Natural Products for Drug Discovery in the 21st Century: Innovations for Novel Drug Discovery

C1632 protects against LPS-induced acute lung injury by regulating AXL-mediated MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway

Acute lung injury (ALI), a leading pulmonary inflammatory disorder, is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. AXL, a member of the TAM family, plays a significant role in the innate immune and inflammatory responses. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of C1632 and its mechanisms in the treatment of LPS-induced ALI/ARDS. The results demonstrated that C1632 pretreatment inhibited the transcription, expression, and secretion of LPS-induced inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α) and vascular adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1). Furthermore, it reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the lungs, thereby alleviating LPS-induced histopathological changes and lung injury in mice. Mechanistically, C1632 suppressed AXL transcription and expression, which inhibited the activation of the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway triggered by LPS stimulation. Both in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that C1632 administration did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity. Additionally, it did not cause functional or structural damage to the liver and kidneys in mice, nor did it induce other acute toxic effects. In summary, these findings suggest that AXL is a novel target for MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway mediated anti-inflammatory treatment and C1632 is a promising therapeutic agent for ALI/ARDS treatment.

Traditional Chinese medicine as a promising choice for future control of PEDV

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is the major agent of the recent outbreaks of diarrhea in piglets, which has caused huge economic losses to the global swine industry. Since traditional vaccine strategies cannot provide complete protection for piglets, the development of safe, effective, and economical antiviral drugs is urgently needed. For many years, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been broadly applied for viral infectious diseases, exhibiting advantages such as abundant resources, lower toxicity, and minimal drug resistance. Many Chinese herbal monomers, single herbal extracts derived from these traditional drugs, and Chinese herbal recipes exhibit significant anti-PEDV effects in vitro and/or in vivo by targeting multiple sites and perspectives, including inhibition of the viral life cycle, anti-inflammation effects, enhancement of the host immune response, modulation of reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis. However, to date, no review has been published on the anti-PEDV effects of TCM. Therefore, this review summarizes the current control strategies for PEDV and systematically analyses the research progress of TCMs against PEDV. Furthermore, the future directions including the integration of nanotechnology and artificial intelligence with TCMs are also discussed. This review will provide a valuable reference for future studies on TCMs in antiviral research.

Deciphering the biosynthetic potential of microbial genomes using a BGC language processing neural network model

Biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), key in synthesizing microbial secondary metabolites, are mostly hidden in microbial genomes and metagenomes. To unearth this vast potential, we present BGC-Prophet, a transformer-based language model for BGC prediction and classification. Leveraging the transformer encoder, BGC-Prophet captures location-dependent relationships between genes. As one of the pioneering ultrahigh-throughput tools, BGC-Prophet significantly surpasses existing methods in efficiency and fidelity, enabling comprehensive pan-phylogenetic and whole-metagenome BGC screening. Through the analysis of 85 203 genomes and 9428 metagenomes, BGC-Prophet has profiled an extensive array of sub-million BGCs. It highlights notable enrichment in phyla like Actinomycetota and the widespread distribution of polyketide, NRP, and RiPP BGCs across diverse lineages. It reveals enrichment patterns of BGCs following important geological events, suggesting environmental influences on BGC evolution. BGC-Prophet's capabilities in detection of BGCs and evolutionary patterns offer contributions to deeper understanding of microbial secondary metabolites and application in synthetic biology.

Kaempferol Induces DNA Damage in Colorectal Cancer Cells by Regulating the MiR-195/miR-497-PFKFB4-Mediated Nonoxidative Pentose Phosphate Pathway

Kaempferol is a flavonoid widely found in fruits and vegetables. Our previous studies have shown that kaempferol has a good inhibitory effect on colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo, significantly inhibiting proliferation and inducing cycle arrest and apoptosis. The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is a branch of glucose catabolism, that provides the raw material ribose-5-phosphate (R5P) for biosynthesis for the rapid proliferation of tumor cells and is closely related to DNA damage. DNA damage has been shown to play an important role in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Therefore, we speculate whether kaempferol exerts the antitumor effect by inducing DNA damage. Herein we actually found that kaempferol treatment induced DNA damage, as indicated by increased γH2AX expression and comet assay. Furthermore, kaempferol reduced R5P production by inhibiting the nonoxidative PPP, while supplementation with nucleosides rescued DNA damage. Mechanistically, kaempferol upregulates the expression of microRNA-195/497 (miR-195/497) and then suppresses PFKFB4 (6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 4) expression by directly binding to its 3'-UTR, thereby inhibiting the expression of transketolase (TKT) and transaldolase (TALDO), key enzymes in the nonoxidative PPP. These data uncover new targets and pathways for the action of kaempferol and lay the foundation for its development as an adjuvant drug for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Antimicrobial, remineralization, and infiltration: advanced strategies for interrupting dental caries

Dental caries, driven by plaque biofilm, poses a major oral health challenge due to imbalance in mineralization and demineralization. The primary objective in caries management is to maintain biofilm homeostasis while facilitating the repair and regeneration of dental hard tissues, thus restoring both structural integrity and functionality of affected teeth. Though antimicrobial and remineralization approaches haven shown promise, their standalone utilization without concurrent bacterial control or rebalancing lacks an integrated strategy to effectively arrest caries progression. Furthermore, according to the principles of minimally invasive dentistry, treatment materials should exhibit high permeability to ensure optimal sealing of demineralized tooth surfaces. The concept of interrupting dental caries (IDC) has emerged as a holistic approach, drawing upon extensive research encompassing three pivotal techniques: antibacterial strategies, remineralization therapies, and infiltration mechanisms, all of which are indispensable components in combating the progression of dental caries. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms and applications of antibacterial, remineralization, and infiltration technologies within the context of caries management. Additionally, we summarize advanced materials that align with the IDC concept, aiming to offer valuable insights for designing next-generation materials adept at preventing or halting caries progression efficiently.

Pinocembrin alleviates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury/unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-generated renal fibrosis by targeting the CYP1B1/ROS/MAPK axis

In our research, we constructed models of renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-exposed acute kidney injury (AKI) and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-stimulated renal fibrosis (RF) in C57BL/6 mice and HK-2 cells. We firstly authenticated that oral pinocembrin (PIN) administration obviously mitigated tissue damage and renal dysfunction induced by I/R injury, and PIN attenuated UUO-caused RF, as confirmed by the reduced expression of fibrotic markers as well as hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Sirius red, immunohistochemistry, and Masson staining. Meanwhile, the beneficial role of PIN was again demonstrated in HK-2 cells with hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) or transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) treatment. Importantly, the "ingredient-target-pathway-disease" network was established through bioinformatics analysis and molecular docking, which showed that PIN may target cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) and modulate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway to exert its impact during injury. Furthermore, experiments confirmed that PIN usage remarkably constrained CYP1B1 expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, MAPK-pathway-associated inflammation, or apoptosis during I/R injury or UUO exposure. PIN also ameliorated the elevated protein phosphorylation of MAPK pathway components [p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK ERK and JNK)], which validated the PIN-induced inhibition of the MAPK signaling pathway in renal I/R or UUO injury. Moreover, the AAV9 (adeno-associated virus 9)-packed CYP1B1 or pcDNA-CYP1B1 overexpression plasmid was utilized to treat C57BL/6 mice or HK-2 cells to overexpress CYP1B1, respectively. Notably, CYP1B1 overexpression considerably abolished PIN's restriction impact on ROS generation and MAPK pathway activation. In conclusion, via bioinformatics analysis, molecular docking, animal model, and cellular experiments, we proved that PIN alleviates renal I/R injury/UUO-generated renal fibrosis through regulating the CYP1B1/ROS/MAPK axis.

Prophylactic Effects of Rhamnetin Flavonoid on Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulceration by Modulating HSP 70/Bax, SOD/MDA and TNF-α/IL-10

Rhamnetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid compound found in many wild plant species and indigenous fruits. Despite its numerous biological potentials, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, there is a lack of literature elucidating its gastroprotective action and anticipating molecular mechanism. Natural products can be a good alternative to overcome the side effects and relapses associated with anti-ulcer drugs. This study aims to elucidate rhamnetin's acute toxicity and gastroprotective effects using the indomethacin ulceration model. Animals were arbitrarily divided into five groups: a negative control group (A) and a positive control group (B), both treated with 1% carboxymethyl cellulose; a reference group (C) receiving 20 mg/kg omeprazole; and low-dose (D) and high-dose (E) rhamnetin groups receiving 30 and 60 mg/kg, respectively. After 1 h, rats in Groups B-E were subjected to indomethacin-induced ulceration. Toxicity evaluations indicated the safety of rhamnetin at doses of up to 400 mg/kg in rats, without any noticeable physiological alterations. Rhamnetin (30 and 60 mg/kg) administered orally 1 h before indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer ameliorated the stomach lesions and lowered the ulcer index area by 73.81% and 77.87%, respectively. Rhamnetin supplementation ameliorated histopathological alterations and restored gastric barriers, including gastric pH and mucin secretion. Moreover, rhamnetin-treated rats exhibited increased anti-apoptotic heat shock protein 70 and decreased Bax protein in stomach tissues. These findings were in line with lowered accumulated MDA, increased superoxide dismutase, catalase and prostaglandin E2 levels, reduced serum inflammatory mediators (TNF-α and interleukin-6) and elevated interleukin-10 cytokines. The outcomes indicate rhamnetin's cicatrising and gastroprotective effects against indomethacin-mediated ulceration, possibly due to its modulatory actions on oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptotic pathways.

Mechanistic insights into alkaloid-based inhibition of squalene epoxidase: A combined in silico and experimental approach for targeting cholesterol biosynthesis

Squalene epoxidase (SQLE) is a key enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway and an attractive therapeutic target for hypercholesterolemia and antifungal treatment. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory potential of six alkaloids-berberine, evodiamine, harmine, reserpine, matrine, and sanguinarine-against SQLE using a combined in silico and in vitro approach. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities ranging from -8.1 to -11.0 kcal/mol, with evodiamine demonstrating the highest affinity, followed by sanguinarine and berberine. 200 ns MD simulations confirmed stable interactions for all alkaloid-enzyme complexes, characterized by low RMSD values, robust hydrogen bonding, and favorable free energy landscapes, as supported by MM/PBSA analysis. Experimental validation through in vitro inhibition assays revealed that evodiamine (IC₅₀ = 2.87 ± 0.08 μM) exhibited potent inhibition comparable to the standard inhibitor TNSCPA (IC₅₀ = 2.65 ± 0.18 μM), while berberine (IC₅₀ = 3.57 ± 0.18 μM) and reserpine (IC₅₀ = 4.91 ± 0.34 μM) showed strong and moderate inhibition, respectively. Harmine, matrine, and sanguinarine were less effective. Enzyme kinetics studies demonstrated that berberine and reserpine act as noncompetitive inhibitors, binding to allosteric sites, whereas evodiamine exhibited competitive inhibition at the active site. ADMET analysis highlighted favorable pharmacokinetic properties for berberine, evodiamine, and sanguinarine, while reserpine and matrine exhibited limited bioavailability due to solubility and size constraints. The unique inhibitory mechanisms observed were consistent with the structural and physicochemical properties of the compounds. These findings establish berberine, evodiamine, and reserpine as promising SQLE inhibitors, with evodiamine emerging as a lead candidate.

A Silibinin-Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Conjugate as an Enhanced Anticancer Agent

Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a hydrolytically degradable biopolyester used in drug delivery to enhance drug solubility and bioavailability, where drugs are typically incorporated physically within the biopolymeric matrix rather than covalently bonded, due to the limited availability of functional groups required for covalent attachment. In pursuit of developing a facile method for the production of a biopolyester-drug covalent conjugate with effective drug loading capacity, this study reports the synthesis of a covalent Silibinin-PCL conjugate (Sil-PCLHyd) through a two-step approach. This involves the controlled hydrolysis of a high molecular weight PCL to increase the concentration of carboxylic end groups, which are subsequently used for the catalyzed esterification with Silibinin. The Sil-PCLHyd is characterized with mass spectrometry, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and NMR and UV-vis spectroscopies. The cytotoxic effects of Sil-PCLHyd against colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) are measured through the MTT assay. The results of the Sil-PCLHyd characterization revealed a Silibinin loading of ≈9.8 wt.%. The MTT assay demonstrated that Sil-PCLHyd induced cytotoxic effects at concentrations a hundred times lower than those required for free Silibinin. The proposed approach might represent a reliable pathway for the development of biopolyester-based covalent conjugates with a high drug loading capacity.

Recent advances in natural products and derivatives with antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread viral infection that causes millions of high-risk illnesses annually. Medicinal herbs such as ginseng root, echinacea purpurea, and radix astragali have a positive effect on antiviral activity by preventing viral adhesion, syncytial development, inhibiting viral internalization, relieving respiratory inflammation, strengthening the immune system, and stimulating the release of interferons. The potential benefits of natural products in terms of lower costs, better patient outcomes, and fewer adverse effects are discussed. This review examines the current evidence on the prevention and control of RSV with natural ingredients and the challenges and opportunities in clinical practice.

Integrative in silico analysis to explore the potential of Zingiberaceae compounds to inhibit estrogen receptor alpha activity in breast cancer

The estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a critical player in breast cancer progression, making it a key target for therapeutic development. This study employed an advanced computational method to discover potential inhibitors of ERα from a library of compounds from the Zingiberaceae family. The workflow includes virtual screening, re-docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, radius of gyration (RG), and root mean-square deviation (RMSD)-based free energy landscape (FEL) analysis. This multifaceted strategy led to the selection of four compounds with superior docking scores compared to established control molecules. The MD simulation assessments confirmed that these selected compounds exhibited robust stability and favorable binding interactions within the ERα binding pocket. Notably, the pocket volume analysis of the minimum energy structures obtained from FEL analysis indicated a significant reduction in volume compared to the initial docking poses, suggesting a more compact and potentially more effective binding conformation. These findings highlight the potential of Zingiberaceae family-derived compounds as promising candidates for ERα inhibition. The stability of these interactions and the observed compactness of the binding pocket, as demonstrated by our comprehensive computational analysis, underscore the potential of these compounds for further preclinical evaluation.

Newly isolated terpenoids (covering 2019-2024) from Aspergillus species and their potential for the discovery of novel antimicrobials

The rapid emergence of drug-resistant microbial pathogens has posed challenges to global health in the twenty-first century. This development has significantly made most antibiotics ineffective in the treatment of infections they cause, resulting in increasing treatment costs and annual death rates. To address the challenge posed by these pathogens, we explore the potential of secondary metabolites from Aspergillus species as a source of new and effective therapeutic agents to treat drug-resistant infections. Terpenoids, a distinct group of natural products, are extensively distributed in plants and fungi, and have been attributed with significant antibacterial, anticancer, and antiviral activities. In this review, we present an overview of Aspergillus species, and review the novel terpenoids isolated from them from 2019 to April 2024, highlighting anti-infective activity against members of the ESKAPE pathogens. We further focus on the strategies through which the structural framework of these new terpenoids could be modified and/or optimized to feed a pipeline of new lead compounds targeting microbial pathogens. Overall, this review provides insight into the therapeutic applications of terpenoids sourced from Aspergillus species and the potential for the discovery of new compounds from these fungi to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Natural Products Targeting Tau Protein Phosphorylation: A Promising Therapeutic Avenue for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tau protein hyperphosphorylation and neurofibrillary tangle formation, which are central to its pathogenesis. This review focuses on the therapeutic potential of natural products in targeting tau phosphorylation, a key factor in Alzheimer's disease progression. It comprehensively summarizes current research on various natural compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, polysaccharides, phenols, phenylpropanoids, and terpenoids, highlighting their multitarget mechanisms, such as modulating kinases and phosphatases. The ability of these compounds to mitigate oxidative stress, inflammation, and tau pathology while enhancing cognitive function underscores their value as potential anti-Alzheimer's disease therapeutics. By integrating recent advances in extraction methods, pharmacological studies, and artificial intelligence-driven screening technologies, this review provides a valuable reference for future research and development of natural product-based interventions for Alzheimer's disease.

Lantana camara plant extract catalyzed biosynthesis of graphene-metal nanocomposites with potential cytotoxic activities

This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of Plant-Ag-graphene nanocomposites through a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, the nanocomposites were formed by catalyzing silver nanoparticles with plant extracts, and the resulting structures were analyzed using advanced instrumentation. In the FTIR analysis, distinctive peaks were observed at 3340 cm⁻1 (O-H stretching), 1740 cm⁻1 (C = O stretching), and 1050 cm⁻1. When compared to silver nanoparticles, the nanocomposites exhibited altered peak intensities, indicating modifications in chemical bonding. SEM images revealed that in nanocomposites, nanoparticles were adhered to graphene sheets, confirming the successful formation of Plant-Ag-graphene structures. EDX spectra showed a reduction in the silver content, confirming the integration of graphene into the nanocomposites. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of face-centered cubic-shaped Ag metal in the nanocomposites, while graphene exhibited a hexagonal crystalline shape. UV-Vis spectroscopy demonstrated shifts in peak positions, Spectrum A (400 to 700 nm) and spectrum B (265 nm), suggesting the successful synthesis of Plant-Ag-graphene nanocomposites. Moreover, the cytotoxic activity showed cell inhibition among Plant-Ag-Graphene (65.69%) and Plant-Ag (61.39%), respectively.

Silicasomes in Oncology: From Conventional Chemotherapy to Combined Immunotherapy

The use of nanoparticles as drug carriers in oncology has evolved from their traditional role as chemotherapy carriers to their application in immunotherapy, exploiting not only their passive accumulation in solid tumors but also their ability to interact with immune cells. Silicasomes are highly versatile nanoplatforms composed of a mesoporous silica core whose external surface is coated with a lipid bilayer that allows the co-delivery of therapeutic agents having different chemical natures (small molecules, proteins, enzymes, or oligonucleotides, among others). Herein, cutting-edge advances carried out in the development and application of silicasomes are presented, providing a general description of the performance of these nanotransporters. Additionally, the specific load of chemotherapeutic drugs is explored, followed by a discussion of the immunotherapeutic application of silicasomes and the combination of different therapeutic strategies, including theragnosis, in a single silicasome platform, highlighting the enormous potential of these nanosystems.

Anti-Stress Effects of Tremella fuciformis Berk. Enzymatic Extracts: A Preclinical Study

Background/Objectives: Chronic stress disrupts neurochemical balance, triggers inflammation, and compromises neuronal integrity, contributing to the development of stress-related disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the preventative effects of Tremella fuciformis Berk (TF) enzymatic extracts on chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced behavioral, neurochemical, and inflammatory dysfunctions in mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6N mice were administered TF at doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg daily via oral gavage for 21 days during CRS exposure. Behavioral assessments, including anxiety and depression-like behavior tests, were conducted. Neurochemical and inflammatory markers were analyzed using PCR and ELISA, while histological examinations of hippocampal regions were performed to assess neuronal integrity. In vitro assays evaluated neuronal cell viability, protection against corticosterone (CORT)-induced cytotoxicity, and inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity. Results: TF supplementation alleviated CRS-induced weight loss, normalized serum CORT levels, increased locomotor activity, reduced immobility time, and decreased anxiety-like behaviors. TF upregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA, downregulated pro-inflammatory markers (CXCL2, iNOS, IFNG), and mitigated neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus. In vitro, TF improved neuronal cell viability, protected against CORT-induced cytotoxicity, and significantly inhibited MAO activity, particularly MAO-A. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the neuroprotective and anti-stress effects of Tremella fuciformis Berk enzymatic extracts, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic intervention for stress-related disorders.

Lead optimization of Allium sativum L. compounds for PTP1B inhibition in diabetes treatment: in silico molecular docking and dynamics simulation

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has been identified as a promising drug target for the development of diabetes medications via an inhibition mechanism. Using a computational approach, this study investigates the binding mechanism of lead optimized natural compounds from Allium sativum against the human PTP1B. The molecular docking, induced-fit docking, and binding free energy calculations were analyzed using Schrödinger Suite 2021-2. MD simulation, and gene enrichment analysis was achieved via the Desmond module of Schrödinger to identify best compounds as inhibitors against PTP1B in diabetes management. The docking scores of the lead optimized compounds were good; 5280443_121 from apigenin had the best binding score of -9.345 kcal/mol, followed by 5280443_129 with a binding score of -9.200 kcal/mol, and 5280863_177 from kaempferol had a binding score of -8.528 kcal/mol, followed by 5280863_462 with a binding score of -8.338 kcal/mol. The top two lead optimized compounds, docked better than the standard PTP1B inhibitor (-7.155 kcal/mol), suggesting them as potent inhibitors than the standard PTP1B inhibitor. The outcomes of the induced-fit docking were consistent with the increased binding affinity used in the Glide computation of the five conformed poses between the derivatives (5280443_121, 5280443_129, 5280863_177, and 5280863_462) and the protein (PTP1B). Based on the binding fee energies (MM-GBSA), the lead optimized compounds from kaempferol exhibited more stability than those from apigenin. In the pharmacophore development, all the models exhibit good results across the different metrics. The best performing model with five of five matches on a 1.34 and 1.33 phase score was DDRRR_1, DDRRR_2, and DDDRR_1. The average BEDROC value (= 160.9) was 1, while the average EF 1% value across all models was 101. There were no substantial conformational modifications during the MD simulation process, indicating that the apigenin derivatives (5280443_121) was stable in the protein's active site in 100 ns. IGF1R, EGFR, INSR, PTPN1, SRC, JAK2, GRB2, BCAR1, and IRS1 are among the 11 potential targets found in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) of A. sativum against PTP1B that may be important in A. sativum's defense against PTP1B. Sixty-four (64) pathways were found by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis to be potentially involved in the anti-PTP1B of A. sativum. Consequently, data obtained indicates the effectiveness of the in silico studies in identifying potential lead compounds in A. sativum against PTP1B target.

Exploring cotton plant compounds for novel treatments against brain-eating Naegleria fowleri: An In-silico approach

To find potential inhibitors of Naegleria fowleri S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase (NfSAHH), a brain-eating parasite, structure-based drug design was adopted. N. fowlerica causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a fatal central nervous system (CNS) disorder if untreated. NfSAHH protein (PDB ID: 5v96), involved in parasite growth and gene regulation, was targeted and screened against 163 metabolites from Gossypium hirsutum (cotton plant). With the aid of different software and web tools, the metabolites were subjected to several analyses. The RMSD was evaluated to validate our molecular docking strategy. Neplanocin A, a common anti-parasitic medication, was used as a reference to select top ligands for post-docking studies. Significant interactions were observed with residues THR-198, HIS-395, and MET-400. The drug-likeness of the top fifty hits was analyzed using Lipinski, Ghose, Veber, Egan, and Muegge rules. The top ten compounds following Lipinski's RO5 were studied regarding medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetic simulation, and Swiss target prediction. Advanced strategies, including molecular dynamic simulations, binding energy calculations, and principal component analysis, were employed for the top three hits, namely curcumin, heliocide H2, and piceid, which indicated that heliocide H2 is the most promising candidate, while curcumin and piceid may need further optimization to improve their stability. Overall, the top ten phytochemicals, dotriacontanol, melissic acid, curcumin, 6,6'-dimethoxygossypol, phytosphingosine 2, methyl stearate, stearic acid, piceid, heliocide H2, and 6-methoxygossypol, reported in our study, are worthy enough to be subjected to in vivo and in vitro experimentation to find a novel drug to treat PAM.

Nephroprotective Plant Species Used in Brazilian Traditional Medicine for Renal Diseases: Ethnomedical, Pharmacological, and Chemical Insights

The prevalence of kidney-related diseases has been increasing and has emerged globally as a leading cause of mortality, especially in developing countries where they are considered a neglected public health problem. Renal diseases are commonly progressive and may cause irreversible loss of organ function, eventually necessitating renal replacement therapy. Although different pharmaceuticals are considered for the treatment of these pathologies, the uncertain effectiveness and presence of adverse effects have generated a growing need for the development of novel nephroprotective compounds. Because many medicinal herbs are typically used in Brazilian folk medicine to prevent and cure kidney ailments, ethnomedicine may play a promising and strategic role in identifying and adding new potential molecules to the pharmacological arsenal. This review focuses on the use of plants and secondary metabolites belonging to different classes to treat renal diseases, associating the screened plant extracts with the bioactive components present in each species. Flavonoids and triterpenes are notable metabolites that have therapeutic potential. The putative pharmacological mechanisms related to nephroprotective properties are also discussed in in vitro and in vivo models, when available.

A systematic review of Aspilia africana (Pers.) C.D. adams traditional medicinal uses, phytoconstituents, bioactivities, and toxicities

Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams, popularly referred to as wild sunflower, has been used for generations across several African communities to treat various diseases, including malaria, wounds, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, gastric ulcers, measles, tuberculosis, stomach ache, rheumatic pains, and gonorrhea. This study aimed to systematically and critically compile data on the traditional medicinal uses, phytochemistry, bioactivities, botanical descriptions, and toxicities of A. africana. Relevant research findings were retrieved and organized from various databases, including PubMed and ScienceDirect, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. To date, 149 phytochemicals have been identified from various A. africana parts and they primarily belong to the classes of terpenoids, lipids, hydrocarbons, phenolics, and esters. The extracts and bioactive phytochemicals of A. africana have revealed several pharmacological properties, including antimalarial, anticancer, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities. However, the major components responsible for these bioactivities and their mechanisms of action in some diseases have not yet been clearly identified. Additionally, toxicity and clinical trial data for A. africana are limited with most toxicological assessments being acute in nature. Therefore, further research on the mechanisms of action of the pure bioactive phytochemicals and toxicity of A. africana are necessary to better understand its efficacy and safety. Taken together, this study provides comprehensive information on the traditional medicinal uses, phytochemistry, bioactivities, and toxicity of A. africana, and a reference for future studies, relevant to the development of therapeutic products.

Transcriptomic insights into the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae in IL-1β-driven chondrosarcoma cells

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex, degenerative, multi-factorial joint disease. Because of the difficulty in treating OA, developing new targeting strategies that can be used to understand its molecular mechanisms is critical. Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae offer much therapeutic value; however, the presence of various active compounds and the multi-factorial risk factors for OA render the precise mechanisms of action unclear. A systematic transcriptome analysis was used to investigate the key mechanisms of action of P. brevitarsis seulensis larvae aqueous extract (PBSL) and its compounds on OA. Major mechanisms and transcription factors of PBSL were analyzed by profiling gene expression changes in interleukin (IL)-1β-induced human chondrosarcoma cell (SW1353) treated with PBSL. An in vitro assay was performed to validate the efficacy of the novel mechanism and targets of PBSL. PBSL exerted anti-inflammatory effects on SW1353 cells by regulating many molecular pathways. The IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway was significantly downregulated by PBSL, and STAT3 was identified as a major transcription factor regulating PBSL-induced target gene expression. Of the six PBSL compounds, the major compound was regulated by the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway. This study provided potential novel mechanisms and transcription factors for PBSL and its active compounds against OA and indicated that inhibiting the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway is a therapeutic target for treating OA.

TarIKGC: A Target Identification Tool Using Semantics-Enhanced Knowledge Graph Completion with Application to CDK2 Inhibitor Discovery

Target identification is a critical stage in the drug discovery pipeline. Various computational methodologies have been dedicated to enhancing the classification performance of compound-target interactions, yet significant room remains for improving the recommendation performance. To address this challenge, we developed TarIKGC, a tool for target prioritization that leverages semantics enhanced knowledge graph (KG) completion. This method harnesses knowledge representation learning within a heterogeneous compound-target-disease network. Specifically, TarIKGC combines an attention-based aggregation graph neural network with a multimodal feature extractor network to simultaneously learn internal semantic features from biomedical entities and topological features from the KG. Furthermore, a KG embedding model is employed to identify missing relationships among compounds and targets. In silico evaluations highlighted the superior performance of TarIKGC in drug repositioning tasks. In addition, TarIKGC successfully identified two potential cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) inhibitors with novel scaffolds through reverse target fishing. Both compounds exhibited antiproliferative activities across multiple therapeutic indications targeting CDK2.

In Vitro Determination of Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Antiviral Properties of Greek Plant Extracts

The medicinal potential of plant extracts, especially their antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral and cytotoxic properties, has gained significant attention in recent years. This study examined the in vitro bioactivities of several selected Greek medicinal plants, like Eucalyptus globulus L., Thymus vulgaris L., Salvia rosmarinus L. and Ocimum basilicum L., are well-known for their traditional therapeutic use. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays were used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the extracts against pathogenic bacteria. The antioxidant activity was carried out using the DPPH method, while the cytotoxicity of the plants was determined using the Alamar Blue method. In addition, the antiviral efficacy of the samples was tested against DENV in different cell lines. The majority of medicinal herbs demonstrated significant antimicrobial action (MIC = 30-3000 μg∙mL-1). The extracts showed great antioxidant activity, while the Salvia rosmarinus L. extract turned out to be the most effective (IC50 = 12.89 ± 0.11 μg∙mL-1). In contrast, the extract of Eucalyptus globulus L. had the lowest antioxidant action (IC50 = 71.02 ± 0.42 μg∙mL-1). The results of the Alamar Blue method were presented with CC50 values, and it was shown that Eucalyptus globulus L. extract exhibited the highest cytotoxicity (CC50 = 5.94% v/v ± 0.04). Similarly, the results of the antiviral potential of extracts were expressed as EC50 values, and Eucalyptus globulus L. was characterized as the most effective sample against dengue virus infection, with EC50 values estimated at 2.37% v/v ± 0.6 (HuhD-2 cells infected with DENV-2) and 0.36% v/v ± 0.004 (Huh7.5 cells infected with DVR2A). These findings provide a foundation for further studies in order to combat infectious diseases and promote human health.

Inhibitory effects of carvacrol on glucansucrase from Streptococcus mutans and salivary α-amylase: in silico and in vitro studies

Background/aim

Streptococcus mutans produces glucansucrase, an enzyme that converts sucrose into lactic acid, which lowers the pH in the oral environment and leads to tooth enamel demineralization, a key factor in dental caries. Additionally, glucansucrase facilitates the formation of extracellular polysaccharides, which promote bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces. This study investigates the inhibitory effects of carvacrol, a natural compound, on glucansucrase activity both in vitro and in silico.

Materials and methods

Glucansucrase enzyme was purified from S. mutans. The inhibitory effects of carvacrol against glucansucrase enzyme were investigated both in vitro and in silico.

Results

In the presence of 50 mM carvacrol, glucansucrase and salivary amylase activities were reduced by 51.25% and 14.85%, respectively. Carvacrol did not significantly inhibit (4.73%) the salivary amylase enzyme at 10 mM. Glucansucrase activity decreased by 51.63% in the presence of 10 mM acarbose, which was used as a positive control in glucansucrase enzyme studies. Acarbose inhibited salivary amylase with 82.54% loss of enzyme activity in the presence of 1 mM acarbose. The docking score obtained for carvacrol was -5.262 kcal/mol, while that obtained for acarbose was -6.084 kcal/mol. We carried out molecular dynamics simulation studies for 100 ns to determine the stability of carvacrol in the active site of the protein. Carvacrol demonstrated stable binding to glucansucrase with hydrogen bonds and interactions at key residues (ASP477, GLN960, and ASP909), confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations. Carvacrol remained stable between 16 and 100 ns.

Conclusion

Carvacrol selectively inhibits glucansucrase without significantly affecting salivary amylase, making it a more targeted inhibitor compared to acarbose, which inhibits both enzymes. Docking studies indicated that while carvacrol has a lower binding affinity than acarbose, its stable interaction with the enzyme suggests sustained inhibitory action. These findings highlight carvacrol as a promising natural compound for preventing dental caries, offering a more selective alternative to traditional inhibitors. Further in vivo studies are necessary to assess its therapeutic efficacy and safety in clinical applications for oral health.

Plant and marine-derived natural products: sustainable pathways for future drug discovery and therapeutic development

Plant- and marine-derived natural products are rich sources of bioactive compounds essential for drug discovery. These compounds contain complex mixtures of metabolites, which collectively contribute to their pharmacological properties. However, challenges arise in the isolation of individual bioactive compounds, owing to their intricate chemistry and low abundance in natural extracts. Despite these limitations, numerous plant and marine-derived compounds have achieved regulatory approval, particularly for treating cancer and infectious diseases. This review explores the therapeutic potential of plant and marine sources along with innovative extraction and isolation methods that support sustainable drug development. Future perspectives will highlight the role of responsible innovation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning in advancing drug discovery, underscoring the importance of continued research to meet global health needs.

Cordyceps militaris-Derived Bioactive Gels: Therapeutic and Anti-Aging Applications in Dermatology

Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal mushroom widely utilized in traditional East Asian medicine, recognized for its diverse therapeutic properties. This review explores the potential of C. militaris-derived bioactive gels for applications in dermatology and skincare, with a particular focus on their therapeutic and anti-aging benefits. In response to the rising incidence of skin cancers and the growing demand for natural bioactive ingredients, C. militaris has emerged as a valuable source of functional compounds, including cordycepin, polysaccharides, and adenosine. These compounds exhibit multiple bioactivities, including apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and anti-inflammatory effects, which have been shown to be particularly effective against melanoma and other skin cancers. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of C. militaris enhance skin resilience by scavenging reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting collagen synthesis, thereby addressing skin health and anti-aging requirements. The potential for incorporating C. militaris compounds into gel-based formulations for skincare is also examined, either as standalone bioactives or in combination with synergistic ingredients. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of clinical trials and standardization to establish the safety, efficacy, and reproducibility of such applications. By providing a safer alternative to synthetic agents, C. militaris-derived bioactive gels represent a promising advancement in dermatology and skincare.

Carbene-catalyzed chirality-controlled site-selective acylation of saccharides

Acylation stands as a fundamental process in both biological pathways and synthetic chemical reactions, with acylated saccharides and their derivatives holding diverse applications ranging from bioactive agents to synthetic building blocks. A longstanding objective in organic synthesis has been the site-selective acylation of saccharides without extensive pre-protection of alcohol units. In this study, we demonstrate that by simply altering the chirality of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organic catalysts, the site-selectivity of saccharide acylation reactions can be effectively modulated. Our investigation reveals that this intriguing selectivity shift stems from a combination of factors, including chirality match/mismatch and inter- / intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the NHC catalyst and saccharide substrates. These findings provide valuable insights into catalyst design and reaction engineering, highlighting potential applications in glycoside analysis, such as fluorescent labelling, α/β identification, orthogonal reactions, and selective late-stage modifications.

SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors from Natural Product Repository as Therapeutic Candidates for the Treatment of Coronaviridae Infections

BACKGROUND

The main protease (Mpro) is a crucial enzyme for the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 and a validated target for the treatment of COVID-19 infection. Natural products have been a proper alternative for treating viral diseases by modulating different steps of the life cycle of many viruses.

OBJECTIVE

This review article is designed to summarize the cumulative information of natural-derived Mpro inhibitors that are validated by experimental biological testing.

METHODS

The natural-derived Mpro inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 that have been discovered since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic are reviewed in this article. Only natural products with experimental validation are reported in this article. Collected compounds are classified according to their chemical identity into flavonoids, phenolic acids, quinones, alkaloids, chromones, stilbenes, tannins, lignans, terpenes, and other polyphenolic and miscellaneous natural-derived Mpro inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

These compounds could serve as scaffolds for further lead-structure optimization for desirable potency, a larger margin of safety, and better oral activity.

Understanding LC/MS-Based Metabolomics: A Detailed Reference for Natural Product Analysis

Liquid chromatography, when used in conjunction with mass spectrometry (LC/MS), is a powerful tool for conducting accurate and reproducible investigations of numerous metabolites in natural products (NPs). LC/MS has gained prominence in metabolomic research due to its high throughput, the availability of multiple ionization techniques and its ability to provide comprehensive metabolite coverage. This unique method can significantly influence various scientific domains. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of LC/MS-based metabolomics in the investigation of NPs. This review provides a thorough overview of the state of the art in LC/MS-based metabolomics for the investigation of NPs. It covers the principles of LC/MS, various aspects of LC/MS-based metabolomics such as sample preparation, LC modes, method development, ionization techniques and data pre-processing. Moreover, it presents the applications of LC/MS-based metabolomics in numerous fields of NPs research such as including biomarker discovery, the agricultural research, food analysis, the study of marine NPs and microbiological research. Additionally, this review discusses the challenges and limitations of LC/MS-based metabolomics, as well as emerging trends and developments in this field.

Utilizing Indigenous Flora in East Africa for Breast Cancer Treatment: An Overview

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is a significant global health challenge, contributing substantially to cancer- related deaths. Conventional treatment methods, including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, surgical interventions, and radiation, have long been utilized. However, these traditional treatments are often associated with serious side effects and drug resistance, limiting their efficacy.

AIM

This review aims to explore the potential of medicinal plants used in breast cancer management in East Africa, focusing on their bioactive compounds and anticancer properties.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted to examine the effectiveness of medicinal plants in treating breast cancer across Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Relevant studies published between 2003 and 2023 were identified using keywords related to breast cancer and medicinal plants. The search was performed across multiple databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Science Direct.

RESULTS

Numerous natural compounds found in East African medicinal plants including Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass,) Tabebuia avellanedae, Prunus africana (African Cherry), Euclea divinorum, Berberis holstii, Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha, Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Garcinia mangostana (Mangosteen, Vitis vinifera (Grapevine), Eugenia jambolana (Java Plum), Moringa oleifera (Drumstick Tree), Camellia sinensis (Tea), Glycine max (Soybean), Catharanthus roseus, Madagascar Periwinkle), Rhus vulgaris (Wild Currant) exhibit significant anticancer properties. These compounds have demonstrated the ability to reduce breast cancer aggressiveness, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, and modulate cancer-related pathways. Current research focuses on these natural and dietary compounds to develop more effective strategies for treating breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggested that East African medicinal plants hold promise as complementary treatments for breast cancer, offering potential benefits such as affordability, cultural appropriateness, and sustainability. Further research into these plants and their bioactive compounds could revolutionize breast cancer treatment, improving survival rates and addressing the rising incidence of breast cancer-related fatalities. Other: The review underscores the importance of continued research, conservation, and the integration of ancient healing methods to fully harness the potential of East African flora in breast cancer management.

Bioactive Compounds from Vicia sativa L. and Vicia monantha Retz. with Unveiling Antiviral Potentials in Newly Green Synthesized CdO Nanoparticles

BACKGROUND

in the current study, a comparative phytochemical analysis was carried out to explore the phenolic and flavonoid contents in the aerial parts of Vicia sativa L and Vicia monantha Retz growing in cultivated, reclaimed, and desert habitats.

METHODS

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to detect Vicia methanolic extracts' individual phenolic and flavonoid constituents. The first-time synthesis of cadmium oxide nanoparticles (CdO NPs) using the aqueous extract of V. monantha has been developed using a green approach. Also, the cytotoxicity of V. monantha extract and CdO NPs was examined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for unveiling them as anti-HAV and anti-AdV.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that in the case of desert habitat, the contents of total phenolics (76.37 mg/g) and total flavonoids (65.23 mg/g) of V. monantha were higher than those of V. sativa (67.35 mg/g and 47.34 mg/g, respectively) and the contents of these secondary metabolites were even increased in V. monantha collected from reclaimed land (phenolics: 119.77 mg/g, flavonoids: 88.61 mg/g). Also, V. monantha surpassed V. sativa in the contents of some individual HPLC constituents, and hence, V. monantha was used to synthesize the green CdO NPs and subsequent antiviral tests. The average size of CdO NPs was determined to be 24.28 nm, and the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of CdO NPs clearly showed their spherical form and varying particle sizes, with different diameters in the range of 19-29 nm. MTT assay was positive to the exposure of CdO NPs in the normal cell line, proposing that CdO NPs can reduce cell viability. V. monantha extract showed promising antiviral activity against Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Adenovirus (AdV) with SI of 16.40 and 10.54. On the other hand, CdO NPs had poor antiviral activity against HAV with an SI of 4.74 and moderate antiviral activity against AdV with an SI of 10.54.

CONCLUSION

V. monantha is now considered a new, valuable natural resource for phenolics and flavonoids, especially when grown in reclaimed soil. The green CdO NPs based on V. monantha extract showed a promising antiviral effect against HAV and AdV.

Fucoidan treats chemotherapy-induced alopecia and helps cyclophosphamide treat tumors

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) represents one of the most common side effects of cancer treatment. Currently, scalp cooling systems are utilized to treat CIA, but their safety and effectiveness remain limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of fucoidan on CIA and to elucidate the possible mechanism of fucoidan in treating CIA. The results showed that when the dosage of fucoidan was 100 mg/kg·d, it could effectively alleviate CIA induced by cyclophosphamide and promote hair recovery. Altering the dosage affected the therapeutic effect. A lower dosage (50 mg/kg·d) could not effectively prevent the hair from falling off, and the regrown hair was sparse, while an increased dosage led to slow hair growth, although the hair regrown was thick and black. It was also found that with the increase in dosage, key CIA proteins P53 and Fas were down-regulated. However, the cyclin was decreased when the dose was too high. In addition, fucoidan proved beneficial to cyclophosphamide treatment, which further inhibited tumor growth, aggravated tumor necrosis, and reduced the side effects of cyclophosphamide, especially at high doses. These results demonstrate that fucoidan has a therapeutic effect on CIA and does not compromise the effect of chemotherapy.

A Comprehensive Review of Antimicrobial Agents Against Clinically Important Bacterial Pathogens: Prospects for Phytochemicals

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) hinders the effective treatment of a range of bacterial infections, posing a serious threat to public health globally, as it challenges the currently available antimicrobial drugs. Among the various modes of antimicrobial action, antimicrobial agents that act on membranes have the most promising efficacy. However, there are no consolidated reports on the shortcomings of these drugs, existing challenges, or the potential applications of phytochemicals that act on membranes. Therefore, in this review, we have addressed the challenges and focused on various phytochemicals as antimicrobial agents acting on the membranes of clinically important bacterial pathogens. Antibacterial phytochemicals comprise diverse group of agents found in a wide range of plants. These compounds have been found to disrupt cell membranes, inhibit enzymes, interfere with protein synthesis, generate reactive oxygen species, modulate quorum sensing, and inhibit bacterial adhesion, making them promising candidates for the development of novel antibacterial therapies. Recently, polyphenolic compounds have been reported to have proven efficacy against nosocomial multidrug-resistant pathogens. However, more high-quality studies, improved standards, and the adoption of rules and regulations are required to firmly confirm the clinical efficacy of phytochemicals derived from plants. Identifying potential challenges, thrust areas of research, and considering viable approaches is essential for the successful clinical translation of these compounds.

Betulinic Acid Acts in Synergism with Imatinib Mesylate, Triggering Apoptosis in MDR Leukemia Cells

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease, characterized by the presence of the oncogene BCR-ABL. Imatinib mesylate (IMA) is the first-line treatment for CML, and some treatment resistance has been reported. Natural products are rich sources of bioactive compounds with biological effects, opening a possibility to alter cell susceptibility to drugs such as imatinib. Herein, we evaluated the interference of betulinic acid and ursolic acid in glycoprotein P (P-gp) activity and the possible synergistic effect when associated with IMA by the Chou-Talalay method. Ursolic acid presented an IC50 of 14.0 µM and 19.6 µM for K562 and Lucena 1, respectively, whilst betulinic acid presented an IC50 of 8.6 µM and 12.5 µM for these cell lines. Evaluation of the combination of terpenoids and imatinib mesylate revealed that ursolic acid or betulinic acid acts in synergism with IMA, as indicated by the combination indexes (CI<1). Analysis of annexin V labeling demonstrated that a combination of IMA with betulinic acid enhances the inhibition on cell proliferation via the apoptosis pathway, with caspases 3/7 activation after 24 hours of treatment and inhibition of the STAT5/survivin pathway, decreasing cell viability. The combination of natural products and IMA on a multidrug-resistant leukemia cell line is a promising strategy for CML treatment.

Herbal Remedies for Hepatic Inflammation: Unravelling Pathways and Mechanisms for Therapeutic Intervention

Inflammation is a universal response of mammalian tissue to harm, comprising reactions to injuries, pathogens, and foreign particles. Liver inflammation is commonly associated with hepatocyte necrosis and apoptosis. These forms of liver cell injury initiate a sequence of events independent of the etiological basis for the inflammation and can result in hepatic disorders. It is also common for liver cancer. This review fundamentally focuses on the molecular pathways involved in hepatic inflammation. This review aims to explore the molecular pathways involved in hepatic inflammation, focusing on arachidonic acid, NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and JAK/STAT pathways. It investigates active compounds in herbal plants and their pharmacological characteristics. The review proposes a unique therapeutic blueprint for managing hepatic inflammation and diseases by modifying these pathways with herbal remedies.

Plants used for the management of venereal diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and critical assessment of their research status

BACKGROUND

Sub-Saharan Africa faces one of the highest burdens of venereal diseases (VDs) globally. This review aims to critically evaluate the existing literature on the diverse Indigenous knowledge and medicinal plants utilised for treating VDs in sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol to guide the execution of the review. Relevant papers from scientific databases and search engines were assessed. The inclusion criteria included literature published from 2008 and May 16, 2024, and assessment of specific predetermined VDs. Medicinal plants based on certain ethnobotanical indices and data were recorded from each literature.

RESULTS

Among the 131 studies included in this review, a total of 20 relevant ethnobotanical reports were identified, with Nigeria and South Africa having the highest contributions (25% each). A high diversity and richness of 445 ethnobotanically valued anti-venereal plants (99 families) from over 872 Indigenous knowledge holders were inventoried. Plants with the highest diversity of use in traditional treatment of VDs are Cassia abbreviata, Ziziphus mucronata, Ximenia caffra, Catharanthus roseus, and Terminalia prunioides. The most represented families are Fabaceae (15.8%), Cucurbitaceae (5.9%), Solanaceae (5.9%), Euphorbiaceae (5%), and Combretaceae (5%). Roots and leaves were highly utilised with frequencies of 41.5% and 26.3%, respectively. The most used method of preparation are decoctions (36.7%) and infusions (12.2%), whereas oral route (72.9%) dominated the mode of administration of the medicinal plants.

CONCLUSIONS

This review consolidated data from sub-Saharan Africa-notwithstanding a limited number of studies in quantitative synthesis-and identified a diverse array of ethnobotanically valued anti-venereal plants, enabling meaningful conclusions to be drawn for future ethnopharmacological assessments. Effective plant conservation and advancement of ethnobotanical research in the region require stringent regulations and cross-country collaborations.

In vitro and in vivo study of the antifungal activity of extracellular products of cyanobacterium Neowestiellopsis persica strain A1387 against Fusarium wilt disease of cucumber

Fusarium wilt of cucumber, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, is a major plant disease that causes significant economic losses. The extensive use of chemical fungicides for its control poses environmental and health risks. Due to growing concerns about the detrimental effects of chemical fungicides, finding safe and effective bio-based alternatives for plant disease control is of high importance. In this study, the potential of Neowestiellopsis persica A1387 cyanobacterial metabolites as a promising substitute for chemical fungicides in controlling this disease was investigated. The antifungal activity of N. persica A1387 cyanobacterial exopolysaccharide (EPS) extract was evaluated against F. oxysporum under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Cucumber plants infected with the fungus were treated with cyanobacterial EPS extract and then assessed for disease severity, antioxidant enzyme activity, and growth parameters. Both biomass and EPS extracts of N. persica A1387 cyanobacteria significantly increased the diameter of the F. oxysporum growth inhibition zone under in vitro conditions. Treatment with cyanobacterial EPS extract resulted in increased dry and fresh weight of stem and roots, and a significant reduction in disease severity and percentage in F. oxysporum-infected plants. Peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase enzyme activities in fungus-infected plants treated with cyanobacterial EPS extract were significantly lower on day 42 of infection compared to untreated and infected control plants. These findings demonstrate the potential of N. persica A1387 cyanobacterial extracts as natural and safe alternatives to chemical fungicides for controlling cucumber Fusarium wilt disease.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Urea-Containing Carnosic Acid Derivatives with Anticancer Activity

A series of novel carnosic acid 1 derivatives incorporating urea moieties at the C-20 position was synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against the HCT116 colorectal cancer cell line. Most derivatives demonstrated enhanced antiproliferative activity compared to that of carnosic acid 1. The most promising derivatives were tested in other colorectal cancer cell lines (SW480, SW620, and Caco-2), melanoma (A375), and pancreatic cancer (MiaPaca-2). Derivative 14 consistently demonstrated the highest activity across all tested cancer cell lines, showing selectivity for cancer cells over normal cells. Further investigation of the mechanism of action in SW480 cells revealed that compound 14 induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase by downregulating CDK4 and CDK6. Molecular docking studies revealed that compound 14 established several interactions with key residues in the active site of CDK6. Additionally, compound 14 also reduced ROS production. In summary, our results strongly indicate that compound 14 has potential as a lead compound in the development of innovative anticancer drugs.

Kukoamine A alleviates nephrolithiasis by inhibiting endogenous oxalate synthesis via the IL-6/JAK/STAT3/DAO signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

The recurrent nature and socioeconomic burden of nephrolithiasis demand effective treatments. Delineating the crosstalk between inflammatory processes and the endogenous oxalate metabolism pathway, which underpins nephrolithiasis pathogenesis, is essential for advancing treatment strategies.

PURPOSE

We aim to screen therapeutic Chinese herbal remedies and their bioactive constituents for kidney stone treatment using a fruit fly model, followed by efficacy and mechanism validation in a rodent nephrolithiasis model as well as in vitro human cell culture model.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We developed a fruit fly model to screen for efficient traditional Chinese medicine herbs and their active compounds for kidney stone treatment. Candidate active compounds from efficient herbs were separated and identified by solid-phase chromatography coupled with LC-MS analysis. Fruit fly genetic tools were employed to manipulate the expression of related genes to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of the Lycii Cortex and kukoamine A (KuA). To confirm the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of KuA for mammalian nephrolithiasis, mouse model of glyoxylate-induced kidney stone and human renal tubular cells were used. The therapeutic role of kukoamine A in nephrolithiasis was evaluated by assessing tubular injury, crystal deposition, and adhesion. The level of expression and phosphorylation in cells and mice was assessed using RT-qPCR and western blot.

RESULTS

Our findings indicate that Lycii Cortex potently inhibits calcium oxalate stone formation via activation of the JNK/Upd3/JAK/STAT signaling cascade, resulting in diminished endogenous oxalate synthesis by downregulating D-amino acid oxidase (DAO) gene expression, predominantly in fruit fly Malpighian tube stellate cells. KuA was identified as the principal bioactive constituent mediating these effects. Both mouse models and human cell assays confirmed KuA's efficacy in preventing calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis in mammals, through hepatic JAK/STAT3 pathway activation and upregulation of IL-6, culminating in reduced urinary crystal deposition.

CONCLUSION

Our research underscores the potential of kukoamine A as a lead compound in treating nephrolithiasis and reveals the interplay between the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 inflammatory pathway and endogenous oxalate metabolism in nephrolithiasis pathogenesis. Additionally, it highlights the utility of the fruit fly model as a powerful tool for deciphering the therapeutic mechanisms of traditional Chinese herbs.

Quinoline hybrid derivatives as effective structural motifs in the treatment of tuberculosis: Emphasis on structure-activity relationships

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB/Mtb) is the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), a highly infectious serious airborne illness. TB usually affects the lungs, in 25 % of patients (children or immune impaired adults), mycobacteria can enter the blood stream and infect other bodily areas such the meninges, pleura, lymphatic system, genitourinary system, bones, and joints. Currently, the most challenging aspect of treating this illness is the ineffectiveness of the most potent first-line anti-TB medications, isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, which can result in multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB), and in rare instances, completely drug-resistant TB (TDR-TB). As a result, finding new pharmaceutical compounds to treat these diseases is a significant challenge for the scientific community. A number of bio-active molecules have been investigated in this quest, including quinoline, which is considered a promising candidate for the development of TB drugs. It is known that quinoline are low in toxicity and have a wide range of pharmacological properties. Researchers have investigated quinoline scaffolds as anti-TB drugs based on their biological spectrum. The objective of this review is to examine the recent development of quinoline and its structural characteristics crucial to its antitubercular (anti-TB) activity. A molecular analog of the TB treatment can be designed and identified with this information. As a result, future generation quinoline-based anti-TB agents with greater potency and safety can also be explored.

Evaluation of HPLC Profile, Antioxidant, Quorum Sensing, Biofilm, Swarming Motility, and Enzyme Inhibition Activities of Conventional and Green Extracts of Salvia triloba

The current study aims to prepare a green extract using a new method in addition to conventional extraction methods including; methanolic and ultrasonic extraction of Salvia triloba, to compare their phenolic composition utilizing high-performance liquid chromatograph equipped with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD), anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and enzyme inhibition activities. The results of HPLC-DAD analysis showed that Rosmarinic acid was found the highest amount in the methanolic extract followed by ultrasonic and green extracts as 169.7 ± 0.51, 135.1 ± 0.40, and 28.58 ± 0.46 μg/g respectively. The Trans-cinnamic acid (4.40 ± 0.09 μg/g) was found exclusively in ultrasonic extract. For bioactivities, the green extract exhibited the highest biofilm inhibition against Enterococcus faecalis compared to other extracts, while the methanolic extract outperformed both ultrasonic-assisted and green extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains at minimum inhibitory concentration. The methanolic and green extract exhibited considerable quorum sensing inhibition against Chromobacterium violaceum CV026, while no activity was recorded from ultrasonic-assisted extract. The methanolic and ultrasonic-assisted extracts of S. triloba recorded moderate butyrylcholinesterase inhibition; each extract demonstrated limited inhibitory effects on the urease enzyme. Similarly, each extract of S. triloba demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, with the highest activity exhibited by methanolic extract as β-carotene-linoleic acid assay (IC50 = 10.29 ± 0.36 μg/mL), DPPH• assay (IC50 = 27.77 ± 0.55 μg/mL), ABTS•+ assay (IC50 = 15.49 ± 0.95 μg/mL), metal chelating assay (IC50 = 57.80 ± 0.95 μg/mL), and CUPRAC (assay A 0.50 = 32.54 ± 0.84 μg/mL). Furthermore, the methanolic extract exhibited antioxidant activity better than α-tocopherol (Standard used). The current study demonstrated the potential of green solvent(s) as eco-friendly alternative for extractin phenolic compounds from S. triloba and evaluated their biological activities for the first time.

NaCTR: Natural product-derived compound-based drug discovery pipeline from traditional oriental medicine by search space reduction

The drug discovery pipelines require enormous time and cost, albeit their infamously high risk of failures. Reducing such risk has therefore been the utmost goal in the process. Recently, natural products (NPs) in traditional oriental medicine (TOM) have come into the spotlight for their efficacy and safety supported throughout the history. Not only that, with the ever-increasing repository of various biological datasets, many data-driven in silico approaches have also been extensively studied for better efficient search and testing. However, TOM-based datasets lack information on recently prevalent diseases, while experimental datasets are prone to provide target spaces that are too large. Adequate combination of both approaches can therefore fill in each other's blanks. In this study, we introduce NaCTR, an in silico discovery pipeline that achieves such integration to suggest NPs-derived drug candidates for a given disease. First, phenotypes and disease genes for the disease are identified in literature and public databases. Secondly, a pool of potentially therapeutic NPs are identified based on both TOM-based phenotype records and compound-gene interaction datasets. Lastly, the compounds contained in the NPs are further screened for toxicity and pharmacokinetic properties. We use the Parkinson's disease as the case study to test the NaCTR pipeline. Through the pipeline, we propose glutathione and four other compounds as novel drug candidates. We further highlight the finding with literature support. As the first to effectively combine data from ancient and recent repositories, the NaCTR pipeline can be a novel pipeline that can be applied successfully to any other diseases.

Coordination of bioactive phytochemicals from Aloe vera extracts to metal ions; investigation of the metal complexes and bioactive compound formed

The bioactive compounds contained within many plants account for their pharmacological values. Aloe vera has a wide range of organic and inorganic components, including carbohydrate polymers, glucomannans, and a variety of other natural and synthetic materials. The study aims to take a look into the characteristics of some metal complexes produced from Aloe vera extracts. The extracts from Aloe vera were derived by means of acetone, distilled water and ethanol. The solubility of the metal complexes with the ligand at varying temperatures was established. FT-IR was used to carry out the infra-red examination of the ligand. The results revealed that alcoholic extract of Aloe vera leaf was not soluble in Cu, Fe, or Zn but only soluble in Fe, the extract by distilled water was soluble in Cu, Fe and Zn. However, the Aloe vera in acetone as well as in the Zn (II) and Cu (II) composites displayed a bending that was found at 1430.97 cm-1, 1500.01 cm-1 and 1615.90 cm-1.every functional groups are assigned to be coordinating sites as a result of increase or decrease in the wave number, and absorption band. Findings from the investigation reveal that the complexion of the metal salts with diverse donor sites in the extract is indicated by an increase in the absorption peak of the functional groups in the metal composites of the extracts.

Exploring the Inhibitory Potential of M. pendans Compounds Against N-Acetylglucosamine (Mur) Receptor: In Silico Insights Into Antibacterial Activity and Drug-Likeness

Oral diseases are often caused by bacterial infections, making the inhibition of receptors like N-acetylglucosamine critical in preventing bacterial formation. The plant Myrmecodia pendans (M. pendans) is known for its diverse bioactivities and may serve as a promising source for developing new antibacterial agents. This study employs in silico methods to predict the inhibitory mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and drug-likeness of compounds isolated from M. pendans. Three compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on the MurA and MurB receptors using the AutoDock4 molecular docking software, with visualizations performed using the BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer. The binding affinities obtained for compounds 1, 2, and 3 to the MurA receptor were -9.42, -9.57, and -6.84 kcal/mol, respectively, while their binding affinities to the MurB receptor were -11.25, -10.55, and -8.69 kcal/mol. These affinities were found to be stronger than those of fosfomycin (benchmark compound) but weaker than the native ligands of the respective receptors. Key amino acid residues involved in the binding to MurA were identified as Cys115 and Asp305, while Ser82 and Asn83 were noted for MurB. In the ADMET prediction and drug-likeness analysis, some compounds met the necessary criteria, whereas others did not. Although all the three compounds demonstrated strong predicted inhibitory activity against MurA and MurB receptors, the analysis suggests that Compound 2 may hold the most promise as a potential antibacterial agent, warranting further investigation.

The Untapped Potential of Hairy Root Cultures and Their Multiple Applications

Plants are rich sources of specialized metabolites, such as alkaloids, terpenes, phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, and volatile oils, which provide various health benefits including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiaging, skin-altering, and anti-diabetic properties. However, challenges such as low and inconsistent yields, environment and geographic factors, and species-specific production of some specialized metabolites limit the supply of raw plant material for the food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, biotechnological approaches using plant in vitro systems offer an appealing alternative for the production of biologically active metabolites. Among these, hairy root cultures induced by Rhizobium rhizogenes have firmed up their position as "green cell factories" due to their genotypic and biosynthetic stability. Hairy roots are valuable platforms for producing high-value phytomolecules at a low cost, are amenable to pathway engineering, and can be scaled up in bioreactors, making them attractive for commercialization. This review explores the potential of hairy roots for specialized metabolites biosynthesis focusing on biotechnology tools to enhance their production. Aspects of morphological peculiarities of hairy roots, the diversity of bioreactors design, and process intensification technologies for maximizing biosynthetic capacity, as well as examples of patented plant-derived (green-labeled) products produced through hairy root cultivation at lab and industrial scales, are addressed and discussed.

In vitro and in silico anti-inflammatory effect of minor constituents from the roots of Polygala arillata Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don

Vietnamese traditional medicine has utilised the roots of Polygala arillata Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don to treat acute arthritis, rheumatism, pain, and as a tonic ingredient. In this study, phytochemical analysis of the roots of P. arillata resulted in the isolation of one novel compound, named polygarinolide A (1), along with six known compounds (2-7). High-resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) and one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were among the spectroscopic techniques used to identify their structures. Additionally, the absolute configuration of compound 1 was determined through ECD calculation. The NO inhibitory activity of purified substances was evaluated. Interestingly, compound 2 exhibited inhibitory activity on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells (IC50 = 25.37 μM). Moreover, interactions and binding mechanisms of the most active chemical with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (COX-2) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) proteins were investigated by molecular docking simulations. Our findings add to our understanding of the secondary metabolites generated by P. arillata and provide a sound scientific basis for future research into the plant's potential anti-inflammatory properties.

PbsNRs: predict the potential binders and scaffolds for nuclear receptors

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a class of essential proteins that regulate the expression of specific genes and are associated with multiple diseases. In silico methods for prescreening potential NR binders with predictive binding ability are highly desired for NR-related drug development but are rarely reported. Here, we present the PbsNRs (Predicting binders and scaffolds for Nuclear Receptors), a user-friendly web server designed to predict the potential NR binders and scaffolds through proteochemometric modeling. The utility of PbsNRs was systemically evaluated using both chemical compounds and natural products. Results indicated that PbsNRs achieved a good prediction performance for chemical compounds on internal (ROC-AUC = 0.906, where ROC is Receiver-Operating Characteristic curve and AUC is the Area Under the Curve) and external (ROC-AUC = 0.783) datasets, outperforming both compound-ligand interaction tools and NR-specific predictors. PbsNRs also successfully identified bioactive chemical scaffolds for NRs by screening massive natural products. Moreover, the predicted bioactive and inactive natural products for NR2B1 were experimentally validated using biosensors. PbsNRs not only aids in screening potential therapeutic NR binders but also helps discover the essential molecular scaffold and guide the drug discovery for multiple NR-related diseases. The PbsNRs web server is available at http://pbsnrs.badd-cao.net.

Facile synthesis of corticiolic acid-a bioactive pharmacophore from natural sources

Fungal strains have inspired us to find the untapped sources of secondary metabolites. Corticiolic acid (CA, 2,4-dihydroxy-6-pentadecylbenzoic acid; from fungus, Hapalopilus mutans) is one of the core active scaffolds in natural compounds such as Aquastatin-A, B, & C. CA can also be isolated from the plant Lysimachia japonica. CA is a selective inhibitor of PTB1B, a crucial biomarker for anti-diabetic activity. Herein, we report the total synthesis of corticiolic acid achieved via the 9-BBN-based reductive Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of aryl bromide and pentadecane, a key reaction in this strategy. Further, this approach has been explored for the protection-free synthesis of corticiolic acid. The improved synthesis is short, requires mild reaction conditions, and avoids the use of hydrogenation and pyrophoric reagents. Further, the reaction is scalable and does not require protection-deprotection steps. Preliminary studies on cancer cells indicated that corticiolic acid and cordol significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2, N2A, and CaCo-2 cancer cells.

Machine Learning Research Trends in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Bibliometric Review

Background

Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) knowledge with modern technology, especially machine learning (ML), has shown immense potential in enhancing TCM diagnostics and treatment. This study aims to systematically review and analyze the trends and developments in ML applications in TCM through a bibliometric analysis.

Methods

Data for this study were sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection. Data were analyzed and visualized using Microsoft Office Excel, Bibliometrix, and VOSviewer.

Results

474 documents were identified. The analysis revealed a significant increase in research output from 2000 to 2023, with China leading in both the number of publications and research impact. Key research institutions include the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. Major research hotspots identified include ML applications in TCM diagnosis, network pharmacology, and tongue diagnosis. Additionally, chemometrics with ML are highlighted for their roles in quality control and authentication of TCM products.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive overview of ML applications' development trends and research landscape in TCM. The integration of ML has led to significant advancements in TCM diagnostics, personalized medicine, and quality control, paving the way for the modernization and internationalization of TCM practices. Future research should focus on improving model interpretability, fostering international collaborations, and standardized reporting protocols.