Natural Product Communications最新文献

{"title":"Antifungal Mechanism of Natural Products Derived from Plants: A Review","authors":"Nanbiao Long, Fang Li","doi":"10.1177/1934578x241271747","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x241271747","url":null,"abstract":"Fungal resistance to the limited existing antifungal agents has become a considerable public health problem in the past few decades. However, natural products with multiple bioactivities are important sources for developing new therapeutic agents against fungi. Consequently, there is an urgent need to grasp the antifungal mechanism of natural products. In this review, the primary antifungal mechanisms of natural products derived from plants, including targeting the cell wall, cell membrane, mitochondria, biofilm and other mechanisms, are elaborated. This article critically describes the compounds with high antifungal activity, revealing opportunities for future research such as clinical trials or utilization as environmental disinfectants.","PeriodicalId":19019,"journal":{"name":"Natural Product Communications","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142177277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identifying Potential Bioactive Components and Targets of Shaofuzhuyu Decoction in Treating Endometriosis Using serum Pharmacochemistry and Network Pharmacology","authors":"Qiyao Li, Jing Liu, Lin Ding, Dongxia Yang, Chengyu Piao, Yang Yu, Xiuhong Wu","doi":"10.1177/1934578x241274177","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x241274177","url":null,"abstract":"ObjectiveTo evaluate the underlying pharmacodynamics and therapeutic mechanism of Shaofuzhuyu Decoction (SFZYD) in treating Endometriosis (EMs).MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to identify prototype ingredients of SFZYD in serum samples of EMs model rats. SFZYD was screened by Network Pharmacology for potential bioactive components, targets and key pathways in vivo according to the prototype components in blood. Subsequently, the binding activities of the potential bioactive compounds and key targets were tested by molecular docking techniques.Results170 components of SFZYD were characterized in vitro using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and a total of 40 prototype ingredients of SFZYD were identified in rat serum. Network pharmacology predicted 90 protein targets and 193 pathways associated with EMs based on these prototypes. Five components of SFZYD were screened as potential biological activities, and four core targets were identified, these components were trans-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, ethyl p-methoxycinnamate, ferulic acid, protoferulic acid, and 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, while the identified core targets were ESR1, EGFR, SRC, and MAPK1. Vigorous binding activities between potential bioactive components and the core targets were demonstrated by molecular docking studies.ConclusionThe present study elucidated that 13 active components in SFZYD act to treat EMs by regulating four core targets, ESR1, EGFR, SRC and MAPK1, through multiple signalling pathways, and have multi-target, multi-component and synergistic effects, which may serve as a reference and basis for the development of new drugs for treating EMs.","PeriodicalId":19019,"journal":{"name":"Natural Product Communications","volume":"42 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142177297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Bacterial Activities of Artemisia vulgaris L. Essential Oil in Vietnam","authors":"Pham Thi Nhat Trinh, Le Xuan Tien, Tong Thanh Danh, Dang Thi Le Hang, Nguyen Van Hoa, To Thi Bao Yen, Le Tien Dung","doi":"10.1177/1934578x241275782","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x241275782","url":null,"abstract":"BackgroundArtemisia vulgaris L. (AV) is a beneficial herb with therapeutic properties. This work aims to evaluate the compositions and bioactivity of essential oil from AV grown in Tiengiang, Vietnam.MethodsThe essential oils (AVEO) were extracted by hydrodistillation (HD), and the headspace volatiles (HS) were collected using the static headspace technique. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to examine the compositions of oils in detail. The agar well-diffusion technique was used to conduct the antibacterial test. Multi-concentration dilution method was used for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) determination. The cell viability was determined by the MTT method. Nitric oxide and TNF-α in RAW 264.7 were analyzed by Griess reagent or ELISA as described by the manufacturer. In addition, DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power assay were used to determine the antioxidant activity.ResultsThe HD method yielded 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, β -caryophyllene, borneol, camphor, and δ-elemene were the most abundant components. In contrast, the HS approach produced the primary constituents being camphor, 2-methylbutanal, 1,8-cineole, and camphene. The HD showed antibacterial activities against E.coli, S.typhimurium, S .aureus, P.aeruginosa, and S.mutans, and inhibited the production of NO, TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7. Furthermore, the HD indicated moderate antioxidant activity. A hierarchical cluster analysis of essential oils from 22 regions shows that mugwort oils in Tiengiang, Vietnam, have a high level of δ-elemene (more than 5%), which is not common in oils from other species. The study's findings enhance our comprehension of the chemical components and chemical variety of mugwort oil across different sites and to help in the identification of the predominant species suitable for extracting essential oils for different purposes within the Artemisia vulgaris L. species.ConclusionThese findings collectively suggest that essential oils derived from A. vulgaris have a range of potential therapeutic uses.","PeriodicalId":19019,"journal":{"name":"Natural Product Communications","volume":"143 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142177292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Current Advances in Tissue Culture of Vietnamese Ginseng (Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv)","authors":"Nguyen Thanh Nhung, Khuat Huu Trung, Tran Dang Khanh","doi":"10.1177/1934578x241279712","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x241279712","url":null,"abstract":"Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv., commonly known as Vietnamese ginseng or Ngoc Linh ginseng, is a notable species within the Panax genus. In Vietnamese traditional medicine, Ngoc Linh ginseng is revered as a ‘miraculous medicine,’ famed for enhancing physical strength and treating a variety of health conditions. The application of in vitro tissue culture techniques to medicinal plants is acknowledged as a strategic method for generating bioactive specialized metabolites. This comprehensive review highlights the properties of Vietnamese ginseng and emphasizes recent progress in various in vitro tissue culture techniques, including callus induction, somatic embryo induction, cell cultivation in suspension, hairy root cultivation, and adventitious root cultivation. Moreover, the review addresses the challenges and potential future developments related to these techniques. The exploration of these in vitro practices has laid the groundwork for the commercial exploitation of Vietnamese ginseng, facilitating the swift and effective production of both ginseng biomass and its bioactive compounds.","PeriodicalId":19019,"journal":{"name":"Natural Product Communications","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142177294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploration of the Therapeutic Potential of Salvianolic Acid B Against senile Cataracts Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation","authors":"Yongxiao Dong, Jin Zhao, Xueli Zheng, Tao Xue, Wenting Ma, Panpan Cao, Ling Wang, Xiaoyong Yuan","doi":"10.1177/1934578x241272458","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x241272458","url":null,"abstract":"BackgroundThe aim of this study was to explore the preventive and therapeutic potential of salvianolic acid B in inhibiting senile cataracts through network pharmacology and experimental validation.MethodsDisease-related genes were obtained from the DisGeNET and GeneCards databases. Drug targets were identified from the Swiss Target Prediction and PharmMapper databases, shared genes were identified via the Venny website, links between genes were identified via a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, and GO and KEGG analyses were subsequently performed via R software. The key genes were identified via Cytoscape software, and their binding with Sal-B was demonstrated by molecular docking. Then, the results were verified by cell experiments. A CCK-8 assay was used to assess the activity of human LECs with or without H<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>O<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> or Sal-B treatment, and the cell apoptosis rate of each group was determined by flow cytometry. The gene expression levels of caspase 3, TNF-α and MMP-9 in human LECs treated with or without H<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>O<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> or Sal-B were determined by qPCR.ResultsA total of 705 and 152 cataract-related genes and salvianolic acid B-related genes, respectively, were identified, with 37 shared genes. The PPI results showed that MMP9, IL-2, JUN, TNF-α and caspase 3 were the core genes. GO data analysis revealed that the biological process, cell component and molecular function terms were most enriched in the categories “apoptosis progress”, “cytosol” and “protein binding”. Through KEGG enrichment analysis, we found that the core genes were related to the IL-17 and TNF signalling pathways. Cytoscape results showed that MMP9, TNF-α and caspase 3 were the key genes, and molecular docking showed that the drugs interacted well with the target molecules. The experimental results showed that salvianolic acid B inhibited H<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>O<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>-induced decreases in LEC activity and apoptosis and inhibited the gene expression of MMP9, TNF-α and caspase 3.ConclusionNetwork pharmacology and molecular docking results showed that salvianolic acid B has the potential to prevent and treat senile cataracts. The experimental results verified the finding that salvianolic acid B can inhibit the decrease in LEC activity and apoptosis induced by H<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>O<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> and verified the expression of the key molecules MMP9, TNF-α and caspase 3.","PeriodicalId":19019,"journal":{"name":"Natural Product Communications","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142177295","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nitric Oxide Production Inhibitors from Vietnamese Knema globularia: An in Vitro and in Silico Study","authors":"Dao Cuong To, Phu Chi Hieu Truong, Phi-Hung Nguyen, Le Minh Hoang, Hoa Thi Nguyen, Truong Thi Viet Hoa, Truong Thi Thuy Nhung, Phuong Dai Nguyen Nguyen, Ngu Truong Nhan, Manh Hung Tran","doi":"10.1177/1934578x241280043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x241280043","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: The Knema genus contains various naturally occurring secondary metabolites with pharmacological potential, including antitumor, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective activities. This study focuses on identifying nitric oxide production inhibitors from Vietnamese Knema globularia. Methods: The secondary metabolites were isolated using several chromatographic techniques. Their chemical structures were determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and compared with published literature. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated using the Griess assay, and protein interactions were investigated through docking studies. Results: Based on their anti-inflammatory activity, six compounds (1-6) were isolated from Vietnamese K. globularia. These compounds were identified as lupeol (1), formononetin (2), isoliquiritigenin (3), 2-[4-(3-hydroxypropyl)-2-methoxyphenoxy]propane-1,3-diol (4), (+)-catechin (5), and (−)- epicatechin (6). For the first time, compounds 1, 3, and 4 were reported from Vietnamese K. globularia. All isolated compounds were tested against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophage RAW264.7 cells to assess their anti-inflammatory potential. Compound 5 exhibited the highest inhibitory activity, with an IC<jats:sub>50</jats:sub> value of 5.61 μM, followed by compounds 3 and 6, with IC<jats:sub>50</jats:sub> values of 6.76 and 11.52 μM, respectively. However, compounds 1, 2, and 4 showed inactivity with IC<jats:sub>50</jats:sub> values exceeding 30 μM. Molecular docking was then employed to investigate the affinity and interactions between compounds 3, 5, and 6 and proteins involved in inflammation, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and interleukin-8 (IL-8), along with ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) predictions. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the active constituents derived from Vietnamese K. globularia have the potential as anti-inflammatory agents worthy of further exploration and development.","PeriodicalId":19019,"journal":{"name":"Natural Product Communications","volume":"3 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142177321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acacia ehrenbergiana (Hayne) and Prosopis juliflora Extracts Promote the Survival of Caenorhabditis elegans Infected with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus","authors":"Samah H O Zarroug, Talah Nammor, Shatha Eisa, Reela Hamoor, Linda Ibrahim, Yousef Shata, Meshal Alqhtani, Omnia Bashir, Ghada Garaween, Fatheia N Hamza, Dana Bakheet, Assad Khalid, Hana K Abdalla","doi":"10.1177/1934578x241279065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x241279065","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections, with antibiotic-resistant strains causing potentially life-threatening diseases. This study explored the antimicrobial potential of Acacia ehrenbergiana (Hayne) and Prosopis juliflora using a Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) in vivo model infected with methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) S. aureus strains. Methods: Wild-type C. elegans were exposed to MSSA strain ATCC 25923 and MRSA strains ATCC BF195 and ATCC BC 3820 using an agar-based killing assay. The impact of ethanol extracts from A. ehrenbergiana and P. juliflora on the survival of infected C. elegans was assessed by analyzing the survival rates of infected and non-infected worms. The effects of the plant extracts on C. elegans feeding rate and colonization of MSSA and MRSA in the worm's gut were also examined. Additionally, in vitro assays were conducted to assess the bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic effects of the plant extracts. Results: Exposure to MSSA and MRSA strains significantly reduced C. elegans lifespan, with a mean time to death (TD<jats:sub>mean</jats:sub>) of 72 ± 1.3 h. Treatment with 100–500 μg/ml of either plant extract increased C. elegans survival by 65–70%. The extracts did not affect C. elegans pharyngeal pumping. Colony-forming Unit (CFU) assays showed a significant reduction in MSSA and MRSA colonization in the worm intestine with P. juliflora, but not A. ehrenbergiana extracts. In vitro Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assays indicated that neither extract had direct bactericidal activity, suggesting the observed reduction in bacterial infection in worms was likely due to enhanced host immune response rather than direct antibacterial effects. Conclusion: These findings suggest that A. ehrenbergiana and P. juliflora extracts enhance C. elegans survival upon infection through indirect mechanisms, possibly involving immune system activation. This study highlights the potential of these extracts as antibacterial agents against MSSA and MRSA strains.","PeriodicalId":19019,"journal":{"name":"Natural Product Communications","volume":"95 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142223566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study on Antioxidant Activity and Immune-Enhanced Activity of Basil Crude Extract and its Solvent Fractions","authors":"Jingjing Gu, Xiaolan Ge, Mengjuan Zhang, Lili Wang, Wei Ma","doi":"10.1177/1934578x241279050","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x241279050","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: Basil has various biological activities, and sufficient research on its extracts can help to clarify the main components that exert biological activity. Methods: Solvents with different polarities were used to extract the basil crude extract (CE), and the total polyphenol (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) contents of extracts were measured. The compounds of extracts were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Their antioxidant and immune-enhanced activities were evaluated. Results: The CE and its four solvent fractions were obtained including petroleum ether extract (PE), ethyl acetate extract (EE), n-butanol extract (BE), and water extract (WE). Among them, BE had the highest TP and TF contents, followed by EE, and all five extracts contained maltol and arbutin. The BE and EE have better 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities, while CE with less TP and TF contents showed better 2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity than that of BE and EE. Besides, BE and EE also exert a better effect on relevant indicators of immunosuppressive mice than other extracts. Conclusion: The basil extracts (BE and EE), which have higher TP and TF contents, demonstrate better in vitro antioxidant activities and immune-enhancing effects on immunosuppressed mice. This provides a theoretical basis for the application of basil.","PeriodicalId":19019,"journal":{"name":"Natural Product Communications","volume":"78 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142177345","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Talinum triangulare Methanol Leaf Extract on Cadmium-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction in Male Wistar Rats","authors":"Uduak Anthony Inwang, Ezekiel Etim Ben, Obinna Onwe Uchewa, Emmanuel Onyi Nwuzor, Azubuike Raphael Nwaji, Ekementeabasi Aniebo Umoh","doi":"10.1177/1934578x241271698","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x241271698","url":null,"abstract":"ObjectiveOxidative stress results in neuronal degeneration leading to cognitive decline. Microglia in brain tissue produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which modulate synaptic communication between neurons. ROS can lead to neuroinflammation, which can cause neurodegeneration and memory loss. Talinum triangulare was investigated for its cognitive, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory potentials in male wistar rats.Materials and methods25 adult female rats weighing between 150 g–200 g were grouped (n = 5) into Group 1 (control group) received 1 mL/kg of distilled water, group 2–5 were administered with 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg T. triangulare methanol extract and 2.5 mg/kg donepezil, 100 mg/kg cadmium respectively via oral gavage. The administration lasted for 21 days and neurobehavioural parameters, biochemical and histological analysis of the hippocampus were evaluated. The assessment of spatial learning and memory was evaluated using Classic labyrinth task.ResultsThere was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) reduced escape time latency and increased time latency in the probe trial in Morris water maze; and reduced time latency in the labyrinth by T. triangulare methanol extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) compared with the control and cadmium treated groups. T. triangulare methanol extract and donepezil significantly (p &lt; 0.05) reduced acetylcholinesterase (AChE), tissue necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) activities and significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased gluthathione peroxidase activity (GPx) and catalase (CAT) respectively.ConclusionThese findings revealed that T. triangulare methanol extract enhanced cognitive function and exhibited anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory potentials.","PeriodicalId":19019,"journal":{"name":"Natural Product Communications","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142177296","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Extracellular Metallometabolome: Metallophores, Metal Ionophores, and Other Chelating Agents as Natural Products","authors":"Wolfgang Maret","doi":"10.1177/1934578x241271701","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x241271701","url":null,"abstract":"Natural products include inorganic as well as organic compounds. Living organisms face constant challenges in acquiring essential metal ions and getting rid of non-essential ones with toxic actions. They employ an extracellular biochemistry in these tasks and use it to engage in a chemical warfare against invaders and competitors by either increasing or decreasing the availability of metal ions for maintaining their welfare in aquatic or terrestrial ecological niches. To control mutualistic, cambialistic or parasitic symbiosis with other organisms they use a remarkably rich suite of secreted bioactive molecules with ligand donor atoms for metal binding. This overview discusses the interactions of these extracellular natural products with a multitude of metal ions in the periodic system of the elements. It focuses mainly on metallophores and metal ionophores secreted from bacteria, fungi, and plants, but metal-carrying cofactors and other chelating agents will also be mentioned in the context of related functions and with an intent to categorize. The intracellular fate of the metal ions and the controlled pathways for the biosynthesis, secretion, uptake, biodegradation or recycling of the secreted natural products that interact with metal ions will not be covered. Metallophores make extracellular metal ions available via delivery to specific transporters and unavailable to competing organisms, especially pathogens, though some invaders have developed ways to compete efficiently for metal ions. The classic concept of siderophores, carriers of iron(III) ions, is extended here to specific and broad-band metallophores for metal ions such as copper (chalkophores), zinc (zincophores), and yet others. Metal ionophores, in contrast, transport metal ions through biological membranes. There is a wide variety of chemical structures for either metallophores or metal ionophores. Together with physicochemical investigations of metal complexation und conditions mimicking the natural environment, “omics” mining and mapping the diversity of chemotypes is an on-going effort with analytic, genetic, and bioinformatic tools and comes together in defining the metallometabolome, which combines the metabolome and the metallome. Investigations are highly multidisciplinary, include an important, but academically infrequently crossed bridge between the biosciences (biochemistry) and the earth sciences (geochemistry), define significant applications in the pharmaceutical/medical sciences regarding immune modulation and the control of virulence at the host-pathogen interface, and have implications for the nutritional/toxicological and environmental/ecological sciences.","PeriodicalId":19019,"journal":{"name":"Natural Product Communications","volume":"121 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142177319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}