Biotechnology and In Vitro Culture as an Alternative System for Secondary Metabolite Production.

peer reviewedMedicinal plants are rich sources of bioactive compounds widely used as medicaments, food additives, perfumes, and agrochemicals. These secondary compounds are produced under stress conditions to carry out physiological tasks in plants. Secondary metabolites have a complex chemical structure with pharmacological properties. The widespread use of these metabolites in a lot of industrial sectors has raised the need to increase the production of secondary metabolites. Biotechnological methods of cell culture allow the conservation of plants, as well as the improvement of metabolite biosynthesis and the possibility to modify the synthesis pathways. The objective of this review is to outline the applications of different in vitro culture systems with previously reported relevant examples for the optimal production of plant-derived secondary metabolites

HPLC-DAD/TOF-MS Chemical Compounds Analysis and Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Aristolochia longa Root Extracts

The present study aimed to determine the phenolic compounds of Arislolochia Ion& root extracts and to evaluate their antibacterial activities on multiresistant strains. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids. The HPLC-DAD analysis of A. longa extracts showed the presence of several major bioactive compounds such as ferulic acid, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, citric acid, and quinic acid. The agar diffusion method was used for the sensitivity test, while minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration values were determined by microdilution assay. Different tests were carried out on 3 clinical multiresistant strains and 3 reference strains. The diameter of inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 induced by the ethyl acetate fraction at 200 mg/mL was 25 +/- 1 mm. Moreover, Escherichia coli ATCC 29522 showed a great sensitivity toward all the concentrations tested. The MICs of the active extracts vary between 12.5 and 100 mg/mL with a bacteriostatic effect on Pseudomonas aemginosa ATCC 27853, Enterococcus faecalis, and S. aureus ATCC 25923.Peer reviewe

Pharmacological Effects of Grifolin: Focusing on Anticancer Mechanisms

Grifolin is a volatile compound contained in essential oils of several medicinal plants. Several studies show that this substance has been the subject of numerous pharmacological investigations, which have yielded interesting results. Grifolin demonstrated beneficial effects for health via its multiple pharmacological activities. It has anti-microbial properties against bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In addition, grifolin exhibited remarkable anti-cancer effects on different human cancer cells. The anticancer action of this molecule is related to its ability to act at cellular and molecular levels on different checkpoints controlling the signaling pathways of human cancer cell lines. Grifolin can induce apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy, and senescence in these cells. Despite its major pharmacological properties, grifolin has only been investigated in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, further investigations concerning pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic tests are required for any possible pharmaceutical application of this substance. Moreover, toxicological tests and other investigations involving humans as a study model are required to validate the safety and clinical applications of grifolin

Efficacy of Pelargonium graveolens essential oils against some postharvest fungal diseases of apple

Background: Postharvest diseases that occur in apples are often caused by various pathogenic fungi, causing serious economic loss. The pathogenic fungi Penicillium expansum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Botrytis cinerea are among the most common pathogens in apples. The goal of this study was to see whether Moroccan Pelargonium graveolens essential oil (PGEO) could protect apple fruits from fungal infections after they were harvested (in vitro).Methods: PGEO was characterized by GC-MS and for antifungal assessment, in vitro poisoned food (PF) and volatile activity testing (VA) were carried out.Results: The investigation revealed that PGEO was effective against the three tested phytopathogenic fungi in a dose-dependent manner and this antifungal activity increased with the volatile activity test. The MIC value was 2 µL/mL for B. cinera, and R. stolonifer, and 1 µL/mL for P. expansum. Volatile fraction stops the growth of B. cinera at 40 µL / disc (QMI = 40 µL / disc), and of P. expansum and R. stolonifer at 80 µL / disc (QMI = 80 µL / disc).Conclusion: The current findings show that Moroccan PGEO has powerful antifungal activities, suggesting that it might be used instead of synthetic fungicides to combat apple post-harvest infections.Keywords: Pelargonium graveolens; Antifungal activity; Essential oil; Poisoned food; Volatile activity test; Apple

Topical Licorice for Aphthous: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common ulcerative disease that affects oral mucosa. The coating agents, topical analgesics, and topical steroids are usually used as treatment methods. Glycyrrhiza glabra has been used for RAS treatment based on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. In this study, a systemic review on the therapeutic effect of topical licorice on RAS management was performed. Methods: Science Direct, Scopus, Cochrane databases, PubMed Google Scholar, and ResearchGate were searched up to September 2021 to find all English randomized clinical trials studying the effect of G. glabra, or its compositions on RAS. Meta-analysis was not conducted because of data heterogeneity. Articles were reviewed qualitatively, and only those with a Jadad score ≥3 were included. Animal studies, in vitro, review papers, non-English papers, and case reports were excluded.Results: Six studies with 314 subjects were included after screening. The result showed licorice has significant effects on RAS pain reduction, ulcer size, and healing time. Its effectiveness is related to its dose-dependent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects through several mechanisms. It also has antibacterial effects against Streptococci mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis as another mechanism of action in RAS treatment. In addition, licorice can elevate the epidermal growth factor (EGF) level compared to the control group, which has an essential role in oral mucosal tissue integrity. Conclusion: Licorice extract has been used in different dosage forms, including paste, patch, and mouthwash with concentrations of 1% or 5%. The healing time after licorice therapy is expected to be within 4-8 days. Licorice did not show any adverse effect in the intervention groups, indicating its effectiveness and safety in RAS treatment

Green Tea and Its Numerous Health Benefits

Green tea is one of the most popular antioxidant drinks in the world. To make green tea, you must first remove the leaves from Camellia sinensis. A form of tea made from unoxidized green leaves from a tea plantation is called green tea. Several other studies have been undertaken over the past year to evaluate whether consuming green tea and extracts has any health benefits. In order to get the health benefits of green tea, the nutrients in the tea must be absorbed. Green tea’s flavonoids and caffeine, which serve to accelerate the elimination of metabolites, contribute to the antioxidant function of green tea. Cancer, heart disease, and aging appear to be the main diseases to be reduced or prevented by these antioxidants. The pharmaceutical and culinary industries can use green tea due to its high potency and lack of adverse effects. Green tea is touted as a natural remedy for a wide range of health issues. Through this, we can better understand the immediate benefits of green tea. Prescription green tea components are discussed along with their antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral actions in relation to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD)

Chemical Compounds of Berry-Derived Polyphenols and Their Effects on Gut Microbiota, Inflammation, and Cancer

Berry-derived polyphenols are bioactive compounds synthesized and secreted by several berry fruits. These polyphenols feature a diversity of chemical compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. Here, we report the beneficial health effects of berry-derived polyphenols and their therapeutical application on gut-microbiota-related diseases, including inflammation and cancer. Pharmacokinetic investigations have confirmed the absorption, availability, and metabolism of berry-derived polyphenols. In vitro and in vivo tests, as well as clinical trials, showed that berry-derived polyphenols can positively modulate the gut microbiota, inhibiting inflammation and cancer development. Indeed, these compounds inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and also promote beneficial bacteria. Moreover, berry-derived polyphenols exhibit therapeutic effects against different gut-microbiota-related disorders such as inflammation, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Moreover, these polyphenols can manage the inflammation via various mechanisms, in particular the inhibition of the transcriptional factor Nf-κB. Berry-derived polyphenols have also shown remarkable effects on different types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, esophageal, and prostate cancer. Moreover, certain metabolic disorders such as diabetes and atherosclerosis were also managed by berry-derived polyphenols through different mechanisms. These data showed that polyphenols from berries are a promising source of bioactive compounds capable of modulating the intestinal microbiota, and therefore managing cancer and associated metabolic diseases. However, further investigations should be carried out to determine the mechanisms of action of berry-derived polyphenol bioactive compounds to validate their safety and examinate their clinical uses

Polymorphism of HLA and Susceptibility of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common malignancy in the world. Numerous studies have demonstrated the association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and cancer. The occurrence and development of BC are closely linked to genetic factors. Human leukocyte antigens G and E (HLA-G and HLA-E) are non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. These molecules play an important role in immune surveillance by inhibiting the cytotoxic and natural killer T cells responsible for immune escape. The expression of HLA-G and HLA-E has been associated with several diseases, including tumors. The HLA system plays a key role in the escape of tumor cells from immune surveillance. This review aims to determine the correlation between BC susceptibility and HLA markers specific HLA alleles such as HLA-B07, HLA-DRB111, HLA-DRB113, and HLA-DRB115 are associated with an increased risk of developing BC. Furthermore, HLA-G mutations have been attributed to an elevated likelihood of metastasis in BC patients. Understanding the complex associations between the HLA system and BC development is critical for developing novel cancer prevention, detection, and treatment strategies. This review emphasizes the importance of analyzing HLA polymorphisms in the management of BC patients, as well as the urgent need for further research in this area