Natural Products Chemistry and Pharmacognosy Commons^™

Phytochemical And In-Vitro Cytotoxic Analyses Of Flavonoid Species Isolated From Chromolaena Leivensis, Luke A. Bryant

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As a leading cause of death worldwide, cancer and its treatments remain a primary source of interest among researchers. Modern studies are looking into bioselective cytotoxicity to create new chemotherapies that do not have the same harsh side effects as those we use today. Natural product research has a promising future for the development of such treatments. Specifically, polar flavonoids may be the key to a bioselective treatment. Such flavonoid species are native to plants, often within flower petals or within the body. A natural antioxidant, they are designed not to harm healthy cells. This study focuses on the plant …

Comparative Antiscabies Efficacy Of Sonneratia Alba Extracts: Evaluation Of Plant Parts And Concentrations In Mice, Delima Engga Maretha, Lara Mukti Taresha, Karina Yuliana, Iis Ariska, Silvia Diah Lestari

Makara Journal of Science

This study evaluated the antiscabies efficacy of 70% ethanol extracts from various parts of the mangrove Sonneratia alba (leaves, flowers, bark, and roots) as a potential alternative therapy. The primary objective was to compare the healing effects of the extracts at different concentrations on scabies lesions in mice (Mus musculus). Using a completely randomized design, 24 male Swiss Webster mice were assigned to four groups: a control (K0) group and three treatment groups to receive 10% (K1), 20% (K2), and 30% (K3) extract concentrations topically twice daily. The results demonstrated that the S. alba extracts had significant effects …

Role Of Plants And Phytochemicals In Promoting Proliferation And Osteogenic Differentiation Of Dental Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Comprehensive Review, Hala El-Zahar, Essam Abdel-Sattar, Marwa Yousry Moustafa Issa, Shereen N. Raafat, Noha Swilam

Dentistry

Abstract Objectives Dental mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising source for regenerative medicine due to their accessibility and capacity to differentiate into osteoblasts and other lineages. Osteogenic differentiation of dental MSCs is essential for bone formation and is regulated by multiple signaling pathways, cytokines, growth fac‑ tors, and transcription factors. This review aims to summarize the effects of plant-derived extracts and phytochemicals on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of dental MSCs. Methods In this review, an extensive literature search was conducted covering studies from the past 10 years, using different online databases (SCOPUS, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, …

Manuka Honey Modulates Oxidative Stress In Neuro2-A Cells Through Mitochondrial Regulation, Rachel Abramovici

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Manuka honey is known for its vital usage in wound healing, being an agonist towards fighting infections, and is an acting antioxidant [32]. Its main constituents are flavonoids and phenolic compounds, with methyl syringate (MSYR) being a major active ingredient. The specific compounds responsible for these antioxidant effects, particularly in the CNS, remain unclear. It is hypothesized that pre-treatment of mouse neuroblastoma cells with MSYR followed by hydrogen peroxide exposure will activate the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1a pathway, due to MSYR’s phenolic structure, and thus reduce oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial biogenesis. Hydrogen peroxide is a standard reactive oxygen species (ROS) treatment to …

Investigating The Role Of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine For Cancer Symptom Management In Older Adults: A Rapid Review, Isabelle C. Karshner

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Patients with cancer often experience symptoms related to disease, complications, and treatment. One potential method of alleviating these symptoms is traditional Chinese herbal medications (TCHM). This rapid review explores the role of traditional Chinese herbal medications in treating cancer-related symptoms in older adults.

Purpose: The purpose of this rapid review is to gain and provide a better understanding of the effects of TCHM on cancer-symptom management in the older adult population. This review explores the association between TCHM and effects on cancer symptoms in older adults, including interactions, toxicity, and signs/symptoms of TCHM use that may be useful information …

Anti-Cancer Activity Of Marine-Derived Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfates In Ovarian Cancer Cell Spheroid Formation And Notch Signaling Inhibition, Daniella Beiner

Honors Theses

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy, with high recurrence rates driven by chemotherapy-resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs). Current therapeutics targeting Notch signaling to inhibit CSC formation have yet to demonstrate clinical benefit and pose risk of gastrointestinal toxicities. Here, we report that treatment with fucosylated chondroitin sulfates (FucCS) inhibited Notch signaling activation and spheroid formation in OVCAR3 ovarian cancer cells. Sulfation and fucosylation were shown to be key structural requirements of this anti-cancer activity. Moreover, this inhibition was synergistic with suppression of Notch glycosylation by Radical Fringe knockout. Preliminary experiments to conjugate FucCS to a maleimide linker in preparation …

The Impact Of An Iron-Rich Diet On Fatigue In Menstruating Women With Non-Anemic Iron Deficiency, Meagan Seraydar, Lauren Latimer, Sam Miragliatto

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Fatigue without diagnosed anemia is prevalent in menstruating women, with iron deficiency being a potential contributor. While iron supplementation is a standard intervention, dietary sources of iron may offer a sustainable alternative. This study aims to assess the impact of an iron-rich diet on fatigue levels in menstruating women. A 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted, assigning participants to either an iron-rich diet group or a control group following their usual diet without specific iron recommendations. Fatigue will be measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks, alongside iron status biomarkers, including …

The Medicine From Nature; Finding The Antibacterial Power Of Essential Oils, Josi Maness, Seoyeon Kim, Eric T. Gillock

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Essential oils are known to have pharmaceutical effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties. These days, there are various types of essential oils that are commonly used for coughing or to promote good sleep.

We prepared 19 different essential oils to find the essential oil that has the most antibiotic properties by putting drops of oil on a soy agar plate with Serratia marcescens. As a result, cinnamon cassia essential oil was most effective, and five of them didn't have antibiotic properties.

We also tested with six different types of antibiotics, and as a result, only three of them …

Contraceptive Hormone Influences On The Role Of Primary Reinforcement And Reinforcer-Enhancement In Nicotine Self-Administration, Kathleen Robin Mcnealy

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Hormonal contraceptives contain a synthetic estrogen (e.g., ethinyl estradiol/EE) and/or a synthetic progestin (e.g., levonorgestrel/LEVO) and can exacerbate nicotine intake. However, whether altered intake reflects changes in nicotine reinforcement or enhancement by nicotine of co-occurring reinforcers is unknown. This reinforcer-enhancement effect is evidenced in rats when nicotine self-administration is increased by the presence of a visual stimulus (VS) reinforcer. This dissertation examined the effects of EE and LEVO on nicotine reinforcement and reinforcer-enhancement in ovary-intact female Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were implanted with a jugular catheter and assigned to receive daily injections of EE (Vehicle, 0.125 [Low], or 0.18 [High] μg/day; …

Investigating The Effects Of Resveratrol On Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia, Bryana Cox, Thien Do, Ashlyn Hughes, Zane Kingsbury, Keara Leroy, Andrew J. Payne

Annual Research Symposium

Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is an adverse effect of chronic opioid therapy, characterized by increased sensitivity to pain. This study will seek to determine if using resveratrol supplementation as an indirect enhancer to increase the expression of the KCC2 membrane transporter can alleviate the symptoms of OIH in human subjects.

Alpha-Synuclein Interaction With Gedunin, Tony Matundura Nyabayo

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other Proteinopathies develop when α-synuclein misfolds and aggregates into toxic amyloids. While existing treatments for PD are primarily focused on managing its symptoms, a viable solution for slowing down the progress of Parkinson’s disease involves targeting the toxic α-synuclein amyloids. Gedunin, a natural inhibitor of heat shock protein 90, has been extensively used to treat malaria. Also, recent research investigations have shed light on its potential beyond malaria therapy, indicating that Gedunin may offer a possible solution for treating a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Using plate-based assays, we examined how Gedunin influences α-synuclein fibrillation and its …

Impact Of Tetrahydrocannabinol (Thc) On Daphnia Magna Heart Rate, Ashley Cosgrave

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Marijuana (Cannabis) is currently federally illegal within the United States and classified as a Schedule I drug. This leaves a large research gap on the impacts of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use. Daphnia magna are frequently used as a model organism for the human heart and toxicology screenings due to their myogenic heart, similarities in physiological pathways, and sensitivity to toxins. As such, in order to bridge the research gap and uncover potential use of Daphnia magna as a model organism for humans in regard to impact on heart rate, we hypothesized that if Daphnia magna possess CB1 receptors or an equivalent …

Beyond Mitragynine: Composition Survey And Stability Assessment Of Kratom Tea Ordered Via Food Delivery Platforms In Bangkok, Thailand, Yuta Tokuda, Apinya Tubtimrattana, Nat Tansrisawad, Kornvalee Meesilpavikkai, Parath Thirati

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: Kratom is a native tree to Southeast Asia. Kratom leaves have long been used medicinally and recreationally due to their stimulative and opioid-like effects attributed to high endogenous levels of mitragynine and related alkaloids. Kratom is widely consumed as tea and is now publicly sold, including on food delivery platforms, after recent decriminalization despite selling of kratom products being still considered illegal by other acts.

Objectives: To assess the formulas of kratom teas sold on Thai food delivery platform together with their consistency and the stability of refrigerated teas.

Methods: Kratom alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, and additive contents of …

Dietary Analysis For Hashimoto’S Thyroiditis: An Integrative Review, Evan Thompson, Alison Hultquist

Master of Science in Nursing Final Projects

Abstract

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT) is the leading cause of primary hypothyroidism in the United States. In HT, there is an infiltration by lymphocytes which leads to the production of autoantibodies against the thyroid gland. Throughout this integrative review, the aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of micronutrient supplementation and dietary management as adjunct treatments in HT. The purpose was to assist primary care providers in the development of a more holistic plan of care. Literature published within the past seven years was gathered and reviewed from PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. Findings indicate that many patients with HT may benefit …

Ameliorative Effects Of Minor Cannabinoids Over Hiv-1 Tat-Mediated Visceral Pain, Charlie Worth

Honors Theses

As the total number of people living with HIV continues to rise across the world, an effective HIV treatment is still sought after. While modern-day advanced therapies exist for mitigating much of the negative effects of HIV, the virus remains evasive and problematic in the central nervous system. Thus, even with treatment, many people living with HIV continue to suffer from a plethora of symptoms. However, a large proportion of HIV-positive patients claim to feel a reduction in those persevering symptoms after cannabis usage. This anecdotal evidence has sparked interest in the efficacy of cannabis constituents for HIV therapy. This …

A Quantitative Analysis Of The Efficacy Of Various Essential Oils Against The Sars Cov-2 Virus, Elizabeth Wagstaff, Chandrelyn Kraczek, Jack Brandon Lopez

Annual Research Symposium

A poster presentation and abstract for the Roseman Symposium. The project focuses on testing 3 essential oil blends and two disinfectants containing an essential oil blend against SARS CoV-2 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project procedure involves plaque assays, disinfection, and neutralization techniques.

Phytochemical Constituents Of Aquilaria Malaccensis Leaf Extract And Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity Against Lps/Ifn-Γ-Stimulated Raw 264.7 Cell Line, Eman Ramadan, Manar A. Eissa, Yumi Z. H-Y Hashim, Dina M. El-Kersh

Pharmacy

This study aims to identify the major phytochemical constituents in Aquilaria malaccensis (Thymelaeaceae) ethanolic leaf extract (ALEX-M) and elucidate their ability to suppress nitric oxide (NO) production from a murine macrophage-like cell line (RAW 264.7) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fractions of ALEX-M were subjected to column chromatography. Eight known compounds were isolated for the first time from this species. Compounds were identified using spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV, HRESIMS, and 1D and 2D NMR). Anti-inflammatory activity of both extract and isolated compounds were investigated in vitro. The fractions offered the isolation of …

The Benefits Of Astaxanthin To Improve Pain Relief In Patients With Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: An Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Trial, Rizaldy Taslim Pinzon, Mary Rose Angelina Budi Harsana

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Treatment of diabetic neuropathy is still carried out by providing symptomatic therapy, which only improves ± 50% of the total symptoms felt by patients, but does not tackle the underlying causes of the disease. Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic carotenoid that could be an additional treatment option. We aimed to measure the effectiveness of administering astaxanthin as an additional therapy to improve the impact of pain and discomfort experienced daily by diabetes mellitus patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. We conducted a randomized experimental study with an open label design of 36 patients who had been diagnosed with …

Modulating The Tumor Microenvironment To Improve Immunotherapy Treatments, Lleayem Nazario-Johnson, David Rowley

Senior Honors Projects

Advances in immunotherapy are revolutionizing the treatments of certain cancers, especially those in the blood. However, wider applications for eradicating solid tumors have been slow to emerge. A likely reason is the presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the tumor microenvironment that secrete immunosuppressive molecules which attenuate the attack of immune cells. We hypothesize that small molecule Wnt/Beta- Catenin inhibitors can be used to modulate the immunosuppressive actions of MDSCs and increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments, such as with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells. The Wnt/Beta-Catenin Pathway has been shown to be a crucial driving force behind the …

Collagen-Based Biomaterials With Possible Therapeutic Effects, Ramona Mihaela Nedelcuţă, Gigi Călin, Mihai Cristian Nedelcuţă, Vlad Dumitru Baleanu, Dragos Virgil Davitoiu, Bogdan Socea, Bogdan-Petre Stănoiu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare, serious genetic disease, incurable through the current means. Apart from this initial definition, there was later some ease in the definition of the disease, including the manifestations of toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens Johnson syndrome in this entity. In medical practice, there are cases that do not overlap with the description in the literature, thus the treatment must be adapted and personalized to the particularities. We present the case of a female new-born, with "de novo" mutation for the early-onset antenatal epidermolysis and our personalized therapeutic management, based on collagen from bovine corneas by …

Anti‑Estrogenic And Anti‑Aromatase Activities Of Citrus Peels Major Compounds In Breast Cancer, Maha Salama, Dina Mahmoud Elkersh, Shahira M. Ezzat, Yasmeen Attiaa, Engy A. Mahrous, Mohey Elmazar

Pharmacy

Estrogen signaling is crucial for breast cancer initiation and progression. Endocrine-based therapies comprising estrogen receptor (ER) modulators and aromatase inhibitors remain the mainstay of treatment. This study aimed at investigating the antitumor potential of the most potent compounds in citrus peels on breast cancer by exploring their anti-estrogenic and anti-aromatase activities. The ethanolic extract of different varieties of citrus peels along with eight isolated flavonoids were screened against estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell lines besides normal cells for evaluating their safety profile. Naringenin, naringin and quercetin demonstrated the lowest IC50s and were therefore selected for further assays. In silico molecular modeling …

Lavender Aromatherapy: Ready For Prime-Time Office Use?, Dennis J. Baumgardner

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

The editor-in-chief of Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews comments on the perioperative use of lavender aromatherapy and its potential to relieve pain and anxiety during minor primary care office procedures.

Correlating The Physicochemical Properties Of Magnesium Stearate With Tablet Dissolution And Lubrication, Julie L. Calahan

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

Magnesium stearate (MgSt) is the most commonly used pharmaceutical excipient and is present in over half the tablet formulations on the market. In spite of its popularity as an effective lubricant, it has been repeatedly recognized that there is significant variability between MgSt samples, which can cause inconsistent lubrication between batches of MgSt. The hypothesis of this research is that the batch-to-batch variability in tablet lubrication and dissolution observed in tablet formulations containing different MgSt samples can be correlated with differences in MgSt physicochemical properties (fatty acid salt composition, crystal hydrate form, particle size and surface area). Developing correlations between …

Effects Of Topical Application Of Combined Phyllanthus Emblica Linn. And Simvastatin On Diabetic Wound In Mice, Tingting Liao

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Non-healing diabetic foot ulcers are the most common cause of lower extremity amputation. Drug combination treatment is the most recent emerging strategy in local treatment of diabetic wound. This study aimed to find out the combined effects and underlying mechanisms of combined Phyllanthus emblica Linn. (PE) and simvastatin (SIM) on diabetic wound in mice. Male BALB/C mice were divided into five groups: control group (CON+Vehicle), diabetic wounded group (DM+Vehicle, streptozotocin 45 mg/kg. i.p. daily for 5 days), diabetic wounded groups with daily treatment of 100%PE cream, 5%SIM cream, and 100%PE+5%SIM combined cream, w/v, for 4 days, 7 days and 14 …

Cannabinoids For The Treatment Of Chronic Headaches, Kevin Krivanek, Lucy K. Wagala, Brian Heilbronner, Kimberly Loughlin, David Kinder

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Species of the Cannabis plant genus were among the earliest medicinal plants cultivated by man, with historical accounts of their medicinal uses dating back before the Common Era. Despite its current legal status, Cannabis has garnered nationwide attention as a therapeutic agent for various disease states, including chronic headaches, due to its medical indications as an antispastic, analgesic, antiemetic, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory agent. Since headaches have a high prevalence in the American population and greatly impair simple daily aspects of living, chronic headaches have become a particular point of interest in regard to the therapeutic potential of Cannabis. Clinical trials …

Purification And Characterization Of A Nonspecific Lipid Transfer Protein 1 (Nsltp1) From Ajwain (Trachyspermum Ammi) Seeds, Meshal Nazeer, Humera Waheed, Maria Saeed, Saman Yousuf Ali, M. Iqbal Choudhary, Zaheer Ul-Haq, Aftab Ahmed

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) belongs to the family Umbelliferae, is commonly used in traditional, and folk medicine due to its carminative, stimulant, antiseptic, diuretic, antihypertensive, and hepatoprotective activities. Non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) reported from various plants are known to be involved in transferring lipids between membranes and in plants defense response. Here, we describe the complete primary structure of a monomeric non-specific lipid transfer protein 1 (nsLTP1), with molecular weight of 9.66 kDa, from ajwain seeds. The nsLTP1 has been purified by combination of chromatographic techniques, and further characterized by mass spectrometry, and Edman degradation. The ajwain nsLTP1 …

Toward An Enzyme-Coupled, Bioorthogonal Platform For Methyltransferases: Probing The Specificity Of Methionine Adenosyltransferases, Tyler D. Huber

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

Methyl group transfer from S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet) to various substrates including DNA, proteins, and natural products (NPs), is accomplished by methyltransferases (MTs). Analogs of AdoMet, bearing an alternative S-alkyl group can be exploited, in the context of an array of wild-type MT-catalyzed reactions, to differentially alkylate DNA, proteins, and NPs. This technology provides a means to elucidate MT targets by the MT-mediated installation of chemoselective handles from AdoMet analogs to biologically relevant molecules and affords researchers a fresh route to diversify NP scaffolds by permitting the differential alkylation of chemical sites vulnerable to NP MTs that are unreactive to …

Diuretic, Natriuretic, And Vasodepressor Activity Of A Lipid Fraction Enhanced In Medium Of Cultured Mouse Medullary Interstitial Cells By A Selective Faah Inhibitor, Zdravka P. Daneva

Theses and Dissertations

The relationship between the endocannabinoid system in the renal medulla and the long-term regulation of blood pressure is not well understood. To investigate the possible role of the endocannabinoid system in renomedullary interstitial cells, mouse medullary interstitial cells (MMICs) were obtained, cultured and characterized for their responses to treatment with a selective inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), PF-3845. Treatment of MMICs with PF-3845 increased cytoplasmic lipid granules detected by Sudan Black B staining and multilamellar bodies identified by transmission electron microscopy. HPLC analyses of lipid extracts of MMIC culture medium revealed a 205nm-absorbing peak that showed responsiveness to …

The International Scientific Association For Probiotics And Prebiotics (Isapp) Consensus Statement On The Definition And Scope Of Prebiotics, Glenn R. Gibson, Robert W. Hutkins, Mary Ellen Sanders, Susan L. Prescott, Raylene A. Reimer, Seppo J. Salminen, Karen Scott, Catherine Stanton, Kelly S. Swanson, Patrice D. Cani, Kristin Verbeke, Gregor Reid

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

In December 2016, a panel of experts in microbiology, nutrition and clinical research was convened by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics to review the definition and scope of prebiotics. Consistent with the original embodiment of prebiotics, but aware of the latest scientific and clinical developments, the panel updated the definition of a prebiotic: a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit. This definition expands the concept of prebiotics to possibly include non-carbohydrate substances, applications to body sites other than the gastrointestinal tract, and diverse categories other than food. The requirement for selective …

Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone) Supplementation And Its Benefits In Cardiovascular Disease, Osteoporosis, And Cancer, Grant S. Buchanan, Md, Thomas Melvin, Brandon Merritt, Charles Bishop, Md, Franklin D. Shuler, Md, Phd

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Vitamin K is known to play an essential role in the coagulation cascade; however, a growing body of research has found that a subtype of this vitamin, vitamin K₂ (menaquinone) may have a beneficial effect in osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. This purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of recent literature regarding menaquinone and its role in human health. This review discusses the physiology of menaquinone, its clinical benefits in cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer, and how it may interact with certain medications. The authors conclude that menaquinone supplementation has been shown to improve carboxylation …