Combretastatins are a class of closely related stilbenes (combretastatins A), dihydrostilbenes (combretastatins B), phenanthrenes (combretastatins C) and macrocyclic lactones (combretastatins D) found in the bark of Combretum caffrum (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Kuntze, commonly known as the South African bush willow. Some of the compounds in this series have been shown to be among the most potent antitubulin agents known. Due to their structural simplicity many analogs have also been synthesized. Combretastatin A4 phosphate is the most frequently tested compounds in preclinical and clinical trials. It is a water-soluble prodrug that the body can rapidly metabolize to combretastatin A4, which exhibits anti-tumor properties. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies on combretastatins have determined that these compounds also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Nano-based formulations of natural or synthetic active agents such as combretastatin A4 phosphate exhibit several clear advantages, including improved low water solubility, prolonged circulation, drug targeting properties, enhanced efficiency, as well as fewer side effects. In this review, a synopsis of the recent literature exploring the combretastatins, their potential effects and nanoformulations as lead compounds in clinical applications is provided.

Carotenoids are natural fat-soluble pigments synthesized by plants, algae, fungi and microorganisms. They are responsible for the coloration of different photosynthetic organisms. Although they play a role in photosynthesis, they are also present in non-photosynthetic plant tissues, fungi, and bacteria. These metabolites have mainly been used in food, cosmetics, and the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to their utilization as pigmentation, they have significant therapeutically applications, such as improving immune system and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Primarily, they have attracted attention due to their antioxidant activity. Several statistical investigations indicated an association between the use of carotenoids in diets and a decreased incidence of cancer types, suggesting the antioxidant properties of these compounds as an important factor in the scope of the studies against oxidative stress. Unusual marine environments are associated with a great chemical diversity, resulting in novel bioactive molecules. Thus, marine organisms may represent an important source of novel biologically active substances for the development of therapeutics. Marine carotenoids (astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, β-carotene, lutein but also the rare siphonaxanthin, sioxanthin, and myxol) have recently shown antioxidant properties in reducing oxidative stress markers. Numerous of bioactive compounds such as marine carotenoids have low stability, are poorly absorbed, and own very limited bioavailability. The new technique is nanoencapsulation, which can be used to preserve marine carotenoids and their original properties during processing, storage, improve their physiochemical properties and increase their health-promoting effects. This review aims to describe the role of marine carotenoids, their potential applications and different types of advanced nanoformulations preventing and treating oxidative stress related disorders.

The genus Plantago (Plantaginaceae) is represented by 21 species in Turkey. Plantago species are used as folk medicine, especially for wound healing, antiinflammatory and anticancer effects. Iridoid glucosides, phenylethanoid and flavonoid glycosides, caffeic acid derivatives, polysaccharides and lipids are main components of Plantago species. In this study; aerial parts of Plantago holosteum Scop. were investigated by bioactivity guided fractionation via cytotoxic and antiinflammatory effects. For this purpose; aqueous extract of plant, fractions and compounds isolated from active fractions were tested for their cytotoxic effects against HEp-2 cancer, L929 and RAW 264.7 noncancerous cell lines using MTT assay while anti-inflammatory effects were monitorized by the level of nitric oxide (NO) on LPS stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore; DPPH, NO, SO and ABTS radical scavenging capacities were also investigated to support this study. According to our results; aqueous extract and fractions showed selective cytotoxic effect on HEp-2 cancer cells and reduced the NO level with their increasing concentrations. Moreover, acteoside and isoacteoside isolated from active fractions, showed selective cytotoxic activity against HEp-2 cells and decreased the level of NO not compatible with increasing concentrations; thus cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extract of P. holosteum can be attributed to these compounds.