Infections caused by biofilm-forming Candida sp. Are responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates. With the scarcity of therapeutic options and the increase in resistance to antifungal drugs, new treatment options are needed. Myrcia neoobscura is a tree endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest, belonging to the genus Myrcia, several of whose species have demonstrated important antifungal activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal and antibiofilm activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extract and fractions of Myrcia neoobscura, as well as the mechanisms of action using in vitro methods. Strong inhibitory results were observed against one clinical isolate of Candida krusei with the aqueous fraction standing out (MIC of 7.81 μg/mL), followed by crude hydroalcoholic extract, ethyl acetate, insoluble fractions (15.62 μg/mL), hexane and dichloromethane fractions (62.50 μg/mL). Regarding the mechanism of action, the increase of MIC values on both Ergosterol and Sorbitol assays suggest that extract and fractions of M. neoobscura acts on fungal membrane and cell wall. Candida krusei showed moderate biofilm formation and significant antibiofilm activity were observed for all tested samples against the mature biofilm, with the dissolution of 48h mature C. krusei biofilm ranging from 45.6% up to 60.2%. These findings highlight M. neoobscura as a promising source of antifungal and antibiofilm agents, particularly against C. krusei.
BackgroundC. adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg (Myrtaceae), commonly known as guavira, is a Cerrado species of high bioeconomic value whose fruit-processing residues represent a promising source of bioactive essential oils. However, the influence of drying conditions on the yield, composition, and antibacterial activity of these oils remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study integrated GC–MS-based chemical profiling with multivariate chemometric analyses to investigate drying-induced changes in essential oils obtained from Campomanesia adamantium peels and seeds.MethodsPeels and seeds were subjected to two drying treatments: oven drying at 40 °C and room-temperature drying (RT, ∼22 °C). Essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation after 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 days of drying, using fresh residues as control (day 0). Chemical composition was characterized by GC–MS. Chemometric analyses, including PLS-DA, HCA, and heatmap visualization, were applied to evaluate drying-induced chemical alterations. Antimicrobial activity against a β-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus strain was assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).ResultsDrying significantly affected essential oil yield, composition, and antibacterial activity. Oven drying increased essential oil yield from 0.105% ± 0.015% in fresh residues to 0.276% ± 0.037% after drying, representing a 2.63-fold increase. The major compounds identified were limonene and β-pinene, whereas 1,8-cineole, absent in fresh samples, became abundant after drying. Heatmap and PLS-DA analyses demonstrated clear discrimination among treatments, revealing reduction of hydrocarbon monoterpenes and increased relative abundance of oxygenated compounds after drying. Room-temperature drying maintained a volatile profile closer to that of the fresh essential oil, whereas oven drying induced more pronounced compositional changes. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated marked enhancement of antibacterial activity after drying. Fresh samples exhibited MIC values ≥2000 μg mL-1, whereas room temperature dried samples at 6 and 8 days showed the strongest activity, with MIC values of 7.5 μg mL-1 against S. aureus.ConclusionControlled drying effectively enhanced the value of C. adamantium fruit-processing residues by improving essential oil recovery and antibacterial activity while modulating volatile composition. The improved stability of the dried plant material also facilitates storage and transportation, supporting its sustainable use as a raw material for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications.
Cyclopeptides are peptides in which the amino acid sequence forms a closed ring structure, typically through a head to tail amide bond or other covalent linkage, resulting in enhanced conformational stability and often distinctive biological activities. So far more than 40 cyclopeptides have been approved for medical use. These substances can be naturally found in fungi, marine organisms and plants, specially belonging to the Rubiaceae family. As the fourth-largest flowering family plant, Rubiaceae contain more than 1,400 species distributed in 128 genres and can be found in almost every terrestrial ecosystem including all Brazil phytogeographic domains. Although Rubiaceae are well-known sources of bioactive cyclopeptides and cyclotides with antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antibiotic activities, among others, however, systematic cataloguing is still an ongoing effort. As such, in this mini-review, performed using the Scifinder®, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, through a simple article retrieval workflow, we intended to group the most relevant results reported in the last decade (2016–2026), and prompt future perspective on cyclopeptide research.
Lupins are high‐protein feed and food crops, but most species synthesize toxic quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs). Sweet lupins have been bred for low alkaloid levels, yet occasional reversion to the bitter, toxic phenotype requires routine monitoring for food safety. Understanding QA biosynthesis, transport, and seed accumulation is crucial for developing lupins as reliable crops and for strategies aimed at reducing toxicity or valorising alkaloids. Eight major QAs were quantified during seed ripening in Lupinus angustifolius and L. mutabilis. Pearson correlation analyses explored relationships among alkaloids and informed a hypothesis on pod‐to‐seed transport, especially in L. mutabilis. Semi‐quantitative profiling of ten putative minor alkaloids complemented the study, and targeted transcriptomics measured expression of QA‐biosynthetic and candidate transporter genes in pods and seeds. Both species showed distinct temporal accumulation patterns of the eight major QAs. Correlation data supported the hypothesis that pods are the primary QA source, with subsequent translocation to seeds in L. mutabilis. Minor‐alkaloid profiling expanded the alkaloid spectrum. Transcriptomics revealed low QA‐biosynthetic gene expression in seeds but detectable transporter gene expression, consistent with pod‐derived QA import. The evidence indicates that QA synthesis occurs mainly in pods, followed by transporter‐mediated movement into seeds. Recognising pods as the QA source provides a knowledge‐based target for reducing seed toxicity or for exploiting alkaloid transport pathways in future lupin crop improvement.
Vegetable oils have extensive industrial and food applications, with green coffee oil standing out due to the presence of bioactive compounds of pharmaceutical and cosmetic interest. This study aimed to characterize the metabolomic and physicochemical profile of oil extracted from Coffea arabica L. seeds cultivated in the southwestern region of Bahia, Brazil. Ten green coffee samples were subjected to oil extraction and analyzed for density, refractive index and acidity index, in addition to metabolomic analysis based on molecular networking. The results demonstrated the refractive index values between 1,473 and 1,478, density values between 0.9099 and 0.9851 and acidity index values ranging from 3 to 19 mg KOH/g. Metabolomic characterization enabled the identification of palmitic, linoleic, oleic, and stearic acids as the major fatty acids, along with other metabolites associated with the lipid fraction of the oil. Differences in the abundance of these compounds were observed among samples, highlighting chemical variability related to seed origin and characteristics. The predominance of bioactive fatty acids and compounds with antioxidant potential reinforces the applicability of green coffee oil as a promising raw material for cosmetic formulations and the development of pharmaceutical products.
IntroductionCartilage has a limited capacity for self-repair due in part to its avascular nature, making proper mechanical loading and nutritional support essential for maintaining joint health. Nutraceuticals derived from agricultural by-products present an opportunity to enhance animal health while retaining product value within the production system. Hemp polyphenol extract, a product derived from a by-product of hemp plant processing, contains bioactive compounds such as cannabidiol (CBD) and flavonoids that have been associated with anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory and/or chondroprotective properties of a simulated digest of hemp polyphenol extract (HPE) on porcine cartilage explants challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MethodsTwo experiments were conducted to determine non-cytotoxic, effective concentrations of HPE. Cartilage explants were aseptically collected from the intercarpal joints of market-weight pigs (Experiment 1: n = 9; Experiment 2: n = 12) and cultured at 37 °C and 7% CO2 for 120 h. During the final 96 h, explants were conditioned with varying concentrations of HPE (1.22, 2.44, 7.32, 12.2, or 24.4 mg/mL) and stimulated with LPS (0 or 10 μg/mL) during the final 48 h. Samples of culture media were collected prior to LPS stimulation and at 24 and 48 h post-stimulation for analysis of inflammatory biomarkers [prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nitric oxide (NO), and resolvin D1 (RvD1)]. Cartilage structural integrity was assessed by quantifying glycosaminoglycan release into media (mGAG) and retention within explants (tGAG), and explants were stained to evaluate cell viability.ResultsIn Trial 1, HPEtreatments (1.22, 2.44, and 24.4 mg/mL) did not markedly alter inflammatory biomarkers but reduced cell viability at the highest dose (24.4 mg/mL). Based on these results, Trial 2 was conducted using intermediate concentrations (2.44, 7.32, and 12.2 mg/mL). Conditioning of explants with 7.32 and 12.2 mg/mL significantly reduced PGE2 and NO concentrations compared to controls, while RvD1 was elevated across all treatments, with the highest concentrations observed at 12.2 mg/mL across all time points. At 12.2 mg/mL mGAG was decreased while tGAG was increased. Cell viability remained above 99% in all treatment groups. DiscussionThese findings indicate that intermediate doses of HPE may provide anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective benefits, supporting the potential use of hemp by-products as functional nutraceutical ingredients for joint health.
BackgroundMultidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens continue to severely compromise the therapeutic dynamics of modern medicine, placing a severe burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species are at the frontline of this crisis and are developing resistance mechanisms at an alarming rate. Moreover, the clinical challenge is further complicated by emergent antifungal resistance in Candida auris and Aspergillus fumigatus. In light of a declining antibiotic pipeline, plant-derived polyphenols have again attracted renewed scientific interest because of their multitarget antimicrobial activity.Study synthesisThis review summarises evidence in peer-reviewed literature (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science; 2013–2025) to provide a comprehensive mechanistic analysis of the mechanisms by which polyphenols disrupt MDR pathogens. The mechanisms considered include direct disruption of the bacterial cell envelope with species-specific modalities in Gram-positive versus Gram-negative organisms; inhibition of essential intracellular targets comprising DNA gyrase, fatty acid synthase enzymes (FabI, FabG, FabZ), and the tricarboxylic acid cycle; selective suppression of efflux pump-driven resistance; pro-oxidant ROS generation and metal ion chelation; and quorum sensing interference coupled with multistage antibiofilm activity, as exemplified by polyphenolic compounds, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), quercetin, resveratrol, curcumin, and tannic acid, which exert strong antimicrobial and antivirulence effects through interactions with multiple bacterial pathways.ConclusionRegardless of their low bioavailability, rapid first-pass metabolism, and chemical instability challenges, polyphenols present interesting alternatives and adjuvants to traditional antibiotics because of their structural diversity, low host cytotoxicity, and significantly reduced ability to drive resistance selection. Advanced nanoformulation-based delivery systems, structure‒activity relationship-directed semisynthetic optimisation, rigorous standardised in vivo validation models, and the commencement of targeted clinical trials starting with topical applications and combination-adjuvant applications of these natural compounds to unlock the full translational potential of these natural compounds are recommended.
IntroductionInfections caused by Candida spp. Represent a significant clinical challenge, particularly due to biofilm formation associated with resistance to conventional antifungal agents. The biological diversity of the Brazilian Cerrado is a promising source of novel bioactive molecules, and the liana Diplopterys pubipetala (Malpighiaceae), native to this biome, has shown antifungal activity against planktonic cells; however, its effects on biofilms have not yet been investigated. In this study, the antibiofilm activity of the crude extract and leaf partitions of D. pubipetala was evaluated against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida glabrata.MethodsBiofilm minimum inhibitory concentration (MICB50) and 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) were determined using biomass (crystal violet) and cell viability (MTT) assays. Amphotericin B was used as a positive control.ResultsAgainst C. albicans, the dichloromethane partition showed MICB50 of 250 μg mL-1 and IC50 of 179 μg mL-1, while the hexane partition exhibited the lowest IC50 (69.38 μg mL-1). For C. tropicalis, the hexane and dichloromethane partitions showed MICB50 of 500 μg mL-1 and IC50 values of 279.2 and 337.9 μg mL-1, respectively. Overall, C. glabrata showed higher tolerance. Amphotericin B maintained high activity.DiscussionAntibiofilm activity was more pronounced in the less polar partitions, particularly against C. albicans and C. tropicalis. These results suggest that less polar metabolites present in these partitions may be involved in the observed activity; however, further studies are needed for compound isolation and confirmation.
IntroductionThe urgent need for new antileishmanial agents is driven by the toxicity and emerging resistance associated with current therapies. Essential oils from Melaleuca viminalis (Myrtaceae) are rich in bioactive monoterpenes; however, integrated chemical annotation strategies combining advanced computational tools with biological evaluation remain limited. This study combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with molecular network-assisted dereplication to accelerate compound annotation and correlate chemical composition with antileishmanial activity against Leishmania amazonensis.MethodsEssential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation from leaves (yield 0.54%) and inflorescences (yield 0.41%). Volatile constituents were analyzed by GC-MS and subjected to dereplication using the GNPS platform, allowing spectral matching and visualization of structural relationships. Antileishmanial activity was evaluated against the promastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of L. amazonensis, and cytotoxicity was evaluated in bone marrow-derived macrophages to determine selectivity indices.Results and discussionThe molecular networking allowed the annotation of 86.92% and 90.71% of the constituents detected in the oils of the leaves and inflorescences, respectively, revealing a chemical profile dominated by monoterpenes. The main compound, 1,8-cineole (47.53%–50.53%), was grouped with other oxygenated monoterpenes. The leaf oil had effective concentrations of 27.78 μg/mL (promastigotes) and 6.80 μg/mL (amastigotes), while the inflorescence oil had 44.67 and 12.05 μg/mL. The cytotoxic concentrations were 36.55 and 73.72 μg/mL, producing selectivity indices of 5.37 and 6.12. Notably, 1,8-cineole exhibited an effective concentration of 5.58 μg/mL against amastigotes and a selectivity index ≥17.92, surpassing miltefosine.
Antibiotic feed additives are added to broiler diets at subtherapeutic dosages to boost feed conversion, accelerate growth and improve meat yield. However antibiotic growth promoters have fostered the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistant genes which has led to their ban and has raised public concern regarding the dissemination of antibiotic resistant pathogens and their implications for food safety and human health. Myrothamnus flabellifolius plant native to Southern Africa known to survive extreme desiccation has rich bioactive compounds and carbohydrate profile that can potentially affect broiler performance, health and meat quality. In this narrative review the literature search was designed to encompass parameters related to M. flabellifolius plant nutritional and phytochemical composition and how the mode of action of the compounds affects broiler growth performance, health and meat quality. M. flabellifolius contains carbohydrate trehalose, raffinose, stachyose and sucrose which act as prebiotics and energy sources when included in broiler diets as a feed additive. Phytochemical composition of resurrection bush plant, which is rich in phenolic, flavonoid and other bioactive compounds improves broiler gut health, immunity, reduces oxidative stress and improves broiler meat quality and shelf life. Understanding the preliminary chemical and phytochemical composition of M. flabellifolius and its perceived mode of action and relating that to broiler performance and meat quality is essential and form the basis for the formulation of diets that enhance broiler welfare and product safety. Future research should prioritize in vivo investigations to gain more comprehensive insights into the interactions among these dietary components and identify the optimal combinations for broiler feeding strategies.
South Africa’s extensive floral biodiversity and ethnobotanical history represent a vast, underexplored resource for neurology, with over 300 species traditionally used for CNS ailments like epilepsy, anxiety, and cognitive decline. This paper advocates for a multi-targeted therapeutic strategy as an essential alternative to the insufficient “one drug, one target” conventional approach, given that complex neurological disorders are multifactorial, involving issues like neurotransmitter imbalance, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. Plant extracts, rich in bioactive compounds (alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoids), are uniquely suited for this approach, exemplified by Sceletium tortuosum alkaloids acting as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and Boophone disticha alkaloids showing acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity, with other species like Sutherlandia frutescens alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction. However, scientific translation is significantly impeded by a pervasive lack of human clinical trials (RCTs), considerable chemical variability in traditional remedies, and critical ethical and ecological challenges surrounding bioprospecting. To bridge this gap, future efforts must prioritize rigorous clinical validation, implement stringent Standardization and Quality Control (QC) using advanced analytical techniques, and strictly adhere to Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) principles to ensure sustainable and equitable commercial development.
IntroductionPlant decoctions are especially valued in ethnomedicine for their simplicity, accessibility, and effectiveness in delivering therapeutic compounds. Chemical analysis of such decoctions can be challenging due to their unique composition, predominantly consisting of polar compounds. In this context, an analytical workflow was developed using HILIC and reversed-phase chromatography. The decoction of Combretum micranthum, a medicinal plant widely used in African traditional medicine and particularly in Senegal for the treatment of hypertension, was used for a proof-of-concept.MethodsThe chemical profile of the decoction was established using UHPLC-PDA-CAD-HRMS/MS with both HILIC and reversed-phase chromatographic techniques, and a molecular network was generated from HR-MS/MS data to establish comprehensive metabolite annotations and make connections between metabolites. Following a butanol/water liquid-liquid partition, compounds were isolated by semi-preparative HPLC-UV with dry load injection, separating polar compounds via HILIC and medium-polarity compounds via reversed-phase chromatography. Major polar constituents were quantified by 1H-NMR.Results and discussionThis approach enabled the annotation of 10 metabolites based on high-resolution MS/MS data, with their identities subsequently confirmed through isolation and de novo structural elucidation. In total, the isolation strategy yielded 13 compounds, which were characterized by NMR and HRMS analyses. The phytochemical analysis highlighted the predominance of very polar compounds (choline, stachydrine, betonicine, and quinic acid) alongside nine flavonoid derivatives from the less polar fraction, with triacetiflavan (13.6%) and betonicine (5.1%) as major constituents. Quantitative 1H-NMR analysis allowed choline to be quantified at 0.1%, stachydrine at 1.3%, and betonicine at 5.1% in the traditional water decoction. Notably, several compounds such as stachydrine, vitexin, and isovitexin possess known cardiovascular activities associated with hypotensive effects, which may underline the traditional use of C. micranthum decoction as a hypotensive agent. The workflow proposed here, particularly the complementary use of HILIC and reversed-phase chromatography for the analysis and isolation of polar compounds, offers a valuable approach for advancing knowledge of the chemical composition of traditional plant decoctions.
BackgroundTurmeric (Curcuma longa) and Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) are botanicals commonly used to support cartilage health. While direct benefits of turmeric on cartilage homeostasis have been reported, its bioavailability profile is widely known to be poor. Co-administration of other botanical substances may improve translational potential of oral turmeric if they do not interfere with bioactivity of turmeric on target tissues. The purpose was to compare turmeric (TUR) and a 2:1 blend of turmeric and tamarind (TT) on responses of cartilage to inflammatory stimuli.MethodsTUR and TT underwent simulated digestion, hepatic biotransformation, and ultrafiltration, and were used to condition cartilage explants in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Explants were cultured for 120 h; the first 24 h in basal tissue culture media and the remaining 96 h in media containing TUR or TT (0, 7.6, 22.8 or 38 μg/mL). LPS (0 or 10 μg/mL) was added for the final 48 h. Media samples were collected prior to LPS exposure (0 h) and 24 and 48 h after, and analyzed for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and nitric oxide (NO). Cartilage was digested and analyzed for GAG, and a GAG retention index (GRI) was calculated. At the end of the 120 h culture period, explants were stained for viability. Data were analyzed using a 2-way repeated measures ANOVA (GAG, PGE2, NO) or 1-way ANOVA without repeated measures (viability, tissue GAG, and GRI). Significance was accepted at p < 0.05.ResultsNeither TUR nor TT affected chondrocyte viability or PGE2 production. TUR (38 μg/mL) reduced media GAG in unstimulated explants and increased GRI. TTsim (22.8 and 38 μg/mL) reduced NO and media GAG, in both stimulated and unstimulated explants, and increased GRI.ConclusionThese data provide evidence that both turmeric and a blend of turmeric and tamarind can protect cartilage from inflammatory challenge, with the latter demonstrating greater effects.
BackgroundAcne is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases associated with sebum hypersecretion and the action of steroid hormones in the skin and the whole body. Sebum secretion is increased due to overexpression or elevated amounts of type I 5α-reductase, leading to inflammation and acne.MethodsThe research was conducted using Prunus mume fruit extract enriched with quercetin and shikimic acid. Type I 5α-reductase was selected as the main target for in silico molecular modelling of phytochemicals. The maximum tolerated concentration was evaluated on human sebocytes using the MTT assay. An in vitro study was performed to determine the effects of shikimic acid and the combination of shikimic acid with Prunus mume fruit extract on the level of type I 5α-reductase in skin sebocytes under testosterone-induced stress, using the ELISA method. Additionally, the stability of the cosmetic formulation containing these phytochemicals was assessed for future clinical research aimed at alleviating signs of inflammation in healthy volunteers, according to international ethical guidelines.ResultsBased on in silico and in vitro results, shikimic acid was identified as an effective modulator of type I 5α-reductase in skin sebocytes. The addition of Prunus mume fruit extract, enriched with phenolic compounds, enhanced the activity of shikimic acid on type I 5α-reductase. The combination of shikimic acid and Prunus mume extract in a 1:1 mass ratio demonstrated a good cytotoxicity profile within the concentration range of 0.001 to 1.0 wt%, with cell viability ranging from 85% to 100%. Furthermore, at a concentration of 0.03% wt%, the phytochemical combination exhibited a significantly enhanced effect, reducing the amount of type I 5α-reductase to basal levels compared to the testosterone-stimulated group (p < 0.001). This effect was 20% more pronounced than shikimic acid alone (p < 0.001) and 30% higher than salicylic acid and azelaic acid, used as positive controls for acne treatment (p < 0.01). Moreover, Prunus mume extract stabilized shikimic acid in the cosmetic formulation, preventing crystal formation. Clinical research of the cosmetic patches containing these phytochemicals confirmed the absence of adverse skin effects and demonstrated improvement in inflammation signs in healthy volunteers.Conclusion and discussionThe study underscores the beneficial effects of combining shikimic acid with Prunus mume fruit extract on testosterone-induced acne lesions, providing significant efficacy and improved stability in cosmetic formulations. The phytochemical combination could be a promising natural modulator that alleviates skin inflammation by modulation of type I 5α-reductase activity. Further research could explore its effects on different stages of acne, leading to the development of novel pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical formulations.
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become a popular model organism in biomedical research due to their genetic similarity to humans (approximately 70%) and rapid embryonic development. They have proven instrumental in advancing our understanding of various human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and developmental abnormalities. Their incorporation in research facilitated advancements in understanding disease processes, screening potential drugs of synthetic or natural origin, and developing therapeutic interventions. This comprehensive review evaluates the efficacy of zebrafish models in advancing our understanding of human neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease. We discuss the strengths and limitations of zebrafish models, highlighting their contributions to disease-focused research and significant insights derived from these models. Specifically, we explore their role as a natural products screening platform and focus on understanding neuronal development and associated disorders. This review aims to provide a balanced assessment of the benefits and limitations of zebrafish models, highlighting their potential to advance our understanding of neurological diseases.
The importance of natural products (NPs) as molecular libraries providing diverse three-dimensional structural features and serving as scaffolds for drug discovery is well recognized. However, the isolation of both targeted and untargeted secondary metabolites remains a major challenge in NP research, despite significant advances in analytical and biotechnological tools. To address this, we report a rapid and efficient method for the semipreparative isolation of secondary metabolites from NP extracts using offline C18 solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges, guided by the retention profile of a reverse-phase liquid chromatography gradient (LCSPE-fast). LCSPE-fast proved to be fast, cost-effective, and yielded multi-milligram amounts of target-metabolite-enriched fractions (∼0.40 g of chlorogenic acid and 0.03–0.103 g of 3,4-Di-O-caffeoylquinic acid) from Uncaria guianensis cultivated both in vitro and in situ.
The rising global concern of antibiotic resistance has renewed scientific interest in understanding and exploring the traditional remedies as alternative or complementary therapeutics. Ancient medical systems such as Ayurveda have used plant-based systems such as Neem, turmeric for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and/or wound healing actions. Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM), a diverse group of mycobacterial species excluding Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are increasingly recognised as important causes of chronic skin and soft tissue infections. These infections are specifically challenging as the NTM species often invade deeper layers of the skin, exhibiting high levels of intrinsic antibiotic resistance and are frequently difficult to diagnose in early stages of infections. As a result of this, treatment failures are often, and hence there is a growing interest in sustainable, natural and less toxic treatment options. This leads to the need for scientifically backed ancient knowledge as a potential solution for these kinds of infections. Modern biotechnology could provide innovative ways to enhance the clinical utility of such natural or ancient compounds by addressing the limitations, like poor solubility, low stability and restricted tissue penetration. Modern biotechnology could enhance bioavailability and allow controlled as well as targeted release at infected sites. Therefore, the integration of traditional or ancient plant-derived therapeutics with advanced biotechnology holds a significant promise for developing safer, more effective and sustainable treatment approaches against NTM-related skin infections. The upcoming part hence focuses on bridging ancient remedies with modern biotechnology for their combined potential advantages and some real-life applications with prospects with regard to the management of non-TB mycobacterial skin infections.
In the Indian Ayurvedic system, Tinospora cordifolia is highly prized for its distinct phytochemical components. While the sun-dried portions of this herb have been less examined, the shade-dried stem has been thoroughly investigated for its potential to prevent diabetes. Hence, the present study assesses the anti-diabetic efficacy of the sun-dried stem of T. cordifolia using streptozotocin and a high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced diabetic rat model. GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) analysis revealed that anti-diabetic components like octacosanol, oleic acid, and palmitoleic acid were present in its methanolic extract. The in vivo investigation showed that the induction of diabetes evoked some physical alterations, such as weight loss and reduction in gonad size, in male Wistar rats, which were improved after supplementation with T. cordifolia. The 900 mg/kg wt dose showed the strongest capacity to lower fasting blood glucose (FBG) (71%), whereas triglyceride (<60 mg/dL) and total cholesterol (<80 mg/dL) were significantly lowered in treated groups compared to the controls. Though FBG levels were lowered in the treatment groups, serum insulin levels (26.09 pg/mL) did not show any elevation in values. Simultaneously, leptin hormone was improved along with serum vitamin D levels, and no improvement or major changes in pancreatic tissues were found. This study is the first to report that T. cordifolia extract can increase serum vitamin D levels in diabetic rats and may have a role in vitamin D regulation.
IntroductionFunctional food products are widely available in the market and have several benefits, such as high protein and low calorie content, for addressing obesity. However, the regulation of product content, which results in weight maintenance, needs to be described. This study aimed to explore methods to assess the influence of anti-obesity food bars made from soybeans on antioxidants in functional food products that are widely available in the market.MethodsThese methods include network pharmacology screening, bioactive gene analysis, interaction network development, phytochemical screening, molecular docking, and antioxidant activity testing.ResultsScreening revealed that the main bioactivities of the soybean food bars were glycitein and 6″-Omalonylglycitin, which have a high affinity for molecular docking. The food bar methanol and ethanol extracts had higher ES50 values (1.30 and 2.00 mg/mL, respectively) than genistein (0.13 mg/mL), indicating weak antioxidant activity. Therefore, the ethanol and methanol extracts of the soybean food bar exhibited weak antioxidant activity.ConclusionThis study suggests that soybean-based food bars may have potential anti-obesity relevance through predicted interactions with leptin signaling proteins, network pharmacology analysis, and measurable antioxidant activity.
