Quality control of the traditional herbs and herbal products: a review

Metabolome classification of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia jack) and its commercial products via UHPLC-QTOF-MS-MS and its protective effect against 5-flurouracil-Induced testicular toxicity in male rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) is a chief herbal medicine that is well recognized for its aphrodisiac properties, available in various commercial products worldwide.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this work is to identify the different classes of secondary metabolites present in Tongkat Ali commercial products versus authenticated root, and to assess its root extract mitigative effect against 5-flurouracil (5FU)-induced testicular toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High-resolution UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS metabolites analysis was utilized on the ethanolic Tongkat Ali extract (TAE) parallel to three Mlayasian commercial products, followed by a multivariate data analysis to understand the variability among UHPLC-MS metabolites datasets. Adult male rats were treated with 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) ± Tongkat Ali extract. Semen parameters, serum testosterone, LH, and FSH, and testicular oxidative stress biomarkers like malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were analyzed.

RESULTS

The main categories of secondary metabolites identified through UHPLC-MS/MS profiling were quassinoids, alkaloids, fatty acids, lignans and coumarins. Long Jack Plus® ELP-2 clustered alongside authentic roots ELR on the negative side, while Naturelle® ELP-1 and Nu-Prep-LEAKI® ELP-3 were positioned on the opposite side. The OPLS-DA model was used to identify markers for preparations from authentic roots, with commercial products enriching in ailanthone epoxide. In vivo results showed that 5FU reduced sperm parameters by 42%, while TAE improved sperm quality by 35-43% and 58-74% at dose of 400 and 800 mg/kg, respectively. Testosterone, reduced by 74% with 5FU, increased 2.3- to 3.2-fold with TAE. TAE also reduced MDA by 31-62%, NF-κB by 32-55% and increased Nrf2 by 1-2 folds.

CONCLUSION

The manuscript presents a comparative metabolomics study and in vivo investigation into the potential of Tongkat Ali root to improve testicular function in male rats intoxicated with 5FU, an area not previously explored. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms.

Morpho-phylogenetic evidence reveals novel species and new records of Nigrograna (Nigrogranaceae) associated with medicinal plants in Southwestern China

During a survey of saprobic fungal niches in Southwestern China, eighteen ascomycetous collections of Nigrograna (Nigrogranaceae, Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes) were found on dead branches of medicinal plants. These taxa were characterized and identified based on morphological and culture characteristics, and phylogenetic analyses of a combined the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA (ITS), nuclear large subunit rDNA (28S, LSU), RNA polymerase second-largest subunit (rpb2), nuclear small subunit rDNA (18S, SSU), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α) sequence dataset also confirmed their placement. As a result, four novel species, namely Nigrogranacamelliae, N.guttulata, N.longiorostiolata and N.neriicola were described. Additionally, four new host records of N.acericola, N.magnoliae, N.oleae and N.thymi were introduced. Furthermore, this study addresses the taxonomic status of N.trachycarpi, proposing its synonymy under N.oleae. Detailed illustrations, descriptions and informative notes for each newly identified taxon and novel host record are provided in this study.

Ethanolic extraction and GC-MS analysis of antioxidant and anticancer bioactive compounds from Mentha arvensis and Aegle marmelos

Bioactive components used to treat human ailments are abundant in medicinal plants. Mentha arvensis and Aegle marmelos have therapeutic properties due to the presence of many phytonutrients. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to evaluate the properties of the antioxidant and anticancer bioactive components found in the ethanolic extracts of Mentha arvensis and Aegle marmelos leaves. The major constituents identified in the leaf extracts were octadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, 15-methyl-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, ethyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, neophytadiene, pentadecane, hexadecane, and 1-octadecanol. Some of these components have antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Among the identified compounds, octadecanoic acid and n-hexadecanoic acid are pivotal for their anticancer and antioxidant effects. The GC-MS characterisation indicated the existence of abundant bioactive compounds, confirming their potential therapeutic activities. This study showed that the leaves of Mentha arvensis and Aegle marmelos could be used as novel sources of antioxidants and anticancer medicines.

Determination of ursolic acid in ethanolic extract of Rotheca serrata (L.) Steane & Mabb. by HPLC method

Rotheca serrata (L.) Steane & Mabb. a plant having significant medicinal value is used in treating a fever, rheumatism, inflammation, pain, and malarial fever. Ursolic acid has a five-ringed pentacyclic structure belongs to the family of triterpenoids. It has antioxidant, antitumor, and hepato-protective properties. The method in HPLC was developed on a SHIMADZU, Shimpack ODS (25 cm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column. The mobile phase consisted of a 70:25:5 (v/v/v) mixture of methanol, acetonitrile, and 0.02 M ammonium acetate buffer (pH 3.5). A flow rate of 1.2 mL/min and λmax of 215 nm. Ursolic acid from the extract and standard was eluted at the same retention time of 4.1 min. 20-120 µg/mL was the linearity range chosen and was found to be linear (R2=0.996). The value of LOD was 0.85 µg/mL and LOQ was 1.96 µg/mL. The method for analysis of ursolic was found to be accurate with good repeatability.

Rapid identification and quantification of Pseudostellaria heterophylla with its adulterants by HPLC-CAD fingerprint combined with improved quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS)

The P. heterophylla and its adulterants were identified by HPLC-CAD fingerprint of sucrose and oligosaccharides in P. heterophylla. The improved quantitative analysis of multi-components with a single marker (iQAMS) was further established for simultaneous determinations of sucrose and oligosaccharides in P. heterophylla. The HPLC-CAD fingerprint and similarity coefficients between P. heterophylla and its adulterants showed significant differences. The relative errors (REs) between iQAMS method and external standard method (ESM) were below 3.00%, but significant difference was shown between iQAMS (different marker for whole program with gradient elution) and QAMS (one marker for whole program with gradient elution), indicating that QAMS method should be improved, especially for gradient elution which influence the response of analytes. The accuracy, precision, reproducibility, and stability of this method were validated which exhibited satisfactory results, indicating that iQAMS method could be used for quantitative analysis of sucrose and oligosaccharides in P. heterophylla instead of ESM. The iQAMS combined with HPLC-CAD fingerprint could be used to determine the content of each oligosaccharide, and it can be used for quality control of P. heterophylla.

The Development and Pre-Clinical Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy of a New Transdermal Ureasil-Polyether Hybrid Matrix Loaded with Flavonoid-Rich Annona muricata Leaf Extract

This study aimed to develop a novel ureasil-polyether transdermal hybrid matrix (U-PEO) loaded with Annona muricata concentrated extract (AMCE), which exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity. The extract was obtained by maceration, a method that allowed for the extraction of a high concentration of flavonoids (39.27 mg/g of extract). In vivo tests demonstrated that 10 mg/kg of AMCE inhibited inflammation for 6 h. The physicochemical characterization of U-PEO with AMCE was conducted via a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while its surface was recorded using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The in vitro macroscopic swelling and release tests demonstrated the hydrophilic profile of the material and the percentage of AMCE released. The TGA results demonstrated that the system exhibited physical compatibility due to the thermal stability of U-PEO. Additionally, the AFM analysis revealed a rough and porous surface, with a particular emphasis on the system with AMCE. The release resulted in the liberation of 23.72% of AMCE within 24 h. Finally, the preclinical tests demonstrated that U-PEO with AMCE was also capable of effectively inhibiting inflammation for 6 h, a duration comparable to that of a commercial formulation. The results permit the advancement of the study towards the development of a transdermal system, thereby rendering its application in clinical studies feasible.

Chemometric evaluation of inorganic and organic parameters found in Rosaceae plants proposed as food supplements

This study discusses the organic and inorganic composition of young inflorescence tissues of seven medical plants from the Prunus, Malus, and Chaenomeles families. These plants contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and cytotoxic properties, and the study determined 29 elements, including essential and potentially harmful ones, established correlations with inorganic and organic compounds, as well as antioxidative and cytotoxic effects. The elemental patterns show that the plants contribute beneficial essential elements to the human diet. The levels of toxic elements in the plants are within safe limits set by the World Health Organization for medicinal herbs. The results confirmed genus- and species-specific uptake and accumulation. Positive correlations between d-block metals and alkaline earth metals in the inflorescences were found alongside statistically significant differences between analyte categories regarding macro-, micro- and trace elements and bioactive compounds. These correlations need to be considered when giving dietary recommendations or advice for uses as home-remedies.

Highly selective and sensitive molecularly imprinted sensors for the electrochemical assay of quercetin in methanol extracts of Rubus sanctus and Fragaria vesca

Quercetin (QUE) is a powerful antioxidant and one of the common phenolic compounds found in plants, vegetables, and fruits, which has shown many pharmacological activities. The complex nature of the matrix in which QUE is found and its importance and potential uses in diverse applications force the researchers to develop selective and sensitive sensors. In the present work, a novel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based electrochemical sensor was fabricated for the selective and sensitive determination of the QUE in plant extracts and food supplements. Tryptophan methacrylate (TrpMA) was chosen as the functional monomer, whereas the photopolymerization (PP) method was applied using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Electrochemical and morphological characterizations of the developed sensor (TrpMA@QUE/MIP-GCE) were performed using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The linear range of the developed sensor was determined to be in the range of 1.0-25 pM, while the limit of detection (LOD) was calculated to be 0.235 pM. In conclusion, The TrpMA@QUE/MIP-GCE sensor might be classified as a promising platform for selective and sensitive determination of QUE not only in plant extracts but also in commercial food supplements because of its reliability, reproducibility, repeatability, stability, and fast response time.

Gastrointestinal anthelmintic plants used on small ruminants in Benin: Traditional use and scientific results - Review

In Benin, livestock breeders frequently use medicinal plants to treat gastrointestinal diseases in small ruminants. The aim of this review is to list the plants traditionally used in this context and to present the scientific findings on the efficacy of these plants. An extensive search was carried out using PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Biomed Central and Google Scholar databases to collect data, with combinations of relevant french and english keywords such as "ethnobotanical survey", "anthelmintic properties", "medicinal plants", "gastrointestinal parasites", "digestive strongyles", "Haemonchus", "Trichostrongylus", "small ruminants", "sheep", "goats" and "Benin". A total of 45 published articles met the eligibility criteria. This review listed 123 plants used by breeders to treat gastrointestinal ailments in small ruminants. The most commonly used parts are leaves and barks, and the most common forms are decoction, maceration and powder. Scientific studies have demonstrated the anthelmintic properties of 18 plants, including Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, Newbouldia laevis, Mitragyna inermis and Combretum glutinosum. The powders or leaf extracts of these plants showed in vivo significant reductions of over 50% in egg excretion, larval establishment, viability and fertility of gastrointestinal strongyles in small ruminants. Extracts of these plants also revealed in vitro inhibitory activity of over 50% on egg hatching, larval migration and motility of gastrointestinal strongyles. This manuscript highlights the traditional use of anthelmintic plants in small ruminants in Benin and provides scientific results supporting the efficacy of these plants.

Identification of marker compounds in fermented Benincasa hispida and validation of the method for its analysis

Fermentation is a process that improves health functionality by inducing the production and increase of bioactive compounds. In this study, to standardize the fermentation process for Benincasa hispida, marker compounds that are increased or produced during fermentation were identified based on UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Analysis method verification and content analysis were conducted using HPLC-PDA. The marker compounds produced or increased in content were identified as 2-furoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and rubinaphthin A by comparing their retention times, UV and MS spectra, and molecular formulas with those reported in previous studies. In addition, the increase in the content of the marker compounds by fermentation was confirmed, and the analytical method was validated by measuring its specificity, linearity, limit of detection and quantitation, precision, and accuracy. These results suggest that the developed fermentation process, marker compound identification, and verified analysis method can be applied to develop potential functional food ingredients from fermented B. hispida.

Zingiber zerumbet: A Scoping Review of its Medicinal Properties

Zingiber zerumbet, a plant native to tropical and subtropical Asia, has a vast range of traditional uses and has been continuously studied for its medicinal properties. However, a systematic methodological approach in evidence synthesis on the plant's efficacy is lacking, and there is a need to elicit the current research status of this plant. This scoping review was conducted to systematically explore and collate the available scientific evidence on the efficacy of Z. zerumbet and its main phytoconstituents in various formulations, their biological mechanisms, and their safety. Results included 54 articles consisting of animal studies, while there were no published human studies. Only half of the included studies provided adequate reporting on the quality-related details of Z. zerumbet formulations. Identified pharmacological activities were analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-neoplastic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, gastroprotective, and locomotor-reducing activities. Notably, the ethanolic extract of Z. zerumbet was found to be well tolerated for up to 28 days. In conclusion, Z. zerumbet and zerumbone have various pharmacological effects, especially in analgesic and anti-inflammatory models. However, there is still a pressing need for comprehensive safety data to conduct clinical trials.

Investigations on the morpho-anatomy and histochemistry of Aconitum napellus L

Aconitum napellus L. is a popular medicinal plant extensively used in homeopathy. This article provides detailed morphology and microscopy, including the anatomical and histochemical features of the herb, to aid authentication and quality control. In cross-section, the root in secondary growth shows the phloem surrounded by pericyclic fibers and a well-developed xylem. The stem is irregular in outline, displaying unicellular trichomes and many free collateral vascular bundles encircling the pith. The leaf is dorsiventral, hypostomatic with anomocytic and anisocytic stomata, and shows non-glandular trichomes. The floral parts are characterized by uniseriate epidermises, homogeneous mesophyll, anomocytic stomata on the abaxial surface, trichomes, and oval pollen grains. The tissue fragments in powdered herbs show these characteristics and have numerous starch grains with thimble-shaped, linear or star-shaped hilum. The detailed macroscopic and microscopic analysis provided in this study can help in the authentication and quality control of A. napellus raw materials. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Key anatomical, micromorphological, and microchemical features of Aconitum napellus are described. The results of the study can support the taxonomy of the genus Aconitum. Morphological standardization of the species reported here is helpful in the quality control of this herb.

Development of quality control parameters for two Bhutanese medicinal plants (Aster flaccidus Bunge and Aster diplostephioides (DC.) Benth. ex C.B.Clarke) using traditional and modern pharmacognostical platforms

Bhutan's scholarly traditional medical system is called Bhutanese Sowa Rigpa medicine (BSM). It was integrated with the modern healthcare system in 1967. Over 200 medicinal plants are used to produce more than 100 poly-ingredient medicinal formulations. Although BSM is supported by well-documented principles, pharmacopoeias, diagnostic procedures, treatment regimens, and traditional quality assurance systems, modern quality control parameters have become essential to distinguish closely related species and prevent contamination from exogenous impurities. This study aims to establish reliable analytical methods and quality control parameters for Aster flaccidus Bunge and Aster diplostephioides (DC.) Benth. ex C.B. Clarke used as ingredients in the BMS poly-ingredient medicinal formulations. Furthermore, their reported phytochemicals and biological activities are also discussed in this study. Standard pharmacognostic techniques, including macroscopical and microscopical examinations of crude drugs, were employed to establish the quality control parameters for two Aster species. The physicochemical limits were determined as per the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended guidelines and methods described in the Thai herbal pharmacopoeia. A high-performance thin-layer liquid chromatography (HPTLC) was used to develop a comparative chromatogram/phytochemical fingerprint for the crude extracts obtained from two Aster species. A literature review was conducted to record their isolated phytochemicals and biological activities. Two Aster species possess macro- and microscopic features such as colour, appearance, and shape. Physicochemical analysis of crude drugs from two Aster species including HPTLC fingerprinting of their methanol crude extracts also yielded adequate data to differentiate and confirm two Aster species before adding them to the BSM poly-ingredient medicinal formulations. From the literature review, only A. flaccidus was found to be studied for its phytochemical constituents, whereby 11 pure compounds were isolated from aerial parts and roots. The current study revealed distinct species-specific distinguishing features, including ecological adaptation, micromorphology, anatomy, physicochemical values, HPTLC chromatograms. These parameters can be used to authenticate the species identity and prevent adulterations, thereby improving the quality and safety of BSM formulations.

Quality control assessment, toxicity profiling, and experimental validation of network pharmacology-predicted anti-inflammatory potential of Natsiatum herpeticum Buch.-Ham. Ex Arn

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Natsiatum herpticum Buch.-Ham. Ex Arn., a least-explored plant, is being considered a wild edible plant by the Bankariya community of Nepal and the Mishing, Sonowal Kachari, and several ethnic groups in the north-east region of India. It is also used as a traditional remedy for the treatment of pain and inflammation-associated conditions like cuts and wounds, stomach ache, backache, and headache as a practice of a folkloristic system of medicine. In spite of several previous publications suggesting its use by different tribes, no documentation or scientific approaches have been made hitherto to validate its ethnopharmacological claims.

AIM OF STUDY

The study aimed at the botanical quality control assessment, toxicity profiling, and network pharmacology-assisted experimental validation of the anti-inflammatory potential of the aqueous extract of N. herpeticum to fill the lacunae in the current knowledge.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Plant material was authenticated using a classical taxonomical approach and DNA barcoding. The quality control methods, acute toxicity study, and repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study were performed as per standard guidelines. QToF-MS analysis, drug-likeness properties, network pharmacology-based anti-inflammatory prediction, and in vitro assays were carried out.

RESULTS

Quality control assessment was done for the plant. Toxicity studies revealed the aqueous extract to be non-toxic when consumed for short periods at low doses. Alterations in food and water intake, biochemical parameters, and alterations in liver histology (n = 2 female rats) implicate repeated exposure to high doses (2000 mg/kg) that may possess deleterious effects, particularly in hepatic tissues. 21 representative compounds (14 drug-like molecules) were detected by QToF-MS analysis and then subjected to network pharmacology to predict anti-inflammatory effects. It was found that an anti-inflammatory effect may be exerted by modulating inflammatory pathways involving genes such as TNF, PTGS2, EGFR, STAT3, PPARG, PTGER4, PPARA, NOS2, TRPV1, and JAK2. Further, in vitro studies demonstrated plant extract to possess a good anti-inflammatory effect with IC50 values of 98.76, 85.73, and 96.16 μg/ml in protein denaturation, proteinase inhibition, and haemolysis inhibition assays, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The plant extract was found to be safer at acute dose but may cause potential liver toxicity on prolonged use. The anti-inflammatory property predicted by network pharmacology was further supported by the positive results of in vitro experiments. In summary, to further establish the toxicity profile of this edible plant and its anti-inflammatory properties, chronic toxicity study and in vivo experiments are required.

Safety Aspects of Herb Interactions: Current Understanding and Future Prospects

BACKGROUND

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

OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

A prospective review of the health-promoting potential of Jing Si Herbal Tea

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained considerable attention over the past few years for its multicomponent, multitarget, and multi-pathway approach to treating different diseases. Studies have shown that TCMs as adjuvant therapy along with conventional treatment may benefit in safely treating various disorders. However, investigations on finding effective herbal combinations are ongoing. A novel TCM formula, "Jing Si Herbal Tea (JSHT)," has been reported recently for their health-promoting effects in improving overall body and mental health. JSHT is a combination of eight herbs recognized in Chinese herbal pharmacopoeia for their anti-viral, anti-aging, and anti-cancer properties as well as protective effects against cardiovascular, metabolic, neural, digestive, and genitourinary diseases. Thus, to better understand the beneficial effects of the ingredients of JSHT on health, this review intends to summarize the preclinical and clinical studies of the ingredients of JSHT on human health and diseases, and possible therapeutic effects with the related mode of actions and future prospects for their application in complementary therapies.

A Randomized, Multi-Center, Open Label Study to Compare the Safety and Efficacy between Afatinib Monotherapy and Combination Therapy with HAD-B1 for the Locally Advanced or Metastatic NSCLC Patients with EGFR Mutations

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), poses a significant health challenge globally due to its high mortality. Afatinib, a second-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), has shown superior efficacy over traditional chemotherapy in NSCLC treatment. However, issues like secondary resistance and adverse effects call for alternative therapies. HAD-B1, comprising 4 herbal medicines, has shown promise in lung cancer treatment in both preclinical and clinical settings. This study assesses the combination of HAD-B1 and Afatinib in advanced NSCLC patients to potentially improve outcomes by addressing the limitations of current EGFR-TKI therapies.

METHOD

A randomized, open-label trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of HAD-B1 with Afatinib in 90 EGFR-mutation-positive NSCLC patients. Participants were divided into treatment and control groups, receiving Afatinib with or without HAD-B1. The study focused on the initial dose maintenance rate and disease control rate (DCR) of Afatinib, alongside secondary outcomes like survival rates and quality of life, under continuous safety monitoring.

RESULTS

Among the 90 participants, no significant difference was found in initial dose maintenance (60.98% in the treatment group vs 52.50% in the control, P = .4414) or DCR (80.49% vs 90.00%, P = .2283). Secondary outcomes like PFS, TTP, and OS showed no notable differences. However, physical functioning significantly improved in the treatment group (P = .0475, PPS group). The control group experienced higher rates of adverse events of special interest and adverse drug reactions (P = .01), suggesting HAD-B1 with Afatinib might enhance physical function without increasing adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Combining HAD-B1 with Afatinib potentially improves quality of life and reduces adverse events in advanced NSCLC patients. Further research is necessary to confirm the long-term benefits of this combination therapy, aiming to advance NSCLC treatment outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) of the Republic of Korea, https://cris.nih.go.kr/ (ID: KCT0005414).

Biomacromolecule-based nanocarrier strategies to deliver plant-derived bioactive components for cancer treatment: A recent review

The quest for safe chemotherapy has attracted researchers to explore anticancer potential of herbal medicines. Owing to upsurging evidence of herbal drug's beneficial effects, hopes are restored for augmenting survival rates in cancer patients. However, phytoconstituents confronted severe limitations in terms of poor absorption, low-stability, and low bioavailability. Along with toxicity issues associated with phytoconstituents, quality control and limited regulatory guidance also hinder the prevalence of herbal medicines for cancer therapy. Attempts are underway to exploit nanocarriers to circumvent the limitations of existing and new herbal drugs, where biological macromolecules (e.g., chitosan, hyaluronic acid, etc.) are established highly effective in fabricating nanocarriers and cancer targeting. Among the discussed nanocarriers, liposomes and micelles possess properties to cargo hydro- and lipophilic herbal constituents with surface modification for targeted delivery. Majorly, PEG, transferrin and folate are utilized for surface modification to improve bioavailability, circulation time and targetability. The dendrimer and carbon nanotubes responded in high-loading efficiency of phytoconstituent; whereas, SLN and nanoemulsions are suited carriers for lipophilic extracts. This review emphasized unveiling the latent potential of herbal drugs along with discussing on extended benefits of nanocarriers-based delivery of phytoconstituents for safe cancer therapy owing to enhanced clinical and preclinical outcomes without compromising safety.

Contamination of herbal medicinal products in low-and-middle-income countries: A systematic review

The use of herbal medicinal products (HMPs) has grown significantly across low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Consequently, the safety of these products due to contamination is a significant public health concern. This systematic review aimed to determine the prevalence, types, and levels of contaminants in HMPs from LMICs. A search was performed in seven online databases, i.e., Africa journal online (AJOL), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Health Inter-Network Access to Research Initiative (HINARI), World Health Organization Global Index Medicus (WHO GIM), Scopus, and PubMed using appropriate search queries and reported as per the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" (PRISMA) guidelines. Ninety-one peer-reviewed articles published from 1982 to 2021 from 28 different countries across four continents were included in the study. Although metals, microbial, mycotoxins, pesticides, and residual solvents were the reported contaminants in the 91 articles, metals (56.0%, 51/91), microbial (27.5%, 25/91), and mycotoxins (18.7%, 17/91) were the most predominant. About 16.4% (1236/7518) of the samples had their contaminant levels above the regulatory limits. Samples tested for microbial contaminants had the highest proportion (46.4%, 482/1039) of contaminants exceeding the regulatory limit, followed by mycotoxins (25.8%, 109/423) and metals (14.3%, 591/4128). The proportion of samples that had their average non-essential metal contaminant levels above the regulatory limit was (57.6%, 377/655), 18.3% (88/480), 10.7% (24/225), and 11.3% (29/257) for Pb, Cd, Hg, and As, respectively. The commonest bacteria species found were Escherichia coli (52.3%, 10/19) and Salmonella species (42.1%, 8/19). This review reported that almost 90% of Candida albicans and more than 80% of moulds exceeded the required regulatory limits. HMP consumption poses profound health implications to consumers and patients. Therefore, designing and/or implementing policies that effectively regulate HMPs to minimize the health hazards related to their consumption while improving the quality of life of persons living in LMICs are urgently needed.

Phytochemical profile analysis by LC-ESI-MSn and LC-HR-ESI-MS and validated HPLC method for quantification of rutin in herbal drug and products from leaves of Croton blanchetianus

Phytochemical analysis of Croton blanchetianus leaves was performed by. After that, a high performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the determination of rutin in herbal drug and products of C. blanchetianus. The separation was achieved on a C18 column, and the mobile phase was composed of ultrapure water and methanol (acidified with trifluoroacetic acid) with a gradient of 0.8 ml/min. The method was validated following international guidelines. The chemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids. Among them rutin was used as the standard for validation. In the HPLC the presence of rutin was observed at 24.7 min. The method was robust, with no significant variations, and linear in the range evaluated with R2  > 0.99. Regarding the matrix effect, it was possible to prove the absence of interference of the constituents in the herbal drug. The precision was determined with a relative standard deviation of <1.34%. The recovery results were achieved between 89.29 and 101.21%. Furthermore, with partial validation, the method was proved to be suitable for the liquid extract, dry extract and effervescent granules. Therefore, this study demonstrated that the method is effective for the quality control analysis of C. blanchetianus leaves and products.

Gastroprotective effects of Pikad Tri-phol-sa-mut-than herbal remedy on multiple gastric ulcer models in rats

In Thai traditional medicine, Pikad Tri-phol-sa-mut-than has long been used to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms, renal disease, inflammation-related disorders, and severe malady. This recipe is composed of dried fruits of Morinda citrifolia L., Coriandrum sativum L., and Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-gastric ulcer property of the water extract of Pikad Tri-phol-sa-mut-than (TS), using various animal models with different inducers, including restraint water immersion stress, indomethacin, and ethanol/hydrochloric acid (EtOH/HCl). Its mechanisms of anti-gastric ulcer actions were also elucidated using both in vitro and in vivo experiments. When compared with the control groups, the oral pretreatment of TS at the doses of 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg significantly reduced the gastric ulcer formation in all models. It was also found that TS at the dose of 600 mg/kg could increase gastric wall mucus in rats but could not produce the significant reduction of the gastric volume or total acidity of gastric content. Results from hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining examinations of gastric tissues confirmed that TS visibly reduced gastric mucosal damage, while immunohistochemistry revealed that TS remarkably suppressed the protein expression of Bcl-2-associated X (BAX), a regulator of apoptosis, compared to those of the control group. The DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays showed antioxidant effects of TS. All of these findings demonstrated that TS has gastroprotective effects, which may be related to the increase in the gastric wall mucus secretion, not anti-secretory activity, as well as its antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities.

Concurrent use of herbal and prescribed medicine by patients in primary health care clinics, South Africa

BACKGROUND

The use of herbal medicine (HM) as a self-management practice for treating various diseases has gained popularity worldwide. Consumers co-administer herbal products with conventional medicine without the knowledge of possible herb-drug interaction (HDI).

AIM

This study aimed to assess patients' perception and use of HM and their knowledge of HDI.

SETTING

Participants attending primary health care (PHC) clinics in three provinces (Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Free State), South Africa, were recruited.

METHODS

Focus group discussions comprising a total of thirty (N = 30) participants were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Discussions were audio-recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.

RESULTS

Reasons for using HM, sources of information on HM, co-administration of HM and prescribed medicine, disclosure of the use of HM, PHC nurses' attitudes and not having time to engage were frequently discussed. Respondents' lack of knowledge and perceptions about HDI and their dissatisfaction with prescribed medicine because of experienced side effects were also discussed.

CONCLUSION

Because of the lack of discussions and non-disclosure about HM in PHC clinics, patients are at risk of experiencing HDIs. Primary health care providers should regularly enquire about HM use on every patient, to identify and prevent HDIs. The lack of knowledge about HDIs by patients further compromises the safety of HM.Contribution: The results highlighted the lack of knowledge of HDI by patients thus assisting the healthcare stakeholders in South Africa to implement measures to educate patients attending PHC clinics.

Labeling compliance and online claims for Ayurvedic herbal supplements on the U.S. market associated with the purported treatment of COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many consumers increased their use of supplements that claimed to support immune health, including Ayurvedic preparations. The goal of this study was to analyze labeling compliance and online claims for Ayurvedic herbal supplements associated with the purported treatment of COVID-19. The physical product labels for 51 herbal supplements labeled as ginger, tulsi/holy basil, amla, vacha/calamus root, guduchi/giloy, cinnamon, ashwagandha, tribulus, or turmeric were assessed for U.S. regulatory compliance. Disease claims, structure/function claims, and general well-being claims were also examined. The online listings for products purchased online (n = 42) were examined for claims and for the presence of the required legal disclaimer. Collectively, 61% of products had at least one instance of noncompliance on the physical label. The most common violations included missing/noncompliant disclaimer (33%), noncompliant "Supplement Facts" label (29%), noncompliant statement of identity (27%) and noncompliant domestic mailing address or phone number (25%). Structure/function claims occurred more frequently in the online product listings (average of 5 claims per product) compared to the physical labels (average of 2 claims per product). Disease claims were observed for 38% of online product listings and on 8% of physical labels. The use of disease claims on herbal supplements is a significant concern for public health because it may lead consumers to delay seeking professional treatment for life-threatening diseases. Overall, this study revealed a lack of labeling compliance among Ayurvedic herbal supplements and a need for greater scrutiny and monitoring of online product listings.

Toxic Elemental Impurities in Herbal Weight Loss Supplements; A Study Using ICP-OES Microwave-Assisted Digestion

The tendency of using weight loss herbal preparations is continuously increasing, especially for the widespread consumption of junk food that is characterized by high calories. Weight loss herbal preparations are considered a type of food supplement product, and, as such, the regulations governing their quality control might be minimal. These products could be locally formulated in any country or internationally imported. Being non-controlled products, the herbal weight-loss products may contain high levels of elemental impurities that might exceed the permissible ranges. Moreover, these products contribute to the total daily intake (TDI) of such elements, which might represent concerns about their potential toxicological danger. In this research, the elemental contents in such products were investigated. The inductively coupled plasma with optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) was used to determine the levels of 15 elemental contents, namely, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, As, Co, Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb. The results showed that seven micro-elements, namely Cd, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb, Li and Cu, were either not detectable or at a concentration much lower than their tolerable limits. However, all studied macro-elements (Na, K, Ca and Mg), together with Fe, were found at considerable, yet safe levels. On the other hand, Mn, Al and As contents showed perturbing levels in some of the studied products. Finally, a conclusion was highlighted for the necessity for stricter surveillance of such herbal products.

Pharmacognostic Study, Diuretic Activity and Acute Oral Toxicity of the Leaves of Xiphidium caeruleum Aubl. Collected in Two Different Phenological Stages

Xiphidium caeruleum Aubl. is traditionally used in Cuba as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antilithiatic and diuretic remedy. Here we studied the pharmacognostic parameters of the leaves of X. caeruleum, the preliminary phytochemical composition, diuretic activity and acute oral toxicity of the aqueous extracts from the leaves of plants collected in the vegetative (VE) and flowering (FE) stages. The morphological characteristics and physicochemical parameters of leaves and extracts were determined. The phytochemical composition was assessed by phytochemical screening, TLC, UV, IR and HPLC/DAD profiles. The diuretic activity was evaluated in Wistar rats and compared to furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone. Epidermal cells, stomata and crystals were observed on the leaf surface. Phenolic compounds were identified as the main metabolites, including phenolic acids (gallic, caffeic, ferulic and cinnamic acids) and flavonoids (catechin, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside and quercetin). VE and FE showed diuretic activity. The activity of VE was similar to furosemide, and the activity of FE resembled spironolactone. No acute oral toxicity was observed. The presence of flavonoids and phenols in VE and FE may explain at least in part the traditional use and provide some insight into the reported ethnomedical use as a diuretic. Because of the differences in polyphenol profiles between VE and FE, further studies should be carried out to standardize the harvesting and extraction conditions in order to use X. caeruleum leaf extract as herbal medicine.

The toxic contaminants of Aspalathus linearis plant material as well as herb-drug interactions may constitute the health risk factors in daily rooibos tea consumers

Rooibos tea is brewed using Aspalathus linearis plant material sensitive to environmental contamination. This review covers the safety data from preclinical experiments as well as human studies and delivers a report on its hepatic activity. In vitro tea investigation reveals antioxidative and anti-mutagenic features and ability to modulate microsomal enzymes. In rodent research, it exerts protective or neutral impact on liver functions and morphology, yet several human case reports suggest possible acute hepatic damage. Summarizing rooibos consumption seems to be safe in terms of hepatotoxicity; however, there may be designated a group of consumers with higher risk of liver irritation. The contamination of plant material may contribute to herb-induced liver injury. Due to the impact on CYPs, there is a possible risk of herb-drug interactions affecting bioavailability of some co-administered medicines. Caution should be exercised in patients receiving the treatment with allopathic medicines to avoid untoward alteration of drug plasma concentration.

Comprehensive Metabolomic Fingerprinting Combined with Chemometrics Identifies Species- and Variety-Specific Variation of Medicinal Herbs: An Ocimum Study

Identification of plant species is a crucial process in natural products. Ocimum, often referred to as the queen of herbs, is one of the most versatile and globally used medicinal herbs for various health benefits due to it having a wide variety of pharmacological activities. Despite there being significant global demand for this medicinal herb, rapid and comprehensive metabolomic fingerprinting approaches for species- and variety-specific classification are limited. In this study, metabolomic fingerprinting of five Ocimum species (Ocimum basilicum L., Ocimum sanctum L., Ocimum africanum Lour., Ocimum kilimandscharicum Gurke., and Hybrid Tulsi) and their varieties was performed using LC-MS, GC-MS, and the rapid fingerprinting approach FT-NIR combined with chemometrics. The aim was to distinguish the species- and variety-specific variation with a view toward developing a quality assessment of Ocimum species. Discrimination of species and varieties was achieved using principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminate analysis (PLS-DA), data-driven soft independent modelling of class analogy (DD-SIMCA), random forest, and K-nearest neighbours with specificity of 98% and sensitivity of 99%. Phenolics and flavonoids were found to be major contributing markers for species-specific variation. The present study established comprehensive metabolomic fingerprinting consisting of rapid screening and confirmatory approaches as a highly efficient means to identify the species and variety of Ocimum, being able to be applied for the quality assessment of other natural medicinal herbs.

Quantification and Validation of an HPLC Method for Low Concentrations of Apigenin-7-O-Glucuronide in Agrimonia pilosa Aqueous Ethanol Extract Topical Cream by Liquid-Liquid Extraction

In this study, we aimed to develop and validate a pretreatment method for separating and analyzing the small amounts of biomarkers contained in topical cream formulations. Analyzing semisolid formulations that contain low concentrations of active ingredients is difficult. Cream formulations containing an aqueous ethanol extract of 0.1% Agrimonia pilosa is an example. Approximately 0.0013% of apigenin-7-O-glucuronide(A7OG) was contained as a biomarker in the cream. To determine the A7OG content present in the cream formulation, liquid-liquid extraction using dichlormethane was applied. In addition, the volume of the distribution liquid was measured using the peak ratios of the indicator component, A7OG, and an internal standard, baicalin. Subsequently, the A7OG content in the cream formulation was calculated. Using this time-saving method, A7OG can be simply analyzed without additional pretreatment steps, such as evaporation and reconstitution. Moreover, the validation results confirmed that this analytical method met all of the criteria. Consequently, A7OG was successfully isolated from the cream, analyzed, and quantified using the developed method.

Chemical Constituents, Quantitative Analysis, Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and Antioxidant Activities of Herbal Formula “Ping An Fang Yu Yin”

COVID-19 is a global pandemic infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The herbal formula, Ping An Fang Yu Yin (PAFYY), has been used to prevent respiratory viral infections for many years. This study aims to evaluate the effect of PAFYY on SARS-CoV-2 infection, oxidative stress, and inflammation via in vitro, investigate the chemical composition by full constituent quantitative analysis, and verify its anti-viral potential against SARS-CoV-2 using in silico. In this study, a total of eleven compounds, twenty amino acids, saccharide compositions, and trace elements were found and quantitatively determined by chromatographic techniques. PAFYY displayed free radical scavenging activity (DPPH, SC50: 1.24 ± 0.09 mg/mL), SOD activity (68.71 ± 1.28%), inhibition of lipoxygenase activity (75.96 ± 7.64 mg/mL) and interfered the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (48.04 ± 3.18%). Furthermore, in-silico analysis results supported that liquiritin, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and luteolin-7-O-glucoside with the highest affinity between SARS-CoV-2 RBD and human angiotensin-converting enzyme II (hACE2) receptor. Our findings suggest that PAFYY has the potential for anti-SARS-CoV-2 infection, anti-oxidation stress, and anti-inflammation, and may be used as supplements for amelioration or prevention of COVID-19 symptoms, as well as the representative compounds can be used for quality control of PAFYY in the future.

Recent advances in natural products as potential inhibitors of dengue virus with a special emphasis on NS2b/NS3 protease

Dengue virus (DENV) is an arbovirus widespread through tropical and subtropical areas. It is transmitted to humans through Aedes mosquitoes. Infections with DENV can lead to a series of complications, including dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever, or dengue shock syndrome, which might manifest through secondary infections because of a vulnerable immune system. To date, only one tetravalent DENV vaccine is approved to be administered to children whom have been previously DENV-infected and between 9 and 16 years of age. One of the key targets in discovering DENV antiviral agents is the NS2b/NS3 protease. This protease is a crucial enzyme complex for the proteolytic and cleavage activities of the translated polyprotein during DENV life cycle. Several studies were conducted to discover potential antivirals from natural sources or synthetic compounds and peptides. In this review, we describe the recent studies from the past five years dealing with isolated natural products as potential inhibitors of DENV with a greater focus on inhibiting the NS2b/NS3 protease. This review describes recent discoveries in anti-DENV potential of isolated phytochemicals belonging to different groups including fatty acids, glucosides, terpenes and terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, chalcones, acetamides, and peptides. Curcumin, quercetin, and myricetin were found to act as non-competitive inhibitors for the NS2b/NS3 protease enzyme. In some studies, the molecular targets of some of these compounds are yet to be identified using in-silico and in-vitro approaches. So far, none of the isolated natural products was tested clinically for the management of DENV infections. The discussed studies demonstrate that natural products are a rich source of potential anti-DENV compounds. However, not all of these compounds were studied for their kinetic molecular mechanism and type of inhibition. In-silico studies provided an ample number of phytochemical hits to be tested experimentally as DENV protease inhibitors. In conclusion, derivatives of these natural products can be designed and synthesised, which could enhance their specificity and efficacy towards the protease. Other sources of natural products, such as fungi, bacterial toxins, marine organisms, and animals, should also be explored towards discovering more potential and effective DENV NS2b/NS3 protease inhibitors.

Label compliance for ingredient verification: regulations, approaches, and trends for testing botanical products marketed for "immune health" in the United States

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the botanical product market saw a consumer interest increase in immune health supplements. While data are currently insufficient to support public health guidance for using foods and dietary supplements to prevent or treat COVID-19 and other immune disorders, consumer surveys indicate that immune support is the second-most cited reason for supplement use in the United States. Meanwhile, consumers showed increased attention to dietary supplement ingredient labels, especially concerning authenticity and ingredient claims. Top-selling botanical ingredients such as elderberry, turmeric, and functional mushrooms have been increasingly marketed toward consumers to promote immune health, but these popular products succumb to adulteration with inaccurate labeling due to the intentional or unintentional addition of lower grade ingredients, non-target plants, and synthetic compounds, partially due to pandemic-related supply chain issues. This review highlights the regulatory requirements and recommendations for analytical approaches, including chromatography, spectroscopy, and DNA approaches for ingredient claim verification. Demonstrating elderberry, turmeric, and functional mushrooms as examples, this review aims to provide industrial professionals and scientists an overview of current United States regulations, testing approaches, and trends for label compliance verification to ensure the safety of botanical products marketed for "immune health."

UV Fingerprinting Approaches for Quality Control Analyses of Food and Functional Food Coupled to Chemometrics: A Comprehensive Analysis of Novel Trends and Applications

(1) Background: Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy is a common analytical tool to detect chromophore in compounds by monitoring absorbance spectral wavelengths. Further, it could provide spectral information about complex conjugated systems in mixtures aided by chemometric tools to visualize large UV-Vis datasets as typical in food samples. This review provides novel insight on UV-Vis applications in the last 20 years, as an advanced analytical tool in the quality control of food and dietary supplements, as well as several other applications, including chemotaxonomy, authentication, fingerprinting, and stability studies. (2) Conclusions: A critical assessment of the value of UV application and its novel trends in the quality control (QC) of nutraceuticals reveals the advantages and limitations, focusing on areas where future advancements are in need. Although simple, UV and its novel trends present potential analytical tools with an acceptable error for QC applications from a non-targeted perspective compared to other expensive spectral tools.

Advances in Fingerprint Analysis for Standardization and Quality Control of Herbal Medicines

Herbal drugs or herbal medicines (HMs) have a long-standing history as natural remedies for preventing and curing diseases. HMs have garnered greater interest during the past decades due to their broad, synergistic actions on the physiological systems and relatively lower incidence of adverse events, compared to synthetic drugs. However, assuring reproducible quality, efficacy, and safety from herbal drugs remains a challenging task. HMs typically consist of many constituents whose presence and quantity may vary among different sources of materials. Fingerprint analysis has emerged as a very useful technique to assess the quality of herbal drug materials and formulations for establishing standardized herbal products. Rather than using a single or two marker(s), fingerprinting techniques take great consideration of the complexity of herbal drugs by evaluating the whole chemical profile and extracting a common pattern to be set as a criterion for assessing the individual material or formulation. In this review, we described and assessed various fingerprinting techniques reported to date, which are applicable to the standardization and quality control of HMs. We also evaluated the application of multivariate data analysis or chemometrics in assisting the analysis of the complex datasets from the determination of HMs. To ensure that these methods yield reliable results, we reviewed the validation status of the methods and provided perspectives on those. Finally, we concluded by highlighting major accomplishments and presenting a gap analysis between the existing techniques and what is needed to continue moving forward.

Plant based radioprotectors as an adjunct to radiotherapy: advantages and limitations

Radioprotectors are agents that have the potential to act against radiation damage to cells. These are equally invaluable in radiation protection, both in intentional and unintentional radiation exposure. It is however, complex to use a universal radioprotector that could be beneficial in diverse contexts such as in radiotherapy, nuclear accidents, and space travel, as each of these circumstances have unique requirements. In a clinical setting such as in radiotherapy, a radioprotector is used to increase the efficacy of cancer treatment. The protective agent must act against radiation damage selectively in normal healthy cells while enhancing the radiation damage imparted on cancer cells. In the context of radiotherapy, plant-based compounds offer a more reliable solution over synthetic ones as the former are less expensive, less toxic, possess synergistic phytochemical activity, and are environmentally friendly. Phytochemicals with both radioprotective and anticancer properties may enhance the treatment efficacy by two-fold. Hence, plant based radioprotective agents offer a promising field to progress forward, and to expand the boundaries of radiation protection. This review is an account on radioprotective properties of phytochemicals and complications encountered in the development of the ideal radioprotector to be used as an adjunct in radiotherapy.

Metabolite Fingerprinting Based on 1H-NMR Spectroscopy and Liquid Chromatography for the Authentication of Herbal Products

Herbal medicines (HMs) are regarded as one of the traditional medicines in health care to prevent and treat some diseases. Some herbal components such as turmeric and ginger are used as HMs, therefore the identification and confirmation of herbal use are very necessary. In addition, the adulteration practice, mainly motivated to gain economical profits, may occur by substituting the high price of HMs with lower-priced ones or by addition of certain chemical constituents known as Bahan Kimia Obat (chemical drug ingredients) in Indonesia. Some analytical methods based on spectroscopic and chromatographic methods are developed for the authenticity and confirmation of the HMs used. Some approaches are explored during HMs authentication including single-component analysis, fingerprinting profiles, and metabolomics studies. The absence of reference standards for certain chemical markers has led to exploring the fingerprinting approach as a tool for the authentication of HMs. During fingerprinting-based spectroscopic and chromatographic methods, the data obtained were big, therefore the use of chemometrics is a must. This review highlights the application of fingerprinting profiles using variables of spectral and chromatogram data for authentication in HMs. Indeed, some chemometrics techniques, mainly pattern recognition either unsupervised or supervised, were applied for this purpose.

Challenges in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants DNA Barcoding-Lessons from the Lamiaceae

The potential value of DNA barcoding for the identification of medicinal plants and authentication of traded plant materials has been widely recognized; however, a number of challenges remain before DNA methods are fully accepted as an essential quality control method by industry and regulatory authorities. The successes and limitations of conventional DNA barcoding are considered in relation to important members of the Lamiaceae. The mint family (Lamiaceae) contains over one thousand species recorded as having a medicinal use, with many more exploited in food and cosmetics for their aromatic properties. The family is characterized by a diversity of secondary products, most notably the essential oils (EOs) produced in external glandular structures on the aerial parts of the plant that typify well-known plants of the basil (Ocimum), lavender (Lavandula), mint (Mentha), thyme (Thymus), sage (Salvia) and related genera. This complex, species-rich family includes widely cultivated commercial hybrids and endangered wild-harvested traditional medicines, and examples of potential toxic adulterants within the family are explored in detail. The opportunities provided by next generation sequencing technologies to whole plastome barcoding and nuclear genome sequencing are also discussed with relevant examples.

Pseudocedrela kotschyi: a review of ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacology and phytochemistry

CONTEXT

Pseudocedrela kotschyi (Schweinf) Harms (Meliaceae) is an important medicinal plant found in tropical and subtropical countries of Africa. Traditionally, P. kotschyi is used in the treatment of various diseases including diabetes, malaria, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an overview of traditional medicinal claims, pharmacological properties, and phytochemical principles of P. kotschyi as a basis for its clinical applications and further research and development of new drugs.

METHODS

Through interpreting already published scientific manuscripts retrieved from different scientific search engines, namely, Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct and Google scholar databases, an up-to-date review on the medicinal potentials of P. kotschyi from inception until September, 2020 was compiled. 'Pseudocedrela kotschyi', 'traditional uses', 'pharmacological properties' and 'chemical constituents' were used as search words.

RESULTS

At present, more than 30 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from the root and stem bark of P. kotschyi, among which limonoids and triterpenes are the main active constituents. Based on prior research, P. kotschyi has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, anthelminthic, antimalaria, anti-leishmaniasis, anti-trypanosomiasis, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects.

CONCLUSIONS

P. kotschyi is reported to be effective in treating a variety of diseases. Current phytochemical and pharmacological studies mainly focus on antimalaria, anti-leishmaniasis, anti-trypanosomiasis and anticancer potential of the root and stem bark of P. kotschyi. Although experimental data support the beneficial medicinal properties of this plant, there is still a paucity of information on its toxicity profile. Nonetheless, this review provides the basis for future research work.

Embelin: an HPTLC method for quantitative estimation in five species of genus Embelia Burm. f

Background

The plants belonging to the genus Embelia, a significant tropical genus with many biological activities, are benefiting because of their robust medicinal properties. Embelin is one of the principal bioactive molecules responsible for the medicinal properties of the genus Embelia. The quantification of the embelin compound among different species in this genus has not yet been investigated, so still uncertain which species and which part should be accepted. The present study was intended to establish a speedy and precise high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method for quantitative study of embelin in various plant parts of Embelia ribes, Embelia tsjeriam-cottam, Embelia basaal, Embelia adnata, and Embelia gardneriana.

Result

This research confirmed the method as per the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. We achieved separation on silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates using propanol: butanol: ammonia (7:3:7 v/v/v) as a mobile phase. Densitometry scanning performed for detection and quantification at 254 nm and 366 nm. Among the species investigated, the highest amount of embelin was found in E. ribes fruits.

Conclusion

Embelia ribes fruits are the best source of embelin. Embelin was first described in the endemic species, such as E. adnata and E. gardneriana. The method illustrated in this research may be applied for quantification of embelin and fingerprint analysis of other species within Embelia genus or described genera and chemo taxonomic studies of this genus.

Standardization of Simplicia and Ethanol Extract of Purun Danau (Lepironia articulata (Retz.) Domin) Rhizome

Purun Danau (Lepironia articulata (Retz.) Domin) has been shown to have antimalarial and antioxidant activity. This study aimed to standardize simplicia and extract of L. articulata by determining the value of its specific and non-specific parameters. A sampling of L. articulata rhizome was carried out in Guntung Manggis, Haur Gading, and Halat. The standardization method used was based on the Indonesian Herbal Pharmacopoeia and the General Standard Parameter of Extract. The organoleptic observations showed that L. articulata simplicia was reddish-brown in color, chelated taste, and had a specific odor. Microscopic observation showed parts of this plant: epidermis, cortex, endodermis, parenchyma, bundle vessels, and scalariform vessels. Ethanol-soluble extract content was 10.00-12.66%, water-soluble extract content 8.03-10.87%, drying shrinkage 7.10-7.33%, total ash content 2.03-2.52%, acid-insoluble ash 0.33-0.42%, Pb content 5.698-9.989 ppm, Cd content 0.300-0.500 ppm, Hg content 0.070-0.090 ppm. Ethanol extract of L. articulata rhizome contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, and saponins. The yield obtained was 8.05-11.23%, total ash content was 1.58-1.67%, acid-insoluble ash was 0.23-0.33%, and water content was 7.10-8.50%. Standardization of simplicia and ethanol extract of L. articulata rhizome has met the criteria.

Quality Assessment of Five Different Brands of Chyawanprash Marketed in Nepal

Chyawanprash, a polyherbal formulation, is popular for its nutritional value and is widely used as a tonic, rejuvenator, immunomodulator, and enhancer. This study aimed to evaluate the quality profile of five different brands of Chyawanprash marketed in Nepal. Proximate analysis, estimation of heavy metal, physicochemical analysis, determination of microbial contamination, estimation of vitamin C, and detection of heavy metals were carried out to assess the therapeutical values and compare the quality control parameters. All the analyses were carried out based on standard procedures. The data analysis revealed that the presence of moisture content (11.83 ± 1.61%–19.90 ± 0.92%), ash content (1.2–2.3%), energy (316.12 ± 1.96–363 ± 11.90 Kcal/100g), acid-insoluble ash content (0.12 ± 0.05–1.47 ± 0.26%), pH (5.12–5.34), vitamin C (9.92–28.58 mg/100g), and heavy metals was not detected in ppm in any of the brands. Chyawanprash holds tremendous amounts of nutritional value suitable for treating different types of illness. Thus, stringent quality control parameters should be implemented from the government level for product consistency and to reduce variation among different brands.

Thin-layer chromatography in the authenticity testing of bee-products

Quality control, nutritional value and the monitoring of hazardous residues in honey bee- products have become major topics for both producers and consumers. Due to its potential role in human health, bee-products rich in bioactive compounds are becoming increasingly popular. This review aims to provide an overview of thin-layer chromatography methods used in quality control,authenticity testing and chemical profiling of bee-products in order to help scientists engaged in the field of bee-products chemistry to utilize the advantages of this technique in the detection and elimination of fraudulent practices in bee-product manufacturing. Recently, hyphenation of thin-layer chromatography, image analysis and chemometrics support bee-products analysisbysimultaneousdeterminationofanalytes with different detection principles, identification of individual bioactive compounds as well as structure elucidation of compounds. Highlighted opportunities of thin-layer chromatography could encourage further investigations that would lead to improvements in the detection and elimination of marketing fraudulent practices.

Spices and Seasoning Mixes in European Union-Innovations and Ensuring Safety

Spices are an important group of food products of great importance in nutrition and food technology. They are mainly used to shape the sensory properties of food in gastronomy, in home cooking, and in industry. Ensuring quality and safety is one of the basic tasks of spice producers. The aim of this review is to present the threats to the consumer related to the presence of spices and seasoning mixes in the diet. Therefore, special attention was paid to such risks as excess sodium chloride (and sodium) in spice mixtures, the use of additives influencing the sensory experience, and irregularities in the labeling of spices and seasoning mixes for the presence of additives and allergens. The threats regarding microbiological safety and the presence of heavy metals, pesticides, plant protection products, as well as synthetic fertilizers and undeclared additives are also presented and the issue of adulteration and lack of authenticity of spices and spice mixtures is discussed. Using data from IJHARS planned inspections and notifications registered in the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) for 2015-2019, as well as the results of own research, an analysis of the risks caused by herbs and spices was carried out. Strategic activities of companies producing spices focus, among others, on improving production and expanding the commercial offer with new, attractive products. The article reviews product and process innovations in spice mixes and the methods of ensuring safety in this group of food products.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Herbal Therapy: Pertinent Issues Relating to Toxicity and Standardization of Phytopharmaceuticals

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a virulent viral disease that has now become a public health emergency of global significance and still without an approved treatment regimen or cure. In the absence of curative drugs and with vaccines development still in progress, alternative approaches to stem the tide of the pandemic are being considered. The potential of a phytotherapeutic approach in the management of the dreaded disease has gained attention, especially in developing countries, with several claims of the development of anti-COVID-19 herbal formulations. This is a plausible approach especially with the increasing acceptance of herbal medicine in both alternative and orthodox medical practices worldwide. Also, the established efficacy of herbal remedies in the treatment of numerous viral diseases including those caused by coronaviruses, as well as diseases with symptoms associated with COVID-19, presents a valid case for serious consideration of herbal medicine in the treatment of COVID-19. However, there are legitimate concerns and daunting challenges with the use of herbs and herbal products. These include issues of quality control, unethical production practice, inadequate information on the composition, use and mechanisms, weak regulatory policies, herb-drug interactions and adverse reactions, and the tendency for abuse. This review discusses the feasibility of intervention with herbal medicine in the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to take proactive measures to protect public health by improving the quality and safety of herbal medicine deployed to combat the disease. Graphical abstract.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43450-021-00132-x.

Screening of polysaccharides from fruit pulp of Ziziphus mauritiana L. and Artocarpus heterophyllus L. as natural mucoadhesives

Background

Mucoadhesive polymers are applicable for improving the delivery of drug by prolonging the residence time and time of contact of the dosage form with the mucous membrane. Mucoadhesion may be defined as a process where the polymer substance gets adhered either to the biological substrate or synthetic or to a natural macromolecule, or to the mucus membrane. The natural polymers can be studied to determine whether they possess some mucoadhesive properties as several excipients derived from plants have proved their potential in the field of conventional or novel dosage form. The present work aims at determination of physical properties of polysaccharides from fruit pulp of Ziziphus mauritiana L. (ZM gum) and Artocarpus heterophyllus L. (AH gum), such as mucoadhesive strength (shear stress determination), swelling index, pH, viscosity, angle of repose, Carr’s index, density, and its comparative study with synthetic polymers Carbopol 934 and HPMC and also to study its FTIR and 1H-NMR spectra analysis.

Result

The most important properties such as mucoadhesive strength of ZM gum (3% w/v) and AH gum (3%) was found to be comparable with HPMC (3% w/v) and Carbopol 934 (3% w/v); also, the swelling index of the isolated gums were also found comparable with both HPMC and Carbopol 934. Falling sphere method is conducted in which the time taken by the sphere to move 50 divisions to the bottom for 3% w/v ZM gum solution was 10.14 s and for AH gum was 10.13 s which is comparable to HPMC and Carbopol 934. The FTIR & 1H NMR spectra showed typical characteristic signals of polysaccharides and presence of typical sugar residues.

Conclusion

From the study, it can be concluded that ZM and AH gum has potential to be better than Carbopol 934 and HPMC in respect of mucoadhesive strength and also it has the potential to replace some synthetic mucoadhesive polymers and polysaccharides.