Journal of Medicinal Herbs
Volume:14 Issue: 1, Spring 2023

Piper genus comprises more than 2000 species, mainly found in Asia and Africa. About 40 species are mentioned in the literature and only a small proportion of these species have been studied in depth. The aim of this review is to present data on the traditional uses, biological activities and the chemical composition of different Piper species.

Experimental:

Several databases like PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct, DOAJ, etc.), were used for the search. The term Piper or the scientific names of different species or the combination of terms such as biological activity, phytochemistry and uses with the scientific names or the word "Piper" were used as keywords in the literature search.

Species of the Piper genus are of great economic value as they can be used in various sectors such as food, traditional medicine, in the control of certain infectious diseases, crop pest control or in the pharmaceutical industry. Some species are considered a significant source of essential oils. About 400 chemical compounds have been isolated from Piper species, and the alkaloids are the most important group of secondary metabolites; and piperine is the main active alkaloid reported. Moreover, the literature indicates that these species present several biological properties like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiplasmodial, analgesic, immunomudatory, antitumour, insecticide, larvicide, amoebicide, antiviral, etc.

Recommended applications/industries: 

The species from Piper genus can be widely used both as a condiment and as medicines to relieve several health problems. However, further studies should be carried out to justify the uses of the less scientifically explored species of Piper genus, and to determine the mechanisms of action or the pharmacokinetics of the active principles already identified and probable synergies between the alkaloids and other chemical groups to evaluate the digestibility and toxicity of extracts from these species.

The number of dengue virus (DENV) infection cases has increased dramatically over the past two decades, with an estimated 3.9 billion cases across the globe potentially at risk. Patients with a DENV infection are managed symptomatically and by supportive care since there is no approved antiviral drug yet for its management. On the other hand, N. sativa has been highlighted as a potential antiviral, particularly against DENV.

Experimental: 

Hence, the anti-DENV potential of N. sativa is analyzed in this review using major databases, including Medline/PMC/PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Moreover, the Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration (POM) bioinformatics platform-2019 was used to analyze a series of compounds (1-15) identified in N. sativa (black seeds) to identify those with promising antiviral pharmacophore sites.

Preliminary research showed the potential of N. sativa in the control of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and the enhancement of platelet counts. In addition, several clinical, animal, in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of N. sativa. Furthermore, calculation of the physico-chemical properties of N. sativa compounds using POM analyses indicated that dithymoquinone possesses potential antiviral activity with two (O, O’) pharmacophore sites.

Recommended applications/industries:

 As a result, N. sativa can be employed as an adjuvant/supportive therapy in the management of DENV infection in the early stages of the illness. Furthermore, N. sativa can be a source of new lead anti-DENV drugs.

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) is anannual herbaceous species native to Egypt and south west Asia. The leaves of L. sativum possesse various medicinal properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the diversity of phytochemical constituents of seven populations of L. Sativum from Iran.

Experimental: 

The crude extracts of L. sativum populations leaves were obtained with methanol and were evaluated for the total phenol content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging assay, and phenolic compounds by HPLC analysis.

The total phenolic content ranged from 1.25 to 2.36 mg GAE/g extract and the total flavonoid content was 0.74- 1.61 mg QE/g extract. Chlorogenic acid was the most abundant phenolic acid, followed by ferulic and caffeic acids. The content of kaempferol flavonoid was also 5.2-fold of quercetin. Leaf extracts of Tabriz and Kerman populations exhibited higher yields of phenolic constituents and antioxidant activity. The total phenolic content was positively correlated to total flavonoid content and phenolic acids (except caffeic acid) and negatively correlated to DPPH free radical scavenging activity (IC50). A negative correlation was found among total flavonoid content, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid with precipitation and relative humidity.

Recommended applications/industries: 

Our research is the first report to study the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity in different Iranian populations of L. sativum leaves for their health benefit.

The use of medicinal plants in the treatment and management of various diseases is widely practiced in Nigeria. The stem barks of Prosopisa fricana and Anogeissus leiocarpus have been employed traditionally in the treatment of several respiratory diseases including cough. The aim of this study is to develop herbal syrup formulation from the combined aqueous stem bark extracts of Prosopisa fricana and Anogeissus leiocarpuswhich can be used in the treatment of cough.

Experimental: 

Pulverized stem bark was extracted using distilled water by hot maceration for 24 h and concentrated over a water bath. The resulting extract was used to prepare syrups using either honey, sugar or combination of both (1:1) as vehicles in the presence of preservatives and sweeteners where needed. Organoleptic and physicochemical properties such as odor, color, taste, presence of froth, pH and density were evaluated. Stability of the syrups at room temperature, in the refrigerator and at accelerated temperature was also evaluated. Interaction studies was investigated using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy while Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to evaluate thermal properties of the prepared syrups.

The syrups were brown to dark brown in color, had characteristic smell with sweet to bitter taste. Viscosity was between 10.80 and 87.40 mpas, pH was between 3.92 and 4.90, density was between 1.39 and 1.52 mg/mL.No interaction was observed from FTIR spectra or DSC after thermal decomposition. In vitro antibacterial studies showed the syrups possess considerable inhibitory effect against tested microorganisms. Formulations PAH1 and PAH2 were found to be the most stable after 30 days’ storage at different temperatures.

Recommended applications/industries: 

This study buttresses the potential of herbal extracts in developing stable syrup formulations using honey as a vehicle for treatment of cough and/or relieve of its associated symptoms.

Hypericum species are of pronounced ecologic and medicinal importance because it is an essential model system in plant-based medications and, therefore, stimulated the scientific community. The taxonomy of Hypericum is mainly based on morphology and chemical markers. No records have been reported for the Jordanian Hypericum species concerning the chromosome numbers. The present investigation was conducted to assess the cytogenetics of two populations of H. perforatum gathered from different locations in Jordan.

Experimental: 

Seeds of H. perforatum from the National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension seed gene bank were germinated under greenhouse conditions. Root tips of plantlets were squashed, aceto-orcein-stained, and direct microscopic counts of chromosome numbers in meristematic cells were performed.

H. perforatum requires specific conditions for germination and survival. Chromosomes are small and tend to clump making accurate counts difficult. No differences were observed between the geographical sites. The individuals from the two investigated populations were predominantly tetraploids (2n=4x=32), some were diploids (2n=2x=16), and a few hexaploids (2n=6x=48). This is the first research on the chromosomes of the Jordanian H. perforatum.

Recommended applications/industries: 

The present finding can be extended and supported by two types of experiments to verify the existence of triploidy in H. perforatum accessions with the number of their mitotic chromosomes. Since the diploid herbs of this species supersede their polyploid counterparts in phytochemical contents, it is important to preserve them with different technologies for industrial purposes.

The unfettered usage of antibiotics has engendered a mounting resistance of bacteria to these agents, thereby necessitating the discovery and development of novel compounds and medications to a greater extent than previously. The focal point of this research was to explore the chemical constituents of acetone and methanol-extracted samples of Cupressus sempervirens and Juniperus excelsa, as well as their potential inhibitory actions against a prevalent food-borne pathogen.

Experimental: 

This experimental investigation was conducted on standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus (PTCC 1430), Bacillus cereus (PTCC 1431), Listeria monocytogenes (PTCC 1298), Escherichia coli (PTCC 1399), and Shigella dysentery (PTCC 1188). Following the preparation of methanol and acetone extracts derived from Juniperus excelsa and Cupressus sempervirens using Clevenger apparatus, the antimicrobial efficacy was assessed by both qualitative agar well diffusion method and quantitative macrodilution method. The active constituents present in the methanol and acetone extracts of the plants were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analytical method. Means were compared with Duncan's test at the 5% probability level.

The findings of this investigation pertaining to the antimicrobial potency of the extracts, ascertained via the qualitative agar well diffusion method, indicated its efficacy against Gram-positive strains including S. aureus and B. cereus. The methanol extracts of the J. Excelsa were found to produce smaller inhibition zones on the tested bacteria compared to other plant extracts. The highest sensitivity to the acetone extract of C. sempervirens and J. excelsa observed in S. aureus and B. cereus. The extracts obtained from the two plant did not demonstrate any discernible impact on the Gram-negative bacteria that are commonly associated with foodborne pathogens. The findings obtained through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) indicated the presence of efficacious components such as Benzene 1,2,4,5-tetramethyl, and Cyclopropane cyclopenta in J. excels extract. The acetone extract of J. excelsa showed more potent antimicrobial constituents than its methanolic counterpart. It is anticipated that in forthcoming times, the acetone extract derived from this botanical specimen may be employed to prevent bacterial-induced foodborne illnesses.

Recommended applications/industries: 

Duo to the existence of a range of bioactive compounds in the acetone extracts obtained from C. sempervirens and J. excels, these extracts have the potential to be used against the development of foodborne infections and diseases caused by bacterial agents.

Colorectal cancer is a clinically heterogeneous disease resulting from metabolome pattern alterations of many metabolites and their genetic factor interactions in man. Chemotherapy in colorectal cancer is generally followed by multiple side effects, including drug resistance; It is well established that herbal medicines are gaining worldwide interest in treating many cancers. Vitexin is an apigenin flavone glycoside present in hawthorn has exhibited therapeutic properties. This study was performed to assess the antitumor properties of Vitexin on the expression of p53, KRAS, and APC genes and the metabolome profile alterations associated with these genetic modifications.

Experimental: 

Cells were treated with different concentrations of Vitexin, and toxicity and cell growth inhibition were ascertained in vitro using the MTT assay method. Cells were treated with Vitexin, and gene expression was determined. Following metabolome 1HNMR spectroscopy with 1D NOESY protocol and the resulting spectra scrutinized to classify differentiated metabolites and their biochemical pathways. Integrative systems biology analysis software examined the metabolites and the genes, and the main pathways modulated by gene expression were identified.

Our finding revealed that a 50% inhibitory concentration for Vitexin was 16.32 μM, while the relative expression of tumor suppressor genes APC and p53 in treated cells enhanced and the expression of the KRAS oncogene gene decreased significantly compared to the control group. The crucial changes in convergent metabolic phenotype with genes were identified in this investigation.

Recommended applications/industries: 

Our findings revealed that Vitexin exhibits antitumor properties by targeting a specific biochemical pathway in the cell's metabolome profile due to changes in genes involved in colon cancer.

 Senna italica leaf (SIL) is extensively used in traditional medicine for the management of various types of pain including stomach cramps, back ache, joint pains, headache, and migraine. The current study was designed to scientifically investigate the purported uses of the leaves as an analgesic agent and to elucidate its possible mechanism of antinociceptive action.

Experimental: 

Phytochemical screening and oral acute toxicity studies were conducted using standard protocols. Antinociceptive potentials were evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests in mice. The possible pharmacological mechanism(s) involved in the anti-nociceptive activity were investigated by pretreating mice with Naloxone (2 mg/kg), L-arginine (50 mg/kg), Propranolol (20 mg/kg), Glibenclamide (10 mg/kg), and Prazosin (1 mg/kg)15 min prior to SIL (1000 mg/kg) administration, then assessed using acetic acid-induced writhing 1 h later. Data was analyzed using One-way Anova followed by Bonferroni post hoc test.

 Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and triterpenes. Oral median lethal dose of SIL was found to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. SIL at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg demonstrated significant (P<0.05) dose-dependent protection against acetic acid-induced writhes in mice. The extract at the highest dose (1000 mg/kg) also significantly (P<0.05) increased the reaction time of mice to thermal stimulus in the hot plate test. Pretreatment with naloxone, prazosin, L-arginine, and propranolol significantly (P<0.05) reduced the antinociceptive activity of the extract. However, pretreatment with glibenclamide showed no effect on its antinociceptive activity.

Recommended applications/industries: 

The findings of this research has validated the traditional use of the plant in the management of pain through possible involvement of opioidergic, α-adrenergic, β-adrenergic systems including the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway.