Nano-Derived Therapeutic Formulations with Curcumin in Inflammation-Related Diseases

Potential applications of antofine and its synthetic derivatives in cancer therapy: structural and molecular insights

Cancer is a major global health challenge, being the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality after cardiovascular disease. The growing economic burden and profound psychosocial impact on patients and their families make it urgent to find innovative and effective anticancer solutions. For this reason, interest in using natural compounds to develop new cancer treatments has grown. In this respect, antofine, an alkaloid class found in Apocynaceae, Lauraceae, and Moraceae family plants, exhibits promising biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, and antifungal activities. Several molecular mechanisms have been identified underlying antofine anti-cancerous effects, including the inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, epigenetic inhibition of protein synthesis, ribosomal targeting, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of DNA synthesis, and cell cycle arrest. This study discusses the molecular structure, sources, photochemistry, and anticancer properties of antofine in relation to its structure-activity relationship and molecular targets. Then, examine in vitro and in vivo studies and analyze the mechanisms of action underpinning antofine efficacy against cancer cells. This review also discusses multidrug resistance in human cancer and the potential of antofine in this context. Safety and toxicity concerns are also addressed as well as current challenges in antofine research, including the need for clinical trials and bioavailability optimization. This review aims to provide comprehensive information for more effective natural compound-based cancer treatments.

Recent Advances in the Inhibition of Membrane Lipid Peroxidation by Food-Borne Plant Polyphenols via the Nrf2/GPx4 Pathway

Lipid peroxidation (LP) leads to changes in the fluidity and permeability of cell membranes, affecting normal cellular function and potentially triggering apoptosis or necrosis. This process is closely correlated with the onset of many diseases. Evidence suggests that the phenolic hydroxyl groups in food-borne plant polyphenols (FPPs) make them effective antioxidants capable of preventing diseases triggered by cell membrane LP. Proper dietary intake of FPPs can attenuate cellular oxidative stress, especially damage to cell membrane phospholipids, by activating the Nrf2/GPx4 pathway. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an oxidative stress antagonist. The signaling pathway regulated by Nrf2 is a defense transduction pathway of the organism against external stimuli such as reactive oxygen species and exogenous chemicals. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4), under the regulation of Nrf2, is the only enzyme that reduces cell membrane lipid peroxides with specificity, thus playing a pivotal role in regulating cellular ferroptosis and counteracting oxidative stress. This study explored the Nrf2/GPx4 pathway mechanism, antioxidant activity of FPPs, and mechanism of LP. It also highlighted the bioprotective properties of FPPs against LP and its associated mechanisms, including (i) activation of the Nrf2/GPx4 pathway, with GPx4 potentially serving as a central target protein, (ii) regulation of antioxidant enzyme activities, leading to a reduction in the production of ROS and other peroxides, and (iii) antioxidant effects on LP and downstream phospholipid structure. In conclusion, FPPs play a crucial role as natural antioxidants in preventing LP. However, further in-depth analysis of FPPs coregulation of multiple signaling pathways is required, and the combined effects of these mechanisms need further evaluation in experimental models. Human trials could provide valuable insights into new directions for research and application.

Revolutionizing Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment: Innovative Self-Nano-Emulsifying Polyethylene Glycol Organogel of Curcumin for Effective Topical Delivery

In the current study, self-nano-emulsifying (SNE) physically cross-linked polyethylene glycol (PEG) organogel (SNE-POG) as an innovative hybrid system was fabricated for topical delivery of water-insoluble and unstable bioactive compound curcumin (CUR). Response surface methodology (RSM) based on Optimal Design was utilized to evaluate the formulation factors. Solid fiber mechanism with homogenization was used to prepare formulations. Pharmaceutical evaluation including rheological and texture analysis, their mathematical correlations besides physical and chemical stability experiments, DSC study, in vitro release, skin permeation behavior, and clinical evaluation were carried out to characterize and optimize the SNE-OGs. PEG 4000 as the main organogelator, Poloxamer 188 (Plx188) and Ethyl Cellulose (EC) as co-gelator/nanoemulsifier agents, and PEG 400 and glycerin as solvent/co-emulsifier agents could generate SNE-POGs in PS range of 356 to 1410 nm that indicated organic base percentage and PEG 4000 were the most detrimental variables. The optimized OG maintained CUR stable in room and accelerated temperatures and could release CUR sustainably up to 72 h achieving high flux of CUR through guinea pig skin. A double-blind clinical trial confirmed that pain scores, stiffness, and difficulty with physical function were remarkably diminished at the end of 8 weeks compared to the placebo (71.68% vs. 7.03%, 62.40% vs. 21.44%, and 45.54% vs. 8.66%, respectively) indicating very high efficiency of system for treating knee osteoarthritis. SNE-POGs show great potential as a new topical drug delivery system for water-insoluble and unstable drugs like CUR that could offer a safe and effective alternative to conventional topical drug delivery system.

Nanoencapsulated Curcumin Mitigates Liver Injury and Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes Induction in Diclofenac-Treated Mice

Curcumin (CUR) is a natural product with known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. The aim of this study was to formulate CUR into a polymeric nanoparticle (NP) formulation and examine its potential hepatoprotective activity in an animal model of diclofenac (DIC)-induced hepatotoxicity. CUR was loaded into polymeric NPs composed of poly(ethylene glycol)-polycaprolactone (PEG-PCL). The optimal CUR NPs were evaluated against DIC-induced hepatotoxicity in mice, by studying the histopathological changes and gene expression of drug-metabolizing cyp450 (cyp2c29 and cyp2d9) and ugt (ugt2b1) genes in the livers of the animals. The optimal NPs were around 67 nm in diameter with more than 80% loading efficiency and sustained release. Histological findings of mice livers revealed that CUR NPs exhibited a superior hepatoprotective effect compared to free CUR, and both groups reduced DIC-mediated liver tissue injury. While treatment with DIC alone or with CUR and CUR NPs had no effect on cyp2c29 gene expression, cyp2d9 and ugt2b1 genes were upregulated in the DIC-treated group, and this effect was reversed by CUR both as a free drug and as CUR NPs. Our findings present a promising application for nanoencapsulated CUR in the treatment of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-induced liver injury and the associated dysregulation in the expression of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes.

Antimicrobial Activity of Citrate-Coated Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of citrate-stabilized sols of cerium oxide nanoparticles at different concentrations via different microbiological methods and to compare the effect with the peroxidase activity of nanoceria for the subsequent development of a regeneration-stimulating medical and/or veterinary wound-healing product providing new types of antimicrobial action. The object of this study was cerium oxide nanoparticles synthesized from aqueous solutions of cerium (III) nitrate hexahydrate and citric acid (the size of the nanoparticles was 3-5 nm, and their aggregates were 60-130 nm). Nanoceria oxide sols with a wide range of concentrations (10-1-10-6 M) as well as powder (the dry substance) were used. Both bacterial and fungal strains (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Candida albicans, Aspergillus brasielensis) were used for the microbiological studies. The antimicrobial activity of nanoceria was investigated across a wide range of concentrations using three methods sequentially; the antimicrobial activity was studied by examining diffusion into agar, the serial dilution method was used to detect the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations, and, finally, gas chromatography with mass-selective detection was performed to study the inhibition of E. coli's growth. To study the redox activity of different concentrations of nanocerium, we studied the intensity of chemiluminescence in the oxidation reaction of luminol in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. As a result of this study's use of the agar diffusion and serial dilution methods followed by sowing, no significant evidence of antimicrobial activity was found. At the same time, in the current study of antimicrobial activity against E. coli strains using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, the ability of nanoceria to significantly inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms after 24 h and, in particular, after 48 h of incubation at a wide range of concentrations, 10-2-10-5 M (48-95% reduction in the number of microbes with a significant dose-dependent effect) was determined as the optimum concentration. A reliable redox activity of nanoceria coated with citrate was established, increasing in proportion to the concentration, confirming the oxidative mechanism of the action of nanoceria. Thus, nanoceria have a dose-dependent bacteriostatic effect, which is most pronounced at concentrations of 10-2-10-3 M. Unlike the effects of classical antiseptics, the effect was manifested from 2 days and increased during the observation. To study the antimicrobial activity of nanomaterials, it is advisable not to use classical qualitative and semi-quantitative methods; rather, the employment of more accurate quantitative methods is advised, in particular, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, during several days of incubation.

Immunoregulatory effects of nanocurcumin in inflammatory milieu: Focus on COVID-19

The use of natural compounds, such as curcumin, to treat infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, inflammatory diseases, and various types of cancer is an active and dynamic area of research. Curcumin has a long history of use in the food industry, and there is currently a growing interest in its therapeutic applications. Numerous clinical trials have consistently shown that curcumin, a polyphenolic compound, is safe and well-tolerated even at high doses. There is no toxicity limit. However, the clinical efficacy of curcumin has been limited by its constraints. However, scientific evidence indicates that the use of adjuvants and carriers, such as nanoparticles, exosomes, micelles, and liposomes, can help overcome this limitation. The properties, functions, and human benefits of using nanocurcumin are well-supported by scientific research. Recent evidence suggests that nanocurcumin may be a beneficial therapeutic modality due to its potential to decrease gene expression and secretion of specific inflammatory biomarkers involved in the cytokinestorm seen in severe COVID-19, as well as increase lymphocyte counts. Nanocurcumin has demonstrated the ability to improve clinical manifestations and modulate immune response and inflammation in various autoinflammatory diseases. Additionally, its efficacy, affordability, and safety make it a promising replacement for residual cancer cells after tumor removal. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nanocurcumin as a new therapeutic in clinical trials, including appropriate dosage, frequency, and duration.

Regulation of the Notch signaling pathway by natural products for cancer therapy

The Notch signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that modulates normal biological processes involved in cellular differentiation, apoptosis, and stem cell self-renewal in a context-dependent fashion. Attributed to its pleiotropic physiological roles, both overexpression and silencing of the pathway are associated with the emergence, progression, and poorer prognosis in various types of cancer. To decrease disease incidence and promote survival, targeting Notch may have chemopreventive and anti-cancer effects. Natural products with profound historical origins have distinguished themselves from other therapies due to their easy access, high biological compatibility, low toxicity, and reliable effects at specific physiological sites in vivo. This review describes the Notch signaling pathway, particularly its normal activation process, and some main illnesses related to Notch signaling pathway dysregulation. Emphasis is placed on the effects and mechanisms of natural products targeting the Notch signaling pathway in diverse cancer types, including curcumin, ellagic acid (EA), resveratrol, genistein, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), quercetin, and xanthohumol and so on. Existing evidence indicates that natural products are feasible solution to fight against cancer by targeting Notch signaling, either alone or in combination with current therapeutic agents.

Medicinal Plant-derived Phytochemicals in Detoxification

The average worldwide human life expectancy is 70 years, with a significantly higher value in Western societies. Many modern diseases are not associated with premature mortality but with a decreased quality of life in aged patients and an excessive accumulation of various toxic compounds in the human body during life. Today, scientists are especially interested in finding compounds that can help increase a healthy lifespan by detoxifying the body. Phytotherapy with specific approaches is used in alternative medicine to remove toxins from the body. Worldwide, research is conducted to identify medicinal plant-derived molecules that, with few or no side effects, may protect the liver and other organs. This review provides updated information about the detoxification process, the traditional and modern use of the most effective medicinal plants, their active metabolites as detoxifying agents, and the mechanisms and pathways involved in the detoxification process. Among medicinal plants with substantial detoxifying properties, a major part belongs to the Asteraceae family (Silybum marianum, Cynara scolymus, Arctium lappa, Helichrysum species, Inula helenium, and Taraxacum officinale). The most widely used hepatoprotective phytocomponent is silymarin, a standardized extract from the Silybum marianum seeds containing a mixture of flavonolignans. Many polysaccharides, polyphenols, and terpenoids have a detoxifying effect. Overall, scientific data on medicinal plants used in phytotherapeutic practice worldwide provides an understanding and awareness of their efficacy in detoxification.

Therapeutics to Treat Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders: A Promising Perspective from Algerian Traditional Medicine

Ancient people sought out drugs in nature to prevent, cure, and treat their diseases, including mental illnesses. Plants were their primary source for meeting their healthcare needs. In Algeria, folk medicine remains a fundamental part of the local intangible knowledge. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive ethnomedicinal investigation and documentation of medicinal plants and the different plant formulations traditionally used in Algeria for the treatment of pain, psychiatric, and neurological disorders. It also intends to improve the current knowledge of Algerian folk medicine. Several scientific databases were used to accomplish this work. Based on this investigation, we identified 82 plant species belonging to 69 genera and spanning 38 distinct botanical families used as remedies to treat various psychological and neurological conditions. Their traditional uses and methods of preparation, along with their phytochemical composition, main bioactive constituents, and toxicity were noted. Therefore, this review provides a new resource of information on Algerian medicinal plants used in the treatment and management of neurological and psychological diseases, which can be useful not only for the documentation and conservation of traditional knowledge, but also for conducting future phytochemical and pharmacological studies.

From the Bush to the Brain: Preclinical Stages of Ethnobotanical Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Drug Discovery-An Australian Example

The Australian rainforest is a rich source of medicinal plants that have evolved in the face of dramatic environmental challenges over a million years due to its prolonged geographical isolation from other continents. The rainforest consists of an inherent richness of plant secondary metabolites that are the most intense in the rainforest. The search for more potent and more bioavailable compounds from other plant sources is ongoing, and our short review will outline the pathways from the discovery of bioactive plants to the structural identification of active compounds, testing for potency, and then neuroprotection in a triculture system, and finally, the validation in an appropriate neuro-inflammatory mouse model, using some examples from our current research. We will focus on neuroinflammation as a potential treatment target for neurodegenerative diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's (PD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) for these plant-derived, anti-inflammatory molecules and highlight cytokine suppressive anti-inflammatory drugs (CSAIDs) as a better alternative to conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat neuroinflammatory disorders.

Effects of Varying Ratios of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Donkey Hide Gelatin Water Extracts on Dinitrochlorobenzene-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that affects millions of people all over the world. The objective of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (GU) and Donkey Hide Gelatin (DHG) water extracts on DNCB-induced NC/Nga mice and TNF-α/IFN-γ treated keratinocytes or LPS-stimulated macrophages. The combined treatment using the water extracts of GU and DHG improved the skin symptom evaluation score and skin histology, with increased expression of the skin barrier proteins Claudin 1 and Sirt 1 in lesion areas. The IFN-γ activity was promoted in PBMCs, ALN, and dorsal skin tissue, while the absolute cell number was reduced for T cells so that the production and expression of serum IgE and cytokines were suppressed. In TNF-α/IFN-γ induced HaCaT cells, IL-6, IL-8, MDC, and RANTES were all inhibited by GU and DHG water extracts, while ICAM-1 and COX-2 levels were similarly downregulated. In addition, GU and DHG water extracts decreased LPS-mediated nitric oxide, IL-6, TNF-α, and PGE₂ in RAW 264.7 cells, and the expression of iNOS and COX-2 also decreased. Notably, the DHG:GU ratio of 4:1 was shown to have the best effects of all ratios. In conclusion, GU and DHG have anti-skin inflammatory potentials that can be used as alternative ingredients in the formula of functional foods for people with atopic dermatitis.

Critical review on Rumex dentatus L. a strong pharmacophore and the future medicine: Pharmacology, phytochemical analysis and traditional uses

Objectives

Rumex dentatus L. (polygonaceae) is one of the most important species of genus Rumex widely utilized for the treatment of various human diseases. Most parts of the plant species like leaves, shoots and roots are found to be rich in many pharmacologically important bioactive constituents that are useful against many diseases like acariasis, eczema, diarrhea, constipation, diuretic, astringent, refrigerants and various types of skin diseases. The main aim of the presented review is to highlight and document research findings carried out by different research groups on Rumex dentatus, like pharmacological potential, phytochemistry investigations based on presence of phytoconstituents, traditional uses and economic importance till date. The information so collected and documented will become available to researchers, scientists and botanists to explore the medicinal benefits of this prized herb for the assistance of mankind which in turn will open up new opportunities for more organized and collective research efforts towards utilization and scientific validation of its pharmacological potential.

Methods

In-vitro and in-vivo preclinical animal studies have been included in detail. The reports and results have been taken from Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed and Science Direct, Research gate, Articles & Advice, databases. Plant taxonomy studies were taken and confirmed from the available databases. "The Plant List", and "Mansfeld's Encyclopedia". Additional information on traditional uses, botany were obtained from published books.

Key findings

From results and findings, it has been concluded that Rumex dentatus is a rich source of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, anthraquinones, phenolics, phytosterols, phytoesteryl esters etc. The bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumor and anti-dermatitis properties of Rumex dentatus have been attributed due to the presence of these phytochemicals. In this review, we present a critical account of its habitat, morphology, phyto-constituent profile, pharmacology and traditional uses, which will provide a source of information to the researchers for further studies.

Conclusions

The disclosed review endorses that Rumex dentatus emerged a unique source of Endocrocin, Emodin, Emodin-glycoside, Chrysophenol-glycoside, Quercetin, Helonioside-A and a number of other important bioactive compounds. These isolated compounds have been found to be active against cancer, inflammation, tumor, dermatitis, acariasis, eczema and various bacterial infections, thus providing new insights for further promising investigations on isolated compounds. In addition, Rumex dentatus was found as an excellent traditional medicine against many cutaneous disorders. Taking into account the astounding pharmacological properties of Rumex dentatus in consideration, the plant species is a library of bio-active compounds with a strong biological profile, therefore needs an attention of botanical community around the globe to improve its growth for medicinal uses and commit to broaden research in this field for its proper utilization and scientific exploitation.

Pharmacological Features of 18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid: A Pentacyclic Triterpenoid of Therapeutic Potential

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (belonging to the family Leguminosae), commonly known as Licorice, is a popular medicinal plant that has been used in traditional medicine worldwide for its ethnopharmacological efficacy in treating several ailments. Natural herbal substances with strong biological activity have recently received much attention. The main metabolite of glycyrrhizic acid is 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18βGA), a pentacyclic triterpene. A major active plant component derived from licorice root, 18βGA has sparked a lot of attention due to its pharmacological properties. The current review thoroughly examines the literature on 18βGA, a major active plant component obtained from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. The current work provides insight into the pharmacological activities of 18βGA and the potential mechanisms of action involved. The plant contains a variety of phytoconstituents such as 18βGA, which has a variety of biological effects including antiasthmatic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, nephroprotective, antidiabetic, antileishmanial, antiviral, antibacterial, antipsoriasis, antiosteoporosis, antiepileptic, antiarrhythmic, and anti-inflammatory, and is also useful in the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension, antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia, and cerebral ischemia. This review examines research on the pharmacological characteristics of 18βGA throughout recent decades to demonstrate its therapeutic potential and any gaps that may exist, presenting possibilities for future drug research and development.

Self-assembled hyaluronic acid-coated nanocomplexes for targeted delivery of curcumin alleviate acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a pathological process with high morbidity, and drug resistance is easy to occur due to untargeted drug therapy. Curcumin can repair acute kidney injury. The expression of the CD44 receptor in renal tubular epithelial cells is abnormally elevated during AKI, and hyaluronic acid (HA) has the ability to bind specifically to the CD44 receptor. In this study, we developed a hyaluronic acid-coated liposome (HALP) nanocomplexes that targeted renal epithelial cells and its effect of relieving AKI was investigated. HALP was formed by self-assembly through the electrostatic interaction of curcumin-loaded cationic liposomes (LP) with hyaluronic acid and responds to the release of curcumin in the acidic microenvironment of lesions to treat AKI. HALP had good stability and biocompatibility. The in vitro results showed that compared to LP, HALP exhibited higher antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic capacities. The AKI model suggested that HALP could not only target and accumulate in the injured kidney but also had an excellent ability to reduce the inflammatory response, which decreased tubular necrosis and restored kidney function.

Effect of Resveratrol on Pregnancy, Prenatal Complications and Pregnancy-Associated Structure Alterations

Adverse pregnancy outcomes are considered significant health risks for pregnant women and their offspring during pregnancy and throughout their lifespan. These outcomes lead to a perturbated in-utero environment that impacts critical phases of the fetus's life and correlates to an increased risk of chronic pathological conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, in both the mother's and adult offspring's life. The dietary intake of naturally occurring antioxidants promotes health benefits and disease prevention. In this regard, maternal dietary intake of polyphenolic antioxidants is linked to a reduced risk of maternal obesity and cardio-metabolic disorders, positively affecting both the fetus and offspring. In this work, we will gather and critically appraise the current literature highlighting the effect/s of the naturally occurring polyphenol antioxidant resveratrol on oxidative stress, inflammation, and other molecular and physiological phenomena associated with pregnancy and pregnancy conditions, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm labor. The resveratrol impact on prenatal complications and pregnancy-associated structures, such as the fetus and placenta, will also be discussed. Finally, we will draw conclusions from the current knowledge and provide future perspectives on potentially exploiting resveratrol as a therapeutic tool in pregnancy-associated conditions.

Pharmacological Treatments and Natural Biocompounds in Weight Management

The obesity pandemic is one of society’s most urgent public health concerns. One-third of the global adult population may fall under obese or overweight by 2025, suggesting a rising demand for medical care and an exorbitant cost of healthcare expenditure in the coming years. Generally, the treatment strategy for obese patients is largely patient-centric and needs dietary, behavioral, pharmacological, and sometimes even surgical interventions. Given that obesity cases are rising in adults and children and lifestyle modifications have failed to produce the desired results, the need for medical therapy adjunct to lifestyle modifications is vital for better managing obesity. Most existing or past drugs for obesity treatment target satiety or monoamine pathways and induce a feeling of fullness in patients, while drugs such as orlistat are targeted against intestinal lipases. However, many medications targeted against neurotransmitters showed adverse events in patients, thus being withdrawn from the market. Alternatively, the combination of some drugs has been successfully tested in obesity management. However, the demand for novel, safer, and more efficacious pharmaceutical medicines for weight management does exist. The present review elucidates the current understanding of the available anti-obesity medicines of synthetic and natural origin, their main mechanisms of action, and the shortcomings associated with current weight management drugs.

Protein Biocargo and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Tomato Fruit-Derived Nanovesicles Separated by Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation and Loaded with Curcumin

Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) have become attractive alternatives to mammalian cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) both as therapeutic approaches and drug-delivery vehicles. In this study, we isolated tomato fruit-derived NVs and separated them by the iodixanol density gradient ultracentrifugation (DGUC) into twelve fractions. Three visible bands were observed at densities 1.064 ± 0.007 g/mL, 1.103 ± 0.006 g/mL and 1.122 ± 0.012 g/mL. Crude tomato PDNVs and DGUC fractions were characterized by particle size-distribution, concentration, lipid and protein contents as well as protein composition using mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of the DGUC fractions associated to these bands were assessed in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human monocytic THP-1 cell culture. The middle and the low-density visible DGUC fractions of tomato PDNVs showed a significant reduction in LPS-induced inflammatory IL-1β cytokine mRNA production. Functional analysis of proteins identified in these fractions reveals the presence of 14-3-3 proteins, endoplasmic reticulum luminal binding proteins and GTP binding proteins associated to gene ontology (GO) term GO:0050794 and the regulation of several cellular processes including inflammation. The most abundant middle-density DGUC fraction was loaded with curcumin using direct loading, sonication and extrusion methods and anti-inflammatory activity was compared. The highest entrapment efficiency and drug loading capacity was obtained by direct loading. Curcumin loaded by sonication increased the basal anti-inflammatory activity of tomato PDNVs.

Low concentrations of Ambrosia maritima L. phenolic extract protect endothelial cells from oxidative cell death induced by H2O2 and sera from Crohn's disease patients

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

A rising resort to herbal therapies in Crohn's disease (CD) alternative treatments has been recently observed due to their remarkable natural efficiency. In this context, the weed plant Ambrosia maritima L., traditionally known as Hachich el Aouinet in Algeria and as Damsissa in Egypt and Sudan, is widely used in North African folk medicine to treat infections, inflammatory diseases, gastrointestinal and urinary tract disturbances, rheumatic pain, respiratory problems, diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess an Ambrosia maritima L. phenolic extract for its phenolic profile composition, its potential antioxidant activity in vitro, and its cytoprotective effect on cultured primary human endothelial cells (ECs) stressed with H₂O₂ and sera from CD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phenolic compound extraction was performed with a low-temperature method. Extract chemical profile was attained by HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS. The extract in vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using several methods including cupric ion reducing power, DPPH radical scavenging assay, O-Phenanthroline free radical reducing activity, ABTS cation radical decolourisation assay, Galvinoxyl free radicals scavenging assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species levels were evaluated in human endothelial cells by H₂DCFDA, while cell viability was assessed by MTT.

RESULTS

The phenolic compounds extraction showed a yield of 17.66% with three di-caffeoylquinic acid isomers detected for the first time in Ambrosia maritima L. Using different analytical methods, a significant in vitro antioxidant activity was reported for the Ambrosia maritima L. extract, with an IC₅₀ value of 14.33 ± 3.86 μg/mL for the Galvinoxyl antioxidant activity method. Challenged with ECs the Ambrosia maritima L. extract showed a biphasic dose-dependent effect on H₂O₂-treated cells, cytoprotective and antioxidant at low doses, and cytotoxic and prooxidant at high doses, respectively. Viability and ROS levels data also demonstrated a prooxidant and cytotoxic effect of CD sera on cultured ECs. Interestingly, 10 μg/mL of Ambrosia maritima L. extract was able to counteract both CD sera-induced oxidative stress and ECs death.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicated Ambrosia maritima L. as a source of bioactive phenolics potentially employable as a natural alternative for CD treatment.

Curcumin-Based Nanomedicines in the Treatment of Inflammatory and Immunomodulated Diseases: An Evidence-Based Comprehensive Review

Curcumin (CUR) is a polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa that possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. Despite CUR's numerous beneficial effects on human health, it has limitations, such as poor absorption. Nano-based drug delivery systems have recently been applied to improve CUR's solubility and bioavailability and potentialize its health effects. This review investigated the effects of different CUR-based nanomedicines on inflammatory and immunomodulated diseases. PUBMED, EMBASE, COCHRANE, and GOOGLE SCHOLAR databases were searched, and the Scale for Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) was used for quality assessment and PRISMA guidelines. Overall, 66 studies were included comprising atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Huntington's disease (HD), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), psoriasis, liver fibrosis, epilepsy, and COVID-19. The available scientific studies show that there are many known nanoformulations with curcumin. They can be found in nanosuspensions, nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, solid lipid particles, nanocapsules, nanospheres, and liposomes. These formulations can improve CUR bioavailability and can effectively be used as adjuvants in several inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases such as atheroma plaque formation, RA, dementia, AD, PD, MS, IBD, psoriasis, epilepsy, COVID-19, and can be used as potent anti-fibrotic adjuvants in fibrotic liver disease.

Curcumin-Loaded Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Efficiently Attenuate Proliferation and Inflammatory Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes loaded with curcumin (Curc-Exos) as an effective therapeutic strategy for rheumatoid arthritis through modulation of proliferation and inflammatory response in HIG-82 synovial cells. For this purpose, Exos were isolated and characterized with BCA protein assay, DLS, FE-SEM, and TEM. The Curc was embedded by mixing it with Exos in a 1:4 ratio. It was found that the Curc stability has improved after loading on Exos compared to the free Curc. Besides, the in vitro studies using LPS-stimulated HIG-82 synovial cells indicated the efficiency of Curc-Exos in enhancing cytotoxicity and apoptosis compared to the free Curc treatment. It was also revealed that Curc-Exos significantly could reduce the expression levels of anti-apoptotic proteins IAP1 and IAP2 and inflammatory mediators including IL-6, TNF-α, MMP1, and PGE2. This preliminary study confirmed the suitability of Curc-Exos in counteracting the proliferation and inflammatory response of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts in vitro.

Metabolic Conditions and Peri-Implantitis

Dental implants to replace lost teeth are a common dentistry practice nowadays. Titanium dental implants display a high success rate and improved safety profile. Nevertheless, there is an increasing peri-implantitis (PI), an inflammatory disease associated with polymicrobial infection that adversely affects the hard and soft tissues around the implant. The present review highlights the contribution of different metabolic conditions to PI. The considerations of both local and systemic metabolic conditions are crucial for planning successful dental implant procedures and during the treatment course of PI. Un- or undertreated PI can lead to permanent jaw bone suffering and dental implant losses. The common mediators of PI are inflammation and oxidative stress, which are also the key mediators of most systemic metabolic disorders. Chronic periodontitis, low-grade tissue inflammation, and increased oxidative stress raise the incidence of PI and the underlying systemic metabolic conditions, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, or harmful lifestyle factors (cigarette smoking, etc.). Using dental biomaterials with antimicrobial effects could partly solve the problem of pathogenic microbial contamination and local inflammation. With local dentistry considering factors, including oral microbiota and implant quality control, the inclusion of the underlying systemic metabolic conditions into the pre-procedure planning and during the treatment course should improve the chances of successful outcomes.

Modulation of Macrophages Using Nanoformulations with Curcumin to Treat Inflammatory Diseases: A Concise Review

Curcumin (Cur), a traditional Chinese medicine extracted from natural plant rhizomes, has become a candidate drug for the treatment of diseases due to its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. However, the poor water solubility and low bioavailability of Cur limit its therapeutic effects for clinical applications. A variety of nanocarriers have been successfully developed to improve the water solubility, in vivo distribution, and pharmacokinetics of Cur, as well as to enhance the ability of Cur to polarize macrophages and relieve macrophage oxidative stress or anti-apoptosis, thus accelerating the therapeutic effects of Cur on inflammatory diseases. Herein, we review the design and development of diverse Cur nanoformulations in recent years and introduce the biomedical applications and potential therapeutic mechanisms of Cur nanoformulations in common inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, respiratory diseases, and ulcerative colitis, by regulating macrophage behaviors. Finally, the perspectives of the design and preparation of future nanocarriers aimed at efficiently exerting the biological activity of Cur are briefly discussed.

Polyphenols in Metabolic Diseases

Polyphenols (PPs) are a large group of phytochemicals containing phenolic rings with two or more hydroxyl groups. They possess powerful antioxidant properties, multiple therapeutic effects, and possible health benefits in vivo and in vitro, as well as reported clinical studies. Considering their free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties, these substances can be used to treat different kinds of conditions associated with metabolic disorders. Many symptoms of metabolic syndrome (MtS), including obesity, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, elevated blood sugar, accelerating aging, liver intoxication, hypertension, as well as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, are substantially relieved by dietary PPs. The present study explores the bioprotective properties and associated underlying mechanisms of PPs. A detailed understanding of these natural compounds will open up new opportunities for producing unique natural PP-rich dietary and medicinal plans, ultimately affirming their health benefits.

How Curcumin Targets Inflammatory Mediators in Diabetes: Therapeutic Insights and Possible Solutions

Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial chronic metabolic disorder, characterized by altered metabolism of macro-nutrients, such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Diabetic retinopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, diabetic encephalopathy, diabetic periodontitis, and diabetic nephropathy are the prominent complications of diabetes. Inflammatory mediators are primarily responsible for these complications. Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from turmeric, is well known for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. The regulation of several signaling pathways effectively targets inflammatory mediators in diabetes. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities against a wide range of molecular targets have been shown to have therapeutic potential for a variety of chronic inflammatory disorders, including diabetes. Curcumin’s biological examination has shown that it is a powerful anti-oxidant that stops cells from growing by releasing active free thiol groups at the target location. Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that targets inflammatory mediators in diabetes, and its resistant form leads to better therapeutic outcomes in diabetes complications. Moreover, Curcumin is an anti-oxidant and NF-B inhibitor that may be useful in treating diabetes. Curcumin has been shown to inhibit diabetes-related enzymes, such as a-glucosidase, aldose reductase and aldose reductase inhibitors. Through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and its suppression of vascular endothelial development and nuclear transcription factors, curcumin has the ability to prevent, or reduce, the course of diabetic retinopathy. Curcumin improves insulin sensitivity by suppressing phosphorylation of ERK/JNK in HG-induced insulin-resistant cells and strengthening the PI3K-AKT-GSK3B signaling pathway. In the present article, we aimed to discuss the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of curcumin in diabetes regulated by various molecular signaling pathways.

Nanocurcumin and curcumin prevent N, N'-methylenebisacrylamide-induced liver damage and promotion of hepatic cancer cell growth

Acrylamide (AC) is an environmental contaminant with cancer-promoting and cytotoxic properties, while curcumin (Cur.) is a phytochemical with documented anticancer and cytoprotective efficacy. Nanoparticle formulations can increase the efficacy of phytochemicals, so we examined the anticancer and hepatoprotective efficacies of nanocurcumin (N.Cur). Curcumin and nanocurcumin reduced HepG2 and Huh-7 cancer cell viability and increased apoptosis in the presence and absence of AC, while AC alone promoted proliferation. Furthermore, the anticancer efficacy of nanocurcumin was greater than that of curcumin. In mice, AC greatly increased hepatic expression of CYP2E1, P53, cleaved caspase-3, and COL1A1 as well as serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities. These effects were reversed by nanocurcumin and curcumin. Nanocurcumin also reduced the histopathology and fibrosis caused by AC, and reversed AC-induced glycogen depletion. Nanoparticle formulation can increase the anticancer and hepatoprotective efficiencies of curcumin.

Pharmaceutical Prospects of Curcuminoids for the Remedy of COVID-19: Truth or Myth

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is a positive-strand RNA virus, and has rapidly spread worldwide as a pandemic. The vaccines, repurposed drugs, and specific treatments have led to a surge of novel therapies and guidelines nowadays; however, the epidemic of COVID-19 is not yet fully combated and is still in a vital crisis. In repositioning drugs, natural products are gaining attention because of the large therapeutic window and potent antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Of note, the predominant curcumoid extracted from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) including phenolic curcumin influences multiple signaling pathways and has demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, wound healing, chemopreventive, chemosensitizing, and radiosensitizing spectrums. In this review, all pieces of current information related to curcumin-used for the treatment and prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection through in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies, clinical trials, and new formulation designs are retrieved to re-evaluate the applications based on the pharmaceutical efficacy of clinical therapy and to provide deep insights into knowledge and strategy about the curcumin's role as an immune booster, inflammatory modulator, and therapeutic agent against COVID-19. Moreover, this study will also afford a favorable application or approach with evidence based on the drug discovery and development, pharmacology, functional foods, and nutraceuticals for effectively fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oxidative Stress and Gut Microbiome in Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Oxidative stress plays a dominant role in inflammatory skin diseases. Emerging evidence has shown that the close interaction occurred between oxidative stress and the gut microbiome. Overall, in this review, we have summarized the impact of oxidative stress and gut microbiome during the progression and treatment for inflammatory skin diseases, the interactions between gut dysbiosis and redox imbalance, and discussed the potential possible role of oxidative stress in the gut-skin axis. In addition, we have also elucidated the promising gut microbiome/redox-targeted therapeutic strategies for inflammatory skin diseases.

Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Aorta Diseases as a Source of Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets, with a Particular Focus on Ascending Aorta Aneurysms

Aorta diseases, such as ascending aorta aneurysm (AsAA), are complex pathologies, currently defined as inflammatory diseases with a strong genetic susceptibility. They are difficult to manage, being insidious and silent pathologies whose diagnosis is based only on imaging data. No diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or markers of outcome have been known until now. Thus, their identification is imperative. Certainly, a deep understanding of the mechanisms and pathways involved in their pathogenesis might help in such research. Recently, the key role of oxidative stress (OS) on the pathophysiology of aorta disease has emerged. Here, we describe and discuss these aspects by revealing some OS pathways as potential biomarkers, their underlying limitations, and potential solutions and approaches, as well as some potential treatments.

The significant role of nutraceutical compounds in ulcerative colitis treatment

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mainly affecting the colon and the rectum. Its main characters are represented by relapsing and remitting mucosal inflammation, starting in the rectum and typically extending continuously proximally through part or the entire colon. UC pathogenesis depends on multiple factors, such as genetic predisposition, defects in the epithelial barrier, dysregulated immune responses, and environmental causes. The most frequent symptoms are abdominal pain, weight loss, mucus discharge, bloody diarrhoea, incontinence, nocturnal defecations, fever, and anemia. Existing therapies for UC include 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and its derivatives, steroids, immunosuppressants and biological drugs. However, limited efficacy and unwanted adverse effects hardly limit these strategies of treatment. In the last decades, research studies have been driven towards complementary and alternative medicines for the treatment of UC. Various nutraceuticals have exhibited promising results in modulating intestinal inflammation meanwhile improving symptoms. These compounds possess a wide spectrum of positive health effects evidenced by in vitro studies, characterized by their involvement in antioxidant defenses, cell proliferation, and gene expression. The present review analyzes the available data about the different types of nutraceuticals and their potential effectiveness as adjuvant therapy of IBD, with particular emphasis to UC.

Therapeutic Screening of Herbal Remedies for the Management of Diabetes

The study of diabetes mellitus (DM) patterns illustrates increasingly important facts. Most importantly, they include oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular death. Up to now, there is a shortage of drug therapies for DM, and the discovery and the development of novel therapeutics for this disease are crucial. Medicinal plants are being used more and more as an alternative and natural cure for the disease. Consequently, the objective of this review was to examine the latest results on the effectiveness and protection of natural plants in the management of DM as adjuvant drugs for diabetes and its complex concomitant diseases.