Current Traditional Medicine - Online First
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Exploring Biological Activities of a Thai Traditional Remedy Called “Ruean-Mhoon-Nok” and its Plant Ingredient Extracts for the Treatment of Dermatitis
Available online: 04 March 2025More LessBackgroundRuean-Mhoon-Nok (RMN) remedy has been used to treat skin inflammatory diseases (e.g., dermatitis and psoriasis). However, its bioactivities related to traditional use remain unclear.
ObjectiveTo investigate the biological activities related to dermatitis treatment of the RMN and its plant ingredient extracts, including the determination of bioactive compounds and stability study.
Methodsin vitro anti-inflammatory activities were assessed through the inhibition of NO using Griess reagent in RAW 264.7 cells, as well as IL-6 and TNF-α production using an ELISA test kit. The anti-allergic activity was performed via degranulation assay in RBL-2H3 cells. The microtiter plate-based antibacterial assay was used to assess MIC and MBC. The bioactive compound in the RMN extract was measured by HPLC, while its stability was evaluated under accelerated storage conditions.
ResultsThe RMN extract exhibited a potential inhibitory effect on NO and IL-6 production, while it had a limited effect on inhibition of β-hexosaminidase release. In addition, the RMN extract displayed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including S. epidermis, S. aureus, and MRSA. Among individual plants, Piper wallichii extract displayed outstanding results in all assays compared to the others. The HPLC results confirmed that hydroxychavicol is a major RMN extract constituent, demonstrating potent inhibitory activity on NO and IL-6 productions. However, the RMN extract was unstable when stored under accelerated conditions.
ConclusionThe RMN remedy and its bioactive compound, hydroxychavicol, have highly promising anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that might support its traditional use. However, further investigations related to the pathogenesis of dermatitis are required, including preclinical and clinical studies.
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Autophagy Modulating Potential of Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson’s Disease
Available online: 04 March 2025More LessIntroductionParkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, surpassed only by Alzheimer's disease. It is distinguished by a diverse array of motor and non-motor symptoms that impact various aspects of neurological function. In recent years, the autophagy-enhancing potential of several medicinal plants has been tested and results in better protection against neurodegeneration in PD. Accordingly, the major objective of this work is to explore the autophagy-enhancing activity of Mucuna pruriens (Mp) seed extract in the rotenone intoxicated mouse model.
MethodTo evaluate our hypothesis, we categorized the mice into four distinct groups: a control group, a drug-only control group, a rotenone-intoxicated group, and a group of rotenone-intoxicated mice that were also treated with Mp. After dosing was finished, the behavioral test was measured. The mice were then sacrificed in each group, and the brains were isolated. Rotenone-intoxicated Parkinsonian mice exhibited significant behavioral impairments in the rotarod, hanging grip, and narrow beam walking tests, indicating deficits in balance, coordination, and muscle strength. Treatment with Mp markedly improved motor performance, suggesting its neuroprotective and therapeutic potential in alleviating PD-related dysfunction. Similarly, Mp effectively mitigates biochemical impairments in the Parkinsonian mouse model, improving catalase activity, reducing nitrite levels, lipid peroxidation, and enhancing glutathione reductase function. TFEB and mTORC1 are the 2 most important modulators of autophagy. The TFEB level was decreases in the rotenone group ultimately restored in the Mp group. The activity of TFEB was negatively regulated by mTORC1. The level of mTORC1 was increased in rotenone group and was significantly reduced by Mp treatment. The enzymatic level of glucocerebrosidase was also decreases in rotenone intoxicated mice and increased in Mp group. The ultimate impact of these autophagy enhancers is reflected at the level of Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The activity of TH is reduced in the rotenone group and consequently enhanced by Mp treatment.
ResultOur result shows the autophagy enhancing activity of Mp.
ConclusionFurther studies will be needed to search and test the additional number of regulators that are involved in the autophagy mediating activity of Mp.
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Antibacterial, Antibiotic-Potentiating, and Antiviral Activities of Selected Endemic Primary Rainforest Plants of Peninsular Malaysia
Available online: 20 February 2025More LessBackgroundThere is a need to identify original molecules to develop drugs for the treatment of microbial infections. Such chemical entities could be found in secondary metabolites of rainforest plants that are not so well-known. This study examines the antibacterial and antibiotic-potentiating effects, and antiviral activities of six rainforest plants endemic to the primary rainforest of Malaysia.
MethodsLeaves, bark, fruits, and wood of Burkillanthus malaccensis, Cleistanthus bracteosus, Diospyros hasseltii, Kibatalia maingayi, Knema retusa, and Litsea spathacea were extracted successively with hexane, chloroform, and methanol, and tested against six human pathogenic bacteria species by disc diffusion and broth microdilution. The extracts were tested against influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) using MDCK cells.
ResultsOf the 42 extracts tested, the hexane extract of fruits of D. hasseltii inhibited the growth of E. coli with the MIC value of 39 µg/mL. The chloroform extract of leaves of C. bracetosus potentiated the activity of levofloxacin against P. aeruginosa. The strongest antiviral activity was observed with the chloroform extract of leaves of C. bracteosus with the IC50 value of 6.3 µg/mL. The chloroform extract of bark of B. malaccensis with the IC50 value of 0.6 µg/mL was the most cytotoxic.
ConclusionPreserving the primary rainforest of Malaysia is a means to preserve natural products with the ability to be developed as antimicrobial leads. In particular, D. hasseltii, C. bracteosus, and B. malaccensis could be examined for their active antimicrobial constituents.
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