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IntroductionHelicobacter pylori infection is a major issue worldwide, with widespread prevalence, combined with its link to gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric cancer, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Meanwhile, effectiveness of current treatment protocols is limited by increasing antibiotic resistance and patient compliance issues due to long regimens and side effects. Plukenetia volubilis, or sacha inchi, is a valuable source of bioactive molecules. However, studies on its antimicrobial activity, especially against H. pylori, are lacking.MethodsIn this study, the anti-H. pylori activity of P. volubilis leaves water extract was explored using in vitro and in silico approaches. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Electrospray Ionisation and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI- QTOF-MS-MS) analysis of the water extract from the leaves was used to characterise the chemical composition of the plant and allowed identification of some flavonoids, such as astragalin, and some phenolic compounds. Then, high-speed counter current chromatography (HSCCC) was used to fractionate the ethyl acetate partition obtained from the water extract from the leaves.Results and DiscussionThe presence of flavonoids derived from kaempferol was confirmed and astragalin was isolated for the first time in P. volubilis. The P. volubilis water infusion, ethyl acetate extract and the isolated astragalin exhibited anti-bacterial activity against H. pylori J99 and two clinical isolates (e.g., minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.53, 0.51 and 0.49 μg/mL, respectively, for clarithromycin-resistant clinical isolate SSR366). Then, using molecular docking for potential protein targets for H. pylori, it was verified that astragalin could interact with these proteins by in silico analysis.ConclusionThese findings highlight that P. volubilis and astragalin produce a bacteriostatic activity against H. pylori and may have potential to be used in treatment against H. pylori, after further research.

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is a species of tree with an increasing utility, occurring naturally mainly in Pakistan and northern India. M. oleifera is currently cultivated in Africa, South America, Asia and the Middle East. The usage of its leaves, seed oil, bark, fruits, flowers and roots has positive opinions of FDA (American Food and Drug Administration), EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredients database). The chemical composition of M. oleifera is dominated by: proteins (consisting mainly of amino acids such as arginine or serine), fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), vitamins (vitamin A, B and C and tocopherols), mineral salts (including several bioelements, such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium), valuable polyphenolic compounds from the group of phenolic acids (e.g., gallic acid, ferulic acid) and flavonoids (e.g., myricetin, rutoside, and kaempferol). The raw materials show antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Dietary supplements and alimentary products containing M. oleifera are recommended as health-promoting and “novel food” preparations. The main purpose of this work was a review of the latest scientific literature on M. oleifera, with particular emphasis on the studies focusing on its chemical composition, biological activity and safety. Moreover, the review tends to discuss the results of biotechnological studies using this material and the agronomical significance.

Introduction:Capparis cartilaginea Decne. (CC) originates from the dry regions of Asia and the Mediterranean basin. In traditional medicine, tea of CC leaves is commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatism, arthritis, and gout. Due to the limited studies on the phytochemistry and biological activity of CC compared to other members of the Capparaceae family, this work aims to: 1) Identify the chemical composition of CC extract and 2) Investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of CC extract, tea and the isolated compounds.Methods: To guarantee aim 1, high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCC) method; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Electrospray Ionisation and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESIQTOF-MS/MS) were employed for this purpose. To guarantee aim 2, we studied the effect of the isolated flavonoids on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) −9 and −2 in murine macrophages. Molecular docking was initially performed to assess the binding affinity of the isolated flavonoids to the active site of MMP-9.Results and discussion:In silico model was a powerful tool to predict the compounds that could strongly bind and inhibit MMPs. CC extract and tea have shown to possess a significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, which can partially explain their traditional medicinal use.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is with rising incidence in male population globally. It is a complex anomaly orchestrated by a plethora of cellular processes. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling is one of the key signaling pathways involved in the tumorigenesis of PCa. TGF-β signaling has a dual role in the PCa, making it difficult to find a suitable therapeutic option. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) mediated regulation of TGF-β signaling is responsible for the TGF-ß paradox. These are small molecules that modulate the expression of target genes and regulate cancer progression. Thus, miRNAs interaction with different signaling cascades is of great attention for devising new diagnostic and therapeutic options for PCa. Natural compounds have been extensively studied due to their high efficacy and low cytotoxicity. Here, we discuss the involvement of TGF-ß signaling in PCa with the interplay between miRNAs and TGF-β signaling and also review the role of natural compounds for the development of new therapeutics for PCa.

Phytosterols (PSs) are plant-originated steroids. Over 250 PSs have been isolated, and each plant species contains a characteristic phytosterol composition. A wide number of studies have reported remarkable pharmacological effects of PSs, acting as chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiatherosclerotic agents. However, PS bioavailability is a key issue, as it can be influenced by several factors (type, source, processing, preparation, delivery method, food matrix, dose, time of administration into the body, and genetic factors), and the existence of a close relationship between their chemical structures (e.g., saturation degree and side-chain length) and low absorption rates has been stated. In this sense, the present review intends to provide in-depth data on PS therapeutic potential for human health, also emphasizing their preclinical effects and bioavailability-related issues.