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Jovana Rajkovic

Bio: Jovana Rajkovic is an academic researcher from University of Belgrade. The author has contributed to research in topics: Medicine & Potassium channel. The author has an hindex of 9, co-authored 19 publications receiving 504 citations.

Papers
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The diseases in which oxidative stress is one of the triggers and the plant-derived antioxidant compounds with their mechanisms of antioxidant defenses that can help in the prevention of these diseases are discussed.
Abstract: Oxidative stress plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Long term exposure to increased levels of pro-oxidant factors can cause structural defects at a mitochondrial DNA level, as well as functional alteration of several enzymes and cellular structures leading to aberrations in gene expression. The modern lifestyle associated with processed food, exposure to a wide range of chemicals and lack of exercise plays an important role in oxidative stress induction. However, the use of medicinal plants with antioxidant properties has been exploited for their ability to treat or prevent several human pathologies in which oxidative stress seems to be one of the causes. In this review we discuss the diseases in which oxidative stress is one of the triggers and the plant-derived antioxidant compounds with their mechanisms of antioxidant defenses that can help in the prevention of these diseases. Finally, both the beneficial and detrimental effects of antioxidant molecules that are used to reduce oxidative stress in several human conditions are discussed.

619 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The functional properties of Piper plants/extracts/active components the antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and neuropharmacological activities of the extracts and extract-derived bioactive constituents are thought to be key effects for the protection against chronic conditions.
Abstract: Piper species are aromatic plants used as spices in the kitchen, but their secondary metabolites have also shown biological effects on human health. These plants are rich in essential oils, which can be found in their fruits, seeds, leaves, branches, roots and stems. Some Piper species have simple chemical profiles, while others, such as Piper nigrum, Piper betle, and Piper auritum, contain very diverse suites of secondary metabolites. In traditional medicine, Piper species have been used worldwide to treat several diseases such as urological problems, skin, liver and stomach ailments, for wound healing, and as antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agents. In addition, Piper species could be used as natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents in food preservation. The phytochemicals and essential oils of Piper species have shown strong antioxidant activity, in comparison with synthetic antioxidants, and demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal activities against human pathogens. Moreover, Piper species possess therapeutic and preventive potential against several chronic disorders. Among the functional properties of Piper plants/extracts/active components the antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and neuropharmacological activities of the extracts and extract-derived bioactive constituents are thought to be key effects for the protection against chronic conditions, based on preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, besides clinical studies. Habitats and cultivation of Piper species are also covered in this review. In this current work, available literature of chemical constituents of the essential oils Piper plants, their use in traditional medicine, their applications as a food preservative, their antiparasitic activities and other important biological activities are reviewed.

241 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: From traditional uses as herbal remedies to preclinical evidence, critically discussing the in vitro and in vivo studies focusing on plant extracts and even isolated phytochemicals with antiulcerogenic potential, comprehensively reviewed the plant sources used as antiulcers agents.
Abstract: In this narrative review, we have comprehensively reviewed the plant sources used as antiulcer agents. From traditional uses as herbal remedies, we have moved on to preclinical evidence, critically discussing the in vitro and in vivo studies focusing on plant extracts and even isolated phytochemicals with antiulcerogenic potential. A particular emphasis was also paid to Helicobacter pylori activity, with emphasis on involved mechanisms of action. Lastly, the issue of safety profile of these plant products has also been addressed.

125 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The role of phytochemicals as antioxidants and pro-oxidant agents is carefully addressed, as is their therapeutic relevance in longevity, aging-related disorders, and healthy-aging promotion.
Abstract: Plants and their corresponding botanical preparations have been used for centuries due to their remarkable potential in both the treatment and prevention of oxidative stress-related disorders. Aging and aging-related diseases, like cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders, which have increased exponentially, are intrinsically related with redox imbalance and oxidative stress. Hundreds of biologically active constituents are present in each whole plant matrix, providing promissory bioactive effects for human beings. Indeed, the worldwide population has devoted increased attention and preference for the use of medicinal plants for healthy aging and longevity promotion. In fact, plant-derived bioactives present a broad spectrum of biological effects, and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and, more recently, anti-aging effects, are considered to be a hot topic among the medical and scientific communities. Nonetheless, despite the numerous biological effects, it should not be forgotten that some bioactive molecules are prone to oxidation and can even exert pro-oxidant effects. In this sense, the objective of the present review is to provide a detailed overview of plant-derived bioactives in age-related disorders. Specifically, the role of phytochemicals as antioxidants and pro-oxidant agents is carefully addressed, as is their therapeutic relevance in longevity, aging-related disorders, and healthy-aging promotion. Finally, an eye-opening look into the overall evidence of plant compounds related to longevity is presented.

91 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this critical review, plant sources used as effective antibacterial agents against Helicobacter pylori infections are carefully described and special attention was given to plant extracts with urease inhibitory effects, with emphasis on involved modes of action.
Abstract: In this critical review, plant sources used as effective antibacterial agents against Helicobacter pylori infections are carefully described. The main intrinsic bioactive molecules, responsible for the observed effects are also underlined and their corresponding modes of action specifically highlighted. In addition to traditional uses as herbal remedies, in vitro and in vivo studies focusing on plant extracts and isolated bioactive compounds with anti-H. pylori activity are also critically discussed. Lastly, special attention was also given to plant extracts with urease inhibitory effects, with emphasis on involved modes of action.

73 citations


Cited by
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Even though growing evidence supports the use of kaempferol for cancer prevention, further preclinical and clinical investigations using kaEMPferol or kaempFERol-rich foods are of pivotal importance before any public health recommendation or formulation using kaempfol.
Abstract: A marked decrease in human cancers, including breast cancer, bone cancer, and cervical cancer, has been linked to the consumption of vegetable and fruit, and the corresponding chemoprotective effect has been associated with the presence of several active molecules, such as kaempferol. Kaempferol is a major flavonoid aglycone found in many natural products, such as beans, bee pollen, broccoli, cabbage, capers, cauliflower, chia seeds, chives, cumin, moringa leaves, endive, fennel, and garlic. Kaempferol displays several pharmacological properties, among them antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic activities, and is being applied in cancer chemotherapy. Specifically, kaempferol-rich food has been linked to a decrease in the risk of developing some types of cancers, including skin, liver, and colon. The mechanisms of action include apoptosis, cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, downregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathways. In this sense, this article reviews data from experimental studies that investigated the links between kaempferol and kaempferol-rich food intake and cancer prevention. Even though growing evidence supports the use of kaempferol for cancer prevention, further preclinical and clinical investigations using kaempferol or kaempferol-rich foods are of pivotal importance before any public health recommendation or formulation using kaempferol.

346 citations

01 Apr 2008
TL;DR: In this paper, the basic properties, physiological functions, regulation, and pathological alterations of four major classes of K+ channels that have been detected in vascular smooth muscle cells are presented, including voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channels, which open upon depolarization of the plasma membrane.
Abstract: In this review, we present the basic properties, physiological functions, regulation, and pathological alterations of four major classes of K+ channels that have been detected in vascular smooth muscle cells. Voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channels open upon depolarization of the plasma membrane in vascular smooth muscle cells. The subsequent efflux of K+ through the channels induces repolarization to the resting membrane potential. Changes in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and membrane depolarization stimulate large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels, which are thought to play an important role in maintaining the membrane potential. ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channels underscore the functional bond between cellular metabolism and membrane excitability. The blockade of KATP channel function results in vasoconstriction and depolarization in various types of vascular smooth muscle. Inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channels, which are expressed in smooth muscle of the small-diameter arteries, contribute to the resting membrane potential and basal tone. Kir channel activation has been shown to raise the extracellular K+ concentration to 10-15 mM, resulting in vasodilation. Each of K+ channels listed above is responsive to a number of vasoconstrictors and vasodilators, which act through protein kinase C (PKC) and protein kinase A (PKA), respectively. Impaired Kv, KATP, and Kir channel functions has been linked to a number of pathological conditions, which may lead to vasoconstriction.

343 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The functional properties of Piper plants/extracts/active components the antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and neuropharmacological activities of the extracts and extract-derived bioactive constituents are thought to be key effects for the protection against chronic conditions.
Abstract: Piper species are aromatic plants used as spices in the kitchen, but their secondary metabolites have also shown biological effects on human health. These plants are rich in essential oils, which can be found in their fruits, seeds, leaves, branches, roots and stems. Some Piper species have simple chemical profiles, while others, such as Piper nigrum, Piper betle, and Piper auritum, contain very diverse suites of secondary metabolites. In traditional medicine, Piper species have been used worldwide to treat several diseases such as urological problems, skin, liver and stomach ailments, for wound healing, and as antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agents. In addition, Piper species could be used as natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents in food preservation. The phytochemicals and essential oils of Piper species have shown strong antioxidant activity, in comparison with synthetic antioxidants, and demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal activities against human pathogens. Moreover, Piper species possess therapeutic and preventive potential against several chronic disorders. Among the functional properties of Piper plants/extracts/active components the antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and neuropharmacological activities of the extracts and extract-derived bioactive constituents are thought to be key effects for the protection against chronic conditions, based on preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, besides clinical studies. Habitats and cultivation of Piper species are also covered in this review. In this current work, available literature of chemical constituents of the essential oils Piper plants, their use in traditional medicine, their applications as a food preservative, their antiparasitic activities and other important biological activities are reviewed.

241 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In plants, there is a complex and multilevel network of the antioxidative system (AOS) operating to counteract harmful reactive species (RS), the foremost important of which are reactive oxygen species (ROS), and maintain homeostasis within the cell as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: In plants, there is a complex and multilevel network of the antioxidative system (AOS) operating to counteract harmful reactive species (RS), the foremost important of which are reactive oxygen species (ROS), and maintain homeostasis within the cell. Specific AOSs for plant cells are, first and foremost, enzymes of the glutathione-ascorbate cycle (Asc-GSH), followed by phenolic compounds and lipophilic antioxidants like carotenoids and tocopherols. Evidence that plant cells have excellent antioxidative defense systems is their ability to survive at H2O2 concentrations incompatible with animal cell life. For the survival of stressed plants, it is of particular importance that AOS cooperate and participate in redox reactions, therefore, providing better protection and regeneration of the active reduced forms. Considering that plants abound in antioxidant compounds, and humans are not predisposed to synthesize the majority of them, new fields of research have emerged. Antioxidant potential of plant compounds has been exploited for anti-aging formulations preparation, food fortification and preservation but also in designing new therapies for diseases with oxidative stress implicated in etiology.

213 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
Jian Ju1, Xueqi Chen1, Yunfei Xie1, Hang Yu1, Yahui Guo1, Yuliang Cheng1, He Qian1, Weirong Yao1 
TL;DR: Aromatic essential oils (EO) are important plant extracts that have attracted great interest for their various biological activities and their potential to replace chemical preservatives in the field of food preservation as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Background Aromatic essential oils (EO) are important plant extracts that have attracted great interest for their various biological activities and their potential to replace chemical preservatives in the field of food preservation. Moreover, the volatility of EOs has further expanded their applications in antibacterial packaging (AP) systems. Scope and approach This review focuses on the contributions of EOs to food packaging by (1) introducing the antibacterial activity of EOs; (2) summarizing the implementation of EO-APs; (3) analyzing the applications of EO-APs in food preservation; and (4) assessing the safety of EOs. Key findings and conclusions Understanding the different combinations of EOs and food packaging will help improve the effectiveness of EO-APs in food preservation and better target their use, which will promote their application in food systems. By combining them with packaging materials, the adverse flavor of EOs can be reduced and their action time prolonged, which will greatly improve their effective utilization rate in food preservation.

180 citations