Curcumin, a natural compound from Curcuma longa, exerts anti-tumor activity in breast cancer, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. This study, after exposing to curcumin (0, 10, 30, and 60 μM), MTT, CCK-8 assays, and Flow cytometry analyzed human breast cancer cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis. miR-181b and Bcl-2 levels were measured through qRT-PCR, and Western blot analysis of Bcl-2 protein level. Dual-luciferase assay and RIP confirmed interaction between miR-181b and Bcl-2. The results indicated that curcumin inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Curcumin treatment upregulated miR-181b expression, leading to the downregulation of Bcl-2. The miR-181b inhibitor reversed 30 μM curcumin-mediated proliferation and apoptosis, while elevated miR-181b reduced Bcl-2 levels. Furthermore, silencing both miR-181b and Bcl-2 impaired cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis compared to silencing only miR-181b in 30 μM curcumin-treated breast cancer. Overall, curcumin suppresses breast cancer progression by upregulating miR-181b and downregulating Bcl-2.
The chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and physical and chemical properties of seed oils from Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. (AH) and Amaranthus caudatus L. (AC), cultivated in Ecuador, were compared. Seven and eleven fatty acids were identified in AH and AC oils, respectively, with linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids predominating in both. The squalene content of AH and AC oils was 5.67% and 4.97%, respectively. For AH, an IC₅₀ of 0.18 mg/mL was obtained using ABTS, and a reducing capacity of 723.23 μmol Fe²⁺/g was measured using FRAP. For AC, the IC₅₀ was 0.29 mg/mL by ABTS and 526.87 μmol Fe²⁺/g by FRAP. The oils exhibited favorable physical and chemical characteristics: low primary oxidation and acidity, high unsaturation, and densities consistent with established standards for vegetable oils. Both oils possess moderate antioxidant properties, supporting their use in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent infection among women, and its treatment with medicinal plants reflects traditional knowledge passed down through generations. Ethnopharmacology enables scientific validation of this knowledge, supporting integration into health systems and biodiversity use. This study aimed to identify plants with antifungal potential for VVC treatment and assess their inclusion in Brazil’s National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the Unified Health System. A systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted in SciELO, PubMed, LILACS, ScienceDirect, and Embase (2014–2024). Experimental studies (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials) were included, excluding non-indexed reports, theses, or studies with incomplete data. Seventeen studies met eligibility criteria, mostly providing Level 5 evidence. The species demonstrated Candida spp. growth inhibition, reduced biofilm formation, and cellular damage. Of these, 25% are listed nationally. Plants like Punica granatum and Stryphnodendro.
Brine shrimp lethality assays are commonly used to evaluate the toxicity of substances with potential anticancer applications. In this study, metabolites from Caesalpinia spinosa berries, coffee pulp, and spent coffee grounds (French press, Coffea arabica) were characterized using phytochemical screening and UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. Toxicity was assessed in Artemia franciscana following the CDCM061312 protocol, and LC50 values were interpreted according to CYTED toxicity scales. A total of 45 metabolites were identified, including organic acids, hydrolyzable tannins, phenolic acids, isoflavones, methylxanthines, and flavonoids,many associated with reported anticancer activity. Caesalpinia spinosa extract showed high toxicity (LC50 = 86.77 μg/mL),coffee pulp moderate toxicity (LC50 = 173.53 μg/mL), andspent coffee grounds relative safety (LC50= 141,132.40 μg/mL). These findings suggest that coffee by-products and Caesalpinia spinosa may serve as promising raw materials for developing functional foodswith potential anticancer properties
The pursuit of plant-derived bioactive compounds has gained increasing attention in scientific research. A variety of extraction techniques are employed to isolate these molecules, with conventional methods—primarily using organic solvents—beingwidely applied. However, such approaches often face limitations, including extract impurities, high solvent usage, and the potential denaturation of sensitive biomolecules. As plants contain diverse classes of phytochemicals with significant bioactive properties, selecting appropriate extraction methods that maximize yield while preserving structural integrity and biological activity is critical. Compared with conventional methods, modern extraction techniques offer significant advantages, including enhanced mass transfer, reduced extraction time, lower solvent and energy requirements, improved yields, and superior preservation of thermolabile and bioactive compounds. This paper reviews the advantages and limitations of both traditional and modern extraction strategies, emphasizing their applicability for efficient isolation of bioactive compounds.
This study aimed to assess the adjunctive therapeutic effect of natural alkaloid acetylaconitine for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and the action mechanism. Eighty PHN patients were divided into control and observation groups, which received pregabalin monotherapy and combination of acetylaconitine and pregabalin for three months, respectively. Compared with the control group, the observation group had a significantly higher total effective rate, lower Visual Analogue Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, reduced Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores, decreased blood substance P, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 and interleukin 1 beta levels and increased blood (beta-endorphin level (all p>0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was similar between groups. In conclusion, acetylaconitine enhances the therapeutic efficacy of pregabalin in PHN, providing superior pain relief, improved sleep quality, reduced emotional distress, and favorable safety profile. The action mechanism may involve both analgesic and anti-inflammatory pathways.
Plasmodium causes malaria, a global illness that significantly affects the liver and reduces protein and carbohydrate availability. Silver nanoparticles from Indigofera oblongifolia leaf extract (IOLEAgNPs) were tested for their impact on liver functioning, antioxidant levels, and protein and carbohydrate loss in mice infected with P. chabaudi. Divided fifty females C57BL/6 mice into five groups (10 mice): control, IOLE AgNPs, infected non-treated, infected with IOLE AgNPs, and CQ 10 mg/kg as a reference medication. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies showed that IOLE AgNPs restored protein and carbohydrate availability and P. chabaudi infection decreased liver size. The results show that IOLE AgNPs reduced liver oxidative damage. Treatment with IOLEAgNPs improved GGT and total protein. Therapy also raised liver alanine, aspartate, and alkaline phosphatase levels. IOLE AgNPs may be a new malaria treatment by reducing liver damage, protecting tissues, and restoring protein and carbohydrate levels.
The research aimed to identify the ethnobotanical aspects of the species used by the inhabitants of the Andean community of Ahuaycha, Huancavelica, Peru. Methodology: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 379 inhabitants over the age of 20. The results identified 81 species, distributed among 75 genera and 33 families; the most diverse families were Asteraceae, Rosaceae, and Lamiaceae. These species were used for human food (47.9%), medicinal purposes (30.7%), fuel (6.2%), materials (5.8%), animal feed (4.9%), social purposes (3.9%), and environmental purposes (0.8%). The application of the Cultural Index revealed a high level of local knowledge related to plants and their multiple uses. These findings highlight the importance of ethnobotanical knowledge as a foundation for responsible natural resource management, as well as for the simultaneous preservation of biodiversity and the region's unique cultural expressions.
To explore the mechanism of metastasis of endometrial cancer (EC) cells by targeting. To investigate whether Guizhi Fuling Pill (GFP) inhibits metastasis of endometrial cancer (EC) cells through miR-330-5p/TNFRSF14. HEC-1 cells were assigned to control, low-dose GFP (10% medicated serum), and high-dose GFP (20% medicated serum) groups. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, and expression of miR-330-5p, TNFRSF14, HIF-1 alpha, SIRT1, and SIRT1 mRNA were assessed. Compared with controls, GFP reduced proliferation, invasion, and migration and increased apoptosis, with stronger effects at the higher dose (p<0.05). GFP decreased miR-330-5p, HIF-1 alpha, SIRT1 mRNA, and HIF1 alpha/SIRT1 protein levels, while increasing TNFRSF14 expression (p<0.05); these changes were greater in the high-dose group (p<0.05). As conclusion, GFP suppresses metastatic behavior of EC cells, possibly via modulation of the miR-330-5p/TNFRSF14 axis and downstream HIF-1 alpha/SIRT1 signaling.
This study investigated the ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE) ofDendrobium officinalepolysaccharides (DOP) and evaluated the antioxidant capacity. The DOP was prepared by UAEE. After single-factor experiments and optimization using response surface methodology, the key extraction extractions were obtained as follows: liquid-solid ratio, 39mL/g; ultrasonic treatment time, 41 min; enzymatic hydrolysis time, 82 min. Under these conditions, the DOP yield was 3.56%, which was 63.30% higher than 2.18%by hot water extraction (HWE). The antioxidant capacities of prepared DOP were assessed via2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-hydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide anion scavenging essays. The DOP obtained by UAEE exhibited higher scavenging rates for DPPH radical and superoxide anion compared to that obtained by HWE. This study offers a sustainable and rapid approach for preparing DOP,which is more efficient and better preserves antioxidant capacity compared to traditional HWE,and may provide avaluabletheoretical foundation for industrial-scale production of high-quality DOP.
Mixed Caulis Lonicerae japonicae extract (CLJ) possesses many active metabolites and pharmacological effects, such as removing toxins, and reducing inflammation. However, its effect and possible mechanism on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) proliferation and osteogenic differentiation under an inflammatory microenvironment remains unclear. 10 ng/mL TNF-alpha was used to induce hBMSCs to establish an inflammatory microenvironment, followed by CLJ treatment. CLJ treatment has no obvious toxicity to normal hBMSCs. After CLJ treatment, cell clone number, CyclinD1, ALP, RUNX2, and OCN protein expressions were increased in dose-dependent manners, whereas miR-654-5p level was reduced. miR-654-5p downregulation improved proliferation, CyclinD1, ALP, RUNX2, OCN expression in TNF-alpha-treated hBMSCs. miR-654-5p upregulation reverses CLJ-mediated hBMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. CLJ reduces p-p65 by inhibiting the NF-kappa B pathway. CLJ treatment boosted BMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation triggered by TNF-alpha via regulating the miR-654-5p/NF-kappa B signaling pathway, providing the theoretical basis for CLJ affecting BMSC proliferation and osteogenesis.
The essential oil (EO), dichloromethane extract (DE) and its main antifungal compound from the aerial parts of Xenophyllum rosenii (Asteraceae) were evaluated for antifungal activity against Fusarium strains responsible of cereal ear rots. GC-MS and GC-FID analyses allowed for the first time the chemical characterization of the essential oil, which contained 73 compounds (representing 98.3% of the oil), consisting mainly of hydrocarbon terpenoids (43.7% sesquiterpenoids and 29.9% monoterpenoids), with a low content of benzofuran derivatives (1.5%). Major constituents included delta- cadinene (16.5%), and (3-pinene (10.0%). The antifungal activity was weak for the essential oil (MIC = 1500 & micro;g/mL) and moderate for the dichloromethane extract (MIC = 750 & micro;g/mL). However, 7-methoxytremetone showed high potency (MIC = 94-188 & micro;g/mL), comparable to thymol and carvacrol. Checkerboard assays indicated synergy between 7-methoxytremetone or EO and tebuconazole, whereas DE showed additive effects. 7-methoxytremetone and the EO warrant further investigation for the development of new antifungal agents.
Vaccinium meridionale Swartz, a native Colombian berry, is rich in phenolic compounds with potential antitumor properties. This study evaluated the biological activity of its aqueous extract (AEM) using a three-dimensional (3D) spheroid model derived from SW480 colon adenocarcinoma cells. AEM exhibited high levels of anthocyanins and tannins, confirming a phenolic-rich profile with anthocyanins as predominant constituents. Its antioxidant capacity was strong, with ORAC value showing the highest activity, followed by ABTS and DPPH assays. AEM significantly reduced spheroid viability in a doseand time-dependent manner (IC50: 33.62 +/- 1.3 mg/mL at 24 h; 5.91 +/- 1.0 mg/mL at 48 h). The extract induced spheroid shrinkage, increased the Sub-G1 cell population, caspase activation, early and late apoptosis, and reduced senescent cells. These findings demonstrate that AEM retains antitumor activity in a 3D model and support its potential as a complementary strategy for colorectal cancer.
The chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and physical and chemical properties of seed oils from Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. (AH) and Amaranthus caudatus L. (AC), Acultivated in Ecuador, were compared. Seven and eleven fatty acids were identified in AH and AC oils, respectively, with linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids predominating in both. The squalene content of AH and AC oils was 5.67% and 4.97%, respectively. For AH, an IC50 of 0.18 mg/mL was obtained using ABTS, and a reducing capacity of 723.23 & micro;mol Fe2+/g was measured using FRAP. For AC, the IC50 was 0.29 mg/mL by ABTS and 526.87 & micro;mol Fe2+/g by FRAP. The oils exhibited favorable physical and chemical characteristics: low primary oxidation and acidity, high unsaturation, and densities consistent with established standards for vegetable oils. Both oils possess moderate antioxidant properties, supporting their use in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
Brine shrimp lethality assays are commonly used to evaluate the toxicity of substances with potential anticancer applications. In this study, metabolites from Caesalpinia spinosa berries, coffee pulp, and spent coffee grounds (French press, Coffea arabica) were characterized using phytochemical screening and UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. Toxicity was assessed in Artemia franciscana following the CDCM061312 protocol, and LC50 values were interpreted according to CYTED toxicity scales. A total of 45 metabolites were identified, including organic acids, hydrolyzable tannins, phenolic acids, isoflavones, methylxanthines, Aand flavonoids, many associated with reported anticancer activity. Caesalpinia spinosa extract showed high toxicity (LC50 = 86.77 & micro;g/mL), coffee pulp moderate toxicity (LC50 = 173.53 & micro;g/mL), and spent coffee grounds relative safety (LC50 = 141,132.40 & micro;g/mL). These findings suggest that coffee by-products and Caesalpinia spinosa may serve as promising raw materials for developing functional foods with potential anticancer properties
This study underscores the significance of traditional knowledge regarding the use of medicinal plants within the Indigenous communities of Rey de Oriente and San Juan de Piatua. These communities are situated in an evergreen piedmont forest of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Data was collected using stratified sampling and an ethnobotanical survey, which encompassed social components, knowledge of plant species for therapeutic purposes, and ancestral knowledge of medicinal plant use. We identified 25 medicinal plant species, utilized to treat 132 different types of diseases, highlighting the critical role of this ancestral wisdom for community health. It's important to note that the intergenerational transmission of knowledge from parents to children and grandparents to grandchildren is actively maintained. Valuing and preserving this cultural heritage is fundamental; it represents a valuable legacy crucial for the well-being of the communities inhabiting these unique ecosystems.
The olive (Olea europaea L.) tree is commonly regarded as an aromatic and medicinal plant, a repository of naturally occurring compounds with beneficial effects. The identification of specific compounds, such as phenolic compounds, within leaf extracts has revealed notable biological activities. The present study aims to present the effect of leaf extracts on gastric acidity. Qualitative phytochemical tests conducted on aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts demonstrated the presence of a diverse range of compounds, including tannins, coumarins, and flavonoids. The crude extracts revealed a notable capacity to neutralize gastric acidity, with the most pronounced neutralizing effect observed in the hydro-alcoholic extract (at concentrations of 10 and 40 mg/mL), exhibiting values of 9.2 +/- 0.14 and 11.4 +/- 0.14 mmol H+. The findings of this study suggest that olive leaf extracts have the potential to serve as a natural antacid. This antacid effect may be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds.
This study investigated the use of indigenous fruits and wild vegetables for treating common tropical ailments in Ilaro, Nigeria, with a focus on supporting sustainable tourism. The research was conducted over 12 months (January–December 2023) using an ethnobotanical approach that included site observations and plant specimen collection. Out of 120 questionnaires distributed, 100 were completed and returned,providing valuable information on locally used medicinal plants. Each species was documented with its family, botanical and local names, plant parts used, preparation techniques, dosage, and treatment duration. Plant identification began with common namesand was later confirmed using standard references such as Trees of Nigeria. The results recorded 34 wild vegetable species from 15 families and 22 native fruit trees from 16 families used to treat illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, ulcers, infertility, and skin diseases. These natural plant resources strengthen biodiversity, support cultural heritage, and offer opportunities for sustainable tourism Medi
This study focused on increasing the body of knowledge about the importance of using medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases in an Afro-descendant community in the municipality of Novita in the Colombian Pacific region. Interviews were conducted with five local experts and 176 household surveys were carried out. The results identified a total of 32 diseases or ailments that are treated with at least 59 species of medicinal plants, among which the families Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Malvaceae are the most representative. The use of these species involves preparations such as infusions, baths, vaporizations, ointments, and poultices. Plant species are used in the vast majority of households (98.9%), with the most important being Sauco (Solanum nudum) and Matarrat & oacute;n (Gliricidia sepium). The results obtained provide input for the prioritization of species in endogenous bioprospecting processes.
The seeds and leaves of Ricinus communis L. are known to contain toxic compounds; however, its pollen has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of aqueous extracts of R. communis L. seeds and pollen on the development of Drosophila melanogaster. Diets containing different concentrations of seed extracts and corbicular pollen from Apis mellifera were formulated, and the numbers of pupae and adults were recorded. Treatments with seed extract significantly resulted in a marked decrease in survival rates ranging from 1.33% to 30.67% for pupae and 0.33 to 22% for adults, compared to the control diet (45% and 37.67%, respectively). In contrast, diets supplemented with pollen extract showed remarkably higher survival rates, with approximately 72% of adults successfully emerging. In conclusion, R. communis L. seed extract inhibited the development of D. melanogaster, whereas the corbicular pollen extract promoted survival.
