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.
- MeSH
- antiflogistika farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- antioxidancia MeSH
- etnofarmakologie MeSH
- fytonutrienty farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- fytoterapie MeSH
- kapradiny * MeSH
- kašel farmakoterapie MeSH
- kožní nemoci * farmakoterapie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nachlazení * farmakoterapie MeSH
- popálení * farmakoterapie MeSH
- rostlinné extrakty farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Origanum vulgare (O. Vulgare) is a medicinal and aromatic shrub. It is commonly used as a culinary spice and in "traditional medicine" to cure a variety of diseases. Almost all parts including roots, leaves, stems, and flowers, are employed in medical systems to treat a variety of ailments. In recent scientific literature, among other things, the plant was reported to behave clinical effectiveness against antibacterial, hyperglycemia, anthelminthic and antifungal actions. Carvacrol, limonene, thymol, ocimene, pinene, caryophyllene, terpenes-cymene, and other significant medicinal chemicals have been extracted from this genus through phytochemical studies. The phytochemical ingredients of O. vulgare are highlighted in this review and its traditional uses, as well as evidence-based studies on the plant's diverse pharmacological effects. This illustrates the importance of conducting a thorough investigation in order to report new information on the mechanisms of action of these impacts.
- MeSH
- antiflogistika farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- antiinfekční látky farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- antioxidancia farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- antitumorózní látky farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- dobromysl (rod) * chemie MeSH
- farmakologické účinky MeSH
- fytonutrienty chemie farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- rostlinné extrakty farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- terapeutické užití MeSH
Cordia dichotoma, Indian cherry is one of the traditional medicinal plant well-known for its medicinal properties against variety of diseases primarily hepatocellular disorders. C. dichotoma is moderate size tree that may be found throughout the Himachal Pradesh and commonly called as lashuda. The objective of the present study is to emphasize the phytochemical and pharmacological study with hepatocurative assessment of C. dichotoma to strengthen not only traditional knowledge but also to validate scientific value of its medicinal potential. Furthermore, comprehensive literature information of C. dichotoma has been compiled from the variety of sources, including scientific databases like PubMed and Google Scholar and pertinent publications and books. The information provided in this study covers the years from 1956 to 2021 and KingDraw chemical structure editor software was used to depict the chemical structures of various secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, proteins carbohydrate and phenolic compounds extracted from the different parts of the C. dichotoma. Although, flavonoids and phenolic compounds are the most prominent phytoconstituents predominantly detected in C. dichotoma, which are known for great antioxidant potential and also they are renowned for their various pharmacological and therapeutic efficiency against various chronic diseases. Overall, the studies included in this review implies that the plant and its extracts have significant therapeutic benefits not only for hepatic but also for a variety of diseases. While further research is required to fully understand the processes underlying C. dichotoma application in various pharmacological activities.
Context and objective: Zerumbone has been reported to exert anti-microbial effects, but the mechanism by which the compound exerts its action is not known. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of zerumbone against methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), using the atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and flow cytometry techniques. Methods: MRSA (NCTC 13277) cell viability was determined using the microplate AlamarBlue assay. AFM and SEM were used to determine the morphology of zerumbone-treated MRSA cells. Flow cytometric analysis was used to determine the effect of zerumbone on bacterial membrane permeability and membrane potential, using the propidium iodide (PI) staining method, membrane potential-sensitive fluorescence probe, and DiBAC4(3) dye. DCFDA dye was used to determine the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by MRSA. Results: Zerumbone significantly inhibited MRSA growth with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 μg/ml. The AFM analysis showed that zerumbone caused leakage of cytoplasmic content from the bacterial cells. Ultrastructure analysis showed small colonies of the bacteria with pores on the membrane surface. There were increases in zerumbone-treated MRSA PI and DiBAC4(3) fluorescence, indicating an increase in cell membrane permeability and a decrease in membrane potential that culminated in the loss of membrane structural integrity and bacterial death. Based on DCFDA dye analysis, zerumbone also reduced ROS production by MRSA. Conclusions: Zerumbone exerts anti-MRSA effects by causing membrane depolarization, increasing membrane permeability, and finally disrupting cell membrane and bacterial killing.
The recent shift in socio-political debates and growing liberalization of Cannabis use across the globe has raised concern regarding its impact on vulnerable populations such as adolescents. Concurrent with declining perception of Cannabis harms, more adolescents are using it daily in several countries and consuming marijuana strains with high content of psychotropic delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These dual, related trends seem to facilitate the development of compromised social and cognitive performance at adulthood, which are described in preclinical and human studies. Cannabis exerts its effects via altering signalling within the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which modulates the stress circuitry during the neurodevelopment. In this context early interventions appear to circumvent the emergence of adult neurodevelopmental deficits. Accordingly, Cannabis sativa second-most abundant compound, cannabidiol (CBD), emerges as a potential therapeutic agent to treat neuropsychiatric disorders. We first focus on human and preclinical studies on the long-term effects induced by adolescent THC exposure as a "critical window" of enhanced neurophysiological vulnerability, which could be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and related primary psychotic disorders. Then, we focus on adolescence as a "window of opportunity" for early pharmacological treatment, as novel risk reduction strategy for neurodevelopmental disorders. Thus, we review current preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of CBD in terms of positive, negative and cognitive symptoms treatment, safety profile, and molecular targets.
- MeSH
- fytonutrienty * škodlivé účinky farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- kanabinoidy * škodlivé účinky farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- schizofrenie * chemicky indukované farmakoterapie metabolismus prevence a kontrola MeSH
- toxické psychózy * farmakoterapie metabolismus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Conifers have long been recognized for their therapeutic potential in different disorders. Alkaloids, terpenes and polyphenols are the most abundant naturally occurring phytochemicals in these plants. Here, we provide an overview of the phytochemistry and related commercial products obtained from conifers. The pharmacological actions of different phytochemicals present in conifers against bacterial and fungal infections, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are also reviewed. Data obtained from experimental and clinical studies performed to date clearly underline that such compounds exert promising antioxidant effects, being able to inhibit cell damage, cancer growth, inflammation and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, an attempt has been made with the intent to highlight the importance of conifer-derived extracts for pharmacological purposes, with the support of relevant in vitro and in vivo experimental data. In short, this review comprehends the information published to date related to conifers' phytochemicals and illustrates their potential role as drugs.
- MeSH
- cévnaté rostliny chemie MeSH
- fytonutrienty chemie terapeutické užití MeSH
- klinické zkoušky jako téma MeSH
- lesy * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- neuroprotekce účinky léků MeSH
- rostlinné extrakty terapeutické užití MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Agrimonia eupatoria L. is an herb of the Rosaceae family, widely used in traditional (folk) medicine for its beneficial effects. Its water extracts (infusions and decoctions) are used in the treatment of airway and urinary system diseases, digestive tract diseases, and chronic wounds. Phytochemical analyses of Agrimonia eupatoria L. identified a variety of bioactive compounds including tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids and volatile oils possessing antioxidant, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial activities. The authors review the available literature sources examining and discussing the therapeutic and pharmacological effects of Agrimonia eupatoria L. at the molecular level in vitro and in vivo.
- MeSH
- Agrimonia * chemie MeSH
- antiinfekční látky izolace a purifikace terapeutické užití MeSH
- antioxidancia izolace a purifikace terapeutické užití MeSH
- fytonutrienty izolace a purifikace terapeutické užití MeSH
- imunologické faktory izolace a purifikace terapeutické užití MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- rostlinné extrakty izolace a purifikace terapeutické užití MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Lycoris Herbert, family Amaryllidaceae, is a small genus of about 20 species that are native to the warm temperate woodlands of eastern Asia, as in China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the Himalayas. For many years, species of Lycoris have been subjected to extensive phytochemical and pharmacological investigations, resulting in either the isolation or identification of more than 110 Amaryllidaceae alkaloids belonging to different structural types. Amaryllidaceae alkaloids are frequently studied for their interesting biological properties, including antiviral, antibacterial, antitumor, antifungal, antimalarial, analgesic, cytotoxic, and cholinesterase inhibition activities. The present review aims to summarize comprehensively the research that has been reported on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Lycoris.
- MeSH
- alkaloidy amarylkovitých chemie terapeutické užití MeSH
- Amaryllidaceae chemie MeSH
- antimalarika chemie terapeutické užití MeSH
- fytonutrienty terapeutické užití MeSH
- kořeny rostlin chemie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- Lycoris chemie MeSH
- rostlinné extrakty chemie terapeutické užití MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Čína MeSH
The role of immune system in carcinogenesis represents fundamental events associated with cancer eradication; however, tumor evolution is connected with various mechanisms of tumor evasion and progression of cancer. Based on recent evidence, phytochemicals are directly associated with immunomodulation of the innate and adaptive immunity via different mechanisms of action including stimulation and amplification of immune cells, humoral compartments, and associated molecules. This comprehensive study focuses on immunomodulating potential of phytochemicals (mixture in plants or separately such as individual phytochemical) and their impact on regulation of immune response during cancer development, immune tolerance, and immune escape. Clinical application of phytochemicals as modulators of host immunity against cancer may represent perspective approach in anticancer therapy.
Cynomorium coccineum and Cynomorium songaricum are unusual parasitic plants in the family Cynomoriaceae characterized by their unusual appearance and way of life. Due to their special habit and extremely rare occurrence, in the past, various magical properties have been attributed to these plants. The plant Cynomorium coccineum, which is found in the Mediterranean, has been used in Europe since the Middle Ages in folk medicine under the name fungus maletensis (maltese fungus). It was used for the same purpose in Arabic cultures under the name tarthuth. The Asian species (Cynomorium songaricum), sometimes considered a subspecies of C. coccineum, is still used in traditional Chinese medicine under the name Suo Yang. Recent studies show that the plant has a number of beneficial effects on the body and there is a real possibility that the substances present in Suo Yang or substances derived therefrom will be used in the future for therapeutic purposes. Of particular interest are their effects on sexual function. Preclinical experiments in male rats showed an increase in fertility after administration of Cynomoriumextract. In these tests, an increase in the weight of the testes and an increase in the number of spermatozoa and their viability were observed. Cynomorium plants offer a new approach to the treatment of human infertility, which is currently a major problem.
- MeSH
- Cynomorium * MeSH
- farmakologické jevy MeSH
- fytonutrienty * farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužská infertilita farmakoterapie MeSH
- myši MeSH
- spermie účinky léků MeSH
- tradiční lékařství MeSH
- Check Tag
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- myši MeSH
- Publikační typ
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
