Fragrance is an integral part of cosmetic products and is often regarded as an overriding factor in the selection of cosmetics among consumers. Fragrances also play a considerable role in masking ...undesirable smells arising from fatty acids, oils and surfactants that are commonly used in cosmetic formulations. Essential oils are vital assets in the cosmetic industry, as along with imparting pleasant aromas in different products, they are able to act as preservatives and active agents and, simultaneously, offer various benefits to the skin. Moreover, the stimulating demand for natural ingredients has contributed massively to a renewed interest in cosmetic and wellness industries in plant derivatives, especially essential oils. This has led popular cosmetic companies to endorse natural fragrances and opt for minimally processed natural ingredients, given the potentially adverse health risks associated with artificial fragrance chemicals, which are major elements of cosmetics. Among the high-valued essential oils used as fragrances are citrus, lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree and other floral oils, among others, while linalool, geraniol, limonene, citronellol, and citral are much-appreciated fragrance components used in different cosmetics. Thus, this review aimed to highlight the enormous versatility of essential oils as significant sources of natural fragrances in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. Moreover, a special focus will be laid on the different aspects related to essential oils such as their sources, market demand, chemistry, fragrance classification, aroma profile, authenticity and safety.
Despite the significant advances in screening methods for early diagnosis, breast cancer remains a global threat and continues to be the leading cancer diagnosed in women, requiring effective ...therapy. Currently, combination therapy has become the hallmark of breast cancer treatment due to the high incidence of tumor recurrence and disease progression after monotherapeutic treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, and chemotherapy. Over the past decades, there has been considerable interest in studying the anticancer effect of bioactive phytochemicals from medicinal plants combined with these conventional therapies. The rationale for this type of therapy is to use combinations of drugs that work by different mechanisms, thereby decreasing the likelihood that cancer cells will develop resistance, and also reduce the therapeutic dose and toxicity of single treatments. Three agents have received great attention with regard to their anticancer properties: 1) piperine, a dietary phytochemical isolated from black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) and long pepper (Piper longum L.); 2) sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate mainly derived from cruciferous vegetables; and 3) thymoquinone, the active compound from black seed (Nigella sativa L.). This review focused on the combined effect of these 3 compounds on conventional cancer therapy with the objective of observing enhanced efficacy compared with single treatments. This review also highlights the importance of the nanoformulation of such bioactive phytochemicals that could enhance their bioavailability by providing an efficient targeted delivery system with a reduced systemic dose while resulting in a more efficient dosing at the target site.
Despite the significant advances made in screening methods for early diagnosis, breast cancer remains a global threat and continues to be the leading cancer diagnosed in women, therefore requiring effective therapy. In this review, the combined effect of 3 phytochemicals on conventional cancer therapy is examined, with the aim of observing enhanced efficacy compared with single treatments.
The use of medicinal plants as a fundamental component of the African traditional healthcare system is perhaps the oldest and the most assorted of all therapeutic systems. In many parts of rural ...Africa, traditional healers prescribing medicinal plants are the most easily accessible and affordable health resource available to the local community and at times the only therapy that subsists. Nonetheless, there is still a paucity of updated comprehensive compilation of promising medicinal plants from the African continent. The major focus of the present review is to provide an updated overview of 10 promising medicinal plants from the African biodiversity which have short- as well as long-term potential to be developed as future phytopharmaceuticals to treat and/or manage panoply of infectious and chronic conditions. In this endeavour, key scientific databases have been probed to investigate trends in the rapidly increasing number of scientific publications on African traditional medicinal plants. Within the framework of enhancing the significance of traditional African medicinal plants, aspects such as traditional use, phytochemical profile, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies and also future challenges pertaining to the use of these plants have been explored.
Notoriously, the tropical island of Mauritius has one of the highest prevalence of diabetes worldwide and the economic burden associated with it is alarming. The use of native remedies (NRs) is well ...anchored in the local culture and it continues to be the cornerstone of therapy for diabetic patients. However, there is currently a dearth of updated primary data on NRs used by Mauritians against diabetes and diabetes related complications (DRCs). This study was therefore designed to record, analyze and document orally transmitted ethnopharmacological knowledge from diabetic patients and traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) in Mauritius concerning NRs commonly used against diabetes and DRCs which might open new avenues to initiate novel antidiabetic drugs discovery.
Data was collected following interviews from diabetic patients (n=328) and TMPs (n=20). Eleven quantitative indexes, namely informant consensus factor (FIC), fidelity level (FL), use value (UV), relative frequency of citation (RFC), relative importance (RI), cultural importance index (CII), index of agreement on remedies (IAR), cultural agreement index (CAI), quality use value (QUV), quality use agreement value (QUAV) and ethnobotanicity index (EI) were calculated. Statistical analysis such as Pearson correlation and Chi-squared test were performed to determine any association.
A total of 111 plant species distributed over 56 families, 30 polyherbal formulations and 16 animal species were documented to be traditionally used against diabetes and DRCs. For the first time 8 endemic plants have been recorded to be used against diabetes and DRCs from Mauritius. The most encountered medicinal plant family was Asteraceae. According to the EI, 16.2% of the native plants in Mauritius were used against diabetes and DRCs. As far as we know, Vangueria madagascariensis, Apium graveolens, Petroselinum crispum and Rubus alceifolius with high RFC values are recorded against diabetes and DRCs for the first time. Sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, income, religious belief, education and residence) were found to significantly (p<0.05) influence the use of NRs. The average FIC for all ailments for plant and animal products were 0.94 and 0.87 respectively. Bryophyllum pinnatum, a native plant to Mauritius scored a high FL value (100%) used against diabetic neuropathy, Allium sativum had the highest RI value (2.00) due to its versatility, Aloe vera had the highest RFC (0.61), the CII (0.640) and the highest CAI value (0.635), Psidium guajava had the highest QUAV (0.961) which indicates its high bioactivity and Allium cepa was reported as the most effective plant species (QUV=0.965). According to UV, the most important species was Morinda citrifolia (1.21). Panoply of animal products were reported whereby fish (39.7%) was recorded as the most utilised zootherapy and Salmo salar scored the highest FL (100%) for diabetes. Some animal species (n=14) not previously documented against diabetes and DRCs are reported in the present study.
Our present investigation revealed that the use of NRs constitutes the common legacy of Mauritians and despite the penetration of allopathic medicine; NRs continue to play a crucial role in the primary health care system of Mauritius. To this effect, it is of uttermost importance to record this knowledge before it disappears. In addition, further experimental investigations are required to elucidate the pharmacological properties of the reported medicinal flora and fauna of Mauritius.
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Rodrigues is an autonomous outer island that form part of the Republic of Mauritius and one of three islands that constitute the Mascarene archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Though herbal medicine is ...in common use in Rodrigues, there has been no ethnopharmacological study to document quantitatively such traditional practise particularly against non-communicable diseases (NCD) which is currently a growing major health issue on the island. The aim of the present study was to collect, analyse and document traditionally used medicinal plants (MP) from key informants and traditional medicine practitioners (TMP) in the tropical island of Rodrigues to treat and/or manage common NCD.
Data was collected via face-to-face interviews with MP users (n=113) and TMP (n=9). Seven quantitative ethnopharmacological indices, namely family use value (FUV), use value (UV), informant agreement ratio (IAR), relative frequency of citation (RFC), fidelity level (FL), relative importance (RI) and ethnobotanicity index (EI) were calculated.
Hundred and three plants belonging to 55 families were recorded for the treatment and/or management of 27 different NCD. Three of the MP (Terminalia bentzoë (L.) L.F, Sarcostemma cf. adontolepis Balf.f. and Clerodendrum laciniatum Balf.f.) recorded are endemic to Rodrigues and 2 (Carissa xylopicron Thouars., Phyllanthus casticum Willemet f.) endemic to the Mascarene Islands. The most solicited MP family was Asteraceae with a total of 8 species. Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle scored the highest RFC (RFC=1.02) value. Ten plants were found to score 100% FL and the highest IAR (0.98) was observed for the disease category of certain conditions originating in the perinatal period. Arecaceae scored the highest FUV value and Ayapana triplinervis (Vahl) R.M. King et H.Rob highest UV (UV= 2.72).
Given the dearth of updated information on traditional medicine of Rodrigues, this study can provide an opportunity to establish valuable primary information on the different MP used by the local people and hence can open new perspectives for further pharmacological research.
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Recent mechanistic and epidemiological studies have provided insights into health benefits of dietary lycopene to decrease the risk and complications associated with several chronic ...diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. These chronic diseases are primarily associated with oxidative stress-induced systemic and low-grade chronic inflammation. Owing to its potent antioxidant properties, lycopene can potentially alleviate enhanced levels of proinflammatory mediators (e.g., proinflammatory cytokines IL-8, -6, and -1, and oxidized phospholipids) and prevent NF-κB activation by modulating oxidative stress. Moreover, lycopene serves as a precursor for various oxidative cleavage products and metabolites including Apo-8’-, apo-10’-, and apo-12’-lycopenals that can interact with multiple transcription factors (e.g., Nrf2, RARs, RXRs, and PPARs) to overexpress antioxidant and cytoprotective Phase II enzymes and other growth-stimulating proteins (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) for enhanced neuroprotection. These events altogether can protect the body from chronic inflammatory disorders. In the present review, the latest mechanistic development from cell and animal models and results of case-control, cohort, and randomized trials are discussed to support the protective part of lycopene in cancer, CVD, and neurodegenerative disorders. This review focuses on cellular and molecular events involved in protective effects of lycopene. Although molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in health-promoting activities of lycopene have been reported, no detailed mechanistic studies have been published. Hence, future studies should be conducted to elucidate the mechanistic role(s) of lycopene-derived oxidation products in modulating cellular signaling.
Despite laudable advances in conventional medicine, respiratory tract diseases (RTD) induced morbidity and mortality continue to inflict a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. ...Similarly, in the tropical island of Mauritius, 13,320 hospital admissions and 8.2% mortality rates were attributed to RTD solely in the year 2013. Consequently, the therapeutic benefits and relief experienced with traditional medicine (TM) against RTD by the local inhabitants cannot be underestimated. The present study aims to report and quantitatively determine the extent of utilization of plant based therapies and other miscellaneous TM preparations concocted against RTD over the island. Additionally, a similarity index was generated which is indicative of the extent of harmonisation of individual plant species against RTD when the uses mentioned in the study are compared to previous ethnobotanical studies.
Data was compiled using a semi-structured questionnaire via face-to-face interviews with TM users and practitioners (n=384). Three quantitative ethnopharmacological indices (the use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF), and ethnobotanicity index (EI)) were calculated. We also calculated the similarity ratio, similarity percentage, new uses for each plant species and percentage of new use against RTD to compare primary data collected in the present study.
Fifty five plants were documented to be in use against 18 RTD. The most used plant species belonged to the following taxa; Lamiaceae (9%), Fabaceae (7%) and Rutaceae (7%). Thirty two plants recorded in this study have been reported to be used against RTD in previous ethnobotanical studies, of which 22 of these plants have been attributed new uses against RTD based on the results of the present study. The remaining 23 plants species have been recorded for the first time to be used traditionally against RTD. Altogether, 81 different recipes were concocted from the medicinal plants and the most common route of administration was oral intake. Common methods of obtaining medicinal plants were from the wild, cultivation and as imported herbal products. Cough was the most common RTD managed by plant species. The largest proportion of plants were employed against cold. The preference ranking both for UV placed Curcuma longa L., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Citrus×limonia Osbeck and Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf as the most useful plant species. Only a small proportion of the indigenous plants (7.73%) proved to be useful in TM.
This study provides empirical primary ethnopharmacological data on the use of TM to manage and/or treat RTD and can contribute in preserving indigenous knowledge in Mauritius. It is anticipated that these primary data will open new avenues to identify novel drugs that can help to alleviate sufferings.
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Capparis spinosa L. (caper), is a traditionally used medicinal plant and widely studied for its biological properties. We aimed for the first time to compare the biological and phenolic fingerprints ...of C. spinosa buds, collected from Morocco, Turkey, and Italy. Phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and essential oils were profiled by chromatographic techniques. Enzymes inhibitory activities of different extracts were tested by spectrophotometric methods. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by different assays including free radical scavenging, reducing power, metal chelating and phosphomolybdenum. Moroccan sample showed the highest phenolic content across all extraction types followed by Italian and Turkish. Rutin was detected as main compounds in the extracts and the Italian decoction extract had highest rutin content. Moroccan samples exhibited the highest activity in microwave and Soxhlet extracts. The highest acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity was observed in Turkish Soxhlet and Moroccan samples. The best butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory effects were also detected in the Italian extracts. The predominant fatty acid was α-linoleic acid (C 18:3 ω3; 28.65%), observed from Turkish sample. n-Hexadecanoic acid was the main component in the essential oils (13.9%, 25.03%, and 36.67% for Italian, Turkish, and Moroccan samples, respectively). Our results strongly advocate that future formulation of C. spinosa as active ingredient should also take into account the geographical origins and extraction techniques.
Aloe vera gel (AVG) is traditionally used in the management of diabetes, obesity, and infectious diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory potential of AVG against α-amylase, ...α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase activity in vitro. Enzyme kinetic studies using Michaelis-Menten (Km) and Lineweaver-Burk equations were used to establish the type of inhibition. The antioxidant capacity of AVG was evaluated for its ferric reducing power, 2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate scavenging ability, nitric oxide scavenging power, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. The glucose entrapment ability, antimicrobial activity, and total phenolic, flavonoid, tannin, and anthocyanin content were also determined. AVG showed a significantly higher percentage inhibition (85.56±0.91) of pancreatic lipase compared to Orlistat. AVG was found to increase the Michaelis-Menten constant and decreased the maximal velocity (Vmax) of lipase, indicating mixed inhibition. AVG considerably inhibits glucose movement across dialysis tubes and was comparable to Arabic gum. AVG was ineffective against the tested microorganisms. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 66.06±1.14 (GAE)/mg and 60.95±0.97 (RE)/mg, respectively. AVG also showed interesting antioxidant properties. The biological activity observed in this study tends to validate some of the traditional claims of AVG as a functional food.
Pain is a multi-faceted and multi-factorial condition which is challenging to manage and treat. Conventional therapies such as analgesics, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and ...corticosteroids amongst others have been successful to some extent in its management and treatment. Nonetheless, such therapies tend to be accompanied by undesirable effects and have a limited therapeutic range. Consequently, there is a pressing need to probe for novel analgesic and anti-nociceptive drugs from traditional medicines (TM). This study was designed to record, document and analyze herbal and animal-based therapies used for the management and treatment of pain in the tropical of Mauritius.
Data was collected via face-to-face interviews with TM users (n=332) and practitioners (n=20). Seven quantitative ethnopharmacological indexes, namely family use value (FUV), use value (UV), informant agreement ratio (IAR), relative frequency of citation (RFC), fidelity level (FL), relative importance (RI) and ethnobotanicity index (EI) were calculated.
A total of 79 plant species distributed within 40 families and 20 polyherbal preparations was recorded. Interestingly, 6 indigenous/endemic plants have been reported for the first time to be in common use for pain management and treatment in Mauritius. The most significant biologically important plant family was Xanthorrhoeaceae with highest FUV. The species which ranked highest according to its UV was Morinda citrifolia L. Morinda citrifolia L. and Ricinus communis L. also scored the highest RFC. The IAR values for the disease categories were high (0.95–0.97). Based on EI, plants species which are known to be useful in TM accounted for 11.5% of the total flora in Mauritius. Coix lacryma-jobi L. (FL=100%) had highest FL for lower back ache. Morinda citrifolia L. scored highest on most of the quantitative indices calculated including RI, which is endorsed by extensive documentation on its versatility and particularly its anti-nociceptive properties. Seven animal species were recorded to be in common use.
The present ethnopharmacological study revealed a panoply of TM to be in common use for pain management and treatment in Mauritius. This study has documented for the first time medicinal plants and animal species with potential analgesic and/or anti-nociceptive properties. This study has therefore provided important baseline primary data for the discovery of new lead molecules for drug development geared towards pain management and treatment.
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