Medical Devices Made of Substances: Possible Innovation and Opportunities for Complex Natural Products
Planta Med DOI: 10.1055/a-1511-8558The novel Regulation 2017/745/EC on medical devices introduces and strengthens the role of “medical devices made of substances”, which mostly include substances of natural origin. Natural products may follow different regulations, from food to therapeutics. Concerning their isolated constituents, extracts are characterized by a complexity that is not easily tackled from both a scientific and a regulatory point of view, but more importantly, from a therapeutic point of view. The evidence-based approach applied to isolated molecules requires appropriate evidence of quality, efficacy, an...
Source: Planta Medica - August 6, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Bilia, Anna Rita Corazziari, Enrico Stefano Govoni, Stefano Mugelli, Alessandro Racchi, Marco Tags: Reviews Source Type: research

Competitive CatSper Activators of Progesterone from Rhynchosia volubilis
In conclusion, our findings indicat that rhynchone A might act as a contraceptive compound by impairing the activation of the cation channel of sperm and thus prevent fertilization. [...] Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, GermanyArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  open access Full text (Source: Planta Medica)
Source: Planta Medica - August 6, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Xiang, Jin Kang, Hang Li, Hong-Gang Shi, Yu-Long Zhang, Ya-Li Ruan, Chang-Lei Liu, Lin-Hui Gao, Han-Qi Luo, Tao Hu, Gao-Sheng Zhu, Wei-Liang Jia, Jing-Ming Chen, Jia-Chun Fang, Jin-Bo Tags: Original Papers Source Type: research

Bulbine natalensis (currently Bulbine latifolia) and select bulbine knipholones modulate the activity of AhR, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and P-gp
Planta Med DOI: 10.1055/a-1557-2113 Bulbine natalensis, an emerging medicinal herb on the global market with androgenic properties, is often formulated in dietary supplements that promote perceived sexual enhancement. However, to date, comprehensive safety studies of B. natalensis are lacking, particularly those related to its herb-drug interaction potential. The purpose of this study was to assess the inductive and inhibitory effects of extracts and pure compounds of B. natalensis on human cytochrome P-450 isozymes in vitro. Our findings demonstrated that both water and methanolic extracts of B. natalensis as well as...
Source: Planta Medica - August 6, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Husain, Islam Dale, Olivia R. Manda, Vamshi Ali, Zulfiqar Gurley, Bill J. Chittiboyina, Amar G. Khan, Ikhlas A. Khan, Shabana I. Tags: Original Papers Source Type: research

Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, and Antidiabetic Activities versus UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS Chemical-Profile Analysis of Ipomoea aquatica Fractions
This study focused on the determination of the cytotoxic, antiradical, and antidiabetic properties of various fractions of the I. aquatica methanolic extract, as well as on the tentative identification of some bioactive compounds in the same fractions. The cytotoxicity was determined by the brine shrimp lethal test. The antioxidant activities of the I. aquatica fractions were investigated through 3 assays. The antidiabetic activity (in vitro) was measured by α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition assays. Phytochemical qualitative analyses demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, and flavonoids in the ...
Source: Planta Medica - August 6, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Hefny Gad, Mahmoud Demeyer, Kristiaan Vander Heyden, Yvan Mangelings, Debby Tags: Original Papers Source Type: research

The Standardized Wood Extract of Albizia myriophylla: Its Potential as an Active Ingredient in an Anti-inflammatory Herbal Gel Formulation
This study aimed to evaluate in vivo the anti-inflammatory potential and possible mechanism of action of the standardized wood extract of A. myriophylla as well as to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and physicochemical properties of the developed herbal gel formulation containing standardized wood extract of A. myriophylla. Results of quantitative HPLC analysis demonstrated that the standardized wood extract of A. myriophylla contained 22.95 mg/g of 8-methoxy-7,3′,4′-trihydroxyflavone, a bioactive marker compound of A. myriophylla. The standardized wood extract of A. myriophylla (1% w/v) exhibite...
Source: Planta Medica - August 6, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Bakasatae, Nazneen Sangkaew, Warissara Kunworarath, Nongluk Ontong, Julalak Chorachoo Phoopha, Sathianpong Takahashi Yupanqui, Chutha Voravuthikunchai, Supayang Piyawan Joycharat, Nantiya Tags: Original Papers Source Type: research

Ethnoveterinary Remedies Used in Avian Complementary Medicine in Selected Communal Areas in Zimbabwe
Planta Med DOI: 10.1055/a-1529-8618Plant remedies used in avian ethnomedicine are potential candidates for the development of phytogenic feed additives. An ethnoveterinary survey was carried out in 3 districts in Zimbabwe to document plants used in poultry ethnomedicine and identify plants that have the potential to be used for the development of poultry phytogenic feed additives. The survey employed questionnaire-guided oral interviews with 146 smallholder farmers. Key areas of investigation and discussion were poultry production and traditional knowledge in bird health care (ethnotreatments and poultry disease control)....
Source: Planta Medica - August 5, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Jambwa, Prosper Katsande, Simbarashe Matope, Gift McGaw, Lyndy J. Tags: Original Papers Source Type: research

New Guaianolide Sesquiterpene Lactones and Other Constituents from Pyrethrum pulchrum
Planta Med DOI: 10.1055/a-1554-2866 Pyrethrum pulchrum is a rare Mongolian plant species that has been traditionally used as an ingredient in various remedies. Bioactivity-guided fractionation performed on the methanol extract of its aerial parts led to the isolation of 2 previously undescribed guaianolide-type sesquiterpene lactones, namely 1β,10β-epoxy-8α-hydroxyguaia-3,11(13)-dien-6,12-olide (1) and 1,8,10-trihydroxyguaia-3,11(13)-dien-6,12-olide (2), along with the isolation or chromatographic identification of 11 compounds, arglabin (3), 3β-hydroxycostunolide (4), isocostic acid (5), (E)-9-(2-thienyl)-6-nonen...
Source: Planta Medica - August 5, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Erdenetsogt, Uugangerel Nadmid, Suvd Paetz, Christian Dahse, Hans-Martin Voigt, Kerstin Gotov, Choijamts Boland, Wilhelm Dagvadorj, Enkhmaa Tags: Original Papers Source Type: research

Cardiovascular Effects Induced by Fruit Peels from Passiflora edulis in Hypertensive Rats and Fingerprint Analysis by HPLC-ESI-MSn spectrometry
This study aimed to perform a fingerprinting analysis of Passiflora edulis fruit peel extract and evaluate its actions on the cardiovascular system in an in vivo model. The extract was obtained from the dried and powdered fruit peels of Passiflora edulis. Glycoside flavonoids were identified in the extract by HPLC-ESI-MSn. The extract showed a significant hypotensive effect after 28 days of treatment and improved vascular function in the mesenteric artery. This effect was verified by decreased vascular hypercontractility and increased vasorelaxant in response to sodium nitroprusside and acetylcholine. There was also a dec...
Source: Planta Medica - August 3, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Cabral, B árbara Gon çalves, Tays Amanda Felisberto Abreu, Lucas Silva Andrade, Anderson Wilbur Lopes de Azevedo, F átima de Lourdes Assunção Araújo de Castro, Francker Duarte Tavares, Josean Fechine Guerra, Gerlane Coelho Bernardo de Rezende, Adria Tags: Original Papers Source Type: research

Natural Products as a Source of Inspiration for Novel Inhibitors of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs) Formation
Planta Med DOI: 10.1055/a-1527-7611Protein glycation, a post-translational modification found in biological systems, is often associated with a core defect in glucose metabolism. In particular, advanced glycation endproducts are complex heterogeneous sugar-derived protein modifications implicated in the progression of pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetic complications, skin diseases, rheumatism, hypertension, and neurodegenerative diseases. Undoubtedly, there is the need to expand the knowledge about antiglycation agents that can offer a therapeutic approach in preventing and treating health issues of ...
Source: Planta Medica - August 2, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Velichkova, Stefaniya Foubert, Kenn Pieters, Luc Tags: Reviews Source Type: research

Phytogenic Compounds for Enhancing Intestinal Barrier Function in Poultry –A Review
Planta Med DOI: 10.1055/a-1524-0358After the European Union ban of antibiotic growth promoters, works on different methods of improving gut health have intensified. The poultry industry is struggling with problems that were previously controlled by antibiotic growth promoters, therefore the search for optimal solutions continues. Simultaneously, there is also increasing social pressure to minimize the use of antibiotics and replace them with alternative feed additives. A variety of available alternatives is considered safe by consumers, among which phytogenics play a significant role. However, there are still some limitati...
Source: Planta Medica - July 30, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Latek, Urszula Ch łopecka, Magdalena Karlik, Wojciech Mendel, Marta Tags: Reviews Source Type: research

Benzoylcyclopropane Derivatives from Hypoxis hemerocallidea Corms
Planta Med DOI: 10.1055/a-1540-4978Two monobenzoylcyclopropane (hypoxhemerol A (1) and hypoxhemeroloside G (2)) and three dibenzoylcyclopropane (hypoxhemerol B (3), hypoxhemeroloside H (4), and hypoxhemeroloside I (5)) derivatives were isolated from the hydro-alcoholic extract of Hypoxis hemerocallidea corms. This is the first instance where benzoylcyclopropane analogs were isolated from any natural source. Structure elucidation was mainly based on 1D- and 2D-NMR and HRESIMS data. The absolute configuration (2R, 4R) of 1 was determined via NOESY NMR and experimental and calculated ECD data analyses. Compounds 1–5 and 11 ...
Source: Planta Medica - July 30, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Zulfiqar, Fazila Pandey, Pankaj Tripathi, Siddharth K. Ali, Zulfiqar Chittiboyina, Amar G. Khan, Ikhlas A. Tags: Original Papers Source Type: research

Biomarker-Based Determination of Equiseti herba Contamination by Equisetum palustre Using HPLC-MS/MS
Planta Med DOI: 10.1055/a-1521-8386Equiseti herba has been traditionally indicated in bacterial diseases of the efferent urinary tract or bad healing wounds in many regions worldwide. Most of the plant material used for medical purposes comes from collections of wild growing plants. The European Pharmacopoeia requires that Equiseti herba should consist of a minimum of 95% Equisetum arvense and a maximum of 5% foreign ingredients. This includes Equisetum palustre, which is known for its potentially toxic alkaloid palustrine. However, both Equisetum species are quite common, look morphologically very similar, and share simil...
Source: Planta Medica - July 22, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Nowak, Monika Tipke, Isabel B ücker, Luise Franke, Kerstin Lubienski, Marcus Beuerle, Till Tags: Original Papers Source Type: research

Cytotoxicity and Antiviral Activities of Haplophyllum tuberculatum Essential Oils, Pure Compounds, and Their Combinations against Coxsackievirus B3 and B4
Planta Med DOI: 10.1055/a-1538-5289 Haplophyllum tuberculatum is a plant commonly used in folk medicine to treat several diseases including vomiting, nausea, infections, rheumatism, and gastric pains. In the current study, H. tuberculatum essential oils, hydrosols, the pure compounds R-(+)-limonene, S-(−)-limonene, and 1-octanol, as well as their combinations R-(+)-limonene/1-octanol and S-(−)-limonene/1-octanol, were screened for their cytotoxicity on HEp-2 cells after 24, 48, and 72 h, and then tested for their activity against Coxsackievirus B3 and B4 (CV-B3 and CV-B4) at 3 different moments: addition of the ...
Source: Planta Medica - July 22, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Hamdi, Assia Halouani, Aymen Aouf, Ines Viaene, Johan Marzouk, Belsem Kraiem, Jamil Ja ïdane, Hela Heyden, Yvan Vander Tags: Original Papers Source Type: research

Quantitative Removal of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids from Essential Oils by the Hydrodistillation Step in Their Manufacturing Process
Planta Med DOI: 10.1055/a-1534-6928Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain weeds that can, if accidentally co-harvested, contaminate plant-based food, feed, and herbal medicinal products. Focusing on herbal medicinal products, the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids is restricted by regulatory prescribed thresholds to assure patient safety. Among the multitude of different herbal active substances utilized in herbal medicinal products, the class of pharmaceutically effective essential oils is considered to exhibit a negligible contribution to pyrrolizidine alkaloid contamination. Within t...
Source: Planta Medica - July 22, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Giera, David S. Preisitsch, Michael Brevard, Hugues Nemetz, J örn Tags: Original Papers Source Type: research

Suffrutines A and B Inhibit the Expression of Inflammatory Mediators in LPS-Induced RAW264.7 Cells by Suppressing the NF- κB Signaling Pathway
Planta Med DOI: 10.1055/a-1528-1760 Flueggea suffruticosa is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been commonly used for the treatment of inflammatory ailments, including rheumatism and lumbago. Suffrutines A and suffrutines B are a pair of novel E,E and Z,E isomeric indolizidine alkaloids isolated from the roots of F. suffruticosa. However, their anti-inflammatory activity has not been reported thus far. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of inflammatory mediators and possible mechanisms of suffrutines A and B in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells. Results showed that suffrutines...
Source: Planta Medica - July 22, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Chen, Chun Zhu, Ze-Feng Nie, Wen-Xing Zou, Yong Tags: Original Papers Source Type: research