The confectionery industry is constantly growing and innovating due to the high demand for candy and cereal-based products, especially among children. Traditional and gourmet sweets, often made from grains, seeds, and cereals such as cocoa, corn, rice, wheat, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts, which are very susceptible to contamination with molds that potentially biosynthesize mycotoxins. Due to the artisanal production processes, it is difficult to eliminate chemical and mycotoxin contamination. It is well known that mycotoxins are potential carcinogenic agents, which can pose a serious public health problem, especially for children. This review aims to capture and discuss the state-of-the-art identification and exposure assessment of mycotoxins in sweets, confectionery, and processed cereal-based products worldwide. It also highlights novel methodologies for their evaluation and summarizes past, current, and future trending techniques. Lastly, it reflects on establishing strict food safety regulations and constantly monitoring mycotoxin contamination in food industries.

Cancer remains a major global health challenge. Natural compounds, such as curcumin, resveratrol, genistein, thymoquinone, and paclitaxel, show chemopreventive activity by modulating signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and p53. These agents also promote apoptosis, autophagy, and DNA repair. However, their clinical use is restricted by poor solubility, instability, and low bioavailability. Nanotechnology offers solutions by improving stability, enhancing pharmacokinetics, and enabling targeted delivery. Liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and albumin-bound systems amplify the anticancer effects of natural compounds. Preclinical studies confirm improved efficacy, while early clinical trials reveal both promise and barriers. The key translational challenges include immune clearance, large-scale reproducibility, and regulatory approval. This review highlights the synergy between nanotechnology and natural compounds in cancer chemoprevention and outlines opportunities for future research.

The bilberry is a low-growing plant native to northern Europe. It belongs to the genus Vaccinium. Bilberry is essential in the local diets of some countries and is used as an herbal medicine to manage several ailments. Still, it is not used for commercial farming in many countries. It has recently been known as a great source of naturally available bioactive compounds and colorants. Bilberry is a therapeutic fruit acknowledged for its rich flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, phenolic acid, tocopherols, and vitamin content. It is one of the richest sources of natural anthocyanins. The polyphenolic compounds in bilberry provide abundant antioxidant content, which are supposed to be the vital bioactive compounds accountable for various health benefits. Even though bilberry is mostly promoted for eye care or vision improvement. It is also stated to promote antioxidant defense and lower oxidative stress, having antiaging, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, antimicrobial effects, lowering blood glucose and other age-related diseases, etc. Reports suggest that apart from the fruit, the leaves of bilberry are equally rich in numerous bioactive compounds of medicinal importance. This current review offers valuable insights on bilberry fruits, leaves, and extracts, providing an inclusive assessment of their bioactive compound configuration, related biological prospects, and the extraction methodology of their major compounds. This review offers a summary of the existing information on the antiaging potential of bilberry fruits and leaves, and analytically reviews the outcome of clinical trials, with special attention towards its medicinal properties.

Lignans are naturally occurring compounds found in a wide variety of plant species, including flaxseed, soybean, pumpkin seed, broccoli, sesame seed, and some berries. Lignans have been used for centuries in both food and traditional herbal medicine. Recently, numerous new lignans and lignan derivatives with diverse biological properties have been identified. Lignans are considered promising for human health due to their hydrogen-donating antioxidant activity together with their ability to complex divalent transition metal cations. They have demonstrated beneficial effects for cardiovascular disease, as well as in maintaining blood glucose levels, supporting cardiac health, promoting anti-obesity effects, decreasing the risk of renal diseases, enhancing brain function, improving skin and gut health, among others. This review explores the biosynthesis and biological effects of lignans, with a particular focus on their antihypertensive and anti-obesity properties, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved. It also highlights recent advances in sustainable lignan extraction techniques that are suitable for human use. The mechanisms underlying these bioactivities are thought to involve hormonal metabolism and availability, antioxidant action, modulation of angiogenesis, and more. However, further research is needed to fully elucidate the molecular pathways through which lignans exert their therapeutic effects. Overall, lignans from various plant sources hold significant potential for application in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical products aimed at preventing and managing a range of health conditions, including hypertension and obesity.

Troxerutin (TXN), a hydroxyethylated derivative of rutin, has gained increasing attention as a bioactive flavonoid with multifaceted anticancer properties. Its pharmacological effects, particularly antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic activities, play a crucial role in modulating cancer progression. This review summarises its therapeutic potential across multiple cancers, including breast, lung, liver, colorectal, prostate, and neurological malignancies. Mechanistically,TXN inhibits apoptosis, reduces oxidative stress, and modulates the immune system by targeting important signalling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, along PI3K/AKT. As per various in vivo and in vitro studies, it is demonstrated that TXN inhibits cell growth, increases apoptotic activation, changes mitochondrial membrane potential, and increases the degree of DNA damage in different types of cancer, such as TNBC cells, the A549 cell line, and hepatocellular cancer models. Moreover, TXN suppresses the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, which leads to the overexpression of cytochrome c, caspase-9, and caspase-3. To validate its safety, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic efficacy in people, further thorough mechanistic research and well-planned clinical trials are necessary. Overall,TXN is a promising natural substance that may be created as an adjuvant or supplemental treatment for a variety of tumours, bridging the gap between contemporary oncology and natural product research.

Globally, a marked increase in the incidence of diabetes and gastric ulcer-related diseases has been reported due to lifestyle modifications of people, aging, population hike, and diminishing physical activities. Gastric ulcer disease caused by incomplete mucosal healing or persistent H. pylori infection has a high rate of recurrence, and its treatment through drugs is associated with several side effects. Besides, diabetes is the major cause of morbidity and mortality, and its occurrence is increasing every day. Recently, several edible resources like millets (commonly known as nutria-cereals) have proved effective against gastric ulcers and diabetes by incorporating them in the diet. Millets are rich in a variety of nutraceuticals and antioxidants with numerous health benefits, including enhancement in the working of the digestive system, decreasing cholesterol level, prevention of cardiovascular disease, defense for diabetes, reducing the risks of tumors and gastrointestinal diseases, etc. Millets comprise several bioactive compounds, like phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidants, which display potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which are relevant not only for diabetes management but also for gastroprotection. This narrative review focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying the gastroprotective effects and antidiabetic potential of millets, along with their bioactive compounds and extraction process.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.602364.].

Introduction/Objective: Nimbin, a triterpenoid limonoid from Azadirachta indica (Neem), is traditionally known for its diverse pharmacological potential, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it has recently gained wider scientific attention for its ability to protect the host cell from viral entry, suppress viral replication, and modulate immune responses against viral infections, such as Herpes simplex virus, Dengue virus, and SARS-CoV-2. Methods: This review compiles and evaluates current findings on nimbin’s medicinal properties, with a focus on its antiviral mechanisms, biosynthetic pathways, and therapeutic prospects. Results and Discussion: Nimbin achieves this by targeting key viral proteins such as spike glycoproteins and NS2B-NS3 proteases, as well as host receptors like ACE2, thereby disrupting the viral life cycle. It is also reported to interfere with the replication process of viruses by inhibition of protease enzymes and proteins essential for polyprotein processing and modulation pathways critical for viral genome replication. Apart from the antiviral activity, it also exhibits anticancer, antioxidant, antifungal, and insecticidal properties. The Mevalonate or Methylerythritol phosphate pathway, or a combination of both are key process involved in the biosynthesis of nimbin, occurring in either a localized form in plastids or distributed across the cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, and peroxisomes. Advances in the synthesis of water-soluble, non-toxic ‘Carbon dots’ containing active nimbin biomolecules, and nanoencapsulation for better drug delivery processes will likely enhance the biomedical traits of nimbin and its derivatives to serve as a multifaceted candidate for antiviral therapy and sources of drugs. Conclusion: Although promising, further pharmacokinetic profiling, toxicological assessment, and clinical validation are essential to translate nimbin into an effective phytopharmaceutical agent. To improve the therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability of drugs, future studies should investigate novel nanoformulations and tailored drug delivery techniques.

Background:AIDS disease, caused by HIV, is a highly prevalent disease disturbing global health and swaying economic progress and social fidelity in the world. Purpose:Eradication and cure of HIV infection has been a difficult assignment, and not many highly effective drugs and vaccines are available in the present scenario. Besides, the suboptimal adherence, toxicity, resistance to available drugs, and presence of several viral reservoirs make lifelong HIV infection treatment very challenging. Furthermore, a cure for HIV infection cannot be attained properly unless the latency issue is addressed and antiretroviral drug delivery to its specific cellular reservoir sites for an extended time is resolved. The advancement in nanotechnology could solve these issues with the formulation of advanced drugs in the nano-scale range. Currently, several nano-based architectures and formulations like nanoparticles (gold, silver, copper, and ruthenium) as nanocarriers, carbon nanotubes, liposomes, micelles, and polymer nanomaterials with superior solubility, sustained release, target specificity, long-duration delivery, and simplification of drug-dose reductions are developed which could act as effective HIV drugs/vaccine transporters in combination with available drugs and formulations. Several nano-based drug delivery approaches are suggested to target the CD4+ T cells, which are the primary target of HIV infection. While using nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for HIV treatment, usually, three main strategies, such as the intracellular delivery of the anti-retroviral drugs by the polymeric nanoparticles, brain delivery of the anti-retroviral drugs by the polymeric nanoparticles, and use of the polymeric nanomaterials as an adjuvant for the HIV vaccines, are followed. Conclusion:Though nanotechnology offers many advantages over the conventional system of medications, it also gives rise to many side effects and challenges that need to be rectified for its better application. This review discusses the status and limits of conventional drug treatment and the recent advancements and updated strategies in nano-therapeutics for HIV treatment and cures, along with the possible mechanism of action of nano-mediated drugs, clinical translational challenges, and prospects of advanced nano-drug delivery schemes in HIV prevention and management.

Winemaking is facing significant challenges caused by industrialization of the process, climate change, and increased consumer awareness regarding the use of chemical preservatives. Although several solutions have been proposed, the utilization of non-Saccharomyces species seems to be the most efficient one. Several non-Saccharomyces species have been employed for this purpose, with Hanseniaspora uvarum, H. vineae, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Lachancea thermotolerans, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Pichia fermentans, P. kluyveri, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Starmerella bacillaris, Torulaspora delbrueckii, and Wickerhamomyces anomalus being the most promising ones. However, only a restricted amount of metabolic activities can be reliably attributed to the species level, while most of them are characterized by strain variability and are also affected by the Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains used to carry out alcoholic fermentation, as well as the efficient supply of precursor molecules by the grape varieties and the conditions for their effective bioconversion. This variability necessitates the application of optimization strategies, taking into consideration all these parameters. This review article aims to assist in this direction by collecting the data referring to the winemaking practice of the most interesting non-Saccharomyces species, presenting clearly and comprehensively their most relevant features, and highlighting the effect of strain diversity.

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.

Background:Silk, a natural biowaste protein from silkworm cocoons called sericin, has promising properties as a biomaterial for several biomedical applications, owing to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, hydrophilicity, and reactivity. Purpose:The synthesis of AgNPs using these biowaste protein materials is more efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective. Methods:In this study, a novel approach was developed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Scn-AgNPs) using sericin as a reducing agent and to study their anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antidiabetic, antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibitory, and antibacterial mechanisms of action. Results:The initial production of Scn-AgNPs was established by a visual color change to brown, followed by UV-visible spectroscopy, which showed a solid absorption band at 422 nm due to surface plasmon resonance. The mean particle size 82.77 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.387, and -30.8 mV zeta potential specifies the strong stability of the nanoparticles. Scn-AgNPs demonstrated promising wound healing potential, with around 67.72% of wound closure rate at 25 µg/mL concentration. Besides, It also displayed significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant (in terms of DPPH (75.48%), ABTS (95.04%), SOD (73.92%) potential), antidiabetic properties (95.32% of α-amylase inhibition and 94.42% of α-glucosidase inhibition), and tyrosinase inhibition (27.07%) potentials. Furthermore, the Scn-AgNPs also exhibited significant antibacterial potential with the inhibition zones diameter ranging from 13.84 to 16.90 mm against all the three tested bacteria. Conclusion:The results indicated that Scn-AgNPs could be a potential candidate for various applications, including cosmetics for preparing antioxidant rich gels and nano formulations, in the biomedical field as a component of wound dressing, antibacterial dressing, drug carriers and drug delivery systems, and in environmental sectors as antibacterial agents, food packaging, food additives and in vitro/in vivo monitoring. This study highlights the use of sericin bio-waste materials into valuable resources, endorsing sustainability and enhancing the commercial value of silk-based bio-waste materials.

In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were bio-fabricated using the water extract of marine brown seaweed Hizikia fusiformis (Hfs), commonly eaten as food in Southeast Asia, Korea, China, and Japan, and in other parts of the world. This process offers massive potential for the manufacture of new-generation nanomaterials utilizing sustainable seaweed components and explores its biological (tyrosinase, antidiabetic, antioxidant) and environmental (photocatalytic degradation of toxic industrial dyes) applications. Different spectroscopic approaches were employed to characterize and confirm the fabrication of Hfs-AuNPs. UV-Vis spectroscopy displayed the Hfs-AuNP's surface plasmon resonance at 534 nm. The XRD result revealed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticle. According to FT-IR analysis, various phytoconstituents like polyphenols and polysaccharides from the Hfs extract contributed to the reduction and stabilization of Hfs-AuNPs. Hfs-AuNPs displayed a spherical form with a zeta potential of -18.6 mV. Notably, Hfs-AuNPs exhibited encouraging tyrosinase inhibition (31.74 % inhibition while kojic acid showed 52.40 % inhibition at 100 µg/ml), antidiabetic effect (56.38 % α-amylase activity while acarbose exhibited 61.19 % activity at 100 µg/ml), and antioxidant properties (82.89 % of DPPH scavenging while 60.04 % scavenging by BHT and 63.73 SOD effect while 61.77 % scavenging by BHT at 100 µg/ml). Besides, Hfs-AuNPs also displayed positive photocatalytic degradation of toxic industrial dyes like methylene blue (29.20 % degradation at 5 h) and methyl orange (21.26 % degradation at 3 h). The above eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable synthesis method can be explored further for large-scale production and future substantial applications in therapeutic and industrial needs.

Medicinal herbs and herbal formulations have garnered increasing attention in skincare and anti-aging due to their versatility, safety, and potential effectiveness. Korean medicinal herbs and herbal formulations have a rich history in traditional Asian medicine, and they are increasingly gaining recognition as anti-aging and skincare treatments. Korean herbal medicine, known as Hanbang, draws from various natural ingredients, like ginseng, green tea, and licorice, to create herbal formulations passed down for centuries. These formulations are recognized for their potential to promote healthy, youthful skin. Ingredients such as ginseng and green tea possess antioxidant properties that combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress on the skin, preventing premature aging. Korean skincare treatments often incorporate these herbal formulations, emphasizing natural ingredients and techniques such as herbal masks, teas, and acupuncture to enhance skin vitality and combat aging signs. Understanding the role of major bioactive compounds in Korean herbal medicine is essential for bridging traditional practices with modern dermatological science. Because of the increasing global demand for natural, effective, and safe skincare products, it is increasingly important for natural agents' mechanisms, efficacy, and commercial value to be systematically evaluated and documented. This review aims at fulfilling this knowledge gap as well as providing directions for future research and product development. Considering all the beneficial effects of Korean medicinal herbs, the current review discusses major bioactive compounds present in these herbs and formulations used in anti-aging and skincare treatments, along with their extraction procedure, commercialization, and patents. The review highlights the potential benefits of Korean herbal medicine in promoting youthful, radiant skin through natural and time-honored practices.

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.

Aging is a complex process that involves many physiological mechanisms that gradually impair normal cellular and tissue function and make us more susceptible to diseases and death. It is influenced by intrinsic factors like cellular function and extrinsic factors like pollution and UV radiation. Recent scientific studies show that traditional plant-based foods and supplements can help mitigate the effects of aging. Nutraceuticals, which are dietary supplements with medicinal properties, have gained attention for their ability to prevent chronic and age-related diseases. Antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, terpenes, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, minerals, etc. found in plants are key to managing oxidative stress, which is a major cause of aging. Well-known plant-based supplements from Bacopa monnieri, Curcuma longa, Emblica officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Panax ginseng have been found to possess medicinal properties. These supplements have been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce oxidative stress, improve overall health, and potentially extend life and enhance the excellence of life. The obtained benefits from these plant species are due to the presence of their bioactive secondary metabolites, such as bacosides in Bacopa monnieri, curcumin in Curcuma longa, ginsenosides in Panax ginseng, and many more. These compounds not only protect against free radical damage but also modulate key biological pathways of aging. Also, traditional fermented foods (tempeh and kimchi), which are rich in probiotics and bioactive compounds, support gut health, boost immune function, and have anti-aging properties. The molecular mechanisms behind these benefits are the activation of nutrient-sensing pathways like AMPK, SIRT/NAD+, and mTOR, which are important for cellular homeostasis and longevity. This review shows the potential of traditional plant-based foods and dietary supplements for healthy aging, and more studies are needed to prove their efficacy and safety in humans. Incorporating these natural products into our diet may be a practical and effective way to counteract the effects of aging and overall well-being. The foremost goal of this review is to emphasize the importance of supporting the body’s antioxidant system by consuming the right balance of natural ingredients in the diet.