Honey from citrus limon is of interest for wound healing due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties . This in vitro study investigates whether citrus lemon honey (CLH) can modulate key cellular and biochemical processes involved in wound healing, in comparison with Manuka honey. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities were evaluated alongside keratinocyte (HaCaT) proliferation and migration assays. Physicochemical analysis showed high water-soluble protein content (480.9 ± 28.4 mg equivalent [Eq] bovine serum albumin/100 g), acidic pH (3.4 ± 0.02), low moisture (19.5%), and moderate electrical conductivity (41.6 ± 2.61 μS/cm). In addition, CLH exhibited notable phenolic (313.6 ± 0.6 mg Eq gallic acid/100 g) and flavonoid contents (6.9 ± 2.6 mg Eq quercetin/100 g), accompanied by strong antioxidant activity (total antioxidant capacity: 3.5 ± 0.05 g Eq ascorbic acid/100 g). CLH demonstrated antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.8–3.1 w/w%), including clinically relevant wound-associated pathogens, highlighting its potential to reduce microbial burden and prevent infection in wound environments. Furthermore, CLH modulated nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated THP-1 macrophages. Functionally, CLH promoted keratinocyte viability and migration in a concentration-dependent manner, with an approximately 20% increase in cell viability at 1–2 mg/mL and a 35% enhancement in migration, without cytotoxicity. These effects were comparable in trend, though less pronounced, to those observed with Manuka honey. Taken together, the combined antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-regenerative effects suggest that CLH may support wound healing by enhancing tissue repair and limiting infection. From a host–microbe interaction perspective, the antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects of CLH suggest a coordinated role in wound healing, where reduced microbial burden and controlled regulation of inflammation may act synergistically to support tissue repair and restore skin integrity. However, further in vivo and clinical studies are required to confirm its therapeutic relevance.

Traditional Palestinian medicine uses Thymus capitatus (T. capitatus), a plant recognized for its therapeutic properties due to its high concentration of essential oils such as thymol and carvacrol, to treat skin diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and respiratory infections. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer activities of T. capitatus essential oil (EO). Moreover, this study employed computational methods including ADMET analysis and molecular docking. Using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, the phytochemical composition of T. capitatus essential oil was identified. The DPPH scavenging method was used to assess antioxidant activity. The Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) and human colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116) cell lines were used to test for cytotoxic and cytostatic effects. The results of GC/MS analysis revealed 21 chemicals, accounting for 95.82% of their content, with carvacrol (61.23%), p-Cymene (9.49%) and gamma-Terpinene (9.4%) being the most abundant. With an IC50 value of 0.27 +/- 0.009 mg/mL, the DPPH assay demonstrated a robust scavenging capacity when compared to the IC50 value of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which was 0.37 +/- 0.007 mg/mL. T. capitatus EO showed potent anticancer activity on HCT-116 and MCF cell lines. The ADMET in-silico investigations revealed satisfying physicochemical and pharmacokinetics profiles, justified by good human intestinal absorption (HIA exceeding 93%), good permeabilities to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and central nervous system (CNS), without any inhibition effect on 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4 cytochromes. Furthermore, all ligands were determined to be nontoxic, with no Ames mutagenicity detected based on toxicity predictions, making them ideal candidates for further drug development.

Background: Honey has long been used in traditional medicine for wound healing. Its therapeutic properties vary depending on botanical and geographical origin. Aim: To evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, polyphenolic composition, antioxidant potential, antibacterial activity, and wound healing effects of Palestinian Medicago sativa (alfalfa) honey. Methods: Polyphenols were profiled by HPLC. Antioxidant capacity was assessed by Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and DPPH radical scavenging assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined by Nitric Oxide (NO) production in LPS-activated THP-1 macrophages. Wound healing potential was tested via HaCaT keratinocyte proliferation and scratch migration assays. Antibacterial effects were evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Results: HPLC revealed a diverse polyphenolic profile dominated by ellagic acid (23.51 mg/g), pinocembrin, and myricetin, with a TPC of 47.37 mg/g. Antioxidant assays confirmed high phenolic levels (327.5 ± 6.95 mg GAE/100 g) and strong radical scavenging activity (DPPH IC50: 12.33 ± 0.68 mg/mL). Alfalfa honey significantly reduced NO production in macrophages, enhanced keratinocyte proliferation at low concentrations, and promoted migration at 1-2 mg/mL, while higher doses showed cytostatic effects. Antibacterial assays demonstrated broad-spectrum activity, particularly against Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusion: Palestinian M. sativa honey exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound healing properties. Its high ellagic acid content, dose-dependent effects on keratinocyte proliferation, and broad antibacterial activity highlight its potential as a natural therapeutic agent in wound management. Major Findings: Palestinian alfalfa honey shows exceptional wound-healing potential through strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities, largely attributed to its high ellagic acid and polyphenolic content.

Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, is increasingly recognized not only for its cardiovascular benefits but also for its potential role in cancer prevention and therapy. Among its bioactive constituents, several phenolic compounds—tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, oleacein, and oleocanthal—have demonstrated promising anticancer activities in various experimental models. These compounds act synergistically through diverse mechanisms, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, as well as modulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Notably, oleocanthal selectively induces cancer cell death via lysosomal membrane permeabilization, while hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein exhibit potent radical-scavenging and anti-proliferative properties. This review synthesizes findings from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on the anticancer potential of these polyphenols, with emphasis on their mechanisms of action and possible applications in cancer prevention and adjunctive therapy. Given the established link between obesity and cancer development, clinical studies examining the metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects of olive polyphenols in populations with obesity or prediabetes provide valuable insights into their potential to influence cancer-related pathways indirectly. However, direct clinical evidence in cancer patients remains limited and preliminary, underscoring the need for focused, well-controlled trials with cancer-specific endpoints. Furthermore, it critically evaluates the translational relevance of these findings, highlighting gaps in clinical research and future directions. Literature was retrieved from Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect using keywords such as cancer, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, olive, tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, oleacein, and oleocanthal. Given the rising global cancer burden and the favorable safety profiles of these natural molecules, elucidating their molecular actions may support the development of novel integrative therapeutic strategies.

Hyphaene thebaica honey, commonly known as doum honey (DH), is widely utilized in the Mediterranean region due to its putative health benefits. However, the precise mechanisms underpinning these benefits remain obscure. This study sought to assess the anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties of DH, and analyze its polyphenolic composition. The antibacterial effects of DH were tested against a range of multidrug-resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. In addition, we investigated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of DH in the MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line. The phenolic compounds in DH were evaluated using quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The model used to assess the anti-inflammatory properties was lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages. HPLC analysis revealed nine phenolic compounds in DH: Gallic acid, caffeic acid, carvacrol, p-coumaric acid, ellagic acid, kaempferol, pinobanksin, pinocembrin, and galangin. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for DH varied between 0.19% and 0.78% w/w for the three Gram-positive strains tested and between 0.024% and 0.39% w/w for the four Gram-negative strains tested. Among all the bacterial strains tested, Escherichia coli was found to be the most susceptible, with an MIC of 0.024% w/w. Upon treating LPS-activated THP-1-derived macrophages with DH, the levels of nitric oxide were significantly diminished. Moreover, DH displayed a modest but significant cytostatic effect on the MDA-MB-231 cells. The most noticeable cytostatic impacts were observed at concentrations of 4 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL, resulting in a decrease in cell viability by 25% and 20%, respectively, compared to untreated control cells. A significant decline in the migration rate of MDA-MB-231 cells was observed following DH treatment compared to control cells (P < 0.05). Our findings not only corroborate the well-established antibacterial properties of DH but also imply that its recognized anticancer advantages may be partially attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytostatic, and antimigration effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY:We evaluated the physicochemical and phytochemical characteristics of Palestinian avocado (Persea americana) honey and examined its antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities using integrated in vitro and in silico approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Polyphenolic compounds were quantified using HPLC. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through total phenolic content (TPC). Anti-inflammatory effects were assessed by measuring nitric oxide (NO) production in THP-1 macrophages. Wound healing potential was examined using HaCaT keratinocyte proliferation and scratch migration assays. Antibacterial activity was tested against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Molecular docking was performed with AutoDock Vina using the Lamarckian Genetic Algorithm (LGA) for flexible ligand docking. RESULTS:Physicochemical analysis showed high water-soluble protein (296.96 ± 22.2 mg Eq BSA/100 g), moderate acidity (pH 4.23 ± 0.03), and elevated electrical conductivity (92.5 ± 1.05 μS). Phytochemical profiling revealed notable phenolic (144.76 ± 5.09 mg Eq GA/100 g) and flavonoid contents (3.54 ± 0.66 mg Eq Q/100 g), with strong antioxidant activity (TAC: 3.04 ± 0.34 g Eq AA/100 g. HPLC identified gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, catechin, and galangin. Honey showed strong antibacterial activity (B. subtilis MIC 0.195 %, MBC 0.39 %; S. pneumoniae MIC/MBC 6.25 %), reduced nitric oxide, and promoted wound healing. Catechin and galangin were safe (LD50 = 10,000 and 3919 mg/kg), while quercetin was more toxic. Docking revealed strong binding of key compounds to targets mediating antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. CONCLUSION:The wound-healing effectiveness of avocado honey is attributed to its combined antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cell-proliferative activities.

Honey and other bee products, including propolis, royal jelly, and bee pollen, are widely recognized for their medicinal properties. Among their numerous biological activities, their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects have gained significant attention in recent years. Immune and inflammatory disorders contribute significantly to the development of chronic conditions, including cancer and diabetes. Bee-derived products, along with their bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, have shown promising therapeutic effects in modulating inflammatory mediators. Studies indicate that these products help regulate tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-7 (IL-7) levels while reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Additionally, both in vitro and in vivo research, along with clinical studies, highlight their role in enhancing immune responses by activating B and T lymphocytes. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying these properties, emphasizing the role of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and proteins in modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation. Evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies suggests that honey and bee products influence cytokine production, regulate immune cell activity, and mitigate oxidative stress, making them potential therapeutic agents for inflammatory and immune-related disorders. To gather relevant information, databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect were searched using various keyword combinations, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, bee products, honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee venom, and bee pollen. Given their anti-inflammatory, immune-protective, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and antimicrobial properties, bee products remain a subject of interest for further clinical evaluation.

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of Ziziphus jujuba honey, commonly referred to as sidr honey (SH), collected from five distinct botanical origins in Morocco: SHE from Errachidia (Daraa-Tafilalet), SHZ from Zaggota (Rabat-Sale-Kenitra), SHA from Ain Chair (Oriental), SHS from Saka (Oriental), and SHK from Khenifra (Beni Mellal-Khenifra). The research investigates the honey’s antibacterial properties against a range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. Furthermore, key physicochemical parameters were analyzed according to international honey standards, including pH, electrical conductivity, Brix scale, refractive index, color, hydrosoluble protein, and total sugar content. Besides, bioactive compounds of SH honey samples, namely Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), and Total Phenolic Content (TPC) were measured. The antioxidant capacity was assessed through Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) measurements and the DPPH assay. The results demonstrated significant variations in the biochemical and physical properties of the SH samples. SHZ had the highest protein content at 209.59 ± 0.91 mg Eq BSA/100 g and TFC of 77.10 ± 1.21 mg QE/100 g, besides a strong antioxidant activity with a DPPH IC50 value of 10.53 ± 0.01 mg/ml and a TAC value of 50.23 ± 0.60 AAE/100 g. Antibacterial assays revealed that SHZ displayed the most potent antibacterial effects, particularly targeting gram-negative bacteria, with an MIC of 0.024 w/w% for S. aureus and 0.049 w/w% for P. aeruginosa, both with corresponding MBC values. In contrast, SHS demonstrated weaker antibacterial activity, with MIC values reaching 12.5 w/w% for several strains. In addition, the analysis of the honey samples indicates substantial relationships among physicochemical parameters, bioactive components, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. These results demonstrate that SH exhibits notable antibacterial and antioxidant properties, underscoring its potential as a natural health product. However, further studies are essential to explore the precise mechanisms driving these bioactive effects and their broader implications for health and nutrition.

The present study evaluates the physicochemical attributes, antibacterial efficacy, and antioxidant capacities of four distinct varieties of honey from the West Bank region of Palestine: Assal Barsem ( Medicago sativa ) AB, Assal Morar ( Centaurea dumulosa Boiss) AM, Assal Horfesh ( Silybum ) AH, and Assal Sader ( Ziziphus spina-christi ) AS. The analysis encompassed parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), and Total Phenolic Content (TPC). Furthermore, the antioxidant potential was gauged through Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) determination and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. In addition, the antibacterial effectiveness of the honeys was measured against a spectrum of bacterial strains including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Bacillus subtilis , utilizing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC). The outcomes of the physicochemical analysis adhered to the quality benchmarks outlined by the European Union Commission and the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The MIC and MBC values exhibited notable variance across the tested honey varieties, with MIC values ranging from 0.024% w/w to 1.56% w/w, and MBC values ranging from 0.048% w/w to 3.15% w/w. Particularly, AH demonstrated superior efficacy against all seven bacterial strains, with MIC values spanning from 0.1 to 0.6% w/w, and MBC values ranging from 0.3% w/w to 0.8% w/w. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were notably susceptible to all honey samples. Collectively, our findings underscore the therapeutic potential of Palestinian honey varieties, highlighting their multifaceted health-promoting attributes. Further exploration is warranted to elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of bioactive constituents and explore their potential applications in healthcare.

The phenolic compounds of four Palestinian honey samples (PH1-PH4) and their antibacterial effects as well as their cytotoxic, cytostatic, and antimigration effects in human breast cancer cell line (MDA) were evaluated here. HPLC analysis of PH2 (Cornflower), PH3 (Milk thistle), and PH4 (Ziziphus) revealed 15 phenolic compounds, namely, caffeic acid, carvacrol, chrysin, ellagic acid, galangin, gallic acid, kaempferol, p-coumaric acid, pinobanksin, pinocembrin, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, rutin, salicylic acid, and silydamin. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method applied to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli). A strong positive correlation was detected between antimicrobial activity (E. coli) and p-coumaric acid, quercetin, and silydamin. IC50 values for DPPH neutralization varied from 0.19 w/w% to 10 w/w%. The potential anticancer properties of the honey samples were evaluated on MDA cells. Samples PH2 and PH3 demonstrated cytostatic activity, reducing cell viability by about 43% at non-toxic concentration of 4 mg/mL. The cytostatic effects were strongly correlated with the presence of caffeic acid, chrysin, protocatechuic acid, rutin, and salicylic acid (p < 0.01). Moreover, the cell migration rate was significantly reduced (by up to 85%) with PH2 and PH3 compared to untreated cells (p < 0.05). A strong positive correlation was observed between the cytostatic effects of the concentration of carvacrol and Pinocembrin (p < 0.01). Our findings validate honey’s antibacterial properties and suggest its anticancer benefits may stem from cytostatic and antimigration effects.

Inflammation is a crucial factor in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Cardiac remodeling in the presence of persistent inflammation leads to myocardial fibrosis and extracellular matrix changes, which reduce cardiac function, induce arrhythmias, and finally, cause heart failure. The majority of current CVD treatment plans concentrate on reducing risk factors such as hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. One such strategy could be inflammation reduction. Numerous in vitro, animal, and clinical studies indicate that obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of medicinal plants and phytochemicals to cure and prevent obesity and inflammation. In comparison to conventional therapies, the synergistic effects of several phytochemicals boost their bioavailability and impact numerous cellular and molecular targets. Focusing on appetite, pancreatic lipase activity, thermogenesis, lipid metabolism, lipolysis and adipogenesis, apoptosis in adipocytes, and adipocyte life cycle by medicinal plants and phytochemicals represent an important goal in the development of new anti-obesity drugs. We conducted an extensive review of the literature and electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and MedlinePlus, for collecting data on the therapeutic effects of medicinal plants/phytochemicals in curing obesity and its related inflammation and CVD diseases, including cellular and molecular mechanisms, cytokines, signal transduction cascades, and clinical trials.

Wound healing is a multifaceted process necessitating the collaboration of numerous elements to mend damaged tissue. Plant and animal-derived natural compounds have been utilized for wound treatment over the centuries, with many scientific investigations examining these compounds. Those with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties are particularly noteworthy, as they target various wound-healing stages to expedite recovery. Thymoquinone, derived from Nigella sativa (N. sativa)—a medicinal herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Unani, Ayurveda, Chinese, and Greco-Arabic and Islamic medicine—has demonstrated a range of therapeutic properties. Thymoquinone exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic activities, positioning it as a potential remedy for skin pathologies. This review examines recent research on how thymoquinone accelerates wound healing and the mechanisms behind its effectiveness. We carried out a comprehensive review of literature and electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and MedlinePlus. Our aim was to gather relevant papers published between 2015 and August 2023. The main criteria for inclusion were that the articles had to be peer reviewed, original, written in English, and discuss the wound-healing parameters of thymoquinone in wound repair. Our review focused on the effects of thymoquinone on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in wound healing. We also examined the role of cytokines, signal transduction cascades, and clinical trials. We found sufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of thymoquinone in promoting wound healing. However, there is no consensus on the most effective concentrations of these substances. It is therefore essential to determine the optimal treatment doses and the best route of administration. Further research is also needed to investigate potential side effects and the performance of thymoquinone in clinical trials.

The production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as adipocyte differentiation and fat accumulation in the 3T3-L1 mouse embryo fibroblast cell line and the human monocytic cell line THP-1 were measured to determine the anti-inflammatory and antiadipogenic effects of ethanolic extracts of verjuice (unripe grape juice (Vitis vinifera L.)), Salvia officinalis L., and Alchemilla vulgaris L. On both cell lines, the three extracts had much greater cytostatic effects than cytotoxic effects. With an IC50 of 505 μg/mL, S. officinalis had the highest cytostatic effect on THP-1-derived macrophages. After treatment with 125 μg/mL, the three extracts dramatically reduced the LPS-induced NO generation in THP-1-derived macrophages from 80 μM to control values after treatment with 125 µg/mL. Furthermore, the extracts reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 production in a dose-dependent manner with the highest effects reached at 250 µg/mL. The production of TNF-α decreased at higher levels compared to IL-6 production. V. vinifera, S. officinalis, and A. vulgaris extracts improved the production levels of IL-10 from 32 pg/mL to 86 pg/mL, 98 pg/mL, and 80 pg/mL at an extract concentration of 125 µg/mL, respectively. The adipocyte differentiation and fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 were decreased to 20% of control values after treatment with plant extracts. Taken together, these results suggest that V. vinifera, S. officinalis, and A. vulgaris likely exert their anti-obesity effects through cytostatic actions and modulation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine production, as well as by reducing adipocyte differentiation and fat accumulation.

Obesity is a long-term condition resulting from a continuous imbalance between the amount of energy consumed and expended. It is associated with premature mortality and contributes to a large portion of the global chronic disease burden, including diabesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and some cancers. While lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments are the primary ways to manage obesity, they may not always be sufficient for long-term weight loss. In these cases, medication may be necessary. However, the options for drugs are limited due to their potential side effects. As a result, there is a need to identify safe and effective alternative treatments. Recently, dietary compounds, plants, and bioactive phytochemicals have been considered as promising sources for discovering new pharmacological agents to treat obesity and its related complications. These natural products can function independently or synergistically with other plants to augment their effects at various levels of the body. They can modulate appetite, lipase activity, thermogenesis and fat synthesis and degradation, satiation, adipogenesis, and adipocyte apoptosis. Additionally, targeting adipocyte growth and differentiation with diverse medicinal plants/diet is a significant strategy for devising new anti-obesity drugs that can intervene in preadipocytes, maturing preadipocytes, and mature adipocytes. Clinical trials have shown that the wild edible plants in the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of obesity and its related diseases. This review examines the effectiveness of the common components of the Mediterranean diet in managing obesity and its associated health issues. We conducted a comprehensive literature review using PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Medline Plus to gather data on the therapeutic effects of the Mediterranean diet and phytochemicals in treating obesity and its associated diseases.

Background: Ficus sycomorus is one of the recommended antipsoriatic medicinal plants in the traditional Greco-Arab herbal medicine. However, the knowledge on its action mechanisms is limited. Aims: Cytotoxic, cytostatic, and anti-inflammatory effects of water/ethanolic extracts of Ficus sycomorus leaves and fruits were evaluated to test their role in the traditionally known antipsoriatic properties. Place and Duration of Study: All the experiments were done in the Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Arab American University-Palestine in 2020. Plants were collected from the Northern region of the West Bank/Palestine during the fall months in 2019 and given (Voucher code: Pharm-PCT-1030) at An-Najah National University. Methodology: MTT assay was used to evaluate cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of Ficus sycomorus extracts in human skin keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT), human monocytic cell line (THP-1)-derived macrophages, and their co-cultures. Commercial ELISA kits were applied to measure the cytokine levels. Results: Both extracts exhibited cytostatic effects with IC 50 of 656 μg/mL and 886 μg/mL for HaCat and co-culture, respectively. Leaves and fruits extracts significantly reduced dose-dependently the LPS-induced NO production by THP-1-derived macrophages from 65 μM to 19 μM and 16 μM, respectively. The fruit extracts showed higher effects than the leaf extracts and reduced the TNF-α levels from 709 pg/mL to 208 pg/mL. The fruit extracts increased the production levels of IL-10 from 74 pg/mL to 90 pg/mL. Conclusion: Ficus sycomorus extracts probably exert their antipsoriatic effects through cytostatic effects and modulation of the production levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Introduction: The significance of the crosstalk between pro-inflammatory mediators and carcinogenesis is widely discussed. These mediators play decisive roles at different stages of tumor development, including initiation, promotion, and metastasis. Arum palaestinum Boiss., Ocimum basilicum L., and Trigonella foenum-graecum L. and their crude extracts are traditionally used in the Arab and Islamic herbal medicine to treat a variety of cancers and inflammatory illnesses. Methods: Human monocytic cell line (THP-1)-derived macrophages were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and cytostatic effects of the ethanolic plant extracts. Cytotoxic and cytostatic effects were measured with the MTT assay. In addition, the production levels of pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-alpha, IL-6, and nitric oxide) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) were measured in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated THP-1-derived macrophages in the absence and presence of increasing concentrations of the three plant extracts. Results: The three plant extracts suppressed the production of NO and TNF-alpha and IL-6, and enhanced the production of IL-10 in LPS-activated THP-1-derived macrophages. In addition, these extracts inhibited the growth of THP-1-derived macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner at nontoxic concentrations. T. foenum-graecum exhibited the highest cytostatic effects with an IC50 of 512 mu g/ mL compared to O. basilicum (no cytostatic effects) and A. palaestinum (IC50=1274 mu g/mL). Conclusion: Even though more studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of observed cytostatic and anti-inflammatory effects, to some extent, these effects could be attributed to the flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and tannin content detected in the plants' extracts.

Over the last four decades, the escalation in diabetes and obesity rates has become epidemic all over the world. Diabesity describes the strong link between T2D and obesity. It correlates deeper with the elevated risks of developing cardiovascular disease hypertension, stroke, and several malignancies. Therapeutic usage of medicinal plants and natural products in the treatment of diabetes and obesity has long been known to physicians of Greco-Arab and Islamic medicine. Improved versions of their abundant medicinal plant-based formulations are at present some of the most popular herbal treatments used. Preclinical and clinical data about medicinal plants along with their bioactive constituents are now available, justifying the traditionally known therapeutic uses of products derived from them for the prevention and cure of obesity-related T2D and other health problems. The aim of this review is to systematize published scientific data dealing with the efficiency of active ingredients or extracts from Middle Eastern medicinal plants and diet in the management of diabesity and its complications. Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and PubMed were searched for publications describing the medicinal plants and diet used in the management of T2D, obesity, and their complications. The used keywords were “medicinal plants” or “herbals” in combination with “obesity,” “diabetes,” “diabetes,” or nephropathy. More than 130 medicinal plants were identified to target diabesity and its complications. The antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects and action mechanisms of these plants are discussed here. These include the regulation of appetite, thermogenesis, lipid absorption, and lipolysis; pancreatic lipase activity and adipogenesis; glucose absorption in the intestine, insulin secretion, glucose transporters, gluconeogenesis, and epigenetic mechanisms.