Reviewing threats to wild rhodiola sachalinensis, a medicinally valuable yet vulnerable species

Influence of Wild and Cultivated Environments on the Antioxidant and Medicinal Components of Rhodiola sachalinensis A. Boriss

Rhodiola sachalinensis A. Boriss., recognized for its significant medicinal potential, is increasingly threatened by overharvesting in wild habitats. This study aims to elucidate the phytochemical and pharmacological distinctions between wild and cultivated R. sachalinensis to support sustainable cultivation practices. Utilizing UPLC and GC-MS, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of primary metabolites (e.g., soluble sugars, amino acids) and secondary metabolites (e.g., phenolic compounds, flavonoids) in both root and aboveground tissues from wild and cultivated sources. Results revealed that habitat plays a critical role in metabolite composition, with wild R. sachalinensis roots showing notably higher antioxidant properties and concentrations of key secondary metabolites, including epigallocatechin, which are linked to the plant's medicinal efficacy. Conversely, cultivated plants demonstrated elevated levels of primary metabolites, reflecting adaptation to nutrient-rich, soil-based growth environments. These findings underscore the pharmacological importance of environmental factors in optimizing R. sachalinensis for medicinal use and highlight essential considerations for its sustainable cultivation strategies.

Natural compounds targeting glycolysis as promising therapeutics for gastric cancer: A review

Gastric cancer, a common malignant disease, seriously endangers human health and life. The high mortality rate due to gastric cancer can be attributed to a lack of effective therapeutic drugs. Cancer cells utilize the glycolytic pathway to produce energy even under aerobic conditions, commonly referred to as the Warburg effect, which is a characteristic of gastric cancer. The identification of new targets based on the glycolytic pathway for the treatment of gastric cancer is a viable option, and accumulating evidence has shown that phytochemicals have extensive anti-glycolytic properties. We reviewed the effects and mechanisms of action of phytochemicals on aerobic glycolysis in gastric cancer cells. Phytochemicals can effectively inhibit aerobic glycolysis in gastric cancer cells, suppress cell proliferation and migration, and promote apoptosis, via the PI3K/Akt, c-Myc, p53, and other signaling pathways. These pathways affect the expressions of HIF-1α, HK2, LDH, and other glycolysis-related proteins. This review further assesses the potential of using plant-derived compounds for the treatment of gastric cancer and sheds insight into the development of new drugs.

Effect of Low-Power Visible-Light-Activated Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) on Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is one of the most common complaints in women of childbearing age. Therefore, this trial aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of low-power visible-light-activated photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea (PD), and to further investigate their possible mechanisms of action.

Methods

This study was conducted by using a multicenter, randomized, open, parallel control design. Qualified subjects are randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (low-power visible-light-activated PDT group), Group B (placebo group) and are treated with corresponding protocols for three consecutive menstrual cycles. Baseline data are collected during the trial period. Changes in the scores of VAS scales and the fluctuation of pain factors (PGE2, PGF2α) are recorded before and after the treatment for each group. A comparison of effectiveness in pain control and symptom control is made among the two groups.

Results

After treatment, for the PDT group, the scores of VAS scales decline compared with the scores before treatment. The level of pain factors including PGE2 and PGF2α also drops significantly (P < 0.05). There are no serious adverse events during the study.

Conclusion

Low-power visible-light-activated PDT is a new type of treatment for primary dysmenorrhea which is safe, effective and does not affect normal pregnancy preparation. It may exert its therapeutic effect by adjusting downward the level of PGE2, PGF2α in the body. These factors can be used not only to study the treatment mechanism for primary dysmenorrhea, but also to serve as quantitative indicators for objective assessment of whether dysmenorrhea is relieved.