE was subjected to phytochemical and toxicity tests (acute and sub-acute). Standard analytical procedures were employed to evaluate the in vivo gastrointestinal motility, and gastroprotective effect of PGLE against aspirin-induced ulcers.

RESULTS

In the phytochemical analysis, phenols were the highest (48.32 mg) followed by flavonoids (32.74 mg) and least in tannins (7.31 mg). The acute toxicity of PGLE was >6000 mg/kg. Administration of PGLE decreased significantly (p < 0.05) the body weight, while the liver biomarkers were not significantly altered (p > 0.05) when compared to the control. PGLE significantly increased extractible mucus weight and lowered gastric acid secretion in rats (p < 0.05). PGLE decreased significantly (p < 0.05) ulcer scores and indexes, and increased percentage ulcer inhibition in a dose-dependent manner compared to the negative and omeprazole-treated groups. PGLE dose-dependently inhibited basal amplitudes of contractions, and significantly inhibited acetylcholine-induced contractions, terminating them completely at higher doses.

CONCLUSION

PGLE may be a good anti-ulcer and anti-diarrhoeal agent, raising the prospect of novel drug development for such applications.

Plicosepalus acacia Extract and Its Major Constituents, Methyl Gallate and Quercetin, Potentiate Therapeutic Angiogenesis in Diabetic Hind Limb Ischemia: HPTLC Quantification and LC-MS/MS Metabolic Profiling

Plicosepalus acacia (Fam. Loranthaceae) has been reported to possess hypoglycemic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis revealed the presence of a high content of polyphenolic compounds that are attributed to the therapeutic effects of the crude extract. In addition, methyl gallate and quercetin were detected as major phytomedicinal agents at concentrations of 1.7% and 0.062 g%, respectively, using high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). The present study investigated the effect of the P. acacia extract and its isolated compounds, methyl gallate and quercetin, on hind limb ischemia induced in type 1 diabetic rats. Histopathological examination revealed that treatment with P. acacia extract, methyl gallate, and quercetin decreased degenerative changes and inflammation in the ischemic muscle. Further biochemical assessment of the hind limb tissue showed decreased oxidative stress, increased levels of nitric oxide and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and enhancement of the levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the groups treated with methyl gallate and quercetin. Expression levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), VEGF, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and miR-146a were upregulated in the muscle tissue of methyl gallate- and quercetin-treated groups along with downregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). In conclusion, P. acacia extract and its isolated compounds, methyl gallate and quercetin, mediated therapeutic angiogenesis in diabetic hind limb ischemia.

Medicinal plants in mitigating electromagnetic radiation-induced neuronal damage: a concise review

Although the evidence is inconclusive, epidemiological studies strongly suggest that increased exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) increases the risk of brain tumors, parotid gland tumors, and seminoma. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified mobile phone radiofrequency radiation as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). Humans being are inadvertently being exposed to EMR as its prevalence increases, mainly through mobile phones. Radiation exposure is unavoidable in the current context, with mobile phones being an inevitable necessity. Prudent usage of medicinal plants with a long history of mention in traditional and folklore medicine and, more importantly, are safe, inexpensive, and easily acceptable for long-term human use would be an appealing and viable option for mitigating the deleterious effects of EMR. Plants with free radical scavenging, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties are beneficial in maintaining salubrious health. Green tea polyphenols, Ginkgo biloba, lotus seedpod procyanidins, garlic extract, Loranthus longiflorus, Curcuma amada, and Rosmarinus officinalis have all been shown to confer neuroprotective effects in validated experimental models of study. The purpose of this review is to compile for the first time the protective effects of these plants against mobile phone-induced neuronal damage, as well as to highlight the various mechanisms of action that are elicited to invoke the beneficial effects.

The bright side of parasitic plants: what are they good for?

Parasitic plants are mostly viewed as pests. This is caused by several species causing serious damage to agriculture and forestry. There is however much more to parasitic plants than presumed weeds. Many parasitic plans exert even positive effects on natural ecosystems and human society, which we review in this paper. Plant parasitism generally reduces the growth and fitness of the hosts. The network created by a parasitic plant attached to multiple host plant individuals may however trigger transferring systemic signals among these. Parasitic plants have repeatedly been documented to play the role of keystone species in the ecosystems. Harmful effects on community dominants, including invasive species, may facilitate species coexistence and thus increase biodiversity. Many parasitic plants enhance nutrient cycling and provide resources to other organisms like herbivores or pollinators, which contributes to facilitation cascades in the ecosystems. There is also a long tradition of human use of parasitic plants for medicinal and cultural purposes worldwide. Few species provide edible fruits. Several parasitic plants are even cultivated by agriculture/forestry for efficient harvesting of their products. Horticultural use of some parasitic plant species has also been considered. While providing multiple benefits, parasitic plants should always be used with care. In particular, parasitic plant species should not be cultivated outside their native geographical range to avoid the risk of their uncontrolled spread and the resulting damage to ecosystems.

Isolation, Characterization, and HPTLC-Quantification of Compounds with Anticancer Potential from Loranthus Acaciae Zucc

The cytotoxic effects of the crude extract of Loranthus acaciae Zucc. and its n-hexane, chloroform, and n-butanol fractions were assessed against three cancer cell lines using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Cell apoptosis was determined using an annexin V-phycoerythrin/7-aminoactinomycin kit. We observed that the L. acaciae n-hexane extract (LAHE) could inhibit cancer cell growth, particularly of MCF7 and A549 cells. Chromatographic purification of LAHE and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis led to the identification of two compounds from this plant species, namely, betulinic acid and β-sitosterol, for the first time. Flow cytometry study suggested that betulinic acid induced cell death via apoptosis, as a distinguished marked enhancement in the early and late apoptosis of human lung (A549) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines. The isolated compounds were further estimated concurrently in LAHE using a validated high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method on a 10 × 10 cm2 HPTLC plate with chloroform, methanol, and glacial acetic acid (97:2:1, v/v/v) as the mobile phase and a λmax of 540 nm. The amounts of betulinic acid and β-sitosterol in LAHE were 69.46 and 135.53 µg/mg of dried weight of extract, respectively. The excellent cytotoxic effect of LAHE could be attributed to the presence of ample amounts of betulinic acid.

Impact of Common Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) on Scots Pine Forests—A Call for Action

Common mistletoe is increasingly mentioned as contributing not only to the decline of deciduous trees at roadside and in city parks, but to conifers in stands. The presence of Viscum in fir stands has been known for many years, but since 2015 has also been the cause of damage to pine. In 2019, mistletoe was observed on 77.5 thousand hectares of Scots pine stands in southern and central Poland. Drought resulting from global climate change is implicated as an important factor conducive to weakening trees and making them more susceptible to the spread of mistletoe and other pests. This paper presents an overview of the latest information on the development of this semi-parasitic plant in Poland, its impact on tree breeding traits and raw material losses, as well as current options for its prevention and eradication.

Alteration in sperm characteristics, endocrine balance and redox status in rats rendered diabetic by streptozotocin treatment: attenuating role of Loranthus micranthus

Objectives:Loranthus micranthus is widely used in Nigerian folklore treatment of male infertility and diabetes complications. We investigated this claim in rats rendered diabetic by streptozotocin (STZ).

Methods: Induction of diabetes mellitus in adult male Wistar rats was by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). The diabetic rats were thereafter treated orally once/day with 5 mg/kg Gilbenclamide or L. micranthus (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) and monitored for 14 days. Clinical observations, hormonal profile, oxidative stress parameters, glucose metabolism enzymes, histopathological examination, apoptotic marker immunoreactivity and western blotting in testes and sperm parameters were evaluated to examine effects of L. micranthus on STZ-diabetic rats.

Results:L. micranthus treatment significantly reduced the blood glucose level (45.9% and 84.7% on the 7th and 14th post-treatment days, respectively); increased antioxidant status, improved microarchitecture of testes, reduced lipid peroxidation and increased BCl-2 protein expression in diabetic rats relative to control. Furthermore, treatment with L. micranthus increased steroidogenic enzymes activities, levels of steroid hormones and improved sperm quality, relative to control.

Conclusion: The anti-diabetic and aphrodisiac properties exhibited by L. micranthus could be contingent on its ability to restore a balance to the compromised redox status that characterizes male reproductive dysfunction in diabetes.

Influence of Loranthus micranthus on hepatic and renal antioxidant status and impaired glycolytic flux in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background

The use of Loranthus micranthus in folklore medicine for treatment of diabetes and its associated complications is a common practice around the world. The present study investigated this traditional affirmation by in vivo investigation into the effect of L. micranthus leaf extract on hepatic and renal, oxidative status and glucose metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Diabetes mellitus was induced in adult male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). The diabetic rats were thereafter treated orally once per day with 5 mg/kg gilbenclamide or L. micranthus leaf extract (100 or 200 mg/kg) and monitored for 14 days. Clinical observations, plasma biochemistry, hormonal profile, oxidative stress parameters, glucose metabolism enzymes and histopathologic examination of the liver and kidney were evaluated to monitor treatment-related effects of L. micranthus leaf extract in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Results

Loranthus micranthus leaf extract administration significantly ameliorated hyperglycemia-mediated damage by decreasing the blood glucose level (45.9% and 84.7% on days 7 and 14 posttreatment, respectively), enhancing the antioxidant status, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and improving the architecture of the liver and kidney in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, intervention of L. micranthus leaf extract restored the liver and kidney function biomarkers and increased the plasma levels of triiodothyronine and thyroxine to normal control in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Conclusions

The findings from this investigation provide credible scientific support for the traditional use of L. micranthus leaf extract in the treatment of diabetes and its associated complications.

Milling the Mistletoe: Nanotechnological Conversion of African Mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus) Intoantimicrobial Materials

Nanosizing represents a straight forward technique to unlock the biological activity of complex plant materials. The aim of this study was to develop herbal nanoparticles with medicinal value from dried leaves and stems of Loranthus micranthus with the aid of ball-milling, high speed stirring, and high-pressure homogenization techniques. The milled nanoparticles were characterized using laser diffraction analysis, photon correlation spectroscopy analysis, and light microscopy. The average size of leaf nanoparticles was around 245 nm and that of stem nanoparticles was around 180 nm. The nanoparticles were tested for their antimicrobial and nematicidal properties against a Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli, a Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus carnosus, fungi Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and a nematode Steinernemafeltiae. The results show significant activities for both leaf and (particularly) stem nanoparticles of Loranthus micranthus on all organisms tested, even at a particle concentration as low as 0.01% (w/w). The results observed indicate that nanoparticles (especially of the stem) of Loranthus micranthus could serve as novel antimicrobial agents with wide-ranging biomedical applications.

Plicosepalin A, a new antioxidant catechin-gallic acid derivative of inositol from the mistletoe Plicosepalus curviflorus

Phytochemical investigation of the semi-parasitic plant, Plicosepalus curviflorus (Loranthaceae) growing in Saudi Arabia resulted in the isolation of a new catechin-gallic acid derivative of inositol, plicosepalin A (1) [(+) catechin-4'-O-(1″-O-galloyl-5″-O-methyl)-myo-inositol], along with seven known compounds: methyl gallate (2), catechin (3), quercetin (4), gallic acid (5), lupeol (6), β-sitosterol (7), and ursolic acid (8). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, including HRESIMS, ESIMS, 1H and 13C NMR, HSQC, and HMBC, as well as comparison with reported data. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of 1 were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the disc diffusion assay, respectively. Compound 1 exhibited potent free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 9.0 ± 0.27 μM. Moreover, significant activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis were recorded.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Phragmanthera capitata (Sprengel) Balle (Loranthaceae), a Mistletoe Growing on Rubber Tree, Using the Dilution Techniques

The alarming increase in multidrug resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to conventional drugs in recent years has prompted the search for new leads in alternative remedies in natural products. Hence, this study was aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial properties of Phragmanthera capitata, a parasitic mistletoe growing on rubber trees. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of the acetone, methanol, ethanol, and aqueous extracts were investigated using five gram-negative and five gram-positive bacteria and four fungi. A 96-well resazurin broth and agar dilution techniques were used for the determination of the Minimum Inhibitory and Bactericidal Concentrations. The antibacterial activity of the organic extracts had comparative effects on all the bacteria with a MIC of 1.25 to 5 mg/mL and MBC of 2.5 to 10 mg/mL. However, the acetone extract showed higher bactericidal effect while the aqueous extract was not active. The organic solvent extracts also showed antifungal activities on two of the fungi with a MIC of 1.25 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL. However, the aqueous extract had the highest activity inhibiting all the fungi with a MIC of ≤0.3125 to 1.25 mg/mL. The study supports the ethnomedicinal claims of P. capitata as a remedy for the diseases/infections caused by these organisms.

Inhibitory activity of different medicinal extracts from Thuja leaves, ginger roots, Harmal seeds and turmeric rhizomes against Fig leaf mottle-associated virus 1 (FLMaV-1) infecting figs in Mecca region

Fig leaf mottle-associated virus-1 (FLMaV-1) is a closterovirus newly identified in fig trees, in the Mecca region, suffering from mosaic disease symptoms and apparently is compromising the fig plantation in the country. In the present study, we demonstrated the efficiency of two in vivo experiments including pre and post treatments using Thuja leaf, ginger roots, Harmal seeds and turmeric rhizome extracts on symptoms expression of rooted cuttings infected with FLMaV-1- and their impact on virus multiplication. Results showed that individual treatments with ginger roots and turmeric rhizomes in pre-grafting experiments and Thuja extract following Harmal seeds in post grafting experiments were efficient against symptom development. In addition, results showed that the total photosynthesis pigments; total soluble intracellular proteins and total phenol contents were higher in infected treated cuttings compared with healthy ones, thus it was taken as evidence on a mutual interaction between these extracts and virus multiplication.

Inhibitory Effect of Loranthus parasiticus on IgE-Mediated Allergic Responses in RBL-2H3 Cells

The mistletoe Loranthus parasiticus has been used as a compound for traditional medicine in Northeast Asia for a long time and is known to possess neuroprotective action. Nonetheless, the effect of Loranthus parasiticus on allergic responses remains unknown. In the present study, we evaluated whether the water extract of Loranthus parasiticus (LPE) could inhibit IgE-mediated allergic responses in RBL-2H3 cells. LPE inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase (IC₅₀, 184.5 μg/mL) and the formation of tumor necrosis factor-α (IC₅₀, 84.27 μg/mL), interleukin-4 (IC₅₀, 93.43 μg/mL), prostaglandin E₂ (IC₅₀, 84.10 μg/mL), prostaglandin D₂, and leukotriene C₄ (IC₅₀, 43.27 μg/mL) in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, LPE inhibited phosphorylation of Syk, PLCγ1/2, PKCδ, ERK, JNK, p38, and Akt. In the late phase, LPE decreased 5-lipoxygenase phosphorylation and COX-2 expression but not cPLA₂ phosphorylation. Additionally, LPE included total phenolic compounds (10.72 mg/g dry weight) and total flavonoids (56.20 mg/g dry weight). These results suggest that the phenolic compounds or flavonoids contained in LPE may be associated with antiallergic activity. The phenolic compounds and flavonoids in LPE are antiallergic phytochemicals capable of inhibiting the activation of the FcεRI signaling cascade in mast cells. Such effects may provide further information for the development of a phytomedicine for allergic diseases.

Loranthus ferrugineus: a Mistletoe from Traditional Uses to Laboratory Bench

Objectives:

Loranthus ferrugineus (L. ferrugineus) from Loranthaceae, a mistletoe, is a medicinal herb used for a variety of human ailments. Traditionally, decoctions of this parasitic shrub have been mainly used to treat high blood pressure (BP) and gastrointestinal complaints; usage which is supported by experimental based pharmacological investigations. Nonetheless, there is still limited data available evaluating this plant’s traditions, and few studies have been scientifically translated toward evidence based phytomedicine. We therefore provide a concise review of the currently available L. ferrugineus literature and discuss potential directions for future areas of investigation.

Methods:

We surveyed available literature covering ethnopharmacological usage of L. ferrugineus and discussed relevant findings, including important future directions and shortcomings for the medicinal values of this parasitic shrub.

Results:

Evidence based pharmacological approaches significantly covered the medicinal application of L. ferrugineus for hypertension and gastrointestinal complaint management, with a particular focus on the active hydrophilic extract of this herb.

Conclusion:

Understanding the sites of action of this plant and its beneficial effects will provide justification for its use in old traditional treatments, and potentially lead to the development of therapies. Other medicinal applicative areas of this parasitic shrub, such as wound healing, gerontological effects, and antiviral and anticancer activities, are yet to be researched.

A review on antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity of curcumin

Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae family) and its polyphenolic compound curcumin have been subjected to a variety of antimicrobial investigations due to extensive traditional uses and low side effects. Antimicrobial activities for curcumin and rhizome extract of C. longa against different bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites have been reported. The promising results for antimicrobial activity of curcumin made it a good candidate to enhance the inhibitory effect of existing antimicrobial agents through synergism. Indeed, different investigations have been done to increase the antimicrobial activity of curcumin, including synthesis of different chemical derivatives to increase its water solubility as well ass cell up take of curcumin. This review aims to summarize previous antimicrobial studies of curcumin towards its application in the future studies as a natural antimicrobial agent.