Shikimic acid is a hydroaromatic compound possessing critical biological properties, such as antibacterial and antiviral activity. This review mainly focused on shikimic acid and its derivatives. We first briefly introduced the sources of shikimic acid and its derivatives and discussed their biosynthesis. Several in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that shikimic acid and its derivatives exhibit diverse bioactivities, such as antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hypolipidemic, bone protective, skin protective, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic activities. We mainly focused on the related molecular mechanisms. Overall, the wide range of bioactivities of shikimic acid and its derivatives indicate that a more detailed exploration of their potential for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases is warranted.

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Objective: To assess the acute and subacute toxicity as well as the phytochemical composition of two extracts and three fractions of Ammi majus L. Methods: The aqueous extracts were prepared separately by maceration for 48 h and by infusion for 1 h, while the fractions were prepared by the Soxhlet extractor, successively employing cyclohexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. The acute toxicity study was carried out in accordance with the OECD N°423 guideline at a single dose (2000 mg/kg) in mice for 14 days. The subacute toxicity study was performed by a daily oral administration of 250 mg/kg for 10 days and 100 mg/kg doses for 28 days. Phytochemical screening was performed using staining and precipitation reactions, while the chemical characterization of some analytes was detected by HPLC-MS/MS analysis. Results: In the acute toxicity study, no signs of toxicity such as convulsion, salivation, diarrhea, sleep and coma were observed during 30 minutes and 14 days, so the lethal dose was higher than 2000 mg/kg for each extract and fraction. The subacute toxicity results showed that at a dose of 250 mg/kg, 61.10% of the animals died and the rest developed morbidity. On the other hand, at a dose of 100 mg/kg, all the animals were still alive after 28 days, with no morbidity and the biochemical parameters were normal with no abnormalities in the liver, kidneys and pancreas. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, and free quinones and the absence of alkaloids and anthocyanins. Conclusions: The extracts and fractions of Ammi majus L. are not toxic in the short and long term with a varied chemical composition. Toxicological tests on animals other than rodents and in the long term (more than 28 days) are needed to further confirm the safety of Ammi majus extracts.

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Objective: To investigate the effect of Pinus eldarica bark extract on adrenaline-induced myocardial infarction. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract was prepared using maceration method and its total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-ciocalteu method. Pretreatment was done by oral administration of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg Pinus eldarica bark extract for 16 days in male Wistar rats. Injection of adrenaline (2 mg/kg, s.c.) was performed on the 15th and 16th days for induction of myocardial infarction. Lead II EEG was recorded. Serum cardiac marker enzymes and antioxidative parameters were evaluated and a histopathological examination of heart tissues was performed. Results: Pretreatment with Pinus eldarica bark extract especially at its high doses significantly lowered the ST-segment elevation, improved heart rate, and decreased RR interval in ECG pattern of rats with adrenaline-induced myocardial infarction. It declined serum markers of heart damage including aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase-MB, and also decreased lipid peroxidation marker, and heart weight while raising total antioxidant capacity and considerably improved histopathological alterations of the heart induced by adrenaline. Conclusions: Pinus eldarica bark extract shows beneficial cardioprotective and antioxidant effects against adrenaline-induced myocardial infarction. It can be further explored as a potential treatment for myocardial infarction.

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Objective: To explore the cardioprotective effect of hesperidin against arsenic trioxide-induced cardiac toxicity in rats. Methods: Cardiac toxicity was induced by oral administration of 4 mg/kg arsenic trioxide for 30 days. Hematological, biochemical, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and histopathological examinations were performed. Results: Hesperidin decreased the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, calcium, creatine kinase-myoglobin binding, lactate dehydrogenase, IL-6, and lipid peroxidation, as well as increased sodium and potassium concentration and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in arsenic trioxide-intoxicated rats. Moreover, it reduced peak systolic velocity and end-diastolic velocity while increasing heart rate. Arsenic trioxide-induced histopathological damage to cardiac tissue was prominently alleviated by hesperidin treatment. Conclusions: Hesperidin attenuates arsenic trioxide-induced cardiac toxicity in rats. Therefore, it can be further explored as a cardioprotective agent.

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Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Alstonia congensis green-synthesized nanoparticles as a molluscicide against snail hosts of trematodes. Methods: The ethanolic leaf extract of Alstonia congensis was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles. The formulation was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersed X-ray. The ovicidal and molluscicidal activities of the Alstonia congensis extract and its nanoparticles were tested against Physa acuta and Bulinus forskalii at different concentrations. Results: The green-synthesized nanoparticles inhibited embryonic development within the egg masses of the two snails in all the tested concentrations. Alstonia congensis extract did not show molluscicidal properties against adult Physa acuta but showed a very weak activity against Bulinus forskalii. Moreover, the synthesized nanoparticles showed significantly high molluscicidal activity against adult snails within 5-40 min of exposure in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). Conclusions: The Alstonia congensis-based nanoparticles show molluscicidal activities against adults and embryos of Physa acuta and Bulinus forskalii, and can be further explored as a potent molluscicide for the control of intermediate host of trematode parasites.

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