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Ginsenosides belong to a group of steroid glycosides that are extracted from the plant genus Panax (ginseng). This plant has been used for a long time for the treatment of a variety of disorders in traditional medicine. Recent studies have assessed the biological impact of Ginsenosides in cell culture or animal models. Animal studies have shown their beneficial impacts in the remedy of pathological conditions in different tissues. The ameliorating effects of Ginsenosides in diverse pathogenic conditions can be attributed to their effects on the production of reactive oxygen species. These substances mainly affect the activity of AMPK/AKT and PI3K/AKT pathways. The beneficial effects of Ginsenosides have been appraised in diabetes-related complications, spinal cord injury, cerebral ischemia, myocardial ischemia, and other disorders which are associated with oxidative stress. Moreover, these substances have been shown to interfere with the pathologic conditions during carcinogenesis. In the current study, we explain these impacts in two distinct sections including non-neoplastic conditions and neoplastic conditions.

Background: The plant-derived bioflavonoid amentoflavone has many important biological activities, among them remarkable antiviral effects, even against severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV). It inhibits severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) with an IC50 value of 8.3 M. (TMPRSS-2 activity is now thought to be the only factor necessary for cell entry and viral pathogenesis). In comparison, 3CLPRO is needed for COVID-19 replication and maturation during its life cycle. Aim: This study aims to perform an in silico study on amentoflavone activity against structural and non-structural severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLPRO) and human transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS-2) proteins. Materials and Methods: Molecular docking studies were carried out using compounds against 3CLPRO and TMPRSS-2 proteins through the Swiss model, Uniport, PROCHECK, Swiss PDB viewer, PyMol, PyRx, and Desmond (Schrodinger package) computerized software.

The genus Delphinium is one of the essential members of the family Ranunculaceae. These species grow wild in North America, Europe, and Asia. They have demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. Diterpenoid alkaloids are their main constituents and seem to be responsible for medicinal and toxic properties. The primary purpose of this paper is to review the therapeutic benefits of Delphinium species, chemical composition, and its medicinal uses, in addition to the reported toxic effects of these plants influencing different animals and humans.

The genus Diplazium (family: Athyriaceae) comprises approximately 350 species of pteridophytes. Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. is an important member of this genus and commonly known as a wild vegetable in the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan communities. According to the literature analysis, D. esculentum was traditionally used for the prevention or treatment of several diseases such as diabetes, smallpox, asthma, diarrhea, rheumatism, dysentery, headache, fever, wounds, pain, measles, Hindawi Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity Volume 2021, Article ID 1917890, 15 pages https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/1917890 hypertension, constipation, oligospermia, bone fracture, and glandular swellings. Various extracts of D. esculentum were evaluated to elucidate their phytochemical and pharmacological activities. A wide array of pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, CNS stimulant, and antianaphylactic activities have been recognized in different parts of D. esculentum. The review covers a systematic examination of pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and pharmacological applications of D. esculentum, but scientifically, it is not fully assessed regarding complete therapeutic effects, toxicity, and safety in the human body. The published literature on D. esculentum and its therapeutic properties were collected from different search engines including Wiley online, PubMed, Springer Link, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ACS publications by using specific terms such as “Diplazium esculentum, bioactive compounds, biological activities and health benefits” from 1984 to 2021 (March). Therefore, further studies are required to identify the detailed action mechanism of D. esculentum in vitro/in vivo, and also, more studies should focus on conservation, cultivation, and sustainable utilization of the species.

Background: Recent studies on Leishmaniasis treatment have confirmed the antiparasitic effects of flavonols and organic antimony pentavalent [(Sb(V)] complexes. Objectives: This study aimed to identify new Sb(V) complexes by combining the benefits of antimonials and flavonols as well as by optimizing their properties. Methods: Kaempferol and quercetin peracetate were prepared using acetic anhydride in pyridine. By performing regioselective synthesis, 7-O-paramethylbenzyl as an electron-donating group and 7-O-paranitrobenzyl as an electron-withdrawing group were added to quercetin, and, then, the synthesis of Sb(V) kaempferol and quercetin derivative complexes were performed using SbCl5 solution in glacial acetic acid. The structures were confirmed by UV, ESI mass, IR, 1H-, and 13C-NMR spectral data, and the Stoichiometry of the ligand-metal complex by the mole ratio method. Computational molecular modeling was conducted using the Gaussian program. Results: The structures were confirmed based on the results from UV, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electrospray ionization (ESI) mass analyses (3-12). Among the produced compounds, 11 and 12 as newly described, and other compounds as pre-defined compounds were identified. According to the results from biological test, kaempferol triacetate with more lipophilicity showed the highest anti-promastigote activity with an IC50 value of 14.93 ± 2.21 µM. As for anti-amastigote activity, despite the differences, all antimony complexes showed anti-amastigote effects in vitro with IC50 values of 0.52 to 14.50 µM. Conclusions: All flavonol Sb(V) complexes showed higher activity compared to meglumine antimonate in anti-amastigote effect. Inside the host macrophages, by breaking down the complex into antimony and quercetin or kaempferol analogs, the observed antiparasitic effects may have been related to both Sb(V)/Sb(III) conversion and flavonoid antileishmanial activities.

Background: Rosa canina has been traditionally known as a medicinal plant. Different applications of fruits (Rose hip) comprise the food, perfume, and cosmetic industries. Objectives: This study aimed to prepare an enriched polyphenolic fraction from Rosa canina in addition to its biological activities. Methods: Poly phenolic enriched fraction was prepared using Amberlite XAD-7 for removing unwanted components. Phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins content analyses showed that they increased significantly compared to the extract. HPLC analysis showed that this fraction is a rich source of ascorbic acid. Results: The results of the DPPH, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ABTS, and nitric oxide assay confirmed that the antioxidant activities of the fraction had been increased compared to the extract. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay and cellular antioxidant activity of the fraction also confirmed its potential antioxidant activity. This fraction showed xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity at 100 µg/mL concentration. Comet assay analysis revealed that this fraction at 25 - 100 µg/mL concentrations inhibited H2O2 genotoxicity in human lymphocytes. Conclutions: This study suggests that the fruit of Rosa canina could be considered as a potential antioxidant, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, and an antigenotoxic source, and the application of Amberlite XAD-7 improves extraction efficiencies through enrichment of phenolic compounds in this plant.

The impact of Algae supplements and its extract on blood pressure has not concluded yet. The aim of this systematic review meta-analysis is to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of this group marine organism on human. Alga was used in some studies as capsules (from 500-mg to 8-g) and the follow-up duration changed from 17 days to 9 months. The difference in standardized mean and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied as the effect size of algae supplementation on systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Based on the results, a meta-analysis of 10 studies with baseline effect control demonstrated that there was no difference in the mean systolic blood pressure in the 2 groups SMD (95%CI): -1.05 (-2.85,0.76), but a significant difference in the mean diastolic blood pressure was observed and showed that the mean diastolic blood pressure in the treatment group was lower than the control group SMD(95%CI): -2.23 (-4.35,-0.11). A meta-analysis of 4 studies with no baseline control effect did not show significant results on both blood pressure. The evidence to support this systematic review meta-analysis requires more investigation and future large scale RCT clinical trial to confirm the results.

Two novel fluorescent peptide–based chemosensors, including A (2-amino-benzoyl-Ser-Glu-Glu-NH2) and B (2-amino-benzoyl-Ala-Glu-Pro-Glu-Ala-Glu-Pro-NH2) were synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. These fluorescent probes exhibited excellent selective and sensitive responses to Al3+ ions over other metal ions in aqueous buffered solutions. The limits of detection for both chemosensors towards the Al3+ ions were in the order of ∼10−7 M (A: 155 nM and B: 195 nM), which clearly indicates that these probes have significant potential for biological applications. They also displayed high binding affinity (1.3029 × 104 M−1 and 1.7586 × 104 M−1 relevant to A and B respectively). These two chemosensors are great analytical probes that produce turn-on responses upon binding to Al3+ ions through an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism. In addition, the application of both chemosensors was examined over a wide range of pH. The fluorescent peptide–based probes and Al3+ form a 1:1 coordination complex according to the ESI-MS and Job’s plot analysis. Notably, upon addition of Al3+ to these chemosensors, a fluorescence enhancement of approximately 8-fold was observed and the binding mode was determined using NMR titration and fluorescence emission data.

Yellow chamomile (Cota tinctoria) is used for dye production in food industries and some health benefits as an herbal tea. This work was designed to comprehensively evaluate phenolic profiling, antioxidant activity, and therapeutic target enzymes' inhibitory effect of C. tinctoria using chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis and total phenol and flavonoid content determination were performed to investigate phenolics composition and concentration. Chlorogenic acid (6518 and 8338 µg/g extract), rutin (752 and 1196 µg/g extract), catechin (764 and 804 µg/g extract), and apigenin (662 and 164 µg/g extract) were determined as the major phenolics of methanolic extract and infusion, respectively. The antioxidant ability of methanolic extract and infusion of the herb was tested using six different mechanisms. Promising antiradical properties were recorded in DPPH and ABTS test (125–275 mg Trolox equivalents/g sample). Also, methanolic extract and infusion exhibited high reducing power (207–350 mg TE/g sample). Moreover, yellow chamomile showed moderate cholinesterase inhibitory (0.2–1.7 mg GALE/g extract), antidiabetic (0.06–0.55 mmol AE/g extract), and tyrosinase inhibitory (11.12 mg KAE/g extract) activities. Results suggested that this plant could be used more in food and pharmaceutical products due to its valuable ingredients and biological activities.

Prosopis farcta (Banks & Sol.) J.F.Macbr. is an emerging medicinal plant containing a diverse array of phytochemicals, including protein, fat, carbohydrate, fibre, alkaloids, fatty acids, glycosides, and polyphenols, with strong antioxidant potential. However, the screening and characterization of phenolic compounds in P. farcta is limited. This study is conducted to determine the polyphenol contents and their antioxidant activity in P. farcta leaves samples via liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (HPLC-PDA). Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total tannins content (TTC) were determined for polyphenol estimation. The antioxidant properties were measured by total antioxidant capacity (TAC), 2,2'-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and 2,2"²-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS was used to identify and characterize 47 phenolic compounds, which mainly included phenolic acids (13), flavonoids (28), other polyphenols (4), lignans (1), and stilbenes (1). According to HPLC-PDA quantification, chlorogenic acid (9.78 ± 2.15 mg/g dw) was the most abundant phenolic acid, while the main flavonoids included catechin (12.73 ± 1.29 mg/g dw) and kaempferol (7.93 ± 1.47 mg/g dw). The study demonstrated the significance of P. farcta as a rich source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant capacity that can be widely used in food, beverage, feed, and pharmaceutical applications.

Phytol (PHY) is an acyclic natural diterpene alcohol and a chlorophyll constituent that exhibits several pharmacological effects, such as anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial. Here, we aimed to assess the PHY anti-inflammatory effect in vitro and in vivo, and to deepen knowledge on the possible mechanism of action. For this purpose, egg albumin (in vitro) test was performed by using acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) as a standard nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). For in vivo test, male Wistar albino rats were treated (intraperitoneally) with 100 mg/kg of PHY and/or standard NSAIDs ASA (100 mg/kg) and diclofenac sodium (Diclo-Na, 10 mg/kg) to evaluate the combined effect of PHY in formalin-induced paw edema model. Furthermore, an in silico (CADD) study was accomplished to assess the effect of PHY against cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and 2 enzymes, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Results revealed that PHY exhibits dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect using the egg albumin method. PHY (100 mg/kg) co-treated with ASA and/or Diclo-Na reduced paw edema better than PHY alone or NSAIDs individual groups. Computational study showed that PHY efficiently interacts with COX-1 and 2, NF-κB, and IL-1β. In conclusion, PHY exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, possibly via COX-1 and 2, NF-κB, and IL-1β dependent pathways.

Telomere length is correlated with cell proliferation, and cancer cells are characterized by an uncontrolled cell cycle. Being apoptosis one of the checks and balances incorporated into cells cycle, due to its characteristics, cancer cells are able to overcome this process. In particular, the tumour suppressor protein p53 loss or inactivation can lead to activation of telomerase enzyme, which can make cells unable to detect DNA damages that spurs apoptosis. Some bioactive compounds, in particular phenolic compounds, saponins and alkaloids have revealed good abilities to affect p53 expression and indirectly control the telomere length. In this sense, this review gives a key emphasis to the ability of these compounds in blocking cancer progression by acting on p53 expression and controlling telomere length. As main findings, phenolic compounds, saponins and alkaloids interfere with cancer progression by stimulating p53 expression, which can cause pro-apoptotic onset and restrict the anti-apoptotic activity, in addition to preventing telomerase enzyme activity.

Alstonia venenata is a plant commonly found in South India and used in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to characterize the phytochemicals present in A. venenata leaf and bark extracts and study their antimicrobial activities. Solvent extractions with Soxhlet apparatus of leaves and bark were obtained using hexane, benzene, isopropanol, methanol, and water. The crude extracts were concentrated and screened for qualitative phytochemical content and analyzed by thin layer chromatography. The antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities of crude extracts were measured by in vitro methods. Alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and amino acids were found in the different crude extracts analyzed. Isopropanol extracts showed antifungal activity and it was more pronounced in the bark extract than the leaf extract. Moreover, the isopropanol extract exhibited antibacterial and antiviral activity. In conclusion, the leaves and bark of A. venenata have antimicrobial components which are more present in the isopropanol fraction.

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of worldwide death and excessive platelet is closely related with their pathogenesis. Different plants and natural compounds have demonstrated anti-platelet effects. The aim of this study was to report the high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting and anti-platelet-aggregation activities of different leaf extracts (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous) of Prosopis farcta (Syrian mesquite) plant. The results showed a 100% inhibition of aggregation activity after plasmatic adenosine diphosphate (ADP) aggregation activation of ethyl acetate, ethanolic, methanolic and aqueous extracts, at 60 mg/mL concentration. The IC50 ADP value of these extracts ranged between 4.07 and 11.39 mg/mL. Moreover, these extracts reported the highest amounts of phenolic and flavonoid contents. In conclusion, phytochemicals present in P. farcta leaves have anti-platelet-aggregation activities. Future studies are needed to identify the compounds with anti-platelet potential present in P. farcta.

Pyracantha spp. are commonly called firethorn, and attract human attention due to their colorful berries. These berries are eaten globally as a traditional remedy for treating different stomach abnormalities, and as a cooking ingredient for folk diets. The present review aims to provide an overview on Pyracantha genus' geographical distribution and botanical description, traditional uses, phytochemical composition, biological activities and safety issues. Several biological activities have been reported to Pyracantha species, namely antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, larvicidal and cytotoxic properties, most of them attributed to the use of their fruits. Pyracantha species phytochemical composition reveal the presence of interesting bioactive molecules, such as pyracrenic acid and fortuneanosides. The currently reported biological activities to these plants derive from in vitro and in vivo studies, so that clinical trials are needed to confirm these preclinical results. Nonetheless, Pyracantha species can be suggested as a safe herb useful to develop future drug formulations and functional foods.

Objectives The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of chamomile oil from Matricaria chamomilla against type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and its potential mechanisms. Methods T1DM was established in male New Zealand white rabbits via a single intraperitoneal infusion of streptozotocin (STZ) (80 mg/kg body weight−1, dissolved in 0.2 mL of normal saline). Different doses of chamomile oil (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) were orally administrated to STZ induced diabetic rabbits for 21 consecutive days. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was determined using ELISA assay. The expression of NF-κB and NLRP3 was measured using Western blot assay. Results Compared with normal rabbits, STZ-induced diabetic rabbits exhibited significant increased levels of blood glucose and decreased levels of serum insulin that were reversed using middle and high tested dose of chamomile oil. Likewise, STZ-induced diabetic rabbits showed a significant increased expression of NF-κB and NLRP3 proteins in the pancreas tissue that was reversed by high tested dose of chamomile oil. Conclusion Collectively, our findings demonstrated that chamomile oil possesses anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory activities in STZ-induced diabetic rabbits by targeting inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways.

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol with antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammation effects. This substance has been shown to affect the activity of Nrf2 signaling, a pathway that is activated in response to stress and decreases levels of reactive oxygen species and electrophilic substances. Nrf2-related effects of curcumin have been investigated in different contexts, including gastrointestinal disorders, ischemia-reperfusion injury, diabetes mellitus, nervous system diseases, renal diseases, pulmonary diseases, cardiovascular diseases as well as cancers. In the current review, we discuss the Nrf2-mediated therapeutic effects of curcumin in these conditions. The data reviewed in the current manuscript indicates curcumin as a potential activator of Nrf2 and a therapeutic substance for the protection of cells in several pathological conditions.

Treatment of cancer in young adults is associated with several side effects, particularly in the reproductive system. Detrimental effects of chemotherapy on the germ cells depend on many factors including primary semen parameters, the way of drug administration, the kind and dose of chemotherapeutic regimens, and the phase of spermatogenesis during the time of drug administration. Lack of appropriate fertility preservation treatments particularly in the affected children necessitates the introduction of methods to amend the harmful effects of chemotherapeutic agents on male germ cells. Several studies have assessed the toxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents in rodent models and tested a number of antioxidants to evaluate their possible impact on the preservation of sperm cells. In the present manuscript, we describe the effects of the mostly investigated chemotherapeutic drugs in this regard i.e., cisplatin, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, and cyclophosphamide. As several in vivo and in vitro studies have shown the impact of antioxidants on chemotherapy-induced damage of sperms, we also describe the protective effects of antioxidants in this regard.

Paclitaxel is a broad-spectrum anticancer compound, which was derived mainly from a medicinal plant, in particular, from the bark of the yew tree Taxus brevifolia Nutt. It is a representative of a class of diterpene taxanes, which are nowadays used as the most common chemotherapeutic agent against many forms of cancer. It possesses scientifically proven anticancer activity against, e.g., ovarian, lung, and breast cancers. The application of this compound is difficult because of limited solubility, recrystalization upon dilution, and cosolvent-induced toxicity. In these cases, nanotechnology and nanoparticles provide certain advantages such as increased drug half-life, lowered toxicity, and specific and selective delivery over free drugs. Nanodrugs possess the capability to buildup in the tissue which might be linked to enhanced permeability and retention as well as enhanced antitumour influence possessing minimal toxicity in normal tissues. This article presents information about paclitaxel, its chemical structure, formulations, mechanism of action, and toxicity. Attention is drawn on nanotechnology, the usefulness of nanoparticles containing paclitaxel, its opportunities, and also future perspective. This review article is aimed at summarizing the current state of continuous pharmaceutical development and employment of nanotechnology in the enhancement of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic features of paclitaxel as a chemotherapeutic agent.

Wogonin is a flavonoid found in different plants such as roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi distributed mainly in Asia and Europe. Dried root extracts of S. baicalensis with high content of wogonin, popularly known as "Huang-Qin" or Chinese or baical skullcap, have been used for long time in traditional Chinese medicine. Several health benefits are attributed to wogonin and derivatives showing anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer, and antioxidant effects and more recently antineurodegenerative properties. Preclinical pharmacological activities of wogonin against diverse types of cancer such as breast, colorectal, and human gastric cancer will be presented in this review. In addition, studies on oxidative stress and bioavailability of wogonin will be discussed together with antineurodegenerative potential with special focus on Alzheimer's disease. Outcomes extracted from the last preclinical studies related to therapeutic applications of wogonin will be commented and updated in this review. The scientific evidence collected in this review aims to encourage transfer of the preclinical evidence of wogonin to new clinical studies. CONICYT PIA/APOYO CCTE: AFB170007 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Athyrium plants consist of more than 230 species that are largely distributed in the Sino-Himalayan region and the Western Pacific islands. Athyrium species are being used in traditional medicine worldwide to treat various ailments such as cough, rheumatic pain, scorpion stings, sores, burns and scalds, intestinal fever, pain, specifically breast pain during child birth, to increase milk flow, as an antiparasitic, anthelmintic, and carminative. A deep look in the literature has revealed that Athyrium species have been poorly investigated for their food preservative applications and in vivo and in vitro biological and phytochemical studies. However, some Athyrium species have demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative and anti-HIV potential. Athyrium multidentatum (Doll.) Ching is the most investigated species and the biological activities of their extracts, such as they antioxidant properties, seem to be related to the sulfate contents of their polysaccharides. This review provides an update on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and biological properties of Athyrium plants that might be useful for further research. Of course, well-designed clinical trials will be required for some species to be used as therapy. Keywords: Athyrium, Ethnobotany, Ethnopharmacology, Biological activities, Phytoconstituents

Objective The detailed knowledge about protective effects of capsaicin (cap) and involved mechanisms against testicular torsion (TT) is still not available completely. Methods Male Wistar rats were assigned into four major cohorts: (i) sham, (ii) TT, (iii) three subgroups subjected to TT and different doses of cap (100, 500, and 1000 µg/mL), and (iv) three subgroups of healthy animals subjected to various concentrations of cap. The animals were decapitated at 24 h after reperfusion, and the evaluation of protein expression was performed by Western blotting assay. At 72 h after reperfusion, apoptotic cell death and tissue injury were evaluated by TUNEL nuclear and H&E staining, respectively. Results The results showed that cap administration following TT significantly increased the expression of tuberous sclerosis proteins 1 and 2 (Tsc1/Tsc2) in a dose-dependent manner (P Conclusion Collectively, our findings demonstrate the validity of cap as a therapeutic agent against TT through targeting Tsc1/Tsc2 in a dose-dependent manner.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 is a target for the management of cancer. Here, the anti-proliferation properties of corosolic acid (CA) against A549 human lung epithelial cancer cells in CoCl2-induced hypoxia is reported. CA was isolated from the roots of Salvia syriaca based on a bioassay-guided isolation platform and identified by 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Several cytotoxicies and genotoxicity analyses were performed using MTT, DAPI, cell cycle, DNA ladder, and annexin V/PI detection. Cobalt chloride (CoCl2) was used to stimulate hypoxia. The adaptation of A549 cells to a stimulated hypoxic condition in the presence of CA was evaluated. CA decreased the growth of A549 cells with an IC50 of 12 μg/mL at 48 h. Also, chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation were detected as signs of apoptosis occurrence. CA induced ~85% apoptosis and even 1% necrosis. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α), HIF-1β and downstream genes was strongly suppressed in the presence of CA in CoCl2-stimulated hypoxia condition. Results indicated that CA has remarkable cytotoxicity against the cancerous cell in hypoxia condition and may be regarded for preparation of new formulations for possible uses as supplement and medicine in cancer therapy.

Background Thymus genus has been used since ancient times for their valuable health properties, which could be attributed to their chemical components, especially essential oils (EOs). Among these species, T. vulgaris has a long history of use for different food and medicinal purposes. Scope and approach This paper reviews the chemical composition of Thymus plants EOs, including thyme, describes their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties as well as recent food applications as preservatives. The role of these plants in cancer is also covered, as well as the potential these plants have to manage and treat other diseases. Furthermore, clinical studies are also detailed. Key findings and conclusions Food preservation with naturally occurring compounds is gaining increasing importance due to the consumer demand for safe and high-quality products and to reduce the use of synthetic preservatives. For this purpose, not only thyme but also other thymus plants can be used as such and combined with high-pressure, cold nitrogen plasma, in edible films (active packaging), etc. Moreover, the potential of these plants have to treat several diseases and complications reinforce their use in nutraceuticals and functional foods, but further clinical evidence is required.

Circular RNAs are a group of ancient but recently appreciated transcripts that affect carcinogenesis. An example of cancer-related circular RNAs is circ_CDR1as. It is mostly regarded as an oncogenic circular RNA, yet in bladder cancer and glioma it has the opposite effect. In gastric and ovarian cancer, both roles have been reported for this circular RNA. Circ_CDR1as has regulatory effects on miR-1270/AFP, miR-1287/Raf1, miR-7-5p/KLF4, miR-641/HOXA9, miR-219a-5p/SOX5, miR-7/HOXB13 and miR-876-5p/MAGE-A molecular axes. miR-7 is the most appreciated interacting miRNA with circ_CDR1as, since its interaction with circ_CDR1as has been validated in liver cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal carcinoma, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and osteosarcoma. The present article aims at summarization of the role of circ_CDR1as in neoplasms and its application as a biomarker in human cancers.