Echinococcosis remains a major neglected zoonosis with limited therapeutic options. Thymol and carvacrol have emerged as experimental anti-echinococcal candidates, yet their mechanistic basis, translational relevance, and major limitations including the absence of clinical evidence remain incompletely defined. This review critically evaluates available evidence on their anti-echinococcal activity, examines proposed mechanisms of action, and identifies key barriers that must be addressed for therapeutic development. A substantial body of experimental research has been conducted to evaluate their efficacy, and this narrative review synthesizes and critically examines available evidence regarding their anti-echinococcal activity and proposed mechanisms of action. Available experimental evidence indicates that both isomers exhibit anti-echinococcal activity in in vitro and in vivo models involving Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and Echinococcus multilocularis. Their effects are mainly associated with tegumental membrane disruption, accompanied by ultrastructural alterations, while evidence supporting apoptosis-like pathways remains preliminary and incompletely validated. Experimental studies indicate synergistic or additive interactions with albendazole, suggesting possible mechanistic complementarity, although the basis of these interactions remains incompletely defined. Although experimental evidence supports membrane-disruptive and anti-echinococcal activity of thymol and carvacrol, current evidence remains largely preclinical and insufficient for therapeutic translation, particularly in the absence of clinical research data. Major uncertainties including poor aqueous solubility, limited bioavailability, lack of intracystic pharmacokinetic data, methodological heterogeneity, and incompletely validated mechanistic pathways remain unresolved. These monoterpenoid phenols should therefore be regarded as promising experimental candidates rather than clinically translatable agents, pending rigorous preclinical validation.
Wild edible plants are critical for local nutrition, cultural heritage, and livelihoods, yet their diversity and traditional uses are underexplored in Pakistan. Swat Valley, a biologically and culturally rich region, relies on wild plants for food security, particularly among economically vulnerable households. Field surveys were conducted from 2018 to 2022 across 20 villages in six tehsils of Swat District. A total of 160 informants (100 males, 60 females; aged 20–90 years) were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and personal observations. The quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including (UV), (RFC), and (UR), were calculated to assess cultural importance and usage patterns. A total of 175 wild edible plant species from 72 families were documented. Herbs dominated (62.3
The ant genus Nylanderia Emery comprises 138 known species and is common across most terrestrial regions worldwide. At least 15 species have spread beyond their native ranges, some becoming ecologically and economically destructive. Subtle morphology, unresolved taxonomy, and widespread distributions make these species difficult to identify, complicating conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots like the Galápagos Islands. Here, based on a comprehensive examination of Neotropical Nylanderia, we revise the taxonomy of the N. guatemalensis complex, recognizing seven described species: N. ambulator Williams et al.; N. coveri LaPolla & Kallal; N. docilis (Forel); N. guatemalensis (Forel); N. insularis Williams sp. nov.; N. nesiotis (Wheeler) stat. nov.; and N. silvestrii (Emery); plus an undescribed eighth, N. sp. JKW1 (singleton). Among these, we confirm two in the Galápagos: the non-native N. guatemalensis and the endemic N. nesiotis. While eight other ant species in the Galápagos are considered probable endemics, N. nesiotis is the first confirmed as such. We synonymize N. lietzi (Forel), N. steinheili (Forel), N. guatemalensiscocoensis (Forel), N. guatemalensis itinerans (Forel), and N. silvestrii kuenzleri (Forel) with N. guatemalensis, and N. guatemalensis edenensis (Linsley & Usinger) with N. nesiotis. Species boundaries are supported by combined evidence from Ultraconserved Element (UCE) phylogenomics and morphology. We provide distributions, a worker-based key, and high-resolution images of available castes to facilitate species recognition, support biodiversity monitoring, and improve detection and management of invasive Nylanderia.
Although the number of yearly occurrences of malaria has significantly decreased in recent years, malaria remains one of the major public health issues in Cameroon. A deeper understanding of how the various alleles of the malaria parasite’s genes move in the field between the two sexes and between seasons, as well as knowledge of malaria parasite genetic diversity in different malaria-endemic locations, would be necessary for the development of a successful malaria elimination strategy. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of the Msp1 and Msp2 genes of Plasmodium falciparum in Bamenda, North West Region of Cameroon, identify the alleles of the Msp1 and Msp2 genes that are associated with severe malaria, and determine how the alleles of the Msp1 and Msp2 genes are distributed between sexes and seasons. Blood samples were collected on Whatman’s filter paper from those who had malaria caused by P. falciparum as determined by microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests. DNA from P. falciparum was isolated using the Chelex technique. Using nested PCR, the Msp1 Block 2 and Msp2 Block 3 genes were genotyped. The Msp1 Block 2 gene was genotyped in a total of 281 samples. For Msp1 Block 2 genes, all the family-specific alleles were present (RO33, K1, and MAD20). At 44.7% frequency, RO33 was the most prevalent allele, while K1 was linked to severe malaria. The Msp2 Block 3 gene was genotyped in a total of 194 samples. For Msp2 Block 3 genes, all of the family-specific alleles were present (3D7 and FC27). With 56.7%, 3D7 was the most prevalent. There was an association between the Msp2 Block 3 gene alleles and sex (χ 2 = 8.856, p = 0.012). No Msp1 Block 2 or Msp2 Block 3 allele was more prevalent in any specific season. These results would be useful in assessing the efficacy of malaria prevention measures implemented in Bamenda as well as in selecting and designing malaria prevention measures that are suitable for implementation in Bamenda, North West Region of Cameroon.
Research highlights the health benefits of edible mushrooms, from immune support to potential mental health improvements. However, up to the present moment, no study has systematically gathered and examined these findings. Therefore, to consolidate and discuss the available evidence on their behavioral effects in animal models, a systematic review was conducted. This study addresses this gap by systematically reviewing the effects of edible mushroom consumption on rat and mouse behavior. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted, covering studies available up to November 2025 across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. A total of 35 studies met the eligibility criteria. Among the included studies, Hericium erinaceus was the most investigated species, with alcoholic extracts commonly used. China led research in this field, and treatment durations typically ranged from 21 to 30 days. The findings indicate that edible mushrooms may exhibit antidepressant-like properties, enhance memory and learning, improve balance and motor coordination, and contribute to neuroprotection and social behavior. The reviewed studies consistently demonstrated beneficial behavioral effects; however, the lack of studies reporting nonsignificant results suggests a potential publication bias that warrants further investigation.
