scholarly journals Phytochemicals and cancer

2007 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian T. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Plant Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Carcinogenic Activity ◽  
Plant Foods ◽  
Carcinogenic Effects

Epidemiological studies showing a protective effect of diets rich in fruits and vegetables against cancer have focused attention on the possibility that biologically-active plant secondary metabolites exert anti-carcinogenic activity. This huge group of compounds, now collectively termed ‘phytochemicals’, provides much of the flavour and colour of edible plants and the beverages derived from them. Many of these compounds also exert anti-carcinogenic effects in animal models of cancer, and much progress has been made in defining their many biological activities at the molecular level. Such mechanisms include the detoxification and enhanced excretion of carcinogens, the suppression of inflammatory processes such as cyclooxygenase-2 expression, inhibition of mitosis and the induction of apoptosis at various stages in the progression and promotion of cancer. However, much of the research on phytochemicals has been conducted in vitro, with little regard to the bioavailability and metabolism of the compounds studied. Many phytochemicals present in plant foods are poorly absorbed by human subjects, and this fraction usually undergoes metabolism and rapid excretion. Some compounds that do exert anti-carcinogenic effects at realistic doses may contribute to the putative benefits of plant foods such as berries, brassica vegetables and tea, but further research with human subjects is required to fully confirm and quantify such benefits. Chemoprevention using pharmacological doses of isolated compounds, or the development of ‘customised’ vegetables, may prove valuable but such strategies require a full risk–benefit analysis based on a thorough understanding of the long-term biological effects of what are often surprisingly active compounds.

Recent Progress in Oleanolic Acid: Structural Modification and Biological Activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wang Wang ◽  
Yutong Li ◽  
Yan Li ◽  
Dejuan Sun ◽  
Hua Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oleanolic Acid ◽  
Structural Modification ◽  
Recent Progress ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Action Mechanisms

: Natural products have been proven as the main source of biologically active compounds, which are potentially useful for drug development. As one of the most studied pentacyclic triterpenes, oleanolic acid (OA) exhibits a broad range of biological activities and serves as a good scaffold for the development of novel derivatives that could be vital in drug discovery for various ailments. Up to now, many of its derivatives with multiple bioactivities have been prepared through chemical modification. This review summarizes the recent reports of OA derivatives (2016-present) and their biological effects and action mechanisms in vitro and in vivo models, and discusses the design of novel and potent derivatives.

scholarly journals Comparative Effects of Different Light Sources on the Production of Key Secondary Metabolites in Plants In Vitro Cultures

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1521
Author(s):  
Mariam Hashim ◽  
Bushra Ahmad ◽  
Samantha Drouet ◽  
Christophe Hano ◽  
Bilal Haider Abbasi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Plant Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Wild Plants ◽  
Light Sources ◽  
In Vitro Production ◽  
Phytochemical Content ◽  
Culture Techniques

Plant secondary metabolites are known to have a variety of biological activities beneficial to human health. They are becoming more popular as a result of their unique features and account for a major portion of the pharmacological industry. However, obtaining secondary metabolites directly from wild plants has substantial drawbacks, such as taking a long time, posing a risk of species extinction owing to over-exploitation, and producing a limited quantity. Thus, there is a paradigm shift towards the employment of plant tissue culture techniques for the production of key secondary metabolites in vitro. Elicitation appears to be a viable method for increasing phytochemical content and improving the quality of medicinal plants and fruits and vegetables. In vitro culture elicitation activates the plant’s defense response and increases the synthesis of secondary metabolites in larger proportions, which are helpful for therapeutic purposes. In this respect, light has emerged as a unique and efficient elicitor for enhancing the in vitro production of pharmacologically important secondary metabolites. Various types of light (UV, fluorescent, and LEDs) have been found as elicitors of secondary metabolites, which are described in this review.

Metabolomics of Healthy Berry Fruits

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (37) ◽  
pp. 4888-4902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilda D'Urso ◽  
Sonia Piacente ◽  
Cosimo Pizza ◽  
Paola Montoro
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Bioactive Metabolites ◽  
Active Metabolites ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Berry Fruits

The consumption of berry-type fruits has become very popular in recent years because of their positive effects on human health. Berries are in fact widely known for their health-promoting benefits, including prevention of chronic disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Berries are a rich source of bioactive metabolites, such as vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds, mainly anthocyanins. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies recognized the health effects of berries and their function as bioactive modulators of various cell functions associated with oxidative stress. Plants have one of the largest metabolome databases, with over 1200 papers on plant metabolomics published only in the last decade. Mass spectrometry (MS) and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) are the most important analytical technologies on which the emerging ''omics'' approaches are based. They may provide detection and quantization of thousands of biologically active metabolites from a tissue, working in a ''global'' or ''targeted'' manner, down to ultra-trace levels. In the present review, we highlighted the use of MS and NMR-based strategies and Multivariate Data Analysis for the valorization of berries known for their biological activities, important as food and often used in the preparation of nutraceutical formulations.

scholarly journals Sesquiterpene Lactones: Promising Natural Compounds to Fight Inflammation

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 991
Author(s):  
Melanie S. Matos ◽  
José D. Anastácio ◽  
Cláudia Nunes dos Santos
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Sesquiterpene Lactones ◽  
Physiological State ◽  
Plant Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Inflammatory Pathways ◽  
Inflammatory State ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Inflammatory Molecules

Inflammation is a crucial and complex process that reestablishes the physiological state after a noxious stimulus. In pathological conditions the inflammatory state may persist, leading to chronic inflammation and causing tissue damage. Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are composed of a large and diverse group of highly bioactive plant secondary metabolites, characterized by a 15-carbon backbone structure. In recent years, the interest in SLs has risen due to their vast array of biological activities beneficial for human health. The anti-inflammatory potential of these compounds results from their ability to target and inhibit various key pro-inflammatory molecules enrolled in diverse inflammatory pathways, and prevent or reduce the inflammatory damage on tissues. Research on the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of SLs has thrived over the last years, and numerous compounds from diverse plants have been studied, using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo assays. Besides their anti-inflammatory potential, their cytotoxicity, structure–activity relationships, and pharmacokinetics have been investigated. This review aims to gather the most relevant results and insights concerning the anti-inflammatory potential of SL-rich extracts and pure SLs, focusing on their effects in different inflammatory pathways and on different molecular players.

Preservation of immunological and biological activities of insulin by insulinase inhibitor in vitro

1970 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 291-298
Author(s):  
J. Pierluissi ◽  
J. Campbell ◽  
K. S. Rastogi ◽  
G. R. Green ◽  
V. Lazdins
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effect ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Immunoreactive Insulin ◽  
Maximal Velocity ◽  
Appreciable Change ◽  
Glycogen Accumulation ◽  
Fractional Rate ◽  
Diaphragm In Vitro

The relation of insulinase activity to the biological effect of insulin on isolated tissue was studied. Rat diaphragm in vitro caused the rapid disappearance of immunoreactive insulin (IRI) in physiological concentrations. IRI loss at time intervals was exponential. The fractional rate of loss of IRI was therefore independent of IRI concentration and was also approximately constant per milligram of tissue, the value being 0.0216%/mg∙mm. The value of the Michaelis constant (Km), obtained from initial velocities at five initial concentrations of IRI, was 1.85 × 10−8M, and of the maximal velocity (Vmax) was 2.32 × 10−11 mole/g∙min, based on insulin dimer. The addition of an insulinase inhibitor (a partial hydrolysate of insulin) to hemidiaphragm in vitro reduced the fractional rate of IRI loss by 60%. The increase in Km, without appreciable change in Vmax, indicated that the inhibition was competitive. The IRI preserved by means of the inhibitor was biologically active, since it increased the glycogen accumulation and the incorporation of 14C-U-glucose into glycogen in a second, fresh hemidiaphragm. In single incubation of hemidiaphragm with insulin, the gain in glycogen was correlated with the amount of inhibitor. The biological effect of insulin on diaphragm in vitro was therefore limited by tissue insulinase activity, and insulinase inhibitor potentiated to some extent the action of insulin.

Potential Risks and Benefits of Phytoestrogen-Rich Diets

2003 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cassidy
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Intestinal Bacteria ◽  
Optimal Dose ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Data ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Age Related

Interest in the physiological role of bioactive compounds present in plants has increased dramatically over the last decade. Of particular interest in relation to human health are the class of compounds known as the phytoestrogens, which embody several groups of non-steroidal oestrogens including isoflavones & lignans that are widely distributed within the plant kingdom. Data from animal and in vitro studies provide plausible mechanisms to explain how phytoestrogens may influence hormone dependent states, but although the clinical application of diets rich in these oestrogen mimics is in its infancy, data from preliminary studies suggest potential beneficial effects of importance to health. Phytoestrogens are strikingly similar in chemical structure to the mammalian oestrogen, oestradiol, and bind to oestrogen receptors (ER) with a preference for the more recently described ERb. This suggests that these compounds may exert tissue specific effects. Numerous other biological effects independent of the ER (e.g. antioxidant capacity, antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects) have been ascribed to these compounds. Whether phytoestrogens have any biological activity in humans, either hormonal or non hormonal is a contentious issue and there is currently a paucity of data on human exposure. Much of the available data on the absorption and metabolism of dietary phytoestrogens is of a qualitative nature; it is known that dietary phytoestrogens are metabolised by intestinal bacteria, absorbed, conjugated in the liver, circulated in plasma and excreted in urine. Recent studies have addressed quantitatively what happens to isoflavones following ingestion – with pure compound and stable isotope data to compliment recent pharmacokinetic data for soy foods. The limited studies conducted so far in humans clearly confirm that soya isoflavones can exert hormonal effects. These effects may be of benefit in the prevention of many of the common diseases observed in Western populations (such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis) where the diet is typically devoid of these biologically active naturally occurring compounds. However since biological effects are dependent on many factors including dose, duration of use, protein binding affinity, individual metabolism and intrinsic oestrogenic state, further clinical studies are necessary to determine the potential health effects of these compounds in specific population groups. However we currently know little about age related differences in exposure to these compounds and there are few guidelines on optimal dose for specific health outcomes.

scholarly journals Phytochemical Characterization and Evaluation of Biological Activities of Egyptian Carob Pods (Ceratonia siliqua L.) Aqueous Extract: In Vitro Study

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2626
Author(s):  
Wael Sobhy Darwish ◽  
Abada El Sayed Khadr ◽  
Maher Abd El Naby Kamel ◽  
Mabrouk A. Abd Eldaim ◽  
Ibrahim El Tantawy El Sayed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aqueous Extract ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Radical Scavenging ◽  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Phytochemical Analysis ◽  
Type I ◽  
Hypotonic Solution ◽  
Ceratonia Siliqua

Ceratonia siliqua (Carob) is an evergreen Mediterranean tree, and carob pods are potentially nutritive and have medicinal value. The present study was carried out to estimate the possible biological activities of phytochemical-characterized carob pod aqueous extract (CPAE). The phytochemical contents of CPAE were determined by using colorimetric methods and HPLC. In addition, the free radical scavenging properties and anti-diabetic, anti-hemolytic, and antimicrobial activities were estimated by using standardized in vitro protocols. The phytochemical analysis revealed that CPAE was rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids, where it contained a significant amount of gallic acid, catechin, and protocatechuic acid. Furthermore, CPAE exhibited strong antioxidant activity where it prevented the formation of 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl, hydroxyl, and nitric oxide free radicals. Additionally, it had a potent inhibitory effect against digestive enzymes (amylase, maltase, sucrase, and lactase). Moreover, CPAE exhibited anti-Staph aureus, anti-Escherichia coli, anti-Candida albicans, and anti-herpes simplex type I virus (HSV-I). Finally, CPAE protected the erythrocyte membrane from hypotonic solution-induced hemolysis. Altogether, CPAE could be regarded as an interesting source of biologically active antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and antimicrobial preparation for a potential application in pharmaceutical and food supplement fields.

scholarly journals Use of an in vitro model of hepatic steatosis for studying the anti-oxidant and antisteatotic effects of fucoidan polysaccharides

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeinab El Rashed ◽  
Hala Khalife ◽  
Adriana Voci ◽  
Elena Grasselli ◽  
Laura Canesi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Marine Algae ◽  
In Vitro Model ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Terrestrial Plants ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Anti Oxidant ◽  
Vitro Model ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is characterised by fat accumulation in hepatocytes in the form of triacyglycerols (TAGs) within cytosolic lipid droplets. Fucoidans (FUs) are biologically active polysaccharides usually isolated from brown marine algae, but recently identified also in terrestrial plants. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-steatotic effects of FUs purified from C. compressa, F. hermonis, and E. globulus. To this aim, we used a validated NAFLD in vitro model consisting of rat hepatoma FaO cells exposed to an oleate/palmitate mixture. Such a model is suitable for rapid investigation of direct effects of natural and artificial compounds, together with satisfying the strategy of 3Rs for laboratory use of animals. Our results indicated that all FUs display anti-oxidant and anti-steatotic activities. Steatotic FaO cells may be employed to further study the biological effects of FUs.

scholarly journals Chromatographic Analyses, In Vitro Biological Activities, and Cytotoxicity of Cannabis sativa L. Essential Oil: A Multidisciplinary Study

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 3266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gokhan Zengin ◽  
Luigi Menghini ◽  
Antonella Di Sotto ◽  
Romina Mancinelli ◽  
Francesca Sisto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oil ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Volatile Component ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Antioxidant Compounds

Due to renewed interest in the cultivation and production of Italian Cannabis sativa L., we proposed a multi-methodological approach to explore chemically and biologically both the essential oil and the aromatic water of this plant. We reported the chemical composition in terms of cannabinoid content, volatile component, phenolic and flavonoid pattern, and color characteristics. Then, we demonstrated the ethnopharmacological relevance of this plant cultivated in Italy as a source of antioxidant compounds toward a large panel of enzymes (pancreatic lipase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and cholinesterases) and selected clinically relevant, multidrug-sensible, and multidrug-resistant microbial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Helicobacter pylori, Candida, and Malassezia spp.), evaluating the cytotoxic effects against normal and malignant cell lines. Preliminary in vivo cytotoxicity was also performed on Galleria mellonella larvae. The results corroborate the use of this natural product as a rich source of important biologically active molecules with particular emphasis on the role exerted by naringenin, one of the most important secondary metabolites.

scholarly journals Biological Properties of 6-Gingerol: A Brief Review

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1400900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaopeng Wang ◽  
Caihua Zhang ◽  
Guang Yang ◽  
Yanzong Yang
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Zingiber Officinale ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Inhibition Of Angiogenesis ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Pharmacologically Active

Numerous studies have revealed that regular consumption of certain fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of many diseases. The rhizome of Zingiber officinale (ginger) is consumed worldwide as a spice and herbal medicine. It contains pungent phenolic substances collectively known as gingerols. 6-Gingerol is the major pharmacologically-active component of ginger. It is known to exhibit a variety of biological activities including anticancer, anti-inflammation, and anti-oxidation. 6-Gingerol has been found to possess anticancer activities via its effect on a variety of biological pathways involved in apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, cytotoxic activity, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Thus, due to its efficacy and regulation of multiple targets, as well as its safety for human use, 6-gingerol has received considerable interest as a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and/or treatment of various diseases. Taken together, this review summarizes the various in vitro and in vivo pharmacological aspects of 6-gingerol and the underlying mechanisms.

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