Medicinal plants recommended by the world health organization: DNA barcode identification associated with chemical analyses guarantees their quality

Blastocystis species growth inhibition in vitro by plant extracts

BACKGROUND

The protist Blastocystis species (sp.) inhabits the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. In recent decades, alternative natural products derived from plants have demonstrated potential as effective treatments for Blastocystis infection. The anti-Blastocystis activity of three herbal ethanolic extracts- Odontites linkii subsp. cyprius, Ptilostemon chamaepeuce subsp. cyprius and Quercus alnifolia-were investigated in this study.

METHODS

Three distinct isolates of Blastocystis sp. maintained in vitro were molecularly subtyped. Cytotoxicity analysis was performed on individual Blastocystis sp. isolates using 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 μg/mL herbal ethanolic extracts for 24 and 48 hours. Quantitative, morphological, and size alterations of Blastocystis cells assessed the cytotoxicity of herbal anti-Blastocystis effect.

RESULTS

Following subtyping analysis, one strain of Blastocystis had ST3 and ST1 mixed subtypes, and two strains had ST1 subtypes. Starting after 24 h of incubation, P. cham. subsp. cyprius (1000 μg/mL) exhibited the most pronounced and consistent anti-Blastocystis cytotoxicity against all three strains, comparable to metronidazole. The Ptilostemon chamaepeuce subsp. cyprius anti-Blastocystis cytotoxicity was evident in parasite quantitative distress, morphological alterations, and significant reductions in cell size. Odontites linkii subsp. cyprius cytotoxicity varied among the three Blastocystis strains. The three Blastocystis strains were resistant to Quercus alnifolia.

CONCLUSION

P. cham. subsp. cyprius was a potent and promising new herbal extract against Blastocystis sp. in vitro assays.

Evidence for the efficacy of anti-inflammatory plants used in Brazilian traditional medicine with ethnopharmacological relevance

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

When exacerbated, inflammatory processes can culminate in physical and emotional disorders and, if not stopped, can be lethal. The high prevalence of inflammation has become a public health problem, and the need for new drugs to treat this pathology is imminent. The use of medicinal plants has emerged as an alternative, and a survey of data that corroborates its application in inflammatory diseases is the starting point. Furthermore, Brazil harbors a megadiversity, and the traditional use of plants is relevant and needs to be preserved and carefully explored for the discovery of new medicines.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review sought to survey the medicinal plants traditionally used in Brazil for the treatment of inflammatory processes and to perform, in an integrative way, a data survey of these species and analysis of their phytochemical, pharmacological, and molecular approaches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Brazilian plants that are traditionally used for inflammation (ophthalmia, throat inflammation, orchitis, urinary tract inflammation, ear inflammation, and inflammation in general) are listed in the DATAPLAMT database. This database contains information on approximately 3400 native plants used by Brazilians, which were registered in specific documents produced until 1950. These inflammatory disorders were searched in scientific databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Scielo, Virtual Health Library), with standardization of DECS/MESH descriptors for inflammation in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, without chronological limitations. For the inclusion criteria, all articles had to be of the evaluated plant species, without association of synthesized substances, and full articles free available in any of the four languages searched. Duplicated articles and those that were not freely available were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 126 species were identified, culminating in 6181 articles in the search. After evaluation of the inclusion criteria, 172 articles representing 40 different species and 38 families were included in the study. Comparison of reproducibility in intra-species results became difficult because of the large number of extraction solvents tested and the wide diversity of evaluation models used. Although the number of in vitro and in vivo evaluations was high, only one clinical study was found (Abrus precatorius). In the phytochemical analyses, more than 225 compounds, mostly phenolic compounds, were identified.

CONCLUSION

This review allowed the grouping of preclinical and clinical studies of several Brazilian species traditionally used for the treatment of many types of inflammation, corroborating new searches for their pharmacological properties as a way to aid public health. Furthermore, the large number of plants that have not yet been studied has encouraged new research to revive traditional knowledge.

Virulent-MDR-ESBL E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae report from North Sinai calves diarrhea and in vitro antimicrobial by Moringa oleifera

The health of calves has a significant impact on the production of cows and livestock. Some desert plants have pharmacological importance, as they can be used to reduce antibiotic resistance. Our hypothesis is designed to detect Virulent- Multidrug-Resistant and Extended- spectrum Beta- lactamase Enterobacteriaceae (Virulent-MDR-ESBL Enterobacteriaceae and to determine whether Moringa oleifera has antibacterial activity against the detected isolates. A total of 39 Enterobacteriaceae isolates from 28 diarrheic samples were collected from calves aged between 20 days and 20 months from 3 different flocks in North Sinai, Sahl-Eltina region, Egypt. E.coli 46% (18/39), O157 13% (5/39), Klebsiella pneumoniae 41% (16/39). MDR members accounted for 87%, while ESBL isolates accounted for 43%. The antibacterial activity is represented by microdilution. Minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) for the methanol extract of Moringa oleifera ranged from 2.5,5,10, and 25mg/ ml among E.coli isolates, and O157 was susceptible to (2.5mg/ ml), Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were susceptible to (5-50mg/ ml). Analysis of the methanol extract revealed that ferulic acid was the dominant phenolic compound with a concentration of 29,832 parts per million (ppm). In silico docking study expected the active site of ferulic acid to act on the tyrosine bacterial enzyme through Pi-alkyl, Pi-anion, Carbon hydrogen bonds, and extra ionic attractive interactions with copper ions which can stabilize ferulic acid inside the targeted pocket Diverse virulent gene profiles were observed in E. coli. The Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) was reported in 83% of the isolated E. coli, while the DNA gyrase (gyrA) was harbored in 100% of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. Various profiles of antibiotic resistance genes for both E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were distinguished. blaTEM genes were detected in 99% of E. coli and 100% of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Sequence analysis for E. coli strain DRC-North Sinai-Eg was placed in accession numbers (OP955786) for the Shiga toxin 2 gene (Stx2A), (OP997748) and (OP997749) for the Adhesion to host cell gene (Eae). For the hemolysine gene (hylA), the accession number was (OP946183). Klebsiella pneumoniae strain DRC-North Sinai-Eg was placed in (OP946180) for (gyrA). This study has proven the broad range of Moringa oliefera's antibacterial effects in vitro against the virulent-MDR- ESBL E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from North Sinai calves diarrhea. These are congruent with the disability effect on bacterial tyrosinase enzyme through docking study therefore, we recommend the usage of this desert plant as a prospective feed additive, we endorse this as an antibacterial new insight natural source and for the medication of considered pathogens with zoonotic impacts.

Phytotherapeutic options for the treatment of epilepsy: pharmacology, targets, and mechanism of action

Epilepsy is one of the most common, severe, chronic, potentially life-shortening neurological disorders, characterized by a persisting predisposition to generate seizures. It affects more than 60 million individuals globally, which is one of the major burdens in seizure-related mortality, comorbidities, disabilities, and cost. Different treatment options have been used for the management of epilepsy. More than 30 drugs have been approved by the US FDA against epilepsy. However, one-quarter of epileptic individuals still show resistance to the current medications. About 90% of individuals in low and middle-income countries do not have access to the current medication. In these countries, plant extracts have been used to treat various diseases, including epilepsy. These medicinal plants have high therapeutic value and contain valuable phytochemicals with diverse biomedical applications. Epilepsy is a multifactorial disease, and therefore, multitarget approaches such as plant extracts or extracted phytochemicals are needed, which can target multiple pathways. Numerous plant extracts and phytochemicals have been shown to treat epilepsy in various animal models by targeting various receptors, enzymes, and metabolic pathways. These extracts and phytochemicals could be used for the treatment of epilepsy in humans in the future; however, further research is needed to study the exact mechanism of action, toxicity, and dosage to reduce their side effects. In this narrative review, we comprehensively summarized the extracts of various plant species and purified phytochemicals isolated from plants, their targets and mechanism of action, and dosage used in various animal models against epilepsy.

Plant-derived nanovesicles: harnessing nature's power for tissue protection and repair

Tissue damage and aging lead to dysfunction, disfigurement, and trauma, posing significant global challenges. Creating a regenerative microenvironment to resist external stimuli and induce stem cell differentiation is essential. Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) are naturally bioactive lipid bilayer nanovesicles that contain proteins, lipids, ribonucleic acid, and metabolites. They have shown potential in promoting cell growth, migration, and differentiation into various types of tissues. With immunomodulatory, microbiota regulatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging bioactivities, PDNVs are valuable in resisting external stimuli and facilitating tissue repair. The unique structure of PDNVs provides an optimal platform for drug encapsulation, and surface modifications enhance their stability and specificity. Moreover, by employing synergistic administration strategies, PDNVs can maximize their therapeutic potential. This review summarized the progress and prospects of PDNVs as regenerative tools, provided insights into their selection for repair activities based on existing studies, considered the key challenge for clinical application, and anticipated their continued prominent role in the field of biomedicine.

Plants of the Rubiaceae Family with Effect on Metabolic Syndrome: Constituents, Pharmacology, and Molecular Targets

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) predisposes individuals to chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like type 2 diabetes (T2D), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disorders caused by systemic inflammation, intestinal dysbiosis, and diminished antioxidant ability, leading to oxidative stress and compromised insulin sensitivity across vital organs. NCDs present a global health challenge characterized by lengthy and costly pharmacological treatments. Complementary and alternative medicine using herbal therapies has gained popularity. Approximately 350,000 plant species are considered medicinal, with 80% of the world's population opting for traditional remedies; however, only 21,000 plants are scientifically confirmed by the WHO. The Rubiaceae family is promissory for preventing and treating MetS and associated NCDs due to its rich content of metabolites renowned for their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties. These compounds influence transcription factors and mitigate chronic low-grade inflammation, liver lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, making them a cost-effective non-pharmacological approach for MetS prevention and treatment. This review aims to collect and update data that validate the traditional uses of the Rubiaceae family for treating MetS and associated NCDs from experimental models and human subjects, highlighting the mechanisms through which their extracts and metabolites modulate glucose and lipid metabolism at the molecular, biochemical, and physiological levels.

A Scoping Review on Medicinal Properties of Piper betle (Sirih) Based on Malay Medical Manuscripts and Scientific Literatures

Background

Malay medical manuscripts have deciphered the medicinal value of Piper betle (sirih) enormously. In this review, an effort was made to explore the medicinal use of P. betle and correlate this information with the scientific evidence.

Methods

The information regarding the use of P. betle was retrieved from the books consisting of a Malay medical manuscript with an identification number MSS 2219 from the National Library of Malaysia. PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus databases were used to collect information regarding the scientific evidence for the medicinal use of P. betle. This review was written following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The keywords used for searching the articles included P. betle, antimicrobial, analgaesic, haepatic and gastric.

Results

MSS 2219 showed that P. betle has varied medicinal uses and based on that, it can be grouped into six categories. P. betle application method was different in different conditions. In terms of the literature search, 226 articles were found, 75 articles were extracted for detailed analysis and only 23 met the inclusion criteria. The information was related to the chemical assays, in vivo and in vitro studies.

Conclusion

In summary, P. betle has the potential to treat medical conditions in various types of categories as recorded in the Malay medical manuscripts and also based on scientific publications. For clinical purposes, more information is required, such as the specific mechanism involved, the best extraction method and the best dosage for treatment.

Nature-Inspired Compounds: Synthesis and Antibacterial Susceptibility Testing of Eugenol Derivatives against H. pylori Strains

The antimicrobial properties of one of the most important secondary metabolites, Eugenol (EU), inspired us to design and synthesize three different series of derivatives enhancing its parent compound's anti-Helicobacter pylori activity. Thus, we prepared semisynthetic derivatives through (A) diazo aryl functionalization, (B) derivatization of the hydroxy group of EU, and (C) elongation of the allyl radical by incorporating a chalcogen atom. The antibacterial evaluation was performed on the reference NCTC 11637 strain and on three drug-resistant clinical isolates and the minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MICs and MBCs) highlight the role of chalcogens in enhancing the antimicrobial activity (less than 4 µg/mL for some compounds) of the EU scaffold (32-64 µg/mL).

An In Vitro and In Silico Characterization of Salvia sclarea L. Methanolic Extracts as Spasmolytic Agents

The use of medicinal plant species and their products is widespread in the field of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the traditional use of Salvia sclarea L., clary sage, finding the possible mechanisms of its spasmolytic and bronchodilator actions in in vitro conditions supported by molecular docking analysis, along with the antimicrobial effects. Four dry extracts were prepared from the aerial parts of S. sclarea, using absolute or 80% (v/v) methanol by the method of a single-stage maceration or an ultrasound-assisted extraction. Characterization of the bioactive compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography indicated the presence of significant amounts of polyphenolics, with rosmarinic acid as the prevalent one. The spontaneous ileal contractions were best inhibited by the extract prepared with 80% methanol and maceration. The same extract was superior in the carbachol- and KCl-induced tracheal smooth muscle contractions, being the strongest bronchodilator agent. The most powerful relaxation of KCl-induced ileal contractions was achieved with the extract made of absolute methanol by maceration, while the 80% methanolic extract made with the ultrasound method generated the best spasmolytic effects in the acetylcholine-induced ileal contractions. Docking analysis suggested that apigenin-7-O-glucoside and luteolin-7-O-glucoside exhibited the highest binding affinity to voltage-gated calcium channels. Gram (+) bacteria were more susceptible to the effects of the extracts, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, in contrast to Gram (-) bacteria and Candida albicans. This is the first study to point out the influence of S. sclarea methanolic extracts on the gastrointestinal and respiratory spasm reduction, paving the way for their potential place in complementary medicine.

Herbal species authentication by melting fingerprint coupled with high resolution melting analysis (MF-HRM)

BACKGROUND

Herbal medicines have recently attracted increasing attention for use as food supplements with health benefits; however, species authentication can be difficult due to incomplete morphological characters. Here, a molecular tool was developed for the identification of species in the National List of Essential Medicinal Plants in Thailand.

METHODS

The identification process used DNA fingerprints including start codon targeted (SCoT) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) polymorphisms, coupled with high resolution melting (HRM), to produce melting fingerprint (MF)-HRM.

RESULTS

Results indicated that MF-HRM, SCoT-HRM and ISSR-HRM could be used for DNA fingerprints as S34, S36, S9 and S8 of SCoT and UBC873, S25 and UBC841 of ISSR. The melting fingerprints obtained from S34 of SCoT exhibited the best primers for identification of herbal species with 87.5% accuracy and relatively high repeatability. The presence of intraspecific variation in a few species affected the shift of melting fingerprints within species. MF-HRM using S34 showed improved species prediction compared to DNA fingerprints. The concentration of DNA with 10 ng/µl was recommended to perform MF-HRM. MF-HRM enabled species authentication of herbal commercialized products at only 20% resulting from the low quality of DNA isolated, while admixture of multiple product species interfered with the MF process.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggested that MF-HRM showed promise as a molecular tool for the authentication of species in commercial herbal products with high specificity, moderate repeatability and rapidity without prior sequence information. This information will greatly improve quality control and traceability during the manufacturing process.

Biodiversity: the overlooked source of human health

Biodiversity is the measure of the variation of lifeforms in a given ecological system. Biodiversity provides ecosystems with the robustness, stability, and resilience that sustains them. This is ultimately essential for our survival because we depend on the services that natural ecosystems provide (food, fresh water, air, climate, and medicine). Despite this, human activity is driving an unprecedented rate of biodiversity decline, which may jeopardize the life-support systems of the planet if no urgent action is taken. In this article we show why biodiversity is essential for human health. We raise our case and focus on the biomedicine services that are enabled by biodiversity, and we present known and novel approaches to promote biodiversity conservation.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Metabolite Profiling of Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck Juice Extract Evaluated for its Antimicrobial Activity Against Streptococcus mutans

Purpose The present study aimed to determine the antimicrobial nature of Citrus limon juice extract against Streptococcus mutans and to identify its metabolic profile by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. Materials and methods The cariogenic bacteria S. mutans were procured from Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank (MTCC), Chandigarh, India, and revived on brain heart infusion (BHI) agar. The C. limon (L.) Osbeck fruits were authenticated from the University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bengaluru, India. The antibacterial property of lyophilized lemon juice extract (LJE) dissolved in methanol was evaluated against S. mutans (MTCC 497) by the agar well diffusion assay. GC-MS technique was employed to identify the volatile metabolite profile of the methanolic LJE sample. The metabolite masses of the respective compounds were identified using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) library. Results The methanolic LJE sample concentration from 5 to 25 mg/ml did not demonstrate antimicrobial activity, while 30 to 100 mg/ml displayed antibacterial activity against S. mutans. Chlorohexidine (100 µg/ml) was used as the positive control, while methanol was used as the negative control. Significant antimicrobial metabolites were detected in the methanolic LJE sample by GC-MS analysis. Maleic anhydride, succinic anhydride, 6-Oxa-bicyclo[3.1.0] hexan-3-one, and 3-methyl-2,5-Furandione were the key metabolites identified in the methanolic LJE sample.  Conclusion The present study reports that C. limon is a potential candidate for the pharmaceutical industry as it possesses bioactive compounds demonstrating therapeutic properties. Further investigations are warranted to determine the individual and synergetic effects of identified metabolites in the methanolic LJE sample for its antimicrobial property. Special attention needs to be focussed on translational research for the development of anti-caries products from C. limon.

Validation of Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of 80% Methanolic Extract of the Lonchocarpus laxiflorus Leaves in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Swiss Albino Mice

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic endocrine disorder that requires long-term treatment. In Ethiopian traditional medicine practice, plants have been provided with a vital role in fighting human and animal diseases since ancient times. The aqueous extract of Lonchocarpus laxiflorus (L. laxiflorus) leaves has been consumed for treating diabetes mellitus without confirming its safety and efficacy scientifically. This experiment aimed to evaluate the safety and antidiabetic efficacy of the leaf extract of L. laxiflorus in mice models.

Methods

The crude extraction was conducted using a cold maceration technique and 80% methanol solvent. Normoglycemic, oral glucose-loaded, and streptozotocin-induced (STZ) diabetic models were employed. Male Swiss albino mice were randomly grouped into five categories( with six mice per group during normoglycemic, oral glucose-loadingtest as a negative control, positive control, and three treatment groups. In STZ-induced diabetic models, the groups include normal and diabetic negative control, diabetic positive control, and three diabetic treatment groups. The negative control groups received vehicles, the positive control received 5 mg/kg glibenclamide, and the treatment groups received the crude extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses, respectively.

Results

Up to 2000 mg/kg crude extract, neither signs of toxicity nor death were observed. In normoglycemic mice, there was a significant blood glucose reduction at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses starting from the 2^nd h post-administration. The oral glucose load showed a significant antihyperglycemic effect at 200 and 400 mg/kg of the crude extract and glibenclamide. In STZ-induced diabetic models, the 200, 400 mg/kg crude extract, and glibenclamide showed a significant antidiabetic activity and enhancement of a good serum lipid profile.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that the leaf of L. laxiflorus was safe and possesses antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic activities.

Camel Grass Phenolic Compounds: Targeting Inflammation and Neurologically Related Conditions

BACKGROUND

The use of plants for therapeutic purposes has been supported by growing scientific evidence.

METHODS

This work consisted of (i) characterizing the phenolic compounds present in both aqueous and hydroethanol (1:1, v/v) extracts of camel grass, by hyphenated liquid chromatographic techniques, (ii) evaluating their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuromodulation potential, through in vitro cell and cell-free models, and (iii) establishing a relationship between the chemical profiles of the extracts and their biological activities.

RESULTS

Several caffeic acid and flavonoid derivatives were determined in both extracts. The extracts displayed scavenging capacity against the physiologically relevant nitric oxide (^•NO) and superoxide anion (O₂^•-) radicals, significantly reduced NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages (RAW 264.7), and inhibited the activity of hyaluronidase (HAase), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Some of these bioactivities were found to be related with the chemical profile of the extracts, namely with 3-caffeoylquinic, 4-caffeoylquinic, chlorogenic, and p-coumaric acids, as well as with luteolin and apigenin derivatives.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports, for the first time, the potential medicinal properties of aqueous and hydroethanol extracts of camel grass in the RAW 264.7 cell model of inflammation, and in neurologically related conditions.

Chemical constituents from Ficus sur Forssk (Moraceae)

Phytochemical investigation of the aerial roots of Ficus sur, a Cameroonian medicinal plant, resulted in a previously undescribed cerebroside, suroside (1), in addition to its aglycon congener suramide (2). Moreover, six known natural products including alpinumisoflavone (3), wighteone metabolite (4), oleanolic acid (5), β-sitosterol (6), β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), and epi-ѱ-taraxastanolone (8) were identified. The structures of the previously undescribed compounds were determined by analysis of 1D and 2D-NMR (One and two dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance), mass spectrometry, chemical conversion, and by comparison of these data with those from the literature. Wighteone metabolite (4) exhibited a weak cytotoxic activity against the human HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells with an IC50 value of 51.9 µM.

Advancements and future prospective of DNA barcodes in the herbal drug industry

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The past couple of decades have witnessed the global resurgence of medicinal plants in the field of herbal-based health care. Increased consumption of medicinal plants and their derivative products is the major cause of the adulteration issues in herbal industries. As a result, the quality of herbal products is affected by spurious and unauthorized raw materials. Recent development in molecular plant identification using DNA barcodes has become a robust methodology to identify and authenticate the adulterants in herbal samples. Hence, rapid and accurate identification of medicinal plants is the key to success for the herbal industry. Aim of the study: This paper provides a comprehensive review of the application of DNA barcoding and advanced technologies that have emerged over the past 10 years related to medicinal plant identification and authentication and the future prospects of this technology. Materials and methods: Information on DNA barcodes was compiled from scientific databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, SciFinder and PubMed). Additional information was obtained from books, Ph.D. thesis and MSc. Dissertations. Results: Working out an appropriate DNA barcode for plants is challenging; the single locus-based DNA barcodes (rbcL, ITS, ITS2, matK, rpoB, rpoC, trnH-psbA) to multi-locus DNA barcodes have become the successful species-level identification among herbal plants. Additionally, multi-loci have become efficient in the authentication of herbal products. Emerging advances in DNA barcoding and related technologies such as next-generation sequencing, high-resolution melting curve analysis, meta barcodes and mini barcodes have paved the way for successful herbal plant/samples identification. Conclusion: DNA barcoding needs to be employed together with other techniques to check and rationally and effectively quality control the herbal drugs. It is suggested that DNA barcoding techniques combined with metabolomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics could authenticate the herbal products. The invention of simple, cost-effective and improved DNA barcoding techniques to identify herbal drugs and their associated products of medicinal value in a fool-proof manner will be the future thrust of Pharmacopoeial monograph development for herbal drugs.

Development and Validation of a Species-specific PCR Method for the Identification of Ginseng Species Using Orthogonal Approaches

When testing botanical ingredients of herbal medicines and dietary supplements, the complexity of botanical matrixes often requires the use of orthogonal methods to establish identification procedures suitable for quality control purposes. Genomic-based botanical identification methods are evolving and emerging as useful quality control tools to complement traditional morphological and chemical identification methods. Species-specific polymerase chain reaction methods are being evaluated for botanical quality control and as a cost-effective approach to identify and discriminate between closely related botanical species. This paper describes orthogonal identification of Panax ginseng, P. quinquefolius, and P. notoginseng materials in commerce as an example of the development and validation of a set of species-specific polymerase chain reaction methods to establish botanical identity in ginseng roots. This work also explored the possibility of extending the application of species-specific polymerase chain reaction methods to provide species identity information for processed materials, such as steamed roots and hydroalcoholic extracts, and showed success with this approach. Finally, the paper provides recommendations for an out-of-specification investigation of samples that may pass some of the orthogonal tests and fail others.

A Phase II, Randomized, Double-Blind, Double-Dummy, Active-Controlled Clinical Trial to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of NW Low-Glu® in Patients Newly Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background

Medicinal plants have long been used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic efficacy and safety of NW Low-Glu® (contents of one capsule are 300 mg Mas Cotek + 100 mg Cinnamomum cassia L. + 250 mg Nigella sativa L. powdered extracts) in treatment-naïve, newly diagnosed T2DM patients.

Methods

This was a 12-week, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, phase 2 clinical trial. A total of 232 male and female patients aged ≥18 and ≤65 years who were newly diagnosed with T2DM and have not received any antidiabetic drugs before and were equally randomized to receive metformin (2000 mg per day), low-dose NW Low-Glu® (content of four capsules per day), or high-dose NW Low-Glu® (content of five capsules per day). Our primary objective was to measure the mean change in HbA1c between each of the experimental arms and the metformin arm.

Results

There was a significant reduction in mean HbA1c at 12 weeks compared to baseline in the low-dose (0.6 (1.4)%; p=0.002) and high-dose arms (0.8 (1.7)%; p=0.004). There was also a significant reduction in 2 hr PPG at 12 weeks in the low-dose (35.4 (74.9) mg/dL, p=0.001) and high-dose arms (24.7 (100.8) mg/dL, p=0.04). Weight reduction was significantly higher with both high-dose (1.1 (-1.7) Kg; p=0.005) and low-dose arms (0.9 (-1.5) Kg; p=0.023) compared to metformin (0.8 (-1.8) Kg). No serious AEs or deaths were reported.

Conclusions

After 3 months of treatment, NW Low-Glu® was noninferior to metformin in reducing HbA1c and 2 hr PPG, while leading to significantly higher weight reduction in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. It was also safe and well tolerated.

Exploration of facilitators and barriers to the regulatory frameworks of dietary and herbal supplements: a scoping review

Background

Over the last decade, the use of dietary and herbal supplements (DHSs) has expanded greatly across national healthcare settings for the prevention, management and/or treatment of a variety of health issues. Although regulatory policies for DHSs across different countries have been aimed towards evaluating safety and efficacy, performing quality controls, monitoring the manufacturing practices, and encouraging further research, significant safety issues have emerged from inappropriate regulatory classification, lack of suitable quality controls, and inadequate testing and labeling of these products. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to identify facilitators and barriers to DHS regulation across different countries.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted and informed by the five-stage methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley and further enhanced by Levac et al. MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, and PsycINFO databases were systematically searched for eligible articles from database inception to September 29, 2020. Studies analyzing DHS regulatory frameworks were eligible for review. Relevant data from eligible articles were extracted and categorized into themes to provide a descriptive overview of the literature.

Results

Searches generated 4314 results, 1800 of which were duplicates, followed by 2472 that were excluded after screening the titles and abstracts of these articles. Of the remaining 42 full-texts, 15 eligible articles were included in this review. Themes identified include: (1) increased financial and human resources encouraging knowledge expansion as a facilitator to DHS regulation; (2) variances in DHS classification and regulatory requirements across countries as a barrier to DHS regulation, and (3) collaboration between various stakeholders (experts, policymakers, representatives of regulatory bodies, product companies and research institutions) facilitating DHS regulation.

Conclusion

The present scoping review identified facilitators and barriers to DHS regulation across different countries. We highlight that safety assessments of DHSs continue to be inadequate, and emerging technologies could potentially play a significant role in establishing common reference standards of herbal materials and products between regulatory agencies. Regulatory harmonization, increased scientific research, and collaboration could improve regulations globally through appropriate categorization and safe application of DHSs.

Plants of the Phytolaccaceae family with antimicrobial activity: A systematic review

Phytolaccaceae is a plant family of the order Caryophyllales, which includes species used in traditional medicine to treat diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate Phytolaccaceae family plants with potential antimicrobial action, through a systematic review. The study was conducted following the criteria of PRISMA protocol. The search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS, in March 2021. The search strategy used free descriptors and terms, limiting articles to the English language, regardless of publication year. The risk of bias and the quality of publications were based on the CONSORT checklist, modified for in vitro studies and SYRCLE's RoB tool for in vivo study. Five independent judges performed quality assessments of publications and risk of bias analysis. Ninety-five publications were retrieved from the databases and, after screening and eligibility criteria, 22 articles remained, from 1998 to 2019. In the selected studies, the plants were obtained from eight countries. In vivo and in vitro studies of extracts from the Phytolaccaceae family plants, evaluating antibacterial (8 publications), antifungal (8), anti-Trypanosoma (2), anti-Leishmania (2), antiviral (1), and antiamoebic (1) activities, are included. The plant species identified belong to genera Petiveria, Phytolacca, Gallesia, Trichostigma, and Seguieria. The risk of bias in the 22 publications both in vitro and in vitro was suboptimal. The evidence obtained showed that the Phytolaccaceae family, a source of plants with antimicrobial action, can serve as a basis for the creation of new herbal medicines, expanding the possibility of treatment for infectious diseases and stimulating their preservation and biodiversity. However, more high-quality studies are needed to establish the clinical efficacy of the plant.

A Review on the Antidiabetic Properties of Moringa oleifera Extracts: Focusing on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation as Main Therapeutic Targets

Moringa oleifera is one of the popular plants that have shown significant health benefits. Certainly, preclinical evidence (predominantly from animal models) summarized in the current review supports the beneficial effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts in combating the prominent characteristic features of diabetes mellitus. This includes effective control of blood glucose or insulin levels, enhancement of insulin tissue sensitivity, improvement of blood lipid profiles, and protecting against organ damage under sustained conditions of hyperglycemia. Interestingly, as major complications implicated in the progression of diabetes, including organ damage, Moringa oleifera leaf and seed extracts could efficiently block the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and inflammation in these preclinical models. Notably, these extracts (especially leaf extracts) showed enhanced effects in strengthening intracellular antioxidant defences like catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione to lower lipid peroxidation products and reduce prominent pro-inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (1L)-β, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and nitric oxide synthase. From animal models of diabetes, the common and effective dose of leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera was 100-300 mg/kg, within the treatment duration of 2-8 weeks. Whereas supplementation with approximately 20 g leaf powder of Moringa oleifera for at least 2 weeks could improve postprandial blood glucose in subjects with prediabetes or diabetes. Although limited clinical studies have been conducted on the antidiabetic properties of Moringa oleifera, current findings provide an important platform for future research directed at developing this plant as a functional food to manage diabetic complications.

Local effects of natural alkylamides from Acmella oleracea and synthetic isobutylalkyl amide on neuropathic and postoperative pain models in mice

Neuropathic and postoperative pain are clinical conditions that impair the patient's quality of life. The current pharmacotherapy of both painful states is ineffective and accompanied by several side effects. In order to develop new therapeutics targets, the secondary metabolites of plants have been extensively studied. Acmella oleracea ("jambu") is a native plant from the Amazon region and rich in alkylamides, bioactive compounds responsible for inducing anesthetic and chemesthetic sensations. We previously demonstrated that the intraplantar administration of an hexanic fraction (HF) rich in alkylamides from jambu and the synthetic isobutylalkyl amide (IBA) at 0.1 μg/20 μL can promote antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the local effect of HF and IBA (0.1 μg/20 μL) on neuropathic (partial sciatic nerve ligation, PSNL) and postoperative pain (plantar incision surgery, PIS) models in mice. Seven days after the PSNL, the mechanical (von Frey test) and cold (acetone-evoked evaporative cooling) allodynia, and digital gait parameters were analyzed. The intraplantar HF and IBA treatments attenuated the mechanical and cold allodynia as well as the static (max. Contact and print area) and dynamic (stand duration) parameters of digital gait analyses. On the day after PIS, the mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia (hot plate, 52 ± 0.1°C), and spontaneous nociception scores were evaluated. Topical treatment with HF reduced the mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, and spontaneous nociception scores. In contrast, IBA treatment only partially reduced the mechanical allodynia. In summary, the local treatment with HF was effective on both neuropathic and postoperative pain, as opposed to IBA, which only had an effect on neuropathic pain.

Enhancing Testing Laboratory Engagement in Plant DNA Barcoding through a Routine Workflow—A Case Study on Chinese Materia Medica (CMM)

Introduction of DNA standards into Pharmacopoeia in different parts of the world enables identification of herbal materials in a complementary manner. However, little has been discussed about the quality requirements for a testing laboratory to implement DNA barcoding methods for herbal materials, which has limited the test method to be developed as a routine service. To encourage the engagement of testing laboratory in application of DNA barcode, a practical workflow including the components of analytical run and the corresponding quality control plan was suggested and employed to address a real-life challenge faced by the differentiation of plant-derived Chinese Materia Medica (CMM), Herba Potentillae Chinensis (Wei ling Cai), Herba Potentillae Discoloris (Fan Bai Cai), Radix Pulsatillae (Bai Tou Weng), and Radix Arnebiae (Zi Cao), which share similar morphological characteristics and multiple species involved. The ITS2 barcode results indicated that there are significant differences among the four CMM, together with quality control plan data to ensure the measurement traceability and validity of test results.

Antihypertensive effect of Equisetum arvense L.: a double-blind, randomized efficacy and safety clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Equisetum arvense L. (EA) is a traditional phytomedicine used as a diuretic agent worldwide and regulated strictly by European Medicine Agency (EMA) and Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). However, few studies evaluating its efficacy and safety have been published and no clinical trial assessing its antihypertensive effect has been reported to date.

PURPOSE

To assess antihypertensive effect, safety and tolerability of EA compared to hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).

METHODS

This is a double-blind randomized clinical trial, allocating 58 systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) stage I patients (both sexes, 25-65 years old) into two groups (EA and HCTZ). All patients underwent biochemical and cardiologic checkup prior to and during interventions. The EA standardized dry extract (900 mg/day) or HCTZ (25 mg/day) were administered for 3 months and follow-up visits were conducted every 30 days. Efficacy established goals were systolic blood pressure (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreases ≥ 10.0 mmHg and/or casual blood pressure (CBP) < 140/90 mmHg.

RESULTS

EA treatment demonstrated a significant antihypertensive effect, promoting a mean decrease of SBP and DBP by 12.6 and 8.1 mmHg, respectively, and resulting a CBP mean of 134.0/84.5 mmHg at the end of intervention on the SAH stage I patients (CBP mean of 148.5/95.7 mmHg). There were no significant statistical differences between EA and HCTZ interventions on blood pressure decrease, and before-after treatments regarding to biochemical tests and signs of acute toxicity, renal, hepatic and hematologic alterations. A slight trend but no significant difference were observed between adverse events from EA (3.58%) and HCTZ (4.68%) groups.

CONCLUSION

EA standardized dry extract was successfully applied to the SAH stage I patient treatment, decreasing effectively SBP ad DBP values to the reference normal ranges, and demonstrating a well-tolerability profile similar to HCTZ intervention.

Licania rigida leaf extract: Protective effect on oxidative stress, associated with cytotoxic, mutagenic and preclinical aspects

Brazilian plant biodiversity is a rich alternative source of bioactive compounds since plant-derived extracts and/or their secondary metabolites exhibit potential properties to treat several diseases. In this context, Licania rigida Benth (Chrysobalanaceae Family), a large evergreen tree distributed in Brazilian semi-arid regions, deserves attention for its widespread use in popular medicine, although its biological properties are still poorly studied. The aim of this study was to examine (1) acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity at 2000 mg/kg dose; (2) in vitro cytotoxicity at 0.1; 1; 10; 100 or 1000 µg/ml; (3) in vivo mutagenicity at 5, 10 or 20 mg/ml, and (4) potential antioxidant protective effect of L. rigida aqueous leaf extract of (AELr). No marked apparent toxic and genotoxic effects were observed using in vitro and in vivo assays after in vitro treatment of Chinese hamster ovary cell line (CHO-K1) with AELr or in vivo exposure of Wistar rats and Drosophila melanogaster to different extract concentrations. Concerning the antioxidant effect, the extract exhibited a protective effect by decreasing lipid peroxidation as determined by malondialdehyde levels. No significant changes were observed for glutathione (GSH) levels and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Data demonstrate the beneficial potential of AELr to be employed for therapeutic purposes. However, further studies are required to validate the pharmacological application of this plant extract to develop as a phytotherapeutic formulation.

Combining DNA Barcoding and Chemical fingerprints to authenticate Lavender raw material

OBJECTIVE

This study was initiated and conducted by several laboratories, 3 of the main cosmetic ingredient suppliers and 4 brands of cosmetics in France. Its objective is to show the interest and robustness of coupling chemical and genetic analyses in the identification of plant species. In this study, the Lavandula genus was used.

METHODS

In this study, we used two analytical methods. Chemical analysis from UHPLC (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography) and genetic analysis from barcoding with genetic markers.

RESULTS

Eleven lavender species were selected (botanically authenticated) and analysed. The results show that three chemical compounds (coumaric acid hexoside, ferulic acid hexoside and rosmarinic acid) and three genetic markers (RbcL, trnH-psbA and ITS) are of interest for the differentiation of species of the genus lavandula.

CONCLUSION

The results show that the combination of complementary analytical methods is a relevant system to prove the botanical identification of lavender species. This first study, carried out on a plant of interest for cosmetics, demonstrates the need for authentication using a tool combining genetic and chemical analysis as an advance over traditional investigation methods used alone, in terms of identification and authentication reliability.

Quantification of adulteration in traded ayurvedic raw drugs employing machine learning approaches with DNA barcode database

Adulteration of expensive raw drugs with inferior taxa has become a routine practice, conceding the quality and safety of derived herbal products. In this regard, the study addresses the development of an integrated approach encompassing DNA barcode and HPTLC fingerprinting to authenticate chiefly traded ayurvedic raw drugs in south India [viz. Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd., Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight and Arn., Sida alnifolia L. and Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC.] from its adulterants. Consortium of Barcode of Life (CBOL) recommended DNA barcode gene regions viz. nuclear ribosomal-Internal Transcribed Spacer (nrDNA-ITS), maturase K (matK), ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) and psbA-trnH spacer regions along with HPTLC profiling were experimented and a reference database was created. Further, an integrated analytical approach employing genetic distance-based Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic tree and Artificial Intelligence (AI)based Machine Learning Algorithms (MLA)-Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis (WEKA) and Barcoding with Logic (BLOG) were employed to prove efficacy of DNA barcode tool. Even though, among the four barcodes, psbA-trnH (S. alnifolia and its adulterants, T. arjuna and its adulterants) or ITS region (S. asoca and its adulterants, D. gangeticum and its adulterants) showed highest inter specific divergences in the selected Biological Reference Materials (BRMs), rbcL or matK barcode regions alone were successful for authentication of traded samples. The automated species identification techniques, WEKA and BLOG, experimented for the first time in India for raw drug validation, could achieve rapid and precise identification. A national certification agency for raw drug authentication employing an integrated approach involving a DNA barcoding tool along with standard organoleptic and analytical methods can strengthen and ensure safety and quality of herbal medicines in India.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-03001-5.

Antiproliferative activity of cardenolides on cell line A549: structure-activity relationship analysis

Since the beginning, natural products have represented an important source of bioactive molecules for cancer treatment. Among them, cardenolides attract the attention of different research groups due to their cardiotonic and antitumor activity. The observed biological activity is closely related to their Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition potency. Currently, the discovery of new compounds against cancer is an urgent need in modern pharmaceutical research. Thus, the aim of this work is to determine the physicochemical properties and substituent effects that module the antiproliferative activity of cardenolides on the human lung cancer cell line A549. We build and curate a library with results obtained from literature; molecular descriptors were calculated in PaDEL software, and SAR/QSAR analysis was performed. The SAR results showed that cardenolides were sensitive to modifications in C and D steroidal ring and required substituent groups with the function of hydrogen bond acceptor at the C3 position. QSAR models to doubly linked-type cardenolides indicated that properties as lipoaffinity and atoms with the capacity to be hydrogen bond acceptors are involved in the increment of antiproliferative activity on A549 cell line. In contrast, the presence and position of very electro-negative atoms on the molecule decreased the antiproliferative effect on A549 cells. These results suggest that the antiproliferative capacity of cardenolides on the cell line A549 is strongly related to substituent groups on the C3 position, which must not be carbohydrate. Additionally, the steroidal rings C and D must remain without modifications.

Studies on Activities and Chemical Characterization of Medicinal Plants in Search for New Antimalarials: A Ten Year Review on Ethnopharmacology

Malaria is an endemic disease that affected 229 million people and caused 409 thousand deaths, in 2019. Disease control is based on early diagnosis and specific treatment with antimalarial drugs since no effective vaccines are commercially available to prevent the disease. Drug chemotherapy has a strong historical link to the use of traditional plant infusions and other natural products in various cultures. The research based on such knowledge has yielded two drugs in medicine: the alkaloid quinine from Cinchona species, native in the Amazon highland rain forest in South America, and artemisinin from Artemisia annua, a species from the millenary Chinese medicine. The artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), proven to be highly effective against malaria parasites, and considered as “the last bullet to fight drug-resistant malaria parasites,” have limited use now due to the emergence of multidrug resistance. In addition, the limited number of therapeutic options makes urgent the development of new antimalarial drugs. This review focuses on the antimalarial activities of 90 plant species obtained from a search using Pubmed database with keywords “antimalarials,” “plants” and “natural products.” We selected only papers published in the last 10 years (2011–2020), with a further analysis of those which were tested experimentally in malaria infected mice. Most plant species studied were from the African continent, followed by Asia and South America; their antimalarial activities were evaluated against asexual blood parasites, and only one species was evaluated for transmission blocking activity. Only a few compounds isolated from these plants were active and had their mechanisms of action delineated, thereby limiting the contribution of these medicinal plants as sources of novel antimalarial pharmacophores, which are highly necessary for the development of effective drugs. Nevertheless, the search for bioactive compounds remains as a promising strategy for the development of new antimalarials and the validation of traditional treatments against malaria. One species native in South America, Ampelozyzyphus amazonicus, and is largely used against human malaria in Brazil has a prophylactic effect, interfering with the viability of sporozoites in in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Phytochemical Analysis and Investigation of the Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Croton dichogamus Pax Crude Root Extracts

Background

Increasing antimicrobial resistance has led to an arduous search for new potent drugs from nature. In this search, plants have proved to be rich reservoirs of efficacious medicinal components that manage ailments. The current study is designed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and the cytotoxicity of the crude root extracts of Croton dichogamus, a shrub that is commonly used in the eastern Africa for the management of infectious diseases.

Methods

The roots of Croton dichogamus were obtained, dried, ground, and extracted using three solvents (acetone, distilled water, and 50% ethanol). The antimicrobial activity was tested using agar well diffusion and microbroth dilution techniques against five human pathogens. The brine shrimp lethality assay was used to assess the toxic effect.

Results

The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, polyuronides, saponins, and anthracenes. The brine shrimp lethality assay indicated that all the extracts were highly cytotoxic with LC₅₀ values below 100 μg/ml. Acetonic extract had an LC₅₀ value of 4.148 μg/ml, hydroethanolic extract had 76.09 μg/ml, and aqueous extract had 42.61 μg/ml. All extracts showed the antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (B. cereus and S. aureus) and a fungal organism, C. albicans. The extracts showed no antibacterial effect on the Gram-negative bacterial strains (P. aeruginosa and E. coli) at a concentration of 250 mg/ml. The highest antimicrobial activity was demonstrated by the acetonic extract on B. cereus which had an MIC of 10.42 mg/ml and a zone of inhibition of 17.33 ± 0.58 at a concentration of 250 mg/ml.

Conclusion

In this research work, we report that C. dichogamus had the antimicrobial activity confirming the folklore claim. The results made a strong case for isolation of novel anticancer lead compounds.

Multielement Determination in Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines Containing Cynara scolymus L., Harpagophytum procumbens D.C., and Maytenus ilifolia (Mart.) ex Reiss from Brazil Using ICP OES

Worldwide, medicinal plants and herbal medicines are widely consumed. The aim of this study was to determine macro- (Ca, K, Mg, Na, and P) and microelements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, V, and Zn) in medicinal plants and herbal medicines: "globe artichoke" - Cynara scolymus L., "devil's claw" - Harpagophytum procumbens D.C., and "espinheira santa" - Maytenus ilifolia (Mart) ex Reiss. Concentrations of 24 (essential and toxic potentially) elements in samples from Brazil were determined using a sequential optical emission spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) after acid digestion, assisted by microwave radiation. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to carry out an exploratory analysis of samples. The elements were quantified (in μg/g): Al (20.24-1261.64), Ba (18.90-63.18), Ca (2877.6-19,957.40), Cr (0.28-1.38), Cu (4.16-21.99), Fe (8.54-627.49), K (1786.12-32,297.19), Mg (505.82-6174.52), Mn (0.40-205.64), Na (1717.23-18,596.45), Ni (< LoQ-0.99), P (35.12-2899.91), Se (1.52-3.71), Sn (1.53-12.43), Sr (52.33-84.31), V (< LoQ-0.24), and Zn (2.60-30.56). As, Cd, Co, Mo, Pb, and Sb, in all the investigated samples, were found to be below the limit of detection (LoD) and quantification (LoQ) values of ICP OES. These medicinal plants and herbal medicines can be sources of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn. All samples showed considerable levels of Al. PCA and HCA showed that the samples separated into two large groups.

Statistical Approach and Neutron Activation Analysis for Determining Essential and Toxic Elements in Two Kinds of Algerian Artemisia Plant

In this study, two kinds of Artemisia plant, Artemisia campestris L. and Artemisia herba-alba Asso., collected from different locations in Djelfa province, Algeria, were subjected to an instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in order to determine their essential and toxic elements for the first time. The obtained results for both types revealed the existence of twenty-one elements, namely, As, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, K, La, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sr, Yb, and Zn, where, the elements K, Ca, Fe, and Na respectively showed a significant concentration. On the other hand, the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of the studied plants for an adult person per day was within the tolerance limits imposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Hence, these findings might therefore be used to offer scientific basis for an optimum usage of the studied plants and so enriches the database of medicinal herbs.

Integrated Approach for Species Identification and Quality Analysis for Labisia pumila Using DNA Barcoding and HPLC

Labisia pumila is a precious herb in Southeast Asia that is traditionally used as a health supplement and has been extensively commercialized due to its claimed therapeutic properties in boosting a healthy female reproductive system. Indigenous people used these plants by boiling the leaves; however, in recent years it has been marketed as powdered or capsuled products. Accordingly, accuracy in determination of the authenticity of these modern herbal products has faced great challenges. Lack of authenticity is a public health risk because incorrectly used herbal species can cause adverse effects. Hence, any measures that may aid product authentication would be beneficial. Given the widespread use of Labisia herbal products, the current study focuses on authenticity testing via an integral approach of DNA barcoding and qualitative analysis using HPLC. This study successfully generated DNA reference barcodes (ITS2 and rbcL) for L. pumila var. alata and pumila. The DNA barcode that was generated was then used to identify species of Labisia pumila in herbal medicinal products, while HPLC was utilized to determine their quality. The findings through the synergistic approach (DNA barcode and HPLC) implemented in this study indicate the importance of both methods in providing the strong evidence required for the identification of true species and to examine the authenticity of such herbal medicinal products.

The efficacy of machine learning algorithm for raw drug authentication in Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr. employing a DNA barcode database

Medicinal plants are a valuable resource for traditional as well as modern medicine. Consequently huge demand has exerted a heavy strain on the existing natural resources. Due to over exploitation and unscientific collection most of the commercially traded ayurvedic plants are in the phase of depletion. Adulteration of expensive raw drugs with inferior taxa has become a common practice to meet the annual demand of the ayurvedic industry. Although there are several recommended methods for proper identification varying from the traditional taxonomic to organoleptic and physiochemical, it is difficult to authenticate ayurvedic raw drugs available in extremely dried, powdered or shredded forms. In this regard, the study addresses proper authentication and illicit trade in Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr. using CBOL recommended standard barcode regions viz. nuclear ribosomal-Internally Transcribed Spacer (nrDNA- ITS), maturase K (matK), ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL), and psbA-trnH spacer regions. Further, an integrated analytical approach employing Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic tree and Machine Learning Approach, Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis was employed to prove efficacy of the method. The automated species identification technique, Artificial Intelligence uses the ability of computers to build models that can receive the input data and then conduct statistical analyses which significantly reduces the human labour. Concurrently, scientific management, restoration, cultivation and conservation measures should be given utmost priority to reduce the depletion of wild resources as well as to meet the rapidly increasing demand of the herbal industries.

Antiviral Activity of Jamaican Medicinal Plants and Isolated Bioactive Compounds

Plants have had historical significance in medicine since the beginning of civilization. The oldest medical pharmacopeias of the African, Arabian, and Asian countries solely utilize plants and herbs to treat pain, oral diseases, skin diseases, microbial infections, multiple types of cancers, reproductive disorders among a myriad of other ailments. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 65% of the world population solely utilize botanical preparations as medicine. Due to the abundance of plants, plant-derived medicines are more readily accessible, affordable, convenient, and have safer side-effect profiles than synthetic drugs. Plant-based decoctions have been a significant part of Jamaican traditional folklore medicine. Jamaica is of particular interest because it has approximately 52% of the established medicinal plants that exist on earth. This makes the island particularly welcoming for rigorous scientific research on the medicinal value of plants and the development of phytomedicine thereof. Viral infections caused by the human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2), hepatitis virus B and C, influenza A virus, and the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) present a significant global burden. This is a review of some important Jamaican medicinal plants, with particular reference to their antiviral activity.

Progress in the use of DNA barcodes in the identification and classification of medicinal plants

DNA barcoding is an emerging molecular identification and classification technology that has been applied to medicinal plants since 2008. The application of this technique has greatly ensured the safety and effectiveness of medicinal materials. In this paper, we review the application of DNA barcoding and some related technologies over the past 10 years with respect to improving our knowledge of medicinal plant identification and authentication. From single locus-based DNA barcodes to combined markers to genome-scale levels, DNA barcodes contribute more and more genetic information. At the same time, other technologies, such as high-resolution melting (HRM), have been combined with DNA barcoding. With the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS), metabarcoding technology has also been shown to identify species in mixed samples successfully. As a widely used and effective tool, DNA barcoding will become more useful over time in the field of medicinal plants.

A Review of Authenticity and Authentication of Commercial Ginseng Herbal Medicines and Food Supplements

Ginseng traditional medicines and food supplements are the globally top selling herbal products. Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius and Panax notoginseng are the main commercial ginseng species in herbal medicine. Prices of ginseng products vary widely based on the species, quality, and purity of the used ginseng, and this provides a strong driver for intentional adulteration. Our systematic literature search has reviewed the authenticity results of 507 ginseng-containing commercial herbal products sold in 12 countries scattered across six continents. The analysis of the botanical and chemical identity of all these products shows that 76% are authentic while 24% were reported as adulterated. The number of commercial products as well as the percentage of adulteration varies significantly between continents, being highest in South America (100%) and Australia (75%), and lower in Europe (35%), North America (23%), Asia (21%) and Africa (0%). At a national level, from the five countries for which more than 10 products have been successfully authenticated, the highest percentage of adulterated ginseng products were purchased from Taiwan (49%), followed by Italy (37%), China (21%), and USA (12%), while all products bought in South Korea were reported to be authentic. In most cases, labeled Panax species were substituted with other Panax species, but substitution of ginseng root, the medicinally recommended plant part, with leaves, stems or flowers was also reported. Efficient and practical authentication using biomarkers to distinguish the main ginseng varieties and secondary metabolite spectra for age determination are essential to combat adulteration in the global marketplace.

Biosynthesis of fluorescent silver nanoparticles from Leea coccinea leaves and their antibacterial potentialities against Xanthomonas phaseoli pv phaseoli

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNP) from plants is a simple, fast and environmentally safe route. In the present study, the aqueous extract of fresh leaves from Leea coccinea L. was evaluated as a possible source of reducing and stabilizing agents to obtain SNP. The synthesized SNP were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as UV-visible spectrophotometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron and confocal microscopies and the antimicrobial activity against Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. phaseoli was evaluated using agar diffusion methods. The results showed that the evaluated extract was promising for the green synthesis of the SNP, which was visually identified by the formation of a dark-brown complex and the presence of a peak of maximum absorption at 470 nm in a UV-VIS spectrum. FTIR spectrum of SNP showed main characteristic signals of aromatic compounds, carboxylic group among others confirmed by phytochemical screening that made evident the presence of flavonoids, phenols, leucoanthocyanidins, terpenes and steroids groups. Fluorescent SNP with high degree of agglomeration were observed by the microscopical technics used. A promising antibacterial activity of SNP was shown by a zone of microbial growth inhibition. These results suggested the need for going deeper in the physico-chemical characterization and kinetic studies, as well as the biological evaluations to make possible the use of this plant source in the future development of antibacterial formulations for bean seed protection.

A Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Action, Ethanobotanical Uses and Nutritional Potential of Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn

Nature is an amazing source for food, shelter, clothing and medicine. An impressive number of modern drugs are isolated from many sources like plants, animals and microbes. The development of natural products from traditional medicines is of great importance to society. Modern concepts and methodologies with abundant clinical studies, unique diversity of chemical structures and biological activities aid the modern drug discovery process. Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn., a traditional medicinal plant of the Cucurbitaceae family, is found in India, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia and Western Malaysia. Almost all parts of the plant are used in traditional systems of medicines and reported having medicinal properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In the last few years, extensive research work had been carried out using extracts and isolated phytoconstituents from Kedrostis foetidissima to confirm its pharmacology and biological activities. Many scientific reports show that crude extracts and extensive numbers of phytochemical constituents isolated from Kedrostis foetidissima have activities like antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory and various other important medicinal properties. The therapeutic properties of the plants are mainly attributed to the existence of phytoconstituents like phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and steroids. This comprehensive review in various aspects gave a brief overview of phytoconstituents, nutritional values and medicinal property of the plant and might attract the researchers to explore its medicinal activity by discovering novel biologically active compounds that can serve as a lead compound in pharmaceutical and food industry.

Kinetic Behaviour of Pancreatic Lipase Inhibition by Ultrasonicated A. malaccensis and A. subintegra Leaves of Different Particle Sizes

Gallic acid and quercetin equivalent were determined in the crude extract of matured leaves Aquilaria malaccensis and Aquilaria subintegra. The leaves of both Aquilaria species were dried at 60 °C for 24 hours, ground and sieved into particle size of 250, 300, 400, 500, and 1000 µm. Then, each particle size of leaves was soaked in distilled water with a ratio of 1:100 (w/v) for 24 hours and undergoes the pre-treatment method by using ultrasonicator (37 kHz), at the temperature of 60 °C for 30 minutes. The crude extracts were obtained after about 4 hours of hydrodistillation process. The highest concentration of gallic acid and quercetin equivalent was determined in the crude extract from the particle size of 250 µm. The kinetics of pancreatic lipase inhibition was further studied based using the Lineweaver-Burk plot, wherein the concentration of p-NPP as the substrate and pancreatic lipase were varied. Based on the formation of the lines in the plot, the crude leaves extract of both Aquilaria species exhibit the mixed-inhibition on pancreatic lipase, which indicates that in the reaction, the inhibitors were not only attached to the free pancreatic lipase, but also to the pancreatic lipase-(p-NPP) complex. The reaction mechanism was similar to non-competitive inhibition; however the value of dissociation constant, Ki, for both inhibition pathways was different. The inhibition shows an increment in Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) and a reduction in the maximum pancreatic lipase activity (Vm) compared to the reaction without Aquilaria spp. crude extracts (control). This proved that the inhibition occurred in this reaction. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).  

Quercetin as a Natural Therapeutic Candidate for the Treatment of Influenza Virus

The medical burden caused by respiratory manifestations of influenza virus (IV) outbreak as an infectious respiratory disease is so great that governments in both developed and developing countries have allocated significant national budget toward the development of strategies for prevention, control, and treatment of this infection, which is seemingly common and treatable, but can be deadly. Frequent mutations in its genome structure often result in resistance to standard medications. Thus, new generations of treatments are critical to combat this ever-evolving infection. Plant materials and active compounds have been tested for many years, including, more recently, active compounds like flavonoids. Quercetin is a compound belonging to the flavonols class and has shown therapeutic effects against influenza virus. The focus of this review includes viral pathogenesis as well as the application of quercetin and its derivatives as a complementary therapy in controlling influenza and its related symptoms based on the targets. We also touch on the potential of this class of compounds for treatment of SARS-COV-2, the cause of new pandemic.

DNA-Based Authentication and Metabolomics Analysis of Medicinal Plants Samples by DNA Barcoding and Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS)

There is growing interest for medicinal plants in the world drug market. Particularly, Matricaria recutita L., Valeriana officinalis L., Tilia spp., and Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze are some of the most consumed medicinal plants for treatment of minor health problems. Medicinal plants are seen as natural and safe; however, they can cause interactions and produce adverse reactions. Moreover, there is lack of consensus in medicinal plants regulation worldwide. DNA barcoding and UHPLC-MS technique are increasingly used to correctly identify medicinal plants and guarantee their quality and therapeutic safety. We analyzed 33 samples of valerian, linden, tea, and chamomile acquired in pharmacies, supermarkets, and herbal shops by DNA barcoding and UHPLC-MS. DNA barcoding, using matk as a barcode marker, revealed that CH1 sold as Camellia sinensis was Blepharocalyx tweediei, and sample TS2 sold as linden belong to Malvales. On the other hand, UHPLC-MS analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds (apigenin-7-glucoside, acetoxy valerenic acid, valerenic acid, epigallocatechin, and tiliroside). However, none of samples met minimum content of these active principles (except for valerenic acid in VF3) according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Real Spanish Pharmacopeia. In conclusion, this study revealed the need to incorporate DNA barcoding and HPLC-MS techniques in quality controls of medicinal plants.

Pitfalls and promises of raw drug identification techniques in the ayurvedic industry: an overview

India, with a rich heritage of floral diversity, is well-known for its medicinal plant wealth and is the largest producer of medicinal herbs in the world. Ethnobiological Survey of Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) could identify 8000 plant species utilized in various systems of medicine with approximately 25,000 effective herbal formulations. The extensive consumption to meet demand-supply ratio exerts a heavy strain on the existing resources. This subsequently led to the adulteration and substitution of medicinal plants with look-alike species. The consumer's faith on herbal medicine is in the phase of decline due to the extremities in adulteration/substitution and ensuing consequences. It is imperative to bring forth universally acceptable standard tools to authenticate raw drugs before being processed further into formulations. A vast array of techniques such as physical, chemical (analytical), biochemical, anatomical, organoleptic, and recently emerged DNA based molecular methods are widely used for plant species authentication. In recent years, DNA barcoding has made remarkable progress in the field of medicinal plants research. DNA metabarcoding is the latest development for qualitative evaluation of the herbal formulations, whereas for quantitative analysis, combination of pharmacognostic, pharmacovigilance and analytical methods are inevitable for authentication. This review addresses the overall strengths and shortcomings of the existing as well as recently emerged techniques in authenticating ayurvedic raw drugs.

Chemotaxonomic Monitoring of Genetically Authenticated Amomi Fructus Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detector with Chemometric Analysis

Amomi Fructus is widely used to treat digestive disorders, and Amomum villosum, A. villosum var. xanthioides, and A. longiligulare are permitted medicinally in national pharmacopeias. However, there are a variety of adulterants present in herbal markets owing to their morphological similarities to the genuine Amomum species. Forty-two Amomi Fructus samples from various origins were identified using internal transcribed spacer and chloroplast barcoding analyses, and then their chromatographic profiles were compared using chemometric analysis for chemotaxonomic monitoring. Among the Amomi Fructus samples, A. villosum, A. longiligulare, A. ghaticum, and A. microcarpum were confirmed as single Amomum species, whereas a mixture of either these Amomum species or with another Amomum species was observed in 15 samples. Chemotaxonomic monitoring results demonstrated that two medicinal Amomum samples, A. villosum and A. longiligulare, were not clearly distinguished from each other, but were apparently separated from other non-medicinal Amomum adulterants. A. ghaticum and A. microcarpum samples were also chemically different from other samples and formed their own species groups. Amomum species mixtures showed diverse variations of chemical correlations according to constituent Amomum species. Genetic authentication-based chemotaxonomic monitoring methods are helpful in classifying Amomi Fructus samples by their original species and to distinguish genuine Amomum species from the adulterants.