Globally, the increasing prevalence of pathogens causing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections is becoming a major health burden. Resistance to antimicrobial treatments has increased despite efforts by research and pharmaceutical companies to produce relatively new medications. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new drugs and therapeutic strategies to combat MRSA. Medicinal plants are important natural resources that are effective against a variety of infectious diseases. In this review, several medicinal plants that may be potential candidates for treating MRSA infections were studied. The sources, phytoconstituents, and mechanisms of several plants, such as Curcuma longa L, Bauhinia kockiana and Punica granatum L, are discussed. This article provides a concise summary of the anti-MRSA properties of certain medicinal plants.
This study aimed to explore the association between the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) in improving hyperlipidemia and changes in the intestinal flora and bile acid metabolism, and to preliminarily investigate its possible molecular basis. Wistar rats were stratified into five groups: control, model, sham EA, EA, and EA+FXR agonist. Comprehensive assessments included hepatic histopathology (H E staining), serum lipid profiling (TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C), 16S rDNA sequencing of gut microbiota, targeted bile acid metabolomics, and molecular analyses (Western blot, immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR) of FXR/FGF15 pathway components and associated enzymes (CYP7B1, CYP27A1). EA intervention significantly attenuated hyperlipidemia manifestations by reducing body weight, improving hepatic steatosis, and normalizing serum lipid parameters. Gut microbiota analysis revealed EA-enhanced microbial diversity with specific modulations: decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio, enriched Akkermansia and Bacteroidota, and reduced Muribaculum abundance. Targeted metabolomics identified EA-mediated restoration of bile acid metabolism, particularly elevation of secondary bile acids. Molecular analyses demonstrated EA activation of the FXR/FGF15 axis with downstream regulation of hepatic CYP7B1 and CYP27A1. The effect of EA in improving hyperlipidemia is significantly associated with the changes in the structure of the intestinal microbiota and the activation of the FXR/FGF15 signaling pathway. This finding suggests that the metabolic benefits of EA may involve the molecular connection of the gut microbiota-bile acid axis.
Male infertility is a serious worldwide health issue due to various environmental, physiological, and lifestyle reasons. This paper aims to investigate how Ayurveda might be used to treat male infertility by focusing on balancing the equilibrium of the body tissues, especially Shukra Dhatu, with Ayurvedic herbs and treatment. This review also suggests an evidence-based integrative program that combines modern and traditional therapeutic approaches to enhance the overall male reproductive health, and collected current data and information on the causes, prevalence, epidemiology, and treatment of male fertility. Evidence from case studies and clinical trials also highlights the effectiveness of Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Kaunch beej, Gokshura, and others in enhancing sperm parameters (count, quality, and motility) and in balancing hormonal balance through antioxidant, adaptogenic, and hormone-regulating mechanisms. It also aims to identify gaps in understanding, promote awareness, and present evidence-based facts about traditional treatments. Additionally, this review discusses the comparative analysis of traditional and modern medicine systems, along with the Ayurvedic approaches toward male infertility treatment by emphasizing their role alongside allopathic and modern medicine methods.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a refractory chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and bloody stools, significantly impairing patients' quality of life. Current therapeutic options are limited in efficacy and safety, while herbal formulations offer potential through multi-component synergy. Based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine theory of ‘clearing heat and nourishing yin’, Ganlu Yin (GLY) was formulated using heat-clearing herbs (e.g., Artemisia capillaris Thunb., Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi.) and yin-nourishing herbs (e.g., Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl., Dendrobium nobile Lindl.) to evaluate its anti-UC efficacy and elucidate the underlying compatibility mechanisms. A UC model was established in ICR mice using 4
The genus Withania, comprising W. somnifera, W. coagulans, and W. adpressa, has been historically employed in Ayurveda and many traditional medicinal practices. The varied phytochemicals, especially withanolides, withaferin A, flavonoids, and alkaloids, have garnered heightened interest in oncology due to their significant bioactivities. These drugs function by several mechanisms, including the induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, prevention of angiogenesis and metastasis, modulation of oncogenic signaling pathways, and immunomodulation of the tumor microenvironment. Preclinical trials in colorectal, pancreatic, breast, prostate, and hematological malignancies have shown success, and combinatorial research indicates synergistic advantages with chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic treatments. Initially, 1284 records were collected and removed 326 duplicates. Out of these 958, 658 were omitted due to less cancer research related information. Of the 300 full-text articles, around 200 were not included: 112 were not about Withania-based cancer studies, and 88 did not have enough experimental evidence. In the end, the final qualitative synthesis included 100 studies. This review emphasize Withania species as multi-target abilities for integrative cancer treatment through blending phytochemistry, mechanistic data, pharmacological perceptions and also analyze the significance of clinical validation, standardization, as well as integration into meticulousness oncology frameworks.
Baccharis salicifolia Pers (Ruiz Pav.) has been employed as an anti-inflammatory and vermifuge agent in traditional herbal medicine. Helminth infections remain an international concern since these infections can become chronic and even public health emergencies. This study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of B. salicifolia aqueous extracts on Trichinella spiralis, a nematode parasite whose life cycle consists of three phases: intestinal, migrant and muscular. B. salicifolia pure aqueous extracts (22 mg/mL) were diluted to 1:2, 1:10, and 1:100 for in vitro assays against the three parasite stages: muscle larvae (ML), adult worms (AW) and newborn larvae (NBL). In vivo anthelmintic properties of pure B. salicifolia aqueous extracts were tested in Balb/c mice infected with T. spiralis employing three different treatment schemes (A: days 3–5 p.i.; B: days 6–8 p.i.; and C: days 3–8 p.i.) with a single daily dose for all the schemes (220 mg/kg body weight/per dose), and ML burden was evaluated. Intestinal AW burden was determined at days 4 and 6 p.i., and the fecundity index (NBL production from gravid AW) was determined at day 6. In vitro assays showed that B. salicifolia aqueous extracts exerted helminthotoxic effects on T. spiralis. While ML and AW required 24 h exposure for significant mortality (P < 0.05), NBL showed rapid susceptibility, with near-complete mortality at 3 h (P < 0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. Phytochemical profiling of the aqueous extracts via HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS/MS identified flavonoids (quercetin, apigenin, sakuranetin, naringenin) and the coumarin scopoletin. In vivo, all treatment schemes significantly reduced ML burden (P < 0.001 vs. vehicle), and scheme A additionally decreased AW burden (P < 0.001) and fecundity index (P < 0.0001). For the first time, we provide evidence about B. salicifolia aqueous extracts anthelmintic activity, supporting the efficacy of its popular use and its importance for the development of novel natural drugs against helminths with reduced cost as compared to conventional therapies.
Cervical cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies among women worldwide, emphasizing the urgent need for novel therapeutic candidates. Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br., traditionally used in Asian medicine, has been reported to exhibit multiple pharmacological effects; however, its phytoconstituents and mechanistic relevance to cancer remain underexplored. This study evaluated the ethyl acetate leaf extract of A. scholaris through integrated phytopharmacological and computational approaches. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, while cytotoxicity was examined against HeLa (cervical cancer) and Vero cells via the MTT assay. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined by HRBC membrane stabilization, and antimicrobial potential was tested against S.aureus, E. coli, K.pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and C.albicans using the disc diffusion method. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling was performed to identify active constituents. In silico analyses is carried out to predict compound–target interactions and their role in cancer pathways. The extract showed notable antioxidant activity (IC50: 682.03 µg/mL in DPPH, 600.31 µg/mL in ABTS), strong anti-inflammatory activity (IC50: 278.81 µg/mL), and selective cytotoxicity toward HeLa cells (IC50: 123.67 µg/mL; selectivity index: 3.26). Antimicrobial activity was broad, with maximum inhibition against E. coli (30 mm) and P. aeruginosa (27 mm). GC–MS identified 25 phytoconstituents, including phytol and squalene. Network pharmacology predicted phytol’s computational association with cancer-related pathways, particularly MDM2-p53 regulation, supported by a docking affinity of − 5.6 kcal/mol. These findings highlight A. scholaris as a promising source of bioactive molecules. Phytol is computationally predicted as a candidate modulator of the MDM2-p53 axis, offering a mechanistic hypothesis that warrants further experimental validation in future studies.
A case report of a 59 year old male with a six-month history of progressively worsening cervical myelopathy symptoms. He presented with symptoms of neck stiffness and numbness in the left hand along with tingling. A multidisciplinary team encompassing Ayurvedic practitioners, Therapists, Neurologists, an Orthopaedic surgeon, a Sports scientist, Fitness trainer and a Yoga instructor were collaborated to generate comprehensive treatment. Ayurvedic interventions encompassed various therapies such as Abhyangam (warm oil massage), Muttakizhi (Bundles made of Herbs and Eggs for fomentation), Mamsa Njavara kizhi, Prishtavasthi, Pizhichil (warm medicated oil poured continuously over the body in a rhythmic manner, accompanied by gentle massage), Sirodhara (continuous stream of warm medicated oil gently poured over the forehead in a rhythmic manner) and Navana Nasya (nasal instillation of medicated oils). Additionally, the patient received Shiatsu, (applying pressure with the fingers, palms, and thumbs to specific points on the body, known as acupressure points, along energy pathways called meridians) Ku nye (Tibetan oil massage), Reflexology, Nutritional guidance, specific Yoga and Fitness protocol. After three months of the integrated approach, the patient revealed substantial reduction in the numbness and neck stiffness, confirmed by improved sensory profiles and reduced T2-weighted spinal cord signal hyperintensity at C5. Functional gains included restored limb coordination and successful management of comorbid conditions, with no further progression of spinal stenosis. Henceforth, this case study enlightens the potential effectiveness of integrating Ayurvedic treatments with contemporary medical approaches in the management of cervical myelopathy.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most prevalent form of skin cancer worldwide and continues to represent major therapeutic challenge, necessitating the exploration of novel and safer treatment strategies. Turmeric (Curcuma spp.), a natural product widely used in ethnomedicine, has gained considerable attention for its diverse pharmacological activities. The present study aimed to develop aqueous extracts of Curcuma species (C. longa, C. aromatica, and C. caesia) using an eco-friendly Gelucire® 44/14-based extraction method. The prepared extracts were characterized for their phytochemical composition using HPLC and GC–MS, along with evaluation of total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, and anticancer activity against human A431 skin cancer cells. Phytochemical analysis revealed presence of curcumin along with various volatile constituents in C. longa and C. aromatica extracts, whereas C. caesia extract was devoid of curcumin. Despite containing lower curcuminoid levels than C. longa, the extract of C. aromatica demonstrated significantly lower IC50 value, indicating superior anticancer activity compared to other extracts. To further elucidate the observed biological activity, in silico molecular docking studies were performed against key skin cancer related target proteins (1NMS, 4C9X, and 1M17). Docking results suggested a synergistic contribution of volatile oil components germacrone, curzerene, β-himachalene, and ar-turmerone along with curcumin, accounting for the enhanced anticancer potential of C. aromatica. Overall, the study identifies C. aromatica as promising natural source for skin cancer management. Development of suitable topical formulation, supported by comprehensive preclinical and clinical studies, may translate these findings into an effective plant-based therapeutic approach for skin cancer treatment.
Graptophyllum grandulosum (Acanthaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for its therapeutic properties and known to contain several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive effects of the aqueous extract of G. grandulosum on tramadol-induced addiction and to determine whether its efficacy differs between sexes. Eighty-four adolescents Wistar rats of both sexes were used. Addiction-like behavior was induced using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, while risk taking behavior was assessed using the elevated plus maze (EPM). Neurochemical and oxidative stress markers were subsequently analyzed in the striatum and hippocampus. Treatment with the aqueous extract of G. grandulosum significantly attenuated tramadol-induced addictive-seeking behavior in the CPP test and reduced risk-taking behavior in the EPM. The extract also prevented tramadol-induced neurochemical alterations by limiting the increase in dopamine levels and the decrease in GABA levels. In addition, it modulated oxidative stress parameters by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels while enhancing antioxidant defenses, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activity, and glutathione (GSH). Overall, these findings suggest that G. grandulosum may exert protective effects against behavioral and biochemical alterations associated with tramadol addiction, with comparable efficacy in male and female rats.
The symptoms of mental disorders are diverse, with prominent examples including impaired social behavior and heightened anxiety. This study investigated the effects of porcine placental extract on anxiety-like behavior and sociality in zebrafish, a validated model for neurobehavioral studies. The zebrafish were fed a diet supplemented with 0.12
The global rise of drug-resistant superbugs, particularly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), demands the advancement of alternate therapeutic agents. Coriandrum sativum or Coriander (Cor), a medicinal herb with diverse phytochemical properties, has been investigated for its antimicrobial applications. This study carried out the synthesis of Coriander silver nanoparticles (Cor-AgNPs) through Cor-extract obtained from hydroponically grown coriander, ultimately, aimed at combating MRSA-induced skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI). Coriander was grown hydroponically to optimize plant biomass and phytoconstituent’s production. Phytochemical tests including flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids were carried out. Silver nanoparticles were green-synthesized and characterized for their size, structure, and stability. The antimicrobial potential of these Cor-AgNPs was assessed through in vitro methods, including disc diffusion and turbidometry analysis representing significant inhibition of MRSA growth with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 250 µg/ml and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 1,750 µg/ml. Furthermore, the Cor-AgNPs formulation, integrated into a polyvinyl pyrrolidone-ethylene cellulose (PVP-EC) hydrogel, was evaluated in an in vivo BALB/c mice burn model, where it significantly diminished infection and supported wound healing. This study highlights the potential of C. sativum-derived AgNPs as a promising alternative in the treatment of MRSA infections.
ZW10 (Zeste White 10) plays an essential role in maintaining chromosomal stability during cell division. However, its contribution to tumor development, particularly in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) remains poorly understood. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the expression pattern, epigenetic regulation, immune relevance, prognostic significance, and molecular interactions of ZW10 in colon cancer. We analyzed transcriptomic and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to assess ZW10 expression across cancer types. Differential expression, survival analysis, DNA methylation profiling, immune cell correlation, and co-expression network analyses were conducted using bioinformatics and statistical approaches including TIMER, TNMplot, ULCAN, GSCA, and GEPIA2. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic significance of ZW10 in COAD. ZW10 was significantly upregulated in COAD and showed strong associations with advanced tumor stage, nodal metastasis, and TP53 mutation (p < 0.001). Promoter methylation analysis revealed increased methylation levels in tumors compared to normal tissues (p < 0.001), suggesting potential epigenetic regulation. ZW10 expression positively correlated with various immune cell infiltrates, indicating the role of ZW10 in modulating the tumor microenvironment. High ZW10 levels were associated with reduced overall survival (HR = 1.23; p = 0.045), whereas higher ZW10 levels correlated with improved relapse-free survival (HR = 0.62; p = 1.7e-05). Gene co-expression analysis indicated that ZW10 is associated with key oncogenic pathways regulating mitosis and cell proliferation. ZW10 may contribute to colon cancer progression and represent a context-dependent biomarker and therapeutic target, though its prognostic value requires further validation.
Dermatological disorders remain among the most prevalent health conditions worldwide. There is a continuous search for alternative natural materials to mitigate the adverse effects of chemical treatments. Mucilage was extracted from Egyptian prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis) using two extraction methods. Microwave extraction increased the mucilage yield to 2.5
Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex Schult. (family: Caryophyllaceae) is an ethnomedicinal plant traditionally used by the tribes of the Dima Hasao district of Assam to treat fever, cough, cold, asthma, headache, sinusitis, wounds, joint pain, stomach ulcers, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, and inflammatory conditions. The present study investigated the neuroprotective potential of the methanolic extract of D. cordata (DCME) against nicotine-induced neurotoxicity using both in silico and in vivo approaches. GC–MS profiling identified 49 phytocompounds, indicating the chemical diversity of the extract. Among these, 11 compounds fulfilled SwissADME drug-likeness criteria, and 10 showed acceptable toxicity profiles in ProTox-3. PASS analysis predicted antioxidant, cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties for the selected phytoconstituents. Molecular docking was performed against four neurorelevant targets: KcsA potassium channel (4UUJ), GABAA β3 receptor (4COF), 5-HT3 receptor (4PIR), and NMDA GluN1b–2B receptor (7TE6). Docking validation yielded RMSD values below 2.0 Å. Among the prioritized ligands, 13-hexyloxacyclotridec-10-en-2-one exhibited the most consistent binding across all targets. In vivo evaluation using Swiss albino mice showed that nicotine administration (14.69 mg/kg) induced anxiety-like behavior, depression-like behavior, locomotor suppression, and memory impairment (p < 0.001). Treatment with DCME (200 and 500 mg/kg) significantly alleviated these effects. The higher dose improved behavioral outcomes in the Elevated Plus Maze, Open Field Test, Forced Swim Test, and Morris Water Maze test (p < 0.001). DCME also reduced lipid peroxidation and restored antioxidant and cholinergic enzyme activities (p < 0.01). Overall, these findings support the traditional use of D. cordata and highlight its potential as a neuroprotective ethnomedicinal agent.
Glioblastoma remains one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumors, necessitating the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate Melastomastrum capitatum-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (MC-CSNPs) as a targeted drug delivery system for glioblastoma treatment. MC-CSNPs were successfully prepared using the ionic gelation method and characterized for physicochemical and biological properties. Among the formulations, F3 exhibited optimal performance with the smallest particle size (202.00 ± 1.15 nm), highest encapsulation efficiency (89.60 ± 0.41
Thrombocytopenia is a common bleeding-related disorder with complex pathophysiological mechanisms, including abnormal platelet production, excessive platelet destruction, or abnormal platelet distribution. Studies demonstrate that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) influences various targets and processes, including immune regulation, enhancement of megakaryocyte development, and amelioration of the bone marrow microenvironment. TCM has shown potential in treating thrombocytopenia in recent years. This article examines the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia and the pharmacological mechanisms of the active constituents of TCM for its treatment, drawing on scientific literature from Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. It addresses the existing limitations in research and treatment, as well as potential areas for future enhancement. To provide patients with thrombocytopenia with safer, more efficient treatment options, the goal is to advance the modernisation of TCM and the development of novel therapeutic medications.
Sepsis and septic shock are major causes of global mortality. Analyzing trends in incidence, in-hospital mortality (IHM), and length of stay (LOS) is critical to improve patient outcomes. This retrospective study examined the impact of sepsis on patients admitted to St. Anna University Hospital in Ferrara, Italy, from 2003 to 2022. Inclusion criteria were patients aged ≥ 18, admitted through the Emergency Department with a confirmed diagnosis of sepsis or septic shock. We evaluated trends in incidence, IHM, LOS, sepsis etiology, and changes during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, assessing mortality correlations with underlying causes across age groups. Among 461,241 patients, 15,238 (3.3
Cancer is a convoluted disease regarded by uncontrolled cell growth, an ability to evade programmed cell death, and the disturbance of crucial regulatory mechanisms. A vital objective in cancer treatment is the induction of programmed cell death, primarily through well-orchestrated intracellular signaling networks. This review examines the processes underlying cancer initiation as well as progression, with a specific focus on the molecular pathways that regulate cell death. Central to this process are the intrinsic and extrinsic signaling pathways that determine cellular fate through mitochondrial regulation, death receptor engagement, and caspase activation. Plant-based natural chemicals have demonstrated encouraging potential in modifying these pathways to specifically eradicate cancer cells. Among them, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and xanthones stand out for their ability to interfere with survival signals, enhance pro-death signaling, and disrupt cellular homeostasis in malignant cells. These compounds target key controllers such as Bcl-2 proteins, p53, as well as NF-κB, ultimately tipping the balance toward cell elimination. This review highlights the therapeutic relevance of these natural products, examining their processes of action as well as contributions to the expansion of novel anticancer strategies. Understanding how these compounds influence cell death pathways can overlay the approach for safer as well as more real therapeutics for various cancers.
Preksha Dhyana (PD), a Jain meditation practice, shows growing interdisciplinary interest. This study presents the first bibliometric analysis mapping publication trends and key contributors. A bibliometric study was conducted to analyse the research landscape on PD meditation practice. A literature search was performed in the Dimensions database, using the keywords “preksha dhyana”, “preksha meditation”, “Jain meditation”, “Jain dhyana”, limited to publications from 2010 to 2024, publication type “article”, and screened using eligibility criteria. Bibliometric Analyses were performed using the metadata of eligible articles. Biblioshiny and VOSviewer were used for quantitative evaluation and network visualization. Microsoft Excel 2019 was used for the authors’ keyword analysis. A total of 25 articles were included in this study. The majority of publications appeared after 2018, originating primarily from institutions such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, representing countries including India and the United States. Among the contributing authors, Mehta N. and Magan D. were identified as the most prolific. Notably, the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine emerged as a key source of publications. Frequently occurring author keywords included Preksha Meditation, Meditation, and long-term. This study presents the first bibliometric overview of research on Preksha Dhyana, highlighting its emerging presence within the scholarly literature. The findings indicate a growing multidisciplinary interest, underscoring the potential for expanded global collaboration and future research. The study highlights significant opportunities for transdisciplinary inquiry extending beyond the biomedical sciences’ scope.
