Althaea officinalis (Malvaceae), mainly distributed in Europe and China, is an ornamental, edible and medicinal plant, which is effective in reducing cough and phlegm. To better develop and utilize A. officinalis, 46 kinds of compounds including flavonoids, phenolic acids, steroids, coumarins and other types isolated from this plant are summarized, and their pharmacological effects such as anti-tussive, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities are discussed in this review.

Seaweed polysaccharide is an important active substance in seaweed with good gel property, stability, and film-forming properties. It possesses various biological activities such as anti-virus, anti-tumor, immune regulation, anti-oxidation, and is widely used in food, health care and cosmetics. This article reviews recent advances on biological activities of seaweed polysaccharides, with a view to better development and utilization of seaweed polysaccharides, and promoting the sustainable and healthy development of the seaweed polysaccharide industry.

Bioactive components of marine species have received great attention in recent years, especially phlorotannins isolated from brown algae. This paper summarized progress in the structures and bioactivities of phlorotannins including antibacterial, antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, inhibiting HIV, anti-tumor, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, defense activity, and deodorant activities.

Kavalactones, mainly found in Piper methysticum, are a class of lactone compounds usually with an arylethylene-pyrone skeleton. Till now, fifty-one kavalactones have been isolated from the genera Piper, Alpinia, Amomum, Polygala, Goniothalamus, and Dumortiera. The bioactivities of six kavalactones, kawain, 7,8-dihydro- kawain, methysticin, dihydromethysticin, yangonin, and desmethoxyyagonin, have been studied extensively. This review aims to give an overview of kavalactones in the plants and their various bioactivities.

Phenolic compounds are widely used in natural plant foods and have strong antioxidant properties, so they are widely used in food and medicine. The reaction between the phenolic compound and the protein can affect the functional properties of the protein, such as emulsifying properties, gel properties, solubility, thermal stability, and foaming properties. The mechanism of interaction between phenolic compounds and proteins are described from the aspects of non-covalent interaction and covalent interaction, and the characterization methods of the interaction mechanism between phenolic compounds and proteins are described. The indexes for characterizing the covalent bonding of phenolic compounds and proteins include the free amino group content, total sulfhydryl content, tryptophan content. Ninhydrin method, 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) method, o-phthal- aldehyde (OPA) method and high-performance liquid phase chromatography were applied to o measure the free amino group content. Ellman’s method was applied to investigate total sulfhydryl content. Fluorescence measurements can be used for changes in tryptophan modification. The indexes for characterizing the con-covalent bonding of phenolic compounds and proteins include hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, disulfide bonds and hydrophobicity of protein surface. Hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bonds can be investigated by Gómez-Guillén’s method. ANS fluorescent probe method was applied to measure the changes of hydrophobicity of protein surface.

Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) is a type of typical metal organic framework (MOF), which is an emerging porous coordination polymers that is bridged by zinc metal ions and organic linkages. Due to its intrinsic porous characteristics, unique pH sensitivity as well as superior drug loading efficiency, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 has attracted extensive attention and received a wide range of applications in the field of biomedicine. In this review, we briefly discuss the effective delivery and controlled release of various drugs in ZIF-8, such as functional proteins, hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. Understanding the processes of various drugs loading is important for developing new drug delivery systems. In addition, we also explored the cooperation mechanism between ZIF and different materials. The combination of chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy and medical imaging have been applied in the field of nanomedicine and have made emarkable achievements.

Coffea arabica L. is a famous specie in genus caffee for medicinal treatment and diet with wide distribution and rich resources. It contains rich alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenes, which exhibited antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, live protection, and neuroprotective activities. Herein, we summarized the progress in the chemical constituents and bioactivities of C. arabica L. to provide ideas for medicinal development prospects of C. arabica L.

Stilbenoids, usually found in Leguminosae, are a class of compounds with the skeleton of stilbene or their polymers, existing mostly in the xylem of plants. Till now, one hundred and seventy-six stilbenoids have been isolated from plants of Leguminosae. Herein, stilbene compounds and their derivatives in Leguminosae and their biological activities including anti-neoplastic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammation are reviewed.

There are about 1000 species in the genus Ficus and many can be used for medicinal purpose. The medicinal plants of this genus mainly contain terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and coumarins. In this paper, we summarized flavonoids isolated from the genus Ficus and their pharmacological effects including anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, antiviral, protective activities on the cardiovascular system and other activities.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a multi-drug resistant pathogenic bacteria, which has seriously threatened human health for a long time. Therefore, there is an urgent and unmet demand for new types of antibiotics. In response to the antibiotic resistance, many researchers have studied natural products derived from plant for alternative antibiotics and therapies. In this review, we summarized recent advances on anti-MRSA natural products from plants and their potential antibacterial effect against MRSA as potential anti-MRSA agents since 2007.

The aim of this study was to investigate the benefits of incorporation of graphene oxide-silica (GO@SiO₂) on the degree of conversion and bond strength of an experimental dental adhesive. The GO@SiO₂ nanocomposites were prepared and characterized by using FTIR, Raman and TEM. After that, GO@SiO₂ was added into an experimental dental bonding system as novel nanofiller, and the effect of the modification on the dispersion stability of the GO@SiO₂ nanocomposites in the experimental adhesive was studied. In addition, the degree of conversion was characterized by real-time FTIR, and the light conversion kinetic curves were calculated. Furthermore, the bond strength of the experimental adhesive to dental restorative resin was investigated. The result showed that the GO@SiO₂ nanocomposites dispersed well in the experimental adhesive, and the introduction of GO@SiO₂ improved effectively the degree of conversion of the dental adhesive after curing. In addition, the experimental adhesive filled with GO@SiO₂ nanocomposites showed not only similar bond strength to a commercial adhesive, but also enhanced dramatically compressive strength as well. Furthermore, the obtained experimental dental adhesives can increase reactive oxygen species level in cells through photothermal conversion to be used in potential therapy.

Augmented reality is a technology-based on an interaction between the virtual and real-world, mixing them and expanding their possibilities. This technology is currently used in the most varied areas of human knowledge. The use of augmented reality in drug package has excellent potential in several diseases and could be an indispensable tool, especially in diseases with low medication adherence. In this context, its application in tuberculosis treatment could be of great help, as this treatment presents two major issues: the long-term treatment time (six months) and its severe side effects resulting in its non-adherence to the treatment. In this article, we aim to address the problems related to tuberculosis treatment causing non-adherence by using augmented reality. Using a smartphone in the medicine packaging could gain valuable information making patients be aware of following the treatment until the end.

Thrombosis owns the highest incidence, and it is a serious threat to human health. Currently, the clinical antithrombotic drugs suffer from several drawbacks, causing allergic reactions or complications, etc. In recent years, small-molecule compounds isolated from natural products with antithrombotic activities in the field drug research on thrombus disease. In this review, we will focus on representative naturally occurring small molecule phenols with antithrombotic potency and potential for future therapeutic regimens to combat thrombosis disease.

A lot ofindole compounds possessing complex structures exist widely in alkaloids with enormous research significance. Specifically, bisindoles play a great role in the treatment of cancer, tumors, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Many researchers are devoted to their biosynthesis. The structural diversity of bisindoles is attributed to multiple active sites of tryptophan. They presented bioactivities against anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-virus and anti-cancer properties at the C-3 site of bisindoles. This paper reviews recent advances on biosynthesis pathways and bioactivites of bisindoles.

Thrombus is a severe health problem all over the world, especially in developing countries. However, there is still no satisfactory antithrombotic therapeutic strategy. Currently, the clinical antithrombotic drugs suffer from several drawbacks such as high rate of bleedings and short half-life, causing allergic reactions or complications, etc. In recent years, small-molecule compounds isolated from natural products with antithrombotic activities become a hot issue in the field of drug research. In this review, we will focus on representative naturally occurring small molecule flavonoids with antithrombotic potency and potential for future therapeutic regimens to combat thrombosis disease.

Hydroxychloroquine, a known antiviral metabolite of chloroquine, is increasingly used along with antibiotic azithromycin for the treatment of COVID-19 infection. In about one month, India, the world’s largest manufacturer, delivered the pharmaceutical ingredient for treating COVID-19 to over 50 countries. Coupled to azithromycin, the therapy is being used across the world both for patients staying at home at the early phase of symptoms, as well as for patients hospitalized. We summarize achievements as of late April 2020, review possible modes of action and suggest avenues for the quick scale-up of production of hydroxychloroquine.

Eucalyptus globulus ( E. globulus) is a tall timber tree of genus Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae), and it is mainly distributed in the southern and southwestern China. The dry fruits of E. globulus, called as ‘Yi-Kou-Zhong’ in Chinese, have been commonly used as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat in flammation, eczema, and influenza. Herein, we summarized the chemical constituents and bioactivities of the Eucalyptus globulus.

Genus Daldinia is a unique source of natural products, which possess many pharmacological effects such as antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, and so on. Recently, most studies of genus Daldinia were focused on D.eschscholzii, D.concentrica and D.sp. This paper covers nearly a decade of research on Daldinia, focusing on the chemical structures and related biological activities of the secondary metabolites produced.

Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) is a new platinum anticancer drug, which is used for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer or the adjuvant treatment of stage III colon cancer. T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALLs) are invasive thymocytic malignant tumors with poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of L-OHP on human T-ALL cell lines MOLT-4, Jurkat, CCRF-CEM, and CEM/C1 cells. The CCK-8 method results showed that L-OHP significantly inhibited T-ALL cells proliferation. The inhibition of these T-ALL cells prolife by L-OHP seems to be related to the induction of cell cycle arrest. The effect of L-OHP on the cell cycle distribution of T-ALL cells varies with cell types. As to cells apoptosis, Annexin V/Propidium iodide assay disclosed that L-OHP prominently induced T-ALL cells apoptosis by activating the pathways of mitochondrial biogenesis and is more sensitive to MOLT-4 cells. Western blot analysis showed that L-OHP treatment could promote apoptosis through down-regulated Bcl-2 protein level, up-regulated Bax and caspase-9 proteins levels and cell cycle arrest by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in MOLT-4 cells. Our results indicate that L-OHP, as a new type of platinum anticancer drug, may attract more attention in the future treatment of T-ALL.

^{Nicotiana tabacum} L., well known as tobacco, could be not only used for raw materials of producing cigarettes, but also as a folk Chinese herbal medicine. This paper offers a systematic review of newly reported compounds from N. tabacum over the past four years covering the literatures from the beginning of 2017 through the end of 2020 and describes their structural diversities and bioactivities. A total of 46 natural compounds and 42 references were updated and compiles in this review, which may be of interest to pharmacognosists and natural products chemists.

The skin barrier is regulated by the stratum corneum and the tight junction located at the lamellar layer. Skin barrier can maintain the body’s moisture, prevent pathogens and allergens. Atopic dermatitis is caused by changes in the skin barrier associating with skin coloring. The main function of filaggrin is to maintain skin moisture. The level of filaggrin and its degradation products is affected not only by the genotype of filaggrin, but also by the inflammatory and exogenous stress factors. Regardless of the state of mutations in the filamentous protein, filaggrin deficiency was observed in patients with atopic dermatitis, indicating that the removal of polyphenol was a key factor in the pathogenesis of the skin disease. In this paper, we reviewed the function and morphological effects of filaggrin and its metabolites in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Filaggrin is considered as one of the most important proteins in the skin barrier.

Thrombosis is a serious disease of human health and life. Microorganism is an important source of fibrinolytic enzymes. The mechanism of action that it must combine with plasminogen to activate plasminogen of streptokinase is described. Herein, we summarize species characteristics and thrombolytic effects of fibrinolytic enzymes that are secreted from bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi. In recent years, more and more marine plasmin were found and used in thrombolytic test, displaying good fibrinolysis and thrombolysis.

Bulleyaconitine A, a C19-diterpenoid alkaloid extracted from Aconitum bulleyanum Diels, showed various bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, antinociceptivity, immunomodulatory effects as well as some toxicities. This paper reviewed the bioactivities of Bulleyaconitine A and the relevant mechanisms, toxicities, as well as the metabolism.

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt is an annual herb of the genus Perilla in the labiaceae. Its leaves, stalks and fruits can be used as folk medicine. The chemical components in Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt can be divided into volatile oil, terpenoids, triterpenoids, steroids, glycosides, phenylpropanoids and phenolic acids, flavonoids and pigments, which have anti-allergy, antibacterial, hypolipidemia, antioxidation, antitumor, antitussive and antipyretic activities. In this paper, we reviewed research progress of chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Perilla frutescens to provide new ideas for subsequent development of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt.

Lindera glauca is a folk medicine with rich resources in China. Previous phytochemical studies on L. glauca have resulted in the isolation and identification of the main chemical constituents such as alkaloids, sitosterol, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, and lignans, as well as essential oil, with antimicrobial, antitumor activity and other pharmacological effects. In this paper, the chemical compositions and pharmacological effects of L. glauca were summaried.

Microtubules are heterodimers composed of α/β tubulin and make up the cytoskeleton. It plays an important role in maintaining cellular morphology, cell division, signal transduction and other processes. At present, six tubulin inhibitor binding sites have been identified. The inhibitors can be divided into two categories: a type of microtubule polymerization agent includes colchicine site, vinblastine site, maytansine site and prionetin site inhibitors; another category is paclitaxel and laulimalide/peloruside binding site inhibitors are called microtubule depolymerization. Herein, we summarize relevant inhibitors acting on these 6 sites and their research status. With extensive research on tubulin binding sites and inhibitors, anti-tumor tubulin inhibitors will possess very broad clinical prospects.

The solution structure and function of human coagulation factor X (FX) were studied to understand the key structural elements of the enzyme form during activation. FX is a vitamin K-dependent plasma glycoprotein, composed of light and heavy chains, and plays a central role in the coagulation cascade. The calcium-rich γ-carboxyglutamic acid domain is responsible for binding to the membrane, an important step in the coagulation process. After activation, the serine protease domain undergoes a significant relocation, forming a compact multidomain. The S1-specific pocket largely determines the functional activities that activate FX. The enzyme-producing form of FX is more extensive than the active form. The enzyme-producing and activated forms of FX have different conformations in the serine protease domain.

Paeonia is the single genus of ca. 35 known species in the family Paeoniaceae. Up to now, more than 185 terpenes have been isolated from root/root cortex, flowers and seeds of the genus Paeonia. Researches had focused on the following species, such as P. lactiflora, P. suffruticosa Andr, P. veitchii, P. labiflora, P. delavayi, P. rockii, P. emodi, P. peregrina, and P. japonica. In this paper, the terpenes of Paeonia were reviewed, which may provide more useful information for further development on this genus.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) has become one of the most common infectious diseases in mainland China, with annual incidence rate up to 100 per 100,000. We analyzed data reported to surveillance systems at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and described the epidemiological features of HFMD by age, seasonal, and geographic distribution from 2011 to 2012. The annual incidence rates of 2011 and 2012 were 120.8 and 161.0 per 100,000, respectively. Most HFMD cases (approximately 90%) were aged within 0-4 years old, while older children and adults were rarely affected. Seasonal variation in incidence was observed, with an incidence peak observed during May and June. The southeastern coastal areas of China display highest incidence rates of HFMD. HFMD is a common infectious disease in China and it has emerged as an important public concern causing extensive transmission in young children.

Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis Swingle is known as Foshou fruit that can be used as Chinese medicinal materials and has a health and longevity effect. In recent years, investigations about the chemical compounds of Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis Swingle have shown that its main compounds include flavonoids, essential oils, coumarins, and polysaccharides, with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant activity, effect on the autonomic nervous system, and other pharmacological effects. In this paper, the chemical compositions and pharmacological effects of Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis Swingle are summarized.

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is the most frequently ingested neuroactive drug in the world and has enigmatic effects on tumor cells. Convincing evidence from in vitro, animal and human studies suggests that caffeine can inhibit cancer development and progression. Caffeine can easily pass through biological mem-branes and cross the blood-brain barrier, and it is thereby possible to bind to extracellular or intracellular molecules to exert its functions. This review mainly focuses on recent advances in the direct interaction targets of caffeine in the inhibition of malignancies and will hopefully provide valuable insights into the clinical application of caffeine to the treatment of cancers.

Chitosan is a kind of amino polysaccharide biopolymer with good film-forming, biocompatibility, biodegradability, bacteriostasis and nontoxic, obtained from the deacetylation of chitin, which contains abundant active amino and hydroxyl groups. With creative properties, functions and various applications especially in the biomedical field, chitosan is mainly used as pharmaceutical membrane, gel, microsphere (microcapsule), nanoparticle, drug and gene delivery, etc. This minireview provides an overview on the structure and properties of chitosan, the applications of chitosan biomaterials is introduced, and its research and development in the biomedical field are prospected.

Aconitum episcopale Levl., known as a characteristic Aconitum specie in China, is a perennial herbaceous plant classified into Aconitum L. (Ranunculaceae), which mainly distributes in northwest Yunnan and southwestern Sichuan. As a commonly traditional Chinese medicine, the root of A. episcopale has been used to treat anemofrigid-damp arthralgia, arthralgia, cold hernia and anesthesia analgesia with the effects of expelling wind and removing damness, warming menstruation and relieving pain. It also is used for solving other Aconitums poisoning in folk. In order to obtain more information for research and development of A. episcopale, the chemical components and pharmacological research on A. episcopale were reviewed. It is beneficial for future research, development and utilization of Aconitum and search for traditional herbal resources.

Triterpenoids exist commonly in the genus Ficus. Till now, ninety-seven triterpenes have been isolated from the genus Ficus. The bioactivities of five triterpenes including maslinic acid, oleanolic acid, lupeol, betulinic acid and ursolic acid have been studied extensively. Herein, we provide an overview of triterpenes in the genus Ficus and their various bioactivities.

Rhodotorula benthica is a unicellular yeast strain and presents widely in ocean with rich compositions of proteins, carotenoids, vitamins, digestive enzymes, and other biologically active substances. It has been applied in many fields including food, feed, medicine, and water industry. Rhodotorula species grow rapidly at 30 ℃ with coral pink, smooth, and moist to mucoid fettle, while the growth at 37 ℃ is variable. Rhodotorula species are strict aerobic yeasts with peculiarly metabolic characteristics. Rhodotorula produces urease and it has the inability to assimilate inositol and ferment sugars. Moreover, it is well known as a good source of carotenoids, proteins, essential amino-acids, digestive enzymes, lipids and vitamins. Rhodotorula benthica possesses a broad utilization prospect based on its metabolites, structures and bioactivities. This review summarizes some advances on the types, structures, and biological applications of the isolates from Rhodotorula glutinis.

In this paper, the extraction conditions of water-soluble polysaccharide from Bletilla striata were optimized by response surface methodology. With the dried Bletilla striata as raw materials, phenol-sulfuric acid method as the method of polysaccharide extraction rate, polysaccharide extraction rate as an indicator, the optimum process conditions for polysaccharide extraction from Bletilla striata were obtained including liquid-solid ratio of 15 mg/mL, extraction temperature 90 °C, extraction time of 90 h, sample immersion time 90 min, and extraction 2 times, achieving the corresponding polysaccharide yield of 48.38%. The antioxidant assays in vitro revealed that the polysaccharides from Bletilla striata exhibited a slight scavenging activity for 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl radicals and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cations.

Percutaneous penetration enhancers can regulate the transdermal absorption of drugs. Generally speaking, it can be divided into two categories: chemical synthesis and natural sources. Natural percutaneous penetration enhancers have the advantages of safety and mildness. This review summarizes the mechanism and characteristics of three kinds of percutaneous penetration enhancers and their combined application in transdermal drug delivery systems. The three different types of percutaneous penetration enhancers are fatty acids, alkaloids and terpenes. It is expected to provide considerations for the application research of percutaneous penetration enhancers rich in traditional Chinese medicines in transdermal drug delivery systems.

The protective effect of the polysaccharides on ethylene glycol induced kidney impairment has been explored. Polysaccharides have been extracted from Sargassum graminifolium, which belongs to brown algae. Three different doses of polysaccharides were used for rats with kidney stones by ethylene glycol feeding. Then, urinary biochemistry parameters, renal function factors including blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) levels were detected. Besides, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in kidney tissue were elevated, which belong to proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, kidney histopathological sections were examined. The results illustrated that polysaccharides not only increased calcium level but also decreased oxalate, Scr, and BUN levels. In addition, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were reduced. Moreover, renal micro-scopic analysis showed polysaccharides treatment alleviated observably calcium oxalate deposits in the kidney tissue. The results indicated that the renoprotective mechanism of SGP may be attributed to suppression of inflammation, reducing the growth of urinary stones and improving kidney function in vivo, which explained SGP through multiple ways to protect kidney cells from damaging of hyperoxaluria rats.