A review of the role of liposome-encapsulated phytochemicals targeting PPAR Ɣ and associated pathways to combat obesity

A limited number of studies have directly examined the effects of liposomal encapsulated phytochemicals and their anti-obesity effects in adults. This study aimed to summarize the evidence on the effect of liposomal encapsulated phytochemicals and their role in regulating major pathways involved in the anti-obesity mechanism. A systematic search was performed using several search engines like Science Direct, Google Scholar, and other online journals, focusing on laboratory research, systematic reviews, clinical trials, and meta-analysis that focused on liposomal encapsulated phytochemicals with anti-obesity properties, and followed the preferred reporting terms for this systematic review. An initial search provided a result of 1810 articles, and 93 papers were selected after the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Very few studies have been conducted on the liposomal encapsulation of phytochemicals or its synergistic study to combat obesity; hence this review paves the way for future obesity research and is mainly helpful for the pediatric obesity population. Liposomal encapsulation of phytochemicals has improved the efficiency of freely administered phytochemicals. Targeted delivery improved drug utilization and regulated the anti-obesity pathways. PPARƔ is a major therapeutic target for obesity as it inhibits adipocyte differentiation and maintains energy homeostasis.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and its active constituents: A critical review of their efficacy and toxicological issues

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) is a medicinal plant widely used in various traditional systems of medicine and as a food supplement. It has been traditionally used by Native Americans as a coloring agent and as medicinal remedy for common diseases and conditions like wounds, digestive disorders, ulcers, skin and eye ailments, and cancer. Over the years, goldenseal has become a popular food supplement in the USA and other regions. The rhizome of this plant has been used for the treatment of a variety of diseases including, gastrointestinal disorders, ulcers, muscular debility, nervous prostration, constipation, skin and eye infections, cancer, among others. Berberine is one of the most bioactive alkaloid that has been identified in different parts of goldenseal. The goldenseal extract containing berberine showed numerous therapeutic effects such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, neuroprotective (anti-Alzheimer's disease), cardioprotective, and gastrointestinal protective. Various research finding suggest the health promoting effects of goldenseal components and their extracts. However, few studies have also suggested the possible neurotoxic, hepatotoxic and phototoxic activities of goldenseal extract and its alkaloids. Thus, large randomized, double-blind clinical studies need to be conducted on goldenseal supplements and their main alkaloids to provide more evidence on the mechanisms responsible for the pharmaceutical activity, clinical efficacy and safety of these products. Thus, it is very important to review the scientific information about goldenseal to understand about the current scenario.