PHYTONutrients

Introduction to Editor in Chief

Prof. Maria Daglia — 2023-11-28

Prof. Maria Daglia obtained her PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology at the University of Pavia (Italy), and is currently a full professor of food chemistry at the University of Naples Federico II, Italy and visiting professor at the International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang China.

Drug like potential of Daidzein using SwissADME prediction: In silico Approaches

Haseeba Sardar — 2023-04-16

In the early stages of drug development, predicting the drug candidates' absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) profiles prior to their synthesis may help in the selection of potential candidates. Since in-vivo ADME assessment is proven to be expensive, time-consuming, and involved animal studies, in-vitro ADME analysis is preferable since it is better, less expensive, and gives accurate data more rapidly. Daidzein, also known as 7-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, is a nonsteroidal phytoestrogen that occurs naturally. The aim of the present study is to predict the in vitro ADME study of Daidzein using web tool called SwissADME. The 2D structure of Daidzein was drawn on chemdraw Ultra version 12. By taking into consideration the features of flexibility, lipophilicity, saturation, size, polarity, and solubility, the bioavailability radar revealed that the colored zone is the ideal physicochemical region for oral bioavailability. According to the location of the compounds in the WLOGP-versus-TPSA referential, the pharmacokinetic features were examined using the boiled egg model, which enables straightforward evaluation of passive gastrointestinal absorption and brain penetration. The white portion has a high likelihood of being absorbed passively by the gastrointestinal tract, whereas the yolk-colored yellow section has a high likelihood of penetrating the brain. The study concluded that Daidzein did not violate the recommended ranges for Lipinski’s rule of five, rotational bond count and TPSA. The compound also showed moderate lipophilicity and good water solubility. It did not act as a substrate for P-glycoprotein. Daidzein displayed a potential to inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. Besides that, the compound exhibited no action against CYP2C19 and CYP2C9. It exhibited a uniform and good bioavailability score of 0.55 (55%) with high gastrointestinal (GI) absorption capabilities and the ability to permeate the blood-brain barrier. Additionally, Synthetic Accessibility score of daidzein revealed an easy step reaction of synthesis. As a result, the compound could be considered as a potential candidate for new drug discovery.

Antidepressant, anxiolytic sedative and muscle relaxant activities of Nicotiana plumaginifolia in mice

Shakeel Ur Rahman — 2023-05-25

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia is conventionally used as tranquilizer, diuretic, mucolytic, insecticide and a vomitive. In order to pharmacologically validate the sedative, anxiolytic, antidepressant and muscle relaxant activity of crude extract N. plumbaginifolia (NPCE). For the assessment of antidepressant effects, Forced Swim Test (FST), Tail Suspension Test (TST) was carried out. NPCE significantly (300-500mg/kg) decreases immobility time in both FST and TST. Pretreatment with NPCE at 300 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg significantly increased entries of animals to the open spaces and significantly reduced the time spent in the closed spaces in elevated plus maze (EPM). For assessment of sedative effect, NPCE was administered to experimental mice in open field test (OFT). The overall effective was highly significant and dose dependent and reduced the number of ambulation and rearing. Similarly, muscle relaxant effect was validated in traction test, where NPCE at doses of 300 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg did not show any effect on muscle co-ordination in comparison to standard. Altogether, outcomes of the current data revealed potent antidepressant, sedative and anxiolytic like activities of N. plumbaginifolia in in-vivo experimental animal models. Further studies are needed to identify and isolate pharmacological active compounds behind these effects and the possible mechanisms involved.

Ginsenosides: An overview of its antiplatelet effects and its underlying mechanisms

Muhammad Junaid — 2023-06-29

GINSENOSIDES, the principal constituent of plants from genus Panax, have been indicated in multitudinous of ailments by the Homos sapiens, for more than 2 millennia. Mostly and notably the ginsenosides, the mainstay of Chinese herbal system of medication, are harnessed for multifarious disorders viz. Neurodegenerative diseases, Diabetes mellitus, Cardiovascular abnormalities, Septic shock, inflammatory disorders, Obesity and most striking of all owing to the prevalent circumstances have to potential to manage, even treat COVID-19, albeit empirically. Whereas, considering the plant itself, it strikes to the researcher as perennial although, with significantly slow progress. The spectrum of the review encompasses the functional reach of the ginsenosides with special emphasis on the antiplatelet therapeutics, in conjunction with the notoriety and the prospect of the compounds in multitude of disorders. However, the mechanism on which the edifice, of the antithrombotic efficiency is contingent, is expressed with keen interest. Ultimately, the root or its extract, is evidenced to be sufficiently effective in curbing the foresaid ailments whether authenticated by systematic review, clinical trials, mechanistic patterns and animal investigations. Overall, the herb shows immense potential to be packaged into a unit dosage form and be brought in the prevalent market especially as an antithrombotic agent.

The significant role of glycosides in Leukemia: Mechanistic and Clinical prospects

Zoya Zaheer — 2023-07-21

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system and bone marrow. It is a heterogeneous disorder with two main types: acute and chronic leukemia. Acute leukemia is more aggressive and severe in children, whereas chronic leukemia mainly affects adults and is comparatively less aggressive. If left untreated, both types can lead to serious illness and even death. Although there are treatment options available such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and the popular CART therapy, leukemia remains a challenging disease worldwide. These existing strategies have limitations, including frequent relapses and toxicity, which highlights the need to explore alternative therapeutic approaches. Glycosides, which are secondary metabolites found in plants, show promise as potential solutions. These substances have a wide range of therapeutic applications, high bioavailability, and low toxicity. They can be used to treat various diseases, both communicable and non-communicable, making them an intriguing class of drugs. However, further research is necessary to uncover their potential value in treating cancer, particularly leukemia. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and utilization of different glycosides in the treatment of leukemia, while considering the current limitations of existing therapies.

The devastation of Lumpy skin disease in third world countries: a mini – review on the current status of the disease focusing phytochemicals

Menahil Rauf — 2023-11-29

Lumpy skin disease is a rising bovine viral illness that is widespread in most African and Middle Eastern nations, with a high probability of disease transmission throughout the Asia and Europe. The causative agent is capripoxivirus endangering hundreds of dairy cattle across the country in recent years. The LSD virus infects cattle and buffaloes and results in nodular skin sores all over their bodies. This results in chronic debility, decreased milk supply, poor development, infertility, abortion, and other issues in cattle and buffaloes infrequently leading to death of animals. The only infected animal species are cattle and water buffalo, both of which have high morbidity and low mortality rates. However, mortality rates are greater in calf populations. LSD causes sterility in males and abortions in female cattle. This mini review highlights existing information on epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and potential role of phytochemicals particularly turmeric and aloe vera in treating lumpy skin disease.