Epigenetic effects of herbal medicine

Abstract

Epigenetic memory is essential for life that governs the predefined functional features of cells. Recent evidence has indicated that the epigenetic modification provides a potential link to gene expression changes that may be involved in the development of various chronic diseases, and targeting the epigenome becomes a plausible method for treating diseases. Traditional herbal medicine has gradually entered the vision of researchers due to its low toxicity and its effectiveness in treating diseases. As a matter of fact, researchers found that the possessed epigenetic modification capacity of herbal medicine had the ability to combat the progression of the disease, such as various types of cancer, diabetes, inflammation, amnesia, liver fibrosis, asthma, and hypertension-induced renal injury. Studies on the epigenetic effects of herbal medicine will provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of human diseases, which may lead to new therapeutic approaches and diagnoses. Thus, this review summarized the impact of herbal medicine and its bioactive components on disease epigenome as examples of how utilization of epigenetic plasticity could be useful as the basis for the future development of targeted therapies in chronic diseases.

Impact of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Environment on the Metabolic Profile of Medicinal Plants and Their Therapeutic Potential

“…(a) DNA methylation and histone modifications: Advancements in research indicate that heavy metal exposure can instigate epigenetic alterations in medicinal plants. This phenomenon, manifested through DNA methylation and histone modifications, becomes a pivotal mechanism altering the expression patterns of genes associated with antioxidant systems within medicinal plants [ 144 , 145 ]. The regulatory influence of these epigenetic modifications extends beyond immediate responses, shaping the long-term adaptive trajectories of plants in the face of heavy metal stress [ 49 , 61 ].…”

Intra‐uterine programming of future fertility

“…As another example, micronutriment supplementation is often used in the post-partum period in dairy cattle. Although one study did not evidence effects of supplementation with a commercially available supplement on maternal PBMC (Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell) methylation (Gasselin et al, 2020), caution should be applied when herbal supplements with unknown or known epigenetic effects (Bozkurt et al, 2012;Wu et al, 2023) are administered to animals during reproductive cycles (Cui et al, 2022;El-Zaher et al, 2021;Japheth et al, 2021).…”

Exploration of the Molecular Mechanism of Curcuma aromatica Salisb’s Anticolorectal Cancer Activity via the Integrative Approach of Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

“…Traditional herbal medicine has gained widespread acceptance as an essential alternative and supplementary medicine that benefits cancer patients . Many studies have found that traditional medicinal plants, when taken as adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy, immunotherapy or chemotherapy, can increase quality of life, lengthen survival time, lessen side effects, and boost therapeutic effects. − Owing to its efficiency and lack of negative side effects, the vital medicinal plant Curcuma aromatica Salisb (Cur) has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine. − Several studies have showed the beneficial anticancer benefits of Cur.…”