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Bariotakis M, Georgescu L, Laina D, Koufaki M, Souma M, Douklias S, Giannakakis KA, Chouli KN, Paoli L, Loppi S, Karousou R, Smykal P, Castanas E, Pirintsos SA. Climate Change Dependence in Ex Situ Conservation of Wild Medicinal Plants in Crete, Greece. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1327. [PMID: 37887037 PMCID: PMC10604457 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Over 80% of the global population addresses their primary healthcare needs using traditional medicine based on medicinal plants. Consequently, there's a rising demand for these plants for both household and industrial use at local, regional, national, and international levels. However, wild harvesting has negatively impacted natural ecosystems. Cultivating medicinal species has been proposed as a conservation strategy to alleviate this pressure. Yet, in this age of global climate change concerns, smallholder farmers' views on the benefits of such cultivation clash with the uncertainties of climate change impacts, amplifying their anxieties. In this context, the climate change dependence of ex situ cultivation of ten wild medicinal taxa with significant ethnopharmacological interest in Crete, Greece, were studied, projecting their potential habitat suitability under various future climate scenarios. The results demonstrated species-specific effects. Based on the potential cultivation area gains and losses, these effects can be categorized into three groups. We also outlined the spatial patterns of these gains and losses, offering valuable insights for regional management strategies benefiting individual practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bariotakis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
| | - Luciana Georgescu
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
| | - Danae Laina
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
| | - Margianna Koufaki
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
| | - Maria Souma
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
| | - Sotirios Douklias
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
| | - Konstantinos A. Giannakakis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
| | - Kyriaki N. Chouli
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
| | - Luca Paoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Reggina Karousou
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Petr Smykal
- Department of Botany, Palacký University Olomouc, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic;
| | - Elias Castanas
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Stergios A. Pirintsos
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 714 09 Heraklion, Greece; (M.B.); (L.G.); (D.L.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (S.D.); (K.A.G.); (K.N.C.)
- Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, 741 00 Rethymnon, Greece
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Ververis A, Kyriakou S, Ioannou K, Chatzopoulou PS, Panayiotidis MI, Plioukas M, Christodoulou K. Chemical Profiling and Antioxidant and Anti-Amyloid Capacities of Salvia fruticosa Extracts from Greece. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3191. [PMID: 37765357 PMCID: PMC10535607 DOI: 10.3390/plants12183191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
An increasingly common ailment in elderly persons is Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative illness. Present treatment is restricted to alleviating symptoms; hence, there is a requirement to develop an effective approach to AD treatment. Salvia fruticosa (SF) is a medicinal plant with a documented neuroprotective potential. To identify extracts of increased neuroprotectivity, we partitioned the methanolic extract of SF aerial parts from Greece into several fractions, by employing solvents of different polarities. The fractions were chemically identified and evaluated for their antioxidancy and anti-neurotoxic potential against amyloid beta peptides 25-35 (Aβ25-35). Carnosol and carnosic acid were among the prominent compounds, while all partitions showed significant antioxidant capacity, with the diethyl ether and ethyl acetate partitions being the most potent. These, along with the aqueous and the butanolic fractions, demonstrated statistically significant anti-neurotoxic potential. Thus, our findings further validate the neuroprotective potential of SF and support its ethnopharmacological usage as an antioxidant. The particular properties found define SF as a promising source for obtaining extracts or bioactive compounds, possibly beneficial for generating AD-related functional foods or medications. Finally, our results encourage plant extract partitioning for acquiring fractions of enhanced biological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Ververis
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (A.V.); (K.I.)
| | - Sotiris Kyriakou
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics and Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (S.K.); (M.I.P.)
| | - Kristia Ioannou
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (A.V.); (K.I.)
| | - Paschalina S. Chatzopoulou
- Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA, Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Mihalis I. Panayiotidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics and Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (S.K.); (M.I.P.)
| | - Michael Plioukas
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus;
| | - Kyproula Christodoulou
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (A.V.); (K.I.)
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Alves-Silva JM, Pedreiro S, Cruz MT, Salgueiro L, Figueirinha A. Exploring the Traditional Uses of Thymbra capitata Infusion in Algarve (Portugal): Anti-Inflammatory, Wound Healing, and Anti-Aging. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1202. [PMID: 37765010 PMCID: PMC10538188 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the resolution of infection or tissue damage. In addition, inflammation is considered a hallmark of aging, which in turn compromises wound healing. Thymbra capitata is an aromatic plant, whose infusion is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent. In this study, a T. capitata infusion was prepared and characterized by HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSn and its safety profile determined by the resazurin metabolic assay. The anti-inflammatory potential was revealed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages by assessing nitric oxide (NO) release and levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the interleukin-1β pro-form (pro-IL-1β). Wound-healing capacity was determined using the scratch assay. The activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase was used to unveil the anti-senescent potential, along with the nuclear accumulation of yH2AX and p21 levels. The antiradical potential was assessed by DPPH and ABTS scavenging assays. The infusion contains predominantly rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acids. The extract decreased NO, iNOS, and pro-IL-1β levels. Interestingly, the extract promoted wound healing and decreased β-galactosidase activity, as well as yH2AX and p21 levels. The present work highlights strong antiradical, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing capacities, corroborating the traditional uses ascribed to this plant. We have described, for the first time for this extract, anti-senescent properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Miguel Alves-Silva
- Univ Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.P.); (M.T.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Sónia Pedreiro
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.P.); (M.T.C.); (A.F.)
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV) of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE), University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Cruz
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.P.); (M.T.C.); (A.F.)
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lígia Salgueiro
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.P.); (M.T.C.); (A.F.)
- Univ Coimbra, Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Artur Figueirinha
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.P.); (M.T.C.); (A.F.)
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV) of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE), University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
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Lionis C, Petelos E, Linardakis M, Diamantakis A, Symvoulakis E, Karkana MN, Kampa M, Pirintsos SA, Sourvinos G, Castanas E. A Mixture of Essential Oils from Three Cretan Aromatic Plants Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Proliferation: A Proof-of-Concept Intervention Study in Ambulatory Patients. Diseases 2023; 11:105. [PMID: 37606476 PMCID: PMC10443288 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11030105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The need for effective therapeutic regimens for non-critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic remained largely unmet. Previous work has shown that a combination of three aromatic plants' essential oils (CAPeo) (Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav., Origanum dictamnus L., Salvia fruticose Mill.) has remarkable in vitro antiviral activity. Given its properties, it was urgent to explore its potential in treating mild COVID-19 patients in primary care settings. METHODS A total of 69 adult patients were included in a clinical proof-of-concept (PoC) intervention study. Family physicians implemented the observational study in two arms (intervention group and control group) during three study periods (IG2020, n=13, IG2021/22, n=25, and CG2021/22, n=31). The SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by real-time PCR. The CAPeo mixture was administered daily for 14 days per os in the intervention group, while the control group received usual care. RESULTS The PoC study found that the number and frequency of general symptoms, including general fatigue, weakness, fever, and myalgia, decreased following CAPeo administration. By Day 7, the average presence (number) of symptoms decreased in comparison with Day 1 in IG (4.7 to 1.4) as well as in CG (4.0 to 3.1), representing a significant decrease in the cumulative presence in IC (-3.3 vs. -0.9, p < 0.001; η2 = 0.20) on Day 7 and on Day 14 (-4.2 vs. -2.9, p = 0.027; η2 = 0.08). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that CAPeo possesses potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in addition tο its effect against influenza A and B and human rhinovirus HRV14 strains. The early and effective impact on alleviating key symptoms of COVID-19 may suggest this mixture can act as a complementary natural agent for patients with mild COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (E.S.); (M.-N.K.)
- Department of Health, Medicine and Care, General Practice, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Elena Petelos
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (E.S.); (M.-N.K.)
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI-Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Manolis Linardakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (E.S.); (M.-N.K.)
| | - Athanasios Diamantakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (E.S.); (M.-N.K.)
| | - Emmanouil Symvoulakis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (E.S.); (M.-N.K.)
| | - Maria-Nefeli Karkana
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (E.S.); (M.-N.K.)
| | - Marilena Kampa
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (M.K.); (E.C.)
| | - Stergios A. Pirintsos
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
- Botanical Garden, University of Crete, 71003 Rethymnon, Greece
| | - George Sourvinos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Elias Castanas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (M.K.); (E.C.)
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Alves-Silva JM, Pedreiro S, Cavaleiro C, Cruz MT, Figueirinha A, Salgueiro L. Effect of Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav. on Inflammation, Senescence and Cell Migration. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15081930. [PMID: 37111149 PMCID: PMC10146686 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aromatic plants are reported to display pharmacological properties, including anti-aging. This work aims to disclose the anti-aging effect of the essential oil (EO) of Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav., an aromatic and medicinal plant widely used as a spice, as well as of the hydrodistillation residual water (HRW), a discarded by-product of EO hydrodistillation. The phytochemical characterization of EO and HRW was assessed by GC-MS and HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSn, respectively. The DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays were used to disclose the antioxidant properties. The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages by assessing NO production, iNOS, and pro-IL-1β protein levels. Cell migration was evaluated using the scratch wound assay, and the etoposide-induced senescence was used to assess the modulation of senescence. The EO is mainly characterized by carvacrol, while the HRW is predominantly characterized by rosmarinic acid. The HRW exerts a stronger antioxidant effect in the DPPH and FRAP assays, whereas the EO was the most active sample in the ABTS assay. Both extracts reduce NO, iNOS, and pro-IL-1β. The EO has no effect on cell migration and presents anti-senescence effects. In opposition, HRW reduces cell migration and induces cellular senescence. Overall, our study highlights interesting pharmacological properties for both extracts, EO being of interest as an anti-aging ingredient and HRW relevant in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge M Alves-Silva
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sónia Pedreiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV) of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE), University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos Cavaleiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Cruz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Artur Figueirinha
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV) of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE), University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lígia Salgueiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV) of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE), University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
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Martini AN, Papafotiou M, Massas I, Chorianopoulou N. Growing of the Cretan Therapeutic Herb Origanum Dictamnus in The Urban Fabric: The Effect of Substrate and Cultivation Site on Plant Growth and Potential Toxic Element Accumulation. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:336. [PMID: 36679049 PMCID: PMC9867495 DOI: 10.3390/plants12020336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Origanum dictamnus L. (Lamiaceae) is a perennial herb endemic to the Greek island of Crete, widely used for tea preparation, medicinal purposes, and food flavoring, as well as an ornamental plant. The aim of this work was to introduce the species to the green roof sector while serving urban agriculture. Thus, its growth potential was investigated, along with the content of nutrients (N, P, K, Na) and the accumulation of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Ni, Mn, Zn, Fe) in its tissues, in two cultivation sites in Athens, Greece, i.e., an extensive green roof and at ground level next to a moderate traffic road. Cultivation took place in plastic containers with a green roof infrastructure fitted, in two substrate types (grape marc compost, perlite, and pumice 3:3:4 v/v, and grape marc compost, perlite, pumice, and soil 3:3:2:2 v/v), with 10 cm depth. Plant growth was favored by the soil substrate, but it was also satisfactory in the soilless one. Cultivation site affected heavy metal accumulation, resulting in higher concentrations both in leaves and in flowers at street level, while no differences were observed in roots. Washing the tissues reduced heavy metal concentrations only in leaves produced at the street level. Substrate type significantly affected Mn concentration in all plant tissues and Fe in roots, with the highest values measured in the soil substrate. Thus, O. dictamnus could be effectively cultivated in sustainable green roofs, better on a soilless substrate to lower construction weight. Careful selection of the cultivation site could minimize contamination with environmental pollutants if human consumption is also desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini N. Martini
- Laboratory of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Department of Crop Science, School of Plant Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 118 55 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Papafotiou
- Laboratory of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Department of Crop Science, School of Plant Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 118 55 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Massas
- Laboratory of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Department of Natural Resources and Agricultural Engineering, School of Plant Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 118 55 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikoleta Chorianopoulou
- Laboratory of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Department of Crop Science, School of Plant Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 118 55 Athens, Greece
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Pirintsos S, Panagiotopoulos A, Bariotakis M, Daskalakis V, Lionis C, Sourvinos G, Karakasiliotis I, Kampa M, Castanas E. From Traditional Ethnopharmacology to Modern Natural Drug Discovery: A Methodology Discussion and Specific Examples. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134060. [PMID: 35807306 PMCID: PMC9268545 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethnopharmacology, through the description of the beneficial effects of plants, has provided an early framework for the therapeutic use of natural compounds. Natural products, either in their native form or after crude extraction of their active ingredients, have long been used by different populations and explored as invaluable sources for drug design. The transition from traditional ethnopharmacology to drug discovery has followed a straightforward path, assisted by the evolution of isolation and characterization methods, the increase in computational power, and the development of specific chemoinformatic methods. The deriving extensive exploitation of the natural product chemical space has led to the discovery of novel compounds with pharmaceutical properties, although this was not followed by an analogous increase in novel drugs. In this work, we discuss the evolution of ideas and methods, from traditional ethnopharmacology to in silico drug discovery, applied to natural products. We point out that, in the past, the starting point was the plant itself, identified by sustained ethnopharmacological research, with the active compound deriving after extensive analysis and testing. In contrast, in recent years, the active substance has been pinpointed by computational methods (in silico docking and molecular dynamics, network pharmacology), followed by the identification of the plant(s) containing the active ingredient, identified by existing or putative ethnopharmacological information. We further stress the potential pitfalls of recent in silico methods and discuss the absolute need for in vitro and in vivo validation as an absolute requirement. Finally, we present our contribution to natural products’ drug discovery by discussing specific examples, applying the whole continuum of this rapidly evolving field. In detail, we report the isolation of novel antiviral compounds, based on natural products active against influenza and SARS-CoV-2 and novel substances active on a specific GPCR, OXER1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stergios Pirintsos
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece;
- Botanical Garden, University of Crete, 74100 Rethymnon, Greece
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (G.S.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Athanasios Panagiotopoulos
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Michalis Bariotakis
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Vangelis Daskalakis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3603, Cyprus;
| | - Christos Lionis
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (G.S.); (M.K.)
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Sourvinos
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (G.S.); (M.K.)
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioannis Karakasiliotis
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Marilena Kampa
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (G.S.); (M.K.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Elias Castanas
- Nature Crete Pharmaceuticals, 71305 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (G.S.); (M.K.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece;
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (E.C.)
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Lauteri C, Maggio F, Serio A, Festino AR, Paparella A, Vergara A. Overcoming Multidrug Resistance in Salmonella spp. Isolates Obtained From the Swine Food Chain by Using Essential Oils: An in vitro Study. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:808286. [PMID: 35222307 PMCID: PMC8863735 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.808286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global concern, and new approaches are needed to circumvent animal and food-borne resistant pathogens. Among the new strategies, the combination of antibiotics with natural compounds such as essential oils (EOs) could be an alternative to challenge bacterial resistance. The present study evaluates the phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance of 36 Salmonella enterica (16 S. Typhimurium, 3 monophasic variant S. Typhimurium, 8 S. Enteritidis, 6 S. Rissen, 1 S. Typhi, and 2 S. Derby) strains, isolated from the swine production chain. The isolates displayed phenotypic resistance to gentamicin, amikacin, tobramycin, and tetracycline, while the resistance genes most commonly detected were parC, catA, nfsB, nfsA, blaTEM, tetA, and tetB. Then 31/36 Salmonella isolates were chosen to evaluate resistance to tetracycline and Thymus vulgaris, Eugenia caryophyllata, and Corydothymus capitatus EOs by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Finally, the synergistic effect between tetracycline and each EOs was evaluated by the checkerboard method, calculating the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index. Among the EOs, C. capitatus displayed the best bioactivity in terms of MICs, with the lowest values (0.31 and 0.625 μl/ml). On the contrary, the strains showed the ability to grow in the presence of the maximum concentration of tetracycline employed (256 μg/ml). While not displaying a real synergism according to the FIC index, the combination of tetracycline compounds and the three EOs resulted in a significant reduction in the MIC values to tetracycline (4 μg/ml), suggesting a restoration of the susceptibility to the antibiotic in Salmonella spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Lauteri
- Section of Food Inspection, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Specialization in Inspection of Foods of Animal Origin, "G. Tiecco" University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesca Maggio
- Section of Food Microbiology, Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Annalisa Serio
- Section of Food Microbiology, Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Festino
- Section of Food Inspection, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Specialization in Inspection of Foods of Animal Origin, "G. Tiecco" University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Antonello Paparella
- Section of Food Microbiology, Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alberto Vergara
- Section of Food Inspection, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Specialization in Inspection of Foods of Animal Origin, "G. Tiecco" University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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Wijesundara NM, Lee SF, Davidson R, Cheng Z, Rupasinghe HPV. Carvacrol Suppresses Inflammatory Biomarkers Production by Lipoteichoic Acid- and Peptidoglycan-Stimulated Human Tonsil Epithelial Cells. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030503. [PMID: 35276864 PMCID: PMC8840435 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynx caused by viral, bacterial, or non-infectious factors. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of carvacrol was assessed using an in vitro model of streptococcal pharyngitis using human tonsil epithelial cells (HTonEpiCs) induced with Streptococcus pyogenes cell wall antigens. HTonEpiCs were stimulated by a mixture of lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and peptidoglycan (PGN) for 4 h followed by exposure to carvacrol for 20 h. Following exposure, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, human beta defensin-2 (HBD-2), epithelial-derived neutrophil-activating protein-78 (ENA-78), granulocyte chemotactic protein-2 (GCP-2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and prostaglandin (PGE2) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, IL-8, ENA-78, and GCP-2 were decreased in a carvacrol dose-dependent manner. The production of HBD-2 was significantly suppressed over 24 h carvacrol treatments. PGE2 and COX-2 levels in the cell suspensions were affected by carvacrol treatment. TNF-α was not detected. The cell viability of all the tested carvacrol concentrations was greater than 80%, with no morphological changes. The results suggest that carvacrol has anti-inflammatory properties, and carvacrol needs to be further assessed for potential clinical or healthcare applications to manage the pain associated with streptococcal pharyngitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niluni M. Wijesundara
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada;
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS B2N 5E3, Canada
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Song F. Lee
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 6R8, Canada; (S.F.L.); (R.D.); (Z.C.)
- Department of Applied Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia Health Authority, and the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Ross Davidson
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 6R8, Canada; (S.F.L.); (R.D.); (Z.C.)
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 1V8, Canada
| | - Zhenyu Cheng
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 6R8, Canada; (S.F.L.); (R.D.); (Z.C.)
| | - H. P. Vasantha Rupasinghe
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS B2N 5E3, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-902-893-6623
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10
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Salvia Species as Nutraceuticals: Focus on Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Anti-Obesity Properties. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11209365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Salvia plants belong to the Lamiaceae family and are recognized as being strongly aromatic, being widely used for different purposes in culinary or traditional medicine. These plants are well recognized as being rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids and terpenic compounds, which exhibit health-beneficial activities, protecting against oxidative and inflammatory-related diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Because of these properties, phytochemicals from Salvia species have been investigated as health promoting agents, for application in distinct fields. However, the growing demand for natural products with possible uses and applications in industry requires scientific validation studies. This review consists of a compilation of relevant studies with an emphasis on the antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-obesity properties of phenolic-rich extracts from Salvia plants.
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Panagiotopoulos A, Tseliou M, Karakasiliotis I, Kotzampasi D, Daskalakis V, Kesesidis N, Notas G, Lionis C, Kampa M, Pirintsos S, Sourvinos G, Castanas E. p-cymene impairs SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A (H1N1) viral replication: In silico predicted interaction with SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and H1N1 nucleoprotein. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00798. [PMID: 34128351 PMCID: PMC8204097 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic regimens for the COVID-19 pandemics remain unmet. In this line, repurposing of existing drugs against known or predicted SARS-CoV-2 protein actions have been advanced, while natural products have also been tested. Here, we propose that p-cymene, a natural monoterpene, can act as a potential novel agent for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19 and other RNA-virus-induced diseases (influenza, rabies, Ebola). We show by extensive molecular simulations that SARS-CoV-2 C-terminal structured domain contains a nuclear localization signal (NLS), like SARS-CoV, on which p-cymene binds with low micromolar affinity, impairing nuclear translocation of this protein and inhibiting viral replication, as verified by preliminary in vitro experiments. A similar mechanism may occur in other RNA-viruses (influenza, rabies and Ebola), also verified in vitro for influenza, by interaction of p-cymene with viral nucleoproteins, and structural modification of their NLS site, weakening its interaction with importin A. This common mechanism of action renders therefore p-cymene as a possible antiviral, alone, or in combination with other agents, in a broad spectrum of RNA viruses, from SARS-CoV-2 to influenza A infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melpomeni Tseliou
- Laboratory of Clinical VirologySchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
| | - Ioannis Karakasiliotis
- Laboratory of BiologySchool of MedicineDemocritus University of ThraceAlexandroupolisGreece
| | - Danai‐Maria Kotzampasi
- Laboratory of Experimental EndocrinologySchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
| | - Vangelis Daskalakis
- Department of Chemical EngineeringCyprus University of TechnologyLimassolCyprus
| | - Nikolaos Kesesidis
- Laboratory of BiologySchool of MedicineDemocritus University of ThraceAlexandroupolisGreece
| | - George Notas
- Laboratory of Experimental EndocrinologySchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
| | - Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family MedicineSchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
- Nature Crete PharmaceuticalsHeraklionGreece
| | - Marilena Kampa
- Laboratory of Experimental EndocrinologySchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
- Nature Crete PharmaceuticalsHeraklionGreece
| | - Stergios Pirintsos
- Nature Crete PharmaceuticalsHeraklionGreece
- Department of BiologyUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
- Botanical GardenUniversity of CreteRethymnonGreece
| | - George Sourvinos
- Laboratory of Clinical VirologySchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
- Nature Crete PharmaceuticalsHeraklionGreece
| | - Elias Castanas
- Laboratory of Experimental EndocrinologySchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
- Nature Crete PharmaceuticalsHeraklionGreece
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