Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Phytochemicals Found in the Yucca Genus

Abstract

The Yucca genus encompasses about 50 species native to North America. Species within the Yucca genus have been used in traditional medicine to treat pathologies related to inflammation. Despite its historical use and the popular notion of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, there is a limited amount of research on this genus. To better understand these properties, this work aimed to analyze phytochemical composition through documentary research. This will provide a better understanding of the molecules and the mechanisms of action that confer such antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. About 92 phytochemicals present within the genus have reported antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects. It has been suggested that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are mainly generated through its free radical scavenging activity, the inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism, the decrease in TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor-α), IL-6 (Interleukin-6), iNOS (Inducible nitric oxide synthase), and IL-1β (Interleukin 1β) concentration, the increase of GPx (Glutathione peroxidase), CAT (Catalase), and SOD (Superoxide dismutase) concentration, and the inhibition of the MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase), and NF-κB (Nuclear factor kappa B), and the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor) signaling pathway. These studies provide evidence of its use in traditional medicine against pathologies related to inflammation. However, more models and studies are needed to properly understand the activity of most plants within the genus, its potency, and the feasibility of its use to help manage or treat chronic inflammation.

Chemical Characterization of Honeysuckle Polyphenols and Their Alleviating Function on Ultraviolet B-Damaged HaCaT Cells by Modulating the Nrf2/NF-κB Signaling Pathways

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The neuroprotective potential of phytochemicals in traumatic brain injury: mechanistic insights and pharmacological implications

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Green Nanotechnology of Yucca filamentosa- Phytochemicals-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles—Antitumor Efficacy Against Prostate and Breast Cancers

“…In order to conduct preliminary investigations on the ability of the aforementioned gold nanoparticles on their propensity to target M2-like protumor macrophage cell lines, we have chosen RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines. 26,27 RAW 264.7, by default, manifests M2-like protumor characteristics within the tumor microenvironment and is directly involved in the growth, propagation, and metastases of most human/mammalian tumors. 26 As shown in Figure 16, a significant difference in cellular density between cancer cells treated with naïve macrophage cell lines and those treated with YF-AuNPs pretreated macrophage cell lines.…”

“…Historically, the Yucca genus has been used by indigenous Cherokee and the Catawba Indians in folk medicine to treat joint pain, asthma, bleeding, rheumatism, gonorrhea, sunburns, arthritis, prostate, and urethral inflammations. 27 Adegbeye et al 28 reported on the importance of Yucca extract as feed additives because their phytochemicals can reduce methane by 8%-69%, total ammonia nitrogen in water by 50%-100%, nitrous oxide emissions by 75% while reducing nutrient digestibility and thereby reducing livestock environmental footprint. Yucca products have found utility as animal feed additives, food supplements, para-pharmaceutical complements, foaming agent in beverages, moisturizing agents, and as crop growth stimulants.…”