Future Natural Products
Volume:9 Issue: 2, Summer -Autumn 2023

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common benign tumor in men, and its prevalence increases with age. This study aimed to determine the effect of Iranian licorice root extract on prostate volume and clinical signs of BPH disease.

Sixty BPH patients over 40 years old with prostate volume above 30 mL, with symptoms of this disease without drug intervention, were included in the study. First, the Symptom Score AUA (AUASS) questionnaire was completed for all individuals, and then an ultrasound was performed on them. They were then randomly divided into two equal groups. For three months, the intervention group received two capsules of 250 mg of licorice extract daily, and the other group received two placebo capsules. After the study, sonography was performed, and the AUASS questionnaire was completed.

25 and 21 men with BPH in the intervention and placebo groups fully cooperated. At the beginning of the study, prostate volume (P = 0.14) and AUASS were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.88). Eventually, prostate volume decreased in the two groups, but the difference between the two groups was not significant (P = 0.33). The AUASS score in the intervention group was significantly lower than the placebo group (P < 0.001).

In the present study, the dose of licorice root extract reduced the symptoms of BPH. But further studies with a larger statistical population are needed for this extract to enter the clinic as a drug.

Solanum anomalum Thonn. ex Schumach (Solanaceae) parts are used locally in ethnomedicine to treat various diseases. This work investigated the hepatoprotective potential of the S. anomalum to validate its ethnomedicinal uses and give scientific proof to its claimed antidotal activity in folkloric medicine.

The hepatoprotective activity of S. anomalum leaf extract (70-210 mg/kg) was investigated against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced liver injury in rats. Rats were divided into five groups of six rats each and treated concomitantly with DOX (2.5 mg/kg i.p) and leaf extract (70, 140, and 210 mg/kg orally) for 14 days. Vitamin C was used as a standard drug. Liver function indices, liver enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and histological assessment of the liver were determined to assess the hepatoprotective potentials of the extract.

DOX elevated liver function indices (AST, ALT, ALP, total and direct bilirubin) significantly (P < 0.05). These parameters were markedly reduced by coadministration of the leaf extract (70-210 mg/kg) (P < 0.05-0.01) when compared to the DOX-only group. Also, the extract coadministration improved total protein and albumin levels, which were reduced by DOX. Moreso, levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) that were decreased by DOX were significantly (P < 0.01) elevated by the leaf extract. In contrast, the raised MDA level was reduced. The DOX-only group had severe pathological features in its histological liver section, which were comparably reduced in the extract-treated groups. The histopathological changes corroborate other biochemical parameters determined, thus indicating hepatoprotective solid activity.

This study’s findings suggest that the leaf extract of S. anomalum possesses liver protective potentials, which may be due to the antioxidant activities of its phytochemical constituents. This property can be exploited in the treatment of DOX-related toxicities.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid analgesics are recommended to alleviate or reduce pain. Regrettably, many of these drugs may induce bleeding, dyspepsia, cardiac complications, renal issues, and various short- or longterm adverse effects. Consequently, there has been an escalation in the endeavor to develop natural anti-inflammatory medications, driven by the growing number of individuals seeking natural therapies to manage their pain. The polyherbal formulations (Yoyo and Dr. Iguedo Goko bitters) have not assessed their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities; hence, this study “in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of selected polyherbal formulations sold in Nigeria.”

The evaluation of antioxidant activity was performed using three assays: 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power. In vitro, anti-inflammatory efficacy was investigated using the human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization technique.

The DPPH radical scavenging ability result was observed; the IC50 value of Yoyo bitters (40.63 ± 0.90 % at 250 μg/mL) was highest, while Dr. Goko bitters (3.26 ± 0.21% at 50 μg/mL) was lowest. Meanwhile, the positive control (ascorbic acid) had an IC50 value of 93.54 ± 0.57% at 250 μg/mL. The ferric-reducing antioxidant power of the samples was highest in Dr. Goko bitters, 1.96 ± 0.02 % at 250 μg/mL, and lowest in Dr. Goko and Yoyo bitters, 0.46 ± 0.01% at 100 and 50 μg/mL, respectively. The hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging activity of the samples was highest in Yoyo bitters, 58.0.3 ± 0.60 % at 250 μg/mL, and lowest in Dr. Goko bitters, 7.28 ± 0.02 % at 50 μg/mL. The anti-inflammatory findings indicate that Yoyo bitters exhibited the highest percentage protection (89.46 ± 6.11%) at a concentration of 1000 μg/ mL, while the lowest percentage protection (26.62 ± 1.13%) was observed at a concentration of 200 μg/mL. The reference standard diclofenac sodium has a percentage of 90.46 ± 1.44 at a concentration of 1000 μg/mL. Meanwhile, the poly-herbal formulations had the highest and lowest total phenolic concentrations in Yoyo bitters (97.52 ± 1.43 mg GAE/g at 250 μg/mL), and Dr. Goko bitters (47.3 ± 1.44 mg GAE/g at 50 μg/mL), respectively.

The findings suggest that the formulations might not have effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities when compared with the reference standard drugs (ascorbic acid and diclofenac sodium), respectively.

Aframomum melegueta (Alligator pepper) is a dietary spice widely used for entertainment, religious rites, food flavor enhancer, possessing erythropoietic potentials, and many other medicinal uses. Women are included in eating this widely used spice. This experiment determined the health risk or benefit of short-term administration of aqueous seed extract of A. melegueta on haematologic indices of female albino rats.

Thirty adult female albino rats weighing 160 to 200 g were used for the study. Male rats were introduced into the female rat cages of groups II-V within 12h at the expected estrous phase for mating and withdrawn afterward. Groups I, II, and III were orally administered distilled water only, while groups IV and V received oral doses of 5 μg/kg b.w. Cabergoline and 3000 mg/ kg b.w. aqueous seed extract of A. melegueta respectively 24 hours postpartum and once daily by oral gavage for three days.

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified twelve functional groups in the seed extracts, namely –OH, -NH2, CH, -NH3 + , -CH3, -N = C = O, -C≡N, -C = C = C, -NH, -CH3 and -1,3,5-trisubstituted benzenes, while gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GCFID) determined 15 bioactive components namely kaempferol, naringenin, Sapogernin, flavanones, anthocyanin, flavan-3-ol, cyanogenic glycoside, ribalinidine, rutin, catechin, resveratrol, spartein, epicatechin, steroid and phytate. Non-significant alterations in hemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV), and red blood cell count were observed. There was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in WBC during pregnancy, but it was improved postpartum. However, platelet count was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced after extract administration.

The results indicate no adverse anemic condition elicited during pregnancy and delivery on haematologic parameters, namely red blood cells, hemoglobin, and PCV, with a significant decrease in WBC during pregnancy as well as reduction in platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) of extract treated animals post-partum likely due to the flavonoid, resveratrol as well as rutin and (–)-epicatechin components of A. melegueta and thus may increase the risk of bleeding disorders but reflects a positive anti-atherogenic and cardioprotective effect.

The present study identified the medicinal species of southern Lorestan province and explored their traditional uses and potential applications in modern medicine.

The study involved face-to-face interviews and personal observations to gather information on local names and traditional medicinal uses of plants. Use value (UV) and informant consensus factor (ICF) were used to analyze the data obtained from the interviews. The UV index was calculated to determine the relative importance of medicinal species native to the region.

The plant species were identified using standard herbarium methods. A total of 106 medicinal species from 95 genera and 40 plant families were identified, which are utilized by locals for various medicinal purposes in southern Lorestan province. According to the findings, leaves (22.3%), seeds (19%), and fruits (14.5 %) were the most commonly used parts of medicinal species. Edible and infusion were identified as the primary treatment methods in traditional medicine in southern Lorestan province.

The predominant therapeutic uses of medicinal species in traditional medicine in the area focused on treating digestive disorders.

The balm of Gilead, steeped in cultural significance, remains enigmatic due to its undefined composition and preparation methods. This study aims to recreate a formulation inspired by this elusive balm, combining historical insights with modern botanical knowledge.

The study employed Populus balsamifera seeds infused with organic olive oil, mirroring historical practices. Essential oils—myrrh, frankincense, and cedar—were selected. Evaluation encompassed appearance, texture, aroma, and pH alignment with historical context and dermatological compatibility.

The formulated balm exhibited a smooth texture, earthy aroma, and a pH of 5.5, akin to skin’s natural acidity. These attributes echoed historical practices and holistic approaches.

While the formulation mirrors historical attributes, challenges persist due to the genuine balm’s undefined composition. The study highlights the potential of employing Populus balsamifera due to limitations. Future directions include chemical analyses and clinical studies to validate therapeutic potential, bridging historical wisdom with contemporary science.

This article was written to better introduce Alcea rosea as a valuable medicinal plant to the medical and pharmaceutical communities and the general public for industrial and traditional uses as a valuable medicinal plant.

The results were gathered from scientific papers and databases to find flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acids, fatty acids, anthocyanins, polysaccharides, and pharmacological activities in A. rosea. Sixty-two articles were found, and 51 were used for our final results.

Studies have shown that flowers, roots, seeds, and other parts of the plant exert antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, sedative, analgesic and anti-cough effects due to the presence of valuable phytochemical compounds such as anthocyanins, pectin, starch, monosaccharide, disaccharide, mucilage, flavonoids (hypolaetin-8-glucoside, isoquercitrin, kaempferol, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid), coumarins, scopolamine, phytosterol, tannins, asparagine, and certain amino acids.

Alcea rosea, as a rich source of secondary metabolites, can have diverse applications in medical and food research.

The Valerianaceae comprises about 300 species of annual and perennial plants found worldwide. Several species are utilized for biological purposes, while others are consumed. The various Valeriana species have different therapeutic effects, including sleep aid, sedative and anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant effects. The study intends to review the phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and molecular pathways of these plants to explore their potential as therapeutic options for seizures and epilepsy.

Until 2023, all relevant information about Valeriana species was gathered from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Valerianaceae, Valeriana, valeric acid, and Valeriana officinalis, phytochemical composition, in vivo investigations, epilepsy, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, GABA, seizure, and preclinical and clinical research were among the search terms utilized for this review.

Based on the results obtained from the studies conducted in this field, significant anticonvulsant effects of various compounds extracted from the Valeriana species have been observed in multiple animal models, including pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)- and maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizures in mice, rats, and zebrafish. It has also been determined that the molecular and pharmacological mechanisms involved in these anti-epileptic effects are increasing the GABA pathway, inhibiting the NMDA receptor and adenosine pathways, and nitric oxide (NO) modulation. Moreover, these compounds synergize with clonazepam, diazepam, phenobarbital, and phenytoin.

It is recommended to prepare proper drug forms and study its anticonvulsant effects in clinical studies.