Analysis of Adverse Reactions Associated with the Use of -Containing Herbal Products.

Products from various parts of species are traditionally applied as a cardiotonic. In Europe and the USA, mainly Jacq. (Lindm.

Characterization of the Chemopreventive Properties of L. Inflorescences from Monoecious Cultivars Grown in Central Italy.

Hemp bioproducts hold great promise as valuable materials for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications due to their diverse bioactive compounds and potential health benefits. In line with this interest and in an attempt to valorize the Lazio Region crops, this present study investigated chemically characterized hydroalcoholic and organic extracts, obtained from the inflorescences of locally cultivated Felina 32, USO 31, Ferimon and Fedora 17 hemp varieties. In order to highlight the possible chemopreventive power of the tested samples, a bioactivity screening was performed, which included studying the antimutagenic activity, radical scavenging power, cytotoxicity in human hepatoma HepG2 cells, leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and modulation of the oxidative stress parameters and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) involved in the regulation of the cell transformation and cancer proliferation.

Analysis of Safety Concerns on Herbal Products with Assumed Phytoestrogenic Activity.

Phytoestrogens (PEs) are plant-based compounds that can interact with estrogen receptors and are mainly used to treat menopausal complaints. However, the safety of products with assumed phytoestrogenic activity is not fully understood. This study aimed to identify plant species with assumed phytoestrogenic activity, review existing literature on their use and safety, and critically evaluate adverse reaction (AR) reports of single-herb, multi-herb, and mixed-multiple products, as submitted to the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb and to VigiBase of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Recent Advances in the Neuroprotective Properties of Ferulic Acid in Alzheimer's Disease: A Narrative Review.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, characterized by neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter deficits, and neurodegeneration, which finally leads to neuronal death. Emerging evidence highlighted that hyperglycemia and brain insulin resistance represent risk factors for AD development, thus suggesting the existence of an additional AD form, associated with glucose metabolism impairment, named type 3 diabetes. Owing to the limited pharmacological options, novel strategies, especially dietary approaches based on the consumption of polyphenols, have been addressed to prevent or, at least, slow down AD progression.

Phytochemical Composition and Cytoprotective Properties of the Endemic Boiss Greek Species: A Valorization Study.

Boiss. (Fam. Lamiaceae) is an endemic plant of the North Aegean Islands (Greece), commonly known as ironwort.

Efficacy and Safety of Oral Green Tea Preparations in Skin Ailments: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies.

Green-tea-based products and their polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate, have attracted great attention over the years as possible nutraceuticals, due to their promising bioactivities, especially antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which could be exploited in several diseases, including skin ailments. In this context, the present study aimed at reviewing clinical evidence about the benefits of the oral administration of green tea preparations and its polyphenols to relieve skin disorders, to point out the current knowledge, and to suggest possible novel strategies to effectively exploit the properties of green tea, also managing safety risks. To this end, a systematic review of the existing literature was carried out, using the PRISMA method.

Adverse events related to herbal dietary supplements and over-the-counter medications containing laxatives: a 10-year update from the Italian Phytovigilance and Pharmacovigilance systems.

Introduction: Products containing anthraquinones (AQ) are associated with an increased risk of serious adverse events (AEs). We performed an update of the available evidence retrieved by the spontaneous reports of AE associated with herbal dietary supplement (DS) and over-the-counter medications (OTC-M) used as laxatives.

Methods: Analysis and evaluation of AE reports retrieved from the Italian Phytovigilance and Pharmacovigilance systems was performed from February 2011 to December 2020.

A descriptive study of commercial herbal dietary supplements used for dyslipidemia-Sales data and suspected adverse reactions.

Herbal dietary supplements (HDS) used for dyslipidemia represent a category of concern in Italy for suspected adverse reactions (ARs). However, we cannot estimate their safety, as we do not know their commercial profile. Sales data of HDS, and particularly, those used for dyslipidemia, were monitored for 2 years in two pharmacies of Rome.

Characterization of the Phytochemical Composition and Bioactivities of Ball. and Loisel Aerial Parts: Preliminary Evidence for the Possible Development of Moroccan Plants.

In the present study, the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of (AM) and (AR), two ecotypes collected in the Demnate road and Essaouira regions, respectively, were studied to highlight a pharmacological interest and to enable possible pharmaceutical development. To this end, methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts were prepared for each ecotype by fractionation; next, their phytochemical composition was evaluated by spectrophotometric and chromatographic analysis. Moreover, in line with the available evidence for spp.

Anthraquinone laxatives use and colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the effects of anthraquinone (AQ) laxatives on colorectal cancer (CRC). We searched PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and CENTRAL from inception until March 2021, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. Through the systematic review, we identified 8 observational studies evaluating AQ laxatives use as a risk factor for CRC development, and 5 studies on CRC risk were included in the meta-analysis using a random-effects model.

Role of Caryophyllane Sesquiterpenes in the Entourage Effect of Felina 32 Hemp Inflorescence Phytocomplex in Triple Negative MDA-MB-468 Breast Cancer Cells.

L. crops have been traditionally exploited as sources of fibers, nutrients, and bioactive phytochemicals of medical interest. In the present study, two terpene-rich organic extracts, namely FOJ and FOS, obtained from Felina 32 hemp inflorescences collected in June and September, respectively, have been studied for their in vitro anticancer properties.

Effects of ethanol-and choline-treated astrocytes on hippocampal neuron neurite outgrowth in vitro.

Exposure to ethanol in utero can result in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, which may cause long-lasting cognitive and behavioral abnormalities. Preclinical studies indicate that choline ameliorates the behavioral effects of developmental alcohol exposure in rodents, and clinical studies on the effectiveness of choline, administered early in pregnancy, showed that the adverse effects of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure on postnatal growth, and cognition in human infants were mitigated. However, little is known on the mechanisms behind the effects of choline.

Plant-Derived Nutraceuticals and Immune System Modulation: An Evidence-Based Overview.

Immunomodulators are agents able to affect the immune system, by boosting the immune defences to improve the body reaction against infectious or exogenous injuries, or suppressing the abnormal immune response occurring in immune disorders. Moreover, immunoadjuvants can support immune system acting on nonimmune targets, thus improving the immune response. The modulation of inflammatory pathways and microbiome can also contribute to control the immune function.

Gelation of the internal core of liposomes as a strategy for stabilization and modified drug delivery I. Physico-chemistry study.

Since the application of nanotechnology to drug delivery, both polymer-based and lipid-based nanocarriers have demonstrated clinical benefits, improving both drug efficacy and safety. However, to further address the challenges of the drug delivery field, hybrid lipid-polymer nanocomposites have been designed to merge the beneficial features of both polymer-based and lipid-based delivery systems in a single nanocarrier. Within this scenario, this work is aimed at developing novel hybrid vesicles following the recent strategy of modifying the internal structure of liposomes.

Oleoylethanolamide decreases frustration stress-induced binge-like eating in female rats: a novel potential treatment for binge eating disorder.

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most frequent eating disorder, for which current pharmacotherapies show poor response rates and safety concerns, thus highlighting the need for novel treatment options. The lipid-derived messenger oleoylethanolamide (OEA) acts as a satiety signal inhibiting food intake through the involvement of central noradrenergic and oxytocinergic neurons. We investigated the anti-binge effects of OEA in a rat model of binge-like eating, in which, after cycles of intermittent food restrictions/refeeding and palatable food consumptions, female rats show a binge-like intake of palatable food, following a 15-min exposure to their sight and smell ("frustration stress").

Nutraceutical treatment and prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.

During the last years, pharmaceutical innovations in primary care are dramatically less frequent and will be even more rare in the next future. In this context, preclinical and clinical research oriented their interest toward natural compounds efficacy and safety, supporting the development of a new "nutraceutical" science. Medicinal plants, in the form of plant parts or extracts of them, are commonly used for the treatment of prostate diseases such as benign hypertrophy, prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Suspected adverse reactions associated with herbal products used for weight loss: spontaneous reports from the Italian Phytovigilance System.

Purpose: Overweight and obesity represent worldwide a rising health problem. In this context, dietary supplements and herbal preparations are often used as self-medication for weight loss. The aim of this study was to describe the safety profile of dietary supplements for weight control by analyzing spontaneous reports of suspected adverse reactions (ARs) received by the Italian Phytovigilance System, from July 2010 to October 2017.

A Polyphenol Rich Extract from L. DR2 Peel Exhibits Antioxidant Properties and Anti-Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Activity In Vitro.

DR2B and DR2C extracts, obtained by ethanolic maceration of peel from commercially and physiologically ripe aubergine berries, were studied for the antioxidative cytoprotective properties and anti-HSV-1 activity, in line with the evidence that several antioxidants can impair viral replication by maintaining reducing conditions in host cells. The antioxidative cytoprotective effects against tBOOH-induced damage were assessed in Caco2 cells, while antiviral activity was studied in Vero cells; polyphenolic fingerprints were characterized by integrated phytochemical methods. Results highlighted different compositions of the extracts, with chlorogenic acid and delphinidin-3-rutinoside as the major constituents; other peculiar phytochemicals were also identified.

Epilobium spp: Pharmacology and Phytochemistry.

The Epilobium species and their extracts are very popular in folk medicine, for a wide range of applications. The purpose of this review is the analysis of the pharmacological properties of Epilobium spp, considering whether their effects (e.g.

Phytochemical analysis and effects on ingestive behaviour of a Caralluma fimbriata extract.

Caralluma fimbriata Wall. is currently used as a "natural slimming" food supplement, likely due to its content in pregnane glycosides. In the present study, a commercially available Caralluma fimbriata extract (Slimaluma; CFE, 100 mg/kg) has been evaluated for its ability to affect the ingestive behaviour in female rats, also with reference to the modulation of the brain neuropeptides NPY and ORX.

Genotoxicity assessment of piperitenone oxide: An in vitro and in silico evaluation.

Piperitenone oxide, a natural flavouring agent also known as rotundifolone, has been studied for the genotoxicity assessment by an integrated in vitro and in silico experimental approach, including the bacterial reverse mutation assay, the micronucleus test, the comet assay and the computational prediction by Toxtree and VEGA tools. Under our experimental conditions, the monoterpene showed to induce both point mutations (i.e.

Role of the area postrema in the hypophagic effects of oleoylethanolamide.

The satiety-promoting action of oleoylethanolamide (OEA) has been associated to the indirect activation of selected brain areas, such as the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) in the brainstem and the tuberomammillary (TMN) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei in the hypothalamus, where noradrenergic, histaminergic and oxytocinergic neurons play a necessary role. Visceral ascending fibers were hypothesized to mediate such effects. However, our previous findings demonstrated that the hypophagic action of peripherally administered OEA does not require intact vagal afferents and is associated to a strong activation of the area postrema (AP).

Green Tea and Bone Marrow Transplantation: From Antioxidant Activity to Enzymatic and Multidrug-resistance Modulation.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the main flavonoid of green tea (GT), could play an active role in the prevention of oxidative-stress-related diseases, such as hematologic malignancies. Some effects of EGCG are not imputable to antioxidant activity, but involve modulation of antioxidant enzymes and uric acid (UA) levels. The latter is the major factor responsible of the plasma non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC).