Natural Products and Human Diseases: Pharmacology, Molecular Targets, and Therapeutic Benefits

Preface
Contents
Effects of Curcuminoids on Systemic Inflammation and Quality of Life in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
1 Introduction
2 Methods
2.1 Study Design
2.2 Biochemical Variables
2.3 Quality of Life
2.4 Statistical Analysis
3 Results
4 Discussion
5 Conclusions
References
Curcumin and Piperine Combination for the Treatment of Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
1 Introduction
2 Method
2.1 Trial Design
2.2 Randomization
2.3 Study Population
2.4 Intervention
2.5 Assessment of Outcomes
2.6 Biochemical and Anthropometric Measurement
2.7 Statistical Analysis
3 Results
3.1 Characteristics of the Study Participants
3.2 Comparison of NAFLD Criteria Within Groups
3.3 Comparison of NAFLD Criteria Between Groups
4 Discussion and Future Perspectives
References
Evaluation of the Effects of Nanomicellar Curcumin, Berberine, and Their Combination with 5-Fluorouracil on Breast Cancer Cells
1 Introduction
2 Materials and Methods
2.1 Chemicals and Reagents
2.2 Cell culture
2.3 Determination of Cell Viability
2.4 Spheroid Analysis
2.5 Invasion Assay
2.6 Quantitative Real-Time PCR
2.7 Statistical Analysis
3 Results
3.1 Evaluating Synergistic Cytotoxicity of Combination Nano-curcumin, Berberine, and Standard Drug Against MCF-7 Cells
3.2 Effects of Nano-curcumin, Berberine, and 5-FU in 3D Spheroid MCF-7 Cell Cultures
3.3 Effects of Nano-curcumin, Berberine, and 5-FU in MCF-7 Cell Invasion Assay
3.4 Real-Time PCR Analysis on Expression of WNT Pathway Genes
3.5 Real-Time PCR Analysis on Expression of m-TOR Pathway Genes
3.6 Real-Time PCR Analysis on Expression of BIRC5 and PTEN Genes
3.7 Real-Time PCR Analysis on Expression of the CCND1 Gene
4 Discussion
5 Conclusion
References
The Effect of Herbal Medicine and Natural Bioactive Compounds on Plasma Adiponectin: A Clinical Review
1 Introduction
2 Flaxseed
3 Cinnamon
4 Ginger
5 Anthocyanin
6 Curcumin
7 Garlic
8 Nuts
9 Oolong Tea
10 Emblica officinalis (Amla)
11 Green Tea
12 Resveratrol
13 Soy
14 Dihydromyricetin
15 Potential Mechanisms
16 Conclusion and Future Perspectives
References
The Effects of Nutraceuticals and Bioactive Natural Compounds on Chronic Periodontitis: A Clinical Review
1 Introduction
2 Curcumin
3 Green Tea
4 Resveratrol
5 Propolis
6 Aloe Vera
7 Other Nutraceuticals
8 Conclusion
References
The Multifaceted Actions of Curcumin in Obesity
1 Epidemiology of Obesity
2 Comorbidities Of Obesity
2.1 Cardiovascular Disease
2.2 Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
2.3 NAFLD
2.4 Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
2.5 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
2.6 Cancer
2.7 Hypothyroidism
2.8 Cushing’s Syndrome
2.9 Major Depressive Disorder
2.10 Osteoarthritis
3 Immunometabolic Changes Associated With Obesity
4 Metabolic Effects of Obesity
5 Curcumin and Obesity
6 Immuno-Metabolic Effects Of Curcumin: Focus On Adipose Tissue
6.1 Anti-inflammatory Effect
6.2 Effects on Lipid Metabolism
6.3 Glucose Homeostasis
6.4 Differentiation of adipocytes
6.5 Autophagy
7 Conclusions
References
Antiviral Plants in View of Avicenna’s The Canon of Medicine and Modern Medicine Against Common Cold
1 Introduction
1.1 Common Cold
1.2 Influenza
1.3 Coronaviruses
2 Antiviral Plants in Avicenna’s The Canon of Medicine and Modern Medicine
2.1 Glycyrrhiza L.
2.2 Zingiber Mill.
2.3 Cinnamomum Schaeff.
2.4 Cassia L.
2.5 Allium L.
2.6 Mentha L.
2.7 Crocus L.
2.8 Ziziphus Mill.
2.9 Lavandula L.
3 Antiviral Plants in Modern Medicine
3.1 Thymus L.
3.2 Peganum L.
3.3 Ocimum L.
3.4 Dracocephalum L.
3.5 Ferula L.
3.6 Foeniculum Mill.
3.7 Prunella L.
3.8 Valeriana L.
3.9 Eucalyptus L’Hér
4 Conclusion
References
Antifungal Activity of Curcuminoids and Difluorinated Curcumin Against Clinical Isolates of Candida Species
1 Introduction
2 Materials and Methods
3 Results
4 Discussion
5 Conclusion
References
Investigation of the Effects of Difluorinated Curcumin on Glycemic Indices in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
1 Introduction
2 Materials and Methods
2.1 Preparation of Curcumin and CDF
2.2 Animals
2.3 Developing Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rat
2.4 Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
2.5 Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT)
2.6 Statistical Analysis
3 Results
3.1 Fasting Blood Glucose Levels
3.2 Glucose Tolerance
3.3 Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT)
3.4 Body Weight Changes
4 Discussion
References
Evaluation of the Effect of Crocin on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity
1 Introduction
2 Materials and Methods
2.1 Chemicals
2.2 Cell Culture
2.3 Cell Viability Assay
2.4 Measurement of Radical Oxygen Species (ROS)
2.5 Reverse Transcription-Quantitative PCR (RT-PCR)
2.6 Assessing DNA Damage
2.7 Determine the Apoptosis Condition
2.8 Animals
2.9 Experimental Design
2.10 Measurement of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Parameters
2.11 Examination of Cardiac Function Parameters
2.12 Statistical Analysis
3 Results
3.1 Determine the Optimal Dox Concentration
3.2 Determine the Effect of Crocin on Cell Viability
3.3 Determine the Effect of Crocin on ROS Production
3.4 Effect of Crocin on DNA Damage
3.5 Determine the Effect of Crocin on Cell Death
3.6 Effect of Crocin on Oxidative Stress
3.7 Effect of Crocin on Inflammatory Parameters
3.8 Effects of Crocin on Rat Cardiac Function Tests
4 Discussion
5 Conclusion
References
The Role of Chemokines in Cardiovascular Diseases and the Therapeutic Effect of Curcumin on CXCL8 and CCL2 as Pathological Chemokines in Atherosclerosis
1 Introduction
1.1 Cardiovascular Disease
2 Role of Chemokines in Cardiovascular Disease
2.1 CCL5-CCR5
2.2 CCL2-CCR2
2.3 CXCR2/CXCR3
2.4 CXCL12-CXCR4
2.5 CXCL1-CXCR2
2.6 CXC3L1-CX3CR1
2.7 CXCL10-CXCR4
3 Role of Curcumin in the Attenuation of Cardiovascular Disorders
4 Curcumin Effects on CCL2 in Cardiovascular Disorders
5 The Effect of Curcumin on CXCL8 in Cardiovascular Disorders
6 Conclusion
References
Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin Against Food Contaminants
1 Introduction
2 Heavy Metals
3 Cadmium (Cd)
4 Arsenic (As)
5 Chromium (Cr)
6 Lead (Pb)
7 Mercury (Hg)
8 Chemicals
9 Acrylamide
10 Bisphenol A
11 Perfluorooctane Sulfonate
12 Nitrosamines
13 Benzo[a]pyrene
14 Mycotoxins
15 Aflatoxins
16 Zearalenone
17 Ochratoxin A
18 Conclusion
References
The Effects of Curcumin Plus Piperine Supplementation in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial
1 Introduction
2 Method
2.1 Trial Design
2.2 Participants
2.3 Randomization
2.4 Intervention
2.5 Assessment of Outcomes
2.6 Biochemical Measurements
2.7 Statistics Analysis
2.8 Results
2.8.1 The Effect of Curcumin on Anthropometric Parameters and Liver Function Tests
2.8.2 The Effect of Curcumin on Biochemical Parameters
2.8.3 The Effect of Curcumin on Serum Electrolytes and Renal Function Tests
2.8.4 The Effect of Curcumin on Cardiac Injury
3 Discussion
4 Limitations
5 Conclusion
References
Protective Effects of Curcumin on Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
1 Introduction
2 Protective Effects and Molecular Mechanisms Associated with the Use of Curcumin in Pulmonary Hypertension
3 Conclusion
References
Protective Effects of Curcumin in the Reproductive System: Anti-toxic, Semen Cryopreservative, and Contraceptive Actions
1 Introduction
2 Male Reproductive Toxicity
3 Curcumin and Its Major Biological Actions
4 The Possible Protective Effects of Curcumin Against Male Reproductive Toxicity
4.1 Environmental and Dietary Toxins
4.2 Nutritional and Lifestyle Factors
4.3 Drugs
4.4 Co-administration of Curcumin with Other Protective Agents
5 The Potential Application of Curcumin in Sperm Cryopreservation
6 Contraceptive and Antifertility Effects of Curcumin
7 Conclusions
References
The Protective Role of Nutraceuticals in Critically Ill Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury
1 Introduction
2 An Overview of Some Nutritional Components and Their Function
2.1 Turmeric
2.2 Boswellia Serrata (BS)
2.3 Bromelain
2.4 Quercetin (QR)
2.5 Vitamins
2.6 DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA)
3 Conclusions
References
The Effects of Curcumin on the Side Effects of Anticancer Drugs in Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
1 Introduction
2 Materials and Methods
2.1 Trial Design
2.2 Participants
2.3 Randomization and Blinding
2.4 Data Collection and Instruments
2.5 Statistical Analysis
3 Results
3.1 Participants of the Study
3.2 Effect of Curcumin on Quality of Life
3.3 Effect of Curcumin on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters
3.4 Effect of Curcumin on Symptoms
4 Discussion
5 Conclusion
References
Crocin Improves Diabetes-Induced Oxidative Stress via Downregulating the Nox-4 in Myocardium of Diabetic Rats
1 Introduction
2 Methods
2.1 Animals
2.2 Diabetes Induction
2.3 Treatments
2.4 Blood and Tissue Sampling
2.5 Blood Glucose Analyzing
2.6 Tissue Preparation
2.7 Biochemical Assessments
2.7.1 SOD Enzyme Activity
2.7.2 CAT Enzyme Activity
2.7.3 GLT Content Examination
2.7.4 Nitrate Content Assaying
2.7.5 Lipid Peroxidation Assaying (MDA Content)
2.8 mRNA Expression Assaying
2.9 Statistical Analyses
2.10 Ethical Considerations
3 Results
4 Discussion
References
Role of Herbal Medicines in the Management of Brain Injury
1 Introduction
2 Method
3 Results
3.1 Acanthopanax senticosus
3.2 Bacopa monnieri
3.3 Carnosol
3.4 Cassia mimosoides
3.5 Centella asiatica
3.6 Crocus sativus
3.7 Cuminum cyminum
3.8 Curcumin
3.9 Feronia limonia
3.10 Gardenia jasminoides
3.11 Ginkgo biloba
3.12 Kaempferia parviflora
3.13 Mentha longifolia
3.14 Nigella sativa
3.15 Olive
3.16 Orientin
3.17 Punica granatum
3.18 Quercetin
3.19 Rice Bran
3.20 Rosa damascena
3.21 Thymus vulgaris
3.22 Viola odorata
3.23 Withania coagulans
3.24 Zingiber officinale
3.25 Ziziphus spina-christi
4 Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Medicinal Plants on Brain Injury
5 Conclusion
References
The Effects of Ginsenosides on the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
1 Introduction
2 The Physiological Importance of the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
3 Underlying Molecular Pathways of Nrf2 Signaling
4 Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Pathological Conditions
5 Therapeutic and Biological Activities of Ginsenosides Mediated by Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
5.1 Nephroprotective Activity
5.2 Protection Against Irradiation
5.3 Protection Against Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) Injury
5.4 Antidiabetic Activity
5.5 Hepatoprotective Activity
5.6 Neuroprotective Properties
5.7 Lung-Protective Activities
5.8 Cardioprotective Potencies
6 Conclusion
References
The Effect of Green Coffee Bean Extract on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
1 Introduction
2 Methods
2.1 Search Strategy
2.2 Study Selection
2.3 Data Extraction
2.4 Risk of Bias Assessment and Credibility of Evidence
2.5 Statistical Analysis
3 Results
4 Risk of Bias Assessment and Credibility of Evidence
5 Meta-analysis
5.1 Effect of Green Coffee Bean Extract on Lipid Profiles
5.2 Effect of Green Coffee Bean Extract on Glycemic Status-Related Markers
5.3 Effect of Green Coffee Bean Extract on Blood Pressure
5.4 Effect of Green Coffee Bean Extract on Anthropometric Indices
6 Sensitivity Analysis
7 Publication Bias
8 Meta-regression
9 Discussion
10 Conclusion
References
Nanomicellar Curcumin Supplementation Improves the Clinical Manifestations of HAM/TSP Patients
1 Introduction
2 Materials and Methods
2.1 Ethical Approval of the Study Protocol
2.2 Study Population
2.3 Treatment Protocol
2.4 Clinical Evaluation
2.5 Blood Sample Collection, PBMCs, and Serum Separation
2.6 RNA Extraction, Tax, and HBZ mRNA Quantification
2.7 DNA Isolation and HTLV-1 DNA Proviral Load Quantification
2.8 Serum Neopterin Concentration Measurement
3 Statistical Analysis
4 Results
4.1 Patient Characteristics and Clinical Improvements
4.2 HTLV-1 DNA Proviral Load, Tax, and HBZ mRNA Expression and Serum Neopterin Concentration
4.3 Peripheral Blood Parameters
4.4 Adverse Effects
5 Discussion
6 Conclusion
References
The Effects of Ivy (Hedera helix) on Respiratory Problems and Cough in Humans: A Review
1 Introduction
2 Method
3 Hedera helix Active Compounds and Their Bronchodilator Mechanisms
4 Effects of Hedera helix on Respiratory System
5 Efficacy of Herbal Cough Syrup Combination with Ivy
6 Tolerance
7 Discussion
8 Conclusion
References
Safety and Efficacy of Oral Supplementation of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medic) in Dry Eye Patients
1 Introduction
2 Methods
3 Randomization and Blinding
4 Intervention
5 Statistical Analysis
6 Results
6.1 Demographics
6.2 Side Effects
7 Discussion
References
A Review of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Effects on Metabolic Syndrome
1 Introduction
2 Method
3 Licorice Effect on Diabetes
4 The Mechanism of Licorice Action in Diabetes
5 Antidiabetic Effect of Licorice in Animal Studies
6 Antidiabetic Effect of Licorice in Human Studies
6.1 Licorice Effect on Hyperlipidemia
6.2 The Mechanism of Licorice Action in Hyperlipidemia
7 Antihyperlipidemic Effect of Licorice in Animal Studies
8 Antihyperlipidemic Effect of Licorice in Human Studies
9 Licorice Effect on Hypertension
10 The Mechanism of Licorice Action in Hypertension
11 Licorice Effect on Hypertension in Animal Studies
12 Licorice Effect on Hypertension in Human Studies
12.1 Case Reports About Increase in Blood Pressure by Licorice
13 Conclusions
References
Natural Insulin Sensitizers for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of Possible Molecular Mechanisms
1 Introduction
2 Insulin Signal Transduction and Insulin Sensitivity
3 Natural Insulin Sensitizers
4 Conclusion
References
Evaluation of the Anti-constipation Effects of Abdominal Application of Olive Oil Ointment in Children 1–4 Years Old: A Pilot Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial
1 Introduction
2 Material and Methods
2.1 Intervention Medications
2.2 Study Design and Population
2.3 Study Procedure
2.4 Outcome Measures
2.4.1 Baseline Assessments
2.4.2 Follow-Up Assessments
2.4.3 Safety Assessments
2.5 Statistical Analyses
3 Results
3.1 Demographic Characteristics
3.2 Comparing Daily BMs Frequency Between Intervention and Placebo Groups
3.3 Comparing the Medians of the “Differences Between Daily BMs Frequency in Different Days and Baseline” in Intervention and Placebo Groups
3.4 Comparing the Medians of “Differences Between Daily BMs Frequency in Different Days” in Intervention and Placebo Groups
3.5 Safety
4 Discussion
References
Therapeutic Potential of Pomegranate in Metabolic Disorders
1 Introduction
2 Pomegranate and MetS Components
2.1 Diabetes
2.2 Obesity
2.3 Cardiovascular Protective Activities
2.3.1 Hypertension
2.3.2 Dyslipidemia
3 Conclusion
References
Resveratrol as a Probable Multiheaded Treatment Approach for COVID-19
1 Introduction
2 Therapeutic Mechanisms Underlying the Efficacy of RSV in COVID-19
3 Delivery of RSV to the Lung
4 Conclusion
References
A Review on the Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Therapeutic Effects of Rheum ribes
1 Introduction
2 Methods
3 Phytochemistry
4 Pharmacological and Therapeutic Effects
4.1 Antibacterial Effects
4.2 Anticancer Effects
4.3 Anti-ulcer Effects
4.4 Anti-inflammatory Effects
4.5 Antioxidant Effects
5 Hypoglycemic Effects
6 Nephroprotective Effects
7 Neuropharmacological Effects
8 Anti-trichomonas Effects
9 Conclusions
References
Antitumor and Protective Effects of Melatonin: The Potential Roles of MicroRNAs
1 Introduction
2 Melatonin: Physiology and Importance
3 Melatonin and MicroRNAs
3.1 Protective Effects of Melatonin Mediated by MicroRNAs
3.2 Antitumor Effects of Melatonin Mediated by MicroRNAs
4 Conclusion
References
Antioxidant Effects of Trehalose in an Experimental Model of Type 2 Diabetes
1 Introduction
2 Material and Methods
2.1 Animal
2.2 Induction of Rat T2DM Model
2.3 Total Thiol (-SH) Group
2.4 Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
2.5 Antioxidant Enzyme Activity Assay
2.6 Statistical Analysis
3 Results
3.1 Evaluation of Reduced (Free) Thiol (-SH) Groups and Total Antioxidant Capacity
3.2 Evaluation of SOD and GPx Antioxidant Enzyme Activities
4 Discussion
References
Investigation of the Effects of Trehalose on Glycemic Indices in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
1 Introduction
2 Material and Methods
2.1 Animal
2.2 Induction of Rat T2DM Model
2.3 Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
2.4 Statistical Analysis
3 Results
3.1 Effect of 4-Week Treatment on FBG Levels
3.2 Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
4 Di˘scussion
References
Hepatoprotective Effect of Trehalose: Insight into Its Mechanisms of Action
1 Introduction
2 Methodology
3 In Vitro Studies
3.1 The Benefit of Trehalose as an Additional Cryoprotective Agent
3.2 In Vitro Studies Regarding the Protective Effects of Trehalose in Hepatocytes
4 In Vivo Studies
5 Possible Mechanism of Hepatoprotective Activity of Trehalose
6 Conclusions
References
Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on the Regulation of Blood Pressure in Iranian Patients with Essential Hypertension: A Clinical Trial
1 Introduction
2 Materials and Methods
2.1 Study Design
2.2 Vitamin D Supplementation and Blood Pressure Monitoring
2.3 Statistical Methods
3 Results
3.1 Demographic Data
3.2 Effect of Intervention on 25-OH Vitamin D Serum Level
3.3 Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Systolic, Diastolic, and Mean Arterial Pressure
3.4 The Relation of Antihypertensive Drug Regimens and 25-OH Vitamin D Serum Level
3.5 Effect of Sex, Age, and Body Mass Index on Clinical Response of Vitamin D Treatment in Patients with Hypertension
4 Discussion
References
Boosting GLP-1 by Natural Products
1 Introduction
2 Diabetes Mellitus Classification
3 GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
4 Natural-Based Agents Modulating GLP-1 Secretion
4.1 Berberine
4.2 Resveratrol
4.3 Soybean
4.4 Wheat
4.5 Gardenia
4.6 Cinnamon
4.7 Tea
4.8 Curcumin
4.9 Quercetin and Its Glycosides
4.10 Ginger
4.11 Ginseng
4.12 Other Candidates
5 Conclusion
References
Naturally Occurring SGLT2 Inhibitors: A Review
1 Introduction
2 SGLT2 Inhibitors as a Novel Class of Antihyperglycemic Agents
3 Classification of Diabetes Mellitus
3.1 Natural SGLT2 Inhibitors
3.1.1 Apple Tree
3.1.2 Strawberry
3.1.3 Rose Hip
3.1.4 Pear
3.2 Alstonia macrophylla
3.2.1 Sophora flavescens
3.2.2 Other Possible Sources Such as Vitexin and Quercetin
4 Conclusion
References
Renoprotective Roles of Curcumin
1 Introduction
2 Diabetic Nephropathy
3 Curcumin
4 Curcumin and Chronic Kidney Diseases
4.1 Antioxidative Effects
4.2 Anti-inflammatory Effects
4.3 Antiapoptotic Effects
4.4 Modulatory Effects on RAAS
4.5 Antifibrotic Effects
4.6 Other Possible Pathways
5 Clinical Evidences
6 Conclusion
References
Index