An Updated Phytopharmacological Review on Medicinal Plant of Arab Region: Apium graveolens Linn

Dietary anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial medicinal plants and its compounds in bovine mastitis associated impact on human life

Bovine mastitis (BM) is the most common bacterial mediated inflammatory disease in the dairy cattle that causes huge economic loss to the dairy industry due to decreased milk quality and quantity. Milk is the essential food in the human diet, and rich in crucial nutrients that helps in lowering the risk of diseases like hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. The main causative agents of the disease include various gram negative, and positive bacteria, along with other risk factors such as udder shape, age, genetic, and environmental factors also contributes much for the disease. Currently, antibiotics, immunotherapy, probiotics, dry cow, and lactation therapy are commonly recommended for BM. However, these treatments can only decrease the rise of new cases but can't eliminate the causative agents, and they also exhibit several limitations. Hence, there is an urgent need of a potential source that can generate a typical and ideal treatment to overcome the limitations and eliminate the pathogens. Among the various sources, medicinal plants and its derived products always play a significant role in drug discovery against several diseases. In addition, they are also known for its low toxicity and minimum resistance features. Therefore, plants and its compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties can serve better in bovine mastitis. In addition, the plants that are serving as a food source and possessing pharmacological properties can act even better in bovine mastitis. Hence, in this evidence-based study, we particularly review the dietary medicinal plants and derived products that are proven for anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. Moreover, the role of each dietary plant and its compounds along with possible role in the management of bovine mastitis are delineated. In this way, this article serves as a standalone source for the researchers working in this area to help in the management of BM.

System Pharmacological Approach to Investigate and Validate Multitargeted and Therapeutic Effect of Furocoumarins of Apium graveolens L. for Treatment of Kidney Disease

Background

System pharmacological approaches play important roles in drug discovery and development and in biomolecular exploration to investigate the multitarget therapeutic effects of phytochemicals for the treatment of acute and chronic ailments.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to apply a system pharmacological approach to investigate the multitarget therapeutic effects of furocoumarins of Apium graveolens L. for the treatment of kidney disease.

Methods

Several furocoumarins of Apium graveolens were screened from online databases. Network biology and poly-pharmacology analyses were performed to investigate the multitarget therapeutic effect of furocoumarins. The potential metabolites that showed significant interactions with various genes were selected for in silico docking analysis with CASP-3 and SOD proteins. In silico ADME analysis was also performed to investigate the pharmacokinetic behavior of targeted furocoumarins.

Results

Out of thirteen furocoumarins selected for analysis, six showed partial or significant interaction with SOD and CASP-3 proteins. These metabolites may alleviate kidney dysfunction by reducing oxidative and inflammatory stress, regulating apoptosis, slowing down the progression of diabetic nephropathy, and reducing hypertension and glomerular vascular rigidity. In silico docking analysis revealed bergapten as a potential therapeutic agent for kidney disease treatment. In silico docking analysis showed anglicine, imperatorin, and sphondin exhibited strong interaction with CASP-3 and SOD with binding energy -6.5, -7.2, -6.5 and -6.8, -6.2 -5.7 kcal/mol, respectively. These components exhibited greater conventional hydrogen bonding with CASP-3 and SOD than other furocoumarins. Furthermore, in silico ADME analysis of metabolites showed that all furocoumarins have a highly lipophilic nature, good skin permeability, and GI absorption, as well as good blood-brain permeability (BBB).

Conclusion

Furocoumarins reduce kidney dysfunction and associated pathophysiological complications via the reduction of glomerular vascular rigidity, diabetic nephropathy, and oxidative and inflammatory stress. However, further biomolecular and clinical examinations are necessary to validate and enhance the credibility of present findings.

Apium extract alleviates indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats via modulating the VEGF and IK-κB/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway: insights from in silico and in vivo investigations

BACKGROUND

Gastric ulcers represent a worldwide health problem, characterized by erosions that affect the mucous membrane of the stomach and may even reach the muscular layer, leading to serious complications. Numerous natural products have been assessed as anti-ulcerogenic agents, and have been considered as new approaches for treatment or prevention of gastric ulcers. The present research investigated the preventive benefits of Apium graveolens L. (Apiaceae), known as celery, seed extract towards indomethacin-induced ulceration of the stomach in rats.

METHODS

Metabolomic profiling, employing liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-HR-ESI-MS), was implemented with the aim of investigating the chemical profile of the seeds. Histopathological analysis of gastric tissues, as well as assessment of numerous inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress indicators, confirmed the in vivo evaluation.

RESULTS

The prior treatment with A. graveolens seed extract resulted in a substantial reduction in the ulcer index when compared to the indomethacin group, indicating an improvement in stomach mucosal injury. Moreover, the gastroprotective effect was demonstrated through examination of the oxidative stress biomarkers which was significantly attenuated upon pre-treatment with A. graveolens seed extract. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a fundamental angiogenic factor that stimulates angiogenesis, was markedly inhibited by indomethacin. A. graveolens seed extract restored this diminished level of VEGF. The dramatic reductions in NF-κB protein levels indicate a considerable attenuation of the indomethacin-induced IKκB/NF-κB p65 signaling cascade. These activities were also correlated to the tentatively featured secondary metabolites including, phenolic acids, coumarins and flavonoids, previously evidenced to exert potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. According to our network pharmacology study, the identified metabolites annotated 379 unique genes, among which only 17 genes were related to gastric ulcer. The PTGS2, MMP2 and PTGS1 were the top annotated genes related to gastric ulcer. The top biological pathway was the VEGF signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

A. graveolens seed extract possesses significant anti-ulcer activity, similar to famotidine, against gastric lesions induced by indomethacin in rats. It is worth highlighting that the extract overcomes the negative effects of conventional chemical anti-secretory drugs because it does not lower stomach acidity.

Critical Review on Nutritional, Bioactive, and Medicinal Potential of Spices and Herbs and Their Application in Food Fortification and Nanotechnology

Medicinal or herbal spices are grown in tropical moist evergreen forestland, surrounding most of the tropical and subtropical regions of Eastern Himalayas in India (Sikkim, Darjeeling regions), Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, a few Central Asian countries, Middle East, USA, Europe, South East Asia, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. According to the cultivation region surrounded, economic value, and vogue, these spices can be classified into major, minor, and colored tropical spices. In total, 24 tropical spices and herbs (cardamom, black jeera, fennel, poppy, coriander, fenugreek, bay leaves, clove, chili, cassia bark, black pepper, nutmeg, black mustard, turmeric, saffron, star anise, onion, dill, asafoetida, celery, allspice, kokum, greater galangal, and sweet flag) are described in this review. These spices show many pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and antioxidant activities. Numerous bioactive compounds are present in these selected spices, such as 1,8-cineole, monoterpene hydrocarbons, γ-terpinene, cuminaldehyde, trans-anethole, fenchone, estragole, benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, piperine, linalool, malabaricone C, safrole, myristicin, elemicin, sinigrin, curcumin, bidemethoxycurcumin, dimethoxycurcumin, crocin, picrocrocin, quercetin, quercetin 4'-O-β-glucoside, apiol, carvone, limonene, α-phellandrene, galactomannan, rosmarinic acid, limonene, capsaicinoids, eugenol, garcinol, and α-asarone. Other than that, various spices are used to synthesize different types of metal-based and polymer-based nanoparticles like zinc oxide, gold, silver, selenium, silica, and chitosan nanoparticles which provide beneficial health effects such as antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, enzyme retardation effect, and antimicrobial activity. The nanoparticles can also be used in environmental pollution management like dye decolorization and in chemical industries to enhance the rate of reaction by the use of catalytic activity of the nanoparticles. The nutritional value, phytochemical properties, health advantages, and both traditional and modern applications of these spices, along with their functions in food fortification, have been thoroughly discussed in this review.

Quantification of biomarkers and evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxicity properties of Dodonaea viscosa grown in Saudi Arabia using HPTLC technique

Dodonaea viscosa (Sapindaceae) was collected from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For the simultaneous measurement of quercetin and kaempferol, a validated high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) approach was devised in D. viscosa leaf extract. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays. Moreover, the cytotoxic effect was tested against three cancer cell lines A549, HepG2, and MDA-MB-231. The potential anti-inflammatory properties of different fractions of D. viscosa were also evaluated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced THP-1 macrophages cells. The test samples include a crude extract of leaves and its solvent-soluble fractions of D. viscosa. The results showed that the crude extract and its fractions exhibited various significant biological activities, the fraction of chloroform demonstrated the highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 values: 172.2 and 257.7 µg/mL for both DPPH and ABTS tests. Additionally, the chloroform fraction had the greatest cytotoxic activity against MDA-MB-231 (IC50 values: 24.6 ± 0.4 µg/mL). Moreover, the chloroform fraction exhibited the highest downregulation of the LPS-induced expression of TNF-α and IL-6. Quercetin and kaempferol were estimated concurrently in leaves crude extract using a validated technique on an HPTLC plate (10 cm2 × 10 cm2) with a combination of toluene–ethyl acetate–formic acid (5:4:0.2; v/v/v) as the mobile phase and a λ max of 254 nm. The amount of quercetin and kaempferol was found to be 31.8 and 15.01 mg/g of dried leaf extract, respectively. The presence of high levels of quercetin and kaempferol in D. viscosa leaves extract could explain its remarkable antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The devolved HPTLC method can be used for routine analysis and standardization of D. viscosa crude plant material, extracts, and/or finished products using quercetin and kaempferol as appropriate markers.

Medicinal Plants Used for Dermatological Disorders among the People of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Narrative Review

Historically, skin disorders have received less attention in health management than other life-threatening diseases that occur on a global scale. However, numerous skin problems are reported to primary health care systems worldwide, particularly in tropical locations. While modern physicians often address most skin conditions, it is estimated that over 70% of individuals with skin illnesses do not seek treatment. Traditional medicine dates all the way back to human civilization's inception. Numerous materials are utilized in traditional medicinal remedies, but the use of plants is particularly critical. Saudi Arabia is one of the world's most botanically varied countries, having an extensive folk medicine heritage. While several reviews on the use of plants to cure skin disorders has been published worldwide, very few have been undertaken in Saudi Arabia, much alone a comprehensive one. Thus, the present review identified the most significant and medicinally relevant herbs used in the treatment of various dermatological conditions in Saudi Arabia. A total of 43 plants were identified and described in this study. This investigation omitted publications that lacked detailed data and had only fragmented information regarding the herb's traditional use in topical applications.

Current update on herbal sources of antithrombotic activity—a comprehensive review

Background

Herbs are commonly used to treat cardiovascular diseases in various traditional medicine. On the other hand, herb-drug interactions are most commonly encountered with conventional antiplatelet and anticoagulant drug prescriptions. This review presents a compilation of plants investigated for antiplatelet and anticoagulation recently and enumerates their possible lead compounds responsible for its action for paving further drug discovery and knowledge update.

Main body of the abstract

Information about the herbs was withdrawn from the PubMed database of the previous 5 years. We also hand-searched the bibliography of relevant articles for the acquisition of additional information. About 72 herbal sources were identified with the effect of antiplatelet activity, antithrombotic activity, and anticoagulant activity. Bioactive compounds and various secondary metabolites responsible for it, such as alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, coumarins, polyphenols, furan derivatives, iridoid glycosides, sesquiterpenes, aporphine compounds, were reported.

Conclusion

Newer pharmacological moieties are needed to prevent or reduce the adverse effects of current anti-thrombotic agents and to improve the safety of patients and cost-effectiveness.

K, P. UD. Spices and Hypertension: An Insight for Researchers

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Hypertension is a global public health concern since it can lead to complications like stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure. These complications can add to a disability, increase healthcare costs, and can even result in mortality. In spite of the availability of a large number of anti-hypertensive drugs, the control of blood pressure is suboptimal in many patients. Spices have been used as flavouring agents and in treating diseases in folk medicine since they are considered to be rich sources of phytochemicals, especially polyphenols. Hence, during recent years, there has been renewed interest among researchers in exploring natural sources, especially spices, in an attempt to find cheaper alternatives with fewer side effects. Our aim is to review the relevant preclinical and clinical studies focused on the potential use of spices in the management of hypertension. Studies conducted on the most common spices, such as celery, cinnamon, cardamom, garlic, ginger, saffron, and turmeric, have been elaborated in this review. These spices may lower blood pressure via several possible mechanisms, including antioxidant effect, increase in nitric oxide production, reduction in calcium ion concentration, modulation of the renin-angiotensin pathway, etc.

Traditional medicinal knowledge of plants used for cancer treatment by communities of mountainous areas of Fez-Meknes-Morocco

Since their existence on earth, humans have used herbal medicine to meet their requirements for medication. The aim of the study: This work refers to a study conducted to carry out an ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants used for the treatment of cancer in Fez-Meknes region of Morocco. Material and Methods: To achieve this goal, 300 informants including 237 local people and 63 herbalists. They were requested to fill a survey related questionnaire aiming at the collection of data about the addressed objective. Informants were asked about the vernacular names, parts of medicinal plants used, mode of preparation, route of administration, reference area as well as the ecological distribution. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Fidelity Level (FL) were calculated to identify the most effective plants recommended by informants for disease treatment. Results: The findings obtained in the present survey revealed that 94 species belonging to 47 families have been used for cancer treatment in the region of Fez-Meknes. Fruits, leaves, and seeds are the most commonly used plant parts, by the time powder and infusion arethe most common methods used fordrug preparations. Conclusion: This work may contribute towards the society as it provides interesting data on traditional medicinal knowledge of medicinal plantsused to fight cancer.

Botanical Therapeutics (Part II): Antimicrobial and In Vitro Anticancer Activity against MCF7 Human Breast Cancer Cells of Chamomile, Parsley and Celery Alcoholic Extracts

BACKGROUND

This study was designed as a continuation of a complex investigation about the phytochemical composition and biological activity of chamomile, parsley, and celery extracts against A375 human melanoma and dendritic cells.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim was the evaluation of the antimicrobial potential of selected extracts as well as the in vitro anticancer activity against MCF7 human breast cancer cells.

METHODS

In order to complete the picture regarding the phytochemical composition, molecular fingerprint was sketched out by the help of FTIR spectroscopy. The activity of two enzymes (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) after incubation with the three extracts was spectrophotometrically assessed. The antimicrobial potential was evaluated by disk diffusion method. The in vitro anticancer potential against MCF7 human breast cancer cells was appraised by MTT, LDH, wound healing, cell cycle, DAPI, Annexin-V-PI assays.

RESULTS

The results showed variations between the investigated extracts in terms of inhibitory activity against enzymes, such as acetyl- and butyrilcholinesterase. Chamomile and parsley extracts were active only against tested Gram-positive cocci, while all tested extracts displayed antifungal effects. Among the screened samples at the highest tested concentration, namely 60μg/mL, parsley was the most active extract in terms of reducing the viability of MCF7 - human breast adenocarcinoma cell line and inducing the release of lactate dehydrogenase. On the other hand, chamomile and celery extracts manifested potent anti-migratory effects. Furthermore, celery extract was the most active in terms of total apoptotic events, while chamomile extract induced the highest necrosis rate.

CONCLUSION

The screened samples containing phytochemicals belonging in majority to the class of flavonoids and polyphenols can represent candidates for antimicrobial and anticancer agents.

Citric acid and enzyme-assisted modification of flavonoids from celery (Apium graveolens) extract and their anti-inflammatory activity in HMC-1.2 cells

Apium graveolens (celery) of the family Apiaceae contains bioactive compounds including luteolin and apigenin. The purpose of this study was to increase the extraction yield of apigenin and luteolin in celery extract using green technology and to evaluate their biological activities. The results showed that CA and β-glucosidase-assisted celery extraction transformed apiin in the celery to apigenin with an increase in luteolin concentration. The CA and β-glucosidase-treated celery extract (CAGE) improved the anti-inflammatory properties of celery extract by inhibiting the expression and production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-31, and TNF-α) in IL-33-stimulated mast cells (HMC-1.2 cells). Their mechanism of action was tied to the inhibition of ERK, JNK, IKKα, IκBα, and NF-κB activation by CAGE in the stimulated cells. In conclusion, CA and enzyme treatment can be considered as a useful biotechnology tool for the improvement of bioactive compounds in celery and hence improve on their bioactivity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Apium graveolens commonly called celery is an edible agricultural product cultivated throughout the world and known as a "superfood." Celery contains bioactive compounds including apigenin and luteolin that contribute to their described biological activities. However, extracting celery using normal extraction procedures such as hot water and ethanol methods yields only a small amount of apigenin and luteolin. In the present study, we introduced an eco-friendly method using citric and β-glucosidase to obtain apigenin and luteolin-rich celery extract with improved anti-inflammatory activities. The present work will spark studies on the conversion of less biologically active compounds in functional food materials to more active compounds using CA and β-glucosidase, and the development of functional food with specifically enriched bioactive substances at the industrial levels.

3-N-butylphthalide protects against high-fat-diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice and increases metabolism in lipid-accumulating cells

Obesity is one of the world's largest health problems, and 3-N-butylphthalide (NBP), a bioactive compound in celery, has been used in dieting and weight management programs. In this study, NBP prevented high-fat-diet-induced weight gain, reduced the food efficiency ratio, altered the blood biochemical profile, and reduced the obesity-related index. NBP reduced adiposity, white fat depots, liver weight, and hepatic steatosis in obese mice. NBP ameliorated the diabetic state by decreasing glucose levels and improving glucose and insulin tolerance. NBP increased uncoupling protein-1 expression in white adipose tissue and upregulated thermogenesis by enhancing mitochondrial respiration. NBP inhibited white adipocyte development by prohibiting lipid accumulation in human adipose-derived stem cells. NBP increased free fatty acid uptake and the oxygen consumption rate in beige adipocytes. Our results suggest that NBP could be used as functional natural supplement against obesity and its associated disorders.

Neuroprotective effects of Apium graveolens against focal cerebral ischemia occur partly via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a neurological disease caused by a sudden disturbance of cerebral blood flow to the brain, leading to loss of brain function. Recently, accumulating lines of evidence have suggested that dietary enrichment with nutritional antioxidants could reduce brain damage and improve cognitive function. In this study, we investigated the possible protective effects of Apium graveolens, a medicinal plant with putative neuroprotective activity, against oxidative-stress-related brain damage and brain damage due to inflammation induced by focal cerebral ischemia.

METHODS

Male adult Wistar rats were administered with an extract of A. graveolens orally 14 days before permanent occlusion of their right middle cerebral artery. The brain infarct volumes of rats in each group were determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, and the density of neurons in the cortex and hippocampus of rats was determined by cresyl violet staining. The levels of malondialdehyde, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the rats were also quantified at the end of the study period.

RESULTS

Our results show that A. graveolens extract significantly decreased infarct volume and improved neuronal density in the cortex and hippocampus of rats receiving A. graveolens extract compared with those rats receiving no treatment. This neuroprotective effect was found to occur partly due to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that A. graveolens helps to reduce the severity of cognitive damage caused by focal cerebral ischemia. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Metabolite analysis and anti-obesity effects of celery seed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Celery seeds were fractioned successively by organic solvents, and fractions were screened for their antioxidant properties. Metabolites of high antioxidative fractions were analyzed, and then anti-obesity properties and mechanisms of selected fractions were evaluated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Celery seed ethanol extract (CSE) and celery seed ethyl acetate fraction (CSEA) possessed higher in vitro antioxidant properties, including radical scavenging and total phenolic content, than that of hexane, butanol, and water fractions. Total of 43 and 19 metabolites were identified from CSE and CSEA, respectively, by gas chromatography-mass selective detector. Isoferulic acid and p-coumaric acid were only found in CSEA. CSEA possessed higher anti-adipogenesis in the 3T3-L1 cells than CSE by decreasing adipogenic hormones, including leptin and adiponectin. Expression levels of adipocyte-related transcription factors and genes such as C/EBPα, PPARγ, aP2, and FAS decreased to comparable levels of control. CSEA could be used as a natural ingredient with antioxidant and anti-obesity functionality.

Phytotherapy for Cardiovascular Disease: A Bench-to-Bedside Approach

At present, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and global trends suggest that this panorama will persist or worsen in the near future. Thus, optimization of treatment strategies and the introduction of novel therapeutic alternatives for CVD represent key objectives in contemporary biomedical research. In recent years, phytotherapy-defined as the therapeutic use of whole or minimally modified plant components-has ignited large scientific interest, with a resurgence of abundant investigation on a wide array of medicinal herbs (MH) for CVD and other conditions. Numerous MH have been observed to intervene in the pathophysiology of CVD via a myriad of molecular mechanisms, including antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, and other beneficial properties, which translate into the amelioration of three essential aspects of the pathogenesis of CVD: Dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Although the preclinical data in this scenario is very rich, the true clinical impact of MH and their purported mechanisms of action is less clear, as large-scale robust research in this regard is in relatively early stages and faces important methodological challenges. This review offers a comprehensive look at the most prominent preclinical and clinical evidence currently available concerning the use of MH in the treatment of CVD from a bench-to-bedside approach.

Cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of Celery (Apium graveolens L.)

Celery (Apium graveolens Linn, Family: Apiaceae) is a common edible herb used as a spice in the traditional medicine of several nations since time immemorial. The whole plant is extensively used in cooking as soups and salads. A. graveolens has various pharmacological properties such as anticancer, anti-obesity, anti-hepatotoxic, and antihypertensive agents. Hence, it is of interest to document the in vitro cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of A. graveolens. The plants were collected in the local market, shade dried, and different parts of the plants were extracted with 70% ethanol using a cold maceration process. Antioxidant tests were performed based on the various radical scavenging methods. Antimicrobial activity and MIC were completed using the respective cup-plate and two-fold serial dilution method. In vitro cytotoxic studies were achieved by the MTT; Sulphorhodamine B assayed total cell protein content. DLA and ESC cells determined the short-term toxicity. The leaf extract exhibited significant antioxidant properties against NO, DPPH, ABTS, LPO, and HPO methods. Thus, potential inhibition against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal strains within the MIC ranges of 250-500 µg/ml was observed. All the extracts of the plant presented in the study revealed greater cytotoxicity effects against five respective cancer cell lines, L6, Vero, BRL 3A, A-549, L929, and L-929 with the ranging of 443-168.5 µg/ml. Thus, we show that A. graveolens possess a potential cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity.

Treatment of women's sexual dysfunction using Apium graveolens L. Fruit (celery seed): A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional manuscripts refer to plants such as Apium graveolens L. Fruit (celery seed), which could be used to improve sexual function among women. Since that time, local herbal shops in Iran continue to provide this herb as a natural aphrodisiac product.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of celery seed for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

In this parallel, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial, 80 women were assigned to receive either 500 mg of celery seed or placebo 3 times a day for a period of 6 weeks (n = 40 per group). The female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire was used to evaluate women's sexual function before and after treatment.

RESULTS

At the end of the sixth week, an improvement in the total FSFI score was significantly greater in celery seed-treated women than those receiving the placebo (P < 0.001). Increased total FSFI score is mainly contributed by improvement in the sexual desire (p < 0.001), arousal (p < 0.001), lubrication (p < 0.001), and pain (p = 0.033) domains at the endpoint of study. No serious side effects were noticed in both groups during the study period.

CONCLUSION

It seems that celery seed improved sexual function in women and could be used as a safe, well-tolerated, and effective herbal medicine in women with sexual dysfunction.

Rationalizing the therapeutic potential of apigenin against cancer

BACKGROUND

Despite the remarkable advances made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer during the past couple of decades, it remains the second largest cause of mortality in the world, killing approximately 9.6 million people annually. The major challenges in the treatment of the advanced stage of this disease are the development of chemoresistance, severe adverse effects of the drugs, and high treatment cost. Therefore, the development of drugs that are safe, efficacious, and cost-effective remains a 'Holy Grail' in cancer research. However, the research over the past four decades shed light on the cancer-preventive and therapeutic potential of natural products and their underlying mechanism of action. Apigenin is one such compound, which is known to be safe and has significant potential in the prevention and therapy of this disease.

AIM

To assess the literature available on the potential of apigenin and its analogs in modulating the key molecular targets leading to the prevention and treatment of different types of cancer.

METHOD

A comprehensive literature search has been carried out on PubMed for obtaining information related to the sources and analogs, chemistry and biosynthesis, physicochemical properties, biological activities, bioavailability and toxicity of apigenin.

KEY FINDINGS

The literature search resulted in many in vitro, in vivo and a few cohort studies that evidenced the effectiveness of apigenin and its analogs in modulating important molecular targets and signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, etc., which play a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer. In addition, apigenin was also shown to inhibit chemoresistance and radioresistance and make cancer cells sensitive to these agents. Reports have further revealed the safety of the compound and the adaptation of nanotechnological approaches for improving its bioavailability.

SIGNIFICANCE

Hence, the present review recapitulates the properties of apigenin and its pharmacological activities against different types of cancer, which warrant further investigation in clinical settings.

Ethnobotanical study and phytochemical profiling of Heptapleurum hypoleucum leaf extract and evaluation of its antimicrobial activities against diarrhea-causing bacteria

Background

Due to the development of superbugs as a result of unprescribed and frequent use of antibiotics in recent years, an alternate form of medicine had to be introduced. In light of this global threat, researchers all over the world have been gravitating towards herbal medicines. In order to find out new ways of saving the planet using medicinal plants, ethnobotanical studies must be carried out. Concerning this, an ethnobotanical study has been done in this paper to identify potential medicinal plants in Rangamati, Bangladesh.

Results

For the ethnobotanical survey, randomized 104 people were interviewed and 62 different plant species were found to treat 19 different kinds of diseases and 84% of people reported to be completely recovered. Furthermore, among the 19 diseases found, the majority of them were common cold, abdominal pain or gastric, diarrhea, and dysentery. From the 62 different plant species, Heptapleurum hypoleucum, used for the treatment of diarrhea, was selected for conducting further studies due to its heavy use as reported by the tribal people. In this study, the aqueous, ethanol, and methanol extracts of Heptapleurum hypoleucum were subjected to microbial susceptibility assays using the agar well diffusion method. The test microorganisms were Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri, and Escherichia coli. Among these, the most susceptible organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (21 mm) and Salmonella typhi (19 mm) in the ethanolic extract. Also, the methanolic extract showed an inhibition zone of 13 mm against E. coli, which was more than that of the antibiotic’s (11 mm). Phytochemical screening of the plant revealed that it contains alkaloids, phenols, steroids, and flavonoids, but lacks saponins and tannins.

Conclusion

To combat the rising threat of antibiotic resistance, ethnoscience needs to be consolidated with modern biotechnological techniques to make the most use of the vast amount of natural resources. The findings of this study indicate that Heptapleurum hypoleucum, an ethnobotanical medicinal plant, has shown comparable antimicrobial activity with commercial antibiotics against several diarrhea-causing pathogens and also contains several medically important phytochemicals.

Molecular and Histopathological Study on the Ameliorative Impacts of Petroselinum Crispum and Apium Graveolens against Experimental Hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia is an abnormal metabolic condition characterized by an increase in uric acid levels in the blood. It is the cause of gout, manifested by inflammatory arthritis, pain and disability. This study examined the possible ameliorative impacts of parsley (PAR) and celery (CEL) as hypouricemic agents at biochemical, molecular and cellular levels. PAR and CEL alone or in combination were orally administered to hyperuricemic (HU) mice and control mice for 10 consecutive days. Serum levels of uric acid and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), xanthine oxidase activity, antioxidants, inflammatory (IL-1β and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) were measured. mRNA expression of urate transporters and uric acid excretion genes in renal tissues were examined using qRT-PCR (quantitative real time PCR). Normal histology and immunoreactivity of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in kidneys was examined. Administration of PAR and CEL significantly reduced serum BUN and uric acids in HU mice, ameliorated changes in malondialdehyde, catalase, and reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10 in hyperuricemic mice. Both effectively normalized the alterations in mURAT-1, mGLUT-9, mOAT-1 and mOAT-3 expression, as well as changes in TGF-β1 immunoreactivity. Interestingly, combined administration of PAR and CEL mitigated all examined measurements synergistically, and improved renal dysfunction in the hyperuricemic mice. The study concluded that PAR and CEL can potentially reduce damaging cellular, molecular and biochemical effects of hyperuricemia both individually and in combination.

Anti-atopic dermatitis effects of hydrolyzed celery extract in mice

This study investigated the ameliorative effects of acid hydrolyzed celery extract (HCE) and celery extract (CE) in an atopic dermatitis (AD) mice model. The results of the study showed that HCE, more than CE improved AD-like skin lesions caused by fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and house dust mite antigen administration. Further analysis also showed the dominance of HCE than CE in preventing mast cell infiltration in the dermis; inhibiting the IL-31 expression in mice skin and reducing the immunoglobulin-E, IL-4, IL-5, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-31, and TSLP in serum of mice. Using in vitro studies in a murine macrophage cell line, we showed that apigetrin, luteolin, and apigenin present in both extracts could be accountable for the observed effects as these three compounds and not apiin prevented the nitric oxide production in the murine macrophage. Based on this study, we suggest that hydrolyzing celery extracts can improve the therapeutic efficacy of celery extracts for management of AD. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Apigenin, apigetrin, and luteolin are known biologically active compounds present in celery. Acid hydrolysis could increase the biologically active compounds in natural products. The research investigated the effects of acid HCE in a mice model of atopic dermatitis. The data obtained from this study sheds light on the use of hydrolysis methods to improve the biological activities of plant extracts used in nutraceutical industries.

The genome sequence of celery (Apium graveolens L.), an important leaf vegetable crop rich in apigenin in the Apiaceae family

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is a vegetable crop in the Apiaceae family that is widely cultivated and consumed because it contains necessary nutrients and multiple biologically active ingredients, such as apigenin and terpenoids. Here, we report the genome sequence of celery based on the use of HiSeq 2000 sequencing technology to obtain 600.8 Gb of data, achieving ~189-fold genome coverage, from 68 sequencing libraries with different insert sizes ranging from 180 bp to 10 kb in length. The assembled genome has a total sequence length of 2.21 Gb and consists of 34,277 predicted genes. Repetitive DNA sequences represent 68.88% of the genome sequences, and LTR retrotransposons are the main components of the repetitive sequences. Evolutionary analysis showed that a recent whole-genome duplication event may have occurred in celery, which could have contributed to its large genome size. The genome sequence of celery allowed us to identify agronomically important genes involved in disease resistance, flavonoid biosynthesis, terpenoid metabolism, and other important cellular processes. The comparative analysis of apigenin biosynthesis genes among species might explain the high apigenin content of celery. The whole-genome sequences of celery have been deposited at CeleryDB (http://apiaceae.njau.edu.cn/celerydb). The availability of the celery genome data advances our knowledge of the genetic evolution of celery and will contribute to further biological research and breeding in celery as well as other Apiaceae plants.

Anti-obesity effects of enzyme-treated celery extract in mice fed with high-fat diet

The present study demonstrated the anti-obesity effects of enzyme-treated celery extract (ECE) in mice on high-fat diet (HFD). In vitro studies showed that ECE has anti-adipogenic properties by inhibiting lipid accumulations in adipose cells. In vivo studies indicated that the administration of ECE markedly prevented HFD-induced body weight gain, food efficiency ratio, and epididymal fat and liver weights. ECE reduced lipid parameters, cardiac risk factor, and atherogenic index in obese mice. ECE prevented a diabetes state by improving adipokines levels, reducing glucose levels, and preventing insulin resistance. Moreover, ECE prevented HFD-induced liver damage by preventing hepatic steatosis and upregulation of liver antioxidant enzymes. The mechanism of ECE was partially investigated to involve the activation of 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and hence the downregulation of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ by ECE. Our results suggest that ECE could be used as functional food materials for the prevention of obesity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Apium graveolens is a popular plant with nutritive and medicinal benefits. It contains bioactive compounds such as apiin, apigenin, and luteolin. However, these compounds are rendered insoluble due to their interaction with polysaccharides in the cell wall thus making them less bioavailable. Hydrolyzing them could increase the yield of bioactive compounds in celery. This pilot study demonstrates that pectinase-treated celery extract has anti-obesity effects. The results of this research demonstrate the use of enzymes in improving the biological activities of plant extracts and suggest the use of enzyme-assisted extraction techniques in the industrial production of health functional food from celery.

Phytochemical and biological characterization of Italian "sedano bianco di Sperlonga" Protected Geographical Indication celery ecotype: A multimethodological approach

Celery is a widely used vegetable known for its peculiar sensorial and nutritional properties. Here, the white celery (Apium graveolens L.) "sedano bianco di Sperlonga" PGI ecotype was investigated to obtain the metabolic profile of its edible parts (blade leaves and petioles) also related to quality, freshness and biological properties. A multi-methodological approach, including NMR, MS, HPLC-PDA, GC-MS and spectrophotometric analyses, was proposed to analyse celery extracts. Sugars, polyalcohols, amino acids, organic acids, phenols, sterols, fatty acids, phthalides, chlorophylls, tannins and flavonoids were detected in different concentrations in blade leaf and petiole extracts, indicating celery parts as nutraceutical sources. The presence of some phenols in celery extracts was here reported for the first time. Low contents of biogenic amines and mycotoxins confirmed celery quality and freshness. Regarding the biological properties, ethanolic celery extracts inhibited the oxidative-mediated DNA damage induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide and scavenged DPPH and ABTS radicals.

Apium Plants: Beyond Simple Food and Phytopharmacological Applications

Apium plants belong to the Apiaceae family and are included among plants that have been in use in traditional medicine for thousands of years worldwide, including in the Mediterranean, as well as the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. Some highlighted medical benefits include prevention of coronary and vascular diseases. Their phytochemical constituents consist of bergapten, flavonoids, glycosides, furanocoumarins, furocoumarin, limonene, psoralen, xanthotoxin, and selinene. Some of their pharmacological properties include anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, nematocidal, anti-rheumatism, antiasthma, anti-bronchitis, hepatoprotective, appetizer, anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, breast milk inducer, anti-jaundice, antihypertensive, anti-dysmenorrhea, prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and spermatogenesis induction. The present review summarizes data on ecology, botany, cultivation, habitat, medicinal use, phytochemical composition, preclinical and clinical pharmacological efficacy of Apium plants and provides future direction on how to take full advantage of Apium plants for the optimal benefit to mankind.

Anti-inflammatory effect of hydrolyzed celery leaves extract in murine primary splenocyte

Apium graveolens (celery) has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. However, its molecular mechanism of action in inflammatory response is unclear. In this study, we sought to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of celery leaves. We prepared an acid-hydrolyzed extract of celery leaves (HCE) and studied its effects on concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated primary splenocytes. HCE at noncytotoxic concentrations, inhibited ConA-induced proliferation of splenocytes. HCE treatment reduced CD4⁺ T cell population and decreased expressions and production of cytokines in stimulated splenocytes. In addition, HCE significantly inhibited NO production and reduced the expression of COX-2 mRNA in the stimulated splenocytes. The effects seen were probably due to HCE's downregulation of NF-κB/p65 activation in splenocytes. By providing the anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of HCE, these findings are potentially important for future studies that may, ultimately result in the potential use of celery for the treatment/prevention of inflammatory diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Apium graveolens is a well-known edible plant with high concentrations of bioactive compounds such as apigenin, luteolin, and kaempferol. The research investigated the effects of A. graveolens leaves in splenocyte proliferation, and production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines. The data obtained from this study shed light on the use of plant extracts and plant-based bioactives in nutraceutical industries as potential functional food materials for preventing inflammatory diseases.

Method Development and Validation for the Determination of Caffeine: An Alkaloid from Coffea arabica by High-performance Liquid Chromatography Method

Objective:

The present study was investigated to develop and validate a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of caffeine from bean material of Coffee arabica.

Materials and Methods:

The separation was achieved on a reversed-phase C18 column using a mobile phase composed of water: methanol (50:50) at a flow rate of 1.0 mlmin-1. The detection was carried out on a UV detector at 272 nm. The developed method was validated according to the requirements for International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines, which includes specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection and limit of quantitation.

Results:

The developed method validates good linearity with excellent correlation coefficient (R2 > 0.999). In repeatability and intermediate precision, the percentage relative standard deviation (% RSD) of peak area was less than 1% shows high precision of the method. The recovery rate for caffeine was within 98.78% - 101.28% indicates high accuracy of the method. The low limit of detection and limit of quantitation of caffeine enable the detection and quantitation of caffeine from C. arabica at low concentrations.

Conclusion:

The developed HPLC method is a simple, rapid, precisely, accurately and widely accepted and it is recommended for efficient assays in routine work.

SUMMARY

A simple, accurate, and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for caffeine from Coffea arabica has been developed and validated. The developed HPLC method was validated for linearity, specificity, precision, recovery, limits of detection, and limits of quantification by the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The results revealed that the proposed method is highly reliable. This method could be successfully applied for routine quality work analysis.

Abbreviation Used:C. arabica: Coffee arabica, ICH: International Conference on Harmonisation, % RSD: Percentage Relative Standard Deviation, R2: Correlation Coefficient, ppm: Parts per million, LOD: Limits of detection, LOQ: Limits of quantification, SD: Standard deviation, S: Slope, RP-HPLC: Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography, v/v: Volume per volume.