Background: Many individuals today use herbs as a drug alongside medicine and non-physician-recommended medications, as herbs are thought to be natural and safe. However, many herbs can potentially interact with other drugs, causing hazardous effects and diminished therapeutic effects of different prescriptions. Objective: It ought to be comprehended that herbal drugs contain multiple active compounds in different percentages, which can change the enzymatic frameworks, transporters, and physiological processes. Methods: Data on pharmacokinetic drug interactions with herbal products were searched using different search engines, such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Results: This worldwide increment in herbal drug popularity has risen concerning HDIs. These PD or PK interactions are particularly significant for medications. Assessment of herbal drug interactions is complex because of inconsistency in herbal drug composition and frequently meagre information on active constituent pharmacokinetics. These restrictions are further bewildered by the differing points of view concerning herbal product regulation. Conclusion: It is concluded that a basic assessment of certain pharmacokinetic HDI is needed to settle on educated choices regarding patient safety. The expanding comprehension of HDPKI will direct more attention to potential interactions.
The present study shows the pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies on the flowers of Cordia sebestena. L. belongs to the family Boraginaceae. C. sebestena L. is found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of the American, Asian and African continents. Though it is an essential plant, no pharmacognostic work has been found on its parts, such as flowers. Various organoleptic characters were recorded by macroscopic study. A microscopic study of the flowers was also conducted, which shows the presence of fibres, calcium oxalate crystals and multiple types of trichomes, along with fluorescence analysis. The present study also deals with the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of C. sebestena L. FT-IR spectra revealed the presence of C-H, C=C, C-N, C-O and aromatic groups. The chemical composition of the hexane extract of the flowers of C. sebestena L. was detected through GC-MS, and the spectrum achieved through GC-MS was correlated with the database of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) which comprise more than 62000 outlines of the mass spectrum. GC-MS analysis of n-hexane extract showed the existence of Retinoic acid, lupeol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and hexadecanoic acid, along with fatty acids, esters, alkaloids and alcohols. These pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies can be valuable in providing reliable proof of the quality of the plant, which can benefit health professionals and herbal medicine manufacturers.
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the leading cause of cancer death in men, and its treatment is commonly associated with severe adverse effects. So, new treatment modalities are needed. In this context, natural compounds have been widely explored for their anti-PCa properties. Aquatic organisms contain numerous potential medications. Anticancer peptides are less toxic to normal cells and provide a productive treatment approach via multiple mechanisms, including altered cell viability, apoptosis, cell migration/invasion, suppression of angiogenesis and microtubule balance disturbances. This review sheds light on marine peptides as efficacious and safe therapeutic agents for PCa.
Capsicum has been an essential part of the diet for centuries and has been widely used traditionally for ailments. The objective of the present analysis was to determine the diuretic and antidiarrheal potentials of four variations of Capsicum annum L. fruits available in the local market of Karachi, Pakistan. It belongs to the family Solanaceae, and extracts were prepared in 95% ethanol and given in 200 and 400mg/kg doses. The activity correlated with commonly used diuretics and anti-diarrheal, reinforcing its conventional use. To confirm its activity, fruit extracts were evaluated for anti-diarrheal properties in castor-oil-induced diarrhoea. The diuretic activity of the 95% ethanolic extracts of Capsicum annum L. was assessed based on diuresis of 24 hr. collected through a metabolic cage. Urinary excretion of water and electrolytes (Na+ and K+) is significantly increased by the standard diuretic drug furosemide, which is comparable with the extract. The anti-diarrheal effects of 95% ethanolic extracts of Capsicum annum L. were examined by castor oil-induced diarrhoea. All varieties of Capsicum annum L. significantly inhibited the number of defecations.
Cancer is one of the most severe medical conditions in the world, causing millions of deaths each year. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are critical treatment approaches, but both have numerous adverse health effects. Furthermore, the resistance of cancerous cells to anticancer medication leads to treatment failure. The rising burden of cancer requires novel, efficacious treatment modalities. Natural remedies offer feasible alternative options against malignancy in contrast to available synthetic medication. Selective killing of cancer cells is privileged mainstream in cancer treatment, and targeted therapy represents the new tool with the potential to pursue this aim. The discovery of innovative therapies targeting essential components of DNA damage signalling and repair pathways, such as ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad3-related Checkpoint kinase 1 (ATR-CHK1), has offered a possibility of significant therapeutic improvement in oncology. The activation and inhibition of this pathway account for chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activity, respectively. Targeting this pathway can also aid in overcoming the resistance of conventional chemo- or radiotherapy. This review enlightens the anticancer role of natural products by ATR-CHK1 activation and inhibition. Additionally, these compounds have been shown to have chemotherapeutic synergistic potential when used in combination with other anticancer drugs. Ideally, this review will trigger interest in natural products targeting ATR-CHK1 and their potential efficacy and safety as cancer-lessening agents.
Drug discovery started when a man suffered from abdominal pain and accidentally healed by chewing the leaves of the plant. The story of Ethnopharmacology begins with the doctrine of signatures, the shape signatures of herbs to heal resembled parts of the body. Later, shape signatures were modified into colour and taste signatures for healing. The information exchange and understanding about people's use of natural resources to discover therapeutic and toxicological potential is now shaped into a branch of science, "Ethnopharmacology". Simply Ethnopharmacology, by using modern science, enables traditional knowledge to convert into medicine and acts as a powerful and creative drug discovery engine.
Neuroblastoma is the most prevalent extracranial solid tumor in pediatric patients, originating from sympathetic nervous system cells. Metastasis can be observed in approximately 70% of individuals after diagnosis, and the prognosis is poor. The current care methods used, which include surgical removal as well as radio and chemotherapy, are largely unsuccessful, with high mortality and relapse rates. Therefore, attempts have been made to incorporate natural compounds as new alternative treatments. Marine cyanobacteria are a vital source of physiologically active metabolites, which have recently received attention owing to their anticancer potential. This review addresses cyanobacterial peptides' anticancer efficacy against neuroblastoma. Numerous prospective studies have been carried out with marine peptides for pharmaceutical development, including research on anticancer potential. Marine peptides possess several advantages over proteins or antibodies, including small size, simple manufacturing, cell membrane crossing capabilities, minimal drug-drug interactions, minimal changes in blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, selective targeting, chemical and biological diversities, and effects on liver and kidney functions. We discussed the significance of cyanobacterial peptides in generating cytotoxic effects and their potential to prevent cancer cell proliferation via apoptosis, the activation of caspases, cell cycle arrest, sodium channel blocking, autophagy, and anti-metastasis behavior.
Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is becoming more common globally and is increasingly resistant to treatment options. Despite extensive research into its pathophysiology, there are still no proven cures for metastatic melanoma. Unfortunately, current treatments are frequently ineffective, costly, and have several adverse effects. Natural substances have been extensively researched for their anti-MM capabilities. Chemoprevention and adjuvant therapy with natural products is an emerging strategy to prevent, cure or treat melanoma. Numerous prospective drugs are found in aquatic species, providing a plentiful supply of lead cytotoxic chemicals for cancer treatment. Anticancer peptides are less harmful to healthy cells and cure cancer through several methods, such as altered cell viability, apoptosis, angiogenesis/metastasis suppression, microtubule balance disturbances and targeting lipid composition of the cancer cell membrane. This review addresses marine peptides as effective and safe treatments for MM and details their molecular mechanisms of action.
Introduction: Study was conducted with an objective of investigating the inhibitory effect of Phaseolus lunatus seeds extract on three enzymes (α-amylase, maltase and glucoamylase) involved in diabetes. The disadvantages related to the use of synthetic drugs make it necessary to search for alternative medicines from medicinal plants. One therapeutic approach for treating postprandial hyperglycaemia is to decrease the plasma glucose level, which can be attained by lowering the starch hydrolysis by digestive enzymes such as α-amylase, maltase and glucoamylase. The use of synthetic antidiabetic agents caused gastrointestinal side effects. Methods: Hence, the research was aimed to evaluate the potential of Phaseolus lunatus seeds extract to inhibit α-amylase, maltase and glucoamylase as a possible mechanism of hypoglycemia caused by this plant with fewer side effects. Phaseolus lunatus, also known as Lima bean, is native to Tropical America and grown worldwide. Lima bean has been prescribed traditionally to treat different diseases, including diabetes. Result: The results of the present study showed that Phaseolus lunatus seeds extract has exerted both time and concentration-dependent Significant inhibitory effects on these digestive enzymes might be due to the cumulative impact of phytoconstituents in the plant extract. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be said that the part mechanisms by which Phaseolus lunatus exhibited its antidiabetic activity might be through inhibiting this digestive enzyme.
Vitamin E is extensively available in the natural world and is produced by prototrophs such as plants, algae, and blue-green algae. Vitamin E is used as a dietary supplement, an antioxidant food stabilizer, a pharmaceutical additive, and a preservative in livestock feed. Several types of vitamin E can be differentiated by the position and number of the methyl functional group, and each form has a unique biological role. The function of antioxidants such as vitamin E is to defend cells from the effects of oxidative stress. Vitamin E is a free radical scavenger converted to vitamin E radical, then converted back to vitamin E by ascorbic acid. Vitamin E was discovered by Evans and Bishop in 1922; it has proved to be an effective nutrient for reproduction. It is also possible for vitamin E to act by a mechanism not directly linked to the inhibition of oxidation. Such non-antioxidant actions of vitamin E may result from gene regulation and specific cell signalling. The function of vitamin E in cellular signalling, especially its biological impact, is undoubtedly an imperative subject for future studies. The explicit roles of the several isomers and esters of vitamin E analogues should also be the subjects of future studies.
The use of plants/herbs as medicine for the care of diseases goes back to time immemorial, and still, plants are the dominant form of medicine in the world. Most of the world's population primarily depends on raw plant products to meet their health care needs. Several drugs include atropine, caffeine, digoxin, ephedrine, quinine, theophylline, tubocurarine, and warfarin. Taxol, vincristine and vinblastin are also derived from plants and used in modern systems of medicine. The authors in this book present comprehensive information about the history of medicinal plants from time immemorial to modern. Besides this, the traditional use and biological and phytochemical investigation of genera Phoenix, Castanospermum and Cordia are included in this book.
Plants, the beauty of nature, have been the basis For treating human ailments. The current accepted modern medicine has gradually developed over the years and is undoubtedly the gift of God in the sense of traditional knowledge about different medicinal plants. However, what is needed are rapid screening techniques, structure base design and combinatorial chemistry for drug development under innovations, which will share the profit of products derived from indigenous plants. There is less known information about Ficus exasperata Vahl., and Cleome ciliata Schmach and Thonn. However, the author of this book presents comprehensive information about traditional uses and the biological and phytochemical investigation of Ficus exasperata Vahl. and Cleome ciliata Schmach and Thonn.
The purpose of the presented monograph is to provide scientific information on the botanical features, traditional uses, active or major chemical constituents and pharmacology of Tithonia diversifolia. Studies on purified principles, mechanism of action and structure-activity relationship are relatively few and warrant further attention as traditional literature assures Tithonia diversifolia for the discovery of novel therapeutic agent(s). The safety, efficacy, quality control/quality assurance, clinical applications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse reactions, and posology is not the part as very little data is available regarding the discussed plant. However, it helps in facilitating information exchange among practitioners Of orthodox and traditional medicine, pharmacists, and other health professionals, manufacturers of herbal products and research scientists and assist in developing their monographs or formularies.
Natural products the most significant source for pharmaceutical development have been investigated and utilized to alleviate diseases since early human history. Natural compounds from both terrestrial and marine organisms have been extensively used for the treatment of many diseases either in their natural form or as a template for synthetic modification. A variety of new chemical entities from natural resources at present are undergoing clinical trials. The government sector, industries and academic institutions also play an important role in the natural drug development for human health enhancement.
Plants a wealth of secondary metabolites have been used for thousands of years to treat different ailments. A number of these natural products have shown biological and pharmacological activities and serve as the starting point in the development of modern medicines. Screening of crude plant extracts open the door for the way for discovery of novel bioactive compounds and elucidation of their structures leads towards new synthetic preparations, which can be administered in reproducible, accurate doses for particular therapeutic purposes. There is less known information about Samanea saman Merr., and Prosopis cineraria Druce. However, authors in this book present comprehensive information about traditional uses, biological and phytochemical investigation of Samanea saman Merr., and Prosopis cineraria Druce.
Natural products, the most significant source for pharmaceutical development, have been investigated and utilized to alleviate diseases since early human history. The currently accepted modern medicine from different natural products has gradually developed over the years and is God's gift in the sense of traditional knowledge. Trustful humanity believes that drugs can cure every ill of natural origin. Natural medicines, prevalent in holy books, folklores, Materia medica and other historical literature, have become an essential domain of modern pharmaceutical sciences. Natural compounds from terrestrial and marine organisms have been extensively used to treat many diseases in their natural form or as a template for synthetic modification. Several of these natural products have shown biological and pharmacological activities and serve as the starting point in the development of modern medicines. Screening of crude plant extracts opens the door to the discovery of novel bioactive compounds, and elucidation of their structures leads towards new synthetic preparations, which can be administered in reproducible, accurate doses for particular therapeutic purposes. However, what is needed are rapid screening techniques, structure-based design, bioactivity-safety evaluation, extraction and isolation, and clinical trials for drug development under innovations, which will share the profit of products derived from natural origin. The government sector, industries, and academic institutions also play an essential role in developing biological drugs for human health enhancement. This book comprises four chapters. The first chapter is related to urolithiasis. In this chapter, the types of urinary stone formation in humans, their mechanism, current antiurolithiatic strategies and their complications are discussed precisely and comprehensively. Chapter two declares urinary stone treatment in early civilisation. The third chapter is about globally used antiurolithiatic plants. This chapter is a treasure trove of information covering the importance of plants in combating urolithiasis, their diverse pharmacology, and a comprehensive list of 888 antiurolithiatic plants from 144 families used in 55 countries. The tabular format provides a clear understanding of their historical background, mechanism of action, therapeutic spectrum, and formulations with doses. Hopefully, this book will not only be helpful for the general public but also attract the scientific world to antiurolithiatic drug discovery. This valuable ethnopharmacological information will provide opportunities for the future research and development of new natural antiurolithiatic compounds. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the teachers, colleagues, and institutions whose unwavering support and encouragement made this book possible. We reserve a special thanks for the acquisition Editor of LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, Germany, whose inspiration and support were invaluable.
Plant secondary metabolites refer to various chemical compounds that plants produce. Still, they are not directly involved in essential growth processes like primary metabolites (such as sugars, amino acids, and lipids). The term "secondary metabolite" has generated controversy, as it implies these compounds are of minor importance to plants. "Special metabolites" may be a more suitable term. These metabolites protect plants from both abiotic and biotic stress. The vast diversity of plant secondary metabolites showcases plants' incredible adaptability and versatility, providing an arsenal of chemical tools to defend against herbivores, protect from pathogens, attract pollinators and seed dispersers, adaptability and thrive in environmental interactions. Plants can, therefore, survive under less-than-ideal conditions. The profound impact of plant secondary metabolites highlights the intricate relationship between plants and humanity, opening doors to innovative applications with far-reaching implications.
"Chemical Pharmacognosy" explores natural drug discovery, traversing from traditional remedies to modern therapeutics. This interdisciplinary approach aids biodiversity exploration, supports conservation, and validates Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The significance extends to drug formulation, quality control, and combating drug resistance. Symbolizing a holistic journey, it bridges traditional wisdom with scientific innovation, playing a pivotal role in harnessing nature's chemical diversity for human health and guiding drug development.
Urolithiasis, the process of urinary stone formation, entails the presence of compact masses like whewellite, brushite, and urate within the urinary system. Gout, characterized by inflammatory arthritis, emerges from the accumulation of urate (MSUM) crystals. In vitro, examinations focusing on the growth of whewellite (COM), brushite (CHPD), and urate (MSUM) crystals on glass slides present a cost-effective approach for gaining valuable insights into urolithiasis and gout. These studies not only delve into crystal growth patterns but also investigate the potential inhibition of crystal growth through the application of plant infusions, thereby laying the foundation for further extensive research in these domains.
Rice bean (Vigna Umbellata), a traditional crop cultivated across South, Southeast, and East Asia, is characterized by its wild variety spanning the tropical monsoon forest climatic zone. Despite its vast nutritional and production potential, falling within the leguminous family Fabaceae, the rice bean represents one of many underutilized crops. Indigenous to South and Southeast Asian regions, particularly hilly areas, rice bean is cultivated alongside crops like maize, forming an integral part of impoverished farming communities' livelihoods. Despite its extensive utilization in traditional practices, its commercial significance remains largely unrecognized. However, recent attention has been drawn to the rice bean's nutritional richness, bioactive compounds, and various medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects. This significant attention underscores its potential for commercialization and contribution to improving the livelihoods of underprivileged populations. Furthermore, its cultivation and processing give rise to diverse products, reflecting its cultural significance and adaptability across different regions.
Department Of Mathematics, National University Of Skills (nus), Tehran, Iran.
Police Academy, Egypt