Litholytic activities of natural bioactive compounds and their mechanism insights

Urolithiasis is a disease characterized by the formation of stones, which are crystalline accretions that form in the urinary tract from minerals dissolved in the urine. Moreover, it is con-sidered to be a complex and multifactorial disease, requiring treatment. Unfortunately, current treatments are insufficient or may induce several side effects. In fact, medicinal plants are among the anti-litholytic treatments that are strongly recommended by many studies. Indeed, these natural resources contain bioactive molecules of different natures, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, which have recently demonstrated very important anti-litholytic effects. The molecular mechanisms involved are multiple and variable, and can reach cellular and molecular levels. In this review, we have discussed in depth the work that has studied the bioactive molecules of medicinal plants and their major potential against urolithiasis. Scientific databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, were searched from their inception until April 2021.The cellular and molecular mechanisms are presented and discussed. Some mechanisms of action related to these bioactive compounds are highlighted. This review could provide a scientific starting point for further studies on urolithiasis and natural bioactive compounds, especially flavonoids

Recent Advances in the Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Propolis

Propolis is a resinous substance from beehive produced by the combination of plants and bee secretions. For a long time, this substance has gotten high attention in traditional and modern medicine. The aim of this review was to discuss the recent advances in the chemical composition and biological activities of propolis. The search for recent publications was based on several databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Science-Direct, and Web of Sciences using relevant keywords. Literature data showed that several new compounds have recently been identified in propolis. The most important biological properties of propolis were discussed in this review, namely antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral, antioxidant, antileishmanial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, and anticancer. In terms of safety, the data showed low toxicity of propolis even at high doses. Overall, propolis can be considered a promising source of bioactive compounds for drug development

Traditional Knowledge, Phytochemistry, and Biological Properties of Vachellia tortilis

Vachellia tortilis is a medicinal plant of the Fabaceae family, widely distributed in arid and semi-arid regions of North, East and Southern Africa, the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula. In traditional medicine. It’s commonly used to treat certain ailments, including diabetes, asthma, hepatitis and burns. Different scientific search databases were used to obtain data on V. tortilis, notably Google Scholar, Scopus, Wiley Online, Scifinder, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and PubMed. The knowledge of V. tortilis was organized based on ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry, and pharmacological investigations. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of a variety of phytocompounds, including fatty acids, monosaccharides, flavonoids, chalcones, and alcohols. Essential oils and organic extracts prepared from V. tortilis showed several biological properties, specifically antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Antimicrobial and antiparasitic activities are due to the disturbance of cellular membranes and ultra-structural changes triggered by V. tortilis phytochemicals. While physiological and molecular processes such as apoptosis induction, preventing cell proliferation, and inflammatory mediators are responsible for the anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, further investigations concerning pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics should be carried out to validate their clinical applications

Phytochemical Compounds and Nanoparticles as Phytochemical Delivery Systems for Alzheimer’s Disease Management

Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most widespread neurodegenerative reasons for dementia worldwide and is associated with considerable mortality and morbidity. Therefore, it has been considered a priority for research. Indeed, several risk factors are involved in the complexity of the therapeutic ways of this pathology, including age, traumatic brain injury, genetics, exposure to aluminum, infections, diabetes, vascular diseases, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. The pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease is mostly associated with hyperphosphorylated protein in the neuronal cytoplasm and extracellular plaques of the insoluble β-amyloid peptide. Therefore, the management of this pathology needs the screening of drugs targeting different pathological levels, such as acetylcholinesterase (AchE), amyloid β formation, and lipoxygenase inhibitors. Among the pharmacological strategies used for the management of Alzheimer’s disease, natural drugs are considered a promising therapeutic strategy. Indeed, bioactive compounds isolated from different natural sources exhibit important anti-Alzheimer effects by their effectiveness in promoting neuroplasticity and protecting against neurodegeneration as well as neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. These effects involve different sub-cellular, cellular, and/or molecular mechanisms, such as the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AchE), the modulation of signaling pathways, and the inhibition of oxidative stress. Moreover, some nanoparticles were recently used as phytochemical delivery systems to improve the effects of phytochemical compounds against Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, the present work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key advances concerning nano-drug delivery applications of phytochemicals for Alzheimer’s disease management

Genkwanin: An emerging natural compound with multifaceted pharmacological effects

Plant bioactive molecules could play key preventive and therapeutic roles in chronological aging and the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, often accompanied by increased oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation. Dietary antioxidants, including genkwanin, could decrease oxidative stress and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines or pathways. The present study is the first comprehensive review of genkwanin, a methoxyflavone found in several plant species. Indeed, natural sources, and pharmacokinetics of genkwanin, the biological properties were discussed and highlighted in detail. This review analyzed and considered all original studies related to identification, isolation, quantification, investigation of the biological and pharmacological properties of genkwanin. We consulted all published papers in peer‐reviewed journals in the English language from the inception of each database to 12 May 2023. Different phytochemical demonstrated that genkwanin is a non-glycosylated flavone found and isolated from several medicinal plants such as Genkwa Flos, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, and Leonurus sibiricus. In vitro and in vivo biological and pharmacological investigations showed that Genkwanin exhibits remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, genkwanin, via activation of glucokinase, has shown antihyperglycemic activity with a potential role against metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Additionally, it revealed cardioprotective and neuroprotective properties, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and assisting against neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, genkwanin showed other biological properties like antitumor capability, antibacterial, antiviral, and dermato-protective effects. The involved mechanisms include sub-cellular, cellular and molecular actions at different levels such as inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. Despite the findings from preclinical studies that have demonstrated the effects of genkwanin and its diverse mechanisms of action, additional research is required to comprehensively explore its therapeutic potential. Primarily, extensive studies should be carried out to enhance our understanding of the molecule's pharmacodynamic actions and pharmacokinetic pathways. Moreover, toxicological and clinical investigations should be undertaken to assess the safety and clinical efficacy of genkwanin. These forthcoming studies are of utmost importance in fully unlocking the potential of this molecule in the realm of therapeutic applications

Comprehensive Overview On Nutritional, Phytochemistry And Pharmacological Properties Of Tetraclinis Articulata Masters

Tetraclinis articulata is a medicinal plant distributed from northwestern Africa to southwestern Europe. This article reports previous investigations on T. articulata regarding its taxonomy, botanical description, geographical distribution, traditional use, phytochemistry, biological effects, toxicology, nutritional value, and economic interest. The search of data was based on several scientific databases such as Scopus, Wiley Online, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, and SpringerLink. Indeed, several biological activities were reported for T. articulata extracts and EOs, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anticorrosion, cytotoxic, insecticidal, leishmanicidal, larvicidal, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, vasorelaxant, and protective activities. Moreover, some toxicological reports indicated that T. articulata does not present any toxicity. However, other investigations regarding the toxicity, the pharmacokinetic and the pharmacodynamics of T. articulata and its major bioactive compounds are required to validate its pharmacological use. T. articulata also contains some nutritional elements such as mineral compounds, sugar and proteins which could indicate its potential use in the nutraceutical field. All these properties to T. articulata attributed a major economic interest which is used actually in the manufacture of luxury varnishes, pharmaceutical products and in other industrial uses, it is also used in powder form to prepare the surface of certain paper

Health benefits, pharmacological properties, and metabolism of cannabinol: A comprehensive review

Cannabinol (CBN) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa. Although overshadowed by its more well-known counterparts, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), CBN has been gaining attention due to its potential therapeutic properties. This review aims to provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the pharmacological actions of CBN. CBN interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), primarily targeting the CB2 and CB1 cannabinoid receptors. It acts as a partial agonist for both receptors, modulating their activity and downstream signaling pathways. Through these interactions, CBN exhibits diverse effects on various physiological processes, including pain perception, inflammation, immune response, and neuroprotection. Moreover, CBN has been shown to affect non-cannabinoid receptors, including transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), and serotonin receptors. These interactions contribute to the modulation of pain, inflammation, and mood regulation. The molecular mechanisms of CBN also involve its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. CBN has been found to reduce oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting inflammatory mediators. This antioxidant activity potentially contributes to its neuroprotective effects and may have implications for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, CBN exhibits potential antimicrobial activity, acting against various bacteria, fungi, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. The underlying mechanisms of this antimicrobial effect are still being elucidated, but may involve disruption of microbial cell membranes and interference with microbial biofilm formation. The molecular mechanisms underlying CBN's pharmacological actions involve its interactions with the ECS, modulation of non-cannabinoid receptors, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and potential antimicrobial activity. Further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of CBN and its role in various disease states, paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions. Due to its multiple interests, the isolation and synthesis of CBN has been investigated by several approaches. CBN synthesis involves various approaches, including oxidative conversions, isomerization reactions, enzymatic transformations, and biotransformation techniques. Advancements in synthetic methodologies and innovative strategies continue to contribute to the efficient production of CBN. Further research and optimization are necessary to enhance yields, purity, and scalability of the synthesis processes