Respiratory diseases place an immense burden on global health and there is a compelling need for the discovery of new compounds for therapeutic development. Here, we identify research priorities by critically reviewing pre-clinical and clinical studies using extracts and compounds derived from molluscs, as well as traditional molluscan medicines, used in the treatment of respiratory diseases. We reviewed 97 biomedical articles demonstrating the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties of >320 molluscan extracts/compounds with direct relevance to respiratory disease, in addition to others with promising bioactivities yet to be tested in the respiratory context. Of pertinent interest are compounds demonstrating biofilm inhibition/disruption and antiviral activity, as well as synergism with approved antimicrobial and chemotherapeutic agents. At least 100 traditional medicines, incorporating over 300 different mollusc species, have been used to treat respiratory-related illness in cultures worldwide for thousands of years. These medicines provide useful clues for the discovery of bioactive components that likely underpin their continued use. There is particular incentive for investigations into anti-inflammatory compounds, given the extensive application of molluscan traditional medicines for symptoms of inflammation, and shells, which are the principal molluscan product used in these preparations. Overall, there is a need to target research toward specific respiratory disease-related hypotheses, purify bioactive compounds and elucidate their chemical structures, and develop an evidence base for the integration of quality-controlled traditional medicines.
Phytocapping is increasingly regarded as an economical and environmentally sustainable post-closure landfill management strategy. During 2013, a phytocap comprised of koala habitat trees was established on a historic landfill site in Lismore as part of an Australian trial program (A-ACAP). This case study was conducted to determine trace element contamination of the Lismore phytocap soil and foliage, and identify risks to grazing koalas. Foliage of Eucalyptus tereticornis, a key koala food tree, and Acacia melanoxylon, a reference native species, were assessed at the phytocap and an uncontaminated reference site. Concentrations of Ag, As, Hg and Pb were significantly higher in foliage from the phytocap compared to that from the reference site (p < 0.0001). Mean trace element concentrations in phytocap E. tereticornis foliage were compliant with state and international standards for contaminants in food and animal feed (NSW State Government, 2010; WHO and FAO, 2015) and soil was compliant with national health-based investigation levels for contaminated sites (NEPC, 2011). However, contaminant distribution was not homogenous, and As and Pb concentrations exceeded guidelines in some soil and foliage samples. Based on available guidelines and weekly dietary intake calculations, risks to koala health posed by trace element contamination of phytocap foliage are currently low, though should be managed by continued monitoring as the vegetation matures.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.