Unveiling the Health Benefits of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Medicinal Plants
Volume 4, Issue 1, March 2024, Pages 1-9
https://doi.org/10.48306/epp.2024.2020350.1063
Shahryar Shakeri
Abstract This review explores the therapeutic potential of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) derived from medicinal plants. PUFAs, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, play critical roles in human health and are essential for various physiological functions. While marine sources are known for their high content of omega-3 PUFAs, medicinal plants also serve as valuable sources of omega-6 important fatty acids. PUFAs derived from medicinal plants exhibit a wide range of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, cardiovascular protective, and anticancer effects. This review summarizes the classification and sources of PUFAs, and discusses the extraction of PUFAs from medicinal plants. Specific medicinal plants rich in PUFAs are highlighted, along with their potential health benefits. Understanding the role of PUFAs in promoting human well-being opens avenues for the development of natural interventions and therapeutic approaches. By exploring the rich composition of PUFAs in medicinal plants, we can harness their potential in preventive healthcare and complement existing treatments. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the medicinal properties of PUFAs derived from plants.
Investigating the possibility of squalene production by some medicinal plants using thin-layer chromatography (TLC)
Volume 3, Issue 1, September 2023, Pages 24-30
https://doi.org/10.48306/epp.2023.2002740.1056
Mahmood Maleki, Omolbanin Nezhad Dehbakri, Davoud Darvishi Zeidabadi, Shahryar Shakeri
Abstract Medicinal plants contain active ingredients in one or some of their organs. Squalene is one of the active ingredients that prevent heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases and protect the body from some cancers. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of squalene in a number of medicinal plants. In this experiment, the plant oils were extracted and measured using Bligh & Dyer with minor changes. TLC (thin layer chromatography) was used to identify squalene. Comparison of TLC of standard squalene with TLC of the investigated medicinal plant samples showed that Caryophillium aromaticus, Descurainia sophia, Portulaca Oleracea, Papaver somniferum and Nigella Sativa contained squalene. Although the percentage of Papaver somniferum and Nigella Sativa seed oil was higher than other medicinal plants, the squalane spot of clove plant had a higher intensity of color and this indicates a higher concentration of squalene in this plant.