The inflammatory process plays a central role in the development and progression of numerous pathological situations,such as inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases,metabolic syndrome...The inflammatory process plays a central role in the development and progression of numerous pathological situations,such as inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases,metabolic syndrome,and cardiovascular disorders. IBDs involve inflammation of the gastrointestinal area and mainly comprise Crohn's disease(CD) and ulcerative colitis(UC). Both pathological situations usually involve recurring or bloody diarrhea,pain,fatigue and weight loss. There is at present no pharmacological cure for CD or UC. However,surgery may be curative for UC patients. The prescribed treatment aims to ameliorate the symptoms and prevent and/or delay new painful episodes. Flavonoid compounds are a large family of hydroxylated polyphenolic molecules abundant in plants,including vegetables and fruits which are the major dietary sources of these compounds for humans,together with wine and tea. Flavonoids are becoming very popular because they have many health-promoting and disease-preventive effects. Most interest has been directed towards the antioxidant activity of flavonoids,evidencing a remarkable free-radical scavenging capacity. However,accumulating evidence suggests that flavonoids have many other biological properties,including anti-inflammatory,antiviral,anticancer,and neuroprotective activities through different mechanisms of action. The present review analyzes the available data about the different types of flavonoids and their potential effectiveness as adjuvant therapy of IBDs.展开更多
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the world. Numerous efforts are being made to find chemoprotective agents able to reduce its risk. Amongst these, green tea has been reported to have...Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the world. Numerous efforts are being made to find chemoprotective agents able to reduce its risk. Amongst these, green tea has been reported to have a protective effect against stomach cancer. This article aims to critically evaluate all epidemiological studies reporting an association between green tea consumption and GC risk. MEDLINE, EBSCOHOST and Google Scholar were used to search for clinical trials of green tea and its correlation to stomach cancer. Studies include cohort and case-control studies. Outcome of interests are inverse association, no association, and positive association. Seventeen epidemiologic studies were reviewed. Eleven studies were conducted in Japan, five in China, and one with Japanese descendent in Hawaii. Ten case-control studies and seven cohortstudies were included. The relative risks or odds ratio of GC for the highest level of green tea consumption was compared. Seven studies suggested no association, eight an inverse association, and one a positive association. One study had shown a significantly lowered GC risk when tea was served warm to cold. Another study also showed a significantly risk with lukewarm tea. All studies that analyzed men and women separately have suggested a reduced risk in women than in men, albeit no significant difference. This review demonstrates that there is insufficient information to support green tea consumption reduces the risk of GC. More studies on the subject matter are warranted.展开更多
Despite significant advances in medicine, liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma remains a major cause of death in the United States as well as the rest of the world. As limited treatment options are cur...Despite significant advances in medicine, liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma remains a major cause of death in the United States as well as the rest of the world. As limited treatment options are currently available to patients with liver cancer, novel preventive control and effective therapeutic approaches are considered to be reasonable and decisive measures to combat this disease. Several naturally occurring dietary and non-dietary phytochemicals have shown enormous potential in the prevention and treatment of several cancers, especially those of the gastrointestinal tract. Terpenoids, the largest group of phytochemicals, traditionally used for medicinal purposes in India and China, are currently being explored as anticancer agents in clinical trials. Terpenoids (also called "isoprenoids") are secondary metabolites occurring in most organisms, particularly plants. More than 40 000 individual terpenoids are known to exist in nature with new compounds being discovered every year. A large number of terpenoids exhibit cytotoxicity against a variety of tumor cells and cancer preventive as well as anticancer efficacy in preclinical animal models. This review critically examines the potential role of naturally occurring terpenoids, from diverse origins, in the chemoprevention and treatment of liver tumors. Both in vitro and in vivo effects of these agents and related cellular and molecular mechanisms are highlighted. Potential challenges and future directions involved in the advancement of these promising natural compounds in the chemoprevention and therapy of human liver cancer are also discussed.展开更多
Objective:To investigat the mechanism of antitumor efficacy of Origanum clayi(O.clayi) and Ochradenus baccatus(O.baccatus) extracts by exploring apoptosis-inducing potential.Methods:The aqueous extracts of aerial part...Objective:To investigat the mechanism of antitumor efficacy of Origanum clayi(O.clayi) and Ochradenus baccatus(O.baccatus) extracts by exploring apoptosis-inducing potential.Methods:The aqueous extracts of aerial parts of aforementioned plants were prepared and used for this study.HepG2 cells were treated with varying concentrations(0,2 and 5 mg/mL)of each plant extract for 24 or 48 h.Cell apoptosis was measured by annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate binding assay and flow cytometry.The expression levels of various apoptosisrelated genes were determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Results:O.clayi and O.baccatus extracts exerted apoptotic effects on HepG2 cells for 48 h following treatment.O.clayi extract was found to be a better apoptosis-inducing agent than O.baccatus extract as the former delivered greater efficacy at a lower concentration.Both extracts manifested upregulation of Bax,Bad.cytochrome c.caspase-3,caspase-7.caspase-9 and poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase.Conclusions:The aqueous extracts of O.clayi and O.baccatus are capable of inducing apoptosis in HepG2 cells through modulation of mitochondrial pathway which explains their antitumor activities.These desert plants may serve as useful resources to develop effective remedies for hepatocellular carcinoma and other human malignancies.展开更多
The phytoecdysteroids(PEs)comprise a large group of biologically-active plant steroids,which have structures similar to those of insect-molting hormones.PEs are distributed in plants as secondary metabolites that offe...The phytoecdysteroids(PEs)comprise a large group of biologically-active plant steroids,which have structures similar to those of insect-molting hormones.PEs are distributed in plants as secondary metabolites that offer protection against phytophagus(plant-eating)insects.When insects consume the plants containing these chemicals,they promptly molt and undergo metabolic destruction;the insects eventually die.Chemically,ecdysteroids are a group of polyhydroxylated ketosteroids that are structurally similar to androgens.The carbon skeleton of ecdysteroids is termed as cyclopentanoperhydro-phenanthrene with aβ-side chain at carbon-17.The essential characteristics of ecdysteroids are a cis-(5β-H)junction of rings A and B,a 7-en-6-one chromophore,and a trans(14α-OH)junction of rings C and D.Plants only synthesize PEs from mevalonic acid in the mevalonate pathway of the plant cell using acetyl-CoA as a precursor;the most common PE is 20-hydroxyecdysone.So far,over 400 PEs have been identified and reported,and a compilation of 166 PEs originating from 1998 has been previously reviewed.In the present review,we have summarized 212 new PEs reported between 1999 and 2019.We have also critically analyzed the biological,pharmacological,and medicinal properties of PEs to understand the full impact of these phytoconstituents in health and disease.展开更多
It is estimated that 80% of the world population depends on traditional medicine for primary healthcare need. Trianthema portulacastrum Linn.（family： Aizoaceae） is a small perennial weed found in the Americas, Afri...It is estimated that 80% of the world population depends on traditional medicine for primary healthcare need. Trianthema portulacastrum Linn.（family： Aizoaceae） is a small perennial weed found in the Americas, Africa, India, and other regions of the world. This plant is used extensively in Indian traditional medicines and is also consumed as a vegetable throughout Asia for its perceived health benefits. Phytochemical analysis of T. portulacastrum reveals the presence of alkaloids, fl avonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds. Emerging studies demonstrate that crude extracts as well as bioactive phytoconstituents of T. portulacastrum exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-infective, analgesic, and anti-infl ammatory activities. A growing number of in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate various biological and pharmacological activities, including prevention and amelioration of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, infectious diseases and cancer. This review aims to present and analyze available literature to understand the full potential of T. portulacastrum in health promotion and disease prevention. Current limitations and future directions of research on this medicinal and dietary plant are also critically discussed.展开更多
文摘The inflammatory process plays a central role in the development and progression of numerous pathological situations,such as inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases,metabolic syndrome,and cardiovascular disorders. IBDs involve inflammation of the gastrointestinal area and mainly comprise Crohn's disease(CD) and ulcerative colitis(UC). Both pathological situations usually involve recurring or bloody diarrhea,pain,fatigue and weight loss. There is at present no pharmacological cure for CD or UC. However,surgery may be curative for UC patients. The prescribed treatment aims to ameliorate the symptoms and prevent and/or delay new painful episodes. Flavonoid compounds are a large family of hydroxylated polyphenolic molecules abundant in plants,including vegetables and fruits which are the major dietary sources of these compounds for humans,together with wine and tea. Flavonoids are becoming very popular because they have many health-promoting and disease-preventive effects. Most interest has been directed towards the antioxidant activity of flavonoids,evidencing a remarkable free-radical scavenging capacity. However,accumulating evidence suggests that flavonoids have many other biological properties,including anti-inflammatory,antiviral,anticancer,and neuroprotective activities through different mechanisms of action. The present review analyzes the available data about the different types of flavonoids and their potential effectiveness as adjuvant therapy of IBDs.
文摘Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the world. Numerous efforts are being made to find chemoprotective agents able to reduce its risk. Amongst these, green tea has been reported to have a protective effect against stomach cancer. This article aims to critically evaluate all epidemiological studies reporting an association between green tea consumption and GC risk. MEDLINE, EBSCOHOST and Google Scholar were used to search for clinical trials of green tea and its correlation to stomach cancer. Studies include cohort and case-control studies. Outcome of interests are inverse association, no association, and positive association. Seventeen epidemiologic studies were reviewed. Eleven studies were conducted in Japan, five in China, and one with Japanese descendent in Hawaii. Ten case-control studies and seven cohortstudies were included. The relative risks or odds ratio of GC for the highest level of green tea consumption was compared. Seven studies suggested no association, eight an inverse association, and one a positive association. One study had shown a significantly lowered GC risk when tea was served warm to cold. Another study also showed a significantly risk with lukewarm tea. All studies that analyzed men and women separately have suggested a reduced risk in women than in men, albeit no significant difference. This review demonstrates that there is insufficient information to support green tea consumption reduces the risk of GC. More studies on the subject matter are warranted.
文摘Despite significant advances in medicine, liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma remains a major cause of death in the United States as well as the rest of the world. As limited treatment options are currently available to patients with liver cancer, novel preventive control and effective therapeutic approaches are considered to be reasonable and decisive measures to combat this disease. Several naturally occurring dietary and non-dietary phytochemicals have shown enormous potential in the prevention and treatment of several cancers, especially those of the gastrointestinal tract. Terpenoids, the largest group of phytochemicals, traditionally used for medicinal purposes in India and China, are currently being explored as anticancer agents in clinical trials. Terpenoids (also called "isoprenoids") are secondary metabolites occurring in most organisms, particularly plants. More than 40 000 individual terpenoids are known to exist in nature with new compounds being discovered every year. A large number of terpenoids exhibit cytotoxicity against a variety of tumor cells and cancer preventive as well as anticancer efficacy in preclinical animal models. This review critically examines the potential role of naturally occurring terpenoids, from diverse origins, in the chemoprevention and treatment of liver tumors. Both in vitro and in vivo effects of these agents and related cellular and molecular mechanisms are highlighted. Potential challenges and future directions involved in the advancement of these promising natural compounds in the chemoprevention and therapy of human liver cancer are also discussed.
基金Supported by a new faculty start-up research grant(22928)
文摘Objective:To investigat the mechanism of antitumor efficacy of Origanum clayi(O.clayi) and Ochradenus baccatus(O.baccatus) extracts by exploring apoptosis-inducing potential.Methods:The aqueous extracts of aerial parts of aforementioned plants were prepared and used for this study.HepG2 cells were treated with varying concentrations(0,2 and 5 mg/mL)of each plant extract for 24 or 48 h.Cell apoptosis was measured by annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate binding assay and flow cytometry.The expression levels of various apoptosisrelated genes were determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Results:O.clayi and O.baccatus extracts exerted apoptotic effects on HepG2 cells for 48 h following treatment.O.clayi extract was found to be a better apoptosis-inducing agent than O.baccatus extract as the former delivered greater efficacy at a lower concentration.Both extracts manifested upregulation of Bax,Bad.cytochrome c.caspase-3,caspase-7.caspase-9 and poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase.Conclusions:The aqueous extracts of O.clayi and O.baccatus are capable of inducing apoptosis in HepG2 cells through modulation of mitochondrial pathway which explains their antitumor activities.These desert plants may serve as useful resources to develop effective remedies for hepatocellular carcinoma and other human malignancies.
文摘The phytoecdysteroids(PEs)comprise a large group of biologically-active plant steroids,which have structures similar to those of insect-molting hormones.PEs are distributed in plants as secondary metabolites that offer protection against phytophagus(plant-eating)insects.When insects consume the plants containing these chemicals,they promptly molt and undergo metabolic destruction;the insects eventually die.Chemically,ecdysteroids are a group of polyhydroxylated ketosteroids that are structurally similar to androgens.The carbon skeleton of ecdysteroids is termed as cyclopentanoperhydro-phenanthrene with aβ-side chain at carbon-17.The essential characteristics of ecdysteroids are a cis-(5β-H)junction of rings A and B,a 7-en-6-one chromophore,and a trans(14α-OH)junction of rings C and D.Plants only synthesize PEs from mevalonic acid in the mevalonate pathway of the plant cell using acetyl-CoA as a precursor;the most common PE is 20-hydroxyecdysone.So far,over 400 PEs have been identified and reported,and a compilation of 166 PEs originating from 1998 has been previously reviewed.In the present review,we have summarized 212 new PEs reported between 1999 and 2019.We have also critically analyzed the biological,pharmacological,and medicinal properties of PEs to understand the full impact of these phytoconstituents in health and disease.
文摘It is estimated that 80% of the world population depends on traditional medicine for primary healthcare need. Trianthema portulacastrum Linn.（family： Aizoaceae） is a small perennial weed found in the Americas, Africa, India, and other regions of the world. This plant is used extensively in Indian traditional medicines and is also consumed as a vegetable throughout Asia for its perceived health benefits. Phytochemical analysis of T. portulacastrum reveals the presence of alkaloids, fl avonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds. Emerging studies demonstrate that crude extracts as well as bioactive phytoconstituents of T. portulacastrum exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-infective, analgesic, and anti-infl ammatory activities. A growing number of in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate various biological and pharmacological activities, including prevention and amelioration of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, infectious diseases and cancer. This review aims to present and analyze available literature to understand the full potential of T. portulacastrum in health promotion and disease prevention. Current limitations and future directions of research on this medicinal and dietary plant are also critically discussed.
