Management of Post Menstrual Syndromes: From Traditional Knowledge to Evidence-Based Medicine

Plants were and are still widely used for a number of pathologies affecting women health, particularly post menstrual syndromes (PMS). PMS refers to a diverse set of clinical symptoms and nearly omnipresent in the woman of reproductive age and can impinge on women's interpersonal relationships, social behavior, work absenteeism, and work productivity [1]. In additionto conventional FDA approved drugs, a plethora of other selections are imperative to reflect on for women who prefer natural alternative and complementary therapies or for whom conventional remedies are contraindicated [2]. Indeed, prior to the introduction of modern therapy, a panoply of medicinal herbs such as Kacip Fatima, Vitex, Yam, Licorice, Alfalfa, Chamomile, Dong-Quai, Evening Primrose, Ginkgo, Water-Willowand Cohosh have been used predominantly to treat or relief PMS. Traditional Chinese medicine has been prescribing herbs and herbal formulas since time immemorial; for instance Angelica (Dang Gui) has been widely used by Chinese and Japanese women for centuries. It is well-known for regulating menstrual cycles, eliminating the discomfort of premenstrual syndromes, and relieving menstrual cramps. Medicinalplants thus tend to represent a safe alternative to current hormone or drug therapy used to manage PMS symptoms. Many of these herbals formulas were geared towards regulating hormonal cycle and some recently being reported to have estrogen and/or progesterone-like effects [3-5]. Other less popular herbs that have been used successfully to decreasenervous tension include passion-flower, valerian, oatgrass, lemon-balm and skull-cap [6]. One phytotherapeutic combination; dandelion root/leaf-Taraxum officinale, milk or blessed thistle- Cnicus benedictus, Vitex- Vitex agnus-castus, black or blue Cohosh- Cimcifuga racemosa and Caulophylum thalictroides, Dong-Quai - Angelica sinensis and wild-Yam - Dioscorea villosa, is prescribed by phytotherapists and/or traditional healers as a polyherbal tea (1 tsp. of the herbal formula, one parteach, in 1 cup of boiling water thrice daily) or in tincture (1/2 tsp. 3 to 4 times daily). However, Vitex also known as chaste tree berry, has attracted much consideration and comprehensively tested in randomized controlledtrials; [1, 7-8] and reported to exhibit dopaminic agonist, inhibiting prolactin and increasing estrogen secretions and its flavonoids ligands to benzodiazepine receptors- thereby depicting antidepressant andanxiolytic properties [1]. Chaste berry fruit extract has also been shown to correct prolactin levels in latent hyperprolactinaemia via dopamine receptors. Vitex formulation (Agnolyt®) has been reported to besuperior to pyridoxine in reducing premenstrual tension, whereas Femicur® (dried extract of Vitex) decreased and/or ceased mastalgia, associated toPMS; both tested in randomized controlled clinical trials [7, 8]. Nonetheless, many of the above-mentioned mono or poly-phytotherapeutic combinations are not recommended during pregnancy and possiblehormonal effects through breast milk (some via prolactin inhibition) [3]. Additionally, extensive and scientific-based clinical research into the use of herbal therapies for premenstrual disorders, specifically in adolescents is unfortunately sparse. To this effect, phytotherapies for PMS can be given due consideration provided they are prescribed by trained professionalsfollowing rigorous high-quality clinical testing and with optimal dosing standards but avoided concurrently with conventional medications. Additionally, it is believed that it is of uttermost importance for medicalpractitioners to be aware of such herbal therapies and any innate potential drug-herb interactions and/or side effects in an endeavor to offer alternatives to women

New Insights in Staging and Chemotherapy of African Trypanosomiasis and Possible Contribution of Medicinal Plants

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a fatal if untreated fly-borne neuroinflammatory disease caused by protozoa of the species Trypanosoma brucei (T.b.). The increasing trend of HAT cases has been reversed, but according to WHO experts, new epidemics of this disease could appear. In addition, HAT is still a considerable burden for life quality and economy in 36 sub-Saharan Africa countries with 15–20 million persons at risk. Following joined initiatives of WHO and private partners, the fight against HAT was re-engaged, resulting in considerable breakthrough. We present here what is known at this day about HAT etiology and pathogenesis and the new insights in the development of accurate tools and tests for disease staging and severity monitoring in the field. Also, we elaborate herein the promising progresses made in the development of less toxic and more efficient trypanocidal drugs including the potential of medicinal plants and related alternative drug therapies

The Therapeutic Potential of Medicinal Foods

Pharmaceutical and nutritional sciences have recently witnessed a bloom in the scientific literature geared towards the use of food plants for their diversified health benefits and potential clinical applications. Health professionals now recognize that a synergism of drug therapy and nutrition might confer optimum outcomes in the fight against diseases. The prophylactic benefits of food plants are being investigated for potential use as novel medicinal remedies due to the presence of pharmacologically active compounds. Although the availability of scientific data is rapidly growing, there is still a paucity of updated compilation of data and concerns about the rationale of these health-foods still persist in the literature. This paper attempts to congregate the nutritional value, phytochemical composition, traditional uses, in vitro and in vivo studies of 10 common medicinal food plants used against chronic noncommunicable and infectious diseases. Food plants included were based on the criteria that they are consumed as a common food in a typical diet as either fruit or vegetable for their nutritive value but have also other parts which are in common use in folk medicine. The potential challenges of incorporating these medicinal foods in the diet which offers prospective opportunities for future drug development are also discussed

Crude Aloe vera

Aloe vera gel (AVG) is traditionally used in the management of diabetes, obesity, and infectious diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory potential of AVG against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase activity in vitro. Enzyme kinetic studies using Michaelis-Menten (Km) and Lineweaver-Burk equations were used to establish the type of inhibition. The antioxidant capacity of AVG was evaluated for its ferric reducing power, 2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate scavenging ability, nitric oxide scavenging power, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. The glucose entrapment ability, antimicrobial activity, and total phenolic, flavonoid, tannin, and anthocyanin content were also determined. AVG showed a significantly higher percentage inhibition (85.56±0.91) of pancreatic lipase compared to Orlistat. AVG was found to increase the Michaelis-Menten constant and decreased the maximal velocity (Vmax) of lipase, indicating mixed inhibition. AVG considerably inhibits glucose movement across dialysis tubes and was comparable to Arabic gum. AVG was ineffective against the tested microorganisms. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 66.06±1.14 (GAE)/mg and 60.95±0.97 (RE)/mg, respectively. AVG also showed interesting antioxidant properties. The biological activity observed in this study tends to validate some of the traditional claims of AVG as a functional food

Traditional Medicinal Herbs and Food Plants Have the Potential to Inhibit Key Carbohydrate Hydrolyzing Enzymes In Vitro and Reduce Postprandial Blood Glucose Peaks In Vivo

We hypothesized that some medicinal herbs and food plants commonly used in the management of diabetes can reduce glucose peaks by inhibiting key carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes. To this effect, extracts of Antidesma madagascariense (AM), Erythroxylum macrocarpum (EM), Pittosporum senacia (PS), and Faujasiopsis flexuosa (FF), Momordica charantia (MC), and Ocimum tenuiflorum (OT) were evaluated for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects based on starch-iodine colour changes and PNP-G as substrate, respectively. Only FF and AM extracts/fractions were found to inhibit α-amylase activity significantly (P < 0.05) and coparable to the drug acarbose. Amylase bioassay on isolated mouse plasma confirmed the inhibitory potential of AM and FF extracts with the ethyl acetate fraction of FF being more potent (P < 0.05) than acarbose. Extracts/fractions of AM and MC were found to inhibit significantly (P < 0.05) α-glucosidase activity, with IC50 comparable to the drug 1-deoxynojirimycin. In vivo studies on glycogen-loaded mice showed significant (P < 0.05) depressive effect on elevation of postprandial blood glucose following ingestion of AM and MC extracts. Our findings tend to provide a possible explanation for the hypoglycemic action of MC fruits and AM leaf extracts as alternative nutritional therapy in the management of diabetes

Supplementary data for the article: Zengin, G.; Cvetanović, A.; Gašić, U.; Tešić, Ž.; Stupar, A.; Bulut, G.; Sinan, K. I.; Uysal, S.; Picot-Allain, M. C. N.; Mahomoodally, M. F. A Comparative Exploration of the Phytochemical Profiles and Bio-Pharmaceutical Potential of Helichrysum Stoechas Subsp. Barrelieri Extracts Obtained via Five Extraction Techniques. Process Biochemistry 2020, 91, 113–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2019.12.002

Supplementary material for: [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2019.12.002]Related to published version: [http://cherry.chem.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/3963]Related to accepted version: [http://cherry.chem.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/3964

Supplementary data for the article: Zengin, G.; Cvetanović, A.; Gašić, U. M.; Stupar, A.; Bulut, G.; Şenkardes, I.; Dogan, A.; Ibrahime Sinan, K.; Uysal, S.; Aumeeruddy-Elalfi, Z.; Aktumsek, A.; Fawzi Mahomoodally, M. Modern and Traditional Extraction Techniques Affect Chemical Composition and Bioactivity of Tanacetum Parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip. Industrial Crops and Products 2020, 146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.112202

Supplementary material for: [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.112202]Related to published version: [http://cherry.chem.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/3882

1,2,3-Triazolyl-tetrahydropyrimidine conjugates as potential Sterol Carrier Protein-2 Inhibitors: Larvicidal activity against the Malaria Vector Anopheles arabiensis and In Silico Molecular Docking Study

Alteration of insect growth regulators by the action of inhibitors is becoming an attractive strategy to combat disease-transmitting insects. In the present study, we investigated the larvicidal effect of 1,2,3-triazolyl-pyrimidinone derivatives against the larvae of the mosquito Anopheles arabiensis, a vector of malaria. All compounds demonstrated insecticidal activity against mosquito larvae in a dose-dependent fashion. A preliminary study of the structure–activity relationship indicated that the electron-withdrawing substituent in the para position of the 4-phenyl-pyrimidinone moiety enhanced the molecules’ potency. A docking study of these derivatives revealed favorable binding affinity for the sterol carrier protein-2 receptor, a protein present in the intestine of the mosquito larvae. Being effective insecticides against the malaria-transmitting Anopheles arabiensis, 1,2,3-triazole-based pyrimidinones represent a starting point to develop novel inhibitors of insect growth regulators.Fil: Venugopala, Katharigatta N.. Durban University Of Technology; Sudáfrica. King Faisal University; Arabia SauditaFil: Shinu, Pottathil. King Faisal University; Arabia SauditaFil: Tratrat, Christophe. King Faisal University; Arabia SauditaFil: Deb, Pran Kishore. Philadelphia University Jordan; JordaniaFil: Gleiser, Raquel M.. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinar de Biología Vegetal (P). Grupo Vinculado Centro de Relevamiento y Evaluación de Recursos Agrícolas y Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Chandrashekharappa, Sandeep. National Institute Of Pharmaceutical Education And Research, Raebareli; IndiaFil: Chopra, Deepak. Indian Institute Of Science Education And Research Bhopal; IndiaFil: Attimarad, Mahesh. King Faisal University; Arabia SauditaFil: Nair, Anroop B.. King Faisal University; Arabia SauditaFil: Sreeharsha, Nagaraja. Vidya Siri College Of Pharmacy; India. King Faisal University; Arabia SauditaFil: Mahomoodally, Fawzi M.. University Of Mauritius; MauricioFil: Haroun, Michelyne. King Faisal University; Arabia SauditaFil: Kandeel, Mahmoud. Faculty Of Veteinary Medicine; Egipto. King Faisal University; Arabia SauditaFil: Asdaq, Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin. Almaarefa University; Arabia SauditaFil: Mohanlall, Viresh. Durban University Of Technology; SudáfricaFil: Al-Shari, Nizar A.. Jordan University Of Science And Technology; JordaniaFil: Morsy, Mohamed A.. King Faisal University; Arabia Saudita. Faculty Of Medicine; Egipt

Sustainability in a changing world: integrating human health and wellbeing, urbanisation, and ecosystem services

There is an urgent need to address interlinked sustainability issues in a world challenged by inequality, finite resources and unprecedented changes across Earth’s systems. As Future Earth Fellows, based on our collective expertise in a diverse range of sustainability issues, here we identify a specific need to recognise and respond appropriately to the nexus between human health and wellbeing, urbanisation, and ecosystem services (the ‘WUE nexus’). This nexus is a priority area for research, policy and practice. In particular, it provides a useful pathway to meet the challenges of successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this brief, we present the following policy recommendations:1. By emphasising urban-rural linkages, foster an integrated approach to ensure food security, food safety, and health promotion;2. Secure resilient livelihoods for all, in particular for vulnerable groups; and3. Integrate co-production of knowledge in science for decision-making, including the co-design of implementation frameworks, and the adoption of a nexus approach.<br/