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Dvorakova M, Soudek P, Pavicic A, Langhansova L. The traditional utilization, biological activity and chemical composition of edible fern species. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117818. [PMID: 38296173 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ferns form an important part of the human diet. Young fern fiddleheads are mostly consumed as vegetables, while the rhizomes are often extracted for starch. These edible ferns are also often employed in traditional medicine, where all parts of the plant are used, mostly to prepare extracts. These extracts are applied either externally as lotions and baths or internally as potions, decoctions and teas. Ailments traditionally treated with ferns include coughs, colds, fevers, pain, burns and wounds, asthma, rheumatism, diarrhoea, or skin diseases (eczema, rashes, itching, leprosy). AIM OF THE REVIEW This review aims to compile the worldwide knowledge on the traditional medicinal uses of edible fern species correlating to reported biological activities and isolated bioactive compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS The articles and books published on edible fern species were searched through the online databases Web of Science, Pubmed and Google Scholar, with critical evaluation of the hits. The time period up to the end of 2022 was included. RESULTS First, the edible fern species were identified based on the literature data. A total of 90 fern species were identified that are eaten around the world and are also used in traditional medicine. Ailments treated are often associated with inflammation or bacterial infection. However, only the most common and well-known fern species, were investigated for their biological activity. The most studied species are Blechnum orientale L., Cibotium barometz (L.) J. Sm., Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw., Marsilea minuta L., Osmunda japonica Thunb., Polypodium vulgare L., and Stenochlaena palustris (Burm.) Bedd. Most of the fern extracts have been studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Not surprisingly, antioxidant capacity has been the most studied, with results reported for 28 edible fern species. Ferns have been found to be very rich sources of flavonoids, polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, terpenoids and steroids and most of these compounds are remarkable free radical scavengers responsible for the outstanding antioxidant capacity of fern extracts. As far as clinical trials are concerned, extracts from only three edible fern species have been evaluated. CONCLUSIONS The extracts of edible fern species exert antioxidant anti-inflammatory and related biological activities, which is consistent with their traditional medicinal use in the treatment of wounds, burns, colds, coughs, skin diseases and intestinal diseases. However, studies to prove pharmacological activities are scarce, and require chemical-biological standardization. Furthermore, correct botanical classification needs to be included in publications to simplify data acquisition. Finally, more in-depth phytochemical studies, allowing the linking of traditional use to pharmacological relevance are needed to be done in a standardized way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Dvorakova
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Experimental Botany, Rozvojova 263, CZ-16200, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Soudek
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Experimental Botany, Rozvojova 263, CZ-16200, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Antonio Pavicic
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Experimental Botany, Rozvojova 263, CZ-16200, Prague 6, Czech Republic; Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Heyrovského 1203, CZ-50005, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Lenka Langhansova
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Experimental Botany, Rozvojova 263, CZ-16200, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
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Waswa EN, Ding SX, Wambua FM, Mkala EM, Mutinda ES, Odago WO, Amenu SG, Muthui SW, Linda EL, Katumo DM, Waema CM, Yang JX, Hu GW. The genus Actinidia Lindl. (Actinidiaceae): A comprehensive review on its ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117222. [PMID: 37793579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Actinidia Lindl. belongs to the family Actinidiaceae. Plants of this genus are popularly known as kiwifruits and are traditionally used to treat a wide range of ailments associated with digestive disorders, rheumatism, kidney problems, cardiovascular system, cancers, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, and diabetes among others. AIM This review discusses the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical profile, and known pharmacological properties of Actinidia plants, to understand their connotations and provide the scientific basis for future studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS The data were obtained by surveying journal articles, books, and dissertations using various search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Web of Science. The online databases; World Flora Online, Plants of the World Online, International Plant Names Index, and Global Biodiversity Information Facility were used to confirm the distribution and validate scientific names of Actinidia plants. The isolated metabolites from these species were illustrated using ChemBio Draw ultra-version 14.0 software. RESULTS Ten (10) species of Actinidia genus have been reported as significant sources of traditional medicines utilized to remedy diverse illnesses. Our findings revealed that a total of 873 secondary metabolites belonging to different classes such as terpenoids, phenolic compounds, alcohols, ketones, organic acids, esters, hydrocarbons, and steroids have been isolated from different species of Actinidia. These compounds were mainly related to the exhibited antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiproliferative, anti-angiogenic, anticinoceptive, anti-tumor, and anticancer activities. CONCLUSION This study assessed the information related to the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical compounds, and pharmacological properties of Actinidia species, which indicate that they possess diverse bioactive metabolites with interesting bioactivities. Actinidia plants have great potential for applications in folklore medicines and pharmaceuticals due to their wide ethnomedicinal uses and biological activities. Traditional uses of several Actinidia species are supported by scientific evidences, qualifying them as possible modern remedies for various ailments. Nonetheless, the currently available data has several gaps in understanding the herbal utilization of most Actinidia species. Thus, further research into their toxicity, mechanisms of actions of the isolated bioactive metabolites, as well as scientific connotations between the traditional medicinal uses and pharmacological properties is required to unravel their efficacy in therapeutic potential for safe clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Nyongesa Waswa
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shi-Xiong Ding
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Felix Muema Wambua
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Elijah Mbandi Mkala
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Elizabeth Syowai Mutinda
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wyclif Ochieng Odago
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Sara Getachew Amenu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Samuel Wamburu Muthui
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Elive Limunga Linda
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Hubei University, Wuhan, 430011, China
| | | | | | - Jia-Xin Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guang-Wan Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, 430200, China.
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Kumari S, Singh PA, Hazra S, Sindhwani R, Singh S. Ocimum sanctum: The Journey from Sacred Herb to Functional Food. RECENT ADVANCES IN FOOD, NUTRITION & AGRICULTURE 2024; 15:83-102. [PMID: 38351693 DOI: 10.2174/012772574x290140240130101117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the growing demand for herbal-based formulations, including functional foods, has acquired significant attention. This study highlights historical, botanical, ecological, and phytochemical descriptions and different extraction mechanisms of Ocimum sanctum utilized in its processing. Besides this, it explores the utilization of Ocimum sanctum as a functional food ingredient in various food products such as bakery products (biscuits, bread), dairy products (herbal milk, cheese), and beverages (tea, juice, wine) while focusing on their evaluation parameters, preparation techniques, and pharmacological activities. In terms of other pharmacological properties, Ocimum sanctum-infused functional foods exhibited cognitiveenhancing properties, adaptogenic qualities, anti-obesity effects, gastroprotective, antiinflammatory, hypoglycemic, and immuno-modulatory effects. Thus, the diverse properties of Ocimum sanctum offer exciting opportunities for the development of functional foods that can promote specific health issues, so future research should focus on developing and analyzing novel Ocimum sanctum-based functional foods to meet the growing demand of the functional food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Kumari
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences (UIPS), Chandigarh University, Mohali-140413, Punjab, India
| | - Preet Amol Singh
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences (UIPS), Chandigarh University, Mohali-140413, Punjab, India
| | - Subhajit Hazra
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences (UIPS), Chandigarh University, Mohali-140413, Punjab, India
| | - Ritika Sindhwani
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences (UIPS), Chandigarh University, Mohali-140413, Punjab, India
| | - Sukhvinder Singh
- University Centre for Research & Development (UCRD), Chandigarh University, Mohali-140413, Punjab, India
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Sureshkumar J, Jenipher C, Sriramavaratharajan V, Gurav SS, Gandhi GR, Ravichandran K, Ayyanar M. Genus Equisetum L: Taxonomy, toxicology, phytochemistry and pharmacology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 314:116630. [PMID: 37207877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The genus Equisetum (Equisetaceae) is cosmopolitan in distribution, with 41 recognized species. Several species of Equisetum are widely used in treating genitourinary and related diseases, inflammatory and rheumatic problems, hypertension, and wound healing in traditional medicine practices worldwide. This review intends to present information on the traditional uses, phytochemical components, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of Equisetum spp. and to analyze the new insights for further study. METHODS Relevant literature has been scanned and collected via various electronic repositories, including PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Springer Connect, and Science Online, from 1960 to 2022. RESULTS Sixteen Equisetum spp. were documented as widely used in traditional medicine practices by different ethnic groups throughout the world. A total of 229 chemical compounds were identified from Equisetum spp. with the major group of constituents being flavonol glycosides and flavonoids. The crude extracts and phytochemicals of Equisetum spp. exhibited significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and diuretic properties. A wide range of studies have also demonstrated the safety of Equisetum spp. CONCLUSION The reported pharmacological properties of Equisetum spp. support its use in traditional medicine, though there are gaps in understanding the traditional usage of these plants for clinical experiments. The documented information revealed that the genus is not only a great herbal remedy but also has several bioactives with the potential to be discovered as novel drugs. Detailed scientific investigation is still needed to fully understand the efficacy of this genus; hence, very few Equisetum spp. were studied in detail for phytochemical and pharmacological investigation. Moreover, its bioactives, structure-activity connection, in vivo activity, and associated mechanism of action ought to be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Sureshkumar
- Department of Botany, Sri Kaliswari College (Autonomous), (Affiliated to Madurai Kamaraj University), Sivakasi, 626 123, India.
| | - C Jenipher
- Department of Botany, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College (Affiliated to Bharathidasan University), Poondi, Thanjavur, 613 503, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - V Sriramavaratharajan
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, 613 401, India.
| | - S S Gurav
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Goa College of Pharmacy, Panaji, Goa University, Goa, 403 001, India.
| | - G Rajiv Gandhi
- Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamaserry, Kochi, 683104, India.
| | - K Ravichandran
- Department of Physics, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College (Affiliated to Bharathidasan University), Poondi, Thanjavur, 613 503, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - M Ayyanar
- Department of Botany, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College (Affiliated to Bharathidasan University), Poondi, Thanjavur, 613 503, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Torres-Benítez A, Ortega-Valencia JE, Flores-González M, Sánchez M, Simirgiotis MJ, Gómez-Serranillos MP. Phytochemical Characterization and In Vitro and In Silico Biological Studies from Ferns of Genus Blechnum (Blechnaceae, Polypodiales). Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030540. [PMID: 36978788 PMCID: PMC10044869 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Blechnum represents one of the most ecologically and therapeutically important groups of ferns that grow in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. In this work, the chemical fingerprint of lyophilized extracts of Blechnum chilense, B. hastatum, B. magellanicum and B. penna-marina species, the determination of their antioxidant activity through ORAC, FRAP and DPPH assays and inhibition of cholinesterase enzymes (AChE and BChE), and an in silico analysis of selected majority compounds on cholinesterase enzymes were identified. Nineteen compounds were recorded for B. chilense, nine in B. hastatum, seventeen in B. magellanicum and seventeen in B. penna-marina by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS). The content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition were variable among species, with best results for B. penna-marina. Molecular docking evidenced low toxicities, significant pharmacokinetic properties, and significant binding affinities of the tested compounds for the AChE and BChE enzymes. These fern species show high diversity of bioactive compounds and represent a promising resource in phytotherapy, especially for their optimal levels of phenolic compounds that support their antioxidant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Torres-Benítez
- Instituto de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Campus Isla Teja, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - José Erick Ortega-Valencia
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico de Tlalnepantla, Av. Instituto Tecnológico, S/N. Col. La Comunidad, Tlalnepantla de Baz 54070, Mexico
| | - Mathias Flores-González
- Instituto de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Campus Isla Teja, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Marta Sánchez
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacognosia y Botánica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mario J. Simirgiotis
- Instituto de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Campus Isla Teja, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
- Correspondence: (M.J.S.); (M.P.G.-S.)
| | - María Pilar Gómez-Serranillos
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacognosia y Botánica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.J.S.); (M.P.G.-S.)
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