BioTarget Group

Biological Chemistry & Molecular Targets Unit, a part of the GABAI research group (REQUIMTE Associated Laboratory). Based at the U. Porto - Faculty of Pharmacy

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday Fisetin is present in many #fruits and #vegetables. It is described in literature for its anti-inflammatory properties and is under clinical trials for lowering inflammatory markers. Recently it was described as an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum stress

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday Ricin is a highly toxic lectin, mostly if inhaled/injected. It is a ribosome-inactivating protein with a lethal dose of only 22 microg/kg in mice. It is being studied as an immunomodulator adjuvant in vaccines, but there is currently no approved therapeutics.

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday Valerenic acid is present in several herbal formulations used as #sedatives for the treatment of #insomnia. It acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA receptors, among other targets. The roots of the plant have an unpleasant smell when dried!

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday Reserpine is used to lower high blood pressure, in combination with a vasodilator or diuretic. It acts by depleting catecholamines from peripheral sympathetic nerves. Its role in mood regulation is not clear as the studies available are highly inconsistent.

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday #Cannabidiol(#CBD) is a non-psychoactive component of #cannabis. It is approved both in the USA and some European countries for the treatment of seizures. Several additional clinical uses are under study, most of which without definitive evidence.

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday #Nicotine is the main molecule responsible for the addictive effect of #tobacco products. For this reason, it is widely used in the treatment of nicotine dependence. It was used as a pesticide for decades, having now been replaced by neonicotinoids.

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday Tetrahydrocannabinol (#THC) is one of the most widely-known molecules. It acts upon CB1 receptors, which are responsible for its psychoactive properties. Semi-synthetic derivatives are under study for immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effect.

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday Coumarin was first isolated in 1820. It can be found in several plant species, where it acts as a deterrent to herbivores. Chemical modification of coumarin results in several #anticoagulant molecules, of which #warfarin is the best known example.

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday Cinnamaldehyde is the molecule responsible for the flavor of #cinnamon. It was isolated in 1834 and can be obtained steam distillation of the oil of cinnamon bark. Apart from the #food industry, it has also been used as a corrosion inhibitor for steel!

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday Absinthin is a bitter molecule responsible for the characteristic taste of #absinthe. In vivo studies in mice showed the anti-inflammatory effect of the molecules, mostly in acute lung injury, however there is currently no clinical application.

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday Xanthohumol is found in the inflorescences of Humulus lupulus (#hops). It is also found in #beer and it contributes to the flavor and bitterness of hops. In mice, xanthohumol inhibited the growth of estrogen-negative breast cancer tumors.

[David Pereira @boticario2]

Very excited to participate in this activity of the Knowledge Transition Workgroup from @BurdenEU !

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday Allicin is a sulfur-containing molecule found in #garlic, which is responsible for its characteristic aroma. In vitro, this molecule has shown antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It has been used before in #skincare products, but what about the smell?!

[David Pereira @boticario2]

Interested in #ethnopharmacology? Consider getting involved with the Research Topic "Debates in Ethnopharmacology 2023", hosted by Frontiers in Pharmacology @FrontPharmacol

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday Sulforaphane is produced from glucoraphanin via the enzyme mirosinase upon mechanical damage to the plant. It is found in #cruciferous #vegetables such as #broccoli and #cauliflower. In vitro, it was shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday Camphor, a strongly aromatic molecule, has been in folk medicine for centuries. It is used in creams/ointments for treating swelling and other inflammatory symptoms and as aerosol to treat congestion as it creates a cold sensation! Potential skin irritant!

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday Salicylic acid is a molecule with anti-inflammatory properties that has been used in medicine for decades. Despite its activity, it is quite harsh to the stomach, reason for which it is used in the form of acetylsalicylic acid, which you may know as #aspirin!

[Center for Human Rights in Iran @ICHRI]

Zeinab Kazempour threw away her headscarf and walked out of a meeting to elect new board members of the Construction Engineers Organization in Tehran to protest being blocked from being elected because of her “improper” hijab. #Iran #Mahsa_Amini
#زینب_کاظم‌پور

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday #Mescaline is a well-known #psychedelic and #hallucinogenic molecule that occurs in several species of cacti and has been historically used in religious ceremonies. Its medical use for the treatment of conditions such as #depression is still under study.

[David Pereira @boticario2]

#phytochemicalfriday Lawsone exhibits red-orange color. It reacts with #keratin, being used in #henna /Mehndi “tattoos” and hair dyeing. Due too strong UV absorption, it can also be used in sunless tanning and sunscreens. Caution with potential allergic contact dermatitis!