Ethnopharmacology can be basically defined as “the interdisciplinary scientific exploration of the biologically active agents that are traditionally employed”. Therefore, the ethnopharmacological ...approach is based on a body of work that spans several disciplines such as botany, chemistry, and pharmacology. This includes field observations, descriptions of the utilization and bioactivities of folk remedies, botanical identification of the plant material as well as phytochemical and pharmacological research. Investigations of the indigenous remedies and their possible effects have attracted attention of many researchers for ages. Drug discovery from natural sources in the light of ethnopharmacological studies has an important role in the development of current therapeutic systems. Plants, animals and minerals are among the natural products that have been the basis in the treatment of many diseases for centuries. Recently, much attention has been paid to pharmacognostical, phytochemical and pharmacological studies of traditional medicinal plants. Moreover, biological activity potential of natural medicines has been investigated in many preclinical and clinical studies, revealing diverse biological effects of a wide range of plant derived compounds in various classes of chemical groups. The majority of the natural sources whose active compounds are currently employed actually has an ethnomedical use. Therefore, recently, many of the pharmaceutical companies have renewed their strategies in the field of natural product research in order to bring out potential sources and new molecules for the drug development. For the discovery and development of novel, safe and affordable medicines, the ethnopharmacological knowledge could be beneficial thanks to its approach that could be supported by experimental base. In the present study, ethnopharmacological aspects of herbal medicine and plant-based drug discovery process will be emphasized and important issues in their use as complementary medicine will be mentioned.
Ethnobotanical investigations have shown that the Pinus species have been used against rheumatic pain and for wound healing in Turkish folk medicine.
In this study, phytochemical composition, ...antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activities of Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) that is collected in Turkey are investigated. Essential oil composition and the amount of extracts (lipophilic and hydrophilic) of maritime pine wood and fresh cone samples had been tested.
The essential oil from cones of P. pinaster revealed the highest activities, whereas other parts of the plant did not display any appreciable wound healing, anti-inflammatory, or antioxidant effects. α-Pinene was the main constituent of the essential oil obtained from the cones of P. pinaster.
Experimental studies shown that P. pinaster's remarkable anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities support the traditional use of the plant, and suggest it could have a place in modern medicine.
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Pharmacology and toxicology of tannins Maugeri, Alessandro; Lombardo, Giovanni Enrico; Cirmi, Santa ...
Archives of toxicology,
05/2022, Volume:
96, Issue:
5
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Tannins are an interesting class of polyphenols, characterized, in almost all cases, by a different degree of polymerization, which, inevitably, markedly influences their bioavailability, as well as ...biochemical and pharmacological activities. They have been used for the process of tanning to transform hides into leather, from which their name derives. For several time, they have not been accurately evaluated, but now researchers have started to unravel their potential, highlighting anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities, as well as their involvement in cardiovascular, neuroprotective and in general metabolic diseases prevention. The mechanisms underlying their activity are often complex, but the main targets of their action (such as key enzymes modulation, activation of metabolic pathways and changes in the metabolic fluxes) are highlighted in this review, without losing sight of their toxicity. This aspect still needs further and better-designed study to be thoroughly understood and allow a more conscious use of tannins for human health.
Wound healing involves a series of cellular events in damaged cells and tissues initiated with hemostasis and finally culminating with the formation of a fibrin clot. However, delay in the normal ...wound healing process during pathological conditions due to reactive oxygen species, inflammation and immune suppression at the wound site represents a medical challenge. So far, many therapeutic strategies have been developed to improve cellular homeostasis and chronic wounds in order to accelerate wound repair. In this context, the role of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) during the wound healing process has been a stimulating research topic for therapeutic perspectives. Nrf2 is the main regulator of intracellular redox homeostasis. It increases cytoprotective gene expression and the antioxidant capacity of mammalian cells. It has been reported that some bioactive compounds attenuate cellular stress and thus accelerate cell proliferation, neovascularization and repair of damaged tissues by promoting Nrf2 activation. This review highlights the importance of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in wound healing strategies and the role of bioactive compounds that support wound repair through the modulation of this crucial transcription factor.
Medicinal plants have a long history of use as food and remedy in traditional and modern societies. They have been used as herbal drugs and sources of novel bioactive compounds. They provide a wide ...array of chemical compounds, many of which can not be synthesized via current synthesis methods. Natural products may provide aromatase inhibitory activity through various pathways and may act clinically effective for treating pathologies associated with excessive aromatase secretion, including breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, endometriosis, uterine fibroid, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, infertility, and gynecomastia. Recent studies have shown that natural products with aromatase inhibitory activity can also be good options against secondary recurrence of breast cancer by exhibiting chemopreventive effects. Therefore, screening for new plant-based aromatase inhibitors may provide novel leads for drug discovery and development, particularly with increased clinical efficacy and decreased side effects.
Olive oil extract of the flowering aerial parts of
Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae) is a popular folk remedy for the treatment of wounds in Turkey. In order to prove the claimed utilization of ...the plant, the effects of the extracts and the fractions were investigated by using bioassay-guided procedures. For the wound healing activity assessment,
in vivo excision and incision wound models were applied. For the anti-inflammatory activity, an
in vivo model, based on the inhibition of acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability was used as well. Moreover, a parallel study was run on
Hypericum scabrum L., which is a widespread species of the gender but not known as a folk remedy for wound healing, to provide a preliminary data to compare and emphasize the selection of correct plant species.
Olive oil extract of the flowering aerial parts of
Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae) is a popular folk remedy for the treatment of wounds in Turkey.
In order to prove the claimed utilization of the plant, the effects of the extracts and the fractions were investigated by using bioassay-guided procedures. For the wound healing activity assessment,
in vivo excision and incision wound models were applied. For the anti-inflammatory activity, an
in vivo model, based on the inhibition of acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability was used as well. Moreover, a parallel study was run on
Hypericum scabrum L., which is a widespread species of the gender but not known as a folk remedy for wound healing, to provide a preliminary data to compare and emphasize the selection of correct plant species.
Initial investigations proved that the olive oil extract of
Hypericum perforatum has a significant wound healing effect on excision (5.1–82.6% inhibition) and circular incision (20.2–100.0% inhibition) wound models. In order to determine the active wound healing ingredient(s), aerial parts of the plant was extracted with ethanol, noteworthy wound healing activity profile was observed with the wound models; between 18.3% and 95.6% in excision model and from 13.9% to 100.0% inhibitions in incision model were determined. The ethanolic extract was then submitted to successive solvent extractions with
n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate (EtOAc). Each solvent extract was also applied on the same wound models, consequently, EtOAc subextract was found to be the most active one by inhibiting wounds between 17.9% and 100.0% in excision model, subsequently between 9.4% and 100.0% in incision model. However, all subfractions obtained from the EtOAc subextract using Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography showed wound healing activity not more than the whole EtOAc subextract, which revealed that a possible synergistic activity that might be questioned. Among the active Sephadex fractions, Fr. A further yielded hyperoside, isoquercitrin, rutin and (−)-epicatechin and Fr. B yielded hypericin as the major components. Moreover, a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity was found for the ethanol extract, EtOAc subextract and Sephadex fractions of
Hypericum perforatum. These results suggest that anti-inflammatory activity of the active fractions might have a contributory role in the wound healing effect of the plant.
Results of the present study have proved that aerial parts of
Hypericum perforatum possess remarkable wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities supporting the folkloric assertion of the plant in Turkish folk medicine. Flavonoids hyperoside, isoquercitrin, rutin and (−)-epicatechin and naphthoquinones (hypericins) were found as the active components of
Hypericum perforatum. On the other hand, ethanol extract of
Hypericum scabrum showed neither remarkable wound healing nor anti-inflammatory activity demonstrating the importance of correct plant species selection in therapeutic applications.
Background
Rumex crispus
L. (Polygonaceae), known as “Labada” in Turkey, was reported to be used for the treatment of gynecological diseases such as postpartum complications and infertility in folk ...medicine. Earlier studies on
R. crispus
have shown that leaf, fruit and root extracts have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and are used for the treatment of tumors in the uterus. The hypothesis of this study is that
R. crispus
may generate potential anti-adhesive activity against complex factors such as inflammation, oxidation and fibrosis.
Objectives
We aimed to investigate the potential anti-adhesive activity of aqueous methanol extracts of leaves, fruits and roots of
R. crispus
.
Methods
Abdominal adhesion model was performed in 72 female Wistar Albino rats. In the first step of the experiment, the rats were divided into six groups namely, Sham, Control, Reference and Experimental Groups (consisting of three sub-groups in which
R. crispus
leaf, fruit and root extracts were applied at 100 mg/kg dose). The test samples were administered once to the peritoneal cavity and the rats were sacrificied at the end of the 14th day. Root extract showed prominent activity, therefore this extract was subjected to fractionation to obtain 3 fractions (30–60–100% methanol fractions) by using vacuum-liquid chromatography. In the second stage, animals were divided into 6 groups as Sham, Control, Reference and Experimental Groups (R30, R60, R100 at 100 mg/kg dose). Adhesion scoring, tissue total antioxidant and oxidant levels, histopathological and immunohistochemical (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8) analyzes were performed.
Results and conclusion
Adhesion scores, inflammatory cytokines and inflammation cells decreased by the application of
R. crispus
root extract. The fractions also showed similar anti-inflammatory effects, but R60 was found to be more effective in prevention of intra-abdominal adhesions and uterine fibrosis. R60 fraction, possessing potential bioactivity, was investigated in terms of phenolic composition by HPLC.
Graphical abstract
Hypericum perforatum L., olive oil, Origanum and Salvia species are used for inflammatory disorders and wound healing in traditional Turkish medicine. A new ointment formulation was developed to ...ensure more efficient wound healing based on the traditional knowledge.
Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae), olive oil (Oleaceae), Origanum Tourn ex L. and Salvia L. species (Lamiaceae) are used against inflammatory disorders and for healing of skin wounds in traditional Turkish medicine. A new ointment formulation was developed to provide more efficient wound healing activity. The content of the formulation was as follows; olive oil extract of flowering aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L., olive oil, an equivalent mixture of Origanum majorana L. and Origanum minutiflorum Schwrd. et Davis essential oils (Origani aetheroleum), Salvia triloba L. essential oil. The aim of the present study is to assess the wound healing potential of this new formulation by using in vivo and in vitro models as well as histopathological methods.
For the evaluation of wound healing potential of this formulation (HPP crème mit Rotöl ointment) in vivo wound healing experimental models were employed on rats and mice and the efficiency was comparatively assessed against a reference ointment Madecassol®. Tissue sections were also evaluated histopathologically. Furthermore, the wound healing activity of each component was also investigated individually to determine the improvement in the healing capacity of the formulation.
The ointments of HPP crème mit Rotöl and Hypericum perforatum L. demonstrated the highest activities on both wound models when compared to reference ointment Madecassol®, while the other ingredients did not show any remarkable wound healing effect. However, the efficacy of the formulation was remarkably higher than the Hypericum L. ointment alone which was also confirmed by histopathological evaluation. On the other hand, the formulation did not reduce elastase activity in vitro, but inhibited the collagenase activity. HPP crème mit Rotöl also exerted bactericidal and candicidal activities.
The experimental studies revealed that HPP crème mit Rotöl formulation displays remarkable wound healing activity. To be acting on the different stages of wound healing process could be considered as a beneficial effect of the formulation for the treatment of wounds.
Through bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation procedures ajugol, aucubin, lasianthoside I, catalpol, ilwensisaponin A and C and verbascoside were isolated from
Verbascum mucronatum Lam. ...Verbascoside was found to possess significant wound healing activity as well as antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potentials.
The leaves, flowers and whole aerial parts of
Verbascum L. species have been used to treat respiratory problems, haemorrhoids and other types of inflammatory conditions in traditional Turkish medicine.
In order to evaluate this traditional information, the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and wound healing activities of
Verbascum mucronatum Lam. which is used as haemostatic in Turkish folk medicine were investigated.
In vivo inhibitory effect of the extracts on the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model in mice was studied for the assessment of anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, the wound healing potential of the plant were evaluated by using
in vivo wound healing experimental models, i.e. incision and excision models on mice and rats, were comparatively assessed with a reference ointment Madecassol
®. Skin samples were also evaluated histopathologically.
The results of these experimental studies exhibited that
Verbascum mucronatum displays anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and wound healing activities. Through bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation procedures four iridoid glucosides, ajugol (
1), aucubin (
2), lasianthoside I (
3), catalpol (
4), two saponins, ilwensisaponin A (
5) and C (
6) and a phenylethanoid glycoside, verbascoside (
7) were isolated and their structures were elucidated by spectral techniques. Verbascoside (
7) was found to possess significant wound healing activity as well as antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potentials, per os without inducing any apparent acute toxicity or gastric damage.
The experimental study revealed that
Verbascum mucronatum displays remarkable antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities.
Osteoporosis causes bone loss, and makes bone to susceptible to fracture. The main cause of osteoporosis is estrogen deficiency. Estrogen, calcitonin, calcium, vitamin D and antioxidants can be used ...to prevent osteoporosis. For the treatment of osteoporosis, the potential biological activities of traditional medicines have been subjected to scientific evaluation, since synthetic drugs are considered to have several side effects and they lack efficacy. Therefore, more extensive research should be carried out to investigate the medicinal plants to be used as an alternative treatment for osteoporosis. The present review focuses on the scientific researches on the assessment of anti-osteoporotic activity of medicinal plants.
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