Pharmacological Properties of Plant-Derived Natural Products and Implications for Human Health (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 1308)

Medicinal plants and their derived products remain as an indispensable source of bioactive molecules that serve as either drug candidates or lead compounds for drug design and discovery. There are several advantages for plant-derived therapeutics including wide availability, diverse pharmacological actions and a generally good profile of safety and tolerability. Over the recent years, there have been numerous reports from clinical studies testifying to the efficacy and safety of medicinal plants and phytochemicals in ameliorating several human diseases. A plethora of basic studies has also unravelled molecular mechanisms underlying the health benefits of herbal medicines. Nevertheless, issues such as identification of bioactive ingredients, standardization of the products and drug interactions remain to be further studied. In this book, we aim to put together several chapters on the medicinal properties and pharmacological action of medicinal plants, plant species and phytochemicals. The goal is to present a comprehensive collection on most of the therapeutic aspects of plant-derived natural products and molecular mechanisms thereof. About the Book Contents 1: The Effect of Curcumin Supplementation on Pulse Wave Velocity in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Methods 1.2.1 Randomization Procedure 1.2.2 Interventions 1.2.3 Dietary and Physical Activity Assessment 1.2.4 Anthropometric and Body Composition Assessment 1.2.5 Laboratory Parameters 1.2.6 Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness Measurements 1.2.7 Statistical Analyses 1.3 Results 1.3.1 The Effect of Curcumin on and Anthropometric, Body Composition, and Serological Tests 1.3.2 The Effect of Curcumin on Arterial stiffness and Hemodynamic Parameters 1.4 Discussion 1.5 Conclusions References 2: Role of Curcumin in Regulating Long Noncoding RNA Expression in Cancer 2.1 Introduction 2.2 The Role of lncRNAs in the Development of Cancer 2.3 Biogenesis and Function of lncRNAs 2.4 Effects of Curcumin on lncRNA Expression in Cancer 2.4.1 Colorectal Cancer (CRC) 2.4.2 Pancreatic Cancer 2.4.3 Lung Cancer 2.4.4 Breast Cancer 2.4.5 Ovarian Cancer 2.4.6 Prostate Cancer 2.4.7 Renal Cancer 2.4.8 Hepatocellular Cancer 2.4.9 Gastric Cancer 2.4.10 Curcumin in Nasopharyngeal Cancer 2.5 Conclusions and Perspectives References 3: The Effect of Curcumin Phytosome on the Treatment of Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Methods 3.2.1 Trial Design 3.2.2 Participants 3.2.3 Randomization 3.2.4 Intervention 3.2.5 Assessment of Outcomes 3.2.5.1 Biochemical and Anthropometric Measurement 3.2.5.2 Statistics Analysis 3.3 Results 3.3.1 Characteristics of Patients 3.3.2 Anthropometric, Biochemical and Sonography Analyses 3.3.3 Comparison of the Changes of Anthropometric, Biochemical and Sonography Data of Patients with NAFLD Between the Curcumin and Placebo Groups 3.4 Discussion 3.5 Conclusions and Future Perspectives References 4: Protective Effects of Curcumin Phytosomes Against High-Fat Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Materials and Methods 4.2.1 Animal Models and Drug Administration 4.2.2 Evaluation of Atherosclerosis 4.2.3 Lipid Profile Measurement and Biochemical Analyses 4.2.4 Statistical Analysis 4.3 Results 4.3.1 Changes in Blood Lipids and Biochemical Parameters 4.3.2 Effects of Curcumin-Phospholipid Solid Dispersions on Atherosclerotic Lesions 4.4 Discussion References 5: Intravenous Curcumin Mitigates Atherosclerosis Progression in Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Materials and Methods 5.2.1 Animal Study 5.2.2 Measuring Plasma Lipid Parameters 5.2.3 Histological Assessment of Atherosclerosis 5.2.4 Statistical Analysis 5.3 Results 5.3.1 Lipid-Modifying Effects of Injectable Curcumin in Hyperlipidemic Rabbits 5.3.2 Atherogenic Indexes 5.3.3 Inhibitory Effect of Injectable Curcumin on Atherosclerotic Lesion Progression 5.4 Discussion References 6: Updated Review on the Role of Curcumin in Gastrointestinal Cancers 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Search Strategy 6.3 Oral Cavity Cancers 6.4 Esophageal Cancers 6.5 Gastric Cancers 6.6 Colorectal Cancers 6.7 Pancreatic Cancers 6.8 Conclusion References 7: Curcumin Can Bind and Interact with CRP: An in silico Study 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Materials and Methods 7.2.1 Molecular Docking 7.2.2 Molecular Dynamic Simulation 7.3 Results 7.3.1 Molecular Docking Studies 7.3.2 Molecular Dynamic Simulation 7.4 Discussion References 8: Antifungal Activities of Curcuminoids and Difluorinated Curcumin Against Clinical Dermatophyte Isolates 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Materials and Methods 8.3 Results 8.4 Discussion 8.5 Conclusion References 9: Therapeutic Effect of Curcumin in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Receiving Metformin: A Randomized Controlled Trial 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Materials and Methods 9.2.1 Sample Selection 9.2.2 Classification of Patients 9.2.3 Analysis of Biochemical and Hormonal Parameters 9.2.4 Statistical Analysis 9.3 Results 9.4 Discussion 9.5 Conclusions References 10: Effect of Curcumin on Severity of Functional Dyspepsia: a Triple Blinded Clinical Trial 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Materials and Methods 10.2.1 Subjects 10.2.2 Study Design 10.2.3 Hong Kong Dyspepsia Index 10.2.4 Statistical Analysis 10.3 Results 10.4 Discussion 10.5 Conclusions References 11: Possible Mechanisms and Special Clinical Considerations of Curcumin Supplementation in Patients with COVID-19 11.1 Introduction 11.2 COVID-19-Associated ARDS and Related Cytokines 11.3 Potential Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms of curcumin Against ARDS 11.4 Curcumin Formulations 11.5 Curcumin Dosage 11.6 Common Adverse Effects Between COVID-19 and Curcumin 11.7 Clinically Significant Drug Interaction Between Curcumin and Conventional Medications 11.8 Conclusion References 12: Paving the Road Toward Exploiting the Therapeutic Effects of Ginsenosides: An Emphasis on Autophagy and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Autophagy 12.3 Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress 12.4 Ginsenosides 12.5 Induction of Autophagy and Apoptosis via ER Stress 12.6 Ginsenoside and Autophagy 12.6.1 Protective Effects of Ginsenosides 12.6.2 Anti-tumor Effects of Ginsenosides 12.7 Ginsenoside and ER Stress 12.8 Conclusion References 13: Medicinal Plants and Phytochemicals Regulating Insulin Resistance and Glucose Homeostasis in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Clinical Review 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Resveratrol 13.3 Cinnamon 13.4 Ginger 13.5 Berberine 13.6 Garlic 13.7 Anthocyanin 13.8 Green Tea 13.9 Soybean 13.10 Flaxseed 13.11 Curcumin 13.12 Nuts 13.13 Vegetable Oil 13.14 Soluble Fibers 13.15 Conclusion References 14: Plants with Anti-Addictive Potential 14.1 Introduction 14.2 Plants Containing Alkaloids as Active Constituents 14.2.1 Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil (Rubiaceae) 14.2.2 Tabernanthe iboga Baill. (Apocynaceae) 14.2.3 Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae) 14.2.4 Ayahuasca - Psychotria viridis Ruiz & Pav. (Rubiaceae) and Banisteriopsis caapi (Spruce ex Griseb.) C.V. Morton (Malpighiaceae) 14.2.5 Coptis japonica Makino (Ranunculaceae) 14.2.6 Papaver rhoeas L. (Papaveraceae) 14.2.7 Isoquinoline Alkaloids 14.2.8 Camellia sinensis L. Kuntze (Sapindaceae) 14.2.9 Other Species 14.3 Plants Containing Triterpenes and Steroids as Active Constituents 14.3.1 Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst (Plantaginaceae) 14.3.2 Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae) 14.3.3 Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae) 14.3.4 Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) 14.3.5 Salvia spp. (Lamiaceae) 14.3.6 Polygala telephioides Willd. (Polygalaceae) 14.4 Plants Containing Essential Oils as Active Constituents 14.5 Plants Containing Flavonoids as Active Constituents 14.5.1 Morinda citrifolia L (Rubiaceae) 14.5.2 Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa & Pradeep (Fabaceae) 14.5.3 Passiflora incarnata L. (Passifloraceae) 14.5.4 Other Species 14.6 Plants Containing Polysaccharides as Active Constituents 14.7 Plants Containing Multiple Compounds 14.7.1 Nepeta menthoides Boiss. & Buhse (Lamiaceae) 14.7.2 Rhodiola rosea L., Crassulaceae 14.7.3 Hypericum perforatum L. Hypericaceae (St. John’s Wort) 14.8 Final Considerations and Future Directions References 15: Use of Plant-Derived Natural Products in Sleep Disturbances 15.1 Introduction 15.2 Methods 15.3 Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) 15.4 Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla/Matricaria recutitia) 15.5 Hops (Humulus lupulus) 15.6 Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) 15.7 Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) 15.8 Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) 15.9 Conclusions References 16: The Effects of Nutraceuticals and Herbal Medicine on Candida albicans in Oral Candidiasis: A Comprehensive Review 16.1 Introduction 16.1.1 Garlic 16.1.2 Green Tea 16.2 Propolis 16.3 Curcumin 16.4 Licorice Root 16.5 Cinnamon 16.6 Resveratrol 16.7 Ginger 16.8 Berberine 16.9 Conclusion and Future Perspective References 17: Pharmacological Properties of the Plant-Derived Natural products Cannabinoids and Implications for Cardiovascular Health 17.1 Introduction 17.2 Endocannabinoids and Atherosclerosis 17.3 Cannabinoids and Myocardial Injury 17.4 Future Perspectives and Conclusion References 18: Beneficial Effects of Plant-Derived Natural Products on Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease 18.1 Introduction 18.2 Natural Occurring Compounds for NAFLD 18.2.1 Quercetin 18.2.2 Resveratrol 18.2.3 Berberine 18.2.4 Pomegranate 18.2.5 Curcumin 18.2.6 Cinnamon 18.2.7 Green Tea 18.2.8 Coffee 18.2.9 Garlic 18.2.10 Ginger 18.2.11 Ginseng 18.2.12 Gingko biloba 18.3 Conclusion References 19: Crocin Improves Oxidative Stress in Testicular Tissues of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats 19.1 Introduction 19.2 Materials and Methods 19.2.1 Experimental Animals 19.2.2 Ethical Considerations 19.2.3 Diabetes Induction 19.2.4 Treatment 19.2.5 Sampling 19.2.6 Blood Glucose Analyzing 19.2.7 Tissue Preparation 19.2.8 SOD Enzyme Activity 19.2.9 CAT Enzyme Activity 19.2.10 Assessment of GLT Content 19.2.11 Nitrate Content Assay 19.2.12 Lipid Peroxidation Assay (MDA Content) 19.2.13 Statistical Analyses 19.3 Results 19.4 Discussion References 20: Beneficial Medicinal Plants for Memory and Cognitive Functions Based on Traditional Persian Medicine 20.1 Introduction 20.2 Materials and Methods 20.3 Results 20.4 Discussion 20.5 Conclusions References 21: The Use of Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Alopecia in the Canon of Avicenna: An Evidence-Based Review 21.1 Introduction 21.2 Alopecia in View of Avicenna 21.3 Common Treatments of Alopecia Mentioned in Canon by Avicenna 21.4 A Brief Review on the Most Common Types of Alopecia and their Treatments in Modern Medicine 21.4.1 Alopecia Areata 21.4.1.1 Treatment 21.4.2 Androgenetic Alopecia 21.4.2.1 Treatment 21.4.3 Telogen Effluvium 21.4.3.1 Treatment 21.5 Scientific Evaluation of Medicinal Plants Mentioned for the Management of Alopecia in Canon 21.5.1 Indigofera tinctoria 21.5.2 Beta vulgaris 21.5.3 Allium cepa 21.5.4 Allium sativum 21.5.5 Semecarpus anacardium 21.5.6 Drimia maritima 21.5.7 Apium graveolens 21.5.8 Adiantum capillus-veneris 21.5.9 Pilosella officinarum (syn: Hieracium pilosella) 21.5.10 Artemisia absinthium 21.5.11 Ferula assa-foetida 21.5.12 Narcissus tazetta 21.5.13 Artemisia abrotanum 21.5.14 Brassica nigra 21.5.15 Raphanus raphanistrum (syn: Raphanus sativus) 21.5.16 Phragmites australis 21.5.17 Agrimonia eupatoria 21.5.18 Delphinium Staphisagria 21.5.19 Ruta graveolens 21.6 Concluding Remarks References 22: Ethnobotanical Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Different Rheum Species (Polygonaceae): A Review 22.1 Introduction 22.2 Botany 22.2.1 Botanical Description 22.2.2 Authentication and Detection of Adulteration 22.2.3 Threat Categorization and Conservation Prioritization 22.3 Phytochemical Constituents 22.4 Ethnobotanical and Ethnomedicinal Knowledge 22.5 Nature of Rheum spp. Described in ITM 22.6 Medicinal Uses of Rheum spp. in ITM 22.6.1 Respiratory System 22.6.2 Central and Peripheral Nervous System 22.6.3 Liver, Kidney and Spleen 22.6.4 Gastrointestinal System 22.6.5 Skin 22.6.6 Reproductive Organs 22.6.7 Joints and Muscles 22.6.8 Heart 22.6.9 Mental Properties 22.6.10 Bacterial Infections 22.6.11 Other Properties 22.7 Pharmacological Aspects 22.8 Conclusion References 23: Genus Rosa: A Review of Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Traditional Aspects According to Islamic Traditional Medicine (ITM) 23.1 Introduction 23.2 Botany, Taxonomy and Conservation Status of Rosa Taxa 23.3 Phytochemical of Rosa Species 23.4 Ethnobotanical and Ethnomedicinal Uses 23.5 Rosa in Islamic Traditional Medicine (ITM) 23.5.1 Nature of Rosa spp. Described in ITM 23.5.2 Medicinal Uses of Rosa spp. in ITM 23.5.2.1 Gastrointestinal System 23.5.2.2 Liver and Kidney 23.5.2.3 Central and Peripheral Nervous System 23.5.2.4 Heart and Arterials 23.5.2.5 Respiratory System 23.5.2.6 Psychiatric 23.5.2.7 Skin and Hair 23.5.2.8 Joints and Muscles 23.5.2.9 Reproductive (Genital) Organs 23.6 Conclusion References 24: Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Traditional and Modern Uses of Actaea racemosa L. (Black cohosh): A Review 24.1 Introduction 24.2 Botany, Ethnobotany and Authentication Profile 24.3 Phytochemicals 24.4 Standardized Extracts- Dosage 24.5 Preclinical Studies 24.5.1 Hormonal Effect 24.5.2 Analgesic Effects 24.5.3 Antidepressants Effects 24.5.4 Anti-inflammatory Effects 24.5.5 Anti-diabetes Effect 24.5.6 Anti-osteoporosis Effect 24.5.7 Cytotoxic and Anti-proliferative Effect 24.6 Clinical Trials 24.6.1 Clinical Trials on Menopause Symptom 24.6.2 Clinical Trials on Cancer 24.6.3 Clinical Trials on Osteoporosis 24.6.4 Clinical Trials on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 24.7 Contraindications 24.8 Side Effects and Warnings 24.9 Toxicity and Safety Studies 24.10 Drug Interactions 24.11 Conclusions References 25: Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Features of Centella asiatica: A Comprehensive Review 25.1 Introduction 25.2 Botanical Description and Distribution 25.3 Phytochemistry Study 25.4 Ethnobotanical and Ethnomedicinal Uses 25.5 Pharmacological Aspects 25.6 Clinical Studies 25.7 Herb-Drug Interactions 25.8 Pregnancy and Lactation 25.9 Toxicology 25.10 Conclusions References 26: Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Different Cichorium Species (Asteraceae): A Review 26.1 Introduction 26.2 Botanical Profile and Taxonomy of Cichorium Taxa 26.3 Phytochemical Study 26.4 Ethnobotanical and Ethnomedicinal Uses 26.5 Nature of Cichorium spp. in ITM 26.6 Medicinal Properties of Cichorium spp. in ITM 26.7 Pharmacological Aspects 26.8 Conclusion References 27: Medicinal Species of the Genus Berberis: A Review of Their Traditional and Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology 27.1 Introduction 27.2 Botanical Profile and Taxonomy 27.3 Phytochemistry 27.4 Ethnobotanical and Ethnomedicinal Uses 27.5 Medicinal Uses of Zereshk in Islamic Traditional Medicine 27.6 Pharmacological Aspects of Berberis spp. 27.7 Conclusion References 28: Protective Effects of Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate in Stroke Patients Receiving Amiodarone: A Randomized Controlled Trial 28.1 Introduction 28.1.1 Materials and Methods 28.2 Statistical Analysis 28.3 Results 28.3.1 Baseline Characteristics 28.3.2 Effect of MgSO4 on Biochemical Parameters 28.3.3 Anti-inflammatory Effect of MgSO4 on Brain Function 28.3.4 Effect of MgSO4 on the Amiodarone-Induced Immunological Indicators 28.3.5 Effect of MgSO4 on Prevention of Organ Failure 28.3.6 Effect of MgSO4 on Neurological Improvement 28.3.7 Effect of MgSO4 on Morbidity and Mortality in Stroke Patients 28.4 Discussion References 29: In Silico Identification of Novel Interactions for FABP5 (Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 5) with Nutraceuticals: Possible Repurposing Approach 29.1 Introduction 29.2 Materials and Methods 29.2.1 Ligand Preparation 29.2.2 Structure Preparation 29.2.3 Molecular Docking of FABP5 with Nutraceuticals 29.2.4 Studies of Toxicity/ADMET of Nutraceutical Compounds 29.3 Results and Discussion 29.3.1 Binding Pocket of FABP5 29.3.2 Molecular Docking of Nutraceuticals and FABP5 29.3.3 ADME Properties of All Nutraceuticals 29.4 Conclusions References Index Medicinal plants and their derived products remain as an indispensable source of bioactive molecules that serve as either drug candidates or lead compounds for drug design and discovery. There are several advantages for plant-derived therapeutics including wide availability, diverse pharmacological actions and a generally good profile of safety and tolerability. Over the recent years, there have been numerous reports from clinical studies testifying to the efficacy and safety of medicinal plants and phytochemicals in ameliorating several human diseases. A plethora of basic studies has also unravelled molecular mechanisms underlying the health benefits of herbal medicines. Nevertheless, issues such as identification of bioactive ingredients, standardization of the products and drug interactions remain to be further studied. In this book, we aim to put together several chapters on the medicinal properties and pharmacological action of medicinal plants, plant species and phytochemicals. The goal of this contributed volume is to present a comprehensive collection on most important therapeutic aspects of plant-derived natural products and their molecular mechanisms of action