Medicinal plants: traditions of yesterday and drugs of tomorrow

Recent progress on Prangos (Apiaceae) species used in traditional herbal medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plants have been used for a long time in traditional medicine to treat many diseases. The genus Prangos belongs to the Apiaceae family and has various medicinal and aromatic species. Since ancient times, Prangos species have been employed extensively in traditional medicine for different purposes and are especially popular for their aphrodisiac effects.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The goal of this paper is to represent a systematic review of the species in the genus Prangos, including their botanical characteristics, uses in traditional medicine, phytochemical constituents, the composition of the essential oils produced, and the biological properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The articles regarding traditional uses and bioactivities of Prangos species were evaluated using electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Use of the World Flora Online (WFO) - The Plant List, The International Plant Names Index, the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (2024), and ChemDraw Professional helped complete this compilation.

RESULTS

Phytochemical investigations have indicated that coumarins are characteristic constituents of Prangos species, especially prenylated simple coumarins and furanocoumarins, and also flavonoids, terpenoids, and phytosterols occur in this genus. In addition, the essential oils of these plants have been examined. The biological properties of the Prangos species seem worthy of further investigation. Also, some information about the toxicity of these species and their use as ingredients in food products is presented.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights the evaluation of traditional knowledge, phytochemical profiles, biological activities, and potential uses of Prangos species as foods and spices. Many pharmacological activities have been performed related to their traditional uses, but frequently, the exact mechanism of action remains scientifically unproven. This review has compiled data on the phytochemistry, the active secondary metabolites, the biological properties, and recent advances in Prangos species.

Transferability of global retention models in reversed-phase liquid chromatography for natural products

Considerable progress has been made in enhancing resolution in reversed-phase liquid chromatography for the analysis of complex samples, particularly within the field of natural products, through the application of global retention models using multi-linear gradients. Global models effectively differentiate solute retention effects from those originating from the column and solvent, offering predictive capabilities comparable to conventional individual retention models, without the requirement for standards for all compounds. While conventional individual models result in higher accuracy, they frequently demand standards that are unavailable for natural product samples. Moreover, the creation of individual models can be time-consuming due to the need for repetitive work for additional compounds. Experimental validation of global models has demonstrated that the accuracy is enough for the prediction of complex chromatograms. Through a carefully designed experimental work, this study reports the correct determination of global parameters for column and solvent, with excellent consistency across various medicinal plant samples. The successful transfer of predictions and optimisation of resolution across diverse plant species (lemon balm, peppermint, and pennyroyal) is confirmed. This highlights the applicability of predictions using global models across botanical varieties.

Review of Mimusops zeyheri Sond. (Milkwood): Distribution, Utilisation, Ecology and Population Genetics

Mimusops zeyheri Sond. (Milkwood) is an indigenous fruit tree species with considerable ecological, cultural, and nutritional significance that remains underexploited. This review synthesizes current knowledge on its distribution, taxonomy, phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal applications, ecological functions, genetic diversity, and biotechnological potential. A systematic literature search, spanning 1949 to April 2024, yielded 87 relevant publications from an initial 155. Mimusops zeyheri plays a crucial role in supporting the cultural traditions and economic activities of Indigenous Southern African Communities. Its distribution encompasses South, East, and Southern Tropical Africa, with substantial populations across South African provinces. Ethnomedicinally, various plant parts treat conditions including wounds, gastrointestinal issues, and diabetes. The leaves (34%) and roots (32%) are used, with infusion (33%) and decoction (31%) as primary preparation methods. Oral administration (70%) is the most common, primarily addressing skin conditions (18%). Despite its nutritional richness, a standardized nutrient profile is lacking. Limited genetic diversity studies underscore the need for further research. This study highlights Mimusops zeyheri's multifaceted importance and research gaps, particularly in other Southern African countries. Future investigations should focus on comprehensive phytochemical analysis, ethnomedicinal validation, ecological conservation, genetic diversity assessment, and biotechnological applications. Multidisciplinary collaborations are recommended to promote sustainable utilization while preserving traditional practices.

Antivirulence and antipathogenic activity of Mayan herbal remedies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Yucatan Peninsula has a privileged wealth of vascular plants with which various Mayan herbal formulations have been developed. However, studies on their antipathogenic and antivirulence properties are scarce.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Identify antivirulence properties in Mayan herbal remedies and determine their antipathogenic capacity in burn wounds infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An ethnobotanical study was conducted in Mayan communities in central and southern Quintana Roo, Mexico. Furthermore, the antipathogenic capacity of three Mayan herbal remedies was analyzed using an animal model of thermal damage and P. aeruginosa infection. Antivirulence properties were determined by inhibiting phenotypes regulated by quorum sensing (pyocyanin, biofilm, and swarming) and by the secretion of the ExoU toxin. The chemical composition of the most active herbal remedy was analyzed using molecular network analysis.

RESULTS

It was found that topical administration of the remedy called "herbal soap" (HS) for eleven days maintained 100% survival of the animals, reduced establishment of the bacteria in the burn and prevented its systemic dispersion. Although no curative effect was recorded on tissue damaged by HS treatment, its herbal composition strongly reduced swarming and ExoU secretion. Through analysis of Molecular Networks, it was possible to carry out a global study of its chemical components, and identify the family of oxindole monoterpenoid alkaloids and carboline and tetrahydropyrididole alkaloids. In addition, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and quinic acid derivatives were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The antipathogenic and antivirulence capacity of ancient Mayan remedies makes them a potential resource for developing new antibacterial therapies to treat burns infected by P. aeruginosa.

Isolation, Characterization, and Single-Crystal X-ray Analysis of Lantabetulic Acid from Rhus alata: Insights into HSA and BSA Binding Interactions, with In-Silico Study

This study investigated the bioactive potential of Rhus alata, a plant known for its rich phytochemicals. A previously unreported compound was isolated from R. alata and characterized using various spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV, NMR, MS) and confirmed for the first time by X-ray crystallography. In isolated compound 1, noncovalent interactions between H···H/H···H, C···C/C···C and O···H/H···O play a major role in its packing arrangement. This observation is consistent with the results of Hirshfeld surface analysis, which quantified these interactions as 14.2%, 84.6%, and 1.2%, respectively. The isolated compound was identified as lantabetulic acid (1) (3β,25-expoxy-3α-hydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid). To understand its potential biological interactions, the binding affinity of lantabetulic acid to biomolecules such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), and human serum albumin (HSA), was assessed. The results showed significant binding efficacy, indicating potential interactions with these molecules. Furthermore, the DPPH assay demonstrated the potent antioxidant activity of this compound. We used in silico molecular docking to clarify the binding affinity between lantabetulic acid and a particular receptor. Furthermore, molecular dynamic simulation studies also explored the binding interaction. As well, MM/GBSA calculations corroborate the simulation results and the stability of the complex. Docking and dynamics studies revealed promising binding scores, suggesting further investigation into their potential therapeutic applications. Geometric parameters and the absorption spectrum of compound 1 were also determined using the DFT approach and compared with experimental findings.

Phytochemical analysis of Tinospora cordifolia and Withania somnifera and their therapeutic activities with special reference to COVID-19

Various important medicines make use of secondary metabolites that are produced by plants. Medicinal plants, such as Withania somnifera and Tinospora cordifolia, are rich sources of chemically active compounds and are reported to have numerous therapeutic applications. The therapeutic use of medicinal plants is widely mentioned in Ayurveda and has folkloric importance in different parts of the world. The aim of this review is to summarize the phytochemical profiles, folkloric importance, and primary pharmacological activity of W. somnifera and T. cordifolia with emphasis on their action against the novel coronavirus.

Medicinal plants diversity among the oromo community in heban-arsi district of Ethiopia used to manage human and livestock ailments

Introduction

Medicinal plants are commonly employed mainly due their accessibility, affordability and potency. However, medicinal plants and the associated knowledge are disappearing at an alarming rate due to natural and anthropogenic causes and thus a need for their proper documentation conservation. This study was performed to document traditional knowledge related to use of medicinal plants in Heban-Arsi district, West-Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with 185 informants to identify medicinal plants used in traditional therapies in the study area. Informant consensus factor (ICF), rank order priority (ROP) values were computed, and preference ranking exercises were performed to assess the relative importance of medicinal plants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to measure and compare medicinal plants knowledge between social groups.

Results

A total of 120 medicinal plants were identified for being used to treat different human and animal illnesses in the study area. Most of the medicinal plants (76.4%) were uncultivated ones obtained from different habitats. Leaf was the most frequently used plant part constituting 62.6% of preparations. Oral was the most commonly used route of remedy administration (46%) in treating diseases. Gastrointestinal ailments category had the highest ICF value (0.83). In the study area, the highest rank order priority (ROP) values were recorded for Dombeya torrida (J.F. Gmel.), Artemisia absinthium L., Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del., Combretum pisoniiflorum Klotzsch) Engl., Celtis africana Burm. f, Ocimum gratissimum L. and Lagenaria sp. for their uses against snake poison, tuberculosis, liver disorder, stomachache, tuberculosis, febrile illness and liver disorder, respectively, each scoring a value of 100. Significant differences in medicinal plant use knowledge were recorded between male and female informants of different educational level, age and experience. Anthropogenic factors were the primary threats to medicinal plants in the area.

Conclusion

The study area was found to be rich in medicinal plants that are useful in treating a wide range of human and animal illnesses. In future pharmacological and phytochemical investigations, priority needs to be given to medicinal plants of the highest ROP values and those that were reported against ailment categories scoring the highest ICF values.

Cytotoxic properties, glycolytic effects and high-resolution respirometry mitochondrial activities of Eriocephalus racemosus against MDA-MB 231 triple-negative breast cancer

INTRODUCTION

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a significant global health crisis due to its resistance to conventional therapies and lack of specific molecular targets. This study explored the potential of Eriocephalus racemosus (E. racemosus) as an alternative treatment for TNBC. The cytotoxic properties and high-resolution respirometry mitochondrial activities of E. racemosus against the MDA-MB 231 TNBC cell line were evaluated.

METHODS

Hexane solvent and bioactive fraction extractions of E. racemosus were performed, while mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling was used to identify the phytochemical constituents of the extracts. The extracts were further tested against MDA-MB 231 TNBC cells to determine their cytotoxicity. The mode of cell death was determined using flow cytometry. The activities of caspases 3, 8, and 9 were assessed using a multiplex activity assay kit. Glycolytic activity and High-resolution respirometry measurements of mitochondrial function in the MDA-MB 231 cell line were conducted using the Seahorse XFp and Oroboros O2K.

RESULTS

Metabolite profiling of E. racemosus plant crude extracts identified the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, and unknown compounds. The extracts demonstrated promising cytotoxic activities, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 12.84 µg/mL for the crude hexane extract and 15.49 µg/mL for the bioactive fraction. Further, the crude hexane and bioactive fraction extracts induced apoptosis in the MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells, like the reference drug cisplatin (17.44%, 17.26% and 20.25%, respectively) compared to untreated cells. Caspase 3 activities confirmed the induction of apoptosis in both cisplatin and the plant crude extracts, while caspase 8 and 9 activities confirmed the activation of both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. Increased levels of glycolytic activity were observed in the hexane crude extract. High-resolution respiratory measurements showed elevated mitochondrial activities in all mitochondrial states except for complex-IV activity.

CONCLUSION

These findings support further exploration of E. racemosus as a potential therapeutic agent for TNBC, offering a promising avenue for the development of targeted treatments with minimal adverse effects.

THF induces apoptosis by downregulating initiation, promotion, and progression phase biomarkers in skin and lung carcinoma

3,5,7-Trihydroxy-2-phenylchromen-4-one (THF) possesses a diverse range of pharmacological activities. Evidence suggests that THF exerts anticancer activity by distinct mechanisms of action. This study explores the anticancer potential of THF in human lung (A549) and skin (A431) cancer cells by employing different antiproliferative assays. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, neutral red uptake, sulphorhodamine B, and cell motility assays were used to confirm the anticancer potential of THF. Cell target-based and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays were used to explore the effect of THF on the initiation, promotion and progression phase biomarkers of carcinogenesis. THF suppresses the activity of lipoxygenase-5 up to ~40% in both A549 and A431 cells and up to ~50% hyaluronidase activity in A549 cells. qRT-PCR assay reveals that THF inhibits the activity of phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin in both cell lines, which is responsible for the initiation of cancer. It also arrests the G2/M phase of the cell cycle in A431 cells and increases the sub-diploid population in both A549 and A431 cell lines which leads to cell death. Annexin V-FITC assay confirmed that THF induces apoptosis and necrosis in A431 and A549 cell lines. Further investigation revealed that THF not only enhances reactive oxygen species production but also modulates mitochondrial membrane potential in both cell lines. It significantly inhibits S-180 tumour formation at 5 and 10 mg/kg bw, i.p. dose. An acute skin toxicity study on mice showed that erythema and edema scores are within the acceptable range, besides acceptable drug-likeness properties and non-toxic effects on human erythrocytes. Conclusively, THF showed potent anticancer activity on skin and lung carcinoma cell lines, suppressed the level of the biomarkers and inhibited tumour growth in mice.

Linalool-rich rosewood essential oil (Aniba rosaeodora Ducke) mitigates emotional and neurochemical impairments induced by ethanol binge-like exposure during adolescence in female rats

Linalool-rich Rosewood oil (Aniba rosaeodora Ducke) is a natural compound widely used in perfumery industry. Evidence suggests that linalool exerts antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Conversely, ethanol binge drinking (i.e., intermittent and episodic consumption) during adolescence elicits neurobehavioral alterations associated with brain damage. Here, we investigated whether linalool-rich Rosewood oil administration can improve the emotional and molecular impairments associated with ethanol binge-like exposure during adolescence in female rats. Rosewood oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and posteriorly analyzed. Adolescent female Wistar rats received four-cycles of ethanol binge-like pattern (3 g/kg/day, 3 days on/4 days off) and daily Rosewood oil (35 mg/kg, intranasally) for 28 days. Twenty-four hours after treatments, it was evaluated the impact of ethanol exposure and Rosewood oil treatment on the putative emotional impairments assessed on the splash and forced swimming tests, as well as the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), S100B, oxidative parameters, and inflammatory cytokines in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Results indicated that Rosewood oil intranasal administration mitigated emotional impairments induced by ethanol exposure accompanied by a marked increase in BDNF, S100B, glutathione (GSH), and antioxidant activity equivalent to Trolox (TEAC) levels in brain areas. Rosewood oil treatment also prevented the ethanol-induced increase of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and neurofilament light chain (NFL) levels. These findings provide the first evidence that Rosewood oil intranasal administration exerts protective effects against emotional and molecular impairments associated with adolescent ethanol binge-like exposure, possibly due to linalool actions triggering neurotrophic factors, rebalancing antioxidant status, and attenuating proinflammatory process.

A review of ethnobotanical studies reveals over 500 medicinal plants in Mindanao, Philippines

Medicinal plants have long been used to treat various diseases in both indigenous and non-indigenous populations of Mindanao, Philippines. Here, we extracted data from ethnobotanical studies to compile a comprehensive list of these medicinal plants and identify how and for what purpose they are most commonly used. We identified 530 verified medicinal plant species across 372 genera in 118 families. The two most frequently cited species were Euphorbia hirta and Psidium guajava. The most represented family was Fabaceae and the most represented genus was Ficus. A total of 28 medicinal plant species are designated as threatened at the national or global level; of these, 11 are endemic to the Philippines. Medicinal plant preparations most commonly use leaves for oral administration to treat various diseases such as digestive issues, including diarrhea. This study underscores the need for further ethnobotanical investigations, particularly in areas lacking records. It also emphasizes the need for conservation of threatened and endemic medicinal plants to ensure sustainable utilization of this valuable resource.

Folklore use of medicinal plants for the treatment of gynecological diseases in Pakistan-a review

Background

Gynecological issues and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose significant challenges to women's health, particularly in developing nations. These challenges are exacerbated by limited access to modern reproductive healthcare facilities, economic constraints, and entrenched cultural norms. Consequently, most of the Pakistani population relies on traditional ethno-medicinal healthcare systems. This preference stems from the ease of access, affordability, widespread availability, and inherent trust placed in these alternative healthcare methods.

Aim/objective

The inquiry aimed to report details on the application of conventional uses of plants in the health field in rural areas that could contribute to advancing the natural discovery of drugs. The objective of this analysis is to provide researchers with information on conventional and empirical knowledge of plant species concerning women's diseases.

Methodology

Information on the common use of medicinal plants in treating women's diseases was gathered from electronic databases. As a keyword for the quest, ethnobotany, and ethnopharmacology were used together with gynecological complications.

Result

The work of the current analysis has revealed that 217 plant species belonging to 89 families have been used in Pakistan's rural communities. The majority of plant species belong to the Apiaceae family, followed by the Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, and other families. The biological interpretation of plants used in rural communities of Pakistan revealed that herbs and trees are the dominant forms with 58 % and 23 % respectively while shrubs and sub-shrubs with a low percentage of 17 % and 2 %. In natural preparation, leaves 29 %, flowers 22 %, seeds 14 %, fruits 14 %, roots 13 %, bark 7 %, and stems 5 % were the most used parts respectively and aerial parts, dried pericarp, bulb, bud, berry, latex, wood, rhizome, husk, fruit coat, oil, resins, twigs, and shoot were also used in minimum percentage. A multitude of plant species have found extensive application in the management of diverse women's health issues. These encompass concerns such as fatigue, mood fluctuations attributed to menstrual problems, gonorrhea, complications related to pregnancy, cravings for specific foods, throbbing breast pain, abdominal and pelvic cramps, excessive vaginal discharge, mastitis, irritability, abortion-related matters, headaches, uterine hemorrhage, Menorrhagia, Amenorrhea, Menopause, Vomiting Abortion, infertility and lactation challenges, as well as the regulation of lochia flow.

Conclusion

This review provides remarkable information about the use of medicinal plants against women's diseases in the rural communities of Pakistan. It opens the gateway for the discovery of natural drug development.

Isolation, purification, and characterization of lectins from medicinal plant Combretum glutinosum seeds endowed with analgesic and antiulcer properties

In the pursuit of safer and more effective treatments, there is a growing interest in plant-derived compounds, particularly lectins, because of their diverse pharmacological properties. This study focused on isolating, purifying, and characterizing lectin from Combretum glutinosum seeds (CGSLs) to assess its potential as an analgesic and antiulcer agent. CGSL extraction involved defatting and buffer extraction, followed by purification using ammonium sulfate fractionation and fetuin-agarose affinity column chromatography. The isolectins (iso-CGSLs), each consisting of 60 kDa and 57 kDa heterodimeric subunits, displayed glycoprotein properties with a 40 % neutral sugar content. They exhibited peak activity at 55 °C and remained stable for up to the fifth day at room temperature. The activity exhibited a pH dependence, peaking between 7.5 and 10.5, and all seemingly operated independently of metal ions. CGSL, at optimal doses ranging from 6 to 12 mg/kg, had significant analgesic effects on acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests in mice. Evaluation using 0.7 % acetic acid resulted in notable pain reduction across all doses (P < 0.05). The analgesic effect of lectin was partially reversed by naloxone (a morphine antagonist), indicating partial involvement of the opioid receptor system. Furthermore, CGSL exhibited antiulcer effects in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer models in rats, highlighting its therapeutic potential as a natural alternative for analgesic and antiulcer treatments.

Cold maceration extraction of wild fruit Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb.: exploring its bioactives for biomedical applications

Terminalia bellirica (T. bellirica) (Gaertn.) Roxb. is a well-known traditional medicinal plants that show promising treatment because of fewer side effects in humans. In the present study, the total phenol, flavonoid, condensed and hydrolyzable tannins extracted and analyzed from cold macerated (CM) T. bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. fruit (TBF) and leaves (TBL) extract with the identification of bioactive compounds using GC-MS/MS technique. The highest amount of bioactive content was found in ethanolic extract than toluene. Current experimental data of TBF extract shows the maximum and significant biological activity like free radical scavenging activity against DPPH and FRAP assays with IC50 values of 51.07 ± 0.52 μg/ml and 63.14 ± 0.59 μg/ml respectively. However, IC50 cytotoxicity values of TBF extract on MCF-7 cells for 24 hrs was found to be 6.34 ± 0.72 μg/ml. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for infectious pathogens Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus was >12.5 μg/ml and >100 μg/ml respectively, however, anti-inflammatory activity was demonstrated as an IC50 value of 509.1 ± 1.72 μg/ml. Cold macerated fruit extract revealed threatening inhibitory potential against the α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, with IC50 of 50.98 ± 0.23 μg/ml and 46.70 ± 1.38 μg/ml respectively. Finally, the outcome of this study showed that T. bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. fruit extract could be an effective source of bioactives with efficient biomedical properties.

Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Activity of the Methanolic Extracts of Cirsium Monspessulanum (L.) Hill

The study of new plant species and the identification of their chemical composition may contribute to the discovery of a new breakthrough substances for pharmacotherapeutical applications. For the first time, we examined antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of 70 % v/v methanolic extracts from inflorescences and roots of Cirsium monspessulanum (L.) Hill. obtained by the ASE method. In the (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) DPPH analysis, tested extract of inflorescences showed antioxidant activity with an EC50=0.223±0.0479 mg/mL, and (Cupric Ion Reducting Antioxidant Capacity) CUPRAC test assessed the antiradical activity on 14.95±0.13 mgTE/g and for roots the values were EC50=0.307±0.0554 mg/mL and 11.18±0.49 mgTE/g, respectively. Furthermore, extract from the inflorescences possessed the highest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Micrococcus luteus with MIC=1.25 mg/mL for each. HPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS/MS method identified 7 phenolic acids and 14 flavonoids in inflorescences extract and only 7 phenolic acids in roots extract. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first qualitative analysis of Cirsium monspessulanum (L.) Hill. and all substances were described for the first time.

Coptis rhizome extract influence on Streptococcus pneumoniae through autolysin activation

This study investigated the antibacterial properties of Coptis rhizome, a plant traditionally used for respiratory infections, against Streptoccus pneumonia (S. pneumoniae), for which there has been minimal empirical evidence of effectiveness. The study particularly examined autolysis, indirectly associated with antibacterial resistance, when using Coptis rhizome for bacterial infections. In our methodology, Coptis rhizome was processed with ethanol and distilled water to produce four different extracts: CRET30, CRET50, CRET70, and CRDW. The antibacterial activity of these extracts were tested through Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assays, disk diffusion tests, and time-kill assays, targeting both standard (ATCC 49619) and resistant (ATCC 70067) strains. The study also evaluated the extracts' biofilm inhibition properties and monitored the expression of the lyt gene, integral to autolysis. The results prominently showed that the CRET70 extract demonstrated remarkable antibacterial strength. It achieved an MIC of 0.125 µg/mL against both tested S. pneumoniae strains. The disk diffusion assay recorded inhibition zones of 22.17 mm for ATCC 49619 and 17.20 mm for ATCC 70067. Impressively, CRET70 resulted in a 2-log decrease in bacterial numbers for both strains, showcasing its potent bactericidal capacity. The extract was also effective in inhibiting 77.40% of biofilm formation. Additionally, the significant overexpression of the lytA gene in the presence of CRET70 pointed to a potential mechanism of action for its antibacterial effects. The outcomes provided new perspectives on the use of Coptis rhizome in combating S. pneumoniae, especially significant in an era of escalating antibiotic resistance.

Preclinical antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Erythrophleum africanum (benth.) harms in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the antidiabetic effects of the methanolic extract of E. africanum (MEEA) stem bark on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) in Wistar rats.

METHODS

The in vitro enzyme (α-amylase) inhibitory activity of MEEA was measured using a standard procedure. Diabetic rats with fasting blood glucose above 250 mg/dL were considered diabetic and were divided into the following groups: control (distilled water-treated), diabetic-control, diabetic metformin (100 mg/kg), diabetes + MEEA (150 mg/kg), and diabetes + MEEA (300 mg/kg) via oral gavage once daily for 14 days. At the end of the experimental period, kidney tissues were collected for biochemical and histological analyses. Kidney apoptosis and marker gene expression were measured by real-time quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

MEEA exhibited α-amylase inhibitory effects. MEEA significantly (p<0.05) reduced the STZ-induced increases in blood glucose, serum urea, serum creatinine, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and malondialdehyde and increased the STZ-induced decreases in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione. In addition, MEEA protects against DN by significantly downregulating the mRNA expression of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), cAMP-response binding protein (CREB), and cFOS and upregulating B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), suggesting that the nephroprotective ability of MEEA is due to the modulation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB/cFOS signaling pathway. Furthermore, MEEA treatment protected against histopathological alterations observed in diabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The data from this study suggest that MEEA modulates glucose homeostasis and inhibits redox imbalance in DN rats.

Spearmint targets microtubules by (-)-carvone

Allelopathy can provide sustainable alternatives to herbicides because it is based on specific signals rather than generic toxicity. We show that the allelopathic activity of Spearmint and Watermint is linked with their main compounds, (-)-carvone and (+)-menthofuran, both deriving from (-)-limonene. Germination of Poppy and Cress, and root growth of Arabidopsis thaliana are inhibited by very low concentrations of (-)-carvone, acting even through the gas phase. (+)-Menthofuran is active as well, but at lower efficacy. Using fluorescently tagged marker lines in tobacco BY-2 cells and Arabidopsis roots, we demonstrate a rapid degradation of microtubules and a remodeling of actin filaments in response to (-)-carvone and, to a milder extent, to (+)-menthofuran. This cytoskeletal response is followed by cell death. By means of a Root Chip system, we can follow the tissue dependent response of the cytoskeleton and show a cell-type dependent gradient of sensitivity between meristem and distal elongation zone, accompanied by programmed cell death.

Antioxidant Extracts from Greek and Spanish Olive Leaves: Antimicrobial, Anticancer and Antiangiogenic Effects

Olea europaea L. is the most valuable species of the Olea type, and its products offer a wide range of therapeutical uses. The olive tree has been extensively studied for its nourishing qualities, and the "Mediterranean diet", which includes virgin olive oil as a key dietary component, is strongly associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and various malignancies. Olive leaves, a by-product in the olive harvesting process, are valued as a resource for developing novel phytomedicines. For this purpose, two ethanolic extracts obtained from Olivae folium from Spain (OFS) and Greece (OFG) were investigated. Our findings contribute to a wider characterization of olive leaves. Both extracts displayed important amounts of phenolic compounds and pentacyclic triterpenes, OFG having higher concentrations of both polyphenols, such as oleuropein and lutein, as well as triterpenes, such as oleanolic acid and maslinic acid. The antioxidant capacity is similar for the two extracts, albeit slightly higher for OFG, possibly due to metal polyphenol complexes with antioxidant activity. The extracts elicited an antimicrobial effect at higher doses, especially against Gram-positive bacteria, such as Streptococcus pyogenes. The extract with lower inorganic content and higher content of polyphenols and triterpenic acids induced a strong anti-radical capacity, a selective cytotoxic effect, as well as antimigratory potential on A375 melanoma cells and antiangiogenic potential on the CAM. No irritability and a good tolerability were noted after evaluating the extracts on the in vivo Hen's Egg Test-Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM). Therefore, the present data are suggestive for the possible use of the two types of olive leaf products as high-antioxidant extracts, potentially impacting the healthcare system through their use as antimicrobial agents and as anticancer and anti-invasion treatments for melanoma.

Medicinal flora of the baiku yao people - An ethnobotanical documentation in South China

BACKGROUND

This study explores the medicinal plant knowledge of the Baiku Yao, a unique ethnic group in China. Despite existing research on their ethnobotanical practices, a comprehensive understanding of their medicinal flora remains lacking. This study aims to document and analyze the species distribution, utilization, and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by Baiku Yao.

METHODS

Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in various Baiku Yao villages across different seasons from 2019 to 2023. Informants were interviewed, and plant specimens were collected and identified. Statistical analyses, including the Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), were employed to understand plant importance in Baiku Yao culture.

RESULTS

In an ethnobotanical survey conducted in the Baiku Yao region, 434 medicinal plant species were documented, highlighting significant ethnobotanical diversity and a deep cultural integration of traditional medicinal practices. The study revealed pronounced geographical variations in plant knowledge among villages, with a notable reliance on wild plants, as 85.48% were sourced from the wild, reflecting unique local ethnobotanical knowledge. Predominantly herbs and shrubs were used due to their accessibility and abundance in the local environment. High Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) values for certain species underscored their importance for local health needs and additional economic value. The utilization of various plant parts, particularly whole plants, roots, and leaves, indicates a holistic approach to medicinal applications, adapted to combat prevalent health issues such as skin and infectious diseases. The study also uncovered the Baiku Yao's cultural practices for countering "Gu" afflictions-a range of pathogenic conditions-with 18 diverse antidote plants used for skin, digestive, and musculoskeletal disorders. The study underscores the imperative of preserving this rich medicinal heritage through innovative models that engage youth and leverage new media, ensuring the inheritance and evolution of Baiku Yao's traditional knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS

Baiku Yao's medicinal plant use reflects a deep, culturally ingrained knowledge, closely tied to local ecology. The study highlights the importance of preserving this unique ethnobotanical heritage and suggests interdisciplinary approaches for future research.

Phytochemical Investigation of Polyphenols from the Aerial Parts of Tanacetum balsamita Used in Transylvanian Ethnobotany and Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay

In this study, based on ethnobotanical data recorded in Transylvania, the polyphenolic compounds and the permeability of the aerial part's extract of Tanacetum balsamita were investigated. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was applied for the analysis of the extracts. Parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) for the gastrointestinal tract and the blood-brain barrier was conducted. In the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the species traditionally used for wound, furuncle, and liver disorders, 92 polyphenols were characterized (e.g., flavonoid, hydroxycinnamic acid, catechin, dihydroxybenzoyl, lignan derivatives, and a monoterpene) including 54 compounds identified for the first time in the plant. In the PAMPA tests, eight components were shown to be capable of passive diffusion across the studied membranes. These include apigenin and seven methoxylated flavonoid derivatives. Based on these results, methoxylated flavonoids might promote the pharmacological potential of T. balsamita to be applied in the enhancement of novel remedies.

Yeast Platforms for Production and Screening of Bioactive Derivatives of Rauwolscine

Monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) make up a highly bioactive class of metabolites produced by a range of tropical and subtropical plants. The corynanthe-type MIAs are a stereochemically complex subclass with therapeutic potential against a large number of indications including cancer, psychotic disorders, and erectile dysfunction. Here, we report yeast-based cell factories capable of de novo production of corynanthe-type MIAs rauwolscine, yohimbine, tetrahydroalstonine, and corynanthine. From this, we demonstrate regioselective biosynthesis of 4 fluorinated derivatives of these compounds and de novo biosynthesis of 7-chlororauwolscine by coexpression of a halogenase with the biosynthetic pathway. Finally, we capitalize on the ability of these cell factories to produce derivatives of these bioactive scaffolds to establish a proof-of-principle drug discovery pipeline in which the corynanthe-type MIAs are screened for bioactivity on human drug targets, expressed in yeast. In doing so, we identify antagonistic and agonistic behavior against the human adrenergic G protein-coupled receptors ADRA2A and ADRA2B, and the serotonergic receptor 5HT4b, respectively. This study thus demonstrates a proto-drug discovery pipeline for bioactive plant-inspired small molecules based on one-pot biocatalysis of natural and new-to-nature corynanthe-type MIAs in yeast.

Enhanced In Vitro Plant Morphogenesis of Tobacco: Unveiling Indoleamine-Modulated Adaptogenic Properties of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.)

The medicinal plant tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.) is acknowledged for its invigorating and healing properties that enhance resilience to stress in various human and animal models by modulating antioxidant compounds. While extensive research has documented these effects in humans, the adaptogenic potential of tulsi in stressful in vitro plant systems has not been explored. This study aimed to elucidate the adaptogenic properties of tulsi leaf extract on the in vitro regeneration of tobacco leaf explants through an investigation of the indoleamines at different developmental stages. Shoot regeneration from leaf explants on the medium supplemented with tulsi extract (20%) was compared to the control, and the differences in indoleamine compounds were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Treatment of the explants with the extract resulted in an almost two-fold increase in the number of regenerants after four weeks of culture, and 9% of the regenerants resembled somatic embryo-like structures. The occurrence of browning in the extract-treated explants stopped on day 10, shoots began to develop, and a significant concentration of tryptamine and N-acetyl-serotonin accumulated. A comparative analysis of indoleamine compounds in intact and cut tobacco leaves also revealed the pivotal role of melatonin and 2-hydroxymelatonin functioning as antioxidants during stress adaptation. This study demonstrates that tulsi is a potent adaptogen that is capable of modulating plant morphogenesis in vitro, paving the way for further investigations into the role of adaptogens in plant stress biology.

Optimizing medicinal hemp production with synergistic light-enhanced technologies and organic biorefinery approaches

This study explores the application of sustainable organic and biorefinery methods to increase the production of therapeutic hemp. Specifically, it focuses on Solodiol, Carmagnola, and Doctor Seedman strains. The study was carried out for 60 days in a highly controlled setting. It employed a unique combination of Murashige and Skoog (MS) media, supplemented with 2,4-D (0.5 mg/L) and kinetin (0.5 mg/L), and augmented with organic additions such as coconut water. This distinctive amalgamation facilitated extraordinary expansion across all varieties. The Solodiol strain demonstrated remarkable growth characteristics in terms of the number of branches, leaves, shoots, and height, whilst Carmagnola and Doctor Seedman indicated significant differences in diameter. Carmagnola, specifically, flourished in specific conditions: a strict 16-h period of light followed by 8 h of darkness, particularly when exposed to blue light. The Carmagnola strain, grown using MS feed (2StemMS), produced a hemp oil extract with a high concentration of 3.85%, compared to the Solodiol and Doctor Seedman strains, and also showcases their potential in promoting an environmentally friendly and therapeutically helpful medicinal hemp industry.

The HABD: Home of All Biological Databases Empowering Biological Research With Cutting-Edge Database Systems

The emergence of computer technologies and computing power has led to the development of several database systems that provide standardized access to vast quantities of data, making it possible to collect, search, index, evaluate, and extract useful knowledge across various fields. The Home of All Biological Databases (HABD) has been established as a continually expanding platform that aims to store, organize, and distribute biological data in a searchable manner, removing all dead and non-accessible data. The platform meticulously categorizes data into various categories, such as COVID-19 Pandemic Database (CO-19PDB), Database relevant to Human Research (DBHR), Cancer Research Database (CRDB), Latest Database of Protein Research (LDBPR), Fungi Databases Collection (FDBC), and many other databases that are categorized based on biological phenomena. It currently provides a total of 22 databases, including 6 published, 5 submitted, and the remaining in various stages of development. These databases encompass a range of areas, including phytochemical-specific and plastic biodegradation databases. HABD is equipped with search engine optimization (SEO) analyzer and Neil Patel tools, which ensure excellent SEO and high-speed value. With timely updates, HABD aims to facilitate the processing and visualization of data for scientists, providing a one-stop-shop for all biological databases. Computer platforms, such as PhP, html, CSS, Java script and Biopython, are used to build all the databases. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Abrus precatorius Leaf Extract Stimulates Insulin-mediated Muscle Glucose Uptake: In vitro Studies and Phytochemical Analysis

Diabetes mellitus, linked with insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia, is a leading cause of mortality. Glucose uptake through glucose transporter type 4, especially in skeletal muscle, is crucial for maintaining euglycaemia and is a key pathway targeted by antidiabetic medication. Abrus precatorius is a medicinal plant with demonstrated antihyperglycaemic activity in animal models, but its mechanisms are unclear.This study evaluated the effect of a 50% ethanolic (v/v) A. precatorius leaf extract on (1) insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and (2) related gene expression in differentiated C2C12 myotubes using rosiglitazone as a positive control, and (3) generated a comprehensive phytochemical profile of A. precatorius leaf extract using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry to elucidate its antidiabetic compounds. A. precatorius leaf extract significantly increased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, and insulin receptor substrate 1 and Akt substrate of 160 kDa gene expression; however, it had no effect on glucose transporter type 4 gene expression. At 250 µg/mL A. precatorius leaf extract, the increase in glucose uptake was significantly higher than 1 µM rosiglitazone. Fifty-five phytochemicals (primarily polyphenols, triterpenoids, saponins, and alkaloids) were putatively identified, including 24 that have not previously been reported from A. precatorius leaves. Abrusin, precatorin I, glycyrrhizin, hemiphloin, isohemiphloin, hispidulin 4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, homoplantaginin, and cirsimaritin were putatively identified as known major compounds previously reported from A. precatorius leaf extract. A. precatorius leaves contain antidiabetic phytochemicals and enhance insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in myotubes via the protein kinase B/phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway by regulating insulin receptor substrate 1 and Akt substrate of 160 kDa gene expression. Therefore, A. precatorius leaves may improve skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity and hyperglycaemia. Additionally, it is a valuable source of bioactive phytochemicals with potential therapeutic use for diabetes.

The properties and mechanism of action of plant immunomodulators in regulation of immune response - A narrative review focusing on Curcuma longa L., Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer and Moringa oleifera Lam

Herbal treatments have been utilized for millennia to cure a variety of ailments. There are over 20, 000 herbal remedies available to treat cancer and other disease in humans. In Ayurveda, traditional plants having revitalizing and nourishing characteristics are known as "Rasayanas." They have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-microbicidal, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects on the immune system. Immunomodulation is a mechanism through which the body stimulates, suppresses, or boosts the immune system to maintain homeostasis. Plant-derived immunomodulators are typically phytocompounds, including carbohydrates, phenolics, lipids, alkaloids, terpenoids, organosulfur, and nitrogen-containing chemicals. Immunomodulation activity of phytocompounds from traditional plants is primarily mediated through macrophage activation, phagocytosis stimulation, peritoneal macrophage stimulation, lymphoid cell stimulation, and suppression or enhancement of specific and non-specific cellular immune systems via numerous signalling pathways. Despite extensive research, the precise mechanism of immunomodulation of most traditional plants has not yet been fully elucidated, justifying the need for further experimentation. Therefore, this review describes the immunomodulatory agents from traditional plants such as Curcuma longa L., Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, and Moringa oleifera Lam, further highlighting the common molecular targets and immunomodulatory mechanism involved in eradicating diseases.

Anti-inflammatory potential of some eudesmanolide and guaianolide sesquiterpenes

Ten sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Anvillea garcinii (Burm.f.) DC ethanolic extract were assessed for their anti-inflammatory potential by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity assignment, and mice paw swelling model. 3α,4α-10β-trihydroxy-8α-acetyloxyguaian-12,6α-olide (1), epi-vulgarin (3), 9a-hydroxyparthenolide (4), garcinamine C (7), garcinamine D (8), garcinamine E (9), and 4, 9-dihydroxyguaian-10(14)-en-12-olide (10) showed explicit anti-inflammatory activity in rodent paw edema and MPO assignment. The findings of this study showed that the α-methylene γ-lactone moiety does not always guarantee an anti-inflammatory effect, but the presence of proline at the C3 of the lactone ring improves the binding of sesquiterpene lactones with MPO isoenzymes, resulting in a more potent inhibition.

Toxic Garden and Landscaping Plants

Many popular ornamental shrubs are not only beautiful but also toxic when ingested in sufficient quantities. Common toxic landscaping shrubs in North America include yew (Taxus spp), oleander (Nerium oleander), and rhododendrons and azaleas (Rhododendron spp). Horses are often exposed when plant trimmings are placed within reach or discarded in pastures. Occasionally clippings or fallen leaves contaminate hay. Some plants are unpalatable unless dried and mixed with hay or lawn clippings but others are ingested more readily. In many cases, disease can be severe and treatment unrewarding; therefore, client education is critical to preventing serious and potentially fatal poisonings.

Overview of Ethnobotanical-Pharmacological Studies Carried Out on Medicinal Plants from the Serra da Estrela Natural Park: Focus on Their Antidiabetic Potential

The Serra da Estrela Natural Park (NPSE) in Portugal stands out as a well-preserved region abundant in medicinal plants, particularly known for their pharmaceutical applications in diabetes prevention and treatment. This comprehensive review explores these plants' botanical diversity, traditional uses, pharmacological applications, and chemical composition. The NPSE boast a rich diversity with 138 medicinal plants across 55 families identified as traditionally and pharmacologically used against diabetes globally. Notably, the Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families are prevalent in antidiabetic applications. In vitro studies have revealed their significant inhibition of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes, and certain plant co-products regulate genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and insulin secretion. In vivo trials have demonstrated antidiabetic effects, including glycaemia regulation, insulin secretion, antioxidant activity, and lipid profile modulation. Medicinal plants in NPSE exhibit various activities beyond antidiabetic, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and more. Chemical analyses have identified over fifty compounds like phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides responsible for their efficacy against diabetes. These findings underscore the potential of NPSE medicinal plants as antidiabetic candidates, urging further research to develop effective plant-based antidiabetic drugs, beverages, and supplements.

Immunomodulatory potential of Sarcophaga argyostoma larval hemolymph as a natural alternative to berenil in treating Trypanosoma evansi in vivo

This study compared effects of diminazene aceturate (berenil), commonly used to treat domestic animals infected with Trypanosoma evansi, with the hemolymph of Sarcophaga argyostoma larva. The hemolymph may be acting as a possible natural alternative to berenil, based on immunomodulation mediated inflammatory response. Inflammatory mediators and histopathological changes in liver, kidney, and spleen of albino mice experimentally infected with T. evansi were studied. Mice were divided into five groups: G1, uninfected, untreated (negative control); G2, T. evansi infected (positive control); G3, infected and treated with berenil; G4, infected and treated with hemolymph; G5, infected and treated with hemolymph 3 days before infection (prophylactic group). Animals in (G4) and (G5) exhibited a significant overall reduction in serum levels of IFN-γ. However, the reduction in TNF-α and IL-6 levels was more limited compared to (G2) and (G3). Notably, an elevation in IL-10 levels was observed compared to animals in other groups. Furthermore, the groups treated with hemolymph demonstrated an alleviation of T. evansi infection in contrast to the other groups. This study highlights that the administration of Sarcophaga argyostoma larval hemolymph at a dosage of 0.5 ml/kg significantly inhibited T. evansi organisms in vivo, showcasing a pronounced trypanocidal effect.

Impact of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Environment on the Metabolic Profile of Medicinal Plants and Their Therapeutic Potential

The paper provides a comprehensive examination of heavy metal stress on medicinal plants, focusing on its impact on antioxidant capacity and biosynthetic pathways critical to their therapeutic potential. It explores the complex relationship between heavy metals and the physiological and biochemical responses of medicinal plants, highlighting how metal stress disrupts biosynthetic pathways, altering concentrations of secondary metabolites. This disruption may compromise the overall quality and efficacy of medicinal plants, requiring a holistic understanding of its cumulative impacts. Furthermore, the study discusses the potential of targeted genetic editing to enhance plant resilience against heavy metal stress by manipulating genes associated with antioxidant defenses. This approach represents a promising frontier in safeguarding medicinal plants in metal-contaminated environments. Additionally, the research investigates the role of phytohormone signaling in plant adaptive mechanisms to heavy metal stress, revealing its influence on biochemical and physiological responses, thereby adding complexity to plant adaptation. The study underscores the importance of innovative technologies and global cooperation in protecting medicinal plants' therapeutic potential and highlights the need for mitigation strategies to address heavy metal contamination effectively.

Into the wild: uncertain frontiers and sustainable human-nature interactions

Humans seldom consider themselves as animals, and that humans are animals is a truth frequently turned into an insulting metaphor indicating "uncivilized" behavior in many cultures. Interestingly, the "civilizing" aspects of Western Culture in the Global North are historically derived from traditions of democracy based on living in cities from which the wild has been banished. This is embedded in the English language since civilizing and civilization come from the Latin for city, civitas, the place where citizens hold voting rights. Beyond the gates of civilization is the wild. How the wild and nature have been constructed and demarcated is an enormously complex and enduring challenge in western philosophy as it relates to knowledge-making, existence, truth, and reality. Indeed, whilst people generally believe they know what nature means, they rarely realize that little in nature is wild. Furthermore, the concept of uncertainty, central to the pandemic, is compounded by climate instability and a potentially disastrous future. This is breaking down what is known, requiring porous and flexible conceptual frontiers and a transdisciplinary approach. This article traces the linguistic separation of humans from their animal origins and wilder environments for political and increasingly greedy economic purposes. It explores the acknowledged complexity of healthy human-nature interactions, juxtaposing information mainly from the humanities and social sciences. Demonstrating how unhealthy the current paradigm has proven to be for humans and the natural world, it brings together conflicting information to disrupt traditional certainties using an innovative bricolage methodology. It weaves and combines different ways of knowing as it considers forms of knowledge-making, rewilding, foraging, the place of magical thinking, and vital force. It concludes that a new paradigm is needed to enable a way of working toward any vision of healthy human-nature interaction.

Development of a virus-based affinity ultrafiltration method for screening virus-surface-protein-targeted compounds from complex matrixes: Herbal medicines as a case study

Herbal medicines (HMs) are one of the main sources for the development of lead antiviral compounds. However, due to the complex composition of HMs, the screening of active compounds within these is inefficient and requires a significant time investment. We report a novel and efficient virus-based screening method for antiviral active compounds in HMs. This method involves the centrifugal ultrafiltration of viruses, known as the virus-based affinity ultrafiltration method (VAUM). This method is suitable to identify virus specific active compounds from complex matrices such as HMs. The effectiveness of the VAUM was evaluated using influenza A virus (IAV) H1N1. Using this method, four compounds that bind to the surface protein of H1N1 were identified from dried fruits of Terminalia chebula (TC). Through competitive inhibition assays, the influenza surface protein, neuraminidase (NA), was identified as the target protein of these four TC-derived compounds. Three compounds were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), and their anti-H1N1 activities were verified by examining the cytopathic effect (CPE) and by performing a virus yield reduction assay. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that these three compounds directly bind to NA and inhibit its activity. In summary, we describe here a VAUM that we designed, one that can be used to accurately screen antiviral active compounds in HMs and also help improve the efficiency of screening antiviral drugs found in natural products.

Medicinal plants meet modern biodiversity science

Plants have been an essential source of human medicine for millennia. In this review, we argue that a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to the study of medicinal plants that combines methods and insights from three key disciplines - evolutionary ecology, molecular biology/biochemistry, and ethnopharmacology - is poised to facilitate new breakthroughs in science, including pharmacological discoveries and rapid advancements in human health and well-being. Such interdisciplinary research leverages data and methods spanning space, time, and species associated with medicinal plant species evolution, ecology, genomics, and metabolomic trait diversity, all of which build heavily on traditional Indigenous knowledge. Such an interdisciplinary approach contrasts sharply with most well-funded and successful medicinal plant research during the last half-century, which, despite notable advancements, has greatly oversimplified the dynamic relationships between plants and humans, kept hidden the larger human narratives about these relationships, and overlooked potentially important research and discoveries into life-saving medicines. We suggest that medicinal plants and people should be viewed as partners whose relationship involves a complicated and poorly explored set of (socio-)ecological interactions including not only domestication but also commensalisms and mutualisms. In short, medicinal plant species are not just chemical factories for extraction and exploitation. Rather, they may be symbiotic partners that have shaped modern societies, improved human health, and extended human lifespans.

Efficacy and Mechanisms of Natural Products as Therapeutic Interventions for Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Chronic respiratory diseases are long-term conditions affecting the airways and other lung components that are characterized by a high prevalence, disability rate, and mortality rate. Further optimization of their treatment is required. Natural products, primarily extracted from organisms, possess specific molecular and structural formulas as well as distinct chemical and physical properties. These characteristics grant them the advantages of safety, gentleness, accessibility, and minimal side effects. The numerous advances in the use of natural products for treating chronic respiratory diseases have provided a steady source of motivation for new drug research and development. In this paper, we introduced the pathogenesis of chronic respiratory diseases and natural products. Furthermore, we classified natural products according to their mechanism for treating chronic respiratory diseases and describe the ways in which these products can alleviate the pathological symptoms. Simultaneously, we elaborate on the signal transduction pathways and biological impacts of natural products' targeting. Additionally, we present future prospects for natural products, considering their combination treatment approaches and administration methods. The significance of this review extends to both the research on preventing and treating chronic respiratory diseases, as well as the advancement of novel drug development in this field.

Exploring the Anticancer Potential of Traditional Thai Medicinal Plants: A Focus on Dracaena loureiri and Its Effects on Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is renowned for its aggressive and highly metastatic nature. In recent years, there has been a surge in interest regarding the therapeutic potential of traditional medicinal plants. Dracaena loureirin (D. loureirin), Ficus racemosa Linn. (F. racemosa), and Harrisonia perforata (Blanco) Merr. (H. perforata) are prominent traditional medicinal herbs in Thailand, recognized for their diverse biological activities, including antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, their prospective anti-cancer properties against NSCLC remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer attributes of ethanolic extracts obtained from D. loureiri (DLEE), F. racemosa (FREE), and H. perforata (HPEE) against the A549 lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay results revealed that only DLEE exhibited cytotoxic effects on A549 cells, whereas FREE and HPEE showed no such cytotoxicity. To elucidate the anti-cancer mechanisms of DLEE, cell cycle and apoptosis assays were performed. The findings demonstrated that DLEE inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in A549 cells through the downregulation of key cell cycle regulator proteins, including cyclin D1, CDK-2, and CDK-4. Furthermore, DLEE treatment facilitated apoptosis in A549 cells by suppressing anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, and survivin) and enhancing apoptotic proteins (cleaved-caspase-3 and cleaved-PARP-1). In summary, our study provides novel insights into the significant anti-cancer properties of DLEE against A549 cells. This work represents the first report suggesting that DLEE has the capability to impede the growth of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells through the induction of apoptosis.

Protective effect of the mixture of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC3 and Leonurus Japonicas Houtt extract on respiratory disorders

Air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM) and diesel exhaust particles (DEP), are associated with respiratory diseases. Therefore, preventive and therapeutic strategies against PM-and DEP (PM10D)-induced respiratory diseases are needed. Herein, we evaluate the protective effects of a mixture of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC3 and Leonurus Japonicas Houtt (LJH) extract against airway inflammation associated with exposure to PM10D. To determine the anti-inflammatory effects of the LJH extract, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the expression of inflammatory pathways were determined in PM10-induced MH-S cells. For the respiratory protective effects, BALB/c mice were exposed to PM10D via intranasal injection, and a mixture of L. plantarum KC3 and LJH extract was administered orally for 12 days. LJH extract inhibited ROS production and the phosphorylation of downstream factors of NF-κB in PM10-stimulated MH-S cells. The mixture of L. plantarum KC3 and LJH repressed the infiltration of neutrophils, reduced the immune cells number, and suppressed the proinflammatory mediators and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expressions in PM10D-induced airway inflammation with reduced phosphorylation of downstream factors of NF-κB. In addition, these effects were not observed in an alveolar macrophage depleted PM10D-induced mouse model using clodronate liposomes. The extract mixture also regulated gut microbiota in feces and upregulated the mRNA expression of Foxp3, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and interleukin (IL)-10 in the colon. The L. plantarum KC3 and LJH extract mixture may inhibit alveolar macrophage- and neutrophil-mediated inflammatory responses and regulate gut microbiota and immune response in PM10D-induced airway inflammation, suggesting it is a potential remedy to prevent and cure airway inflammation and respiratory disorders.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Syzygium samarangense reveals genomic recombination, gene transfer, and RNA editing events

Wax apple (Syzygium samarangense) is a commercial fruit that belongs to one of the most species-rich tree genera in the world. We report here the first complete S. samarangense mitogenome obtained using a hybrid assembly strategy. The mitogenome was a 530,242 bp circular molecule encoding 61 unique genes accounting for 7.99% of the full-length genome. Additionally, 167 simple sequence repeats, 19 tandem repeats, and 529 pairs of interspersed repeats were identified. Long read mapping and Sanger sequencing revealed the involvement of two forward repeats (35,843 bp and 22,925 bp) in mediating recombination. Thirteen homologous fragments in the chloroplast genome were identified, accounting for 1.53% of the mitogenome, and the longest fragment was 2,432 bp. An evolutionary analysis showed that S. samarangense underwent multiple genomic reorganization events and lost at least four protein-coding genes (PCGs) (rps2, rps7, rps11, and rps19). A total of 591 RNA editing sites were predicted in 37 PCGs, of which nad1-2, nad4L-2, and rps10-2 led to the gain of new start codons, while atp6-1156, ccmFC-1315 and rps10-331 created new stop codons. This study reveals the genetic features of the S. samarangense mitogenome and provides a scientific basis for further studies of traits with an epistatic basis and for germplasm identification.

The amount of antioxidants in honey has a strong relationship with the plants selected by honey bees

As one of the main sources of natural antioxidants, flowering plants play a role in the prevention and treatment of many diseases directly and indirectly. Honey is considered as an important nutrient in the supply of natural antioxidants, the amount of which is directly dependent on the plant origin and geographical location of the bee feeding place. The existence of valuable communities of native and endemic plant species has turned Alborz, Zagros and Azerbaijan into the most important hubs of honey production in Iran. In this study, we collected samples of honey from more than 90 regions in Alborz, Zagros and Azerbaijan during the years 2020 to 2021. We evaluated the samples using melissopalynology method and measuring the amount of antioxidant activity. The rise of antioxidant activity in honey is dependent on the abundance of some plant families as well botanical origins. The abundance of plant families Rosaceae, Amaranthaceae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae showed a higher influence on the amount of antioxidants in honey than other plant families. Also, the abundance of plant families Rosaceae and Fabaceae increased with increasing altitude. In general, the amount of antioxidant activity of honey samples shows a different percentage under the influence of ecological and geographical changes.

Plant Engineering to Enable Platforms for Sustainable Bioproduction of Terpenoids

Terpenoids represent the most diverse class of natural products, with a broad spectrum of industrial relevance including applications in green solvents, flavors and fragrances, nutraceuticals, colorants, and therapeutics. They are typically challenging to extract from their natural sources, where they occur in small amounts and mixtures of related but unwanted byproducts. Formal chemical synthesis, where established, is reliant on petrochemistry. Hence, there is great interest in developing sustainable solutions to assemble biosynthetic pathways in engineered host organisms. Metabolic engineering for chemical production has largely focused on microbial hosts, yet plants offer a sustainable production platform. In addition to containing the precursor pathways that generate the terpenoid building blocks as well as the cell structures and compartments required, or tractable localization for the enzymes involved, plants may provide a low input system to produce these chemicals using carbon dioxide and sunlight only. There have been significant recent advancements in the discovery of pathways to terpenoids of interest as well as strategies to boost yields in host plants. While part of the phytochemical field is focusing on the discovery of biosynthetic pathways, this review will focus on advancements using the pathway toolbox and toward engineering plants for the production of terpenoids. We will highlight strategies currently used to produce target products, optimization of known pathways to improve yields, compartmentalization of pathways within cells, and genetic tools developed to facilitate complex engineering of biosynthetic pathways. These advancements in Synthetic Biology are bringing engineered plant systems closer to commercially relevant hosts for the bioproduction of terpenoids.

Harnessing Natural Resources for Advancements in Dengue Virus Treatment

Dengue fever, caused by the Dengue virus (DENV) and transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, has become endemic in over 100 countries. Despite considerable research, there is a lack of specific drugs for clinical use against dengue. Hence, further exploration to identify antidengue compounds is essential. In recent years, natural products have gained attention for their antiviral properties. Plant-based medicines are particularly appealing due to their safety and low toxicity. This review summarizes natural compounds with potential antiviral activity against DENV, highlighting their mechanisms of action. Various compounds, from traditional herbal remedies to novel plant isolates, show promise against dengue, targeting crucial viral proteins like the envelope protein, proteases, and RNA polymerase. Exploring natural sources of antiviral agents against dengue is crucial. These compounds offer hope for effective treatments and mitigating dengue's global impact.

Multitarget Compounds for Neglected Diseases: A Review

Neglected diseases are a group of infectious diseases, many of them parasitic, that mainly affect the poorest populations with limited access to health services, especially those living in remote rural areas and slums. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), neglected diseases put the lives of more than 200 million people at risk, and treatment is made difficult by the occurrence of resistance to existing medications, as well as the high level of toxicity. In this way, the potential of multitarget compounds is highlighted, defined as compounds designed to modulate multiple targets of relevance to disease, with the overall goal of enhancing efficacy and/or improving safety. Thus, the objective of our study is to evaluate existing multitarget compound approaches for neglected diseases, with an emphasis on Leishmaniasis, Chagas Disease, and Arboviruses. A literature review was performed by searching the database "Web of Sciences". In relation to the diseases covered in this work, Leishmaniasis, individually, was the one that presented the largest number of articles (11) that dealt with the topic, which can be justified by the high prevalence of this disease in the world, the second most common disease was Dengue, followed by Chagas disease, Chikungunya virus, and Zika virus. Furthermore, the multitarget potential of phenolic compounds was observed in all diseases under study, with the mechanisms related to the nucleus and transcription being the most reported mechanisms. From this perspective, it is worth highlighting the effectiveness of approaches related to multitarget drugs in discovering new therapeutic agents for neglected diseases.

History of safe use of herbs - Approaches for documenting evidence

Approval by regulatory authorities for commerce of herbs to different nations is lengthy process involving quality, safety, and efficacy data submission for the herbs under different category. Submission of documented history of use of herbs in such steps has gained momentum in the last decade globally. EU Directives and Food Regulations, India, specifically describes this requirement. However, authors have not seen any broad guidelines on how to document such evidence. This paper attempts to provide inputs for wider consultations to lead to guideline development.

Ethylene enhances transcriptions of asparagine biosynthetic genes in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr) leaves

Soybean, a vital protein-rich crop, offers bioactivity that can mitigate various chronic human diseases. Nonetheless, soybean breeding poses a challenge due to the negative correlation between enhanced protein levels and overall productivity. Our previous studies demonstrated that applying gaseous phytohormone, ethylene, to soybean leaves significantly boosts the accumulation of free amino acids, particularly asparagine (Asn). Current studies also revealed that ethylene application to soybeans significantly enhanced both essential and non-essential amino acid contents in leaves and stems. Asn plays a crucial role in ammonia detoxification and reducing fatigue. However, the molecular evidence supporting this phenomenon remains elusive. This study explores the molecular mechanisms behind enhanced Asn accumulation in ethylene-treated soybean leaves. Transcriptional analysis revealed that ethylene treatments to soybean leaves enhance the transcriptional levels of key genes involved in Asn biosynthesis, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT) and Asn synthetase (ASN), which aligns with our previous observations of elevated Asn levels. These findings shed light on the role of ethylene in upregulating Asn biosynthetic genes, subsequently enhancing Asn concentrations. This molecular insight into amino acid metabolism regulation provides valuable knowledge for the metabolic farming of crops, especially in elevating nutraceutical ingredients with non-genetic modification (GM) approach for improved protein content.

Antibacterial Efficiency of Tanacetum vulgare Essential Oil against ESKAPE Pathogens and Synergisms with Antibiotics

Medicinal plants with multiple targets of action have become one of the most promising solutions in the fight against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy) is one of the medicinal plants with antibacterial qualities that deserve to be studied. Thus, this research takes a closer look at tansy extract's composition and antibacterial properties, aiming to highlight its potential against clinically relevant bacterial strains. In this respect, the antibacterial test was performed against several drug-resistant pathogenic strains, and we correlated them with the main isolated compounds, demonstrating the therapeutic properties of the extract. The essential oil was extracted via hydrodistillation, and its composition was characterized via gas chromatography. The main isolated compounds known for their antibacterial effects were α-Thujone, β-Thujone, Eucalyptol, Sabinene, Chrysanthenon, Camphor, Linalool oxide acetate, cis-Carveol, trans-Carveyl acetate, and Germacrene. The evaluation of the antibacterial activity was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer and binary microdilution methods on Gram-positive and Gram-negative MDR strains belonging to the ESKAPE group (i.e., Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.). Tansy essential oil showed MIC values ranging from 62.5 to 500 μg/mL against the tested strains. Synergistic activity with different classes of antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, monobactams, aminoglycosides, and quinolones) has also been noted. The obtained results demonstrate that tansy essential oil represents a promising lead for developing new antimicrobials active against MDR alone or in combination with antibiotics.

Antibacterial stigmastane-type steroids and other constituents from the leaves of Vernonia glabra (Steetz) Vatke (Asteraceae)

Two new stigmastane steroids (1 and 2) were isolated from the methanol extract of the leaves of Vernonia glabra, together with seventeen known compounds (3-19) including one fatty acid, four triterpenoids, four steroids, one trinitropropanoyl glucoside, and seven flavonoids. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were assigned based on their IR, NMR and MS data, and by comparison with literature values. The MeOH extract, its fractions and isolated compounds were subjected to in vitro antibacterial assay against two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 and Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC49619) and two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC8739 and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC10031) bacteria, using broth microdilution method. The extract and fractions exhibited (16 ≤ MIC ≤ 512 μg/mL) antibacterial activities. The isolated and tested compounds were also active (16 ≤ MIC ≤ 128 μg/mL) against the four pathogenic bacteria, with compound 2 being the most active and E. coli, the most sensitive microorganism.

Exploring the known chemical space of the plant kingdom: insights into taxonomic patterns, knowledge gaps, and bioactive regions

Plants are one of the primary sources of natural products for drug development. However, despite centuries of research, only a limited region of the phytochemical space has been studied. To understand the scope of what is explored versus unexplored in the phytochemical space, we begin by reconstructing the known chemical space of the plant kingdom, mapping the distribution of secondary metabolites, chemical classes, and plants traditionally used for medicinal purposes (i.e., medicinal plants) across various levels of the taxonomy. We identify hotspot taxonomic clades occupied by a large proportion of medicinal plants and characterized secondary metabolites, as well as clades requiring further characterization with regard to their chemical composition. In a complementary analysis, we build a chemotaxonomy which has a high level of concordance with the taxonomy at the genus level, highlighting the close relationship between chemical profiles and evolutionary relationships within the plant kingdom. Next, we delve into regions of the phytochemical space with known bioactivity that have been used in modern drug discovery. While we find that the vast majority of approved drugs from phytochemicals are derived from known medicinal plants, we also show that medicinal and non-medicinal plants do not occupy distinct regions of the known phytochemical landscape and their phytochemicals exhibit properties similar to bioactive compounds. Moreover, we also reveal that only a few thousand phytochemicals have been screened for bioactivity and that there are hundreds of known bioactive compounds present in both medicinal and non-medicinal plants, suggesting that non-medicinal plants also have potential therapeutic applications. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that there are many plants with medicinal properties awaiting discovery.

Therapeutic importance of Kigelia africana subsp. africana: an alternative medicine

AIM

To summarise a detailed up-to-date review of the traditional uses, phytoconstituents, and pharmacological activities of various parts of Kigelia africana.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Google Scholar, PubMed, PubChem, Elsevier, King Draw, indianbiodiversity.org.

RESULT

The phytochemical analysis of Kigelia africana subsp. africana has revealed the presence of approximately 145 compounds extracted from different parts of the plant. These bioactive extracts of the plant possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antineoplastic, and anti-urolithic activities. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-booster properties, Kigelia can prove to be an essential source of drugs for treating various disorders.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of the phytoconstituents, non-medicinal and medicinal traditional uses, pharmacological activities, and products obtained from Kigelia is described in this review with the hope that the updated findings will promote research on its biological pathways.

Molecular mechanism overview of metabolite biosynthesis in medicinal plants

Medicinal plants are essential and rich resources for plant-based medicines and new drugs. Increasing attentions are paid to the secondary metabolites of medicinal plants due to their unique biological activity, pharmacological action, and high utilization value. However, the development of medicinal plants is constrained by limited natural resources and an unclear understanding of the mechanisms underlying active medicinal ingredients, thereby rendering the utilization and exploration of secondary metabolites more challenging. Besides, with the advancement of research on biosynthesis and molecular metabolism of natural products from medicinal plants, the methods for studying the biological activity and pharmacological effects of these products are constantly evolving. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the biosynthetic pathways and related regulatory genes of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants, which has greatly advanced both basic research and the development of clinical applications for medicinal plants. In this review, we discuss the past two decades of international research on the development of medicinal plant resources, mainly focusing on the biosynthetic pathway of secondary metabolites, intracellular signal transduction processes, multi-omics applications, and the application of gene editing technology in related research progress. We also discuss future development trends to promote the deep mining and development of natural products from medicinal plants, providing a useful reference.