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Couroupita guianensis, a medicinal plant autochthonal to South America and South India, is widely used in the ethnomedicine of the indigenous peoples of these regions thanks to its alleged antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and wound-healing properties. The majority of studies have mainly analyzed organic extracts of the Indian plant's flowers and leaves, with limited research on its bark decoction, traditionally used in Amazonian shamanic medicine. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of the bark decoction and its main fractions obtained through chromatographic separation, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms in AGS gastric cancer cells. Viability, cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and protein expression related to these processes were evaluated. Both the bark decoction and fraction III significantly inhibited cell viability, and the cytotoxic effect was linked to cell cycle blockade and the induction of apoptosis also through an engulfment of the autophagic flux. Increased expression or activation of the key proteins (p53, p21, cdk2, Bak, caspases, pAMPK, pAkt, beclin, p62 and LC3BII) involved in these processes was observed. The results obtained confirmed an important anticancer effect of C. guianensis bark decoction, providing scientific validation for its use in traditional medicine and highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent against gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott is a tuberous plant, also known as taro, employed as food worldwide for its renowned nutritional properties but also traditionally used in several countries for medical purposes. In this study, methanolic extracts were prepared from the corms and leaves of Colocasia, subsequently fractionated via molecular exclusion chromatography (RP-HPLC) and their anti-tumor activity assessed in an in vitro model of gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS cells). Vorm extract and isolated fractions II and III affected AGS cell vitality in a dose-dependent manner through the modulation of key proteins involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle processes, such as caspase 3, cyclin A, cdk2, IkBα, and ERK. To identify bioactive molecules responsible for anti-tumoral activity fractions II and III were further purified via RP-HPLC and characterized via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) techniques. The procedure enabled the identification of ten compounds including lignans and neolignans, some isolated for the first time in taro, uncommon megastigmane derivatives, and a gallic acid derivative. However, none of the isolated constituents showed efficacy equivalent to that of the fractions and total extract. This suggests that the whole Colocasia phytocomplex has intriguing anti-tumor activity against gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Officinal plants, minerals, animal derivatives, and miscellaneous have always been used to treat and improve appearance despite the different aesthetic canons of a specific historical and cultural context. Objective: The aim of this work was to make a critical comparison between medieval and modern dermocosmetics analyzing the works of Trotula de Ruggiero, a female doctor of the 11th century teaching and working inside the illustrious "Medical School of Salerno," who devoted particular attention to the promotion of female care, beauty, and well‐being. Methods: We applied the historical‐critical method analyzing the Latin text and the nglish translation of the standardized corpus of the main Trotula medieval manuscript De Ornatu Mulierum with a multidisciplinary scientific approach ranging from botany to pharmaceutical chemistry and technology, pharmacology and pathology. Results: We identified the medicinal plants, derivatives of animal origin and minerals used in the recipes of Trotula, highlighting their biological properties in the light of current scientific knowledge. A critical comparison between medieval and modern dermocosmetics is reported also taking into consideration the chemical, pharmaceutical, and technological literature. Conclusion: Beyond the obvious changes in the paradigms of cosmetology and the different beauty canons of Middle Age with respect to modern times, our results emphasize the attention of Trotula to female care, beauty and well‐being as well as the extraordinary combination of tradition and modernity in her work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to evaluate the potential of the nanospray drier as a novel apparatus for the manufacturing of a dry powder for inhalation containing ketoprofen lysinate, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug able to control the inflammation in cystic fibrosis patients. We produced several ketoprofen lysinate and leucine powder batches by means of nanospray dryer, studying the influence of process parameters on yield, particle properties (size distribution and morphology), and, mainly, aerodynamic properties of powders. Micronized particles were prepared from different hydroalcoholic solutions (alcohol content from 0 to 30% v/v) using ketoprofen in its lysine salt form and leucine as dispersibility enhancer in different ratios (from 5 to 15% w/w) with a total solid concentration ranging from 1 to 7% w/v. Results indicated that the spray head equipped with a 7 µm nozzle produced powders too big to be inhaled. The reduction of nozzle size from 7 to 4 µm led to smaller particles suitable for inhalation but, at the same time, caused a dramatic increase in process time. The selection of process variables, together with the nozzle pretreatment with a surfactant solution, allowed us to obtain a free flowing powder with satisfying aerosol performance, confirming the usefulness of the nanospray drier in the production of powder for inhalation.

The knowledge of flavonoids involved in plant-plant interactions and their mechanisms of action are poor and, moreover, the structural characteristics required for these biological activities are scarcely known. The objective of this work was to study the possible in vitro phytotoxic effects of 27 flavonoids on the germination and early radical growth of Raphanus sativus L. and Lepidium sativum L., with the aim to evaluate the possible structure/activity relationship. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the same compounds was also evaluated. Generally, in response to various tested flavonoids, germination was only slightly affected, whereas significant differences were observed in the activity of the various tested flavonoids against radical elongation. DPPH test confirms the antioxidant activity of luteolin, quercetin, catechol, morin, and catechin. The biological activity recorded is discussed in relation to the structure of compounds and their capability to interact with cell structures and physiology. No correlation was found between phytotoxic and antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is one of the main causes of death globally and considered as a major challenge for the public health system. The high toxicity and the lack of selectivity of conventional anticancer therapies make the search for alternative treatments a priority. In this review, we describe the main plant-derived natural products used as anticancer agents. Natural sources, extraction methods, anticancer mechanisms, clinical studies, and pharmaceutical formulation are discussed in this review. Studies covered by this review should provide a solid foundation for researchers and physicians to enhance basic and clinical research on developing alternative anticancer therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]