Background: Major depressive disorder affects more than 300 million people worldwide. Citrus medica L. essential oil (CMEO), rich in terpenes such as limonene, has shown antidepressant-like effects in preclinical models, potentially through hippocampal BDNF/CREB signaling, and may offer a safer natural alternative to conventional antidepressants. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant-like effects of CMEO on depression-like behaviors induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice and to elucidate potential underlying mechanisms involving hippocampal BDNF/p-CREB signaling and brain nitric oxide (NO) levels. Methods: CMEO composition was characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Depression-like behavior was induced by intraperitoneal LPS injection (1 mg/kg). Mice were randomly assigned to four groups: Control, LPS, CMEO 50 mg/kg + LPS, and CMEO 100 mg/kg + LPS. Behavioral assessments included the Forced Swimming Test (FST), Tail Suspension Test (TST), and Open Field Test (OFT). Biochemical analyses measured hippocampal phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as well as brain NO levels. Results: GC-MS identified ten CMEO constituents, with limonene as the dominant compound (93.96%). CMEO at 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly reduced immobility time in the FST and TST versus the LPS group, indicating attenuated depressive-like behavior. CMEO also restored hippocampal BDNF and p-CREB levels and significantly reduced LPS-elevated NO. Conclusion: CMEO alleviates depression-like behaviors in an LPS-induced mouse model, potentially via upregulation of hippocampal BDNF and p-CREB and reduction of NO. The high limonene content may contribute to these effects, supporting CMEO as a promising natural candidate for managing depressive disorders.
Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a key risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, prompting the search for natural alternatives with fewer side effects than conventional drugs such as orlistat. Objective: This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic efficacy of hydroalcoholic extracts from H. gossypifolius, Trachyspermum copticum, Taraxacum officinale, and Rosmarinus officinalis in a rat model of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. Methods: Fifty-six male Wistar rats were allocated into seven groups (n= 8). Groups received either a standard diet, a high-cholesterol diet (HCD; 2 % cholesterol) with saline, or the HCD supplemented via daily gavage with orlistat (10 mg/kg) or one of the plant extracts (500, 800, 200, 300 mg/kg, respectively) for 48 days. Biochemical parameters, including lipid profile, liver enzymes, and renal markers, were analyzed. Results: The extracts demonstrated distinct therapeutic specializations. T. officinale was the most effective in reducing body weight gain. T.copticum and R. officinalis showed superior hepatoprotective effects, significantly lowering AST, and ALT/ALP levels, respectively. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, none of the plant extracts reduced LDL or total cholesterol more effectively than the HCD-control; orlistat was the most effective hypolipidemic agent. R. officinalis showed a non-significant trend towards reducing creatinine levels. Conclusion: This study shows the investigated plant extracts have specific, complementary effects. T. officinale potently reduces weight gain, whereas T. copticum and R. officinalis provide significant hepatoprotection. However, these extracts did not show superior hypolipidemic efficacy compared to the control, a finding that requires further study. The potential of these plants for weight management and liver protection merits future research with standardized extracts.
Background: Botanically derived compounds are increasingly recognized as potential alternatives to synthetic insecticides due to their bioactive properties against insect pests. Objective: This study investigated the chemical composition and insecticidal activity of essential oil vapors obtained from Satureja hortensis L. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae), Nepeta crispa Willd (Lamiales: Lamiaceae), and Anethum graveolens L. (Apiales: Apiaceae) against larvae of Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Methods: Essential oils were extracted from the aerial parts of the selected medicinal plants using Clevenger-type hydrodistillation. The chemical constituents were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Results: GC-MS analysis revealed that Carvacrol (34.74), γ-terpinene (34.27) and ρ-cymene (16.96 %) were the predominant compounds in S. hortensis oil. The essential oil of N. crispa was mainly composed of 1, 8-cineole (57.69), β-pinene (6.53) and α-terpineol (4.44 %). In A. graveolens, the major constituents were L-phellandrene (34.19), Carvone (23.67), Limonene (21.47), α-terpineol (5.58), and ρ-cymene (5.50 %). These plants are important for their medicinal properties. Fumigant toxicity assays revealed LC50 values after 24 hours of exposure as 26.974, 5.579 and 16.34 µl L-1 air for S. hortensis, N. crispa and A. graveolens, respectively. Results indicate the strong insecticidal activity of N. crispa against the P. interpunctella compared to other oils. Conclusion: Essential oils of these plants show capability for use in IPM programs to control stored pest populations.
Background: Nanoparticle applications are expanding across biomedical research. Plant extract–mediated (green) synthesis offers a sustainable and economically viable route for nanoparticle production. Objective: This study focused on the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Zataria multiflora Boiss extract and evaluated their antibacterial efficacy. Methods: AuNPs were synthesized using the aqueous extract of the Z. multiflora plant. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta-potential measurements. The total phenolic content of the Z. multiflora extract was quantified using a gallic acid standard curve. Flavonoid content was measured using quercetin as the standard. Antioxidant capacity was assessed with ascorbic acid as the reference standard. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized AuNPs was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and by disk diffusion assays. Results: Spectroscopy showed a peak for AuNPs at 530 nm. DLS revealed an average hydrodynamic diameter of 123.8 nm with a moderate size distribution. The zeta-potential was highly negative (-77.7 mV), indicating colloidal stability. AuNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both S. aureus and E. coli in MIC, MBC, and disk diffusion assays. Conclusion: Z. multiflora extract effectively mediates the biosynthesis of stable AuNPs with notable antibacterial activity, supporting its potential for green nanomaterial synthesis in antimicrobial applications.
Background: Alpinia officinarum Hance (A. officinarum) roots are used as a treatment for various illnesses, including colds, stomachaches, inflammation, and discomfort. Objective: This work aimed to evaluate the anatomy, chemical compounds, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities of A. officinarum roots essential oil (EO). Methods: First, the plant's anatomy was studied by the alum-green iodine staining 0method, followed by steam distillation to extract EOs. The determination of chemical compositions by Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The antioxidant activities were conducted by free radical resistance by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ABTS (2,2-Azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power). The paper plate method was used to determine antimicrobial activity. Finally, the anti-denaturation of the Bovine serum albumin assay was measured for the anti-inflammatory properties of EO. Results: Anatomical results show that the EO of A. officinarum is distributed in the form of secretory sacs. By GC-MS, twenty-eight components were identified; the main compounds are Eucalyptol (24.57 %), β-Bisabolene (9.72 %), and β-Sesquiphellandrene (5.95 %). The IC50 of FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH assays are 810.00 µg/mL, 1343.71 µg/mL, and 26953.21 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, the EO exhibited anti-inflammatory activity with an IC50 of 2.55 mg/mL, compared to the standard Diclofenac (1.03 mg/mL). Additionally, the antimicrobial activity test demonstrated that the EO exhibited antimicrobial activity against various bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Listeria innocua. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that EOs can be utilized in the production of anti-inflammatory compounds and ferric-reducing additives.
Background: Current pharmacological therapies for hypercholesterolemia remain limited, particularly among individuals who exhibit intolerance to statins. Citrus aurantifolia (lime) has been proposed as a natural alternative with lipid-lowering properties that could help prevent cardiovascular complications. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ethanol extract of lime peel (Citrus aurantifolia) on body weight, serum lipid profile, and histological changes in the liver and aorta of rats fed a high-fat diet. Methods: Lime peels were extracted by maceration using 96 % ethanol and administered to male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) that had previously received a high-fat diet for 42 days. The experimental groups included a normal control, a high-fat diet control, a simvastatin-treated group, and three lime peel extract groups (50, 75, and 100 mg/kg body weight). The parameters observed included body weight, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and histological features of the liver and aorta. Results: High-fat feeding significantly increased body weight compared with the standard diet (P < 0.001). Treatment with lime peel extract and simvastatin significantly reduced body weight (P < 0.05), lowered TC and TG, and increased HDL relative to the untreated high-fat group. Simvastatin was more effective than the extract in reducing LDL (P < 0.05), while neither treatment significantly altered aortic morphology (P > 0.05). Histological analysis showed a higher proportion of normal hepatocytes in the lime peel–treated groups, particularly at 100 mg/kg (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Ethanol extract of C. aurantifolia peel demonstrated hypocholesterolemic effects and partial improvement in liver histology in rats fed a high-fat diet, suggesting its potential as a supportive natural therapy for hypercholesterolemia.
Background: Crocus sativus L., or saffron, is a valuable medicinal plant with a complex biochemical makeup that includes crocin, safranal, picrocrocin, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, compounds linked to a variety of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant activity. Objective: This systematic review summarizes existing evidence for the antioxidant activity of saffron stigma extracts in vitro and assesses the influence of methodological variables, including the type of assay, geographical origin, extraction method, and solvent type, on reported results. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify peer-reviewed original research articles published between January 2000 and April 2025. The review followed PRISMA guidelines, 28 studies were qualitatively synthesized. Results: DPPH assay was the most frequently used method (26 studies, ~92.86 %), followed by FRAP assay (11 studies, ~39.29 %) and ABTS assay (8 studies, ~28.57 %). Iranian saffron samples tended to exhibit high crocin content, which was frequently associated with elevated antioxidant potential, particularly in DPPH and ABTS assays. Maceration was the most frequent extraction method (19 studies, 67.86 %), yet ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) demonstrated improved extraction of crocin and total phenolics. Methanol was the most extensively used solvent (15 studies, ~53.57 %), yet water-based extractions combined with UAE were also found effective. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for standardization of protocols to increase reproducibility and comparability across studies. The review provides evidence-based information to optimize the processing and utilization of saffron, thus augmenting its role as a valuable natural antioxidant useful in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Background: Citrus sinensis, popularly called sweet orange, is widely used in Brazil for its calming properties, particularly in treating anxiety and insomnia, even among patients using warfarin. However, there is no scientific data supporting the safe concurrent use of both. Objective: To access the in vitro activity of C. sinensis ethanolic extract (EtEXT) and its fractions on blood clotting. Methods: The study used activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT) and plasma fibrinogen measurement (PF), and thrombin generation test (TGT) to evaluate the effects. TGT, a highly sensitive assay, investigates overall changes in the hemostatic system and can evaluate the qualitative micromolecular chemistry of C. sinensis EtEXT and its fractions. Results: The EtEXTs of sweet orange leaves and their fractions were added to plasma pools at concentrations of 1.67 mg/ml, 2.26 mg/ml, and 2.86 mg/ml. Presence of phenolics as coumarins, flavonoids and tannins, as well as triterpenes was confirmed. At all concentrations, the extract increased PT and aPTT while decreasing PF and TGT, except for the hexane fraction. Conclusion: Our findings provide scientific evidence supporting both patient care in the context of warfarin use and the potential development of new antithrombotics. The leaves of sweet orange exhibited in vitro anticoagulant effects, likely due to interference in both extrinsic (EXT-path) intrinsic (INT-path) coagulation pathways. The function of the identified substances in these effects was also discussed, as well as the potential for using this extract in developing antithrombotic agents.
Background: Throughout many decades, researchers all around the world still extensively search for treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease. Dispute the small number of medicines that can be used for the treatment, the side effects, and the only symptomatic treatments of the drug, which makes the necessity of finding new sources of drugs from plant sources a critical movement. Objective: In this research, we investigate the potential of 33 traditional medicines plants from Indonesia for their acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and antioxidant properties. Methods: The inhibitory potential of acetylcholinesterase was carried out using spectrophotometry using acetylcholine as a substrate and antioxidant activity was measured using the FRAP method. Results: The results indicate that among the 33 plants, only seven plants with an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI). Those plants are Chromolaena odorata, Mikania scandes, Piper cubeba, Peperomia pellucida, Persea americana, Lycium barbarum and Phyllanthus niruri. All the plant samples showed remarkable antioxidant potency with the range of value 4.11 – 52.65 mg/mL. Conclusions: Persea americana (Lauraceae) had the greatest AChEI with a value of 4.11 mg/mL, meanwhile Piper cubeba (Piperaceae) has the highest potency in scavenging free radicals with an FRAP Value of 10.89 mg/mL. There was no correlation between AChEI and Antioxidant potency.
Background: Gestational stress is a key factor in neurodevelopmental impairments in offspring, affecting learning, memory, and emotional regulation. Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf extract (MoLE) with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may offer neuroprotective benefits. Objective: This study evaluated impact of MoLE on the neurodevelopment of Wistar rat pups subjected to Chronic Unpredictable Stress (CUS). Methods: Twenty-five healthy virgin female Albino-Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups of five rats each, which underwent a two-week CUS protocol. Groups were as follows: Group I (received ad libitum water and standard rat chow), Group II (received MoLE at 5 mg/kg body weight/day), Group III (received MoLE at 10 mg/kg body weight/day), Group IV (CUS + MoLE at dosage of 5 mg/kg body weight/day), and Group V (CUS + MoLE at dosage of 10 mg/kg body weight/day). Offspring were evaluated for histological changes in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala, while serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and behavioral tests were carried out to assess anxiety-like behaviors and spatial memory. Results: Histological analysis revealed MoLE supplementation mitigated cellular damage. MDA levels were elevated among pups exposed to MoLE-supplemented and CUS, but not in MoLE-supplemented groups. Behavioral results for anxiety-like behavior were inconclusive. Spatial memory results showed a non-significant decrease in all groups, requiring further investigation. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence for M. oleifera's potential neuroprotective effects against gestational stress-induced damage. Further research with more specific behavioral tests is needed to confirm its effects on anxiety-like behavior and spatial memory.
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of anovulation and one of the main causes of infertility. Management varies with emphasis on the role of herbal medicines in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to medical therapy. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the herbal regimen Vitex agnus-castus var. + Foeniculum vulgare Mill. +Portula caoleracea L) with a medical regimen (spironolactone + cyproterone acetate with ethinyl estradiol) in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients. Method: The clinical trial, which compared two groups of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), included 64 participants aged 18 to 42 years, all referred to a gynecological clinic. In a clinical study, the division of patients into case and control groups using random assignment so that both groups are as similar as possible. The control group receives a medical regimen that is compared to the herbal regimen of the case group. Results: The study did not show any statistically significant difference in Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), or Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) levels between the control and case groups after the intervention (P > 0.05)." the LH level has declined significantly after the intervention in the case group" is a common finding in this research (P = 0.001). The severity or existence of hirsutism (excessive hair growth in androgen-dependent areas of the female body) did not vary significantly between the two groups being compared (P> 0.05). The case group showed a significant reduction in the rate of hair loss (P = 0.001).Ovarian ultrasound Showed Formation of dominant follicles in case and control groups. Conclusion: The Herbal regimen was as effective as the phamacological regimen. Vitex agnus-castus and Fennel, known for their phytoestrogenic properties, induce negative feedback of luteinizing hormone with long-term use, leading to decrease in testosterone production. The synergistic effect of Vitax agnus-castus, Fennel and Purslane combination reduce testosterone levels and accelerates the treatment of PCOS.
Background: Barberry (Berberis L.) is a well-known fruit traditionally used in various ethnomedical systems, including Ayurveda and Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM), for its nutritionaland therapeutic properties. Objective: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the traditional medicinal uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological effects of barberry. Method: A systematic review was conducted by examining traditional Persian medicine texts and electronic literature on traditional medicine. Additionally, electronic databases were searched for scholarly articles focusing on the pharmacological activities and phytochemical components of barberry. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of essential oils, micronutrients, macronutrients, phytosterols, and various phenolic compounds. Pharmacological studies demonstrate that barberry possesses diverse biological activities, including anti-cancer, antioxidant, cardiometabolic protective, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, nootropic, and neuroprotective effects. Conclusion: Although barberry shows promising therapeutic potential, further clinical trials and meta-analyses are required to confirm its efficacy in medical applications.
Background: Lithospermum erythrorhizon is a medicinally valuable plant with diverse biological activities. Objective: This research focused on optimizing the in-vitro cultivation of L. erythrorhizon and establishing an efficient protocol for extracting shikonin from callus tissue. Methods: leaf explants were subjected to various concentrations of Kinetin (Kin), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) in the LS culture medium to study callus induction. Different concentrations of LS, M9, and MS media, along with varying amounts of BAP, NAA, Kin, and IAA, were employed to investigate callus regeneration. The rooting was examined in concentrations of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). For shikonin production, callus was cultivated in LS, MS, and M9 media containing 0.6 mg.l-1 Kin and 2 mg.l-1 NAA. Results: The findings shown that the highest callus induction rate occurred in LS medium with 0.6 mg.l-1 Kin and 2 mg.l-1 NAA (93.3%). full-strength LS medium containing 2 mg.l-1 BAP and 1 mg.l-1 NAA led to the highest shoot regeneration. Using 1 mg.l-1 IBA in the LS medium let to improve rooting percentage (> 70%). The suitable substrate for the acclimatization was vermiculite. The shikonin content analysis in callus indicated that the M9 medium was more effective than MS and LS media in producing shikonin-containing calli. The results demonstrated that the concentration of shikonin in calli grown in M9 medium was increased with the number of day’s post-explant cultivation. Conclusion: This research can serve as a model for future investigations into optimizing the cultivation conditions of L. erythrorhizon.
