Background/Objectives: The valorization of bioactive compounds from food industry by-products aligns with sustainable development goals and represents a strategy for obtaining functional ingredients. Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) skins are a phenolic-rich residue with high antioxidant potential, but their extraction conditions and cellular mechanisms of action remain insufficiently explored. Methods: Ultrasound-assisted extraction was optimized using a 33 Full Factorial Design (FFD) by investigating temperature (30–50–70 °C), extraction time (1–2–3 h), and solvent composition (water/ethanol). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using multiple in vitro assays, including Total Phenolic Content (TPC), DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and β-carotene bleaching (BCB) assays. The optimized extract (OE) was chemically characterized by UHPLC–MS/MS and its activity was evaluated in HepG2 cells for biocompatibility, modulation of intracellular ROS levels, and antioxidant pathway activation. Results: Optimal extraction conditions were identified as 30 °C, 70.86 min (1.181 h), and 21.13% ethanol (v/v), yielding an extract with enhanced antioxidant capacity. UHPLC–MS/MS analysis revealed 25 bioactive compounds, mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids, relevant for oxidative stress modulation. The extract significantly reduced tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH)-induced intracellular ROS levels, restoring antioxidant proteins involved in the Nuclear Factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2)-mediated defense pathway. Conclusions: The optimized hazelnut skin extract combines strong antioxidant efficacy with cellular compatibility, supporting its potential application as a functional ingredient for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical strategies targeting oxidative stress-related conditions.

Modern biomedical science is characterized by a rapid increase in the volume of scientific publications and the growing complexity of the research landscape, which reinforces the need for quantitative methods of analyzing scientific literature, including bibliometrics. This graphical review aims to systematize the methodological approaches to bibliometric analysis and its areas of application in the health sciences, as well as to present visual guidelines for analyzing the structure, dynamics, and interconnections of the biomedical research landscape. The paper examines the key stages of bibliometric research, from the development of search strategies and data processing to methods of scientific mapping and visualization, which allow the identification of thematic clusters and research trends. The main directions of bibliometric application in the health sciences are systematized, including disease research, clinical trial analysis, pharmaceutical development, public health, precision medicine, digital health, mental health, the study of medical misinformation, and issues related to chronic diseases and population aging. Bibliometric analysis offers a quantitative and scalable approach to exploring scientific literature, enabling the identification of key thematic areas, collaboration networks, and emerging trends in biomedical research. Its limitations include database coverage, language and regional biases, disciplinary differences, citation delays, and the fact that citations do not necessarily indicate endorsement. Future developments in bibliometrics are linked to integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and semantic analysis, as well as combining bibliometric methods with systematic reviews to enable deeper insights into scientific knowledge. Thus, bibliometrics represents a powerful tool for analyzing the structure and dynamics of health sciences research and can inform strategic decision-making in science policy and healthcare system development.

Between 2010 and 2019, international travel increased by approximately 52.2

Engagement with nutritional health information through digital platforms has become increasingly important for market trends and public health communication. This study examined posts containing the terms "nutraceutical" or "nutraceuticals" shared on X (formerly Twitter) over a 24-month period from 1 August 2023 to 1 August 2025. Data collection and analysis were conducted using the Fedica platform analytics, completed on 22 August 2025. The dataset comprises 82,804 individual posts from 61,527 unique user accounts, with a total of 19,348,499 impressions. Posts originated from 170 countries, with the USA contributing 55.93% of the activity, followed by India (20.01%), and Canada (4.03%). Lexical analysis identified stem cells, peptides, and psychedelics as the most prevalent terms, whereas hashtag co-occurrence analysis highlighted key themes related to health, wellness, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional content. Discussions about nutraceuticals have focused on specific compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD; n=1,211), nattokinase (n=923), and protein extracts (n=596). The posts demonstrated a high potential for amplification, averaging 234 impressions per post, indicating a strong capacity for information dissemination. This analysis reveals that discussions on the X platform on nutraceutical products form a globally distributed communication network with concentrated user participation from economically developed regions and major emerging markets. The findings underscore the role of the X platform as a key channel for exchanging dietary supplement information and emphasise considerations for stakeholders in nutritional product marketing, health communication, and regulatory oversight.

Aim: This manuscript summarizes the key scientific and practical outcomes of the #DHPSP2024 digital networking event, focusing on emerging trends in digital health technologies, innovations in patient safety, and their implications for improving healthcare delivery. Methods: The #DHPSP2024 event was held from June 18 to 20, 2024, on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn, connecting professionals and stakeholders in digital health and patient safety from different sectors. Data from posts on X and LinkedIn were analyzed for geographical distribution, engagement metrics (impressions, likes, shares), top hashtags, and frequently used terms. A qualitative analysis of the central themes and key online messaging discussions of the network event was also conducted. Results: On X, 2,329 posts by 179 participants from 38 countries generated over 231,000 impressions, with the most activity in Austria, China, and India. LinkedIn engagement included 3,475 likes, 217 comments, and 2,030 shares. Both platforms highlighted core themes such as digital health, patient safety, treatment quality, research on natural compounds, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Online messaging discussions emphasized technologies like telemedicine and artificial intelligence as critical tools for enhancing care delivery and patient safety. Participants also promoted special issues of scientific journals and explored collaborative research opportunities. Conclusions: The #DHPSP2024 event underscored the pivotal role of digital technologies in transforming healthcare, particularly in improving the quality and safety of interventions. The findings demonstrate how digital networking events, grounded in open innovation, foster global research communities, accelerate knowledge exchange, and support the integration of clinically relevant digital solutions. The strong engagement reflects growing interest in leveraging digital platforms to advance health outcomes and professional development. Overall, the event contributed to greater visibility of ongoing research, encouraged interdisciplinary cooperation, and may positively influence both the adoption of innovations in healthcare practice and the dissemination of scientific knowledge.

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are typically characterized by progressive loss of neuronal function and the deposition of misfolded proteins in the brain and peripheral organs. They are molecularly classified based on the specific proteins involved, underscoring the critical role of protein-processing systems in their pathogenesis. Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is a neural protein that is crucial in initiating and progressing various NDs by directly or indirectly regulating other ND-associated proteins. Therefore, reducing the α-syn aggregation can be an excellent option for combating ND initiation and progression. This study presents an in silico phytochemical-based approach for discovering novel neuroprotective agents from bioactive compounds of the Lamiaceae family, highlighting the potential of computational methods such as functional networking, pathway enrichment analysis, molecular docking, and simulation in therapeutic discovery. Functional network and enrichment pathway analysis established the direct or indirect involvement of α-syn in various NDs. Furthermore, molecular docking interaction and simulation studies were conducted to screen 85 major bioactive compounds of the Lamiaceae family against the α-syn aggregation. The results showed that five compounds (α-copaene, γ-eudesmol, carnosol, cedryl acetate, and spathulenol) had a high binding affinity towards α-syn with potential inhibitory activity towards its aggregation. MD simulations validated the stability of the molecular interactions determined by molecular docking. In addition, in silico pharmacokinetic analysis underscores their potential as promising drug candidates, demonstrating excellent blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, bioactivity, and reduced toxicity. In summary, this study identifies the most suitable compounds for targeting the α-syn aggregation and recommends these compounds as potential therapeutic agents against various NDs, pending further in vitro and in vivo validation.

Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish and other natural sources, are essential polyunsaturated fats with significant health benefits. This study provides an overall quantitative literature analysis on omega-3 fatty acids. Bibliometric data were collected through the search string TOPIC = ("omega-3 fatty acid*" OR "omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid*" OR "omega-3 fatty acid*" OR "omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid*" OR "n-3 fatty acid*" OR "n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid*" OR "omega-3 oil*"). It yielded 35,575 publications indexed in the online Web of Science Core Collection database. Using VOSviewer software, term maps were generated to visualize frequently mentioned terms together with their citation data. The literature had a steady growth since the 2000s and predominantly consists of original articles, with a ratio of 5.4:1 compared to reviews. The most productive author was Professor Philip C. Calder from University of Southampton, whereas the most productive country was the United States. Fish is a common source of omega-3 fatty acids mentioned by the literature, along with olive oil, corn oil, soybean oil, flaxseed, microalgae, linseed oil, vegetable oil, and seafood. Recurring medical conditions mentioned by the literature included inflammation, cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, depression, and diabetes. This bibliometric review highlights the dominant contributors, major research themes, and emerging applications of omega-3 fatty acids in human and animal health.

The gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and its natural donor isothiocyanates have been suggested by emerging evidence to play a significant role in the therapeutic management of several conditions like metabolic syndrome, neurodegeneration, inflammation, and so forth. In particular, isothiocyanates from Moringa oleifera Lam have been found to be more stable than those from cruciferous vegetables and Alliaceae, although they are less studied. For this reason, the present review aims to conduct a systematic literature search to outline the potential clinical applications of isothiocyanates, as a source of H2S, formed from glucosinolates present in M. oleifera. The systematic search was performed on Scopus and PubMed using wide-ranging keywords such as "Isothiocyanates" and "Moringa," "Isothiocyanates," and "Moringin," and "Moringin" alone. The selection was limited to publications written in English. All articles containing information on the biological activity of M. oleifera's isothiocyanates were considered for selecting articles for analysis. Review articles, letters, book chapters, editorials, conference papers, systematic reviews, and short surveys were not considered. This allowed the selection of 42 papers, which were analyzed per pathologies and evaluated for the risk of biases using the QUIN tool. Hence, this review gives an overview of the potential health benefits linked to M. oleifera's isothiocyanates as a natural source of H2S.

The microbiota, comprising all the microorganisms within the body, plays a critical role in maintaining good health. Dysbiosis represents a condition resulting from an imbalance or alteration of the microbiota. This study comprehensively investigates the patent literature on dysbiosis over the past 20 years.

The simultaneous activation of both neurotensin type 1 and 2 receptors (NTS1R and NTS2R) through the neuronal peptide neurotensin (NT), activating the dopamine (DA) release and DA signaling within the dopaminergic system in the brain, suggest that NTS1R/NTS2R dual-specific NT analogs may represent an attractive tool in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and/or other related conditions. Herein, we report in silico exploration of NTS1R and NTS2R driven by in vitro pharmacological evaluation of the linear hexapeptide NT analogs 3 (sequence Lys8-Cav9-Pro10-Tyr11-Ile12-Leu13) and 6 (Arg8-Cav9-Pro10-Tyr11-Ile12-Leu13), both active towards the human NTS1R and NTS2R. Compared to the parent peptide NT(8–13) (2), compounds 3 and 6 showed improved in vitro human plasma stability and BBB permeability. Moreover, in silico ADMET evaluation indicated that both NT-analogs have strong pharmacological properties combined with good safety profiles, highlighting their potential for further structural improvements. Furthermore, we applied an AI-based approach to generate the homology models of hNTS1R and hNTS2R, followed by MD simulations of their ligand-free state and molecular docking in order to estimate the most probable protein–ligand complexes of peptides 3 and 6. Binding interaction/affinity analysis of the best-ranked docking modes, obtained with selected time-frames from the respective MD trajectories, suggest that the receptor activation occurs via a ligand-receptor binding into the initial “entry” conformation of hNTS1R and hNTS2R. This assumption is supported by additional HYDE analysis confirming the binding affinities of peptides 3 and 6 towards hNTS1R and hNTS2R obtained by radioligand binding experiments. The reported study may serve as a ready-to-use in silico approach for further development of therapeutic options against PD and potentially other neurological disorders.

Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) is a perennial herb of the Asteraceae family, is native to Paraguay and renowned for its natural sweetness. Its leaves contain a rich array of secondary metabolites with significant biological activity, collectively known as steviol glycosides. Among the numerous steviol glycosides, the primary compounds of interest are diterpenoid glycosides of the ent-kaurene type, specifically stevioside and rebaudioside A, which are extracted from the leaves. These natural sweeteners are non-toxic, thermally stable, and low in calories, making them valuable as high-quality sugar substitutes or dietary supplements. Their diverse applications extend to both the medicinal field and the food and beverage industry. Hence, the present review aims to conduct a systematic literature search to highlight the potential anti-inflammatory activity of S. rebaudiana and its major glycosides, stevioside and rebaudioside A. The systematic search was performed on PubMed and Scopus using the following keywords: “S. rebaudiana and inflammation”, “Stevioside and inflammation”, “Isosteviol and inflammation”, “Steviol glycosides and inflammation”, “Rebaudioside and inflammation”, and “Steviol and inflammation”. This allowed the screening of 53 in vivo articles that were analyzed considering the compound or extract tested, experimental models, dosage and route of administration, and observed biological activities. Considering the results from the present review, S. rebaudiana and its major components emerge as a promising natural anti-inflammatory product. Recent researches evidenced that its effect is primarily due to the suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway, modulation of oxidative stress, reduction of cell apoptosis, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

Background: Respiratory tract infections are a common health issue, driving interest in preventive strategies like nutritional supplements, while evidence on their usage and effectiveness remains limited. In this context, social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), provide a unique opportunity to gather large-scale public health-related data. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to survey participants’ uses and opinions on nutritional supplements in prevention or treatment of respiratory tract infections, by using X. Methods: A survey was conducted between 1st and 15th December 2022. A single open-ended question “Which are the best dietary supplements to counteract respiratory infections?“ was asked. One week after the start of the survey, a poll was posted to get more relevant information and boost the survey’s reach. Total endorsements were calculated for each tweet posted as the total sum of replies, retweets, and likes. Results: The open-ended question received a total of 118 retweets, 39 quotes, and 371 likes, while the poll received 56 retweets, 13 quotes, and 67 likes. A total of 495 replies, 2,251 retweets, 5,118 likes, and 148 quotes were received for the question and its related tweets. Vitamin D (1,607 endorsements), zinc (1,347 endorsements), vitamin C (803 endorsements), magnesium (694 endorsements), and honey (661 endorsements) were the nutritional supplements that received most endorsements. Conclusion: Various foods, drinks, and natural ingredients have been suggested as potentially helpful for counteracting respiratory infections. Approximately half of respondents indicated using such supplements for themselves. The result of this study supports the idea that the X platform can be used as an effective survey tool to study global health-related behaviours and trends.

Aim: This study aimed to identify and analyze the top 100 most cited digital health and mobile health (m-health) publications. It could aid researchers in the identification of promising new research avenues, additionally supporting the establishment of international scientific collaboration between interdisciplinary research groups with demonstrated achievements in the area of interest. Methods: On 30th August, 2023, the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) electronic database was queried to identify the top 100 most cited digital health papers with a comprehensive search string. From the initial search, 106 papers were identified. After screening for relevance, six papers were excluded, resulting in the final list of the top 100 papers. The basic bibliographic data was directly extracted from WOSCC using its “Analyze” and “Create Citation Report” functions. The complete records of the top 100 papers were downloaded and imported into a bibliometric software called VOSviewer (version 1.6.19) to generate an author keyword map and author collaboration map. Results: The top 100 papers on digital health received a total of 49,653 citations. Over half of them (n = 55) were published during 2013–2017. Among these 100 papers, 59 were original articles, 36 were reviews, 4 were editorial materials, and 1 was a proceeding paper. All papers were written in English. The University of London and the University of California system were the most represented affiliations. The USA and the UK were the most represented countries. The Journal of Medical Internet Research was the most represented journal. Several diseases and health conditions were identified as a focus of these works, including anxiety, depression, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Conclusions: The findings underscore key areas of focus in the field and prominent contributors, providing a roadmap for future research in digital and m-health.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been utilized for medicinal and culinary purposes for thousands of years. Its extensive history showcases diverse uses and health benefits. In this study, we conducted a thorough analysis of the scientific literature landscape surrounding ginger using bibliometric techniques, aiming to explore recurring topics, trends, influential contributors, and main journals publishing ginger-related research. Utilizing the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection, we identified 9,881 relevant papers published up to October 4, 2023. The analysis revealed an exponential growth in both publication and citation counts since the mid-2000s. Key phytochemical constituents, including gingerols and shogaols, emerged as focal points of research. The most frequently mentioned medical condition term identified was 'Cancer' (n = 577), followed by 'Obesity' (n = 180) and 'COVID' (n = 176). Journals such as the Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Food Chemistry played leading roles in sharing ginger-related articles. Our bibliometric study offers a broad overview of ginger research, highlighting a significant increase in scholarly interest globally. This analysis not only contributes quantitative insights to the existing literature but also provides a roadmap for future investigations on ginger. The scientific literature positions ginger as a promising candidate for addressing contemporary health challenges, inviting further exploration and clinical studies.

Haberlea rhodopensis Friv., known also as Rhodope silivryak and the Orpheus flower, is a Balkan endemic “resurrecting” plant belonging to the Gesneriaceae family. In folk medicine, the leaves of Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. were widely used to treat wounds and some infectious diseases of stock such as foot-and-mouth disease and hoof rot, while the herb of Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. is still used to cleanse the stomach, liver, kidneys, and blood vessels. Because of the content of myconoside, during the last decade, Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. extracts have been recognized as valuable cosmetic ingredients. In the present study, we aim to (i) evaluate the cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity of two herb extracts of Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. that are commercially used for the preparation of cosmetic ingredients on different cancer cells, with one normal cell line used as a reference, and (ii) compare the investigated effects with those observed for the reference anticancer, non-selective compound doxorubicin. Herein, we observed a decrease in the inhibitory activity of both extracts compared to those of doxorubicin against all tested cell lines. However, the myconoside-enriched Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. plant Extract 2 (designated also as M2) showed increased inhibitory activity (cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effects) compared to the Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. plant Extract 1 (designated also as E1). Moreover, the Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. plant Extract 2 showed a significant increase in cytotoxicity (at 24 h) and antiproliferative activity (at 48 and 72 h post-treatment) at its highest-tested concentration of 100 µg/mL compared to Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. plant Extract 1.

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is a medicinal plant belonging to the traditional Indian medical system, showing various therapeutic effects such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective activity. Of great interest is W. somnifera’s potential beneficial effect against neurodegenerative diseases, since the authorized medicinal treatments can only delay disease progression and provide symptomatic relief and are not without side effects. A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus databases was performed to identify preclinical and clinical studies focusing on the applications of W. somnifera in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Only English articles and those containing the keywords (Withania somnifera AND “neurodegenerative diseases”, “neuroprotective effects”, “Huntington”, “Parkinson”, “Alzheimer”, “Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis”, “neurological disorders”) in the title or abstract were considered. Reviews, editorials, letters, meta-analyses, conference papers, short surveys, and book chapters were not considered. Selected articles were grouped by pathologies and summarized, considering the mechanism of action. The quality assessment and the risk of bias were performed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions checklist. This review uses a systematic approach to summarize the results from 60 investigations to highlight the potential role of W. somnifera and its specialized metabolites in treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases.