Review of the Traditional Uses,Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Rhoicissus Species (Vitaceae)

Species within the genus Rhoicissus (Vitaceae) are commonly used in South African traditional medicine. The current review discusses the occurrence, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of Rhoicissus species covering the period 1981–2020. The data reported were systematically collected, read, and analysed from scientific electronic databases including Scopus, Scifinder, Pubmed, and Google Scholar. Reported evidence indicates that species in this genus are used for the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and infertility, as well as to tone the uterus during pregnancy and to facilitate delivery. Pharmacological studies have further shown that members of the Rhoicissus genus display antidiabetic, uterotonic, ascaricidal, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are linked to the presence of bioactive compounds isolated from the genus. Hence, Rhoicissus species can potentially be an alternative therapeutic strategy to treat diseases and develop safer and more potent drugs to combat diseases. Plant species of this genus have valuable medicinal benefits due to their significant pharmacological potential. However, scientific investigation and information of the therapeutic potential of Rhoicissus remain limited as most of the species in the genus have not been fully exploited. Therefore, there is a need for further investigations to exploit the therapeutic potential of the genus Rhoicissus. Future studies should evaluate the phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological activities, as well as the mode of action, of Rhoicissus crude extracts and secondary compounds isolated from the species.     

Botanical,Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Hedychium (Zingiberaceae) – A Review

Zingiberaceae is one of the most widely distributed plants in tropic and subtropic area, about 19 genus and 375 species weredistributed in Indonesia. Based on empirical data, some of the plants were used traditionally to treat various diseases. Nowadays, Zingiberaceae plants are extensively studied for their phytochemistry and pharmacological properties included genus Hedychium. The various bioactive compounds were isolated from these plants and they were known to have the pharmacological effect. This review showed that Hedychium plants were prospective as a natural product medicine.     

The Biodiversity of the Genus Dictyota: Phytochemical and Pharmacological Natural Products Prospectives

Although a broad variety of classes of bioactive compounds have already been isolated from seaweeds of the genus Dictyota, most different species are still chemically and biologically unexplored. Dictyota species are well-known brown seaweeds belonging to the Dictyotaceae (Phaeophyta). The phytochemical composition within the genus Dictyota has recently received considerable interest, and a vast array of components, including diterpenes, sesquiterepenes, sterols, amino acids, as well as saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been characterized. The contribution of these valued metabolites to the biological potential, which includes anti-proliferative, anti-microbial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperpigmentation activities, of the genus Dictyota has also been explored. Therefore, this is the most comprehensive review, focusing on the published literature relevant to the chemically and pharmacologically diverse biopharmaceuticals isolated from different species of the genus Dictyota during the period from 1976 to now.     

Bergenia Genus: Traditional Uses,Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Bergenia (Saxifragaceae) genus is native to central Asia and encompasses 32 known species. Among these, nine are of pharmacological relevance. In the Indian system of traditional medicine (Ayurveda), “Pashanabheda” (stone breaker) is an elite drug formulation obtained from the rhizomes of B. ligulata. Bergenia species also possess several other biological activities like diuretic, antidiabetic, antitussive, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-bradykinin, antiviral, antibacterial, antimalarial, hepatoprotective, antiulcer, anticancer, antioxidant, antiobesity, and adaptogenic. This review provides explicit information on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological significance of the genus Bergenia. The extant literature concerned was systematically collected from various databases, weblinks, blogs, books, and theses to select 174 references for detailed analysis. To date, 152 chemical constituents have been identified and characterized from the genus Bergenia that belong to the chemical classes of polyphenols, phenolic-glycosides, lactones, quinones, sterols, tannins, terpenes, and others. B. crassifolia alone possesses 104 bioactive compounds. Meticulous pharmacological and phytochemical studies on Bergenia species and its conservation could yield more reliable compounds and products of pharmacological significance for better healthcare.     

Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight., Cynanchum bungei Decne. and Cynanchum wilfordii (Maxim.) Hemsl.: Current Research and Prospects

Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight. (CA), Cynanchum bungei Decne. (CB) and Cynanchum wilfordii (Maxim.) Hemsl. (CW) are three close species belonging to the Asclepiadaceous family, and their dry roots as the bioactive part have been revealed to exhibit anti-tumor, neuroprotection, organ protection, reducing liver lipid and blood lipid, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and other activities. Until 2021, phytochemistry investigations have uncovered 232 compounds isolated from three species, which could be classified into C₂₁-steroids, acetophenones, terpenoids, and alkaloids. In this review, the morphology characteristics, species identification, and the relationship of botany, extraction, and the separation of chemical constituents, along with the molecular mechanism and pharmacokinetics of bioactive constituents of three species, are summarized for the first time, and their phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical safety are also updated. Moreover, the direction and limitation of current research on three species is also discussed.     

The Genus Cetraria s. str.—A Review of Its Botany,Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Pharmacology

The genus Cetraria s. str. (Parmeliaceae family, Cetrarioid clade) consists of 15 species of mostly erect brown or greenish yellow fruticose or subfoliose thallus. These Cetraria species have a cosmopolitan distribution, being primarily located in the Northern Hemisphere, in North America and in the Eurasia area. Phytochemical analysis has demonstrated the presence of dibenzofuran derivatives (usnic acid), depsidones (fumarprotocetraric and protocetraric acids) and fatty acids (lichesterinic and protolichesterinic acids). The species of Cetraria, and more particularly Cetraria islandica, has been widely employed in folk medicine for the treatment of digestive and respiratory diseases as decoctions, tinctures, aqueous extract, and infusions. Moreover, Cetraria islandica has had an important nutritional and cosmetic value. These traditional uses have been validated in in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies. Additionally, new therapeutic activities are being investigated, such as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, cytotoxic, genotoxic and antigenotoxic. Among all Cetraria species, the most investigated by far has been Cetraria islandica, followed by Cetraria pinastri and Cetraria aculeata. The aim of the current review is to update all the knowledge about the genus Cetraria covering aspects that include taxonomy and phylogeny, morphology and distribution, ecological and environmental interest, phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological properties.     

Pharmacological Extracts and Molecules from Virola Species: Traditional Uses,Phytochemistry, and Biological Activity

Virola is the largest genus of Myristicaceae in America, comprising about 60 species of medium-sized trees geographically spread from Mexico to southern Brazil. The plant species of this genus have been widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of several ailments, such as rheumatic pain, bronchial asthma, tumors in the joints, intestinal worms, halitosis, ulcers, and multiple infections, due to their pharmacological activity. This review presents an updated and comprehensive summary of Virola species, particularly their ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and biological activity, to support the safe medicinal use of plant extracts and provide guidance for future research. The Virola spp.’s ethnopharmacology, including in the treatment of stomach pain and gastric ulcers, as well as antimicrobial and tryponosomicidal activities, is attributable to the presence of a myriad of phytoconstituents, such as flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, lignans, arylalkanones, and sitosterol. Hence, such species yield potential leads or molecular scaffolds for the development of new pharmaceutical formulations, encouraging the elucidation of not-yet-understood action mechanisms and ascertaining their safety for humans.     

The genus Machaerium (Fabaceae): taxonomy,phytochemistry, traditional uses and biological activities

Machaerium, in the family Fabaceae, predominantly is a genus of a Neotropical distribution of trees, shrubs, and lianas occurring from southern Mexico to Brazil and northern Argentina and as far as South America. Several Machaerium species are widely used in traditional medicine and are considered to have multiple medicinal properties. This review aims to provide up-to-date and comprehensive information on the taxonomy, phytochemistry, traditional uses and biological activities of plants in the genus Machaerium.     

A comprehensive review of phytochemistry,pharmacology and clinical applications of Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis

ObjectivesUncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis (URCU) belonging to the genus Uncaria is widely distributed in China and used in folk medicine, which has the effect of clearing heat and calming the liver, extinguishing wind and settling convulsion. So, it is used to treat hypertension and neurological diseases. Herein, we reported a review on botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical applications reported from 1973 up to 2022. All the information and studies concerning URCU were summarized from the library and digital databases (e.g. Sciencedirect, SciFinder, Medline PubMed, Google Scholar, and CNKI).Key findingsA total of 190 articles about URCU have been collected. The phytochemical investigations of URCU revealed the presence of more than 371 chemical components, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phytosterols and phenolics. Moreover, the compounds isolated from URCU possessed a wide spectrum of pharmacology such as anti-hypertension, antiinflammation, anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-epilepsy, anti-depressant, ischemic brain injury, neuroprotection, anti-Alzheimer's disease, anti-Parkinson's disease and antiasthma.SummaryIn this paper, the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical applications of URCU were reviewed. As a source of traditional folk medicine, URCU has high medicinal value and are widely used in medicine. Therefore, we hope our review can help URCU get better development and utilization.     

Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activity of Plants of Genus Curculigo: An Updated Review Since 2013

The genus Curculigo, as a folk herbal medicine, has been used for many years in China, treating impotence, limb limpness, and arthritis of the lumbar and knee joints. The last systematic review of the genus Curculigo was written in 2013, scientifically categorizing the phytochemistry and biological activities. Hitherto, the original compounds and their pharmacological activities were presented as the development of this genus, but there is not an updated review. To conclude the progression of the genus Curculigo, we collected the new literature published from 2013 to 2021 in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar databases, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. The novel chlorophenolic glucosides, curculigine, phenolic glycosides, orcinosides and polysaccharides were isolated from Curculigo. The new analyzing methods were established to control the quality of Curculigo as a herbal medicine. In addition, the pharmacological effects of Curculigo focused on anti-diabetes, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, osteoporosis, antioxidation, etc. The antitumor and neuroprotective activities were newly explored in recent years. The application of herbal medicine was gradually developed in scientific methods. The medicinal value of the genus Curculigo needs to further investigate its pharmacological mechanisms. This new review offers more insights into the exploitation of the pharmacological value of the genus Curculigo.     

Genus Chloranthus: A comprehensive review of its phytochemistry,pharmacology, and uses

This paper is intended to review advances in the botanical, traditional uses, phytochemical, pharmacological and development and utilization studies of the genus Chloranthus. Chloranthus, a genus of the family Chloranthaceae, which is mainly distributed in the temperate and tropical regions of Asia, has been used as a folk remedy for swollen boils, snake bites and bruises. Up to now, 418 compounds have been reported from the genus Chloranthus, including 383 terpenoids, 4 coumarins, 6 lignans, 2 simple phenylpropanoids, 4 flavonoids, 6 amides, 5 organic acids and some other types of compounds. Among them, the main chemical constituents are sesquiterpenes and their diterpenoids. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that most of the Chloranthus plants possessed anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antimalarial activities. As one of the most important genera in China, Chloranthus should be paid further attention to gathering information about the pharmacological mechanism and value active compounds. This paper summarized the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and uses of genus Chloranthus in order to lay a foundation and provide reference for the follow-up research and wide application of the genus.     

<em>Cassia spectabilis </em>(DC) Irwin et Barn: A Promising Traditional Herb in Health Improvement

The genus Cassia, comprising about 600 species widely distributed worldwide is well known for its diverse biological and pharmacological properties. Cassia spectabilis (sin Senna spectabilis) (DC) Irwin et Barn (Fabaceae) is widely grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical areas. C. spectabilis has been commonly used in traditional medicine for many years. Information in the biomedical literature has indicated the presence of a variety of medicinally-important chemical constituents in C. spectabilis. Pharmacological studies by various groups of investigators have shown that C. spectabilis possesses significant biological activity, such as antibacterial, antibiofilm, antifungal and antioxidant properties. Beside this, toxicity studies of this plant have revealed no toxic effect on mice. In view of the immense medicinal importance of C. spectabilis, this review aimed at compiling all currently available information on C. spectabilis's botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and mechanism of actions, toxicology and its ethnomedicinal uses.     

Cystoseira algae (Fucaceae): update on their chemical entities and biological activities

Cystoseira (Sargassaceae) is a genus of marine brown algae composed of about 40 species, which is distributed along the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. The biological potential of the Cystoseira genus has been investigated and several activities have been reported. Chemically, this genus contains a wide variety of secondary metabolites, such as terpenoids, steroids, phlorotannins and phenolic compounds. Additionally, other chemical components as, for instance, carbohydrates, triacylglycerols/fatty acids, pigments as well as vitamins have been identified in the studied species. Some of the isolated compounds were associated with the reported pharmacological properties, as for example antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity, anticancer, cholinesterase inhibition, anti-diabetic, activities but also antibacterial, antifungal and anti-parasitic activities. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the compounds isolated and identified after 1995 from the different species of Cystoseira, compiling more than 200 compounds isolated, together with their therapeutic potential.     

Aquaculture Production of the Brown Seaweeds Laminaria digitata and Macrocystis pyrifera: Applications in Food and Pharmaceuticals

Seaweeds have a long history of use as food, as flavouring agents, and find use in traditional folk medicine. Seaweed products range from food, feed, and dietary supplements to pharmaceuticals, and from bioenergy intermediates to materials. At present, 98% of the seaweed required by the seaweed industry is provided by five genera and only ten species. The two brown kelp seaweeds Laminaria digitata, a native Irish species, and Macrocystis pyrifera, a native New Zealand species, are not included in these eleven species, although they have been used as dietary supplements and as animal and fish feed. The properties associated with the polysaccharides and proteins from these two species have resulted in increased interest in them, enabling their use as functional foods. Improvements and optimisations in aquaculture methods and bioproduct extractions are essential to realise the commercial potential of these seaweeds. Recent advances in optimising these processes are outlined in this review, as well as potential future applications of L. digitata and, to a greater extent, M. pyrifera which, to date, has been predominately only wild-harvested. These include bio-refinery processing to produce ingredients for nutricosmetics, functional foods, cosmeceuticals, and bioplastics. Areas that currently limit the commercial potential of these two species are highlighted.     

Terpenoids of Aristolochia and their biological activities

Aristolochia is an important genus widely used in traditional medicine. During the past two decades, this genus has attracted much interest and has been the subject of numerous chemical and pharmacological studies. It is a rich source of aristolochic acids, which are unique to this genus, and of terpenoids. The nature of these terpenoids are reviewed in this article together with some bioactivity data in an effort to highlight the rapid development in the field of phytochemistry of the Aristolochia species.     

A Review of Polygonatum Mill. Genus: Its Taxonomy,Chemical Constituents,and Pharmacological Effect Due to Processing Changes

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The genus Polygonatum Tourn, ex Mill. contains numerous chemical components, such as steroidal saponins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and others, it possesses diverse pharmacological activities, such as anti-aging, anti-tumor, immunological regulation, as well as blood glucose management and fat reducing properties. Aim of the review: This study reviews the current state of research on the systematic categorization, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and processing changes of the plants belonging to the genus Polygonatum, to provide a theoretical foundation for their scientific development and rational application. Materials and methods: The information was obtained by searching the scientific literature published between 1977 and 2022 on online databases (including PubMed, CNKI, SciFinder, and Web of Science) and other sources (such as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition, and Chinese herbal books). Results: The genus Polygonatum contains 79 species, and 233 bioactive chemical compounds were identified in them. The abundance of pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant activities, anti-fatigue activities, anti-inflammatory activities, etc., were revealed for the representatives of this genus. In addition, there are numerous processing methods, and many chemical constituents and pharmacological activities change after the unappropriated processing. Conclusions: This review summarizes the taxonomy classification, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and processing of the plants belonging to the genus Polygonatum, providing references and research tendencies for plant-based drug development and further clinical applications.     

Structure,Bioactivity and Analytical Methods for the Determination of Yucca Saponins

Yucca is one of the main sources of steroidal saponins, hence different extracts are commercialized for use as surfactant additives by beverage, animal feed, cosmetics or agricultural products. For a deeper understanding of the potential of the saponins that can be found in this genus, an exhaustive review of the structural characteristics, bioactivities and analytical methods that can be used with these compounds has been carried out, since there are no recent reviews on the matter. Thus, a total of 108 saponins from eight species of the genus Yucca have been described. Out of these, the bioactivity of 68 saponins derived from the isolation of Yucca or other genera has been evaluated. Regarding the evaluation and quality control of the saponins from this genus LC-MS technique is the most often used. Nevertheless, the development of methods for their routine analysis in commercial preparations are needed. Moreover, most of the studies found in the literature have been carried out on Y. schidigera extract, since is the most often used for commercial purposes. Only eight of the 50 species that belong to this genus have been studied, which clearly indicates that the identification of saponins present in Yucca genus is still an unresolved question.     

The young fruit of Citrus aurantium L. or Citrus sinensis Osbeck as a natural health food: A deep insight into the scientific evidence of its health benefits

Fruits are consumed as foods or medicines to supply people with nutrition or treat diseases. Zhishi, the dried young fruit of Citrus aurantium L. or Citrus sinensis Osbeck, is one of the most representative health food from the fruit of the Citrus genus. It is widely used in flavorings, canned food, beverages, and medicines because of its outstanding curative effects. The bidirectional regulating effect of Zhishi on the gastrointestinal tract for treating food stagnation or diarrhea has been confirmed. Its active ingredients, including synephrine and N-methyltyramine, have been used clinically as blood pressure boosting and anti-shock drugs. Flavonoids and alkaloids of Zhishi also make it potential weight loss and beauty products due to their definite effectiveness and safety. This paper intends to review the different therapeutic applications of Zhishi and the phytochemicals associated with its medicinal values. Besides, up-to-date information on its botany and analytical methods for the quality control of the medicine is supplied. To conclude, numerous independent research on Zhishi have been conducted in the past decades, but most of them are not deep enough in elucidating its scientific evidence of its health benefits. Further studies may unveil additional pharmacological activities and is beneficial to the mankind.     

Applications of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Their Bacteriocins against Food Spoilage Microorganisms and Foodborne Pathogens

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are Gram-positive and catalase-negative microorganisms used to produce fermented foods. They appear morphologically as cocci or rods and they do not form spores. LAB used in food fermentation are from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera and are useful in controlling spoilage and pathogenic microbes, due to the bacteriocins and acids that they produce. Consequently, LAB and their bacteriocins have emerged as viable alternatives to chemical food preservatives, curtesy of their qualified presumption of safety (QPS) status. There is growing interest regarding updated literature on the applications of LAB and their products in food safety, inhibition of the proliferation of food spoilage microbes and foodborne pathogens, and the mitigation of viral infections associated with food, as well as in the development of creative food packaging materials. Therefore, this review explores empirical studies, documenting applications and the extent to which LAB isolates and their bacteriocins have been used in the food industry against food spoilage microorganisms and foodborne pathogens including viruses; as well as to highlight the prospects of their numerous novel applications as components of hurdle technology to provide safe and quality food products.