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Background: One of the most widely used medicinal plants in Iranian traditional medicine, Rosa × damascena Herrm. (mohammadi flower) that the people of Kashan use as a sedative and to treat nervous diseases and constipation. In this research, the yield, chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of this plant were evaluated for the first time from Azaran region, Kashan. Methods: The essential oil was extracted by means of hydrodistillation (Clevenger), and its chemical compounds were identified and determined by GC/MS. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was determined by the diffusion method in agar, the minimum growth inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum concentration capable of killing bacterial/fungal microorganisms (MBC/MFC). Results: The results showed that the yield of essential oil was 0.1586 ± 0.0331% (w/w). Based on the results of the chemical composition analysis of R. x damascena essential oil, 19 different compounds (98.96%) were identified. The dominant and main components of the essential oil were oleic acid (48.08%), palmitic acid (15.44%), stearic acid (10.17%), citronellol (7.37%) and nonadecane (3.70%). Based on the results of diffusion in agar, the highest zone of inhibition against Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) was ~ 9.5 mm. The strongest inhibitory activity of R. x damascena essential oil against Gram-negative Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 43071) was with the diameter of the inhibition zone (~ 9 mm), which was equal to the strength of rifampin (~ 9 mm). Conclusion: Therefore, this essential oil is a promising natural option rich in fatty acids, which can be a potential for the production of natural antimicrobials against infectious diseases, especially urinary tract infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The potent antiplasmodial activity of 1-hydroxy-5,6,7-trimethoxyxanthone (HTX), isolated from Mammea siamensis T. Anders. flowers, has previously been demonstrated in vitro. However, its in vivo activity has not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antimalarial activity and acute toxicity of HTX in a mouse model and to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of HTX following a single intraperitoneal administration. Methods: The in vivo antimalarial activity of HTX was evaluated using a 4-day suppressive test. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain and given HTX daily for 4 days. To detect acute toxicity, mice received a single dose of HTX and were observed for 14 days. Additionally, the biochemical parameters of the liver and kidney functions as well as the histopathology of liver and kidney tissues were examined. HTX pharmacokinetics after intraperitoneal administration was also investigated in a mouse model. Liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was used to quantify plasma HTX and calculate pharmacokinetic parameters with the PKSolver software. Results: HTX at 10 mg/kg body weight significantly suppressed parasitemia in malaria-infected mice by 74.26%. Mice treated with 3 mg/kg HTX showed 46.88% suppression, whereas mice treated with 1 mg/kg displayed 34.56% suppression. Additionally, no symptoms of acute toxicity were observed in the HTX-treated groups. There were no significant alterations in the biochemical parameters of the liver and kidney functions and no histological changes in liver or kidney tissues. Following intraperitoneal HTX administration, the pharmacokinetic profile exhibited a maximum concentration (Cmax) of 94.02 ng/mL, time to attain Cmax (Tmax) of 0.5 h, mean resident time of 14.80 h, and elimination half-life of 13.88 h. Conclusions: HTX has in vivo antimalarial properties against P. berghei infection. Acute toxicity studies of HTX did not show behavioral changes or mortality. The median lethal dose was greater than 50 mg/kg body weight. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that HTX has a long elimination half-life; hence, shortening the duration of malaria treatment may be required to minimize toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the potential health benefits of clove and its main bioactive compound, eugenol. Topics discussed include the various uses of clove in culinary, medicinal, and commercial applications, as well as its antimicrobial effects, management of diabetes, and amelioration of neurological problems.

The article focuses on Echinacea purpurea, a member of the daisy family, providing information about its botanical characteristics, historical use by Native Americans, and its role as a medicinal plant, particularly in immune support. It highlights the species cultivation and commercial supply, emphasizing its significance in the herbal products market.

The article focuses on Japanese sophora tree, also known as pagoda tree or Chinese scholar tree which is a tall deciduous tree in the pea or legume family that can reach several meter in height. Topics include considered the tree does not begin flowering until it is 30 to 40 years old, after which inflorescences of creamy white flowers, about 1 cm long, appear as clusters at the ends of branches.

Safe depigmenting agents are currently increasing in the cosmetic or pharmaceutical industry because various compounds have been found to have undesirable side effects. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the melanogenesis inhibitory effects of Prunus cerasoides Buch. -Ham. D. Don. flower extracts and their molecular mechanism in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. Moreover, we also examined phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, chemical constituents of potential extracts, and molecular docking. The highest phenolic and flavonoid contents with the greatest scavenging activity were found in the butanol extract of the P. cerasoides flower compared to other extracts. From all extracts, only crude, diethyl ether, and butanol extracts showed an inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity, cellular tyrosinase activity, and melanin content as well as the downregulation of the gene expression of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), and tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP-2) in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells. Based on the molecular docking study, n-hexadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, 9,12,15-octadecanoic acid, and eicosanoic acid might show an inhibitory effect against tyrosinase and MITF. In conclusion, this finding demonstrates that both the diethyl ether and butanol extracts of the P. cerasoides flower can effectively reduce tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis through the downregulation of the melanogenic gene expression in B16F10 cells and through the molecular docking study. Taken together, the diethyl ether and butanol extracts of the P. cerasoides flower could be an anti-melanogenic ingredient for hyperpigmentary or melasma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The demand for safe and efficacious botanical formulations to increase muscle mass, strength, and stamina is increasing among athletes and the general population. The nutraceutical supplements of medicinal plant origin exert minimal health concern. Objective: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was aimed to evaluate the ergogenic potential of a proprietary, standardized formulation (LI12542F6) of Sphaeranthus indicus flower head and Mangifera indica stem bark extracts. Methods: Forty male participants 18-40 years of age were assigned to receive either a placebo (n = 20) or 650 mg/day LI12542F6 (n = 20) for 56 days. All participants performed a fixed set of resistance exercises during the intervention. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline muscle strength, assessed by one-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench and leg presses, and handgrip strength. The secondary endpoints included cable pull-down repetitions, time to exhaustion on a treadmill, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), body composition using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and free testosterone and cortisol levels in serum. Results: Fifty-six days supplementation of LI12542F6 significantly improved baseline bench press (P < 0.0001), leg press (P < 0.0001), handgrip strength (P < 0.0006), number of repetitions (P < 0.0001), and time to exhaustion (P < 0.0008), compared to placebo. Post-trial, the LI12542F6 group also showed significantly increased MUAC and improved body composition and serum hormone levels. The participants' hematology, clinical chemistry, and vital signs were within the normal range. No adverse events were observed. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that LI12542F6 supplementation significantly increases muscle strength and size and improves endurance in healthy men. Also, LI12542F6 is well-tolerated by the participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fever is the most common reason for children's visits to medical centers. Its management is an essential duty of a pediatric nurse. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of body wash with Marshmallow plant on children's fever. Methods: This parallel clinical trial was performed on 92 children aged 6 months to 10 years with a tympanic temperature above 38.3 °C. Participants were randomly assigned to groups. Simultaneously with receiving acetaminophen, body wash was performed in the control group with lukewarm water and in the intervention group with white Marshmallow extract. The children's temperature; from the beginning of the study was checked and recorded every 15 min in the first hour and in the 4th and 6th hours. The time duration to resolve fever, the frequency of afebrile children at different times of the study, and the value of temperature reduction were primary outcomes. Heart rate, the need to administer the next dose of acetaminophen, and the time of fever recurrence were recorded as secondary outcomes. Results: The mean time duration to resolve fever in the intervention group was shorter than in the control group (B = 8.181, 95% CI 3.778–12.584, p < 0.001). The frequency of the children without fever was higher in the intervention group during different times of the study (p < 0.001). The mean value of temperature reduction in the intervention group was higher than the control group (B = -0.27 °C, 95% CI: -0.347 to -0.193, P < 0.001), although, after adjusting the effect of confounding variables it was not significant (P = 0.127). The mean of adjusted heart rate change (p = 0.771), the time of fever recurrence (P = 0.397), and the frequency of children requiring the next dose of acetaminophen (p = 0.397) did not show a significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: Body wash with Marshmallow extract reduced children's fever in a shorter period of time and to some extent a greater extent than the control group without side effects. Therefore, it can be used as an effective and safe complementary method to help reduce fever. However, more studies are necessary for this field. Trial registration: Registration in Iranian Clinical Trials (RCTs) on 31.08.2020 with registration code: IRCT20200809048345N1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this article was to map the use of Bach flower remedies in adult health care. The studies reported that the following flower essences were used: Impatiens , Cherry Plum , White Chestnut , and Beech. When applied in 4 diluted drops, they helped reducing anxiety, depression, fear, and pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn stigma (CS), derived from the stigma and style of gramineous plant Zea mays. The medicinal use of CS can be traced back to Dian Nan Materia Medica. Lingnan Medicinal Plants Compendium records its effectiveness in ameliorating diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and the consequent chronic complications of kidney, heart, brain and other organs, which pose a significant threat to human health. CS has shown great potential in relieving hyperglycemia associated with diabetes. However, the mechanism of CS in treating diabetes remains unclear. To explore the pathogenesis of diabetes and the mechanism of CS improving hyperglycemia in diabetes. We measured apigenin and luteolin contents in CS by UPLC/MS/MS method. Selecting Wistar rats as normal group, and GK rats as model group. For rats, we detected glucose and lipid metabolism indicators, including GHb, AST, ALT, U-Glu, UA, U-TP, U-ALB, and ACR after treatment. For zebrafish, we utilized alloxan and sucrose to establish the diabetes model. Measuring zebrafish blood glucose is employed to evaluate the hypoglycemic capability of CS. In order to explore the mechanism of CS in treating diabetes, we sequenced the transcriptome of zebrafish, compared differentially expressed genes of normal, diabetic, and CS-treated group, and validated multiple enrichment pathways by PCR. CS can improve blood glucose levels in both GK rats and diabetic zebrafish. For rats, CS partially restored glucose and lipid metabolism indicators. Transcriptome data from zebrafish showed a close correlation with steroid biosynthesis. The RNA-Sequencing was consistent with PCR results, indicating that CS downregulated gene (fdft1, lss, cyp51) expression concerned with steroid biosynthesis pathway in the diabetes model. CS effectively improved blood glucose levels, regulated glucose and lipid metabolism by suppressing gene expression in steroid biosynthesis pathway, and ameliorated hyperglycemia. Our research provides valuable insights for CS in the treatment of diabetes, and proposes a new strategy for selecting clinical medications for diabetes. [Display omitted] • Corn stigma is an affordable, effective and safe Chinese herbal medicine with significant development potential. • Corn stigma can improve metabolic indicators such as blood glucose level in diabetes. • Corn stigma can downregulate steroid biosynthesis pathway in diabetes. • Corn stigma can relieve diabetes by regulating carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Hakka are a subgroup of the Han Chinese, originally from northern China and mainly living in southern China now. Over hundreds of years, the Hakka have developed their own medical practices to prevent and cure diseases, such as medicinal soup, an important characteristic of Hakka cuisine. This study aims at documenting plant taxa used to make Hakka medicinal soup, along with their associated ethnomedical knowledge. Methods: Data on Hakka soup-making plants were collected through key-informant interviews, semi-structured interviews, participatory field collection, and direct observation. The choosing of participants has followed the snowball sampling method. Herbs used for preparing medicinal soup were purchased on the local market or collected from the wild, and voucher specimens were collected and identified. The study result was also compared with published studies on soup-making plants in other parts of Guangdong province and the Hakka areas in Fujian Province of China. Results: Eighty-three taxa belonging to 70 genera within 38 families were listed by our informants as being used to treat 55 kinds of health problems. Most documented plants are herbaceous species, followed by shrubs and woody liana. Roots were the most frequently used plant parts for medicinal purposes, followed, in descending order, by the whole plant, rhizomes, and flowers. Most plants used to prepare medicinal soup are wild-harvested (56 species), 4 cultivated, and 23 wild harvested or cultivated. According to the comparison, 18 Hakka medicinal soup species are shown both in Fujian Province and Guangdong Province. The Hakka soup-making plants in both provinces share very similar therapeutic functions. This study helps to extend the Hakka menu in both provinces. The study comparison also showed a big difference in the herb ingredients between Guangdong Hakka medicinal soup and Cantonese slow-cooked soup. Conclusion: Hakka medicinal soup is an important feature of the Hakka dietary culture. More studies are needed to be undertaken, especially on the efficacy and safety of this medicinal soup. Moreover, cultivation and conservation efforts are required to ensure the sustainability of the species that are used as ingredients in the soup. Consequently, further commercial development of medicinal soup should be promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chuju is a special Chinese flower tea with extensive health benefits. In this study, we have examined the effects of crude Chuju polysaccharides on alloxan-induced diabetic mice by measuring fasting blood glucose, insulin-related index, activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and content of malondialdehyde in the serum and liver. The results show that the treatment led to increased insulin sensitivity and decreased fasting glucose. The blood and liver levels of malondialdehyde decreased, whereas superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels were elevated by crude Chuju polysaccharides in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. These data support a basis for clinical investigations on crude Chuju polysaccharides in diabetic human subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) with astringent activities and Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile) with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are natural remedies used for various skin disorders, including wound healing. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the individual and combined wound healing activity of the methanol extracts of pomegranate and chamomile flowers. Methods: After preparing the menthol fraction of pomegranate and chamomile flowers, the content of total phenols, total tannins, and total flavonoids of fractions was measured. For standardization of pomegranate and chamomile fractions, Gallic acid and apigenin-7-O-glucoside contents of them were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, their antioxidant activities were examined using DPPH and FRAP tests. The antimicrobial assay was performed against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Three different concentrations of methanol fraction of each plant and one combination dose of fractions were investigated for their wound healing activities in an excision wound model on the rats' dorsum. Finally, histopathological studies were done at the end of the experiment. Results: Phytochemical examinations showed high amounts of phenolic compounds in pomegranate flowers, while chamomile flower fractions contained a high amount of total flavonoids. Both fractions, especially pomegranate, had potent antioxidant activity. The best results for wound closure were observed 7 days after wound induction. All treated groups exhibited superior wound contraction compared to their placebo at all measurement times. The combined form of pomegranate and chamomile had better wound healing properties compared to a single therapy, especially on time earlier to wound induction. Conclusion: This study represented high antioxidant and wound healing activities for methanol fraction of pomegranate and chamomile flowers, which could be related to their high content of phytochemicals. In comparison with single herb treatment, the combined form of these two fractions in lower concentrations accelerated wound closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of flower therapy for the treatment of anxiety in overweight or obese adults with that of a placebo. The authors examined improvement in sleep patterns, reduction in binge eating, and change in resting heart rate (RHR). Design: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with a parallel-group design and two arms. Setting/Location: Clinical Research Unit, Medical School, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil. Subjects: The study included 40 participants in the placebo group and 41 in the intervention group. Participants were of both genders, from 20 to 59 years of age, overweight or obese, with moderate to high anxiety. Interventions: The participants were divided into two random groups: one group was treated with Bach flower remedies (BFR) (bottles containing 30 mL of 30% hydro-brandy solution with two drops each of Impatiens, White Chestnut, Cherry Plum, Chicory, Crab Apple, and Pine), and the other group was given a placebo (same solution without BFR). The patients were instructed to orally ingest the solution by placing four drops directly in the mouth four times a day for 4 weeks. Outcome measures: The primary outcome was anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]). Secondary outcomes were sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), binge eating (Binge Eating Scale [BES]), and RHR (electrocardiogram). Results: Multivariate analysis showed significant reductions in scores for the following variables in the intervention group when compared with the placebo group: STAI (β = −0.190; p < 0.001), PSQI (β = −0.160; p = 0.027), BES (β = −0.226; p = 0.001), and RHR (β = −0.07; p = 0.003). Conclusions: The anxiety symptoms, binge eating, and RHRs of the individuals treated with flower therapy decreased, and their sleep patterns improved when compared with those treated with the placebo. Registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (no. RBR-47-kfxh). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common ethnomedicinal plants being effective in respiratory disorders were studied for the first time in Bahawalpur District. The herbal medication represents a low-cost treatment for the local community. There is a need for documenting the traditional uses of plants for further investigation of bioactive compounds. Using a qualitative approach, the ethnobotanical data was collected from the district of Bahawalpur, Pakistan, from February 2018 to February 2020 through semistructured interviews with the local people and traditional healers. The quantitative analysis included use value, informant consensus factor, family importance value, and relative frequency citation. A total of 20 indigenous plants belonging to 17 families were documented from 185 informants. These plants were claimed to be used for the treatment of 10 respiratory ailments. The plant habit, part of the plant used, and mode of preparation were standardized for authentication. The herbs are the most used life form (55%), while trees and shrubs are also used. Leaves dominate with high use value (47.62%) followed by fruit, stem, flower, and other parts of plants. For the preparation of traditional remedies, decoction (76.19%) and extract (71.43%) are common preparation methods. However, other methods of paste infusion, powder juice, and ash are used to a lower extent. The plants with higher use value are Glycyrrhiza glabra, Acacia arabica, and Mentha piperita; these have significant potential therapeutic activity for respiratory disease. The ethnomedicinal importance of plants against respiratory diseases used by the local population (traditional healers) is the commercial availability of the herbal product. It is a first-time study in this area to fill the gap between traditional practices and synthetic medicine to screen out the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of plants that have a highly futuristic use value to develop antibiotic drug with least side effects by using sustainable methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of home remedies in the management of minor health complaints is an area of health care that up to date has not been yet extensively researched. Regarding existing literature, there are numerous information can be heard, but scientific literature is scarce. The purpose of this study is to properly determine the efficacy of Philippine Ageratina Adenophora as home remedy to stop bleeding in minor wounds or tissue trauma. Three concentrations were determined from the extracts of the plant where tap water was the diluent. Control variable was used to see if differences exist. It has been noted that the higher the concentration of the extract, the higher its potency. It was also validated that, significant difference between the two variables was noted at which, the extract of the experimental variable has shorter clotting time than the control variable. Indeed, it is important to dessiminate the importance of the Philippine Ageratina Adenophora and learn how it will be propagated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Studies have reported contradictory findings regarding the efficacy of chemical mouthwashes for chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to compare the effect of the combined solution of grape vinegar and rose water versus chlorhexidine mouthwash on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. METHODS: 60 patients were randomly assigned to either chlorhexidine or the vinegar and rose water solution. Fifty-three patients completed the study. Patients rinsed their mouths with mouthwash three times a day for 14 days. FINDINGS: Chlorhexidine mouthwash and the grape vinegar and rose water solution decreased chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. The therapeutic property of the grape vinegar and rose water solution was similar to that of chlorhexidine mouthwash in treating oral mucositis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to investigate the effect of extracts from Rosa gallica petals (RPE) on skin whitening and anti-wrinkle activity. Tyrosinase activity was attenuated by RPE treatment, concomitant with the reduction of melanin accumulation in human B16F10 melanoma. Treatment of the facial skin of volunteers in a clinical trial with an RPE-containing formulation enhanced skin brightness (L* value) significantly. The underlying mechanism responsible was determined to be associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. In addition, RPE exhibited anti-wrinkle formation activity of human dermal fibroblasts by suppressing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 level. In vivo study, RPE also inhibited solar ultraviolet-stimulated MMP-1 level by c-Jun regulation. Overall, our findings indicate that RPE evokes skin whitening and anti-wrinkle formation activity by regulating intracellular signaling, supporting its utility as an ingredient for skin whitening and anti-wrinkle cosmetic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hibiscus rosa sinensis L. is one of medicinal plant and belongs to the family Malvaceae, Hibiscus species are used in the treatment of many disease, flowers are used to stimulate hair growth, wounds healing activity, anti-parasitic effect, Antidiabetic anti-hyperlipidemic activity. and have many pharmacological properties including anti-fertility, antipyretic, antispasmodic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and many more. This study was conducted in the department of Biology /College of Science/University of Babylon/Iraq, to evaluate the Effect of Phenolic Extract of Hibiscus rosa - sinensis L. flowers on some biomarkers and gene expression in Albino male Rats .The overall number of animals used were 32 male rats aged 2-3 months. The results showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the level of Testosterone and Progesterone in treated rats as compared with control groups for 30 and 60 days. Also the result revealed a significant decrease ( p< 0.05) in the expression of the androgen receptors and progesterone receptor in the testicular cells treatment group with phenolic compounds of H. rosa- sinensis flowers at a dose of 300mg / kg /day of body weight for 60 days compared to control groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carthami flos is a dried flower of the Asteraceae plant Carthamus tinctorius (L.). Danhong injection, composed of Carthami flos and Danshen can prevent the formation of postoperative peritoneal adhesions. Quercetin (QUE), an active compound of Carthami flos , has also been proved to prevent postoperative abdominal and uterine cavity adhesions. However, whether QUE is the key component in Carthami flos and the mechanism in preventing postoperative peritoneal adhesions has not been studied. To predict whether QUE is the key molecule in Carthami flos and explore the effect and mechanism of QUE in preventing postoperative peritoneal adhesions. Drug composition and target analysis was used to predict the key component in Carthami flos. The method of cecum-sidewall abrasion was used to establish adhesion models, and the antiadhesion effect of QUE was evaluated with the adhesion scoring system. Network pharmacology was used to predict the targets and potential mechanism of QUE in preventing adhesion. The mechanism was further verified by immunofluorescence, Western blot, wound healing experiment, and molecular docking. Quercetin was predicted to be the key to preventing postoperative peritoneal adhesions in Carthami flos. Animal experiments revealed that QUE effectively ameliorated adhesions and reduced the expression of mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT) related markers and TGF-β1. Moreover, the TGF-β1/PI3K/AKT pathway was predicted via protein-protein interaction and Kyoto encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis to play a crucial part in preventing adhesion by QUE. Furthermore, in vitro experiments and molecular docking demonstrated that QUE could block the TGF-β1/PI3K/AKT pathway through forming a stable combination with TβR-II, thereby inhibiting MMT and ameliorating peritoneal adhesion. QUE can not only reduce postoperative TGF-β1 but also block the TGF-β1/PI3K/AKT pathway to inhibit MMT of mesothelial cells, and finally alleviate postoperative peritoneal adhesions. These findings may provide insights towards development of a safe and effective anti-adhesive drug for prevention of postoperative peritoneal adhesions. QUE can reduce the production of TGF-β1 after operation and inhibit MMT of mesothelial cells by binding to TβR-II to block the TGF-β1/PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby reducing fibrosis and alleviating the formation of peritoneal adhesions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants and fungi have a long tradition in ethnopharmacology for the treatment of infectious diseases including viruses. Many of these natural products have also been used to combat SARS-CoV-2 infections or symptoms of the post- and long-COVID form, owing to the scarcity of clinically approved therapeutics. The ongoing threat posed by SARS-CoV-2, along with the rapidly evolving new variants, requires the development of new antiviral compounds. The aim of this study was to identify anti-SARS-CoV-2 herbal and fungal extracts used in traditional medicine against acute respiratory infection, inflammation, and related symptoms. Additionally, we sought to characterize their bioactive constituents. The antiviral activity and cell cytotoxicity of 179 herbal and fungal extracts were evaluated using two SARS-CoV-2 infection assays in Caco-2 cells. 19 plant extracts with and without anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity underwent detailed dereplication using molecular networking. Extracts from Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels roots, Annona squamosa L. seeds, Azadirachta indica A. Juss. fruits, Buddleja officinalis Maxim. flowers, Burkea africana Hook. bark and Clinopodium menthifolium (Host) Stace aerial parts showed a potent anti SARS-CoV-2 activity (IC 50 < 5 μg/ml) with only moderate cytotoxicity (CC 50 > 60 μg/ml, Caco-2). By performing the dereplication with a bioactivity-featured molecular network (MN) on the extract library level, rather than on the level of individual extracts, we could pinpoint compounds characteristic for active extracts. Thus, a straight-forward identification of potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 natural compounds was achieved prior to any fractionation or isolation efforts. A sophisticated hyphenation of empirical knowledge with MS-based bioinformatics and automated compound annotation was applied to decipher the chemical space of the investigated extracts. The correlation with experimentally assessed anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities helped in predicting compound classes and structural elements relevant for the antiviral activities. Consequently, this accelerated the identification of constituents from the investigated mixtures with inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2. [Display omitted] • 179 Extracts from plants and fungi traditionally used to treat respiratory infections and inflammation were tested for anti SARS-CoV-2 activity. • Extracts from Angelica sinensis , Annona squamosa , Azadirachta indica and Buddleja officinalis showed anti SARS-CoV-2 activity (IC 50 < 5 μg/ml). • The extracts were dereplicated using molecular networking providing crucial chemical insight into compound classes with antiviral activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension (HT) is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). This study aimed to evaluate the suppressive effect of Nymphaea lotus (N. lotus) on erectile dysfunction induced by NO deficiency in rat. 40 male rats equally divided into 4 groups received an oral treatment with 10 mg/kg/day of L-NAME, a NO blocker, during 4 weeks. Control group composed of 10 male rats received only distilled water (10 mL/kg). Thereafter oral treatments with N. lotus (75 and 200 mg/kg/day) and losartan (10 mg/kg/day) started and continued concomitantly with L-NAME in 3 groups for 4 additional weeks. Normal and negative controls received only distilled water. Sexual behaviour, orientation activities, anxiety, and penile histomorphology were evaluated at the end of treatment. L-NAME administration elevated significantly the blood pressure in male rats and decreased the copulatory rate by enhancing intromission latency and decreasing the numbers of intromission and ejaculation. However, the sexual motivation remains unaltered by chronic NO blockage suggesting that L-NAME induces penile dysfunction mainly by peripheral mechanisms. L-NAME chronic intake also induced anxiety, 4 weeks of N. lotus cotreatment prevented inhibitory effects of L-NAME on male sexual behaviour by shortening mainly ejaculation latency and postejaculatory interval while losartan does not. Losartan proved to be a more effective drug to decrease the blood pressure compared to the plant extract. Effectively, Nymphea lotus was able to reverse totally at 75 mg/kg the increment of hemodynamic parameters and the histological damage and exhibit anxiolytic-like effects in hypertensive male rats. Nymphaea lotus uses NO pathway to facilitate sexual responses at central and peripheral levels and can have a double medicinal use, against anxiety and erectile dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The plant kingdom is rich with a numerous number of plants with various medical properties which can be used to treat various medical issues. Sri Lanka is a country full of biodiversity which is gifted with many plant resources. It has a rich history of traditional medicine systems consisting of Ayurveda, Unani, and Deshiya Chikitsa, where these plant resources are used as remedies for the diseases. In the traditional medicine system, various plant parts such as leaves, roots, fruits, flowers, and bark are used to treat disease conditions. Although less attention is paid to the medicinal importance of the flowers, some of them have been used to treat many diseases from the ancient time. Some properties of the flowers may differ from the properties of the other plant parts. For example, Sesbania grandiflora (Katuru murunga) flowers have shown anticancer properties against various cell models whereas some flowers have shown antispermatogenic properties. Flowers of Woodfordia floribunda (Militta) are added as fermenting agents in the preparation of Arishtas in Ayurveda. Also the most popular Clove oil is obtained from the flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (Karabu-neti) which is used to treat toothaches since it has antibiotic and antiseptic properties. This article gives an overview of herbal flowers used in the traditional medicine system of Sri Lanka and their pharmacological importance. Method. A comprehensive literature survey was done on the medicinally important flowers in Sri Lanka. Data was collected from Libraries of Ayurveda in Sri Lanka and from scientific databases. Results. According to the survey many flowers are used as astringent, cardiac tonic, and febrifuge. Also some flowers are used to treat dysentery, diarrhoea, and indigestion. Some flowers are useful in the treatment of bleeding piles while some are useful in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis. Conclusion. It was revealed that there are many flowers with valuable therapeutic effects. Traditional medicine systems prevailing in Sri Lanka have made use of these flowers with therapeutic effects to cure so many diseases. The review of medicinally important herbal flowers provides knowledge and pharmacological leads which will help for the wellbeing of the human beings. Although there are phytochemical studies done to identify the chemical compounds on some flowers, chemical composition of many flowers remains unrevealed. So further studies need to be done to identify the chemical composition of these flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Licorice and Yuanhua are both famous herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and their combination is used by some TCM doctors to treat renal and gastrointestinal diseases as well as tumors. On the other hand, the compatibility theory of TCM warns that toxic effects might be triggered by Licorice-Yuanhua combination. The usability of Licorice-Yuanhua combination has long been controversial due to lack of evidence and mechanism illustration. Colonic hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) metabolism imbalance is closely related with colonic inflammation, tumor promotion and many other diseases. Aim of the study This study was carried out to investigate if licorice-Yuanhua combination could induce potential toxic effects in the aspect of colonic H 2 S metabolism. Materials and methods Normal mice were treated with high or low doses of Licorice, Yuanhua and Licorice-Yuanhua combination. Fecal H 2 S concentration was measured by colorimetric method, colon sulfomucin production was compared through tissue staining, fecal microbiota and microbial metagenomes were analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing and data mining. Results Data shows that although licorice cannot change colonic H 2 S concentration, it can exacerbate Yuanhua induced H 2 S rising. Licorice or Yuanhua increases colon sulfomucin production, and their combination further enhances this effect. 16S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed that licorice or Yuanhua has little influence on gut microbiota, however, licorice-Yuanhua combination can impact gut microbiota structural balance and increase the abundance of Desulfovibrio genus and other related genera. Moreover, the combination extensively changes microbial metagenomes, influencing 1172 genes that cannot be changed by individual licorice or Yuanhua. By searching in KEGG database, ten genes are annotated with H 2 S producing gene, and these genes are remarkably increased by licorice-Yuanhua combination, more significantly than licorice or Yuanhua. Conclusions This study provides evidences and mechanisms for licorice induced risks, which is related with colonic H 2 S metabolism disturbance, gut microbiota and microbial metagenomes. More risk assessment should be evaluated when licorice was used in combination with foods, herbs or drugs. The study provides an example where healthy risks can be induced by combination of food additive, herbs or drugs, through regulating gut microbiota and its metagenomes. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Under particular circumstance, licorice exacerbates the unbalance of colonic H 2 S homeostasis even under clinical doses. • This study proves the possibility that potential toxic effect could be induced by combination of foods, herbs or drugs. • Special metabolites, metagenomes and gut microbiota were systematically studied as toxicity evaluation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Oxidative stress is a critical cause for the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that screening natural antioxidant and pharmacological targeting of mechanism need more attention. Natural plant polysaccharides are the primary group of natural antioxidants showing mighty antioxidant activity. Therefore, a polysaccharide (AFP-2) from flowers of Apios americana Medik was isolated, purified and characterized. Then, a H 2 O 2 -induced PC12 cells oxidative stress model was established to investigate the neuroprotective role of AFP-2 and to clarify the potential mechanism of action against H 2 O 2 -induced neurotoxicity. It was found that AFP-2 reduced ROS production and mitochondrial damage caused by hydrogen peroxide in PC12 cells. In addition, data from transmission electron microscope and western blot displayed that AFP-2 significantly activated autophagy in PC12 cells via Akt-mTOR pathway. These results together qualify AFP-2 as an interesting natural polysaccharide worth further investigation as a neuroprotective agent. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • A polysaccharide (AFP-2) was purified from Apios americana Medikus flowers. • AFP-2 protected against oxidative stress in H 2 O 2 -induced PC12 cells. • AFP-2 mediated autophagy was a potential anti-oxidation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The nanoflowers could catalyze the ABTS to a colored product. • Integrating the functions of both biological recognition and signal amplification. • A colorimetric biosensing platform was newly constructed. • A useful biocatalyst for bacteria detection and biomedical analysis. Abstract Rapid, sensitive and point-of-care detection of foodborne pathogenic bacteria is essential for food safety. In this study, we found that hemin-concanavalin A hybrid nanoflowers (HCH nanoflowers), as solid mimic peroxidase, could catalyze oxidation of 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) in the presence of H 2 O 2 to a green-colored product. HCH nanoflowers, integrating the essential functions of both biological recognition and signal amplification, meet the requirements of signal labels for colorimetric immunoassay of bacteria. In view of the excellent peroxidase mimetic catalytic activity of HCH nanoflowers, a colorimetric biosensing platform was newly constructed and applied for sensitive detection of foodborne Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7). The corresponding detection limits was as low as 4.1 CFU/mL with wide linear ranges (101–106 CFU/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aster incisus is a common flower found in almost all regions of South Korea. In the current study, we investigated the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the Aster incisus methanol extract in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. We analyzed the phytochemicals contained in the extract by GC-MS. GC-MS results showed that the Aster incisus extract contains 9 known compounds. Later on, DPPH assay, WST-1 assay, nitric oxide (NO) assay, Western blot, and RT-PCR were conducted to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the extract. Our WST-1 assay results revealed that Aster incisus did not affect the viability of all tested cell lines up to a concentration of 200 μg/ml; therefore, lower concentrations (50 μg/ml and 150 μg/ml) were used for further assays. Aster incisus scavenged DPPH and inhibited the production of NO. Aster incisus also reduced significantly the production of inflammation-related enzymes (iNOS, Cox-2) and cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6) and the gene expression of the proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, further Western blot results indicated that Aster incisus inhibited the expression of p-PI3K, p-IκBα, p-p65 NF-κB, p-ERK1/2, p-SAPK/JNK, and p-Akt. Our results demonstrated that Aster incisus suppressed the expression of the inflammation mediators through the regulation of NF-κB, MAPK, and Akt pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of herbal teas has become popular in recent years due to their attractive flavors and outstanding antioxidant properties. The Five-Golden-Flowers tea is a herbal tea consisting of five famous edible flowers. The effects of microwave-assisted extraction parameters on the antioxidant activity of Five-Golden-Flowers tea were studied by single-factor experiments, and further investigated using response surface methodology. Under the optimal parameters (53.04 mL/g of solvent/material ratio, 65.52 °C, 30.89 min, and 500 W), the ferric-reducing antioxidant power, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic content of the herbal tea were 862.90 ± 2.44 µmol Fe2+/g dry weight (DW), 474.37 ± 1.92 µmol Trolox/g DW, and 65.50 ± 1.26 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW, respectively. The in vivo antioxidant activity of the herbal tea was evaluated on alcohol-induced acute liver injury in mice. The herbal tea significantly decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and malonaldehyde at different doses (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg); improved the levels of liver index, serum triacylglycerol, and catalase at dose of 800 mg/kg. These results indicated its role in alleviating hepatic oxidative injury. Besides, rutin, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, gallic acid, and p-coumaric acid were identified and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which could contribute to the antioxidant activity of the herbal tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive pathology studies revealed that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is closely related to neuroinflammation and anti-neuroinflammatory agents may be potentially useful for the treatment of AD. Inula japonica is a member of the Asteraceae plant family and its flowers have been used as a healthy tea and a traditional Chinese medicine. Our continuous search for new nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory substances as anti-neuroinflammatory agents for AD resulted in the isolation of two new sesquiterpenes and ten known terpenes from the flowers of I. japonica . Their structures were established on the basis of extensive analysis of NMR and MS spectroscopic data, as well as calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Among these isolates, compound 1 is a new sesquiterpene with a rare tricyclic fused skeleton, and 2 processes a 1,10- seco -eudesmane skeleton. The anti-neuroinflammatory effects were examined by inhibiting NO release in LPS-induced murine microglial BV-2 cells. The possible mechanism of NO inhibition was also investigated using molecular docking, which revealed the interactions of bioactive compounds with the iNOS protein. The present study disclosed that the flowers of I. japonica as a healthy tea are potentially useful for AD and related neuroinflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lantern flowers (genus: Ceropegia L. — Apocynaceae) are among the most fascinating group of flowering plants which comprises of over 200 species of herbs and climbers. Although most of the species have appreciable importance as a source of edible tubers, ornamental flowers and implications in folk medicine, the conventional propagation techniques limit the mass propagation and their commercialization. Plant tissue culture and other biotechnological tools proved their importance in breeding and large-scale propagation of lantern flowers. In recent past, numerous in vitro regeneration approaches for micropropagation and conservation have been established for lantern flowers. Molecular markers represent powerful tools for constructing phylogenetics, taxonomic confirmations and reconsiderations of lantern flowers. Moreover, molecular markers are routinely used for ascertaining genetic integrity among the micropropagated clones of lantern flowers. This review provides comprehensive information on the biotechnological interventions for propagation, conservation, and improvement of lantern flowers. Protocols for various in vitro regeneration approaches, genetic composition, genetic fidelity analysis and in vitro secondary metabolite production are compared and optimized results are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to find new sources of natural antioxidants, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of 30 flowers in their free, esterified and insoluble-bound forms were determined. Rosa rugosa Thunb (pink) showed the highest TPC, and Osmanthus fragrans had the highest TFC. The antioxidant activities of 30 flowers were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays. Rosa rugosa Thunb (purple) and Rosa rugosa Thunb (pink) had the highest DPPH (612.79 and 544.75 μmol Trolox/g DW), FRAP (273.10 and 301.14 μmol Trolox/g DW) and TEAC (1013.71 and 937.19 μmol Trolox/g DW) value. Furthermore, several phenolic compounds were detected using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) technique, and (+)-catechin, ferulic acid, isoquercitrin, and quercitrin were widely found in these flowers. The results implied that the flowers were important natural sources of bioactive components with higher antioxidant capacities for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drying treatments are considered to be the crucial step to preserve the plant’s beneficial properties in the post-harvest processes. This paper mainly discussed the effects of four drying methods on quality of medicinal chrysanthemum flower heads, in order to providing the optimal drying conditions for different drying methods. The experimental design included: microwave drying, steam kill-enzyme torrefaction, kill-enzyme torrefaction and oven drying. The results showed that: (1) the contents of flavone and chlorogenic acids significantly increased with the increase of microwave power. However, microwave treatments significantly decreased amino acid content in flower heads. The optimal microwave power and microwave time were about 680–850 W and 8–13 min, respectively. In four drying methods, microwave drying was the most suitable method for keeping the higher contents of flavone, vitamin C and soluble sugar, considering efficiency and the energy consuming; (2) the contents of flavone and chlorogenic significantly increased with the increase of steam kill-enzyme time. However, the contents of amino acid, soluble sugar and vitamin C rose firstly and then decreased with the increase of steam kill-enzyme time. The optima steam kill-enzyme time was about 2–4 min; (3) the contents of flavone, chlorogenic acid and vitamin C increased firstly and then decreased with the increase of kill-enzyme time. Kill-enzyme torrefaction treatments significantly increased soluble sugar content. The optimal kill-enzyme time was about 0.5–1 min; and (4) the optimal oven temperature was about 55–65 °C, which could simultaneously gain the higher contents of active and nutritional ingredients in flowers. So, we should consider the specific conditions of each processing method when we choose the drying method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed in order to correlate the flavonoid and lipoidal matters content of Spinach roots and flowers to their hypolipidemic potential. The total flavonoid content was measured via complexation with aluminum chloride while determination of fatty acids methyl esters and unsaponifiable matters in both organs was performed using GC/MS. In an in-vitro study, the crude ethanol extracts of both organs and their different fractions were separately examined for inhibition of ß-hydroxy-ß-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase); the rate limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis. The percentage inhibition of alcohol extracts of roots and flowers were 78.19% and 72.68% respectively when compared to the control. The crude alcohol extracts of both organs were further examined in-vivo. Results showed that both extracts improved the investigated parameters by variable degrees compared to fenofibrate reference drug. The root extract showed significant improvement of TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG and total lipids (52.75, 209.85, 21.84, 49.26 and 29.62% respectively) when compared to hypercholesterolemic rats. The histopathological picture of liver showed a noticeable amelioration after treatment with root extract. The flavonoid content was higher in flower than root (983.4 and 300.2 mg/kg respectively) while the percentage of sterols and triterpenes in roots was greater than flowers (22.47% and 17.02% respectively). In conclusion, the root ethanolic extract recorded more potent activity than flower as hypolipidemic agent either in-vitro or in-vivo examination which was more correlated to the sterol content than to the flavonoid content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous studies found that the crude polysaccharides (IJP) from flowers of Inula japonica exhibited significantly anti-diabetic activity in alloxan or MLD-STZ induced diabetic mice. In this study, we will trace an active polysaccharide from IJP and investigate its physico-chemical property and its protective mechanism on islet cell damage. The result showed that an active polysaccharide (IJP-B-1) was isolated from IJP, its molecular mass was 3.7 × 10 4 Da. IJP-B-1 was composed of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucose, galactose and galactocuronic acid. Its major backbone structure was (1 → 3, 6)-linked-galactose and other branched residues. IJP-B-1 could protect pancreatic cells against STZ impairment at 50 μg/mL and scavenge OH and O 2 radicals to decrease reactive oxygen generation in islet-cells in vitro . These results suggested that IJP-B-1 might be useful for protecting β-cells and against oxidative stress as an anti-diabetic candidate drug in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese oxide (MnO) and iron oxide (FeO) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized with the flower extracts of Chaenomeles sp. This is the first ever approach to synthesize nanoparticles from Chaenomeles sp. flower extracts. The organic molecules present in the flower extracts actively converted the nitrate precursor into its corresponding nanoparticles. The organic molecules that are involved in the synthesis of nanoparticles are identified using different phytochemical and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses. The identified components are glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, quinines, and steroids. The structural and chemical compositions of the synthesized powder were also analyzed. The x-ray powder diffraction analysis revealed that the particles show tetragonal and rhombohedral crystalline phases. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the functional groups that are involved in the reduction of nitrates into the corresponding nanoparticles. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of the elements in the synthesized nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy images showed the formation of spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 30-100 nm. Antioxidant analysis showed that the synthesized nanoparticles had excellent antioxidant potential. The antibacterial study showed that they inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes. Thus, this study proposes a new eco-friendly and nontoxic method to synthesize nanoparticles for medicinal applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible flowers have been traditionally used for human consumption in various cultures. They improve the appearance, taste and aesthetic value of food, aspects that consumers appreciate, justifying the increasing trend of fresh top quality flowers’ sales worldwide. However, consumers also demand foods with beneficial health properties, in addition to the nutrients they contain, looking for functional qualities such as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This review summarizes the data of more than 100 studies performed until now on edible flowers, focusing on nutritional, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, as well as health effects. This review provides valuable information on edible flowers in order to better characterize them and to increase their popularization among the food industry and consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. A randomized, pilot, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of a cream based on Bach flower remedies (BFR) on symptoms and signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods. Forty-three patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome during their “waiting” time for surgical option were randomized into 3 parallel groups: Placebo (n = 14), blinded BFR (n = 16), and nonblinded BFR (n = 13). These groups were treated during 21 days with topical placebo or a cream based on BFR. Results. Significant improvements were observed on self-reported symptom severity and pain intensity favorable to BFR groups with large effect sizes (η2partial > 0.40). In addition, all signs observed during the clinical exam showed significant improvements among the groups as well as symptoms of pain, night pain, and tingling, also with large effect sizes (φ > 0.5). Finally, there were significant differences between the blinded and nonblinded BFR groups for signs and pain registered in clinical exam but not in self-reports. Conclusion. The proposed BFR cream could be an effective intervention in the management of mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, reducing the severity symptoms and providing pain relief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pueraria Flos (PF), a traditional herbal medicine, is botanically from the dried flowers of Pueraria lobate (Willd.) Ohwi. (Chinese: 野葛) or Pueraria thomsonii Benth. (Chinese: 粉葛). It has a long history of thousands of years in China for awakening the spleen, clearing the lungs, relieving alcohol. This review aims to report the up-to-date research progress in ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology, metabolism and therapeutic application of PF, so as to provide a strong basis for future clinical treatment and scientific research. Relevant information on PF was collected from scientific literature databases including PubMed, CNKI and other literature sources (Ph.D. and M.Sc. dissertations and Chinese herbal classic books) by using the keyword " Puerariae ". Briefly, phytochemical research report has isolated 39 flavonoids, 19 saponins and 25 volatile oils from PF. Flavonoids and saponins are the most important bioactive compounds, and most of the quality control studies focus on these two types of compounds. Modern pharmacological studies have revealed their significant biological activities in relieving alcoholism, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidation, which provides theoretical support for the traditional use. Comprehensive analysis showed that pharmacological activity of most purified compounds from PF had not been reported. Kakkalide, tectoridin and their deglycosylated metabolites (irisolidone and tectorigenin) has been focused on excessively due to their higher content and better activities. This leads to low development and resources waste. Interestingly, PF made a breakthrough in the field of food. Many kinds of fat-lowering foods such as PILLBOX Onaka have been popular in Japan market, which received extensive attention. Therefore, we suggest that future research can be paid attention on the development of the plant's function in the field of food and medicine, as well as the transformation from experimental to clinical. [Display omitted] • Pueraria Flos is a traditional anti-alcoholic cognate with a history of 2000 years in China. • Summarize the information of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, quality control, pharmacology, metabolism and clinical application of Pueraria Flos systematically. • Prospect the research potential of macromolecular substances in Pueraria Flos and its development direction of homology plant of medicine and food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) have been used for the treatment of male sexual disorders in indigenous medicines of Indian subcontinent. Therefore to evaluate the efficacy of Syzygium aromaticum on the male reproductive health, chronic oral exposure of aqueous extract of flower buds of Syzygium in three doses (15 mg, 30 mg and 60 mg kg−1 BW) were studied for a single spermatogenic cycle (35 days) in Parkes (P) strain mice. Lower dose (15 mg) of Syzygium aromaticum flower buds increased serum testosterone level and testicular hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase ( HSD) activities and improved sperm motility, sperm morphology, secretory activity of epididymis and seminal vesicle, and number of litters per female. On the other hand, higher doses (30 and 60 mg) of the treatment adversely affected above parameters. Further, higher doses of the extract also had adverse effects on daily sperm production, 1C cell population and on histology of testis. In conclusion, Syzygium aromaticum flower buds extract exhibits biphasic effect on reproductive physiology of male mice. Lower dose of Syzygium aromaticum flower bud extract is androgenic in nature and may have a viable future as an indigenous sexual rejuvenator, while higher doses adversely affected functional physiology of reproductive organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flowers of Trollius chinensis Bunge (Ranunculaceae) is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat various inflammatory diseases, including upper respiratory infections, chronic tonsillitis, and pharyngitis. Recently, there has been growing research on the antiviral role of the flowers of T. chinensis Bunge. However, little is known about its anti-influenza virus effects and the underlying mechanisms. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the crude extract from the flowers of T. chinensis Bunge (CEFTC) on mice infected with influenza virus. We further explored its mechanism by detecting the expression of vital proteins (TLR3, TBK1, TAK1, IKKα, IRF3, and IFN-β) related to TLR3 signaling pathway. Mice were infected with influenza A virus (H1N1) through the nasal cavity and were intragastrically administered CEFTC at the dose of 0.2 mg/g once daily. The therapeutic effects of CEFTC were evaluated by blood cell count, lung index, spleen index, alveolar lavage fluid testing, and HE staining. Network pharmacology analysis predicted the potential signaling pathway between the flowers of T. chinensis Bunge and pneumonia. The expression of TLR3, TBK1, TAK1, IKKα, IRF3, and IFN-β in lung tissues were examined by Western blot assay. In addition, the immunofluorescence assay was applied to assess the effect of CEFTC on the distribution of IRF3 and IFN-β between nuclei and cytoplasm. Compared with the infected group, the lung index was markedly reduced, and the pathological damage of the lungs was also attenuated in the CEFTC treatment group. The network pharmacology analysis indicated that the NF-κB pathway was a potential signaling pathway in the flowers of T. chinensis Bunge for the treatment of pneumonia, TLR3, IRF3, and TBK1 were crucial targets associated with pneumonia. Western blot assay demonstrated that in the high-dose virus infected group, CEFTC reduced the expression of TLR3, TAK1, TBK1, and IRF3. Furthermore, CEFTC could increase the nuclear distribution of IRF3 in alveolar epithelial cells after virus infection. These results suggested that different doses of influenza virus could cause varying infection symptoms in mice. Moreover, CEFTC could exert anti-influenza virus effects by regulating the expression of TLR3, IRF3, IFN-β, TAK1, and TBK1 in the TLR3 signaling pathway. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Flowers are reported to have immediate and long-term effects on health and well-being, emotional reactions, mood, social behaviour and memory, but emotional effects have rarely been studied in more detail. Methods This study investigated the influences of flowers on emotional perception of others in healthy adults (n = 64), divided over 4 conditions (3 flower arrays and a flowerless control). The test included a projection test judging pictures of people. One week later memory regarding pictures in the projection test, roommates and the room they had been in, was tested. Results Flowers, positively affected peoples’ mood and their perception of others. With flowers, pictures of other people were judged more positively and less negatively than without flowers. Odorous flowers had a more negative effect. The people in the pictures seemed a bit more open, but clearly less friendly, more arrogant and more depressed under its influence. Furthermore, flowers had a positive influence on the remembrance of the room the participants had been in. Conclusion Flowers exert a more positive influence by their visual appearance than by their odour, and act more on people’s feelings towards unknown others than on liking of the food they eat, whereas flowers have little impact on remembering eating situation aspects. Practical implication The use of flowers might perhaps be recommended for increasing relaxation and mutual understanding in public places (restaurants (non-odorous flowers), meeting rooms and waiting rooms). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immunomodulatory potentials of the crude methanolic extract and fractions [n-hexane (Hex), n-dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n–butanol (BuOH)] of Clerodendrum volubile flowers were investigated on whole blood phagocytic oxidative burst using luminol-amplified chemiluminescence technique. They were also investigated for their free radicals scavenging activities. The DCM fraction showed significant (p < 0.05) anti-oxidative burst and free radical scavenging activities indicating high immunomodulatory and antioxidant potencies respectively. Cytotoxicity assay of the DCM fraction revealed a cytotoxic effect on CC-1 normal cell line. GCMS analysis revealed the presence of triacetin; 3,6-dimethyl-3-octanol; 2R – Acetoxymethyl-1,3,3–trimethtyl – 4 t – (3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl) – 1c – cyclohexanol and Stigmastan – 3,5–diene in DCM fraction. These compounds were docked with the active sites of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Triacetin, 3,6-dimethyl-3-Octanol, and 2R-Acetoxymethyl-1,3,3-trimethtyl-4t-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-1c-cyclohexanol docked comfortably with COX-2 with good scoring function (-CDocker energy) indicating their inhibitory potency against COX-2. 3,6–dimethyl-3- O ctanol, displayed the lowest predicted free energy of binding (−21.4 kcal mol −1 ) suggesting its stronger interaction with COX-2, this was followed by 2R – Acetoxymethyl-1, 3, 3-trimethtyl-4t-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-1c-cyclhexanol (BE = −20.5 kcal mol −1 ), and triacetin (BE = −10.9 kcal mol −1 ). Stigmastan – 3,5–diene failed to dock with COX-2. The observed suppressive effect of the DCM fraction of C. volubile flower methanolic extract on phagocytic oxidative burst indicates an immunomodulatory potential. This is further reflected in its free scavenging activities and synergetic modulation of COX-2 activities by its identified compounds in silico . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify lectins in Sophora japonica L. (green flower buds, fully formed flower buds, and flower buds as they begin to open) and to study their activity. Methods: Lectin activity was studied using rat hemagglutination method. The protein concentration of the extracts of the agglutinate was determined using Bradford assay. Results: Lectin activity of green flower buds was 1.61 ± 0.11 units/mg protein; fully formed flower buds, 1.81 ± 0.08 units/mg protein; flower buds as they began to open, and 2.05 ± 0.05 units/mg protein. The protein content of extracts from the buds of Sophora japonica L. collected at the stage of green flower buds, at the stage of formed buds, and at the stage of opening flower buds were 3.97 ± 0,04, 3.53 ± 0.07 and 3.13 ± 0.09 mg/ml respectively. Conclusion: This study shows the existence of lectins in Sophora japonica L. buds studied at three different stages of development. The highest lectin activity and protein content are found in the stage of green flower buds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]