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Introduction: Neuropathic pain is a debilitating neurological disorder and is on the rise. Since no effective treatment has been so far approved to combat the complex pathological mechanisms behind neuropathic pain, finding new therapeutic candidates is of great importance. Astaxanthin (AST) is a carotenoid with strong antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Purpose: The present research aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effects of AST on a rat model of neuropathic pain. Methods: To induce neuropathic pain, a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was employed. Accordingly, Wistar rats were divided into nine groups of six including sham, negative control group (CCI), positive control group gabapentin (100 mg/kg), AST (5, 10 mg/kg), flumazenil (0.5 mg/kg), naloxone (0.1 mg/kg), AST (10 mg/kg) + flumazenil (0.5 mg/kg), and AST (10 mg/kg) + naloxone (0.1 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14. To check the experimental signs of neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction, hot plate, acetone drop, and open field tests were used at the same time points. Additionally, biochemical assay and zymography were done on days 7 and 14 to assess the changes in catalase, glutathione and nitrite, as well as matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Besides, histological evaluations were performed for tissue damages on days 7 and 14. Results and discussion: Results indicated that intraperitoneal injection of AST improved allodynia, hyperalgesia, and locomotor activity after CCI. AST also increased catalase and glutathione while suppressing nitrite, MMP-2, and MMP-9 activity through opioid/benzodiazepine receptors. Conclusion: The results highlighted AST as a promising candidate against neuropathic pain with beneficial effects on motor function by suppressing inflammatory mediators, and augmenting antioxidant factors, passing through opioid/benzodiazepine receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A growing body of research is dedicated to developing new therapeutic agents for wound healing with fewer adverse effects. One of the proceedings being taken today in wound healing research is to identify promising biological materials that not only heal wounds but also vanish scarring. The effectiveness of nanofibers like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), in improving wound healing can be related to their unique properties. Pistacia atlantica Desf. subsp. kurdica (Zohary) Rech. f. (PAK) [Anacardiaceae], also known as "Baneh" in traditional Iranian medicine, is one of the most effective herbal remedies for the treatment of different diseases like skin injuries due to its numerous pharmacological and biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial effects. Purpose: Our study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing activity of nanofibers containing PVA/ PAK oleo-gum-resin in two rat models of burn and excision wound repair. Material and Methods: PVA/ PKA nanofibers were prepared using the electrospinning method. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and mechanical properties of nanofibers were explored. Diffusion and releasing experiments of nanofibers were performed by the UV visible method at different time intervals and up to 72 h. The animal models were induced by excision and burn in Wistar rat's skin and the wound surface area was measured during the experiment for 10 and 21 days, respectively. On the last day, the wound tissue was removed for histological studies, and serum oxidative factors were measured to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the PVA/ PKA. Data analysis was performed using ImageJ, Expert Design, and statistical analysis methods. Results and discussion: PVA/ PKA nanofibers were electrospun at different voltages (15, 18, and 20 kV). The most suitable fibers were obtained when the nozzle was positioned 15 cm away from the collector, with a working voltage of 15 kV, and an injection rate of 0.5 mm per hour, using the 30:70 w/v PKA gum. In the SEM images, it was found that the surface tension of the polymer solution decreased by adding the gum and yield thinner and longer fibers at a voltage of 15 kV with an average diameter of 96 ± 24 nm. The mechanical properties of PVA/ PKA nanofibers showed that the presence of gum increased the tensile strength and decreased the tensile strength of the fibers simultaneously. In vivo results showed that PVA/ PKA nanofibers led to a significant reduction in wound size and tissue damage (regeneration of the epidermal layer, higher density of dermal collagen fibers, and lower presence of inflammatory cells) compared to the positive (phenytoin and silver sulfadiazine) and negative control (untreated) groups. Wound contraction was higher in rats treated with PVA/ PKA nanofibers. Additionally, antioxidative serum levels of catalase and glutathione were higher in the PVA/ PKA nanofiber groups even in comparison to positive control groups. Conclusion: Pistacia atlantica oleo-gum-resin-loaded electrospun nanofibers potentially improve excision and burn models of skin scars in rats through antioxidative and tissue regeneration mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Archaeological, ethnohistorical, and ethnographic evidence supports the ubiquitous use of fermented beverages in prehispanic Chile. Made from a variety of plant raw materials, these beverages have been of special importance regarding many nutritional, medicinal, social, ritual, and religious aspects. Purpose: The present review aims to provide a comprehensive review of the interdisciplinary information on traditional Chilean fermented beverages, as well as on the starting materials used for their elaboration. Materials and Methods: Anthropological and ethnopharmacological data were collected through literature searches based on archaeological evidence, books from chroniclers and explorers, as well as modern ethnographic testimonies. Literature data on the chemistry and bioactivity of the prehispanic fermented beverages and the raw materials used were mainly retrieved from digital databases such as SciFinder®, PubMed®, and Google Scholar®. Results and Discussion: Thirty seven plant raw materials have been used for the elaboration of traditional fermented beverages in prehispanic Chile. Phytochemical and bioactivity data regarding these beverages are rather limited, but a wide spectrum of chemical compounds, health-promoting and disease-preventative effects is reported for the starting materials. Conclusion: Despite the lack of scientific evidence on traditional prehispanic fermented beverages of Chile, the plant raw material exhibit promising phytochemical profiles and potential health-promoting and disease-preventative benefits. This review underscores the importance of integrating ethnopharmacological perspectives into modern research endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disease dependent on immunoglobulin E and causes inflammation of the nasal mucosa, leading to decreased quality of life for affected patients. Since common treatments, including corticosteroids and antihistamines, have temporary therapeutic effects and numerous side effects, investigating natural compounds effective in improving allergic rhinitis with low complications and high efficacy can be significant and necessary. Purpose: This study aims to present a comprehensive and critical evaluation of the effect of natural compounds in improving allergic rhinitis. Methods: Studies were identified through systematic searches of ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences databases. Eligibility checks were conducted based on predefined selection criteria. Forty-six articles were included in this study. Results and discussion: Phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and other compounds showed significant anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic effects. These compounds alleviate allergic rhinitis symptoms by inhibiting inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and key signaling pathways such as MAPK/NFκB and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB. Conclusion: Phytochemicals exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The genus Haplopappus Cass. [Asteraceae] comprises a large number of species distributed mainly in Chile and with various traditional medicinal uses. Purpose: The present review addresses the botany, traditional uses, chemistry, biological and pharmacological activities of the genus, aiming to further potentiate the associated research and applications. Study design and Methods: Literature data on the chemistry and bioactivity of the genus Haplopappus were mainly retrieved from digital databases such as SciFinder®, PubMed®, and Google Scholar®, as well as from the scientific journal publishers' platforms linked with these databases. Results and discussion: Although the majority of the botanical taxa of the genus Haplopappus has been understudied, available information is promising regarding its phytochemistry and bioactivity. A total of more than 400 compounds are present in different Haplopappus species, mostly terpenoids and phenolic compounds. Scientific literature supports various health promoting effects of Haplopappus extracts and isolated compounds, principally their effect against human pathogenic bacteria and their high antioxidant capacity. The existing limitations highlighted hereby are mainly associated to the lack of modern investigation regarding a wider number of Haplopappus species and chemical compounds, as well as to the absence of in vivo bioactivity results and clinical trials. Conclusion: Scientific literature supports the ethnopharmacological, phytochemical and bioactive potential of the genus Haplopappus , however the aforementioned limitations need to be addressed in order to further promote and broaden both scientific research and future applications and uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]