Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy最新文献

{"title":"Shugan Paidu Decoction promotes cuproptosis of hepatoma cells by downregulating STAT3 levels","authors":"Sasa Chen ,&nbsp;Jinxian Li ,&nbsp;Li Fang ,&nbsp;Dingsheng Wen ,&nbsp;Xiong Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Shugan Paidu Decoction (SGPDT) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula clinically used to treat Wilson's disease. Through network pharmacology analysis, we predicted that SGPDT might also be effective in treating liver cancer. However, the active compounds in SGPDT and their underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which SGPDT exerts the therapeutic effects on liver cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The correlation between SGPDT and liver cancer was analyzed using network pharmacology based on publicly available databases. The inhibitory effects of SGPDT on <em>in vitro</em> cell proliferation and migration were validated using CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays. Intracellular copper ion concentrations were measured, and the mRNA levels of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) were assessed by RT-qPCR. The roles of <em>STAT3</em> in SGPDT-induced cuproptosis were further investigated by evaluating the effects of <em>STAT3</em> depletion on copper ion concentrations, the levels of key cuproptosis-associated protein DLAT and the mRNA of CRGs.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Network pharmacology analysis identified <em>STAT3</em> as one of the top genes associated with SGPDT's anti-liver cancer effects. SGPDT inhibited the proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells but did not show a significant impact on normal liver cells. SGPDT induced liver cancer cell death by downregulating <em>STAT3</em> levels. Furthermore, SGPDT decreased <em>STAT3</em> levels and induced cuproptosis by elevating intracellular copper ion concentrations. Knockdown of <em>STAT3</em> altered cellular copper metabolism and induced cuproptosis in liver cancer cells, while overexpression of <em>STAT3</em> reduced drug sensitivity to SGPDT in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>SGPDT induces cuproptosis by downregulating <em>STAT3</em> levels, highlighting its inhibitory effect on hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and migration, as well as its potential therapeutic value for liver cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 44-53"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147406181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nimbolide as a multi-targeted phytochemical against prostate cancer therapy: Current evidence and future directions","authors":"Raja Singh Paulraj ,&nbsp;Arunkumar Ramachandran ,&nbsp;Anbazhagan Sathiyaseelan","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.02.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.02.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among men worldwide. Despite considerable progress in early detection and androgen receptor-targeted therapies, the management of advanced and castration-resistant prostate cancer continues to present major clinical challenges. Nimbolide, a bioactive limonoid derived from <em>Azadirachta indica</em> (neem), has emerged as a promising natural compound with potent anticancer potential. This phytochemical exerts pleiotropic effects on multiple cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress. Mechanistically, nimbolide regulates both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways through modulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR, STAT3, NF-<em>κ</em>B, and Bcl-2 signaling. It further inhibits metastasis and angiogenesis via HDAC6 inhibition and stabilization of cytoskeletal dynamics. <em>In vivo</em> studies using xenograft and transgenic mouse models confirm its ability to suppress tumor growth and metastasis with minimal systemic toxicity. This review summarizes the recent <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> evidence supporting nimbolide's anticancer potential in prostate cancer and discusses its molecular targets, pharmacokinetic limitations, and translational prospects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 23-32"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147406194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Design and optimization of polyherbal tablets for anti-inflammatory therapy: A design of experiment approach with in vitro and in vivo evaluation","authors":"Mahantesh Kunchanur ,&nbsp;V.S. Mannur ,&nbsp;Rahul Koli ,&nbsp;Prakash Biradar","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.02.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.02.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To develop and optimize polyherbal tablets containing <em>Terminalia chebula</em>, <em>Moringa oleifera</em>, and <em>Ocimum sanctum</em> as a multi-targeted therapeutic approach for the management of chronic inflammatory disorders.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Polyherbal tablets were formulated and optimized using a 3² central composite design within a Quality by Design framework. The optimized formulation (F-11) was evaluated for physicomechanical properties, stability under ambient and accelerated conditions for 60 days, <em>in vitro</em> drug release of key phytoconstituents (gallic acid, stigmasterol, and rosmarinic acid), <em>in vitro</em> anti-inflammatory activity using the human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization assay, and <em>in vivo</em> anti-inflammatory efficacy using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in Wistar rats.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The optimized formulation (F-11) exhibited acceptable physicomechanical characteristics and remained stable over 60 days under both storage conditions. Sustained <em>in vitro</em> release was observed, with cumulative releases of gallic acid (72.47%), stigmasterol (81.20%), and rosmarinic acid (76.21%) within 180 min. The formulation demonstrated strong <em>in vitro</em> anti-inflammatory activity, achieving 83.63% inhibition of hemolysis at 500 μg/mL, exceeding that of diclofenac sodium. <em>In vivo</em> studies revealed a significant, dose-dependent reduction in paw edema comparable to the standard drug.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The developed polyherbal tablets demonstrated promising anti-inflammatory efficacy, sustained phytoconstituent release, and short-term stability, supporting their potential for further development as an alternative therapeutic option for inflammatory conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 91-101"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147406501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recent advances in artificial intelligence for melanoma: A review of history, models, datasets, applications, and ethical and legal considerations","authors":"Rabinarayan Parhi ,&nbsp;Goutam Kumar Jena ,&nbsp;Anuj Garg ,&nbsp;Mahaveer Dhobi ,&nbsp;Sumanta Mondal","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.03.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.03.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Melanoma is one of the most lethal and aggressive forms of skin cancer, often presenting as evolving pigmented lesions. This review aims to examine melanoma from a holistic perspective by evaluating integrative strategies that combine Artificial Intelligence (AI) with traditional diagnostic approaches. It explores how AI, particularly Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) techniques, can improve the early detection, classification, prognosis and treatment of melanoma, while addressing limitations of dermoscopy and histopathology, to enhance diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive literature review approach was conducted on recent studies and datasets related to AI applications in melanoma detection, classification, and analysis. The review focuses on ML and DL algorithms applied to analyze dermoscopic images, their performance, data requirements, and clinical relevance.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>ML and DL models have demonstrated high accuracy in melanoma identification and classification from dermoscopic images. When trained on large, well-annotated datasets, these models outperform traditional dermoscopic assessments, enabling faster analysis, reducing human error, and improving diagnostic consistency across clinical settings.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>AI-based ML and DL approaches show strong potential to support clinicians in the early and accurate detection and management of melanoma. By complementing clinical expertise, these integrative technologies can enhance diagnostic outcomes, reduce costs, and facilitate timely clinical interventions. Continued research and improvement of AI models and datasets are essential for their successful use in clinical practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 193-211"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147540192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of extraction techniques and solvent polarity on phytochemical yield: A comprehensive analytical study of Malvastrum coromandelianum (L.) Garcke","authors":"N.B. Suryawanshi ,&nbsp;A.C. Sutar ,&nbsp;S.S. Shaikh ,&nbsp;N.T. Gore ,&nbsp;V.A. Sule ,&nbsp;A.A. Mali ,&nbsp;P.H. Mahadik ,&nbsp;A.S. Jadhav ,&nbsp;A.S. Jondhale ,&nbsp;S.P. Chavan ,&nbsp;M.L. Ahire","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.03.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>Malvastrum coromandelianum</em> (L.) Garcke, (Family: Malvaceae) is traditionally valued for its therapeutic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of different plant parts and to assess the influence of extraction methods and solvent polarity on metabolite yield and functionality.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Proximate composition analysis and phytochemical characterization including antioxidant activity of different plant part extracts using solvents of varying polarity and extraction methods were carried out. Different analytical methods such as High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) were employed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis, identification, and characterization of phytochemical constituents present in the samples. Antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial and fungal strains was evaluated using agar well diffusion method.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Proximate analysis indicated higher moisture, protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents in leaves, whereas stems and roots were richer in fiber and ash. Methanolic coupled with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) yielded the highest phenolic (78.23 ± 1.74 GAE mg/g), flavonoid (61.18 ± 1.98 RE mg/g), alkaloid (41.96 ± 0.70 CoE mg/g), and tannin (52.89 ± 1.15 CaE mg/g) contents, correlating with strong antioxidant activity (DPPH: 41.61% ± 1.47%; Radical Scavenging Activity; phosphomolybdenum: 57.87 ± 1.78 AAE mg/g). GC-MS identified 20 bioactive compounds. FTIR confirmed major functional groups, while HRMS and HPTLC confirmed presence of quercetin, particularly in leaves. Methanolic extracts showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, notably against <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> and <em>Candida albicans</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings demonstrate that solvent type, extraction method, and plant tissue significantly influence phytochemical yield and bioactivity, highlighting <em>M. coromandelianum</em> as a promising source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 167-179"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147540193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Harnessing the bioactive phytocompounds and drug discovery potential of hydrophytes: A review","authors":"Banaja Panigrahi ,&nbsp;Ashutosh Nayak ,&nbsp;Ashirbad Nanda ,&nbsp;Satyabrata Nanda","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.02.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.02.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Water-based ecosystems have provided an ideal condition for unique and diverse group of aquatic plants to evolve with a wide range of adaptations known as hydrophytes. Such ecological niches have made them develop specialized root structures, water-dispelling surfaces, and aerenchyma, enabling them to exploit their natural environment effectively. Hydrophytes have evolved to co-exist with other water-based organisms, providing water purification, sediment regulation, maintaining the biological oxygen demand, and providing ideal breeding grounds and sustenance to various other aquatic organisms. Growing in such diverse environments, these hydrophytes have produced diverse phytochemical profiles of a large bio-prospecting significance. These chemicals have exhibited a wide variety of bio-activities such as antibacterial, anti-histamine, anti-ROS and anticancer, which qualify them as potential candidates for new pharmaceutical formulations, dietary supplements and biotechnological applications. This paper aims to comprehend the bioprospecting potential of hydrophytes, emphasising their elucidation and their application as phytomedicine. It covers aspects of its species diversity, ecological adaptations, its chemical constituents, and its biological activities. Hydrophytes, for their adaptation, have synthesized a variety of chemical compounds that are used in traditional and ethno-medicinal use, which is being harnessed as phytomedicine. By amalgamating the current research and focusing on key findings, this review emphasises the significance of hydrophytes and their key applications in new drug candidates, getting scientific society validation for their medicinal properties and sustainable exploitation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 136-152"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147406498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antimicrobial mechanism of Artemisia argyi essential oil against Carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli by metabolomics analysis","authors":"Nan Zhang ,&nbsp;Yidi Zhang ,&nbsp;Tong Yu ,&nbsp;Mengqi Tang ,&nbsp;Mengge Liu ,&nbsp;Chaomin Zhong ,&nbsp;Xiaoshuang Chen ,&nbsp;Bingyu Wang ,&nbsp;Xia Xu ,&nbsp;Shangshang Qin","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.03.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.03.003","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;To investigate the antibacterial activity, mechanism of action, and wound healing-promoting effect of &lt;em&gt;Artemisia argyi&lt;/em&gt; essential oil (AAEO) against carbapenem-resistant &lt;em&gt;Escherichia coli&lt;/em&gt; CREO-76.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AAEO was determined by the microdilution broth method. Time-kill curves were constructed using plate colony counting to characterize the bactericidal kinetics. The damaging effect of AAEO on the bacterial cell membrane was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), protein and nucleic acid leakage assays, and membrane depolarization assay. The effect of AAEO on mature biofilm formation was assessed by crystal violet staining. Untargeted metabolomics was employed to analyze metabolic profile changes in the resistant strain CREO-76 and the reference strain ATCC 25922 following AAEO treatment. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were measured to evaluate the effect of AAEO on bacterial redox balance. An infected full-thickness skin defect model in mice was established to assess the &lt;em&gt;in vivo&lt;/em&gt; antibacterial activity and wound healing-promoting effect of AAEO.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The MIC of AAEO against both CREO-76 and ATCC 25922 was 4 mg/mL. Time-kill curve analysis revealed that the inhibitory effect of AAEO against both the resistant strain CREO-76 and the reference strain increased in a concentration-dependent manner. AAEO treatment induced bacterial membrane depolarization, disrupted membrane integrity, and caused leakage of nucleic acids and proteins, while significantly reducing biofilm formation. Metabolomic analysis showed that AAEO exerted its antibacterial effect by perturbing the lipid composition of the bacterial cell membrane and interfering with metabolic pathways including arginine metabolism, purine metabolism, and glutathione metabolism. AAEO inhibited intracellular glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in a concentration-dependent manner, leading to the accumulation of ROS and MDA. &lt;em&gt;In vivo&lt;/em&gt; experiments demonstrated that AAEO exhibited good biosafety, and its potent wound healing-promoting effect was associated with the clearance of bacterial colonization in wounds and the promotion of collagen deposition in a dose-dependent manner.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;AAEO exhibits concentration-dependent antibacterial activity against carbapenem-resistant &lt;em&gt;E. coli&lt;/em&gt; CREO-76. Its mechanism of action involves: inducing membrane depolarization, disrupting membrane integrity leading to protein and nucleic acid leakage, and eradicating mature biofilms; interfering with arginine, glutathione, and purine metabolic pathways; and inhibiting intracellular GSH-Px activity, inducing ROS and MDA accumulation, resulting in oxidative damage and bacterial death. &lt;em&gt;In vivo&lt;/em&gt; experiments confirmed that ","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 236-248"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147612110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Autophagy in neuropathic pain: Cell specificity, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic prospects","authors":"Lili Fu,&nbsp;Yaqi Yang,&nbsp;Yuxin Ma,&nbsp;Yunjue Wang,&nbsp;Pei Tang,&nbsp;Jing Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.02.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.02.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic pain caused by damage or disease of the somatosensory system, with a global prevalence of 6.9%–10%. Due to the limited efficacy of current clinical treatments, there is an urgent need to explore new therapeutic targets. Autophagy, a highly conserved catabolic process in eukaryotic cells, maintains intracellular homeostasis by clearing damaged proteins and organelles. Recent studies indicate that autophagy plays a complex and bidirectional role in the development of NP, participating in the pain process by modulating the functional states of neurons, microglia, and astrocytes. This review systematically elaborates on the cell-specific roles of autophagy in NP, its dual regulatory mechanisms (protective vs. potentially detrimental), the associated molecular networks, and therapeutic strategies. By integrating pathways involving upstream energy and stress sensors (AMPK, SIRT1, mTOR), transcriptional/epigenetic regulators (Nrf2, miRNAs), and inflammation/immune hubs (TLR, NLRP3 inflammasome), we construct a comprehensive regulatory network of autophagy in NP. Finally, the article critically assesses the translational potential of autophagy-targeting strategies and provides an outlook on future research directions, offering a theoretical basis for developing novel NP treatments through autophagy modulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 127-135"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147406497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Traditional uses, chemical composition and pharmacological properties of genus Crotalaria","authors":"Sanjay Kumar ,&nbsp;Amisha Bisht ,&nbsp;Subhash Chandra","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.11.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The plants of genus <em>Crotalaria</em> are widely employed in traditional folk medicine to address various ailments. Extracts from these plants have been reported to exhibit diverse pharmacological properties, including cytotoxic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-trypanosomal, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antibacterial, antitumor, purgative, thrombolytic, antidiabetic, antifungal, antimalarial, anti-urolithiasis, anthelmintic, enzymatic, and anti-giardia activities. There are many categories of bioactive compounds, such as pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are commonly found in many <em>Crotalaria</em> species. This review centers on the traditional uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological properties of 48 <em>Crotalaria</em> species, highlighting potential avenues for future exploration. The data were compiled from various sources, including books and searches on platforms such as PubMed, Science Direct, SciELO, and Google Scholar, from 1961 to 2024. The most commonly reported activities among these species include cytotoxic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. In ethnomedicinal practices, leaves are predominantly used for therapeutic applications. However, the germplasm of the genus <em>Crotalaria</em> remains inadequately collected, and genomic resources are limited. Consequently, we advocate for further investigations into the clinical and medicinal refinement, as well as the identification of the most antibacterial activities of <em>Crotalaria</em> for the treatment of diverse infectious diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 111-126"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147406500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synthesis of a novel C46 ceramide and its skin barrier repair effect verified by molecular dynamics and cellular assays","authors":"Hang Lu ,&nbsp;Haoquan Yu ,&nbsp;Ziheng Zhang ,&nbsp;Yanqiu Mu ,&nbsp;Min Xu ,&nbsp;Yanbing Wu ,&nbsp;Xiangyu Sun ,&nbsp;Chaowen Yang ,&nbsp;Ping Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.03.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2026.03.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Ceramides play a critical role in skin barrier function. Here, we synthesized a novel long-chain ceramide, C46 EOP, via a sustainable catalyst-free route and elucidated its molecular mechanisms and barrier repair efficacy using an integrated computational-experimental strategy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A novel C46 long-chain ceramide EOP was synthesized via a sustainable catalyst-free two-step cascade route, achieving purity exceeding 98.5%. To elucidate its mechanism of action, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were employed to predict the binding modes and stability of EOP with key skin barrier targets (IL-6, AQP3, ELANE), supported by thermodynamic free energy calculations. The functional outcomes of EOP were experimentally verified by assessing cell viability (MTT), migration, and gene/protein expression (RT-qPCR, ELISA).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation identified stable EOP binding to key targets of skin barrier: IL-6 (ΔG = −5.393 kcal/mol), AQP3 (ΔG = −5.300 kcal/mol), and ELANE (ΔG = −5.543 kcal/mol). <em>In vitro</em> assays demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of elastase activity, reaching 34.78% at 772 mg/L. EOP treatment significantly suppressed IL-6 mRNA expression by 89% at 772 mg/L and reduced IL-6 protein levels by 56.83% at 123.52 mg/L. Furthermore, EOP markedly upregulated AQP3 mRNA expression by 42.34% at 1235.2 mg/L and increased AQP3 protein expression by 129% at 123.52 mg/L.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This integrated computational-experimental approach validates the multi-target efficacy of the novel synthetic C46 ceramide EOP in skin barrier repair at both molecular and cellular levels. The work deepens the mechanistic understanding of long-chain ceramides and provides a rational strategy for the development of novel dermatological actives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 180-192"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147540289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}