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Natural Compounds in Health and Disease
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Natural Compounds in Health and Disease

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioactives and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2024) | Viewed by 14210

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Chang Won Choi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biotechnology, Pai Chai University, Daejeon 35345, Republic of Korea
Interests: antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; antimicrobial; antiviral; anticancer
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Natural compounds (NCs) are produced by living organisms in nature and have been a significant source of traditional medicine. Ethnopharmacologically, NCs are used to treat various diseases in many countries. Since the known NCs have a wide range of biological activities with structural diversity compared to synthetic compounds, they have been recognized as a valuable resource for pharmaceuticals. Besides, NCs’ structures are usually analogous to metabolite. For this reason, NCs can exhibit various types of physiological activities and thus become an essential source of precursors for new drug development.

This Special Issue aims to publish high-quality research concerning NCs’ biological activities, NCs’ industrial and preclinical applications, and NCs’ environmental impacts. The biological activity specifically concerns antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antiviral activities and against metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Possible topics also cover all aspects of research, including NCs’ isolation, characterization, structure-activity, biosynthesis, and biotransformation. We invite authors who make substantial and scholarly contributions to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Chang Won Choi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • natural compound
  • antioxidant
  • anti-inflammatory
  • anticancer
  • antimicrobial
  • antiviral
  • metabolic disease

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 6977 KiB  
Article
Deflamin Attenuated Lung Tissue Damage in an Ozone-Induced COPD Murine Model by Regulating MMP-9 Catalytic Activity
by Elia Ana Baltazar-García, Belinda Vargas-Guerrero, Ana Lima, Ricardo Boavida Ferreira, María Luisa Mendoza-Magaña, Mario Alberto Ramírez-Herrera, Tonatiuh Abimael Baltazar-Díaz, José Alfredo Domínguez-Rosales, Adriana María Salazar-Montes and Carmen Magdalena Gurrola-Díaz
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5063; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105063 - 7 May 2024
Viewed by 1248
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is comprised of histopathological alterations such as pulmonary emphysema and peribronchial fibrosis. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is one of the key enzymes involved in both types of tissue remodeling during the development of lung damage. In recent studies, [...] Read more.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is comprised of histopathological alterations such as pulmonary emphysema and peribronchial fibrosis. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is one of the key enzymes involved in both types of tissue remodeling during the development of lung damage. In recent studies, it was demonstrated that deflamin, a protein component extracted from Lupinus albus, markedly inhibits the catalytic activity of MMP-9 in experimental models of colon adenocarcinoma and ulcerative colitis. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated for the first time the biological effect of deflamin in a murine COPD model induced by chronic exposure to ozone. Ozone exposure was carried out in C57BL/6 mice twice a week for six weeks for 3 h each time, and the treated group was orally administered deflamin (20 mg/kg body weight) after each ozone exposure. The histological results showed that deflamin attenuated pulmonary emphysema and peribronchial fibrosis, as evidenced by H&E and Masson’s trichrome staining. Furthermore, deflamin administration significantly decreased MMP-9 activity, as assessed by fluorogenic substrate assay and gelatin zymography. Interestingly, bioinformatic analysis reveals a plausible interaction between deflamin and MMP-9. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of deflamin in a COPD murine model, and suggest that the attenuation of the development of lung tissue damage occurs by deflamin-regulated MMP-9 catalytic activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds in Health and Disease)
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14 pages, 2128 KiB  
Article
Cytotoxic Potential of the Monoterpene Isoespintanol against Human Tumor Cell Lines
by Orfa Inés Contreras-Martínez, Alberto Angulo-Ortíz, Gilmar Santafé Patiño, Fillipe Vieira Rocha, Karine Zanotti, Dario Batista Fortaleza, Tamara Teixeira and Jesus Sierra Martinez
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4614; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094614 - 23 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1488
Abstract
Cancer is a disease that encompasses multiple and different malignant conditions and is among the leading causes of death in the world. Therefore, the search for new pharmacotherapeutic options and potential candidates that can be used as treatments or adjuvants to control this [...] Read more.
Cancer is a disease that encompasses multiple and different malignant conditions and is among the leading causes of death in the world. Therefore, the search for new pharmacotherapeutic options and potential candidates that can be used as treatments or adjuvants to control this disease is urgent. Natural products, especially those obtained from plants, have played an important role as a source of specialized metabolites with recognized pharmacological properties against cancer, therefore, they are an excellent alternative to be used. The objective of this research was to evaluate the action of the monoterpene isoespintanol (ISO) against the human tumor cell lines MDA-MB-231, A549, DU145, A2780, A2780-cis and the non-tumor line MRC-5. Experiments with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and fluorescence with propidium iodide (PI), 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dilactate (DAPI) and green plasma revealed the cytotoxicity of ISO against these cells; furthermore, morphological and chromogenic studies revealed the action of ISO on cell morphology and the inhibitory capacity on reproductive viability to form colonies in MDA-MB-231 cells. Likewise, 3D experiments validated the damage in these cells caused by this monoterpene. These results serve as a basis for progress in studies of the mechanisms of action of these compounds and the development of derivatives or synthetic analogues with a better antitumor profile. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds in Health and Disease)
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14 pages, 7628 KiB  
Article
Therapeutic Nanodiamonds Containing Icariin Ameliorate the Progression of Osteoarthritis in Rats
by Ying Yu, Sang-Min Kim, Kyeongsoon Park, Hak Jun Kim, Jae Gyoon Kim and Sung Eun Kim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(21), 15977; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115977 - 5 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1715
Abstract
In present study, icariin (ICA)/tannic acid (TA)-nanodiamonds (NDs) were prepared as follows. ICA was anchored to ND surfaces with absorbed TA (ICA/TA-NDs) and we evaluated their in vitro anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages and in vivo cartilage protective effects on a rat [...] Read more.
In present study, icariin (ICA)/tannic acid (TA)-nanodiamonds (NDs) were prepared as follows. ICA was anchored to ND surfaces with absorbed TA (ICA/TA-NDs) and we evaluated their in vitro anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages and in vivo cartilage protective effects on a rat model of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA). The ICA/TA-NDs showed prolonged release of ICA from the NDs for up to 28 days in a sustained manner. ICA/TA-NDs inhibited the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory elements, including matrix metalloproteinases-3 (MMP-3), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and increased the mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory factors (i.e., IL-4 and IL-10) in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Animal studies exhibited that intra-articular injection of ICA/TA-NDs notably suppressed levels of IL-6, MMP-3, and TNF-α and induced level of IL-10 in serum of MIA-induced OA rat models in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, these noticeable anti-inflammatory effects of ICA/TA-NDs remarkably contributed to the protection of the progression of MIA-induced OA and cartilage degradation, as exhibited by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), gross findings, and histological investigations. Accordingly, in vitro and in vivo findings suggest that the prolonged ICA delivery of ICA/TA-NDs possesses an excellent latent to improve inflammation as well as defend against cartilage disorder in OA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds in Health and Disease)
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24 pages, 4373 KiB  
Article
Encapsulation in Oxygen-Loaded Nanobubbles Enhances the Antimicrobial Effectiveness of Photoactivated Curcumin
by Zunaira Munir, Chiara Molinar, Giuliana Banche, Monica Argenziano, Greta Magnano, Lorenza Cavallo, Narcisa Mandras, Roberta Cavalli and Caterina Guiot
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(21), 15595; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115595 - 26 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1552
Abstract
In both healthcare and agriculture, antibiotic resistance is an alarming issue. Biocompatible and biodegradable ingredients (e.g., curcumin) are given priority in “green” criteria supported by the Next Generation EU platform. The solubility and stability of curcumin would be significantly improved if it were [...] Read more.
In both healthcare and agriculture, antibiotic resistance is an alarming issue. Biocompatible and biodegradable ingredients (e.g., curcumin) are given priority in “green” criteria supported by the Next Generation EU platform. The solubility and stability of curcumin would be significantly improved if it were enclosed in nanobubbles (NB), and photoactivation with the correct wavelength of light can increase its antibacterial efficacy. A continuous release of curcumin over a prolonged period was provided by using innovative chitosan-shelled carriers, i.e., curcumin-containing nanobubbles (Curc-CS-NBs) and oxygen-loaded curcumin-containing nanobubbles (Curc-Oxy-CS-NBs). The results demonstrated that after photoactivation, both types of NBs exhibited increased effectiveness. For Staphylococcus aureus, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Curc-CS-NBs remained at 46 µg/mL following photodynamic activation, whereas it drastically dropped to 12 µg/mL for Curc-Oxy-CS-NBs. Enterococcus faecalis shows a decreased MIC for Curc-CS-NB and Curc-Oxy-CS-NB (23 and 46 µg/mL, respectively). All bacterial strains were more effectively killed by NBs that had both oxygen and LED irradiation. A combination of Curc-Oxy-CS-NB and photodynamic stimulation led to a killing of microorganisms due to ROS-induced bacterial membrane leakage. This approach was particularly effective against Escherichia coli. In conclusion, this work shows that Curc-CS-NBs and Curc-Oxy-CS-exhibit extremely powerful antibacterial properties and represent a potential strategy to prevent antibiotic resistance and encourage the use of eco-friendly substitutes in agriculture and healthcare. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds in Health and Disease)
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Review

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15 pages, 769 KiB  
Review
The Role of Fenugreek in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes
by Melina Haxhiraj, Kenneth White and Cassandra Terry
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 6987; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25136987 - 26 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3438
Abstract
The number of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is on the increase worldwide. Of growing concern, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in children and youths is increasing rapidly and mirrors the increasing burden of childhood obesity. There are many risk factors [...] Read more.
The number of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is on the increase worldwide. Of growing concern, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in children and youths is increasing rapidly and mirrors the increasing burden of childhood obesity. There are many risk factors associated with the condition; some are due to lifestyle, but many are beyond our control, such as genetics. There is an urgent need to develop better therapeutics for the prevention and management of this complex condition since current medications often cause unwanted side effects, and poorly managed diabetes can result in the onset of related comorbidities. Naturally derived compounds have gained momentum for preventing and managing several complex conditions, including type 2 diabetes. Here, we provide an update on the benefits and limitations of fenugreek and its components as a therapeutic for type 2 diabetes, including its bioavailability and interaction with the microbiome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds in Health and Disease)
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22 pages, 1969 KiB  
Review
Pharmacological Activities, Therapeutic Effects, and Mechanistic Actions of Trigonelline
by Vi Nguyen, Elaine G. Taine, Dehao Meng, Taixing Cui and Wenbin Tan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(6), 3385; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25063385 - 16 Mar 2024
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3787
Abstract
Trigonelline (TRG) is a natural polar hydrophilic alkaloid that is found in many plants such as green coffee beans and fenugreek seeds. TRG potentially acts on multiple molecular targets, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, glycogen synthase [...] Read more.
Trigonelline (TRG) is a natural polar hydrophilic alkaloid that is found in many plants such as green coffee beans and fenugreek seeds. TRG potentially acts on multiple molecular targets, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, glycogen synthase kinase, tyrosinase, nerve growth factor, estrogen receptor, amyloid-β peptide, and several neurotransmitter receptors. In this review, we systematically summarize the pharmacological activities, medicinal properties, and mechanistic actions of TRG as a potential therapeutic agent. Mechanistically, TRG can facilitate the maintenance and restoration of the metabolic homeostasis of glucose and lipids. It can counteract inflammatory constituents at multiple levels by hampering pro-inflammatory factor release, alleviating inflammatory propagation, and attenuating tissue injury. It concurrently modulates oxidative stress by the blockage of the detrimental Nrf2 pathway when autophagy is impaired. Therefore, it exerts diverse therapeutic effects on a variety of pathological conditions associated with chronic metabolic diseases and age-related disorders. It shows multidimensional effects, including neuroprotection from neurodegenerative disorders and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, neuromodulation, mitigation of cardiovascular disorders, skin diseases, diabetic mellitus, liver and kidney injuries, and anti-pathogen and anti-tumor activities. Further validations are required to define its specific targeting molecules, dissect the underlying mechanistic networks, and corroborate its efficacy in clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds in Health and Disease)
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