bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral Neuropathy Patients and the Effectiveness of Crocin of Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.)
Authors: Editorial Staff
Published: May 2024

Cancer patients treated with chemotherapeutic drugs often suffer from Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). In animal models, peripheral neuropathy has been diminished by the use of Saffron. A previous clinical trial has demonstrated that Saffron has the ability to relieve pain in patients suffering from fibromyalgia. Bozorgi and colleagues have for the very first time, studied the potential analgesic properties of an important constituent of Saffron- Crocin. Between December 2018 and March 2020, a total of 177 eligible patients suffering from mild to moderate CIPN for at least a month were recruited for the trial. The patients were categorized into two main groups: Placebo tablet and Crocin 15 mg tablet twice a day for a duration of 8 weeks. A crossover study design with a washout period of 2 weeks was adopted. Their study revealed that a significant decline in neuropathic, sensory, and motor pain was observed in the Crocin group vs the placebo group. Only mild toxicity and no significant difference in adverse effects were seen between the two groups. The authors argue that Crocin does have the ability to substantially reduced CIPN in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Nonetheless, the authors also suggest further investigations, especially compared to Lamotrigine, gabapentin, and antidepressants. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021 Dec 5;281:114511.
SARS-Cov-2 Inhibition by Cannabidiol.
Authors: Editorial Staff
Published: May 2024

Besides lungs, intestines possess a high density of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE-2) receptors and therefore, serve as a favorable site for SAR-CoV2 replication. In light of its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential exhibited in the lungs, Cannabidiol (CBD) has been suggested as a potential agent for managing Covid-19 infections. In an in vitro study, using Caco-2 cells, Corpetti and colleagues investigated the efficacy of CBD against hyperinflammatory responses and epithelial cell damage induced by the SARS-CoV2 spike protein. Their results revealed a PPAR-γ-dependent decrease in toxicity. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), ACE-2, inflammasome complex (NLRP3), and Caspase-1, family members of Ras homologues A-GTPase (RhoA-GTPase) were markedly decreased by the use of CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed parallel inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-18, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-6. An enhanced tight-junction protein expression along with restoration of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was seen with CBD treatment. Henceforth, CBD has shown a strong in vitro inhibition of enterotoxicity induced by spike protein. Phytother Res. 2021 Dec;35(12):6893-6903.
Natural Inhibition of β-secretase in Alzheimer’s Disease by Medicinal Plants
Authors: Altaf Aisha , Akhlaq Muhammad , Uddin Jala`l , Khan Ajmal , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Ullah Farman , Ali Fawad
Published: May 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, an irreversible neurodegenerative disease that worsens over time. It frequently affects the elderly population and, therefore, its prevalence is soaring in countries with a high proportion of the aging population. The incidence of AD is likely to increase further with increasing life expectancy throughout the world. There is still no sight of therapies that could stop or slow the progression of AD despite the significant expansion in our understanding of the disease at molecular, cellular, and system levels in the last 50 years.  The only medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for the treatment of AD are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, galantamine, tacrine, and rivastigmine) and glutamate receptor antagonist (memantine). Apart from acetylcholinesterase inhibition, another important therapeutic target for treating AD is the inhibition of β‐site APP cleaving enzyme‐1 (BACE1), which is involved in the proteolysis of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) leading to the formation of neurotoxic amyloid β (Aβ) protein. Extensive research following this approach has led to the rationally designed synthetic, and potent BACE1 inhibitors, several of which are in clinical trials. However, the high failure rate of the BACE1 inhibitors in clinical trials necessitates finding a different source of BACE1 inhibitors. In this review, we discuss the most promising phytocompounds and plant extracts showing potent BACE1 inhibitory activity. Future research directions are suggested and recommendations are made to expand the use of medicinal plants and their formulations to prevent, mitigate and treat AD.
Endogenous and Exogenous Natural Sources of Inhibition of Arachidonic acid-induced Platelet aggregation
Authors: Khan Saeed , Muhammad Kazim Zargaham  , Amanullah Lail  , Syed Faizan-ul-Hassan Naqvi  , Shumaila Hanif
Published: May 2024

Platelets are central in mediating cardiovascular diseases including thrombosis. Aggregation of platelets is an important process following the adhesion of platelets to the injury site which may lead to the formation of a thrombus. Various aspects of platelet activation and aggregation could be modulated with compounds or fractions isolated from natural sources. These may include crude extracts, solvent-based fractions, or phytocompounds isolated from medicinal plants. Endogenous inhibition of platelet aggregation has been reported from plasma, serum, and many other blood components. This review summarizes these natural sources of inhibition against the most relevant physiological and pathological platelet agonists-arachidonic acid. Reported literature on the subject is further explored to discuss phytocompounds isolated from crude extracts or polarity-based fractions. Structures of the active compounds and their structure-activity relationship are also discussed.
Editor's Summaries of the Articles Published in This Issue of Phytopharmacological Communications
Authors: Editorial Staff
Published: May 2024

In this issue, Jahanabadi and colleagues describe their study in which they investigated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Solanum melongena, Nawaz, et al, showed that the cardioprotective effects of Malus domestica (apple) may be mediated through antiplatelet, calcium channel blocking, and antioxidant activities, Khan and his colleagues reviewed and discussed the endogenous and exogenous natural sources of inhibition of arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation, Ullah et al, shared a comprehensive review on the therapeutic potential of natural phytocompounds and plant extracts for treating major depressive disease, and Altaf and her colleagues compiled and reviewed studies that show natural inhibition of β-secretase in Alzheimer’s disease by medicinal plants.
Rhein Inhibits PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway to Show Efficacy in an Ulcerative Colitis Mice Model
Authors: Editorial Staff
Published: May 2024

Dong and his associates investigated the potential therapeutic effect of Rhein on ulcerative colitis (UC) and its mechanism in mouse models of human disease. Their results showed a decrease in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and other cytokines responsible for promoting inflammation. Moreover, both in-vivo and in-vitro mitigation of UC-associated symptoms such as colon shortening, weight loss, diarrhea, and hematochezia stimulated by dextran sodium sulfate was seen. Through western blotting, decreasing phosphorylated protein levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and p70S6K1 by Rhein was evident which indicates inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Rhein administration also partially reversed the gut dysbacteriosis of mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium. A decrease in pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Enterobacteriaceae and Turicibacter) as revealed by 16sRNA gene sequencing was also observed. The authors conclude that Rhein possesses anti-UC activity as exhibited by alleviating the signs and symptoms of UC and diminishing gastrointestinal inflammation by blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and modulating stomach microbiota. Phytother Res. 2022 May;36(5):2081-2094.
A Traditional Chinese Remedy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Functions by Suppressing Exosomal miR-23a-3p/Smad Signaling
Authors: Editorial Staff
Published: May 2024

A decoction of Jianpi Huayu (JHP) has been used traditionally in orthodox Chinese medicine to treat tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, the mechanism is still a mystery. Intercellular communication in the cancer cell microenvironment points toward a strong role of exosomes, but their contribution to HCC is still not well understood. Xie and colleagues investigated the anti-neoplastic effects of JHD and the possible function of exosomal signaling. Nude mice models with subcutaneous cancer were used to gauge the effects of JHD. Migration, invasion, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cultured HCC cells were mitigated by JHD. From the EMT-induced HCC cells, exosomes increased the invasion, migration, and EMT of other cultured HCC cells, whereas post-treatment of JHD, exosomes from EMT-induced HCC cells had little effect. Exosomal miR-23a-3p which is significantly upregulated in cancer cells as compared to normal cells was reduced in JHD-treated cultured HCC cells. Post hepatectomy, patients with high miR-23a-3p levels had low survival rates. Smad signaling protein expression as well HCC cell proliferation was upregulated by miR-23a-3p. More critically, miR-23a-3p overexpression countered the EMT and Smad signaling inhibition brought about by JHD treatment. In vivo examinations revealed that treatment with JHD additionally diminished the development of HCC-derived tumors in naked mice, and decreased the levels of miR-23a-3p in serum exosomes and the degree of EMT in cancer cells. The authors conclude that the anticancer properties of JHD partially if not completely are due to the downregulation of exosome-mediated intercellular miR-23a-3p transfer and subsequent blockade of Smad signaling. Disrupting this exosomal miR-23a-3p/Smad signaling pathway may be an effective treatment. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022 Aug 10;294:115360.
Wound Healing by Italian and Algerian Resins
Authors: Editorial Staff
Published: May 2024

One of the most common traditional medicine remedies used for wound healing is the oleoresin preparation of Pistacia vera. However, no scientific rationale has been provided for the wound healing properties of the plant and its resins. Boudjelal and associates using a circular wound healing model assessed the ability of the plant collected from Algeria and Italy for in-vivo wound healing. Their results exhibited a high terpenoid content in the plant and significant healing effects. From day 8 to day 16 significant wound contraction was seen upon application of Algerian and Italian oleoresin ointment preparation. The results were comparable to the standard drug used, Cicatryl. Histological tissue results corroborated the in vivo results. The lack of toxicity was confirmed by applying the ointments to the skins of rabbits. The authors argue that their investigation supports the traditional practice of using Pistacia vera as an effective remedy for healing wounds and injuries. Fitoterapia. 2022 Jun;159:105197.
Investigation of the Diuretic Potential of Diosmetin, a Flavonoid from Citrus lemon in Sprague-Dawley Rat Model
Authors: Afzal Hafiza Sara , Khan Wajiha , Nawaz Shoaib , Utra Ambreen Malik , Ahmad Taseer
Published: May 2024

Diosmetin is a flavonoid present in citrus fruit like lemon. Interestingly, lemon juice has been reported for its diuretic activity. The present study aimed to investigate diosmetin's diuretic activity in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats after acute and prolonged administration of different doses. The volume of urine, Na+ and K+ levels, and pH had been estimated with the help of urine samples collected after 6 hrs of normal saline-loaded rats. In the acute diuretic study, a potent and significant response (p<0.001) was observed at the dose of 50 mg/kg in comparison to 20 and 40 mg/kg. The values of the diuretic index for the test groups (20, 40, and 50 mg/kg) were observed to be 1.11, 1.15, and 1.56, respectively. The value of Lipschitz showed that, at the dose of 50 mg/kg, the diuretic activity of diosmetin was 57% in comparison with furosemide (100%). In prolonged diuretic study, diosmetin (50 mg/kg) caused significant diuresis and natriuresis. The diuretic action of diosmetin was significantly decreased with atropine pretreatment, indicating the involvement of muscarinic receptors, while no significant change was observed in the response of diosmetin with pretreatment of L-NAME and indomethacin, excluding the involvement of endothelium related mediators (NO and PGI2). Moreover, the hematological analysis indicated that diosmetin at 50 mg/kg exhibited mild changes in blood-related parameters. In addition, histopathological examination indicated no significant pathological changes. However, compared to the control, mild inflammation was observed in diosmetin and furosemide-treated rats. We concluded that diosmetin increased the volume of urine and urine electrolytes (Na+ and K+) concentration in a dose-dependent manner in the acute diuretic study, while a significant response was also observed in the prolonged diuretic model. Therefore, diosmetin may be considered a potential diuretic candidate for further studies.
A Chinese Decoction Arrests Lung Cancer
Authors: Editorial Staff
Published: May 2024

A leading cause of cancer-associated deaths worldwide is lung cancer. During cancer growth, intermittent hypoxia (IH) is most commonly caused due to abnormal microcirculation and serves to promote the division and migration of cancer cells. Previous studies have established that exposure to IH is linked to Qi and Yin Syndrome (DQYS), where individuals suffering from advanced lung cancer have demonstrated deficiencies. It has been reported that an herbal remedy referred to as the Shashen-Maidong Decoction (SMD) can treat lung cancer by nourishing the body's "zheng qi" and resisting "xie qi". Currently, the same preparation is being used to address DQYS in clinical practice. Still, regarding IH, the benefits of the SMD are yet to be fully explained. In an attempt to address this gap, the underlying mechanism of action and subsequent effects of SMD were investigated by Zheng and associates in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lewis Lung Cancer (LLC) cells were administered into the right axilla of C57 mice and afterward subjected to conditions of IH for  21 days (21%-5% O 2, 5 min/cycle, eight h/day). Thirty minutes before IH exposure, the mice were given SMD orally in three concentrations: (2.6, 5.2, or 10.4 g/kg/day). Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques were used to gauge the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. Oxidative stress was measured through dihydroethidium (DHE) staining along with malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) quantitation. Inflammatory markers IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels via IHC staining were determined, and western blotting was employed to detect the involvement of the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. LLC-injected mice given SMD exhibited markedly lowered tumor growth and hepatic metastasis. Furthermore, decreased VEGF, Ki67, MMP-2, and CD31 were seen. Moreover, elevated expression in tumor tissue of E-cadherin was observed. Reduction in NOX-2 expression, MDA levels, enhanced expression of SOD-2, and increased levels of SOD are evidence of the anti-oxidant potential of SMD. Diminished IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels, decreased  IL-6 expression, and reduced JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation were also seen with SMD.Additionally, SMD treatment improved DQYS and liver and kidney function in LLC-bearing mice under IH conditions. Therefore, their investigation reasonably demonstrates that SMD treatment bears tumor-inhibiting potential under IH conditions in LLC-bearing mice. Inactivation of the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway under IH conditions may be the underlying reason for the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory and the resultant anti-neoplastic effects of SMD. J Ethnopharmacol (2022) DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115654.
Inula Japonica Alleviates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Editorial Staff
Published: May 2024

Presenting as atelectasis and pulmonary edema, acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening condition. Inula japonica Thunb is a Chinese herbal medicine traditionally used for treating lung diseases. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanisms of the terpenoids present in the plant remain to be elucidated. In mouse models with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced ALI, the protective effects of total terpenoids of Inula japonica (TTIJ) were studied. ALI was developed in the mice by injecting LPS into the trachea. The underlying mechanism of TTIJ was determined using bioinformatic and RNA-seq technology. For oxidative stress and inflammation, the effects of TTIJ were verified using real-time qPCR and western blotting.
In the lungs, LPS-caused histopathological changes were markedly inhibited by TTIJ. Two major pathways were identified, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), primarily responsible for the TTIJ protective effects. A drastically reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in LPS-induced ALI was seen through the modulation of anti-oxidative cytokines, glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), upon pretreatment with TTIJ. The inactivation of the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway reduced the phosphorylation of p65, p38, JNK, and ERK. TTIJ successfully suppressed cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. As confirmed by the luciferase assay, several integral components of Nrf2 signaling pathways were elevated via Nrf2 receptor activation. These authors showed that TTIJ could serve as a potential therapeutic agent for ALI due to the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties Phytomedicine (2022) DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154377.
Scientific Rationalization of the Traditional Uses of Medicinal Plants
Authors: Shah Abdul Jabbar
Published: May 2024

There is a growing trend of using medicinal plants for various purposes around the world. This is due to the growing awareness of the various benefits that these plants offer. In addition, the availability of these plants is also increasing due to the efforts of various organizations and individuals. The scientific rationale for the use of plants is that plants can provide a wide range of benefits for humans. Plants can help to improve our health, improve the quality of our food, and help to clean the environment.
The traditional knowledge of medicinal plants is often passed on from generation to generation through oral traditions. In many cases, the identity of the plants used in traditional medicines is not known, and there is little or no scientific evidence to support their use. In order for traditional medicines to be accepted as part of mainstream medicine, it is important that the plants used in these medicines are scientifically validated. This means that there must be evidence to show that the plants actually have the medicinal properties that they are claimed to have. There are many ways to scientifically validate a medicinal plant. One way is to carry out laboratory studies to see if the plant has the desired effect on cells or other laboratory models. Another way is to carry out clinical trials on people to see if the plant has the desired effect on humans.
There are many reasons why the isolation of medicinal compounds from plants is important. One reason is that by isolating the compound, researchers can more easily study its effects on the body. Additionally, by isolating the compound, researchers can develop more targeted and effective treatments for diseases. Additionally, the isolation of medicinal compounds from plants can help to ensure the quality and safety of these compounds.
It is an undeniable fact that there is a growing body of scientific evidence that supports the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of various illnesses. The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of a wide range of health conditions. I hope that this will continue, however, I also think that we need to keep providing scientific rationale for the use of the medicinal plant in various diseases if we want WHO and other international organizations to keep endorsing the use of these plants.
Professor Dr. Abdul Jabbar Shah
Editor-In-Chief
Phytopharmacological Communications
Characterization of Salvadora persica and Salvadora oleoides Extracts Against Multidrug Resistant Bacterial Strains
Authors: Muhammad Saeed  , Hayat Muhammad Qasim , Javed Aneela , Khalid Madiha , Anjum Sadia
Published: May 2024

The rapid emergence of drug-resistant bacteria is occurring worldwide, presenting urgent, serious, and concerning threats, many of which are already responsible for placing a substantial clinical and financial burden on the global healthcare system, patients, and their families. The use of plant-derived drug substances has a long tradition in medicine. Owing to the low cost and less toxicity, synthetic compounds and their derivatives are strong candidates to be used as potential drugs against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. The current study aims to determine the potential antibacterial activity of two selected plant extracts. Two plants Salvadora persica and Salvadora oleoides, of Pakistani origin, were collected locally. The leaves and roots of both plants were dried, and extracts were prepared in four different solvents. The antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi was evaluated by disc diffusion assay. Cytotoxicity of the extracts was tested by MTT assay. The plant extracts have shown varying antimicrobial activity against MDR bacterial strains with a zone of inhibition ranging from 16 mm ± to 6 mm ±. In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation showed that these extracts are non-toxic to cells even at high concentrations. The tested plant extracts have shown potent antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains and thus can be further evaluated for extracting potent antibacterial compounds with broad therapeutic potentials.
Aqueous Extract of Malus domestica Inhibits Human Platelet Aggregation Induced by Multiple Agonists
Authors: Ali Fawad , Shahid Fatima , Shahid Tehreem
Published: May 2024

Cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, and atherosclerosis are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in humankind and not only afflict industrialized nations but also affect developing countries such as Pakistan. We attempted to screen one of the most common fruits, Malus domestica (MD or apple), used in Pakistan for its potential cardio-protective effects. The crude aqueous extract (MD-Aq) was prepared and investigated for inhibitory activity against several important cardiovascular drug targets. Activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were studied, as well as total antioxidant status (TAS). Calcium channel blocking activity was measured using guinea pig ileum in an isolated tissue bath setup. Platelet aggregation studies were carried out using a dual-channel aggregometer. MD-Aq showed dose-dependent improvement in the GPX activity. The highest SOD levels were observed with 10 mg/ml and were 185 U/L compared to 174 U/L for saline, which means no significant effect by MD-Aq. TAS levels were highest at 10 mg/ml of MD-Aq, reaching 1.75 mmol/L of plasma. At 10 mg/ml, close to 90% inhibition of KCl-induced opening of calcium channels was observed, compared with the effect of 1mM Verapamil. At each dose of 1, 5, and 10 mg/ml, a significantly higher arachidonic acid-induced inhibition of platelet aggregation was observed as compared to the saline effect. MD-Aq effects on platelet-activating factor-induced platelet aggregation were less potent. We concluded that MD-Aq could elevate GPX and TAS levels, is inactive at SOD, and is excellent as a calcium channel blocker, a more potent blocker of arachidonic acid-induced aggregation than platelet-activating factor-induced aggregation. These activities can help treat various cardiovascular diseases.
Alleviation of Dexamethasone-induced Inhibition of Bone Formation by Salidroside
Authors: Staff Editorial
Published: May 2024

Salidroside is a natural compound found in the plant Rhodiola rosea. It has been the subject of scientific research due to its potential health benefits. Xie and colleagues investigated the effect of salidroside on dexamethasone-induced inhibition of bone formation and found that it may alleviate this inhibition. The study investigated whether salidroside could counteract the inhibitory effects of dexamethasone on bone formation. The researchers focused on the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in regulating bone metabolism.  Salidroside increased the expression of osteopontin (OPN), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osterix (Osx), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) proteins and promoted the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 in MC3T3-E1 cells treated with dexamethasone. The results of the study demonstrated that salidroside treatment mitigated the dexamethasone-induced inhibition of osteogenic differentiation and bone formation. Salidroside was found to promote the activation of the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, which is involved in bone formation and remodeling processes. Phytother Res. 2023 May;37(5):1938-1950.  doi: 10.1002/ptr.7711.
Curcumol Attenuates Human Uterine Leiomyoma Cell Development
Authors: Staff Editorial
Published: May 2024

Curcumol is a major terpenoid compound derived from Curcumae Rhizoma, the rhizome of the plant Curcuma wenyujin. It has been studied for its potential therapeutic properties, including its effects on human uterine leiomyoma cell development. Yu and colleagues investigated the impact of curcumol on uterine leiomyoma cells and found that it may attenuate their development. Uterine leiomyomas, also known as uterine fibroids, are benign tumors that develop in the smooth muscle layer of the uterus. They are the most common type of uterine tumor in women of reproductive age and can cause various symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and reproductive issues. The study aimed to explore the effects of curcumol on the development of human uterine leiomyoma cells. Curcumol was selected due to its potential anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. The results of the study indicated that curcumol treatment attenuated the development of human uterine leiomyoma cells. It achieved this effect by inhibiting the activation of the p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway. The p38MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) pathway is a signaling pathway involved in various cellular processes, including inflammation and cell proliferation. Dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in the development and progression of various diseases, including uterine leiomyoma. Curcumol was found to suppress the phosphorylation (activation) of p38MAPK and subsequently inhibit the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. These actions resulted in decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced cell proliferation in uterine leiomyoma cells. It's important to note that while these findings suggest a potential therapeutic effect of curcumol on uterine leiomyoma cells, further research, including in vivo studies and clinical trials, is needed to validate these findings and determine the optimal use of curcumol in the management of uterine leiomylomas. J Ethnopharmacol. 2023 Jun 28;310:116311.  doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116311.
Anti-inflammatory Actions of Praxelis Clematidea
Authors: Staff Editorial
Published: May 2024

Praxelis clematidea is a plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to South America and has been traditionally used in folk medicine for its medicinal properties. Researchers have investigated the chemical constituents of Praxelis clematidea and identified several anti-inflammatory phenolics and phenylpropanoids. Here is some information about these compounds: The anti-inflammatory properties of Praxelis clematidea phenolics and phenylpropanoids make them of interest for potential therapeutic applications. Studies have identified various phenolics and phenylpropanoids in Praxelis clematidea, including flavonoids, caffeic acid derivatives, coumarins, and lignans. Some of the specific compounds reported include clematidin, clematomandshurin, clematoside-I, clematoside-II, and praxelin. Liang and his colleagues have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds. They have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). They can inhibit the activation of transcription factors like nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), which are key regulators of inflammatory responses. The authors concluded that given their anti-inflammatory properties, the phenolics and phenylpropanoids from Praxelis clematidea have the potential for use in the development of natural anti-inflammatory agents or as leads for drug discovery targeting inflammation-related conditions. Fitoterapia. 2023 Jun;167:105476.  doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105476.
Alleviation of Immunologic Contact Urticaria and Mast Cell Degranulation by Myricetin
Authors: Staff Editorial
Published: May 2024

Myricetin is a flavonoid compound found in various plants, such as berries, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. It has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its effects on immunologic contact urticaria and mast cell degranulation. Hu et al investigated the impact of myricetin and found that it may alleviate immunologic contact urticaria and mast cell. Immunologic contact urticaria is a type of allergic reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with certain allergens. It is characterized by the development of hives (urticarial lesions) and symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. The study investigated the effect of myricetin on immunologic contact urticaria using in vitro and in vivo models. Myricetin was chosen based on its known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/Akt (protein kinase B)/NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) pathway is a signaling pathway involved in various cellular processes, including inflammation. Activation of this pathway is associated with mast cell degranulation and the release of pro-inflammatory mediators. The results of the study demonstrated that myricetin treatment attenuated immunologic contact urticaria and mast cell degranulation. Myricetin was found to inhibit the activation of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway, leading to reduced mast cell degranulation and decreased release of inflammatory mediators. Myricetin significantly inhibited PLCγ1, Akt, NF-κB, and p38 phosphorylation. These findings suggest that myricetin may have potential as a therapeutic agent for the management of immunologic contact urticarial and other allergic conditions. Phytother Res. 2023 May;37(5):2024-2035.  doi: 10.1002/ptr.7726.
Medicinal Remedies for the Treatment of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors: Saleem Nida , Chen Yu-Cheng
Published: May 2024

Antimicrobial resistance has led to the rise of formidable microbes like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This infection can be acquired at the hospital and in a community, making the search for efficient treatment critical, given the rise in inefficacy of conventional treatments such as vancomycin. Phytocompounds can offer protection against these threats. They not only have the ability to kill MRSA but also enhance its susceptibility to previously ineffective antimicrobial agents. Plant-derived anti-MRSA agents can produce therapeutic effects comparable to some conventional treatments, and in some cases, they may even outperform an antibiotic. This article provided many examples of botanical compounds that have proven potent agents against MRSA in both in vitro and in vivo studies. These compounds achieve these effects by inhibiting the resistance mechanisms in MRSA, breaking down its defenses, making it vulnerable, and eventually killing it. Many of these compounds are inherently bactericidal; however, they may produce a synergistic response when combined with allopathic antibiotics. For example, plumbagin, from Plumbago zeylanica, not only disrupts MRSA cell wall morphology, eliciting cytoplasmic changes but also produces a synergistic effect with ciprofloxacin and piperacillin. Moreover, honokiol and magnolol glycosides, from Magnolia officinalis, reversed the quintessential resistance of MRSA by repressing genes, responsible for resistance development.  The possibilities are indeed endless, but further research and financial investments are required for proper drug development.
MAPK/ERK and NF-κB Signaling Pathways Mediate Attenuation of Psoriasis by Punicalagin
Authors: Staff Editorial
Published: May 2024

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder characterized by the rapid and excessive growth of skin cells. It is a non-contagious condition that results in the formation of thick, red, and scaly patches on the skin surface. Psoriasis can affect various parts of the body and is often associated with other health issues. Wang and colleagues explored the impact and molecular mechanism of punicalagin (PU) on M5-stimulated keratinocyte cell lines and imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation in BABL/c mice. Their findings reveal that several indicators of psoriasis and its severity such as splenomegaly, IMQ-induced abnormal epidermal proliferation, CD4+ T-cell infiltration, and inflammatory factor expression were abrogated by  PU-enriched pomegranate extract at dosages of 150 and 250 mg/kg/day. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23A, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also decreased. This was followed by the inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation in the M5-stimulated cell line model of inflammation. This keratinocyte proliferation inhibition is believed to be mediated through the inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular regulated protein kinases (MAPK/ERK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Their findings suggest that PU may serve as a promising nutritional intervention for psoriasis by ameliorating cellular oxidative stress and inflammation. Phytother Res. 2023 Nov 27. doi: 10.1002/ptr.8071.
Editor's Summaries of the Articles Published in This Issue of Phytopharmacological Communications
Authors: Staff Editorial
Published: May 2024

In this issue, Hussain and colleagues investigated the chemical composition, antioxidant and anticancer potential of Anchusa arvensis, Shah and colleagues performed the in vitro and in silico evaluation of the antileishmanial potential of isolated compounds from Ifloga spicata, Nida Saleem and Yu-Cheng Chen compiled and reviewed the medicinal remedies for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Sultan and colleagues investigated the antibacterial properties of turmeric extract and different antibiotics against Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria while Sana Robab and Nida Saleem reviewed and discussed their search for the natural remedies for the treatment of dry cough.
Prevalence of Burnout in Physical Therapy Students in the Twin Cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan
Authors: Naz Somiya , Syeda Tatheer Zainab
Published: May 2024

Burnout, a condition of physical, emotional, and mental tiredness brought on by sustained involvement in challenging work settings, is widespread among medical students. International studies were conducted on burnout among healthcare students, particularly medical and nursing students, and the levels of burnout reported are concerning. The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence of burnout among physical therapy students. It was a cross-sectional survey conducted in the colleges/universities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The data was collected by using a self-structured questionnaire for demographic data and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) scale which assesses burnout in the dimensions of Personal burnout, Work burnout, and student-related burnout, with a cut-off score of 50 for each dimension. A total of 299 DPT students enrolled in this study. The Mean age of participants in this study was 21.05±1.75. The prevalence of personal burnout was 46.2%, work-related burnout was 35.5% and student-related burnout was 39.1%. It was concluded that burnout is common among physical therapy students, with personal burnout being reported as the highest level of burnout.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Testing of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale to Urdu Language
Authors: Naz Somiya , Muhammad Nazim Farooq  , Nazma Gul  , Ridda Rehman
Published: May 2024

The standardization of outcome measurements across studies, conducted in various contexts, is facilitated by the cross-cultural adaptation of questionnaires. It is advised that the procedure should adhere to the standardized methods. In addition to addressing cultural and linguistic issues, the psychometric features of the modified version should be investigated. The purpose of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) into Urdu and evaluate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Urdu version of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS-U. The original version of LEFS was translated and cross-culturally adapted using established worldwide standards. All the participants underwent baseline administration of LEFS-U, 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Visual Analogue Scale for Pain (VAS-pain), and Visual Analogue Scale for Disability (VAS-disability), followed by a second administration to the patients’ group after receiving 3 weeks of the intervention. The Global Rate of Change Scale (GROC) was also administered at that time. Furthermore, factor analysis, reliability, validity, and responsiveness of LEFS-U, all were assessed. The LEFS was found internally consistent with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.99 and excellent test re-test reliability, evaluated by Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96-0.99). The LEFS-U has a one-factorial structure, which constitutes 67.85% of the total variance. A significant difference in LEFS-U total score was found between patients and healthy controls (p<0.001). Moreover, Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a moderate correlation between LEFS-U and SF-36 Physical Function (0.54), Role Physical (0.58), Body Pain (0.61), VAS-pain (-0.50), and VAS-disability (-0.45). The results show that LEFS-U is a reliable, valid, and responsive questionnaire to measure disability in patients with lower extremity disorders.
Sensitive and accurate determination of oil-soluble and water-soluble organosulfur compounds in garlic matrix using reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: POLAT KORKUNÇ ÜMMÜGÜLSÜM , TUĞBA ZAMAN BUSE , BAKIRDERE SEZGİN , Karakuş Emine
Published: May 2024

Garlic is in the family Liliaceae and has many different constituents such as organic sulfur compounds, amino acids, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. In this work, a simple, sensitive, and accurate analytical method was developed for the determination of selected organosulfur compounds (OSCs) in garlic bulbs using reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Oil-soluble and water-soluble OSCs were extracted from the garlic samples via acetonitrile and deionized water, respectively. The OSCs were separated on a Phenomenex C18 (250 mm, 4 mm, 5mm) column and the monitoring was performed with a UV detector at 220 nm. An isocratic mobile phase comprising of 0.10 M trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in 85% acetonitrile (ACN) and 0.10 M TFA in distilled water (DW) (90: 10% v/v) was used to elute the analytes. Under optimum experimental conditions, the limits of detection (LOD) for the analytes were calculated in the range of 0.09 to 0.17 mg/kg. For the garlic sample extracts analyzed under optimal instrumental conditions, DAS (diallyl sulfide), DADS (diallyl disulfide), and DATS (diallyl trisulfide) were detected in the ranges of 8.0 to 32.5 mg/kg, 20.4 to 67.3 mg/kg, and 60.7 to 356.6 mg/kg, respectively. Spiked recovery experiments were conducted on the garlic samples to confirm the method’s applicability and accuracy. The recovery results ranged between 39.0% and 90.9% for the garlic samples extracted with deionized water. The developed method is simple, precise, accurate, reliable, and time-effective for the determination of OSCs. Additionally, the green profile of the developed method was investigated by using AGREEprep software and the greenness score was recorded as 0.65, indicating that the method developed is environmentally friendly.
Corporations, Compelled Speech, and the Common Good
Authors: Opacic Lukas
Published: May 2024

Most of the current literature on the subject of corporations and compelled speech focuses almost entirely on the extent to which corporations are or should be regulated by laws that compel them to conduct themselves in a certain way. In this paper, I explore the mostly uncharted territory of situations in which corporations compel the speech of their own employees through policies which require employees to speak or act in a way that may be contrary to the form of life prescribed by their faith. I argue that philosophical defences against corporate compelled speech for religious employees on the basis that religious belief sits within a generally inviolate private sphere of autonomy are misguided because they do not take sufficient account of the nature of corporations as moral agents which can legitimately pursue moral and political ends in the public sphere. I argue that corporations necessarily rely on a conception of the common good when they do this. The permissibility of corporate compelled speech therefore comes down to whether or not it is conducive to the common good.
The Secularisation of Conscience: A Natural Law Critique
Authors: Lee Constance
Published: May 2024

The modern conception of a ‘secular conscience’ is at one time, both paradoxical and reductive. This phenomenon is attributable to two main factors. In the formal sense, the problem stems from a facile or partial invocation of the term, a result of the fragmentation of its multiple referents. In a substantive sense, the loss of conscience’s explanatory power is a direct result of removing moral structures that underpin traditional formulations of the concept. Historically, conscience has been a necessary component of moral epistemologies. As the innate mechanism for moral discernment, conscience existed as a core part of practical reasoning. In this backdrop, one of secularism’s most profound implications has been to shift conscience’s emphasis away from notions of ‘higher responsibility’ to ‘individual authenticity’. To make sense of this shift, the present article begins by considering the process of ‘secularisation’. Harold Berman defines ‘secularisation’ as the steady displacement of existing normative foundations. The article goes on to trace the etymological development of conscience as a concept and its historical link to moral agency. An examination of traditional normative structures follows, as represented by two seminal accounts of conscience in Western natural law tradition, namely those of Thomas Aquinas and John Calvin. Notwithstanding the variations in emphases due to denominational differences, both these natural law accounts offer a coherent normative outlook, adequate to sustain an integrated concept of conscience. The article ultimately seeks to critique the explanatory potential of modern accounts of conscience by exposing the ontological predicates of secular-rational modalities from the natural law perspective.
Diagnóstico de la Salud del Ecosistema Páramo en el GAD de San Fernando, Ecuador: Implicaciones para su Conservación.
Authors: Núñez Castro Marlon Oswaldo , Tituaña Ushiña Erika Jhomara , Landa Suque Mario Israel , Herrera-Feijoo Robinson J.
Published: May 2024

Los Páramos de la parroquia San Fernando en la Provincia de Tungurahua, cuentan con planes de manejo cuyo cumplimiento está en proceso de evaluación, mediante diagnósticos de su estado de salud. El objetivo de esta investigación es aportar con el diagnóstico del páramo de la microcuenca alta del rio Ambato y el embalse Chiquihurco, de tal parroquia; ubicado entre 3700 a 4150 msnm, cuyo ecosistema es Herbazal de páramo. La metodología utilizada, consistió en la aplicación de transectos y cuadrantes, en los que en base de supuestos lógicos se generan datos numéricos de fauna nativa (FN), materia orgánica (MO), actividad biológica del suelo (ABS), presencia de pastoreo (PA), degradación (De) y quemas (Qu). Datos que permiten aplicar la ecuación: Estado de Salud (ES)= (FN + MO + ABS – Pa – De –Qu - DH) / 2, cuyo resultado se coteja en la escala de 0 a 5, siendo: 0 = muy bajo; 1 = bajo; 2 = moderado; 3 = bueno; 4 = muy bueno y 5 = excelente. Se aplicaron 13 transectos lineales de 500 m de longitud y 65 cuadrantes de 1 m². El resultado de la ecuación arrojó un valor de 3,8 que ubica a este páramo en el estado de “muy bueno”, pudiendo afirmar que su plan de manejo se está cumpliendo, aunque puede mejorar si se aplican correctivos a las actividades de pastoreo y quemas
Conservación y Manejo Sostenible del Suelo en la Agricultura: Una Revisión Sistemática de Prácticas Tradicionales y Modernas
Authors: Carranza-Patiño Mercedes , Aragundi-Sabando Laura , Macias-Barrera Keila , Paredes-Sarabia Edgar , Villegas-Ramírez Aaron
Published: May 2024

Este artículo presenta una revisión sistemática de las prácticas de conservación y manejo sostenible del suelo en la agricultura, destacando la integración de métodos tradicionales y modernos. El objetivo es evaluar cómo estas prácticas influyen en la salud del suelo y la producción agrícola sostenible. Se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva en bases de datos científicas, seleccionando estudios relevantes publicados entre 2012 y 2023. Los resultados indican que técnicas como la labranza cero, rotación de cultivos, y uso de abonos orgánicos mejoran significativamente la estructura del suelo, retención de nutrientes, y biodiversidad. Estas prácticas también contribuyen a la mitigación del cambio climático. Se concluye que un enfoque integral que combine prácticas tradicionales y modernas es esencial para una agricultura sostenible, y se resalta la necesidad de más investigaciones en diferentes contextos edafoclimáticos para optimizar estas estrategias de conservación del suelo.