Objective Indirubin (IND), a natural antitumor alkaloid, exhibits poor solubility, low bioavailability, and non-specific toxicity, limiting its clinical application against lung cancer. This study aimed to construct a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-based nanoplatform (IND/SW-PEG) and evaluate its anti-lung cancer efficacy. Methods IND/SW-PEG was prepared via non-covalent adsorption and PEG surface modification. Drug loading efficiency, physicochemical properties, and pH-responsive drug release were characterized. Cytotoxicity, photothermal effect, and apoptosis induction were evaluated in A549 lung cancer cells and TC-1 normal lung epithelial cells using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. Results The optimal SWCNT-to-IND mass ratio was 1:1, yielding a drug loading efficiency of 25.7%. IND/SW-PEG exhibited significantly higher cumulative drug release at pH 5.0 (mimicking tumor microenvironment) than at pH 7.4. The IC 50 value of IND/SW-PEG against A549 cells was 98.2 μg/mL, equivalent to 76.56 μM indirubin. Combined with 808 nm near-infrared light irradiation, its anticancer potency was further improved, and concentration-dependent cell apoptosis was verified experimentally. Conclusion The IND/SW-PEG nanoplatform integrates chemotherapy and photothermal therapy, showing selective cytotoxicity, pH-responsive drug release, and potential to overcome current limitations of indirubin-based lung cancer treatment. Further in vivo studies are warranted to support clinical translation.
Objective This study investigates how quercetin improves tracheal stenosis by modulating macrophage polarization via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Methods Rabbits were divided into five groups to establish a tracheal stenosis model. Immunofluorescence was used to detect α-SMA protein in the tracheal mucosa of each group. Quercetin was applied to RAW264.7 macrophages, and morphological changes were observed using HE staining. Flow cytometry was used to assess the M1/M2 macrophage ratio. M1 and M2 macrophages were co-cultured with fibroblasts, and α-SMA mRNA levels were measured using Real-time PCR. Additionally, RAW264.7 cells were treated with a PI3K inhibitor and quercetin to analyze the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and M1/M2 markers through Real-time PCR. Results Quercetin treatment reduced α-SMA expression in the tracheal mucosa. The morphological changes in RAW264.7 cells post-quercetin intervention resembled those induced by IL4. The M2/M1 ratio in RAW264.7 cells approached 1.0. Quercetin decreased iNOS and TNF-a expression while up-regulating Arg1 and IL10 in RAW264.7 cells. In tracheal stenosis tissue, Akt1 and Akt3 levels increased, whereas Akt2 decreased. Quercetin up-regulated Akt2 and Akt3 and down-regulated Akt1. Following PI3K inhibitor intervention, Akt1 and Akt3 increased, and Akt2 decreased; however, quercetin did not reduce Akt1 but maintained Akt2 and Akt3 upregulation. The PI3K inhibitor up-regulated iNOS expression, which quercetin subsequently down-regulated. Conversely, Arg1 was down-regulated by the PI3K inhibitor and up-regulated by quercetin. When M1 and M2 macrophages were co-cultured with fibroblasts in equal proportions, α-SMA mRNA expression was down-regulated. Conclusion Quercetin enhances tracheal stenosis improvement by regulating macrophage polarization through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Objective The Siddha medicinal system is a traditional, regionally established healthcare method that emphasizes both disease prevention and treatment. Pachai Pakku Thailam , a popular herbal oil in this tradition, has been utilized for a long time to treat non-healing ulcers. This research intends to examine the phytochemical constituents and establish an HPTLC fingerprint profile of Pachai Pakku Thailam to facilitate its standardization in Siddha medicine. Methods Pachai Pakku Thailam are analyzed phytochemical screening and HPTLC fingerprint analysis. Silica gel 60 F 254 plates were used for chromatographic separation with toluene: ethyl acetate (93:7, v/v). Stability was evaluated by analyzing chromatographic fingerprints following three and six months of storage. Results Phytochemical compounds, saponins, terpenoids, and steroids, whereas proteins and reducing sugars were not detected. HPTLC analysis yielded a distinct chromatographic fingerprint featuring five prominent peaks at Rf values around 0.05, 0.29, 0.37, 0.60, and 0.89. Similar chromatographic patterns and consistent Rf values were noted over the six-month study duration, demonstrating adequate chemical stability and reproducibility of the formulation. Conclusion The present investigation establishes phytochemical screening and HPTLC fingerprint for Pachai Pakku Thailam , providing scientific evidence for its quality assessment, identity verification, and stability. These findings support its future standardization as a traditional Siddha formulation. Further pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical investigations are required to correlate the chromatographic profile with therapeutic efficacy.
Objective The Siddha medicinal system is a traditional, regionally established healthcare method that emphasizes both disease prevention and treatment. Pachai Pakku Thailam , a popular herbal oil in this tradition, has been utilized for a long time to treat non-healing ulcers. This research intends to examine the phytochemical constituents and establish an HPTLC fingerprint profile of Pachai Pakku Thailam to facilitate its standardization in Siddha medicine. Methods Pachai Pakku Thailam are analyzed phytochemical screening and HPTLC fingerprint analysis. Silica gel 60 F 254 plates were used for chromatographic separation with toluene: ethyl acetate (93:7, v/v). Stability was evaluated by analyzing chromatographic fingerprints following three and six months of storage. Results Phytochemical compounds, saponins, terpenoids, and steroids, whereas proteins and reducing sugars were not detected. HPTLC analysis yielded a distinct chromatographic fingerprint featuring five prominent peaks at Rf values around 0.05, 0.29, 0.37, 0.60, and 0.89. Similar chromatographic patterns and consistent Rf values were noted over the six-month study duration, demonstrating adequate chemical stability and reproducibility of the formulation. Conclusion The present investigation establishes phytochemical screening and HPTLC fingerprint for Pachai Pakku Thailam , providing scientific evidence for its quality assessment, identity verification, and stability. These findings support its future standardization as a traditional Siddha formulation. Further pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical investigations are required to correlate the chromatographic profile with therapeutic efficacy.
Roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is a widely cultivated plant valued for its red calyces used in beverages and foods such as juice, wine, jam, syrup, and tea. It contains bioactive compounds including phenolics and flavonoids that confer antioxidant, antibacterial, and other medicinal properties, supporting its use in treating ailments like hypertension and liver disorders. Recently, it has gained attention for industrial and bioenergy applications, highlighting its potential as a multifunctional crop. Despite growing interest, research on roselle’s nutritional, pharmacological, and energy applications across different processing methods and regions remains fragmented. Inconsistent yield reporting and the lack of standardized assessment frameworks further limit comparability and scalability. This review therefore synthesizes current knowledge on roselle’s nutraceutical, medicinal, and bioenergy potential while identifying key research gaps and future opportunities for its sustainable utilization. Following a systematic search of major scientific databases, a total of 102 publications from June 2003 to January 2026 were identified, of which 90 were selected and synthesized to provide a comprehensive assessment of the topic. The selected studies examine the nutritional, pharmacological, and bioenergy attributes of H. sabdariffa , highlighting its potential as a multifunctional crop for food, health, and sustainable energy applications. Roselle has strong potential as a renewable energy crop, with its sugar rich biomass serving as a suitable feedstock for bioethanol production and its oil rich seeds offering prospects for biodiesel generation. Roselle derived biofuels can support sustainable energy development by providing renewable alternatives to fossil fuels while promoting environmental conservation. Its dual role as a health-promoting plant and bioenergy resource makes it valuable for food, health, and energy applications. Future research should focus on standardized comparisons, large-scale optimization, and techno-economic assessments to enable sustainable commercialization.
Roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is a widely cultivated plant valued for its red calyces used in beverages and foods such as juice, wine, jam, syrup, and tea. It contains bioactive compounds including phenolics and flavonoids that confer antioxidant, antibacterial, and other medicinal properties, supporting its use in treating ailments like hypertension and liver disorders. Recently, it has gained attention for industrial and bioenergy applications, highlighting its potential as a multifunctional crop. Despite growing interest, research on roselle’s nutritional, pharmacological, and energy applications across different processing methods and regions remains fragmented. Inconsistent yield reporting and the lack of standardized assessment frameworks further limit comparability and scalability. This review therefore synthesizes current knowledge on roselle’s nutraceutical, medicinal, and bioenergy potential while identifying key research gaps and future opportunities for its sustainable utilization. Following a systematic search of major scientific databases, a total of 102 publications from June 2003 to January 2026 were identified, of which 90 were selected and synthesized to provide a comprehensive assessment of the topic. The selected studies examine the nutritional, pharmacological, and bioenergy attributes of H. sabdariffa , highlighting its potential as a multifunctional crop for food, health, and sustainable energy applications. Roselle has strong potential as a renewable energy crop, with its sugar rich biomass serving as a suitable feedstock for bioethanol production and its oil rich seeds offering prospects for biodiesel generation. Roselle derived biofuels can support sustainable energy development by providing renewable alternatives to fossil fuels while promoting environmental conservation. Its dual role as a health-promoting plant and bioenergy resource makes it valuable for food, health, and energy applications. Future research should focus on standardized comparisons, large-scale optimization, and techno-economic assessments to enable sustainable commercialization.
Introduction Perezone ( 1 ), described in 1852 as the earliest natural product isolated in the New World, has been subject to a large amount of chemical, biological, and spectroscopic studies. Its cycloaddition reactions, including mechanistic studies to understand its transformation into α- and β-pipitzol as well as the stereoselectivity induction toward one of these isomers, are well known. Some years ago, intramolecular FeCl 3 -catalyzed [2+2] cycloaddition reactions were reported as a synthesis method of some natural products. We describe here the perezone ( 1 ) FeCl 3 -catalyzed cycloaddition products and their structural analysis based on 1 H NMR and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy. Methods Perezone ( 1 ) was reacted in fluorobenzene in the presence of FeCl 3 at room temperature for 24 h. Following reaction completion, the products were isolated through silica gel column chromatography. Structural elucidation was achieved using 1 H, 13 C, and 2D NMR experiments, while the absolute configuration was unambiguously confirmed by VCD spectroscopy. Results The FeCl 3 -catalyzed transformation of perezone yielded α-pipitzol ( 2 ), β-pipitzol ( 3 ), α-isopipitzol ( 4 ), and a novel compound identified as (3a,7,8a)-tri- epi -α-isopipitzol ( 5 ) −the inverse epimer of α-isopipitzol− in a 38:41:14:7 ratio. While the absolute configuration of α-isopipitzol was confirmed using standard VCD protocols, the stereochemistry of its inverse epimer ( 5 ) was successfully established via the VCD chirality exciton approach. Conclusion The FeCl 3 -catalyzed cycloaddition of perezone yielded α-pipitzol ( 2 ), β-pipitzol ( 3 ), α-isopipitzol ( 4 ), and a novel inverse epimer of α-isopipitzol ( 5 ). Furthermore, the absolute configurations of compounds 4 and 5 were unambiguously confirmed via VCD as (3 R ,3a S ,7 R ,8a S ) and (3 R ,3a R ,7 S ,8a R ), respectively.
Objective Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally with a very high economic burden. The problem still persists despite management of these conditions with conventional drugs due to undesirable side effect hence the need to have effective alternative treatment. This review seeks to explore medicinal plants with therapeutic potentials in management of cardiovascular health in Rwanda. Method This study is a systematic review that explored 28 randomized control studies using experimental animal models and clinical setting for various cardiovascular health-related issues treated with plants sourced from within Rwanda. A comprehensive literature search, that covered publications from January 2000 to January 2026, was carried out using online databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify relevant studies that documented medicinal plants in Rwanda used for cardiovascular diseases. Results From the results of 28 studies, 27 plant species were identified as common plants with ethnobotanical claims in the traditional management of hypertension. The most commonly identified phytochemicals were flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, sesquiterpenes, and anthraquinones. The mechanisms of action included angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, calcium ion channel blockage, vasodilation and nitric oxide modulation, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic effect. Conclusion There is a rich diversity of medicinal plants with reported benefits in the effective management of hypertension due to the various phytochemicals present in these plants. These plants offer a holistic and accessible approach to hypertension management , with the potential to complement conventional therapies and improve cardiovascular outcomes. The medicinal plants represent a promising strategy for addressing the growing burden of hypertension, particularly in low-resource settings.
Drug-induced cardiotoxicity represents a critical bottleneck while using a few medications, yet current cardioprotective strategies remain limited by suboptimal clinical efficacy and lack of mechanism-based precision. In traditional medicine systems, spices have long been utilized to treat various ailments due to their abundance in phytochemicals, particularly polyphenols, essential oils, and flavonoids. While significant preclinical evidence exists for the cardioprotective efficacy of specific spice-derived phytotherapeutics, the field lacks a fundamental understanding of how these agents converge onto common biological pathways. The work critically examines the comparative efficacy and molecular mechanisms of various spices to determine their potential as standardised, adjuvant cardioprotective treatments in drug-induced cardiotoxicity. We conducted comprehensive searches in English-restricted databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. It delves into the roles and mechanisms of spice-derived botanicals like cardamom, coriander, curry leaf, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, long pepper, saffron, and turmeric. This review provides an overview of preclinical and clinical studies focusing on the potential of spice-derived phytotherapeutics in managing drug-induced cardiotoxicity, notably those induced by doxorubicin, isoproterenol, Trastuzumab and paracetamol. Our synthesis finds that while individual spices show promise, their cardioprotective potential would be enhanced through combinational or advanced formulation techniques through various mechanisms, including the reduction of lipid peroxidation, restoration of antioxidant status, modulation of calcium ion concentration, and inhibition of inflammatory and apoptotic pathways, which challenge conventional therapy. The findings of this review underscore the potential for developing natural strategies to protect the heart from specific drug-induced cardiotoxicity.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide. They are increasingly complicated by antibiotic resistance in major uropathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus . The limitations of conventional antibiotic therapy have intensified interest in alternative strategies, including medicinal plants with antibacterial potential. Sea buckthorn ( Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a resilient shrub rich in proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and unsaturated fatty acids. Experimental studies report antibacterial activity of sea buckthorn extracts against uropathogens, together with inhibition of bacterial adherence to uroepithelial cells and suppression of biofilm formation. However, most evidence derives from in vitro assays on reference strains rather than UTI-specific in vivo or clinical models, and no randomized controlled trial has yet evaluated sea buckthorn for UTI prevention or treatment. This review critically examines the phytochemical composition of H. rhamnoides and current evidence for its antibacterial potential, explicitly distinguishing findings that are experimentally established, plausible but unconfirmed, and those extrapolated from non-urinary models. Particular attention is given to how cultivar, plant part, geographical origin, harvest stage, and extraction solvent govern potency, and to proposed mechanisms including membrane disruption, inhibition of FimH-mediated adhesion, efflux pump inhibition, and antibiofilm activity. Although preclinical findings are encouraging, well-designed in vivo infection studies and randomized clinical trials are required before any therapeutic role can be claimed. At present, H. rhamnoides is best regarded as a biologically relevant but investigational source of phytochemicals that may inform future strategies against antimicrobial-resistant uropathogens.
Objective Ethnobotanical knowledge of traditional cosmetic plants remains poorly documented in many regions of Ethiopia. This study aimed to document herbal cosmetic plant species used by local communities of North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, for beautification of the human body, and to identify the major threats currently affecting these plant resources. Methods A community-based, cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the North Shewa Zone from December 2023 to January 2024. Results Fifty-four documented plant-use records, representing 49 unique herbal cosmetic plant species from 28 families, were recorded. Lamiaceae was the most represented family (7 species, 14.3%), followed by Solanaceae (5 species, 10.2%) and Asteraceae (4 species, 8.2%). Leaves were the most frequently used plant part (47.1% of all part-mentions), followed by fruits and seeds (13.2% each), roots (11.8%), stems (7.4%), flowers and bark (2.9% each). Crushing, milling, and grinding to powder were the predominant preparation methods. Documented cosmetic applications included the treatment of fungal and bacterial skin infections, wound and burn care, and toothache relief. Agricultural expansion, overgrazing, fuelwood collection, charcoal production, and tree felling for construction were identified as the principal threats to cosmetic plant resources. Conclusion This study provides baseline ethnobotanical documentation of herbal cosmetic plants in North Shewa Zone. Given the identified threats to plant diversity, urgent implementation of both in situ and ex situ conservation strategies is recommended to preserve these plant resources for future generations.
The genus Pereskia comprises leafy cacti with food and medicinal applications, notably Pereskia aculeata Miller, for which preclinical anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects have been reported. This review summarizes the available evidence and integrates findings on phytochemicals and their mechanisms. Phytochemical investigations have reported phytosterols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides in this species. Among the constituents reported in P. aculeata , β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, taraxasterol, and cynaroside are plausible contributors to the observed anti-inflammatory effects; however, their individual contributions within the extracts have not been fully established. A hexane fraction exhibited topical anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of dexamethasone in specific cutaneous models, whereas ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts modulated the p38/MK2/TTP pathway and attenuated adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Cynaroside reduced IL-6 levels, COX-2 expression, and COX-2 enzymatic activity. Further studies using standardized preparations and clinically relevant models are warranted to confirm these effects and advance their therapeutic application.
In this contribution we analyse De materia medica by Dioscorides (1 st cent. A.D.), which is the largest treatise on the natural substances used in medicine compiled in Antiquity, and its commented translation by the Renaissance Italian physician Pietro Andrea Mattioli (1501-1578) first published in 1544. Whereas the translation closely follows the Greek text, the commentary expanded on it by adding substances not mentioned by Dioscorides (especially plants), which were coming from either the Mediterranean or the New Worlds. These new entries interfered with the original structure of the treatise, which reflects a specific organization of the natural world, and probably accentuated the need for a new botanical taxonomy able to account for all species known at that time. On the basis of significant segments, we first reconstruct De materia medica structure, which is not explicitly explained by Dioscorides. Then, we closely analyse selected cases illustrating both the textual techniques used by Mattioli to introduce new material and their impact on De materia medica structure. This material destabilized Dioscorides’ original structure in a way that Mattioli might have perceived: in its 1562 Czech and 1563 German versions, he transformed the translation into an herbal similar to works of that time. Slightly later (1571), the botanists Pierre Pena and Matthias de Lobel opened a theoretical reflection on botanical taxonomy that might be significant of Mattioli’s deconstruction. This initial reflection was further pursued and explicitly formulated by Caspar Bauhin (1598) in his edition of Mattioli’s Complete Works . Through its line-by-line comparative textual method, our study brings to light a collateral effect of Mattioli’s work that had not been identified thus far: if it contributed to the assimilation of Dioscorides, De materia medica , into contemporary science, it also made its reading obsolete among the botanical, medical, and pharmaceutical communities of that time.
Objective This study aimed to compare the in vitro antibacterial activity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Rumex nepalensis leaves and roots against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Methods Leaves and roots were collected, shade-dried, and extracted with 80% methanol and distilled water. Phytochemical screening, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) characterization, agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays were performed against Escherichia coli ( E. coli ), Salmonella typhimurium ( S. typhimurium ), and Staphylococcus aureus (S .aureus ), using ciprofloxacin as the reference drug. Results Methanolic leaf extracts produced the largest inhibition zones (27.0–28.7 mm against S. aureus and 26.7 mm against E. coli at 125 mg/mL), often matching or exceeding ciprofloxacin. Leaf extracts showed lower MIC values (15.6–31.25 mg/mL) compared with root extracts (31.25–125 mg/mL). MBC values were generally equal to or one dilution higher than the corresponding MIC values. Conclusion Methanolic leaf extracts of Rumex nepalensis demonstrated markedly superior antibacterial activity against the tested multidrug-resistant strains compared with root extracts and aqueous extracts, supporting the plant’s potential as a natural source of antimicrobial agents.
In this contribution we analyse De materia medica by Dioscorides (1 st cent. A.D.), which is the largest treatise on the natural substances used in medicine compiled in Antiquity, and its commented translation by the Renaissance Italian physician Pietro Andrea Mattioli (1501-1578) first published in 1544. Whereas the translation closely follows the Greek text, the commentary expanded on it by adding substances not mentioned by Dioscorides (especially plants), which were coming from either the Mediterranean or the New Worlds. These new entries interfered with the original structure of the treatise, which reflects a specific organization of the natural world, and probably accentuated the need for a new botanical taxonomy able to account for all species known at that time. On the basis of significant segments, we first reconstruct De materia medica structure, which is not explicitly explained by Dioscorides. Then, we closely analyse selected cases illustrating both the textual techniques used by Mattioli to introduce new material and their impact on De materia medica structure. This material destabilized Dioscorides’ original structure in a way that Mattioli might have perceived: in its 1562 Czech and 1563 German versions, he transformed the translation into an herbal similar to works of that time. Slightly later (1571), the botanists Pierre Pena and Matthias de Lobel opened a theoretical reflection on botanical taxonomy that might be significant of Mattioli’s deconstruction. This initial reflection was further pursued and explicitly formulated by Caspar Bauhin (1598) in his edition of Mattioli’s Complete Works . Through its line-by-line comparative textual method, our study brings to light a collateral effect of Mattioli’s work that had not been identified thus far: if it contributed to the assimilation of Dioscorides, De materia medica , into contemporary science, it also made its reading obsolete among the botanical, medical, and pharmaceutical communities of that time.
Objective This study aimed to compare the in vitro antibacterial activity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Rumex nepalensis leaves and roots against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Methods Leaves and roots were collected, shade-dried, and extracted with 80% methanol and distilled water. Phytochemical screening, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) characterization, agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays were performed against Escherichia coli ( E. coli ), Salmonella typhimurium ( S. typhimurium ), and Staphylococcus aureus (S .aureus ), using ciprofloxacin as the reference drug. Results Methanolic leaf extracts produced the largest inhibition zones (27.0–28.7 mm against S. aureus and 26.7 mm against E. coli at 125 mg/mL), often matching or exceeding ciprofloxacin. Leaf extracts showed lower MIC values (15.6–31.25 mg/mL) compared with root extracts (31.25–125 mg/mL). MBC values were generally equal to or one dilution higher than the corresponding MIC values. Conclusion Methanolic leaf extracts of Rumex nepalensis demonstrated markedly superior antibacterial activity against the tested multidrug-resistant strains compared with root extracts and aqueous extracts, supporting the plant’s potential as a natural source of antimicrobial agents.
Objective Inflammation in response to internal or external stimuli is associated with various life-threatening complications. Prolonged use of conventional anti-inflammatory drugs may cause adverse health effects which emphasizes the need for safer natural alternatives. Mesua nagassarium (Burm.f.) Kosterm., a medicinal plant with therapeutic potential, was therefore investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the n-hexane extract of Mesua nagassarium stem bark using in vitro , in vivo , and in silico approaches. Methodology Stem bark of Mesua nagassarium (Burm.f.) Kosterm. was extracted using n-hexane, and phytochemical constituents were identified through standard chemical tests. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using heat-induced RBC membrane stabilization assays under pre- and post-treatment conditions. In vivo activity was assessed using carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma models in Wistar albino rats. GC–MS analysis identified volatile compounds in the extract. Pharmacokinetic properties and molecular interactions of identified phytocompounds with inflammation-related proteins were investigated using computational approaches. Results Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, anthraquinones, and volatile oils. In vitro assays demonstrated significant membrane stabilization at all tested concentrations (75, 150, and 300 μg/mL). In vivo studies showed effective inhibition of acute and chronic inflammation. The extract produced the greatest paw edema inhibition of 48.27% and the highest granuloma inhibition of 53.85% at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight, both comparable to diclofenac sodium. Post-treatment hemolysis inhibition reached 92.58% at 300 mg/kg, exceeding diclofenac sodium (86.22%). GC–MS identified eleven phytocompounds including δ-tocopherol, trans-geranylgeraniol, (E)-α-bisabolene, zonarene, (E)-β-farnesene etc. Molecular docking analysis indicated comparatively favorable binding energies for δ-tocopherol with IL-1β and COX-2, while zonarene showed favorable interaction with NF-κB p65. Conclusion These findings suggest that Mesua nagassarium (Burm.f.) Kosterm. stem bark extract possesses considerable anti-inflammatory potential and may serve as a valuable starting point for future bioactivity-guided isolation and mechanistic studies aimed at identifying bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and chronic low-grade inflammation, collectively increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Current therapeutic approaches are often limited by their single-target mechanisms, adverse effects, and economic burden. Natural products have emerged as promising therapeutic candidates because of their ability to modulate multiple interconnected pathological pathways involved in MetS. Key Findings This editorial highlights recent advances in the discovery and mechanistic evaluation of natural products for the prevention and management of MetS. Evidence from the studies included in this collection demonstrates that diverse bioactive natural compounds can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, attenuate inflammation and oxidative stress, improve mitochondrial function, and restore metabolic homeostasis. These findings support the concept that natural products may address the complex and interconnected pathophysiology of MetS more effectively than single-target interventions. Conclusions Natural products represent a valuable foundation for integrative, systems-based strategies aimed at managing MetS and its associated metabolic complications. However, further efforts are required to overcome challenges related to bioavailability, pharmacokinetic properties, standardization, and clinical translation before their full therapeutic potential can be realized. Continued multidisciplinary research will be essential to advance natural product-based interventions from preclinical discovery to clinical application.
Objective This study optimized the extraction of a reference standard extract enriched in two bioactive triterpene saponins, hederacoside C and α -hederin, from Hedera helix L. leaves, and developed a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) method based on a single standard to determine multi-components (SSDMC) for their simultaneous quantification. Methods A D-optimal response surface methodology was applied to evaluate the effects of ethanol concentration, number of extraction cycles, and solvent-to-herb ratio on the extraction efficiencies of both compounds. The optimized extract was characterized by thin-layer chromatography and HPLC analysis. In addition, an HPLC-DAD method based on the SSDMC approach was developed, using hederacoside C as the single reference compound for the calculation of the relative conversion factor. Results The optimal extraction conditions were determined to be 74% ethanol, three extraction cycles, and a solvent-to-herb ratio of 16:1, under which the predicted contents of hederacoside C and α -hederin were 3.95% and 1.79%, respectively. These predictions were in good agreement with the experimental values. The optimized procedure afforded a reference standard extract with a relatively simple chemical profile, in which hederacoside C and α -hederin were confirmed as the predominant constituents. Quantitative results obtained using the conventional external standard method and the SSDMC method showed good agreement. Conclusion The optimized extraction procedure successfully produced a reference standard extract enriched in hederacoside C and α -hederin with good reproducibility. The developed SSDMC-based HPLC-DAD method demonstrated good applicability for the simultaneous quantification of both compounds and provides a practical approach for the quality control of H. helix preparations.
Objective Bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) is a debilitating dose-limiting toxicity in multiple myeloma (MM) therapy. This study explored the potential clinical effects and anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms of Strychnos nux-v omica L. ( N. vomica ) in BIPN by integrating exploratory clinical observation, network pharmacology, and in vitro experimental validation. Methods In a single-arm, open-label, self-controlled exploratory clinical study, 22 patients with MM-related BIPN received oral N. vomica capsules (NVC) for 6 weeks. Neuropathy-related clinical scores and serum inflammatory cytokines were evaluated at baseline and during treatment. Network pharmacology was performed to identify candidate compounds, putative targets, and enriched pathways. In vitro experiments using bortezomib-injured DRG-derived 50B11 cells examined cell viability and cytokine-related transcriptional responses after strychnine preconditioning. Results NVC treatment was associated with reductions in neuropathy-related clinical scores and selected serum inflammatory cytokines over the 6-week observation period. Network pharmacology identified 13 candidate bioactive compounds and 58 putative targets, with enrichment in inflammation-related pathways, including PI3K-AKT, MAPK, TNF, and NF-κB signaling. In vitro, strychnine preconditioning attenuated bortezomib-induced reduction in cell viability at 24 h, but this protective effect was not sustained at 48 or 72 h. Strychnine preconditioning also reduced bortezomib-induced transcriptional upregulation of IL-6, IL-17, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Conclusion This exploratory study provides preliminary evidence that NVC treatment may be associated with improvement in BIPN-related symptoms and reduced inflammatory cytokine levels. Network pharmacology and in vitro findings support a potential anti-neuroinflammatory role of N. vomica , although these findings require confirmation in adequately powered controlled clinical and mechanistic studies.
