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Fulltext Synthesis of Bio-Inspired 1,3-Diarylpropene Derivatives via Heck Cross-Coupling and Cytotoxic Evaluation on Breast Cancer Cells

Tan AS, Singh J, Rezali NS, Muhamad M, Nik Mohamed Kamal NNS, Six Y, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Aug 23;27(17).
PMID: 36080141 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175373

The Heck cross-coupling reaction is a well-established chemical tool for the synthesis of unsaturated compounds by formation of a new C-C bond. In this study, 1,3-diarylpropene derivatives, designed as structural analogues of stilbenoids and dihydrostilbenoids, were synthesised by the palladium-catalysed reactions of 2-amidoiodobenzene derivatives with either estragole or eugenol. The products were obtained with high (E) stereoselectivity but as two regioisomers. The ratios of isomers were found to be dependent on the nature of the allylbenzene partner and were rationalised by electronic effects exercising a determining influence in the β-hydride elimination step. In addition, the cytotoxic effects of all the Heck reaction products were evaluated against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells, with unpromising results. Among all, compound 7d exhibited weak cytotoxic activity towards MCF-7 cell lines with IC50 values of 47.92 µM in comparison with tamoxifen and was considered to have general toxicity (SI value < 2).
Fulltext Comparative Analysis of Antioxidant Compounds and Antioxidative Properties of Thai Indigenous Rice: Effects of Rice Variety and Processing Condition

Summpunn P, Panpipat W, Manurakchinakorn S, Bhoopong P, Cheong LZ, Chaijan M

Molecules, 2022 Aug 14;27(16).
PMID: 36014418 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165180

Indigenous southern Thai non-glutinous rice varieties Kaab Dum, Khai Mod Rin, Yar Ko, Yoom Noon, and Look Lai made under four different processing conditions, white rice, brown rice, germinated brown rice, and rice grass, were assessed for antioxidant components and in vitro antioxidative activities. According to the findings, rice’s antioxidant components and antioxidant activity were considerably impacted by both variety and processing. High levels of total extractable phenolic compounds (164−314 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/kg, dry weight (dw)) and carotenoid (0.92−8.65 mg/100 g, dw) were found in all rice varieties, especially in rice grass and germinated brown rice, indicating that milling to generate white rice had an adverse effect on those components. Additionally, after germination, a higher γ-oryzanol concentration (9−14 mg/100 g, dw) was found. All rice varieties had higher ascorbic acid, phenolic compound, and carotenoid contents after sprouting. Overall, Yoom Noon rice grass had the highest total extractable phenolic content (p < 0.05). The rice grass from Yoom Noon/Look Lai/Kaab Dum had the highest ascorbic acid content (p < 0.05). The total carotenoid concentration of Look Lai rice grass was the highest, and Yoom Noon’s germinated brown rice had the highest γ-oryzanol content (p < 0.05). All rice varieties’ aqueous extracts had remarkable ABTS free radical scavenging activity, with Khai Mod Rin reaching the highest maximum value of 42.56 mmol Trolox equivalent/kg dw. Other antioxidant mechanisms, however, were quite low. Compared to germinated brown rice, brown rice, and white rice, rice grass often tended to have stronger antioxidant activity. Yar Ko rice grass was found to have the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity (3.8 mmol Trolox equivalent/kg dw) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (4.6 mmol Trolox equivalent/kg dw) (p < 0.05). Khai Mod Rice grass had the most pronounced metal chelation activity (1.14 mmol EDTA equivalent/kg dw) (p < 0.05). The rice variety and processing conditions, therefore, influenced the antioxidant compounds and antioxidative properties of Thai indigenous rice. The results can be used as a guide to select the optimal rice variety and primary processing in order to satisfy the needs of farmers who want to produce rice as a functional ingredient and to promote the consumption of indigenous rice by health-conscious consumers.
Fulltext Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel in Hydrochloric Acid Environment Using Terephthaldehyde Based on Schiff Base: Gravimetric, Thermodynamic, and Computational Studies

Mahdi BS, Abbass MK, Mohsin MK, Al-Azzawi WK, Hanoon MM, Al-Kaabi MHH, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Jul 29;27(15).
PMID: 35956814 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154857

Using traditional weight-loss tests, as well as different electrochemical techniques (potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), we investigated the corrosion-inhibition performance of 2,2′-(1,4-phenylenebis(methanylylidene)) bis(N-(3-methoxyphenyl) hydrazinecarbothioamide) (PMBMH) as an inhibitor for mild steel in a 1 M hydrochloric acid solution. The maximum protection efficacy of 0.0005 M of PMBMH was 95%. Due to the creation of a protective adsorption layer instead of the adsorbed H2O molecules and acidic chloride ions, the existence of the investigated inhibitor reduced the corrosion rate and increased the inhibitory efficacy. The inhibition efficiency increased as the inhibitor concentration increased, but it decreased as the temperature increased. The PMBMH adsorption mode followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, with high adsorption-inhibition activity. Furthermore, the value of the ∆Gadso indicated that PMBMH contributed to the physical and chemical adsorption onto the mild-steel surface. Moreover, density functional theory (DFT) helped in the calculation of the quantum chemical parameters for finding the correlation between the inhibition activity and the molecular structure. The experimental and theoretical findings in this investigation are in good agreement.
Fulltext Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles of Psidium guajava Leaf Extract and Evaluation for Its Antidiabetic Activity

Nagaraja S, Ahmed SS, D R B, Goudanavar P, M RK, Fattepur S, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Jul 06;27(14).
PMID: 35889209 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144336

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications are a severe public health concern due to the high incidence, morbidity, and mortality rates. The present study aims to synthesize and characterize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous leaf extract of Psidium guajava (PGE) for investigating its antidiabetic activity. Psidium guajava silver nanoparticles (PGAg NPs) were prepared and characterized by various parameters. The in vivo study was conducted using PGE and PGAg NPs in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats to assess their antidiabetic properties. STZ of 55 mg/kg was injected to induce diabetes. The PGE, PGAg NPs at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg and standard drug Metformin (100 mg/kg) were administered daily to diabetic rats for 21 days through the oral route. Blood glucose level, body weight changes, lipid profiles, and histopathology of the rats' liver and pancreas were examined. In the diabetic rats, PGE and PGAg NPs produced a drastic decrease in the blood glucose level, preventing subsequent weight loss and ameliorating lipid profile parameters. The histopathological findings revealed the improvements in pancreas and liver cells due to the repercussion of PGE and PGAg NPs. A compelling effect was observed in all doses of PGE and PGAg NPs; however, PGAg NPs exhibited a more promising result. Thus, from the results, it is concluded that the synthesized PGAg NPs has potent antidiabetic activity due to its enhanced surface area and smaller particle size of nanoparticles.
Fulltext Fast Melt Cocoa Butter Tablet: Effect of Waxes, Starch, and PEG 6000 on Physical Properties of the Preparation

Liew KB, Ming LC, Goh BH, Peh KK

Molecules, 2022 May 13;27(10).
PMID: 35630605 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103128

A fast melt tablet (FMT) is well regarded as an alternative delivery system that might help resolve a patient's non-compliance issue. The main objective of this study was to develop a cocoa butter-based FMT. Additives, namely 5-15% of PEG 6000, beeswax, paraffin wax, and corn starch, were incorporated into the cocoa butter-based FMT to study the effects of these additives with the physical characteristic of a cocoa butter FMT. An optimum-based formulation was chosen according to the desired hardness and disintegration time and the taste masking property achieved with the model drug-dapoxetine. The analysis demonstrated that incorporating beeswax (15%) and paraffin wax (15%) could prolong the disintegration time by at least two-fold. On the contrary, the presence of corn starch was found to cause an increase in the hardness and reduction of the disintegration time. The disintegration mechanism might be presumed due to the synergistic effect of starch swelling and cocoa butter melting. The hardness value and in vitro disintegration time of the optimum formulation were recorded at 2.93 ± 0.22 kg and 151.67 ± 6.98 s. In terms of dissolution, 80% of dapoxetine was released within 30 min and the dissolution profile was comparable to the innovator product. The formulation was palatable and stable for at least 1 year. The exposure of the FMT formulation at 30 °C for 12 months was reported to be stable. Along with the sound palatability profile and high drug load capacity, the current formulation possesses the desired characteristics to be scaled up and marketed.
Fulltext Role of Intracellular Iron in Switching Apoptosis to Ferroptosis to Target Therapy-Resistant Cancer Stem Cells

Pandrangi SL, Chittineedi P, Chalumuri SS, Meena AS, Neira Mosquera JA, Sánchez Llaguno SN, et al.

Molecules, 2022 May 07;27(9).
PMID: 35566360 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27093011

Iron is a crucial element required for the proper functioning of the body. For instance, hemoglobin is the vital component in the blood that delivers oxygen to various parts of the body. The heme protein present in hemoglobin comprises iron in the form of a ferrous state which regulates oxygen delivery. Excess iron in the body is stored as ferritin and would be utilized under iron-deficient conditions. Surprisingly, cancer cells as well as cancer stem cells have elevated ferritin levels suggesting that iron plays a vital role in protecting these cells. However, apart from the cytoprotective role iron also has the potential to induce cell death via ferroptosis which is a non-apoptotic cell death dependent on iron reserves. Apoptosis a caspase-dependent cell death mechanism is effective on cancer cells however little is known about its impact on cancer stem cell death. This paper focuses on the molecular characteristics of apoptosis and ferroptosis and the importance of switching to ferroptosis to target cancer stem cells death thereby preventing cancer relapse. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review to demonstrate the importance of intracellular iron in regulating the switching of tumor cells and therapy resistant CSCs from apoptosis to ferroptosis.
Identification of Stingless Bee Honey Adulteration Using Visible-Near Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Aquaphotomics

Raypah ME, Omar AF, Muncan J, Zulkurnain M, Abdul Najib AR

Molecules, 2022 Apr 03;27(7).
PMID: 35408723 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072324

Honey is a natural product that is considered globally one of the most widely important foods. Various studies on authenticity detection of honey have been fulfilled using visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy techniques. However, there are limited studies on stingless bee honey (SBH) despite the increase of market demand for this food product. The objective of this work was to present the potential of Vis-NIR absorbance spectroscopy for profiling, classifying, and quantifying the adulterated SBH. The SBH sample was mixed with various percentages (10−90%) of adulterants, including distilled water, apple cider vinegar, and high fructose syrup. The results showed that the region at 400−1100 nm that is related to the color and water properties of the samples was effective to discriminate and quantify the adulterated SBH. By applying the principal component analysis (PCA) on adulterants and honey samples, the PCA score plot revealed the classification of the adulterants and adulterated SBHs. A partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was developed to quantify the contamination level in the SBH samples. The general PLSR model with the highest coefficient of determination and lowest root means square error of cross-validation (RCV2=0.96 and RMSECV=5.88 %) was acquired. The aquaphotomics analysis of adulteration in SBH with the three adulterants utilizing the short-wavelength NIR region (800−1100 nm) was presented. The structural changes of SBH due to adulteration were described in terms of the changes in the water molecular matrix, and the aquagrams were used to visualize the results. It was revealed that the integration of NIR spectroscopy with aquaphotomics could be used to detect the water molecular structures in the adulterated SBH.
Fulltext Prediction of Low-Dose Aspirin-Induced Gastric Toxicity Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy-Based Pharmacometabolomics in Rats

Sha'aban A, Zainal H, Khalil NA, Abd Aziz F, Ch'ng ES, Teh CH, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Mar 25;27(7).
PMID: 35408523 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072126

BACKGROUND: Low-dose aspirin (LDA) is the backbone for secondary prevention of coronary artery disease, although limited by gastric toxicity. This study aimed to identify novel metabolites that could predict LDA-induced gastric toxicity using pharmacometabolomics.
METHODS: Pre-dosed urine samples were collected from male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were treated with either LDA (10 mg/kg) or 1% methylcellulose (10 mL/kg) per oral for 28 days. The rats' stomachs were examined for gastric toxicity using a stereomicroscope. The urine samples were analyzed using a proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Metabolites were systematically identified by exploring established databases and multivariate analyses to determine the spectral pattern of metabolites related to LDA-induced gastric toxicity.
RESULTS: Treatment with LDA resulted in gastric toxicity in 20/32 rats (62.5%). The orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model displayed a goodness-of-fit (R2Y) value of 0.947, suggesting near-perfect reproducibility and a goodness-of-prediction (Q2Y) of -0.185 with perfect sensitivity, specificity and accuracy (100%). Furthermore, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) displayed was 1. The final OPLS-DA model had an R2Y value of 0.726 and Q2Y of 0.142 with sensitivity (100%), specificity (95.0%) and accuracy (96.9%). Citrate, hippurate, methylamine, trimethylamine N-oxide and alpha-keto-glutarate were identified as the possible metabolites implicated in the LDA-induced gastric toxicity.
CONCLUSION: The study identified metabolic signatures that correlated with the development of a low-dose Aspirin-induced gastric toxicity in rats. This pharmacometabolomic approach could further be validated to predict LDA-induced gastric toxicity in patients with coronary artery disease.
Fulltext Core Shell Nanostructure: Impregnated Activated Carbon as Adsorbent for Hydrogen Sulfide Adsorption

Zulkefli NN, Seladorai R, Masdar MS, Mohd Sofian N, Wan Isahak WNR

Molecules, 2022 Feb 08;27(3).
PMID: 35164410 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27031145

This study focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of the performance of core shell nanostructure adsorbent for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) capture. Commercial coconut shell activated carbon (CAC) and commercial mixed gas of 5000 ppm H2S balanced N2 were used. With different preparation techniques, the CAC was modified by core shell impregnation with zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium oxide (TiO2), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and zinc acetate (ZnAC2). The core structure was prepared with CAC impregnated by single chemical and double chemical labelled with ZnAC2-CAC (single chemical), ZnAC2/KOH-CAC, ZnAC2/ZnO-CAC, and ZnAC2/TiO2-CAC. Then, the prepared core was layered either with KOH, TiO2, NH3, or TEOS for the shell. The synthesized adsorbents were characterized in physical and chemical characterization through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyzers. Operation of the adsorber column takes place at ambient temperature, with absolute pressure at 1.5 bar. The H2S gas was fed into the column at 5.5 L/min and the loaded adsorbents were 150 g. The performance of synthesized adsorbent was analyzed through the adsorbent's capability in capturing H2S gas. Based on the results, ZnAc2/ZnO/CAC_WOS shows a better adsorption capacity with 1.17 mg H2S/g and a 53% increment compared to raw CAC. However, the degradation of the adsorbents was higher compared to ZnAc2/ZnO/CAC_OS and to ZnAc2/ZnO/CAC_WS ZnAc2/ZnO/CAC_OS. The presence of silica as a shell has potentially increased the adsorbent's stability in several cycles of adsorption-desorption.
Fulltext Biotic Cathode of Graphite Fibre Brush for Improved Application in Microbial Fuel Cells

Rusli SFN, Daud SM, Abu Bakar MH, Loh KS, Masdar MS

Molecules, 2022 Feb 03;27(3).
PMID: 35164309 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27031045

The biocathode in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) system is a promising and a cheap alternative method to improve cathode reaction performance. This study aims to identify the effect of the electrode combination between non-chemical modified stainless steel (SS) and graphite fibre brush (GFB) for constructing bio-electrodes in an MFC. In this study, the MFC had two chambers, separated by a cation exchange membrane, and underwent a total of four different treatments with different electrode arrangements (anodeǁcathode)-SSǁSS (control), GFBǁSS, GFBǁGFB and SSǁGFB. Both electrodes were heat-treated to improve surface oxidation. On the 20th day of the operation, the GFBǁGFB arrangement generated the highest power density, up to 3.03 W/m3 (177 A/m3), followed by the SSǁGFB (0.0106 W/m3, 0.412 A/m3), the GFBǁSS (0.0283 W/m3, 17.1 A/m3), and the SSǁSS arrangements (0.0069 W/m-3, 1.64 A/m3). The GFBǁGFB had the lowest internal resistance (0.2 kΩ), corresponding to the highest power output. The other electrode arrangements, SSǁGFB, GFBǁSS, and SSǁSS, showed very high internal resistance (82 kΩ, 2.1 kΩ and 18 kΩ, respectively) due to the low proton and electron movement activity in the MFC systems. The results show that GFB materials can be used as anode and cathode in a fully biotic MFC system.
Fulltext Neuraminidase Inhibitor of Garcinia atroviridis L. Fruits and Leaves Using Partial Purification and Molecular Characterization

Muchtaridi M, Nuwarda RF, Ikram EHK, Abdul Rahim AS, Gazzali AM, Wahab HA

Molecules, 2022 Jan 30;27(3).
PMID: 35164214 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030949

Neuraminidase (NA) is an enzyme that prevents virions from aggregating within the host cell and promotes cell-to-cell spread by cleaving glycosidic linkages to sialic acid. The best-known neuraminidase is the viral neuraminidase, which present in the influenza virus. Thus, the development of anti-influenza drugs that inhibit NA has emerged as an important and intriguing approach in the treatment of influenza. Garcinia atroviridis L. (GA) dried fruits (GAF) are used commercially as seasoning and in beverages. The main objective of this study was to identify a new potential neuraminidase inhibitor from GA. A bioassay-guided fractionation method was applied to obtain the bioactive compounds leading to the identification of garcinia acid and naringenin. In an enzyme inhibition study, garcinia acid demonstrated the highest activity when compared to naringenin. Garcinia acid had the highest activity, with an IC50 of 17.34-17.53 µg/mL or 91.22-92.21 µM against Clostridium perfringens-NA, and 56.71-57.85 µg/mL or 298.32-304.31 µM against H1N1-NA. Based on molecular docking results, garcinia acid interacted with the triad arginine residues (Arg118, Arg292, and Arg371) of the viral neuraminidase, implying that this compound has the potential to act as a NA enzyme inhibitor.
Fulltext Antioxidant, Anti-Obesity, Nutritional and Other Beneficial Effects of Different Chili Pepper: A Review

Azlan A, Sultana S, Huei CS, Razman MR

Molecules, 2022 Jan 28;27(3).
PMID: 35164163 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030898

Fruits and vegetables are important components of a healthy diet. They are rich sources of vitamins and minerals, dietary fibre and a host of beneficial non-nutrient substances including plant sterols, flavonoids and other antioxidants. It has been reported that reduced intake of fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Chili pepper, is a common and important spice used to enhance taste and nutrition. Over the years, reports have shown its potential as antioxidant and an anti-obesity agent. Obesity is a serious health concern as it may initiate other common chronic diseases. Due to the side effects of synthetic antioxidants and anti-obesity drugs, scientists are now focusing on natural products which produce similar effects to synthetic chemicals. This up-to-date review addresses this research gap and presents, in an accessible format, the nutritional, antioxidant and anti-obesity properties of different chili peppers. This review article serves as a reference guide for use of chili peppers as anti-obesity agents.
Fulltext Experimental Investigation on Thermophysical Properties of Ammonium-Based Protic Ionic Liquids and Their Potential Ability towards CO2 Capture

Zailani NHZO, Yunus NM, Ab Rahim AH, Bustam MA

Molecules, 2022 Jan 27;27(3).
PMID: 35164113 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030851

Ionic liquids, which are extensively known as low-melting-point salts, have received significant attention as the promising solvent for CO2 capture. This work presents the synthesis, thermophysical properties and the CO2 absorption of a series of ammonium cations coupled with carboxylate anions producing ammonium-based protic ionic liquids (PILs), namely 2-ethylhexylammonium pentanoate ([EHA][C5]), 2-ethylhexylammonium hexanoate ([EHA][C6]), 2-ethylhexylammonium heptanoate ([EHA][C7]), bis-(2-ethylhexyl)ammonium pentanoate ([BEHA][C5]), bis-(2-ethylhexyl)ammonium hexanoate ([BEHA][C6]) and bis-(2-ethylhexyl)ammonium heptanoate ([BEHA][C7]). The chemical structures of the PILs were confirmed by using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy while the density (ρ) and the dynamic viscosity (η) of the PILs were determined and analyzed in a range from 293.15K up to 363.15K. The refractive index (nD) was also measured at T = (293.15 to 333.15) K. Thermal analyses conducted via a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) indicated that all PILs have the thermal decomposition temperature, Td of greater than 416K and the presence of glass transition, Tg was detected in each PIL. The CO2 absorption of the PILs was studied up to 29 bar at 298.15 K and the experimental results showed that [BEHA][C7] had the highest CO2 absorption with 0.78 mol at 29 bar. The CO2 absorption values increase in the order of [C5] < [C6] < [C7] anion regardless of the nature of the cation.
Fulltext Bioactive Compounds of Ganoderma boninense Inhibited Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Growth by Affecting Their Cell Membrane Permeability and Integrity

Chan YS, Chong KP

Molecules, 2022 Jan 27;27(3).
PMID: 35164103 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030838

Some species of Ganoderma, such as G. lucidum, are well-known as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and their pharmacological value was scientifically proven in modern days. However, G. boninense is recognized as an oil palm pathogen, and its biological activity is scarcely reported. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the antibacterial properties of G. boninense fruiting bodies, which formed by condensed mycelial, produced numerous and complex profiles of natural compounds. Extract was cleaned up with normal-phase SPE and its metabolites were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS). From the disc diffusion and broth microdilution assays, strong susceptibility was observed in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in elute fraction with zone inhibition of 41.08 ± 0.04 mm and MIC value of 0.078 mg mL-1. A total of 23 peaks were detected using MS, which were putatively identified based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z), and eight compounds, which include aristolochic acid, aminoimidazole ribotide, lysine sulfonamide 11v, carbocyclic puromycin, fenbendazole, acetylcaranine, tigecycline, and tamoxifen, were reported in earlier literature for their antimicrobial activity. Morphological observation via scanning electron microscope (SEM), cell membrane permeability, and integrity assessment suggest G. boninense extract induces irreversible damage to the cell membrane of MRSA, thus causing cellular lysis and death.
Fulltext Tilianin: A Potential Natural Lead Molecule for New Drug Design and Development for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disorders

Khattulanuar FS, Sekar M, Fuloria S, Gan SH, Rani NNIM, Ravi S, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Jan 20;27(3).
PMID: 35163934 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030673

Cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) are the leading risk factor for death worldwide, and research into the processes and treatment regimens has received a lot of attention. Tilianin is a flavonoid glycoside that can be found in a wide range of medicinal plants and is most commonly obtained from Dracocephalum moldavica. Due to its extensive range of biological actions, it has become a well-known molecule in recent years. In particular, numerous studies have shown that tilianin has cardioprotective properties against CVDs. Hence, this review summarises tilianin's preclinical research in CVDs, as well as its mechanism of action and opportunities in future drug development. The physicochemical and drug-likeness properties, as well as the toxicity profile, were also highlighted. Tilianin can be a natural lead molecule in the therapy of CVDs such as coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, hypertension, and myocardial ischemia, according to scientific evidence. Free radical scavenging, inflammation control, mitochondrial function regulation, and related signalling pathways are all thought to play a role in tilianin's cardioprotective actions. Finally, we discuss tilianin-derived compounds, as well as the limitations and opportunities of using tilianin as a lead molecule in drug development for CVDs. Overall, the scientific evidence presented in this review supports that tilianin and its derivatives could be used as a lead molecule in CVD drug development initiatives.
Fulltext Beneficial Health Effects of Glucosinolates-Derived Isothiocyanates on Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Kamal RM, Abdull Razis AF, Mohd Sukri NS, Perimal EK, Ahmad H, Patrick R, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Jan 19;27(3).
PMID: 35163897 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030624

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are illnesses that affect the nervous system and heart, all of which are vital to the human body. To maintain health of the human body, vegetable diets serve as a preventive approach and particularly Brassica vegetables have been associated with lower risks of chronic diseases, especially NDDs and CVDs. Interestingly, glucosinolates (GLs) and isothiocyanates (ITCs) are phytochemicals that are mostly found in the Cruciferae family and they have been largely documented as antioxidants contributing to both cardio- and neuroprotective effects. The hydrolytic breakdown of GLs into ITCs such as sulforaphane (SFN), phenylethyl ITC (PEITC), moringin (MG), erucin (ER), and allyl ITC (AITC) has been recognized to exert significant effects with regards to cardio- and neuroprotection. From past in vivo and/or in vitro studies, those phytochemicals have displayed the ability to mitigate the adverse effects of reactive oxidation species (ROS), inflammation, and apoptosis, which are the primary causes of CVDs and NDDs. This review focuses on the protective effects of those GL-derived ITCs, featuring their beneficial effects and the mechanisms behind those effects in CVDs and NDDs.
Fulltext Exploring the Immune-Boosting Functions of Vitamins and Minerals as Nutritional Food Bioactive Compounds: A Comprehensive Review

Mitra S, Paul S, Roy S, Sutradhar H, Bin Emran T, Nainu F, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Jan 16;27(2).
PMID: 35056870 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020555

Food components have long been recognized to play a fundamental role in the growth and development of the human body, conferring protective functionalities against foreign matter that can be severe public health problems. Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals are essential to the human body, and individuals must meet their daily requirements through dietary sources. Micronutrients act as immunomodulators and protect the host immune response, thus preventing immune evasion by pathogenic organisms. Several experimental investigations have been undertaken to appraise the immunomodulatory functions of vitamins and minerals. Based on these experimental findings, this review describes the immune-boosting functionalities of micronutrients and the mechanisms of action through which these functions are mediated. Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals in plasma concentrations can lead to a reduction in the performance of the immune system functioning, representing a key contributor to unfavorable immunological states. This review provides a descriptive overview of the characteristics of the immune system and the utilization of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in preventative strategies designed to reduce morbidity and mortality among patients suffering from immune invasions or autoimmune disorders.
Fulltext A Systematic Review of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. in the Treatment of Diabetes and Its Complications

Wang Q, Wang J, Li N, Liu J, Zhou J, Zhuang P, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Jan 10;27(2).
PMID: 35056765 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020444

(1) Background: Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. is a traditional medicine used in the treatment of diabetes and chronic renal failure in southern China, Malaysia, and Thailand. Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease and the number of diabetic patients in the world is increasing. This review aimed to systematically review the effects of O. stamineus in the treatment of diabetes and its complications and the pharmacodynamic material basis. (2) Methods: This systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), using the databases ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science. (3) Results: Thirty-one articles related to O. stamineus and diabetes were included. The mechanisms of O. stamineus in the treatment of diabetes and its complications mainly included inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, regulating lipid metabolism, promoting insulin secretion, ameliorating insulin resistance, increasing glucose uptake, promoting glycolysis, inhibiting gluconeogenesis, promoting glucagon-likepeptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion and antiglycation activity. Phenolic acids, flavonoids and triterpenoids might be the main components for hypoglycemia effects in O. stamineus. (4) Conclusion: O. stamineus could be an antidiabetic agent to treat diabetes and its complications. However, it needs further study on a pharmacodynamic substance basis and the mechanisms of effective constituents.
Fulltext Impact of Graphene Derivatives as Artificial Extracellular Matrices on Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Ikram R, Shamsuddin SAA, Mohamed Jan B, Abdul Qadir M, Kenanakis G, Stylianakis MM, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Jan 07;27(2).
PMID: 35056690 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020379

Thanks to stem cells' capability to differentiate into multiple cell types, damaged human tissues and organs can be rapidly well-repaired. Therefore, their applicability in the emerging field of regenerative medicine can be further expanded, serving as a promising multifunctional tool for tissue engineering, treatments for various diseases, and other biomedical applications as well. However, the differentiation and survival of the stem cells into specific lineages is crucial to be exclusively controlled. In this frame, growth factors and chemical agents are utilized to stimulate and adjust proliferation and differentiation of the stem cells, although challenges related with degradation, side effects, and high cost should be overcome. Owing to their unique physicochemical and biological properties, graphene-based nanomaterials have been widely used as scaffolds to manipulate stem cell growth and differentiation potential. Herein, we provide the most recent research progress in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) growth, differentiation and function utilizing graphene derivatives as extracellular scaffolds. The interaction of graphene derivatives in human and rat MSCs has been also evaluated. Graphene-based nanomaterials are biocompatible, exhibiting a great potential applicability in stem-cell-mediated regenerative medicine as they may promote the behaviour control of the stem cells. Finally, the challenges, prospects and future trends in the field are discussed.
Fulltext Pharmacological Effects of Grifolin: Focusing on Anticancer Mechanisms

Bouyahya A, El Allam A, Zeouk I, Taha D, Zengin G, Goh BH, et al.

Molecules, 2022 Jan 03;27(1).
PMID: 35011516 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010284

Grifolin is a volatile compound contained in essential oils of several medicinal plants. Several studies show that this substance has been the subject of numerous pharmacological investigations, which have yielded interesting results. Grifolin demonstrated beneficial effects for health via its multiple pharmacological activities. It has anti-microbial properties against bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In addition, grifolin exhibited remarkable anti-cancer effects on different human cancer cells. The anticancer action of this molecule is related to its ability to act at cellular and molecular levels on different checkpoints controlling the signaling pathways of human cancer cell lines. Grifolin can induce apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy, and senescence in these cells. Despite its major pharmacological properties, grifolin has only been investigated in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, further investigations concerning pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic tests are required for any possible pharmaceutical application of this substance. Moreover, toxicological tests and other investigations involving humans as a study model are required to validate the safety and clinical applications of grifolin.

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