Herbal medicinal products are a vital part of the healthcare system in Europe and beyond. Being predominantly sold as non-prescription medicines in pharmacies, they are very popular with patients, physicians, and pharmac...Herbal medicinal products are a vital part of the healthcare system in Europe and beyond. Being predominantly sold as non-prescription medicines in pharmacies, they are very popular with patients, physicians, and pharmacists and are therefore an important part of self-medication. Interest in this sector has recently gained momentum, reflecting the ongoing revision of the general pharmaceutical legislation and the recent discussion on nutrition and health claims on foods based on the implementation report of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 by the European Parliament 1. Therefore, on 20th February 2024, the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA), in collaboration with the German Pharmaceutical Industry Association (BPI) and the German Medicines Manufacturers' Association (BAH, now Pharma Deutschland), hosted an in-person summit in Brussels entitled 'European Herbal Health Products Summit - Which way forward?'. The summit featured a wide range of speakers, including policymakers, regulatory authorities, industry representatives, and academic experts. It was divided into several sessions covering topics such as the future and relevance of herbal medicinal products in the EU, the revision of the EU pharmaceutical legislation, and the resulting impact on herbal medicinal products. Furthermore, the discussions delved into the "Health Claims Regulation" - the European Parliament's implementation report and the related regulatory challenges of herbal medicinal products at an EU level. This consensus paper summarises the current status and provided recommendations to pave the way for future strategies to ascertain the continued use of herbal medicinal products as an important therapeutic option for patients.
Wound infections are a significant medical problem, with species being one of the most common etiological factors. Treatment is complex due to bacterial antibiotic resistance and the ability to form a biofilm. The aim o...Wound infections are a significant medical problem, with species being one of the most common etiological factors. Treatment is complex due to bacterial antibiotic resistance and the ability to form a biofilm. The aim of this study was to determine the drug susceptibility of the clinical isolates of species obtained from wound infections, assess their ability to form a biofilm , evaluate the level of extracellular slime synthesis, and test the antistaphylococcal properties of selected plant extracts against plate-cultured bacteria and activity against mature biofilms. A total of 20 strains were evaluated. The antibiotic susceptibility and sensitivity of the strains to the tested extracts were determined using the disc diffusion method. The production of extracellular bacterial slime was assessed using Congo Red agar plates. The biofilm formation and the effect of plant extracts on the biofilm layer were examined using the MTT method on polystyrene microtiter plates. Diverse drug susceptibility profiles, slime production ability, and biofilm formation were observed among the tested strains. It was found that aqueous extracts from the Serpylli herba, Arctii lappae folium, Taraxaci folium, and Galii aparini herba showed antibacterial activity against some of the tested strains. In contrast, their antibiofilm activity was not confirmed. Among all tested preparations, the most promising antimicrobial extracts in both planktonic cultures and biofilm were herb and leaf extracts. These results allowed us to conclude their potential application in medicine to support the treatment of challenging wound conditions.
Mulberry leaf polysaccharides (MLPs) have a variety of biological activities. Preliminary scattered evidence of preclinical studies have reported their potenzial effects on diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Here, we intende...Mulberry leaf polysaccharides (MLPs) have a variety of biological activities. Preliminary scattered evidence of preclinical studies have reported their potenzial effects on diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Here, we intended to assess the preclinical evidence of MLPs and explore their potenzial mechanisms on DKD, offering a scientific reference for the therapeutic use of MLPs. The study has been registered under the CRD42022309117 registration number at PROSPERO. Comprehensive search was conducted across eight databases from their establishment till January 2024, and eight studies with 270 animals were included in the meta-analysis. The primary outcome measurements in the MLP group, including serum creatinine (Scr) (P = 0.0005), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P = 0.02), 24-hour urinary protein (UP) (P = 0.001), and urinary microalbumin (UAlb) (P < 0.0001), were significantly reduced compared to the control group. Additionally, MLP treatment was significantly correlated with fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), protein expression of TGF-1, CTGF mRNA, and the kidney index (all P values < 0.05) and delayed the progression of local pathological changes in the kidney. Subgroup analysis revealed significant species differences in the efficacy of MLPs. Also, it showed that the dosage of streptozotocin potenzially affected the Scr and UAlb results, while the duration of MLP treatment influenced UAlb results. MLPs may exert potenzial renal protection by delaying renal fibrosis, inhibiting inflammatory reactions, suppressing the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-insulin-like growth factor binding protein axis, and regulating the insulin receptor pathway. In summary, MLPs have multifaceted renal protective effects, suggesting their potenzial for treating DKD.
Real-world data (RWD) is becoming increasingly relevant for evaluating safety and effectiveness of medicinal products, including non-prescription medicines and herbal medicinal products in particular. In order to use rea...Real-world data (RWD) is becoming increasingly relevant for evaluating safety and effectiveness of medicinal products, including non-prescription medicines and herbal medicinal products in particular. In order to use real-world data for regulatory decision-making in the field of herbal medicinal products, it is crucial to have an accurate description the herbal substances and preparations, as herbal medicinal products, in contrast to chemically defined medicinal products, contain a complex mixture of natural compounds. However, it remains challenging to get standardised information on herbal products from current literature. This publication gives a brief overview of necessary information of herbal medicinal products in scientific literature and data sources to ensure high-quality real-world data.
has been employed traditionally to treat various ailments including as add-on therapy for cancer treatment. formulations have been employed as adjuvants in cancer treatment due to their immunomodulatory activities as we...has been employed traditionally to treat various ailments including as add-on therapy for cancer treatment. formulations have been employed as adjuvants in cancer treatment due to their immunomodulatory activities as well as to alleviate the side effects of conventional cancer therapies. The present review provides updated information from the past 10 years on the immunomodulatory activity and inhibitory effects of on cancer cells, its safety profile, and recent nanotechnology development. extracts and their bioactive phytochemicals, particularly lectins, viscotoxins, and polyphenols, have demonstrated immunomodulatory activity and inhibitory effects against various types of cancer, with low cytotoxicity and side effects, in experimental studies and demonstrated promising anticancer activity in clinical studies in cancer patients. extracts have been shown to enhance immune function by promoting cytokine secretion and inducing both innate and adaptive immune responses, which can help improve immune surveillance against cancer cells. The development of nanoparticles has boosted their biological activities, including inhibitory activity on cancer cells, and could possibly reduce undesired side effects of the plant. Further prospective studies on the plant as a source of new medicinal agents for use as an adjuvant in the treatment of cancer must be performed to provide sufficient efficacy and safety data.
Glaucoma is a common eye condition characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells and their axons, optic nerve damage, and visual field defects, which seriously affect a patient's quality of life. The pathogenesis o...Glaucoma is a common eye condition characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells and their axons, optic nerve damage, and visual field defects, which seriously affect a patient's quality of life. The pathogenesis of glaucoma is still unclear at present. It presents as damage to retinal ganglion cells, and the main treatment is primarily to reduce intraocular pressure by surgery or taking medication. However, even with well-controlled intraocular pressure, retinal ganglion cells still undergo degeneration, progressive apoptosis, and axonal loss. Therefore, protecting the optic nerve and inhibiting the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells are the current hot topic for prevention and treatment of glaucoma. Recently, , originating from Yunnan province in China, has been shown to be a promising herb with neuroprotective effects to treat glaucoma. Therefore, the traditional usage, botanical characteristics, and phytochemical composition of were explored through a literature review. Furthermore, we have summarized the pharmacological mechanisms of and its active components in inhibiting the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells. These research findings can not only provide guidance and recommendations for the protection of retinal ganglion cells but also further explore the potential of in the treatment of glaucoma.
Traditional medicine has long recognized the therapeutic potential of , and recent scientific research has shed light on the pharmacological properties of this plant. The bioactive compounds that can be extracted from it...Traditional medicine has long recognized the therapeutic potential of , and recent scientific research has shed light on the pharmacological properties of this plant. The bioactive compounds that can be extracted from it, such as the sesquiterpene lactones arctigenin, arctiin, and cnicin, are very interesting to researchers.In this article, based on available data from pre-clinical and studies, we delve into the pharmacology of the active constituents of this plant to explore its potential therapeutic applications and underlying mechanisms of action. In addition, we present a computer analysis designed to reveal the pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of the main phytochemicals that are active in through new techniques and predictive tools such as SwissADME and PubChem.The data from the study presented here support the traditional use of , as well as its promise as a source of new therapeutic chemical compounds.
An ointment containing larch turpentine, turpentine oil, and eucalyptus oil has been used for almost a century for the symptomatic treatment of mild, localized, purulent inflammations of the skin. Its clinical efficacy i...An ointment containing larch turpentine, turpentine oil, and eucalyptus oil has been used for almost a century for the symptomatic treatment of mild, localized, purulent inflammations of the skin. Its clinical efficacy in the treatment of skin infections has been shown in clinical trials, but the mode of action of the active ingredients on inflammation is not known. We studied the anti-inflammatory properties of the active ingredients of the ointment and their mixture in a human monocyte cell model, in which the cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and incubated with the test substances. The cytotoxic threshold of each test substance and the mixture was identified using the alamarBlue assay, and their anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring the release of interleukins IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, prostaglandin E, and TNF-. Cell toxicity was observed at a mixture concentration of 10 µg/mL. All immunological assays were carried out at nontoxic concentrations. Larch turpentine decreased IL-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and prostaglandin E release at a concentration of 3.9 µg/mL and TNF- at concentrations > 1.95 µg/mL, whereas eucalyptus oil and turpentine oil had no relevant inhibitory effects. The mixture dose-dependently inhibited IL-1, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, prostaglandin E, and TNF- release at concentrations > 1 µg/mL. IL-8 release was only marginally affected. The anti-inflammatory activity of the herbal ingredients and their mixture was confirmed in this model. This effect seems to be mediated mainly by larch turpentine, with turpentine oil and eucalyptus oil exerting an additive or possibly synergistic function.
Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are classes of organic compounds found in various natural products, such as the essential oil of (). The therapeutic potential of these terpenes present in is evidenced by their effect o...Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are classes of organic compounds found in various natural products, such as the essential oil of (). The therapeutic potential of these terpenes present in is evidenced by their effect on smooth muscle and potential clinical applications. Among the highlighted monoterpenes, such as sabinene, -pinene, and -pinene, a relaxing effect on rat intestinal smooth muscles is observed, attributed to interaction with calcium channels. Furthermore, monoterpenoids like borneol, cineole, and linalool also demonstrate vasorelaxant properties, suggesting potential in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions. Sesquiterpenes, such as caryophyllene and aromadendrenes, exhibit relaxing effects in various smooth muscle tissues, such as rat uterus and guinea pig ileum, indicating pharmacological potential in these areas. The translational exploration of targets, such as calcium channels and G protein-coupled receptors, highlights the importance of these compounds in discovering new therapies based on natural products for treating various medical conditions.
Depression is a highly prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder worldwide. One currently accepted hypothesis of this pathogenesis is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction, which involves oxidative stress and bra...Depression is a highly prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder worldwide. One currently accepted hypothesis of this pathogenesis is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction, which involves oxidative stress and brain damage. Therefore, antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, could be used in depression. In this study, we investigated the antidepressant-like and antioxidant effects of an aqueous extract of the leaves of three species of the genus , Myrtaceae family, in mice. The exotic L. and the natives Sw. and Sabine (10, 1, and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively) and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) were administered orally (p. o.) once daily for 21 days, with or without corticosterone (20 mg/kg). After behavioral assessments (tail suspension, splash, and open-field tests), the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, liver, kidneys, and plasma were examined to determine the oxidative stress status. The three extracts and fluoxetine treatment decreased the immobility time and counteracted the oxidative stress induced by corticosterone administration. The phenolic compounds identified as major components of the extracts, quercetin in and and -coumaric acid in , may be involved in the biological activities. Therefore, the aqueous leaf extracts of , and could be potential antidepressants helpful in treating depression and other diseases with elevated nitro-oxidative stress.
Chronic and prolonged wounds are a serious public problem that may severely affect the quality of life and result in psychological pressure. Fibroblasts play a crucial role in the wound process and in skin pathology. Her...Chronic and prolonged wounds are a serious public problem that may severely affect the quality of life and result in psychological pressure. Fibroblasts play a crucial role in the wound process and in skin pathology. Herbal drugs have long been used for wound care worldwide. (Lamiaceae) is a folk medicine for antipyretics, anti-inflammation, and reducing swelling in Taiwan. This study aimed to investigate the effect of in wound healing and the underlying mechanisms. Under human dermal fibroblast (HDF) wound-healing activity-guided fractionation, we found that a sub-fraction (AT-M) of extract (AT) and the major ingredients significantly promoted wound healing and decreased IL-1 and - 6 expressions on HDFs. Furthermore, the fraction of AT-M enhanced wound healing on C57BL/6 mouse skins, increased PDGFR expressions, and activated the PDGFR/MAPK pathway. Taken together, extracts promote wound healing by the PDGFR pathway and lead to enhanced cell spreading and motility, thereby having a possible beneficial effect on wound healing.
Withanolides are steroidal lactones commonly found in plants of the Solanaceae family that have significant medicinal value. In this study, three withanolides extracted from leaves were isolated and characterized. These...Withanolides are steroidal lactones commonly found in plants of the Solanaceae family that have significant medicinal value. In this study, three withanolides extracted from leaves were isolated and characterized. These included withaphysalin F (3: ) and two newly identified epimeric compounds: 18- and 18--methyl-withaphysalin F (1: and 2: ). Their structures were elucidated by NMR, IR, MS, CD, and X-ray diffraction analysis, and their potential against cell proliferation and migration was investigated. The cytotoxic assay revealed activity against different tumor and non-tumor cell lines. (18)--methyl-withaphysalin F (2: ) presented cell death effects after at least 6 hours of exposure. MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed to 0.06 and 0.6 µM of (18)--methyl-withaphysalin F (2: ), and reductions in cell adhesion, migration, and clonogenicity were observed. Morphological analysis revealed negative regulation in filopodia, salience, and roughness, as well as alterations in cellular microarchitecture. These results provide clues as to the effects of (18)--methyl-withaphysalin F (2: ), allowing new molecular modifications to improve potency and selectivity and increase our antineoplastic arsenal.
Mushroom tyrosinase from (TYR) is often used during the development of tyrosinase inhibitors for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. In the search for novel tyrosinase inhibitors, this study identified hematoxylin as an al...Mushroom tyrosinase from (TYR) is often used during the development of tyrosinase inhibitors for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. In the search for novel tyrosinase inhibitors, this study identified hematoxylin as an alternative substrate for TYR. The interaction of hematoxylin with TYR was investigated through spectrophotometric and chromatographic analyses. The results showed that hematoxylin acted as an TYR substrate and exhibited Michaelis-Menten kinetic behaviour at concentrations below 1.25 mM. The substrate properties of hematoxylin were similar to the natural tyrosinase substrate, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), with regards to K, while V was eightfold lower. The main oxidation product formed during the reaction of TYR with hematoxylin was identified as hematein. This is the first report of the interaction of hematoxylin with TYR.
The present study endeavored to design and develop a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system to improve the solubility and dermatological absorption of curcumin and naringin. Curcumin and naringin-loaded self-nanoemuls...The present study endeavored to design and develop a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system to improve the solubility and dermatological absorption of curcumin and naringin. Curcumin and naringin-loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system formulations were developed using aqueous phase titration. Phase diagrams were used to pinpoint the self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system zones. Tween 80 and Labrasol (surfactants), Transcutol (cosurfactant), and cinnamon oil were chosen from a large pool of surfactants, cosurfactants, and oils based on their solubility and greatest nano-emulsion region. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta sizer, and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the optimized formulations and test for dilution and thermodynamic stability. The optimized curcumin-naringin-self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system demonstrated the following characteristics: polydispersity index (0.412 ± 0.03), % transmittance (97%), particle size (212.5 ± 05 nm), zeta potential (- 25.7 ± 1.80 mV) and having a smooth and spherical droplet shape, as shown by atomic force microscopy. The ability of their combined formulation to cure wounds was tested in comparison to pure curcumin suspension, empty self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system, and standard fusidic acid. Upon topical administration, the optimized curcumin-naringin-self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system demonstrated significant wound healing activity in comparison with a pure curcumin suspension, empty self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system, and standard fusidic acid. Based upon this result, we assume that skin penetration was increased by using the optimized curcumin-naringin-self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system with enhanced solubility.
Pharmacologic activity of proanthocyanidins in leaf extract has recently been reported. The objective of the present study was to screen proanthocyanidin contents in herbal medicinal products containing extracts. A rec...Pharmacologic activity of proanthocyanidins in leaf extract has recently been reported. The objective of the present study was to screen proanthocyanidin contents in herbal medicinal products containing extracts. A recently published HPLC method for quantification of proanthocyanidins in leaf extract EGb 761 was adopted to also be suitable for finished herbal medicinal products. The method was applied to 14 products from the German market. For each product, a set of three individual batches was purchased and analyzed. Substantial differences in proanthocyanidins contents were found among distinct products, ranging from 0.30 to 5.86%. The batch-to-batch variability within each product was low. The highest concentrations are in a similar range as, for example, the amount of terpene trilactones specified in the monograph for leaf extract in the European Pharmacopeia. Although it has not yet been established whether and to what extent proanthocyanidins contribute to the overall pharmacological or clinical efficacy of extracts, a potential impact on the purported benefits of different contents in proanthocyanidins cannot be ruled out. Quality assessment of different extracts in the future may include proanthocyanidins.
The increasing prevalence of sleep dysregulation cases has prompted the search for effective and safe sleep-enhancing agents. Numerous medications used in the treatment of sleep disorders function by enhancing -aminobuty...The increasing prevalence of sleep dysregulation cases has prompted the search for effective and safe sleep-enhancing agents. Numerous medications used in the treatment of sleep disorders function by enhancing -aminobutyric acid neurotransmitter activity. Unfortunately, these substances may induce significant adverse effects in chronic users, such as dependence and motor behavior impairments. Consequently, there is a growing interest in exploring therapeutic sleep-enhancing agents derived from natural sources, with the anticipation of causing less severe side effects. (PV), a perennial plant indigenous to South Korea, exhibits various pharmacological effects, likely attributed to its chemical composition. Rosmarinic acid, one of its components, has previously demonstrated sleep-potentiating properties, suggesting the potential for PV to exhibit similar pharmacological effects. This study aims to investigate the potential effects of repeated administration of PV extract on the sleep behavior, brainwave activity, sleep-wake cycle, and physiological behavior of mice. Findings indicate that PV extracts exhibit sleep-enhancing effects in mice, characterized by prolonged sleep duration and a reduced onset time of pentobarbital-induced sleep. However, PV extracts only reduced alpha wave powers, with minor alterations in wakefulness and rapid-eye-movement sleep duration. In contrast to diazepam, PV extracts lack adverse effects on locomotor activity, motor coordination, or anxiety in mice. Receptor-binding assay and caffeine treatment support the potential involvement of adenosine A receptors in the effects of PV, suggesting distinct mechanisms of action compared to diazepam, despite both exhibiting sleep-altering effects. Overall, our results suggest that PV holds promise as a potential source of sleep-aiding agents.
For decades, cocoa butter has been extensively used in food industries, particularly in the production of chocolate confectioneries. The composition of fats within cocoa butter, such as stearic acid, palmitic acid, and o...For decades, cocoa butter has been extensively used in food industries, particularly in the production of chocolate confectioneries. The composition of fats within cocoa butter, such as stearic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid, determines its properties. Studies have indicated the existence of at least six polymorphic forms of cocoa butter, each possessing distinct characteristics and melting points. Recently, cocoa butter has garnered attention for its potential as a delivery system for pharmaceutical products. This review thoroughly explores cocoa butter, encompassing its production process, composition, properties, and polymorphism. It delves into its diverse applications across various industries including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the review investigates cocoa butter alternatives aiming to substitute cocoa butter and their roles in different drug delivery systems. The unique properties of cocoa butter have sparked interest in pharmaceutical industries, particularly since its introduction as a drug delivery system and excipient. This has prompted researchers and industry stakeholders to explore novel formulations and delivery methods, thereby expanding the range of options available to consumers in the pharmaceutical market.