The Health Benefits of Emodin, a Natural Anthraquinone Derived from Rhubarb—A Summary Update

Emodin (6-methyl-1,3,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone) is a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative found in roots and leaves of various plants, fungi and lichens. For a long time it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as an active ingredient in herbs. Among other sources, it is isolated from the rhubarb Rheum palmatum or tuber fleece-flower Polygonam multiflorum. Emodin has a wide range of biological activities, including diuretic, antibacterial, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antinociceptive. According to the most recent studies, emodin acts as an antimalarial and antiallergic agent, and can also reverse resistance to chemotherapy. In the present work the potential therapeutic role of emodin in treatment of inflammatory diseases, cancers and microbial infections is analysed

The Spectrum of Pharmacological Actions of Syringetin and Its Natural Derivatives—A Summary Review

Mono- and poly-O-methylated flavonols and their glycoside derivatives belong to the group of natural plant polyphenols with a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. These compounds are known for their antioxidant, antimutagenic, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and antilipogenic properties. Additionally, they inhibit carcinogenesis and cancer development. Having in mind the multidirectional biological activity of methylated flavonols, we would like to support further study on their health-promoting activities; in this review we summarized the most recent reports on syringetin and some of its structural analogues: laricitrin, ayanin, and isorhamnetin. Natural sources and biological potential of these substances were described based on the latest research papers

Recent Advances in Biological Activity, New Formulations and Prodrugs of Ferulic Acid

Trans-ferulic acid (FA) is a derivative of 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, which is found in many food products, fruits and beverages. It has scientifically proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. However, its low ability to permeate through biological barriers (e.g., the blood–brain barrier, BBB), its low bioavailability and its fast elimination from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration limit its clinical use, e.g., for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, new nanotechnological approaches are developed in order to regulate intracellular transport of ferulic acid. The objective of this review is to summarize the last decade’s research on biological properties of ferulic acid and innovative ways of its delivery, supporting pharmacological therapy

Chrysin: Perspectives on Contemporary Status and Future Possibilities as Pro-Health Agent

Chrysin belongs to the group of natural polyphenols. It can be found, among others, in honey, propolis and fruits and has a wide range of biological activities, including the prevention of oxidative stress, inflammation, neurodegeneration and carcinogenesis. Being a part of the human diet, chrysin is considered to be a promising compound to be used in the prevention of many diseases, including cancers, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Nevertheless, due to the low solubility of chrysin in water and under physiological conditions, its bioavailability is low. For this reason, attempts at its functionalization have been undertaken, aiming to increase its absorption and thus augment its in vivo therapeutic efficacy. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent research on chrysin, including its sources, metabolism, pro-health effects and the effects of its functionalization on biological activity and pharmacological efficacy, evaluated both in vitro and in vivo

Baicalin—Current Trends in Detection Methods and Health-Promoting Properties

Baicalin (7-D-glucuronic acid-5,6-dihydroxyflavone) belongs to natural flavonoids extracted from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis, the plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been proven that baicalin has various pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-apoptotic ones. However, it is essential not only to determine the medical usefulness of baicalin, but also to find and develop the most effective methods for its extraction and detection. Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarize the current methods of detection and identification of baicalin and to present the medical applications of baicalin and the underlying mechanisms of its action. Based on the review of the latest literature, it can be concluded that liquid chromatography alone or together with mass spectrometry is the most commonly used method for the determination of baicalin. Recently, also new electrochemical methods have been established, e.g., biosensors with fluorescence, which have better detection limits, sensitivity, and selectivity