THE 4th Annual CNPD (Centre for Natural Products Discovery) Conference

The 4th Annual CNPD (Centre for Natural Products Discovery) Conference held on 19-22 June 2023 at the John Lennon Arts and Design Building, has been a remarkable success. The feedback from the participants from all over the world (e.g., Bangladesh, Czech Republic, China, Pakistan, India, Italy, Nepal, Romania, South Korea, Switzerland, The Philippines, Turkey and USA), as well as from our home participants, was simply excellent. Many commented that our conference is one of the best conferences they have ever attended. Prof Laura Bishop, PVC Science opened the conference, and welcomed the participants on behalf of the Faculty and LJMU. Prof Satya Sarker, Director of School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, and the Founding Head of the Centre for Natural Products Discovery, presented an overview of the centre and welcomed everybody on behalf of the School and the Centre. During the conference, several outstanding invited talks were presented and the quality of the short 10 min presentations was also excellent. The poster session was lively and highly interactive, the extended tea/coffee breaks and lunch breaks provided a fantastic opportunity for networking. There was a lively panel discussion on the contemporary issues in natural products research, and the impact of AI on natural products research and scientific publications dominated the discussion. There were three prizes sponsored by Goss Scientific, and Perkin Elmer, given to the best poster, the best short oral presentation and the best overall performance, selected by a panel of four judges, two internal and two externals. We are absolutely delighted to see our PhD student Waed Alsheikh won the best oral and overall best performance prizes. It can be mentioned that Waed is the Faculty Winner of the 3 min thesis presentation, and the LJMU winner through popular votes. The conference concluded with my ‘vote of thanks’, and a declaration that the 5th Annual CNPD conference will be held online over Teams in 2024, and 6th Annual CNPD conference will be held face-to-face in Liverpool in 2025

THE RELEVANCE OF TOPICAL PLANT USAGE IN TRADITIONAL HERBAL MEDICINE: AN INVESTIGATION INTO WEST AFRICAN TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANTS WITH COSMECEUTICAL POTENTIAL IN SOUTHERN GHANA.

Introduction: Cosmetopea, a relatively novel and under-reported field in ethnobotany, is concerned with documenting medicinal plants\u27 cosmetic/skin-related uses across countries and cultures. Aim: To identify Western African plants and plant preparations traditionally used for skin conditions and other skin applications and to determine the activity of a selected medicinal plant. Method: A quantitative ethnobotanical survey was conducted within Southern Ghana to investigate knowledge of medicinal plant species and preparations used topically for various skin conditions amongst local and rural communities. Results: Plant use was cited as highest amongst men (76%) and herbal practitioners (60%). In total, the survey revealed 25 medicinal plants distributed amongst 20 plant families with 6 species being most frequently cited overall, which included Senna alata, Ageratum conyzoides, Momordica charantia, Phyllanthus amarus, Alstonia boonei and Ricinis communis. Major skin applications of most plant species reported were for the treatment of skin diseases whilst lesser applications were recorded for cosmetic use. In terms of skin conditions, pimples/rashes was recorded with a high frequency of citations (34.87%). Mixtures were cited as the most common (62%) preparation type whilst raw application was recorded with the lowest usage (3%). A total of 28 medicinal plant recipes were recorded with the leaf plant part being reported with the highest frequency of usage (64%) in preparations. Mechanical extraction techniques including grinding or crushing were frequently cited (46%) whilst solvent extraction namely by water was reported with the lowest use (3%). Conclusion: It was determined that the uses of such plants are relevant amongst local and rural communities and in the traditional herbal industry in Ghana

Quantification of Linalool in 3D Printed Fast-Dissolving Oral Films by A High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography Method

Introduction: Linalool has shown inhibitory effects against Candida albicans. Microbial resistance is developing towards the current antifungal drugs. Therefore, an oral formulation of linalool oil may be used to effectively treat oral thrush. A wide range of patients can use fast-dissolving oral films (FDFs). Three-dimensional printing (3DP) may be utilised for the manufacture of FDFs. Aims: to formulate linalool in FDFs and quantify it using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Methods: A powder formulation containing linalool (5%w/w) was prepared and filaments were produced at 75°C and printed at 185°C. The films were dissolved either in methanol or deionised water, and linalool was quantified in the aqueous solutions. The mobile phase of a previously reported HPLC method was modified to quantify linalool in the aqueous solutions. The HPLC method was validated by measuring linalool in standard methanol and aqueous solutions. Results: Preparing aqueous solutions of filaments and films provided less variability in the analyses. 3D-printed FDFs had an average weight of 78.44 ± 6.84 mg. Applying the HPLC method revealed that the amounts of linalool changed from a theoretical 25 mg (per 0.5 g of filament) to the range of 23.98 ± 1.22 to 33.79 ± 2.43 mg. In contrast, the amounts of linalool were changed in films from theoretical 25 mg (per 0.5 g of film) to 13.82 ± 3.24 mg to 21.04 ± 0.92 mg. These observations indicated the evaporation of linalool considerably during printing at 185 °C. Conclusion: This work found that linalool FDFs should be printed at temperatures lower than 185 °C and dissolved in deionised water for better HPLC analytical consistency

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN THE CENTRE FOR NATURAL PRODUCTS DISCOVERY IN 2023

In 2023, the Centre for Natural Products Discovery (CNPD) made significant strides in the scientific community through a series of impactful research initiatives. These efforts underscore our commitment to harnessing the world’s natural resources to advance health. The fertile research environment at the CNPD has given rise to various sections, each contributing innovative and practical applications. Our goal here is to provide a concise overview of our research activities for the year. While this summary is not exhaustive, it focuses on the work of our section leaders, which in turn encompasses the contributions of numerous other researchers both within and outside the CNPD

Therapeutic potential of Leea indica (Vitaceae)

Background Leea indica (Burm. f.) Merr. (fam. Vitaceae), commonly known as ‘bandicoot berry’, is a Thai medicinal plant, and distributed widely in the far-east and south-east Asian countries, and in some parts of northern Australia. In Thailand, this plant has traditionally been used for the treatment of diarrhoea, pain, gastric ulcer, viral infections and some forms of cancers. Aims To review published findings on medicinal properties of L. indica and to critically appraise its therapeutic potential. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed utilizing several databases, notably, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar, and other relevant published materials. The keywords used in the search, individually as well as in combinations, were Leea indica, Vitaceae and traditional medicine. Results In vitro assays and in vivo animal studies displayed efficacy of the extracts and fractions of L. indica as an analgesic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiproliferative agent and indicated their therapeutic potential. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenolics and terpenoids as major bioactive components in L. indica. Conclusion Preliminary bioactivity studies on L. indica provided some scientific basis for its traditional therapeutic applications. The presence of certain bioactive compounds in this plant could further support its therapeutic potential and traditional medicinal uses

Stability of Feverfew and its Active Principle Parthenolide: An Elusive Antimigraine Herbal Medicine

Background Feverfew is a traditional herbal remedy for the relief of arthritis, migraine, toothache, and menstrual difficulties. It is widely accepted that parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone, is its main active principle. However, the decrease of parthenolide in commercial preparations is a well-known process with no technical solution so far. Aims To review the evidence for the mechanism of the degradation of parthenolide and similar sesquiterpene lactones. Methods Systematic review. Results and Conclusion In conclusion, and without discarding any degradation of parthenolide into non-identifiable fragments, the fate of this compound in dry, powdered feverfew is to undergo a covalent binding to plant proteins resulting in a biologically inactive adduct - in accordance with the direct and indirect data found in the literature. This process seems to be virtually unstoppable, and temperature and light do not seem to be playing a significant role under normal storage conditions according to some authors. In the presence of a high level of humidity, parthenolide may undergo an acid-induced cyclisation giving rise to a guaianolide-type sesquiterpene lactone, a class of compound that is commonly found in Feverfew. Microbial degradations are not likely to play an important role if the formulation complies with Pharmacopoeial microbiological quality requirements. The experimental and clinical data in the literature do not report on any increase in the toxicity of stored feverfew.&nbsp

APPLICATIONS OF ELECTRON PARAMAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY IN NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH

Background Applications of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to natural product research have proven useful to understand the properties of natural product extracts and their intrinsic compounds. There are few reviews on this subject written as an initial introduction. Aims To provide an explanatory review of applications of EPR to natural products research. Methods The search for this review was carried out in the following databases: SciFinder, Google Scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Science Direct, with particular emphasis on publications from the last decade. Results The articles chosen showed qualitative and quantitative data about the applications of EPR in the natural product research area. Studies include the use to measure radical scavenging capacity and direct detection of radicals in extracts. Other applications include the study of autooxidation, and photochemical properties. Conclusion This review brings together many examples highlighting methods by which EPR spectroscopy is useful in natural products research as a guide for future use

NUTRITIVE AND MEDICINAL VALUE OF GONGRONEMA LATIFOLIUM

Background The tropical rainforest plant Gongronema latifolium is popular for its nutritive and medicinal value across many African nations. The rich phytochemistry of this plant is responsible for a wide variety of pharmacological actions. It is commonly used as a vegetable in soups, salads or as a food spice in other food preparations. Medicinally, it is widely used in diabetes, malaria, hepatitis, stomachache, anorexia, cough etc. Aims This essay aims to cover details about the origin, botanical features, ethnopharmacological uses, indigenous rights, phytochemical profile and pharmacological properties of Gongronema latifolium. Methods PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for the name “Gongronema Latifolium”. Results & Conclusion This short review tried to justify the ethnomedical importance of G.latifolium for researchers. It is enriched with varities of flavonoids, saponins,alkaloids and steroidal phytochemicals which exhibit prominent pharmacological actions such as hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, cytotoxic, anti-oxidant and antimicrobial in-vitro and in-vivo. One of the active compound; iloneoside was able to show potent antileukemic activity. Itshould be evaluated against other cancer cell lines. Lastly, further research is required to understand the true potential of this African plant. &nbsp

Antioxidant Activity of Apis Mellifera Bee Propolis: A Review

BackgroundPropolis is a natural product manufactured by bees from balsamic materials collected from plants that surround the hive, undergoing subsequent modification by the enzymes of these insects. It has several functions in the hive, such as sealing cracks and antimicrobial action. Folk medicine worldwide has used this resin in their health practices, and modern research turns its eyes to natural materials to become sources of new molecules to treat the most diverse ailments. AimsThis work collected information on studies that test the antioxidant activity of propolis, produced by Apis mellifera bees, using different antioxidant methods available. MethodsThe search for this review was carried out in the following databases: SciELO, Google Scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE, Catalog of Dissertations and Theses of CAPES, BVS, CRD, Embase, Science Direct, Scopus and Cochrane Library. Publications in Portuguese, English and Spanish in the last decade were included.ResultsThe 173 articles chosen showed quantitative and qualitative data about the potential of this natural product in the area of interest. Propolis extracts reached amazing values in antioxidant tests; they were as active as isolated substances already recognized as standard patterns. Many studies have brought information about the antioxidant mechanisms of propolis, such as free radical scavenging, metal chelation, and electron donation.ConclusionThis review brings scientific evidence, in vitro and in vivo, that supports the idea that propolis is a good candidate for producing new antioxidant pharmaceutical and food formulations in the future