Allelochemical therapeutic properties as natural bio-active compounds: A pharmacological approach

Allelochemical therapeutic properties as natural bio-active compounds: A pharmacological approach
Hamideh Bakhshayeshan-Agdam,^1,* Seyed Yahya Salehi-Lisar,² Jafar Razeghi,³
1. Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz-5166616471, Iran
2. Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz-5166616471, Iran
3. Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz-5166616471, Iran
Introduction: The nature is the major source of natural compounds with potential in pharmacognosy. In particular, during the last few decades, allelochemicals that are produced chiefly by plants, bacteria, fungi, lichens, micro- and macro-algae, viruses, and even animals have been in focus as interesting bioactive compounds, especially for the treatment of cancer. Allelochemicals are species- and tissue- specific compounds, mainly producing as secondary metabolites and are known as responsible compounds in allelopathic interactions. In addition, these compounds can release due to decomposition of organic materials by microbes.
Methods: The current review focuses on introduce and classification of the allelochemicals and their therapeutic properties and sources. This review provides an opportunity to reveal a relationship between allelopathy phenomenon and diseases managements in the ecosystems specially allelochemicals potential in human's diseases remedy.
Results: Accurate assessment of literatures showed that the allelochemicals sources and features are very different and some compounds have an excellent therapeutic effects in comparison to the others than. Although these multifunctional interesting compounds were evolved in the organisms especially against biotic stresses, but they are also used in the treatment of non-contagious and physical diseases such as heart disease, which can be used as smart strategy in controlling of human's diseases. There are numerous examples of allelopathic compounds with terrestrial and marine organisms’ origins that promise to incurable diseases remedy. One of the most ancient applications of allelochemicals is the use of Digitalis and Diosgenin to treat cardiovascular disease. The most well-known examples of allelochemicals utilization are related to the cancer treatment including Taxol and Vinblastine, and recently Curcumine. Chloroquine for malaria treatment, Colchicine for gout and Behçet's disease, Batatasin for diabetes, the majority of volatile allelochemicals such as Pinene, Cineole, and Eucalyptol in aromatherapy for non-purulent rhinosinusitis, Benzoxazinones for preterm labor, Rosmarinic acid for asthma and alzheimer's disease, Thymol and its isomer Carvacrol for respiratory disorders and skin infection diseases are the simple samples of allelochemicals utilization as human's diseases remedy worldwide. The most recently study of Chinese scientist’s shows that allelochemicals including Baicalin, Scutellarin, Hesperetin, Nicotianamine, and Glycyrrhizin that their therapeutic properties have been identified previously in the treatment of SARS, are the good herbal options for Covid-19 remedy. This study further reveals the value of investing in allelopathic compounds.
Conclusion: With increasing reliance on herbal medicine and natural remedy power, increasing attention has been paid to allelopathy research in the pharmacology, and the molecular mechanisms of allelochemicals that underlie its therapeutic effects are gradually being elucidated as well. It is clear that allelopathy requires advanced techniques and more research for widespread application in pharmaceutical industry worldwide; however, its first steps have been unintentionally taken.
Keywords: Allelochemical, therapeutic properties, allelopathy, pharmacognosy