The pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) complications involves the excessive production of
reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Due to Lycopene, a highly unstable ...structure and
its significant effects on modulating the metabolic system, there is a strong need for a formula that can increase its
stability. The aim of this study was to develop an approach for encapsulating Lycopene and investigate its effects on
inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and liver enzymes in patients with MetS.
Materials and Methods: This study is a simple randomized, double-blind, objective-based clinical trial that involved
eighty subjects with MetS, who were equally and randomly assigned to two groups: one group received 20 mg of
Lycopene per day for 8 weeks, and the Placebo group followed the same protocol as the Lycopene group but received
a placebo instead of Lycopene. They were called Lycopene and placebo, respectively. During follow-up visits after 4
and 8 weeks, 20 ml of blood was collected for evaluation of liver enzymes and some inflammatory related markers.
Results: Prior to the assignment of volunteers to their respective groups, there were no notable differences in C-reactive
protein (CRP), serum liver enzymes, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, or pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB)
between the Lycopene and placebo groups. However, our subsequent analysis revealed a significant reduction in the
serum levels of CRP (P=0.001) and PAB (P=0.004) in the group that received Lycopene. Our encapsulated Lycopene
treatment was not associated with a significant difference in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate
transferase (AST), or alkaline phosphatase (ALP) between our two groups.
Conclusion: This study investigated the impact of Lycopene on individuals with MetS, revealing a noteworthy
modulation effect on PAB and inflammation linked to MetS. However, no significant differences was demonstrated in
serum levels of ALT, AST and ALP between the studied group (registration number: IRCT20130507013263N3).
Cassia species have a long history of utilization in various traditional medicine systems worldwide, and they are widely consumed for medicinal purposes, particularly the officinal species. The aim ...of this review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the Cassia genus. A thorough literature review was conducted using major scientific databases, publishers, and online websites such as Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Springer, POWO, among others. It is important to note that the taxonomy of the Cassia genus has undergone changes over time, resulting in the reclassification of some plants into the Senna and Chamaecrista genera. Therefore, this review includes relevant data on the three genera: Cassia, Senna, and Chamaecrista spp. The findings of the review indicate that Cassia, Senna, and Chamaecrista spp. have been extensively used for medicinal purposes in various traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Islamic Traditional Medicine (ITM), Unani medicine, and Ayurveda. These plants have traditionally been employed to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions, as well as skin disorders. In ITM, the reported species include Cassia acutifolia, Cassia fistula, Senna occidentalis, and Senna tora. In TCM, the most commonly used species are Cassia occidentalis, Cassia tora, Senna alexandrina, Senna occidentalis, and Senna singueana. These plants are rich in phytochemicals such as anthraquinones, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which contribute to their diverse pharmacological activities. These activities include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiulcer, hypolipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, and hepatoprotective effects. Based on the available literature, it can be concluded that the Cassia genus possesses significant preventive and therapeutic potential. The rich phytochemical composition and wide range of pharmacological activities make Cassia species a valuable resource in the field of natural medicine.
Background: Ginkgo biloba L. (Ginkgoaceae), known as a ''living fossil,''has a long history of medicinal use. Both its leaves and nutshave been widely prescribed for the treatment of various ...ailments, including pulmonary diseases, alcohol abuse, bladder inflammation, heart and lung dysfunction, and skin infections. Currently, there are different forms of G. biloba available in the market, including extracts and isolated compounds such as terpenoids, flavonoids, bioflavonoids, and organic acids. Despite the significant medicinal importance of this plant, there is a lack of updated reviews encompassing its pharmacology and other relevant aspects. Therefore, the objective of this review is to collect and analyze existing literature on the phytochemical, ethnobotanical, and pharmacological aspects of G. biloba. Method: Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for keywords “Ginkgo biloba” or “ginkgo” in combination with “phytochemistry”, “ethnobotany”, “pharmacology”, “nervous system”, and “cardiovascular”, etc. to collect the relevant articles. There was no language restriction. Results: Retrieved studies showed that the extracts and isolated compounds from G. bilobahave beneficial activities in cerebrovascular, nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine, muscular and skeletal, renal, respiratory, digestive, and immunity systems. Conclusion: Numerous in vitro and in vivo studieshave been conducted to investigate the therapeutic potential of G. biloba in the treatment and improvement of various diseases. Additionally, there is a substantial body of clinical research on G. biloba preparations and isolated compounds. However, further investigations, particularly human-controlled trials, are recommended to determine the efficacy and safety of G. biloba. These trials would provide more robust evidence regarding the potential benefits and risks associated with the use of G. biloba in clinical settings.
Antipsychotic (AP) medications are the cornerstone treatment for schizophrenia and some other psychiatric diseases. However, some observational studies suggest that these medications might increase ...the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
The aim of this study was to assess whether AP medications are associated with the development of VTE or PE, and to assess the risk based on any type of AP drugs, quality of studies and after adjustment of risk factors.
To identify relevant studies, we searched PubMed and EMBASE databases up to February 2019. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles for related studies.
Twenty studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in our meta-analysis after screening relevant observational cohort and case-control studies.
The primary outcome of our meta-analysis was the occurrence of all VTE or PE only attributed to exposure to AP medications compared with non-exposure to AP medications.
Exposure to AP drugs was associated with a significant increase in the risk of VTE (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.30-1.80, I2 = 85%) and PE (RR 3.69, 95% CI 1.23-11.07, I2 = 90%). In the subgroup metaanalysis, the use of low-potency AP drugs was associated with a higher risk of VTE, (RR 1.90, 95% CI 1.04-3.47, I2 = 78%).
AP exposure was associated with a 1.5-fold increase in the risk of VTE and a 3.7-fold increase in the risk of PE. Low-potency AP drugs were associated with a higher risk of VTE. However, high heterogeneity among studies limits the generalizability of the results.
The aim of this review was to review and discuss various phytochemicals that exhibit beneficial effects on mutated membrane channels, and hence, improve transmembrane conductance. These therapeutic ...phytochemicals may have the potential to decrease mortality and morbidity of CF patients. Four databases were searched using keywords. Relevant studies were identified, and related articles were separated. Google Scholar, as well as gray literature (i.e., information that is not produced by commercial publishers), were also checked for related articles to locate/identify additional studies. The relevant databases were searched a second time to ensure that recent studies were included. In conclusion, while curcumin, genistein, and resveratrol have demonstrated effectiveness in this regard, it should be emphasized that coumarins, quercetin, and other herbal medicines also have beneficial effects on transporter function, transmembrane conductivity, and overall channel activity. Additional in vitro and in vivo studies should be conducted on mutant CFTR to unequivocally define the mechanism by which phytochemicals alter transmembrane channel function/activity, since the results of the studies evaluated in this review have a high degree of heterogenicity and discrepancy. Finally, continued research be undertaken to clearly define the mechanism(s) of action and the therapeutic effects that therapeutic phytochemicals have on the symptoms observed in CF patients in an effort to reduce mortality and morbidity.
Radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients varies from mild irritation to life‐threatening lesions. Several studies suggest a role for topical corticosteroid ointments in the treatment of ...radiodermatitis. Yet, to avoid the adverse effects of corticosteroids, many authors recommend the use of topical herbal products instead. The therapeutic role of herbal treatments has yet to be fully understood. This systematic review evaluates the role of topical or oral herbal medicines in radiodermatitis prevention and treatment. A systematic search of four databases (Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) was performed without language and time restrictions from their inception until April 2023. The bibliographies of potential articles were also searched manually. Studies evaluated and compared the effects of herbal preparations with the control group, on dermatitis induced by radiotherapy for breast cancer. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the included studies. Thirty‐five studies were included in the systematic review. Studies which used herbal drugs including topical and oral formulations were evaluated. Herbal monotherapy and combination therapy were reported, and their effects on radiodermatitis were explained in the systematic review. In conclusion, henna ointments, silymarin gel, and Juango cream were reported to reduce the severity of radiodermatitis. These agents should be considered for radiodermatitis prophylaxis and treatment. The data on aloe gel and calendula ointment were conflicting. Further randomized controlled trials of herbal medications and new herbal formulations are required to determine their effects on breast cancer radiodermatitis.
Hedera helix (ivy) belongs to the genus Hedera of the Araliaceae family. The leaf of this plant has several active ingredients with medicinal uses. The active constituents of H. helix include ...monodesmoside α-hederin, hederacoside B, hederacoside C, and hederacoside D.H. helix leave have been used for the treatment of cough and respiratory problems, and now, other uses have emerged. As a medicinal plant, H. helix has been approved by the German Commission E due to its antispasmodic, spasmolytic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antioxidative, antitumor, and antileishmanial activities. It comes with several formulations, including tablets, liquids, and topical ointments. In this review, we focus on the respiratory effects of tablet and liquid forms of H. helix.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a common intoxication and many people die yearly due to CO poisoning and preconditioning agents attenuate brain and cardiac injury caused by intoxication. It is ...critical to fully understand the efficacy of new methods to directly target the toxic effect of CO, such as conditioning agents, which are currently under development. This study aims to systematically investigate current evidence from animal experiments and the effects of administration preconditions in acute and late phases after CO poisoning on cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity.
Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science) were systematically searched without language restrictions, and hand searching was conducted until November 2021. We included studies that compare preconditioning agents with the control group after CO poisoning in animals. The SYRCLE RoB tool was used for risk of bias assessments.
Thirty-seven studies were included in the study. Erythropoietin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF), hydrogen-rich saline, and N-butylphthalide (NBP) were found to have positive effects on reducing neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. As other preconditions have fewer studies, no valuable results can be deduced. Most of the studies were unclear for sources of bias.
Administration of the examined preconditioning agents including NBP, hydrogen-rich saline, and GCSF in acute and late phases could attenuate neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity of CO poisoned animals. For a better understanding of mechanisms and activities, and finding new and effective preconditioning agents, further preclinical and clinical studies should be performed to analyze the effects of preconditioning agents.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Despite the antioxidant properties of lycopene, its poor water solubility reduces its efficiency and bioavailability. The study aimed to enhance the solubility of lycopene to improve its efficiency. ...To make lycopene more soluble, different carriers were added using physical mixing and solid-dispersion techniques. Then, the mechanisms of this solubility improvement were studied using solid-state characterization and docking studies. Out of 56 polymers and their combinations, isolated protein-whey (IWP) and polyvinylpyrrolidone-K30 (PVP-K30) showed the highest solubility for lycopene. These particles exhibited a more negative surface charge and a lower polydispersity index. Dissolution kinetics revealed that using IPW resulted in the highest release rate of lycopene. It was found that lycopene and β-lactoglobulin, an IPW component, have a hydrophobic bond. This makes a hydrophilic coating around the lycopene molecule. DSC results showed that lycopene could be in an amorphous state in IPW-lycopene formulations. The results of this study show how some food ingredients can improve the bioavailability of drugs that don’t dissolve well in water. This will help with future efforts to deliver drugs.
