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Basics of Nano-Bioactive Compounds and Their Therapeutic Potential

Jannat ul Firdaus1, Sumitra Singh2 and Rakesh K. Sindhu3*

1School of Pharmacy, Sharda University, Gr. Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India

2Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshawar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, India

3Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, India

Abstract

In a broad way, bioactive compounds can be classified into two forms, essential and nonessential compounds obtained from nature, and are a part of the food chain. Bioactive compounds carry numerous health benefits for the body that promotes good health. Nowadays, these compounds are studied as they prevent many dreadful diseases such as malignant tumors, and cardiovascular disease. These compounds also show free radical scavenging properties and antiphlogistic properties, immunomodulatory potential, as well as antimicrobial properties. These compounds are chemically unstable, susceptible to oxidation, and insoluble in body fluids; therefore, their delivery is a cause of concern. Plant-based bioactive compounds impart therapeutic effects and adverse effects on humans and animals. There is an extensive range of advantages of bioactive compounds in food technology, plant science, geoscience, plant science, biophysical and computational sciences, agrochemicals, cosmetics, and nanobioscience. Bioactive compounds include terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, and other nitrogen-containing compounds. These are generally secondary metabolites. This chapter includes an introduction, medicinal uses of bioactive compounds, extraction techniques, carrier approach for bioactive compounds, and therapeutic potential of nano-bioactive compounds. Diet provides proper nutrients to cover the metabolic requirements and also improves human health.

Keywords: Bioactive compounds, health, nanotherapeutics, nanobioscience, toxicological effects

1.1 Introduction

Bioactive compounds, rich in nature, are molecules with significant impacts on living organisms across plants, animals, and microorganisms. These compounds, various in structure and function, play pivotal roles in biological processes and good health benefits. Various groups of bioactive compounds are phytochemicals, microbial toxins, nutraceuticals, and secondary products. A wide range of biological roles are played by bioactive compounds such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and alkaloids, contribute to plant characteristics and provide health benefits, whereas nutraceuticals offer health advantages beyond basic nutrition [1]. Microbial and secondary metabolites, including antibiotics and plant-derived compounds, hold therapeutic promise. Ongoing research continues to uncover the multifaceted functionalities of natural biologically active compound, facilitating the production of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals to enhance human health and well-being. Various plant sources from which bioactive compounds can be obtained are fruits, vegetables, seaweeds, herbs, broccoli, carrots, and cereals. These compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. These are the secondary metabolites that have health-promoting effects. Bioactive compounds have a diverse range of pharmacological activity as a remedy to treat various disorders. An extensive range of these compounds is available, which can be mainly obtained from plants, vegetables, and whole grains [2], as shown in Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1 Various types of bioactive compounds.

1.2 Therapeutic Potential of Bioactive Compounds

Bioactive compounds affect living organisms, tissues, or cells. They are generally sold as dietary supplements [3, 4]. Bioactive compounds may be found in various natural foods. These compounds are used to improve health and chronic disease prevention as mentioned in Figure 1.2. Sources for obtaining bioactive compounds are plant, animal, and synthetic way [5, 6]. There is a wide range of therapeutic potentials of bioactive compounds in the extracts and compounds in the anticancer, antidiuretic, antipyretic, free radical scavengers, treat bacterial infections, anti-convulsant, prevention of blood clots [7].

Figure 1.2 Therapeutic application of bioactive compounds.

1.2.1 Alkaloids

Alkaloids have basic nitrogen atoms in their structure, they are mainly amines. Alkaloids can be obtained from plant families such as Solanaceae, Ranunculaceae, Papaveraceous, and Amaryllidaceae. Lysine, ornithine, terpenoid, and polyketide pathways are different pathways by which alkaloids can be obtained [8]. Natural alkaloids include vincristine, hydroxy camptothecin, and ligustrazine. The molecular weight of alkaloids is less than 1 kDa. Alkaloids can be obtained from the stem, root, rhizome, fruit, and bark of medicinal plants [9].

1.2.1.1 Medicinal Use of Alkaloids as Bioactive Molecule

Strychnine, quinine, and nicotine are some well-known alkaloids that have beneficial effects.

Alkaloids possess many pharmacological consequences such as reducing myocardial damage, reducing inflammation, anaesthetics, and antiviral [10].

1.2.2 Antibiotics

Medicines that are used to treat bacterial infections are antibiotics. Antibiotics hamper bacterial growth. Pathogens including prions, viruses, parasites, bacteria, protozoa, worms and mould cause infectious diseases. Through the cardiovascular system, infectious microorganisms spread throughout the body. Bone marrow plays a crucial role in eliminating these deadly pathogens. In reducing the side effects of drugs, resistance, and cost of treatment antimicrobial nanoparticles play a very important role [11].

1.2.2.1 Medicinal Use of Antibiotics as Bioactive Molecule

Bioactive comopounds are used as antibiotics to treat various diseases like Pneumonia, typhoid fever, or gonorrhea [12].

1.2.3 Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are naturally producing toxins, found in food and cause kidney damage and DNA damage on exposure, resulting into death. Mycotoxins have some pharmacological properties, which act as antibiotics and growth promotants [13].

1.2.3.1 Medicinal Use of Mycotoxins as Bioactive Molecule

1.2.4 Growth Factors

Growth factors are a large group of bioactive macromolecular drugs used for peripheral nerve injuries. Growth factors play an important role in nerve regeneration, which includes nerve cell growth and survival, regeneration of axon and myelin sheath, cell differentiation, and angiogenesis [14].

1.2.4.1 Medicinal Use of Growth Factors as Bioactive Compounds

Growth factors are macromolecules that promote cell survival and proliferation, and they also treat peripheral nerve injuries [14].

1.2.5 Phenolics

Phenolics also known as phenol carboxylic acids are a plant-based phenolic compound found in many plant source foods such as seeds, fruit peel, and vegetable leaves [15].

1.2.5.1 Medicinal Use of Phenolics as Bioactive Compounds

Phenolics are originated form plants and used to treat conditions like free radical damage. These compounds can be used alone or in combination of vitamins [16]. Diet contributes to meeting daily metabolic requirements as well as improvement of human health. Extracts of plants need to be identified and developed that benefit human health [17]. Many chronic diseases can be treated by consumption of plant-based products. Nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors are now focusing on these plant-based products for developing food products and natural medicines, having therapeutic effects with less or no side effects [18]. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts play a crucial role in decreasing the risk of neoplasm and heart diseases. Taking one portion of fruits and vegetables in a meal will decrease hazard of heart disease by up to 7%. There are many roles of having healthy food such as improving immunity, healthy hairs, nails, etc., with a decreased carcinoma risk [19]. Secondary metabolites are formed in plants by primary biosynthetic and metabolic routes. They are regarded as biochemical products. Many plant species tend to produce such compounds [20]. The effects of bioactive compounds are shown in Table 1.1 with their beneficial effect.

Table 1.1 Table showing various condition treated by bioactive compound.

Condition Bioactive compound Source References Inhibiting cancer cell growth Vincristine, vinblastine, irinotecan, etoposide, podophyllotoxin, and paclitaxel -Catharanthus roseus
-Camptothecacuminata
-Rhizomes of podophyllum peltatum [21] For treating epilepsy Alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and coumarins Aconitum species
Passiflora caerulea L.
Cannabis sativa
Cynanchumotophyllum schneid
Coumarona odorata [22] Antiviral activity Betulin -Euphorbia denticulara Lam. [23] Antimicrobial...